Shoring system apparatus and method for shoring

Abstract

A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated, relatively horizontal surface is provided. The shoring system includes a first vertical support member, a first vertical length adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second vertical support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member, a second vertical length adjuster disposed in the second support member and two horizontal structural members spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The first vertical support member, first vertical length adjuster, second vertical support member and second vertical length adjuster each connect to the two horizontal structural members so as to form a rectangular configuration. A method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface is also provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the art of shoring systems that are used to stabilize structures. More particularly, the present invention relates to a shoring system for use in stabilizing a relatively horizontal surface of a structure from below.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] When a catastrophic event, accident or force of nature, such as an earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood, fire, or snow load occurs, building structures are often weakened. Such weakened structures may suddenly shift or collapse, endangering rescue workers, inspectors or other people in the vicinity. In addition, a shift or collapse may affect other structures that are nearby, either by hitting and directly damaging them or by weakening a common or adjacent foundation.

[0004] As a result, it is often necessary to support a weakened structure, commonly termed “shoring,” quickly, yet securely. In addition, shoring is a task that is often performed by rescue personnel, who may be engaged in multiple tasks simultaneously, such as extinguishing a fire, attending to victims and shoring a structure. Thus, a shoring system must be capable of being assembled quickly and easily.

[0005] It is also necessary for a shoring system to be transported easily, so that the rescue workers can bring the system in an emergency vehicle as close to the accident scene as possible and then hand-carry it to the exact location where it will be assembled. Although a shoring system that is light is easily transported, the system must still be strong to support the heavy load of a building structure for a fairly long period of time (often up to a few weeks or longer).

[0006] Because the shoring system will be used to support a variety of relatively horizontal structures such as floors, ceilings, porches, roofs, decks and garage openings, the system must also be adjustable. The adjustment must be easy and quick to perform, as a relatively precise fit between a stable surface and the surface to be supported is necessary to hold the shoring system in place, thereby allowing it to function properly.

[0007] A shoring system must also be dependable, as it may be used repeatedly throughout its lifetime. As a result, it is often desirable to have the shoring system include components that rely on mechanical force, rather than on electronic, pneumatic or hydraulic components.

[0008] Shoring systems of the prior art often include wood, such as two-by-four (2×4) or four-by-four (4×4) beams and pieces of plywood, that are nailed or wedged together in between a stable surface and the surface to be supported. These systems lack adjustability and are not durable, often being discarded after one shoring use.

[0009] It is therefore desirable to develop a shoring system that is strong, durable, adjustable and reusable, yet easy to set up and to transport.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated, relatively horizontal surface is provided. The shoring system includes a first vertical support member, a first vertical length adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second vertical support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member, a second vertical length adjuster disposed in the second support member and two horizontal structural members spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The first vertical support member, first vertical length adjuster, second vertical support member and second vertical length adjuster each connect to the two horizontal structural members so as to form a rectangular configuration.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated surface is provided. The shoring system includes a first main frame with a first end and a second end and a second main frame with a first end and a second end. The first end of the second main frame is spaced apart from and aligned with the first end of the first main frame. The second end of the second main frame is spaced apart from and aligned with the second end of the first main frame. A first support leg is connected to the first end of the first main frame and a second support leg is connected to the second end of the first main frame. A first adjuster leg is disposed in the first support leg and connected to the first end of the second main frame and a second adjuster leg is disposed in the second support leg and connected to the second end of the second main frame. A cross member is connected to and extends from the first main frame to the second main frame.

[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a laced post shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated, relatively horizontal surface is provided. The laced post system includes a first shoring system, that includes a first support member, a first length adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member, a second length adjuster disposed in the second support member, and two main frames spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The first support member, first length adjuster, second support member and second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to form a rectangular configuration. The laced post system also includes a second shoring system spaced apart from and parallel to the first shoring system, including a first support member, a first length adjuster disposed in the first support member, a second support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member, a second length adjuster disposed in the second support member, and two main frames spaced apart from and parallel to each other. The first support member, first length adjuster, second support member and second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to form a rectangular configuration. The laced post system also includes cross braces that extend between the first shoring system and the second shoring system and securing means to connect the cross braces to each of the first shoring system and the second shoring system.

[0013] In still another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for shoring an elevated, relatively horizontal surface from below is provided. The method includes the steps of placing a first main frame including a first end and a second end on a stable horizontal surface, connecting a first support leg to the first end of the first main frame, connecting a second support leg to the second end of the first main frame, inserting a first adjuster leg into the first support leg, securing the first adjuster leg in the first support leg, inserting a second adjuster leg into the second support leg, securing the second adjuster leg in the second support leg, providing a second main frame having a first end and a second end, connecting the first adjuster leg to the first end of the second main frame, connecting the second adjuster leg to the second end of the second main frame, adjusting the length of the first adjuster leg, and adjusting the length of the second adjuster leg.

[0014] There are other objects and features of the invention, which will be apparent from the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] The following is a brief description of the drawings, which are presented for the purpose of illustrating the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same, and wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a front view of an assembled embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a component of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another component of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another component of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view, partially in section, of a portion of the component shown in FIG. 4;

[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of still another component of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a front view of another assembled embodiment of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 8 is a front view of yet another assembled embodiment of the invention;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a front view of a possible component of the embodiment of FIG. 8;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of another possible component of the embodiment of FIG. 8;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a side view along line F11-F11 of the possible component of FIG. 10;

[0027] FIG. 12 is a front view of still another assembled embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a component of the embodiment of FIG. 12;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a front view of several components of the present invention folded for storage and/or transport; and

[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of the several components of FIG. 14.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of particularly limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates a shoring system 10 to support a relatively horizontal structure from below. At least one main frame 12 is connected to at least one support leg 14. Each support leg 14 receives an adjuster leg 16 which may then connect to a separate main frame 12. The connections may be removable and may be facilitated by pins 18 or other similar means, such as bolts. It is to be noted that the support leg 14 may be interchangeable with an extension 64 (see, for example, FIGS. 6 and 7), to be described below.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, two opposing main frames 12 extend in a parallel manner and cooperate with two support legs 14 and two adjuster legs 16 to form a square or rectangular structure. Because removable pins 18 (referring back to FIG. 1) may be used to connect the members, shifting or collapse of the configuration is prevented by another support leg 14 or other member (such as an extension 64, which is shown and will be described in detail below) that receives an adjuster leg 16 and connects to the opposing main frames 12 in a diagonal manner.

[0033] Turning now to FIG. 2, the main frame 12 includes a planar surface 20 that is typically placed against a stable support surface, such as the ground, or against the structure to be supported. Extending from the planar surface 20 are parallel first 22 and second 24 sides and a first end 26 and second end 28. At the first end 26, flanges 30 may be present which allow multiple main frames 12 to be fastened together. The planar surface 20, first side 22, second side 24, first end 26 and second end 28 cooperate to define a channel 32 where the support legs 14 and adjuster legs 16 may be received. The first 22 and second 24 sides define orifices 34 that may receive pins, bolts or other fasteners 18 (FIG. 1) to secure the support legs 14 and/or the adjuster legs 16 to the main frame 12.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 3, the support leg 14 may include a cylindrical configuration having a first end 36 and a second end 38. Shoulders 40 may be included near the first end 36 to allow the support leg 14 to fit relatively close between the sides 22 and 24 of the main frame 12 (FIG. 2), thereby reducing any tendency of the support leg 14 to shift along the length of a pin when fastened to the main frame 12. The support leg 14 may define multiple sets of orifices 42 and 44 to allow pins or fasteners 18 (FIG. 1) to be inserted in order to secure the support tube 14 to the main frame 12, or to secure other items to the support tube 12, as will be shown below. The support tube 14 also defines an inner diameter 46 to receive the adjuster leg 16 (FIG. 1).

[0035] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the adjuster leg 16 includes a body 48 having an outer diameter that is slightly less than the inner diameter 46 of the support leg 14 (FIG. 3), thereby allowing the adjuster leg 16 to slide inside of the support leg 14. The adjuster leg 16 includes a first end 50 and a second end 52. The first end 50 is typically inserted into the support leg 14, while a tapped end cap 54 at the second end 52 prevents the adjuster leg 16 from sliding completely within the support leg 14.

[0036] The body 48 of the adjuster leg 16 defines multiple sets of orifices 56 that at least partially correspond to some of the orifices 44 that are defined in the support leg 14 to provide length adjustment. In this manner, a desired set of orifices 54 in the adjuster leg 16 may be aligned with a set of orifices 44 in the support leg 14 and a pin or other fastener 18 (FIG. 1) may be inserted through the aligned sets of orifices 44 and 54 to secure the adjuster leg 16 to the support leg 14 in a position that creates a desired overall length.

[0037] For fine adjustment of the length of the adjuster leg 16, a screw 58 engages the tapped end cap 54. The screw 58 terminates in a socket 60 that receives a pin or other fastener 18 (FIG. 1), thereby allowing the adjuster leg 16 to be removably secured to the main frame 12. Handles 62 are pivotally connected to the tapped end cap 54 and allow the tapped end cap 54 to be rotated, causing the screw 58 to move in or out of the adjuster body 48. Thus, once the adjuster leg 16 is connected to the support leg 14 at one end and near the main frame 12 at the other, the handles 62 may be turned to provide the fine adjustment necessary to allow the socket 60 to align with a desired orifice 34 in the main frame 12.

[0038] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, an extension 64 may be used to increase the height of the shoring system 74 beyond a distance that the support legs 14 and the adjuster legs 16 alone may allow, as well as to provide an additional structural member for support and control of the system 10 (as shown in FIG. 1). The extension 64 is generally of an outer dimension approximate to that of the support leg 14, but also includes a shoulder 66 that is of a dimension that allows the shoulder 66 to slide inside of the support leg 14. A first set of orifices 68 may be defined in the shoulder 66 to allow a pin or other fastener 18 (FIG. 1) to secure the extension 64 to the main frame 12, if desired (as shown in FIG. 1).

[0039] A second set of orifices 70 may be defined in the shoulder 66 and align with a set of orifices 44 in the support leg 14, allowing a pin or other fastener 18 to secure the extension 64 to the support leg 14. A third set of orifices 72 may be defined in the extension 64 that align with a desired set of orifices 54 in the adjuster leg 16, allowing an adjustable connection between the extension 64 and the adjuster 16 that is substantially similar to that described above for the support leg 14 and the adjuster leg 16. The locations of the orifices 68, 70 and 72 may shift or change according to specific design requirements. For example, only one set of the first two sets of orifices 68 and 70 may be present for some applications, thereby shifting along the shoulder 66 as design considerations dictate.

[0040] In this manner, the extension 64 removably connects to the support leg 14 at one end and to the adjuster leg 16 at the other, providing an overall extension of height. The heightened shoring system 74 may include one or more successively connected extensions 64 to allow the system 74 to adapt to the height needed to support a weakened structure. It is to be noted that the extension 64 may be interchangeable with the support leg 14.

[0041] The above-described shoring system 10 and 74 thus provides a strong, adjustable structure of modular components for easy storage and transport. Furthermore, the system 10 and 74 is easily assembled and adjusted. Accordingly, a method of supporting a weakened horizontal surface or structure with the shoring system 10 and 74 is disclosed by the above figures, whereby a first main frame 12 is placed on a substantially stable and generally horizontal surface.

[0042] The first end 36 of a first support leg 12 is placed into the channel 32 of the first main frame 12 and the shoulders 40 of the first support leg 12 are aligned with orifices 34 near the first end 26 of the first main frame 12 and secured with a pin or other fastener 18. The first end 36 of a second support leg 12 is placed into the channel 32 of the first main frame 12 and the shoulders 40 of the second support leg 12 are aligned with orifices 34 near the second end 28 of the first main frame 12 and secured with a pin or other fastener 18.

[0043] The first end 50 of a first adjuster leg 16 is placed in the second end 38 of the first support leg 14 and a set of orifices 54 in the first adjuster leg 16 is aligned with the orifices 44 in the first support leg 14 to create a desired overall length, whereupon a pin 18 is inserted through the orifices 44 and 54 to secure the first adjuster leg 16 to the first support leg 14. The first end 50 of a second adjuster leg 16 is placed in the second end 38 of the second support leg 14 and a set of orifices 54 in the second adjuster leg 16 is aligned with the orifices 44 in the second support leg 14 to create a desired overall length, whereupon a pin 18 is inserted through the orifices 44 and 54 to secure the second adjuster leg 16 to the second support leg 14.

[0044] A second main frame 12 is placed on the sockets 60 of the first adjuster leg 16 and the second adjuster leg 16. The socket 60 of the first adjuster leg 16 is aligned with a set of orifices 34 near the first end 26 of the main frame 12 and a pin 18 is inserted through the aligned orifices 34 and socket 60, securing the first adjuster leg 16 to the main frame 12. The socket 60 of the second adjuster leg 16 is aligned with a set of orifices 34 near the second end 26 of the main frame 12 and a pin 18 is inserted through the aligned orifices 34 and socket 60, securing the second adjuster leg 16 to the main frame 12.

[0045] The height of the system 10 and 74 may be adjusted to the height needed to support the weakened horizontal structure by turning the handles 62 on the first and second adjuster legs 16 or realigning and re-pinning the orifices 54 in the adjuster legs 16 with the orifices 44 in the support legs 14, or both.

[0046] Once the height of the system 10 and 74 is set, a third adjuster leg 16 may be inserted into an extension 66 and a desired set of orifices 54 in the third adjuster leg 16 aligned with third set of orifices 72 in the extension 66 and the third adjuster leg 16 pinned to the extension 64. The first set of orifices 68 in the shoulder 66 of an extension 64 may be aligned with a set of orifices 34 near the first end 26 of the first main frame 12 and the extension 64 pinned to the first main frame 12. The position of the socket 60 of the third adjuster leg 16 is adjusted by turning the handles 62 or re-pinning the leg 16 until the socket 60 aligns with a set of orifices 34 near the second end 28 of the second main frame 12. The socket 60 is pinned in the channel 32 of the second main frame 12, securing the system 10 and 74.

[0047] The method includes the use of extensions 64 to provide for increased height of the system 10 and 74. The shoulder 66 of an extension 64 is inserted into the second end 38 of a corresponding support leg 14 and pinned, and a corresponding adjuster leg 16 is inserted into the extension 64 and aligned and pinned at the third set of orifices 72 in the extension 64.

[0048] The steps of the method of using the shoring system 10 and 74 may be performed in alternate ways. For example, the adjuster leg 16 may be inserted into the support leg 14 and then the support leg 14 may be pinned to the main frame 12. In addition, the components may be inverted, such as the first and second adjuster legs 16 may be connected to the first main frame 12, while the first and second support legs 14 are connected to the second main frame 12. It should also be noted that some components are interchangeable for some functions. For example, the extension 64 may be used in the place of a support leg 14, as the cross brace in FIG. 1 illustrates.

[0049] The components of the system 10 and 74 may also be color-coded for easy recognition. For example, the main frame 12 may be red, the support leg 14 gray and the extension 64 blue.

[0050] When an extremely long horizontal surface must be supported from below, multiple shoring systems 10 and 74 may be used. In some situations, it may be advantageous to connect multiple shoring systems 10 and 74 together or to connect a shoring system 10 and 74 to a wall or existing vertical surface. For such situations, the main frame 12 includes flanges 30. The flanges 30 may define orifices that allow the main frame to be bolted or otherwise secured to a vertical surface or to the main frame 12 of another shoring system 10 and 74.

[0051] Turning now to FIG. 8, a laced post shoring system 76 is shown. The laced post shoring system 76 includes two of the previously described shoring systems 10 placed parallel to one another and joined by connecting means as will be described below. The laced post shoring system 76 may be used when there is a need for more substantial support of a horizontal surface than the single above-described shoring system 10 might provide. The connecting means allow a substantially rectangular shape to be formed, increasing the strength and stability of the shoring system.

[0052] The connecting means to secure the parallel shoring systems 10 may include a large cross brace 78 having a first end 80 and a second end 82 and a small cross brace 84 having a first end 86 and a second end 88. The second end 88 of the small cross brace 84 slides inside of the second end 82 of the large cross brace 78, where orifices defined in the cross braces 78 and 84 allow the cross braces 78 and 84 to be pinned and secured at a desired overall length.

[0053] The first end 80 and 86 of each cross brace 78 and 84 connects to a securing means 90. With reference to FIG. 9, the first end 80 and 86 of each cross brace 78 and 84 may terminate in a bracket 92. The bracket 92 defines a channel 94 that may receive a support leg 14, an adjuster leg 16 or an extension 64. The bracket also defines orifices 96 that allow a pin or other fastener to secure the cross brace 78 and 84 to the support leg 14, adjuster leg 16 or extension 64 to which it connects.

[0054] With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the securing means may also include a clamp 98 to which the bracket 92 of the cross brace 78 and 84 may connect, and which in turn releasably engages a support leg 14, an adjuster leg 16 or an extension 64 without a pin. Such securing means may provide more flexibility as to the location and orientation of the connection of the cross braces 78 and 84.

[0055] The clamp 98 includes a body 100 that is pivotally connected to a securing member 102 at a hinge point 104. The securing member 102 is pivoted away from the body 100 to allow the clamp 98 to engage the desired support leg 14, adjuster leg 16 or extension 64. When the desired leg or extension 14, 16 or 64 is engaged, the securing member 102 is closed about the leg or extension 14, 16 or 64, thereby causing the clamp 98 to substantially surround the leg or extension 14, 16 or 64. Fastening means, such as a threaded pin 106 and nut (not shown) secure the clamp 98 in a closed position.

[0056] A first pivotable connector 108 and a second pivotable connector 110 are connected to the body 100 and define respective orifices 112 and 114 to receive pins. The pivotable connectors 108 and 110 engage the channel 94 defined by the bracket 92 of the cross braces 78 and 84. The orifices 112 and 114 defined in the pivotable connectors 108 and 110 align with orifices 96 defined in the bracket 92, allowing a pin to secure the pivotable connectors 108 and 110 to a respective cross brace 78 and 84.

[0057] Referring back to FIG. 8, the securing means 90 allow the diagonal cross braces 78 and 84 to connect to the support leg 14 of one shoring system 10 and to the adjuster leg 16 of the opposing shoring system 10. The horizontal cross braces 78 and 84 may connect to the support legs 14 and the adjuster legs 16 in this same manner, or the second end 82 and 88 of a cross brace 78 and 84 may be pinned to a support or adjuster leg 14 and 16, while the first end 80 and 86 is connected by the securing means as described above. In this manner, the strong structure of the laced post shoring system 76 is constructed, allowing substantial support of weakened horizontal surfaces.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 12, the shoring system 10 may involve an alternative to the use of the main frame 12. In this embodiment, the shoring system 116 includes two base plates 18, an extension 64 and an adjuster leg 16 that replace the main frame 12. The base plates 18 provide the interface with the ground and facilitate the interconnection of the support legs 14, adjuster leg 16 and the extensions 64, while the additional extension 64 and adjuster leg 16 maintain a set, structural distance between the base plates 18.

[0059] FIG. 13 illustrates the components of the base plate 18. A bottom plate 120 contacts the ground, while parallel flanges 122 and 124 extend in a direction normal to the bottom plate 120. The flanges 122 and 124 are spaced apart and define orifices 126 that align with the previously described orifices in the support legs 14, adjuster legs 16 and extensions 64, allowing the support legs 14, adjuster legs 16 and extensions 64 to be pinned to the base plate 118. The bottom plate also defines orifices 128 that allow it to be secured to the ground or other stable horizontal surface.

[0060] Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, the ability of the components of the system to be folded into compact units for transport and storage when the main frame 12 is used is shown. The adjuster leg 16 slides into the support leg 14, which may be pivotally connected to the main frame 12. The support leg 14 and adjuster leg 16 may be folded or placed in the channel 32 defined by the main frame 12, wherein the assembly is contained within the walls of the main frame 12.

[0061] The invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the invention be construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated surface, comprising: a first vertical support member; a first vertical length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a second vertical support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member; a second vertical length adjuster disposed in the second support member; and two horizontal structural members spaced apart from and parallel to each other, wherein the first vertical support member, first vertical length adjuster, second vertical support member and second vertical length adjuster each connect to the two horizontal structural members so as to form a rectangular configuration.

2. The shoring system of claim 1, wherein at least one horizontal structural member includes: a horizontal support member; a horizontal length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a base plate connected to one of the horizontal support member and the horizontal length adjuster.

3. The shoring system of claim 1, wherein at least one horizontal structural member includes a main frame.

4. A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated horizontal surface, comprising: a first support member; a first length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a second support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member; a second length adjuster disposed in the second support member; and two main frames spaced apart from and parallel to each other, wherein the first support member, first length adjuster, second support member and second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to form a rectangular configuration.

5. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second support members comprises a support leg.

6. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first and second support members comprises an extension.

7. The shoring system of claim 4, further comprising a cross member disposed between the first support member and the second support member, extending in a diagonal manner and connecting to each main frame.

8. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein the two main frames include a first main frame and a second main frame, and the first and second support members connect to opposing ends of the first main frame.

9. The shoring system of claim 4, wherein the connections are removable.

10. The shoring system of claim 9, wherein the connections include pins.

11. A shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated surface, comprising: a first main frame including a first end and a second end; a second main frame including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second main frame is spaced apart from and aligned with the first end of the first main frame, and the second end of the second main frame is spaced apart from and aligned with the second end of the first main frame; a first support leg connected to the first end of the first main frame; a second support leg connected to the second end of the first main frame; a first adjuster leg disposed in the first support leg and connected to the first end of the second main frame; a second adjuster leg disposed in the second support leg and connected to the second end of the second main frame; and a cross member connected to and extending from the first main frame to the second main frame.

12. The shoring system of claim 11, wherein the cross member extends from the first end of the first main frame to the second end of the second main frame.

13. The shoring system of claim 11, wherein the cross member is an extension.

14. The shoring system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the first and second adjuster legs includes an adjustable screw.

15. A laced post shoring system to selectively support from below an elevated surface, comprising: (a) a first shoring system, including: a first support member; a first length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a second support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member; a second length adjuster disposed in the second support member; and two main frames spaced apart from and parallel to each other, wherein the first support member, first length adjuster, second support member and second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to form a rectangular configuration; (b) a second shoring system spaced apart from and parallel to the first shoring system, including: a first support member; a first length adjuster disposed in the first support member; a second support member spaced apart from and parallel to the first support member; a second length adjuster disposed in the second support member; and two main frames spaced apart from and parallel to each other, wherein the first support member, first length adjuster, second support member and second length adjuster each connect to the two main frames so as to form a rectangular configuration; (c) cross braces extending between the first shoring system and the second shoring system; and (d) securing means to connect the cross braces to each of the first shoring system and the second shoring system.

16. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first and second support members in at least one of the first or second shoring system comprises a support leg.

17. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first and second support members in at least one of the first or second shoring system comprises an extension.

18. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, further comprising a cross member in each of the first and second shoring systems, wherein the cross member is disposed between the first support member and the second support member and extends in a diagonal manner and connecting to each main frame of the respective first or second shoring system.

19. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein the securing means includes a bracket.

20. The laced post shoring system of claim 15, wherein the securing means includes a clamp.

21. A method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface from below, comprising the steps of: placing a first main frame including a first end and a second end on a stable horizontal surface; connecting a first support leg to the first end of the first main frame; connecting a second support leg to the second end of the first main frame; inserting a first adjuster leg into the first support leg; securing the first adjuster leg in the first support leg; inserting a second adjuster leg into the second support leg; securing the second adjuster leg in the second support leg; providing a second main frame having a first end and a second end; connecting the first adjuster leg to the first end of the second main frame; connecting the second adjuster leg to the second end of the second main frame; adjusting the length of the first adjuster leg; and adjusting the length of the second adjuster leg.

22. The method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface of claim 21, further comprising the steps of: providing a diagonal support member; inserting a third adjuster leg into the diagonal support member; securing the third adjuster leg in the diagonal support member; connecting the diagonal support member to the first main frame; adjusting the length of the third adjuster; and connecting the third adjuster to the second main frame.

23. The method for shoring an elevated horizontal surface of claim 22, wherein the diagonal support member is one of a support leg and an extension.