Patent Application
20240084607
The present invention relates generally to the field of utility scaffold devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved utility scaffold device that provides users with a height adjustable utility scaffold with a set of steps and a locking gate. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in utility scaffold devices. Generally, painting and performing maintenance on a building exterior can be a difficult and dangerous job. People may opt to use ladders to reach elevated areas; however, a ladder requires more than one person to use, or a person is put at risk for the ladder tipping and falling. Serious injury can occur if a person falls off a ladder, even from just a few feet off the ground.
Conventional scaffolds do not include a ladder, making them difficult to enter, especially with work items in a user's hands. Further, using only a ladder to perform maintenance puts a user at risk of injury from falls. As such, a unique combined scaffold and stair device which provides a safe means for performing maintenance is needed.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that provides users with a height adjustable utility scaffold with a set of steps and a locking gate. There is also a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that promotes safety while working at elevated heights both indoors and outdoors. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that includes a set of 5-inch wheels on all four legs of the scaffold to facilitate transportation to any location, even across rougher terrain like dirt and gravel. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that enables users to climb up on the scaffold and remain stable while on the base, eliminating any fear of falling and serious injury. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that offers multifunctionality for any type of maintenance job completed by do-it-yourselfers, contractors, painters, etc. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that has detachable steps and a slide locking gate.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a utility scaffold device. The device is a multifunctional scaffolding featuring a set of detachable steps and a slide locking gate. The utility scaffold device comprises a base component which is workspace that is approximately six feet in length and three feet wide. Further, a horizontal bar positioned around the base component is secured by four vertical bars, to provide a handrail for the user. Additionally, four vertical legs are secured on the underside of the base component with a large wheel at each end for facilitating movement over any type of terrain. The base component also comprises a locking gate that provides entrance to the base component. A set of detachable stairs are secured to a side of the base component, in front of the gate to allow a user to easily enter and exit the device. The device is approximately three feet in height but can be adjusted to a height of approximately six feet, if needed. Further, a horizontal support bar can also be included between the front legs and another support bar positioned between the back legs to provide support in the length of the device.
In this manner, the utility scaffold device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives and provides users with a device that promotes safety while working at elevated heights both indoors and outdoors. The device is a multifunctional scaffolding featuring a set of detachable steps and a locking gate. The device enables user to easily enter the scaffold and remain stable while working.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a utility scaffold device. The device is a multifunctional scaffolding featuring a set of detachable steps and a slide locking gate. The utility scaffold device comprises a base component which is a workspace that can be raised and lowered on secured legs. Users can set the scaffolding at a desired height and climb the detachable stairs to the base component. Thus, tasks at elevated heights can be completed safely, without worry of slipping and falling.
In one embodiment, the utility scaffold device comprises a base component which is a workspace for a user. The base component can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, but is typically a rectangular shape. Further, the base component is approximately six feet in length and three feet wide, but can be any suitable size as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the base component is supported in the air by four legs, wherein a leg is secured at each corner of the underside of the base component. The legs are secured to the corners via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, bolts, etc. Any suitable number of legs can be utilized as is known in the art depending on the shape and size of the base component. Further, in this embodiment, the four legs are telescoping legs and comprise at least one telescoping segment that allows the total length of the leg to be extended or retracted. Each telescoping segment is hollow and has a slip lock for locking the segment at a specific length. Further, the slip lock is released by means of pressing or turning the slip lock. The at least one telescoping segments allow the legs to have a length from approximately three feet to six feet fully extended, allowing a user to set the scaffolding device at a desired height. Thus, the device is approximately three feet in height but can be adjusted to a height of approximately six feet, if needed. Any type of telescoping locks, such as a clutch lock, cam lock, spring button, snap lock, set knob or any other suitable lock as is known in the art, can be used for securing a desired length of the telescoping segments and for securing the telescoping segments to each other, during extension and retraction of the telescoping segments of the legs.
In another embodiment, instead of legs the device can comprise a scissor lift or other suitable motorized lift as is known in the art, which allows the base component to be moved up and down to different heights.
In one embodiment, the legs each comprise a wheel secured to the bottom of the leg. Typically, the wheels are oversized and are approximately 5 inch wheels, but can be any suitable size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The oversized wheels facilitate movement of the device over any type of terrain. Further, the wheels are secured to the legs via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, bolts, etc. In some embodiments, the wheels can also be removable and removed when not in use.
In yet another embodiment, the device comprises a horizontal support bar that is secured between the front legs and another support bar can be secured between the back legs to provide support in the length of the device. The horizontal support bar can be secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Further, the horizontal support bar can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, in some embodiments, the horizontal support bar is approximately one foot wide. Generally, the horizontal support bar spans between the vertical legs to further support the device. In another embodiment, the base component comprises a vertical support leg positioned underneath and in the center of the base component for additional support. Any suitable number of vertical supports can be utilized as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a horizontal bar positioned around the base component and secured by four vertical bars, to provide a safety handrail for the user. Any suitable number of vertical bars can be utilized to secure the safety handrail as is known in the art. Further, the vertical bars and the horizontal bar can be secured together and secured to the base component via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, bolts, welding, etc.
In one embodiment, the device comprises a locking gate that provides entrance to the base component. The gate can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. Typically, the gate is approximately 2.5 feet wide, but can be any suitable size as is known in the art. Further, in one embodiment, the gate would have a slide lock, but any other suitable lock as is known in the art can be utilized, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The gate allows access to the base component without a user having to climb over or under the handrail. Additionally, the gate can comprise a handle that allows a user to grab it to open and/or close the gate. Any suitable handle or handles as is known in the art can be utilized.
In one embodiment, a set of detachable stairs are secured to a side of the base component, in front of the gate to allow a user to easily enter and exit the device. The detachable stairs are attachable to the scaffolding frame and/or an edge of the base component. In one embodiment, the stairs are secured to the device via hooks, but can be secured to the scaffolding fame and/or an edge of the base component via any suitable securing means as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the stairs can include a safety handrail, which also provides a way to attach the stairs to the scaffolding frame.
The set of stairs comprise a plurality of steps. The plurality of steps are integrally attached to the set of stairs by welding or other similar means. This eliminates the necessity of attaching the steps to the set of stairs at the job site. The steps can be spaced approximately 8 inches apart and can have a depth of approximately 5 inches, or the steps can be any other suitable shape and size as is known in the art. In one embodiment, the set of stairs can be adjusted with the height of the base component, allowing a user to position the device at a desired height for use.
The above-described utility scaffold device comprises a detachable set of stairs which are integrally secured to the base component. Thus, this design allows the set of stairs to become a structural part of the device to provide additional strength and stability to the utility scaffold device. Therefore, the use of additional cross braces between the vertical legs may not be necessary, and the same strength can be maintained. Eliminating the cross-bracing substantially reduces the materials required for the scaffolding, which saves a lot of money. Also, the construction and deconstruction of the scaffolding at the construction site becomes easier and faster, which also saves time and money. Further, the device described herein can be implemented in any scaffolding system and using any dimensions. Also, the device described herein can be used with other fabricated frames. Further, the device can be used in combination with other scaffolding or as a stand-alone unit, independent from any conventional scaffold system.
The device can be manufactured using any type of metal, such as steel, cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, etc. or wood, bamboo, fiberglass, etc., or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Generally, the utility scaffold device is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the utility scaffold device comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.
In yet another embodiment, the utility scaffold device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of working at elevated heights without fear of falling or injury is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a utility scaffold device comprising a base component with a handrail and a gate, as well as adjustable legs to vary the height of the device, and a set of stairs for easy access to the base component. The method also comprises positioning the device in a predetermined location for performing a maintenance job and attaching the set of stairs. Further, the method comprises climbing the set of stairs and opening the gate to enter the base component. Finally, the method comprises performing the maintenance job without fear of falling or injury.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that provides users with a height adjustable utility scaffold with a set of steps and a locking gate. There is also a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that promotes safety while working at elevated heights both indoors and outdoors. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that includes a set of 5-inch wheels on all four legs of the scaffold to facilitate transportation to any location, even across rougher terrain like dirt and gravel. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a device that enables users to climb up on the scaffold and remain stable while on the base, eliminating any fear of falling and serious injury. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that offers multifunctionality for any type of maintenance job completed by do-it-yourselfers, contractors, painters, etc. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a utility scaffold device that has detachable steps and a slide locking gate.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel utility scaffold device. The device is a multifunctional scaffolding featuring a set of detachable steps and a slide locking gate. The utility scaffold device comprises a base component which is workspace that is approximately six feet in length and three feet wide. Further, a horizontal bar positioned around the base component is secured by four vertical bars, to provide a handrail for the user. Additionally, four vertical legs are secured on the underside of the base component with a large wheel at each end for facilitating movement over any type of terrain. The base component also comprises a locking gate that provides entrance to the base component. A set of detachable stairs are secured to a side of the base component, in front of the gate to allow a user to easily enter and exit the device. The present invention also includes a novel method of working at elevated heights without fear of falling or injury. The method includes the steps of providing a utility scaffold device comprising a base component with a handrail and a gate, as well as adjustable legs to vary the height of the device, and a set of stairs for easy access to the base component. The method also comprises positioning the device in a predetermined location for performing a maintenance job and attaching the set of stairs. Further, the method comprises climbing the set of stairs and opening the gate to enter the base component. Finally, the method comprises performing the maintenance job without fear of falling or injury.
Referring initially to the drawings,
As shown in
Generally, the base component 102 is supported in the air by four legs 108, wherein a leg 108 is secured at each corner 200 of the underside 202 of the base component 102. The legs 108 are secured to the corners 200 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, bolts, etc. Any suitable number of legs 108 can be utilized as is known in the art depending on the shape and size of the base component 102 or on the needs and/or wants of a user 500. Further, in this embodiment, the four legs 108 are telescoping legs and comprise at least one telescoping segment 204 that allows the total length of the leg 108 to be extended or retracted. Each telescoping segment 204 is hollow and has a slip lock 206 for locking the segment 204 at a specific length. Further, the slip lock 206 is released by means of pressing or turning the slip lock 206. The at least one telescoping segments 204 allow the legs 108 to have a length from approximately three feet to six feet fully extended, allowing a user 500 to set the scaffolding device 100 at a desired height. Thus, the device 100 is approximately three feet in height but can be adjusted to a height of approximately six feet, if needed. Any type of telescoping locks 206, such as a clutch lock, cam lock, spring button, snap lock, set knob or any other suitable lock as is known in the art, can be used for securing a desired length of the telescoping segments 204 and for securing the telescoping segments 204 to each other, during extension and retraction of the telescoping segments 204 of the legs 108.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, instead of legs 108 the device 100 can comprise a scissor lift (not shown) or other suitable motorized lift as is known in the art, which allows the base component 102 to be moved up and down to different heights. Generally, if a motorized lift is provided instead of telescoping legs 108, then the device 100 further includes a motor and power source to power the motorized lift during use and any other suitable components needed for powering the device 100.
Generally, the legs 108 each comprise a wheel 208 secured to the bottom of the leg 108. Typically, the wheels 208 are oversized and are approximately 5-inch wheels 208 but can be any suitable size as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user 500. The oversized wheels 208 facilitate movement of the device 100 over any type of terrain. Further, the wheels 208 are secured to the legs 108 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, bolts, etc. In some embodiments, the wheels 208 can also be removable and removed when not in use.
In one embodiment, the device 100 comprises a horizontal support bar 210 that is secured between the front legs 108 and another support bar 210 can be secured between the back legs 108 to provide additional support in the length of the device 100. Any suitable number of horizontal support bars 210 can be utilized as is known in the art. The horizontal support bars 210 can be secured via any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Further, the horizontal support bars 210 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art, in some embodiments, the horizontal support bar 210 is approximately one foot wide. Generally, the horizontal support bar 210 spans between the vertical legs 108 to further support the device 100 and provide cross-bracing of the device 100. In another embodiment, the base component 102 comprises a vertical support leg 211 positioned underneath and in the center of the base component 102 for additional support. Any suitable number of vertical support legs 211 can be utilized as is known in the art.
Furthermore, the device 100 comprises a horizontal bar or handrail 104 positioned around the base component 102 and secured by four vertical bars 212, to provide a safety handrail 104 for the user 500. Any suitable number of vertical bars 212 can be utilized to secure the safety handrail 104 as is known in the art. Further, the vertical bars 212 and the horizontal bar 104 can be secured together and secured to the base component 102 via any suitable securing means as is known in the art, such as screws, bolts, welding, etc. Thus, the safety handrail 104 positioned around the perimeter of the base component 102 provides a user with the ability to perform tasks at elevated heights without worry of slipping and falling.
As shown in
In one embodiment, the stairs 110 can include a safety handrail 306, which also provides a way to attach the stairs 110 to the scaffolding frame 302. The handrail 306 can be any suitable shape and size as is known in the art and can be secured to the stairs 110 via any securing means as in known in the art.
Further, the set of stairs 110 comprise a plurality of steps 308. The plurality of steps 308 are integrally attached to the set of stairs 110 by welding or other similar means. This eliminates the necessity of attaching the steps 308 to the set of stairs 110 at the job site. The steps 308 can be spaced approximately 8 inches apart and can have a depth of approximately 5 inches, or the steps 308 can be any other suitable shape and size as is known in the art. Different sets of stairs 110 can be utilized as is known in the art. Specifically, the different set of stairs 110 can each have a different height, such that once the base component 102 is raised to a predetermined height, a user 500 can match the set of stairs 110 at the required height to the device 100 and secure the stairs 110 for use. In another embodiment, the set of stairs 110 can also comprise telescoping legs 309, that can be extended or retracted to match the set of stairs 100 to the height of the base component 102. Thus, the set of stairs 110 can be adjusted with the height of the base component 102, allowing a user to position the device 100 at a desired height for use.
As shown in
As shown in
Further, the device 100 can be manufactured using any type of metal, such as steel, cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, etc., or wood, bamboo, fiberglass, etc., or any other suitable materials as is known in the art. Generally, the utility scaffold device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the utility scaffold device 100 comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.
Additionally, the utility scaffold device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 502. The base component 102 of the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the base component 102, or any other indicia 502 as is known in the art. Specifically, any suitable indicia 502 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be scaffolding or brand related.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “utility scaffold device”, “scaffolding device”, and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the utility scaffold device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, the utility scaffold device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the utility scaffold device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/404,729, which was filed on Sep. 8, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63404729 | Sep 2022 | US |
