GB2141771A - Builder's cradle - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable working platform designed for working on or round otherwise inconveniently accessable windows. The working platform 16 is positioned on the support frame by means of lugs, the Cradle allows for a variety of platform lengths to be used. The window support section of the frame is joined to the platform support section of the frame by means of hinged pins. The inside fixing clamp is attached to a swivelling clamp which avoids the need to remove radiators when the Cradle is in use. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Builder's cradle This invention relates to a builder's cradle for use by a workman in the external repair or decoration of buildings.

An object of this invention is to provide a cradle which is easily positioned and located over a window sill or parapet or the like.

According to this invention there is provided a builder's cradle structure comprising two or more spaced arms each having a vertical limb with a clamping member to bear against one side of a wall or like surface, each limb having at the upper end thereof an inverted U-shape supportwith a limb carrying a second clamping member to bear against the other side of the wall, the lower end of each vertical limb having a horizontal support and a platform lying across the supports.

Preferably the second clamping member is provided at one end of an arm pivotally attached to the limb of the U-shape support, whereby the location at which the clamping member bears against the wall is adjustable.

In this arrangement the load is taken by the inner and outer wall bearing pads which serve to keep the support structure clear of the wall and, in a preferred arrangement, the U-shape limbs are maintained clear clear of the window sill, thus avoiding damage.

Further and preferred features of a cradle constructed in accordance with this invention are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings: Figure 1 shows in perspective view a cradle in use, Figure 2 shows a side view in part section, and Figure 3 shows a view of a further configuration.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a cradle structure is formed from two spaced arm units 1 each of which has a vertical limb 2 with a clamping member comprising a wall bearing pad 3 mounted on a threaded stud 4 engaging a threaded bushing 5 secured to limb 2. A hand screw 6 is provided to adjust the clamping member. Telescopically received within the upper end of tubular limb 2 is an inverted U-shape support 7 held by means of pins 8 which may be arranged to afford lengthwise adjustment, for example by engaging one of a plurality of spaced apertures. The support 7 is dimensioned to extend across a window sill 9 and the limb lying on the opposite side of the wall has a further clamping member comprising a bearing pad 10, threaded stud 11, bushing 12 and hand-screw 13. The bushing is provided at the end of arm 14 connected by a swivel bearing 15 to support 7.

The assembly 1 0,11, 1 2,1 3, 1 4 and 1 5 enables the inner clamp to be positioned to avoid any obstruction, such as a radiator, and to be moved to bear against a stronger part of the wall than that beneath the window.

The lower end of limb 2 has an integral horizontal part 2a with upturned end 26 forming a channel into which platform 16 is located. The platform has lugs 17 between adjacent ones of which the parts 2a may be located to prevent horizontal movement of the platform.

The upturned ends of parts 2a receive vertical posts 18 forming interconnection for safety bars 19.

The cradle structure may be fabricated basically from lightweight tubing and is readily dismantled or assembled. The cradle may be adapted easily to various dimensions for support by one window as in Figures 1 and 2, or by two windows as in Figure 3.

The end safety bars may be extended as indicated.

CLAIMS (filed on 3.2.84) 1. A builders cradle comprising a working platform mounted on to a support which is suspended either from a window or between two windows.

2. A builders cradle as claimed in claim 1 mounted on frame which may be quickly dismantled for storage.

3. A builders cradle mentioned in claims 1 & 2 which allows for different lengths of platform to be used.

4. A builders cradle as described in previous claims where the working platform is mounted on to locating lugs for stability.

5. A builders cradle as mentioned in all previous claims where the safety rail is slotted on to lugs attached to the support posts.

6. A builders cradle mentioned in previous claims where the inside wall clamp is on a pivotting arm to avoid radiators and to get a fix on a strong wall.

7. A builders cradle mentioned in claims 1 to 6 where the sections of the supporting frame are joined by hinged pins.

8. A builders cradle as mentioned in claims 1 to 7 where screw clamps are used as outside wall supports to counteract against the inside pivotting clamps.

9. A builders cradle substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawing.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (9)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Builder's cradle This invention relates to a builder's cradle for use by a workman in the external repair or decoration of buildings. An object of this invention is to provide a cradle which is easily positioned and located over a window sill or parapet or the like. According to this invention there is provided a builder's cradle structure comprising two or more spaced arms each having a vertical limb with a clamping member to bear against one side of a wall or like surface, each limb having at the upper end thereof an inverted U-shape supportwith a limb carrying a second clamping member to bear against the other side of the wall, the lower end of each vertical limb having a horizontal support and a platform lying across the supports. Preferably the second clamping member is provided at one end of an arm pivotally attached to the limb of the U-shape support, whereby the location at which the clamping member bears against the wall is adjustable. In this arrangement the load is taken by the inner and outer wall bearing pads which serve to keep the support structure clear of the wall and, in a preferred arrangement, the U-shape limbs are maintained clear clear of the window sill, thus avoiding damage. Further and preferred features of a cradle constructed in accordance with this invention are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows in perspective view a cradle in use, Figure 2 shows a side view in part section, and Figure 3 shows a view of a further configuration. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a cradle structure is formed from two spaced arm units 1 each of which has a vertical limb 2 with a clamping member comprising a wall bearing pad 3 mounted on a threaded stud 4 engaging a threaded bushing 5 secured to limb 2. A hand screw 6 is provided to adjust the clamping member. Telescopically received within the upper end of tubular limb 2 is an inverted U-shape support 7 held by means of pins 8 which may be arranged to afford lengthwise adjustment, for example by engaging one of a plurality of spaced apertures. The support 7 is dimensioned to extend across a window sill 9 and the limb lying on the opposite side of the wall has a further clamping member comprising a bearing pad 10, threaded stud 11, bushing 12 and hand-screw 13. The bushing is provided at the end of arm 14 connected by a swivel bearing 15 to support 7. The assembly 1 0,11, 1 2,1 3, 1 4 and 1 5 enables the inner clamp to be positioned to avoid any obstruction, such as a radiator, and to be moved to bear against a stronger part of the wall than that beneath the window. The lower end of limb 2 has an integral horizontal part 2a with upturned end 26 forming a channel into which platform 16 is located. The platform has lugs 17 between adjacent ones of which the parts 2a may be located to prevent horizontal movement of the platform. The upturned ends of parts 2a receive vertical posts 18 forming interconnection for safety bars 19. The cradle structure may be fabricated basically from lightweight tubing and is readily dismantled or assembled. The cradle may be adapted easily to various dimensions for support by one window as in Figures 1 and 2, or by two windows as in Figure 3. The end safety bars may be extended as indicated. CLAIMS (filed on 3.2.84)

1. A builders cradle comprising a working platform mounted on to a support which is suspended either from a window or between two windows.

2. A builders cradle as claimed in claim 1 mounted on frame which may be quickly dismantled for storage.

3. A builders cradle mentioned in claims 1 & 2 which allows for different lengths of platform to be used.

4. A builders cradle as described in previous claims where the working platform is mounted on to locating lugs for stability.

5. A builders cradle as mentioned in all previous claims where the safety rail is slotted on to lugs attached to the support posts.

6. A builders cradle mentioned in previous claims where the inside wall clamp is on a pivotting arm to avoid radiators and to get a fix on a strong wall.

7. A builders cradle mentioned in claims 1 to 6 where the sections of the supporting frame are joined by hinged pins.

8. A builders cradle as mentioned in claims 1 to 7 where screw clamps are used as outside wall supports to counteract against the inside pivotting clamps.

9. A builders cradle substantially described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawing.