NZ192553A - Adjustable platform:scissor action - Google Patents

Description

19 ? 5 53 NEW ZEALAND .PATENTS ACT, 1953 NiPATEKTOFaqil |j 1 3 1 MAR 1981J J( No-: 192553 4 ■;{ Date: 8 January 1980 — j/.• COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT SUPPORT STAND 1/Wv,~ DONALD HARRY SANDBROOK a New Zealand citizen of 50 Ormond Street, Woodville, New Zealand, hereby declare the invention for which I / iK£ pray that a patent may be granted to jne/i±s, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- 192553 This invention relates to adjustable height scaffolding.

There are many instances where a work platform is required for example in painting or carpentry work or in many other work situations and it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable height scaffolding for such uses which is comparatively simple and convenient.

Accordingly the invention consists in adjustable height scaffolding comprising a support platform, cross support legs which support the platform substantially parallel to a support surface, said cross support legs, each comprising a set of two side members spaced apart substantially by the width of the platform but with one set of side members engaged within the other and with pivotal connections at the cross over position of the side members, the platform engaging ends of one set of side members being pivotally attached to the platform towards one end thereof and the platform engaging ends of the other set of side members being connected by a hollow member through which an engagement pin can be positioned with such engagement pin also passing through selected aligned apertures in the platform to allow for an adjustable connection with the platform so that the height of the platform above the support surface can be varied.

One preferred form of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure lis a perspective view of the adjustable height-scaffolding according to the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of the scaffolding shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a side elevation showing the scaffolding in the collapsed position, Figure 4 is a side ejevation but with the scaffolding in a raised position and, Figure 5 is an end view of the scaffolding as shown in Fi Figure 6 is a detail of a height extension member which can be associated with the adjustable height scaffolding.

In the preferred form of the invention the adjustable height scaffolding 1 has a platform 2 adjustably supported on crossed legs 3 so that in use it will be supported substantially parallel to the support surface.

The platform 2 is constructed preferably having a peripheral frame 4 of a suitable metal section, for example channel section on which is fixed a wire or metal mesh 5. The rectangular elongated frame 4 in association with the mesh provides a good working platform with an essentially non slip surface. However it would be appreciated that other constructions of this support platform could be devised without departing from the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

The cross over legs 3 each comprise two side members, again preferably formed from a suitable metal section for example a hollow box section. The sides 6 and 7 engage on the outside of the sides 8 and 9 with a pivotal connection 10 and 11 provided at the cross over positions between the legs. The upper ends of the sides 6 and 7 are pivotally connected to the platform at pivot points 12 towards one end as is apparent from the drawings.

In the preferred form of the invention it is not necessary for this pivotal connection to be adjustable although once again if it was desired for any special reason an adjustable connection could be formed at this end of the arm in a manner not dissimilar to that as will be described herebelow in connection with the other set of legs.

-- T - 192553 The side members 8 and 9 are connected together by a tubular member. A plurality of sets of apertures 13 are formed through the side frame of the platform 2 and a pin 14 can be engaged through a selected set of the apertures 13 to pass through the tube and when engaged with the apertures on both sides of the frame and the tube provides a suitable connection to form a structurally stable support for the platform with the selection of the apertures 13 allowing for the required adjustment in height of the platform relative to the support ends of the legs.

It is desirable to provide a comparitively simple means whereby a user may mount the platform. To this end the side 9 is stopped short and the partial side 9a is provided spaced out from the side 9. Transverse bars 15 and 16 are welded in place to complete the leg and provide mounting steps which will allow a user to get onto the platform. The ends of the legs are also further apart increasing the stability of the platform in use.

In this regard it is also preferable for the ends of each side member to be outwardly splayed as shown in the drawings again broadening the support base from which the platform is held to improve its stability. Non slip gromets or feet 17 can be engaged with the ends of the sides.

To improve the structural strength of the sides in the legs stress ties 18 are provided.

As will be apparent from figures 2 and 3 the height adjustable scaffolding according to the present invention can be collapsed to a comparitively compact assembly for 19255- storage. By engaging the pin in the appropriate aperture the legs are held in the collapsed position. It is a simple matter for the platform to be raised to the required height. The pin 14 is removed and the user applies force to the top of the platform causing the platform to lift relative to the support legs. Once the platform has been lifted to the required height an appropriate set of apertures 13 is selected and the pin engaged between the set of apertures and the tube assembling the scaffolding in a condition essentially as illustrated by way of example in figures 4 and 5.

It will be apparent that the height adjustable scaffolding in accordance to the present invention will have many uses and can be assembled -at a height which will be most convenient for particular use, painting both indoor and outdoor paper-hanging, hedgetrimming, tree pruning, cleaning windows, cleaning gutters and ceilings are obvious examples. The scaffolding can also provide a support for an appropriate cladding sheet and be used as a wallpaper table. It can be used as a work bench a saw horse. It can be used by itself or it can be used in combination with another scaffold of the same type. In the latter case particularly there is some advantage in using an height extension as illustrated in figure 6. In this case a construction having a platform similar to that previously described is supported from end pieces of platform 2 0 similar to that above described has end pieces 21 and 22 each having four feet which engage in either frame or in special sockets located in the frame to enable a platform of extended height to be located either 19255^ above an existing platform or between the platforms of two scaffolding members according to the present invention.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that the present invention provides a simple versatile adjustable height scaffolding which may be folded away for easy transport and storage which may be quickly assembled to the desired height which is of rugged construction and allows an operator means of simple mounting once erected. 192553

Claims (10)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:-

1. Adjustable height scaffolding comprising a support platform, cross support legs which support the platform substantially parallel to a support surface, said cross support legs, each comprising a set of two side members spaced apart substantially by the width of the platform but with one set of side members engaged within the other and with pivotal connections at the cross over position of the side members, the platform engaging ends of one set of side members being pivotally attached to the platform towards one end thereof and the platform engaging ends of the other set of side members being connected by a hollow member through which an engagement pin can be positioned with such engagement pin also passing through selected aligned apertures in the platform to allow for an adjustable connection with the platform so that the height of the platform above the support surface can be varied.

2. Adjustable height scaffolding as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the support platform comprises an elongated rectangular frame of metal section and a mesh support mounted on said frame to provide a non slip standing surface for an operator using the platform.

3. Adjustable height scaffolding as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein a plurality of sets of apertures are provided and spaced along the platform from one end thereof so that in use selection of an appropriate set of aligned apertures for engagement with the engagement pin will allow for the required height adjustment of the platform.

4. Height adjustment scaffolding as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein each side member in the legs incorporates a stress tie to improve the strength characteristics of the legs. 't? Jt3FEBt984 * / 7 192553 -8-

5. Height adjustment scaffolding as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the legs incorporate mounting steps to allow a user to gain access to the platform. ^

6. Height adjustment means as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein one leg has a side member stopped short and an extension side member offset from this stopped short side member which completes the leg with transverse members extending between the offset member and the stopped short side member.providing mounting steps.

7. Height adjustment scaffolding as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the support surface engaging ends of the legs are splayed outwardly to provide a more stable support base.

8. Height adjustment scaffolding as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said support surface engaging ends of the legs incorporate non slip grips.

9. Height adjustment scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims incorporating a stand engageable with the support platform to provide a stepped up position from the platform to a higher level.

10. Adjustable height scaffolding when constructed arranged and operable substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. ...DQNALD..HABRY...SANDB.RQOK. By hls/tfcXXfX authorised Agents A. J. PARK & SON.