US20080217501A1 - Power a-frame - Google Patents
Power a-frame Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080217501A1 US20080217501A1 US12/070,065 US7006508A US2008217501A1 US 20080217501 A1 US20080217501 A1 US 20080217501A1 US 7006508 A US7006508 A US 7006508A US 2008217501 A1 US2008217501 A1 US 2008217501A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support
- sheeting
- present
- base
- collapsible
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G49/00—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for
- B65G49/05—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles
- B65G49/06—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles for fragile sheets, e.g. glass
- B65G49/062—Easels, stands or shelves, e.g. castor-shelves, supporting means on vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2585/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D2585/64—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for bulky articles
- B65D2585/641—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for bulky articles specific articles
- B65D2585/649—Containers, packaging elements or packages specially adapted for particular articles or materials for bulky articles specific articles other bulky articles
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a support rack. More particularly the present invention relates to a lightweight, foldable and/or collapsible A-frame support for supporting sheeting.
- the present invention provides a light weight, strong, easy to use collapsible sheeting support system.
- the support may be comprised of aluminum, plastic, copper, wood or any other suitable material.
- the support may hold up to 6000 lbs. of sheeting up off the ground and away from moisture.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed position.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a partially assembled state.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention depicting the base opened flat.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state.
- FIG. 4 a is an exploded view of a fail safe locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 5 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of assembled set of supports in use supporting sheeting.
- FIG. 6 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of a collapsed set of supports.
- FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of a collapsed set of supports in an upright position.
- FIG. 8 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of an assembled set of supports.
- FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled set o supports.
- FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a locking mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 11 depicts a set of supporting sheeting according to one aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 there can be seen a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed state.
- a pin or locking member may be placed to hold the support system 10 in a collapsed state.
- the support system 10 of the present invention may include at set of support assemblies 20 a and 20 b. Each set may include a pair of support assemblies.
- support assemblies 20 a and 20 b may fold using a movable joint in at least 3 places.
- support assemblies 20 a and 20 b the movable joints 50 a, 50 b, and 50 c may be pivots.
- any suitable method of movable joints may be used.
- Each support assembly may include a base 30 .
- Base 30 may be comprised of two pieces 30 a and 30 b.
- base 30 may include grooves 60 such that the base is slide resistant.
- base 30 may include slide resistant material on its floor contacting surface 80 .
- leaning support members 40 may be joined to the base at movable joints 50 a, 50 b and 50 c. Leaning support members are locked into place such that the weight of the sheeting is at apex 80 and base 30 , not at the midline. Therefore, that is no need for rods or other connecting members to join support assembly 20 a to support assembly 20 b.
- apex 80 and base 30 include wire fed welds to enhance the stability and durability of support system 10 .
- all hardware is lock-tight, using rubber coated hardware.
- Leaning support members 40 may be grooved or flat or any other suitable configuration. Leaning support members 40 are attached to base 30 at each of 4 attachment points. These attachment points may include bolts and wire fed welds.
- First locking mechanism may include brackets and a pin that locks the support piece together.
- the brackets may be L-brackets.
- support system 10 may include a fail safe locking mechanism 100 to ensure support members are stable.
- fail safe mechanism 100 may include interlocking fingers 110 .
- fail safe mechanism 100 may include male and female interlocking fingers 110 .
- support system 10 may be comprised of aluminum, plastic, copper, wood or any other suitable material.
- Support system 10 is a light weight and weighs in the range of about 20-30 pounds. Despite its light weight, support system 10 may support at least 6000 pounds of sheeting.
- a handle 120 may be attached to support system 10 for ease of carrying.
- support system 10 may be assembled in the following way. First, a pin or other member is removed. Then, replace the pin in the unhinged a-frame and fold the frame open. Lay the a-frame open such that base 30 lies flat on the ground. Next, pull leaning support members 40 up and lock together at the apex 80 .
- the device includes four panels that may be connected together such that the device is collapsible for ease of transport.
- the panel may be comprised of aluminum or any other material that is light weight, strong and durable.
- the panels may be welded, bolted or otherwise attached.
- each short panel may include a self made hinge welded to the panel that connects the short panel to a longer panel.
- the longer panel may have a length in the range of 40-60 inches.
- the shorter panel may be connected to the longer panel with a bolt or any other suitable connection mechanism.
- the top of the longer panel may include fingers that are welded onto the longer panel such that the fingers lock the two longer panels together.
- the top of the longer panels may include L shaped hinges that are bolted to the top of the longer panels.
- a pin may be slid through the L-shaped hinges and the top of the longer panels and then locked with a cotter pin. Any suitable mechanism of connecting and locking the panels may be used and is contemplated by the inventor.
- the panels may be extruded through a custom die.
- the alloy and temper of the excursion is about 6005-t6.
Abstract
A collapsible support frame including at least two sets of panels connected together.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/901,348, filed Feb. 14, 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to a support rack. More particularly the present invention relates to a lightweight, foldable and/or collapsible A-frame support for supporting sheeting.
- Large rigid sheets of construction materials are commonly used at building sites. These materials are generally delivered to the building sites in a large quantity and require storage until the materials are needed for use. Because the sheets of material are relatively large, generally four feet by eight feet, they take up a lot of space and can get in the way of various construction activities. The sheeting is usually quite heavy, yet fragile. Thus, moving the sheets from one place to another can be arduous and one must be very careful not to damage the sheeting when moving it.
- Traditionally, construction workers have used sawhorses or the like to stack sheeting out of the way to permit construction to continue without the need to continually move the sheeting out of the way. However, sawhorses are heavy and often are only single use. There exist collapsible, portable a frame devices for supporting sheeting. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,329 to Crowell et al. discloses a sheeting support having two end support assemblies. However, the support disclosed in the '329 Patent requires a connecting assembly consisting of two rods that connect one support assembly to the other. The connecting assembly is required to give stability to the support assemblies.
- There is a need for an easy to use, simple and light weight collapsible sheeting support that is stable and durable.
- The present invention provides a light weight, strong, easy to use collapsible sheeting support system. In an embodiment, the support may be comprised of aluminum, plastic, copper, wood or any other suitable material. The support may hold up to 6000 lbs. of sheeting up off the ground and away from moisture.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a support system that can be easily set up on any concrete flat surface. It is another object of the present invention to provide a support system that supports sheeting in a leaning position that makes the sheeting easier to handle and reduces awkward lifting. This upright position is ideal for measuring, cutting and lifting the sheeting.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a support system that can be stored in a small space of about 5′×1′×8″.
- The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed position. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a partially assembled state. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention depicting the base opened flat. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in an assembled state. -
FIG. 4 a is an exploded view of a fail safe locking mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 5 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of assembled set of supports in use supporting sheeting. -
FIG. 6 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of a collapsed set of supports. -
FIG. 7 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of a collapsed set of supports in an upright position. -
FIG. 8 depicts a side plan view of an embodiment of an assembled set of supports. -
FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of an embodiment of an assembled set o supports. -
FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a locking mechanism of an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 11 depicts a set of supporting sheeting according to one aspect of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , there can be seen a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in a collapsed state. When in a collapsed state, a pin or locking member may be placed to hold thesupport system 10 in a collapsed state. Thesupport system 10 of the present invention may include at set of support assemblies 20 a and 20 b. Each set may include a pair of support assemblies. In an embodiment, support assemblies 20 a and 20 b may fold using a movable joint in at least 3 places. In one embodiment support assemblies 20 a and 20 b the movable joints 50 a, 50 b, and 50 c may be pivots. One of skill in the art will recognize that any suitable method of movable joints may be used. - Each support assembly may include a
base 30.Base 30 may be comprised of two pieces 30 a and 30 b. In one embodiment,base 30 may include grooves 60 such that the base is slide resistant. In another embodiment,base 30 may include slide resistant material on its floor contacting surface 80. - In an embodiment, leaning
support members 40 may be joined to the base at movable joints 50 a, 50 b and 50 c. Leaning support members are locked into place such that the weight of the sheeting is at apex 80 andbase 30, not at the midline. Therefore, that is no need for rods or other connecting members to join support assembly 20 a to support assembly 20 b. In a preferred embodiment apex 80 andbase 30 include wire fed welds to enhance the stability and durability ofsupport system 10. Further, in a preferred embodiment, all hardware is lock-tight, using rubber coated hardware. Leaningsupport members 40 may be grooved or flat or any other suitable configuration. Leaningsupport members 40 are attached tobase 30 at each of 4 attachment points. These attachment points may include bolts and wire fed welds. - First locking mechanism may include brackets and a pin that locks the support piece together. The brackets may be L-brackets. Although, one of ordinary skill will recognize that other locking mechanism may be used. As can be seen in
FIGS. 4 a and 10,support system 10 may include a failsafe locking mechanism 100 to ensure support members are stable. In a preferred embodiment, failsafe mechanism 100 may include interlocking fingers 110. According to the preferred embodiment, failsafe mechanism 100 may include male and female interlocking fingers 110. - According to one aspect of the present invention,
support system 10 may be comprised of aluminum, plastic, copper, wood or any other suitable material.Support system 10 is a light weight and weighs in the range of about 20-30 pounds. Despite its light weight,support system 10 may support at least 6000 pounds of sheeting. In an embodiment, ahandle 120 may be attached to supportsystem 10 for ease of carrying. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 1-4 , inoperation support system 10 may be assembled in the following way. First, a pin or other member is removed. Then, replace the pin in the unhinged a-frame and fold the frame open. Lay the a-frame open such thatbase 30 lies flat on the ground. Next, pull leaningsupport members 40 up and lock together at the apex 80. - According to one embodiment of the present invention, the device includes four panels that may be connected together such that the device is collapsible for ease of transport. In one embodiment the panel may be comprised of aluminum or any other material that is light weight, strong and durable. In an embodiment the panels may be welded, bolted or otherwise attached.
- In one embodiment of the present invention two shorter panels, for example in the range of 30-40 inches may be placed flat on the ground. Each short panel may include a self made hinge welded to the panel that connects the short panel to a longer panel. In one embodiment, for example, the longer panel may have a length in the range of 40-60 inches. In an embodiment the shorter panel may be connected to the longer panel with a bolt or any other suitable connection mechanism.
- According to one embodiment, the top of the longer panel may include fingers that are welded onto the longer panel such that the fingers lock the two longer panels together. In yet another embodiment, the top of the longer panels may include L shaped hinges that are bolted to the top of the longer panels. According to one aspect of the present invention, a pin may be slid through the L-shaped hinges and the top of the longer panels and then locked with a cotter pin. Any suitable mechanism of connecting and locking the panels may be used and is contemplated by the inventor.
- In one embodiment, the panels may be extruded through a custom die. According to one aspect, the alloy and temper of the excursion is about 6005-t6.
- The embodiments above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are within the claims. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, workers skilled din the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (4)
1. A collapsible support apparatus comprising:
at least two sets of panels connected such that the device is collapsible.
2. A collapsible support apparatus adapted for supporting sheeting comprising:
a base;
at least two support members movably joined to the base forming an apex; and
at least one locking mechanism configured to lock the support members together such that the weight of the sheeting is distributed at the base and the apex.
3. The support apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the support apparatus is comprised of a lightweight material such that the apparatus weighs less than 40 pounds and the apparatus is able to support at least 6000 pounds.
4. The support apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus collapses to fit into a space in the range of about 5 feet by 1 foot by 8 inches.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/070,065 US20080217501A1 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2008-02-14 | Power a-frame |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US90134807P | 2007-02-14 | 2007-02-14 | |
US12/070,065 US20080217501A1 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2008-02-14 | Power a-frame |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20080217501A1 true US20080217501A1 (en) | 2008-09-11 |
Family
ID=39740682
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/070,065 Abandoned US20080217501A1 (en) | 2007-02-14 | 2008-02-14 | Power a-frame |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080217501A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20130240687A1 (en) * | 2012-03-19 | 2013-09-19 | William R. Mosier | Ladder Support Device |
US20140224164A1 (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2014-08-14 | Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc. | Dock system including collapsible frame, and method for assembling dock system including collapsible frame |
Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US514182A (en) * | 1894-02-06 | Holder for toilet | ||
US715530A (en) * | 1902-09-10 | 1902-12-09 | Thomas Wallace | Horizontal bar. |
US1241486A (en) * | 1915-09-23 | 1917-10-02 | Mckinnon Dash Company | Folding stand or support. |
US1429788A (en) * | 1922-05-18 | 1922-09-19 | Edward M Soliah | Door-supporting clamp |
US1715722A (en) * | 1927-11-23 | 1929-06-04 | Thomas S Smith | Door-supporting vise |
US2019090A (en) * | 1934-09-05 | 1935-10-29 | Pepper Abraham | Rug display rack |
US2407119A (en) * | 1941-12-26 | 1946-09-03 | Weston Herbert | Accounting and filing system |
US3907801A (en) * | 1969-11-24 | 1975-09-23 | Mead Johnson & Co | N-{8 (4-pyridyl-piperazino)-alkyl{9 -azaspiroalkanediones |
US5085329A (en) * | 1990-12-07 | 1992-02-04 | Crowell John W | Sheeting support |
US5148924A (en) * | 1987-09-16 | 1992-09-22 | Mark Abrahams & Sons, Ltd. | Sheet material handling frame |
US5223505A (en) * | 1989-04-21 | 1993-06-29 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Pyrimidine derivatives |
US6264047B1 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2001-07-24 | Charles E. Crumley | Clothes hanging assembly |
US20010027196A1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-10-04 | Borroni Edilio Maurizio | Adenosine receptor ligands and their use in the treatment of disease |
US20070185075A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2007-08-09 | Pfizer Limited | Pyrimidine derivatives |
US7264126B1 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2007-09-04 | Bergeron Enterprises, Inc. | Supports for storing sheets of granite, stone, glass, and other materials |
-
2008
- 2008-02-14 US US12/070,065 patent/US20080217501A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US514182A (en) * | 1894-02-06 | Holder for toilet | ||
US715530A (en) * | 1902-09-10 | 1902-12-09 | Thomas Wallace | Horizontal bar. |
US1241486A (en) * | 1915-09-23 | 1917-10-02 | Mckinnon Dash Company | Folding stand or support. |
US1429788A (en) * | 1922-05-18 | 1922-09-19 | Edward M Soliah | Door-supporting clamp |
US1715722A (en) * | 1927-11-23 | 1929-06-04 | Thomas S Smith | Door-supporting vise |
US2019090A (en) * | 1934-09-05 | 1935-10-29 | Pepper Abraham | Rug display rack |
US2407119A (en) * | 1941-12-26 | 1946-09-03 | Weston Herbert | Accounting and filing system |
US3907801A (en) * | 1969-11-24 | 1975-09-23 | Mead Johnson & Co | N-{8 (4-pyridyl-piperazino)-alkyl{9 -azaspiroalkanediones |
US5148924A (en) * | 1987-09-16 | 1992-09-22 | Mark Abrahams & Sons, Ltd. | Sheet material handling frame |
US5223505A (en) * | 1989-04-21 | 1993-06-29 | Imperial Chemical Industries Plc | Pyrimidine derivatives |
US5085329A (en) * | 1990-12-07 | 1992-02-04 | Crowell John W | Sheeting support |
US20010027196A1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2001-10-04 | Borroni Edilio Maurizio | Adenosine receptor ligands and their use in the treatment of disease |
US6264047B1 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2001-07-24 | Charles E. Crumley | Clothes hanging assembly |
US7264126B1 (en) * | 2004-11-09 | 2007-09-04 | Bergeron Enterprises, Inc. | Supports for storing sheets of granite, stone, glass, and other materials |
US20070185075A1 (en) * | 2005-12-20 | 2007-08-09 | Pfizer Limited | Pyrimidine derivatives |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140224164A1 (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2014-08-14 | Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc. | Dock system including collapsible frame, and method for assembling dock system including collapsible frame |
US9056660B2 (en) * | 2011-02-15 | 2015-06-16 | Bellingham Marine Industries, Inc. | Dock system including collapsible frame, and method for assembling dock system including collapsible frame |
US20130240687A1 (en) * | 2012-03-19 | 2013-09-19 | William R. Mosier | Ladder Support Device |
US9085936B2 (en) * | 2012-03-19 | 2015-07-21 | William R. Mosier | Ladder support device |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20160138258A1 (en) | Folding shed | |
US5954156A (en) | Adjustable saw horse | |
US9416528B2 (en) | Folding shed with portable feature | |
US8826829B2 (en) | Foldable work bench station | |
US20090199746A1 (en) | Table | |
US10435895B2 (en) | Adjustable platform extension bracket for work platform systems and related methods | |
US8381877B1 (en) | Modular ladder | |
US20090095567A1 (en) | Platform ladder system | |
US20070059142A1 (en) | "Mdporta-lift" transportable, transformable, telescoping, leightweight, cantilevered trolley track, half ton capacity material conveying lift | |
US10683624B2 (en) | Barrier | |
US9707678B2 (en) | Combined portable step stool and workpiece support device | |
US5984047A (en) | Erectable horizontal work surface apparatus | |
EP1975329B1 (en) | Foldable habitation | |
US20080217501A1 (en) | Power a-frame | |
US8757322B2 (en) | Folding sawhorse | |
US6945360B2 (en) | Modular ladder assembly | |
US6935462B2 (en) | Collapsible support assembly | |
US9016669B2 (en) | Convertible barricade and method for its use | |
US7644899B2 (en) | Formed sheet interlocking bracket and saw horse using such bracket | |
US8820774B2 (en) | Construction cart | |
US20020011381A1 (en) | Foldable sawhorse | |
EP3517706B1 (en) | Module for realising a construction for supporting a detached scaffold | |
US10767418B2 (en) | Tripod stepladder | |
US20210282562A1 (en) | Adjustable and collapsible support bed or table | |
US20130291917A1 (en) | Shelter barrier member |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |