Hanging scaffold support bracket

Abstract

A bracket to attach a scaffold support to a vertically oriented stud is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a backing member to contact the back surface of a stud; a pair of side members rigidly connected to the backing member and extending along the sides of the stud beyond the front surface of the stud; a connection mechanism to attach the scaffold support to the side members; and a fastening mechanism to attach the bracket to the stud. In certain embodiments, the fastening mechanism includes offset flanges extending from the side members in substantially opposite directions to preclude interference between fasteners passing through the flanges.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 069,860 filed on Mar. 1, 2005, and entitled HANGING SCAFFOLD SUPPORT, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 6,886,662 B2 issued May 3, 2005 to Riley and entitled HANGING SCAFFOLD SUPPORT. This application also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 652,013 filed on Feb. 10, 2005, and entitled BRACKET FOR HANGING SCAFFOLD SYSTEM.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. The Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to supporting structures for use during construction, and more particularly to novel systems and methods for supporting decking for workmen above ground level in residential or other construction projects similar in nature. [0004] 2. The Background Art [0005] Scaffolding has long been of both utility and concern in construction. In many state and federal regulations, detailed specifications of requirements apply to “riggers,” their e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] A hanger may secure the scaffold support to a wall or window sill. A lateral beam may project from the leg and rest on a support structure, such as the top surface or top plate of a wall or a window sill, during operation of the scaffold support. A stop may secure to the lateral beam and capture a supporting structure (e.g. wall) between the stop and the leg to prevent accidental slipping or release of the lateral beam from a support structure.

[0019] Alternative embodiments may position the lateral beam beneath a support structure. A spacer may secure a loading structure to the lateral beam, spaced apart therefrom. During normal operation, a support structure may be positioned between the lateral beam and the support structure. The spacer may secure at various positions along the lateral beam to further capture a support structure between the spacer and portions of the leg extending above a lateral beam.

[0020] In some modes of operation of a hanger, the hanger is removed from the leg in order to facilitate insertion of the hanger where Frieze blocks, or other roofing materials, hinder its insertion. A removable hanger may be inserted from the inside of a building with the leg positioned on the outside. An elongate coupler may secure to the lateral beam and be sized to fit between a gap between a Frieze block and a support structure. During operation, the coupler may be lowered through the gap and secured to the leg without requiring that the stop and lateral beam pass through the gap.

[0021] Structures may be provided to facilitate securement of a working surface to a scaffold support. A catch may secure at various points along the foot to secure an edge of the deck to prevent shifting or twisting. The catch may slidably secure to the foot and have a lock to fix the position of the catch relative to the foot. In some embodiments the catch is a notch positioned to engage a flange, or the like, forming part of a deck.

[0022] An edge of a deck may also be secured by an eye. The eye may have an aperture sized to receive a tether or cable for securing the apparatus against theft. A portion of the eye may extend over an edge of a deck (or flange of a beam of the deck) to prevent the edge from rising during use. In some embodiments, a scaffold support may be provided with both a catch and an eye. A deck may be positioned between the catch and the eye to restrain both edges of the deck and prevent shifting, tilting, and rotation of the deck. The adjustability of the catch may allow the deck to be laid on the foot and the catch subsequently brought into position to engage the deck. A second eye may be provided at an upper end of a leg to receive a rope, or the like, for raising and lowering of the scaffold support.

[0023] In selected embodiments, a bracket to attach a scaffold support to a vertically oriented stud is disclosed in one aspect of the invention as including a backing member to contact the back surface of a stud; a pair of side members rigidly connected to the backing member and extending along the sides of the stud beyond the front surface of the stud; a connection mechanism to attach the scaffold support to the side members; and a fastening mechanism to attach the bracket to the stud. In certain embodiments, the fastening mechanism includes offset flanges extending from the side members in substantially opposite directions to preclude interference between fasteners passing through the flanges.

Problems solved by technology

Many feet above ground level, scaffolding built from the ground up becomes impractical.

Scaffolding presents several problems.

To provide proper structural strength, scaffolding is typically quite heavy.

Ladders are limited in their utility.

Ladders may not be positionable readily both inside and outside the envelope of a building at all stages of construction where scaffolding may be useful or required.

The weight, bulk, manpower, lack of flexibility in application, awkwardness in working indoors or in semi-finished areas, and the like add to the difficulty and expense of using conventional scaffolding.

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