US20100294595A1

US20100294595A1 - Adjustable scaffolding apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20100294595A1
Application number: US12/782,387
Authority: US
Inventors: Jason Todd Osburn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-05-19
Filing date: 2010-05-18
Publication date: 2010-11-25
Also published as: US20100298838A1

Abstract

A scaffolding apparatus is contemplated that in one aspect provides extendable leg members for allowing the scaffolding apparatus to be erected on a non-level surface. In another aspect, the scaffolding apparatus provides a collapsible support assembly including collapsible arms which are configured to extend from the scaffolding apparatus to provide added stability to a platform, mud board or similar structure placed horizontally across the platform support. The scaffolding apparatus has the benefits of improved structural stability for either the scaffolding apparatus itself or objects that may be placed on the scaffolding apparatus.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/179,600 titled Adjustable Scaffolding Apparatus filed on May 19, 2009 by the inventor of the present application, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of scaffolding and particularly to a scaffolding apparatus having adjustable components for added stability.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scaffolding structures such as collapsible A-Frame trestles are commonly used to support platforms for workers in various constructions trades. Existing scaffolding structures have significant limitations related to structural stability. For example, existing scaffolding structures are designed to be placed on substantially level surfaces. Accordingly, when it is desired to place such scaffolding structures on a non-level surface the surface itself must be modified before the structure can be safely used. Modification of the existing surface may be undesirable or lead to further safety hazards. Thus a need exists for a scaffolding apparatus having improved structural stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

With the foregoing in mind, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a scaffolding apparatus having improved structural stability. It is further an object of the present invention to provide a scaffolding apparatus that provides a user with flexibility and ease of use.
These and other objects, features and advantages according to the present invention are provided by a scaffolding apparatus comprising a horizontal support member and a plurality of leg members. Each of the leg members may be pivotally attached to the horizontal support member. The scaffolding apparatus may also include a foot member coupled to one of the leg members. The foot member may be adapted to be longitudinally moveable relative to the leg member to which it is coupled.
The foot member may further comprises a cylindrical section adapted to be slidably coupled to a lower section of one of the leg members, and a base section having a flat lower surface. The scaffolding apparatus may further comprise a pin for coupling the foot member to one of the leg members. A lower section of at least one of the leg members may include a passageway for receiving the pin. The foot member may be adapted to slide longitudinally relative to the leg member to which it is coupled when configured in a disengaged state and may be substantially prevented from sliding longitudinally relative to the leg member to which it is coupled when configured in an engaged state.
The scaffolding apparatus may also include a plurality of passageways disposed along the cylindrical section of the foot member. Each passageway may be sized to receive the pin. The pin may be removeably insertable through the leg and foot member. The foot member may be configured in the engaged state when the pin is inserted through one of the passageways of the leg member and one of the pairs of passageways of the cylindrical section of the foot member. The foot member may be configured in the disengaged state when the pin is removed from both the leg and the foot member. The foot member may be configured to be transitioned between the engaged state and the disengaged state when a rotational motion is imparted between the foot member and the leg member to which it is coupled.
The substantially cylindrical section of the foot member may have a slot-shaped cutout defined by an elongated section disposed longitudinally thereon and a plurality of pocket sections that extend from one side of the elongated section. The slot-shaped cutout may be sized to slidably receive the pin. The foot member may be configured in the engaged state when the pin is positioned through one of the pocket sections. Further, the foot member may be configured in the disengaged state when the pin is positioned through the elongated section of the slot shaped cutout.
The substantially cylindrical section of the may have a plurality of grooves cut into a side portion thereof. The grooves may be sized to mate with an outer surface of a portion of the pin. The foot member may be configured in the engaged state when the substantially cylindrical section of the foot member is rotated such that the pin is positioned in one of the grooves. The foot member may be configured in the disengaged state when the substantially cylindrical section of the foot member is rotated such that the pin is positioned outside of all of the grooves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a perspective view of a scaffolding apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the scaffolding apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the scaffolding apparatus of FIG. 1 shown supporting an exemplary mud board.

FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the scaffolding apparatus of FIG. 1 shown in a partially collapsed state.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a scaffolding apparatus in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a section of the scaffolding apparatus of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is another perspective view of a section of the scaffolding apparatus of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of a section of the scaffolding apparatus of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 7A is a section view of an extending leg member in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a side view of a foot member of the extending leg member FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is an end view of a scaffolding apparatus in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the scaffolding apparatus in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an extending leg member in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a foot member of the extending leg member FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is another perspective view of the extending leg member of FIG. 10A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will now be described fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following embodiments of the present invention are only illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.
Applicant has recognized several deficiencies in existing scaffolding apparatuses. The present invention overcomes the limitations of prior art scaffolding apparatuses by providing a scaffolding apparatus having in one embodiment leg members that are independently adjustable in length. This adjustability allows a scaffolding apparatus to be placed on a non-level surface in a stable manner. In another aspect of the invention, collapsible arms are contemplated which are configured to extend from the scaffolding apparatus to form a platform support that may provide added stability to a platform, mud board or similar structure placed horizontally across the platform support.
Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, perspective views of a scaffolding apparatus 100 are shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The exemplary scaffolding apparatus 100 comprises a horizontal support member 110 located at a top section of the scaffolding apparatus 100. The horizontal support member 110 may be shaped as a tube and comprised of a high-strength material such as steel. The scaffolding apparatus 100 may comprise four leg members labeled generally as 120. By way of example only, the leg members 120 may be shaped as tubes and comprised of a high-strength material such as steel. The leg members 120 may also be approximately 2 feet (approximately 0.61 meters) to 6 feet (approximately 1.83 meters) in height. The scaffolding apparatus 100 also includes four foot members, labeled generally as 140, each of which are fixedly attached to a lower end of one of the leg members 120. The leg members 120 are illustrated as being configured as two pairs. Each leg member in the pair of leg members may be rigidly attached to one another by way of one or more horizontal connecting members, labeled generally as 130 (illustrated in FIG. 2). By way of example only, each of the horizontal connecting members 130 may be comprised of a high-strength material and be approximately 3 feet (approximately 0.91 meters) in length.
Each of the leg members 120 may be pivotally attached to the horizontal support member 110 by way of a hinge 112 thereby providing the scaffolding apparatus 100 with an A-Frame shape. As shown, each of the pairs of leg members 120 may also be connected by a linking mechanism 122 (such as a metal chain) to restrict the range of motion of the pairs of pivotally connected leg members 120. It is noted that while only one linking mechanism 122 is shown, a plurality of linking mechanisms 122 may be employed. Further, although a linking mechanism is shown in the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, the linking mechanism is an optional feature and may be included at the desire of the user. For example, the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2 does not include a linking mechanism.
The exemplary scaffolding apparatus 100 also comprises two collapsible support assemblies 150 for providing added stability to a platform, mud board or similar structure to be placed horizontally across the top section of the scaffolding apparatus 100. Each collapsible support assembly 150 comprises an upper arm 152 and a lower arm 154. The upper arm 152 is pivotally attached to one end of the horizontal support member 110 and/or the upper end of one of the leg members 120 by way of a hinge 155 or similar pivoting attachment mechanism. The upper arm may also include a clip 156 for removably attaching the upper arm 152 to one of the leg members 130 when in a collapsed state. The upper arm 152 may have a C-shaped cross-section to mate with the outer diameter of one of the leg members 120 when positioned in the collapsed state.
The lower arm 154 may be pivotally attached along the length of one of the leg members 120 by way of a hinge 157 or similar pivoting attachment mechanism. The lower arm 154 also includes a clip 158 for removably attaching the lower arm 154 to one of the leg members 130 when in the collapsed state. The lower arm 154 also has a C-shaped cross-section to mate with the outer diameter of one of the leg members 120 when positioned in the collapsed state. When in an open state, the upper arm 152 may be rotated upward (as indicated by the dashed line labeled as 153) to be approximately horizontal. The lower arm 154 is also rotated upward (as indicated by the dashed line labeled as 155) until an unattached end of the lower arm 154 meets the unattached end of the upper arm 152. The unattached ends of the lower and upper arms may then be removeably attached by way of a screw or similar fastener at a point labeled as 159. In this manner the lower arm 154 provides structural support for the upper arm 152 when in the open state.
By way of example only, each of the upper arm 154 and lower arm 152 may be comprised of a high-strength material such as steel and be approximately 2 feet (approximately 0.61 meters) in length. As discussed, the collapsible support assembly 150 formed by the upper arm 152 and lower arm 154 advantageously provides added stability for a platform, mud board or similar structure that may be placed horizontally across the top section of the scaffolding apparatus 100. It is noted that while two collapsible support assemblies 150 are shown, as few as one collapsible support assembly or as many as four collapsible support assemblies may be employed. It is also noted that the collapsible support assemblies 150 may be configured to be approximately coplanar with a plane that passes through one of the ends of the A-frame shaped scaffolding apparatus 100 (the ends of the A-frame shaped scaffolding apparatus 100 being defined by the leg members 120 that form each of the A-Frames). In this manner, the collapsible support assemblies 150 are able to provide added structural support without obstructing the space between each of the ends of the A-frame shaped scaffolding apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIG. 3, another perspective view of the scaffolding apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is shown supporting an exemplary platform 310. As shown, the platform collapsible support assemblies 150 are configured to provide added support to the platform 310 that rests on top of the scaffolding apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIG. 4, another perspective view of the scaffolding apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 is shown. As shown, the scaffolding apparatus 100 includes two collapsible support assemblies 150, one being positioned in the collapsed state, labeled as 410 and another being positioned in the open state, labeled as 420.
Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, perspective views of a scaffolding apparatus 500 in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention are shown. The exemplary scaffolding apparatus 500 comprises a horizontal support member 510 located at a top section of the scaffolding apparatus 500. The horizontal support member 510 may be shaped as a tube and comprised of a high-strength material such as steel. The scaffolding apparatus 500 may also comprise four leg members labeled generally as 520. By way of example only, the leg members 520 may be shaped as tubes having an outer diameter of approximately 0.5 (approximately 1.27 centimeters) inches to 0.75 inches (approximately 1.91 centimeters) and an inner diameter of approximately 0.375 inches (approximately 0.95 centimeters) to 0.625 inches (approximately 1.59 centimeters). The leg members 520 may also be comprised of a high-strength material such as steel.
The scaffolding apparatus 500 also illustratively includes four foot members, labeled generally as 560, each of which are slidably coupled to a lower end of one of the leg members 520. As perhaps best illustrated in FIG. 5B, each of the foot members 560 comprises an elongated cylindrical upper section 561 and a flat base section 562. The elongated cylindrical upper section 561 and a flat base section 562 may be formed as a single component or as separate components (as shown in FIG. 6A). The cylindrical upper section 561 may be comprised of a high strength material such as steel. The flat base section 562 may also be comprised of steel. When formed as separate components the elongated cylindrical upper section 561 and flat base section 562 may be attached by way of fasteners such as screws or may be welded together. The elongated cylindrical upper section 561 may have an outer diameter sufficiently small enough to be received by the lower end of the one of the leg members 520.
As shown, for example, in FIG. 5B, each of the foot members 560 further comprises four pairs of cutout sections, labeled generally as 563, disposed longitudinally along the elongated cylindrical upper section 561. By way of example only, each of the cutout sections 563 may be circular cutout sections spaced approximately 1 inch (approximately 2.54 centimeters) apart. It is noted that while four pairs of cutout sections 563 are shown, as few as two pairs of cutout sections may be used while still accomplishing the goals, features and advantages in accordance with the present invention. More than four pairs of cutout sections may also be employed, but it is preferred that the overall spacing not exceed approximately 12 inches (approximately 0.30 meters) without the inclusion of additional support members.
Each of the leg members 520 may also include at least one pair of cutout sections 522 having a similar shape as the cutout sections 563 disposed along the foot member 560. The cutout sections 522 and 563 are shaped such that each forms a passageway suitable for receiving a ball pin 564 or similar structure for removably attaching the foot members 560 to the leg member 520. Accordingly, when the ball pins 564 are removed, the cylindrical upper sections 561 of the foot members 560 are considered to be in a disengaged state in which they may slide freely relative to leg members 520. In this manner, the overall length of each of the combinations of leg members 520 and foot members 560 may be independently longitudinally moveable. When a desired length is achieved the ball pin 564 may be reinserted through the pair of cutout sections 522 on the leg member 520 and the closest pair of cutout sections 563 on the foot member 560. When the pin is inserted, the foot member 530 is considered to be in an engaged state in which the foot member 530 is substantially prevented from moving longitudinally relative to the leg member 520. It is noted that the ball pin 564 may also include a clip (not shown) or be substituted by a clip pin for preventing the pin from being inadvertently removed. By way of example only, the ball pin 564 may be approximately 0.375 inches (approximately 0.95 centimeters) in diameter and approximately 0.75 inches (approximately 1.91 centimeters) in length.
Referring now to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, perspective views of an alternate foot member 600 is shown in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention. The foot member 600 comprises an elongated cylindrical upper section 610 and a base section 620 having a substantially flat bottom surface. As shown, the elongated cylindrical upper section 610 and base section 620 are formed as separate components. The base section 620 may also include a cylindrical section 622 having a similar inner diameter as the leg member 520 to which the cylindrical upper section 610 is inserted. The elongated cylindrical upper section 610 and base section 620 may be attached by way of fasteners such as screws or may be welded together. The elongated cylindrical upper section 610 may have an outer diameter sufficiently small enough to be received by the lower end of one of the leg members 520 and the cylindrical section 622. As shown, each of the foot members 600 further comprises three pairs of cutout sections, labeled generally as 630, disposed longitudinally along the cylindrical upper section 610. By way of example only, each of the cutout sections 630 may be spaced approximately 1 inch (approximately 2.54 centimeters) apart. As discussed, each of the leg members 520 also include at least one pair of cutout sections 522 having a similar shape as the cutout sections 630 disposed along the foot member 600. The elongated cylindrical upper section 610 may be comprised of a high strength material such as steel. The flat base section 620 may also be comprised of a high strength material such as steel.
In an alternate embodiment, the flat base section 620 may further comprise additional extended sections for increasing the footprint of the flat base section. The extended sections may in one embodiment be attached to the flat base section by way of one or more hinges. The extended sections may be employed when a collapsible scaffolding apparatus is used in a work environment with soft or uneven ground support. Such extended sections provide added structural stability in such an environment by distributing the load placed on each foot section.
Referring now to FIG. 7A, a section view of an extendable leg 700 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the extendable leg 700 comprises a leg member 710 that extends from a scaffolding apparatus such as the scaffolding apparatus 500 of FIG. 5. By way of example only, the leg member 710 may be shaped as a tube having an outer diameter of approximately 0.5 (approximately 1.27 centimeters) inches to 0.75 inches (approximately 1.91 centimeters) and an inner diameter of approximately 0.375 inches (approximately 0.95 centimeters) to 0.625 inches (approximately 1.59 centimeters). The leg member 710 may include a pair of circular cutout sections 712 for receiving a pin 730. The extendable leg 700 may also include a foot member 720 which includes an elongated cylindrical upper section 722 and a flat base section 724. The elongated substantially cylindrical upper section 722 and flat base section 724 may be formed as a single component, as shown, or as separate components. The substantially cylindrical upper section 722 may be comprised of a high strength material such as steel. The flat base section 724 may also be comprised of steel. When formed as separate components the elongated cylindrical upper section 722 and flat base section 724 may be attached by way of fasteners such as screws or may be welded together. Throughout this disclosure, the shape of many components of the present invention is described as cylindrical or substantially cylindrical. Those skilled in the art, however, will appreciate that this is not meant to be limiting, but rather exemplary. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the referenced components may have any shape while still accomplishing the goals, features and advantages according to the present invention.
As shown, for example, in FIG. 7B, the elongated cylindrical upper section 722 of the foot member 720 further comprises a slot-shaped cutout section 725. The slot-shaped cutout 725 may have an elongated section disposed longitudinally on the elongated cylindrical upper section 722. The elongated section may be approximately 12 inches (approximately 30.5 centimeters) in length and be sufficiently wide to allow pin 730 to pass through and slide along the length of the slot-shaped cutout 725. The slot-shaped cutout 725 also includes a plurality of upper pockets, labeled generally as 726, and a lower pocket 728. It is noted that while four pockets are shown, any number of pockets may be employed depending on the desired length of extension.
As shown, each of the upper pockets 726 and the lower pocket 728 extend from one side of the slot-shaped cutout 725. By way of example only, each of the upper pockets 726 may be vertically separated by approximately 1 inch (approximately 2.54 centimeters). Each section of the upper pockets 726 and lower pocket 728 is shaped to allow the pin 730 to pass through and slide along its length. Each of the upper pockets 726 and lower pocket 728 also include a lower section labeled generally as 727. The foot member 720 may be rotated to cause the pin 730 to transition from a first position located in the slot-shaped cutout section 725 to a second position located in one of the upper pockets 726 or the lower pocket 728. When a downward force is applied to the foot section (e.g. when the scaffolding apparatus is in use) the pin 730 will be forced into the lower section 727 of one of the upper pockets 726 or the lower pocket 728. When the pin 730 is in such a position, as indicated by 734, the foot member is considered to be in an engaged state. When minimal downward force is applied to the foot section (e.g. when the scaffolding apparatus is not in use, or is lifted from the ground) the foot member 720 may be rotated to cause the pin 730 to transition from the second position back to the first position located in the slot-shaped cutout section 725.
The pin 730 is shown in such a position as indicated by 732. While positioned within the slot-shaped cutout section 725 the foot member 720 is considered to be in a disengaged state, where it is allowed to slide freely relative to the leg member 710. In this manner, an operator may control the length of the extendable leg 700. When not in use (e.g. during transportation) the pin 730 may be transitioned into an upper section 729 of the lower pocket 728. In this manner, the foot member may be held in a minimally extended position when an upward force is applied by the pin 730 to the foot member 720 (e.g. during transport). In an alternate aspect of the invention such a slot pattern may be disposed on the leg member 710 while the foot member 720 may include only the circular cutout-section for receiving the pin 730.
A process of adjusting the length of the extendable leg 700 may be carried out as follows: the foot member 720 may first be transitioned from the engaged state to the disengaged state by rotating the foot member 720 relative to the leg member 710 in a first direction; the foot member 720 may then be moved longitudinally relative to the leg member 710 to achieve an overall desired length for the extendable leg 700; the foot member 720 may then be transitioned back to the engaged state by rotating the foot member 720 relative to the leg member 710 in a second direction. It is noted that the contemplated steps for adjusting the length of the extendable leg may be carried out by the operator using only one hand. It is further noted that the pin 730 is stationary, and accordingly does not require adjustment in the exemplary embodiment.
Referring now to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, an end view and perspective view of an alternate scaffolding apparatus 800 is shown in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention, respectively: As shown, the scaffolding apparatus 800 includes two collapsible support assemblies 810 similar to that described in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The scaffolding apparatus 800 also includes leg members 820 and foot members 830 which are slidably attached to one another in a similar manner to that described in the embodiment of FIG. 6. Accordingly the scaffolding apparatus 800 incorporates the stabilizing benefits of each of these previously discussed embodiments.
Referring now to FIG. 10A, FIG. 10B and FIG. 10C, perspective views of another exemplary extendable leg are shown. As shown, the extendable leg includes a leg member 1010, a foot member 1020 and a stationary pin 1030. The foot member 1020 may include a subkantially cylindrical section having a plurality of grooves, labeled generally as 1022, cut into a side portion thereof. The leg member 1010 and foot member 1020 may be rotationally engaged or disengaged by use of the set of grooves 1022. The grooves 1022 are sized to mate with an outer surface of a portion of the stationary pin 1030. Use of such a set of grooves 1022 in combination with the stationary pin 1030 allows the foot member 1020 to be engaged or disengaged from the leg member 1010 by imparting rotational motion between the leg member 1010 and the foot member 1020. The foot member 1020 is considered to be an engaged state when the substantially cylindrical section of the foot member 1020 is rotated such that the pin 1030 is positioned in one of the grooves 1022, and is configured in the disengaged state when the substantially cylindrical section of the foot member 1020 is rotated such that the pin 1030 is positioned outside of all of the grooves 1022. It is noted that any slot or groove-pattern that allows such an extending leg member to be engaged or disengaged by way of rotational motion falls within the spirit and scope of the invention.
A process of adjusting the length of the extendable leg of FIG. 10A may be carried out as follows: the foot member 1020 may first be transitioned from the engaged state to the disengaged state by rotating the foot member 1020 relative to the leg member 1010 in a first direction; the foot member 1020 may then be moved longitudinally relative to the leg member 1010 to achieve an overall desired length for the extendable leg; the foot member 1020 may then be transitioned back to the engaged state by rotating the foot member 1020 relative to the leg member 1010 in a second direction. It is noted that the contemplated steps for adjusting the length of the extendable leg may be carried out by the operator using only one hand. It is further noted that the pin 1030 is stationary, and accordingly does not require adjustment in the exemplary embodiment.
Thus, an improved scaffolding apparatus is contemplated having the benefits of improved structural stability for either a scaffolding apparatus or objects that may be placed on the scaffolding structure. The contemplated apparatus provides extendable leg members for allowing the scaffolding apparatus to be securely erected on a non-level surface. The apparatus also provides for a collapsible support assembly comprised of collapsible arms which are configured to extend from the scaffolding apparatus to provide added stability to a platform, mud board or similar structure placed horizontally across the platform support.
In one aspect of the invention, a scaffolding apparatus is contemplated comprising: at least one horizontal support member; four leg members, each of the leg members pivotally attached to the horizontal support member; and four foot members, each of the foot members adapted to be slidably attached to one of the four leg members.
In another aspect of the invention, a scaffolding apparatus is contemplated comprising: at least one horizontal support member; four leg members, each of the leg members pivotally attached to the horizontal support member; and four foot members, each of the foot members slidably attached to one of the four leg members; and wherein the foot members and leg members are configured to be disengaged or engaged with one another in response to a rotational force applied to the foot members.
In another aspect of the invention a scaffolding apparatus is contemplated comprising: at least one horizontal support member; four leg members, each of the leg members pivotally attached to the horizontal support member; an upper arm member having a first end pivotally attached to an upper end of one of the leg members; a lower arm member having a first end pivotally attached to the one of the leg members at a point on the leg member below the attachment point of the upper arm member; wherein the upper arm has a second end adapted to be attached to a second end of said lower arm. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. A scaffolding apparatus comprising:

a horizontal support member;

a plurality of leg members, each of the leg members being pivotally attached to the horizontal support member; and

at least one foot member coupled to one of the leg members, the at least one foot member adapted to be longitudinally moveable relative to the leg member to which it is coupled.

2. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one foot member further comprises:

a cylindrical section adapted to be slidably coupled to a lower section of one of the leg members; and

a base section having a flat lower surface.

3. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a pin for coupling the at least one foot member to one of the leg members; and wherein a lower section of at least one of the leg members includes a passageway for receiving the pin.

4. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the at least one foot member is adapted to slide longitudinally relative to the leg member to which it is coupled when configured in a disengaged state and is substantially prevented from sliding longitudinally relative to the leg member to which it is coupled when configured in an engaged state.

5. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a plurality of passageways disposed along the cylindrical section of the at least one foot member, each passageway being sized to receive the pin, the pin being removably insertable through the leg and the at least one foot member;

wherein the at least one foot member is configured in the engaged state when the pin is inserted through one of the passageways of the leg member and one of the pairs of passageways of the cylindrical section of the at least one foot member; and

wherein the at least one foot member is configured in the disengaged state when the pin is removed from both the leg and the at least one foot member.

6. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the at least one foot member is configured to be transitioned between the engaged state and the disengaged state when a rotational motion is imparted between the at least one foot member and the leg member to which it is coupled.

7. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the substantially cylindrical section of the at least one foot member has a slot-shaped cutout defined by an elongated section disposed longitudinally thereon and a plurality of pocket sections that extend from one side of the elongated section, the slot-shaped cutout being sized to slidably receive the pin.

8. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the at least one foot member is configured in the engaged state when the pin is positioned through one of the pocket sections, and is configured in the disengaged state when the pin is positioned through the elongated section of the slot shaped cutout.

9. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the substantially cylindrical section of the at least one foot member has a plurality of grooves cut into a side portion thereof, the grooves being sized to mate with an outer surface of a portion of the pin.

10. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the at least one foot member is configured in the engaged state when the substantially cylindrical section of the at least one foot member is rotated such that the pin is positioned in one of the grooves, and is configured in the disengaged state when the substantially cylindrical section of the at least one foot member is rotated such that the pin is positioned outside of all of the grooves.

11. A scaffolding apparatus comprising:

a horizontal support member;

a collapsible support assembly attached to one of the leg members, the collapsible support assembly adapted to stabilize an object placed on the horizontal support member.

12. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the collapsible support assembly further comprises:

an upper arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally attached to an upper section of one of the leg members;

a lower arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally attached to one of the leg members below the attachment point of the upper arm, and the second end being adapted to be removably attachable to the second end of the upper arm; and

wherein the upper arm is substantially horizontal when attached to the lower arm.

13. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first end of the upper arm and the first end of the lower arm are each pivotally attached to one of the leg members by way of a hinge.

14. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the second end of the upper arm is removably attached to the second end of the lower arm by way of a screw.

15. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm of the collapsible support assembly each have a clip disposed thereon for removably attaching each arm to one of the leg members when the support assembly is configured in a collapsed state.

16. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the upper arm and the lower arm of the collapsible support assembly each have a C-shaped cross section, the inner surface of each of the upper arm and lower arm being orientated to mate with an outer surface of the leg when the support assembly is configured in a collapsed state.

17. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a plurality of collapsible support assemblies.

18. A scaffolding apparatus comprising:

a horizontal support member;

a plurality of leg members, each of the leg members pivotally attached to the horizontal support member;

at least one collapsible support assembly attached to one of the leg members, the at least one collapsible support assembly being adapted to stabilize an object placed on the horizontal support member, and

at least one foot member coupled to one of the leg members, the at least one foot member adapted to be longitudinally adjustable relative to the leg member to which it is coupled.

19. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the at least one support assembly further comprises:

a lower arm having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally attached to one of the leg members below the attachment point of the upper arm, the second end adapted to be removably attachable to the second end of the upper arm; and

20. A scaffolding apparatus according to claim 18, wherein a lower section of at least one of the leg members includes a passageway for receiving a pin;

the at least one foot member further comprising:

a base section having a flat lower surface; and

a substantially cylindrical section adapted to be slidably coupled to the lower section of one of the leg members, the substantially cylindrical section having a plurality of passageways disposed thereon, each of the plurality of passageways being sized to receive the pin; and

wherein the at least one foot member is substantially prevented from being adjusted longitudinally relative to the leg member when the pin is inserted through the passageway of the leg member to which it is coupled and one of the plurality of passageways of the substantially cylindrical section of the at least one foot member and is longitudinally moveable when the pin is removed from both the leg member and the at least one foot member.