Adjustable scaffolding and lift carriage and support member therefor

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present application relates generally to an adjustable support apparatus including an adjustable lift carriage and support member, and more particularly to an adjustable scaffolding structure including an adjustable lift carriage and platform support and a support tower for use therewith.

#2. Description of the Prior Art

#These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.

#FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an adjustable scaffolding assembly in accordance with the present invention.

#FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the lift carriage assembly in accordance with the present invention and its relationship to a portion of the support tower.

#The present invention relates generally to a lift assembly of the type having one or more elongated support frame members and a lift carriage moveable along each frame member. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to what is commonly referred to as adjustable scaffolding comprising two or more vertically positioned support towers and a lift carriage moveable up and down along the support towers. Unless otherwise specifically limited, it is intended that the scope and benefits of the present invention are applicable not only to an adjustable scaffolding application, but to any other lift apparatus or assembly as well.

#Further, the description of the preferred embodiment discloses details of the entire lift assembly as well as details of the improved lift carriage and the support tower or support frame, both individually as well as in combination. It is intended that the improved lift carriage in accordance with the present invention may be usable with support towers other than those specifically described in the present application and that similarly, the support tower or frame members will be useful with lift carriages other than those specifically described herein.

#With reference first to FIG. 1, the lift assembly of the present invention is shown in the form of an adjustable scaffolding assembly 10. The adjustable scaffolding assembly 10 includes a pair of support towers or support members 11. Where shorter scaffolding is needed, these members 11 can be of a single length. For taller scaffolding, however, as shown in the preferred embodiment, the members 11 are comprised of a plurality support tower or support member sections 11a, 11b and 11c. These sections 11a, 11b, and 11c are connected in end to end relationship with one another to form the elongated support tower 11 with a longitudinal axis. The pair of support towers 11 are supported at their bottom ends by a base 12 in a manner well known in the art and are stabilized throughout their length and at their free end by a plurality of cross braces 14 and/or a panel brace 15. It is also common for multiple support towers or pairs of support towers to be interconnected with one another by cross braces or stringer braces as known in the art to span greater distances.