Work Platform tool & material shelf

Abstract

This is an auxiliary Tool and Material Shelf device for a use on a work platform for mobile aerial lifts. Construction and maintenance workers use the device to safely organize and position their tools and materials on the work platform. The universal configuration permits use with various sized aerial lifts and the device supports heavier material and tool loads compared to other prior art. The tool and material shelf/support device includes various options such as various shelves and material supports to be suitable for the differing needs of the user. The main components are comprised of two universal “U” shaped interlock members that fit over the platform guard rails; a vertical structural support may be custom fitted or designed complete with an adjustable locking device; and the trays and/or material supports to hold the tools and materials.

1 . An universal auxiliary Tool and Material Shelf device for a use on a work platform of mobile aerial lifts, comprising: 
 (a) a top universal “U” shaped interlock member that has an integral material and tool support member and that fits over the highest platform guard rail of the lift;    (b) a bottom universal “U” shaped interlock member that fits over the next highest platform guard rail of the lift;    (c) one or more vertical telescoping structural support posts fastened to each of the “U” shaped interlock members; and    (d) a means for adjustably connecting the telescoping structural support member    whereby the device is securely and removably installable to the guard rails of the aerial lift machines without tools.    
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the integral material and tool support member is comprised of at least one angular structural member that forms a “hook” wherein the member(s) contain the material and tools.  
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the integral material and tool support member is comprised of a tray wherein the tray contains the material and tools.  
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 3  wherein the tray is a relatively horizontal, flat surface with short sides around the entire perimeter.  
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 3  wherein the tray is at a slight incline and has at least one post attached wherein material spools such as those used for electrical wire are laterally held in place by the posts but the spools may be rotated to dispense the wire.  
   
   
       6 . The device according to  claim 3  wherein the tray is a relatively horizontal, flat surface with high sides around the entire perimeter that form a deep rectangular container.  
   
   
       7 . The device according to  claim 3  wherein the tray is a relatively horizontal, flat surface with medium sides around the entire perimeter and separator panels to create sub-compartments in the tray.  
   
   
       8 . The device according to  claim 1  in which the means for adjustably connecting the telescoping structural support member comprises: 
 (a) a hand knob;    (b) a threaded shaft connected to the knob;    (c) slotted apertures extending through the vertical telescoping structural support posts;    (d) an internally threaded tee nut which connects to the threaded shaft on the knob side of the posts and whose tee configuration is moveably engaged to the slotted apertures; and    (e) an internally threaded end nut which connects to the threaded shaft on the side of the posts opposite the tee nut    wherein the threaded shaft engaged with the tee nut and the end nut provide a clamping force to rigidly secure the telescoping structural support members at a desired position.    
   
   
       9 . The device according to  claim 1  in which the means for adjustably connecting the telescoping structural support member comprises: 
 (a) circular apertures extending through the vertical telescoping structural support posts and    (b) pins and cotter keys    wherein the pins engaged through the posts and are retained by the cotter keys to provide a rigid position to secure the telescoping structural support members at a desired position.    
   
   
       10 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein both universal “U” shaped interlock members have a security system which comprises: 
 (a) circular apertures extending through the universal “U” shaped interlock members and    (b) pins and cotter keys    wherein the pins engaged through the “U” shaped interlock members and are retained by the cotter keys to provide a rigid position to secure the “U” shaped interlock members from tipping or moving under the weight of materials or tools.    
   
   
       11 . An auxiliary Tool and Material Shelf device for a use on a work platform of mobile aerial lifts, comprising: 
 (a) a top “U” shaped interlock member that has a material and tool support member and that fits over the highest platform guard rail of the lift;    (b) a bottom “U” shaped interlock member that fits over the next highest platform guard rail of the lift;    (c) one or more fixed vertical structural support posts fastened to each of the “U” shaped interlock members that is custom fitted to a specific sized work platform; and    (d) a means for securely connecting the structural support member to a customized position whereby the device is removably installable to the guard rails of the specific aerial lift machines without tools.    
   
   
       12 . The device according to  claim 11  wherein the material and tool support member is a flat tray, inclined tray with posts for material, a deep tray, a deep tray with dividers for sub-compartment, or one or more material “hooks”.  
   
   
       13 . An auxiliary Tool and Material Shelf device for a use on a work platform of mobile aerial lifts, comprising: 
 (a) a top “U” shaped interlock member that has a removable connection system for the material and tool support member and that fits over the highest platform guard rail of the lift;    (b) a bottom “U” shaped interlock member that fits over the next highest platform guard rail of the lift;    (c) one or more adjustable vertical structural support posts fastened to each of the “U” shaped interlock members;    (d) a means for securely connecting the structural support member to a customized position; and    (e) a connection system that permits interchangeability of the various material and tool supports    whereby the device is removably installable to the guard rails of the specific aerial lift machines without tools.    
   
   
       14 . The device according to  claim 13  wherein the material and tool support member is a flat tray, inclined tray with posts for material, a deep tray, a deep tray with dividers for sub-compartment, or at least one material “hook”.  
   
   
       15 . The device according to  claim 13  wherein the connection system comprises: 
 (a) angle gussets with button studs wherein the gussets are rigidly fixed to the top “U” shaped interlock member and    (b) gussets with key hole slots on the material and tool support member to removably connect to the button studs    wherein the material and tool support members may be interchanged for the needs of the user.    
   
   
       16 . The device according to  claim 15  wherein the material and tool support member is a flat tray, inclined tray with posts for material, a deep tray, a deep tray with dividers for sub-compartment, or at least one material “hook”.