Adjustable scaffolding apparatus

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.

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 plurality of leg members, each of the leg members being pivotally attached to the horizontal support member; and   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:
 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, the second end 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.   
     
     
         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.