GB2330767A

GB2330767A - Height adjustable trestle

Info

Publication number: GB2330767A
Application number: GB9723145A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Laurence Robinson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-11-04
Filing date: 1997-11-04
Publication date: 1999-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 2017-11-04
Also published as: GB9723145D0; GB2330767B

Abstract

A trestle comprises integral clamping members (b), which members are preferably adapted to secure an adjustable top bar (a) to allow the height of the trestle to be altered accordingly. The members (b) may be opened by collapsing the trestle or may be closed against the bar (a) by unfolding the trestle. An increase in the weight of the load upon the trestle typically results in an increase in the clamping action against the bar (a). The clamping members (b) and the top bar (a) may consist of a material which creates a frictional surface therebetween, e.g. rubber.

Description

ADJUSTABLE TRESTLE This invention relates to trestles and saw horses.

Trestles are used primarily in the building industry in pairs to support scaffold planks at a desired height to facilitate plastering and decoration of high walls and ceilings where ordinary scaffolding is not appropriate. Smaller trestles, sometimes called saw horses, are used to facilitate the cutting of long lengths of timber. Amongst other uses smaller non adjustable trestles are used to support temporary tables in the catering industry or for other display purposes.

Trestles and saw horses are generally either fixed height or are only crudely adjustable.

They are typically heavy and cumbersome According to the present invention there is provided a lightweight foldable trestle with a top bar that is fully adjustable in height. Closing (folding) the trestle opens clamps within the structure allowing the top bar to be adjusted up or down. Opening the trestle to a fixed span for normal use closes the clamps thereby securing the top bar in position for use at the desired height .

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of an example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 shows a perspective of the trestle open with the top bar set at about halfway between lowest and highest settings Figure 2 shows an end elevation of the trestle open Figure 3 shows the end elevation with the trestle partly closed (clamps open) Figure 4 shows an enlarged section of the end elevation with the trestle open Figure 5 shows a side elevation of the trestle open Figure 6 shows a perspective of the trestle closed for storage Figure 7 shows a cross section of one of the clamps in the closed position Referring to all Figures the Top Bar (a) is composed of a horizontal bar fixed to two vertical uprights each slotted into a Clamp.

Referring to all Figures the two Clamps (b) are an integral part of the structure of the trestle. When the trestle is open and in use the Clamps are closed tightly against the uprights of the Top Bar and when the trestle is partly closed Fig 3 (or completely closed for storage Fig 6) the Clamps are open and the Top Bar is released Referring to all Figures the Clamps (b) are made of hard rubber (or any other suitable material) which when clamped against the Top Bar will create a sufficiently frictional surface to hold the bar securely in place.

Referring to all Figures the folding Stabilising Bar (c) braces the trestle in a position that ensures the Clamps are closed securely against the Top Bar. This stabilising bar will however allow the trestle to open wider by a small increment if a great weight is loaded upon the trestle. This will ensure that the Clamps tighten their grip on the top bar as the greater weight is loaded but the stabilising bar will not allow the trestle to open so far that the Clamps crush the Top Bar Referring to Figure 4 (enlarged) the Clamps (b) are closed tightly against the upright section of the Top Bar (a) thereby securing the Top Bar Referring to Figure 3 To adjust the height of the Top Bar (a) the trestle must be partly (or all the way) closed in order to release the clamping action and enable the Top Bar to slide up or down.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) A trestle, fabricated in any material, with clamps that are an integral part of the trestle's structure.

2) A trestle as claimed in Claim 1 where the clamps are utilised to fasten the position of an adjustable top bar thereby allowing the height of the trestle to be fully and easily adjustable.

3) A trestle as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 where the clamps are opened as a direct result of closing (folding) the structure of the trestle (partly or wholly for storage) and where the clamps are closed tight against adjustable bars as a direct result of the trestle structure being opened to a fixed span for general use 4) A trestle as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 and Claim 3 where the clamps are made of hard rubber or any material or in any such way as to create a sufficiently frictional (or locking) surface between them and the adjustable bars.

5) A trestle as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 and Claim 3 where the adjustable bars are made of any material or in any such way as to create a sufficiently frictional (or locking) surface between them and the clamps 6) A trestle as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 and Claim 3 where an increase of the load upon the trestle will result in an increase in the tightness of the clamps against the top bar.