US20110056765A1

US20110056765A1 - Window Platform And Method For Using Same

Info

Publication number: US20110056765A1
Application number: US12/823,440
Authority: US
Inventors: Nelda Enriquez
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-25
Filing date: 2010-06-25
Publication date: 2011-03-10

Abstract

A method and apparatus for securing a platform to a window ledge is provided. The apparatus comprises a frame. The frame has a first support rail, a second support rail and a plurality of support members. Each of the support members have a top and a bottom end and wherein the at least one support rail is fixedly attached to the top ends of each of the plurality of support members. The bottom ends of each of the plurality of support members are fixedly attached to the second support rail. The apparatus has a platform fixedly attached to the second support rail. The apparatus has at least one hanging member having a top and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is fixedly attached to the at least one support rail and the top end is adapted to be secure secured to a window ledge.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/269,507 titled “WINDOW WIZARD,” filed Jun. 25, 2009. This related application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate to the field of window scaffolding, and more particularly, to window-mountable platforms.
A variety of devices have been designed and constructed to assist a person in gaining access to an exterior of a building in order to repair, maintain, or clean the building. One such device includes scaffolding, which typically comprises numerous interlocking rods constructed piece by piece. The scaffolding extends from the ground upward such that a person would climb the structure in order to gain access to a working area. Another type of scaffolding device is supported from a plurality of ropes or cables such that a working platform is suspended from the roof of a building by such ropes or cables. These types of scaffolding systems are typically complex and time consuming to deploy and are often subject to movements due to wind and other forces. Both of the above-mentioned scaffolding devices provide a disadvantage in that they can be very expensive due to their complex nature and construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1A depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform coupled to a window ledge, according to one embodiment of the invention

FIG. 1B depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded rear perspective view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1C depicts a diagram illustrating a front top view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1D depicts a diagram illustrating a front bottom view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1E depicts a diagram illustrating a rear bottom view of hanging elements of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform having lateral wall members, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3A depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform having adjustable hanging elements, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3C depicts a diagram illustrating across sectional view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4A depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform having adjustable hanging elements, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4B depicts a diagram illustrating a rear exploded view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4C depicts a diagram illustrating a front exploded view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4D depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a container member, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5C depicts a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A depicts a diagram illustrating a side perspective view of a window platform having a safety support rail, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B depicts a diagram illustrating a rear top exploded view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6C depicts a diagram illustrating a rear bottom exploded view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6D depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of a window platform having a safety support rail, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for mounting a window platform to a window ledge. In some embodiments, the window platform may be coupled to a window ledge by a plurality of hanging elements attached to the window platform. The window platform can be slipped through an open window and suspended by the hanging elements from the window ledge. The hanging elements may be adjustable so that can adapt to various window and window ledge widths. The window platform may be positioned on the exterior of a window. A person may then step through the window and stand on the platform. A wide variety of tasks including painting, window installing, window washing, brick laying, and the like, could be effectively performed at an elevated height.
Turning now to the figures in detail, FIG. 1A is an illustration of a rear perspective view of a window platform 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 1B illustrates an exploded view of the of window platform 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C illustrates a top front view of the exemplary window platform 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom front view of the exemplary window platform 100 of FIG. 1A. These figures will be described in conjunction with each other.
As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the window platform 100 may include an upper support rail 102, a plurality of support members 104, and a lower support rail 106. As shown in FIG. 1B, the upper support rail 102 may have two parallel sides 108 and two perpendicular sides 110. The parallel sides 108 may be configured to be substantially parallel to that of the length (L) of the window ledge 101 coupled to the window platform 100. Thus, the parallel sides 108 may be parallel with the side of the building. The perpendicular sides 110 may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the length (L) of the window ledge 101 coupled to the window platform 100. As shown in FIG. 1C, the upper support rail 102 has a top face 116 and, as shown in FIG. 1D, the upper support rail 102 has a bottom face 118.
As shown in FIG. 1B, the lower support rail 106 may have two parallel sides 112 and two perpendicular sides 114. The parallel sides 112 may be configured to be substantially parallel to that of the length (L) of the window ledge 101 coupled to window platform 100. The perpendicular sides 114 may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the length (L) of the window ledge coupled to the window platform 100. As shown in FIG. 1C, the lower support rail 106 has a top face 120 and, as shown in FIG. 1D, the lower support rail 106 also has a bottom face 122.
The upper support rail 102 and the lower support rail 106 may be frame to each other by the plurality of support members 104. As shown in FIG. 1B, each of the support members 104 may have a top face 109 and a bottom face 111. Each of the top faces 109 of the support members 104 may be attached to the bottom face 118 of the upper support rail 102. Each of the bottom faces 111 of the support members 104 may be attached to a top face 120 of the lower support rail 106. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the window platform 100 formed by coupling the upper support rail 102 to the lower support rail 106 with the plurality of support members 104 may be substantially rectangular in shape when looking in a plan and/or elevation view. However, it should be appreciated that the window platform 100 may be any suitable shape including, but not limited to, square, octagonal, hexagonal, circular, oval shaped, and any combinational thereof, and the like.
The window platform 100 may also include a platform 124. The platform 124 may have a top face 126, as shown in FIG. 1C, and a bottom face 128, as shown in FIG. 1D. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the top face 126 of the platform 124 may be attached, or integral with to the bottom face 122 of the lower support rail 106. In another embodiment, the bottom face 128 of the platform 124 may be attached, or integral with to an upper face 120 of the lower support rail 106. In another embodiment, the platform 124 may be attached, or integral with a location between the upper face 120 and the bottom face 122 of the lower support rail 106. In a further embodiment, the top face 126 of the platform 124 may have a textured surface. The textured surface may prevent a user, or worker from slipping on the platform during use. The platform 124 may be textured by placing grooves on the platform 124 in an embodiment. Further the platform 124 may be textured by any suitable method including, but not limited to, covering the platform 124 with a paint mixed with a non-slip admixture, placing a non-slip tape on the platform 124, providing a grating, and the like.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the window platform 100 may also include a plurality of brace members 128. The brace members 128 may be adapted to contact an exterior of a building housing the window. The brace members 128 may have a first end 130, as shown in FIG. 1B, and a second end 132, as shown in FIG. 1C. In one embodiment, the first end 130 of the brace members 128 may be attached to a front face 133 of the lower support rail 106 and/or support member 104. The second ends 132 of the brace members 128 are oriented so that they come into contact with an exterior of the building.
While it is illustrated that the window platform 100 has a plurality of brace members 128, it may be appreciated that in another embodiment, a single brace member 128 may be attached to the front face 133 of the lower support frame 106. For example, the first end 130 of the brace member 128 may be attached so that it is substantially centered along the length of the front face 133 of the lower support frame 106. Further, there may be any number of brace members 128 attached to the lower support frame 106 and/or the support members 104.
As shown in FIG. 1A, the window platform 100 may also include at least one hanging element 134. The hanging element 134 may be adapted to secure the window platform 100 to a window ledge 101 of a building. As shown in FIG. 1B, the hanging element 134 may have a first end 136 and a second end 138. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the first end 136 of the hanging element 134 may be attached to a front face 135 of the upper support frame 102. The second end 138 of the hanging element 134 may be adapted to hook onto, or couple to, a window ledge 101 of a window. Although, the hanging element 134 is described as being attached to the front face 135 of the upper support frame 102, it should be appreciated that the hanging element 134 may couple to the window platform 100 at any suitable location including, but not limited to the top face 116 of the upper support frame 102, the bottom face 118 of the uppers support frame 102, and support frame 104.
While it is illustrated that the window platform 100 may include a plurality of hanging elements 134, it is appreciated that in another embodiment, a single hanging element 134 may be attached to the front face 135 of the upper support frame 102. For example, the first end 136 of the hanging element may be attached so that it is substantially centered along the length of the front face 135 of the upper support frame 102.
As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the hanging element 134 may be configured to have an L-shaped design having a vertical member 140 and a horizontal member 142. The horizontal member 142 may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the window ledge. The vertical member 140 may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the interior wall of the building housing the window. While the hanging element 134 is described as having an L-shaped design, it is appreciated that the vertical member 140 and the horizontal member 142 may be substantially the same in length, or the horizontal member 142 may be longer than the vertical member 140, or the vertical member 140 may be longer than the horizontal member 142.
In one embodiment, the hanging element 132 may include an additional horizontal member. The additional horizontal member may be attached to the second end 138 of the vertical member 140, thereby forming a T-shaped configuration. The additional horizontal member may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the interior wall of the building housing the window. In one embodiment, the vertical member 140 and the additional horizontal member may be substantially the same in length, or the additional horizontal member may be longer than the vertical member 140, or the vertical member 140 may be longer than the additional horizontal member.
In another embodiment, an additional horizontal member may attached to the second ends 138 of each of the vertical members 140, thereby forming a U-shaped configuration.
In one embodiment, the hanging elements 134 may include one or more pad members 129, which may prevent damage to a window ledge and/or the interior of a building to which the window platform 100 is attached. Accordingly, FIG. 1E illustrates a rear bottom view of the hanging elements 134 having pad members 129, according to one embodiment of the invention. The pad members 129 may be attached to a bottom face 150 of the horizontal member 142 of the hanging elements 134 and to a back face 152 of the vertical member 140 of the hanging element 129. The pad members 129 may cover at least a portion of bottom face 150 of the horizontal member 142 and the back face 152 of the vertical member 140 of the hanging elements 134.
As shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the brace members 128 may also include pad members 131. The pad members 131 may be attached to the brace members 128 to prevent damage to an exterior of a building to which the window platform 100 is attached. The pad members 131 may be attached to the second end 132 of the brace members 128. The pad members 131 may cover at least a portion of the second end 132 of the brace members 128.
The pad members 129 of the hanging elements 134 and the pad members 131 of the brace members 128 may be made out of any suitable substance for preventing damage to the exterior of the building including, but not limited to, foam, rubber, an elastomer, a plastic, a combination of materials and/or the like. As illustrated, the pad members 129, 131 may be substantially circular in shape. However, it is appreciated that the pad members 129, 131 may also be other shapes, including but not limited to, substantially triangular, rectangular and/or polygonal shapes. Further, the pad members 129, 134 may be a continuous member that covers the entire portion of the window platform that comes into contact with the building.
FIG. 2 depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform 100 having lateral wall members 202A-202D, according to one embodiment of the invention. Each of the lateral wall members 202 may have an interior face 204 and an oppositely oriented exterior face 206. Each of the lateral wall members 202 may be attached to two adjacently placed support members 104. For example, lateral wall member 202A may be attached to support members 104A and 104D. Lateral wall member 202B may be attached to support members 104A and 104B. Lateral wall member 202C may be attached to support members 104B and 104C, and lateral wall member 202D may be attached to support members 104C and 104D.
As shown, in one embodiment, the lateral wall members 202 may act as a wall that partially extends vertically along the support members 104. In this case, a gap may be present between the lateral wall members 202 and the upper support rail 102. In another embodiment, the lateral wall members 202 may fully extend vertically along the support members 104. In an embodiment, the lateral wall members 202 may have a solid surface, for example a sheet metal, or wood surface. The lateral wall members 202 may be configured to prevent items and/or personnel from falling between the support members 104. Although lateral wall members 202 are described as having a solid surface, it should be appreciated that the lateral wall members 202 may have any suitable surface for preventing items from passing beyond the support members 104 including, but not limited to a grated surface, meshed surface, a netting, a screening, and the like.
In one embodiment, the window platform 100 may have hanging elements 134 that are adjustable to fit the width of a window. Accordingly, FIG. 3A illustrates a view of a window platform 100 having hanging elements 302 that are adjustable to fit the width of a window. FIG. 3B depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a portion of the hanging elements illustrated in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of the window platform 100 illustrated in FIG. 3A. These figures will be described in conjunction with each other.
As shown in FIG. 3A, a user may change the position of each of the hanging elements 302 along the length of the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102 to be substantially the same as the width of a window. The position of the hanging elements 302 may be changed by securing the hanging elements 302 to different positions along the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102.
In one embodiment, the first end 304 of the hanging elements 302 may, include an aperture 306 (as shown in FIG. 3B), and the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102 may include a plurality of apertures 310. The apertures 306, 310 may be configured to receive a fastening device 312. The fastening device 312 may secure the hanging elements 302 to the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102. As shown in FIG. 3C, the first end 304 of the hanging elements 302 may also include a recess 314, and the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102 may include a recess 315.
The recesses 314, 315 may be configured to house at least a portion of the fastening device 312. The fastening device 312 may be any device suitable for securing the hanging elements 302 to the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fastening device is a screw which screws into a nut 316 located in the recess 314 of the hanging element 302. It should be appreciated that the screw may screw directly into any of the apertures 310 of the parallel side 108 and/or the aperture 306 of the hanging elements 302. The recess 314 may be configured to secure the nut 316 of the fastening device 312 within the recess 314. With the nut 316 secured in the recess 314, the user may turn the screw while the recess 314 prevents the nut from rotating. Further, it should be appreciated that the fastening device 312 may be any suitable device for securing the hanging elements 302 to the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102 together including, but not limited to, a press fitting, a weld, and adhesive, nail, a rivet, a pin connection and the like.
In one embodiment, the window platform may have hanging elements that are adjustable to adapt to the length (L) of a window ledge of a window. Accordingly, FIG. 4A illustrates a rear perspective view of a window platform 100 having hanging elements 402 that are adaptable to adapt to the length of a window ledge. FIG. 4B depicts a diagram illustrating a rear exploded view of the window platform 100 illustrated in FIG. 4A. FIG. 4C depicts a diagram illustrating a front exploded view of a portion of the window platform 100. FIG. 4D depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of a window platform 100 illustrated in FIG. 4A. These figures will be described in conjunction with each other.
A user may adjust the length of each of the hanging elements 402 to be substantially the same as the length of a window ledge. As shown in FIG. 4A, the length of the hanging elements 402 may be changed by securing the hanging elements 402 to different positions along a hanging element receptacle 404, which is attached, or integral with the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102.
In one embodiment, the parallel side 108 may have a hanging element receptacle 404 adapted to hold at least a portion of the horizontal member 410 of the hanging elements 402. As shown in FIG. 4B, the hanging element receptacle 404 may be shaped and/or sized to fit the horizontal member 410 of the hanging element 402 within the receptacle 404. The hanging element receptacle 404 may have a first end 412, as illustrated in FIG. 4B and a second end 414, as illustrated in FIG. 4C. The first end 412 may be attached, or be integral with the parallel side 108 of the upper support rail 102. The second end 414 may be open-ended and have a recess 416 to hold the at least portion of the horizontal member 410 of the hanging element 402. The parallel side 108 may include an aperture having a similar shape to the recess 416, thereby allowing a portion of the hanging element to pass through a portion of the parallel side 108. Further, it should be appreciated that the parallel side 108 may not have an aperture and act as a stop at the end of the recess 416. The top face 416 of the horizontal member 404 of the hanging elements 402 may include a plurality of apertures 418, and the top face 420 of the hanging element receptacle 404 may have one or more apertures 422. The apertures 418, 422 may be configured to receive a fastening device 426. As shown in FIG. 4D, the fastening device 426 may secure the horizontal member 410 of the hanging elements 402 to the hanging element receptacle 404.
The horizontal member 410 of the hanging elements 402 may also have a recess 428. The recess 428 may be configured to house at least a portion of the fastening device 426. The fastening device 426 may be any device suitable for securing the hanging elements 402 to the hanging element receptacle 404. As shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6D, the fastening device 426 is a screw which screws into a separate nut 430 located in the recess 428. It should be appreciated that the screw may screw directly into any of the aperture 422 of the hanging element receptacles 404 and/or the apertures 418 of the hanging elements 402. The recess 428 may be configured to secure the nut 430 of the fastening device 426 within the recess 428. With the nut 430 secured in the recess 428, the user may turn the screw 426 while the recess 428 prevents the nut from rotating. Further, it should be appreciated that the fastening device 426 may be any suitable device for securing the hanging elements 402 to hanging element receptacles 404 together including, but not limited to, a nail, a rivet, a pin, a carver pin, a bolt, a rod with a carver pin on the top and bottom, a button secured to the hanging element which may engage the one or more apertures 422, and the like.
In one embodiment, the window platform may include a container member. Accordingly, FIG. 5A illustrates a window platform 100 including a container member 502. FIG. 5B depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the container member 502 illustrated in FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C depicts a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the window platform 100 illustrated in FIG. 5A. These figures will be described in conjunction with each other.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the container member 502 may have a container 503, and one or more of container hanging elements 504. As shown in FIG. 5B, the one or more of container hanging elements 504 may be configured to have a U-shaped configuration, each having a first vertical member 506, a second vertical member 508 and a horizontal member 510. As shown in FIG. 5C, the first vertical member 506 may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the front face 512 of the upper support rail 102. The horizontal member 510 may be adapted to contact the top face 514 of the upper support rail 102. As shown in FIG. 5A, the second vertical member 508 may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the back face 518 of the upper support rail 102.
As shown in FIG. 5B, the plurality of hanging elements 504 may be attached to a front face 516 of the container 503. The second vertical member 508 may have an aperture 518 and the front face 516 of the container 503 may have an aperture 520. The apertures 518, 520 may be configured to receive a fastening device 522. The fastening device 522 may secure the hanging elements 502 to the front face 516 of the container 503. The fastening device 522 may be any device suitable for securing the hanging elements 504 to the front face 516 of the container 503. As shown in FIG. 5B, the fastening device 522 is a screw which screws into a separate nut 524 situated on an interior face 526 (as shown in FIG. 5A) of the front face 516 of the container 503. It should be appreciated that the screw may screw directly into the apertures 518 of the hanging elements 506 and/or the aperture 520 of the front face 516 of the container 503. The user may turn the screw 522, while the nut 524 secures the screw 522 to the hanging element 506 and the container 503. Further, it should be appreciated that the fastening device 522 may be any suitable device for securing the hanging elements 506 to the container 503 together including, any of the fastening devices described herein. The container member 502 allows a worker/user to place work and/or personal items in the container 503 while working on or around the window platform 100. The container 503 may include pockets, specifically sized for work and/or personal items. For example, the container 503 may include specific pockets for items including, but not limited to paint, paint brushes, towels for cleaning, window cleaner, window wipers, squeegee, keys, mp3 player, cell phone, radio, communication devices, personal digital assistants and the like.
In one embodiment, the window platform may include a safety support rail. Accordingly, FIG. 6A illustrates a window platform 100 including a safety support rail 602. FIG. 6B depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the window platform 100 having the safety support rail 602 illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6C depicts a diagram illustrating another exploded view of the window platform 100 having the safety support rail 602 illustrated in FIG. 6A. FIG. 6D depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of the window platform 100 and the safety support rail 602. These figures will be described in conjunction with each other.
As shown in FIG. 6A, in one embodiment, the window platform 100 may also include a safety support rail 602. The safety support rail 602 may be fixedly attached to a top face 116 (as illustrated in FIG. 6B) of the upper support rail 102. In one embodiment, the safety support rail 602 may be attached to parallel side 108. However, it is appreciated that the safety support rail 602 or an additional safety support rail may be attached to any of the other sides of the upper support rail 102. The safety support rail 602 may have a first vertical member 604, a second vertical member 606, and a horizontal member 608. Each of the bottom faces 610, 612 (as shown in FIG. 6C) of the vertical members 604, 606 may be attached to the top face 116 of the upper support rail 102.
In one embodiment, the top face 116 of the upper support rail 102 may have a first aperture 614 and a second aperture 616, as shown in FIG. 6B. The bottom face 118 of the upper support rail 102 may have a third aperture 618 and a fourth aperture 620, as shown in FIG. 6C. As shown in FIG. 6D, the first aperture 614 and the third aperture 618 may be substantially aligned vertically with each other, and the second aperture 616 and the fourth aperture 620 may be substantially aligned vertically with each other.
The bottom faces 610, 612 of the vertical members 604, 606 may also each have an aperture 622, 624, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D. Apertures 614, 618 and 622 may be configured to receive a first fastening device 626. Apertures 616, 620 and 624 may be configured to receive a second fastening device 628, as shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C and 6D. The first fastening device 626 may secure the first vertical member 604 of the safety support rail 602 to the upper support rail 102. The second fastening device 628 may secure the second vertical member 606 to the upper support rail 102.
The upper support rail 102 may also include a first recess 630 and a second recess 632, as shown in FIG. 6D. The first recess 630 may be configured to house at least a portion of the first fastening device 626. The second recess 632 may be configured to house at least a portion of the second fastening device 628.
The first vertical member 604 may have a recess 634. The second vertical member 606 may have a recess 636. Recess 634 may be configured to house at least a portion of the first fastening device 626. Recess 646 may be configured to house at least a portion of the second fastening device 628.
The first fastening device 626 and the second fastening device 628 may be any devices suitable for securing the safety support rail 602 to the upper support rail 102. As shown in FIGS. 6B, 6C and 6D, the first fastening device 626 and the second fastening device 628 may be screws. The first fastening device 626 may screw into a first nut 638 located in the recess 634 of the first vertical member 604. The second fastening device 628 may screw into a second nut 640 located in the recess 636 of the second vertical member 606. The recess 634 may be configured to secure the first nut 638 of the first fastening device 626 within the recess 634 of the first vertical member 604 and the first recess 630 of the upper support rail 102. The recess 636 may be configured to secure the second nut 640 of the second fastening device 628 within the recess 636 of the second vertical member 606 and the second recess 632 of the upper support rail 102. With the nut 316 secured in the recess 314, the user may turn the screw while the recess 314 prevents the nut from rotating. Further, it should be appreciated that the first fastening device 626 and the second fastening device 628 may be any suitable device for securing the safety secure rail 602 to the upper support rail 102 together including any fastening devices described herein.
In one embodiment, the upper support rail 102 may have at least one or more apertures, each adapted to hold at least a portion of the first vertical member 602 or the second vertical member 604. The at least one or more apertures may be shaped and/or sized to fit the first vertical member 604 and the second vertical member 606 of the safety support rail 602.
As described, embodiments of the invention described herein provide an apparatus and method for mounting a window platform to a window ledge. For example, a worker may carry the window platform into a building where work, for example window cleaning is to be performed. The worker may then carry the window platform to a window, and secure the window platform to a window ledge. The window platform may be coupled to the window ledge by a plurality of hanging elements attached to the window platform. The window platform can be slipped through an open window and suspended by the hanging elements from the window ledge. The hanging elements may be adjustable so that can adapt to various window and window ledge widths. The window platform may be positioned on the exterior of a window. A person may then step through the window and stand on the window platform and perform the work. The window platform may also contain a container member, which allows the worker to place work and/or personal items in the container while working on or around the window platform. In addition, as a safety feature, the window platform may also include a safety support rail, which prevents a worker from falling from the window platform.
While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible.
Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a frame, comprising:

a first support rail;

a second support rail; and

a plurality of support members each having a top and a bottom end,

wherein the at least one support rail is fixedly attached to the top ends of each of the plurality of support members, and wherein the bottom ends of each of the plurality of support members are fixedly attached to the second support rail;

a platform fixedly attached to the second support rail; and

at least one hanging member having a top and a bottom end, wherein the bottom end is fixedly attached to the at least one support rail and the top end is adapted to be secure secured to a window ledge.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one support rail is fixedly attached to the top ends of each of the plurality of support members in a substantially perpendicular manner.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one hanging member is fixedly attached to the at least one support rail in a substantially perpendicular manner.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the platform has a textured surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one lateral wall member fixedly attached to two adjacently-placed support members.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one lateral wall member includes an interior face and an oppositely oriented exterior face.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one lateral wall member has a grated surface.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the at least one hanging member is adjustable to adapt to the width of the window ledge.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one container member attached to the first support frame.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least two hanging elements adjustably attached to the first support frame, wherein the position of each of the least two hanging elements is variable along the length of the first support rail to adjust the width between the at least two hanging elements to be substantially the same as the width of a window.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a safety support rail, wherein the safety support rail comprises:

at least one horizontal member; and

at least one vertical member, having a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end of the at least one vertical member is fixedly attached to the horizontal member, and wherein the bottom end of the at least one vertical members are removably attached to the first support rail.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of brace members, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of brace members is attached to the second support rail, and wherein the second end of each of the plurality of brace members are adapted to contact an exterior of a building housing the window.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a first pad member, wherein the first pad member is attached to the second end of each of the plurality of brace members.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a second pad member, wherein the second pad member is attached to the at least one hanging member.

15. A method for cleaning an exterior surface of a window, comprising:

situating a window washing platform outside of a window from an interior of a building, wherein the window washing platform comprises at least one hanging member;

securing the at least one hanging member to the window ledge of the window;

climbing onto the window washing platform; and

cleaning the window washing platform.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

climbing off the window washing platform into the interior of the building; and

unsecuring the at least one hanging member from the window ledge from the interior of the building.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

adjusting the length of the at least one hanging member to adapt to the width of the window ledge.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the window washing platform comprises at least two hanging members.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising:

adjusting the position of each of at least two hanging to adjust the width between the at least two hanging elements to be substantially the same as the width of the window.