US20070084869A1

US20070084869A1 - Leveling roof work tray

Info

Publication number: US20070084869A1
Application number: US11/251,230
Authority: US
Inventors: David Little
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-10-15
Filing date: 2005-10-15
Publication date: 2007-04-19

Abstract

A portable work tray designed to receive objects therein whereby the tray has a leveling assembly operatively connected thereto to allow the tray to be placed in a generally level manner upon engagement with a sloped surface. The tray includes four walls and a bottom with a pair of pivot arms oppositely mounted along two of the walls. Intermediately mounted to the pivot arms distal to walls is a support arm. The support arm has substantially disposed thereon a coating and/or a serrated edge to prevent the tray from traversing down the sloped surface.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a work tray apparatus, and more specifically, but not by a work of limitation, to a work tray adaptable to be configured to a plurality of sloped surfaces such as but not limited to roofs. The work tray includes a mechanism which allows the work tray to be oriented in a substantially level manner so as to facilitate retention of the items placed therein while the work tray is engaged with the sloped surface.

BACKGROUND

Individuals and/or professionals routinely find it necessary to engage in a repair or other similar task that requires working on a sloped surface, such as on the rooftop of a house. Facilitating the repairs of water leaks or painting are just a few of the many tasks that require an individual to work from the rooftop of a house.
One problem with performing repairs or painting from a sloped surface such as a rooftop is that the required tools such as but not limited to wrenches, brushes and paint cans slide down and fall to the ground when placed on the sloped surface. This requires that the individual either have a belt that can accommodate all the tools necessary to perform the desired task or that the individual be assisted by another person that is responsible for the tools or paint.
Another problem specifically relates to painting surfaces while positioned from or working on a rooftop. Paint containers that are full of paint can not be placed on the roof as the container will either slide down the roof and fall to the ground or the container will lose some of the paint contained therein as placing the container on a sloped surface causes the paint to spill from the container.
Accordingly there is a need for a work tray that can accommodate a plurality of different type of tools and containers such as but not limited to paint cans, and that can be adjusted to create a level surface so that tools and paint can contained therein remain secure when the work tray is engaged with a sloped surface. Furthermore, at least a portion of the work tray should be coated with a material or be designed so as to inhibit sliding of the tray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the present invention to provide a container that is adjustable in order to provide a level surface for retaining items therein such as but not limited to paint cans and tools while the container is engaged with a sloped surface such as but limited to a rooftop.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a container that can adjust to a plurality of sloped surfaces and maintain the container in a level position.
Yet another object of the present invention to provide a container that is adjustable in order to provide a level surface that also includes a method of securing the work tray upon engagement with a sloped surface.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container that can be adjusted to provide a level working surface while engaged with a sloped surface that is lightweight and inexpensive.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawing. Attention is called to the fact that the drawing is illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the embodiments in FIG. 1 and wherein the various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale, there is illustrated a work tray 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.
The work tray 100 comprises a storage compartment 10 generally hollow and rectangular in shape. The storage compartment 10 has four walls 20 and a bottom 15 configured to define an interior volume of the storage compartment 10 and an opening 17 at the top of the storage compartment 10. The four walls 20 and bottom are constructed of plastic or other suitable rigid material such as but not limited to aluminum. The storage compartment 10 is configured to receive objects therein such as but not limited to paint cans or tools. Although it is shown as one generally rectangular compartment, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the storage compartment 10 could consist of a plurality of different sized compartments adapted for holding specific objects. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the storage compartment 10 could have disposed therein an additional wall generally annular in shape and being of an appropriate diameter to receive a standard one gallon paint can therein.
Although no specific measurement is required for the storage compartment 10, good results have been achieved with a storage compartment that is approximately twenty inches in length and eighteen inches in width. Although no specific measurement is required for the height of the walls 20, good results have been achieved with walls 20 that are approximately two inches in height. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous configurations using a plurality of wall configurations could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the configuration of the walls 20 described herein to achieve the functionality of the storage compartment 10 as described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that although the storage compartment 10 illustrated is generally rectangular in shape, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that numerous different shapes of the storage compartment 10 could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the shape illustrated to achieve the functionality suggested herein of the storage compartment 10.
Pivotally mounted on opposing side walls 55 and adjacent thereto is the first component of the level assembly 60, a pair of pivot arms 25. The pivot arms 25 are generally flat and rectangular in shape and constructed of a suitable rigid material such as but not limited to plastic or aluminum. The pivot arms 25 have a first end 26 that are mounted approximately in the middle of each of the side walls 55 with an attachment mechanism 50. The attachment mechanism 50 rotatably secures the pivot arms 25 in a multiplicity of positions with an approximate range of one hundred and eighty degrees of motion with respect to the bottom 15 of the storage compartment 10. This allows a user to secure the pivot arms 25 within a range including a first position generally extending downward from the bottom 15 of the storage compartment 10 to a second position wherein the pivot arms 25 are generally parallel with the side walls 55. In the second position, the second end 27 of the pivot arms 25 are adjacent to and parallel with the front wall 40. The pivot arms 25 must be of sufficient length whereby in the second position the second end 27 of the pivot arms 25 extends beyond the front wall 40. The pivot arms 25 can be secured at any point within this range by the attachment mechanism 50 in order to position the work tray 100 in a level manner when placed on a sloped surface. The attachment mechanism 50 is constructed of a conventional wingnut and bolt with a lock washer to prevent the pivot arms 25 from slipping once secured in a desired position. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous conventional mechanical fasteners could be utilized in place of and/or in conjunction with the attachment mechanism in order to achieve the desired functionality suggested herein.
Contiguous with the second end 27 of each pivot arm 25 and integrally formed therewith is the support arm 30. The support arm 30 is intermediate of each second end 27 of opposing pivot arms 25. The support arm 30 is generally perpendicular with the second end 27 of each pivot arm 25 being flat and rectangular in shape and manufactured from the same suitable rigid material as the pivot arms 25. The support arm 30 provides support for the storage compartment 10 upon placement of the work tray 100 on a sloped surface. The support arm 30 swings beneath the plane of the bottom 15 to engage with the sloped surface underneath the work tray 100. Upon engagement with a sloped surface the leveling assembly 60 can be secured in a plurality of positions that will allow the user to position the bottom 15 of the storage compartment 10 in a generally level manner. This will allow objects placed therein to remain in position regardless of the slope of the surface upon which the work tray 100 has been placed, such as but not limited to a rooftop.
The support arm 30 has a coating 35 substantially disposed thereon. The coating 35 is manufactured from conventional rubber or plastic and is designed to prevent the support arm 30 from slipping on the sloped surface once the leveling assembly 60 has been secured in the desired position to place the bottom 15 of the storage compartment 10 in a generally level manner. Although a coating 35 to prevent slippage of the leveling assembly 60 is shown in the illustration submitted herewith, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the support arm 30 could be configured in numerous configurations to prevent slippage. More specifically but not by way of limitation, the support arm 30 could further be comprised of a plurality of teeth integrally formed along the bottom to engage with the sloped surface and prevent slippage of the work tray 100 upon placement in a level position.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous different shapes of the leveling assembly 60 could be used in place of and/or in conjunction with the shape suggested herein. More specifically but not by way of limitation the leveling assembly could be constructed of an aluminum flat bar. Although the leveling assembly 60 is shown with two pivot arms 25 and a support arm 30 mounted therebetween, it is further contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the leveling assembly 60 could consist of a single pivot arm 25 attached to the work tray 100 with a support arm 30 perpendicularly secured to the pivot arm 25.
Mounted opposite the front wall 40 is the rear wall 45. The rear wall 45 is integrally formed with the bottom 15 and adjacent side walls 55. The rear wall 45 is configured in a manner upon where the angle of configuration is generally 90 degrees with respect to the bottom 15 and side walls 55.
It is further contemplated to be within the scope of this invention that a small level could be either integrated with one of the walls 20, or could be removably attached with a clip or the like. The small level would ensure that work tray 100 is positioned level during use.
Referring to the drawing submitted herewith, a description of the operation of the work tray 100 is as follows. In use, the user will transport the work tray 100 to the desired work location such as a rooftop. The user will then place the rear wall 45 generally adjacent to the rooftop. The user then releases the attachment mechanism 50 and engages the support arms 30 of the leveling assembly 60 in a position such that the bottom 15 of the work tray is configured in a generally level manner. Once the desired level position has been achieved, the user then secures the pivot arms 25 of the leveling assembly 60 to prevent the leveling assembly 60 from moving with the attachment mechanisms. The design and/or coating 35 of the support arm 30 facilitates the prevention of slippage of the work tray 100 on the rooftop. The user then places the desired objects such as paint cans or tools into the storage compartment 10. After performing the desired task, the user will repeat this process in a second desired location on the rooftop.
In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to utilize the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for receiving objects therein while engaged with a sloped surface comprising:

a storage compartment having at least one wall and a bottom, said wall and bottom being configured to form an opening for receiving objects therein; and

a leveling assembly, said leveling assembly pivotally mounted to said at least one wall, said leveling assembly operable to pivot beneath said bottom and further operable to level said bottom and engaged with the sloped surface.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said leveling assembly further includes at least one pivot arm.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said leveling assembly further includes a support arm, said support arm being generally perpendicular and contiguous with said at least one pivot arm, said support arm for supporting said bottom, when said leveling assembly is engaged with the sloped surface.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein said support arm has a serrated edge.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 3, further including a coating, said coating substantially disposed on said support arm, said coating for engaging the sloped surface and further configured to inhibit said support arm from slipping on the sloped surface.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 5, further including an attachment mechanism, said attachment mechanism rotatably securing said pivot arm to said at least one wall.

7. A work tray for receiving objects therein while engaged with a sloped surface comprising:

a storage compartment, said storage compartment having four walls and a bottom, said bottom being generally rectangular in shape, and said storage compartment having an opening for receiving objects therein;

a pair of pivot arms, said pivot arms oppositely mounted to each other to said walls, said pivot arms generally pivoting beneath said bottom, said pivot arms permitting said work tray to be positioned in a level manner upon engagement with a sloped surface; and

an attachment mechanism, said attachment mechanism for rotatably securing said pair of pivot arms to at least two of said four walls.

8. The work tray as recited in claim 7, further including a support arm, said support arm mounted intermediate said pivot arms, said support arm providing support for said work tray upon engagement with a sloped surface.

9. The work tray as recited in claim 8, further including a coating disposed on said support arm, said coating for securing said support arm to a sloped surface to prevent said tray from traversing down the sloped surface.

10. The work tray as recited in claim 8, wherein said support arm has a serrated edge.

11. The work tray as recited in claim 10, wherein said work tray is at least one of aluminum and durable plastic.

12. The work tray as recited in claim 11, wherein said tray is twenty inches in length and eighteen inches in width with said walls being two inches in height.

13. A work tray for receiving objects therein and further providing a level surface while engaged with a sloped surface of a roof, comprising:

a storage compartment, said storage compartment having two side walls, a front wall and a rear wall with a bottom being generally rectangular in shape, said storage compartment having an opening for receiving objects therein;

two pivot arms, said pivot arms having a first end and a second end, each of said first end of said pivot arms oppositely mounted centrally along one of said two side walls, each of said pivot arms having a first position and a second position, said pivot arms operational between said first and said second positions, said pivot arms permitting said tray to be positioned in a level manner when said tray is engaged with a sloped surface; and

attachment mechanisms, said attachment mechanisms for rotatably securing each of said two pivot arms to said two side walls.

14. The work tray as recited in claim 13, further including a support arm, said support arm intermediate said second ends of said pivot arms, said support arm providing support for said work tray upon engagement with a sloped surface.

15. The work tray as recited in claim 14, wherein said first position of said pivot arms is generally perpendicular with said bottom.

16. The work tray as recited in claim 15, wherein said second position of said pivot arms is generally parallel with said bottom.

17. The work tray as recited in claim 16, further including a coating, said coating substantially disposed on said support arm, said coating for securing said support arm to a sloped surface to prevent said tray from traversing across the sloped surface.

18. The work tray as recited in claim 16, wherein said support arm has a serrated edge.

19. The work tray as recited in claim 18, wherein said second end of said pivot arms extend beyond said front wall upon placement in said second position.

20. The work tray as recited in claim 19, wherein said work tray is twenty inches in length and 18 inches in width.