AU2008100567A4 - A scaffolding stand for use in a formwork support system - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIAN INNOVATION PATENT SPECIFICATION Title: A SCAFFOLDING STAND FOR USE IN A FORM WORK SUPPORT

SYSTEM

Applicant: Forrnbrace Holdings Pty Ltd Inventors: Andrew DAOUD 00 O A SCAFFOLDING STAND FOR USE IN A FORMWORK SUPPORT SYSTEM ;Technical Field The present invention relates to a scaffolding system and particularly relates to a scaffolding system for use in supporting formwork upon which concrete is cast in building or civil construction.

Background to the Invention During construction, a system of formwork is typically employed whenever 00 10 concrete is to be cast to form structural elements such as beams or slabs. This Sformwork is usually provided in the form of plywood sheeting which is arranged so that the surfaces of the plywood define the shape of the structural element to be cast.

The plywood sheeting may be provided as part of a modular panel system and the modules are arranged to be supported by a scaffolding system. The weight of concrete poured onto the formwork and supported by the scaffolding can be very significant. Thus, it is imperative that the scaffolding be stable and thus safe from collapse. Numerous scaffolding systems with various connection arrangements have been employed in the past. Nevertheless, there remains a need for further improvements to provide for a stable scaffold of increased strength whilst at the same time providing a scaffold that makes efficient use of materials and remains easy to disassemble and transport from one work site to another.

Summary of the Invention In a first aspect the present invention provides a scaffolding stand for use in a formwork support system including: an elongate member; and a connecting device for attachment with other scaffolding components; wherein the connecting device surrounds the elongate member and includes at least eight apertures which are spaced around the connecting device.

The stand may further include a height adjustment device for adjusting the effective height of the stand in use.

The stand may further include an end cap which includes at least four lobes for engagement with the undersides of formwork modules.

In a second aspect the present invention provides a scaffolding system including a plurality of stands according to the first aspect of the invention, and further includes a plurality of ledgers and braces, wherein each of the ledgers and braces attach to the stand by way of the connection device.

The ledgers and braces may be arranged to be secured to the connection device 00 0 O by way of wedge shaped pins.

The scaffolding system may further include a ladder component which is ;arranged to attach to the ledgers.

The ladder component may attach to the ledgers by way of hooked portions provided at either end of the ladder component.

Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of Sexample only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 00 10 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a scaffolding system incorporating a Sscaffolding stand according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of a portion of one of the stands of figure 1; Figure 3 is a top view of one of the connector plates of the stand of figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of one of the crowns of figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of one of the ledgers of figure 1; Figure 6 is a top view of one of the braces of figure 1; Figure 7 is a front view of a ladder component for use with the structure of figure 1; Figure 8 is a side view of the ladder component of figure 7; and Figure 9 shows details A and B of figure 8 shown in enlarged detail.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to figure 1, a scaffolding stand 10 is shown for use in a formwork support system 100. The support system includes a number of vertical stands horizontal ledgers 30 and inclined braces 40. The ledgers 30 and braces 40 attach to the stands 10 by way of connection devices in the form of connector plates 12. The connector plates are fitted at regular intervals along the length of tube 11.

Referring to figure 2, each of stands 10 is formed from an elongate member in the form of a length of metal tube 11 to which is welded one or more connection devices in the form of connector plates 12. Each connector plate surrounds the tube 11 and includes eight apertures 13 that are equidistantly spaced about the connector plate 12. Thus, each aperture is spaced 45 degrees from each adjacent aperture.

Referring again to figure 1, the stands 10 may be fitted with an end cap in the form of cast aluminium crown 20 (shown in enlarged detail in figure Each crown includes four lugs 22 which engage with the underside of a formwork module (not shown). The formwork modules are rectangular and are produced in standard dimensions such that the corners of four modules meet at a crown. Each lug 22 of a 00 O crown 20 engages inside the corner at the underside at the meeting point of four modules. Thus, the crowns support the modules and lock them together at their corners.

;Each crown 20 is secured to the top portion of a stand by way of inserting a pin through hole 24 (see figure 4).

Referring again to figure 1, each stand 10 is provided with a height adjustment means in the form of screw jack 14. By rotating the jack, a screw thread mechanism extends or retracts the top portion of stand 10 to thereby provide for adjustment of the effective length of stand 10 thus enabling the modules supported on the stands to be Saccurately levelled. Stands 10 can be connected together vertically to achieve greater 00 10 height.

Referring to figure 5, a ledger 30 is shown in enlarged detail. Each ledger 30 is formed from a length of tube 31 with end caps 32. Each end cap includes a recess 34 which receives a portion of a connector plate 12. A wedge 36 is then inserted through end cap 32 and also passes through one of the apertures 13 of connector plate 12 to secure the ledger 30 to the connector plate 12 and thus to stand Referring to figure 6, a brace 40 is shown in enlarged detail. Each brace 40 is formed from a length of tube 41 with flattened end regions. End caps 42 are affixed to the flattened tube ends. The end caps 42 attach to each connector plate with wedges 36 in the same manner as the ledgers. Two connector plates 12 are shown schematically in figure 6. It is to be noted that the end caps 36 cause tube 41 of brace to be offset from the connector plates 12. This provides clearance for fitting ledgers and braces to the same connector plate 12. Thus, of the eight apertures 13 in each connector plate 12, four may be connected to ledgers, and four may be connected to braces. The positive bracing arrangement of the scaffolding system provides for secure support and improved load carrying capacity.

Referring to figures 7, 8 and 9, a ladder component 50 is shown for use with the formwork support system 100. The ladder 50 includes a number of rungs 52 supported between two stiles 54. As can be seen in enlarged details A and B, each end of ladder 50 is provided with a hooked portion 56 for engagement with the tube 31 of a ledger. In use, ladder 50 is attached to ledgers at different heights in the formwork support structure, thus allowing safe travel by a person from one level to another in the structure.

Whilst the invention has been described with reference to providing a support structure for formwork, it is to be appreciated that the support structure of the invention may be used for other purposes including use as general purpose scaffolding.

Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.

00 0 O Finally, it is to be appreciated that various alterations or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the present invention.

00 c-l

Claims (7)

1. A scaffolding stand for use in a formwork support system including: an elongate member; and a connecting device for attachment with other scaffolding components; wherein the connecting device surrounds the elongate member and includes at O least eight apertures which are spaced around the connecting device.

S2. A scaffolding stand according to claim 1 further including a height adjustment Sdevice for adjusting the effective height of the stand in use. 00

3. A scaffolding stand according to any preceding claim further including an end cap which includes at least four lobes for engagement with the undersides of formwork modules.

4. A scaffolding system including a plurality of stands according to any preceding claim and further including a plurality of ledgers and braces, wherein each of the ledgers and braces attach to the stand by way of the connection device.

A scaffolding system according to claim 4 wherein the ledgers and braces are arranged to be secured to the connection device by way of wedge shaped pins.

6. A scaffolding system according to either of claim 4 or claim 5 further including a ladder component which is arranged to attach to the ledgers.

7. A scaffolding system according to claim 6 wherein the ladder component attaches to the ledgers by way of hooked portions provided at either end of the ladder component.