AU2017100029B4 - Scaffolding System and Clamp Thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A clamp for securing a plurality of planks arranged adjacent to each other to a support structure comprising a plurality of joists having ends attached to a pair of beams; the clamp comprises a hook and a cap operatively connected to each other via fastening means adapted to selectively displace the clamp between an extended condition and a contracted condition for securing the planks to the support structure when the clamp is in the contracted condition, wherein the hook comprises means for maintaining neighbouring planks together when the clamp is in the contracted condition. The invention also relates to a decking structure and a scaffolding system using the clamp. Fig 5

Description

1 2017100029 24 Μ 2017

Scaffolding System and Clamp thereof TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to scaffolding system.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to scaffolding system and its decking and clamps for assembling the decking.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] Scaffolding systems are used to provide work crew access to regions located relatively high with respect to the ground. Typically, scaffolding structures are supported on the ground; however, in alternative arrangements the scaffolding structures may be supported on other support structures or suspended from other support structure [0005] Typically, scaffolding systems are temporary structures used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other man-made structures. For example, scaffolding structures may surround building structures to apply render and paint onto the exterior surfaces of buildings.

[0006] Scaffolding systems are also used for formwork and shoring, grandstand seating, concert stages, access/viewing towers, exhibition stands, ski ramps, half pipes and art projects.

[0007] Conventional scaffolding systems comprise a frame structure adapted to receive one or more decking structures permitting the work crew to walk along the decking structure and to stand on the decking structure for undertaking a particular 2 2017100029 24M2017 activity such as, for example, rendering and painting an exterior surface of the building structure surrounded by the scaffolding system.

[0008] Typically, conventional scaffolding systems comprises a plurality of vertical rods (acting as columns) arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The vertical rods are joined together by horizontal rods (acting as beams and joists). There are two type of horizontal rods, the first type of horizontal rods join together the vertical rods; the second type of horizontal rods join together the first type of horizontal rods. Further, for reinforcement of the structure of the scaffolding systems, cross bracing assemblies based on intersecting diagonal rods may extend between the vertical rods and are attached to them.

[0009] The decking structure typically comprises a plurality of sets of planks arranged in tandem arrangement with respect to each other. Each set of planks comprise a plurality of planks arranged side by side.

[0010] The arrangement of horizontal rods (the beams and joists) joining together the vertical rods define a horizontal support structure for receiving the decking structure. The decking structure needs to be secured to the horizontal support structure on which the decking structure rests. The decking structure may be secured to the horizontal support structure via clamps or wires.

[0011] Scaffolding systems need to comply with specific industry standards set by regulatory bodies; for example, in Australia, any planks used for defining a decking structure for a scaffolding system are subject to Australian Standard AS-1577. This particular standard specifies the type of material of the planks (for example wood or metal) and the maximum gap between the planks that define the decking structure of the scaffolding systems, among other requirements.

[0012] There is a desire by the scaffolding industry and users of scaffolding systems to move away from timber planks. This is due to, for example, the tendency of timber planks to rot, warp, crack, and split.

[0013] Further, the clamps that are currently available for securing the planks to the horizontal support structure of the scaffolding systems are not practical and would not properly secure nor keep together the planks as required by AS-1577. Thus, on 3 2017100029 24 Μ 2017 occasions timber planks are secured to the horizontal support structure of the scaffolding system via wire lashing. The use of wire lashing for securing planks to the scaffolding structure results in sections of wire extending over the walking surface of the planks; these sections of wire are a safety hazard to the work crew due to the fact that the work crew may easily trip over the sections of wire and fall when walking along the decking structure. This is particular dangerous during carrying of heavy loads while walking on the planks.

[0014] Furthermore, replacement of the timber planks with metal planks has encountered many issues, for example, the metal on metal slip factor (also known as coefficient of friction) and the gap tolerance of no greater than 10mm as established by AS -1577 are issues that has detained the process of using metal planks instead than timber blanks for defining decking structures of scaffolding systems.

[0015] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0016] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a clamp for securing a plurality of planks arranged adjacent to each other to a support structure comprising a plurality of second rods (acting as joists) having ends attached to a pair of first rods (acting as beams); the clamp comprises a hook and a cap operatively connected to each other via fastening means adapted to selectively displace the clamp between an extended condition and a contracted condition for securing the planks to the support structure when the clamp is in the contracted condition, wherein the hook comprises means for maintaining neighboring planks together when the clamp is in the contracted condition.

[0017] Preferably, the fastening means comprise a screw having an end for attachment of the cap and another end for attachment to the hook.

[0018] Preferably, the hook comprises a shank and a bend ending in a point, the shank being adapted to receive the screw, wherein the shank comprises the means for maintaining together neighboring planks. 4 2017100029 24 Jul2017 [0019] Preferably, the means for maintaining together neighboring planks comprises a platform for receiving lower edges of the planks, the platform comprising a centre surface having an opening for permitting the screw to be attached to the hook, and outer wing members extending opposite in relation to the hook defining inner slopped surfaces.

[0020] Preferably, the fastening means comprises a screw and an opening, traversing the platform at a location between the wing members, the opening having an inner threat for receiving the threaded end of the screw, wherein the length of the shank of the screw is about 100 mm and the length of the threat of the screw is about 40 mm, and the length of the centre surface from which the wing members extend is about 50 mm and the inner slopped surfaces are oriented at an angle of about 65° with respect to the centre surface of the platform.

[0021] In a particular arrangement, the hook may also comprise means for drawing together neighboring planks during displacement of the clamp into the contracted condition.

[0022] Preferably, the shanks comprises the means for drawing together adjacent planks [0023] Preferably, the platform of the shank is configured such that when the platform receives the lower edges of the planks during installation of the decking structure, the lower edges of the planks abut the inner sloped surfaces of the wing members of the platform resulting in that the planks are drawn together when the clamp is displaced into the contracted condition.

[0024] Preferably, the hook comprises a body having two lateral walls defining a channel extending between the point of the hook and the shank of the hook, the channel at the location of the shank being adapted to receive the another end of the screw.

[0025] Preferably, the shank comprises an intermediate surface extending between the two lateral walls. 5 2017100029 24 Jul2017 [0026] Preferably, the intermediate surface comprises an opening adapted to receive the another end of the screw.

[0027] Preferably, the hook comprises a cover for covering the lower surface of the hook.

[0028] Preferably, the cover comprises a first end attached to the point of the hook and a second end attached to a location between the bend and the shank.

[0029] Preferably, the cover comprises a projection extending from the second end of the cover and in direction to the first end of the cover, the projection having a length for substantially covering the intermediate surface.

[0030] Preferably, the projection comprises an opening defining means for permitting screwing of the second end of the screw onto the shank.

[0031] Preferably, the projection having a length for substantially covering the intermediate surface such that the opening of the projection coincides with the opening of the intermediate surface.

[0032] Preferably, the opening of the projection comprises a cut-out section permitting varying the dimensions of the opening of the projection during screwing of the second end of the screw onto the shank.

[0033] Preferably, the projection comprises at least one flange to secure the second end of the cover to the intermediate surface of the shank.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a plank for a decking structure to be secured via at least one clamp in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to a support structure comprising a plurality of second rods (acting as joists) having ends attached to a pair of first rods (acting as beams), the plank comprising a support surface, side walls and end walls, the side walls and end walls surrounding the periphery of the lower face of the support surface, wherein the side walls comprise lower edges adapted to abut the outer edges of the wing members of the hook of the clamp during installation and use of the decking structure. 6 2017100029 24 Jul2017 [0035] Preferably, the support surface of each plank comprises an upper face comprising a centre section and two outer surfaces.

[0036] Preferably, the support surface comprises, between each outer surface and the center section, a channel.

[0037] Preferably, the centre section comprises a plurality of stamped protrusions.

[0038] Preferably, particular areas or the entire upper face of the support surface are covered by at least one layer of a particular coating.

[0039] Preferably, there are three layers of coating covering particular areas of the support surface or the entire upper face of the support surface.

[0040] Preferably, the first layer comprises an epoxy primer for galvanized based on two components of high build epoxy-polyamide cured etching such as Galbond #200 Primer; the second layer comprises water-based high build acrylic resin texture body coat incorporating natural granite chip such as Ceraskaken; and the third layer comprises premixed type special acrylic resin protective ceramic clear coating such as Cerami Top A.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a decking structure having a plurality of planks in accordance with the second aspect of the invention and at least one clamp in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the decking structure being adapted to be secured via the clamp to a support structure comprising a plurality of second horizontal rods (acting as joists) having ends attached to a pair of first horizontal rods (acting as beams).

[0042] Preferably, the support structure is defined by beams and joist of a scaffolding system.

[0043] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a scaffolding system comprising a plurality of vertical rods are arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other, the vertical rods joined together by a plurality of horizontal rods defining a support structure, the scaffolding system comprising at least one decking structure in accordance with the third aspect of the invention attached to the 7 2017100029 24 Μ 2017 support structure via at least one clamp in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

[0044] Preferably, the support structure is defined by first rods and second rods, the first rods acting as beams and attached to the vertical rods and the second rods acting as joist having their ends attached to at least the first rods.

[0045] Preferably, a first group of the seconds rods (acting as joists) have their ends attached to the first rods (acting as beams) and a second group of the seconds rods (acting as joists) have their ends attached to the first rods (acting as beams) and to vertical rods (acting as columns) of a scaffolding system.

[0046] Preferably, the second group of the seconds rods comprise a pair of second rods, one rod of the pair of second rods being located adjacent the other rod of the pair of second rods; wherein the plurality of planks are attached via the clamp to the one rod of the pair of second rods.

[0047] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a clamp as shown in figure 10.

[0048] According to a sixth aspect of the invention there is provided a clamp cover as shown in figure 11.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a scaffolding system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention including a decking structure and a parapet surrounding outer sides of the scaffolding system; 8 2017100029 24 Μ 2017

Figure 2 is a top view of a decking structure of the scaffolding system shown in figure 1 excluding the parapet;

Figure 3 is a bottom perspective view of one end of the scaffolding system shown in figure 1;

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the scaffolding system shown in figure 1 along the line 2-2’ as shown in figure 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a clamp in accordance with an embodiment of the invention for securing adjacent planks to each other and to the scaffolding structure;

Figure 6 is a front view of the hook of the clamp shown in figure 5 excluding the screw and the cap;

Figure 7 is a side view of the clamp shown in figure 5 excluding the screw and the cap;

Figures 8 and 9 are perspective views of the cover of the clamp shown in figure 5;

Figure 10 is a blue print of a particular arrangement of the clamp shown in figure 5;

Figure 11 is a blue print of a particular arrangement of the clamp cover shown in figures 8 and 9;

Figure 12 is a top perspective view of a particular plank for defining the decking structure of the scaffolding system shown in figure 1;

Figure 13 is a plan view of the plank shown in figure 12; and

Figure 14 is a bottom perspective view of a particular plank for defining the decking structure of the scaffolding system shown in figure 1. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) 9 2017100029 24 Μ 2017 [0050] Figures 1 to 4 shows an arrangement of a scaffolding system 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0051] The scaffolding system 10 shown in figure 1 comprises a plurality of vertical rods 12 (acting as columns) arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. In particular, there are a first group of vertical rods 12a arranged in a tandem and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other and a second group of vertical rods 12b arranged in a tandem and spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The first and second group of vertical rods 12a and 12b are arranged side by side defining a spacing between them.

[0052] The first group of vertical rods 12a are joined together by horizontal rods 14a (acting as beams) and the second group of vertical rods 12b are joined together by horizontal rods 14b (acting as beams).

[0053] Another group of horizontal rods 16 (acting as joists) join together the first and second horizontal rods 14a. These horizontal rods 16 extend from the first horizontal rod 14a to the second horizontal rod 14b; in this manner the group of horizontal rods 16 define an arrangement of joists arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the decking structure 22.

[0054] As can be appreciated best in figure 3, a first group of horizontal rods 16 have their ends attached exclusively to the horizontal rods 14; and a second group of horizontal rods 16 have their ends attached to the horizontal rods 14 as well as to the vertical rods 12. The second group of horizontal rods 16 comprises a pair of horizontal rods 16b and 16c. As shown in figure 3, the rod 16c is located adjacent the other rod 16b and the plurality of planks 26 are attached via the clamp 30 to the rod 16c. As shown in figure 2, there are a plurality of pair of horizontal rods 16b and 16c arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other along the decking structure 22.

[0055] The arrangement of beams and joists (horizontal rods 14 and 16) define a horizontal frame structure 17 for supporting for example a decking structure 22.

[0056] It is important to note that Figure 1 shows an upper portion of the scaffolding system 10; thus, only one pair of horizontal rods 14 are shown joining together the vertical rods 12a and 12b; however, typically the scaffolding systems 10 will include a 10 2017100029 24 Jul2017 plurality of pairs of horizontal rods 14 and 16 arranged in a spaced apart relationship along the vertical rods 12. In this manner, a plurality of horizontal frame structures 17 defined by horizontal rods 14 and 16 may be arranged in a spaced apart relationship along the vertical rods 12; each of these horizontal frame structures 17 may incorporate a decking structure 22; this defines a plurality of working surfaces (defined by each decking structure 22) located in a spaced apart relationship with respect each other along the vertical rods 12; this is particularly advantageous because it allows setting up a scaffolding system 10 adjacent a multi-story building structure such that the outer surfaces of the walls of each story may be finished by work crew supported on the decking structures 22.

[0057] Further, scaffolding systems 10, for reinforcement of the scaffolding structure 10, may comprise cross bracing assemblies 18 defined by intersecting diagonal rods that join the vertical rods 10.

[0058] Referring now to figure 2. Figure 2 is a top view of the scaffolding system 10 wherein the parapet has been removed for illustration purposes.

[0059] Figure 2 depicts the decking structure 22 supported on the horizontal frame structure 17. The decking structure 22 shown in figure 2 comprises a plurality of set of planks 24a to 24c arranged in tandem arrangement with respect to each other. Each set of planks 24 comprises a plurality of planks 26 arranged side by side and in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. The fact that the planks 26 are spaced apart with respect to each other define a gap 28 between each pair of planks 26 best seen in figure 2. For safety reasons the gaps 28 cannot exceed a particular width; in fact as mentioned before, Australian Standard AS-1577 specifies the maximum gap between the planks 26 of the decking structure 22.

[0060] Further, the decking structure 22 needs to be appropriately secured to the horizontal frame structure 17. For this, the scaffolding system 10 comprises fastening means for securing the planks 26 to the frame structure defined by the horizontal rods 14 and 16.

[0061] In the arrangement shown in the figures, the fastening means comprises a plurality of clamps 30 arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other. In particular, each set of planks 24 is attached to horizontal frame structure 17 11 2017100029 24 Μ 2017 via clamps 30 adapted to secure adjacent planks 26a and 26b to the frame structure; in particular, a pair of neighboring planks 26a and 26b may be attached via a pair of clamps 30a and 30b spaced apart with respect to each other such that (1) one of the ends of the planks 26a and 26b is attached to the horizontal frame structure 17 via the pair of clamp 30a; and, (2) the other end other end of the planks 26a and 26b is attached to the horizontal frame structure 17 via clamp 30b - this can be, for example, seen in figure 2.

[0062] Further, the clamps 30 attach the planks 26 to the frame structures (defined by the horizontal rods 14 and 16). As can be appreciated in, for example, figures 3 and 4 each clamp 30 comprise a hook 32 adapted to attach the clamp 30 to horizontal rods 16c.

[0063] As shown in figures 3 and 4, the planks 26 are attached via the clamps 30 to the horizontal rods 16c. As mentioned before, horizontal rods 16c have their ends attached to the horizontal rods 14 as well as to the vertical rods 12. However, the planks 26 may be attached to the first group of horizontal rods 16a that have their ends attached exclusively to the horizontal rods 14 - see figure 2.

[0064] Furthermore, referring now to figure 4, each clamp 30 is also adapted to keep the planks 26 adjacent to each other impeding the planks 26 to separate from each other impeding the gap 28 between the planks 26 to increase.

[0065] As shown in figure 4, the clamps 30 comprise a cap 34 adapted to abut the upper surface of each side of adjacent planks. The planks 26 are kept adjacent to each other by the fact that the hook 23 and the cap 34 are joined together via fastener 36 adapted to selectively displace the clamp 30 between an extended condition and a contracted condition. In the extended condition the distance between the hook 32 and the cap 34 is such that the planks 26 are not secured to the rod 16c - in this condition the clamp 30 may be installed to the scaffolding system 10; in the contracted condition the distance between the hook 32 and the cap 34 is such that the planks 26 are secured to the rod 16c - in this condition the clamp 30 is installed to the scaffolding system 10 and the planks 26 are secured to the horizontal frame structure 17 and kept together defining the gap 28. 12 2017100029 24 Jul2017 [0066] Referring now to figures 5 to 11. Figures 5 to 9 shows an arrangement of the clamp 30. Figures 10 to 11 depict particular arrangements of the clamp 30.

[0067] As mentioned before, the clamp 30 comprises a hook 32 and a cap 34 operatively connected to each other via a fastening means 36 adapted to selectively displace the clamp 30 between an extended condition and a contracted condition. The hook 32 comprises a shank 33 adapted for attachment of the fastener 36, and a bend portion 35 of receiving the rod 16c during attachment of the planks 26 and the clamp 30.

[0068] In the arrangement shown in the figures 5 to 7, the fastener 36 comprises a screw 37 having a head 39 and a screwed end 41 for screwing to the hook 32. Passing the screw 37 though the cap 34 and screwing the screw 37 to the hook 32 attaches the screw 37 and cap 34 to the hook 32. Screwing or unscrewing the screw 37 into the hook 32 permits selectively displacing the clamp 30 between the contracted condition and the extended condition.

[0069] As mentioned before, the cap 32 is adapted to abut the upper surfaces of the sides 92 (as shown in figure 13) of the adjacent planks 26 and the hook 32 is configured to engage the horizontal rods 26; by displacement of the clamp 30 into the contracted condition the sides of the planks 26 are sandwiched between the cap 32 and the horizontal rods 26 onto which the hook 32 is engaged; this secures the planks 26 to the frame structure (defined by the horizontal rods 14 and 16) of the scaffolding system 10.

[0070] Further, the clamp 30 is also adapted to keep adjacent planks 26 together. For this the hook 32 comprises means 38 for maintaining the adjacent planks 26 together; in this manner, impeding that the width of the gap 28 between the planks 26 increases as work crew walks and stands on the decking structure 22.

[0071] Figure 6 shows in greater detail the means 38 for maintaining together planks 26 that are adjacent to each other. The means 38 comprises a platform 40 for receiving the lower edges 85 (see figure 14) of the adjacent planks 26. The platform 40 comprises a centre surface 39 having an opening 43 (see figure 5) for permitting the screw 37 to be attached to the hook 32. The platform 40 also comprises wings member 42a and 4b extending opposite in relation to the hook 32 defining inner slopped surfaces 48. 13 2017100029 24 Μ 2017 [0072] The fact that the wing members 42 comprise sloped surfaces 48 permits the planks 26 to be kept together resulting in that the gap 28 between planks 26 is kept permanently constant.

[0073] In a particular arrangement, the platform 40 is configured such that the wing members 42 draw together the planks 26 as the clamp 30 is displaced into the contracted condition; drawings of planks 26 occurs because the lower face of the plank 26 comprises side walls 81 (see figures 12 to 14) having lower edges 85 which during installation of the clamp 30 rest on the outer edges 48 of the wing members 42. During installation of the decking structure 22, the clamp 30 is displaced into the contracted condition resulting in that the lower edges 46 of the sides walls 44 are drawn towards the centre surface 41 of the platform 40 thus bringing the planks 26 closer to each other. As mentioned earlier, the outer wing members 42a and 42b also impede separation of the planks 26.

[0074] Furthermore, in the arrangement shown in the figures 5 to 7, the hook 32 comprises a body 50 having two lateral walls 52a and 52b defining a channel 54 extending along the bend 35 and the shank 33. As mentioned earlier, the hook 32 is adapted to receive the screwed end 41 of the screw 37; for this the hook 32 comprises the shank 33 being adapted to receive the screw 37. As shown in figure 5, the shank comprise an intermediate surface 56 extending between the two lateral walls 52 and adapted to receive the screwed end 41 of the screw 37.

[0075] As will be described below, intermediate surface 56 is adapted to receive a projection 58 of a cover 60 of the hook 32; the projection 58 is adapted to provide a means for permitting screwing of the screw 37 onto the shank 33 of the hook 32.

[0076] Referring now to figures 7 to 9.

[0077] Moreover, the hook 32 comprises a cover 60 for covering the lower surface of the hook 32 as depicted in figures 5 to 7. The cover 60 comprises a shell 62 adapted to receive the lower surface of the bend 35 of the hook 32. The shell 62 comprises a first end 64 attached to the point 66 of the hook 32 and a second end 68 attached at the boundary 70 between the bend 35 and the shank 33. 14 2017100029 24 Jul2017 [0078] Furthermore, the cover 60 comprises a projection 58 extending from the second end 68 of the shell 62 in direction towards the first end 64 of the shell 52 and having a length such that it substantially covers the intermediate surface 56 of the shank 56. The intermediate surface 56 comprises an opening to permit the screwed end 41 of the screw 37 to traverse the intermediate surface 56.

[0079] As shown in figure 8, the projection 58 comprises an opening 72 and a cutout 74. The opening 72 defines the means for permitting screwing of the screw 37 onto the shank 33 of the hook 32. This is because the inner surface of the periphery of the opening 72 providing an edge (acting as a thread) for screwing of the screwed end 41 of the screw 36 to the shank 33. The cut-out section 74 permits varying the dimensions of the opening 72 during screwing of the screw 37 onto the shank 33.

[0080] Also, the projection 58 comprises a pair of flanges 76; as can be seen in figures 5 to 7, the flanges 76 secure the second end 68 of the cover 60 to the intermediate surface 56 of the shank 33.

[0081] Referring now to figures 12 to 14.

[0082] Figures 12 to 14 depict an arrangement of a plank 26 used for defining the decking structure 22. The plank 26 shown in figures 12 to 14 comprise a support surface 78, side walls 80 and end walls 81 attached to the lower face 82 of the support surface 78; the side walls 80 and end walls 81 surround the periphery of the lower face 82 of the support surface 78 - in this manner a cavity 84 is defined below the support surface 78. The side walls 80 comprise lower edges 85 which as described before abut the outer edges 48 of the wing members 42 (see figure 6) during installation and use of the decking structure 22.

[0083] Further, support surface 78 comprises an upper face 86 comprising a centre section 88, two channels 90 and two outer surfaces 92. As shown in figures 12 to 14, each channel 90 are located between a side of the centre section 88 and an outer surface 92.

[0084] The centre section 88 comprises a plurality of stamped protrusions 94 arranged in a particular pattern. The protrusions 94 provide a non-slip surface to the centre section 88. 15 2017100029 24 Jul2017 [0085] In accordance with the present embodiment of the invention, particular areas or the entire upper face of the support surface 78 is covered by at least one layer of a particular coating. For example, in a particular arrangement of the present embodiment of the invention, there are three layers of coating covering particular areas or the entire upper face of the support surface 78 of the plank 26; in particular, the first layer comprises an epoxy primer for galvanized based on two components of high build epoxy-polyamide cured etching such as Galbond #200 Primer; the second layer comprises water-based high build acrylic resin texture body coat incorporating natural granite chip such as Ceraskaken; and the third layer comprises premixed type special acrylic resin protective ceramic clear coating such as Cerami Top A.

[0086] In a particular arrangement, only the outer surfaces 92 are covered by one or more coating as described before. It is particularly advantageous, that at least the outer surfaces 92 of planks 26 are coated because it substantially eliminates the metal on metal slip factor between the cap 34 of the clamp 30 and the outer surfaces 92 of the plank 26 thus ensuring the planks 26 are properly and permanently secured to the support frame defined by the horizontal rods 24 and 26 of the scaffolding system 10.

[0087] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0088] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. For example, the present embodiment of the invention was described in relation to temporary scaffolding structures; however, in accordance with alternative embodiments the clamp 30 and the planks 30 in accordance with the present embodiment of the invention may be used for securing onto support surfaces decking structures of permanent structures such as footpaths and decks among others.

[0089] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (5)

1. A clamp for securing a plurality of planks arranged adjacent to each other to a support structure comprising a plurality of second rods (acting as joists) having ends attached to a pair of first rods (acting as beams), the clamp comprises a hook and a cap operatively connected to each other via fastening means adapted to selectively displace the clamp between an extended condition and a contracted condition for securing the planks to the support structure when the clamp is in the contracted condition, the hook comprising a platform having a centre surface and wing members extending from ends of the centre surface, wherein the wing members extend opposite in relation to the hook defining inner slopped surfaces to receive lower edges of the planks to draw the planks together as the clamp is displaced from the extended condition to the contracted condition.

2. A clamp according to claim 1 wherein the fastening means comprises a screw and an opening, traversing the platform at a location between the wing members, the opening having an inner threat for receiving the threaded end of the screw, wherein the length of the shank of the screw is about 100 mm and the length of the threat of the screw is about 40 mm, and the length of the centre surface from which the wing members extend is about 50 mm and the inner slopped surfaces are oriented at an angle of about 65° with respect to the centre surface of the platform.

3. A plank for a decking structure to be secured via at least one as defined in claims 1 or 2 to a support structure comprising a plurality of second rods (acting as joists) having ends attached to a pair of first rods (acting as beams), the plank comprising a support surface, side walls and end walls, the side walls and end walls surrounding the periphery of the lower face of the support surface, wherein the side walls comprise lower edges adapted to abut the outer edges of the wing members of the hook of the clamp during installation and use of the decking structure.

4. A decking structure having a support structure and a plurality of planks as defined in claim 3 and at least one clamp as defined in claims 1 or 2, the decking structure being adapted to be secured via the clamp to the support structure comprising a plurality of second horizontal rods having ends attached to a pair of first horizontal rods.

5. A scaffolding system comprising a plurality of vertical rods arranged in a spaced apart relationship with respect to each other, the vertical rods joined together by a plurality of horizontal rods defining a support structure, the scaffolding system comprising at least one decking structure as defined in claim 4 attached to the support structure via at least one clamp as defined in claims 1 or 2.