AU2006202497A1 - A Scaffolding Assembly - Google Patents

Description

A Scaffolding Assembly Field of the Invention This invention is directed to a scaffolding assembly and is particularly directed to a lightweight steel scaffolding assembly that is designed to bolt onto vertical or substantially vertical masonry/concrete walls or timber wall frames.

Background Art Scaffolding systems are required during building. The scaffolds typically comprise steel tubes that are bolted together to provide a framework. The scaffolding is designed to support a floor above the ground surface to enable builders and other tradespersons to safely work above the ground surface. The scaffolds also provide guardrails etc.

Traditionally, the scaffolding is supported by the ground surface and is built up to the required height. This requires the ground surface to be reasonably level and firm. It is known to provide adjustable feet on the scaffolding to compensate for undulating ground surfaces, but the adjustable feet can only compensate for so much undulation in the ground surface.

Thus, this type of scaffolding is not particularly suitable or safe when the ground is extremely soft, boggy or is very steep and undulating. For instance, this conventional type of scaffolding would not be suitable for structures overhanging the edge of a roadway, a cliff, or over water.

It is known to stabilise conventional scaffolding by bolting the scaffolding to the building wall. However, this scaffolding is still supported by the ground surface and should the ground surface cause the scaffolding to sink, the wall bolts will be under tremendous strain and can bend or snap.

Another disadvantage with ground supported scaffolding is that the scaffolding is in the way of the lower part of the building. For instance, the scaffolding can prevent ground gutters from being dug, pipes from being laid, lower windows and doors from being installed and the like.

It is known to provide a scaffolding system which is hung from roof members. One advantage of this system is that it is not ground supporting and therefore some of the above disadvantages are obviated. However, this type of scaffolding system introduces separate difficulties. One difficulty is that roof members need to be in place before the scaffolding system can be used. Thus, it may be necessary to use a conventional ground supported scaffolding system until the roof members have been positioned and then the other scaffolding system can be hung from the roof members. Another difficulty is that the scaffolding system makes it difficult to sheet the eaves without interruption.

A disadvantage with existing scaffolding systems is the cost and time in erecting the scaffolding system from the ground up.

Therefore, there would be an advantage if it were possible to provide a scaffolding system that did not need to be supported by the ground or from roof members. There would be of further advantage if it were possible to provide such a scaffolding system that could also be height adjustable.

There are some types of "wall mounted" scaffolding assemblies which are known. These comprise a roughly triangular "base" framework which is bolted to the wall. Planks can then be laid on the framework to provide a platform. One disadvantage with these structures is that the base framework is bolted to the wall through the vertical frame member of the framework. This allows the framework to sway from side to side which is not desirable. Another disadvantage is that this type of attachment does not allow the scaffolding to be more than one level in height which means that the base framework needs to be unbolted and raised or lowered every time the scaffolding is to be adjusted. Thus, there would be a great advantage to provide a scaffolding system that is attached to the wall in a particular manner to prevent swaying from side to side and also to allow a second level to be used which means that, for most residential buildings, the scaffolding framework can be bolted at one place and does not need to be unbolted and raised or lowered.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a scaffolding assembly which may at least partially overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a scaffolding assembly for attachment to a wall, the scaffolding assembly comprising at least one arm member which in use is substantially horizontal and which is adapted to extend outwardly from the wall, anchor means to anchor the at least one arm member relative to the vertical wall, and at least one bracing member operatively associated with the at least one arm member to transfer load from the arm member to the wall.

Thus, with the above scaffolding assembly, it is no longer necessary to support the scaffolding on the ground or to hang the scaffolding from roof beams.

Thus, the scaffolding can be used on difficult, sloping or hard to access building sites, can be used in structures which overhang the edge of the roadway, a cliff, water and the like. The scaffolding assembly can be attached to the wall someway above the ground surface to enable the ground area to be worked (for instance pipe laying, gutter digging,) and also frees up to the lower part of the building to enable windows and doors to be fitted without the scaffolding being in the way.

Moreover, once a first set of scaffolding is positioned, a second set of higher scaffolding can be anchored to the wall from the safety of the lower scaffolding which enables scaffolding to be slowly raised up along the building.

Suitably, the scaffolding assembly comprises a plurality of such arm members.

Suitably, a further vertical arm member is provided which depends from the at least one horizontal arm member and in use is adjacent the wall.

Suitably, the bracing member, the horizontal arm member and the vertical arm member are attached together to form a unit which can be substantially triangular in shape.

Anchor means is provided to anchor the at least one arm member to or relative to the wall. Typically, the anchor means will include a mounting plate which can be attached either to the end of the horizontal arm member and/or the vertical arm member. The mounting plate may be of any suitable shape and size but will typically be rectangular in shape having a length of between 10-50 cm and a width of between 10-50 cm. The plate will typically have a thickness of between 5-30 mm. One or more openings can be formed in the mounting plate to enable anchor bolts or anchor members to pass through the one or more openings to anchor the assembly to the wall.

Other types of anchor means are envisaged such as a clip, a hook and the like.

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The mounting anchors can be precast or can be embedded in the wall face and can be removed at the end of the project or capped and left in place as anchors to re-mount for future maintenance.

The at least one arm member may be of any suitable length and will typically have a length of between 1-6 m. The arm member is typically formed of metal tube and will typically have a substantially rectangular cross-section. However, the arm member need not be rectangular and may comprise oval, circular, or other cross-sections. The arm member need not be formed from metal and may be formed from other strong materials.

If the arm member is formed of rectangular cross-section tube, the tube may have a width of between 5-20 cm and a height of between 5-20 cm and the tube may have a wall thickness of between 3-10 mm. However, no limitation is meant thereby.

The arm member in use will typically be substantially horizontal although the arm member may also be slightly inclined. Therefore, the term substantially horizontal is not meant to be limited to exactly at right angles.

The bracing member may be formed of a material similar to the arm member as described above, and may have a length and configuration similar to that described above except that the bracing member will usually be longer than the arm member. The bracing member will typically be at an angle relative to the arm member and the wall. Typically, the angle of the bracing member will be between 30'-70' relative to the arm member. However, no limitation is meant thereby. The bracing member will typically extend below the arm member but it is envisaged that it may also extend above the arm member.

The vertical arm member may be formed of a material similar to the arm member as described above. The vertical arm member will typically have a length of between 50 200 cm, although no limitation is meant thereby.

As mentioned above, the anchor means may comprise a mounting plate and at least one mounting anchor. Suitably, at least two mounting anchors are provided as anchor means.

The scaffolding assembly will typically comprise at least two such arrangements as described above spaced apart by distance of between 1-6 m. The scaffolding assembly can also comprise a multiplicity of such arrangements spaced along the wall or about the building to provide a strong and secure scaffolding system.

The scaffolding assembly may be provided with other attachments or accessories. This may comprise a handrail system, a safety rail system, a guard rail for roof protection, cage members for barrier protection that can be extendable to become full roof edge protection. Floor members will typically be provided which will typically be supported by the horizontal arm members to provide a working floor.

The scaffolding assembly may comprise interlocking components.

Brief Description of the Drawings An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1. Illustrates the scaffolding assembly attached to a wall.

Figure 2. Illustrates components of the scaffolding assembly.

Figures 3-37. Illustrate various components of the assembly.

Figures 38-41. Illustrate various wall connection brackets.

Figure 42. Illustrates a corner strut Figures 43-44. Illustrate planks.

Figures 45-60. Illustrate sequential assembly of the scaffolding.

Figures 61-64. Illustrate roof edge protection.

Figures 65-72. Illustrate various ways of assembling the scaffolding on a wall.

Figures 73-76. Illustrate various ways of the invention.

Best Mode Referring to the drawings and initially to figure 1 there is illustrated a scaffolding assembly 10 which is attached to a vertical wall 11. The scaffolding assembly comprises a horizontal arm member 12 which is cantilevered outwardly from wall 11 by distance of between 1.5-3 m. The horizontal arm member 12 is formed of steel box section. A bracing member 13 extends from the end of horizontal arm member 12 and angles back to the lower end of a vertical member 14. The bracing member 13 is made of steel box section. Similarly, vertical member 14 is made of steel box section. In the embodiment, arm member 12, bracing member 13 and vertical member 14 are welded together into a strong structural unit. An anchor means is provided to anchor this unit to wall 11. The anchor means includes a mounting plate 15 which is rectangular in shape in which is formed of steel. The mounting plate 15 is formed with a pair of openings through which mounting anchors can pass. Thus, the mounting anchors will mount the entire unit to wall 11.

In use, a number of such units are mounted to the wall and figure 1 illustrates a first unit 16, a second unit 17 and also illustrates a third unit 18.

Horizontal planks 19 can be laid on top of the horizontal arms 12 between adjacent units to provide a floor. Similarly, handrails 20 and mesh barriers 21 can be quickly coupled together to form a strong and secure scaffolding assembly.

The scaffolding assembly is face mounted to the wall face and eliminates the need or expense of scaffolding from the ground up. The system is fully adaptable with interlocking components to become a "full scaffold system" and adaptable to use or application. The overall costs are reduced as components are limited to the work area only. There is no need for stage rigging from the ground up to a desired use area. The scaffolding assembly can have caged handrails for barrier protection with extendable components to become full roof edge protection. The assembly minimises overall site usage and permits full access to ground levels which are usually obstructed by traditional ground mounted scaffolding systems. By not being supported by the ground, site disturbances and erosion is reduced or eliminated.

The assembly can be designed to be "staged" at 3 m intervals. When working from the ground up, it provides for protection during setup of each work platform area. Because a safe working platform is always maintained, there is no need for specialist riggers thereby minimising downtime during setup.

The assembly is self adjustable and can be setup or dismantled in less time and a conventional scaffolding system which minimises downtime. The system weighs less than traditional scaffolding systems and can also be reused many times and can be quite easily transported to or from the site.

The purpose of the assembly is to provide a safe working platform for workers undertaking light duties including but not limited to the following; LIGHT DUTIES: Minimum 4 planks wide (or 900mm per bay) Electricians Painters Carpenters Tilers Glaziers Welders Plumbers Applied texture coatings Or other work not exceeding 225 kg per bay The assembly may also be used as a system of fall protection for heavy duties such as brick or block laying.

Where the scaffold is used in this application the intent is for the worker to use the floor level of the building as the work platform, with work being carried out from the inside of the wall.

The assembly can be staged or "stepped up" in height at intervals of either .75 metres or 1.5 metres. It serves a multi-purpose scaffold system that is capable of being raised or lowered from the base of the wall connection bracket to suit a variety of applications. It is easily adapted to form roof edge protection, extending from the base of the wall connection thereby negating the need to install a separate edge protection system.

The assembly is designed to attach to the building by an anchor means in the form of a wall connection bracket consisting of either: Friction Clamps for connection to RHS Columns; or Bolt-through anchorages to mounting plate for concrete or masonry.

Hazards that have the potential to cause injury or illness are commonly associated with elevated work, scaffolding and other temporary access equipment, and include Engaging in the erection and dismantling of scaffold or access equipment Using a scaffold or equipment Being in the vicinity of elevated work, a scaffold or equipment (including the general public) Working at heights Falling objects Manual Handling Electricity Corrosive substances Volatile atmospheres Movement of cranes, vehicles and machinery Weak or unstable supporting structures 8 SHigh winds and storms SCAFFOLD COMPONENTS In the embodiment, the list of components of the assembly is as follows, and the components are illustrated in the figures

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NO ITEM FIGURE NO WALL 3

CONNECTION

1 BRACKET 2 STANDARD 1500 4 3 STANDARD 750 4 COUPLING 6 ADJUSTABLE 7

BRACE

6 RH CORNER 8 7 LH CORNER 9 RH CORNER 8 BRACE LH CORNER 11 9 BRACE INTERMEDIATE 12

GUARDRAIL

SUPPORT

RH/CORNER 13 11 G/RAIL SUPPORT LH CORNER G/RAIL 14 12 SUPPORT GUARDRAIL 3 13 METRE GUARDRAIL 4 14 METRE GUARDRAIL 5 16 'No

;Z

-n

METRE

GUARDRAIL 17 16 BARRIER 12mm CONNECTOR 18 17 PIN 18 HUMPBACK PIN 19 19 35MM HYPLANK DIMINISH BOARD 21 21 PLANK COUPLER 22 22 CORNER STRUT 23 STAIR OPENING 24 23 STRUT STAIR OPENING 24 HEAD BOTTOM STAIR 26 26 TOP STAIR 27 27 CORNER BARRIER 28 28 STAIR HAND RAIL 29 TOP CORNER FRICTION CLAMP BOTTOM CORNER 31 31 FRICTION CLAMP INTERMEDIATE 32 TOP FRICTION 32 CLAMP INTERMEDIATE 33 BOTTOM FRICTION 33 CLAMP GUARDRAIL 34 34 OFFSET BRACKET WALL RESTRAINT

BRACKET

36 CORNER STRUT 36 12mm BOLT 37

ASSEMBLY

Wall connection bracket for concrete see figures 38-39 (Max centres 3600mm for timber planks) A. 2 x M16mm GR 4.6/S (Mild Steel) bolts through the masonry wall with 50x50 flat washer to the inside restraint, or B. 2 x Ramset SPATEC Safety Bolt (SA12124) with a minimum embedment of for masonry walls, or 50mm for precast concrete panels.

Wall connection bracket for steel frame structures see figures 40-41 (Max. centres 3600mm for timber planks) A. Attachment by friction clamps to RHS Columns B. wall restraint bracket shall be connected to a maximum of 3000mm above wall connection bracket.

Lateral cross bracing (adjustable braces) (Internal external) is to be continuous for each level. Note: Internal bracing can be removed for clear wall access only while work is being preformed at that level.

No work is to be undertaken above this level while the braces have been removed.

Corner strut see figure 42 The corner strut (36) is required when the system is in the single platform stage before the work platform is staged to the next level.

Planks see figures 43-44 Planks are to comply with the Australian Standard AS 1577-1993 Planks are to be a minimum of four planks wide.

Minimum lap of planks is to be 300mm Plank coupler (21) is required at mid span where planks exceed 1800mm.

A suitable assembly procedure is as follows: The following procedure outlines the steps and components necessary to complete a 3 Metre high scaffold system connected to a concrete wall: STEP 1 ATTACH WALL CONNECTION BRACKET STEP 2 ATTACH ADJUSTABLE BRACE STEP 3 FIT CORNER STRUT COUPLINGS STEP 4 LAY PLANKS STEP 5 FIT STANDARDS STAIR STRUTS STEP 6 BRACE STANDARDS STRUTS STEP 7- ATTACH CORNER ASSEMBLY STEP 8 ATTACH STAIRS COUPLINGS STEP 9 FIT STANDARDS STAIR OPENING HEAD STEP 10 FIT TOP STAIRS ATTACH ADJUSTABLE BRACES STEP 11- ATTACH CORNER STRUT CORNER ASSEMBLY STEP 12 FIT CORNER BARRIERS STEP 13 LAY PLANKS FIT COUPLINGS STEP 14 FIT GUARDRAIL SUPPORTS STEP 15 FIT GUARDRAILS STEP 16 FIT GUARDRAIL BARRIER Step 1 attach wall connection bracket see figure A. Attach wall connection bracket [see figure 3] to concrete or masonry wall.

B. For fixing to concrete or masonry, use a 16mm gr4.6/s (mild steel) bolt assembly (41) with 50x5x2mm backing washer. If a through bolt cannot be used, substitute for ramset spatec safety bolt (sa12124) with a minimum embedment of 80mm for masonry walls, or 50mm for precast concrete panels.

C. Spacings for fixings in concrete are a minimum of 200mm centres from external comers and 3600mm centres for intermediate spans.

D. To fix wall connection brackets to steel columns, use friction clamps (30, 31, 32 or 33).

Step 2 attach adjustable brace [figure 46] 12 A. Attach adjustable brace to locating pins on wall connection brackets. Adjust to length and tighten grub screw so that brace is firm.

B. Secure adjustable brace to locating pins at each end with humpback pin (18) Step 3 fit corner strut couplings [figure 47] A. Fit corner strut (36) into sleeve of wall bracket and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Fit coupling into sleeve of wall bracket and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) Step 4 lay planks [figure 48] A. Lay two planks (19) wide on top of wall connection brackets Maintain a minimum lap of 300mm past horizontal arm of connection bracket.

Step 5 fit standards stair struts [figure 49] A. Fit standards over coupling and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Fit stair opening strut (23) over coupling and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) Step 6 brace standards struts [figure A. Attach adjustable brace to locating pins on standards and stair opening strut Adjust to length and tighten grub screw so that brace is firm.

Step 7- attach corner assembly [figure 51] A. Fit rh corner and rh corner brace and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Fit lh corner and lh comer brace and secure with connector pin (17) and ID13 Shumpback pin (18) C. Connect rh comer and lh corner with coupling (4) Step 8 attach stairs couplings [figure 52] A. Fit bottom stair (25) over sleeve of standard and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Fit couplings over sleeve of standard and secure with connector pin (17) and C humpback pin (18) Step 9 fit standards stair opening head [figure 53] A. Fit standard over sleeve of coupling and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Fit stair opening head (24) over sleeve of coupling above entry of bottom stair Secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) C. Fit standard 750 over sleeve of coupling above entry of bottom stair Secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) Step 10 fit top stairs attach adjustable braces [figure 54] A. Fit top stair (25) over sleeve of coupling and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Attach adjustable brace to locating pins on standards (2 or Adjust to length and tighten grub screw so that brace is firm Step 11- attach corner strut corner assembly [figure A. Fit corner strut (22) over sleeve of coupling and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Fit rh corner and rh comer brace and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) C. Fit lh comer and lh comer brace and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) D. Fit guardrails (13, 14, 15) into sleeve of guardrail supports (10, 11, 12) and tighten sleeve bolt so that it secure.

Step 12 fit comer barriers [figure 56] A. Fit comer barriers (27) over comer struts and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) B. Fit guardrail barrier (16) over guardrails and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) Step 13 lay planks fit couplings [figure 57] A. Lay 4 (four) planks wide on top of standards to form work platform 900mm wide.

B. Secure planks with diminish board (20) and plank restraint (21 C. Fit coupling into sleeve of standards and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) Step 14 fit guardrail supports [figure 58] A. Fit left hand right hand (11) and intermediate (10) guardrails supports into sleeve of couplings and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) Step 15 fit guardrails [figure 59] A. Fit guardrails (13-15) into sleeve of guardrail supports (10-12) and tighten sleeve bolts so that it is secure.

Step 16 fit guardrail barrier [figure A. Fit guardrail barrier (16) over guardrails (13-15) and secure with connector pin (17) and humpback pin (18) An advantage of the assembly of the invention is to provide a safe working platform that can be staged or "stepped up" in interval heights of 0.75 Metres or 1.5 Metres typically to a maximum height of 4.5 Metres above the wall connection bracket. Where the height of the scaffold exceeds 3 Metres, the system may require lateral restraint tie back to the building structure at a maximum height of 3 Metres above the wall connection bracket The system can be multi-staged in combinations of 0.75 or 1.5 Metre steps to a maximum height of 3.0 metres above the wall connection bracket (1) without the need for a lateral restraint.

When work is to be performed on more than one level, the maximum number of working platforms that may be allowed at any given time should not exceed two.

The assembly can be adapted to be used as roof edge protection, thereby negating the need to install a separate scaffold system. When roof edge protection is to be used, the maximum height of the scaffold including the roof edge protection should not exceed 5250mm above the wall connection bracket For this application, scaffold will typically be tied to wall at head height below roofline with wall restraint bracket (35) at a minimum of4000mm centres. For roof edge protection, the following steps are used: Step 1 fit guard rail offset bracket [figure 61] Step 2 adjust guard rail offset bracket to edge of roofline [figure 62] Step 3 fit guardrails [figure 63] Step 4 fit guardrail barriers [figure 64] Referring to figures 73-76, there is illustrated another embodiment of the invention which enables the scaffolding assembly to be placed against an inclined surface, for instance a surface having an angle of between 25o-80'. This enables the scaffolding assembly to be used against inclined embankments such as those found underneath the bridge and enables bridge repairs and maintenance to be carried out.

In this embodiment, the scaffolding assembly comprises an adjustable substructure which comprises a first leg member (which can be the bracing member) which is adapted to be positioned against the inclined surface.

The leg member can be made of steel box section having a crosssection of between 30-200 millimetres and a length of anywhere between one metre up to six metres or even more. The leg member in the particular embodiment can be telescopic and therefore can comprise an outer leg member 31 and an inner leg member 32. Leg member 32 is provided with an array of openings 33. Inner leg member 32 can be locked to outer leg member 31 by a locking pin 34. The lowermost end of inner leg member 32 is provided with a tubular sleeve 35 to accommodate a lower tie bar 36 which connects all the separate spaced apart scaffolds. A bolt etc may be provided to lock the lower tie bar to each tubular sleeve 35. The lowermost end is also provided with a connection plate (not illustrated) to connect the lowermost end against the blocks of the inclined wall. The connection plate may be pinned to the blocks, or may have a configuration to enable it to lock against the blocks etc.

Attached to the outer leg member 31 (or more correctly to the uppermost part of outer leg member 31 see figure 75), and to the inner leg member 32 are supporting members to support the scaffolding planks. Specifically, the supporting members comprise a first substantially horizontal supporting member 37 (see figure 73 and 75), and a second substantially vertical supporting member 38.

Supporting member 37 and supporting member 38 will typically comprise steel box sections and this can have a length of between 0.5-3 metres. This supporting member need not be length adjustable. Horizontal supporting member 37 is pivotly attached at one end to the upper end of outer leg member 31 via a pivot pin 39 which is best illustrated in figure Also best illustrated in figure 75 is an attachment plate 40 which is welded or otherwise attached to the upper end of outer leg member 31 and which enables the leg member to be attached to one of the concrete blocks. Of course, the attachment plate 40 can also be pinned or otherwise attached to the inclined surface, and the inclined surface need not comprise concrete blocks but may comprise a solid concrete slab etc.

Vertical supporting member 38 is attached at an upper end to the outer end of horizontal supporting member 37 and is pivotly attached at this point. The lower end of vertical supporting member 38 is pivotly attached to inner leg member 32. The point of attachment is via the array of openings 33 which means that the lower end of vertical supporting member 38 can be attached anywhere along inner leg member 32 as long as there is an opening to do so. This provides the adjustability of the scaffolding assembly and enables the horizontal supporting member 37 to be maintained in a horizontal position irrespective of the angle of inclination of the wall on which the scaffolding is attached. Thus, in use, the leg member 30 is placed against the inclined wall with supporting member 37 attached to the upper end of the leg member (see figure 75). The vertical supporting member 38 is then attached to inner leg member 32 at a position which ensures that the supporting member 37 is horizontally positioned.

It is not critical for the outer leg member and the inner leg member to be length adjustable or telescopic relative to each other, and in an embodiment, the outer leg member 31 may comprise a single length of box section which is not length adjustable. However, having the length adjustability enables the scaffolding to be collapsed into a more portable system.

As illustrated in figure 73, any number of scaffoldings can be placed on the inclined surface is at spaced apart locations. Adjacent scaffoldings are tied together through tie bar 36 and also through cross bracing members 40 which extend from the inner leg member 32 of one scaffolding to the outer leg member 31 of an adjacent scaffolding. Adjacent scaffolding can also be tied together through cross bracing members 41 (see figure 74) which tie together adjacent vertical supporting members 38.

Planks or other types of flooring can then be placed on the horizontal supporting members 37 to provide an even surface for workmen. The usual protective side cages 42 and other accessory devices can then be attached.

It is possible for the leg member 30 to be pinned or otherwise attached to the inclined surface between the upper end and the low end of the leg member.

Thus, the leg member may be provided with an intermediate bolt, pin, clamping plate etc that can engage with the inclined surface.

This version of the invention is particularly suitable for inclined surfaces. This version of the invention has been described with reference to beneath a road bridge. However, the version of the invention can also be used on any other 18 inclined surface such as an inclined roof and the like.

Throughout the specification and the claims (if present), unless the context requires otherwise, the term "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to apply the inclusion of the stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications can be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A scaffolding assembly for attachment to a vertical or inclined surface, the scaffolding assembly comprising at least one arm member which in use is substantially horizontal and which is adapted to extend outwardly from the surface, anchor means to anchor the at least one arm member relative to the wall, a further arm member which depends from the at least one horizontal arm member and in use is adjacent the wall, and at least one bracing member operatively associated with the at least one arm member to transfer load from the arm member to the wall, the anchor means comprising a mounting member which is attached to the scaffolding assembly and which extends from each side of the arm member, or the further arm member, and at least one fastener to attach the mounting member to the surface.

2. The assembly of claim 1, comprising a plurality of such arm members.

3. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting member is a plate and a said fastener extends through the mounting plate at each side of the arm or further arm member

4. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracing member, the horizontal arm member and the further arm member are attached together to form a unit.

5. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anchor means comprises a rectangular mounting plate which is attached either to the end of the horizontal arm member and/or the further arm member.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the mounting plate has a length of between 10-50 cm and a width of between 10-50 cm.

7. The assembly of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein one or more openings are in the mounting plate to enable anchor bolts or anchor members to pass through the one or more openings to anchor the assembly to the wall.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the mounting anchors are precast or are embedded in the wall face and are later removed or capped and left in place as anchors to re-mount for future maintenance.

9. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one arm member has a length of between 1-6 m. The assembly of any one of claims 3-9, wherein the further arm INO Smember has a length of between 50 200 cm.

11. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two such assemblies spaced apart by distance of between 1-6 m.

12. The assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a platform is supported in a horizontal manner by the at least one arm member. 13 The assembly of claim 12, wherein a second platform is supported C above the first platform to provide an upper and lower work level. N 14 The assembly as claimed in claim 1, for use against an inclined wall The assembly of claim 14, wherein the further member is able to be C 10 attached to the bracing member at a plurality of separate positions to maintain the at least one member is a substantially horizontal manner.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the at least one member is pivotally attached at one end to the bracing member.

17. An assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the illustrations.

18. A scaffolding assembly for attachment to a wall, the scaffolding assembly comprising at least one arm member which in use is substantially horizontal and which is adapted to extend outwardly from the wall, anchor means to anchor the at least one arm member relative to the wall, and at least one bracing member operatively associated with the at least one arm member to transfer load from the arm member to the wall. Dated this 13 t h day of June 2006 Robyn Patricia Stainton William Duncan Stainton By their Patent Attorneys CULLEN CO.