AU2020210274A1

AU2020210274A1 - An insert

Info

Publication number: AU2020210274A1
Application number: AU2020210274A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Steven Eastall
Original assignee: Ullrich Aluminium Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ullrich Aluminium Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-31
Filing date: 2020-07-31
Publication date: 2021-02-18

Abstract

When designing and installing scaffolds for building construction or maintenance, for safety, it is good practice to restrain all scaffolding planks from vertical uplift (i.e. wind uplift) and horizontal movement. Scaffolding planks also need to be secured by ropes so they can be hoisted from ground level to upper levels of the scaffold, and need to be protected against theft. Disclosed is an insert for a scaffolding plank which comprises a hollow projection for receiving a means for securing the scaffolding plank. FIG.lIA if IssI FIG.lIB

Description

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AN INSERT

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert for a scaffolding plank, a scaffolding plank

containing an insert, a method of making a plank with an insert, and a method of modifying

a plank to include an insert.

[0002] Scaffolding planks, also known as builder's planks, are essential equipment for

building construction and maintenance. To enable work to be carried out above ground

level, scaffolding planks are installed between supports to create a working platform, for

example as part of a building scaffolding. Scaffolding planks can be constructed of timber,

steel, aluminium or plastic. Scaffolding planks of extruded aluminium have a number of

benefits including strength and durability.

[0003] When designing and installing scaffolds for building construction or maintenance,

for safety, it is good practice to restrain all scaffolding planks from vertical uplift (i.e. wind

uplift) and horizontal movement. Restraining of scaffolding planks can be achieved in a

number of ways, including with twine, steel wire, plastic strapping, scaffolding components

or spring-loaded hooks. Scaffolding planks also need to be secured by ropes so they can be

hoisted from ground level to upper levels of the scaffold, and need to be protected against

theft. Adapting scaffolding planks so that they can be secured to supports, or by ropes for

hoisting, presents a number of challenges.

[0004] Some aluminium scaffolding planks are formed from a rectangular cross-section

having one or more, for example two intermediate webs which provide strength to the

profile. EP 0250612 describes an aluminium plank having a rectangular cross-section with

two intermediate webs, and a closure member for the end of the plank constructed of an

elastomeric material for making the ends of the plank more resistant to shocks.

[0005] Throughout the specification and claims, reference is made to scaffolding planks.

Scaffolding planks are used in building construction and maintenance, including by

tradespeople such as electricians, painters, decorators, carpenters, plasterers, and in a "DIY" context. As used herein, the term "scaffolding plank" is not limited to use of planks used in large-scale construction projects or by builders, but includes other trade or home uses.

[0006] Throughout the specification and claims the invention is described with respect to an aluminium scaffolding plank. The invention is particularly useful for aluminium scaffolding

planks, however the scaffolding plank may be any suitable scaffolding plank and is not

limited to an aluminium scaffolding plank.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In a first aspect, the invention provides an insert for a scaffolding plank, the insert comprising a generally rectangular plate adapted to be fixed to an end of a scaffolding plank,

the plate comprising an inner face adapted to cooperate with the end of the scaffolding

plank, an outer face opposed to the inner face, two short edges corresponding to the sides

of the scaffolding plank, and two long edges corresponding to the top and bottom of the

scaffolding plank;

the inner face having a hollow projection which, in use, extends into a recess formed in the

end of the scaffolding plank, the hollow projection providing a passage that extends through

the scaffolding plank.

[0008] Preferably, when viewed end-on with respect to a long edge of the plate, the

projection is arcuate in shape.

[0009] Preferably, when viewed end-on with respect a long edge of the plate, the projection has a D-shape.

[00010] In an embodiment, the insert is adapted to be welded to the end of the scaffolding

plank.

[00011] In an embodiment where the scaffolding plank is formed from a hollow extrusion, the insert further comprises at least one tab projecting from the inner face near an edge of the plate. In such an embodiment, the insert may comprise at least two tabs near each side edge of the plate, to provide for the insert to be riveted to the end of the scaffolding plank.

Thus, when inserted into the end of the scaffolding plank, rivets can be used to attach the

tabs to the side walls of the extrusion. Alternatively, or additionally, the insert may

comprise at least two tabs near each long edge of the plate, to provide a friction fit between

the insert and the scaffolding plank, and hold the insert in place while it is riveted or welded

to the scaffolding plank.

[00012] As mentioned above, the projection has a hole adapted to receive a means for

securing the scaffolding plank. Such means can include twine, a steel wire, a plastic strap, a

scaffolding component, or a spring-loaded hook.

[00013] In an embodiment, the insert is for use with a plank formed from a hollow extrusion

having a rectangular cross-section and having one or more intermediate webs to provide

strength and rigidity to the scaffolding plank, and the projection of the insert is positioned so

as to avoid the one or more intermediate webs.

[00014] In an alternative embodiment, the insert is for use with a substantially solid plank

formed for example from timber.

[00015] In a second aspect, the invention provides a scaffolding plank incorporating an insert

according to the first aspect. Preferably, such a scaffolding plank is formed from a hollow extrusion, more preferably, is an extruded aluminium plank. Preferably the scaffolding plank

is formed from a hollow extrusion having a rectangular cross-section and having one or

more intermediate webs to provide strength and rigidity to the scaffolding plank, for

example two or three intermediate webs, and the projection of the insert is positioned so as

to avoid the one or more intermediate webs.

[00016] In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a scaffolding plank, the

method comprising: providing a substantially rectangular extrusion comprising two opposed

ends, a top and bottom face and two side walls; forming a recess in one or both of the opposed ends; and attaching an insert according to the first aspect to one or both of the

opposed ends.

[00017] In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of modifying a scaffolding plank,

the method comprising: providing a substantially rectangular scaffolding plank comprising

two opposed ends, a top and bottom face and two side faces; forming a recess in one or

both of the opposed ends; and attaching an insert according to the first aspect to one or

both ofthe opposed ends.

[00018] In a preferred embodiment, the provided scaffolding plank is a hollow extrusion

having a closed end, and the method comprises removing the closed end, and forming a

recess at the end so exposed. In such an embodiment, removing the closed end preferably

comprises removal by cutting the extruded plank near the closed end.

[00019] The recess extends between the top and bottom faces of the scaffolding plank. This

allows the means for securing the scaffolding plank to pass through the hollow projection. The recess can be formed, for example, by creating a cutout at the end of the plank using a

CNC router, mitre saw, or laser cutter.

[00020] In a fifth aspect, the invention provides a scaffolding plank formed by the method of

the third or fourth aspect.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00021] FIG. 1A shows an end view and a side view of an insert according to the invention

[00022] FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an insert according to the invention.

[00023] FIG. 2A shows a view of the inner face of an insert according to the invention

cooperating with a scaffolding plank, viewed from section line A-A of Fig. 2B.

[00024] FIG. 2B shows a top view of a scaffolding plank comprising an insert according to the

invention.

[00025] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a scaffolding plank comprising an insert according

to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00026] With reference to the Figures, the invention will now be described. A scaffolding

plank insert is generally denoted 10, and has an elongate plate 11. Plate 11 has an inner

face 12 (Fig. 1A, 1B, 2A) and an outer face 13 (Fig. 3) opposed to inner face 12. Inner face 12

is adapted to cooperate with the end of a scaffolding plank and when the insert is attached

to said end of the scaffolding plank, inner face 12 will not be visible (Fig. 3). Fig. 1A shows

that plate 11 has two opposed short edges 14 corresponding to the sides of the scaffolding

plank, and two opposed long edges 15 corresponding to the top and bottom of the

scaffolding plank. The inner face 12 has a hollow projection 16. Projection 16 extends away

from inner face 12 and in use, will extend into a recess formed in the end of the scaffolding

plank. Projection 16 comprises passage 16a and is therefore adapted to receive a means for

securing the scaffolding plank to prevent displacement, such as twine, steel wire, a plastic

strap, a spring-loaded hook, or other means which will pass through passage 16a of

projection 16.

[00027] When viewed end-on with respect to a long edge 15 of the insert, the projection 16

has a D-shape (Fig. 2B) around passage 16a.

[00028] Insert 10 can be formed from aluminium, steel, hard plastic or other suitable

material, by methods known to those skilled in the art, including casting, injection moulding,

3D printing, and CNC router.

[00029] Insert 10 is for use with a scaffolding plank 20 (Fig. 2A, 2B, 3). A scaffolding plank

comprising the insert 10 can be formed by providing a substantially rectangular extrusion

comprising two opposed ends, a top and bottom face and two side walls; forming a recess in

one or both of the opposed ends which corresponds in shape to projection 16, and which

extends between the top and bottom faces of the scaffolding plank, thus allowing the means

for securing the scaffolding plank to pass through the hole 16a of the projection 16.

[00030] Scaffolding plank 20 is formed from one such hollow extrusion, and has a

rectangular cross-section and two intermediate webs 21 (Fig. 2A) to provide strength and

rigidity to the scaffolding plank. The intermediate webs of plank 20 are positioned

approximately at longitudinal ridges 22 (Fig. 2B, 3). Thus, projection 16 is between

intermediate webs 21 and will not interfere with the intermediate webs 21 of the scaffolding

plank 20.

[00031] Similarly, an existing scaffolding plank can be retrofitted with an insert 10 by forming

a recess in one or both of the opposed ends of the scaffolding plank corresponding to

projection 16. If the existing scaffolding plank is a hollow extrusion having a closed end, the

method comprises removing the closed end, for example by cutting the extruded plank near

the closed end, and forming a recess at said end corresponding to projection 16.

[00032] An insert 10 is then attached to one of the ends of the scaffolding plank. Preferably,

one insert 10 is attached to each end of the scaffolding plank. Insert 10 can be welded to a

scaffolding plank if the materials used for the insert 10 and the scaffolding plank are

compatible. For example, top and bottom edges 16b of projection 16 can be welded to the

top and bottom faces of the scaffolding plank. Additional welding can take place as

appropriate to provide strength for transferring forces between the insert 10 and the

scaffolding plank, as is known to the person skilled in the art. For example, top and bottom

edges 15 of plate 11 can be welded to the top and bottom faces of the scaffolding plank.

[00033] Additionally, or alternatively, the insert can be provided with tabs for accepting

rivets. Insert 10 has tabs 17 projecting from the inner face 12 near side edges 14 (Figs. 1A,

1B, 2A). Thus, when inserted into the end of the scaffolding plank, rivets can be used to

attach the tabs 17 to the side walls of the extrusion. Insert 10 also has tabs 18 projecting

from the inner face 12 near each long edge 15 of the plate 11 (Figs. 1A, 1B, 2A). When

inserted into the end of the scaffolding plank, tabs 18 provide a friction fit between the

insert 10 and the scaffolding plank, and hold the insert in place while it is riveted and/or welded to the scaffolding plank.

[00034] For embodiments where the insert is for use with a substantially solid scaffolding

plank formed for example from timber, tabs should not be provided. If the insert cannot be

welded to the solid scaffolding plank, the plate would instead be provided with holes for

screws or the like to fix the insert to the scaffolding plank.

[00035] Preferably, the scaffolding plank is provided with means to assist grip when walking

or standing on the scaffolding plank, such as grooves, ridges, cross-hatching, or a raised

pattern. More preferably, the scaffolding plank is provided with longitudinal ridges running substantially the length of the scaffolding plank, formed in the upper and/or lower face of the scaffolding plank.

[00036] Preferably, the scaffolding plank is also provided with additional means to assist

grip, such as a strip of non-slip rubber or the like, running substantially the length of the scaffolding plank near each longitudinal edge of the scaffolding plank.

[00037] Preferably, the means to assist grip are provided on both "top" and "bottom" faces

of the scaffolding plank, in order that either face can function as the "top" face, providing

flexibility during installation of the scaffolding plank.

[00038] Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment the outer face of the insert can be

stamped with the manufacturer's name, date of manufacture and/or the maximum load to

be borne by the scaffolding plank.

[00039] In use, a scaffolding plank incorporating a plank insert of the invention may be

supported by any suitable structure to create a working platform. Depending on

requirements, a plurality of such scaffolding planks may be used to create a working

platform of a greater length or width. While satisfying Worksafe requirements regarding

base plates and/or base jacks, such scaffolding planks may be used for any suitable purpose, including at ground level.

[00040] The above description is by way of example only and modifications are possible

without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00041] The terms comprise, comprises, comprising, or comprised, if and when used herein,

should be interpreted non-exclusively, that is, as conveying "consisting of or including".

[00042] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such

reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common

general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An insert for a scaffolding plank, the insert comprising:

a generally rectangular plate adapted to be fixed to an end of a scaffolding plank, the plate

comprising an inner face adapted to cooperate with the end of the scaffolding plank, an

outer face opposed to the inner face, two short edges corresponding to the sides of the

scaffolding plank, and two long edges corresponding to the top and bottom of the

scaffolding plank;

end of the scaffolding plank, the hollow projection providing a passage that extends through the scaffolding plank.

2. The insert according to claim 1, wherein, when viewed end-on with respect to a long edge of the insert, the projection is arcuate in shape.

3. The insert according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when viewed end-on with respect a long edge

of the insert, the projection has a D-shape.

4. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the insert is adapted to be welded

to the end of the scaffolding plank.

5. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising at least one tab

projecting from the inner face near an edge of the plate.

6. The insert according to claim 5, comprising at least two tabs, each near a side edge of the

plate, to provide for the insert to be riveted to the end of the scaffolding plank.

7. The insert according to claim 5 or 6, comprising at least two tabs near each long edge of the

plate.

8. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the hollow projection is adapted to

receive a means for securing the scaffolding plank comprising twine, a steel wire, a plastic

strap, a scaffolding component, or a spring-loaded hook.

9. The insert according to anyone of claims 1to 8, for use with a plank formed from a hollow

extrusion having a rectangular cross-section and having one or more intermediate webs to

provide strength and rigidity to the scaffolding plank, wherein the hollow projection of the

insert is positioned so as to avoid the one or more intermediate webs.

10. A scaffolding plank incorporating an insert according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. The scaffolding plank according to claim 10, wherein the plank is formed from a hollow

extrusion.

12. The scaffolding plank according to claim 11, which is an extruded aluminium plank.

13. The scaffolding plank according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the plank is formed from a hollow

provide strength and rigidity to the scaffolding plank, wherein the projection of the insert is

positioned so as to avoid the one or more intermediate webs.

14. A method of forming a scaffolding plank, the method comprising:

Providing a substantially rectangular extrusion comprising two opposed ends, a top and bottom face and two side walls;

Forming a recess in one or both of the opposed ends;

Attaching an insert according to any one of claims 1-9 to one or both of the opposed ends.

15. A method of modifiying a scaffolding plank, the method comprising:

Providing a substantially rectangular scaffolding plank comprising two opposed ends, a top

and bottom face and two side faces;

Forming a recess in one or both of the opposed ends;

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the provided scaffolding plank is a hollow

extrusion having a closed end, and the method comprises removing the closed end, and forming a recess at the end so exposed.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein removing the closed end comprises removal by

cutting the extruded plank near the closed end.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, wherein the recess is formed using a CNC

router, mitre saw, or laser cutter.

19. A scaffolding plank formed by the method of claim 14 or 18.

20. A scaffolding plank modified by the method of any one of claims 15-18.