AU2021218207A1 - Scaffolding pole - Google Patents

Abstract

A scaffolding pole 42 for lifting a scaffolding unit 10 for installation to a building under construction or restoration. The scaffolding pole 42 including an elongate pole 44 having a lengthwise axis AA and opposite ends 46,48. One of the 5 opposite ends being a scaffolding unit engagement end 48. The scaffolding unit engagement end 48 includes an engagement facility 50,52 which is operable to engage for lifting, 1) a first elongate member of a scaffolding unit 10 in an orientation in which the first elongate member extends generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis AA of the elongate pole 44 and 2) a 10 second elongate member 58 of a scaffolding unit 10 in an orientation in which the second elongate member 58 extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis AA of the elongate pole 44. Fig. 9 3/5 36 32 1 40 36 36 15 40 16 24 1 818 39 22 30 39 28 FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4

Description

3/5

36 32 1

40 36 36 15 40 16

24 1

818

39

22 30

39 28

FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4

SCAFFOLDING POLE

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a scaffolding pole for lifting scaffolding components into place. The present invention has particular application to forms of scaffolding that are self-supporting or self- suspending against a building wall. One form of this type of suspended scaffolding is described in Australian patent application 2019204814. It is to be appreciated however that the scaffolding pole of the present invention could be used with other forms of suspended scaffolding.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The discussion of the background to the invention that follows is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any aspect of the discussion was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Scaffolding is commonly employed in the construction of commercial and residential buildings in a variety of different forms. Scaffolding allows construction workers to safely work at height either within or externally of a commercial or residential building in order to conduct the various construction activities that are required for a building to be completed. This includes the application of wall cladding or paint, the installation of insulation, windows roofs and guttering just to name a few. Scaffolding can be used for any activity in the construction of a building in which workers need to be safely elevated.

[0004] A common form of scaffolding is one that is assembled at ground level and where the height of the scaffolding is increased as required as the building height needed to be accessed increases. This common form of ground supported scaffolding is usually formed of scaffolding components that are bolted together and increasing the height of the scaffolding is simply a matter of bolting further components together to reach the height required. These components include floor supports to support timber or metal planks on which construction workers can stand and walk, and safety handrails that form a barrier against falling from the scaffolding.

[0005] A drawback associated with the common form of scaffolding mentioned above is that the lower sections of scaffolding that are no longer in use as the scaffolding height increases, are nevertheless required to be retained to provide the ground supporting function that such scaffolding requires. The scaffolding can therefore become significantly bulky because many of the components of the scaffolding that were used initially at a lower level of the building need to remain in place as the height of the scaffolding increases, despite that the lower level scaffolding is no longer being used other than in a ground supporting function. This lower level scaffolding also can be an obstruction to work being carried out at the lower level of the building, i.e. it can obstruct access to the lower building level.

[0006] Suspended scaffolding overcomes some drawbacks associated with ground supported scaffolding, in that the suspended scaffolding can be suspended from the wall structure of a building at the height required and once the construction activities at that building height are completed, the scaffolding can be removed and reinstalled at a higher or lower level for further construction activity. This allows a much reduced quantity of scaffolding components. Further, because the scaffolding is not ground supported, lower level scaffolding is not required and therefore access to lower sections of the building is not obstructed by the presence of ground supporting scaffolding. It is therefore possible for construction activities to be undertaken beneath suspended scaffolding in a manner which is not possible, or which is more difficult, with ground supported scaffolding present.

[0007] Various forms of suspended scaffolding have been developed to date. US patent no. 6,003,630 by Construction Systems, Inc. and Australian application 2014221193 in the name of CSR Building Products Limited provide examples. Australian application 2019204814 in the name of the present applicant is another example of a suspended scaffolding system. The scaffolding systems provide a plurality of scaffolding units that are fixed to the side wall of a building under construction and that support a walkway between them. The scaffolding units include supporting surfaces that support timber or metal planks across two or more scaffolding units to form the walkway.

[0008] Australian application 2019204814 discloses a scaffolding unit that has a main scaffolding body that includes a horizontal support member that extends horizontally outwardly from the side wall of a building under construction. The main scaffolding body will also include a vertical support member that extends downwardly along the building and a bracing member that extends between and connects to the horizontal and vertical members. The horizontal support member can support walkway planks, or if the walkway needs to be higher than the horizontal support member, the scaffolding unit includes a detachable step-up assembly for elevating a walkway. The step-up assembly can extend from one section of the scaffolding unit so that another section of the scaffolding unit can support a second walkway at a different and lower height.

[0009] The scaffolding unit of Australian application 2019204814 also includes a detachable handrail post so that safety railing can be erected between adjacent scaffolding units.

[0010] The scaffolding unit of Australian application 2019204814 can be lifted manually from ground level on a pole up to the intended scaffolding location, where installation personnel can fix the scaffolding unit in place. With respect to the scaffolding unit of Australian application 2019204814, this is by fixing a connecting arrangement of the scaffolding unit to the sill or floor plate of the floor of the building at which the scaffolding unit is being installed. The installation of the scaffolding unit can thus require personnel at ground level to manually lift the scaffolding unit on a pole and personnel at an elevated floor level to handle and fix the scaffolding unit in place.

[0011] Scaffolding units can be awkward and sometimes dangerous to lift by pole. This is because they can be heavy and have uneven weight distribution, making lifting difficult. These factors are exacerbated if a step-up assembly and a handrail post form part of the scaffolding unit for lifting, so that the weight of the unit increases and the weight distribution will substantially favour one end of the unit. As the scaffolding unit is lifted and the height above ground level of the scaffolding unit increases, the potential for the scaffolding unit to topple increases. If the scaffolding unit were to topple, the safety of construction workers is compromised, while damage to the building and construction equipment may result.

[0012] The present invention has been developed with the aim to improve the ease and/or safety with which manual lifting of scaffolding units by lifting pole is undertaken.

Summary of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention there is provided a scaffolding pole for lifting a scaffolding unit for installation to a building under construction or restoration, the scaffolding pole including an elongate pole having a lengthwise axis and opposite ends, of which one end is scaffolding unit engagement end, the scaffolding unit engagement end including an engagement facility which is operable to engage for lifting, 1) a first elongate member of a scaffolding unit in an orientation in which the first elongate member extends generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole and 2) a second elongate member of a scaffolding unit in an orientation in which the second elongate member extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

[0014] The scaffolding pole according to the present invention is operable to lift members of a scaffolding unit in two different orientations. Advantageously, this allows the scaffolding pole to lift the scaffolding unit in different parts, where parts of the scaffolding unit are detachable, so that the weight being manually lifted is reduced, as well as to lift those different parts in the best possible orientation for ease of lifting. For example, in a scaffolding unit such as that disclosed in Australian application 2019204814, that has a main scaffolding body that includes a horizontal support member, the scaffolding pole can engage the horizontal support member for lifting the main scaffolding body. The scaffolding pole will engage the horizontal support member with the horizontal support member extending generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole and the scaffolding pole will be moved into a lifting position in which it is be oriented generally vertically and the horizontal support member will then be oriented generally horizontally. The horizontal support member thus forms a first elongate member of the scaffolding unit that extends generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

[0015] In lifting the main scaffolding body as described above, any step-up assembly or handrail post can be detached from the scaffolding unit to be lifted separately to reduce the weight being lifted. Each of the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly can be lifted separately, as each will have an elongate member that can be engaged by the engagement facility. However, it is expected that the main scaffolding body and any step-up assembly can be lifted together, as the weight is usually manageable and the engagement facility can engage the elongate member of the step-up assembly as that elongate member will be above the elongate member of the main scaffolding body and so that the majority of the weight of the scaffolding unit and step-up assembly will be below the engagement facility thus reducing the potential for the scaffolding unit toppling during lifting.

[0016] The main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly will thus be lifted separately or together by the engagement facility of the scaffolding pole engaging a suitable elongate member of either of the main scaffolding body or the step-up assembly.

[0017] With the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly lifted upwardly to where installation personnel can fix the main scaffolding body in place, the handrail post can then be lifted. The handrail post is typically long, in the order of about 1200mm in length, and thus when attached as part of the scaffolding unit, extends well above the main scaffolding body and is the main concern in relation to toppling during lifting of a complete scaffolding unit. However, with the scaffolding pole according to the invention, the engagement facility can engage the handrail post with the handrail post in an orientation in which it extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. The handrail post thus forms a second elongate member of the scaffolding unit that extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. The handrail post is therefore easily lifted separately to the main scaffolding body or the combined main scaffolding body and step-up assembly, as it aligns with the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

[0018] The engagement facility can take any suitable form. In some forms of the invention, the engagement facility forms or includes a channel to accept the first elongate member. The channel can be a square channel for receiving square horizontal support members or step-up assembly elongate members, or it can be a U shaped channel with a curved base for receiving round horizontal support members or step-up assembly elongate members, and the length of the channel can be such as to accept a major length of the horizontal support member of the main scaffolding body, or the step-up assembly elongate member. By accepting a major length of the horizontal support member body or the elongate member rather than a minor length, increased stability of lifting is ensured. For example, the length of the channel can be such as to accept the majority of the length of the horizontal support member of the main scaffolding body between the vertical support member and the connection of the bracing member with the horizontal support member. Alternatively, the length of the channel can be such as to accept the majority of the length of the elongate member of the step-up assembly that extends between opposite vertical support posts that support the elongate member above the horizontal support member. The length of the channel can be in the order of up to about 1000mm.

[0019] The channel can extend generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole of the scaffolding pole. The channel can be welded to the elongate pole. Bracing webs or members can extend between the channel and the elongate pole to support and stiffen the channel. The bracing webs or members can engage side surfaces of the channel or the underneath or base surface.

[0020] The channel can be attached to any part of the scaffolding unit engagement end of the elongate pole. In some forms of the invention, the channel is attached to one side of the elongate pole at the scaffolding unit engagement end so that the opening of the channel is offset from the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. Alternatively, the channel can be attached to the very top of the elongate pole at the scaffolding unit engagement end, so that the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole intersects with the opening of the channel or extends through the opening of the channel. Attachment of the channel to the very top of the elongate pole reduces the potential for the scaffolding unit toppling during lifting. Where the elongate pole is a square pole, the channel can extend across the top of the elongate pole with the channel extending generally parallel to one of the two pairs of opposite sides of the pole and bracing webs or members can extend from the other pair of opposite sides into engagement with the channel.

[0021] In some forms of the invention, the engagement facility engages and supports a structural part or member of the second elongate member, such as a handrail sleeve of a handrail post. For this, the engagement facility can include a connector that can engage and support the structural part or member while still allowing the elongate part of the second elongate member to extend in a generally parallel orientation relative to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. The connector can take any suitable form and can engage the structural part or member in any suitable manner. In some forms, the connector takes the form of a cradle, or a pair of prongs or fingers (hereinafter "fingers"), that are attached to or extend to one side of the elongate pole and in which the cradle includes a gap, or the fingers are spaced apart, to allow an elongate part of the second elongate member to be positioned in the cradle gap or between the fingers and to extend in a generally parallel orientation relative to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. The cradle or fingers catch and support the structural part or member of the second elongate member.

[0022] In relation to a handrail post, the structural part or member can be a handrail sleeve for supporting handrails or safety railing that is later installed between adjacent scaffolding units. The handrail sleeve can be a short section of tube, usually square or rectangular, through which safety railing is passed and the handrail sleeve can include short bolts that can be screwed into the sleeve to engage and secure the safety railing in place. The handrail sleeve is fixed to one side of the handrail post, usually by welding. In this form of handrail sleeve, sections of the handrail sleeve will usually project beyond opposite sides of the handrail post and it is the projecting sections that will be engaged and supported by the cradle or fingers. The cradle or fingers can extend underneath the handrail sleeve sections on either side of the handrail post and then upwardly adjacent or against an outer face of the handrail sleeve to securely capture the handrail sleeve.

[0023] The use of a cradle or fingers facilitates implementation of a simple engagement facility structure but provides secure and reliable connection with the handrail post. Moreover, the handrail post is very easy to load into the engagement facility simply by sliding the structural part or member of the handrail post into the cradle or fingers. In addition, installation personnel can easily lift the handrail post from the scaffolding pole by lifting the handrail post to lift the handrail sleeve from or out of the cradle or fingers and thereafter the installation personnel can connect the handrail post to the main scaffolding body to complete the scaffolding unit.

[0024] The connector of the engagement facility can take other forms and for example, can include a pair of spaced apart posts that extend on either side of the elongate part of a handrail post and that include abutments at distal ends of the posts so that the abutments engage against an outer face of the handrail sleeve to securely capture the handrail sleeve.

[0025] The alternatively connector of the engagement facility can include a projection to extend into the handrail sleeve of a handrail post and bear against inside surfaces of the handrail sleeve, such as the upper inside surface of the sleeve for lifting. By extending into the handrail sleeve, the connector can also support the handrail post against lateral movement away from the elongate pole by engaging against inside side surfaces of the handrail sleeve. The projection can be movable, from a retracted position to allow the handrail post to be placed in position for engagement by the projection, to an extended position in which the projection extends into the handrail sleeve.

[0026] Alternatively, the connector of the engagement facility can bolt or screw into the handrail post, such as into an existing opening in the post, or the bolt or screw can screw into engagement with an outer surface of the handrail post, or an outer surface of a handrail sleeve of the handrail post, or any other suitable part of the handrail post.

[0027] Clearly the connector can take many forms with the common requirement being that the connector be operable to engage and support a structural part or member of a second elongate member, such as a handrail post, for lifting the second elongate member in an orientation in which the second elongate member extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

[0028] The engagement facility can additionally include a retainer to retain the second elongate member in the orientation in which the second elongate member extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. The retainer is intended to prevent the second elongate member from rotating about its engagement with the connector so that the second elongate member does not move out of alignment with the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. In some forms of the invention, the retainer cooperates with a portion of the second elongate member that is spaced from the portion of the second elongate member that is engaged by the connector, so that the second elongate member is restrained at two spaced apart locations, thus preventing the second elongate member from rotating about its engagement with the connector.

[0029] In some forms of the invention, the retainer comprises a slot or channel that is attached to the elongate pole and that is spaced from the connector. The channel can receive a portion of the second elongate member that is spaced from the portion of the second elongate member that is engaged by the connector. The channel can have a short length and can be formed in various ways. For example, a preformed channel having a base and opposite sides can be welded to the elongate pole extending along the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. Alternatively, the channel can be formed by a pair of plates or rods that are attached to opposite sides of the elongate pole and that extend outwardly from the elongate pole to the same side of the elongate pole or in the same direction that the cradle or fingers described above extend to. The channel is intended to be a close fit against either side of a portion of the second elongate member that is received within the channel to restrain movement of the second elongate member away from the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

[0030] The retainer can be spaced from the connector any suitable distance that will be effective to retain the second elongate member in the orientation in which the second elongate member extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole. In practice, in relation to the forms of the connector and the retainer discussed above, the retainer can be positioned about 300-600mm below the connector.

[0031] Because the scaffolding pole according to the invention has been developed for use with the scaffolding unit of Australian application 2019204814 the present invention specifically provides a scaffolding pole for lifting a scaffolding unit that has a main scaffolding body and a detachable step-up assembly, each of which have a support member that is a horizontal member when the scaffolding unit is installed against the side wall of a building under construction or restoration, and a detachable handrail post, the scaffolding pole being operable to engage the support member of either of the main scaffolding body or the step-up assembly with the support member extending generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, for lifting the main scaffolding body or the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly, the scaffolding pole further being operable to engage the handrail post separately to the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly for lifting the handrail post with the handrail post in an orientation in which it extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

[0032] The present invention also provides a method of lifting a scaffolding unit to an upper floor of a building under construction or restoration with a scaffolding pole, the scaffolding unit having a main scaffolding body and a detachable step-up assembly, each of which have an elongate support member which is generally horizontal when the scaffolding unit is installed against the side wall of a building under construction or restoration, and a detachable elongate handrail post, the scaffolding pole including an elongate pole having a lengthwise axis and opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being a scaffolding unit engagement end, the scaffolding unit engagement end including an engagement facility which is operable to engage for lifting the support member of either of the main scaffolding body or the detachable step-up assembly in an orientation in which the support member extends generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, and to separately engage for lifting the handrail post in an orientation in which the handrail post extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, with the handrail post separated from the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly, the method involving engaging the elongate support member of either of the main scaffolding body or the detachable step-up assembly by the engagement facility and lifting the main scaffolding body and the detachable step-up assembly up to an upper floor of a building under construction or restoration for installation and the method further involving separately engaging the handrail post by the engagement facility and lifting the handrail post up to an upper floor of a building under construction or restoration for attachment to the main scaffolding body or the step-up assembly.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033] In order that the invention may be more fully understood, some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures in which:

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a series of scaffolding units applied to the wall of a building as taken from the specification of Australian application 2019204814.

[0035] Figure 2 is a perspective view of one of the scaffolding units shown in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a scaffolding pole currently in use.

[0037] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the scaffolding pole of Figure 3 in lifting engagement with the scaffolding unit of Figure 2.

[0038] Figures 5 to 7 are front, perspective and side views of a scaffolding pole according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Figures 8 to 10 are front, perspective and side views of the scaffolding pole of Figures 5 to 7 in lifting engagement with a handrail post of a scaffolding unit.

Detailed Description

[0040] Figure 1 is the same as Figure 1 of Australian application 2019204814, but with the reference numerals altered. Figure 1 show three scaffolding units 10 that have been applied to the wall of a building that is under construction or restoration. The scaffolding units 10 are shown in solid line while the components of the building are shown in broken line. The building wall comprises studs 11 shown in broken line that would form part of the framework of the wall of a building, while Figure 1 also shows a floor component 12 that can be a sheet of medium density fibreboard (MDF) and base plate 13 which has been connected to the edge or perimeter of the floor component 12 proximal the scaffolding units 10. The floor component 12 and the base plate 13 are shown in broken line.

[0041] The three scaffolding units 10 support a pair of side-by-side planks 14 that extend parallel to one another and which, on facing long sides or edges thereof, are in facing engagement. The planks 14 rest on the upper or supporting surfaces 15 of step-up assemblies 16. The planks 14 form scaffolding walkways. One scaffolding unit 10 is shown in more detail in Figure 2, which is the same as Figure 5 of Australian application 2019204814, but with the reference numerals altered.

[0042] For fixing the scaffolding units 10 in place against the wall of a building, they include connecting arms 17 that extend to angle sections 18 that connect with the base plates 13. That connection with the base plate 13 is made between the vertical portion 19 of the angle sections 18 that includes openings 20. Screws are driven through the openings 20 and into the edge of the base plate 13. The scaffolding unit 10 has a first support member 22 which in use extends substantially horizontally and is also capable of supporting a scaffolding walkway if the step-up assembly 16 is not provided, or if a second walkway is supported on the forward end 24 of the first elongate member 22. The scaffolding unit 10 further includes a second support member 26 that connects to the first support member 22 and that in use, extends substantially vertically downwardly and perpendicular to the first support member 22. The second support member 26 bears against a facing surface of the building being constructed or renovated, such as against the studs 11 shown in Figure 1.

[0043] At the bottom end of the second support member 26, a lateral stabilising tube 28 extends horizontally to resist lateral rotation of the scaffolding unit 10 about the lengthwise axis of the second support member 26. The stabilising tube 28 would engage against a pair of adjacent studs 11.

[0044] A bracing member 30 connects at opposite ends to the first and second support members 22,26 at an approximate 450 angle between them. The opposite ends of the bracing member 30 can be welded to the first and second support members 22,26.

[0045] The scaffolding unit 25 includes a step-up assembly 33 that can support walkway planks (not shown) on the supporting surface 34. Further walkway planks or building equipment can be supported on supporting surfaces 35 as required.

[0046] Finally, the scaffolding unit 10 includes a vertical handrail post 32 that connects into the rear step-up assembly post 34 and extends upwardly to support horizontal safety handrails (not shown). The horizontal safety handrails extend through pairs of handrail sleeves 36, which in Figure 3 comprise pairs of short sections of square tube through which similar shaped safety railing is passed and the handrail sleeves include short bolts that can be screwed into the sleeve to engage and secure the safety handrails in place. The handrail sleeve 36 can have end sections that project beyond opposite sides of the handrail post 32 and that can be engaged by a scaffolding post for lifting the handrail post 32.

[0047] The scaffolding unit 10 of Figure 2 can be lifted manually from ground level on a pole up to the intended scaffolding location, where installation personnel can fix the scaffolding unit in place. A prior art pole is illustrated in Figure 3 in which the pole 38 includes an elongate post 39 and a channel 40, fixed to one end of the post 39. Figure 4 shows the pole 38 in place to lift the scaffolding unit 10 and as shown in Figure 4, the channel 40 is in engagement with the member that forms the upper supporting surface 15 of the step-up assembly 16. The preference is to engage the scaffolding unit 10 at the highest possible point, so that the majority of the weight of the scaffolding unit 10 is below the engagement point. However, if the step-up assembly 16 is not provided, the channel 40 of the pole 38 can engage an alternative horizontal member, such as the first support member 22.

[0048] As previously discussed, toppling of the scaffolding unit 10 as it is lifted on the pole 38 is a potential safety hazard. To reduce the likelihood of toppling, reducing the weight which is above the engagement point between the pole 38 and the scaffolding unit 10 is desirable. Thus, as shown in Figure 4, the likelihood of toppling of the scaffolding unit 10 is reduced if the handrail post 32 is moved and lifted separately. The pole 38 can still be used to lift the scaffolding unit 10 with the handrail post 32 removed, but a disadvantage of this is that the handrail post 32 is required to be lifted separately, other than by the pole 38 and this is inconvenient. The present invention is intended to address this inconvenience.

[0049] It is to be noted that the step-up assembly 16 can also be detached and lifted separately, if further weight is to be removed, but it can still be lifted separately by the pole 38.

[0050] Figure 5, 6 and 7 show a scaffolding pole according to one embodiment of the invention, while Figures 8, 9 and 10 show the scaffolding pole of Figures 5 to 7 in engagement with a handrail post for lifting the handrail post separate to the remainder of a scaffolding unit to which it is to be later attached.

[0051] With reference to Figures 5 to 7 first, the scaffolding pole 42 comprises an elongate post 44 of any suitable length, that has a lengthwise axis AA and a pair of opposite ends 46 and 48. The end 48 is a scaffolding unit engagement end that includes an engagement facility for engaging both the scaffolding unit and separately, a handrail post. The engagement facility includes a channel 50 for engaging and supporting a generally horizontal elongate member of a scaffolding unit, similar to the arrangement shown in Figure 4, in which the channel 50 is open upwardly and at each end and would accept either the horizontal member of the step-up assembly 16, or the horizontal member 22 for lifting that scaffolding unit.

[0052] In addition, the engagement facility also includes a cradle arrangement, or a pair of prongs or fingers 52. The fingers 52 are formed in a right angle, so that each finger has a base portion 54 and an upstanding portion 56. The fingers 56 are also spaced apart as shown to form a gap between them.

[0053] With reference to Figures 8 to 10, it can be seen how the fingers 56 support and secure a handrail post 58 that includes upper, central and lower handrail sleeves 59, 60 and 61. These sleeves each extend beyond opposite sides of the handrail post 58, so that in the position shown in Figures 8 to 10, the handrail post 58, at positions between the sleeves 59, 60 and 61, can fit between the fingers 52, while the fingers 52 engage and support opposite ends of the sleeve 59. Thus, the gap between the fingers 56 allows a close fit about either side of the handrail post 58.

[0054] The base portion 54 of the fingers 52 extends beneath the sleeve 59 to support the underneath surface of the sleeve 59, while the upstanding portions 56 extend upwardly adjacent the outer facing surface of the sleeve 59. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, in particular Figure 10, the sleeve 59 is fully captured in a U-shape channel formed between the fingers 52 and a facing surface of the channel 50. Moreover, the lengthwise axis of the handrail post 58 extends generally parallel to the axis AA of the post 44 of the scaffolding pole 42.

[0055] Any of the sleeves 59, 60 or 61 can be captured within the engagement facility of the scaffolding pole 42, although, it is more likely that the scaffolding pole 42 will be lifted with either of the sleeve 59 or the sleeve 60 captured within the engagement facility. The sleeve 61 is likely to be too low to allow the handrail post 58 to be stably lifted by the scaffolding pole 42 if it were the handrail sleeve that were captured in the engagement facility.

[0056] The generally parallel alignment between the post 44 of the scaffolding pole 42 and the handrail post 58 is important for lifting the handrail post 58 in a stable manner. That arrangement minimises toppling of the handrail post 58 as it is lifted. Moreover, in the position illustrated, the handrail post 58 can be lifted up to installation personnel who can easily grasp the handrail post 58. The installation personnel can then lift the handrail post 58 from the scaffolding pole 42 to subsequently attach it to the step-up assembly 16 of the scaffolding unit 10, in the manner as shown in Figure 4 in relation to the handrail post 32.

[0057] To further stabilise the handrail post 58 in connection with the scaffolding pole 42, the engagement facility can include a retainer to retain the handrail post 58 generally parallel to the post 44. In the figures, a retainer is formed as a short slot or channel attached to post 42 of the scaffolding pole 42 to engage and retain a portion of the handrail post 58, which is spaced from the sleeve 59 which is engaged by the engagement facility. Figures 5 to 7 each show a channel 62 formed by a pair of plates 63 and in Figures 8 to 9, it can be seen that the plates 63 are closely positioned on either side of the handrail post 58. Thus, the handrail post 58 is secured at two points, being at the sleeve 59 by the engagement facility of the scaffolding pole 42, and at the channel 62. The plates 63 can be welded to opposite sides of the post 44 of the scaffolding pole 42.

[0058] The engagement facility includes bracing members 60, 64 which connect between the post 44 and the underneath surface of the channel 50. The bracing member 64 leave openings for the base portions 54 of the fingers 52 to extend to the underneath surface of the channel 50, for connection to the underneath surface of the channel 50, such as by welding.

[0059] The post 44 of the scaffolding pole 42 can be of any length dimension. A typical post will have a dimension of 1500-3000mm, while the length of the post can be adjustable by providing extensions posts to connect to the bottom end 46 of the post 44, or to make the post telescopic.

[0060] It will be evident from the above discussion, that the scaffolding pole 42 can lift a scaffolding unit in sections by allowing the main body of a scaffolding unit to be lifted separately from the handrail post. The same scaffolding pole that is used to lift the main body of a scaffolding unit is the same pole that is used to lift the handrail post and the handrail post is lifted in a secure manner minimising the toppling effect. This allows the scaffolding unit to be lifted safely and securely.

[0061] Where any or all of the terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" are used in this specification (including the claims) they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not precluding the presence of one or more other features, integers, steps or components.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0063] Future patent applications may be filed in Australia or overseas on the basis of or claiming priority from the present application. It is to be understood that the following claims are not intended to limit the scope of what may be claimed in any such future application.

Claims (24)

Claims

1. A scaffolding pole for lifting a scaffolding unit for installation to a building under construction or restoration, the scaffolding pole including an elongate pole having a lengthwise axis and opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being a scaffolding unit engagement end, the scaffolding unit engagement end including an engagement facility which is operable to engage for lifting, 1) a first elongate member of a scaffolding unit in an orientation in which the first elongate member extends generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole and 2) a second elongate member of a scaffolding unit in an orientation in which the second elongate member extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

2. A scaffolding pole according to claim 1, the first elongate member being an elongate member of the scaffolding unit that is a horizontal member when the scaffolding unit is installed against the side wall of a building under construction or restoration.

3. A scaffolding pole according to claim 1, the first elongate member being an elongate member of a step-up assembly of the scaffolding unit that is a horizontal member when the scaffolding unit is installed against the side wall of a building under construction or restoration.

4. A scaffolding pole according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the engagement facility forming or including a channel to accept the first elongate member.

5. A scaffolding pole according to claim 4, the channel being a square channel for receiving a square elongate member, or a U-shaped channel with a curved base for receiving a round elongate member.

6. A scaffolding pole according to claim 5, the length of the channel being such as to accept a major length of the first elongate member.

7. A scaffolding pole according to any one of claims 4 to 6, the channel extending generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole of the scaffolding pole.

8. A scaffolding pole according to any one of claims 4 to 7, the channel being welded to the elongate pole.

9. A scaffolding pole according to any one of claims 4 to 8, including bracing webs or members extending between the channel and the elongate pole to support and stiffen the channel.

10. A scaffolding pole according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the engagement facility being operable to engage and support a structural part or member of the second elongate member that is connected to an elongate part of the second elongate member.

11. A scaffolding pole according to claim 10, the engagement facility being operable to engage and support a handrail sleeve of a handrail post.

12. A scaffolding pole according to claim 10 or 11, the engagement facility including a connector for engaging and supporting the structural part or member and allowing the elongate part of the second elongate member to extend in a generally parallel orientation relative to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

13. A scaffolding pole according to claim 12, the connector being a cradle that is attached to or extends to one side of the elongate pole, the cradle including a gap to allow an elongate part of the second elongate member to be positioned in the cradle gap and to extend in a generally parallel orientation relative to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, the cradle extending underneath the structural part or member and then upwardly adjacent or against an outer face of the structural part or member.

14. A scaffolding pole according to claim 12, the connector being a pair of fingers that is attached to or extends to one side of the elongate pole and in which the fingers are spaced apart to allow an elongate part of the second elongate member to be positioned between the fingers and to extend in a generally parallel orientation relative to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, the fingers extending underneath the structural part or member and then upwardly adjacent or against an outer face of the structural part or member.

15. A scaffolding pole according to claim 12, the connector being a pair of posts that are spaced apart to allow an elongate part of the second elongate member to be positioned between the posts and to extend in a generally parallel orientation relative to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole and each post including abutments at distal ends of the posts that are operable to bear against an outer face of the structural part or member.

16. A scaffolding pole according to claim 12, the structural part or member being a handrail sleeve of a handrail post and the connector including a projection to extend into the and bear against inside surfaces of the handrail sleeve.

17. A scaffolding pole according to any one of claims 12 to 16, the engagement facility including a retainer to retain the second elongate member in the orientation in which the second elongate member extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

18. A scaffolding pole according to claim 17, the retainer cooperating with a portion of the second elongate member that is spaced from the portion of the second elongate member that is engaged by the connector, so that the second elongate member is restrained at two spaced apart locations.

19. A scaffolding pole according to claim 17 or 18, the retainer comprising a channel that is attached to the elongate pole and that is spaced from the connector.

20. A scaffolding pole according to claim 19, the channel having a base and opposite sides and being attached to the elongate pole extending along the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

21. A scaffolding pole according to claim 19, the channel being formed by a pair of plates or rods that are attached to opposite sides of the elongate pole and that extend outwardly from the elongate pole

22. A scaffolding pole for lifting a scaffolding unit that has a main scaffolding body and a detachable step-up assembly, each of which have a support member that is a horizontal member when the scaffolding unit is installed against the side wall of a building under construction or restoration, and a detachable handrail post, the scaffolding pole being operable to engage the support member of either of the main scaffolding body or the step-up assembly with the support member extending generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, for lifting the main scaffolding body or the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly, the scaffolding pole further being operable to engage the handrail post separately to the main scaffolding body and the step up assembly for lifting the handrail post with the handrail post in an orientation in which it extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole.

23. A method of lifting a scaffolding unit to an upper floor of a building under construction or restoration with a scaffolding pole, the scaffolding unit having a main scaffolding body and a detachable step-up assembly, each of which have an elongate support member which is generally horizontal when the scaffolding unit is installed against the side wall of a building under construction or restoration, and a detachable elongate handrail post, the scaffolding pole including an elongate pole having a lengthwise axis and opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being a scaffolding unit engagement end, the scaffolding unit engagement end including an engagement facility which is operable to engage for lifting the support member of either of the main scaffolding body or the detachable step-up assembly in an orientation in which the support member extends generally perpendicular to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, and to separately engage for lifting the handrail post in an orientation in which the handrail post extends generally parallel to the lengthwise axis of the elongate pole, with the handrail post separated from the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly, the method involving engaging the elongate support member of either of the main scaffolding body or the detachable step-up assembly by the engagement facility and lifting the main scaffolding body and the detachable step-up assembly up to an upper floor of a building under construction or restoration for installation and the method further involving separately engaging the handrail post by the engagement facility and lifting the handrail post up to an upper floor of a building under construction or restoration for attachment to the main scaffolding body or the step-up assembly.

24. A method according to 23, the method including lifting the main scaffolding body and the step-up assembly as one, whereby the engagement facility engages the elongate support member of the step-up assembly.

15 17 18

14 15 16 18 12 17 15 14 17 1/5

18

13 11

10

11 10 16

FIGURE 1