AU2021393815A9

AU2021393815A9 - A lapboard for a safety deck

Info

Publication number: AU2021393815A9
Application number: AU2021393815A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Luis MCCARTHY
Original assignee: J Mac Safety Systems Ltd
Current assignee: J Mac Safety Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2020-12-01
Filing date: 2021-12-01
Publication date: 2024-07-11
Also published as: GB202018914D0; EP4256154A1; CA3204544A1; AU2021393815A1; GB2601493A; WO2022118012A1; US20240003147A1

Abstract

A lapboard for a safety deck assembly, the safety deck assembly comprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having a substantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assembly comprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg to form a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially support a decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, the lapboard comprising a substantially planar upper surface and at least one receiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels, the lapboard being smaller in width than the decking panels.

Description

A LAPBOARD FOR A SAFETY DECK

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of safety decking. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a lapboard for use in a safety deck system.

Background to the Invention

A safety deck is normally constructed within a building to provide a safe working platform for working at a height above the floor. Many conventional safety decking systems are lightweight including plastic decking panels.

A safety deck system typically includes a number of different components such as decking panels, elongate legs, base/heads for mounting relative to the ends of the legs to form a foot at a lower end, and a head for locating the decking panels at an upper end (the base/head can also be used in some configurations to attach diagonal bracing members (which can be elongate legs provided at an angle)), and pins to attach the base/head to the legs and decking panels.

When formed, it is unusual if the dimension of the safety deck when assembled, matches the internal dimension of the building exactly which leads to the edge of the safety decking being spaced from the inside of the walls, leaving a gap. These gaps are dangerous and are typically covered using a lapboard, which is generally, another decking panel. The lapboards are typically wider than the gap.

The conventional technique for installing a lapboard is to stack a second base on the first base, before installing the leg (which will raise the head at the top of the leg by a corresponding amount) in the gap and then locate the lapboard partially on top of the assembled safety deck and support the free edge on the now-elevated head. The lapboard can be fixed in position against movement using one or more ratchet straps or cam straps threaded through the safety deck and the lapboard.

This technique places the lapboard substantially parallel to the safety deck and above the deck, supported as it is at at least one edge by the safety deck. This forms a trip hazard at at least one edge of the lapboard. Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a lapboard for a safety deck assembly, the safety deck assembly comprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having a substantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assembly comprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg to form a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially support a decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, the lapboard comprising a substantially planar upper surface and at least one receiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels, the lapboard being smaller in width than the decking panels.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a safety deck assembly comprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having a substantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assembly comprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg to form a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially support a decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, and at least one lapboard comprising a substantially planar upper surface and at least one receiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels, the lapboard being smaller in width than the decking panels.

Providing a lapboard and a safety deck including at least one lapboard with a smaller width than that of the main decking panels and with at least one receiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels means that the lapboard is then co-planar with the decking panels and no longer presents a tripping hazard. The lapboard will normally be mounted relative to the same head as the decking panels, in substantially the same way so that the same heads can be used to mount both the decking panels and the lapboard(s).

The safety deck assembly will typically include a number of decking panels to form a substantially planar deck. The planar deck will typically be formed above a floor of the structure. The planar deck will typically be formed within the confines of the structure, namely inside a number of walls of the structure. The walls may have doorways or door openings integrated thereinto.

The safety deck of the assembly will typically be spaced from the floor of the structure using the elongate legs. A base/head will generally be mounted relative to opposite ends of each of the elongate legs to form a foot at a lower end and a head at an upper end for locating the decking panels.

The base/head may be the same component and is preferably simply used in an inverted orientation relative to the elongate leg when provided as the head.

The base/head may be provided with one or more attachment configuration to attach one or more diagonal bracing members relative to any one or more of the elongate legs. Typically, diagonal bracing members may be provided in the same configuration as the elongate legs (and be interchangeable with the elongate legs as this will minimise the number of parts that need to be provided to form the safety deck) and provided at an angle relative to one or more of the elongate legs.

In an embodiment, the elongate leg may be removably attached to the base/head. a pin may be used to attach the elongate leg to the base/head. A pin may be used to attach the base/head to a diagonal bracing member. Typically, the pin will be inserted transversely through aligned openings provided in the elongate leg, base/head and/or diagonal bracing member.

The base/head will typically include a main opening to receive a portion of the elongate leg. The opening will typically be defined by a receiving collar. The opening is preferably provided with a base wall to abut/support an end of the elongate leg. The opening may be any shape. Typically, the preferred receiving collar and base wall will typically define an opening which corresponds in shape to the external shape of the elongate leg. The elongate leg will be substantially rectangular in cross sectional shape and therefore, the opening may be substantially rectangular in shape as well.

Typically, the elongate leg will be received in the opening in a friction fit. A transversely extending pin may be provided to attach the elongate leg relative to the base/head, the transverse pin extending through aligned openings in the leg and the preferred receiving collar which align when the elongate leg is located in the receiving collar.

A number of bearing formations may be provided on the base/head. The bearing portions may be spaced about the external side(s) of the preferred receiving collar. The bearing formations will typically abut the ground or other support surface when the base/head is used as a foot for an elongate leg. When the base/head is used as a head, the bearing formations will typically support at least one decking panel/lapboard relative to the head. The bearing portions will typically extend past the plane of the base wall of the preferred receiving collar.

Each bearing portion is preferably shaped. Each bearing portion may have a support surface. In use, the support surfaces will typically be placed on the ground or other surface when the base/head is used as a base and the support surfaces will typically abut a portion of a decking panel/lapboard when the base/head is used as the head.

The support surfaces of the bearing portions are typically planar. The support surfaces are typically substantially parallel to the preferred base wall of the base/head. The support surfaces are typically substantially perpendicular to the axis of the main opening. The support surfaces are typically spaced from the preferred base wall of the base/head. Generally, the bearing portions extend on opposite side of the preferred base wall to the preferred receiving collar. The bearing portions will normally be located outside the receiving collar in order to spread the load outside the footprint of the elongate leg, when located in the base/head.

At least one of the bearing formations of each head will typically be received, at least partially, in an opening in the underside of a decking board/lapboard. This will typically locate the decking board/lapboard relative to the head, minimising and typically preventing any lateral movement of the decking board/lapboard relative to the head.

The lapboard may be any shape. The lapboard will typically be generally rectangular in external shape. The lapboard will normally have an upper surface. The upper surface is typically one upon which a workman will stand. The upper surface is normally planar. One or more grip members or formations may be provided on the upper surface of the lapboard. Generally, grip formations are spread over the upper surface of the lapboard.

The dimensions of the lapboard are typically related to the dimensions of the decking panel with which the lapboard is used. Normally, a decking panel has a standard width, typically 1 m. In one form, the decking panel will be square. The lapboard is typically a standard length, normally 1 m. The length of the lapboard may be the same as the length of the decking board used to form the platform relative to which the lapboard is used.

The thickness of the lapboard is preferably the same as the thickness of the decking panel. Although the thickness may vary, a thickness of approximately 30 to 50 mm is preferred, as this thickness has been found to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to support even a reasonably heavy workman thereon but still be light enough (depending on material(s) used) to be easily transported and assembled. In an embodiment, the lapboard may be approximate 40 mm in thickness. It is not strictly necessary that the lapboard and the decking panels be the same thickness but it is preferred that the upper surface of the lapboard and the upper surface of the decking panels are coplanar when in use.

The width of the lapboard is typically smaller than the width of the decking panel. This will allow the lapboard to be installed between an edge of a peripheral decking board in the safety deck assembly and an obstruction, typically a fixed wall of the structure for example, to bridge the gap. Lapboards may be provided in a number of different widths in order to span different sized gaps.

The lapboard may have any width. A width of approximately 800 mm to 900 mm is preferred as the width of a standard internal door is typically approximately 850mm. The width of the lapboard may be important as the width will typically effectively locate the elongate legs of the support assembly of the safety deck relative to which the lapboard is mounted (as the heads of the support assembly of the safety deck assembly will normally engage the at least one opening provide in an underside of the lapboard). Providing a lapboard of approximately 800 mm to 900 mm in width allows the elongate legs of the support assembly of the safety deck to be positioned on either side of a standard width door frame or opening, without obstructing access through the door by positioning an elongate leg within the width of the door frame or opening. In one preferred form, the lapboard will be approximately Im long and approximately 800 mm to 900 mm in width.

At least one receiving opening is typically formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the head, to locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels. The underside of the lapboard is preferably open. Typically, a plurality of strengthening ribs are provided on an underside of the lapboard. The strengthening ribs are typically provided in a regular array. The strengthening ribs typically extend substantially perpendicularly to an underside of the substantially planar upper surface. In one form, a rectangular array of strengthening ribs is provided.

The provision of the strengthening ribs will typically form a number of open cells on the underside of the lapboard. The cells will typically be open at a lower side and closed at an upper side by the underside of the substantially planar upper surface of the lapboard.

Each comer of the underside of the lapboard typically has at least one receiving opening. Normally, a receiving opening is provided at each corner of the lapboard. More than one receiving opening may be provided. Where more than one receiving opening is provided, the receiving openings are typically spaced apart to correspond to the spacings of the bearing portions on the head.

The configuration of the at least one receiving opening is typically dependent upon the configuration of the head, and particularly on the bearing portions provided on the head. Typically, the at least one receiving opening is defined by one or more strengthening ribs. The at least one receiving opening will typically receive a bearing portion, at least partially therein. The shape and configuration of the at least one receiving opening will typically correspond to the bearing portion such that lateral movement of the bearing portion within the receiving opening is minimised.

In one form, a set of four receiving openings may be provided at each corner of the underside of the lapboard. The set of four receiving openings is typically provided in a rectangular layout with one of the four receiving openings located at the corner.

The at least one receiving opening may be provided or associated with an opening through the upper surface of the lapboard. Normally, the opening through the upper surface of the lapboard is smaller than a portion of the bearing portion such that the bearing portion does not extend through the opening above the level of the substantially planar upper surface of the lapboard.

At least one securing opening may be provided in one or more of the peripheral walls of the lapboard. Typically, at least one securing opening is provided adjacent to a comer of the lapboard. The at least one securing opening can be used to receive a pin thereinto to secure the lapboard relative to a head.

The lower edges of the respective strengthening ribs are typically all coplanar.

The lower edges of the strengthening ribs of at least some of the cells provided on the underside of the lapboard will typically abut the base wall of the head when the lapboard is installed on the head. Depending upon the location of the lapboard relative to each head, a head may have one bearing portion received in one receiving opening on the underside of the lapboard, two bearing portions received in two respective receiving openings on the underside of the lapboard or four bearing portions received in four respective receiving openings on the underside of the lapboard.

A central portion of the underside of the lapboard may include an annular strengthening wall. One or more radiating strengthening ribs may be provided, radiating from the preferred annular strengthening wall. A rectangular surround strengthening wall formed from four strengthening ribs may be provided about the one or more radiating strengthening ribs. A regular array of rectangular cells formed by a number of strengthening ribs may be provided outside the rectangular surround strengthening wall. At least one opening may be provided through the substantially planar upper surface of the lapboard. The at least one opening may be provided through a cell. The provision of an opening through a cell will generally allow any water that falls onto the upper surface of the lapboard to drain through the lapboard.

The lapboard is typically formed in a single piece. The lapboard is preferably formed from a high strength material such as plastic or light metal. The lapboard is typically rigid and strong. The lapboard may be formed in a single piece using a moulding process.

In a deck system including one or more lapboard and a main deck formed from one or more main decking panels, the one or more lapboard will preferably be coloured to stand out from the colour of the main deck. In one form, the one or more lapboard will be provided in a colour which contrasts with the colour of the main deck. In one form, the lapboard may be garish colour compared to the colour of the main deck such as for example bright yellow compared to a more generic colour of the main deck such as red or black for example. This will help to clearly identify the lapped nature of the lapboard.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric view from above of a lapboard for a safety deck according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is an axonometric view from below of the lapboard illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of the lapboard illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a top view of the lapboard illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the lapboard illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is an axonometric view of a safety deck assembly with which a lapboard may be used. Figure 6A is an axonometric detail view of a base as illustrated in the portion of Figure 6 identified using reference letter A.

Figure 6B is an axonometric detail view of a base as illustrated in the portion of Figure 6 identified using reference letter B.

Figure 6C is an axonometric detail view of a base as illustrated in the portion of Figure 6 identified using reference letter C.

Figure 7A is an isometric view from an upper side of a lapboard according to an alternative embodiment.

Figure 7B is an isometric view from a lower side of the lapboard illustrated in Figure 7A.

Figure 8 is an isometric view from a first angle of a lapboard mounted relative to a deck panel in an embodiment.

Figure 9 is an isometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 8 but with the head supporting the lapboard inboard of the edge of the lapboard.

Figure 10 is a view from below of the configuration illustrated in Figure 9.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a lapboard 10 for a safety deck assembly 11 is provided.

An example of a safety deck assembly 11 is shown in Figures 6 to 6C. The safety deck assembly 11 illustrated comprises an upper deck formed of a single decking panel 12 in that instance, the decking panel 12 having a substantially planar upper surface. The decking panel 12 is supported above a surface by an elevated support assembly 13 comprising a number of elongate legs 14, a base 15 for each elongate leg 14 to form a foot, a head 16 for each elongate leg 14 to at least partially support the decking panel 12 relative to an upper end of the elongate leg 14.

The safety deck assembly 11 will normally include a number of decking panels 12 to form a substantially planar deck. The planar deck will typically be formed above a floor of the structure (not shown). The planar deck will typically be formed within the confines of the structure, namely inside a number of walls of the structure. The walls may have doorways or door openings integrated thereinto.

The safety deck of the assembly will typically be spaced from the floor of the structure using the elongate legs 14. A base/head 15, 16 will generally be mounted relative to opposite ends of each of the elongate legs 14 to form a foot at a lower end and a head at an upper end for locating the decking panels.

As shown in Figures 6 to 6C, the base/head 15, 16 may be the same component and simply used in an inverted orientation relative to the elongate leg 14 when provided as the base/head 15, 16.

The base/head 15, 16 may be provided with one or more attachment configuration to attach one or more diagonal bracing members 17 relative to any one or more of the elongate legs 14. Typically, diagonal bracing members 17 will be provided in the same configuration as the elongate legs 14 (and be interchangeable with the elongate legs 14 as this will minimise the number of parts that need to be provided to form the safety deck assembly 11) and provided at an angle relative to one or more of the elongate legs 14. A number of horizontal members 22 may be provided to brace the elongate legs 14.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate leg 14 is removably attached to the base/head 15, 16. A pin 18 may be used to attach the elongate leg 14 to the base/head 15, 16. A pin 18 may be used to attach the base/head 15, 16 to a diagonal bracing member 17. Typically, the pin 18 will be inserted transversely through aligned openings provided in the elongate leg 14, base/head 15, 16 and/or diagonal bracing member 17.

The base/head 15, 16 illustrated has a receiving collar 19 defining a main opening to receive a portion of the elongate leg 14. The main opening is normally provided with a base wall to abut/support an end of the elongate leg 14. The main opening may be any shape, but typically, the receiving collar 19 and base wall will typically define a main opening which corresponds in shape to the external shape of the elongate leg 14. The elongate leg 14 shown is substantially rectangular in cross sectional shape and therefore, the main opening is substantially rectangular in shape as well. Typically, the elongate leg 14 will be received in the main opening in a friction fit. As best seen in Figure 6C, a transversely extending pin 18 may be provided to attach the elongate leg 14 relative to the base/head 15, 16, the transverse pin 18 extending through aligned openings in the leg 14 and the receiving collar 19 which align when the elongate leg 14 is located in the receiving collar 19.

A number of bearing formations 20 may be provided on the base/head 15, 16. The bearing portions 15, 16 may be spaced about the external side(s) of the receiving collar 19. The bearing formations 20 will typically abut the ground or other support surface when the base/head 15, 16 is used as a foot for an elongate leg 14. When the base/head 15, 16 is used as a head, the bearing formations 20 will typically support at least one decking panel 12/lapboard 10 relative to the head 16. The bearing portions 20 will typically extend past the plane of the base wall of the receiving collar 19.

Each bearing portion 20 is preferably shaped. Each bearing portion 20 may have a support surface 21. In use, the support surfaces 21 will typically be placed on the ground or other surface when the base/head 15, 16 is used as a base and the support surfaces 21 will typically abut a portion of a decking panel 12/lapboard 10 when the base/head 15, 16 is used as a head 16.

The support surfaces 21 of the bearing portions 20 are typically planar. The support surfaces 21 are typically substantially parallel to the preferred base wall of the base/head 15, 16. The support surfaces 21 are typically substantially perpendicular to the axis of the main opening. The support surfaces 21 are typically spaced from the preferred base wall of the base/head. Generally, the bearing portions 20 extend on opposite side of the preferred base wall to the receiving collar 19 and may be mounted relative thereto. The bearing portions 20 will normally be located outside the receiving collar 19 in order to spread the load outside the footprint of the elongate leg 14, when located in the base/head 15, 16.

At least one of the bearing formations 20 of each head 16 will typically be received, at least partially, in an opening in the underside of a decking board 12/lapboard 10. This will typically locate the decking board 12/lapboard 10 relative to the head 16, minimising and typically preventing any lateral movement of the decking board 12/lapboard 10 relative to the head whilst supporting the decking board 12/lapboard 10 through the support surfaces 21 abutting an underside of the upper surface of the decking board 12/lapboard 10.

The lapboard 10 shown in Figures 1 to 5 comprises a substantially planar upper surface 23 and at least one receiving opening 24 formed in an underside of the lapboard 10 to receive a portion of the head 16 to locate the upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10 substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels 12, the lapboard 10 being smaller in width than the decking panels 12.

Although the lapboard 10 may be any shape, it will typically be generally rectangular in external shape as shown. The lapboard 10 will normally have an upper surface 23. The upper surface 23 is typically one upon which a workman will stand. The upper surface 23 is normally planar. One or more grip members or formations 25 may be provided on the upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10. Generally, grip formations 25 are spread over the upper surface of the lapboard.

The dimensions of the lapboard 10 are typically related to the dimensions of the decking panel 12 with which the lapboard 10 is used. Normally, a preferred decking panel 12 is substantially square, having a length and a width of approximately 1 m. The lapboard 10 is typically standard length to match the length of the decking panel 12, normally 1 m.

The thickness of the lapboard 10 is preferably the same as the thickness of the decking panel 12. Although the thickness may vary, a thickness of approximately 30 to 50 mm is preferred, as this thickness has been found to provide sufficient rigidity and strength to support even a reasonably heavy workman thereon but still be light enough (depending on material(s) used) to be easily transported and assembled. In an embodiment, the lapboard 10 may be approximate 40 mm in thickness. It is not strictly necessary that the lapboard 10 and the decking panels 12 be the same thickness but it is preferred that the upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10 and the upper surface of the decking panels 12 are coplanar when in use.

The width of the lapboard 10 is typically smaller than the width of the decking panel 12. This will allow the lapboard 10 to be installed between an edge of a peripheral decking board 12 in the safety deck assembly 11 and an obstruction, typically a fixed wall of the structure for example, to bridge the gap. Lapboards 10 may be provided in a number of different widths in order to span different sized gaps.

The lapboard 10 may have any width. A width of approximately 800 mm to 900 mm is preferred as the width of a standard internal door is typically approximately 850mm. The width of the lapboard 10 may be important as the width will typically effectively locate the elongate legs 14 of the support assembly 13 of the safety deck assembly 11 relative to which the lapboard 10 is mounted (as the heads of the support assembly 13 of the safety deck assembly 11 will normally engage the at least one receiving opening 24 provide in an underside of the lapboard 10). Providing a lapboard 10 of approximately 800 mm to 900 mm in width allows the elongate legs 14 of the support assembly 13 of the safety deck assembly 11 to be positioned on either side of a standard width door frame or opening, without obstructing access through the door by positioning an elongate leg 14 within the width of the door frame or opening.

As shown in Figure 5 in particular, at least one receiving opening 24 is typically formed in an underside of the lapboard 10 to receive a portion of the head 16, to locate the upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10 substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels 12. The underside of the lapboard 10 is preferably open. Typically, a plurality of strengthening ribs 30 are provided on an underside of the lapboard 10. The strengthening ribs 30 are typically provided in a regular array. The strengthening ribs 30 typically extend substantially perpendicularly to an underside of the substantially planar upper surface 23. In one form, a rectangular array of strengthening ribs 30 is provided.

The provision of the strengthening ribs 30 will typically form a number of open cells 29 on the underside of the lapboard 10. The cells 29 will typically be open at a lower side and closed at an upper side by the underside of the substantially planar upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10.

Each corner region of the underside of the lapboard 10 typically has at least one receiving opening 24. Normally, a receiving opening 24 is provided at each corner of the lapboard 10. More than one receiving opening 24 may be provided. Where more than one receiving opening 24 is provided, the receiving openings 24 are typically spaced apart to correspond to the spacings of the bearing portions 20 on the head 16. The configuration of the at least one receiving opening 24 is typically dependent upon the configuration of the head 16, and particularly on the configuration of the bearing portions 20 provided on the head 16. Typically, the at least one receiving opening 24 is defined by one or more strengthening ribs 30. The at least one receiving opening 24 will typically receive a bearing portion, at least partially therein. The shape and configuration of the at least one receiving opening 24 will typically correspond to the bearing portion 20 such that lateral movement of the bearing portion 20 within the receiving opening 24 is minimised.

In one form as shown in Figures 1 to 5, a set of four receiving openings 24 may be provided at each corner region of the underside of the lapboard 10. The set of four receiving openings 24 is typically provided in a rectangular layout with one of the four receiving openings 24 located at the corner. This enables a head with four bearing portions 20 to support a corner of four decking panels 12, two decking panels 12 and two lapboards 10 or a corner of a single decking panel 12.

The at least one receiving opening 24 may be provided or associated with an opening through the upper surface of the lapboard 10. If provided, the opening through the upper surface of the lapboard 10 is smaller than a portion of the bearing portion 20 such that the bearing portion 20 does not extend through the opening above the level of the substantially planar upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10.

As illustrated in Figures 7B and 8, at least one securing opening 31 may be provided in one or more of the peripheral walls of the lapboard 10. Typically, any securing openings 31 are provided adjacent to a corner of the lapboard 10. The at least one securing opening can be used to receive a pin 18 thereinto to secure the lapboard 10 relative to a head 16.

The lower edges of the respective strengthening ribs 30 are typically all coplanar.

The lower edges of the strengthening ribs 30 of at least some of the cells provided on the underside of the lapboard 10 will typically abut the base wall of the head 16 on an opposite side to the elongate leg 14, when the lapboard 10 is installed on the head. As mentioned above, depending upon the location of the lapboard 10 relative to each head 16, a head 16 may have one bearing portion 20 received in one receiving opening 24 on the underside of the lapboard 10, two bearing portions 20 received in two respective receiving openings 24 on the underside of the lapboard 10 or four bearing portions 20 received in four respective receiving openings 24 on the underside of the lapboard 10.

As shown in Figure 5, a central portion of the underside of the lapboard 10 may include an annular strengthening wall 26. One or more radiating strengthening ribs 27 may be provided, radiating from the annular strengthening wall 26. A rectangular surround strengthening wall formed from four strengthening ribs 30 may be provided about the one or more radiating strengthening ribs 27. A regular array of rectangular cells formed by a number of strengthening ribs 30 may be provided outside the rectangular surround strengthening wall.

At least one opening 28 may be provided through the substantially planar upper surface 23 of the lapboard 10. The at least one opening may be provided through a cell. The provision of an opening through a cell will generally allow any water that falls onto the upper surface of the lapboard 10 to drain through the lapboard 10.

The lapboard 10 is typically formed in a single piece. The lapboard 10 is preferably formed from a high strength material such as plastic or light metal. The lapboard 10 is typically rigid and strong. The lapboard 10 may be formed in a single piece using a moulding process.

The embodiment illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B is similar to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 but without openings through the upper surface of the lapboard 10 which coincide with the at least one receiving opening 24. The underside of the lapboard illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B is the same as that illustrated in Figure 2 but without the openings through the upper surface of the lapboard 10 which coincide with the at least one receiving opening 24.

Figures 8 to 10 show the use of the lapboard 10 in situations where the gap between the edge of the deck formed from main decking boards 12 and another structure such as a wall for example, is smaller than the width of the lapboard 10. In this situation, the lapboard 10 may still be Tapped’ or have one edge supported by the main decking boards 12. The lapboard may lap with an edge on each side thereof supported on an adjacent deck portion to cover a doorway opening where there are two decks at the same height either side of the door.

The outer edge of the lapboard 10 may be supported at an outer edge by a head 16 (stacked on another head 16 as shown to locate the upper head 16 at the correct height) as illustrated in Figure 9, or inboard of the edge of the lapboard 10 by a head 16 (stacked on another head 16 as shown to locate the upper head 16 at the correct height).

As shown in Figures 6 to 6C, the base/head 15, 16 may be the same component and simply used in an inverted orientation relative to the elongate leg 14 when provided as the base/head 15, 16. If the height of the lapboard 10 needs to one adjusted, a head 16 may be stacked on another head 16, at the upper end of the elongate leg 14 or at the base.

The bearing formations 20 support at least one decking panel 12/lapboard 10 relative to the head 16, with at least one bearing formation 20 of the head being received in at least one receiving opening 24 on an underside of the lapboard 10 in the corner region.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A lapboard for a safety deck assembly, the safety deck assembly comprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having a substantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assembly comprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg to form a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially support a decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, the lapboard comprising a substantially planar upper surface and at least one receiving opening formed in an underside of the lapboard to receive a portion of the head to locate the upper surface of the lapboard substantially coplanar with the upper surface of the decking panels, the lapboard being smaller in width than the one or more decking panels.

2. A lapboard as claimed in claim 1 further comprising one or more grip members or formations provided on the upper surface of the lapboard.

3. A lapboard as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lapboard has a width of approximately 800 mm to 900 mm.

4. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a plurality of strengthening ribs provided on an underside of the lapboard.

5. A lapboard as claimed in claim 4 wherein the strengthening ribs are provided in a regular array.

6. A lapboard as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the strengthening ribs extend substantially perpendicularly to an underside of the substantially planar upper surface.

7. A lapboard as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the strengthening ribs form a number of open cells on the underside of the lapboard.

8. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a receiving opening is provided at each comer of the lapboard.

9. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one receiving opening is defined by one or more strengthening ribs provided on an underside of the lapboard.

10. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a set of four receiving openings is provided at each corner region of the underside of the lapboard with one of the four receiving openings located at a corner.

11. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least one receiving opening is associated with an opening through the upper surface of the lapboard.

12. A lapboard as claimed in claim 11 wherein the opening through the upper surface of the lapboard is sized so that a support does not extend through the opening above a plane of the substantially planar upper surface of the lapboard.

13. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein a central portion of the underside of the lapboard includes an annular strengthening wall with one or more radiating strengthening ribs radiating outwardly from the annular strengthening wall.

14. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including at least one opening provided through the substantially planar upper surface of the lapboard.

15. A lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the lapboard is formed in a single piece.

16. A safety deck assembly comprising a upper deck formed of one or more decking panels having a substantially planar upper surface and an elevated support assembly comprising a number of elongate legs, a base for each elongate leg to form a foot, a head for each elongate leg to at least partially support a decking panel relative to an upper end of the leg, and at least one lapboard as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

17. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 16 comprising a number of decking panels to form a substantially planar deck spaced from a floor using the elongate legs.

18. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the base and the head have the same configuration used inverted relative to one another 19 mounted relative to opposite ends of each of the elongate legs to form a foot at a lower end and a head at an upper end for locating the decking panels/lapboard.

19. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 18 wherein the base and the head each include a main opening defined by a receiving collar to receive a portion of a respective elongate leg.

20. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the main opening is provided with a base wall to support a respective end of the elongate leg.

21. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein a number of bearing formations are provided on the head spaced about the receiving collar so that the bearing formations support at least one decking panel/lapboard relative to the head.

22. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 21 wherein each bearing portion has a support surface to abut a portion of a decking panel/lapboard.

23. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein the support surfaces are planar and spaced from the receiving collar.

24. A safety deck assembly as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein at least one of the bearing formations of each head is received, at least partially, in an opening in the underside of a decking board/lapboard to locate the decking board/lapboard relative to the head.

25. A safety deck assembly as claimed in claim 24 wherein the bearing formation is received within the opening in the underside of a decking board/lapboard to minimise lateral movement of the decking board/lapboard relative to the head.