AU7825601A - Apparatus and systems for use in hung scaffolding - Google Patents

Description

P/00/01i1 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invention Title: Apparatus and systems for use in hung scaffolding The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: '00.: 0*0 0 0.

0 0*0* 0 003909087(Copy) 003948945v2.doc

I

Apparatus and Systems for Use in Hung Scaffolding The present invention relates to apparatus and systems for use in hung scaffolding.

Aspects of the present invention also relate to hung scaffolding.

Hung scaffolding, also known as suspended scaffolding, is designed to be hung or suspended fiom an upper part of a building under construction. Typically, the hung scaffolding is suspended from roofing rafters or other beams of the structures roof frame. Hung scaffolding finds particular use by trade persons in situations where the ground surrounding the building structure is soft and thus unsuitable for supporting conventional scaffolding or is slopping such that use of conventional scaffolding is not appropriate.

i0 In use of hung scaffolding, a plurality of scaffolding units are arranged along a side of the building structure. Typically, one or more planks of wood are placed on transversely extending beams that are held by the hung scaffolding to thereby provide a working surface above the ground level.

Our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99 filed on 12193/99 describes 15 a hung scaffolding unit for attachment to a beam of a roof frame. The scaffolding unit comprises a primary support for supporting one or more work platforms above a ground surface and an attachment member that extends from the primary support and is able to be moved to a desired angle relative to the primary support to enable the attachment member to lie alongside and be attached to the beam, and so hold the primary support above the ground surface. The oo: 20 scaffolding unit also has a connecting iember for securing the primary support to the attachment member after the attachment member has been arranged alongside and secured to the roofing beam, to thereby hold the primary support in position. The attachment member is ooooe connected to an end region of the primary support for location over the roof frame.

:The primary support includes a generally vertically extending strut. At least one 25 platform support is carried on a primary support for supporting a work platform above the ground level. There may also be provided one or more stabilisers or spreaders for contact with the side of the building structure to thereby stabilise the work platforms and ensure that the primary support remains properly spaced from the side of the structure being constructed.

003948945v2.doc 2 The disclosure of our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99 is specifically incorporated herein by cross reference.

Recent changes to work safety regulations in Australia have increased the safety requirements placed upon hung scaffolding apparatus. The hung scaffolding apparatus described in our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99 meets or exceeds all of the requirements of the work safety authorities in the States of New South Wales and Victoria.

Recent work safety changes have also required that safety railings be erected around the perimeter of a roof during construction of houses. As a result of this, numerous safety rail apparatus, typically involving stanchions and cross rails, have become available. Although these provide satisfactory performance from a safety view point, considerable time is required in erecting and dismantling these systems.

The present invention provides systems and apparatus that may be used with or as part of hung scaffolding. The systems and apparatus of the present invention are particularly suitable for use with hung scaffolding as described in our co-pending Australian Patent 15 Application No. 12193/99. However, it will be appreciated that the systems and apparatus of the present invention may be used with hung scaffolding apparatus other than as described in S. our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99.

As used hereinafter, the term "hung scaffolding" means a scaffolding unit or assembly that is attached to an upper part of a wall, a building or a construction. The hung scaffolding 20 may come into contact with the ground or it may be suspended above the ground.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a connection means for connecting a hung scaffolding unit to a roofing rafter comprising roofing rafter abutment means for placing in abutment with the roofing rafter, fixing means for fixing the abutment means to the roofing rafter, and attachment means for attaching the hung scaffolding unit to the connection means.

25 Preferably, the roofing rafter abutment means comprises a member for placement in abutment with the roofing rafter. Preferably, the member is adapted to be placed in abutment with a top surface of the roofing rafter. Even more preferably, the member has a generally ushaped section in which a central web has two side arms depending from lateral edges thereof.

In this embodiment, the member may be placed on the roofing rafter such that the central web 0L 003948945v2.doc 3 contacts or comes into abutment with the top surface of the roofing rafters and the side arms extend alongside surfaces of the roofing rafter.

The fixing means preferably comprises releasable fixing means such that the connection means can be releasably fixed to the roofing rafter. The fixing means may suitably be screws, bolts or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, the fixing means may comprise clamping means for clamping the connection means to the roofing rafter.

The attachment means for attaching the hung scaffolding unit to the connection means may comprise a pin extending transversely from the abutment means, said pin being adapted to act as a mount for the hung scaffolding unit.

The connection means may further comprise supporting means for supporting an upright. The upright may be a post for holding safety rail means. In this manner, the hung scaffolding unit may provide a mounting for a safety rail apparatus to extend around the periphery of the roof structure. It will be appreciated that such a safety rail structure may be quickly and simply erected once the hung scaffolding apparatus has been positioned on the roofing structure of the house. The connection means may further include kickboard support means for supporting a kickboard.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a hung scaffolding apparatus comprising a generally vertically extending member, connection means for connecting to a roofing rafter, an interconnection member for interconnecting the generally ver-tically extending 20 member to the connection means, said connection means comprising abutment means for placing an abutment with a roofing rafter and fixing means for fixing the abutment means to the roofing rafter, said interconnection member being connected to the connection means when said scaffolding apparatus is in use.

Preferably, the interconnection member includes a generally vertical portion extending 25 upwardly from the connection means and a generally horizontal portion extending horizontally from the generally vertical portion.

The hung scaffolding apparatus may be formed as an essentially unitary unit in which the generally vertically extending member, the interconnection member and the connection member are permanently joined together, for example, by welding. Alternatively, and 0039489452.doc 4 preferably, the generally vertically extending member, interconnection member and connection means are separate and can be releasably joined to each other. In this embodiment, the connection means is preferably as described with respect to the first aspect of the present invention.

The interconnection member may preferably include complementary attachment means for attaching to the attachment means of the connection member. For example, where the connection means includes a pin as the attachment means, the interconnection means preferably includes a recess or slot for receiving the pin to thereby releasably connect the interconnection member to the connection means.

The hung scaffolding apparatus may further comprise one or more stabiliser means extending transversely from the generally vertically extending member for contacting with a side portion of a building from which the scaffolding is hung, said one or more stabiliser means holding the generally vertically extending member away from the side of the building.

In preferred embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention, the hung 15 scaffolding apparatus includes a number of the features of the suspended scaffolding apparatus described in our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99. For example, the angle between the connection means and the interconnecting member may be able to be 'adjusted. This enables the hung scaffolding apparatus to be used in conjunction with roofing frames having differently pitched roofs. The generally vertically extending member may carry 20 at least one platform support for supporting a work platformn. The work platform may be supported inward of the generally vertically extending member towards the building structure and/or carry at least one platform support for supporting a work platform outward of the generally vertically extending member.

In use, the hung scaffolding apparatus may also obtain some support from jacking means 25 that is placed in contact with the ground. Such jacking means provides a more secure fitment of the hung scaffolding apparatus to the building. Typically, the jacking means comprises a bracket connected at one end to a jack. The other end of the bracket receives the lower end of the generally vertically extending member. In order to take up some of the load of the scaffold, the jacking means is operated such that the height of the bracket is adjusted. Eventually, the a 003948945v2.doc bracket held by the jacking means will push upwardly of the lower end of the generally vertically extending member. It has been found in practice that it can be difficult to correctly adjust the height of the respective jacking means. Accordingly, the present inventors have also developed a jacking system that is able to be used in conjunction with hung scaffolding apparatus.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a jacking system for supporting and adjusting the height of a generally vertically extending member of a hung scaffolding apparatus, the jacking system comprising a ground engaging means, a generally vertically extending jacking member extending from the ground engaging means, said generally vertically extending jacking member adapted to be placed adjacent to the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus, releasable fixing means for fixing the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus to the generally vertically extending jacking member, height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus relative to the generally vertically extending jacking member wherein the fixing means is used to fix the vertical position of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus relative to the generally vertically extending jacking member when the height of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus has been sent to a desired level.

Preferably, the releasable fixing means for releasably fixing the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus to the generally vertically extending jacking member comprises a slidable collar adapted to be placed around the generally vertically extending member and the generally vertically extending jacking member and fixing means for fixing the slidable collar to the generally vertically extending jacking member and to the generally vertically extending member.

25 The generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus preferably includes a plurality of vertically spaced holes. The generally vertically extending jacking member also preferably includes a plurality of vertically spaced holes. The releasable fixing means is preferably fixed to those members by inserting a pin through holes formed in the releasable fixing means and thereafter through one of the holes in the generally vertically extending member or the generally vertically extending jacking member.

003948945v2.doc 6 The height adjustment means preferably comprises a manually operable height adjustment means having a handle and two pins extending transversely from the handle. In order to adjust the height, one of the pins is inserted through a hole in the generally vertically extending jacking member and the other pin is inserted through a hole in the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus. The handle is then rotated. As the generally vertically extending jacking member is in contact with the ground, rotation of the handle causes the height of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus to be adjusted. When the height is adjusted to a desired level, the releasable fixing means is operated to hold the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus at that height. This step most preferably comprises inserting a pin through respective holes in the slidable collar and the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus when a first of the holes in the generally vertically extending member comes into alignment with the hole in the slidable collar.

It will be appreciated that, in use of the jacking system, the generally vertically extending jacking member is placed adjacent to the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus.

In order to improve the stability of the jacking system, it is preferred that the jacking system further includes a stabiliser bracket that extends around both the generally vertically extending jacking member and the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus. The stabiliser bracket is effective to prevent transverse and lateral movement of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus relative to the generally vertically extending jacking member. However, a stabiliser bracket should allow for vertical movement of the generally vertically extending member relative to the generally vertically extending jacking member.

25 The present invention also encompasses a method for adjusting the height of a hung scaffolding apparatus using the jacking system described above.

The present invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In considering the drawings, it will be appreciated that the drawings are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and that the invention 003948945v2.doc 7 should not be construed as being limited to the particular features as shown in the drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1 shows the apparatus shown in Figure 1 of our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99; Figure 2 shows a side elevational view of a hung scaffolding similar to that shown in Figure 1, but with the connecting members used in Figure 1 to join the hung scaffolding apparatus to a roofing rafter replaced by a connection means in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention; Figure 3 is an underneath view of the connection means shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a side view of a jacking system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 is a plan view of a jacking system stabiliser bracket; Figure 6 is a top view of a height adjusting handle for use in the jacking system of one aspect of the present invention; and 15 Figure 7 is a side view of the apparatus shown in Figure 6.

Figure 1 shows a side view of the scaffolding unit described in our co-pending Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99.

The scaffolding unit 10 illustrated in Figure 1 comprises an attachment member 12 secured to a primary support post 14 and which is able to pivot relative to the post about pivot pin 16. Connecting means in the form of a strut 18 is fixed at one end to a middle region 20 of member 12 and is attached at an opposite end to upper end region 22 of post 14 to thereby brace the scaffolding unit and prevent the post from rotating about a pivot pin 16.

The attachment member lies alongside and is secured to rafter 24 of roof frame 26 by coach bolts 28 extending through apertures provided in brackets 30 and 32 carried by the scaffold member so that the lower end of the post is suspended above the ground surface surrounding building structure 34. Fixing means other than coach bolts may of course may also be used.

003948945v2.doc 8 The attachment member 12 is secured to rafter 24 such that the bracket 30 is positioned directly over stud wall 36 of the building structure 34 rather than the end region of the rafter overhanging the stud wall. This ensures a significant weight component of the scaffolding unit and loads carried by it in use are borne by the stud wall and so minimises bending forces exerted on the rafter.

To accommodate different eaves widths, bracket 30 can be moved along attachment member 12 and be fixed in the desired position by the receipt of adjustment pin 38 extending through the side of the bracket in on of apertures 40 defined in the member 12.

Post 14 carried platform support 42 comprising a pipe 44 of square cross-section and a stabiliser 46 that extends from the pipe. The stabiliser has an elongate end plate in abutment with stud wall 36 of building structure 34 which acts to space post 14 from the stud wall and so stabilise the scaffolding unit. The distance the stabiliser 46 extends from pipe 44 can be fixed as required by inserting adjustment pin 50 through on of the apertures 51 defined along the stabiliser once the stabiliser has been repositioned in pipe 44 as necessary. Rather than an adjustment pin, a suitable clamp may also be utilised.

A further platform support 52 carried by post 14 projects in a direction away from the stud wall and is provided with a socket 54 receiving a rail post 56 of railing 58. Each of the platform supports are braced by brackets 60 and carry planks 62 forming work platforms 64.

The position of the platform supports 42 and 52, and hence the work platforms 64, can 20 be adjusted up or down post 14 by simply removing adjustment pins 66, sliding the platform supports along the post and reinserting the pins through the appropriate apertures 68 of the post.

As will be appreciated, work platforms 64 allow trade persons ready access not only to stud wall 36 but also eave 70, facia board 72 and guttering 74. In instances where the facia board and guttering are not yet secured in position, the recess 76 of the upper end region 22 of 25 the post 14 and formed by section 78 overhanging the eave and downwardly directed section allows them to be located and fixed in position.

The angle of inclination of the attachment member 12 relative to the post can be fixed as required when securing the scaffolding unit to a rafter or other beam of a roof frame by pivoting strLut 18 about pivot pin 82 and subsequently fastening the strut in position by inserting 003948945v2.doc 9 adjustment pin 84 through the appropriate aperture 86 defined in the middle r-egion 20 of the attachment member.

The embodiment of the present invention shown in Figuires 2 and 3 rielates to a hung scaffolding apparatus that is generally similar to that shown in Figurel, but with differences in the manner in which the hung scaffolding unit is attached to the roofing rafter. With reference to Figure 2, it will be seen that the hung scaffolding unit comprises an interconnection member 102 that has a generally vertically extending portion 104 and a generally horizontally extending portion 106. It will be appreciated that generally vertically extending portion 104 and generally horizontally extending portion 106 are equivalent to section 78 and downwardly directed section 80 of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

The interconnection member 102 includes a connection means 108 for connecting a generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding unit thereto. The generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding unit that is connected to connection member 108 corresponds to post 14 shown in Figure 1. For clarity purposes, the generally vertically extending member that corresponds to post 14 of Figure 1 is not shown in Figure 2. It 1"1 will be appreciated that the hung scaffolding apparatus shown in Figure 2 may also include all of the work platform support means and stabiliser means as shown in Figure 1.

*It will also be appreciated that the apparatus shown in Figure 2 differs from Figure 1 in that the interconnection means 102 is formed as a separate unit to the generally vertically 20 extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus. Furthermore, the interconnection member 102 is also formed as a separate member to connection means 110. This allows the various components of the hung scaffolding unit to be releasably fixed to each other when erecting the apparatus and disassembled for easier transport and storage when the apparatus is not in use.

The connection means 110 comprises a roofing rafter abutment means 112 that is placed 2 5 on the top surface of roofing rafter 114. The connection means 110 also includes two side arms, one of which is shown at 116. The side arms extend downwardly from the lateral edges of roofing rafter abutment means 112 to at least partly surround the side surfaces of roofing rafter 114. Roofing riafter abutment means 112 includes holes 118, 120 through which screws, bolts or the like can be inserted to thereby fix the connection means 110 to the roofing rafter 114. In 003948945v2.doc order to provide an even more secure fitment of the connection means 110 to the roofing rafter 114, the connection means 110 includes a housing 120 that can accept a u-bolt 122. A lower plate 124 having a hole 126 (which can accept one arm of u-bolt 122) and slot 128 (which can accept the other arm of u-bolt 122) is placed over the arms of the u-bolt and held in place by wingnuts 130, 132. This acts to also clamp the connection means 110 to the roofing rafter 114.

As best shown in Figure 3, connection means 110 also includes a transversely extending pin 134 rigidly mounted to the connection means (eg by welding). For increased stability, member 136 also extends from a free end of pin 134 back to the connection means 110.

As best shown in Figure 2, interconnection member 102 also includes a slot 138, which slot can receive pin 134. In order to connect the interconnection member 102 to the connection means 110, the slot 138 is passed over pin 134 until the pin 134 snugly nestles into the end of slot 138.

The connection means 110 also includes an obliquely extending arm 140 that carries an upright post means 142 and a kickboard support means 144. Upright post supporting means 142 can support the posts of a safety railing system that extends around the periphery of the roof during construction. Kickboard supporting means 144 includes a screw clamp 146 that can o securely hold a kickboard positioned which kickboard supporting means 144.

The connection means shown in Figures 2 and 3 and the hung scaffolding apparatus of Figures 2 and 3 does not require the use of a strut 18 as shown in Figure 1 of our co-pending 20 Australian Patent Application No. 12193/99. Instead, the use of stabilisers or spacers extending inwardly from the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus and coming into contact with the side of the building being erected holds the generally vertically extending member in essentially vertical orientation during use of the apparatus.

For the sake of completeness of description, interconnection member 102 includes 25 reinforcing gussets 146, 148. The roofing rafter 114 also carries a facia board 150 and guttering 152.

In some instances, it is desirable to support the lower end of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus. In such cases, it has been normal practice to use some kind of jacking arrangement that is contact with the ground to support the lower 003948945v2.doc 11 end of the generally vertically extending member. The present inventors have developed an improved jacking system as one aspect of. the present invention and this improved jacking system is shown in Figures 4 to 7.

As can be seen from Figure 4, the lower end of a generally vertically extending strut 160 of the hung scaffolding apparatus is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced holes 162A, 162B, etc. It will be appreciated that the strut 160 corresponds to support post 14 shown in Figure 1 and that holes 162A, 162B, correspond to apertures 68 shown in Figure 1. The jacking system includes a generally vertically extending jacking member 164. The lower end of jacking member 164 has a foot plate 166 that rests on the ground. Jacking member 166 also includes a plurality of holes 168A, 168B, etc.

In use of the jacking system, the jacking member 164 is placed adjacent to the lower end of strut 160. A slidable collar 170 is positioned such that it extends around both strut 160 and jacking member 164. Slidable collar 170 includes a plurality holes 172A, 172B, 172C that have a vertical spacing that corresponds to the vertical spacing of holes 168A, 168B. The slidable 15 collar 170 also includes a hole or aperture 174 that can be brought into alignment with one of the holes 162A, 162B etc in strut 160. In order to ensure that the jacking member 164 is correctly position with respect to strut 160, the slidable collar 170 may include an internal dividing wall 176.

The jacking system also includes a stabiliser bracket 178 that surrounds the periphery of 20 strut 160 and jacking member 164. The stabiliser bracket 178 includes a generally L-shaped bracket 180 having a pin 182 insertable through holes formed in the freearms of u-shaped bracket 180. A locking pin 184 may be used to ensure that pin 182 is retained in position.

o.

The jacking system also includes a handle device 186 having a handle portion 188 and two transversely extending pins 190, 192.

In operation of the jacking system, .the slidable collar is fixed relative to the jacking member 164 by placing one or more pins through holes 172A, 172B, 172C and also through the corresponding underlying holes 168 in jacking member 164. Pin 190 of handle device 186 is then inserted into one of holes 168 of jacking member 164. Pin 192 of handle device 186 is then inserted into one of holes 162 of strut 160. Handle device 186 is then rotated to elevate 003948945v3.doc 12 strut 160 until one of the holes 162 in strut 160 comes into alignment with hole 174 in slidable collar 170. As soon as the hole 174 is in alignment with one of the holes 162, a pin is passed through those holes to thereby fix the position of the slidable collar 170 relative to the strut 160.

The handle device 186 may then be removed.

The jacking system described with reference to Figure 4 to 7 allows for very quick and simple adjustment of the height of the hung scaffolding apparatus. Moreover, it is not necessary to purchase expensive jacks, thereby reducing the capital cost of the equipment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein may be susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

Claims (29)

1. A connection means for connecting a hung scaffolding unit to a roofing rafter comprising roofing rafter abutment means for placing in abutment with the roofing rafter, fixing means for fixing the abutment means to the roofing rafter, and attachment means for attaching the hung scaffolding unit to the connection means.

2. A connection means according to claim 1 wherein the roofing rafter abutment means comprises a member for placement in abutment with the roofing rafter.

3. A connection means as claimed in claim 2 wherein the member is adapted to be placed in abutment with a top surface of the roofing rafter.

4. A connection means according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the member has a generally u-shaped section in which a central web has two side arms depending from lateral edges thereof such that the member can be placed on the roofing rafter such that the central web contacts or comes into abutment with the top surface of the roofing rafters and the side arms extend alongside surfaces of the roofing rafter. S. 15

5. A connection means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the fixing means comprises releasable fixing means such that the connection means can be releasably fixed to the roofing rafter.

6. A connection means according to claim 5 wherein the fixing means comprises clamping means for clamping the connection means to the roofing rafter.

7. A connection means according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the i attachment means for attaching the hung scaffolding unit to the connection means comprises a pin extending transversely from the abutment means, said pin being adapted to act as a mount for the hung scaffolding unit. 9999

8. A connection means according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising support means for supporting an upright. 003948945v3.doc 14

9. A connection means according to claim 8 wherein the supporting means supports a post for holding a safety rail means.

A connection means according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising kickboard support means for supporting a kickboard.

11. A hung scaffolding apparatus comprising a generally vertically extending member, connection means for connecting to a roofing

12. A hung scaffolding apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the interconnection member includes a generally vertical portion extending upwardly from the connection means and a generally horizontal portion extending horizontally from the generally vertical portion.

13. A hung scaffolding apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the generally vertically extending member, the interconnection member and the connection means are permanently joined together.

14. A hung scaffolding apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the generally vertically extending member, the interconnection member and the connection means 15 are separate and can be releasably joined to each other.

15. A hung scaffolding apparatus according to any one of claims 11 and 12 or 14 wherein the connection means comprises a connection means as claimed in any one of claims 1 to

16. A hung scaffolding apparatus according to any one of claims 11, 12, 14 or 20 wherein the interconnection means includes complementary attachment means for attaching to the attachment means of the connection member. S0.

17. A hung scaffolding apparatus according to claim 16 wherein the connection means includes a pin as the attachment means and the interconnection means includes a recess or slot for receiving the pin to thereby releasably connect the interconnection member to the connection means. 003948945v3.doc

18. A jacking system for supporting and adjusting the height of a generally vertically extending member of a hung scaffolding apparatus, the jacking system comprising a ground engaging means, a generally vertically extending jacking member extending from the ground engaging means, said generally vertically extending jacking member adapted to be placed adjacent to the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus, releasable fixing means for fixing the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus to the generally vertically extending jacking member, height adjustment means for adjusting the height of the generally vertically extending jacking member wherein the fixing means is used to fix the vertical position of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus relative to the generally vertically extending jacking member when the height of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus has been sent to a desired level.

19. A jacking system according to claim 18 wherein the releasable fixing means for releasably fixing the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus to the generally vertically extending jacking member comprises a slidable collar adapted to be placed around the generally vertically extending member and the generally vertically extending jacking member and fixing means for fixing the slidable collar to the generally vertically extending jacking member and to the generally vertically extending member.

A jacking system according to claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the generally 20 vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus includes a plurality of vertically spaced holes, the generally vertically extending jacking member includes a plurality of vertically spaced holes and the releasable fixing means is fixed to those members by inserting a pin through holes formed in the releasable fixing means and thereafter through one of the holes *in the generally vertically extending member or the generally vertically extending jacking S 25 member.

21. A jacking system according to claim 20, when appended to claim 19, wherein the slidable collar includes at least one hole for placing in alignment with at least one of the holes in the generally vertically extending member and at least one hole for placing in alignment with at least one of the holes in the generally vertically extending jacking member. I 1 003948945v3.doc 16

22. A jacking system according to claim 20 or claim 21 wherein the height adjustment means comprises a manually operable height adjustment means having a handle and two pins extending transversely from the handle.

23. A jacking system as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 22 further comprising a stabiliser bracket that extends around both the generally vertically extending jacking member and the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus, the stabiliser bracket being effective to prevent transverse and lateral movement of the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus relative to the generally vertically extending jacking member whilst allowing for vertical movement of the generally vertically extending member relative to the generally vertically extending jacking member.

24. A method for adjusting the height of a hung scaffolding apparatus using a jacking system as claimed in claim 22 comprising placing the jacking system on the ground such that the generally vertically extending jacking member is positioned next to the generally vertically extending member of the hung scaffolding apparatus, positioning the slidable collar around the 15 generally vertically extending jacking member and the generally vertically extending member, fixing the slidable member to one of the generally vertically extending jacking member of the generally vertically extending member, inserting one pin of the handle into a hole of the generally vertically extending jacking member, inserting another pin of the handle into a hole of S the generally vertically extending member, rotating the handle to adjust the height of the 20 generally vertically extending member and fixing the slidable collar to the other of the generally vertically extending jacking member or the generally vertically extending member.

A method as claimed in claim 24 wherein the slidable collar is fixed to the vertically extending jacking member and to the vertically extending member by aligning holes in the slidable collar with respective holes in the vertically extending jacking member and the vertically extending member and inserting pins through the respective aligned holes.

26. A connection means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

27. A hung scaffolding system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. 003948945v4.doc

28. Figures 4 to 7. A jacking system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to

29. A method for adjusting the height of a hung scaffolding apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 5th day of October 2001 Skafcorp Pty Ltd by its attorneys Freehills Carter Smith Beadle S S S. S S S S S S. S S SSS S 5555 S S SSSS