DK180396B1

DK180396B1 - A retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank, a scaffolding system having a retention member, a method for retaining a scaffold plank to a scaffold beam and a method for releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam

Info

Publication number: DK180396B1
Application number: DKPA201970414A
Authority: DK
Inventors: Skonning Plasmann Steffen; Habekost Michael
Original assignee: Pcp Corp A/S
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2019-06-28
Publication date: 2021-03-25
Also published as: DK201970414A1; NO20200767A1; NO345950B1; SE2050775A1; SE543912C2

Abstract

A retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank, the retention member comprising - a first lower leg defining first axis and a second lower leg defining second axis (, the lower legs being substantially parallel and defining a lower leg plane; - a first upper leg connected to the first lower leg and extending upwardly at a first obtuse angle relative to the lower leg plane; - a second upper leg connected to the second lower leg and extending upwardly at a second obtuse angle relative to the lower leg plane; - an intermediate piece interconnecting the upper legs; - one or both lower legs having a foot extending upwardly substantially perpendicular relative to the lower leg plane.

Description

DK 180396 B1 1 A retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank, a scaffolding system having a retention member, a method for retaining a scaffold plank to a scaffold beam and a method for releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank in an efficient manner, while increasing the safety of the entire scaffolding sys- tem.

The present invention relates to a method of retaining a scaffold plank to a scaffold beam by a retention member in an efficient manner. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of removing a retention mem- ber from a scaffolding system in a fast an efficient manner. Background of the Invention Scaffolding systems comprising of scaffold planks connected scaffold beams, where the scaffold planks are fastened to the scaffold beams by some kind of fastener, are well known in the art of scaffolding systems.

The scaffold planks connected to the scaffold beams are connected by manually tight- ening the fasteners, which increases costs of building. Outdoor scaffolding systems are exposed to wind. The wind causes the scaffolding system to vibrate. These vibrations over time loosen the fasteners, which increases the risk of accidents. The loosening of the fasteners can be counteracted by manually tightening the fasteners. Some scaffolding systems have 100.000 fasteners and thus, manually tightening these will increase maintenance cost.

GB334866 describes a scaffold clamp for attaching to the uprights the ledger members of scaffolding employed in the erection and renovation of building. The scaffold clamp is used to attach transverse timber to the uprights by the use of a U-shaped

DK 180396 B1 2 gripping member. However GB334866 does not describe how a plank such as a scaf- folding plank is quickly and securely attached to the transverse timber. The present invention differs by a retention member and a method which is capable of being at- tached to a transverse beam in a fast manner.

Furthermore, the fasteners are positioned below the scaffolding planks and are there- fore not easily accessible, which further increases costs if the fasteners are to be re- tightened.

Furthermore, the fasteners also increase the time needed for dismantling the scaffold- ing system as the fasteners must be un-tightened before scaffold planks and scaffold beams can be separated. Thus, the fasteners increase total costs.

Thus, there is a need for a retention member capable of securing scaffold planks to scaffold beams without the need of tightening when initially building the scaffolding system, thereby also making the dismantling faster and more efficient.

Furthermore, there is a need for a retention member and scaffolding system where the safety does not decrease with time due to vibration caused by wind, i.e. a retention member and scaffolding system which is immune to vibrations.

Furthermore, there is a need for method capable of building and dismantling the scaf- folding system in a cost efficient manner. Object of the Invention It is an object of the invention to provide a retention member capable of overcoming the short comings of the prior art fasteners.

It is an object of the invention to provide a more efficient method for retaining a scaf- fold plank to a scaffold beam and a method for removing a retention member (10) from a scaffolding system.

Description of the Invention An object of the invention is achieved by a retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank. The retention member may comprise a first lower leg defining first

DK 180396 B1 3 axis and a second lower leg defining second axis. The lower legs may be substantially parallel and the legs may define a lower leg plane. The retention member may further comprise a first upper leg connected to the first lower leg and the first upper leg may extend upwardly at a first obtuse angle relative to the lower leg plane. The retention member may comprise a second upper leg connected to the second low- er leg and the second upper leg may extend upwardly at a second obtuse angle relative to the lower leg plane. The obtuse angles may be between 130-170 degrees, or between 140-160 degrees or 150 degrees. The retention member may comprise an intermediate piece interconnecting the upper legs. One or both lower legs may have a foot extending upwardly substantially perpendicu- lar relative to the lower leg plane.

The angle between the one or both lower legs and one or both feet may be 80-90 de- grees, such that the one or both feet point in the general direction of the intermediate piece. This ensures the correct distribution of mass such that the retention member passively positions itself correctly, when in intended use.

The point of connection between the foot and lower leg is the foot connection point. The obtuse angles between the lower legs and the upper legs and the foot extending substantially perpendicular from the lower leg plane ensures that the foot connection point is below the foot, when the retention member is pivotably held at the intermedi- ate piece as when in intended use in a scaffold plank. Thereby, the one or two feet and the lower legs partially surround, due to gravity, a scaffold beam, when in intended use. Gravity will always correct the retention member towards equilibrium, which is where the foot connection point is below the foot and the retention member partially surrounds the scaffold beam.

DK 180396 B1 4 Thereby, several limitations of the prior art are overcome, because the vibrations can- not loosen the retention member as gravity will move the retention member towards equilibrium. Thus, safety will not decrease with time, due to vibrations caused by the wind. Furthermore, cost of assembling a scaffolding system is reduced because the retention member does not need to be fastened manually as the retention member pivots due to gravity below the scaffold beam, thereby retaining the scaffold beam passively.

Furthermore, cost of disassembling a scaffolding system is reduced because the reten- tion member does not need to be un-tightened as the retention member can be pivot- ably moved away from the scaffold beam and the scaffold plank can be moved away from the scaffold beam afterwards. Thereby, time and cost are reduced.

The retention member is adapted for a scaffold plank by the intermediate piece having a length corresponding to the distance between two apertures in the scaffold plank. In an embodiment both lower legs have a foot. Thereby, the retention member be- comes more resistant to torque as any twisting force may be transferred from the first foot through the structure of the retention member to the second foot or vice versa. The first upper leg, the first lower leg and the first foot may define a first foot plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane. The second upper leg, the second lower leg and the second foot may define a second foot plane, which is sub- stantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane. Thereby, the retention member may be placed or removed more easily into a scaffold plank.

The term upwardly is used to describe in which direction the one or two feet and the upper legs are extending from the lower legs and it should be understood in the sense that the one or two feet and the upper legs extend from the same side of the lower leg plane, such that the retention member from the side has a C-shape.

DK 180396 B1 The retention member may have a diameter of Ø4-8 or ØG. The intermediate piece may have a length of 15-25 mm or 20 mm or the length be- 5 tween two apertures in a top side of a scaffolding plank. The lower leg may have length of 40-60 mm, or 50 mm. The length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane may be 100- 120 mm or 110 mm. The length of one or both feet may be 25-30 mm or 27.5 mm. The length of the upper leg may be 35-45, or about 40 mm.

The skilled person would know that the above mentioned lengths depend on the scaf- folding system. The above mentioned lengths are given for a retention member to be used in a scaffolding system where a scaffolding beam may have a diameter of about 48-54Ø.

The retention member may be adapted to be used in a scaffolding system, where a scaffolding beam may have a diameter of about Ø34. In this case the above mentioned dimensions may be reduced to accommodate the smaller size of the scaffolding beam. Likewise, the dimensions may increase if the dimensions of the scaffolding beam in- creases. In an aspect of the invention, one or both lower legs may have a protrusion extending in the lower leg plane away from the axis.

The intermediate piece has a length adapted for a scaffolding plank by having a length enabling the retention member to be inserted into two apertures of the scaffolding plank.

DK 180396 B1 6 The first and/or second protrusions will increase friction between the apertures and the scaffolding plank, thereby the risk of the retention member being forced up and out of the scaffolding plank is decreased significantly as a friction barrier is formed.

The first and/or second protrusions may extend towards the other lower leg, thereby decreasing the distance between the lower legs such that structure of the retention member has to be forced outwardly.

The first and/or second protrusion may extend away from the other lower leg, thereby the protrusion will interact with the side of the aperture such that the structure of the retention member has to be forced inwardly. The skilled person would know how far the first and/or second protrusions have to extend in order to get a suitable friction enabling the retention member to be remova- ble and to be insertable by a user, while decreasing the risk of the retention member being forced up and out of the scaffolding plank. In an aspect of the invention, one or both protrusions are formed by displacing part of the lower legs away from the corresponding axis.

The displacement creates a small space which decreases the risk of the retention member getting stuck, when inserting or removing the retention member from the scaffolding plank. Furthermore, the protrusion(s) may be made by simple means. In an embodiment the one or both part of the lower legs is displaced towards the other lower leg. In an embodiment the one or both part of the lower legs is displaced away from the other lower leg. In an aspect of the invention, the protrusions face each other.

DK 180396 B1 7 Thereby, both protrusions will create a friction with the scaffolding plank at the same time, preventing torque and decreasing risk of the retention member being forced out of a scaffolding plank.

In an aspect of the invention, the retention member is made of stainless steel.

The strength of stainless steel is sufficiently high enough to withstand any force that the retention member may be exposed to..

Furthermore, stainless steel and aluminium are chemically stable which is important as the scaffold planks are typically made of aluminium.

Furthermore, the relative high density of stainless steel makes the retention member more wind resistant due to a larger mass.

In an aspect of the invention, the retention member is a monolith.

Thereby, the retention member becomes easy to handle.

Furthermore, a weak point due to a joint is eliminated.

In an aspect of the invention, the geometric centre of the retention member is closer to the intermediate piece than the centre of mass of the retention member.

Thereby, it is ensured that the retention member has the correct positioning relative to the scaffold plank and scaffold beam, when in intended use. The one or both feet of the retention member must partially surround said scaffold beam.

An object of the invention is achieved by a scaffold plank, which scaffold plank may comprise a plane top side with a pattern of apertures, a connection part complemen- tary to a scaffold beam and a retention member having each lower and upper leg in- serted into two apertures neighbouring the connection part for interacting with a scaf- fold beam.

DK 180396 B1 8 Thereby, the scaffold plank is ready to retain a scaffold beam, which will decrease cost of assembling a scaffolding system.

In an aspect of the invention, the scaffold plank may further comprise plank sides ex- tending in a direction opposite to the top side, the plank sides having a side height being about half the length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane.

Thus, for the previously mentioned dimensions of the retention member, the plank sides may have a height of about 50-60 mm or about 55 mm.

Thereby, the scaffold plank with the retention member becomes stackable such that scaffold planks being equipped with the retention members can be shipped fast and easy.

The working principle is, when a first scaffold plank is stacked on, then part of the retention member is pushed up into the space between the top side of the first scaffold plank and the top side of the next scaffold plank stacked on top of the first scaffold plank. This space is created or defined by the plank side of the next scaffold plank stacked on top of the first scaffold plank. Since the side heights of the scaffold planks are about half the length of the retention member, there is space for the retention member.

The retention member may be tiltable when about half of the retention member is above the top side and half is below the top side. Thus, the side height of the plank side may be less than the length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane.

If one or both lower legs comprise protrusions, the protrusion will ensure that the re- tention member is kept in place during stacking and shipping as the protrusions will prevent the retention member from being displaced from the scaffold plank.

Thereby, a plurality of scaffold planks with retention members can be stacked on top of each other such that a person assembling or disassembling a scaffolding system can

DK 180396 B1 9 work fast and efficiently as the retention members do not need to be removed or in- serted during the actual disassembling/assembling. Furthermore, if the retention member is to be removed from the scaffold plank, the retention member can be removed by pulling the intermediate piece from the plane top side or by pushing the feet or legs of the retention member from below the scaffold plank and upwards. This is an improvement over the prior at as the fasteners can only be handled from below the scaffold plank.

An object of the invention is achieved by a scaffolding system, which scaffolding sys- tem may comprise - a scaffold beam; - a scaffold plank comprising a plane top side with a pattern of apertures, and a con- nection part interacting with the scaffold beam; and - a retention member having each upper and lower leg inserted into two apertures neighbouring the scaffold beam such that the one or two feet and the lower legs par- tially surround the scaffold beam.

The scaffolding system has higher safety than prior art scaffolding systems, because the retention member is unaffected by vibrations as gravity will always force the re- tention member towards equilibrium, where the one or two feet and the lower legs partially surround the scaffold beam, thereby retaining the scaffold plank to the scaf- fold beam.

The connection part is complementary to the scaffold beam and the connection part may be designed such that the scaffold plank and retention member together surround or almost surround the entire scaffold beam.

An object of the invention is achieved by a method of retaining a scaffold plank with a connection part to a scaffold beam by a retention member with at least one foot, the method comprising acts of; - inserting the retention member near the connection part and with the at least one foot displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank;

DK 180396 B1 10 - placing the connection part towards the scaffold beam and displacing the at least one foot by way of contact with the scaffold beam; and - retaining the scaffolding plank to the scaffold beam by re-placing the at least one foot into position below the scaffold beam by way of gravity, thereby partially sur- rounding the scaffold beam.

Thereby, the scaffold plank is retained to the scaffold beam in an efficient manner, which decreases the cost.

The maintenance cost is lowered, because the retention member has a gravity deter- mined equilibrium where the at least one foot partially surrounds the scaffold beam.

Thus, if the retention member and the at least one foot is moved away from the equi- librium, gravity will return the retention member and the at least one foot to the equi- librium.

As an example: The retention member is inserted near the connection part such that the at least one foot is displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank.

The connection part of the scaffolding plank is placed towards the scaffold beam and the scaffold beam displaces the at least one foot by way of contact to a point, where the at least one foot is re-placed into a position below the scaffold beam by way of gravity, thereby partially surrounding the scaffold beam.

Thus, the scaffolding plank is retained to the scaffold beam.

This is also disclosed in figure 6-8. In an aspect of the invention, the act of inserting is performed using a retention mem- ber with one or more of previously described features.

DK 180396 B1 11 An object of the invention is achieved by a method of releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam by a retention member having at least one foot displacea- ble relatively to the scaffold plank. The method may comprise acts of; - displacing the at least one foot away from the scaffold beam; and - releasing the scaffold plank by moving the scaffold plank away from the scaffold beam. Thus, the method enables a fast and efficient releasing of the scaffold plank, thereby decreasing costs when disassembling. As an example: The at least one foot may be displaced away from the scaffold beam by manually pushing the at least one foot away from the scaffold beam or by lifting part of the re- tention member a small distance above the scaffold plank followed by a pivotal movement, such that the least one foot moves away from the scaffold beam.

The scaffold plank may afterwards be released from the scaffold beam by moving the scaffold plank away from the scaffold beam. In an aspect of the invention, the act of displacing is performed using a retention member with one or more of previously described features. An object of the invention is achieved by a method of assembling or disassembling a scaffolding system. The method may comprise acts of, - assembling the scaffolding system by repeatedly performing the method of retaining a scaffold plank with a connection part to a scaffold beam; or - disassembling the scaffolding system by repeatedly performing the method of releas- ing a scaffold plank with a retention member from a scaffold beam.

DK 180396 B1 12 Thereby a person may assemble or disassemble a scaffolding system in a fast and cost-efficient manner.

Description of the Drawing Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon: Fig. 1 illustrates a retention member; Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a retention member; Fig. 3 illustrates a scaffolding system disclosing the position of a retention member when in intended use; Fig. 4 illustrates a close-up and a far-away view of a scaffolding system with a re- tention member; Fig. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a scaffolding system with a retention member; Fig. 6 illustrates a retention member being forced into a scaffold plank; Fig. 7 illustrates how a scaffold plank with a retention member connects to a scaf- fold beam; Fig. 8 illustrates how a scaffold plank with a retention member connects to a scaf- fold beam (continued from Fig. 7); Fig. 9 illustrates a method of retaining a scaffold plank with a connection part to a scaffold beam by a retention member; Fig. 10 illustrates a method of releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam by a retention member; and Fig. 11 illustrates a method for assembling or disassembling a scaffolding system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

DK 180396 B1 13 mee

KS Method for retaining a scaffold plank to a | 100 meen Method for releasing a scaffold plank | 110 with a retention member from a scaffold beam A method for assembling or disassemble | 120 omme | am Fig. 1 illustrates a retention member 10. The retention member 10 comprises a first lower leg 20I defining a first axis 22I and a second lower leg 20II defining a second axis 22II. The lower legs 201, 20II are sub- stantially parallel and define a lower leg plane 24.

DK 180396 B1 14 The first and second axis 221, 2211 and the lower leg plane 24 are only shown in fig.1 and fig. 2 but the retention members 10 shown in figs. 3-8 define the first and second axis 221, 22II and the lower leg plane defined by the lower legs 201, 20II. The retention member 10 comprises a first upper leg 30I connected to the first lower leg 20I and extending upwardly at a first obtuse angle 32I relative to the lower leg plane 24. The first upper leg 30I and the first lower leg 201 define a first leg plane 12I which is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane 24. The retention member 10 comprises a second upper leg 30II connected to the second lower leg 20II and extending upwardly at a second obtuse angle 32II relative to the lower leg plane 24.

The second upper leg 30II and the second lower leg 20II define a second plane 1211 which is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane 24. The retention member 10 comprises an intermediate piece 34 interconnecting the up- per legs 30I, 30II. The intermediate piece 34 is substantially perpendicular to both upper legs 301, 3011 Each lower leg 201, 20II have a foot 401, 40II extending upwardly substantially per- pendicular relative to the lower leg plane 24. Each lower leg 201, 20II is connected to the feet at a foot connection point 421, 4211. Each lower leg 201, 20II has a protrusion 261, 26II extending in the lower leg plane 24 away from the axis 221, 2211. In this specific embodiment each protrusion 261, 26II is displacing part of the lower legs 201, 20II away from the corresponding axis 221, 2211. The protrusions 261, 26II are bent towards each other, thereby narrowing the distance between the two lower legs 201, 20II.

DK 180396 B1 15 The retention member 10 is adapted for a specific scaffold plank 60 (not shown) as the intermediate piece 34 determines the distance between each leg and thus, the interme- diate piece 34 must have a length corresponding to the distance between two apertures 65 (not shown) such that the lower and upper legs 201, 20II, 301, 30II of the retention member 10 can be inserted into the two apertures 65. The protrusions 261, 26II are adapted to ensure a friction between the protrusions 261, 26II and apertures 65. The skilled person would know how large the protrusions 261, 2611 should be to ensure a suitable friction, which makes the connection between re- tention member 10 and the scaffold plank 60 stable, while allowing the retention member 10 to be inserted or removed from the scaffold plank 60.

The retention member 10 hangs, when in intended use, from the scaffold plank 60 by the intermediate piece 34. The feet 401, 40II extending upwardly and being substan- tially perpendicular relative to the lower leg plane 24 ensure that when the retention member 10 hangs, the foot connection points 42I, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10 due to gravity, which causes the retention member 10 to at least partially surround a scaffold beam 70 (not shown), when in intended use. This partial surrounding of the scaffold beam 70 happens passively due to gravity and no person is needed for tightening of any connection or fastener. Furthermore, the retention mem- ber 10 is immune to vibration because gravity will always move the retention member 10 towards equilibrium.

For the retention member 10 neither the first part (features referenced with I), nor the second part (features referenced with II) is more important than the other side, and neither the first part, nor the second part has more technical features or more func- tions.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a retention member 10. The retention member 10 is the same retention member shown in fig. 1 but from a side view.

The retention member 10 is a monolith although the multiple lines might suggest that it is assemble from separate parts.

DK 180396 B1 16 The disclosed part of the retention member 10 could be either the first part or the sec- ond part and thus, all reference is noted with I and II. The retention member 10 comprises an upper leg 30I, 30II connected at an obtuse angle 32I, 32II to a lower leg 201, 20II defining an axis 221, 22II. The lower leg 20I, 20II is distal to the upper leg 30I, 30II connected to a foot 401, 40II at a foot connec- tion point 421, 42II. The foot 40I, 40II is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg 201, 2011.

The upper leg 301, 30II, the lower leg 201, 20II and the foot 401, 40II all define a common leg plane 121, 1211. The lower leg 201, 20II between the upper leg 301, 30II and the foot 401, 40II com- prises a protrusion which is not in the leg plane 121, 1211. The protrusion divides the lower leg 201, 20II into two separate lower leg parts which are both along the axis 221, 2211.

The upper leg 30I, 3011 is connected to the other upper leg 3011, 30I through an inter- mediate piece 34. The upper leg 301, 30II and the feet 401, 40II are on the same side of the axis 221,

2211.

Fig. 3 illustrates a scaffolding system 80 disclosing the position of a retention member 10 when in intended use. The scaffolding system 80 comprises a scaffold beam 70 and scaffold planks 60, how- ever, only one scaffold plank 60 is shown. The scaffold plank 60 comprises a top side 62 with a pattern of apertures 64 and a connection part 66 for connection with the scaffold beam 70. The connection part 66 has a shape being complementary to the scaffold beam 70.

DK 180396 B1 17 The scaffold plank 60, in which the retention member 10 has been placed, is not shown in the figure and thus, the retention member 10 is free flowing in the figure.

Fig. 4 discloses a scaffolding system 80 where the scaffold plank 60 is shown.

The retention member 10 comprises an intermediate piece 34, which would be visible on the top side 62. The intermediate piece 34 is connected to a first and a second upper leg 301, 30II, which, at an obtuse angle 321, 32II, is connected to a lower leg 201, 2011, which lower legs 201, 20II distal to the upper legs 301, 30II are connected to the feet 401, 40II at a foot connection point 421, 4211. Each foot 401, 40II extend substantially perpendicular from the corresponding lower leg 201, 2011. Thereby, the retention member 10 partially surrounds scaffold beam 70 and if the not shown scaffold plank 60 is moved upwards, the feet 401, 40II will grip the scaffold beam 70, thereby preventing any unwanted movement.

The obtuse angles 321, 32II between the upper legs 301, 30II and the lower legs 201, 20II and the substantially perpendicular angle between the feet 401, 40II and the lower legs 201, 20II ensure that the foot connection points 421, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10. If wind or any other force causes the retention member 10 to move such that the foot connection points 421, 42II are not the lowest point of the re- tention member 10, gravity will force the retention member 10 towards equilibrium, where the foot connection points 42I, 42II are the lowest points of the retention mem- ber 10. Thereby, the retention member 10 and the scaffolding system 80 become im- mune to vibrations as the retention member 10, due to gravity, passively rectifies any change from the optimal position, where the foot connection point is the lowest point of the retention member 10. Thereby, safety is increased and maintenance costs are removed as the retention member 10 does not need be re-tightened.

Each lower leg 20I, 20II have a protrusion 261, 26II between the corresponding upper leg 30I, 30II and the corresponding foot 401, 40II extending in the lower leg plane 24

DK 180396 B1 18 defined by the lower legs 201, 20II. The purpose of the protrusions 261, 26II in this specific position is to prevent the retention member 10 from moving up through aper- tures (not shown) in the scaffold plank 60. Thereby, safety is increased even further. Fig. 4 illustrates a close-up (A) and a far-away (B) view of a scaffolding system 80 with a retention member 10. The scaffolding system 80 comprises a scaffold beam 70 and a first and a second scaf- fold plank 601, 60II.

Each scaffold plank 601, 60II comprises a top side 621, 62II having a pattern of aper- tures 641, 64II and a connection part 661, 66II having a shape complementary to the scaffold beam 70 for a soft connection (no fastening) between the connection part 661, 66II and the scaffold beam 70.

The retention member 10 is placed in two apertures 651, 6511 of the first scaffold plank

601. The figure discloses the feet 401, 40II, which partially surrounds the scaffold beam 70. The intermediate piece 34 ensures that the retention member 10 is pivotable such that the scaffold plank 60 with the retention member 10 can be connected to the scaffold beam 70. The pivotability of the retention member 10 makes the connection unaffected to vibra- tions as gravity will always force the retention member 10 towards equilibrium where the not shown foot connection points 421, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10. The scaffold plank 60I is shown with the plank side 68, which plank side 68 has a side height allowing the scaffold plank 60I to be stacked with other scaffold planks 601, while the retention member is inserted into two apertures 651, 6511.

The retention member 10 is, when the scaffold plank 60I is stacked, pushed up into the space between the top side 62I of the scaffold plank 60I and the top side 62 of the scaffold plank 60 stacked on top of the scaffold plank 60I. This space is created by the plank side 68 of the scaffold plank 60 stacked on top of the scaffold plank 601. There-

DK 180396 B1 19 by, the scaffold plank 60I with the retention member 10 becomes stackable, which further decreases costs, The far-away (B) view shows the entire scaffolding system 80.

Fig. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a scaffolding system 80 with a retention member

10. The scaffolding system 80 comprises a scaffold beam 70 and a scaffold plank 60.

The scaffold plank 60 comprises a top side 62 having a pattern of apertures 64 and a connection part 66 having a shape complementary to the scaffold beam 70 for a soft connection (no fastening) between the connection part 66 and the scaffold beam 70.

The retention member 10 has all the previous described features and the figure dis- closes how the retention member 10 partially surrounds the scaffold beam 70, while the foot connection points 421, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10. Fig. 6 illustrates a retention member 10 being forced into a scaffold plank 60.

The plank 60 comprises a top side 62 having a pattern of apertures 64, where the re- tention member 10 is being forced into two apertures 651, 65II. The straight arrow represents a force vector.

The retention member 10 comprises an upper leg 30I, 30II connected at an obtuse angle 32I, 32II to a lower leg 201, 20II defining an axis 221, 22II. The lower leg 20I, 20II is distal to the upper leg 30I, 30II connected to a not shown foot 40I, 40II at a foot connection point 421, 42II. The foot 40I, 40II is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg 20I, 20II. The upper legs 30I, 30II are interconnected by an intermediate piece 34 determining the distance between the two parts of the retention member 10. The retention member 10 is adapted for the scaffold plank 60 by the distance being roughly the distance between the two apertures 651, 65TI.

DK 180396 B1 20 Each lower leg 201, 20II has a protrusion 261, 26II between the feet 401, 40II and the upper leg 30I, 30II. The protrusions 261, 26II face each other, thereby having a mutual distance which is shorter than the distance between the two apertures 651, 6511 thus, a force is needed to displace the protrusions 26I, 26II. This ensures that the retention member 10 is safely secured to the scaffold plank 60. The retention member 10 may be hammered into the scaffold plank 60. Fig. 7 illustrates how a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 connects to a scaffold beam 70. The scaffold plank 60 comprises a top side 62 having a pattern of apertures 64 and a connection part 66 having a shape complementary to the scaffold beam 70 for a soft connection (no fastening) between the connection part 66 and the scaffold beam 70.

The retention member 10 has the features disclosed in figure 1 and is positioned into the scaffold plank 60 as shown in fig. 6. In fig. 7A the scaffold plank 60 with the retention member 10 is moved towards the scaffold beam 70. In fig. 7B the scaffold plank 60 with the retention member 10 is positioned next to the scaffold beam 70 such that the retention member 10 is displaced. The apertures 651, 65II and the not visible protrusions 261, 26II prevent the retention member 10 from being forced out of the scaffold plank 60. Fig. 8 illustrates how a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 connects to a scaffold beam 70 (continued from fig. 7). In fig. 8A the scaffold beam 70 has further displaced the retention member 10 to a point right before the retention member 10 falling below the scaffold beam. In fig. 8B the retention member 10 has pivotably moved down under the scaffold beam 70, such that the feet 40I, 40II, the lower legs 20I, 20II partially surround the

DK 180396 B1 21 scaffold beam 70, thereby securing the connection between the scaffold beam 70 and the scaffold plank 60. Thus, figs. 7-8 disclose how a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 is posi- tioned and connected to a scaffold beam 70. Fig. 9 illustrates a method 100 of retaining a scaffold plank 60 with a connection part 66 to a scaffold beam 70 by a retention member 10 with at least one foot 401, 40II. The method 100 comprising acts of; - inserting 200 the retention member 10 near the connection part 66 and with the at least one foot 401, 40II displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank 60; - placing 300 the connection part 66 towards the scaffold beam 70 and displacing the at least one foot 401, 4011 by way of contact with the scaffold beam 70; and - retaining 400 the scaffolding plank 60 to the scaffold beam 70 by re-placing the at least one foot 401, 40II into position below the scaffold beam 70 by way of gravity, thereby partially surrounding the scaffold beam 70.

Fig. 10 illustrates a method 110 for releasing a scaffold plank 60 being retained to a scaffold beam 70 by a retention member 10having at least one foot 401, 40II displace- able relatively to the scaffold plank 60. The method 110 comprising acts of; - displacing 500 the at least one foot 401, 40II away from the scaffold beam 70; and - releasing 600 the scaffold plank 60 by moving the the scaffold plank 60 away from the scaffold beam 70.

Fig. 11 illustrates a method 120 for assembling 700 or disassembling 800 a scaffold- ing system 80. The method may comprise acts of;

DK 180396 B1 22 - assembling 700 the scaffolding system 80 by repeatedly performing the method 100 of retaining a scaffold plank 60 with a connection part 66 to a scaffold beam 70; or - disassembling 800 the scaffolding system 80 by repeatedly performing the method 110 of releasing a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 from a scaffold beam

70.

Claims

DK 180396 B1 1 PATENTKRAV

A retaining member (10) adapted to retain a scaffold plank (70), the retaining member (10) comprising - a first lower leg (201) defining first axis (221) and a second lower leg (20II), defining the second axis (22II), the lower legs (20I, 20II) being substantially parallel and defining a lower leg plane (24); a first upper leg (301) connected to the first lower leg (201) and extending upwardly at a first obtuse angle (321) relative to the lower leg plane (24); a second upper leg (30II) connected to the second lower leg (201) and extending upwardly at a second obtuse angle (30II) relative to the lower leg plane (24); - an intermediate piece (34) interconnecting the upper legs (30I, 30II); characterized in that - one or both lower legs (20I, 20II) have a foot (40I, 40II) extending upwardly substantially perpendicular to the plane of the lower leg (24).

Retaining element (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that one or both lower legs (20I, 20II) have a projection (26I, 26II) which extends in the lower leg plane (24) away from the axis (221, 22ID).

Retaining element (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that one or both projections (261, 26II) are formed by displacing a part of the lower legs (20I, 20II) away from the corresponding axis (221, 221II). .

Retaining element (10) according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the projections (261, 26II) face one another.

Retaining element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (10) is made of stainless steel.

Retaining element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element (10) is a monolith.

DK 180396 B1 2

Holding element (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geometric center of the holding element (10) is closer to the intermediate piece (34) than the center of mass of the holding element (10).

A scaffold plank (60) comprising a planar upper side (62) having a pattern of openings (64), a connecting portion (66) complementary to a scaffold beam (70), and a retaining member (10) according to one or more of claims 1-7, each having lower and upper legs (201, 2011, 301, 30II) inserted into two openings (651, 6511) adjacent to the connecting portion (66) for interacting with a scaffold beam (70). ).

Scaffolding plank (60) according to claim 8, characterized in that the scaffolding plank (60) further comprises plank sides (68) extending in a direction opposite to the upper side (62), the plank sides (68) having a side height which is approximately half the length of the retaining element projected on the lower leg plane (24).

Scaffolding system (80) comprising: - a scaffolding beam (70); a scaffold plank (60) comprising a planar upper side (62) with a pattern of openings (64), a connecting part (66) interacting with the scaffold beam (70); and - a retaining member (10) according to one or more of claims 1-7, wherein the retaining member (10) has each upper and lower leg (201, 20II, 30I, 30II) inserted in two openings (651, 6511), which adjoins the scaffold beam (70) so that the one or two feet (40I, 40II) and the lower legs (20I, 20II) partially surround the scaffold beam (70).

A method (100) for holding a scaffold beam (60) with a connecting member (66) to a scaffold beam (70) of a retaining member (10) having at least one foot (401, 40II), the method (100) comprising operations of: - inserting (200) the retaining element (10) in the vicinity of the connecting part (66) and with the at least one foot (40I, 40II) which is displaceable relative to the scaffold plank (60); - placing (300) the connecting part (66) towards the scaffold beam (70) and displacing it at least one foot (40I, 40II) by means of contact with the scaffold beam (70); and

DK 180396 B1 3 - to hold (400) the scaffold plank (60) to the scaffold beam (70) by repositioning the at least one foot (40I, 40II) in position under the scaffold beam (70) by gravity and thereby partially surrounding the scaffold beam ( 70).

A method (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that the act of inserting (200) is performed by means of a retaining element (10) according to one or more of claims 1-7.

A method (110) of releasing a scaffold plank (60) which is held to a scaffold beam (70) by means of a retaining member (10) having at least one foot (401, 4011) which is slidable relative to the scaffold plank ( 60), wherein the method (110) comprises actions of; - displacing (500) the at least one foot (40I, 40II) away from the scaffold beam (70); and - releasing (600) the scaffolding plank (60) by moving the scaffolding plank (60) away from the scaffolding beam (70).

A method (110) according to claim 13, characterized in that the action of displacing (500) is performed by means of a retaining element (10) according to one or more of claims 1-7.

A method (120) of assembling (700) and disassembling (800) a scaffolding system (80), the method comprising operations of; assembling (700) the scaffolding system (80) by repeatedly performing the method (100) of claim 9 or 10; or - disassembling (800) the scaffolding system (80) by repeatedly performing the method (110) of claim 11 or 12.