EP1177356A1

EP1177356A1 - Improvements relating to builders' scaffolding

Info

Publication number: EP1177356A1
Application number: EP00935342A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Gerald Horley
Original assignee: Kwikform Ltd
Current assignee: INTERSERVE INDUSTRIAL SERVICES Ltd
Priority date: 1999-05-25
Filing date: 2000-05-25
Publication date: 2002-02-06
Also published as: WO2000071836A1; AU5089000A

Abstract

A scaffolding wherein the decking (40) unit has first and second end parts (48, 49, 115) each of which co-operates with a respective transom (20, 100) to support the decking unit (40) and to restrain relative angular movement between an end part (48, 49, 115) and a respective transom (20, 10).

Description

Title: Improvements Relating to Builders' Scaffolding

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a builder's scaffolding of the kind, herein a called a scaffolding of the kind specified, which includes a plurality of spaced pairs of upright members, means to connect the pairs together with the upright members of each pair being connected together by a cross member and in which adjacent cross members support a decking unit.

A scaffolding of the kind specified hitherto required cross members and ties into a wall or other structure alongside the scaffolding to stabilise the scaffolding.

An object of the invention is to provide a scaffolding of the kind specified wherein the number of ties required to stabilise the scaffolding is comparatively reduced.

According to a first aspect of the present invention we provide a scaffolding of the kind specified wherein the decking unit has first and second end parts each of which co-operates with a respective cross member to support the decking unit and to restrain relative angular movement between an end part and a respective cross member.

Each cross member may have spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface and said end parts each having abutment portions which engage one of said side abutment surfaces and said upwardly facing abutment surface at positions which are spaced lengthwise of the cross member.

In a first alternative of the first aspect of the invention, the cross member may be provided with an upper set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface and a lower set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface, there being a space extending through the cross member from one side to the other at a position between the upper set and the lower set.

The cross member may include an upper elongate member having an upper surface to provide the upwardly facing abutment surface of the upper set and two side surfaces which depend downwardly therefrom to provide the side abutment surfaces of the upper set and a lower elongate member, spaced from the upper member, the lower elongate member having an upper surface to provide the upwardly facing abutment surface of the lower set and two side surfaces which depend downwardly therefrom to provide the side abutment surfaces of the lower set.

The upper and lower elongate members may be connected together by end connecting elements, hereinafter referred to as connectors, provided for connection of the cross member to the uprights.

The abutment portion of said first end part may be disposed at a first level compared with an upper surface of the decking unit, whilst the abutment portion of the second end part may be disposed at a second, lower, level relative to the upper surface of the decking unit.

A first abutment part of the first end part of one decking unit may be disposed for engagement with an abutment surface of an adjacent second decking unit and a second abutment part of the second end part of the second decking unit may be disposed for engagement with an abutment surface of said one decking unit.

The first end part and the second end part may each comprise an angle shaped member.

In a second alternative of the first aspect of the invention, the first and second side abutment surfaces of the cross member may be provided on a respective first and second flange such that the first and second side abutment surfaces are transverse to said upwardly facing abutment surface. The end parts may be provided with a first projecting part having an abutment portion to engage said upwardly facing abutment surface and a second projecting part having an abutment portion to engage said first side abutment surface or said second side abutment surface.

Each flange may be provided with a further side abutment surface on the opposite side of said flange to said first or second side abutment surface.

Said first and second side abutment surfaces may comprise a lip provided on the respective flange.

The abutment portion of the end part may comprise a recess in which a respective one of said flanges is received.

An inner face of said recess may abut the first side abutment surface or the second side abutment surface.

The upwardly facing abutment surface may be provided on an upper transverse limb.

The cross member may have a downwardly facing abutment surface disposed below said upwardly facing abutment surface.

Said downwardly facing abutment surface may be provided on said upper transverse limb.

The second projecting part may be provided with a surface opposed to and spaced from the downwardly facing abutment surface of the upper transverse limb.

The cross member may be provided with first and second lower transverse limbs connected to said first and second flanges respectively.

The first and second lower transverse limbs may be connected to said upper transverse limb by a web part.

The cross member may be provided with connectors for connecting the cross member to the upright.

In either alternative of the first aspect of the invention, each end connecting element may be of a generally chaimel configuration in which upper and lower limbs provide the walls of the channel and a base for channel being connecting to end parts of a transverse member of the cross member.

The upper and lower limbs may be provided with apertures in which a wedge shaped member is received.

The decking unit may comprise a generally channel shaped member there being an in-turned lip at the free end of each limb of the channel and the in-turned lip may have a re-entrant flange.

The re-entrant flange may be generally parallel to and spaced from the limbs of the channel and the lip may be generally parallel to the base of the channel.

The angular movement may be in a horizontal plane and/or in a vertical plane.

The cross member may comprise a transom or a ledger.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a cross member having spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface.

In a first alternative of the second aspect of the invention, the cross member may further comprise an upper set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface and a lower set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface, there being a space extending through the cross member from one side to the other at a position between the upper set and the lower set

The upper and lower elongate members may be connected together by connectors provided for connection of the cross member to the uprights.

In a second alternative of the second aspect of the invention, the first and second side abutment surfaces of the cross member may be provided on a respective first and second flange such that the first and second side abutment surfaces are transverse to said upwardly facing abutment surface.

Said first and second side abutment surfaces may comprise a turned over lip provided on the respective flange.

In either alternative of the second aspect of the invention, the cross member may be provided with end connecting elements for connecting the cross member to an upright.

Each connector may be of a generally chaimel configuration in which upper and lower limbs provide the walls of the channel and a base for channel being connecting to end parts of a transverse member of the cross member. The upper and lower limbs may be provided with apertures in which a wedge shaped member is received.

The cross member may comprise a transom or a ledger.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a decking unit having first and second end parts each of which co-operates with a respective cross member to support the decking unit and to restrain relative angular movement between an end part and a respective cross member.

Each of said end parts may have abutment portions which engage a side abutment surface and an upwardly facing abutment surface of a cross member at positions which are spaced lengthwise of the cross member.

According to a first alternative of the third aspect of the invention, the abutment portion of said first end part may be disposed at a first level compared with an upper surface of the decking unit, whilst the abutment portion of the second end part may be disposed at a second, lower, level relative to the upper surface of t e decking unit.

According to a second alternative of the third aspect of the invention, the end parts may be provided with a first projecting part having an abutment portion to engage an upwardly facing abutment surface and a second projecting part having an abutment portion to engage a side abutment surface of a transom. Said side abutment surface may comprise a turned over lip provided on a respective flange of the cross member and the abutment portion of may comprise a recess in which said flange is received.

An inner face of said recess abuts a side abutment surface of the transom when the decking unit is engaged with the cross member.

In either alternative of the third embodiment of the invention the decking unit may comprise a generally channel shaped member, there being an in- turned lip at the free end of each limb of the channel and the in-turned lip may have a re-entrant flange.

The cross member may comprise a transom or a ledger.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a scaffolding comprising a cross member according to the second aspect of the invention or a decking unit according to the third aspect of the invention.

The scaffolding may be a scaffolding according to the first aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:-

Figure 1 shows a part of a builder^'s scaffolding according to one embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the builder's scaffolding of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the same part of the scaffolding as is shown in Figure 2 but looking from a different angle,

Figure 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 shows a part of a builders scaffolding according to a further embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of part of the builders scaffolding of Figure 5, and

Figure 7 is a section on the line 7-7 of Figure 5.

Figure 1 of d e accompanying drawings shows a scaffolding structure according to one embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of upright scaffold members 10a - lOj.

As can be seen from Figure 1 the upright scaffold members are arranged in pairs of spaced upright members, a first pair comprising the upright members 10a, 10b, a second pair comprising the upright members 10c and lOd and the members lOg and lOh positioned on top thereof, and a third pair comprising the upright members lOe and lOf and the members lOi and lOj positioned on top thereof.

Each lowermost scaffold member 10a - lOg is provided at its lower end with an adjustable length jack 1 1. Each jack 11 comprises an externally threaded tube 12 which is threadedly engaged with a nut 12a engaged with the bottom of the associated upright 10a - 1 Of which fits over the tube 12 above the nut 12a. The nut 12a is provided, in conventional manner, with hand engageable portions 12b whereby it can be rotated to adjust the length of the jack. At the lower end each tube 12 is provided with a flat ground engaging plate 13. Since the orientation of the plates 13 relative to the axis of the upright does not matter there is no need to provide any means for rotation between the tube 12 and the plate 13, although such may be provided if desired.

At their upper ends the lowermost upright members 10a - lOf are provided with a spigot 14 for engagement in a socket, not shown, provided by the internal bore at the lower end of the upper upright members lOg - lOj. It should be appreciated that if desired, further upright members may be provided on top of the members 10a - 10b or on top of the members lOg - lOj respectively and such stacking of uprights may be continued until the desired height for the scaffolding is achieved. The uprights of each pair i.e. the uprights 10a and 10b; 10c, lOg and 10d, lOh and lOe, lOi and lOf, 10], are interconnected by cross members in the form of transoms 20. In use, the transoms provide cross-members which extend substantially horizontally, substantially normal to the length of a wall or other structure adjacent the scaffolding.

An upright of each pair is interconnected by cross members in the form of ledgers 21 which, in use, provide cross-members which extend substantially horizontally, substantially parallel to the length of the wall of other structure adjacent the scaffolding.

Each upright member 10a - lOj is provided in known manner with sockets 22 at spaced intervals along its length. Each socket 22 comprises a generally V-shaped strip of metal which is welded or otherwise secured to the exterior surface of the upright so as to define a socket which is open at both its upper and lower ends. Each socket 22 forms part of a connecting means which additionally comprises an end connecting element, indicated generally at 24, at opposite ends of each cross member 20 or 21 and a wedge shaped clamping member 24a which is captively associated with such connector. Four sockets 22 are provided at each of said spaced positions along the length of each upright, the sockets at each of said positions being equi-angularly spaced apart around the circumference of the upright. If desired, other forms of connecting means may be used. In the illustrated example all four sockets are at the same longitudinal position along the length of each upright but if desired one or more may be provided at different longitudinal positions.

Referring now particularly to Figures 2 and 3, each transom 20 comprises an upper elongate member 30 and a lower elongate member 31 which are connected, in the present example by welding, to the hereinbefore mentioned end connecting elements 24.

Each end connecting element 24 is made as a pressing of generally channel section with a vertically disposed web 24a and upper and lower limbs 26, 27 respectively. The upper limb 26 is formed with an opening in the form of a slot 28 and the lower limb is formed with another opening also in the form of a slot 29, the two slots being of dimensions suitable for receiving an associated wedge clamping member 25. The length and disposition of each of the slots 28, 29 is selected in accordance with the angle between the wedging faces 31a, 3 lb of the wedge clamping member 25 and the disposition of abutment faces 32, 33 constituted by the free ends of the upper and lower limbs 26, 27 in relation to an internal clamping face 34 of the associated socket member 22 when the connector 24 is in use to secure a cross-member to which it is secured to the upright member 10a - lOj.

The upper elongate member 30 is, as best shown in Figure 4, a tubular member of a desired square configuration in cross-section but, if desired, may be of other than square configuration in cross-section.

The lower elongate member 31 is also a tubular member but of rectangular configuration. Again, if desired, the lower elongate member 31 may be of other than rectangular configuration in cross-section.

A gap 35 is provided between an upper surface 36 of the lower elongate member 31 and a lower surface 37 of the upper elongate member 30.

The transoms 20 support a plurality of decking units 40. As can be seen from Figure 1, in the present example, three decking units 40 are disposed in side by side relationship between each pair of adjacent transoms 20 although in Figure 1 only some of the decking units are illustrated for clarity. It will be appreciated that, if desired, decking units may be provided which are of a different width to that described hereinbefore so that more, or less, than three decking units may be provided associated with each pair of transoms.

As best shown in Figures 2 and 3 each decking unit 40 is a rolled section of mild steel or other suitable metal such as an aluminium alloy and comprises an upper part 41, a pair of spaced side limbs 42 depending downwardly therefrom and having at the free end thereof in-turned lips 43 which are generally parallel to the upper part 41 which have at their free edges upturned flanges 44 which are generally parallel to the limbs 42. The upper part 41 has an upper surface 45 which, in use, supports operatives and equipment on the scaffolding structure and may be provided with any desired configuration of non-slip pattern or the like. Handles 40a in the form of bars welded to the inturned lips 43 to extend transversely of the decking unit may be provided at a suitable spacing to facilitate handling of a decking unit 40.

Each decking unit 40 is of the same configuration and comprises longitudinally spaced first and second ends 46, 47 respectively.

The first end 46 is provided with a first end part 48 whilst the second end 47 is provided with a second end part 49. The first end part 48, as best shown in Figure 4, is of generally channel configuration having a web part 50 which interconnects a pair of spaced downwardly depending limbs 51a, 51b, the limb 51b being longer than the limb 51a and being welded or otherwise secured to the first end 46 of a decking unit 40. The width of the first end part 48 is arranged to be the same as the width of the decking unit 40 so that end surfaces 52 of the end part 48 are substantially in the same plane as external surface 53 of the limbs 42 of the decking unit.

An upper surface 54 of the web part 50 is arranged to be in the same plane as the upper surface 45 of the decking unit.

The upper transom member 30 has an upper surface 55 providing an upwardly facing abutment surface, a first side abutment surface 58a and a second side abutment surface 58b. The upper surface 55 is engaged by an abutment portion comprising a lower surface 56 of the web part 50 to support the first end of the decking unit, whilst an inwardly facing surface 57 of the limb 51a engages first abutment side surface 58a of the upper elongate member 30.

The second end part 49 comprises a general angle section part having a generally horizontal limb 60 and a generally vertically downwardly extending limb 61. An abutment portion comprising a downwardly directed surface 62 of the limb 60 engages and is supported by an upwardly facing abutment surface comprising the upper surface 36 of the lower elongate member 31 whilst an inwardly directed surface 63 of the limb 61 engages one of a first side abutment surface 64a or second side abutment surface 64b of the elongate member 31.

The limb 60 is dimensioned to fit and be fastened inside the decking unit 40. For example it may be welded to an undersurface 65 of spacer block 66 which is welded within the decking unit. If desired instead of welding other fastening means may be provided.

In use, as best shown in Figure 4, the first end 46 of a right-hand-most decking unit is hooked over the upper elongate member 30 of a right-hand end transom with the surfaces 55, 56 and 57, 58a engaged as described hereinbefore. The second end part 49 is then fed through the gap 35 so that the surfaces 36, 62 and 63, 64b are engaged as best shown in Figure 4. The first end of the next decking unit 40 to the left is then positioned over the uppermost elongate member of the hereinbefore mentioned next transom with the surfaces 55, 56 and 57, 58a in engagement as described before. Thus, as best shown in Figure 4. the first and second end parts of adjacent decking units cooperate by virtue of engagement of surfaces provided on first abutment part 70 and abutment surface 71 , and second abutment part 80, and abutment surface 81 thereof. This inter-engagement of adjacent decking units and the above described of the respective end parts with the upper and lower elongate members 30, 31 restrains angular movement of the decking units relative to the transom with which they are engaged. In addition, the first end part 48 effectively bridges the gap between the upper parts 40 of adjacent decking unit.

If desired the decking units may be assembled to the transoms starting from the opposite end of the structure to that described above.

Because of the above described restraint from angular movement, each decking unit effectively acts in the form of a diaphragm and so the requirement for tie members is reduced.

In the present example each bay i.e. element structure defined by four orthogonally disposed uprights is 100cm wide and up to 300cm long. Each decking unit, in the present example about 32cm wide up to 300cm long but, if desired, both the bays and the decking units may be of other configuration to that described hereinbefore.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 5 to 7. Features of the embodiment of Figures 5 to 7 which are the same as corresponding features of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4 have the same reference numeral.

As seen in Figure 5, the scaffold is of like configuration to that of Figure 1, comprising a plurality of upright scaffold members 10a to lOj. Each lower most scaffold member 10a to lOg is provided at its lower end with an adjustable length jack 11 as hereinbefore described. As in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the upright members are interconnected with cross members comprising ledgers 21. The uprights of each pair, i.e. the upright 10a and 10b; 10c, lOg and lOd, 101; and lOe. lOi and lOf. lOj, are interconnected by cross members in the foi of transoms 100 which provide cross members which extend substantially horizontally, substantially normal to the length of a wall or other structure adjacent to the scaffolding in like manner to the transoms of the first embodiment. As in the previous embodiment, an upright of each pair is interconnected by cross members in the foim of ledgers 21. and each upright member 10a - lOj is provided with sockets 22 spaced at intervals along its length.

Referring now to Figures 6 and 7, each transom 100 comprises a transverse member in the foim of an elongate element 101, in the present example formed from cold rolled sheet metal, provided at each end with an end connectins element 24 as hereinbefore described. The eloncate element 101 comprises a transverse upper limb 102 spaced from a pair of generally co- planar first and second transverse lower limbs 103, 104, connected thereto by a web part 105. Extending generally upwardly from the lower limbs 103, 104 are first and second flanges 106, 107, the end part of each of which is provided with an inwardly turned lip 108, 109. The transverse upper limb 102 provides an upwardly facing abutment surface 1 10a, whilst the downwardly facing surfaces of the transverse upper limb 102 provide first and second downwardly facing abutment surfaces 1 10b, 1 10c. The end parts of the lips 108, 109 provide spaced first and second side abutment surfaces 111, 112. The outwardly facing surfaces of the flanges 106, 107 provide further third and fourth side abutment surfaces 1 13, 1 14.

As in the previous embodiment, the transoms 100 support a plurality of decking units 40, of like configuration to the decking units 40 of the first embodiment. Each decking unit 40 is however provided at each end with an end part 115. Each end part 1 15 in the present example is formed from cold rolled sheet metal, and is affixed to the decking unit 40 by welding or by any other means as desired. Each end part 1 15 comprises a first projecting part 116 and a second projecting part 1 17 disposed spaced from and generally parallel to the first projecting part 1 16. The first projecting part 1 16 and the second projecting part 1 17 are connected by a web 1 18 depending from the projecting part 116. The second projecting part 1 17 comprises a connecting part 119 which extends in a direction generally inwardly of the decking unit 40, the connecting part 1 19 being shaped to define a recess 120. The web 118 in the present example is shaped at its lower part partly to accommodate the connecting part 1 19 and the recess 120.

In use, the end parts 1 15 are engaged with the elongate member 101 as best shown in Figure 7. An abutment portion comprising a lower surface 116a of the first projecting part 1 16 rests on the upwardly facing abutment surface 110a of the transverse upper limb 102. The flanges 106, 107 are received in the respective recess 120 of the end parts 115, such that the first side abutment surface 111 and the second side abutment surface 112 contact an abutment portion provided by a first inner face 120a of the respective recess 120, while the third and fourth side abutment surfaces 113, 114 are disposed facing and spaced from a second inner face 120b of the recess 120. In this position, the load of the decking unit 40 is transmitted through the first projecting element 116 and the transverse upper limb 102. The engagement of the side abutment surface 111, 112 with the first inner face 120a of the recess 120 prevents disengagement of the decking unit 40 from the transom 100 in a direction transverse to the transom 100.

The engagement of the first projecting element 1 16 with the upwardly facing abutment surface 1 10a, and the flanges 106, 107 in the respective recess 120 acts to restrain angular movement of the decking unit 40 relative to the transom 100 in a vertical plane. Angular movement of the decking unit 40 in a plane containing the decking unit, herein referred to as a horizontal plane, will be resisted by the flanges 106, 107 received in the respective recess 120 engaging the respective first and second inner faces 120a, 120b of the recess 120 as the decking unit rotates.

Referring to the left hand decking unit 40 as seen in Figure 7, rotation of the decking unit 40 in a generally clockwise direction as seen in Figure 7 will be limited by engagement of the first projecting part 1 16 and the upwardly facing abutment surface 1 10a, and of the first side abutment surface 11 1 with the first inner face 120a of the recess 120a. Rotation in a generally anticlockwise direction is similarly limited as a result of second inner face 120b of the recess 120 being brought into contact with the third side abutment surface 113 of the flange 106.

Angular movement of the left hand decking unit 40 in a horizontal plane limited by engagement at one end thereof between the surfaces 1 1 1 and 120a and at the other end thereof between the surfaces 1 13 and 120b. Similar limitation of angular movement in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane takes place for the right hand decking unit 40.

In the present example, die gap between the third and fourth side abutment surfaces 1 13, 1 14 and the first and second inner faces 120a, 120b of the respective recess 120 is 2mm, sufficient to peimit engagement of the end part 115 with the elongate element 110 whilst resisting substantial angular movement in a horizontal plane.

Each decking unit 40 may be assembled to a pair of spaced transoms by offering up a decking unit 40 in an inclined position so that the free end of the element 116 of the part 1 15 at one end of the decking unit 40 is engaged with the web 105 of a transom 100. The free end of the second projecting part 117 at the other end of the decking unit can then move past the free end of the upper transverse end 102 of the adjacent transom so that after movement of the decking unit to space the element 1 16 from the web 105 the end parts 115 at each end of the decking unit can be positioned as shown in Figure 7. Either end of the transom may be first engaged with its associated transom. Removal of a decking unit is the reverse of the assembly arrangement described above.

As in the embodiment of Figure 1 to 4. because of the above described restrain of angular movement in a horizontal plane, each decking unit effectively acts to form a diaphragm and so the requirement for tie members is reduced.

Should the decking unit 40 be lifted as a whole generally vertically, or rotated so only one end is lifted, for example, through wind lift, an upper surface 117a of the second projecting part 1 17 will be brought into contact with the downwardly facing abutment surface 1 10b, 1 10c of the transverse upper limb 102, restraining any further upward movement of the end part 115 and preventing disengagement of the decking unit 40 from the elongate element 101. When the upward force on the decking unit 40 decreases, for example when the wind drops, the decking unit 40 will fall, re-engaging the recess 120 with the flange 106, 107.

Upward pivoting of only one end may be limited or resisted either by the above described contact alone or by the above described limitation of rotation in a vertical plane or by a desired combination thereof.

Although in the present example, a lower surface 1 17b of the second projecting part 117 is shown spaced from an upwardly facing surface 103a, 104a of the transverse lower limb 103, 104, the end parts 1 15 can be disposed such that the lower surface 1 17b contacts the upwardly facing surface 103a, 104a, and indeed if desired the load of the decking unit 40 could be transmitted partly or wholly through the second projecting part 1 17 in preference to the first projecting part 1 16.

The flanges 105, 106 and the recesses 120 may alternatively be disposed such that the third and fourth side abutment surfaces 1 13, 1 14 contact the second inner faces 120b of the recesses 120 and the first and second side abutment surfaces 111, 112 are spaced from the first inner faces 120a of the recess 120, preferably by a gap of 2mm. Further alternatively the flanges 105, 106 may be spaced from all faces of the recesses 120 In the latter case, for example the first and second side abutment surfaces 1 1 1 , 1 12 may be spaced from the first inner faces 120a by 1mm and the third and fourth side abutment surfaces 1 13, 1 14 may be spaced from the second inner faces 120b also by lmm.

Although in the above examples for ease of manufacture the components have cooperating surfaces which are continuous and planar, if desired, one or more of the cooperating surfaces could be continuous and provided with localised projecting areas, or could be provided on spaced separate elements, so as to be spaced an appropriate distance apart lengthwise of the transom for cooperation with a continuous planar or similar localised areas of the cooperating surface, or with spaced separate elements to provide the hereinbefore described connection and restraint from angular movement.

In order to provide adequate restraint of relative angular movement, the cooperating surfaces are preferably laterally spaced by a distance of at least 10cm. If desired, the spacing may be less than or greater than 10cm, the spacing depending upon the extent of restraint to relative angular movement required in any particular structure.

In both embodiments, the ledgers 21 each have a single elongate element which is a solid bar of a desired square configuration in cross-section but, if desired, may be of tubular construction and/or of other than square configuration in cross-section. A connector is connected, by welding in the present example, to each end of the elongate element.

Alternatively, the ledgers may be of the same configuration as the transoms of the embodiments described herein and the decking units may have end parts as described hereinbefore but engaged with the ledgers. In this case the decking units extend at 90° to the direction illustrated in connection with the first embodiment.

If desired, the transoms of the alternative may be the same as the transoms described in connection with the embodiments described hereinbefore or may be of the configuration described above in relation to the ledgers of the embodiments hereinbefore or indeed may be of any other suitable design configuration.

When the transoms of the alternative are of the same configuration as the transoms of the embodiments described hereinbefore the adjacent decking units may have an adjacent part of the same or similar configuration to the end parts engaged with the ledgers so as to engage with the transom in the same or a similar way as the end parts engage with the ledgers. The connectors described hereinbefore in connection with the transom are the same as the connectors provided on the ledgers and therefore do not require further discussion.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A scaffolding of die kind specified wherein the decking unit has first and second end parts each of which co-operates with a respective cross member to support the decking unit and to restrain relative angular movement between an end part and a respective cross member.

2. A scaffolding according to Claim 1 wherein each cross member has spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface and said end parts each have abutment portions which engage one of said side abutment surfaces and said upwardly facing abutment surface at positions which are spaced lengthwise of the cross member.

3. A scaffolding according to Claim 2 wherein the cross member is provided with an upper set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface and a lower set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface, there being a space extending through the cross member from one side to the other at a position between the upper set and the lower set.

4. A scaffolding according to Claim 3 wherein the cross member includes an upper elongate member having an upper surface to provide the upwardly facing abutment surface of the upper set and two side surfaces which depend downwardly therefrom to provide the side abutment surfaces of the upper set and a lower elongate member, spaced from the upper member, the lower elongate member having an upper surface to provide the upwardly facing abutment surface of the lower set and two side surfaces which depend downwardly therefrom to provide the side abutment surfaces of the lower set.

5. A scaffolding according to Claim 4 wherein the upper and lower elongate members are connected together by end connecting elements provided for connection of the cross member to the uprights.

6. A scaffolding according to any one of Claims 3 to 5 wherein the abutment portion of said first end part is disposed at a first level compared with an upper surface of the decking unit, whilst the abutment portion of the second end part is disposed at a second, lower, level relative to the upper surface of the decking unit.

7. A scaffolding according to any one of Claims 3 to 6 wherein a first abutment part of the first end part of one decking unit may be disposed for engagement with an abutment surface of an adjacent second decking unit and a second abutment part of the second end part of the second decking unit may be disposed for engagement with an abutment surface of said one decking unit.

8. A scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the first end part and the second end part each comprise an angle shaped member.

9. A scaffolding according to Claim 2 wherein the first and second side abutment surfaces of the cross member are provided on a respective first and second flange such that the first and second side abutment surfaces are transverse to said upwardly facing abutment surface.

10. A scaffolding according to Claim 9 wherein the end parts are provided with a first projecting part having an abutment portion to engage said upwardly facing abutment surface and a second projecting part having an abutment portion to engage said first side abutment surface or said second side abutment surface.

11. A scaffolding according to Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein each flange is provided with a further side abutment surface on the opposite side of said flange to said first or second side abutment surface.

12. A scaffolding according to any one of Claims 9 to 1 1 wherein said first and second side abutment surfaces comprise a turned over lip provided on the respective flange.

13. A scaffolding according to Claim 10 or any one of Claims 11 or 12 where dependent on Claim 10 wherein the abutment portion of the end part comprises a recess in which a respective one of said flanges is received.

14. A scaffolding according to Claim 13 wherein an inner face of said recess abuts the first side abutment surface or the second side abutment surface.

15. A scaffolding according to any one of Claims 9 to 14 wherein the upwardly facing abutment surface is provided on an upper transverse limb.

16. A scaffolding according to any one of Claims 9 to 15 wherein the cross member comprises a downwardly facing abutment surface disposed below said upwardly facing abutment surface.

17. A scaffolding according to Claim 16 where dependent on Claim 15 wherein said downwardly facing abutment surface is provided on said upper transverse limb.

18. A scaffolding according to Claim 16 or Claim 17 wherein the second projecting part is provided with a surface opposed to and spaced from the downwardly facing abutment surface of the upper transverse limb.

19. A scaffolding according to any one of Claims 9 to 18 wherein the cross member is provided with first and second lower transverse limbs connected to said first and second flanges respectively.

20. A scaffolding according to Claim 19 where dependent on any one of Claims 15 to 19 wherein the first and second lower transverse limbs are connected to said upper transverse limb by a web part.

21. A scaffolding according to any one of Claims 9 to 20 wherein the cross member is provided with end connecting elements for connecting the cross member to the upright.

22. A scaffolding according to Claim 5, Claim 21 or any one of Claims 6 to 20 where dependent directly or indirectly on Claim 5 wherein each end connecting element is of a generally channel configuration in which upper and lower limbs provide the walls in the chaimel and a base for channel being connecting to end parts of a transverse member of the cross member.

23. A scaffolding according to Claim 22 wherein the upper and lower limbs are provided with apertures in which a wedge shaped member is received.

24. A scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the decking unit comprises a generally channel shaped member there being an in- turned lip at the free end of each limb of the channel.

25. A scaffolding according to Claim 24 wherein the in-turned lip has a reentrant flange which is generally parallel to and spaced from the limbs of the channel and the lip is generally parallel to the base of the channel.

26. A scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the angular movement is in a horizontal and/or a vertical plane.

27. A scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cross member is a transom.

28. A scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cross member is a ledger.

29. A scaffolding as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4 or to Figures 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

30. A cross member having spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface.

31. A cross member according to Claim 30 further comprising an upper set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface and a lower set of spaced first and second side abutment surfaces and an upwardly facing abutment surface, there being a space extending through the cross member from one side to the other at a position between the upper set and the lower set.

32. A transom according to Claim 31 wherein the cross member includes an upper elongate member having an upper surface to provide the upwardly facing abutment surface of the upper set and two side surfaces which depend downwardly therefrom to provide the side abutment surfaces of the upper set and a lower elongate member, spaced from the upper member, the lower elongate member having an upper surface to provide the upwardly facing abutment surface of the lower set and two side surfaces which depend downwardly therefrom to provide the side abutment surfaces of the lower set.

33. A cross member according to Claim 32 wherein the upper and lower elongate members are connected together by end connecting elements provided for connection of the cross member to the uprights.

34. A cross member according to Claim 30 wherein the first and second side abutment surfaces of the cross member are provided on a respective first and second flange such that the first and second side abutment surfaces are transverse to said upwardly facing abutment surface.

35. A cross member according to Claim 34 wherein each flange is provided with a further side abutment surface on the opposite side of said flange to said first or second side abutment surface.

35. A cross member according to Claim 35 wherein said first and second side abutment surfaces comprise a lip provided on the respective flange.

37. A cross member according to any one of Claims 34 to 36 wherein the upwardly facing abutment surface is provided on an upper transverse limb.

38. A cross member according to any one of Claims 34 to 37 wherein the transom comprises a downwardly facing abutment surface disposed below said upwardly facing abutment surface.

39. A cross member according to Claim 38 where dependent on Claim 35 wherein said downwardly facing abutment surface is provided on said upper transverse limb.

40. A cross member according to any one of Claims 34 to 39 wherein the cross member is provided with first and second lower transverse limbs connected to said first and second flanges respectively.

41. A cross member according to Claim 40 where dependent any one of Claims 37 to 39 wherein the first and second lower transverse limbs are connected to said upper transverse limb by a web part.

42. A cross member according to any one of Claims 30 to 41 wherein the cross member is provided with end connecting elements for connecting the cross member to an upright.

43. A cross member according to Claim 42 wherein each connecting element is of a generally channel configuration in which upper and lower limbs provide the walls in the channel and a base for channel being connecting to end parts of a transverse member of the cross member.

44. A cross member according to Claim 43 wherein the upper and lower limbs are provided with apeitures in which a wedge shaped member is received.

45. A cross member according to any one of claims 30 to 44 wherein the cross member is a transom.

46. A cross member according to any one of claims 30 to 45 wherein the cross member is a ledger.

47. A cross member as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4 or to Figures 5 to 7 of die accompanying drawings.

48. A decking unit having first and second end parts each of which cooperates with a respective cross member to support the decking unit and to restrain relative angular movement between an end part and a respective cross member.

49. A decking unit according to Claim 48 wherein each of said end parts each has abutment portions which engage a side abutment surface and an upwardly facing abutment surface of a cross member at positions which are spaced lengthwise of the cross member.

50. A decking unit according to Claim 49 wherein the abutment portion of said first end part is disposed at a first level compared with an upper surface of the decking unit, whilst the abutment portion of the second end part is disposed at a second, lower, level relative to the upper surface of the decking unit.

51. A decking unit according to Claim 49 or Claim 50 wherein a first abutment part of the first end part of one decking unit is disposed for engagement with an abutment surface of an adjacent second decking unit and a second abutment part of the second end part of d e second decking unit is disposed for engagement with an abutment surface of said one decking unit.

52. A decking unit according to any one of Claims 48 to 51 wherein the first end part and the second end part each comprise an angle shaped member.

53. A decking unit according to Claim 48 wherein the end parts are provided with a first projecting part having an abutment portion to engage an upwardly facing abutment surface and a second projecting part having an abutment portion to engage a side abutment surface of a cross member.

54. A decking unit according to Claim 53 wherein said first and second side abutment surfaces comprise a turned over lip provided on a respective flange of the cross member and wherein the abutment portion of each end part comprises a recess in which a respective one of said flanges is received.

55. A decking unit according to Claim 55 wherein an inner face of said recess abuts a side abutment surface of the cross member when the decking unit is engaged with the cross member.

56. A decking unit according to any one of Claims 48 to 55 wherein the decking unit comprises a generally channel shaped member, there being an in- turned lip at the free end of each limb of the channel.

57. A decking unit according to any one of claims 48 to 56 wherein the cross member comprises a transom.

58. A decking unit according to any one of claims 48 to 57 wherein the cross member comprises a ledger.

59. A decking unit as described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4 or to Figures 5 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.

60. A scaffolding comprising a cross member according to any one of Claims 30 to 47 and/or or a decking unit according to any one of Claims 48 to 59.

61. A scaffolding according to Claim 60 wherein the scaffolding is a scaffolding according to any one of Claims 1 to 29.

62. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein or in the accompanying drawings.