EP1264056A1

EP1264056A1 - Method for erecting a scaffold, scaffold and parts therefor

Info

Publication number: EP1264056A1
Application number: EP01912599A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robertus Jacobus Reigwein
Original assignee: Reco Holding BV
Current assignee: Reco Holding BV
Priority date: 2000-03-06
Filing date: 2001-03-06
Publication date: 2002-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2021-03-06
Also published as: NL1014569C2; WO2001066879A1; EP1264056B1; AU2001241288A1; DK1264056T3; ATE298389T1; PT1264056E; DE60111615T2; DE60111615D1; ES2248290T3

Abstract

A method for erecting a scaffold, wherein on a ground surface, substantially in a grid, at least two rows of posts are disposed, the posts being arranged on junction points of said grid, such that at least directly above said ground surface, at least between in each case two posts in a row, there is a fixed, at least predetermined distance, the posts extending vertically and comprising bases, said bases each comprising, on or at least adjacent the end facing upwards during use, a first coupling element for coupling to a complementary second coupling element, connected to a relatively smooth scaffold tube of a traditional scaffolding system, whereupon, on the basis of said scaffold tubes with at least further relatively smooth scaffold tubes and scaffold clamps, a scaffold is erected, while the bases further each comprise at least one third coupling element, compatible with a system scaffolding system, whereby in each case two juxtaposed bases in a row are intercoupled by a system horizontal member of the relevant system scaffolding system.

Description

Title: Method for erecting a scaffold, scaffold and parts therefor.

The invention relates to a method for erecting a scaffold. The invention moreover relates to a scaffold and parts therefor. The invention further relates to the use of different existing scaffolding systems, at least components thereof, in combination, for erecting a scaffold. In scaffolding, two basic forms are usually distinguished, i.e. the traditional scaffold and the system scaffold.

In traditional scaffolding systems, relatively smooth, tubular scaffold tubes are used, which can be interconnected by means of scaffold clamps. Separate scaffold clamps for obtaining cross and corner joints and the like for such traditional scaffolding systems are, for instance, supplied by the firm Van Thiel United, The Netherlands, and are, for instance, described in NL 7117188 and NL 9202043. In these traditional scaffolding systems, scaffold tubes can be longitudinally coupled through the use of, for instance, loose welded couplings. There are also on the market coupling systems wherein the ends of the scaffold tubes comprise specific coupling elements which can readily be interconnected by insertion and, for instance, rotation. Such coupling is, for instance, presented under the type indication "tube lock", in The Netherlands supplied by the firm Van Thiel United, Beek en Donk, involving the use of a bayonet system. These are used for longitudinal coupling of the relatively smooth scaffold tubes, mainly for forming vertical posts. To traditional scaffolding systems, it applies that horizontal members and vertical posts can be provided and coupled in almost any position relative to one another. Indeed, a loose scaffold clamp can be secured around a scaffold tube (post, horizontal member, strut or the like) anywhere, whereupon a second smooth scaffold tube can be secured in the relevant coupling, again in a position to be selected at random. Thus, a particularly great freedom of building is realized, while, for instance, irregular shapes of buildings can easily be followed, floors and the like can be provided at any desired height and location, and loose, universal components can be used therewith.

In system scaffolding systems, use is made of standardized components having fixed lengths and couplings. At both ends of the system scaffolding tubes, a first coupling element is in each case provided, capable of cooperating with a second coupling element provided on another scaffold tube. Such system scaffolding system is, for instance, known as the "cup lock" type, in The Netherlands supplied by the firm SGB Holland Helmond. Comparable systems are, for instance, presented in Belgium by the name "Dura Lock". In such system scaffolding system, posts, horizontal members, struts and the like should always be provided at fixed distances and fixed angles relative to one another, which means that particularly little freedom of design is obtained. Thus, for instance small variations in floor heights in the construction can hardly be taken up. Moreover, this means that for a scaffolding company or the like, a particularly large supply of different system scaffolding elements should be stocked. This means high investment costs, the more so because the different elements of a system scaffolding system are relatively expensive compared with those of a traditional scaffolding system, and, moreover, relatively susceptible to damage. A further drawback of system scaffolding systems is that the design and building-up sequence prior to building should be laid down particularly well and down to the last detail, because improvization afterwards is almost impossible.

An advantage of system scaffolding systems is that with such systems, a scaffold can be built up and taken down again in a particularly fast and easy manner, while requiring relatively little manpower. A further advantage of such system scaffolding system is that the posts are disposed at fixed distances relatively to one another. This enables the use of so-called consoles, which are for instance suspended from the posts in a position adjacent the object to the built or at least processed, in such a manner that, for instance, a bricklayer can stand between two floors for further building up a wall. Such console is also advantageous for many other applications.

The object of the invention is to provide a method for erecting a scaffold, wherein the advantages of the above-described scaffolding systems are maintained as much as possible, without the drawbacks thereof. More in particular, the object of the invention is to provide a method for erecting a scaffold wherein a large measure of freedom of design is obtained, while use can nevertheless be made of at least a fixed grid in which the scaffold is disposed on a ground surface, to enable the use, at the appropriate location, of standard parts such as consoles and the like. A method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

In a method according to the invention, use is made, in an inventive manner, of parts of a system scaffolding system for forming a lower scaffold part, as well as parts of a traditional scaffolding system, for building up the upper scaffold part. Through the use of at least horizontal members of a fixed length dimension, provided adjacent their ends with standard coupling elements from a system scaffolding system whose complementary coupling parts are mounted on the bases, bases can rapidly and unequivocally be disposed at a fixed mutual distance and, accordingly, in a predetermined grid. In each case, at least two posts, at least bases are interconnected in this manner, preferably in each case at least four bases arranged in a rectangle. Such thus formed rectangles can then be intercoupled again to two further horizontal members from the relevant system scaffolding system. Since the bases further comprise first coupling elements adjacent their top ends, whereby complementary second coupling elements can be coupled, provided on one end of a scaffold tube of a traditional scaffolding system, these scaffold tubes can, as posts, be secured on the bases in a simple, fast and unequivocal manner so as to be fixed in position. This creates a basis on which, by means of the relatively smooth scaffold tubes known per se from the traditional scaffolding system and associated scaffold clamps, with great freedom and from a relatively small assortment of parts, the further upper scaffold part can be erected.

Because in the lower scaffold part, the bases are kept at a fixed mutual distance by the horizontal members, and are moreover readily fixed in upright position by the horizontal members, at least the lowermost scaffold part can be erected with relatively little manpower, for instance by one person, after which building up can be continued in a simple manner without requiring all types of usual supporting constructions. Because only the horizontal members from the system scaffolding system are necessary, the investments in the system parts can be reduced to a minimum, while the desired advantages are achieved all the same.

In a first advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 2.

In such embodiment, a console is mounted on posts of the scaffold, at a height to be selected at random. A console should be understood to comprise at least support means, comprising a floor on which users can, for instance, stand or put down things. According to the invention, a console is formed by support braces which, by means of scaffold clamps, can be secured against the posts which by themselves are relatively smooth, so that the height of the console, i.e. the distance between adjacent platforms of the scaffold and the floor of the console, can be selected at random. As the posts are provided at a fixed mutual distance, due to the use of the system horizontal members between the bases, a console according to the invention can be built up by means of a standard floor, at least as far as dimensions are concerned, or at least a floor built up from standard elements, in particular one of the system scaffolding system used between the bases. As a result, in particular as a result of the fixed distance between the support braces, the floor can readily be secured on the support braces by the standard means, so that sfiding or detachment otherwise can readily be prevented. Thus, the safety is increased considerably, while the method offers much freedom in configuration.

In a method according to the invention, it is in particular advantageous when at least a number of telescopic horizontal members are used for connecting the posts horizontally, approximately transverse to the longitudinal direction of the scaffold. This provides the advantage that the distance between the posts and, for instance, a building wall to be built up or covered can be fixedly chosen, while by means of the telescopic horizontal members and platforms provided thereon, the distance between the edge of the scaffold and the relevant building can be set. It is preferred that the posts be positioned at least about 30 cm from the relevant building, in order to provide for sufficient space for, for instance, brickwork and brickwork rows. More in particular, a distance of a few decimeters is often maintained, for instance about 70 cm in total, so that before the front posts, sufficient space remains for users.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is further characterized by the features of claim 5.

The use of bases provided with height-adjusting means offers the advantage that the top ends of juxtaposed bases can readily be brought to the same level, before building up an upper scaffold part.

The invention further relates to a scaffold characterized by the features of claim 8.

A scaffold according to the present invention comprises a lower scaffold part substantially built up through the use of system scaffold parts, in particular horizontal members thereof, and an upper scaffold part substantially built up from elements of a traditional scaffolding system. Thus, in a particularly surprising manner, a combination is obtained having advantages of both scaffolding systems, while the drawbacks have largely been avoided. The upper scaffold part offers a particularly great freedom in design and construction, while only a small assortment of different parts needs to be used and the lower scaffold part provides for a solid, dimensionally stable basis. Precisely this dimensionally stable basis offers, for instance, the possibility of using, in the upper scaffold part, standard floor parts with coupling means provided at fixed mutual distances, for instance for forming platforms and consoles, which can be fitted at any desired height and in any desired position due to the fact that traditional scaffolding system parts are used for the upper scaffold part.

The invention further relates to a base for use in a method or scaffold according to the invention, characterized by the features of claim 12. Such base offers the advantage that in a particularly fast manner, a lower scaffold part can be formed according to a fixed grid, which lower scaffold part is self-supporting and can, for instance, be assembled by one person. Indeed, the third coupling means enable in a particularly simple and fast manner coupling of different bases by means of horizontal members of a system scaffolding system. The first coupling elements provide the possibility of coupling posts to the bases in a particularly fast and unequivocal manner, which posts can fit in a traditional scaffolding system.

In further elaboration, a base according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 13. The setting means offer the advantage that the third coupling means of two juxtaposed bases can be brought to approximately the same height in a simple manner, so that the system horizontal members can be fitted in a simple manner. Preferably, the base plates are designed so that the bases can also be positioned loosely, prior to the intercoupling. The invention further relates to a horizontal member, characterized by the features of claim 14.

Such horizontal member offers the advantage that it is readily applicable within a method or scaffold according to the invention, since the posts of the upper scaffold part are included in a fixed grid. This means that the horizontal members can rapidly and unequivocally be secured on the posts at any desired height, so that a desired floor can be fitted. On the telescopic second parts, scaffold planks or like support floors can then be placed, whose width can be varied depending on the desired distance to the object to be processed. In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of a method, scaffold, base and horizontal member according to the invention are described.

To clarify the invention, exemplary embodiments of a method, scaffold, base and horizontal member according to the invention will hereinafter be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a scaffold according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of a scaffold according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows, in side elevation, the scaffold according to Fig. 2;

Figs. 4A-C show, in side elevation, a scaffold according to the invention, erected next to a building to be processed, in three different positions;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a portion of a base according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows two horizontal members of a system scaffolding system for use within the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a post for use within the invention, with the central part removed therefrom; Fig. 8 shows, in side elevation, a horizontal member according to the invention;

Figs. 8 A and 8B are sections of the horizontal member at the level of lines A and B respectively in Fig. 8;

Fig. 9 shows, in side elevation, a support brace for a console according to the invention; Fig. 10 is a front view of the support brace according to Fig. 9; and

Fig. 11 shows, in top plan view, a support floor part for use within the invention, in particular with a console.

In this specification, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals.

In the drawings, embodiments are shown by way of example only. The system scaffolding system parts and traditional scaffolding system parts used are mentioned by way of example only and should not be construed as being limitative in any way. Also other system scaffolding systems or traditional scaffolding systems, or at least parts thereof, can be used within the framework of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a scaffold 1 according to the invention, comprising a lower scaffold part 2 and an upper scaffold part 3 fixed thereon. The scaffold 1 comprises a first row 4 of vertical posts 6 and a second row 8 of vertical posts 6 extending parallel thereto. At a bottom end thereof, the posts 6 are provided with, or at least placed on, bases 10, to be described in more detail hereinbelow, which bases 10 are arranged in a grid. In this context, "grid" should at least be understood to mean a frame of regularly spaced apart corner points. The bases 10 are arranged on said corner points of the grid. In the embodiment shown, the grid is built up from rectangles of about 1300 by about 1800 mm. However, these measurements can be chosen freely, depending on the first horizontal members 12 to be used, lying in the longitudinal direction, and second horizontal members 14 extending at right angles thereto in the width direction. The horizontal members 12, 14 are horizontal members from a system ledger system as shown, for instance, in Fig. 6.

In the exemplary embodiment shown, use is made of a system ledger system of the cup-lock type, to be explained in more detail hereinbelow. The first horizontal members 12 and second horizontal members 14 have fixed dimensions, in the exemplary embodiment shown 1800 and 1300 mm. At each end 16, the horizontal members 12, 14 are provided with a coupling element associated or compatible with a cup-lock system ledger system, to be referred to as fourth coupling element 18. This fourth coupling element 18 consists of a rectangular plate mounted on the horizontal members 12, 14 and having slightly beveled ends, which can readily be coupled to a third coupling element 20 on a base 10, as shown in Fig. 5. To that end, as shown schematically in Fig. 5, the fourth coupling element 18 is placed with a downwardly facing part of the plate into a cup-shaped first part, mounted on the base 10, of the third coupling element 20, between said first cup- shaped element 22 and a retaining ring 24 located slightly higher on the base. The retaining ring 24 has its top end provided with a spirally arranged run-on face 26 capable of rubbing along a projection 28 on the vertical tube 30 of the base 10. Hence, rotation of the retaining ring 24 means that the run-on face 26 will run down along the projection 28 whilst moving the retaining ring 24 in vertical direction. The cup-shaped element 22 and the retaining ring 24 have their facing sides provided with a groove 32 and 34 respectively wherein the fourth coupling element 18 can at least partially be received and retained through downward rotation of the retaining ring 24. In this manner, a particularly simple and unequivocal coupling between the horizontal member 12, 14 and the base 10 can be obtained. In the cup -lock system shown, four horizontal members can be connected to the base 10 via the coupling elements 18, such that four horizontal members 12, 14, extending at right angles to one another and to the longitudinal direction of be base 10, can be connected to the base. Hence, the grid of the lower scaffold part 2 is defined by the length of the first and second horizontal members 12, 14 and the thickness of the tube 30 of the base 10.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 1-3, the base 10 has the lower end 36 of the tube 30 secured in a base spindle 38 known per se, which is left out in Fig. 5 for clarity's sake. With such base spindle 38, the distance between a base plate 40 of the base spindle 38 on which the base 10 can be supported and at least the third coupling element 20 can readily be set, such that the third coupling elements 20 of two juxtaposed bases 10 can easily be brought to the same level. Secured to the top end 42 of the tube 30 is a male part of a tube-lock joint as first coupling element 44. Tube- lock joints, here mentioned by way of example only, are already known per se from, for instance, NL 1004234, incorporated herein by reference, and are intended for connecting scaffold tubes longitudinally. To that end, in the embodiment shown, a post 6 as shown in Fig. 7 is provided, adjacent a first end 46 thereof, with a female part 48 compatible with said male part 44 of the tube-lock system, while to the opposite, second end 50, a male part 44 is again secured. The tube-lock coupling elements 44, 48 can be coupled by a bayonet-shaped catch, such that the longitudinal axes Li, L2 are in line. This means that the horizontal distances between the posts 6 are also defined by said grid. As a matter of fact, it will be understood that other types of couplings may likewise be used for longitudinal coupling, for instance known welded clamp couplings. The posts may also be secured side by side by couplings, such that the longitudinal axes lie partly side by side. If the posts are in each case located on the same side of the post to be connected or tube 30 of base 10, the grid is maintained.

After the bases 10 have been arranged at the desired height and position on a ground surface G, and interconnected by the first horizontal members 12 and second horizontal members 14, a dimensionally stable, relatively rigid lower scaffold part 2 is obtained, which can be erected by one person. Next, by the same person, a post 6 can be secured on each post by means of the coupling parts 44, 48, which post may have any desired length, for instance 2, 3 or 4 m. When the scaffold 1 should be higher, different posts 6 can be secured one onto the other by means of the male and female coupling parts 44, 48 or, optionally, clamp couplings or the like. With clamp couplings known per se, such as cross couplings 52, as described in, for instance, NL 7117188 or NL 9202043, incorporated herein by reference, third horizontal members 54 can be connected to the posts 6 so as to be parallel to the first horizontal members 12 and at any desired height and in any desired position. Moreover, with comparable clamp couplings 52, transverse horizontal members 56, also referred to as scaffolding poles, can be transversely provided between the posts 6, parallel to the second horizontal members 14. For the third horizontal members 54 and the transverse members 56, substantially smooth scaffold tubes from the traditional scaffolding system can be used, which tubes can be secured with clamp couplings, such as cross coupUngs 52, for which any desired length and position can be used. As appears from, for instance, Fig. 2, the third horizontal members 54 can be designed like the posts 6, which can again be interconnected by means of the tube-lock coupling parts 44, 48. These third horizontal members 54 can, for instance, be provided at the level of, or at least directly below, platforms 60, for instance on the facing sides of the posts 6, but can also be used for forming a balustrade along said platforms 60. Likewise, with clamp couplings 54, struts 62 can be provided at any desired location or position. As Fig. 3 clearly shows, the tube-lock couplings 44, 48 in the first row 4 of posts 6 are arranged at a height different from those in the second row 6, as a result of which the stability is improved. As Fig. 3 clearly demonstrates, the transverse members 56 extend from the second row 8 to a position beyond the posts 6 disposed in the first row 4. The transverse members at the level of platforms 60 are designed as slide members or slide poles, as shown in Fig. 8. This slide pole 64 comprises a first part 66, for instance having a V-shaped cross section as shown in Fig. 8B, into which a second part 67 is slidable in the longitudinal direction L. The second part 67 is provided, at about halϋength, with a stop block 68 capable of striking a stop strip 70 (Fig. 8A) adjacent the front end 72 of the first part 66. The second part 67 has its free end provided with a lip 74 which prevents the second part 67 from being slid too far into the first part 66. Hence, the lip 74 and the stop block define the length K through which the second part 67 can be slid relative to the first part 66. At the bottom side, i.e. the wide side of the V-shaped section, the first part 66 comprises two clamp coupling parts 76 of a known type. The center-to- center distance of these two clamp coupling parts 76 is chosen in correspondence with the grid-defined center- to-center distance of two third horizontal members 54, provided against the facing sides of the rows of posts 6. Hence, by means of the clamp couplings 76, the first part 66 can readily be secured so as to be fixed in position on said third horizontal members 54 and be supported thereby. The object of the telescopic second part 67 will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow. However, it is clear that by means of scaffold parts 80, for instance as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 4 and 11, a portion of a platform 60 can be fitted hereon, whose width can be varied. It will be understood that precisely because of the arrangement of the posts 6 in a fixed grid, the clamp couplings 76 can be fixedly mounted on the first part 66, to obtain a particularly firm connection which, moreover, enables assembling and disassembling in a particularly simple manner. Of course, with other grid measurements, other distances between the coupling parts 76 will have to be realized. Figs. 9 and 10 show a support brace 82 built up from a first section part 84 and a second section part 86, fixedly interconnected at an angle of, for instance, 45°. A first end 87 of the first section part 84 is located directly above a free end 89 of the second section part 86. Secured to the first end 87 and the free end 89 are clamp couplings known per se, directed so that by means of those clamp couplings 52, the support brace 82 can be fixed on a post 6 at any desired height, such that the first section part 84 extends approximately horizontally. Secured to the top side of the first section 84 remote from the second section 86 are a number of U-shaped braces 90, with their open sides facing up and their wall faces 92 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first section part 84. Preferably, the braces 9 have a fixed center-to-center distance T. By means of the support braces 82 and floor parts 80, as shown in Fig. 11, a console 94 can be secured against posts 6 at a desired height, for instance on the side facing away from the second row 8 of the posts 6 disposed in the first row 4, or, conversely, on the facing side thereof. For forming the console 94, a floor part 80 is laid in fixed position on the support braces 86 by means of the braces 90. To that end, the floor part 80 has its two end faces 96 provided with two handle-shaped braces 98 having a center-to-center distance T, which can be slid over the wall parts 92 of two juxtaposed braces. This readily prevents sliding of the floor part 80 relative to the support braces 82, so that a safe platform is obtained. As a matter of fact, it will be understood that the support braces 82 may also carry more or fewer braces 90, for obtaining a wider or smaller console 94. The braces 98 are secured on a U-shaped end piece 99 slid with a proper fit over the relevant end 96 of the floor part 80 and secured thereon by screws, nails or the like. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the platforms 60 are formed from conventional scaffold planks. However, it will be clear that these may also be formed from floor parts 80, as shown by way of example in Fig. 11, while on the slide poles 64, comparable braces 90 may be provided. Figs. 4A-C show, in side elevation, a scaffold 1 according to the invention, next to a building 100 in process. Alongside the prefabricated wall 101 of the building 100, an outer wall 102 is being built up. The scaffold 1 comprises three platforms 60A-C one above the other, vertically spaced apart by a distance Z which differs from the mutual distance between the floors 103 of the building 100. Fig. 4A shows (as an example) a bricklayer 104 standing on a platform part provided on the second part of a slide pole 64, from where he can built up the wall 102 about 1.5 m above the supporting surface of said platform 60A. Fig. 4B shows a console 94 secured on the side of the posts 6 facing the building 100, such that the floor parts 80 are approximately flush with the upper edge 106 of the wall 102 built up in Fig. 4A. The part 105 of the platform 60B which part 105 projects before the posts 6 and which, in Fig. 4A, extended above the bricklayer 104, is removed here, with the two parts 67 of the slide poles being retracted. The bricklayer 104 has positioned himself on the console 94 and is thus able to build up the wall 102 further, to a position beyond the central platform 60B. This platform 60B may then serve as shelf for stones, mortar and the like. Subsequently, as shown in Fig. 4C, said portion 105 of the central platform 60B can be placed back again, so that the bricklayer can position himself thereon for building up the wall 102 further. This process may be continued in a comparable manner as the wall 102 is being built up further. Thus, in a particularly simple manner, a safe and ergonomically suitable method for processing a wall, for instance building up in bricks, insulating or the like, is obtained.

As clearly appears from the drawings, the posts 6 in the first row 4 are placed at some distance from the buflding 100, preferably a distance greater than 30 cm. First, a sufficient working space for a user 104, such as a bricklayer, is thus obtained. In most cases, 30 cm is a minimum measure for creating sufficient space for, for instance, a wall 102 to be built up, masoning tools such as a masoning frame and a free space between the platforms 60 and said wall. However, as shown in Fig. 4, the distance may also be greater, for instance about 70 cm, enabling a user such as a bricklayer 104 to work between the posts 6 and the wall 101 of the building 100. In that case, the further platforms 60 remain free.

It will be understood that with a scaffold 1 according to the invention, use can be made of standard lengths of scaffold tubes for the upper scaffold part 3, in which case an excess length of horizontal members 54, 56 can easily be taken up. Indeed, the scaffold tubes are laid along one another and subsequently connected by the coupling elements. This means that a user has a much greater freedom in constructing the upper scaffold part 3, for instance to enable following irregularly shaped buildings in an easy manner, while a smaller variety of different parts may suffice. This means that relatively small stocks can be kept and the investment costs can hence be kept relatively low.

A number of lower scaffold parts 2 for, for instance, four or more posts can be disposed at an angle relative to one another, to form curved or angled scaffolds, while each separate lower scaffold part is disposed in said grid and connected to an adjoining lower scaffold part at least by the upper scaffold part.

The invention is in no way limited to the exemplary embodiment shown in the specification and the drawings. Many variations thereof are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Thus, parts from system scaffolding systems and/or traditional scaffolding systems other than those mentioned can be used, as known from practice. Also, the consoles and in particular the floor parts to be used therewith can be arranged in other manners, while, for instance, use can be made of metal or plastic sections, wood and the like. Although the bases described comprise screw spindles, other means can of course also be used for bringing the third coupling means to the desired height, for instance jacks, filling blocks, bases of different lengths and the like. In this specification, scaffold tubes of a traditional scaffolding system are described, which may, for instance, be tubular with a round section. However, it will be clear that differently shaped scaffold tubes are also applicable with the system, due to the use of compatible scaffold clamps. A console, in particular the support braces, can of course be used within other scaffolding systems, for instance a scaffold entirely built up from traditional scaffolding system parts.

These and many comparable variations are understood to fall within the framework of the invention as set forth by the claims.

Claims

1. A method for erecting a scaffold, wherein on a ground surface, substantially in a grid, at least two rows of posts are disposed, the posts being arranged on junction points of said grid, such that at least directly above said ground surface, at least between in each case two posts in a row, there is a fixed, at least predetermined distance, the posts extending vertically and comprising bases, said bases each comprising, on or at least adjacent the end facing upwards during use, a first coupling element for coupling to a complementary second coupling element, connected to a relatively smooth scaffold tube of a traditional scaffolding system, whereupon, on the basis of said scaffold tubes with at least further relatively smooth scaffold tubes and scaffold clamps, a scaffold is erected, while the bases further each comprise at least one third coupling element, compatible with a system scaffolding system, whereby in each case two juxtaposed bases in a row are intercoupled by a system horizontal member of the relevant system scaffolding system.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein a console is provided against a number of juxtaposed posts, on a side which, during use, faces an object to be processed, for which purpose support braces are secured against the relevant posts by means of scaffold clamps, at a height to be selected at random, while on the support braces there is provided a floor of standard dimensions, in particular one of the system scaffolding system used between the bases, said floor being connected to support braces provided at a fixed distance from one another.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the posts are connected by horizontal members, while at least a number of the horizontal members which extend at an angle and preferably approximately transversely to said rows of posts, are telescopic.

4. A method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the scaffold is erected along a foundation or the like on which a wall or the like is erected, such that the posts will be spaced at least about 30 cm from said wall or the like, for instance about 70 cm or more.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein bases are used having height-adjusting means, said top ends being brought to an equal height by means of the height-adjusting means, preferably of the posts in the two rows mentioned.

6. A method according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein platforms are laid on the scaffold with an interspace, measured vertically, of between 2 and 4 m, in particular between 2.4 and 3 m, more in particular about 2.7 m, the consoles, viewed in vertical direction, being provided between two of said platforms against the posts, the part of the upper platform located above said console being removed, at least slid away, such that a user can stand on the console, next to and beyond said higher platform.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bases are arranged on the ground surface, whereupon the bases are first brought to the proper height relative to one another, and connected by said system horizontal members, whereupon posts are secured on said bases and the further scaffold is subsequently erected from substantially scaffold material of the traditional scaffolding system type.

8. A scaffold, provided with: a lower scaffold part comprising at least two juxtaposed, preferably parallel rows of bases, interconnected by means of horizontal members of a system scaffolding system, wherein each base supports a post, in particular of a traditional scaffolding system; and an upper scaffold part, substantially built up from elements of a traditional scaffolding system.

9. A scaffold according to claim 8, wherein the bases are provided, adjacent their top sides, with a first couphng element, the base-supported posts being formed from a substantially smooth scaffold tube of the traditional type, provided, at the end thereof proximal to the relevant base, with a second coupling element complementary to the first coupling element.

10. A scaffold according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one support element to be referred to as console, comprising a support floor and at least two support braces, is attached to at least two posts by means of scaffold clamps from, at least compatible with, a traditional scaffolding system, the support floor fitting within, at least having dimensions compatible with, the system scaffolding system used in the lower scaffold part.

11. A scaffold according to claim 8, wherein the or each console is attached to the posts, in a vertical sense viewed between two support floors, on the outer side of said posts remote from the space enclosed between the rows of posts.

12. A base for use in a method according to any one of claims 1-7 or a scaffold according to any one of claims 8-11, at a first end provided with a base plate and at an opposite, second end provided with a first coupling element, arranged for couphng to a relatively smooth scaffold tube of the traditional type, while third couphng means are provided between said first and second end, for couphng to a horizontal member of a system scaffolding system.

13. A base according to claim 12, wherein at least between the base plate and the third coupling means, setting means are provided for setting the distance therebetween.

14. A horizontal member for use in a scaffold according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the horizontal member comprises a first part and a second part, slidable relative to said first part, the first part being in at least one position provided with scaffold clamp parts from a traditional scaffolding system, such that the horizontal members can be connected to relatively smooth scaffold tubes, at substantially any desired height, while by the telescopic second part, scaffold planks or the like can be supported.