GB2468339A - Scaffolding board retaining device - Google Patents

Abstract

A scaffolding board retaining device comprising a substantially planar elongate plastic strap featuring at one end of its longitudinal axis a sloping edge (3, Fig 2) and at the other end of the longitudinal axis of the strap an hole (4, Fig 2), the hole being arranged so that the axis of the hole is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongate strap, the bore adapted to receive a scaffolding pole 1. In a scaffolding arrangement, the sloping edge is adapted to fit under a toeboard 2. The device can be fitted over the point where two adjacent scaffold boards 3 meet, and whilst retaining the boards in position it also serves to cover any gaps where the boards meet. The device may also minimize boards warping. A short scaffolding tube 1 attached to a ledger 6 may be used to attach the device in place, whereby a scaffolding fitting 7 may be used to bear down on the device to retain it in position in relation to the tube 1. The device is made from a light weight memory plastic that once moulded will keep its shape. Being light weight, the device is less dangerous if dropped from height than a conventional metal strap. It may also be a highly visible colour to attract attention to the strap for safety purposes.

Description

Scaff strap 2 Fig 1 Pointi shows side view of scaff strap 2 at its widest pomt of 20mm Point2 Shows the last 30mm slope down to 10mm to allow toe board to be fitted Point3 Shows slope point this slope is to give strength to the plastic and minimise trip hazard the slope will be on all elevation of the strap and will be 10 mm difference in height and 30mm from 10mm point to 20mm point Point4 Shows hole to allow scaffold tube to be fitted Point5 This shows length of scaff strap 2 to fix internal boards,this length will vary from 9" for one internal board to 1 8"for 2 internal boards from point of hole Point6 This shows length of scaff strap to fix main scaffold boards from hole point 3 board wide scaffold 27"plus 30nm at 10mm for toe board fix point 4 board wide scaffold 36"plus 30mm at 10mm for toe board fix point board wide scaffold 45"plus 30mm at 10mm for toe board fix point Sizes may vary slightly for system scaffolding Fig2 Shows scaff strap 2 Pointi 10mm thickness Point2 20mm thickness Point3 Shows slope from 10mm to 20mm over a 30mm distance Point4 Shows hole for tube to be fitted to give tie point for inside of strap Point5 Shows full width of strap at 250mm Fig3 Pointl Shows short tube fitted from ledger tube of a independent scaffold Point 5 Shows double fitting to tie short tube the tube must be fitted where the scaffold boards meet to allow strap to fit directly over ends of board Point2 Shows toe board fitted over opposite end of strap to tie down Point3 Shows where scaffold boards and where they meet Pomt4 Shows transom tube to hold boards Point6 Shows ledger tubes to support transom tubes Point7 Shows a single fitting tied round short tube this fitting will be pushed down on strap and tied to secure internal fixing on the scaff strap The product is made from a memory plastic that once moulded will retain its shape in high or low temperatures.

The plastic will be aluminous to retain day light to give a glow factor and will come in high visible colours.

The plastic is light weight with rounded corners to minimize injuries if dropped while being erected and will with stand a fall from height The scaff strap is fitted over the point where the scaffold boards meet to compress this point to stop boards moving in high winds or being moved by none scaffolders and stop boards warping and causing a trip hazards.

The scaff strap is designed to tie down scaffold boards in high winds on independent scaffolds.

The scaff strap is made from a light weight memory plastic that once moulded will keep its shape in all weathers.

The eluminium high visible colour is to attract attention to the strap.

The strap is 250mm wide to give a firm hold on the scaffold boards.

The strap is fitted over the point where the two scaffold boards meet this allows the strap to tie the boards and cover any gaps where the boards meet and also minimize boards warping.

Designed with a slope effect the straps start thickness is 10mm then slopes up to 20mm in the middle this reduces the trip factor and retains the strength needed.

The strap is easy to fit and very time efficient a short tube needs to be fitted from the ledger tube directly at the point where the scaffold boards meet this tube will support the inside of the strap,the tube will fit though the hole in the strap and apply presure down on the strap until the boards are firmly secured then tie down using a scaffold fitting this secures the inside and fit toe board over opposite end the right size strap for the board width of the scaffold is needed for the toe board end slopes down to 10mm from 20mm to allow toe board to fit so as not to give no more than 10mm gap from boarded lift to bottom of toe board.

The light weight of the scaff strap makes a safer product if dropped from height and will withstand the fall better.

Ropes are one of the ways scaffold boards are tied down which is time consuming and can cause trip hazards and also loosen with the wind after time, Steel straps are also used but they are dangerous if dropped and bend easily and so not so widely used as they are not cost effective and safe. Claim