GB2471718A

GB2471718A - Extendible scaffold plank with recess

Info

Publication number: GB2471718A
Application number: GB0912024A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Carroll
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-10
Filing date: 2009-07-10
Publication date: 2011-01-12
Also published as: GB0912024D0

Abstract

An extendible scaffold plank is composed of one plate slidably attached to another. Preferably the longitudinal edges 22 of the upper plate 20 fold around to enclose the longitudinal edges of the lower plate 30. There is ideally a semicircular cut-out 24, 34 at the distal ends of each plate to accommodate a vertical scaffold tube. The distal ends 32, 28 of the plates may also be folded to allow the lower plate of one plank to hook onto the upper plate of an adjacent plank. The plates may attach to an underlying board via screw holes. The plank is designed to span a gap which conventional planks cannot due to the position of the vertical poles. A kit of parts and a method of use of the apparatus are also claimed.

Description

Apparatus for Scaffolding

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus for scaffolding, particularly apparatus for substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, for example between two generally parallel scaffolding boards or planks.

Background of the Invention

Scaffolding is widely used in the construction industry. It generally comprises a framework of tubular elements and boards which abuts the outside or inside of a building structure to provide convenient access to features of the building that are above ground level, for example for construction, maintenance or repair work. Typically, a scaffold comprises three types of tubular element, namely standards, ledgers and transoms connected together with couplers to form the framework. Figure 1 is useful for understanding the relationship between the various tubular elements. Standards 1 are the upright elements, approximately mm in diameter, which form vertical planes substantially parallel to the surface of the building structure. Ledgers 2 are horizontal elements that lie within a plane formed by the standards and which connect consecutive standards 1 together. Transoms 3 are horizontal elements which are supported by the ledgers 2 and are substantially perpendicular to the building structure, connecting two or more planes of standards 1. Diagonal braces 4 are sometimes fixed between every other plane of standards 1 for stability. Access to the building structure is provided by decking (not shown in Figure 1) comprised of parallel boards, such as lengths of plank supported by the transoms 3.

A common cause of injury is falling objects from upper decking. In particular, gaps between adjacent boards pose a significant risk in that objects can be kicked or dropped through the gaps and cause significant injury to people working or walking below. As a consequence, health & safety regulations stipulate that these gaps should be minimised. In practice, however, the use of standards results in there being gaps. To illustrate this, Figure 2a shows a common situation in which the scaffold includes an inside board 5 positioned between the inner standards 1 and the waIl 9 to reduce the in-between gap 11. This leaves a 50 mm (approximately 2 inch) standard gap 13 between the inside board 5 and the main decking. A common solution to this problem is to span the standard gap 13 with plywood, although this method is expensive and time consuming as it requires the services of a carpenter to measure, pre-cut, drill and fix the wood to the decking and also because the distance between standards (the so-called bay length) will vary from job to job.

A further problem is created by a common practice of moving the inside board 5 nearer to the wall 9 to minimise or close the in-between gap 11 between the inside board 5 and wall 9.

This is illustrated in Figure 2b. Beforehand, the gap 11 might be up to 1250 mm (approximately 5 inches) and so moving the inside board 5 increases the standard gap 13 to about 1780 mm (approximately 7 inches) and adds further to the expense and complexity involved in spanning gaps using conventional techniques.

Statement of Invention

In one sense, the invention provides an adjustable scaffold apparatus for substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, for example a gap between two generally parallel decking boards, in which the apparatus comprises first and second members arranged to cover or span an underlying gap and which are engaged together in such a way as to enable lengthwise adjustment of the overall apparatus.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided scaffolding apparatus for substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, the apparatus comprising first and second substantially planar members slidably connected together along at least part of their length to permit lengthwise adjustment of the apparatus.

The apparatus is adjustable and therefore suitable for covering gaps of varying lengths, for example to cater for the different bay lengths between adjacent standards which can vary from between about 900 mm (approximately 36 inches) to 3050 mm (approximately 120 inches). This obviates the need for specialised pre-measuring and fitting, as with conventional techniques, and the apparatus is also reusable. The process of fitting can be performed quickly and easily without necessarily using the services of specialised installers.

In terms of widthways dimension, i.e. the dimension generally perpendicular to the extendible axis, the members are preferably greater than 178 mm (7 inches) in order to cater for the above described situation whereby a front board is moved towards the adjacent wall.

The members employed in the preferred embOdiment are sheet-like members that are substantially rectangular in shape. In theory, any shape can be employed so long as the widthways dimension is equal to or greater than the required gap width. Although the term planar' is used throughout, it is to be understood that this is not intended to imply that the surfaces of the members must be perfectly flat, although the embodiment described herein does employ a flat surface. The surface of the members may include small fixing or ventilation holes and/or a non-slip pitted or undulating surface.

The members may be formed of metal, for example galvanised steel, with a thickness in the order of 3 mm or greater.

The apparatus may further comprise a recess provided within one or more widthway ends of the members, the recesses being suitable for receiving part of a scaffold pole. Locating part of a scaffold pole within the recess or recesses minimises lateral movement. Any large gaps immediately surrounding the pole may also be reduced in size. In the preferred case, a recess is provided at both ends of the apparatus (i.e. at both free-ends) so that the apparatus can be extended between adjacent standards with added security at both ends.

The or each recess is preferably dimensioned such that, in use, a gap is left between the recess wall and a scaffold pole when located within the recess. This allows rain to drain through the resulting gap rather than build up on the decking. The gap is preferably between 4 and 20 mm. The or each recess may be substantially arcuate in shape with a diameter greater than 54 mm. The depth of the recess, that is the dimension by which it extends within the lengthwise axis of the member, also allows for an amount of overlap when separate, adjacent apparatus are connected together.

The first member may have one or more folded edges extending along at least part of its length with the second member being received within channel(s) formed by said folded edge(s) to provide a slidable connection. This enables the apparatus to be formed from just two parts. The two parts may be formed by pressing or cutting. The second member may comprise a stop member provided in the region of a widthways end and which in use is arranged to engage the first member's folded edge(s) to prevent the members becoming disengaged.

The apparatus may further comprise first attachment means at or near a widthways end of the first member and second attachment means at or near a widthways end of the second member, the first and second attachment means being arranged to detachably engage Thereby to permit a firstmember of one apparatus to be securedto a secnd member of a different apparatus. The first attachment means may comprise a folded edge in a first orientation and the second attachment means may comprises a folded edge in second orientation. This hook or clasping type engagement allows for adjacent apparatus to be connected together, i.e. either side of an upright standard, to enable a series of apparatus to be secured together along the lengthwise axis.

The apparatus may further comprise means to secure the apparatus to an underlying board.

The securing means may comprise a hole in one or both members for receiving a nail, screw or bolt.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provide apparatus for substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, the apparatus comprising first and second sheet-like members slidably connected together along at least part of their length to permit lengthwise adjustment of the apparatus and having recesses at opposed widthways ends for receiving at least part of the circumference of an upright scaffolding pole extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the members.

According to a third aspect, there is provided a kit of parts for use in substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, the kit comprising: first and second generally planar members arranged to be connected together in a slidable engagement; and instructions as to how to attach the second member to the first member thereby to permit a lengthwise adjustment of the combined apparatus. The kit of parts may comprise multiple sets of first and second members and the instructions may further specify how to attach different combined apparatus together in an adjacent manner, for example either side of an upright standard.

According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method of covering a gap in scaffold decking located between two generally upright poles, the method comprising: providing an apparatus according to the first or second aspect; placing the apparatus over the gap; and extending the length of the apparatus until the upright poles are partially located within the end recesses. The method may further comprise fixing the apparatus to underlying boards by means of nails, screws or bolts extending through the first and/or second members. The method may still further comprise attaching multiple apparatuses in lengthwise series, either side of an upright standard.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of exampte, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of a typical scaffold framework, which is useful for

understanding the background of the invention;

Figure 2 are plan views of typical decking arrangements which are useful for understanding

the background the of the invention;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the separate parts forming a platform apparatus according to the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the assembled parts shown in Figure 4 when viewed from the underside; Figures5a arid 5b are, respectively, perspective views of the apparatus shown in Figure 4, when extended, viewed from the underside and topside; Figure 6 is a plan view of decking arrangements with the platform apparatus employed of Figures 4 and 5 employed to substantially cover gaps within the decking; Figure 7 is a plan view of an extended decking arrangement in which two platform apparatus are arranged side-by-side; Figures 8a -8c are partial perspective views of the free-ends of the adjacent plafform apparatuses in Figure 7 which show the various stages involved in connecting them together; Figures 9a -9c are partial plan views of the free-ends of adjacent platform apparatuses in Figure 7 which show how the recess shapes allow the ends to be connected together; and Figure 10 is perspective view of a second embodiment in which a different arrangement of folds are employed on one member of the platform apparatus.

DetaiJed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Figures 1 and 2 have already been referred to in the context of describing common problems caused by gaps in scaffold decking and the drawbacks of existing covering systems. The embodiment described below is a removable platform conveniently employed to substantially cover decking gaps having a range of sizes.

Referring to Figure 3, a platform 19 for use with scaffolding comprises first and second constituent members 20, 30. Each member 20, 30 is formed of an approximately rectangular sheet of semi-rigid or rigid material, in this case 3 mm thick galvanised steel.

The first member 20 is approximately 1250 mm in length and 280 mm wide. Along the lengthwise edges, 5-10 mm trapezoidal-shaped folds 22 are formed and bent inwards to define interior channels or grooves 23. At one end of the first member 20 is a first recess 24 formed by cutting or pressing-out an arcuate piece of material The purpose of the folds 22 and first recess 24 will become apparent below. The right-hand underside of the first member 20 is indicated by the detail X and it will be seen that a further 5-10mm fold 28 is formed and bent inwards. Four through-holes 26 are formed in the surface to enable the member to be secured to underlying decking boards, e.g. by nails, screws or bolts.

The second member 30 has approximately the same dimensions as the first member 20 but is slightly narrower and shorter, e.g. 1200 mm x 275 mm. At the left hand end is provided a second recess 34 formed by cutting or pressing, this recess having substantially the same dimensions as the first recess 24, although in practice the depth by which the first and second recesses extend into their respective members can be different. The recesses 24, 34 are formed at substantially the same widthways position, i.e. approximately the same distance y' from a given edge. At the left hand edge of the second member 30 is a 5-10 mm fold 32 which extends upwards and inwards. As with the first member 20, the second member 30 includes four through-holes 36 formed in the surface.

The first and second members 20, 30 together provide an adjustable scaffold platform 19, the underside of which is shown in Figure 4. More specifically, the second member 30 is connected to the first member 20 by means of being slidably located within the interior channels 23 of the first member. Here, it will be seen that the first and second recesses 24, 34 are substantially aligned along the width of the members 20, 30 by virtue of the abovementioned positioning. The folded edge 32 on the second member 30 prevents the second member sliding in the rightwards direction due to it catching on the lengthwise folds 22 of the first member 20. As shown in Figure 5, the second member 30 is moved with respect to the first member 20, in the leftwards direction, to extend the overall length of the platform 19. Thus, at its maximum extent, the platform 19 has a length in the region of 2400 mm. Referring to Figure 6, the scaffold platform 19 is shown partially extended when turned over to its upright orientation.

The scaffold platform 19 is employed to substantially cover gaps in scaffold decking. Such gaps are commonly found between generally parallel planks of scaffold decking, as shown in Figure 2. The width of these gaps will usually be between 50 mm (about 2 inches) and 178 mm (about 7 inches) but their length will vary depending on the bay length between the upright standards 1. The width of the platform 19 described here, i.e. 280 mm (about 11 inches) allows for most gaps to be covered with plenty of overhang on the adjacent boards to aid stability, Importantly, the length of the platform 19 can be adjusted very easily and so it is possible to cover gaps of any length without the need for pre-measuring and cutting. As will be described below, multiple platforms 19 of the present type can be connected together to cater for very long gaps and/or gaps continuing either side of standard poles.

Referring to Figure 6, the above described scaffold platform 19 is shown in use covering the standard gap 13 previously described with reference to Figure 2b. This gap 13 is in the region of 178 mm wide and it will be seen that the platform 19 can easily bridge said gap with significant overhang on the adjacent boards. The bay length (indicated by reference numeral 40) is in the region of 1400 mm and so extension of the platform 19 is required to cover the lengthwise extent of the gap between the standards 1. The installation method is as follows, and assumes that the platform 19 has already been constructed from the first and second members 20, 30 and is not yet extended. The platform 19 is located over the gap 13 between the standards 1 with the first and second recesses 24, 34 in general alignment with the standards. The platform 19 is then extended by a small amount to reveal the recesses 24, 34, one of which is then positioned to receive the adjacent standard 1, or at least part thereof. The platform 19 is then extended further so that the opposite recess receives the other standard 1, or at least part thereof. Optionally, the platform 19 is secured to the underlying boards using screws, nails or bolts passing through any of the exposed through-holes 26, 36.

The recesses 24, 34 allow coverage of the gap 13 immediately above and/or below the standards 1 which would otherwise be exposed if the widthways edge terminated at its meeting point with the standard. Further, they provide lateral stability in that, by receiving at least part of the standard circumference, they reduce lateral movement and so the possibility of the platform 19 falling through the gap 13 before it is fixed to the boards. The profile of the recesses 24, 34 can be arcuate, as in the present case, or semi circular, although in theory any profile can be employed so long as part of the standard is received into the recess. A gap (e.g. 4 mm) should be allowed for around the standard I to allow rainwater to drain from the platform and decking.

Referring now to Figure 7, two identical platforms 1 9a, 1 9b are shown in use along an extended piece of scaffolding having two bays 40, 42. The right hand bay 42 is clearly wider and so the gap is longer; platform 19b is extended accordingly and installed in the same way as described above for platform 19a. The two platforms 19a, 19b are connected together at the location of the central standard 1'.

The system and method by which separate platforms 19a, 19b are connected will now be described with reference to Figures 8a-c which show detailed views of the connection region 44 (see Figure 7) at various stages of the process. It is assumed that the left hand platform 19a is already in place. Referring to Figures 8a and 8b (the central standard 1' is not shown to aid explanation) the second member 30' of the right hand platform 1 9b is lifted slightly and extended so that the edge of the downwards fold 32' can pass over the edge of the upwards fold 28 on the first member 20 of the left hand platform 1 9a. Referring to Figure 8c, the second member 30' returns back so that the downwards fold 32 engages the upwards fold 28 in a hook or clasp -type arrangement.

The presence of the central standard 1' explains the need for widthways alignment of the recesses 24 and 34'. It will also be appreciated that the depth of the recesses needs to take account of both the standard diameter, e.g. 50 mm, plus the return extent that the fold back parts 28, 32'. With reference to Figure 9, if both recesses 24 and 34' are substantially identical in profile, the fold back parts 28, 32' have a return extent of 5 mm, and the standard diameter is 50 mm, the combined depth of the recesses (i.e. the depth cut into the longitudinal axis) should be no less than 60 mm. This allows the fold back parts 28, 32' to pass over one another with the 50 mm standard located between the two. When connected, the resulting aperture 50 will be in the region of 55 mm thus allowing rain to drain through.

Of course, the recesses 24 and 34' need not be identical in profile or even have the same depth; Figure 9c shows an alternative non-symmetrical arrangement where the combined depth is still nevertheless greater than 60 mm.

The widthways location of the aforementioned recesses 24, 34 is non-central, i.e. the distance y in Figure 3 does not extend to the centre. The reason for this is primarily to cater for the situation shown in Figure 2b whereby movement of the edge board creates a gap on one side of the standards 1 which is larger than on the other side. Provided the width of the platform 19 is sufficient, the same arrangement will easily cover other types of gap, e.g. the standard gap 13 shown in Figure 2a. In alternative arrangements, the recesses 23, 34 could be located elsewhere along its width, for example substantially centrally.

Customers may acquire the platform 19 as a kit of parts comprising the first and second members, unassembled, together with instructions detailing their assembly and use in terms of locating the combined apparatus over a gap, between adjacent standards and/or how to fix them to adjacent platforms. The kit may also be supplied with fixing screws, bolts or nails to permit their fastening to the underlying wooden decking planks.

Customers may acquire a set comprising multiple platforms 19 (each being assembled or provided as a kit) together with instructions as to how separate platforms can be connected together in the manner described above with reference to Figure 8.

Platforms of differing lengths may be provided. The above described embodiment extends to approximately 2400 mm which is sufficient to cover most inter-standard gaps (the largest bay length is usually quoted as 2200 mm) but, for significantly smaller bay lengths, it might be convenient to provide smatter platforms (in terms of length), for example a 500 mm (1000 mm when extended) platform. Smaller platforms will be lighter and easier to manoeuvre in smaller spaces, in addition to being less expensive to manufacture.

Although the upper platform surfaces are substantially planar, this is not intended to mean the surfaces are necessarily perfectly flat or even solid; ventilation holes may be provided and/or pitted or rubberised non-slip surfaces added.

Manufacture of the platform 19 may involve pressing or cutting the first and second members 20, 30 from sheet metal, subsequently forming the folded edges 22 and cutting or pressing out the recesses 24, 34. The folded edges 22 in the above case extend substantially along the entire length of both sides of the first member 20; in an alternative arrangement shown in Figure 10, the folded edges may extend only partly along the length, or separate, spaced-apart, folded edges may be provided which allow the same slidable engagement and extension to be achieved.

To summarise, there has been described an improved apparatus for use with a scaffold, the apparatus being a removable and reusable platform for filling or covering decking gaps, particularly gaps of the sort found between generally parallel decking boards. The platform apparatus is extendible and can cater for gaps of varying lengths; its use obviates the need for expensive pre-measurement, cutting and specialised fitting, as is the case for prior art methods. The platform is also relatively light and can be fitted with little or no specialised training or lifting equipment.

Claims

Claims 1. Scaffolding apparatus for substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, the apparatus comprising first and second substantially planar members slidably connected together along at least part of their length to permit lengthwise adjustment of the apparatus.
2. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a recess provided within a widthways end of at least one of the members for receiving part of a scaffold pole.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a recess is provided within both widthways ends of the connected members.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the or each recess is dimensioned such that, in use, a gap is left between the recess wall and a scaffold pole when located within the recess.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the gap is between 4 and 20 mm.
6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the or each recess is substantially arcuate in shape and has a diameter greater than 54 mm.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first member has one or more folded edges extending along at least part of its length and the second member is received within channel(s) formed by said folded edge(s) to provide the slidable connection.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second member comprises a stop member provided in the region of a widthways end and which in use is arranged to engage the first member's folded edge(s) to prevent the members becoming disengaged.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising first attachment means at or near a widthways end of the first member and second attachment means at or near a widthways end of the second member, the first and second attachment means being arranged to detachably engage thereby to permit a first member of one apparatus to be secured to a second member of a different apparatus.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first attachment means comprises a folded edge in a first orientation and the second attachment means comprises a folded edge in second orientation.
11. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising means to secure the apparatus to an underlying board.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the securing means comprises hole in one or both members for receiving a nail, screw or bolt.
13. Apparatus for substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, the apparatus comprising first and second sheet-like members slidably connected together along at least part of their length to permit lengthwise adjustment of the apparatus and having recesses at opposed widthways ends for receiving at least part of the circumference of an upright scaffolding pole extending generally perpendicular to the plane of the members.
14. A kit of parts for use in substantially covering a gap in scaffold decking, the kit comprising: first and second generally planar members arranged to be connected together in a slidable engagement; and instructions as to how to attach the second member to the first member thereby to permit a lengthwise adjustment of the combined apparatus.
15. A kit of parts according to claim 14, in which multiple sets of first and second members are provided and in which the instructions further include how to attach different combined apparatus together in an adjacent manner.
16. A method of covering a gap in scaffold decking located between two generally upright poles, the method comprising: providing an apparatus according to claim 2, claim 13 or any claim dependent thereon; placing the apparatus over the gap; and extending the length of the apparatus until the upright poles are partially located within the end recesses.
17. Apparatus for scaffolding constructed and arranged substantially as herein shown and described with reference to Figures 3 to 10 of the accompanying drawings.