GB2495072A

GB2495072A - Scaffolding dropper / hanger platform

Info

Publication number: GB2495072A
Application number: GB1115408.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Donald Gall Lawrie; William Mohamed
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-09-06
Filing date: 2011-09-06
Publication date: 2013-04-03
Also published as: GB201212776D0; GB2494503A; GB2509277A; GB201115408D0; WO2013034915A1; GB201405707D0

Abstract

A scaffolding arrangement comprising a platform 3, a length of scaffold tubing and a scaffolding clamp 6, 7, 8, in which the arrangement is characterised by an aperture (4, Fig 2) through the platform, through which aperture the scaffolding tubing can be inserted, whereupon a clamp is used to secure the platform to the scaffold tubing. The arrangement can be used as a scaffolding dropper or hanger by a scaffolder wishing to work over the side , as shown in Figure 1 with reference to platform 3. Preferably the hole is slightly larger than a standard scaffolding tube and is located in the middle of the platform, as shown in Figure 2. The platform enables a scaffolder to locate both his/her feet, to provide a balanced posture, with heel and toe contact with the platform.

Description

Description: Title

Scaffolding Dropper/Hanger Platform

Background

The present invention relates to the field of scaffolding and relates particularly to the field of erecting scaffolding over the side', or from the top down with no support from below in both onshore & offshore industries.

When scaffolders currently erect scaffolding over the side, the standard practice is to attach a 1 foot (30cm) length of scaffolding tube perpendicular to a longer tube [2]. This configuration is known as a dropper or hanger' [1], because it drops' or hangs' vertically downwards to provide somewhere for the scaffolder to place his feet so he can continue working below.

The problem with this tee' piece [2], is that there is only one balance point under each foot, making the worker unstable. The scaffolder must maintain his balance whilst receiving scaffolding tubes up to 16 feet (4.87m) weighing approximately 20kg. The usual way is to stand on only one leg, with the other wrapped around the vertical part of the dropper, and with one hand firmly gripping the dropper, leaving only one hand free.

The other problem with the tee piece is that as a single tube to stand on, the scaffolder has only two options of where to face, each 180 degrees from the other.

This restricted positioning of the feet coupled with poor balance means that the worker has a twisted body with all the weight in just one hand being directed on one side of the body. This increases the risk of immediate and long term musculoskeletal injuries.

In addition, due to the restricted work positioning, the safety line that connects to a rear attachment point is sometimes in practice, unavoidably wrapped over the workers shoulder. This is uncomfortable to work with and can create complications in the event of a fall.

Statement of Invention

To overcome the highlighted problems which all stem from the restricted positioning & balancing of the feet, this invention proposes a scaffolding platform to replace the tee piece that can be attached to the dropper [3].

This will enable the worker to place his feet anywhere 360 degrees around the dropper, preferably with heel and toe contact providing good balance.

As the worker is now well balanced he will not require his leg to be wrapped around the dropper, and leaning his upper body into the dropper, his two hands would be free to receive tubes and fittings.

The risk of physical injury is reduced, and the choice of feet position eliminates working with the safety line wrapped over a shoulder.

Detailed Description:

The invention and various preferred features and advantages of it are further described below with reference to illustrative embodiments shown in the drawings, in which: Fig. I shows a traditional dropper' with a tee' piece on the left, with the present dropper platform invention on the right; Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a possible dropper platform; Fig. 3 is an end elevation showing an example of how the dropper platform could be attached to the vertical pole using a standard double' scaffolding clip and Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a platform with a deeper cross-section to increase stability and a recess underneath to allow partial penetration of a standard scaffold clip.

The platform [3] will preferably be circular with a hole in the middle slightly larger than the outside diameter of a standard scaffolding tube [4] (or any alternative support used for the vertical section of the dropper).

The platform will be made of a material strong enough & of adequate thickness to guarantee support of a scaffolder and equipment, preferably galvanized or coated carbon steel with a thickness of 6mm for methods I & 2 detailed below, and potentially a polymer for method 3.

The platform should be large enough to provide contact for heels and toes, preferably with a diameter of 12 inches (30cm).

The platform will be securely attached to a scaffolding tube. The three methods of attachment described below also determine the specification of the platform itself. These three methods are not exhaustive, but aim to illustrate the concept of this innovative platform in various guises.

Method 1 A standard commercially available, weight bearing double' scaffolding clip [6] could be used with one section of the clip welded closed [7] and the top protruding through the scaffolding platform [8]. The platform will have the corresponding section removed adjacent to the centre hole to accommodate the penetrating clip [5].

The protruding section can then be welded to the upper side of the platform [9] This configuration is designed so the platform rests on the clip with the weld providing stability. The other section of the clip is free to open and close as in normal clip operation. The scaffolding tube is slid through the platform with the clip on the underside tightened in the usual fashion to provide the dropper configuration ready to be lowered and secured in place as in traditional use.

Method 2 A scaffolding clip could be specially designed with the usual method employed for attaching to the scaffold tube, but with a flat top side of adequate surface area to allow welding (or bolting) to the underside of (or through) the platform. This would mean that the platform only requires the centre hole for the scaffolding tube to slide through (plus drilled holes if bolting is used), and no section of the clip protrudes through the platform.

Method 3 The platform could be made with greater depth to methods I & 2, preferably of a lighter material with adequate strength, designed to slide on top of a standard scaffolding clip [10]. This platform would be manufactured to allow partial penetration of the clip into the underside of the platform. This would inhibit rotational movement, and the depth allied with the snug fit around the scaffolding tube would limit lateral movement. Gravity with the platform resting on the clip would inhibit vertical movement. A simple mechanism could potentially be engineered to lock the penetrating part of a double scaffolding clip in place, or a simple, lockable leverage clip could bring a full radius narrow gap under tension, thus entirely securing the platform.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims: 1. A platform that can be attached to a scaffolding tube, with the resulting configuration acting as a dropper' -also known as a hanger' -to support a scaffolder working over the sid&, for example when erecting scaffolding from the top down with no support from below.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A platform according to claim I that has a hole in the middle slightly larger than the outside diameter of a standard scaffolding tube, or any tube that is being used to form the vertical section of a dropper'.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A platform according to claim 2 that uses a standard scaffolding fitting, that may or may not penetrate the platform, that is welded or otherwise attached to the platform, whilst allowing the fitting to be fastened securely around the scaffold tube.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A platform according to claim 2 that uses a custom designed fitting that will fasten around the scaffold tube and have adequate contact area with the underside of the platform to allow sufficient strength for welding or bolting the fitting to the platform; that may or may not penetrate through the platform.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A platform according to claim 2 which sits on top of a standard scaffold fitting that partially or fully penetrates a corresponding recess in the underside of the platform.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A platform according to claim 5 that has adequate depth to provide stability against the vertical scaffold tube.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. The platform can be alternatively shaped such as square, oval, circular, or any shape that will provide provision for support to worker on scaffold.</claim-text>