GB2536629A

GB2536629A - Adjustable scaffold

Info

Publication number: GB2536629A
Application number: GB1504769.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Black John; David Black Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-20
Filing date: 2015-03-20
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-20
Also published as: WO2016151307A1; GB2536629B; GB201504769D0

Abstract

An extensible scaffold 1 comprises a support frame which includes a first spaced member (24, Fig 14) and a second spaced member (24, Fig 14) and at least one extensible member 20 connecting the first spaced member to the second spaced member. A first platform member 54 is mounted to the extensible member. A hatch cover 56 is hingedly mounted to the first spaced member to provide a further portion of platform on the support frame. The hatch cover 56 is arranged to be openable to provide access through the support frame. Also defined is an extensible scaffold featuring a pair of spaced members connected by at least one extensible member characterised in that the extensible member 20 comprises a central member 22, and first and second extensions 21. A further invention relates to a scaffold comprising a support frame with first and second ends, with first and second legs hingedly mounted to the first and second ends respectively (Fig 14) .

Description

Adjustable Scaffold

[0001] This invention relates to a scaffold, in particular to a multipurpose adjustable scaffold.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Elevated working areas are required to ensure tasks which are normally out of reach, or are unsafe to complete from ground level can be safely completed. The elevated working area should provide a flat platform and allow the task to be completed at a height which is most convenient to the user. Desirably, the elevated working area should be suitable for use on undulating, uneven ground as well as flat surfaces.

[0003] One common solution for providing an elevated working area uses a pair of height adjustable stands designed to be placed at each end of a desired working area. A platform is provided, for example by two planks of wood. The length of this elevated working area can only be modified by using planks of a different size.

[0004] Step-ladders can also be used, though these typically have only a small elevated platform provided. There are many tasks where to perform them from such apparatus would be unsafe.

[0005] GB2394248 discloses a telescopic frame for supporting a platform.

[0006] The present invention, at least in its preferred embodiments, seeks to provide an alternative to apparatus of the prior art for providing elevated working areas.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0007] In accordance with the present invention there is provided an extensible scaffold comprising a support frame comprising a first spaced member and a second spaced member and at least one extensible member extensibly connecting the first spaced member to the second spaced member, a first platform member mounted to the extensible member and configured to provide a first portion of a platform on the support frame, and a hatch cover hingedly mounted to the first spaced member and slidable relative to the first platform member and configured to provide a second portion of the platform on the support frame, wherein the hatch cover is arranged to be openable to provide access through the support frame.

[0008] The scaffold may comprise a second platform member mounted to the second spaced member and slidable relative to the first platform member, wherein the second platform member is configured to provide a third portion of the platform on the support frame.

[0009] The hatch cover and/or the second platform member may be arranged to overly the first platform member in an unextended configuration of the scaffold.

[0010] The area of the hatch cover may be larger than the area of the first and/or second platform member.

[0011] The extensible member may comprise a central member, a first extension and a second extension, the first extension being mounted to the first spaced member and the second extension being mounted to the second spaced member, wherein the first extension and the second extension are each slidable relative to the central member and the first platform member is mounted to the central member.

[0012] This in itself is believed to be novel and thus viewed from a further aspect, the invention provides an extensible scaffold comprising a support frame comprising a first spaced member and a second spaced member and at least one extensible member extensibly connecting the first spaced member to the second spaced member, and a first platform member mounted to the extensible member and configured to provide a first portion of a platform on the support frame, wherein the extensible member comprises a central member, a first extension and a second extension, the first extension being mounted to the first spaced member and the second extension being mounted to the second spaced member, wherein the first extension and the second extension are each slidable relative to the central member and the first platform member is mounted to the central member.

[0013] The first extension and/or the second extension may be slidably received within the central member.

[0014] The scaffold may comprise a railing assembly mounted to the extensible member. The railing assembly may be removably mounted to the extensible member.

[0015] The scaffold may comprise a kick plate mounted to the extensible member. The kick plate may comprise at least one kick plate extension which is slidable relative to the kick plate to extend the kick plate.

[0016] Viewed from a further aspect, the present invention provides a scaffold comprising a support frame having a first end and a second end, a first leg hingedly mounted to the first end, and a second leg hingedly mounted to the second end, wherein the first leg and the second leg are hingedly movable between a deployed position and a folded position, and wherein when the first leg and the second leg are in the folded position, the first leg and the second leg are arranged to extend substantially parallel to the plane of the support frame and wherein the support frame is provided between the first leg and the second leg.

[0017] The first leg and/or the second leg may be slidably received within a collar and the collar may be hingedly mounted to the first or second end. The first leg and/or the second leg may comprise a telescopic extension.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of an adjustable scaffold in an unextended configuration; Figures 2 to 5 are illustrations of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 1 at different stages during reconfiguration from the unextended configuration to an extended configuration; Figure 6 is an illustration of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 5 shown in a first elevated configuration; Figure 7 is an illustration of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 5 shown in a second elevated configuration; Figure 8 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in a configuration similar to that of Figure 5; Figure 9 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in Figure 1; Figure 10 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in Figure 5; Figure 11 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in Figure 8; Figure 12 is an illustration of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 1 with a railing 25 assembly removed, Figure 13 is an illustration of a railing assembly member for use in the adjustable scaffold of any of Figures 1 to 12; and Figure 14 is an illustration showing the operation of the pivoting legs as used on an adjustable scaffold of the type shown in any of Figures 1 to 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of an adjustable scaffold 1 in an unextended configuration. The scaffold 1 comprises four legs 10 formed from tubing having a rectangular cross section. Each leg 10 passes through a collar 12. The extension of the leg 10 through the collar 12 is adjustable. A pair of collars 12 are joined together in a longitudinal direction by an extensible member 20. The extensible member 20 comprises a series of longitudinal members 22, 21, which join a pair of collars 12 together in a longitudinal direction of the scaffold 1. The longitudinal members comprise a centre longitudinal member 22 and a pair of outer longitudinal members 21 (not shown in Figure 1). Each outer longitudinal member 21 is slidably received within an end of the centre longitudinal member 22 to allow the collars 12 to be variably spaced in a longitudinal direction. The scaffold 1 comprises two extensible members 20, joining separate pairs of collars 12. The scaffold 1 also comprises a pair of end members 24 connected to the collars 12 to connect the two extensible members 20. In this way, a plan-view outline of the scaffold 1 is substantially rectangular. The combination of the extensible members 20 and the end members 24 form a support frame. A railing assembly 30 is fitted to the scaffold 1 adjacent to each extensible member 20. The railing assembly 30 will be described further in relation to Figure 5 below and functions to restrict the access of people or objects onto or off the scaffold 1. The scaffold 1 also comprises a pair of railing gates 40, each secured adjacent to each of the end members 24. Each railing gate 40 can be opened or closed to allow or restrict the access of people or objects onto or off the scaffold 1. It will be appreciated that a single railing gate 40 may be provided, with the second railing gate 40 replaced by a barrier that does not open. In practice, however, it is generally convenient for a railing gate 40 to be provided at each end of the scaffold 1. The scaffold 1 also comprises a floor 50 secured to the extensible members 20 and the end members 24. The floor 50 provides a platform on the scaffold 1. A wheel 18 is secured to an end of each leg 10 to allow the scaffold 1 to be easily moved from a first location to a second location. The scaffold 1 is shown in an unextended configuration in Figure 1. The scaffold 1 has an unextended length of approximately 120 centimetres and a width of 60 centimetres. In this configuration, the scaffold 1 can be manoeuvred easily around a work site, including for example within an elevator. In addition, the scaffold 1 may be used in this configuration as a trolley to transport materials and tools, for example.

[0020] Figures 2 to 5 are illustrations of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 1 at different stages during reconfiguration from the unextended configuration to an extended configuration. As shown in Figure 2, the outer longitudinal member 21 is extensible from an end of the centre longitudinal member 22. The movement of one of the outer longitudinal members 21 allows the length of the scaffold 1 to be increased by approximately 30 centimetres. The floor 50 comprises an outer floor section 52, a middle floor section 54 and a hatch cover 56. The middle floor section 54 is secured directly to the centre longitudinal members 22. The outer floor section 52 is secured to the outer longitudinal member 21 and one of the end members 24. In this way, when one of the end members 24 is extensibly separated from the other of the end members 24, the outer floor section 52 is also extensibly separated from the other of the end members 24. The hatch cover 56 is secured to the other of the end members 24. Therefore, when the scaffold 1 is extended, the hatch cover is also extensibly separated from the other of the end members 24. In the unextended configuration, the outer floor section 52 and the hatch cover 56 are pushed together so that the middle floor section 54 is substantially covered by the outer floor section 52 and the hatch cover 56. As will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 9 and Figure 10, the hatch cover 56 is longer than the outer floor section 52. The middle floor section 54 is also typically longer than the outer floor section 52 and shorter than the hatch cover 56. The railing assembly 30 is typically extensible independently from the extensible member 20. Each railing assembly 30 is also typically operable independently from the other railing assembly 30.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the railing assembly 30 comprises a centre kick plate 31 functioning as a longitudinal structural member of the railing assembly 30. The centre kick plate 31 is secured to two uprights 32. Each upright 32 is typically formed from a metal tube. A first end of each upright 32 is releasably mounted to the centre longitudinal member 22 using mounting bolts. A lower cross piece 33 and an upper cross piece 35 are provided and connect each upright 32. The upper cross piece 35 is provided at a second end of each upright 32. The lower cross piece 33 is provided between the first end and the second end of each upright 32. The upper cross piece 35 comprises a telescoped upper cross piece 36 for extensibly increasing a length of the upper cross piece 35 to ensure that even in an extended configuration, the railing assembly 30 extends over the length of the scaffold 1. The lower cross piece 33 comprises a telescoped lower cross piece 34 for extensibly increasing a length of the lower cross piece 33. Similarly, the railing assembly is also provided with outer kick plates 37 which are slidably mounted to the centre kick plate 31 for extensibly increasing a length of a bottom region of the railing assembly 30. A thumb screw 38 is provided through a slot defined in the outer kick plate 37 and attached to the centre kick plate 31. The thumb screw 38 is tightened to fix the position of the outer kick plate 37 relative to the centre kick plate 31.

[0022] Figure 4 shows the scaffold 1 in the configuration where both outer longitudinal members 21 have been extended to lengthen the platform to its extended length of approximately 180 centimetres. In the extended configuration, only a small portion of the middle floor section 54 remains beneath the outer floor section 52 and the hatch cover 54.

As shown in Figure 5, both outer kick plates 37, the telescoped lower cross piece 34 and the telescoped upper cross piece 36 can also be extended to ensure that the railing assembly 30 provides a safety rail across the whole length of the scaffold 1, regardless of whether the scaffold 1 is in the unextended configuration or the extended configuration.

[0023] Figure 6 is an illustration of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 5 shown in a first elevated configuration. In Figure 6, the scaffold 1 is shown in the extended configuration.

Each of the legs 10 is extended through the collar 12, raising the height of the scaffold 1 and providing an elevated working area. In particular, each leg 10 comprises an outer leg member 14. The outer leg member 14 has defined therein a series of spaced outer locating holes 15. The collar 12 comprises two securing pins 13 for engaging with two adjacent holes from the outer locating holes 15. The securing pins 13 fix the position of the leg 10. Thus, the height of the scaffold 1 is adjusted by disengaging the securing pins 13 from one set of outer locating holes 15 and re-engaging the securing pins 13 with a further set of outer locating holes 15. Each leg 10 also comprises a stop plate 19 connected at a bottom of the leg 10 to prevent the collar 12 sliding beyond the lowermost end of the leg 10. The stop plate 19 is typically positioned above the height of the wheel 18.

[0024] Figure 7 is an illustration of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 5 shown in a second elevated configuration. Each leg 10 further comprises an inner leg member 16 telescopically received within the outer leg member 14. The inner leg member has defined therein a series of spaced inner locating holes 17. The inner locating holes are spaced at the same distances as the outer locating holes 15. In this way, two adjacent outer locating holes 15 can line up exactly with two adjacent inner locating holes 17 to secure the inner leg member 16 relative to the outer leg member 14 using securing pins (not shown) which are configured to engage through an outer locating hole 15 and an inner locating hole 17 that are aligned. The inner leg member 16 and outer leg member 14 are mutually slidable to allow a further height extension of the scaffold 1. Using a combination of the collar 12, the outer leg member 14 and the inner leg member 16, the height of the floor 50 of the scaffold 1 can be varied from approximately 10 centimetres to 200 centimetres above the ground.

[0025] Figure 8 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in a configuration similar to that of Figure 5. The scaffold 1 is in the extended configuration. The hatch cover 56 is hingedly connected to the end member 24. The hatch cover 56 is opened to allow a person to pass through the hatch from within the footprint of the scaffold 1. Mounting the floor 50 of the scaffold 1 from within the footprint of the scaffold 1 is typically safer for a user than accessing the scaffold 1 from outside the footprint of the scaffold 1, because the weight of the user acts within the footprint of the scaffold and does not therefore act to tip the scaffold, particularly when the scaffold 1 is providing an elevated platform. After a person has come through the hatch onto the platform, the hatch cover 56 is typically closed to provide a continuous platform across the floor 50 of the scaffold 1.

[0026] Figure 9 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in Figure 1. In the unextended configuration, a platform of the scaffold 1 is provided by the outer floor section 52 and the hatch cover 56. The middle floor section 54 (not visible) is beneath the outer floor section 52 and the hatch cover 56 and provides support thereto.

[0027] Figure 10 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in Figure 5. In the extended configuration, the platform of the scaffold 1 is provided by the outer floor section 52, the middle floor section 54 and the hatch cover 56. Only a small part of the middle floor section 54 remains covered by the outer floor section 52 and the hatch cover 56 to ensure a continuous floor 50 is provided. It will be appreciated that the middle floor section 54 is not mounted centrally on the centre longitudinal member. The middle floor section 54 is mounted such that the longitudinal centre of the middle floor section 54 is located directly beneath the interface between the inner floor section 52 and the hatch cover 56 as shown in Figure 9.

[0028] Figure 11 is an illustration of a close up view of a portion of the adjustable scaffold shown in Figure 8. The hatch cover 56 is connected to the end member 24 by a pair of hinges 58. When folded up, the hatch cover 56 is accommodated between the legs 10, and rests against the railing gates 40 [0029] Figure 12 is an illustration of the adjustable scaffold of Figure 1 with a railing assembly removed. In some situations, it is desirable to remove one or both of the railing assemblies 30. Equally, one or both of the railing gates 40 can be removed or opened. For storage, typically all of the railing assemblies 30 and railing gates 40 are removed from the scaffold 1. The legs 10 fold to lie flat against the scaffold 1 as will be described further with reference to Figure 14.

[0030] Figure 13 is an illustration of a railing assembly member for use in the adjustable scaffold of any of Figures 1 to 12. The railing assembly 30 is substantially as described previously, but has been removed from the scaffold 1 for storage, or for a particular task of the scaffold 1 where a railing assembly is not required. As shown in Figure 11, the railing assembly 30 is attached to the centre longitudinal member 22 using mounting holes, bolts and nuts.

[0031] Figure 14 is an illustration showing the operation of the pivoting legs as used on an adjustable scaffold of the type shown in Figures 1 to 12. One pair of collars 12 are provided with a collar upper hole 62 and a collar lower pivot 64. The collar lower pivot 64 is pivotably attached to an end of the extensible member 20. A securing pin (not shown) can be used to secure the collar upper hole 62 in alignment with the frame upper hole 63 to position the pair of collars 12 in an upright position. The other pair of collars 12 are provided with a collar upper pivot 66 and a collar lower hole 68. The collar upper pivot 66 is pivotably attached to an opposite end of the extensible member 20. A securing pin (not shown) can be used to secure the collar lower hole 68 in alignment with the frame lower hole 69 to position the other pair of collars 12 in an upright position. In essence, the scaffold 1 is configured such that one pair of collars (and associated pair of legs 10) is capable of folding to lie flat on top of the scaffold 1, and one pair of collars (and associated pair of legs 10) is capable of folding to lie flat beneath the scaffold 1. The top-folding legs are slid all the way up so that the stop plate 19 is against the collars and the legs 10 protrude very little outside the footprint of the scaffold 1. The under-folding legs 10 are slid all the way down so that only a small amount of the legs 10 protrudes outside the footprint of the scaffold 1.

[0032] Although the presently described embodiments feature joints of specific types, it will be appreciated that members of the scaffold 1 may be joined in other ways, for example bolting, welding, integral formation, etc. Although the presently described embodiments feature mechanisms of specific types, it will be appreciated that the functions and operations of the scaffold 1 may be achieved using alternative mechanisms, for example telescoping sliding arrangements, side-by-side sliding arrangements, living hinges, clamps, etc. [0033] In summary, an extensible scaffold comprises a support frame comprising a first spaced member 24 and a second spaced member 24 and at least one extensible member 20 extensibly connecting the first spaced member to the second spaced member. A first platform member 54 is mounted to the extensible member 20 and configured to provide a first portion of a platform on the support frame. A hatch cover 56 is hingedly mounted to the first spaced member and slidable relative to the first platform member 54 and configured to provide a second portion of the platform on the support frame. The hatch cover 56 is arranged to be openable to provide access through the support frame.

[0034] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0035] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMSAn extensible scaffold comprising: a support frame comprising a first spaced member and a second spaced member and at least one extensible member extensibly connecting the first spaced member to the 5 second spaced member; a first platform member mounted to the extensible member and configured to provide a first portion of a platform on the support frame; and a hatch cover hingedly mounted to the first spaced member and slidable relative to the first platform member and configured to provide a second portion of the platform on the support frame, wherein the hatch cover is arranged to be openable to provide access through the support frame.
2. A scaffold as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a second platform member mounted to the second spaced member and slidable relative to the first platform member, wherein the second platform member is configured to provide a third portion of the platform on the support frame.
A scaffold as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the hatch cover and/or the second platform member is/are arranged to overly the first platform member in an unextended configuration of the scaffold.
4. A scaffold as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the area of the hatch cover is larger than the area of the first and/or second platform member.
5. A scaffold as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the extensible member comprises a central member, a first extension and a second extension, the first extension being mounted to the first spaced member and the second extension being mounted to the second spaced member, wherein the first extension and the second extension are each slidable relative to the central member and the first platform member is mounted to the central member.
An extensible scaffold comprising: a support frame comprising a first spaced member and a second spaced member and at least one extensible member extensibly connecting the first spaced member to the second spaced member; and a first platform member mounted to the extensible member and configured to provide a first portion of a platform on the support frame, wherein the extensible member comprises a central member, a first extension and a second extension, the first extension being mounted to the first spaced member and the second extension being mounted to the second spaced member, wherein the first extension and the second extension are each slidable relative to the central member and the first platform member is mounted to the central member.
7. A scaffold as claimed in claim 5 01 6, wherein the first extension and/or the second extension is slidably received within the central member.
8. A scaffold as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising a railing assembly mounted to the extensible member.
9. A scaffold as claimed in claim 8, wherein the railing assembly is removably mounted to the extensible member.
10. A scaffold as claimed in claim 8 or 9 comprising a kick plate mounted to the extensible member.
11. A scaffold as claimed in claim 10, wherein the kick plate comprises at least one kick plate extension which is slidable relative to the kick plate to extend the kick plate.
12. A scaffold comprising: a support frame having a first end and a second end; a first leg hingedly mounted to the first end; and a second leg hingedly mounted to the second end, wherein the first leg and the second leg are hingedly movable between a deployed position and a folded position, and wherein when the first leg and the second leg are in the folded position, the first leg and the second leg are arranged to extend substantially parallel to the plane of the support frame and wherein the support frame is provided between the first leg and the second leg.
13. A scaffold as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first leg and/or the second leg is slidably received within a collar and the collar is hingedly mounted to the first or second end.
14. A scaffold as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the first leg and/or the second leg comprises a telescopic extension.