GB2584606A

GB2584606A - Self-supporting decking assembly and kit therefor

Info

Publication number: GB2584606A
Application number: GB1905943.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jayne Pickles Deborah; Anthony Pickles Mark
Original assignee: G & M Safety Netting Ltd
Current assignee: G & M Safety Netting Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-29
Filing date: 2019-04-29
Publication date: 2020-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2039-04-29
Also published as: GB201905943D0; GB2584606B

Abstract

The self-supporting decking assembly comprises a plurality of spaced upright posts 1 each with a removable end plate 3; a top panel 9 engaged with the removable end plate such that the posts support the panel; and a plurality of cross-member assemblies 11 extending from an upper region of a post to a lower region of an adjacent post, the cross members being pivotably mounted at each end for rotation about an axis perpendicular to an elongate direction of the post. The cross members may comprise a removable end 17 including a cup portion 13 and a yoke 19 for securing to the posts. A safety barrier may extend upwardly from an edge of the panel. The securing pins may include a gripping portion with a flange 25 and a planar portion 27. The cross members may be adjustable in length. Also claimed is a kit for a self-supporting decking assembly.

Description

SELF-SUPPORTING DECKING ASSEMBLY AND KIT THEREFOR

This invention relates to a self-supporting decking assembly and to a kit for constructing such a self-supporting decking assembly.

It is known to provide a decking assembly within the walls of a construction project, such as a new building. Such decking assembly provides a safe working platform for operatives working above ground level, allowing operatives to move safely any where within the confines of the project. The decking assembly is supplied as a kit including a plurality of panels to form a generally flat platform, a plurality of support legs, which may be provided in different lengths depending on the desired working height of the platform, end plates for the support legs for engaging with the ground at a lower end and for engaging with the panels at the upper end of each support leg, pins for securing the end plates to the support legs, and securing straps for securing adjacent panels together when required.

The decking assembly is constructed by attaching an end plate to each end of a number of support legs by passing a securing pin through apertures formed in the support legs and end plates. Four support legs are then used to support a panel, with the end plates being provided with four projections, one at each corner of an end plate, so as to be able to engage with a corner of each of four different panels. The end plates are secured to the support legs with the securing pins to distribute the load at the base and to engage with the panels at the top. The straps are used where panels overlap due to dimensional issues -2 -so as to secure the panels together in the region of overlap. In this form the decking assembly is effective to support loads, but is not laterally stable and requires to be positioned within and in contact with walls of a structure in order to prevent lateral movement and collapse of the decking assembly.

It is desirable to be able to provide such a decking assembly which is self-supporting and therefore does not require to be positioned within and in contact with walls of a structure.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a self-supporting decking assembly comprising: a plurality of spaced upright posts, the posts each being provided with a removable end plate at each end thereof to form an upright post assembly; at least one top panel engaged with the removable end plate of the upright post assemblies such that the post assemblies support the panel; and a plurality of cross-member assemblies each extending from an upper end region of one upright post assembly to a lower end region of an adjacent upright post assembly, the upright post assemblies each having a removable end plate engaging with the same top panel, the cross member assemblies being pivotably mounted at each end thereof relative to the upright post assemblies for rotation -3 -about an axis perpendicular to an elongate direction of the respective upright post assembly and the cross member assembly.

The self-supporting decking assembly may include securing pins for releasably securing the end plates to the upright posts and/or the cross member assemblies to the end regions of the upright post assemblies.

The cross member assemblies may each include a removable end member at each end of a cross member post. Each end member may be releasably secured to the cross member post by way of a securing pin. Each end member may include a cup portion for receiving an end of the cross member post and a yoke for securing to the upright post assembly. Each end member may be secured to an end region of an upright post or to the end plate provided at an end of the upright post assembly.

The self-supporting decking assembly may include one or more safety barriers which extend upwardly from an edge region of a panel. The or each safety barrier may be secured to the panel by one or more securing pins.

Each end member of a cross member assembly may include a cup portion for receiving an end of a cross member post, the end member including means to facilitate ready identification of the desired length of cross member post to be received and secured therein. -4 -

The end members for the cross member posts may be formed with cut outs between the legs of a yoke which is pivotably mountable on an upright post assembly. Such cut outs may be provided to allow space for a securing pin securing the end plate to the upright post assembly. That is, the cut outs prevent a clash between the end member and the securing pin. Two cut outs, one on each side, allow the yoke to be reversed such that there is no need to ensure the end member has a specific configuration relative to the upright post assembly.

If desired the cross member posts may be configured to be adjustable in length. 10 The securing pin may comprise a cylindrical portion and a gripping portion. The gripping portion may include a flange adjacent to the cylindrical portion. The gripping portion may comprise a substantially planar portion extending in the axial direction of the pin. The planar portion may include an opening therethrough. The gripping portion may include a further flange at a distal portion of the gripping portion.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for a self-supporting decking assembly, the kit comprising: a plurality of first posts to serve as upright posts; a plurality of end plates adapted to be mounted at each end of the first posts to form a plurality of upright post assemblies; -5 -a plurality of top panels adapted to be mounted on end plates mounted at the upper end of a plurality of first posts; and a plurality of second posts to serve as cross member assemblies, the upright post assemblies and cross member assemblies being configured such that end regions of the cross member assemblies are releasably pivotably mountable to an upper region of one upright post assembly and to a lower region of an adjacent upright post assembly such that the cross member assembly is pivotably mounted to the upright post assemblies for rotation about an axis perpendicular to an elongate direction of both the respective upright post assembly and the cross member assembly.

The kit may include a plurality of end members adapted to be mounted at each end of the second posts to form the plurality of cross member assemblies, the cross member assemblies being configured such that the end members of the cross member assemblies are releasably pivotably mounted to the upright post assemblies.

Each end member may include a cup portion for receiving an end of the second post and a yoke for securing to the upright post assembly. Each end member may be adapted to be secured to an end region of an upright post or to the end plate provided at an end of the upright post assembly. -6 -

The kit may include a plurality of securing pins for (a) releasably securing the end plates to the first posts, and/or (b) for releasably securing the end members to the second posts, and/or (c) for releasably securing the end members of the cross member assemblies to the upright post assemblies The kit may include one or more safety barriers which are configured to extend upwardly from an edge region of a panel. The or each safety barrier may be configured to be secured to the panel by one or more securing pins.

Each end member of a cross member assembly may include a cup portion for receiving an end of a second post, the end member including means to facilitate ready identification of the desired length of second post to be received and secured therein.

The end members for the cross member assemblies may be formed with cut outs between the legs of a yoke. Two cut outs, one on each side, allow the yoke to be reversed such that there is no need to ensure the end member has a specific configuration relative to the upright post assembly.

If desired the second posts may be configured to be adjustable in length.

The securing pin may comprise a cylindrical portion and a gripping portion The gripping portion may include a flange adjacent to the cylindrical portion. The gripping portion may comprise a substantially planar portion extending in the -7 -axial direction of the pin. The planar portion may include an opening therethrough. The gripping portion may include a further flange at a distal portion of the gripping portion.

The use of a pivoting connection between the upright post assemblies and the cross member assemblies in conjunction with the removable end plates allows the construction of a safe and secure decking assembly with the majority of components being common irrespective of the height of the top panel above ground level. The use of cross member assemblies having posts with removable end members further increases the proportion of common components to the extent that only the lengths of the upright posts and cross member posts need to be changed to provide the top panel at any one of a number of alternative heights, and even the cross members may be common it they are configured to be adjustable in length.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a general side view of one embodiment of a self-supporting decking assembly according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a detail of Figure 1 at a larger scale; -8 -Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6 are views of an end member for a cross member assembly of the decking assembly according to the present invention, with Figures 3 and 4 being side views and Figures 5 and 6 being opposing end views; Figure 7 shows a panel forming part of an upper surface of the self-supporting decking according to the present invention; and Figures 8 to 11 show alternative ways of providing a self-supporting decking assembly according to the present invention.

The decking assembly shown in Figures 1 to 7 comprises two upright posts 1 of suitable, for example square or circular, cross-section, the posts being provided at the top and bottom with an end plate 3 to form an upright post assembly. The end plates are releasably attached to the upright posts by the provision of a cup 5 as part of the end plate and having a corresponding cross-section to the posts.

The cup and the posts are provided with apertures which pass diametrically therethrough so as to receive a securing pin 7 (i.e., through the middle of opposing faces of the cup 5 of the end plate 3 and the upright post 1). The end plates are formed with a foot at each corner, either to directly engage the ground or to fit into apertures formed in top panels 9, for example at each corner of a panel. In this way, a single end plate can support the corners of four separate panels. The feet are each reinforced by means of a web extending at about 45 degrees from each corner of the cup and connecting with generally triangular flanges which support the feet and extend at right angles to each other and -9 -parallel to the walls of the cup. That is, triangular flanges extend parallel to each other from opposing sides of the cup and in directions that are perpendicular to each other. The web and flanges provide required support for the feet of the end plate while the flanges additionally provide mounting points for cross member assemblies as will be explained hereinafter. If desired or appropriate, upstanding safety barriers (not shown) may be secured to one or more edges of a panel 9 with securing pins 7.

Lateral stability is provided by cross-member assemblies, each including a cross member post 11 extending from a lower end plate of one upright post assembly to an upper end plate of an adjoining upright post assembly. This is not straightforward in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 7 because the flanges supporting the feet of each end plate can interfere with the ends of the cross member assembly. To resolve this and to minimise the overall number of components, the cross-member assemblies are provided with removable end members 17 which can be mounted at each end of a post 15, with the post being received in a cup 13 forming part of the end member and a pin 7 (which may be the same pin used for securing the post 1 to the end plate 3) passing through apertures provided in the post 15 and the cup 13. The cup portion is dimensioned to receive the end of the post 15 and is coded to ensure the user inserts the desired length of post in the cup. To this end, the apertures provided in the post and the cup to receive the securing pin 7 are located a predetermined distance from the end of the post 15 and a range of distances from the free end of the cup 13 such that different apertures provide different overall lengths for -10 -the cross-member assembly. The apertures in the cup also extend in different directions across the cup in order that the apertures can be distributed in a manner that does not prejudice the integrity of the cup. For example, apertures may be arranged in one group for heights of 1465mm, 1870mm and 2400mm, and in another group for 1710mm and 2120mm.

It should be noted that in Figure 1 there is provision for more than one cross-member 11, where the cross-members may interfere with each other. In such a case, each cross-member 11 may be formed in two parts with each part having an aperture at the free end thereof, the free ends being interconnected such as with a pin 7. Alternatively, a separate component (not shown) may be provided in the form of an X having apertures at the end of each arm and to which the cross-member parts may be secured, for example with a pin 7.

The end members 17 also include a yoke arrangement 19 for securing the end member to an end plate 3 of an upright post 1 in a manner that permits pivoting of the cross member assembly relative to the end plate 3 (i.e., about an axis that is perpendicular to both an elongate direction of the upright post and to the elongate direction of the cross member post) to accommodate different lengths of upright post assemblies and cross member assemblies which will be positioned at differing angles to each other depending on length. The legs of the yoke are each formed with an aperture which can be aligned with a corresponding aperture in the flanges forming part of the end plate 3 of an upright post assembly. The yoke 19 can be secured to the end plate 3 by way -11 -of a securing pin, such as the securing pin 7 allowing the yoke 19 and therefore the cross member assembly to pivot about an axis relative to the end plate 3 and therefore the upright post assembly.

The end member 17 is shown in more detail in Figures 3 to Sand shows in the illustrated embodiment that the cup 13 is substantially square in cross-section, although other configurations can clearly be employed, and the yoke 19 is substantially rectangular (with other corresponding configurations being possible). The distal end of the cup 13 is closed which permits the provision of a reinforcing flange between the legs of the yoke and the closed end of the cup, while the rectangular configuration of the yoke permits the provision of one or more (four as illustrated, two axial and two angled) reinforcing flanges between the yoke and opposing external surfaces of the cup. When the decking assembly is assembled there is a possibility of a clash, or interference, between the pin 7 which secures the end plate 3 to the upright post 1 and the distal end of the cup 13 of the end member 17 of the cross member assembly. To overcome this problem it has been found that a cut-out 31 is best provided at the distal end of the cup 13. Indeed, to allow the yoke 19 to be attached to the end plate 3 without needing to allow for orientation, a cut-out 31 is provided along each edge of the cup extending between the legs of the yoke 19. Such an arrangement allows the cross member assembly to be secured to the upright post assembly while allowing for pivoting of the cross member assembly relative to the upright post assembly.

-12 -The securing pin 7 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion 21 for passing through the various apertures described above and a gripping portion 23 which facilitates insertion and removal of the pin. The gripping portion comprises a first flange 25 located adjacent to the cylindrical portion 21 to limit insertion of the pin into the respective apertures, a substantially planar portion 27 which extends in the axial direction of the pin in a distal direction relative to the cylindrical portion, and an optional second flange 29 at the distal end of the planar portion also to facilitate insertion and removal of the pin. The first and second flanges 25, 29 are conveniently substantially circular, while the planar portion 27 conveniently has a substantially circular opening which can also facilitate insertion and removal of the pin. Thus a single design of securing pin can be employed to secure att the components of the decking assembly together.

Although Figure 2 only shows a single cross member assembly and provision for an alternative second cross member assembly on the opposing side of the end plate 3 of the upright post assembly, further cross member assemblies may additionally be provided on the two remaining sides of the end plate, making a total of up to four cross member assemblies arranged at right angles to each other.

Figure 8 shows a different arrangement for the cross-member assembly, according to which the cross-member assembly is secured between an upper region of one upright post 11 and a lower region of another upright post 11, the upright posts being provided with end plates 3 as described previously. The -13 -ends of the cross-member assemblies are similarly formed with a yoke arrangement 19 so as to pass either side of the upright post with a securing pin 7 passing through the yoke and the post to secure the cross-member assembly to the upright post. To ensure the correct components are used, the locations of the holes through the upright posts are predetermined, that is for example located a specific distance from the ends of the upright posts such that only a specific set of upright posts and cross-member assemblies interconnect to support a standard top panel 9 at a required distance above ground level. If the wrong components are used the upright posts will not be spaced the required distance apart in order to support the top panel.

Figure 9 shows an arrangement of the cross-member assembly in which the length of the cross-member post can be varied to accommodate a range of lengths for the upright post assemblies while maintaining the required lateral spacing for the top panels 9. The length may be adjusted by providing two cross-member post portions, the cross-sectional dimensions of one allowing it to fit closely within the other in a slidable manner, which can be secured in a number of different relative positions by means of a number of holes provided through the two portions and a pin to secure the portions relative to each other.

Alternatively, a clamp may be used to secure the two portions together. The holes through the cross-member post portions may be positioned to provide a number of predetermined different lengths for the cross-member assembly, while a clamp may permit the cross-member post portions to be locked together at a number of predetermined locations to provide for a number of predetermined -14 -different lengths. This allows the cross-member assembly to be used with upright post assemblies of different lengths, while maintaining a predetermined lateral spacing to support a standard top panel.

Figure 10 shows an arrangement of the cross-member assembly in which the cross-member assembly comprises a cross-member post having a yoke at each end, the yoke being formed with an elongate portion provided with a recess for removably receiving the end of the cross-member post. The length of the elongate portion may be varied in order to provide cross-member assemblies of differing predetermined lengths thus allowing the cross-member assembly to be used with upright post assemblies of different lengths while maintaining a predetermined lateral spacing to support a standard top panel. The ability to substitute different yokes to alter the length of the cross-member assembly allows a reduction in the overall number of components required to service a range of lengths of the upright post assemblies.

Figure 11 shows an arrangement of the cross-member assembly in which the length of the cross-member assembly is specific to the required spacing of the upright post assemblies and the lateral spacing required to support a standard top panel. This provides a relatively simple construction for the cross-member assembly, but it is necessary to provide cross-member assemblies of different lengths depending on the length of the upright post assemblies.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A self-supporting decking assembly comprising: a plurality of spaced upright posts, the posts each being provided with a removable end plate at each end thereof to form an upright post assembly; at least one top panel engaged with the removable end plate of the upright post assemblies such that the post assemblies support the panel; and a plurality of cross-member assemblies each extending from an upper end region of one upright post assembly to a lower end region of an adjacent C\I upright post assembly, the upright post assemblies each having a removableCOend plate engaging with the same top panel, the cross member assemblies being pivotably mounted at each end thereof relative to the upright post assemblies for rotation about an axis perpendicular to an elongate direction of the respective upright post assembly and the cross member assembly.
2. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein securing pins releasably secure the end plates to the upright posts and/or the cross member assemblies to the end regions of the upright post assemblies.
3. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the cross member assemblies each include a removable end member at each end of a cross member post.
4. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 3 wherein each end member is releasably secured to the cross member post by way of a securing pin.
5. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein each end member includes a cup portion for receiving an end of the cross member post and a yoke for securing to the upright post assembly.
6. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein each end member is secured to an end region of an upright post or to the end plate provided at an end of the upright post assembly. C\ICO
The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in any one of the C\I preceding claims further comprising at least one safety barrier extending upwardly from an edge region of a panel, optionally being secured to the panel by one or more securing pins.
8. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7 wherein each end member of a cross member assembly includes a cup portion for receiving an end of a cross member post, the end member including means to facilitate ready identification of the desired length of cross member post to be received and secured therein.
9. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the end members for the cross member posts are formed with cut outs between the legs of a yoke which is pivotably mountable on an upright post assembly.
10. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 9 wherein two cut outs are provided, one on each side, to allow the yoke to be reversed such that there is no need to ensure the end member has a specific configuration relative to the upright post assembly.
11. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the cross member posts are configured to be adjustable in length.
12. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the securing pin comprises a cylindrical portion and a gripping portion.
13. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein the gripping portion includes a flange adjacent to the cylindrical portion.
14. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the gripping portion comprises a substantially planar portion extending in the axial direction of the pin, optionally wherein the planar portion includes an opening therethrough.
15. The self-supporting decking assembly as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the gripping portion includes a further flange at a distal portion of the gripping portion.
16. A kit for a self-supporting decking assembly, the kit comprising: a plurality of first posts to serve as upright posts; a plurality of end plates adapted to be mounted at each end of the first posts to form a plurality of upright post assemblies; C\I a plurality of top panels adapted to be mounted on end plates mountedO COat the upper end of a plurality of first posts; and C\I a plurality of second posts to serve as cross member assemblies, the upright post assemblies and cross member assemblies being configured such that end regions of the cross member assemblies are releasably pivotably mountable to an upper region of one upright post assembly and to a lower region of an adjacent upright post assembly such that the cross member assembly is pivotably mounted to the upright post assemblies for rotation about an axis perpendicular to an elongate direction of both the respective upright post assembly and the cross member assembly.
17. The kit of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of end members adapted to be mounted at each end of the second posts to form the plurality of cross member assemblies, the cross member assemblies being configured such that the end members of the cross member assemblies are releasably pivotably mounted to the upright post assemblies.
18. The kit of claim 17 wherein each end member includes a cup portion for receiving an end of the second post and a yoke for securing to the upright post assembly, each end member being adapted for securement to an end region of an upright post or to the end plate provided at an end of the upright post assembly. C\I
19. The kit of claim 17 or claim 18 further comprising a plurality of securing pinsO COfor at least one of (a) releasably securing the end plates to the first posts, and/or (b) for releasably securing the end members to the second posts, and/or (c) for releasably securing the end members of the cross member assemblies to the upright post assemblies.
The kit of claim 17, 18 or 19 further comprising one or more safety barriers configured to extend upwardly from an edge region of a panel.
21. The kit of claim 17 wherein each end member of a cross member assembly includes a cup portion for receiving an end of a second post, the end member including means to facilitate ready identification of the desired length of second post to be received and secured therein.
22. The kit of claim 17 wherein the end members for the cross member assemblies have at least one cut out between the legs of a yoke, preferably two cut outs, one on each side, to allow the yoke to be reversed such that there is no need to ensure the end member has a specific configuration relative to the upright post assembly.
23. The kit of any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the second posts are configured to be adjustable in length.
24. The kit of claim 19 wherein the securing pin has a cylindrical portion and a O gripping portion, the gripping portion including a flange adjacent to the cylindrical C\I portion, optionally including a further flange at a distal portion of the gripping portion.CO
25. The kit of claim 24 wherein the gripping portion includes a substantially planar portion extending in the axial direction of the pin, optionally including an opening therethrough.