GB2599892A

GB2599892A - Scaffolding apparatuses and systems

Info

Publication number: GB2599892A
Application number: GB2014752.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: South Brook; South Clive
Original assignee: Rhino Deck Ltd
Current assignee: Rhino Deck Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-18
Filing date: 2020-09-18
Publication date: 2022-04-20
Also published as: GB202014752D0

Abstract

A support plate for supporting one or more boards on a frame of a decking structure, the support plate comprising: a first elongate plate section defining a first surface, the first plate section comprising: first and second opposing longitudinal sides, and first and second opposing lateral sides; a second elongate plate section projecting from a longitudinal side of the first plate section in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface; a third elongate plate section projecting from a longitudinal side of the second plate section in a second direction substantially parallel to the first surface; and first and second side plate sections respectively projecting from the first and second lateral sides of the first plate section in a third direction substantially opposite the first direction.

Description

TITLE

SCAFFOLDING APPARATUSES AND SYSTEMS

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the present disclosure relate to apparatuses for use in a scaffolding system. Some examples, though without prejudice to the foregoing, relate to a support plate for supporting one or more boards on a frame of a decking structure. Some examples relate to a decking panel of a decking structure that utilises such a support plate, and some examples relate to a decking structure that utilises such a decking panel.

BACKGROUND

Conventional scaffolding and decking structures for providing a safety platform, maintenance platform or working platform (e.g. a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and other structures) are well known.

Some scaffolding systems use a decking system that uses decking panels that are formed of a structural support frame (consisting of a set of spaced apart parallel metal bars that are welded together via diagonally aligned metal bars) with a metal wire frame/fencing welded to an upper surface. Such decking panels may be heavy and may require manufacture/pre-assembly in a factory (rather than being to be readily manufactured/assembled on-site). Furthermore, such decking panels may not be readily stackable and hence may be difficult to store (at a factory, warehouse or on-site) and transport.

It is useful to provide an improved scaffolding apparatus and system.

The listing or discussion of any prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/examples of the present disclosure may or may not address one

or more of the background issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims.

Any examples/embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

According to at least some examples of the disclosure there is provided a support plate for supporting one or more boards on a frame of a decking structure, the support plate 40 comprising: a first elongate plate section defining a first surface, the first plate section comprising: first and second opposing longitudinal sides, and first and second opposing lateral sides; a second elongate plate section projecting from a longitudinal side of the first plate section in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface; a third elongate plate section projecting from a longitudinal side of the second plate section in a second direction substantially parallel to the first surface; and first and second side plate sections respectively projecting from the first and second lateral sides of the first plate section in a third direction substantially opposite the first direction.

According to at least some examples of the disclosure there is provided: one or more boards, scaffolding boards, platform boards, decking boards, a decking panel for a decking structure, a decking structure and/or a system comprising one or more support plates as described herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method of providing and/or manufacturing a support plate and/or system as described herein.

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided a method of using a support plate and/or system as described herein.

The following portion of this 'Brief Summary' section describes various features that can be features of any of the examples described in the foregoing portion of the 'Brief

Summary' section.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there are provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of various examples of the present disclosure that are useful for understanding the detailed description and certain examples of the present disclosure, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGs 1A -1C shows an example of a support plate; FIGs 2A -2C show an example of a support plate that is complementary to the support plate of FIGs 1A -C; FIG. 3 shows an example of a decking panel utilising the support plate of FIGs 1A -1C and the support plate of FIGs 2A -2C; FIGs 4A and 4B show an example of an interlocking of decking panels as per FIG. 3; FIG. 5 shows an example of a decking system utilising decking panels as per FIG. 3; FIGs 6A and 6B show an example of a stacking of decking panels as per FIG. 3; FIG. 7 shows an example of another support plate FIG. 8 shows an example of a support plate that is complementary to the support plate of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 shows an example of yet another support plate FIG. 10 shows an example of a support plate that is complementary to the support plate of FIG. 9; FIGs 11A -C show an example of a side support plate; FIG. 12 shows an example of decking panel using a side support plate as per FIGs 11A -11C; and FIG. 13 shows an example of a decking system using a side support plate as per FIGs 11A-11C.

The figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features and views of the figures may be shown schematically or exaggerated in scale in the interest of clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the figures can be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid explication. Similar reference numerals are used in the figures to designate similar features. For clarity, all reference numerals are not necessarily displayed in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGs.1A -C show: a side view, a front view and a plan view of a support plate 100 for supporting one or more boards (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3) of a decking structure (e.g. as shown in FIG. 5). Naturally, it is to be appreciated that in other examples of the disclosure, dimensions different to those indicated [in mm] may be utilised.

The support plate 100 comprises: a first elongate plate section 101, a second elongate plate section 102, a third elongate plate section 103, and first and second side plate sections 104a and 104b.

In the below examples, the support plates are described with respect to use with scaffolding boards, e.g. conventional wooden scaffolding boards. However, it is to be appreciated that the support plates can be used with other types of boards, not least platform boards and decking boards made of wood of other sufficiently rigid/stiff material to provide adequate load bearing capabilities.

The first elongate plate section 101 defines a first surface 1015, which during typical use may extend horizontally and may form a horizontal planar surface. The first surface is most clearly shown in the plan view of FIG. 1C, i.e. the elongate rectangular surface comprising the plurality of through holes 101h. Such through holes, or coupling holes, are for fixings/fasteners such as mechanical fasteners e.g. nails and screws, for securing the first elongate plate section to one or more ends of one or more scaffolding boards. The first elongate substantially planar section thereby forms a mating surface for abutment against one or more ends of one or more scaffolding boards that can be attached thereto via any appropriate fixing means.

The first plate section thereby serves to provide, in use when attached to ends of scaffolding boards, a horizontal base/seat section that receives and supports one end of a row of scaffolding boards attached thereto.

The first plate section 101 defines first and second opposing longitudinal sides 101Iong1 and 101Iong2 (i.e. a proximal longitudinal side 101Iong1 and a distal longitudinal side 101Iong2). The first plate section 101 also defines first and second opposing lateral sides 101Iat1 and 101Iat2.

The second elongate plate section 102 projects from the longitudinal side 101Iong2 of the first plate section 101 in a first direction 105 substantially perpendicular to the first surface 101s. In typical use, the first direction may be a vertically upwards direction. The second elongate plate section 102 extends along whole of the length of the longitudinal side 101Iong2 of the first elongate plate section 101. When the ends of the scaffolding boards are attached to the first plate section, the ends of the scaffolding boards abut against or are proximal to an inner surface of the second plate section.

In certain examples, the second elongate plate section 102 of the support plate 100 may have a height: less than one or more of: 45 mm, and 42 mm; greater than one or more of: 38 mm and 40 mm based on (e.g. not least substantially equal to or slightly greater than [e.g. by <5% or <10%]) a thickness of said one or more scaffolding boards; and/or based on (e.g. not least substantially equal to or slightly greater than [e.g. by <5% or <10%]) a thickness of a frame member of said frame of said decking structure [such a frame member 401 is shown in FIG. 4B].

As will be discussed later (and shown with respect to FIG. 4B) an outer surface of the second plate section abuts against a frame member of a frame of a decking structure.

The third elongate plate section 103 projects from the distal longitudinal side 102Iong2 of the second plate section 102 in a second direction 106 substantially parallel to the first surface. In typical use, the second direction may be horizontal in a direction away from the first plate section. The third elongate plate section 103 extends along the entire length of the longitudinal side 102Iong2 of the second elongate plate section 102. The third plate section thereby juts/protects out and may serve as a support member / ledge member / flange / ridge / rim that, in use, rests on a frame member of a frame of a decking platform (as shown with respect to FIG. 4B).

The first, second and third plate sections may thereby form a structure having a substantially "-r" shaped cross-sectional profile.

The first and second side plate sections 104a and 104b respectively project from the first and second lateral sides 101Iat1 and 101Iat2 of the first plate section 101 in a third direction 107 substantially opposite the first direction 105. Such side plate sections effectively forming side flanges.

Each of the first and second side plate sections respectively extends substantially along the width of the first and second lateral sides. The width of each of the first and second side plate sections 104a 104b is substantially the same as a width of the first and second lateral sides. As will be discussed further below with respect to FIGs 6A and 6B, the downwardly extending side portions assist not only in facilitating the stacking of decking panels made using the support plates, but also locating and positioning decking panels within in a frame of a decking structure.

FIGs.2A -C show: a side view, a front view and a plan view of a support plate 200 for supporting one or more scaffolding boards (e.g. as shown in FIG. 3) of a decking structure (e.g. as shown in FIG. 5). Again, it is to be appreciated that in other examples of the disclosure, dimensions different to those indicated fin mm] may be utilised.

In many regards, the support plate 200 is similar to that of support plate 100 of FIGs 1A -C. However, as will be discussed below, certain dimensions of various of the plate sections differ and the side plates have a differing shape that comprises a projecting portion that has a bevelled corner.

The support plate 200 comprises: a first elongate plate section 201, a second elongate plate section 202, a third elongate plate section 203, and first and second side plate sections 204a and 204b.

The first elongate plate section 201 defines a first surface 201s, which in normal use may be a horizontal planar surface. The first surface is most clearly shown in the plan view of FIG. 2C, i.e. the elongate rectangular surface comprising the plurality of through holes 201h for fixings/fasteners to secure the first elongate plate section 201 to one or more ends of one or more scaffolding boards (i.e. the other/opposite ends of the scaffolding boards to the ends of the scaffolding boards that are attached to the support plate 100). The first elongate substantially planar section 201 thereby forms a mating surface for abutment against the other one or more ends of the one or more scaffolding boards. The scaffolding boards can be attached to the first plate section via any appropriate fixing means. The first plate section 201 thereby serves to provide, in use when attached to the other ends of scaffolding boards, a horizontal base/seat section that receives and supports the other end of a row of scaffolding boards attached thereto.

The first plate section 201 defines first and second opposing longitudinal sides 201Iong1 and 201Iong2 (i.e. a proximal longitudinal side 201Iongl and a distal longitudinal side 201Iong2). The first plate section 201 also defines first and second opposing lateral sides 201Iatl and 201Iat2.

The second elongate plate section 202 projects from the longitudinal side 201Iong2 of the first plate section 201 in a first direction 205 substantially perpendicular to the first surface 201s. In typical use, the first direction may be a vertically upwards direction. The second elongate plate section 202 extends along whole of the length of the longitudinal side 201Iong2 of the first elongate plate section 201. When the (other) ends of the scaffolding boards are attached to the first plate section 201, the ends of the scaffolding boards abut against or are proximal to an inner surface of the second plate section 202. As will be discussed later (and shown with respect to FIG. 4B) an outer surface of the second plate section 202 abuts against a frame member of a frame of a decking structure.

The second elongate plate section 202 of the second support plate 200 is greater than a height of the second elongate plate section 102 of the first support plate 100. In certain examples, the second elongate plate section 202 of the support plate 200 may have a height: less than one or more of: 48 mm, and 46 mm; greater than one or more of: 42 mm and 44 mm based on (e.g. not least substantially equal to or slightly greater than [e.g. by <5% or <10%]) a thickness of said one or more scaffolding boards; and/or based on (e.g. not least substantially equal to or slightly greater than [e.g. by <5% or <10%]) a thickness of a frame member of said frame of said decking structure [such a frame member 401 is shown in FIG. 4B].

The third elongate plate section 203 projects from a distal longitudinal side 202Iong2 of the second plate section 202 in a second direction 206 substantially parallel to the first surface. In typical use, the second direction may be horizontal in a direction away from the first plate section. The third elongate plate section 203 extends along the entire length of the longitudinal side 202Iong2 of the second elongate plate section 202. The third plate section thereby juts/protects out and may serve as a support member / ledge member / flange / ridge / rim that, in use, rests on the third plate section 103 of the support 100 (which itself rests on a frame member of a frame of a decking platform) -as shown with respect to FIG. 4B. Such an overlapping of the support plate over the support plate 100 helps secure and lock the support plate 100 into position. Thereby enhancing safety of a decking system formed of decking panels using such support plates by preventing the accidental or deliberate removal of the panels as will be discussed in further detail with respect to FIGs 4A and 4B.

In some examples, a width of the third elongate plate section 203 of the second support plate 200 is greater than a width of the third elongate plate 103 of the first support plate 100 The first, second and third plate sections 201, 202, 203 may form a structure having a substantially "-r" shaped cross-sectional profile.

The first and second side plate sections 204a and 204b respectively project from the first and second lateral sides 201Iat1 and 201Iat2 of the first plate section 201 in a third direction 207 substantially opposite the first direction 205. The first and second side plate sections respectively extends substantially along the width of the first and second lateral sides. As will be discussed further below with respect to FIGs 6A and 63, the downwardly extending side portions assist not only in facilitating the stacking of decking panels made using the support plates, but also locating and positioning decking panels in a frame of a decking structure.

Unlike the side plate sections 104a and 104b of FIGs 1A -C, the side plate sections 204a 204b do not have a width substantially the same as a width of their respective first and second lateral sides to which they are directly coupled and extend from.

Instead, as clearly shown in FIG. 2A, the side plate sections 204a 204b have a width that is greater than a width of their respective first and second lateral sides 201Iat1 201Iat2.

Each of the first and second side plate sections 204a 204b comprises a protruding portion 204p that extends in the second direction past the first elongate plate member 201 in a direction parallel to the second direction 206. In such a configuration, the first and second side plate sections at least partially underlie the third elongate plate section 203.

In normal use, the support plate 100 is attached to one set of ends of a row of scaffolding boards, and the support plate 200 is attached to the other set of ends of the row of scaffolding boards, to form a decking panel for a decking structure. Not only do the support plates enable the creation of a decking panel and provide support to scaffolding boards in the same, but they also enable mounting of the panel to frame members of a frame of a decking structure and, moreover, interlocking of the panels so as to secure the panels to the frame and prevent accidental or deliberate removal of the panels, as will be discussed further below with respect to FIGs 4A and 4B.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a decking panel 300 formed utilising the support plate 100 of FIGs 1A -1C and the support plate 200 of FIGs 2A -20. In the example illustrated, the decking panel is formed of 3 boards (e.g. 3 conventional wooden scaffolding boards) and the support plates have a length substantially equal to (or slightly greater than) the combined widths of the 3 boards.

Standard scaffolding boards complying with BS 2482 (for a target span of 1.2m -i.e. supported every 1.2 m) have a nominal thickness of 38mm, are 225mm wide and are available in varying lengths, e.g. from up to 3.9m (13'). In some examples, the support plates have a length that is based on (such as substantially equal to, or greater than by <10% or <15%) an integer number (wherein the integer number is the number of boards forming the decking panel -typically, but not necessarily, 3) multiple of the widths of a standard scaffolding board.

The support plate 100 is secured/attached to one set of ends of a row of scaffolding boards 301, and the support plate 200 is attached to the other set of ends of the row of scaffolding boards, to form a decking panel for a decking structure. The boards may be affixed/secured to the support plates via any suitable means. In this example, the length of the support plates 100 and 200 is configured to receive and attach 3 boards together. The length of each of the first and second support plates (and the length of the first, second and third elongate plate sections thereof) is based on the number of boards to be received and supported by the plate. For example, the length may be a predetermined amount greater than the total width of boards, e.g. by a predetermined distance or by 10 or 15%, so as to provide a degree of play/tolerance to facilitate manual assembly of the decking panels and installation/mounting on the decking structure, as well as enabling there to be gaps between the scaffolding boards of the assembled decking panel for allowing drainage and light therethrough.

It is to be appreciated that other lengths of support plates could be provided for forming decking panels of other number of scaffolding boards, e.g. not least 2 (as per FIGs. 7 and 8) and 1 scaffolding board (as per FIGs 9 and 10).

The length of the support plates (and the first, second, and third elongate plate sections thereof) may be based on the number of scaffolding boards that are to form the decking panel, which determines the width of the panel. For example, the length of the support plates (and the first, second, and third elongate plate sections thereof) may be based on (e.g. substantially equal to, or slightly greater, e.g. by 10 or 15%) a total width of an integer number, n, of scaffolding boards arranged in a row (where n may be at least for example 1, 2, 3 or more).

It is to be appreciated that the length of the panel may be determined by the length of the scaffolding boards. Since scaffolding boards are typically made of wood, they can be readily cut to a desired length and used, in combination with the support plates 100 200 to form a decking panel of a desired length.

Advantageously, support plates in accordance with examples of the present disclosure may be used to form decking panels from conventional/standard wooden scaffolding boards. This enables a re-utilisations/re-cycling of conventional/standard wooden scaffolding boards (that may otherwise have been discarded / thrown away) to form decking panels for use in scaffolding/decking systems, such as the RhinoDeck safety platform by SayfaSystems Ltd (as shown in FIG. 5). The support plates can be manufactured having an appropriate width for the particular scaffolding job or decking structure/system, and can be retro-fitted to conventional/standard wooden scaffolding boards (duly cut to an appropriate length) to form decking panels of the requisite size for the particular scaffolding job or decking structure/system. The decking panels may be pre-prepared or may be readily assembled on site. The ability for such on-site assembly of the decking panels advantageously enables customisation of decking panels to fit a decking frame size for particular decking application/structure.

FIGs 4A and 4B show an example of an interlocking of decking panels 300. The decking panels 300 are formed of support plates 100 and 200 affixed to ends of scaffolding boards 301 as per FIG. 3. The decking panels are mounted to a frame member 401 of frame of a decking structure (such a frame of a decking structure is shown and discussed further below with respect to FIG. 5). The frame member may be may be: a ledger, a transom, or a tube member of square, rectangular, circular or other shape cross section) forming a frame onto which one or more panels are mounted.

The second elongate plate section 202 of the support plate 200 has a height that is greater than the height of the second elongate plate section 102 of the support plate 100. This enables the third elongate plate section 103 of the support plate 100 to rest on the frame member 401 and for the third elongate plate section 203 of the support plate 200 to rest on the third elongate plate section 103 of the support plate 100. Advantageously, this locks the support plate 100 into position. The support plate 100 cannot be removed/dislodged, e.g. not least moved vertically upwards, from the frame member without the support plate 200 also moving vertically upwards. However, the support plate 200 is itself prevented from freely moving vertically upwards by virtue of the projecting portion 204p which extends beyond the first plate section and underlies (albeit laterally displaced as shown in FIGs 2B and 20) the third plate section 203. Hence when the support 200 is mounted to the frame member 401 (e.g. by introducing the left hand side decking panel 300 and its support plate 200 at an angle 402 to the frame member and then rotate the left hand side decking panel 300 and its support plate 200 to be horizontal, the projecting portion 204p of each of the side plate sections underlie the frame member 401 thereby, in effect, locking/ clamping the left hand side decking panel 300 and its support plate 200 into position and hence also clamping/locking the right hand side decking panel 300 and its support plate 100 into position. The projecting portion 204 is configured so as to enable/facilitate such installation of the decking panel 300 and its support plate 200 onto the frame member.

In this regard the extent to which the projection portion extends out beyond the first plate section 201 and underlies the third plate section is configured so that the projecting portion 204p does not catch on the underside of the frame member and prevent the frame member from being received within the partial enclosure defined by the third and second plate sections 203 and 202 and the projecting portion 204p of the side plate section 204. Furthermore, in order to avoid an end corner of the projecting portion 204p from catching the frame member during installation of the panel onto the frame, the protruding portion of the side plate section comprises a bevelled edge 204b.

Advantageously, the above described configuration and interlocking functionality may provide increased safety by impeding/precluding the accidental or deliberate removal of panels On particular panels in the middle of a row of panels of a decking structure -as per FIG. 5) once installed (e.g. impeding/precluding a workman on one level of a decking structure from temporarily removing/lifting up a panel to pass objects/tools to another workman on another level of the decking structure).

The hights of the second plate sections 101 and 102 may also configured so as to ensure that the upper surfaces of their respective boards are substantially at the same level, i.e. the boards of the left panel are at substantially the same height as the boards of the right pane. Advantageously, this increases safety by reducing trip hazard of differing levels/heights of the boards of the decking panels. Furthermore, the heights of the second elongate plate sections 102 and 202 may also be configured based on the thickness of the boards and/or frame member to minimise the degree to which the third plate sections 103 and 203 project/rise above the level of the scaffolding boards -which also minimises any potential trip hazard.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a decking system 500. The decking system comprises a decking structure 501 and a plurality of decking panels 300.

The decking structure 501 comprises a plurality of square frames 502 held up and supported by vertical support members 503. The vertical support members 503 may be: uprights, standards or tube members of square, rectangular, circular or other shape cross section). Each frame is formed of opposing parallel frame members 504 (e.g. extending in a longitudinal direction) and opposing parallel frame members 401 (e.g. extending in a transverse direction). The frame members may be: ledgers, transoms, or tube members of square, rectangular, circular or other shape cross section.

It is to be appreciated that frames can share frame members. For example, the middle frame shares its two frame members 401 with its adjacent frames.

The frames of the decking structure 501 support the decking panels 300 which define the decking platform 501. A single level/single decking platform 501 is shown but it is to be appreciated that additional vertical support members 502 could be provided to provide additional levels/ additional decking platforms. Furthermore, additional vertical support members could be provided for securing hand rails and toe boards thereto (not shown).

In this example, the decking structure 501 comprises three square frames 502 1280 x 1280 mm, formed of a pair of frame members 401 and a pair of perpendicular frame members 504 (although it is to be appreciated that one could have frames of differing shapes and dimensions). Within each frame, two decking panels 300 are mounted side by side. With the decking panels duly installed in the decking structure, for each panel, a horizontally extending third plate section 203 of a support plate 200 of the panel overlies a horizontally extending third plate section 103 of a support plate 100 of a longitudinally adjacent panel, whilst the third plate section 103 of the support plate 100 overlies a frame member 401. As discussed above, the configuration of the first and second support plates provides an interlocking feature that secures the panels into position.

The downwardly expending side plates (204-not shown) of each support plate of each decking panel lie within each frame. At least some of the downwardly expending side plates of at least one of the decking panels abut against an internal side of the frame members 504, thereby facilitating locating the decking panel within the frame of the decking structure, i.e. preventing the decking panel from sliding off the frame in a transverse direction.

The second plate sections (102 and 202 -not shown) of each support plate of each decking panel lie within each frame. Each second plate section abuts against an internal side of the frame members 401, thereby facilitating locating the decking panel within the frame of the decking structure, i.e. preventing the decking panel from sliding off the frame in a longitudinal direction.

Support plates, and decking panels formed using the same along with scaffolding boards, in accordance with the present disclosure may be used with scaffolding/decking structure and decking systems such as the RhinoDeck safety platform by SayfaSystems Ltd. Such a safety platform provides a free-standing safety/work platform that does not rely on bracing to walls/buildings for stability.

FIG. 6A shows a close-up perspective view of an example of stacked decking panels 300 and 300'. FIG. 6A shows a zoomed in portion of stacked three-board decking panels 300 300' and focusses on just the side scaffolding board of each scaffolding panel. FIG. 6B shows a cross sectional cut through view of the stacked decking panels 300 and 300' (i.e. along the plane A indicated in FIG. 6A).

For each decking panel 300 300', a separation distance between the first and second side plate sections 204 204' is greater (e.g. slightly greater for example by 2, 5, 7 10 mm or by <5 °A) than: the length of: the first 201 201', second 202 202', and/or third elongate plate sections 203 203'; and the combined widths of the row of scaffolding boards 301 301' forming each decking panel.

Hence, when the decking panel 300 is placed on top of the other decking panel 300', the boards 301' of the other decking panel 300' are able to be received within and between the first and second side plate sections 204 of the overlying decking panel 300. In such a manner, the decking panel 300 can stack on top of/nest over the scaffolding boards 301' of the underlying decking panel 300', and its first and second side plate sections 204 keeping the underlying decking panel 300' in registration/alignment.

The first and second side plate sections 104a and 104b may have a height: greater than one or more of: 25, 27 and 29 mm; less than one or more of: 30 mm, 32 mm, 34 mm and 38 mm; based on a thickness of said one or more scaffolding boards; and/or less than a thickness of said one or more scaffolding boards (more than 10, 20 or 30 % less than the thickness of said one or more scaffolding boards).

Since the height of the first and second side plate sections 204 is less than the thickness of the boards, the first and second side plate sections 204 do not reach/touch/interfere with the first and second side plate sections 204' of the lower decking panel 300'.

The lower decking panel 300' can itself be stacked on top of a further decking panel.

Likewise, a further decking panel can be stacked on top of the decking panel 300.

The first and second side portions of each support plate of each decking panel thereby serve to keep the decking panels in alignment and registration when the decking panels are stacked upon one another, thereby facilitating the stacking and interlocking of the panels (for example during storage/transportation of the panels).

FIG. 7 shows: plan, side and front views of a further example of a support plate. The support plate of FIG. 7 is similar to the support plate 100 of FIGs 1A-C. Whilst the support plate 100 of FIGs 1A-C is configured and dimensions to form a decking panel having 3 scaffolding boards, the support plate of FIG. 7 is configured to form (in combination with the support plate of FIG. 8) a decking panel having 2 scaffolding boards.

FIG. 8 shows: plan, side and front views of a further example of a support plate. The support plate of FIG. 8 is complimentary to the support plate of FIG. 7. The support plate of FIG. 8 is similar to the support plate 200 of FIGs 2A-C. Whilst the support plate 200 of FIGs 2A-C is configured and dimensions to form a decking panel having 3 scaffolding boards, the support plate of FIG. 7 is configured to form On combination with the support plate of FIG. 7) a decking panel having 2 scaffolding boards.

FIG. 9 shows: plan, side and front views of a yet further example of a support plate.

The support plate of FIG. 9 is similar to the support plates of FIGs 1A-C and FIG. 7; however, the support plate of FIG. 9 is configured to form (in combination with the support plate of FIG. 10) a decking panel with just 1 scaffolding board.

FIG. 10 shows: plan, side and front views of a yet further example of a support plate.

The support plate of FIG. 10 is complimentary to the support plate of FIG. 9. The support plate of FIG. 10 is similar to the support plates FIGs 2A-C and 8; however, the support plate of FIG. 10 is configured to form (in combination with the support plate of FIG. 9) a decking panel with just 1 scaffolding board.

FIGs 11A -C show an example of a side support plate 1100.

In some regards, the side support plate 1100 is similar to the support plate 100 of FIG5.1A -C. However, unlike the support plate 100 of FIG5.1A -C, the side support plate is not elongate, nor does it have side plate sections 204. Whilst the support plate 100 of FIGs.1A -C is, in use, attached to an end portion of scaffolding boards to form a decking panel (for supporting the decking panel on a first frame member 401 of a frame of a decking structure), the side support plate 1100 is, in use, attached to a longitudinal side of the decking panel that is, in use, proximal to a second frame member 1401 of the frame of the decking structure. It is to be appreciated that where the frame is rectangular, i.e. formed of four frame members, such a second frame member would be perpendicular to the first frame member.

The side support plate 1100 supports a side of a scaffolding board of a decking structure (e.g. as shown in FIG. 13). Naturally, it is to be appreciated that in other examples of the disclosure, dimensions different to those indicated [in mm] in FIGs 11A-C may be utilised.

The side support plate 110 comprises: a first plate section 1101, a second plate section 1102 and a third plate section 1103.

The first plate section 1101 defines a first surface 1101s comprising a through hole 1101h for fixings/fasteners for securing the side plate to a longitudinal side of a scaffolding board. Whilst only a single through hole is shown, it is to be appreciated that, in other examples, two or more through holes may be provided. The first substantially planar plate section 1101 thereby forms a mating surface for abutment against a longitudinal side of a scaffolding board of a decking panel, and can be attached thereto via any appropriate fixing means.

The first plate section thereby serves to provide, in use when attached to a longitudinal side of a scaffolding board, a horizontal base/seat section that receives and supports the side of the scaffolding board attached thereto.

The first plate section 1101 defines first and second opposing longitudinal sides 1101Iong1 and 1101Iong2, which are, in use, aligned with a longitudinal axis of the scaffolding board and its decking panel (i.e. a proximal longitudinal side 1101Iong1 and a distal longitudinal side 1101Iong2). The first plate section 1101 also defines first and second opposing lateral sides 1101Iat1 and 1101Iat2 (which are, in use, aligned with a lateral/transverse axis of the scaffolding board and its decking panel).

The second plate section 1102 projects from the longitudinal side 1101Iong2 of the first plate section 1101 in a first direction 1105 substantially perpendicular to the first surface 1101s. In typical use, the first direction may be a vertically upwards direction.

The second plate section 1102 extends along whole of the length of the longitudinal side 1101Iong2 of the first plate section 1101. Wien the side of the scaffolding board is attached to the first plate section 1101, the side of the scaffolding board abuts against or is proximal to an inner surface of the second plate section 1102.

As shown in FIG 12, an outer surface of the second plate section is proximal to the frame member 1401 of a frame of a decking structure. It is to be appreciated that the frame may be defined by opposing parallel frame members 401 and perpendicular opposing parallel frame members 1401, thereby forming a rectangular frame.

The third plate section 1103 projects from the distal longitudinal side 1102Iong2 of the second plate section 1102 in a second direction 1106 substantially parallel to the first surface. In typical use, the second direction may be horizontal in a direction away from the first plate section. The third plate section 1103 extends along the entire length of the longitudinal side 1102Iong2 of the second plate section 1102. The third plate section thereby juts/protects out and may serve as a support member! ledge member / flange! ridge / rim that, in use, rests on the frame member 1401 of a frame of the decking platform -as shown in FIG. 12-thereby further supporting the decking panel in the frame. Yet furthermore, the side support plate may also advantageously serve to hold the frame member 1401 down and lock it into place. In particular, in systems (such as the RhinoDeck safety platform by SayfaSystems Ltd shown in FIG. 13) where the frame members 1401, e.g. ledgers, rest on/are attached to on vertical supports/uprights, a decking panel including a side support plate and its jutting out third plate member would, in use, provide a downward force (e.g. by virtue of the weight of the decking panel) that helps keep the frame member 1401 in position and avoid it lifting off from its vertical supports/uprights.

The first, second and third plate sections of the side support may thereby form a structure having a substantially "X" shaped cross-sectional profile.

In certain examples, the heights and/or widths of the first, second and third plate sections 1101, 1102, 1103 of the side plate may be the same as or substantially similar to the heights and/or widths of the first, second and third plate sections 101, 102, 103 of the support plate of FIGs 1A-C.

FIG. 13, shows a decking system, 1500 similar to that of FIG. 5, that further utilises the side supports 1100 of FIGs 11A -12.

The decking system 1500 comprises a decking structure 1501 and a plurality of decking panels 300. The decking structure 1501 comprise a plurality of rectangular frames 1502 held up and supported by vertical support members 1503. Each frame is formed of opposing parallel frame members 1504 (e.g. extending in a longitudinal direction) and opposing parallel frame members 1401 (e.g. extending in a transverse direction).

The side supports 1100 support the sides of the decking panels that are proximal to / abut against the frame members 1504 (whereas the supports 100 200 of FIGS 1A -20 at either end of each panel 300 support the ends of the decking panels that are proximal to / abut against the frame members 1401).

As shown in FIG. 13, a single side support plate 1100 is attached to a longitudinal side of a scaffolding board of a decking panel that is closest to the frame member 1504, e.g. at a middle or intermediate portion of the longitudinal side of the scaffolding board. In some examples two or more side support plates may be utilised and attached to the longitudinal side of the scaffolding board.

The support plates, side support plates, and the various sections thereof may be made of any suitable material that provides the requisite rigidity and strength to provide adequate load bearing capabilities, not least for example pre-galvanized steel. Each support plate and side support plate can be integrally formed, i.e. so as to be made from a single unitary metal sheet, duly cut/pressed and folded into the above described structure/configuration shown and described above. The various plate sections of a support plate/side support plate may be integrally formed, i.e. so as to be connected together so as to make up the support plate/side support plate.

Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Features described in the preceding description can be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions can be performable by other features whether described or not.

While the above examples and optional features are described separately, it is to be understood that their provision in all possible combinations and permutations is

contained within the disclosure.

Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, those features can also be present in other examples whether described or not. Accordingly, features described in relation to one example/aspect of the disclosure can include any or all of the features described in relation to another example/aspect of the disclosure, and vice versa, to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent.

Although various examples of the present disclosure have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the claims. For example, whilst decking panels formed of 3 boards have been described, it is to be appreciates that support plates could be duly dimensioned and configured to be attached to one or more number of boards, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 and so on. Whilst various of the figures indicate specific dimensions and sizes, it is to be appreciated that examples of the disclosures could be made having differing dimensions and sizes to those specified in various of the figures.

Whilst examples of the disclosure have been described with respect to scaffolding boards, such as standard wooden scaffolding boards complying with BS 2482, it is to be appreciated that the support plates can be affixed, secured or integrally applied to other boards and planks and which may be made of other materials.

The term 'comprise' is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X can comprise only one Y or can comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use 'comprise' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one..." or by using "consisting".

In this description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term 'example' or 'for example', 'can' or 'may' in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some or all other examples. Thus 'example', 'for example', 'can' or 'may' refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class.

In this description, references to "a/an/the" [feature, element, component, means...] are to be interpreted as "at least one" [feature, element, component, means...] unless explicitly stated otherwise. That is any reference to X comprising a/the Y indicates that X can comprise only one Y or can comprise more than one Y unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. If it is intended to use 'a' or 'the' with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances the use of 'at least one' or one or more' can be used to emphasise an inclusive meaning but the absence of these terms should not be taken to infer any exclusive meaning.

The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature (or combination of features) itself and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). The equivalent features include, for example, features that are variants and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. The equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function, in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

In this description, reference has been made to various examples using adjectives or adjectival phrases to describe characteristics of the examples. Such a description of a characteristic in relation to an example indicates that the characteristic is present in some examples exactly as described and is present in other examples substantially as described.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of examples of the present disclosure believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

The examples of the present disclosure and the accompanying claims can be suitably combined in any manner apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention. Further, while the claims herein are provided as comprising specific dependencies, it is contemplated that any claims can depend from any other claims and that to the extent that any alternative embodiments can result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the various claims and/or changing dependencies of claims, any such alternative embodiments and their equivalents are also within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim: 1. A support plate for supporting one or more boards on a frame of a decking structure, the support plate comprising: a first elongate plate section defining a first surface, the first plate section comprising: first and second opposing longitudinal sides, and first and second opposing lateral sides; a second elongate plate section projecting from a longitudinal side of the first plate section in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface; a third elongate plate section projecting from a longitudinal side of the second plate section in a second direction substantially parallel to the first surface; and first and second side plate sections respectively projecting from the first and second lateral sides of the first plate section in a third direction substantially opposite the first direction.
2. The support plate of claim 1, wherein the second elongate plate section extends along the length of the longitudinal side of the first elongate plate section.
3. The support plate of claim 1 or 2, wherein the third elongate plate section extends along the length of the longitudinal side of the second elongate plate section.
4. The support plate of any previous claim, wherein the length of: the first, second, or third elongate plate sections is based in part on a total width of the number of said one or more boards that are to be supported by the support plate.
5. The support plate of any of any previous claim, wherein the first and second side plate sections have a height: greater than one or more of: 25, 27 and 29 mm; less than one or more of: 30 mm, 32 mm, 34 mm and 38 mm; based on a thickness of said one or more boards; and or less than a thickness of said one or more boards.
6. The support plate of any previous claim, wherein a separation distance between the first and second side plate sections is greater than: the length of: the first, second, or third elongate plate sections; and/or a total width of an integer number of boards arranged in a row.
7. The support plate of any previous claim, wherein the first elongate plate section comprises one or more through holes for fixings for securing the support plate to one or more ends of one or more boards.
8. The support plate of any previous claim, wherein each of the first and second side plate sections respectively extends substantially along the width of the first and second lateral sides.
9. The support plate of any previous claim, wherein a width of the first and second side plate sections is substantially the same as a width of the first and second lateral sides.
10. The support plate of any of claims 1-8, wherein a width of the first and second side plate sections is greater than a width of the first and second lateral sides.
11. The support plate of claims 1 -8 and 10, wherein each of the first and second side plate sections comprises a protruding portion that extends in the second direction past the first elongate plate member.
12. The support plate of claim 11, wherein the protruding portions of the first and second side plate sections at least partially underlie the third elongate plate section.
13. The support plate of claims 11 or 12, wherein a corner section of each of the protruding portions of the first and second side plate sections comprises a bevelled edge.
14. One or more boards, platform boards, scaffolding boards, decking panels for a decking structure, decking structures, and/or systems comprising one or more support plates of any previous claim.
15. A system comprising: a first support plate according to claims 1 -9; a second support plate according to claims 1 -8 and 10-11.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein a height of the second elongate plate section of the second support plate is greater than a height of the second elongate plate section of the first support plate.
17. The system of claim 15 or 16, wherein a width of the third elongate plate section of the second support plate is greater than a width of the third elongate plate section of the first support plate.
18. The system of any of previous claims 15-17, further comprising one or more boards, wherein a first end of each of the one or more boards is attached to the first support plate, and wherein a second end of each of the one or more boards is attached to the second support plate.
19. The system of any of previous claims 15-18, further comprising one or more side support plates, wherein the one or more side support plates comprise: a first plate section defining a first surface for supporting a portion of a longitudinal side of a board; a second plate section projecting from a side of the first plate section in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the first surface; a third plate section projecting from a side of the second plate in a second direction substantially parallel to the first surface.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the one or more side support plates have a substantially "X" shaped cross-sectional profile.
21. A decking panel for a decking structure comprising the system of any of previous claims 15 -20.
22. A decking system comprising: at least one decking panel of claim 21; and a decking structure comprising: a plurality of frame members for forming a frame for the at least one decking panel, and a plurality of structural support members for holding up the at least one decking panels and frame.