GB2622635A

GB2622635A - A scaffolding platform assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2622635A
Application number: GB2213973.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Montgomery Richard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-09-21
Filing date: 2022-09-26
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: GB202213783D0; GB202213973D0

Abstract

A loading bearing bracket forming part of a platform assembly for connection to scaffolding. The bracket has three arms connected in a triangular configuration, where a first arm (20 figure 1) of the bracket is tubular and houses an extendible arm 8. A second arm (10 figure 1) of the bracket extends perpendicularly from one end of the first arm, and the third arm is positioned between the first and second. The second and third arms have at least one clamp (12, 28 figure 1) facing outwardly from the triangle. There may be a recessed slot 21 on the first arm which can be used to extend the arm 8. The end of the extendible section may have a catch or a lug to retain a platform board. A platform support assembly with at least two brackets is disclosed. The assembly may have an additional support bracket with a brace plate. A method of constructing the platform is also claimed.

Description

A SCAFFOLDING PLATFORM ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a scaffolding platform assembly. The invention relates, in particular, to a portable platform lift that can easily be installed and used on to scaffolding in confined areas.

Background to the invention

Finding a platform to work from within scaffolding can be challenging, particularly where the working surface is fragile, such is as an asbestos roof for example, and/or when space is limited to perhaps only allowing one row of scaffolding legs.

Scaffolding lifts are known but these are large, often separate structures that require large space and several rows of scaffolding poles. The elevation cannot be adjusted without raising or lowering the entire lift scaffolding The present invention seeks to provide a platform for scaffolding that can easily be coupled or uncoupled to the scaffolding at a selected height by a labourer with little training to save time and reduce costs. A working platform, variable in size, which can be simply fixed to the inside of scaffold legs is far more efficient than raising or dropping an entire lift of scaffold.

Moreover, the invention seeks to provide a platform for scaffolding that may only require two components and can be used on a single row of scaffolding legs.

Statements of invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a loading bearing bracket for a platform support assembly for connection to scaffolding in use, the bracket comprising three arms connected in a triangular construction, wherein: a first arm of the bracket is tubular and houses an extension arm extendible therefrom; a second arm of the bracket extends perpendicularly from one end of the first arm and carries at least one outwardly facing clamping member; and a third arm extends between first and second arms and having at least one outwardly facing clamping member.

By "outwardly facing" it is meant that the clamping members are located on or fixed to the arm so to face outwardly from the arm away from the triangular structure.

Preferably the second arm has two spaced outwardly facing clamping members located at, or near, either end of the arm to clamp the bracket, in use, to a vertically aligned scaffolding pole.

Preferably, the clamping member of the third arm is located or fixed to the arm at or near its connection with the first arm.

Preferably, the second arm has at least one inwardly extending clamp member.

By "inwardly facing" it is meant the clamping member is located on or fixed to the arm so to face inwardly into the triangular structure.

Preferably, the first arm has a recessed slot at least partially along its length to access and slide the extension arm in respect of the first arm in order to extend or retract the extension arm.

Preferably, the distal end of the extension arm includes a catch member an abutment surface to prevent a platform board located on and across the first arm in use from sliding off the arm.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a platform support assembly system assembly for connection to scaffolding in use, the system comprising: at least two load bearing brackets of the first aspect; and a first tubular support pole to be clamped in use to and between clamping members of the second arms of each bracket; and a second tubular support pole to be clamped in use to and between clamping members of the third arms of each bracket.

Preferably the assembly further comprises at least one support bracket comprising two arms connected in an L-shaped configuration, wherein: a first arm of the bracket is tubular and houses an extension arm extendible therefrom; a second arm of the bracket extends perpendicularly from one end of the first arm and carries at least one inwardly facing clamping member; and a further clamping member extending downwardly from an end part of the first arm end.

Preferably the support bracket further comprises a brace plate secured to and extending between first and second arms.

Preferably, the first arm of the support bracket has a recessed slot at least partially along its length to access and slide the extension arm in respect of the first arm in order to extend or retract the extension arm.

Preferably, the distal end of the extension arm of the support plate includes a catch member an abutment surface to prevent a platform board located on and across the first arm in use from sliding off the arm.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a platform assembly, for connection to scaffolding in use, the bracket comprising three arms connected in a triangular construction, wherein the system comprises: a first arm of the bracket is tubular and houses an extension arm extendible therefrom; a second arm of the bracket extends perpendicularly from one end of the first arm and carries at least one outwardly facing clamping member; a third arm extends between first and second arms and having at least one clamping member; a first tubular support pole to be clamped in use to and between clamping members of the second arms of each bracket; a second tubular support pole to be clamped in use to and between clamping members of the third arms of each bracket; and at least one platform section locatable on and over the first arms of each bracket in use.

Preferably the platform assembly further includes one or more support brackets of the second aspect to be clamped in use on to the first and second support poles.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is a provided a method of constructing the platform assembly of the third aspect, the method comprising the steps of: securing the clamping members of the second arm of each bracket around a respective vertically orientated scaffolding pole; securing the first tubular support pole in a horizontal orientation to and between the members of the second arms of each bracket; securing the second tubular pole in a horizontal orientation to and between the members of the third arms of each bracket, extending the extension arms from the first arm of each bracket; and locating the at least one platform section in a horizontal orientation on and across the extension arms of each bracket.

Preferably the method further comprises the steps of clamping at least one support member of the second aspect on and over the first and second support poles, extending the extension arms of the support brackets and locating the at least one platform section on and across the extension arms of each load-bearing bracket and support bracket.

Brief Description of the Drawinqs

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a load-bearing bracket that forms part of the assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the load-bearing bracket of figure 1 with the extension arm extended; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a support bracket that forms part of the assembly of the present invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the support bracket of figure 1 with the extension arm extended; Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of an assembled platform constructed and assembled in accordance with the invention; and Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the assembled platform of figure 5.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

Referring first to figure 1, the invention relates to a hop-up platform assembly system for scaffolding.

The components of the system comprise a set of load bearing main brackets 2 and a set of support brackets 4 and tubular support poles 26, 30.

During assembly and use the brackets are connected to vertically aligned poles of existing scaffolding (not shown) in order to provide a support area for horizontally aligned scaffolding boards 6, to thereby provide a platform extending outwardly from, and at least partially along the scaffolding onto which workmen can be supported.

A load bearing bracket 2 is shown in figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 shows the bracket 2 with an extension arm 8 extending therefrom and Figure 2 shows the bracket 2 with the extension arm 8 retracted.

Each bracket 2 has a generally tubular triangular frame. A first arm 10 has two outwardly facing spaced clamps members 12 in the form of load bearing couplers, secured thereto at or near opposing ends of the arm 10.

Each clamping member 12 has a generally concave base 14 and a corresponding concave arm 16 which is pivotally connected to the base 14 at one end. The curvatures of the base 14 and arm 16 form a generally circular recess between the base 14 and arm 16 when the arm 16 is closed over the base 14. During assembly and use, the clamping members 12 are used to secure the arm 10, and hence the bracket 2, to tubular upright poles of scaffolding.

The clamping arms 16 are pivoted open to receive the pole in the recess and are then closed around the pole and tightened shut using a nut and bolt 18 to clamp the clamping member 12 around the pole at the desired height.

A second arm 20 of the bracket 2 extends perpendicularly from one end of the first arm 10 so to extend outwardly from the scaffolding in a generally horizontal orientation.

As can be seen in figures 5 and 6, the second arms 20 of each bracket 2 form a support structure over and across which the scaffolding boards 6 can be placed to provide a hop-up platform for workmen.

The second arm 20 is hollow to house the extension arm 8, and to allow the arm 8 to telescopically extend from one end of the second arm 20 to increase the bracket length and therefore enlarge the support area for the boards 6 to be placed.

The second arm 20 has a recessed slot 21 partially along its length. The extension arm 8 includes tab (not shown) that is accessible through the slot 21 to allow the user to slide the extension arm 8 in respect of the arm 20 to extend or retract it when necessary.

In the embodiment shown, the extension arm 8 can extend the bracket to a length to accommodate three scaffolding boards 6A, 6B, 60, lying width-wise across two brackets 2. The first arm and for extension arm 8 length can be altered to accommodate more or less boards 6.

The extension arm 8 has a protruding tip 22 forming a lip which extends upwardly against the end surface scaffolding board 60 to form a stop and hold the end board 6C securely in place and prevent it slipping sideways off of the end of extension arms 8. The lip may be provided with a gripping surface or structure to grip against or into the end surface of the board 6C for additional securement to prevent slippage in a vertical direction as well as a horizontal direction.

Referring back to figures 1 and 2, a third arm 24 of the bracket 2 forms the hypotenuse of the triangle. This arm 24 includes an outwardly facing clamping member 12 to receive tubular support poles 26 that extend horizontally between and across the brackets 2.

The first arm 10 includes a further clamp member 28 extending inwardly from the first arm 10 towards the third arm 24. This clamp member 28 also receives a tubular support pole 30 extending horizontally between and across the brackets 2. \Mien the pole 30 is located in the recess, a locking peg 32 locks the pole within the clamp. To this end, figure 1 shows the locking peg 32 in an unlocked position to allow the pole 30 to be received in the clamp member 28. Figure 2 shows the locking peg 32 in a locked position.

A support bracket 4 is shown in figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 shows the bracket 4 with an extension arm 34 extending therefrom, and Figure 2 shows the bracket 4 with the extension arm 34 retracted.

The bracket 4 is generally L-shaped and includes a brace plate 36 secured to and extending between the arms 38, 40 for added strength. A first arm 38 includes an inwardly facing clamping member 12 to receive support pole 26. The second arm 40 provides the platform support in the same way as the second arm 20 of the main bracket 2.

A downwardly extending tubular section 42 extends from the end of the first arm 38 at the end of which is located a further downwardly extending clamping member 12 to receive support pole 30.

If a longer span of platform is required further support brackets 4 may be secured within the assembly between the load bearing brackets 2.

As can be seen figure 6 the design of the support brackets 4 and the location of the clamping members 12 thereon allow the support brackets 4 to be clamped over the horizontally aligned support poles 26, 30, which are held themselves in place through being clamped to the load bearing brackets 2.

The support brackets are supported by the poles 26, 30 and upstand from the poles 26, 30 to provide additional support to the platform boards 6, between the load bearing brackets 2. Typically, support brackets 4 are required to fill the transom spacing under the platform for each maximum length of around 1.2m. Support brackets 4 are also used to secure the end of each fleet of boards 6.

The brackets 2, 4 are preferably made of a metal, for example steel, although any suitable load-bearing material could be used.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A loading bearing bracket for a platform support assembly for connection to scaffolding in use, the bracket comprising three arms connected in a triangular construction, wherein: a first arm of the bracket is tubular and houses an extension arm extendible therefrom, a second arm of the bracket extends perpendicularly from one end of the first arm and carries at least one outwardly facing clamping member; and a third arm extends between first and second arms and having at least one outwardly facing clamping member. 3. 4. 6. 7.
A bracket according to claim 1, wherein the second arm has two spaced outwardly facing clamping members located at, or near either end of the arm, to clamp the bracket in use, to a vertically aligned scaffolding pole.
A bracket according to 1 or claim 2, wherein the clamping member of the third arm is located or fixed to the arm at or near its connection with the first arm.
A bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second arm has at least one inwardly extending clamp member.
A bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first arm has a recessed slot at least partially along its length to access and slide the extension arm in respect of the first arm in order to extend or retract the extension arm.
A bracket according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the distal end of the extension arm includes a catch member an abutment surface to prevent a platform board located on and across the first arm in use from sliding off the arm.
A platform support assembly system assembly for connection to scaffolding in use, the system comprising: at least two load bearing brackets according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a first tubular support pole shaped and dimensioned to be clamped in use to and between clamping members of the second arms of each bracket; and a second tubular support pole shaped and dimensioned to be clamped in use to and between clamping members of the third arms of each bracket.
8. An assembly according to claim 7, further comprises at least one support bracket comprising two arms connected in an L-shaped configuration, wherein: a first arm of the support bracket is tubular and houses an extension arm extendible therefrom; a second arm of the support bracket extends perpendicularly from one end of the first arm and carries at least one inwardly facing clamping member; and a further clamping member extending downwardly from an end part of the first arm of the support bracket.
9. A support bracket of the assembly according to claim 8, wherein the support bracket further comprises a brace plate secured to and extending between first and second arms.
10. A support bracket of the assembly of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the first arm of the support bracket has a recessed slot at least partially along its length to access and slide the extension arm in respect of the first arm in order to extend or retract the extension arm.
11. A support bracket of the assembly of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the distal end of the extension arm of the support plate includes a catch member an abutment surface to prevent a platform board located on and across the first arm in use from sliding off the arm.
12. A platform assembly system, for connection to scaffolding in use, the system comprising: the assembly system according to claims 7 to 11; and at least one platform section locatable on and over the first arms of each bracket in use.
13. A method of constructing the platform assembly of claim 12, the method comprising the steps of: securing the clamping members of the second arm of the or each load bearing bracket around a respective vertically orientated scaffolding pole; securing the first tubular support pole in a horizontal orientation to and between the members of the second arms of each bracket; securing the second tubular pole in a horizontal orientation to and between the members of the third arms of each bracket; extending the extension arms from the first arm of each bracket; and locating the at least one platform section in a horizontal orientation on and across the extension arms of each bracket.