NO345950B1

NO345950B1 - A retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank, a scaffolding system having a retention member, a method for retaining a scaffold plank to a scaffold beam and a method for releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam

Info

Publication number: NO345950B1
Application number: NO20200767A
Authority: NO
Inventors: Michael Habekost; Steffen Skonning Plasmann
Original assignee: Pcp Corp A/S
Priority date: 2019-06-28
Filing date: 2020-06-25
Publication date: 2021-11-08
Also published as: DK180396B1; DK201970414A1; NO20200767A1; SE543912C2; SE2050775A1

Description

A retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank, a scaffolding system having a retention member, a method for retaining a scaffold plank to a scaffold beam and a method for releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank in an efficient manner, while increasing the safety of the entire scaffolding system.

The present invention relates to a method of retaining a scaffold plank to a scaffold beam by a retention member in an efficient manner.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of removing a retention member from a scaffolding system in a fast an efficient manner.

Background of the Invention

Scaffolding systems comprising of scaffold planks connected scaffold beams, where the scaffold planks are fastened to the scaffold beams by some kind of fastener, are well known in the art of scaffolding systems.

The scaffold planks connected to the scaffold beams are connected by manually tightening the fasteners, which increases costs of building.

Outdoor scaffolding systems are exposed to wind. The wind causes the scaffolding system to vibrate. These vibrations over time loosen the fasteners, which increases the risk of accidents. The loosening of the fasteners can be counteracted by manually tightening the fasteners. Some scaffolding systems have 100.000 fasteners and thus, manually tightening these will increase maintenance cost.

GB334866 describes a scaffold clamp for attaching to the uprights the ledger members of scaffolding employed in the erection and renovation of building.

The scaffold clamp is used to attach transverse timber to the uprights by the use of a U-shaped gripping member. However GB334866 does not describe how a plank such as a scaffolding plank is quickly and securely attached to the transverse timber. The present invention differs by a retention member and a method which is capable of being attached to a transverse beam in a fast manner.

Furthermore, the fasteners are positioned below the scaffolding planks and are therefore not easily accessible, which further increases costs if the fasteners are to be re-tightened.

Furthermore, the fasteners also increase the time needed for dismantling the scaffolding system as the fasteners must be un-tightened before scaffold planks and scaffold beams can be separated. Thus, the fasteners increase total costs.

DE102017218457A1 describes a scaffolding floor for a dismountable scaffolding with a running plate covering and with a cross member which extends along a running plate covering transverse direction of the running plate covering. The cross member comprises a connecting element for producing a releasable load-bearing attachment of the scaffold floor to a load-bearing element of the scaffolding, as well as an inner profile section and an outer profile section, the longitudinal profiles of which are each aligned along the transverse direction of the tread covering. The outer profile section, viewed in a longitudinal direction of the tread surface of the tread surface, is arranged on the outside and at a distance from the inner profile section. The connecting element is attached to the outer profile section with the aid of a first joint connection and to the inner profile section with the aid of a second joint connection.

Thus, there is a need for a retention member capable of securing scaffold planks to scaffold beams without the need of tightening when initially building the scaffolding system, thereby also making the dismantling faster and more efficient.

Furthermore, there is a need for a retention member and scaffolding system where the safety does not decrease with time due to vibration caused by wind, i.e. a retention member and scaffolding system which is immune to vibrations.

Furthermore, there is a need for method capable of building and dismantling the scaffolding system in a cost efficient manner.

Object of the Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a retention member capable of overcoming the short comings of the prior art fasteners.

It is an object of the invention to provide a more efficient method for retaining a scaffold plank to a scaffold beam and a method for removing a retention member (10) from a scaffolding system.

Description of the Invention

An object of the invention is achieved by a retention member adapted for retaining a scaffold plank, wherein the retention member comprises a first lower leg defining first axis and a second lower leg defining second axis, the lower legs being substantially parallel and the legs may define a lower leg plane; a first upper leg connected to the first lower leg and the first upper leg and extending upwardly at a first obtuse angle relative to the lower leg plane;

a second upper leg connected to the second lower leg and the second upper leg and extending upwardly at a second obtuse angle relative to the lower leg plane;

an intermediate piece interconnecting the upper legs, wherein

- the first lower leg and the second lower leg are positioned within the lower leg plane; and

- one or both lower legs having a foot extending upwardly substantially perpendicular from the lower leg plane.

One or both lower legs preferably have a protrusion extending in the lower leg plane away from the axis.

One or both protrusions are preferably formed by a part of the lower legs displaced away from the corresponding axis.

The protrusions preferably face each other.

The retention member is preferably made of stainless steel. The strength of stainless steel is sufficiently high enough to withstand any force that the retention member may be exposed to..

Furthermore, stainless steel and aluminium are chemically stable which is important as the scaffold planks are typically made of aluminium.

Furthermore, the relative high density of stainless steel makes the retention member more wind resistant due to a larger mass.

The retention member is preferably a monolith.

The geometric centre of the retention member is preferably closer to the intermediate piece than the centre of mass of the retention member.

The invention also relates to a scaffold plank comprising a plane top side with a pattern of apertures, a connection part having a shape complementary to a scaffold beam and a retention member, having each lower and upper leg inserted into two apertures forming part of the pattern of apertures neighbouring the connection part for interacting with a scaffold beam.

The scaffold plank further comprises plank sides extending in a direction opposite to the top side, the plank sides having a side height being about half the length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane.

Further, the invention relates to a scaffolding system comprising

- a scaffold beam;

- a scaffold plank comprising a plane top side with a pattern of apertures, and a connection part interacting with the scaffold beam; and

- a retention member as defined above, the retention member having each upper and lower leg inserted into two apertures neighbouring the scaffold beam such that the one or two feet and the lower legs partially surround the scaffold beam.

The invention also relates to a method of retaining a scaffold plank with a connection part to a scaffold beam by a retention member as defined above, the method comprising acts of:

- inserting the retention member near the connection part and with the at least one foot displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank ;

- placing the connection part towards the scaffold beam and displacing the at least one foot by way of contact with the scaffold beam; and

- retaining the scaffolding plank to the scaffold beam by re-placing the at least one foot into position below the scaffold beam by way of gravity, thereby partially surrounding the scaffold beam.

The invention also relates to a method of releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam by using a retention member as defined above, the method comprising acts of;

- displacing the at least one foot away from the scaffold beam; and

- releasing the scaffold plank by moving the scaffold plank away from the scaffold beam.

The invention also relates to a method of assembling or disassembling a scaffolding system, the method comprising acts of;

- assembling the scaffolding system by repeatedly performing the method defined above; or

- disassembling the scaffolding system by repeatedly performing the method as defined above.

One or both lower legs may have a foot extending upwardly substantially perpendicular relative to the lower leg plane.

The angle between the one or both lower legs and one or both feet may be 80-90 degrees, such that the one or both feet point in the general direction of the intermediate piece. This ensures the correct distribution of mass such that the retention member passively positions itself correctly, when in intended use.

The point of connection between the foot and lower leg is the foot connection point. The obtuse angles between the lower legs and the upper legs and the foot extending substantially perpendicular from the lower leg plane ensures that the foot connection point is below the foot, when the retention member is pivotably held at the intermediate piece as when in intended use in a scaffold plank. Thereby, the one or two feet and the lower legs partially surround, due to gravity, a scaffold beam, when in intended use. Gravity will always correct the retention member towards equilibrium, which is where the foot connection point is below the foot and the retention member partially surrounds the scaffold beam.

Thereby, several limitations of the prior art are overcome, because the vibrations cannot loosen the retention member as gravity will move the retention member towards equilibrium. Thus, safety will not decrease with time, due to vibrations caused by the wind.

Furthermore, cost of assembling a scaffolding system is reduced because the retention member does not need to be fastened manually as the retention member pivots due to gravity below the scaffold beam, thereby retaining the scaffold beam passively.

Furthermore, cost of disassembling a scaffolding system is reduced because the retention member does not need to be un-tightened as the retention member can be pivotably moved away from the scaffold beam and the scaffold plank can be moved away from the scaffold beam afterwards. Thereby, time and cost are reduced.

The retention member is adapted for a scaffold plank by the intermediate piece having a length corresponding to the distance between two apertures in the scaffold plank.

In an embodiment both lower legs have a foot. Thereby, the retention member becomes more resistant to torque as any twisting force may be transferred from the first foot through the structure of the retention member to the second foot or vice versa.

The first upper leg, the first lower leg and the first foot may define a first foot plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane. The second upper leg, the second lower leg and the second foot may define a second foot plane, which is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane.

Thereby, the retention member may be placed or removed more easily into a scaffold plank.

The term upwardly is used to describe in which direction the one or two feet and the upper legs are extending from the lower legs and it should be understood in the sense that the one or two feet and the upper legs extend from the same side of the lower leg plane, such that the retention member from the side has a C-shape.

The retention member may have a diameter of Ø4-8 or Ø6.

The intermediate piece may have a length of 15-25 mm or 20 mm or the length between two apertures in a top side of a scaffolding plank.

The lower leg may have length of 40-60 mm, or 50 mm.

The length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane may be 100-120 mm or 110 mm.

The length of one or both feet may be 25-30 mm or 27.5 mm.

The length of the upper leg may be 35-45, or about 40 mm.

The skilled person would know that the above mentioned lengths depend on the scaffolding system. The above mentioned lengths are given for a retention member to be used in a scaffolding system where a scaffolding beam may have a diameter of about 48-54Ø.

The retention member may be adapted to be used in a scaffolding system, where a scaffolding beam may have a diameter of about Ø34. In this case the above mentioned dimensions may be reduced to accommodate the smaller size of the scaffolding beam.

Likewise, the dimensions may increase if the dimensions of the scaffolding beam increases.

In an aspect of the invention, one or both lower legs may have a protrusion extending in the lower leg plane away from the axis.

The intermediate piece has a length adapted for a scaffolding plank by having a length enabling the retention member to be inserted into two apertures of the scaffolding plank.

The first and/or second protrusions will increase friction between the apertures and the scaffolding plank, thereby the risk of the retention member being forced up and out of the scaffolding plank is decreased significantly as a friction barrier is formed.

The first and/or second protrusions may extend towards the other lower leg, thereby decreasing the distance between the lower legs such that structure of the retention member has to be forced outwardly.

The first and/or second protrusion may extend away from the other lower leg, thereby the protrusion will interact with the side of the aperture such that the structure of the retention member has to be forced inwardly.

The skilled person would know how far the first and/or second protrusions have to extend in order to get a suitable friction enabling the retention member to be removable and to be insertable by a user, while decreasing the risk of the retention member being forced up and out of the scaffolding plank.

In an aspect of the invention, one or both protrusions are formed by displacing part of the lower legs away from the corresponding axis.

The displacement creates a small space which decreases the risk of the retention member getting stuck, when inserting or removing the retention member from the scaffolding plank.

Furthermore, the protrusion(s) may be made by simple means.

In an embodiment the one or both part of the lower legs is displaced towards the other lower leg.

In an embodiment the one or both part of the lower legs is displaced away from the other lower leg.

In an aspect of the invention, the protrusions face each other.

Thereby, both protrusions will create a friction with the scaffolding plank at the same time, preventing torque and decreasing risk of the retention member being forced out of a scaffolding plank.

In an aspect of the invention, the retention member is a monolith.

Thereby, the retention member becomes easy to handle.

Furthermore, a weak point due to a joint is eliminated.

In an aspect of the invention, the geometric centre of the retention member is closer to the intermediate piece than the centre of mass of the retention member.

Thereby, it is ensured that the retention member has the correct positioning relative to the scaffold plank and scaffold beam, when in intended use. The one or both feet of the retention member must partially surround said scaffold beam.

An object of the invention is achieved by a scaffold plank, which scaffold plank may comprise a plane top side with a pattern of apertures, a connection part complementary to a scaffold beam and a retention member having each lower and upper leg inserted into two apertures neighbouring the connection part for interacting with a scaffold beam.

Thereby, the scaffold plank is ready to retain a scaffold beam, which will decrease cost of assembling a scaffolding system.

In an aspect of the invention, the scaffold plank may further comprise plank sides extending in a direction opposite to the top side, the plank sides having a side height being about half the length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane.

Thus, for the previously mentioned dimensions of the retention member, the plank sides may have a height of about 50-60 mm or about 55 mm.

Thereby, the scaffold plank with the retention member becomes stackable such that scaffold planks being equipped with the retention members can be shipped fast and easy.

The working principle is, when a first scaffold plank is stacked on, then part of the retention member is pushed up into the space between the top side of the first scaffold plank and the top side of the next scaffold plank stacked on top of the first scaffold plank. This space is created or defined by the plank side of the next scaffold plank stacked on top of the first scaffold plank. Since the side heights of the scaffold planks are about half the length of the retention member, there is space for the retention member.

The retention member may be tiltable when about half of the retention member is above the top side and half is below the top side. Thus, the side height of the plank side may be less than the length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane.

If one or both lower legs comprise protrusions, the protrusion will ensure that the retention member is kept in place during stacking and shipping as the protrusions will prevent the retention member from being displaced from the scaffold plank.

Thereby, a plurality of scaffold planks with retention members can be stacked on top of each other such that a person assembling or disassembling a scaffolding system can work fast and efficiently as the retention members do not need to be removed or inserted during the actual disassembling/assembling.

Furthermore, if the retention member is to be removed from the scaffold plank, the retention member can be removed by pulling the intermediate piece from the plane top side or by pushing the feet or legs of the retention member from below the scaffold plank and upwards. This is an improvement over the prior at as the fasteners can only be handled from below the scaffold plank.

An object of the invention is achieved by a scaffolding system, which scaffolding system may comprise

- a scaffold beam;

- a retention member having each upper and lower leg inserted into two apertures neighbouring the scaffold beam such that the one or two feet and the lower legs partially surround the scaffold beam.

The scaffolding system has higher safety than prior art scaffolding systems, because the retention member is unaffected by vibrations as gravity will always force the retention member towards equilibrium, where the one or two feet and the lower legs partially surround the scaffold beam, thereby retaining the scaffold plank to the scaffold beam.

The connection part is complementary to the scaffold beam and the connection part may be designed such that the scaffold plank and retention member together surround or almost surround the entire scaffold beam.

An object of the invention is achieved by a method of retaining a scaffold plank with a connection part to a scaffold beam by a retention member with at least one foot, the method comprising acts of;

- inserting the retention member near the connection part and with the at least one foot displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank;

Thereby, the scaffold plank is retained to the scaffold beam in an efficient manner, which decreases the cost.

The maintenance cost is lowered, because the retention member has a gravity determined equilibrium where the at least one foot partially surrounds the scaffold beam. Thus, if the retention member and the at least one foot is moved away from the equilibrium, gravity will return the retention member and the at least one foot to the equilibrium.

As an example:

The retention member is inserted near the connection part such that the at least one foot is displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank.

The connection part of the scaffolding plank is placed towards the scaffold beam and the scaffold beam displaces the at least one foot by way of contact to a point, where the at least one foot is re-placed into a position below the scaffold beam by way of gravity, thereby partially surrounding the scaffold beam. Thus, the scaffolding plank is retained to the scaffold beam.

This is also disclosed in figure 6-8.

In an aspect of the invention, the act of inserting is performed using a retention member with one or more of previously described features.

An object of the invention is achieved by a method of releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam by a retention member having at least one foot displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank.

The method may comprise acts of;

- displacing the at least one foot away from the scaffold beam; and

Thus, the method enables a fast and efficient releasing of the scaffold plank, thereby decreasing costs when disassembling.

As an example:

The at least one foot may be displaced away from the scaffold beam by manually pushing the at least one foot away from the scaffold beam or by lifting part of the retention member a small distance above the scaffold plank followed by a pivotal movement, such that the least one foot moves away from the scaffold beam.

The scaffold plank may afterwards be released from the scaffold beam by moving the scaffold plank away from the scaffold beam.

In an aspect of the invention, the act of displacing is performed using a retention member with one or more of previously described features.

An object of the invention is achieved by a method of assembling or disassembling a scaffolding system. The method may comprise acts of;

- assembling the scaffolding system by repeatedly performing the method of retaining a scaffold plank with a connection part to a scaffold beam; or

- disassembling the scaffolding system by repeatedly performing the method of releasing a scaffold plank with a retention member from a scaffold beam.

Thereby a person may assemble or disassemble a scaffolding system in a fast and cost-efficient manner.

Description of the Drawing

Embodiments of the invention will be described in the figures, whereon:

Fig. 1 illustrates a retention member;

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a retention member;

Fig. 3 illustrates a scaffolding system disclosing the position of a retention member when in intended use;

Fig. 4 illustrates a close-up and a far-away view of a scaffolding system with a retention member;

Fig. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a scaffolding system with a retention member;

Fig. 6 illustrates a retention member being forced into a scaffold plank;

Fig. 7 illustrates how a scaffold plank with a retention member connects to a scaffold beam;

Fig. 8 illustrates how a scaffold plank with a retention member connects to a scaffold beam (continued from Fig.7);

Fig. 9 illustrates a method of retaining a scaffold plank with a connection part to a scaffold beam by a retention member;

Fig. 10 illustrates a method of releasing a scaffold plank being retained to a scaffold beam by a retention member; and

Fig. 11 illustrates a method for assembling or disassembling a scaffolding system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1 illustrates a retention member 10.

The retention member 10 comprises a first lower leg 20I defining a first axis 22I and a second lower leg 20II defining a second axis 22II. The lower legs 20I, 20II are substantially parallel and define a lower leg plane 24.

The first and second axis 22I, 22II and the lower leg plane 24 are only shown in fig.1 and fig.2 but the retention members 10 shown in figs.3-8 define the first and second axis 22I, 22II and the lower leg plane defined by the lower legs 20I, 20II.

The retention member 10 comprises a first upper leg 30I connected to the first lower leg 20I and extending upwardly at a first obtuse angle 32I relative to the lower leg plane 24.

The first upper leg 30I and the first lower leg 20I define a first leg plane 12I which is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane 24.

The retention member 10 comprises a second upper leg 30II connected to the second lower leg 20II and extending upwardly at a second obtuse angle 32II relative to the lower leg plane 24.

The second upper leg 30II and the second lower leg 20II define a second plane 12II which is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg plane 24.

The retention member 10 comprises an intermediate piece 34 interconnecting the upper legs 30I, 30II. The intermediate piece 34 is substantially perpendicular to both upper legs 30I, 30II.

Each lower leg 20I, 20II have a foot 40I, 40II extending upwardly substantially perpendicular relative to the lower leg plane 24. Each lower leg 20I, 20II is connected to the feet at a foot connection point 42I, 42II.

Each lower leg 20I, 20II has a protrusion 26I, 26II extending in the lower leg plane 24 away from the axis 22I, 22II.

In this specific embodiment each protrusion 26I, 26II is displacing part of the lower legs 20I, 20II away from the corresponding axis 22I, 22II.

The protrusions 26I, 26II are bent towards each other, thereby narrowing the distance between the two lower legs 20I, 20II.

The retention member 10 is adapted for a specific scaffold plank 60 (not shown) as the intermediate piece 34 determines the distance between each leg and thus, the intermediate piece 34 must have a length corresponding to the distance between two apertures 65 (not shown) such that the lower and upper legs 20I, 20II, 30I, 30II of the retention member 10 can be inserted into the two apertures 65.

The protrusions 26I, 26II are adapted to ensure a friction between the protrusions 26I, 26II and apertures 65. The skilled person would know how large the protrusions 26I, 26II should be to ensure a suitable friction, which makes the connection between retention member 10 and the scaffold plank 60 stable, while allowing the retention member 10 to be inserted or removed from the scaffold plank 60.

The retention member 10 hangs, when in intended use, from the scaffold plank 60 by the intermediate piece 34. The feet 40I, 40II extending upwardly and being substantially perpendicular relative to the lower leg plane 24 ensure that when the retention member 10 hangs, the foot connection points 42I, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10 due to gravity, which causes the retention member 10 to at least partially surround a scaffold beam 70 (not shown), when in intended use. This partial surrounding of the scaffold beam 70 happens passively due to gravity and no person is needed for tightening of any connection or fastener. Furthermore, the retention member 10 is immune to vibration because gravity will always move the retention member 10 towards equilibrium.

For the retention member 10 neither the first part (features referenced with I), nor the second part (features referenced with II) is more important than the other side, and neither the first part, nor the second part has more technical features or more functions.

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of a retention member 10. The retention member 10 is the same retention member shown in fig.1 but from a side view.

The retention member 10 is a monolith although the multiple lines might suggest that it is assemble from separate parts.

The disclosed part of the retention member 10 could be either the first part or the second part and thus, all reference is noted with I and II.

The retention member 10 comprises an upper leg 30I, 30II connected at an obtuse angle 32I, 32II to a lower leg 20I, 20II defining an axis 22I, 22II. The lower leg 20I, 20II is distal to the upper leg 30I, 30II connected to a foot 40I, 40II at a foot connection point 42I, 42II. The foot 40I, 40II is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg 20I, 20II.

The upper leg 30I, 30II, the lower leg 20I, 20II and the foot 40I, 40II all define a common leg plane 12I, 12II.

The lower leg 20I, 20II between the upper leg 30I, 30II and the foot 40I, 40II comprises a protrusion which is not in the leg plane 12I, 12II.

The protrusion divides the lower leg 20I, 20II into two separate lower leg parts which are both along the axis 22I, 22II.

The upper leg 30I, 30II is connected to the other upper leg 30II, 30I through an intermediate piece 34.

The upper leg 30I, 30II and the feet 40I, 40II are on the same side of the axis 22I, 22II.

Fig. 3 illustrates a scaffolding system 80 disclosing the position of a retention member 10 when in intended use.

The scaffolding system 80 comprises a scaffold beam 70 and scaffold planks 60, however, only one scaffold plank 60 is shown. The scaffold plank 60 comprises a top side 62 with a pattern of apertures 64 and a connection part 66 for connection with the scaffold beam 70. The connection part 66 has a shape being complementary to the scaffold beam 70.

The scaffold plank 60, in which the retention member 10 has been placed, is not shown in the figure and thus, the retention member 10 is free flowing in the figure. Fig.4 discloses a scaffolding system 80 where the scaffold plank 60 is shown.

The retention member 10 comprises an intermediate piece 34, which would be visible on the top side 62.

The intermediate piece 34 is connected to a first and a second upper leg 30I, 30II, which, at an obtuse angle 32I, 32II, is connected to a lower leg 20I, 20II, which lower legs 20I, 20II distal to the upper legs 30I, 30II are connected to the feet 40I, 40II at a foot connection point 42I, 42II. Each foot 40I, 40II extend substantially perpendicular from the corresponding lower leg 20I, 20II.

Thereby, the retention member 10 partially surrounds scaffold beam 70 and if the not shown scaffold plank 60 is moved upwards, the feet 40I, 40II will grip the scaffold beam 70, thereby preventing any unwanted movement.

The obtuse angles 32I, 32II between the upper legs 30I, 30II and the lower legs 20I, 20II and the substantially perpendicular angle between the feet 40I, 40II and the lower legs 20I, 20II ensure that the foot connection points 42I, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10. If wind or any other force causes the retention member 10 to move such that the foot connection points 42I, 42II are not the lowest point of the retention member 10, gravity will force the retention member 10 towards equilibrium, where the foot connection points 42I, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10. Thereby, the retention member 10 and the scaffolding system 80 become immune to vibrations as the retention member 10, due to gravity, passively rectifies any change from the optimal position, where the foot connection point is the lowest point of the retention member 10.

Thereby, safety is increased and maintenance costs are removed as the retention member 10 does not need be re-tightened.

Each lower leg 20I, 20II have a protrusion 26I, 26II between the corresponding upper leg 30I, 30II and the corresponding foot 40I, 40II extending in the lower leg plane 24 defined by the lower legs 20I, 20II. The purpose of the protrusions 26I, 26II in this specific position is to prevent the retention member 10 from moving up through apertures (not shown) in the scaffold plank 60. Thereby, safety is increased even further.

Fig. 4 illustrates a close-up (A) and a far-away (B) view of a scaffolding system 80 with a retention member 10.

The scaffolding system 80 comprises a scaffold beam 70 and a first and a second scaffold plank 60I, 60II.

Each scaffold plank 60I, 60II comprises a top side 62I, 62II having a pattern of apertures 64I, 64II and a connection part 66I, 66II having a shape complementary to the scaffold beam 70 for a soft connection (no fastening) between the connection part 66I, 66II and the scaffold beam 70.

The retention member 10 is placed in two apertures 65I, 65II of the first scaffold plank 60I. The figure discloses the feet 40I, 40II, which partially surrounds the scaffold beam 70. The intermediate piece 34 ensures that the retention member 10 is pivotable such that the scaffold plank 60 with the retention member 10 can be connected to the scaffold beam 70.

The pivotability of the retention member 10 makes the connection unaffected to vibrations as gravity will always force the retention member 10 towards equilibrium where the not shown foot connection points 42I, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10.

The scaffold plank 60I is shown with the plank side 68, which plank side 68 has a side height allowing the scaffold plank 60I to be stacked with other scaffold planks 60I, while the retention member is inserted into two apertures 65I, 65II.

The retention member 10 is, when the scaffold plank 60I is stacked, pushed up into the space between the top side 62I of the scaffold plank 60I and the top side 62 of the scaffold plank 60 stacked on top of the scaffold plank 60I. This space is created by the plank side 68 of the scaffold plank 60 stacked on top of the scaffold plank 60I. Thereby, the scaffold plank 60I with the retention member 10 becomes stackable, which further decreases costs,

The far-away (B) view shows the entire scaffolding system 80.

Fig. 5 illustrates a bottom view of a scaffolding system 80 with a retention member 10.

The scaffolding system 80 comprises a scaffold beam 70 and a scaffold plank 60.

The scaffold plank 60 comprises a top side 62 having a pattern of apertures 64 and a connection part 66 having a shape complementary to the scaffold beam 70 for a soft connection (no fastening) between the connection part 66 and the scaffold beam 70.

The retention member 10 has all the previous described features and the figure discloses how the retention member 10 partially surrounds the scaffold beam 70, while the foot connection points 42I, 42II are the lowest points of the retention member 10.

Fig. 6 illustrates a retention member 10 being forced into a scaffold plank 60.

The plank 60 comprises a top side 62 having a pattern of apertures 64, where the retention member 10 is being forced into two apertures 65I, 65II. The straight arrow represents a force vector.

The retention member 10 comprises an upper leg 30I, 30II connected at an obtuse angle 32I, 32II to a lower leg 20I, 20II defining an axis 22I, 22II. The lower leg 20I, 20II is distal to the upper leg 30I, 30II connected to a not shown foot 40I, 40II at a foot connection point 42I, 42II. The foot 40I, 40II is substantially perpendicular to the lower leg 20I, 20II. The upper legs 30I, 30II are interconnected by an intermediate piece 34 determining the distance between the two parts of the retention member 10.

The retention member 10 is adapted for the scaffold plank 60 by the distance being roughly the distance between the two apertures 65I, 65II.

Each lower leg 20I, 20II has a protrusion 26I, 26II between the feet 40I, 40II and the upper leg 30I, 30II. The protrusions 26I, 26II face each other, thereby having a mutual distance which is shorter than the distance between the two apertures 65I, 65II thus, a force is needed to displace the protrusions 26I, 26II. This ensures that the retention member 10 is safely secured to the scaffold plank 60.

The retention member 10 may be hammered into the scaffold plank 60.

Fig. 7 illustrates how a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 connects to a scaffold beam 70.

The retention member 10 has the features disclosed in figure 1 and is positioned into the scaffold plank 60 as shown in fig.6.

In fig.7A the scaffold plank 60 with the retention member 10 is moved towards the scaffold beam 70.

In fig.7B the scaffold plank 60 with the retention member 10 is positioned next to the scaffold beam 70 such that the retention member 10 is displaced. The apertures 65I, 65II and the not visible protrusions 26I, 26II prevent the retention member 10 from being forced out of the scaffold plank 60.

Fig. 8 illustrates how a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 connects to a scaffold beam 70 (continued from fig.7).

In fig.8A the scaffold beam 70 has further displaced the retention member 10 to a point right before the retention member 10 falling below the scaffold beam.

In fig.8B the retention member 10 has pivotably moved down under the scaffold beam 70, such that the feet 40I, 40II, the lower legs 20I, 20II partially surround the scaffold beam 70, thereby securing the connection between the scaffold beam 70 and the scaffold plank 60.

Thus, figs.7-8 disclose how a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 is positioned and connected to a scaffold beam 70.

Fig. 9 illustrates a method 100 of retaining a scaffold plank 60 with a connection part 66 to a scaffold beam 70 by a retention member 10 with at least one foot 40I, 40II. The method 100 comprising acts of;

- inserting 200 the retention member 10 near the connection part 66 and with the at least one foot 40I, 40II displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank 60;

- placing 300 the connection part 66 towards the scaffold beam 70 and displacing the at least one foot 40I, 40II by way of contact with the scaffold beam 70; and

- retaining 400 the scaffolding plank 60 to the scaffold beam 70 by re-placing the at least one foot 40I, 40II into position below the scaffold beam 70 by way of gravity, thereby partially surrounding the scaffold beam 70.

Fig. 10 illustrates a method 110 for releasing a scaffold plank 60 being retained to a scaffold beam 70 by a retention member 10having at least one foot 40I, 40II displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank 60.

The method 110 comprising acts of;

- displacing 500 the at least one foot 40I, 40II away from the scaffold beam 70; and

- releasing 600 the scaffold plank 60 by moving the the scaffold plank 60 away from the scaffold beam 70.

Fig. 11 illustrates a method 120 for assembling 700 or disassembling 800 a scaffolding system 80.

The method may comprise acts of;

- assembling 700 the scaffolding system 80 by repeatedly performing the method 100 of retaining a scaffold plank 60 with a connection part 66 to a scaffold beam 70; or

- disassembling 800 the scaffolding system 80 by repeatedly performing the method 110 of releasing a scaffold plank 60 with a retention member 10 from a scaffold beam 70.

Claims

Amended claims

1. 1. A retention member (10) adapted for retaining a scaffold plank (60), the retention member (10) comprising

- a first lower leg (20I) defining first axis (22I) and a second lower leg (20II) defining second axis (22II), the lower legs (20I, 20II) being substantially parallel and defining a lower leg plane (24);

- a first upper leg (30I) connected to the first lower leg (20I) and extending upwardly at a first obtuse angle (32I) relative to the lower leg plane (24);

- a second upper leg (30II) connected to the second lower leg (20I) and extending upwardly at a second obtuse angle (30II) relative to the lower leg plane (24);

- an intermediate piece (34) interconnecting the upper legs (30I, 30II); characterised in that :

- the first lower leg (20I) and the second lower leg (20II) are positioned within the lower leg plane (24); and

- one or both lower legs (20I, 20II) having a foot (40I, 40II) extending upwardly substantially perpendicular from the lower leg plane (24).

2. The retention member (10) according to claim 1, wherein one or both lower legs (20I, 20II) have a protrusion (26I, 26II) extending in the lower leg plane (24) away from the axis (22I, 22II).

3. The retention member (10) according to claim 2, wherein one or both protrusions (26I, 26II) are formed by a part of the lower legs (20I, 20II) displaced away from the corresponding axis (22I, 22II).

4. The retention member (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the protrusions (26I, 26II) face each other.

5. The retention member (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the retention member (10) is made of stainless steel.

6. The retention member (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the retention member (10) is a monolith.

7. The retention member (10) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the geometric centre of the retention member (10) is closer to the intermediate piece (34) than the centre of mass of the retention member (10).

8. A scaffold plank (60) comprising a plane top side (62) with a pattern of apertures (64), a connection part (66) having a shape complementary to a scaffold beam (70) and a retention member (10) according to one or more of claims 1-7 having each lower and upper leg (20I, 20II, 30I, 30II) inserted into two apertures (65I, 65II) forming part of the pattern of apertures (64) neighbouring the connection part (66) for interacting with a scaffold beam (70).

9. The scaffold plank (60) according to claim 8, wherein the scaffold plank (60) further comprises plank sides (68) extending in a direction opposite to the top side (62), the plank sides (68) having a side height being about half the length of the retention member projected unto the lower leg plane (24).

10. A scaffolding system (80) comprising

- a scaffold beam (70);

- a scaffold plank (60) comprising a plane top side (62) with a pattern of apertures (64), and a connection part (66) interacting with the scaffold beam (70); and

- a retention member (10) according to one or more of claims 1-7, the retention member (10) having each upper and lower leg (20I, 20II, 30I, 30II) inserted into two apertures (65I, 65II) neighbouring the scaffold beam (70) such that the one or two feet (40I, 40II) and the lower legs (20I, 20II) partially surround the scaffold beam (70).

11. A method (100) of retaining a scaffold plank (60) with a connection part (66) to a scaffold beam (70) by a retention member (10) according to one or more of claims 1-7, the method (100) comprising acts of;

- inserting (200) the retention member (10) near the connection part (66) and with the at least one foot (40I, 40II) displaceable relatively to the scaffold plank (60);

- placing (300) the connection part (66) towards the scaffold beam (70) and displacing the at least one foot (40I, 40II) by way of contact with the scaffold beam (70); and

- retaining (400) the scaffolding plank (60) to the scaffold beam (70) by replacing the at least one foot (40I, 40II) into position below the scaffold beam (70) by way of gravity, thereby partially surrounding the scaffold beam (70).

12. A method (110) of releasing a scaffold plank (60) being retained to a scaffold beam (70) by using a retention member (10) according to one ore more of claims 1-7, the method (110) comprising acts of;

- displacing (500) the at least one foot (40I, 40II) away from the scaffold beam (70); and

- releasing (600) the scaffold plank (60) by moving the scaffold plank (60) away from the scaffold beam (70).

13. A method (120) of assembling (700) or disassembling (800) a scaffolding system (80), the method comprising acts of;

- assembling (700) the scaffolding system (80) by repeatedly performing the method (100) according to claim 11; or

- disassembling (800) the scaffolding system (80) by repeatedly performing the method (110) according to claim 12.