WO1991015642A1

WO1991015642A1 - Improvements relating to scaffolding

Info

Publication number: WO1991015642A1
Application number: PCT/GB1991/000478
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Walshaw; Johnatan Peter Barker
Original assignee: Yorkshire Concept Scaffolding Ltd.
Priority date: 1990-04-04
Filing date: 1991-03-28
Publication date: 1991-10-17
Also published as: GB9007607D0; GB9012290D0; AU7545791A

Abstract

The invention relates to a scaffolding unit which is adapted for use in conjunction with at least one other similar unit, wherein the unit is adapted to rest stably between the ground and adjacent wall and it also defines the number of horizontal steps on which scaffolding planking or decking extending between a number of similar units may be supported. Moreover, the invention also provides for a free standing scaffolding structure where a number of units as afore described are connected in back to back relationship in order to provide for a free standing structure on which horizontal planking or decking can be supported.

Description

Improvements Relating to Scaffolding

This invention relates to scaffolding and in particular to a specific form of scaffolding unit which when used in conjunction with one or more other such units provides a reliable support means.

Scaffolding is typically assembled adjacent to buildings or other such structures in order to provide a support means either for the building, which may be unstable, and/or for workers wishing to attend to the external structure of the building.

Hitherto such scaffolding has comprised a plurality of rigid bars which are assembled in a manner according to the shape of the building and secured by means of conventional interlocking devices. Thus it is possible, by using a number of scaffolding bars, to construct a framework against the side of a building which may extend over a fraction or the whole of the building. The framework can than be used to support stands and walkways which are typically provided by means of positioning, or resting, planks of wood on the scaffolding framework. Although this is a tried and tested system the construction of the scaffolding framework can take a considerable amount of time and moreover where interlocking devices are incorrectly secured, or damaged, the safety of the entire system is hazardously impaired.

Bearing the above in mind, the invention seeks to provide an alternative form of scaffolding which is both simple to construct and safe to use.

According to the invention there is provided a scaffolding unit which is for use in conjunction with a similar unit at a spaced location, said unit being adapted to rest stably between the ground and an adjacent wall and defining horizontal steps by which scaffolding planking or decking extending between the units may be supported.

Preferably the horizontal steps are braced by means of a bracing bar. Preferably further still the ground and wall contact points of the scaffolding unit are provided with rubber pads.

It will be understood that the scaffolding unit in accordance with the invention will be used in conjunction with one or more identical scaffolding units in order to provide for a series of spaced plank supports located along the length of a building so that planks can be positioned therebetween.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of constructing a scaffolding framework comprising positioning in spaced relationship at least two scaffolding units constructed in accordance with the invention against the side of a building or structure and attaching to or resting on the adjacent scaffolding units support stands which extend between the scaffolding units and so provide stands or walkways on which individuals can work.

Moreover, the invention also seeks to provide a scaffolding unit which may be free standing. Free standing scaffolding units are known but a scaffolding unit made in accordance with the invention may be constructed to rest either against a wall or adapted to be free standing.

The invention therefore provides a versatile scaffolding system.

According to the invention there is provided a free standing scaffolding structure which is for use in conjunction with a similar structure at a spaced location wherein said scaffolding structure comprises a first unit and a second unit which are adapted to be connected theretogether such that the assembled structure rests stably on the ground and said units define horizontal steps by which scaffolding planking or decking extending between the adjacent structures may be supported.

Preferably the said first and second units are connected towards the top of the structure and preferably by means of a connection bar adapted to be inserted into both of said units.

Preferably said units are of hollow section.

Preferably further still each unit is adapted to be connected to an anchoring member attached to a wall or structure such that said unit rests stably between the ground and the adjacent walls. Preferably a number of such attached units may be used to support planks positioned therebetween.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures:-

Fig. 1 represents a side elevation view of a scaffolding unit constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 represents a front elevation view of the scaffolding shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 represents a plan view of the scaffolding shown in Fig. 1; and

Fig. 4 shows in detail the region marked 'A' in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 represents a side elevation view of a further embodiment of a scaffolding unit constructed in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 6 represents a front elevation view of the scaffolding unit shown in Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 represents a plan view of the scaffolding unit shown in Fig. 5; and

Fig. 8 shows in detail the region marked A in Fig. 6.

Referring now to the figures and firstly to Fig. 2, a tripoidal scaffolding unit comprises limbs 1, 2A and 2B. Limbs 2A and 2B are equal in size and considerably shorter than limb 1. The feet of limbs 1, 2A and 2B are provided with rubber pads 4.

The region marked A in Fig. 2 is shown in greater detail in Fig. 4 and it can be seen that each of the limbs is of hollow square section having an outer dimension of 30mm and an inner dimension of 25mm. Thus the material from which the limbs are made is 5mm thick and ideally is a strong metal or metal alloy. As seens in Fig. 2 limbs 2A and 2B are formed from a single unit 2 and limb 1 is attached to unit 2 by means of a hollow peg 8 which projects upwardly from the surface of unit 2 and is adapted to frictionally engage the inner cavity of limb 1 and thus secure same to unit 2 or the lower limb structures 2A and 2B.

It can be seen by reference to the accompanying figures that in use limbs 2A and 2B rest on the ground whilst limb 1 rests at its uppermost point, against the surface of a building or structure 20. Referring now to Fig. 1 a side elevation view is shown of the scaffolding unit and it can be seen that limb 1 comprises a number of interconnected step units 10 which are strengthened by means of flat bracing bars 12. Bracing bars 12 are located on the underside of step units 10 and in diagonal relationship therewith such that the ends of bracing bars 12 are attached to the two undermost sides of step units 10. It can further be seen that the horizontal portion of steps unit 10 extend inwardly of the longitudinal axis of li b 1 towards the wall structure such that the horizontal sides of unit 10 extend beyond the point of contact with the vertical face of an adjacent but higher step. The horizontal surface of steps 10 can be used as a base on which to balance a secondary support unit such as a support stand.

In use at least two scaffolding units will be spaced against the side of a building or structure and aligned such that steps 10 are approximately at the same level. When this arrangement has been achieved it will be possible to locate one end of a secondary support, such as a plank, on a horizontal face of a step 10 and to further locate the opposite end of the plank on the spaced horizontal face of an adjacent step 10 of a nearby scaffolding unit. Thus it will be understood that a plank may rest on the upper face of steps 10 of two adjacent scaffolding units and thereby provide a secondary support on which individuals may work.

The construction of the scaffolding unit is such that it provides for a reliable and safe means of support. This is in part is due to the fact that the unit has a low centre of gravity brought about by means of its shape and configuration.

It can thus be seen that by simply placing two or more scaffolding units in position against the side of a building or structure a scaffolding framework can quickly be erected. Moreover the framework is both safe and secure and dispenses with the need to provide a plurality of interlocking devices which in themselves provide for a potentially high number of hazards should any one of the interlocking devices fail.

A further embodiment of a scaffolding unit in accordance with the invention is shown in Figs. 5 - 8 wherein, with reference to the foregoing description, like features are referenced using the aforereference system.

Referring now to Fig. 6, a scaffolding unit similar to that seen in Fig. 2 is shown. The unit is made of the same materials as the aforementioned unit and has the same cross sectional shape and dimensions. However, it can be seen by reference to Fig. 5 that the side elevation view of this scaffolding unit differs significantly from that shown in Fig. 1. The scaffolding unit comprises a number of interconnected step units 10 which are strengthened by means of flat bracing bars 12. Bracing bars 12 are located under the underside of step units 10 and arranged to extend at right angles therefrom thus forming a square section. The scaffolding unit comprises four steps in total and the upper step is provided with a horizontal extension 10A that projects forwardly away from the longitudinal axis of unit 1. Unit 1 is adapted to be connected to an anchoring member 40 attached to the surface of a wall or similar structure 20.

Member 40 comprises a right angled bar having a rubber pad attached to an end adapted to be attached to the wall 20 and a connection means attached to an opposite end. Connection means 42 comprises a bar which projects outwardly from the anchoring member 40, with respect to the surface of the wall 20. The dimensions of bar 42 are such that it fits flush within the hollow section of scaffolding unit 1. Thus it can be seen by inserting bar 42 into unit 1, the scaffolding unit can be adapted to be rested stably against a wall.

Alternatively, it is possible to provide for a free scaffolding unit wheren two scaffolding units, as described in the previous paragraph, are connected at their uppermost ends by means of connection sites 44. Specifically, a connection means similar to that shown by reference 42 is adapted to be inserted into a connection site 44 of a first unit and a further connection site 44 of a second unit such that the two units may be joined. It will be understood that once this operation is completed a free standing scaffolding unit is produced having four ground contact points represented by limbs 2A and 2B of the two connected units. It will also be understood that when a number of spaced units are adapted to be free standing then it is possible to align such units so that steps 10 are approximately at the same level. When this has been achieved, it is possible to locate supports such as planks on the horizontal faces of the steps 10 and so provide for a free standing scaffolding unit.

Turning now to Fig. 8 it can be seen that the limbs 1 and 2 of the scaffolding unit are connected by means of a peg 8 as previously described.

Scaffolding in accordance with the invention therefore provides a significant contribution to the art.

Claims

1. A scaffolding unit which is for use in conjunction with a similar unit at a spaced location, said unit being adapted to rest stably between the ground and an adjacent wall and defining horizontal steps by which scaffolding planking or decking extending between the units may supported.

2. A scaffolding unit according to Claim 1 wherein the horizontal steps are braced by means of bracing bars.

3. A scaffolding unit according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein the unit is provided with rubber pads at the site where the unit contacts the ground and/or the wall.

4. A free standing scaffolding structure which is for use in conjunction with a similar structure at a spaced location wherein said scaffolding structure comprises a first unit and a second unit, the first and second unit being adapted to be connected in back to back relationship such that the assembled structure rests stably on the ground and wherein at least one of the said units defines horizontal steps by which scaffolding plankng or decking extending between the adjacent structures may be supported.

5. A free standing scaffolding structure according to Claim 4 wherein the said units are connected by means of a connection bar.

6. A free standing scaffolding structure according to Claim 4 or 5 wherein said units are of hollow section.

7. A free standing scaffolding structure according to Claim 6 wherein the units are connected by means of a connection bar being inserted into the hollow section of each said units .

8. Free standing scaffolding structure according to Claim 4 to 7 wherein the said units are connected towards the top of the structure.

9. A scaffolding unit which is for use in conjunction with a similar unit at a spaced location, said unit being adapted to rest stably between the ground and an adjacent wall and defining horizontal steps by which scaffolding planking or decking extending between the units may be supported wherein said unit is adapted at its uppermost end to be attached to an anchoring member, the anchoring member being attached to a wall or structure.

10. A scaffolding unit according to Claim 9 wherein the unit is of hollow section.

11. Scaffolding unit according to Claim 10 wherein the anchoring means is adapted to be inserted into the hollow section of the unit.

12. A scaffolding unit according to Claim 9 wherein horizontal steps are braced by means of a bracing bar.

13. A scaffolding unit according to Claims 9, 10, 11 or 12 wherein the unit is provided with rubber pads at the site where it contacts the ground and the wall.