Patent Application
20160002936
The present invention relates generally to scaffolding and more particularly to an improved method, apparatus and system for erecting or extending scaffolding. The invention has been developed primarily for use in the erection of scaffolding around curved, complex or irregularly shaped architectural, building or civil engineering structures and will be described predominantly in that context. It should be appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to these specific applications.
The following discussion of the prior art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention and to enable the advantages of it to be more fully understood. It should be appreciated, however, that any reference to prior art throughout the specification should not be construed as an express or implied admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.
Scaffolding is a form of temporary framing typically used to support people and materials during the construction or maintenance of buildings or other large structures. It is usually modular, based on a combination of elongate tubes or rods and associated connecting elements. Most modern scaffolding is assembled from a combination of tubular metal framing elements—usually formed from steel or aluminium —in predetermined lengths and incorporating complementary end fittings. Decking boards, typically formed from timber or metal (steel or aluminium), are positioned to extend horizontally between the framing elements, to provide a working surface, platform or “decking” for workers on the scaffold.
The primary framing elements of a typical scaffold include “standards”, “ledgers”, “transoms” and “cross braces”. Standards are upright or vertical support elements that transfer loads resulting from the mass of the structure to the ground, a base or some other suitable supporting platform. Ledgers are horizontal members connected so as to extend between the standards. Transoms are typically shorter elements, positioned to extend horizontally between the ledgers, to provide support for the decking boards. Cross braces are typically positioned to extend diagonally between adjacent standards, to increase the rigidity of the scaffold structure. Various types of complementary special purpose end fittings or “couplers” are typically used to releaseably connect the various framing and decking elements together in a range of different orientations and configurations.
For a general-purpose scaffold, the modular elements are usually assembled to form a contiguous matrix of rectangular prismatic “bays”. The dimensions of these bays can vary according to the intended application and design loading. However, for typical applications, the bay length is usually around 2.4 m. The bay width is also determined by the intended use of the scaffold, which in turn affects the number and width of the associated decking boards. The minimum acceptable width is usually 440 mm. Platform widths typically extend beyond that minimum in discrete multiples of approximately 220 mm, this distance corresponding to the width of a standard decking board. Thus, a typical four-board scaffold would be around 880 mm in width, from standard to standard. The height or “lift” of each bay is typically around 2 m, although the base lift can sometimes be larger. Transom spacing is determined by the length and strength of the decking boards to be supported, but usually ranges from 1.2 m to 3.5 m.
Modular scaffolding can be assembled in a variety of ways according to the intended application. However, the spacing and positioning of the primary structural elements tends to be relatively standardised for particular applications according to prevailing safety standards, building and construction codes, manufacturers' recommendations and established best practice. These factors are well known and understood by those skilled in the art, and so need not be described in further detail.
Conventional scaffolding is based around the interconnection of a series of discrete rectangular prismatic scaffold bays in substantially contiguous relationship to form the composite scaffold matrix structure. Hence, there are fundamental limitations around the overall positions, orientations and directional changes that can be readily achieved in practice. For example, scaffold bays can be joined end-to-end to follow a straight line in a given direction, joined side-to-end to create a 90° change of direction, or joined side-to-side to create a discrete lateral displacement in the same direction. Adjoining scaffold bays can also be joined end-to-end in a partially offset relationship so as to create smaller lateral displacements at defined points, although this substantially complicates the process of assembly and also substantially impedes the safe passage of workers between the partially offset scaffold bays.
With traditional rectangular or at least generally orthogonally designed building profiles, these limitations of the prior art do not necessarily manifest as major problems. However, known scaffold systems are not readily able to be adapted in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner to more complex, irregular or curved building profiles, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in contemporary architectural design and civil engineering projects.
Known techniques for constructing scaffold bays in such circumstances, even if workable to some extent, are time-consuming, difficult, cumbersome and costly. They are also potentially dangerous as movement of workers between non-aligned scaffold bays is often impeded, and even with the benefit of some forms of edge protection, gaps are created through which workers can inadvertently fall, as a result of the non-standard and relatively more complex geometries involved. Moreover, in some circumstances, it is necessary to introduce a complete break between adjacent scaffold bays, which further impedes movement of people and materials between the bays, heightens safety risks if workers attempt to move between separated or “broken” bays, and can also compromise the overall rigidity of the scaffold matrix.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate one or more of these deficiencies of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.
Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a scaffold connection assembly for use with modular scaffolding of the type formed from a matrix of interconnected scaffold bays, the connection assembly being adapted to connect a first scaffold bay to a second scaffold bay, and including:
The terms “inner”, “innermost” and the like as used herein are generally intended to denote the side of a scaffold or scaffold bay closest to a building structure, whereas the terms “outer”, “outermost” and the like are generally intended to indicate the opposite side, furthest away from the building structure. However, it should be understood that these terms are used primarily for convenience, merely to distinguish one side of a scaffold structure or scaffold bay from another, and beyond that distinction these terms are essentially arbitrary and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second” and the like are likewise essentially arbitrary, intended simply to differentiate one component from another, and should not be regarded as having any sequential, hierarchical, or other significance or limiting import. It should also be understood that one or both of the “first” and “second” distances may be equal to zero.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are intended to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.
In one preferred embodiment, each of the first and second scaffold bays is formed from a combination of primary framing elements including a pair of spaced apart inner vertical supports or “standards”, a corresponding pair of spaced apart outer standards, a series of ledgers connected to extend generally horizontally between the standards, at least two transoms extending horizontally between the standards at each end of the bay, and a series of decking boards disposed in contiguous side-by-side relationship to form a working platform extending between the transoms. Diagonally oriented cross-braces may also be attached.
Preferably, these primary elements are releasably interconnected by means of special purpose end-fittings, couplers and clamps, which vary between the different proprietary scaffold systems. In one embodiment, the connection mechanism is based on the “V-press” system, whereby V-shaped apertures formed by lugs on the standards are engaged by corresponding spigots extending downwardly from the ledgers and transoms. It should be understood, however, that a wide variety of other scaffolding systems and component connection mechanisms may alternatively be used.
In one preferred embodiment, the connecting formations on the first connecting element are adapted for engagement with the adjacent inner standards on the respective first and second scaffold bays. In one embodiment, each connecting formation on the first connecting element includes an upper and lower flange extending outwardly from a central bridge section, and adapted respectively to be positioned above and below a corresponding V-press fitting extending transversely from the inner standard of the corresponding scaffold bay. Upon engagement, a locking wedge for each connecting formation is preferably positioned to extend downwardly through the upper flange, through the V-press fitting and through the corresponding lower flange, thereby releasably to lock the connecting formation to the associated inner standard of the respective scaffold bay.
In one embodiment, the first connecting element is formed from a pair of “C” shaped brackets effectively joined back-to-back, such that the mutually opposed upper arms define the upper flanges of the respective first and second connecting elements, and the mutually opposed lower arms define the lower flanges of the respective first and second connecting elements.
In one embodiment, the connecting formations on the second connecting element are adapted for engagement with the adjoining outer standards on the respective first and second scaffold bays. In one embodiment, each connecting formation on the second connecting element includes a downwardly depending spigot, adapted for engagement with a corresponding V-press fitting extending transversely from the outer standard of the corresponding scaffold bay, whereby upon engagement a locking wedge extends downwardly through the V-press fitting, so as releaseably to lock the connecting formation to the associated outer standard of the respective scaffold bay. Preferably, the connecting formations on each second connecting element define the terminal ends of an intermediate bridge portion. In one embodiment, the bridge portion of the second connecting element comprises a bar, tube, beam, rod or plate. In certain embodiments, the bridge portion may be straight, outwardly curved, or inwardly curved.
In one embodiment, the assembly further includes a pair of double-sided transom elements, each adapted to extend between the adjacent inner standard and the outer standard of a respective one of the first and second scaffold bays. In this way, the inner end of each transom element is adapted for connection with the outwardly depending V-press fitting of the associated inner standard, and the outer end of each transom element is adapted for connection with the inwardly depending V-press fitting of the associated outer standard.
Because the first and second connecting elements are of different effective lengths, the double-sided transom elements preferably define non-parallel radial sides of a wedge-shaped gap formation between the adjacent sides of the first and second scaffold bays. In this case, the assembly preferably further includes a complementary wedge plate adapted to extend between the transom elements, so as substantially to cover or close the gap formation defined between the adjoining scaffold bays.
It will be appreciated that the included angle subtended by the transom elements determines the oblique angle defined between the first and second scaffold bays, and is also directly related to the difference in effective length between the first connecting element and the second connecting element.
In some embodiments, multiple connecting assemblies may be installed contiguously between the same first and second scaffold bays, in order to increase (in discrete multiples) the oblique angle defined between the bays.
In some embodiments, the transom elements are permanently connected to, or integrally formed with, the wedge plate. Similarly, in some embodiments, the first and second connecting elements may be permanently connected to, or formed integrally with, the transom elements and/or the wedge plate. In some embodiments, the wedge plate may be formed from multiple panels, sections, boards or plates, including textured or perforated plates.
According to a second aspect, the invention provides a scaffold system for use with modular scaffolding formed from a matrix of interconnecting scaffold bays, the system including a plurality of scaffold connection assemblies as previously defined, adapted respectively for connection between adjoining first and second scaffold bays, whereby the adjoining scaffold bays are securely connectable at oblique angles, enabling the scaffold matrix to conform closely to irregular building profiles.
In some embodiments, the system includes a series of different connection assemblies, defining a range of different wedge angles, enabling the oblique connection angles defined between adjacent scaffold bays to be selectively adjusted.
In some embodiments, the system includes cantilever truss modules or hop-up assemblies adapted for connection to the inner or outer sides of the first or second scaffold bays, and/or to the inner or outer sides of the connecting assemblies. For ease of reference, the term hop-up (or supplementary support assembly) will be used throughout the following description. However, it will be appreciated that the terms hop-up and cantilever truss modules can be used interchangeably, regardless of the duty rating requirements (e.g. light, medium or heavy duty) for a particular scaffold application.
Accordingly, in a further aspect, the invention provides a supplementary support assembly for a modular scaffold system formed from a matrix of interconnecting scaffold bays, the assembly including:
In various preferred embodiments, the cantilevered transoms may be adapted for connection to the inner or outer sides of the scaffold bays, and/or to the inner or outer sides of a connecting assembly of the scaffold system.
In some embodiments, the support platform is narrower than the scaffold bay or connecting assembly from which the cantilevered transoms extend.
In certain embodiments, the pair of cantilevered transoms is configured to contain from one to five decking boards. In some embodiments, the effective length of each transom is adjustable in discrete increments, by means of a movable board retaining bracket and complementary adjustment holes formed in the cantilevered transoms. It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, alternative means for adjusting the effective length of the cantilevered transoms may be used.
In some embodiments, each transom has a respective connecting formation adapted for connection with an adjacent standard of the scaffold system to which the transom is to be connected. Each connecting formation may be directly or indirectly connected to the respective transom.
In one embodiment, the proximal ends of the cantilevered transoms are adapted for engagement with V-press fittings on the scaffold standards.
In some embodiments, each transom has a main support bar, the proximal end of which includes a downwardly depending spigot formation adapted for engagement with the V-press fittings.
In certain embodiments, the pair of transoms include respective left-handed and right-handed cantilevered hop-up transom elements, each hop-up transom including a main support bar in the form of an L-shaped channel section defining a lower board support flange, adapted to receive and locate the appropriate number of hop-up platform decking boards.
In some embodiments, the pair of cantilevered transoms is adapted to support a second support assembly such that the second support assembly is cantilevered outwardly from the pair of transoms cantilevered from the scaffold bays. In certain embodiments, the second support assembly may be adapted to support a third support assembly in a cantilevered manner. In some embodiments, it may be possible to connect one or more further consecutive support assemblies in a cantilevered manner to provide the supplementary support platform with a desired size, within the constraints of the load rating of the scaffold system and various support assemblies.
In some embodiments, the support assembly includes at least one supplementary support strut associated with each transom, the supplementary support strut extending from the respective transom at one end and positively engaging the respective scaffold standard at its other end.
In certain embodiments, the supplementary support strut includes an inclined support element positioned to extend downwardly at an angle, for engagement with the standard below the connecting formation, such that the cantilevered transom bar is supported in the horizontal position.
In some embodiments, the supplementary support struts include one or more intermediate bracing elements extending between the supplementary support strut and the respective cantilevered transom.
In some embodiments, the supplementary support struts form a hop-up extension module in the form of a relatively heavy-duty cantilevered truss arrangement, with multiple connecting formations on each side. In some embodiments, the connecting formations formed on the proximal side of the truss arrangement facilitate engagement of the transoms with the standards, and wherein the connecting formations on the distal end are adapted to support a second support assembly, to thereby provide a composite hop-up configuration. In certain embodiments, the second (and any further) support assembly may also have supplementary support struts.
In some embodiments, the distal end of one or both hop-up transom elements may be trimmed, cut, configured or otherwise shaped to avoid fouling and to ensure a close fitting alignment between the two adjacent distal ends.
In a further aspect, the invention provides a kit of parts including a plurality of connection assemblies as defined, or components therefor, enabling the system of the invention to be implemented.
In one embodiment, the kit optionally further includes a comprehensive suite of complementary scaffold components including standards, ledgers, transoms and decking elements, compatible with the plurality of connection assemblies.
According to a further aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a matrix of interconnecting scaffold bays, the method comprising the steps (not necessarily sequentially) of:
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffold connection assembly for use with modular scaffolding of the type formed from a matrix of interconnected scaffold bays supported on a base, the connection assembly being adapted to connect a first scaffold bay to a second scaffold bay, and including:
In some embodiments, each of the connecting formations of the second pair includes a downwardly depending spigot adapted for releasable engagement with a corresponding one of the apertures defined by the respective lug on the adjacent outer standard of the corresponding first or second scaffold bay, each of the spigots being securely locked in place upon engagement of the corresponding locking pin.
In certain preferred embodiments, the bridge section of the second connecting element supports the spigots at the oblique angle relative to one another, whereby in use the spigots are substantially aligned with the respective lugs formed on the adjacent outer standards, so as to accommodate the oblique orientation between the adjoining first and second scaffold bays. In other embodiments, the bridge section may be curved, bent, shaped or otherwise configured to support the connecting formations at the oblique angle relative to one another, so as to accommodate the oblique orientation between the adjoining first and second scaffold bays.
In some embodiments, a pair of transom elements, each adapted to extend between the adjacent inner standard and the adjacent outer standard of a respective one of the first and second scaffold bays, the transom elements in use thereby defining a generally wedge-shaped gap formation between adjacent sides of the adjoining first and second scaffold bays; and a wedge plate adapted to extend generally between the transom elements thereby substantially to cover the gap formation.
In some preferred embodiments, each of said transom elements is a double-sided transom element adapted to extend between the adjacent inner standard and the adjacent outer standard of a respective one of the first and second scaffold bays, each of the transom elements including a first longitudinal supporting ledge extending laterally inwardly from the transom element to support the wedge plate, and a second longitudinal supporting ledge extending laterally outwardly toward the adjacent scaffold bay to support decking boards of the adjacent scaffold bay.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that in those embodiments employing hop-ups (arranged at the same height/level) on obliquely oriented first and second scaffold bays, a lateral clearance space will be formed between adjacent hop-ups. The oblique orientation of adjacent hop-ups will typically result in a generally triangular shaped lateral clearance space. It will also be understood that, in other scaffold applications, a clearance space could also be formed between adjacent hop-ups which are arranged in an orthogonal side-by-side manner. In such applications, the lateral clearance space may be generally rectangular in shape.
Accordingly, in yet a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a lap plate for a modular scaffold system formed from a matrix of interconnecting scaffold bays, the lap plate including:
Preferably, the engaging formation includes a pair of mutually opposed cut-outs at one end of the body of the lap plate. Each cut-out is preferably sized to enable close-fitting engagement with a respective standard of the scaffold system. Preferably, each cut-out is in the form of a C-shaped or scalloped formation. It should be understood that the term “cut-out” as used in this context is not intended to be limited to any particular mode of fabrication, such as physical cutting, although that is one fabrication possibility. The cut-outs may alternatively be integrally formed, and/or fabricated by other means such as pressing, stamping, drilling, bending, moulding or the like.
It will be appreciated that the two cut-outs result in a generally T-shaped formation at that end of the body of the panel. This resulting T-shaped formation prevents, when the lap plate is in position, undesired sliding movement of the panel which would expose the lateral space it is covering. In particular, the two cut-outs enable engagement with two separate standards of the adjacent scaffold bays such that the body is restrained from rotational movement about either standard, as well as lateral movement between the standards. In addition, the “arms” of the T-formation (or upper limbs of the C-shaped formations) bear against the standards to prevent axial or longitudinal movement of the panel in one direction, whilst the lower limbs of the C-shaped formations prevent axial or longitudinal movement in the opposite direction.
This configuration preferably defines a “twist-lock” engagement mechanism, whereby the lap plate must be inclined toward the vertical orientation, by rotation about a generally longitudinal axis of the plate, in order to be installed or removed. Hence, advantageously, once engaged with the adjacent standards in a substantially horizontal orientation, the plate cannot be inadvertently removed or dislodged from the intended position.
Advantageously also, in embodiments where the lap plate extends across the upper surfaces of the decking boards of the adjacent hop-ups, the thickness of the plate is relatively small so as to form only a small step between the lap plate and the underlying decking boards, thereby reducing the risk of a trip hazard being created by the panel. Preferably, the body of the lap plate is of substantially uniform thickness. In certain preferred embodiments, the lap plate has a thickness of approximately 3 mm. In some embodiments, there may be regions of reduced thickness, such as around the periphery of the body, to further reduce any trip hazard.
Preferably, the body and the engaging means of the lap plate are integrally formed as a one-piece unit. In some preferred embodiments, the lap plate is formed from a rigid plate material such as, for example, treaded metal checker plate or other suitable materials.
In some embodiments, the lap plates may be configured to extend between adjacent scaffold bays (as distinct from adjacent hop-ups) that are spaced apart, and thereby to cover the respective clearance spaces defined between the adjacent bays, whether oriented orthogonally or obliquely. In some embodiments, particularly in this situation, respective engagement means may be formed at opposite ends of the lap plate, for engagement with the adjacent inner standards and outer standards respectively.
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Referring to the drawings, the invention provides a scaffold connection assembly 1 system adapted for use with scaffolding 2. While the connection assembly is adaptable to virtually any system of scaffolding, it will be most commonly applicable to prefabricated modular scaffolding and will be described predominantly in that context.
Prefabricated modular scaffolding is typically composed of a combination of primary framing elements including upright supports or “standards” 2, adjustable base feet 3 for the standards, horizontal supports or “ledgers” 4, “transoms” 5, decking boards 6 and tube clamps 7 (see
In the particular form of scaffolding illustrated, the connection mechanism is known as the “V-pressing” system. As best seen in
These various components are typically assembled to form a series of modular scaffold bays 15. The bays themselves are connected together, typically end to end, in a matrix arrangement, which can be extended horizontally or vertically as required, by the addition of further bays. A basic arrangement of conventional scaffold bays 15 is shown in
It will be appreciated from this overview that the prior art is reasonably well adapted for positioning adjacent straight walls, right-angled bends and generally orthogonal building structures. However, major problems are encountered with more complex surface profiles or building structures including particularly curved surfaces, non-orthogonal junctions, irregular projections and the like. Such building configurations typically result in a multitude of broken bays of the type illustrated in
To address at least some of these deficiencies of the prior art, and with reference initially to
As best seen in
As best seen in
In the embodiment illustrated, and as best seen in
More specifically, each of the first connecting formations 31 includes a pair of vertically spaced apart upper and lower arms, respectively defining an upper flange 32 and a lower flange 34. These flanges extend outwardly from a central bridge section 36, and are adapted respectively to be positioned above and below the lug 10 on the adjacent V-press fitting. In this way, upon engagement, the associated wedge pin 14 extends downwardly through the upper flange 32 , through the aperture 9 of the V-pressing and through the corresponding lower flange 34, thereby releaseably locking the first connecting formation 31 to the associated inner corner post or standard 38 of the respective scaffold bay (see
In other embodiments, if a greater effective distance “A” between the first mutually opposing connecting formations 31 is required, the C-shaped brackets need not be joined back-to-back, but may alternatively be spaced apart by a longer intermediate bridge section 36, which may, for example, be formed from an appropriate length of bar, tube, rod, plate or other suitable section. Alternative configurations of the first connecting formations 31, such as ring clamps, may also be used as required, depending upon the particular form of proprietary or modular scaffold system with which the connection assembly is being used.
Similarly, as best seen in
In this case, the bridge section 46 of the second connecting element takes the form of a relatively short length of ledger bar, which is ideally bent or curved to approximate the radius of curvature of the “wedge” formation defined by the overall connecting assembly 1. Advantageously, this bend or curvature in the short ledger bar forming the bridge section 46 of the second connecting element allows the associated second connecting formations 41 to be correctly aligned with the respective V-press fittings on the outer standards 44 to which they attach, thereby effectively compensating for the change of direction between the adjoining scaffold bays.
In alternative embodiments, this angular alignment may be achieved in different ways and the bridge portion 46 may take a variety of other forms, including sections of bar, tube, beam, channel, rod or plate, and may be straight, curved or formed in other suitable shapes of configurations as appropriate to particular installations. It should also be understood that in some alternative embodiments, the connecting formations may be adapted to attach to scaffold elements other than the standards, such as ledgers, transoms or other fittings, components or fixtures associated with the first and second scaffold bays. It will be appreciated that in those embodiments employing a straight bridge portion (between either or both of the first and second connecting formations) the respective connection formations can be attached or configured so as to provide the desired angular alignment between the adjoining scaffold bays. It is preferred that the connecting formations are fixedly secured to the respective ends of the bridge portion.
As best seen in
It will be appreciated that because the first and second connecting elements 30 and 40 are of different effective lengths, the double-sided transom elements 50 form the non-parallel radial arms of a generally wedge-shaped gap formation 56, defined between the adjacent sides of the first and second scaffold bays. The included angle defined by the major arms of this wedge formation, and hence the oblique angle defined between the first and second scaffold bays, will be directly related to the difference in effective length between the first and second connecting elements.
The assembly preferably further includes a complementary wedge plate 60, adapted to extend generally between the transom elements 50. More specifically, this wedge plate 60 rests on the supporting ledges 62 extending laterally inwardly from the respective transom elements 50, so as substantially to cover or close the wedge-shaped gap formation 56 defined between the adjoining scaffold bays. The wedge plate 60 is preferably formed from steel or aluminium “checkerplate” with integral tread grip. It optionally includes an integral vertical kick panel 65, also preferably formed from checkerplate, for added safety. Advantageously, the wedge plate arrangement in this embodiment substantially eliminates trip hazards that may arise in some circumstances if the wedge-shaped gap were left open, and also obviates the need to custom-form and lash down individual timber lap boards, as may otherwise be required.
In some embodiments, however, depending upon specific configurational, geometrical and safety constraints, the wedge plate 60 may take a variety of alternative forms including bars, grills, grates, panels or boards, and in appropriate circumstances may be omitted altogether.
It should also be understood that in further variations of the invention, the transom elements may be permanently connected to, or be integrally formed with one another, and/or with the wedge plate. Similarly, in other embodiments, the first and second connecting elements and associated connecting formations may be permanently connected to, or formed integrally with, the transom elements and/or the wedge plate.
Kickboard locating bracket assemblies 68 are adapted for connection to the respective outer standards 44 of the first and second scaffold bays. Each bracket assembly 68 includes a vertically oriented channel section 69 adapted to receive and captively retain a vertically oriented outer kick board 70 for the respective first or second scaffold bay, and a tube clamp 71 adapted for connection to the respective standard 44, as best seen in
A further embodiment of the connecting assembly 1 is shown in
Similarly, the second connecting element 40 is also effectively integral with the wedge plate 60 and the second connecting formations 41 similarly comprise tube clamps 76 adapted respectively for secure engagement with the adjacent outer standards of the first and second bays. In further variations, one or more of the tube clamps 75 and 76 may include special-purpose lugs or fittings, appropriately angled or otherwise adapted for direct engagement with the V-pressings of the respective standards 38 and 44. In this embodiment, the transoms 50 defining the wedge-shaped gap 56 between the bays may optionally also be integrally formed with the wedge plate 60.
Because of the modular nature of the scaffolding and the complementary components of the invention, multiple connecting assemblies 1 may be installed side-by-side or contiguously between the same first and second scaffold bays, in order to increase, in discreet multiples, the oblique angle defined between the bays. This composite configuration is shown in
In this context, it should be understood that some of the connecting formations adapted for engagement with the scaffold bays, may also or alternatively be adapted for connection with other compatible connecting elements or connecting assemblies. Angular adjustability may additionally or alternatively be provided by appropriate specification, selection or provision of first and second connecting elements from a range of different effective lengths, so as to define a range of different subtended angles of obliqueness between the adjoining bays. In one embodiment, a kit of such components in a range of different lengths and configurations, is provided.
In another embodiment, the length of the first and/or second connecting elements may be adjustable (e.g. a telescopic arrangement). In these adjustable embodiments, a means for locking the connecting elements at a predetermined fixed length is preferably provided. For example, the locking means may be in the form of a locking pin or screw. Similarly, in certain embodiments, the connecting formations of the first and second connecting elements may be rotatably mounted such that the relative angle between the connecting formations can be selectively adjusted. Again, a locking element such as a locking pin or screw is preferably provided to lock the connecting formations at a predetermined angle to accommodate the oblique orientation of the respective scaffold bays. In some embodiments, the angle of orientation of one of the connecting formations of a particular connecting element may be adjustable. In other embodiments, the angle of orientation of both connecting formations may be adjustable.
To allow this flexibility, radial extension elements 80 are provided. In this example, the radial extension elements take the form of C-shaped brackets joined back-to-back to form respective radial connecting flanges compatible with the V-press fittings on the scaffold standards, in a manner similar to that previously described in relation to the first connecting elements 30. In this instance, however, the inner flanges engage with the outer standards 44, while the outer flanges of the respective extension elements engage with further standards 44′, positioned radially outwardly therefrom.
As shown in more detail in
In a further aspect, as best seen in
As will be understood by those skilled in the art, hop-ups are essentially supplementary support platforms cantilevered outwardly from a primary scaffold structure or scaffold bay. They are usually, although not always, narrower than the main bays from which they extend. They may be erected on the inner or outer sides or ends of the main bays, as required for particular purposes. However, in the case of the curved or obliquely angled scaffold structures enabled by the present invention, conventional hop-up components and techniques may not be viable in all circumstances.
These hop-ups of the present invention can be used as an integral part of a comprehensive overall system to facilitate building access, to enable storage of building equipment or materials, or for other specific purposes, in the context of non-orthogonal scaffold configurations.
The proximal ends of the hop-up transoms 88 may be adapted for engagement with the V-press fittings on the scaffold standards in the manner previously described (see
If wider or more extensive hop-ups are required, hop-up extension modules 98 are provided, as shown in
As previously noted, these various hop-up arrangements may be positioned on either side of the scaffold as required, to facilitate access to adjacent buildings in the case of more complex architectural geometries and also to facilitate storage of tools, equipment and building materials. However, if there is an oblique change of direction or a curvature in the scaffold profile arising from the utilisation of one or more of the oblique connecting assemblies as previously described, it can be advantageous for the hop-ups to be as compact or as self-contained as possible, particularly near the inner radius of an oblique junction.
To this end, one embodiment of the invention as shown in
As best seen in the plan view of
As shown in
The length of the lap plate 101 is preferably selected to be a discrete multiple of the width of the decking boards of the hop-ups. In
As most clearly shown in the various embodiments of
Each C-shaped cut-out 103 is sized to enable close-fitting engagement with a respective standard of the scaffold system such that, when the lap plate is mounted in position (
Advantageously, the thickness of the in-fill is relatively small so as not to create a trip hazard. In the illustrated embodiments, the lap plate has a substantially uniform thickness of approximately 3 mm.
Referring now to
Thus, it will be appreciated that the T-shaped engaging formation at the proximal end of the lap plate thus provides a twist-lock mechanism which enables quick and efficient installation of the lap plate, whilst securely retaining the panel in place during use, and preventing inadvertent misalignment or removal.
With reference to
As shown in
The embodiments of the lap plates illustrated in
In other embodiments, the lap plate may not take the form of a separate element as described above with reference to
In alternative embodiments to those illustrated in
In other embodiments, (not shown) the pair of tube clamps 105 may be fixedly or releasably connected to the ends of a straight section of ledger bar. In such embodiments, the arcuate inner surfaces 110 of the tube clamps 105 enable the connecting element to accommodate the oblique orientation between the adjoining scaffold bays by effectively self-aligning the respective tube clamps 105 at the appropriate oblique angles with respect to the scaffold bays.
In another embodiment (also not shown), the connecting formation at each end of the tube 104 may be formed as a pair of tube clamps 105 coupled together (e.g. back-to-back and oriented at 90 degrees to one another), rather than as a single tube clamp 105 as illustrated in
In this embodiment, it should be understood that the functional elements of the connecting formations are effectively defined by the slots 112 themselves, which are oriented to ensure that the associated locking wedges 14 engage the respective V-lugs 10 on the adjacent standards 2 in the appropriate orthogonal orientation. In that sense, the embodiment of
Each of the tube clamps has a single V-press fitting or V-lug 10′ welded to it, which avoids the need for the short ledger bar 104 to attach directly to the V-press fittings 10 on the scaffold standards 2. Because the tube clamps 105 can be fitted in any rotational orientation when connected to the respective standards, the V-press fittings 10′ on the tube clamps 105 can be aligned with one another (although consequently misaligned with the V-press fittings 10 on the standards 2, which are essentially bypassed altogether in this embodiment).
This means that the short ledger bar 104 no longer needs to be bent or curved (although could be if desired), and the connection fittings on the opposite ends of the short ledger bar 104 no longer need to be obliquely oriented with respect to each other (although again could be if desired). Rather, the oblique angle between the adjacent scaffold bays is effectively accommodated by mounting the tube clamps 105, and hence their associated V-press lugs 10′, obliquely on the respective standards 2. That is, the V-press lugs 10′ of the tube clamps 105, which essentially define their directionality, are angled obliquely with respect to the V-press lugs 10 of the standards 2, which essentially define their directionality, at a predetermined angle which corresponds to the oblique angle between the adjoining scaffold bays.
In the embodiment of
Once again, the locking wedges and corresponding slots at opposite ends of the short ledger bar are configured such that upon secure engagement, a predetermined (substantially straight) angle of connection is maintained between the ledger bar and the tube clamps at either end, to ensure that the overall rigidity, stability, dimensional consistency and structural integrity of the system are effectively maintained. However, in the embodiments of
It will also be appreciated that the ability of the tube clamps to be mounted at different heights on the respective standards, provides a convenient mechanism for accommodating transitions or differentials in height between adjoining scaffold bays, which might otherwise cause undesirable stresses or misalignments within the oblique connection assembly or elsewhere in the scaffolding.
In the embodiment illustrated in
Each blade 114 has a lower portion 115 extending below the tube to be received within the lower cup 113 and an upper portion 116 configured to be engaged by a locking ring 117. A locking lug 118 is fixed to the standard, and the locking ring has a corresponding bulged area 119 adapted to slide over the locking lug, whereafter rotation of the locking ring brings the locking ring into secure locking engagement between the upper portion of the blade and the locking lug (see
In the embodiment illustrated in
The lower cup 113 of the locking-cup couplings is configured to receive two or more (preferably three or four) blade or spacer members, whereby a connecting element, a transom, and a ledger can be securely retained by a single lower cup and locking ring.
Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the use of connecting elements of predetermined fixed length, together with the fixed securing (e.g. welding) of the connecting formations at a predetermined angle, provides significant advantages to the scaffold connection assembly in terms of stability and dimensional accuracy as well as enhancing the overall structural integrity of the assembly.
It will be appreciated that the invention in its various embodiments provides a safe, simple, convenient, efficient, and secure method, apparatus and comprehensive system for securely connecting scaffold bays at oblique angles and thereby permitting the construction of scaffolding in a variety of non-orthogonal geometrical configurations including oblique junctions, curves, contours and a wide variety of irregular profiles. This greatly facilitates the erection of scaffolding around increasingly more complex architectural, building and civil engineering structures, leading to increased flexibility and functionality, reduced cost and reduced risk.
Advantageously, the system is readily adaptable to a wide variety of proprietary modular scaffolding systems with minimal modification and can be readily adapted to comply with current safety standards. In these and other respects, the invention represents both a practical and commercially significant improvement over the prior art.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013900426 | Feb 2013 | AU | national |
| 2013902303 | Jun 2013 | AU | national |
| 2013902963 | Aug 2013 | AU | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU2014/000106 | 2/11/2014 | WO | 00 |
