The present invention relates to a scaffolding system.
It is known to construct scaffolding systems that have a number of light-weight scaffold tubes that are provided with interlocking members for releasably securing one scaffold tube to another. The scaffold tubes and other component parts of the scaffolding system are sufficiently light that operators can carry the component parts to or from the desired location for construction or disassembly of the structure.
Such scaffolding systems are ideally suited to light load applications and can be readily adapted to suit the necessary application. In addition, such scaffolding systems can be arranged for higher load applications. However, one disadvantage of using this type of scaffolding system in higher load applications is that a large number of component parts are required to ensure the structure is sufficiently stable and rigid.
It is also known to fabricate a purpose built structure for use in high load and/or large span applications. The structure is often discarded once it is no longer required.
In addition, it is also known to provide structural support systems that use pre-fabricated component parts, such as trusses and column supports that are interlocked to form a larger structure. An example of this type of system is the well known “Bailey Bridge” system. One disadvantage of such a system is that the component parts are large and heavy in order to provide the desired structural strength. Consequently, the components of these structural support systems are difficult, if not impossible, to handle as they are heavy and cumbersome.
The present invention relates to a scaffolding system comprising:
a plurality of elongate structural tubes;
a plurality of node members, each node member having three or more mating portions that each extend along one of three mutually perpendicular axes that pass through the respective node member, end portions of the structural tubes can be releasably secured to the mating portions to provide a framework of vertical columns that extend between pairs of node members and horizontal beams that extend between pairs of node members; and
a plurality of tie members that can each be releasably secured at opposing ends to a node member such that the respective tie member is inclined relative to the vertical columns or the horizontal beams, such that the scaffolding system, when assembled, is capable of supporting structural loads.
Preferably, the mating portions are sleeves that each define a cavity for receiving an end portion of the structural tubes.
Preferably, each sleeve of the node member comprises a plurality of walls that define the cavity. More preferably, the structural tubes have a square cross-section and the sleeves of the node members comprise four walls that define a square cavity for receiving the end of a structural tube.
Preferably, the scaffolding system further comprises a plurality of fasteners for releasably securing the structural tubes within the sleeves.
Preferably, the sleeves are provided with holes such that one of the fasteners can extend transversely through the sleeve to secure a structural tube within the respective sleeve. More preferably, the structural tube also comprises one or more holes adjacent each end such that a respective one of the fasteners can extend transversely through both the sleeve and a structural tube.
Preferably, each fastener can extend through opposing sides of a respective sleeve and structural tube such that the respective fastener is in double shear when employed in a structure constructed using the scaffolding system.
In one embodiment, the tie members are in the form of tie rods that are each tensioned to provide a tensile force between the node members to which the respective tie rod is secured.
In some embodiments, the plurality of fasteners can each releasably secure the one or more of the tie rods to the node members.
Preferably, the plurality of fasteners include pins having transverse holes through which ends of the tie rods can pass.
Alternatively or additionally, the scaffolding system can further comprise a plurality of clevis units that can be releasably secured to the node members, wherein one of the plurality of tie rods can be releasably secured to each clevis unit.
Preferably, the end portions of each tie rod are provided with an external thread such that an internally threaded nut can be threaded onto the external thread to tension the tie rod.
Alternatively or additionally, the tie members are in the form of a rigid braces.
Preferably, the scaffolding system further comprises a plurality of brace plates that can be releasably secured to the node members, wherein one or more of the plurality of braces can be releasably secured to each brace plate.
Each brace plate can comprise node member attachment holes that facilitate attachment of the respective brace plate to a respective node member. More preferably, each brace plate comprises brace attachment holes that facilitate attachment of one or more of the plurality of braces to the respective brace plate.
Preferably, the plurality of brace plates include:
Preferably, each structural tube is provided with mounting holes intermediate of the ends of the structural tube for mounting attachments to the structural tubes.
Preferably, the attachments are selected from the list comprising: cleats for attaching joists to the structural tubes, transom units for supporting the scaffold boards on structural tubes, brackets for attaching scaffold tube to structural tubes, mounting brackets for mounting rails to structural tubes.
The scaffolding system can further comprise components that can be releasably secured to the end of a structural tube, the components being selected from the list comprising: sole plates, end caps, and jacking devices.
The plurality of fasteners can comprise a set of first pins that are longer than the width of the sleeve, such that both ends of the first pins protrude from the sleeve when installed. Each first pin can have a transverse hole adjacent each end of the first pin, such that an end of a tie rod can pass through each transverse hole to secure the respective tie rod to the respective node member.
The plurality of fasteners can comprise a set of second pins that are longer than the width of the sleeve, and having at one end a head that is broader than the holes in the sleeves, and having a transverse hole adjacent the opposing end such that a securing device can be passed through the second pin. Preferably, the securing device is in the form of a split pin.
Preferably, each wall of the sleeves of the node member is provided with two holes that are spaced along the length of the respective sleeve such that a fastener can be passed through either of the two holes.
Each end of the structural tubes can comprise two or more holes adjacent the ends of the respective tube, the holes being spaced in the longitudinal direction of the tube such that when a structural tube is inserted into the sleeve of a node member the holes in the sleeve can be aligned with the holes in the structural tube. Preferably, each of the four surfaces at each end of the structural tubes is provided with two holes that can be used to secure the structural tube within a sleeve.
Preferably, the plurality of node members includes a plurality of first node members that each have three sleeves. More preferably, the first node members have three end faces that each extend between two of the three sleeves.
Preferably, the plurality of node members includes a plurality of second node members that each have four sleeves. More preferably, the second node members have two end faces that each extend between two of the four sleeves.
Preferably, the plurality of node members includes a plurality of third node members that each have five sleeves. More preferably, the third node members have an end face that extends between two of the five sleeves.
Preferably, the plurality of node members includes a plurality of fourth node members that each have six sleeves.
Preferably, the mounting holes are provided in pairs that are longitudinally spaced from other pairs of mounting holes along a respective surface of the structural tube, the two holes within a pair being laterally spaced on a respective surface of the structural tube.
Preferably, pairs of mounting holes are provided on each surface of the structural tube.
The cleats for attaching joists to the structural tube can each comprise two plates that are joined to form a right-angle section, each plate being provided with a pair of holes for receiving fasteners to mount the cleat to one of a structural tube or a joist.
Preferably, the scaffolding system further comprises a plurality of scaffold boards.
The transom units for supporting the scaffold boards on the structural tubes can each comprise one or more longitudinal supports for supporting ends of scaffold boards, and an upwardly extending, longitudinal abutment for preventing scaffold boards moving transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the transom unit.
Preferably, in use, the transom units can be mounted to a top surface of a horizontally disposed structural tube.
The transom unit can comprise two supports that are separated by the abutment.
Preferably, the upper surface of the supports is approximately level with the upper surface of the sleeves to which the respective structural tube is secured. More preferably, the transom unit comprises two or more packing plates that space the supports above the respective structural tube.
Preferably, two packing plates are provided adjacent the ends of supports. The transom unit can have holes that extend through the supports and the packing plates adjacent the ends of the supports, such that a fastener can be passed through each hole to secure the transom unit to a structural tube.
In some embodiments, one or more packing plates are also provided intermediate of the ends of supports.
Preferably, the abutment protrudes longitudinally beyond the longitudinal ends of the supports. Accordingly, when the transom unit is attached to a structural tube the abutment can extend along a sleeve at each end of the respective structural tube.
The brackets for attaching scaffold tube to a structural tube can each comprise a support plate that can be fastened to a structural tube, and a tube holder that can receive the scaffold tube. More preferably, the bracket further comprises a fastener for releasably securing a scaffold tube within the tube holder.
Preferably, the tube holder is arranged on the support plate such that the scaffold tube extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the structural tube.
The sole plates can be secured to a footing to support a structure on a ground surface. Preferably, each sole plate comprises a substantially flat base with a sleeve portion that extends upwardly from the base for receiving an end of a structural tube.
The end caps that each receive an end of a structural tube can each comprise a plurality of walls and an end surface that define a cavity for receiving the end of the structural tube.
The end caps can be releasably secured to the end portion of one of the structural tubes.
Each end cap can be used to provide a support for a jacking device. The jacking device can be used to jack formwork above the structure, or for levelling a gantry structure.
In order that the invention may be more easily understood, embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
a: is a plan view of a second node member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
b: is a side view of the second node member shown in
a: is a plan view of a third node member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
b: is a side view of the third node member shown in
a: is a plan view of a fourth node member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
b: is a side view of the fourth node member shown in
a: is a plan view of the first node member shown in
b: is a plan view of the first node member shown in
a: is a side elevation of an alternative transom unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, shown with a structural tube and node members;
b: is a plan view of the transom unit of
c: is an end view of the transom unit of
a: is a side elevation of a brace and first brace plate according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown connected to a node member;
b: is a plan view of the brace and first brace plate of
a: is a plan view of a bridge constructed using a scaffolding system according to the present invention;
b: is a side elevation of the bridge of
The gantry 10 is formed by a plurality of structural tubes 16, node members 18 and tie members, which in this embodiment are in the form of tie rods 20. Each of the structural tubes 16 extend between two node members 18 in one of the length, width or depth directions with respect to the gantry 10. For clarity, the node members 18 have been shown schematically as squares, and the tie rods 20 have been shown schematically as broken lines.
When the top of the gantry 10 is generally horizontal, some structural tubes 16 within the gantry 10 will be arranged substantially vertically to provide vertical columns that extend between node members 18. Similarly, other structural tubes 16 within the gantry 10 will be arranged substantially horizontally to provide horizontal beams that extend between node members 18.
Each of the tie rods 20 extend between two node members 18 in a direction that is inclined to one of length, width or depth directions with respect to the gantry 10. In the arrangement in which the top of the gantry 10 is horizontal, each of the tie rods 20 will be inclined horizontally and/or vertically.
However, it will be appreciated that a structure constructed of the scaffolding system, such as the gantry 10, will flex due to self-weight and applied loads. Accordingly, in this context the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” indicate general directions and may not be conincident with true vertical or horizontal.
A first set of tie rods 20 rods are tensioned to provide plan bracing (as indicated by arrow P in
Steel scaffold boards (not shown) are provided across the top surface of the gantry 10 to provide a decking on which workers can operate, and on which equipment or materials can be placed. The gantry 10 is arranged to support loads within the range that is structural.
Two pairs of mounting holes 42a are provided on each of the four surfaces 40a of the structural tube 16a. Each of the holes 40a with a pair are laterally spaced across the respective surface 40a. Various attachments and/or components (not shown) can be secured to the structural tube 16a using the mounting holes 42a.
In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the structural tube 16a has an external width and height of 100 mm, and a wall thickness of 6 mm. However, it will be appreciated that alternative cross-sectional shapes may be employed. Similarly, alternative dimensions of the cross-sectional shape may also be employed.
The structural tube 16b is provided with five pairs of mounting holes 42b on each of the four surfaces 40b. Adjacent pairs of mounting holes 42b are separated by a common distance, which is equal to the separation of the two pairs of mounting holes 42a of the structural tube 16a. Similarly, various attachments and/or components (not shown) can be secured to the structural tube 16b using the mounting holes 42b.
The structural tube 16c is provided with nine pairs of mounting holes 42c on each of the four surfaces 40c. Adjacent pairs of mounting holes 42c are separated by a common distance, which is equal to the separation of the two pairs of mounting holes 42a of the structural tube 16a. Similarly, various attachments and/or components (not shown) can be secured to the structural tube 16c using the mounting holes 42c.
As indicated in
In one preferred system, the structural tubes 16 can be provided in the following nominal lengths: 0.75 metres, 1.2 metres, 1.5 metres, 1.8 metres, 2.1 metres, 2.4 metres, and 3.0 metres. However, it will be appreciated that in some applications or systems, different nominal lengths may be used.
A double-ended pin 44 is shown in further detail in
When the double-ended pins 44 are installed in the scaffolding system of the present invention, a tie rod 20 can be passed through one of the transverse holes 50, as shown in
A headed pin 46 is shown in further detail in
When used in to secure structural tubes 16 within sleeves 22 of a node member 18, each of the pins 44, 46 is in double shear. This provides the benefit of the shear forces supported by the respective double-ended pin 44, or headed pin 46 being divided between two shear planes.
In assembly of a structure using the scaffolding system, a structural tube 16 is inserted into a sleeve 22 of a node member 18 such that the holes 28 in the sleeve 22 and the holes 38 in the structural tube 16 overlap. A headed pin 46 is passed through holes 28, 38 in the sleeve 22 and structural tube 16 that are closest to the centre of the node member 18. A securing device is subsequently passed through the double-ended pin 44.
The use of two pins 44, 46 in each sleeve 22 facilitates locating of structural tubes 16 with the sleeve 22 of a node member 18. The two pins 44, 46 also provide additional strength and rigidity to the structure formed using the scaffolding system of the present invention. The two pins 44, 46 assist in keeping the structure square by minimizing movement of the structural tubes 16 with the node members 18.
A double-ended pin 44 is then inserted through the holes 28, 38 in the sleeve 22 and structural tube 16 that are furthest from the centre of the node member. The two transverse holes 50 are positioned externally of the sleeve 22.
The end of a tie rod 20, which has an externally thread portion 58, is passed through a respective one of the transverse holes 50 in each of the double-ended pin 44. A cup washer 60 is fitted over the tie rod 20, and an internally threaded nut 62 is subsequently wound onto the threaded portion 58 of the tie rod 20. At a desired time, the nut 62 can be further wound onto the threaded portion 58 of the tie rod 20, such that the tie rod 20 is held in tension.
In a structure that is constructed of the scaffolding system according to the present invention, the structural tubes 16 support compressive loads and shear forces. However, the structural tubes 16 support minimal tensile forces.
a and 10b show a node member 18a in accordance with an first embodiment. The node member 18a has three sleeves 22a that are aligned along mutually perpendicular axes. Each sleeve 22a has two holes 28a provided on each of the four walls 24a that define a cavity within the sleeve 22a, as previously described. The node member 18a further has three end faces 30a, that each extend between two of the sleeves 22a. Each of the end faces 30a have a single hole 32a that is positioned centrally within the respective end face 30a.
a and 11b show a node member 18b in accordance with a second embodiment. The node member 18b has four sleeves 22b that are aligned along mutually perpendicular axes. Each sleeve 22b has two holes 28b provided on each of the four walls 24b that define a cavity within the sleeve 22b, as previously described. The node member 18b further has two end faces 30b, that each extend between three of the sleeves 22b. Both of the end faces 30b have a single hole 32b positioned centrally within the respective end face 30b.
a and 12b show a node member 18b in accordance with an third embodiment, which is also shown in
a and 13b show a node member 18d in accordance with an fourth embodiment. The node member 18d has six sleeves 22d that are aligned along mutually perpendicular axes. Each sleeve 22d has two holes 28d provided on each of the four walls 24d that define a cavity within the sleeve 22d, as previously described.
When constructing a structure using the scaffolding system of the present invention, the users select node members 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d (hereinafter referred to collectively as “node members 18”) such that all the sleeves 22 of the node members 18 are provided with a structural tube 16. Accordingly, each node member 18 would not contribute unnecessary weight to the structure.
The sole plate 66 is shown in further detail in
The structural tube 76 has holes 78 adjacent the ends such that a pin 44, 46 can pass through both the sleeve 70 and also the structural tube 76.
As shown in
The tower 64 further includes node members 18b (which are shown in
The end face 84 is provided with a hole 90, which provides a surface on which components can be supported. For example, the end face 84 can be used in a jacking application to provide support for a jacking device (not shown).
In this embodiment, each transom unit 104 has two supports 108 that each support ends of scaffold boards 106. To prevent longitudinal movement of scaffold boards 106, the transom unit 104 also has an upwardly extending abutment 110 that extends longitudinally along the length of the transom unit 104.
As shown in
The upper surface of the supports 108 are approximately level with the top surface of the sleeves 22 to which the structural tube 16 is connected. The transom unit 104 is provided with packing plates 112a, 112b that ensure the supports 108 are supported on the respective structural tube 16. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the transom unit 104 is provided with two packing plates 112a that are adjacent the ends of the supports 108. The supports 108 and the packing plates 112a have holes 114 that extend therethrough such that fasteners (not shown) can be used to secure the transom unit 104 to the structural tube 16. An intermediate packing plate 112b is provided intermediate of the longitudinal ends of the supports 108.
It will be appreciated that additional intermediate packing plates 112b may be provided for longer transom units 104. Furthermore, for a transom unit 104 that is short, there will be no need for providing an intermediate packing plate 112b.
As shown in the figures, the bracket 116 is arranged such that the scaffold tube 126 is secured perpendicular to the structural tube 16 to which the bracket 116 is attached. However, it will be appreciated that alternative brackets may be provided in which the scaffold tube 126 is secured in other orientations relative to the structural tube 16.
a to 32b show a transom unit 128 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The transom unit 128 is an alternative to the transom unit 104 shown in
In this embodiment, each transom unit 128 has two supports 132 that each support ends of scaffold boards (not shown). To prevent longitudinal movement of scaffold boards, the transom unit 128 also has an upwardly extending abutment 134 that extends longitudinally along the length of the transom unit 128.
The transom unit 128 has two side walls 136 that each extend downwardly from the supports 132. Holes extend through the side walls 136 to facilitate connection of the transom unit 128 to structural tubes 16 using the fasteners 130.
The upper surface of the supports 132 are approximately level with the top surface of the sleeves 22 to which the structural tube 16 is connected. The transom unit 128 is provided with packing plates 138 that ensure the supports 132 are supported on the respective structural tube 16.
The joining plate 140 has two large holes 142 that have the same diameter as the holes 38 at the ends of the structural tubes 16. The joining plate 140 also has two small holes 144 that have the same diameter as the mounting holes 42 intermediate the ends of the structural tubes 16.
Accordingly, the small holes 144 enable the joining plate 140 to be secured to mounting holes 42 of a structural tube. The large holes 142 enable the joining plate 140 to be secured to holes 38 at the end of another structural tube 16.
The function of the joining plate 140 is illustrated in
The tower 148 also has end caps 80 that support universal beams 150, 152, 154. The tower 148 provides an example of the scaffolding system according to the present invention supporting a load.
The tower 148 has four sole plates 66 (two of which are shown in
The compressive strength and/or buckling load limit can be increased by changing the configuration of horizontal and vertical structural tubes 16 within the tower.
The deck of the walkway 164 is formed of scaffold boards 166 that are supported on transom units 104.
The walkway 164 further includes cleats 92 attached to horizontal structural tubes 16 adjacent the decking. The cleats 92 support kickboards 168. The walkway 164 further includes mounting brackets 170 that are attached to vertical structural tubes 16 above the kickboards 166. The mounting brackets 170 have a sleeve within which an end of a handrail 172 is supported, and a flange that has holes for securing the mounting bracket 170 to structural tubes 16.
The walkway 164 can be supported on towers (not shown) that are also constructed using the scaffolding system of the present invention.
a and 40b show a tie member, which in this embodiment is in the form of a brace 174, and brace plate 176 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The brace 174 has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, with a width that is the same as the width of the structural tubes 16. The brace 174 is attached to a node member 18 by two brace plates 176.
Each brace plate 176 has four node member attachment holes 178 to facilitate attachment of the brace plate 176 to two adjacent sleeves 22 of the node member 18 by pins 44. The brace plate 176 also has a cutout 180 to avoid interference with a sleeve 22 of the node member 18 that is perpendicular to the sleeves 22 to which it is attached.
Each brace plate 176 further has two brace attachment holes 182 to facilitate attachment of the brace 174 to the brace plate 176. Two fasteners 184 pass through both brace plates 176 and the brace 174.
The brace 174 is able to support both tensile and compressive loads. As will be appreciated, the inclination of the brace 174 relative to the sleeves 22 of the node member 18 is fixed. However, using the brace 174 in structures constructed using the scaffolding system enables the structure to withstand higher loads.
a and 41b show a bridge 186 constructed using a scaffolding system according to the present invention. The bridge 186 has a bridge deck section 188 and two girder sections 190.
The bridge 186 includes node members 18, structural tubes 16 and tie members. In this embodiment, the tie members are in the form of braces 174 that are attached to node members by brace plates 176, as previously described in connection with
The second brace plate 176b can attach two separate braces 174 to a single node member 18, as shown in
The third brace plate 176c can attach four separate braces 174 to a single node member 18, as shown in
The clevis unit 192 has a bearing plate 196 through which an end of the tie rod 194 passes. A threaded nut 198 co-operates with a thread (not shown) on the end of the tie rod 194 to enable the tension in the tie rod 194 to be adjusted.
The clevis unit 192 also has two side plates 200 that are extend from opposing sides of the bearing plate 196. The side plates 200 have holes 202 through which a fastener, such as pins 44, 46, can pass to secure the clevis unit 192 to a node member 18.
Tie rod 194 is thicker than tie rod 20, and thus is able to support greater tensile loads. As will be appreciated, the maximum tensile load supported by tie rod 20 is limited by the diameter of the pins 44, 46 and the diameter of the transverse hole 50. The clevis unit 192 and tie rod 194 arrangement is suited to heavier duty applications (when compared with the tie rod 20 and pin 44, 46 arrangement).
It will be appreciated that structures constructed using the scaffolding system of the present invention can use a combination of the tie members previously described. That is, a combination of tie rods 20, braces 174 and tie rods 194.
It will be understood to persons skilled in the art of the invention that many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
The scaffolding system of the present invention has the benefit that it provides components that can be easily lifted by one or two people, as appropriate. Accordingly, a structure can be constructed using the scaffolding system where access is difficult and/or inhibited. For example, the scaffolding system can be used to provide a deck within a large vessel, such as a pressure vessel that has small access openings.
The deck can be provided on the top surface of a gantry that is supported by towers.
Alternatively, the scaffolding system can be used to construct a deck that is supported on an arch-like structure. The arch-like structure may also be supported on towers.
Structures that are constructed using the scaffolding system of the present invention can be quickly assembled and disassembled by a crew of operators with minimal use of equipment, such as cranes.
Because the scaffolding system of the present invention provides a set of component parts, the scaffolding system can readily be adapted to form structures that suit specific applications and/or specific load requirements. Subsequently, the same component parts can be used for different applications, as desired.
In one alternative embodiment, the structural tubes can be arranged to receive mating portions of the node members. In such an embodiment, the structural tubes may be hollow to define an internal cavity. The mating portions may also be sleeves that have an outer width that is less than the width of the internal cavity.
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.