Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1- 13317~7
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present inention relate~ to methods and
apparatus for scaffolding and more particularly but not
exclusively to an improvement in or modification of the
scaffolding described in USA Patent 4 773 506.
: : :
PRIOR ART :: : -
'~
Conventional scaffolding ha~ many problems, the
most prominent thereof being that they are labour intenfiive
to erect and do not provide a co-ordinated scaffold system
adapted to meet the varying re~uirements particularly of
high rise scaffolding.
- Described in the above US Patent is a folding
scaffold module which is stackable. This also disclosed in
US Patent 1284078, a collapsible tower. This collapsible
tower is not adapted to be stacked and accordingly does not
lend itself to industrial type scaffolding. US Patent
3463265 discloses a collapsible platform support, but again
it is not intended to be stacked and is not integrated with
platforms to facilitate easy installation of the
scafolding.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
;i It is the object of the present invention to
overcome or substantially ameliorate the above dis-
advantages.
.
There is disclosed herein a stackable scaffolding
module having four elongated vertical ~upport members which
are generally parallel and co-extensive;
at least two work platforms adapted to receive
1331767
.. .
building materials and bear the weight of workmen, which
platforms are supported by the support members at vertically
spaced locations, said platforms being of generally
rectangular or square configuration having four corners;
pivot means attaching each platform to the support
members so that each support member is located adjacent a
respective one of the corners of each platform and
permitting relative pivoting movement between each platform
and the support members about 2 parallel axes extending
generally parallel to a side of each platform:
releasable securing means for preventing pivoting
of the platforms relative to the support members so that the
module is foldable between an erect configuration with the
platforms normal to the support members when teh securing
means are engaged and a folded configuration with the
6upport members pivoted relative to the platform so that
support members are located adjacent each other when the
securing means is released thereby reducing overall space
occupied by the module to facilitate storage and
transportation of the module.
Preferably, the stackable scaffolding module
-according to the invention is combined with a base assembly
to support the module, the base assembly including a
plurality of vertical columns, and at least one adaptor
means to be supported on one of the columns and having a
pair of module engaging members to engage the adjacent lower
end of a pair of support members of a pair of adjacent
modules, so that the adjacent modules are at least partly
supported on the adaptor~
Also preferably the stackable scaffolding module
according to the invention may be combined with a pair of
step up brackets attached to and supported by a pair of.the
support members, a platform member extending between the
step up bracket so as to provide a further platform spaced
- 2a - 13317~7
.
from the platforms of the modules and extending outwardly
from the module.
Also, according to the invention, a clamp to be
attached to a building to secure a scaffold assembly to the
building by a brace to extend between the scaffold assembly
and the clamp, is provided. The clamp comprises: a pair of
co-operating clamp members defining a pair of clamp
apertures to receive braces to secure the braces to the
building; a tension member is to extend between the clamp
members to bring them into clamping engagement with the
braces; a replacement brace portion attached to one of the
clamp members and moveable into one of the apertures to
simulate one of the braces, when only one brace is engaged
by the clamp. Preferably, the tension member is located
between the pair of apertures.
The invention further provides a pal~et to receive
a folded scaffold module, the pallet having a generally
horizontally extending base frame provided with a plurality
of legs, the base frame being of a generally rectangular
configuration with one end of said frame being provided with
an abuttment surface against which the module bears when
being raised therefrom.
A preferred form of the present invention will now
be described by way of example with reference to the
accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a
scaffold assembly;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective of a portion
of scaffold of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a
further portion of the scaffold of Figure l;
Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a
scaffold module employed in the scaffold of Figure l;
- 2b - 13 ~ 7
. .
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a
further module employed in the æcaffold of Figure l;
Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a
stair rail assembly employed in the scaffold of Figure l;
:~ /
/
, ~0 ~.
/
/
:~ /
i ~ /
:~ /
'
.
1 -~ 3 1 ~7
Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a base
assembly employed as scaffold of Figure 1;
Figure 8 is a schematic side elevation of a
portion of the base of Figure 7; -
Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of a :~
coupling employed in the base of Figure 7;
Figure lo is a schematic part exposed view of the
coupling of Figure g;
Figure 11 is a schematic side elevation of a
bracket employed in the scaffold of Figure 1;
Figure 12 is a schematic top plan view of the
bracket of Figure 11;
Figure 13 is a schematic side elevation of an
extension bracket for the bracket of Figure 11;
Figure 14 is a schematic top plan view of the
bracket of Figure 13;
Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a
portion of the scaffold of Figure 1, employing the bracket
of Figure 11;
Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of the
bracket of Figure 11;
Figure 17 is a schematic perspective view of a
brace employed in the scaffold of Figure 1;
Figure 18 is a schematic perspective view of a
: 25 brace to anchor this scaffold of Figure 1 to a building -;
: structure;
; Figure 19 is a schematic perspective view of a
modification of the brace of Figure 18; :
Figure 20 is a schematic perspective view of a
mounting assembly for the brace of Figure 18;
:~ ~ Figure 21 is a schematic top plan view of a pivot
~` assembly employed in the modules of Figure l;
- .
-:.
1~3L7~7
-- 4 --
Figure 22 is a schematic side elevation of the
pivot assembly of Figure 21;
Figure 23 is a schematic section and elevation of
an alternative pivot assembly to that of Figure 21;
Figure 24 is a schematic end elevation of the
pivot assembly of 23;
Figure 25 is a schematic perspective view of the
pivot assembly of Figure 23;
Figure 26 is a schematic perspective view of a
lo pair of adjacent modules being coupled together by a joining
plate;
Figure 27 is a schematic perspective view of the
modules and plate of Figure 26;
Figure 28 is a schematic perspective view of a
joining plate by pair of adjacent modules which are
angularly displaced;
Figure 29 is a schematic perspective view of a
crane employed to erect the scaffold of Figure l;
Figure 30 is a schematic front elevation of a hook
employed with the crane of Figure 7;
Figure 31 is a schematic top plan view of the hook
of Figure 30;
Figure 32 is a schematic end elevation of the hook
:~ of Figure 30;
Figure 33 is a schematic perspective view of a
module and pallet upon which the modules are stacked;
Figure 34 is a schematic side elevation of the
pallet of Figure 33.
' In Figures 1, 2 and 3 there is schematically
depicted a scaffold assembly 10. the scaffold assembly 10
includes a plurality of scaffold modules 11 which are
vertically stacked by means of cranes as will be described
with reference to Figures 29 to 34. As best seen in Figure
~,
1~317`~7
-- 5
5, each module 11 has a plurality of platforms 12 joined by
generally vertically extending parallel coextensive columns
13 and 14. The pair of columns 13 is located adjacent the
building, and the pair of columns 14 are located remote from
S the building. The upper ends of the column 13 are divided
with the projections 138, while the base of the column 13
are provided with tubular sockets 139. When the modules 11
are stacked, the projections 138 are telescopically received
within the tubular sockets 139 of the next vertically
adjacent module 11.
To provide access between the platforms 12 there
is provided a set of stairs 15 passing through an aperture
surrounded by a rail assembly 16 shown in Figure 6. The
stands 15 are to configurations. Firstly there is a stare
module 140(4) which is a modified module 11. More
particularly, the stand module 140 has an additional pair of
columns 13 so that the overall module 140 is wider. The
additional width is occupied by a flight of stairs 141 which
extends between each adjacent pair of vertical platforms 12.
The other form of the stair construction, is a further
modification of the module 11. This particular modification
is illustrated in Figure 6. In this construction, a flight
of stairs 142 extends between adjacent platforms 12 within
the normal width of the module 11.
The modules are supported on base assemblies 17
partially shown is Figure 7 to lo.
The assembly 10 also includes a "hop up" bracket
18, and plank 60 therefor, which will be described with
refèrence to Figures 11 and 14.
An access passage 19 is provided in the assembly
10, by means of a spur bracket 20 particularly described
with reference to Figure 17.
X
.
~33~
-- 6 --
The assembly 10 is secured to a building by means
of braces described with reference to Figures 18 to 20.
In Figure 7 to 10 there is schematically depicted
a base assembly 17 as used in the scaffold assembly 10. The
5 base assembly 17 includes a plurality of vertical columns 22
with sets of eyelets 23. The eyelets 23 engage horizontal
braces 24 by means of wedges 25 passing through eyelets 26
at the end of each brace 24, and ~hen entering the eyelet
23. The eyelet 23 is also provided with a wedge 27 which
lo co-operates with` the wedge 27 to secure the brace 24 in
position. These particular wedges are of a known
construction. Each column 22 is supported on a foot 28
having a foot plate 29 upon which there is mounted a hollow
member 30. The member 30 telescopically receives the lower
end of the column 22. Mounted on the upper end of the
member 30 is a nut 31 which is rotatable about the
longitudinal axis of the member 31, and threadably engages
the lower end of the column 22. Rotation of the nut 30,
causes vertical movement of the column 22 in order to enable
the modules 11 to be correctly positioned.
The modules 11 are mounted on adaptors 32 shown in
more detail in Figures g and lo. Each adaptor 32 includes
a primary spiggot 33 which engages within the column 22.
The spiggot 33, of tubular form, is attached to a base 34
from which there extends a pair of secondary spiggots 35.
The spiggots 35 are received within the columns 13 and 14.
The spiggot 33 is provided with a passage 36 through which
a pin 37 passes, while the spiggots 35 are provided with
aligned passages 38 through which a pin 39 passes. The pin
39 also passes through aligned passages in the lower ends of
the columns 13 and 14.
Each module 11 includes a plurality of platforms
12, which are pivotally attached to the columns 13 and 14 by
X
~:, . ':'.'''`:::'' ' ': : ' .
7 _ 1 3 ~
means of pivot assemblies 40 and 41 Figs 21 and 25). Each
column 13 is pivotally attached to its associated platforms
12 by pivot assemblies 41, while each of the columns 14 is
pivotally attached to its associated platforms 12 by means
of pivot assemblies 40. It should be appreciated that each
pivot assembly 40 includes a link 42 provided with a passage
43 through which a bolt passes to pivotally attach the link
42, and therefore the platform 12 to the column 14. The
pivot axis is spaced vertically below the platform 12. In
the case of the pivot assemblies 41, as seen in Figures 30
and 31, includes a clamp member 44 having a passage 45
through which a bolt, such as shown in Figures 14 or 15,
passes to engage a nut 46 engaging the platform 12. The
bolt 47 has a concave head 48 which fits the circular
contour of the column 13.
In Figures 23 to 25, there is schematically
depicted an alternative pivot assembly 145, to the pivot
assembly 41 or 42. The pivot assembly 145 includes a base
portion 146 which is of channel configuration so to have a
pair of longitudinal sides 147. An end portion 148 of the
channel is bent so to be positionable to engage the column
13 or 14. More particularly, in portion 148 iS profiled so
as to fit snugly against the column 13 or 14. The pivot
assembly further includes a bolt 149 and nut 150 which is
tensioned to clamp the platform 12 in position relative to
its column 13 or 14.
The clamp member 44 has a shaped recess 49 within
which the column 13 is located to prevent pivoting of the
column 13 relative to the platform 12 once the bolt 47 has
been tensioned by rotation of the nut 46.
The pivoting axes defined by the pivot assemblies
40 and 41, are not located in the same horizontal plane.
More particularly the pivoting axis defined by the pivot
~,
_.. . . . . . . . . ` . .. .. .. . . . . . . . .. . . . .
1~31~
-- 8
assembly 40 is lower than the pivoting axis defined by the
pivot assembly 41. This arrangement enables each module to
be folded as discussed in the Australian patent application
referred to in the introductory portion of this specifi-
5 cation.
Preferably each module 11 includes three platforms
12 and associated pivot assemblies 40 and 41. It is also
preferable that there is extending between each pair of
columns 14 a mesh panel or panels 50 to act as a safety
screen and to provide each module with the re~uired degree
of rigidity. If so required kick boards 51 may also extend
between each pair of columns 13 and 14.
Each platform 12 is provided with a joining plate
assembly 141 which enables the secure joining of adjacent
platforms 12 of a adjacent modules. Each assembly plate 141
includes a base plate 52 and a plurality of hinges 53, which
hinges 53 are secured to the platform 12. The base plate 52
is also provided with two or more projections 54 which
engage within corresponding recesses 142 in the adjacent
platform 12 to which it is to be attached. The projections
54 aid in aligning the passages 55 of the platform 12 with
passages 143 in the base plate 52, so that bolts may be
positioned therein to secure each base plate 52 to its
associated adjacent platform 12.
Where a module 11 forms a corner or end of the
scaffold assembly 10, such as the module ll(A), an end
screen 144 is provided to close the end aperture of the
module ll(A) (Figure 2) . The end screen 144 has a pivoted
plate 56 which closes the opening between the end screen 144
and the platform 12. Bolts 57 secure the plate 56 in
position. A hinge 58 pivotally connects the plate 56 to the
main body of the end screen 144.
-
~31 7~7
g
It is desirable in some instances to provide an
extension of each platform 12, particularly if that
extension can be at a higher level than the platform 12. To
this end, the bracket 18 is provided (Figs 11 to 13). The
bracket 18 receives a "hop up" planks 60. The plank 60 has
a pair of apertures 61 which engage pins 62 of the bracket
18. This ensures retention of the planks 60 in position and
inhibits them from accidental removal. The plank 60 extends
between a pair of brackets 18 and is retained by a seat 63
lo of each bracket. The brackets 18 are provided with a pair
of seats 63 and a pair of pins 62 so that each bracket 18
can support adjacent ends of adjacent planks 60. The
brackets are provided with clamp assemblies 6S which engage
the columns 13, while a U-shaped member 66 engages the edge
of the platform 12.
It is desirable to be able to extend the plank 60.
Accordingly there is provided an extension bracket 67. The
extension bracket 67 has a seat portion 68 providing two
seats 69 to engage extension planks. A base portion 70 has
an aperture 71 enabling the bracket 67 to pass around a
strut 72 of the bracket 18. A pair of nuts 73 are fixed to
the bracket 67 and engage bolts 74, which pass through
apertures 75 to secure the bracket 67 to the bracket 18. -
The rail 16 (Figure 6) has a clamp 76 to engage a
pair of adjacent columns 13 or 14, and has a pair of
vertical members 77 which engage the platform 12. If no
required one of the members 77 can be provided with a T
piece which engages between a pair of adjacent platforms 12.
To join adjacent platforms 12, which are angularly
inclined, there is provided a radius plate 79 (Fig. 25), the
radius plate 79 has fringe portions 80 which overlap the
adjacent platforms 12, or an adjacent plate 79. Bolt holes
.
' ~
., . ~ , ,.~ . , . ,. , . .. .. . .,.. j.. . . . . . . . . .
13317~7
-- 10 --
81 enable adjacent plates 79 to be secured together or
alternatively to be secured to adjacent platforms 12.
In Figure 17 a scaffold assembly 82 is shown with
braces 24 extending horizontally from a modules 11. In
Figure 4, the brace 24 enables the scaffold assembly 84 to
be extended horizontally so as to provide an "overhang" 86
or passage 19. -IG'~'
The bracket 24 includes a pair vertical posts 87
and a pair hori20ntal members 88 joined by a pair of
lo diagonal members 89. A further pair of diagonal members so
is provided. The each post 87 is provided with an upper
spiggot 91 which is telescopically received within the
vertical column 13 or 14 of the module 11 above the bracket
24. The lower end of the post 87 has a hollow spiggot 92
which engages a projection 138 (Figure 5) which extends to
the adaptor 23 to engage one of the pins 35. The horizontal
member 88 has a pair of spiggots 94 which engage a pair of
vertical columns 13 or 14 of the modules 11 placed above the
bracket 20.
In Figure 1 there is schematically depicted a
scaffold assembly 9S. The scaffold assembly 95 employs
modules 11 as previously discussed however, in this
particularly instance a series 97 of the modules 11 is
provided, without the modules 11 having platforms 12.
Accordingly a duct 98 is provided which extends to adjacent
ground level. The duct 9 8 has access openings, each
provided with a pivoted door. The duct 98 enables refuse
and other material to be delivered via a chute 101 to a
storage (transportation) bin 102.
The modules 11 may also be modified to provide a
lift module 103 (Fig. 1) provides a vertically extending
duct 104 through which a lift 105 may pass. The lift could
be driven by means of a rack and pinion assembly.
,
,~
: ~331~7
11 --
The bracket 20 is also usable to establish an
outwardly extending platform 106 which may be used in
conjunction with a crane.
In Figure 26, there is schematically depicted a
means of constructing a scaffold assembly as previously
described. In this particular instance, a pair of crane 107
are used to lift each module into position. The crane 107
can raise and position a module 11 until the row of modules
11 is completed. The crane is then moved to complete the
lo next row.
Preferably the cranes 107 would employ a hook 113
as shown in Figures 2 7 to 29. The hook 113 includes an
eyelet 114 to engage the cable crane 115. The eyelet 114
has extending from it a retaining projection 116, to which
there is pivotally attached a cradle 117. The cradle 117
has a channel portion 118 having a return lip 119. The
channel portion 118 is adapted to engage a channel section
which is used along the two longer edges of each platform
12.
In Figures 15 to 17, there is depicted various
braces which secure the scaffold assembly to a building
structure. In Figures 46 and 47 there is schematically
depicted a brace 120 which includes a pair of elongated
brace members 121. The brace members 121 are adapted to be
attached to a pair of columns 13 or 14 by means of a clamp
assembly 122. The brace members extend to a mounting plate
assembly 123 (Figure 17) which is secured preferably to a
concrete floor of the building structure. The assembly 123
includes a base plate 124 with passages 125 through which
securing bolts 108 pass. The assembly 123 further includes
~` a pair of co-operating clamp members 126 which are bought
together by means of a bolt 127 and a nut 128.
.
~;,r
13317~7
- 12 -
In Figures 17 a single elongated brace member 121
extending to a clamp assembly 123. In such an instance a
"dummy" sleeve 129 is pivoted into place to replace the
other member 121.
In Figures 30 and 31 there is schematically
depicted a pallet 132 to transport a plurality of modules
11. The modules are initially in a folded configuration and
are stacked on the pallet 132. When one of the modules is
to be raised to a scaffold assembly, the platform 12 is
gripped by means of the hook 113 of Figures 27 to 29 and
lifted. The module 11 then unfolds and the pivot assembly
41 tensioned to retain it in its unfolded configuration.
Thereafter, the module 11 is positioned and stacked on the
previously established modules.
The pallet 132 includes a generally rectangular
base 133 from which there extends feet 134. Projections 135
aid in retaining the lowermost module in position. The base
133 has an extension portion 136 with a stop member 137
against which the modules 11 slidably abut when being
positioned on the pallet 132.
%
. ~
