Scaffolding

Abstract

 Scaffolding comprising an upright (1) which is suitable to be erected substantially vertically from a base, a longitudinal member (3) which is suitable for fixing an upright (1) in the longitudinal direction and is suitable for connection to at least one upright (1) via the coupling means, in which scaffolding the coupling means comprises a clamping ring (4) which can be removed from and arranged around the upright (1), and a clamp (5), which is suspended in the clamping ring and can rotate about an axis which, in normal operation, runs substantially vertically, for clamping in a longitudinal member (3) which can be fitted through it, and connection means (6) for releasably connecting at least a longitudinal member to the clamping ring (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a scaffolding comprising an upright which is suitable for erecting substantially vertically from a base, and a member which is suitable for connection to at least one above mentioned upright via a coupling means.

[0002] Various types of scaffolding are known in practice, ranging, for example, from a straight scaffolding running along a building, used primarily for building new houses to a complex extension scaffolding around an industrial installation. The group of scaffolding types can be subdivided into pipe-coupling scaffolding, system scaffolding and frame scaffolding.

[0003] The traditional scaffolding comprises seven groups of components:

• long tubes varying in length from approximately 2.5 to 4.5 m;
• short tubes known as scaffolding poles or cross-members, varying in length from approx. 1.5 to 3 m;
• cross-couplings;
• rotary couplings;
• planks;
• weld couplings;
• baseplates.

[0004] The advantages are a high degree of flexibility and relatively few, inexpensive components.

[0005] The disadvantages are: heavy components, long erection time, separate couplings, the need to level longitudinal members, the risk of dropping loose components and the skill required for assembly and dismantling.

[0006] The system scaffolding comprises:

• uprights provided with fixed coupling points, in about 4 sizes varying from 0.5 to 3 m;
• cross-members in approx. 4 sizes, varying from 0.7 to 3 m;
• diagonals in approx. 4 sizes;
• planks
• adjusting spindles.

[0007] The advantages of this type of scaffolding are; more connections (up to 8) per coupling point, all at one fixed height, simple coupling principle.

[0008] The disadvantages are: the uprights are provided with fixed coupling points, with the result that the flexibility is limited, limited travel of 0.5 m, coupling points increase the weight of the uprights, and additional space is taken up by the coupling points during storage.

[0009] The frame scaffolding comprises:

• tube frames which extend more or less in one plane, approx. 6 types in various heights and widths;
• planks;
• diagonals;
• rails;
• adjusting spindles.

[0010] The number of frames required quickly mounts up to 6. The frames generally have a limited width of 0.7 - 1 m, since otherwise they can no longer be handled. In total, this type of scaffolding has at least 9 different constituent parts yet is still unable to assemble all types of scaffolding.

[0011] The advantages are: short erection time, relatively short lengths, meaning lightweight components, no separate couplings, relatively little adjustment work.

[0012] The disadvantages are: little flexibility, fixed tube lengths, fixed travel approx. 0.5 m, relatively expensive, large numbers of projecting parts, numerous length couplings associated with short lengths, impossibility of correcting skewed position of damaged components.

[0013] One of the problems encountered in the scaffolding sector is a high sickness rate amongst scaffolders. It is thought that this is mainly attributable to (excessively) high demands which are placed on the locomotor apparatus of the scaffolder during erection of the scaffolding.

[0014] It is perhaps in view of all these drawbacks that there is currently an increasing trend towards the use of a cherry-picker, with scaffolding being used in particular for long-term projects and supporting work.

[0015] Attempted solutions which have already been put into practice are reducing the weight of the scaffolding parts by replacing steel with aluminium and by reducing the length of a piece of scaffolding tube from approx. 6 m to approx. 4 m. In practice, choosing to use aluminium is unrealistic, owing to the high investment costs, the fact that aluminium is more susceptible to damage and the increased risk of theft owing to the higher market value of aluminium.

[0016] For the lower classes of scaffolding, it is possible to find a good and expedient solution by suitably dimensioning the existing frame scaffolding. However, for heavier classes of scaffolding, where use is currently made of traditional scaffolding or system scaffolding, there is a need for a more flexible scaffolding which is quick to erect and uses lightweight material.

[0017] The object which the invention now seeks to achieve is to provide scaffolding which has a high level of flexibility, is lightweight and, in more general terms, is ergonomically satisfactory, is quick to erect and dismantle, all this combined with a favourable price-to-quality ratio. After all, however inexpensive the traditional scaffolding may be, it leaves much to be desired in terms of weight, erection speed and safety.

[0018] According to the invention, in a first aspect improvements are achieved if the scaffolding is characterised in that the coupling means comprises a clamping ring which can be removed from and arranged around the upright, on to which a first longitudinal member can be fitted, and connection means for releasably connecting a second longitudinal member to the clamping ring.

[0019] As a result, the scaffolding has a high level of flexibility; the height at which the clamping ring is fitted can be selected freely.

[0020] According to a further embodiment the coupling means comprises a clamp, which is suspended in the clamping ring and can rotate about an axis which, in normal operation, runs substantially vertically, for clamping in a first longitudinal member which can be fitted through it.

[0021] As a result, the distance between the uprights in the longitudinal direction can be varied substantially: if the uprights are close together, the longitudinal member is, as it were, pushed a great distance through the clamp and the longitudinal member extends into the scaffolding at an angle. However, the uprights may also be set apart at any distance which is shorter than the length of the longitudinal member.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the connection means comprise a substantially annular thickened section on the clamping ring.

[0023] In this way, it is possible to provided simple coupling between a longitudinal member and a clamping ring, without the precise radial direction in which the longitudinal member extends from the upright being critical.

[0024] Preferably, the connection means comprise a clamping jaw at or in the vicinity of one end of a longitudinal member.

[0025] As a result, a longitudinal member with a clamping jaw engages around the annular thickened section of the clamping ring in order, in this way, to fix it in the longitudinal direction.

[0026] In an embodiment in which the scaffolding also comprises a cross-member which is suitable for fixing an upright in the transverse direction and is suitable for connection to at least one upright via the coupling means, the scaffolding is characterised in that the coupling means comprises an intermediate piece which is suitable for interacting, on one side, with the clamping ring and is suitable for interacting, on another side with a cross-member, in which intermediate piece the clamp can be suspended.

[0027] The coupling means thus fulfils the coupling functions between the upright, the longitudinal member and the cross-member, the coupling to the upright being brought about by placing the clamping ring around the upright, the coupling to a first longitudinal member being brought about by a clamping jaw and clamping ring, the coupling to a second longitudinal member being brought about via a clamp through which the longitudinal member is fitted, which clamp can rotate about an axis which in the operating position is substantially vertically oriented, and the coupling of the said components to a cross-member being produced via an intermediate piece which can be coupled to the cross-member and is suitable for holding the rotatable clamp. The fixed section of the clamping ring and the intermediate piece may be formed in one piece, for example as a casting.

[0028] It should also be noted here that where the present application refers to longitudinal members and cross-members, these terms are also understood as meaning a member which extends in a different direction from the longitudinal or transverse direction indicated. For example, according to the invention it is also possible to use a coupling which is described in this application as a connection to a longitudinal member as a connection to a cross-member or to a member which runs diagonally, forming a cross-shaped assembly.

[0029] In one embodiment, the clamp is moveable in the intermediate piece, in the sense that it can also rotate about an axis which, during normal operation, is substantially horizontally oriented, running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member.

[0030] This ensures that the longitudinal member can also be arranged in an inclined position.

[0031] In another embodiment, the upright, the cross-member and/or the longitudinal member are substantially formed from hollow tube with, as seen in cross section, measured diametrically to the outer edge, a largest dimension G, where G is greater than or equal to 50 mm and is less than or equal to 70 mm.

[0032] This ensures that the upright and the members are easy to manage by hand.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment, the scaffolding is characterised in that the upright is a round tube with an external diameter of between 55 and 60 mm, more preferably of approximately 57 mm.

[0034] According to the invention, the optimum rigidity, strength and manageability is achieved with the diameter of 57 mm referred to above.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment in which the tube is made from steel, this tube has a wall thickness of between 1.4 mm and 2.6 mm inclusive, more preferably between 1.6 mm and 2.0 mm inclusive, and optimally of approximately 1.8 mm.

[0036] An upright with a diameter of 57 mm and a wall thickness of approximately 1.8 mm and a length of approximately 4 metres weighs approximately 10 kg, i.e. considerably less than the approximately 15 kg which is the weight of an upright of the known scaffolding tube of the same length.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, the scaffolding according to the invention is characterised in that the cross-member and/or the longitudinal member is/are formed substantially from hollow tube which is substantially rectangular in cross section.

[0038] The cross-members and longitudinal members are subjected to bending loads primarily in the vertical plane, and are scarcely subjected to any bending loads in the horizontal plane. Provided that the members are positioned correctly, it is therefore advantageous to differentiate between the rigidity and strength under bending loads in the two said planes and to provide a member which in the operating position is higher than it is wide, with the result that effectively the same functionality in terms of rigidity and strength are achieved, but at a lower weight.

[0039] Preferably, on the side facing outwards the tube has a transverse profile with rounded sections with a rounding radius of at least 15 mm.

[0040] A tube of this nature is easy to pick up and is therefore eminently suitable not only in terms of weight but also in terms of ergonomics.

[0041] Preferably, the uprights and/or the members are provided with indelible spacer marks which are used as reference.

[0042] This ensures that the clamping rings and clamps can be fixed quickly and efficiently at a desired location. During erection, it is possible to start from a reference plane which comprises, for example, upright supports which have been placed level in order, from this plane, by using the spacer markings on the uprights, to arrange the scaffolding levels quickly and efficiently at a single height by fitting the clamping rings on each upright in the same way with respect to corresponding spacer marks.

[0043] Preferably, the spacer marks are formed by noticeably indented points on the circumference of the uprights and/or the members.

[0044] For example, if the tube has alternating slot-shaped and round indentations at intervals of 125 mm, it is easy, during erection, to transpose a measurement on one upright or member to an opposite or adjacent upright or member.

[0045] Within the scope of the present application, rights are also requested for a longitudinal member which is provided with an openable and closeable clamping jaw on one side, and for a clamping jaw with a fixed jaw part and a jaw part which can move about a rotation point, in which the moveable jaw part can be opened and closed by moving a driver member, for example and preferably a wedge, the driver member acting on a section of the moveable jaw part which is situated on that side of the rotation point which is remote from the jaw, and for a scaffolding tube provided with indelible spacer marks, all per se and as shown and described herein.

[0046] All this will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 shows part of a scaffolding according to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a coupling means according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows an upright according to the invention;

Fig. 4 shows a scaffolding pole according to the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a bottom view of a coupling means according to the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a side view of a coupling means according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows top and side views of a member clamp according to the invention;

Fig. 8 shows part of a scaffolding according to the invention;

Fig. 9 shows the part of Fig. 8 from another view point;

Fig. 10 shows a coupling means according to the invention in closed condition;

Fig. 11 shows a coupling means according to the invention in open condition;

Fig. 12 shows part of a scaffolding according to the invention.

[0047] In Fig. 1, 1 denotes an upright on which clamping ring 4 is supported. Clamping ring 4 is connected to intermediate piece 7 in which clamp 5 is held in such a manner that clamp 5 can rotate about an axis which, during normal operation, is vertically oriented. Clamp 5 holds the longitudinal member 3 which has been fitted through it in place. The intermediate piece 7 is provided with a projection (not shown) which projects into, adjoins and is connected to cross-member 2. On that side of cross-member 2 which is not shown, the scaffolding is, for example, mirror-symmetrical, in which case the upright 1 is made from hollow round steel tube with a diameter of approximately 57 mm, and the uprights 2 and 3 are made from hollow steel tube with a flattened cross section, for example preferably with a height of 60 mm, a width of 30 mm, and rounded on the top and bottom sides with a rounding radius of 15 mm.

[0048] Figures 2, 6 and 7 show a detailed view of a coupling according to the invention between upright 1, cross-member 2 and longitudinal member 3. The various couplings between the upright and the members are fixed with the aid of wedges 8. Upright 1 and clamping ring 4 are clamped together as a result of a pivoting clamping-ring part being fitted around the upright 1 and being pulled tight against a fixed clamping-ring part, the upright 1 being clamped inside the clamping ring 4 as a result of wedge 8 being driven in, which wedge fits into a bolt 11 which fits through the pivoting clamping-ring part and the fixed clamping-ring part. Upright 1 and longitudinal member 3 are clamped together by placing the top jaw part 16 of clamping jaw 15,16 over the edge of the clamping ring 4 and closing the pivotable bottom jaw part 16 against the underside of the clamping ring 4, which is brought about by driving a wedge 8, which on that side of the pivot which is remote from the jaw fits through the top jaw part and interacts with the bottom jaw part, into the opening 17 against jaw part 16. Cross-member 2 and longitudinal member 3 are clamped together by driving a wedge 8 between clamp 5 and a clamping member which is held in clamp 5 and acts on the longitudinal member 3.

[0049] Fig. 3 shows part of a steel upright 1 provided with reference marks 9 and 10, arranged at an interval of, for example, 125 mm, in the form of round and slot-shaped indentations 9,10. These marks 9,10, which may also be arranged on the members, facilitate fitting and measurement, so that assembly can be made more efficient. The maximum length of the steel upright 1 is preferably 4 metres, and the external diameter is approximately 57 mm and the internal diameter approximately 53.4 mm.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows cross-member 2, also known as scaffolding pole 2, in an embodiment according to the invention in which a coupling comprising clamping ring 4 and intermediate piece 7 with rotatable clamp 5 fits into the cross-member 2 and is connected thereto. Bolt 11 is provided with an opening for fitting through a wedge 8 in order to close the moveable part 14 of clamping ring 4. The figure also shows a stop 12 for locking walkway planks which can be laid across the scaffold poles 2 against sideways displacement.

[0051] In Fig. 5, 13 denotes a section of the coupling which can be fitted into and arranged in the scaffold pole 2 which is substantially designed as a hollow tube. The figure clearly illustrates how the moveable part 14 of the clamping ring can be fitted around an upright and clamped in place by fixing a wedge through the opening in bolt 11.

[0052] Fig. 6 shows how clamp 5 is held in the intermediate piece 7. By means of part 13, the coupling can be fitted into a cross-member 2 and can be connected thereto.

[0053] Fig. 7 shows a top and side view, in more detail, of the clamping jaw 6. The clamping jaw has a top jaw part 15 and a projection 14, by means of which it can be attached to a member, for example a longitudinal member 3. To close the jaw, the bottom jaw part 16 is moved towards the top jaw part 15 by rotation about pivot 18, in the embodiment shown by fitting a wedge (not shown) through opening 17 from the top downwards, in such a manner that the active wedge surface imparts a closure movement to the bottom jaw part 16.

[0054] Figures 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 show a scaffolding according to the invention of an alternative design wherein intermediate piece 7 is omitted.

[0055] Figures 8, 9 and 12 show the use of a diagonal member that can suitably be connected to an upright via a pivot and suitable clamping means.

Claims

1. Scaffolding comprising an upright (1) which is suitable for erecting substantially vertically from a base, at least two longitudinal members (3) which are suitable for fixing the upright (1) in the longitudinal direction and are suitable for connection to the upright (1) via a coupling means, characterised in that the coupling means comprises a clamping ring (4) which can be removed from and arranged around the upright (1), on to which a first longitudinal member (3) can be fitted, and connection means (6) for releasably connecting a second longitudinal member (3) to the clamping ring (4).

2. Scaffolding according to claim 1 comprising a clamp (5), which is suspended in the clamping ring and can rotate about an axis which, in normal operation, runs substantially vertically, for clamping in the first longitudinal member (3) which can be fitted through it.

3. Scaffolding according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the connection means (6) comprise a substantially annular thickened section on the clamping ring (4).

4. Scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection means (6) comprise a clamping jaw at or in the vicinity of one end of a longitudinal member (3).

5. Scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims, also comprising a cross-member (2) which is suitable for fixing the upright (1) in the transverse direction and is suitable for connection to a second upright (1) via the coupling means, characterised in that the coupling means comprises an intermediate piece (7) which is suitable for interacting, on one side, with the clamping ring (4) and is suitable for interacting, on another side (13) with the cross-member (2), in which intermediate piece (7) the clamp (5) can be suspended.

6. Scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamp (5) is moveable in the intermediate piece (7), in the sense that it can also rotate about an axis which, during normal operation, is substantially horizontally oriented, running perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal member (3).

7. Scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the upright (1), the cross-member (2) and/or the longitudinal member (3) are substantially formed from hollow tube with, as seen in cross section, measured diametrically to the outer edge, a largest dimension G, where G is greater than or equal to 50 mm and is less than or equal to 70 mm.

8. Scaffolding according to Claim 7, characterised in that the upright (1) is formed from a round hollow tube with a diameter which is between 55 and 60 mm inclusive.

9. Scaffolding according to Claim 8, characterised in that the diameter is approximately 57 mm.

10. Scaffolding according to any one of Claims 7-9, characterised in that the tube is made from steel, and in that the tube has a wall thickness of between 1.4 and 2.6 mm inclusive.

11. Scaffolding according to Claim 10, characterised in that the tube has a wall thickness of between 1.6 and 2.0 mm inclusive.

12. Scaffolding according to Claim 11, characterised in that the tube is made from steel, and in that the tube has a wall thickness of approximately 1.8 mm.

13. Scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cross-member (2) and/or the longitudinal member (3) is/are formed substantially from hollow tube which is substantially rectangular in cross section.

14. Scaffolding according to Claim 13, characterised in that the tube, on the side facing outwards, has a transverse profile with rounded sections with a rounding radius of at least 15 mm.

15. Scaffolding according to Claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the cross-member (2) and/or the longitudinal member (3) is/are substantially formed from hollow tube with, as seen in cross section, measured diametrically as far as the outer edge, a smallest dimension K, where K is greater than or equal to 30 mm.

16. Scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the uprights (1) and/or the members (2,3) are provided with indelible spacer marks (9,10) which are used as reference.

17. Scaffolding according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the spacer marks (9,10) are formed by indented points (9,10) on the circumference of the uprights (1) and/or the members (2,3).

18. Longitudinal member (3) which is provided with an openable and closeable clamping jaw (15,16,18) on one side.

19. Clamping jaw (15,16,18) which is provided with a section (14) which is suitable for connection to a longitudinal member (3).

20. Longitudinal member (3) essentially comprising a hollow tube with a clamping jaw (15,16,18) which is connected thereto, one part (14) of the clamping jaw fitting into the tube and the clamping jaw being connected to the tube via the said part (14).

21. Scaffolding comprising uprights (1) and/or members, characterised in that the uprights (1) and/or the members (2,3) are provided with indelible spacer marks (9,10) which are used as reference.

Drawing