AU4893002A - Improvements in scaffolding - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT

ORIGINAL

TO BE COMPLETED BY APPLICANT Name of Applicant: TIM LARSEN, STEVEN LARSEN and PETER WRIGHT Actual Inventor(s): TIM LARSEN, STEVEN LARSEN and PETER WRIGHT Address for Service: CALLINAN LAWRIE, 711 High Street, Kew, Victoria 3101, Australia Invention Title: IMPROVEMENTS IN SCAFFOLDING The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:- 25/06/02,jf12121 cover,1 -2- The present invention relates, in general terms, to improvements in scaffolding and the like assemblies, being assemblies employed nowadays in the construction and associated industries, for providing a safe working environment and for facilitating construction of multi-storey structures. More particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to an improved scaffolding assembly and a method of construction thereof, as well as to items or components of apparatus for use in the erection or formation of such an improved scaffolding assembly. In particular the present invention relates to a system and/or means for attaching structural elements, such as brackets, ledges, transoms, hand-rails and cross-bracing members, to or between adjacent vertical standards or prefabricated frame members for use in the erection of scaffolding. In a practical vein the invention provides for a positive fixing or interconnection of structural members without there being any need to employ ancillary fastening means, such as for example pins, bolts and nuts, etc. The end result, despite the non-use of ancillary fastening means of that general type, is an erected structure or framework which is substantially proof against unwanted separation or disassembly.

In another aspect the invention provides a means which allows for fixing or connecting bracing/cross bracing between two points, preferably between adjacent or juxtapositioned vertical standards of a given structure, or to pre-fabricated frames on, for example, scaffolding or the like.

In accordance with prior practices there have existed a number of methods and means the erection of scaffolding, and for attaching scaffolding members of the aforementioned type to vertical standards. One such method and means utilised brackets adapted, in use, to be located around a standard and fixed relative thereto by a connecting bolt, in turn adapted to extend through the standard itself. Another alternative again involve the use of brackets, but in this situation the standard had a "ripple" section associated therewith (either formed integrally therewith or welded thereto) within which a connecting bolt of the aforementioned type could be located. In yet a further alternative welded V-sections were spaced at approximately 500mm intervals along the length of each standard. The individual structural component to be attached to the standard then included a knock-in pin intended to lock into the V-shaped section All these arrangements, once the bracket(s) were in place on the standards as desired, allowed for the formation of gangplanks and the like, with associated safety barriers.

Such arrangements, whilst each affording satisfactory interconnection between the respective components, have been found to suffer from a number of practical 25/06/2002jfl 2121 spe,2 disadvantages. By way of example only, the prior art arrangements generally needed considerable amounts of time to both assemble and dismantle as and when desired.

Secondly, and when bolts and nuts are employed for purposes of fixing, losses of both bolts and nuts could be expected to be significant because of difficulties associated with the interconnection thereof arising from the very configuration of the various elements being utilised. Furthermore with the prior art arrangements it was not possible to determine, by simple visual inspection, whether bolts and the like elements employed are tightened properly, whereby to ensure proper interconnection of elements. Indeed, the only way of ensuring that such proper interconnection had taken place entailed physically checking the or each bolt and nut (or the like) employed therein, a time consuming task indeed.

The present invention seeks to overcoming the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art by providing a method and apparatus (components) for use in the erection of scaffolding and the like structures in a simple and yet safe and effective manner.

The invention further relates to a method and means for attaching a given scaffolding system of any given type, and in particular of the type described in this specification, to a further supporting structure, as for example a house frame, building frame or the like.

In accordance with the known art what are termed rafter brackets are adapted to be affixed, in various ways and using various means, to a rafter of a building, such including an adjustable cross-bar which is adapted, in use, to allow for connection to scaffolding. It has been found that such arrangements can give rise to problems. For example, tiling or roofing cannot be completed whilst scaffolding is in place. This has meant that the tiler, in order to complete his labours, must climb a ladder and access the roof, for the purpose of finishing off the job, without the safety and security of a roof guard or safety rail an unacceptably dangerous practice. There also exists the possibility with such known practices that, when the scaffolding is being dismantled, one or more tiles may be broken or damaged.

A number of other methods and means have been employed, but they also suffer from drawbacks.

The present invention therefore includes a method and means which overcomes such problems, and allows for finishing off a roof structure with appropriate safety scaffolding still in place.

25/06/2002jfl2121 spe,3 -4- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, therefore, there is provided a method for the releasable interconnection of structural elements, whereby to create a standing structure, said method including: forming a plurality of pairs of shaped apertures in selected first ones of said structural elements, at pre-determined locations spaced apart along the length dimension thereof; and releasably and/or fixedly attaching, at opposed ends of the remaining structural elements, formations which are adapted, in use, to co-operate with said apertures of said selected first elements, thereby to allow for interconnection of the respective elements in a pre-determined array.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a first structural element, for use in the aforementioned method, said first structural element being in the form of a hollow, elongate member of any suitable length and constructed from any suitable material, said hollow elongate member including pairs of spaced-apart apertures at pre-determined positions along the length dimension thereof.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a further structural element, to be interconnected with a first structural element of the type referred to in the preceding paragraph, said further structural element being in the form of an elongate member having a plate or the like attached to/associated with each free end thereof, said plate or the like being adapted, in use, to co-operate with said aperture(s) of said first structural member whereby to allow for releasable yet solid interconnection between said first and second structural members.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the releasable interconnection of pairs of structural elements, said structural elements being adapted, in use, to be disposed at an angle, preferably 900, to one another, wherein a first of said structural elements includes, at pre-determined positions along the length dimension thereof, pairs of spaced-apart apertures, and wherein the second of said structural elements includes, releasably or fixedly attached to at least one end thereof, a plate member having formations associated therewith, which plate member is adapted, in use, to co-operate with a said pair of said apertures of said first structural element, thereby to retain said second structural element in position on said first structural element without the need for further ancillary connecting and retaining means, said method including the steps of: with said second structural element disposed at an angle of other than 900 to said first structural element, locate one of said formations of said second structural element within an upper of a said pair of apertures in said first structural element; and then rotate said second structural element relative to said first structural element whereby to have said 25/06/2002jfl 2121 spe,4 second structural element disposed at substantially 900 to said first structural element, with said second formation thereof then been located in the lower of said pair of apertures.

In accordance with yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in the erection of a scaffolding structure, said apparatus including: a plurality of first structural elements, in the form of elongate and preferably hollow members, each said first structural element having, at pre-determined positions along the length dimension thereof, pairs of spaced-apart apertures, said first structural elements constituting vertical members or standards for said scaffolding structure; and a plurality of second structural elements, each adapted in use to be disposed at an angle, preferably 900, to an associated first structural element, wherein each said second structural element includes, releasably or fixedly attached to at least one end thereof, a plate member having end formations associated therewith, said plate member being adapted, in use, to cooperate with a pair of said apertures of an associated said first structural element, thereby to retain said second structural element in position on said first structural element.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for releasably connecting a scaffolding structure to the frame of a building or the like, including: first support means adapted to be associated with a vertical standard of said scaffolding structure; second support means adapted to be a releasably attached to one or more frame members of said building; and connecting means extending between said first and second support means, wherein said connecting means includes: an elongate and preferably hollow member releasably and movably attached to said first support means and extending substantially normally thereto; and a substantially flat, elongate member which is slidably movable within and relative to said hollow member, said flat member including means, preferably at the free end thereof, for connection to said second support means.

In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracing assembly for interconnection between opposed standards of a scaffolding structure as claimed in claim 5, said assembly including: at least two bracket members each adapted, in use, to be disposed on adjacent standards and to be releasably connected thereto; and one or more bracing elements each adapted to having one end thereof received by a first bracket and the other end by the second bracket.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided an improved method and apparatus for the erection of scaffolds and the like structures includes a plurality of interlocking and interconnecting elements, including: a plurality of vertical standards each having spaced-apart airs of apertures formed therein at 25/06/2002,jfl 2121 -6predetermined positions along the length (height) dimension thereof; a plurality of load supporting members adapted, in use, to be disposed substantially normally to the associated vertical standards, and to be releasably connected thereto by interaction between formations provided on one side thereof and said pairs of apertures of said vertical standards; a plurality of bracing members adapted in use to be disposed between adjacent pairs of standards; and bracket means adapted to be interconnected to said standards in like manner to said load supporting members and to receive, and releasably retain, said bracing members.

In accordance with yet further aspects of the present invention there are provided elements, of the type illustrated and described herein, for use in the erection of a safe scaffolding structure and to assist in tieing-in of such a scaffolding structure to the overall frame of a building.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood and put into practical effect reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: FIG. 1 is an exploded view of elements in accordance with the present invention as to be employed for locating, in a scaffold structure, planks or the like elongate elements whereby to create a platform gangway or the like, such including in particular a bracket; FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing a bracket in accordance with the invention as, in use, to be associated with/releasably connected to an upright or standard of a scaffolding structure; FIG. 3 is a view, similar to FIG. 1, of an alternative embodiment of a bracket in accordance with the invention; FIGS. 4 to 7 are views of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention for the location of hand-rails/guard-rails and the like on a scaffolding structure; FIGS 8, 9 and 10 are views of an arrangement in accordance with the present invention which allows for a scaffolding structure to be tied in to the frame of a building or the like structure, whether such frame constructed from timber, metal or other material; FIGS 12 to 17 inclusive illustrate further components in accordance with the present invention, for use in a scaffolding structure, for purposes of bracing, wherein FIG.

12 is a front view of a bracket in accordance with the invention for use in such a context; 25/06/2002jfl 2121 spe,6 FIG. 13 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a bracket in accordance with FIGS. 12 and 13 in position on a vertical standard of a scaffold structure; FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a bracing arrangement in accordance with the invention; with FIG. 17 being a front view of the arrangement of FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a view, similar to FIGS. 9 and 10, showing a building under construction and with scaffolding associated therewith in accordance with the present invention; and FIG. 19 shows various views of a mortar sleeve of the type illustrated in FIGS.

4 to 7, to be employed in accordance with one aspect of the present invention to assist in tieing-in of a scaffold or the like structure to or with the frame of a building or the like structure.

With reference now to the drawings, firstly there will now be described in more detail the various components/elements to be used in the method the subject of the present invention, for purposes of erecting, in an improved, extremely efficient and effective manner, a scaffold assembly of any given type.

In any scaffold assembly (or the like), there exist a plurality of upright members, generally referred to as vertical standards, to be appropriately located to suit spatial requirements for the scaffolding, such being adapted, in use, to have other structural members as for example brackets, ledges, transoms etc associated therewith and connected thereto. Traditionally such upright members, hereafter referred to as "vertical standards" may be in the form of hollow elongate members, preferably constructed from a suitable metallic material, of any desired cross-section, but preferably either circular or parallelepipedal in cross-section. In accordance with the present invention, and as illustrated in the drawings, each such standard or upright member 1 has formed therein, in any suitable manner and using any known and suitable means, a plurality of spaced-apart apertures pairs of 2, 3 extending along the length dimension thereof In the especially preferred embodiment illustrated such apertures are, alternatively, of a substantial T-shape as shown at 2, and in the form of an elongate slot as shown at 3. It should be realised, however, that the actual shape of such apertures 2, 3 is not of the essence of the invention.

Indeed other shapes, as for example an inverted T, an L-shape, a rectangular shape, a keyhole shape, a slot and/or even a cruciform shape, or in fact any combination thereof, 25/06/2002jfl12121 spe,7 -8may be employed without unduly effecting the efficiency of operation of the present invention.

FIGS. 1 to 4 also show another component/element of a scaffold assembly, namely what is termed a platform bracket 10, such platform bracket 10 being adapted, in use, to be associated with an upright member or vertical standard 1. These brackets 10 are preferably in the form of hollow elongate members, having opposed flanges 11 extruding laterally from the bottom side or face thereof. In practice such brackets 10, when in place on the vertical standards 1 as and where desired, are intended to have releasably located thereon, and extending between juxtaposed pairs thereof, a free end of one or more planks or the like members 12 (constructed of timber, steel or other suitable material) intended to extend between adjacent vertical standards 1, whereby to afford an extended platform for working, travelling over the scaffolding assembly, etc. In the preferred embodiment illustrated the platform bracket 10 includes, at one end thereof, a structure generally designated which is adapted, in use to co-operate with two adjacent or adjoining apertures 2, 3 of an associated vertical standard 1 whereby to lock the overall bracket 10 in place relative thereto. Such structure 13 may be formed either integrally with the bracket 10 or fixedly (as for example by welding) attached thereto. In the preferred embodiment illustrated it may consist of a unitary member made up from a first or top tongue member 14, a back plate member 15 and a bottom retaining or stay member 15. In the embodiment illustrated the top tongue member 14 will, in practice, be inserted into a T-shaped aperture 2 of the associated vertical standard 1, with the overall bracket 10 being at, for example, an angle of 45 degrees relative thereto. The overall bracket 10 may then be rotated until such time as the back plate member 15 comes into contact with the surface of the vertical standard 1. The spacing between the apertures 2 in the vertical standard 1, and the distance between the top tongue member 14 and bottom stay member 16 on the bracket 10 itself is such that, when thus rotated, the bottom stay member 16 will be inserted into/located within the vertical leg of the aperture 3 directly below or adjacent that aperture 2 which has previously received the top tongue member 14. When utilising such a configuration, the simple act of insertion of the thus configured platform bracket 10 in the manner described achieves locking in position of such bracket 10 relative to the vertical standard, with no further adjustment being necessary and, furthermore and more importantly, with no other joining/connecting means, as for example a bolt and nut assembly or the like, being required, this in contrast with the prior art arrangements.

25/06/2002jfl2121 spe,8 -9- When thus positioned the bracket 10 itself cannot move in a sideways direction or become in any way displaced from the associated vertical standard 1. In a practical sense the two fixing points thus utilised ensure against unwanted separation of the bracket (and associated planks 12 when in use) from the associated vertical standard 1.

Furthermore the arrangement in accordance with the present invention, as described, lends itself to quick and easy assembly and disassembly.

The first or top tongue member 14 may, in an alternative embodiment (not shown) be in the form of a separate plate or the like element, which can be affixed to the overall bracket 10 in any known manner, as for example by welding. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 has been specifically devised to avoid/eliminate a problem which could occur during galvanisation, namely that of unwanted collection of material at or in the vicinity of the corner between the elongate part of the bracket 10 and the top plate or tongue 14.

FIG. 4 to 7 illustrate yet a further component/element to be used in a scaffold assembly, namely what is termed an interlocking hand-rail. Such hand-rails are employed, in conjunction with other components/elements of the type referred to and described herein, to allow for the creation/erection of a system of interlocking guard-rails on scaffolding structures, such intended to minimise, if not remove altogether, the possibility of a worker in fact any person who is required to occupy the scaffolding assembly, for whatever reason inadvertently falling off the scaffolding.

The arrangement as illustrated in, for example, FIG. 4, includes a vertical standard 1 of the aforementioned type, having apertures 2, 3 formed therein as previously described. At the desired location(s) on each such vertical standard 1 there are intended, in use, to be associated therewith and releasably attachable thereto the opposed free ends of juxtaposed guard-rails 20. In the preferred embodiment illustrated each guard-rail 20 is in the form of a hollow tubular element. At one free end of each guard-rail 20 there is located a plate member 21, attached thereto in any suitable manner, as for example by welding as at 22. The arrangement is such that, in use, the guard-rail 20 with associated plate member 21 is disposed such that said plate member 21 is placed in the cross-arm of the T-shaped aperture 2 of the vertical standard 1, and is then rotated so as to lock itself into the position shown in FIG. 4.

At the other end of each guard-rail 20 there is provided a further plate 23, attached (again preferably as by welding at 24) to a longitudinal face/surface of that guardrail 20. Such further plate 23 has a recess therein allowing for insertion of the plate 23 into 25/06/2002jf12121 spe,9 the vertical leg of the T-shaped aperture 2 of the vertical standard 1, the recess assisting assembly and correct location of the guard-rail 20 and the locking in place thereof relative to that vertical standard 1.

The arrangement is such that, as shown in FIG. 4, once the plate 23 of one guard-rail 20 is in position, it is possible then for the next guard-rail 20 to be appropriately located relative to the vertical standard 1, by inserting plate 21 thereof into the cross-arm of the T-shaped aperture 2 and rotating the overall guard-rail until such time as it is properly positioned parallel to the first, adjacent guard-rail 20. A similar procedure can then be carried out with further guard-rails 20, thereby to form an elongate array of guard-rails extending along the length of the given scaffolding structure. The last or outermost guardrail 20 of such an arrangement may be locked into position relative to the associated/corner vertical standard 1 by means of a further plate which is adapted, in use, to extend around such vertical standard 1, again co-operating with a T-shaped aperture 2 thereof.

A further component, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 for example, is intended for use as a guard-rail or hand-rail 30 in a scaffolding assembly. Such co-operate with the same T-shaped apertures 2 of the associated vertical standards 1 then, however, they are interlocking. On one end of the hand-rail 30 there is provided a locating plate 31 which is attached on the cut face of the hand-rail 30 and stands vertical. This plate is the height of the T of the aperture 2 so that it can inserted into that aperture 2. The locating plate 31 has a slot on the bottom side thereof which, when in position, allows the locating plate 31 to drop downwards to an extent sufficient to clear the crossbar of the T-shaped aperture 2.

The other end of the hand-rail 30 has a horizontal locking plate 32 which has a dog-leg shape. This plate 32 is located into the crossbar of the T-shaped aperture 2 after the locating plate 31 of the adjacent hand-rail 30 is in place. This can be done using a horizontal rotating motion. Once the locking and locating plates are in position neither can be removed during construction. They cannot be dislodged through a live load in any direction, which makes such a system of attachment extremely safe. They are easy to install and, in the right sequence, are easy to dismantle.

The arrangement in accordance with the invention is such that, in the forming of a length of scaffold hand-rail or guard-rail, the plate 23 of a first bracket member 20 is locked in position in a first aperture of a standard 1, and then installed so as to have the bracket portion plate 21 in an adjacent aperture. The next guard-rail then locks over that first guard-rail, etc., thereby to create the elongate length of scaffolding and/or guard-rail required.

25/06/2002,jfl 2121 spe,1 0 -11 With reference now to FIGS. 8 to 10 there is shown therein a preferred embodiment of a method and means for attachment in a ready manner of a given scaffolding structure, as formed utilising the various elements referred to earlier in this specification, to a further structure such as, for example, a house frame, building frame or the like. This arrangement and method is of especial significance and use for the reasons to be explained hereinafter in more detail.

Building regulations these days require scaffolding to be erected whereby to afford a safer working environment for the various tradesmen likely to be involved in the erection of any given structure. The arrangement shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, when used in conjunction with those shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, is especially suited for use in a multi-storey structure. The present practice is to first erect the frame, using suitable timber members and, when such frame is complete, to allow access thereto for bricklayers to erect the outer wall. Any scaffolding provided is connected, preferably releasably, to the studs making up the frame.

In practice the problem has arisen with the known arrangements that, as the bricklayer was laying the various courses of brickwork, almost invariably the means employed for securing the scaffolding to the frame would be in the wrong position relative to the bricks, needing to be moved to some extent to allow for completion of the bricklaying. Such movement of structural support members was difficult, and timeconsuming, to achieve.

The present applicant's arrangement seeks to overcome this disadvantage/problem associated with the prior art by providing a means for affixing a load-supporting structure, as for example scaffolding, to the frame of a building in such a way as to allow for ready and limited movement thereof, to cater for the need to reposition through the mortar of a brickwall, as distinct from through the bricks themselves.

In accordance with this aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket member, generally designated 40, having at least one pin or protrusion 41 associated therewith and located at or in the vicinity of that end of said bracket member which, in use, is closest to the actual work area (as for example a course of bricks 42). A connecting plate 43 is attachable to the pin 41 of said bracket member 40 in any known manner, such connecting plate 43 being in the form of an elongate member preferably of metal, and having a plastics material sleeve 44 (mortar sleeve) associated therewith and slidably movable therealong. The connecting plate 43 preferably includes a plurality of spaced-apart apertures 45 extending along the length thereof, such being adapted in use to 25/06/2002,jfl 2121 spe,I I -12receive and releasably retain the pin 41 of the bracket 40. The different apertures 45 allow for variation of the length of the plate 43 protruding from the bracket 40 through the brickwork 42, thereby to cater for differences in structural requirements due to the occasional need for different sized bricks, etc. Such sleeve 44 in use, is intended to be located on or in the mortar line between a course of bricks 42 when the bricklayer is laying such bricks to form, for example, a wall of the structure being erected. The plate 43 is adapted to extend through the wall course of bricks to be attached to at least two adjacent studs 46 of the timber frame located internally of the brickwork 42. In the preferred embodiment illustrated such attachment is by means of a sliding/adjustable cross brace, generally designated 47. The plate 43 may be fixed to a vertically disposed member 48 (of any suitable cross section) which allows it to be lifted or lowered as by sliding therealong without removing the actual connection. Such removable interconnection of plate 43 and vertical member 48 may be achieved in any suitable manner. In the referred embodiment illustrated the plate 43 includes, at the free end thereof (being that end which in use is remote from the bracket 40), an enlarged portion 49 having an aperture therethrough of a shape complementary to that of the vertical member 48, the enlarged portion in use being disposed around the vertical member 49 to allow for selective vertical movement of the plate 43, and associated bracket 40, as and when necessary. In the preferred embodiment the vertical member 48 is slidably movable along the cross brace 47 being attached there by means of a sleeve 48a.

The plastics material sleeve 44 of the connecting plate 43 remains within the brickwork 42 and is, in fact, concreted or fixed into the mortar itself. In such manner a throw-away component is employed each time the scaffolding is used. The inner plate is disconnected, from the adjustable bracket or cross brace 47 and is slid out of the sleeve 44, hence not in any way affecting the integrity of the brickwork. In actual fact the arrangement is such that the scaffolding system can be appropriately connected to the house frame even prior to commencement of erection of the brickwork.

In a further alternative, not shown a connecting bracket may be employed which does not have a plastics material sleeve associated therewith. However, with such an arrangement it would be necessary for the bricklayer, after the scaffolding has been removed, to go back and in effect fill in all gaps then left in the mortar.

In yet a further alternative, the connecting plate 43 could be fixed to the studs 46 and passed through the brickwork 42. If the plate 43 was provided with a line of weakening then, after the scaffolding has been taken away, those parts of each plate 43 25/06/2002,jfl 2121 spe, 12 -13protruding from the brickwork could be bent and broken off to be flush with the brickwork 42. The plate 43 as located in the mortar would then remain as a tie-back from the brickwork to the studs 46. However, such plates 43 would need to be located during actual construction of the brickwork and could not be located prior to actual laying of the bricks.

It would thus be necessary to fix the scaffolding to the rafter and then remove the rafter bracket once these are in place.

With reference now to FIG. 11, there is shown therein a brace member 50 in accordance with a further aspect of the present invention that is adapted to be connected to a vertical standard 1 (or similar) at intervals equivalent to that intended to exist between platform levels on a given scaffolding. The brace member 50 is preferably hollow and is in the form of an elongate member having two pins or the like protrusions 51 at or in the vicinity of one free end thereof, and a single pin or protrusion 52 at or in the vicinity of the other free end thereof. The brace member 50 is preferably of a fixed length although, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the brace member 50 could be formed from two separate elongate members and having an adjusting bolt in the centre to allow for a variety of lengths of a brace in a complete scaffolding system.

That end of the brace member 50 having the two pins 51 is slid into a bracing plate 60 (as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 for example) in an approximate horizontal position in a slot 61 provided therein. It should be realised that the bracing plate 60 is so configured as to be able to co-operate with a vertical standard 1 in like manner to the component or bracket illustrated in, for example, FIGS. 1 to 3. Such bracing plate includes, as shown in FIG. 13 in more detail, a formation similar to the bracket of FIGS. 1 to 3, including a unitary member made up from tongue member 14, to be insertable through an aperture 2 of a standard 1, back plate member 15 and bottom stay member 16.

With reference to the preferred embodiment the bracing plate 60 is in the form of a substantially flat member having a plurality of shaped slots, 61 to 64, formed therein as shown. Once home (in place) the brace member 50 is rotated upwardly to lock the second pin 51 into the appropriate slot. At this point the bracing is set to line up with the brace plate 60 over the adjacent vertical standard 1, a platform on the scaffold which is located at a position higher than that on which the person erecting the scaffold is presently working. The other end of the brace member 50 is then lifted to allow the pin 52 thereof to slide into the further slot 63 provided therefor. In that regard it should be understood that the slots are so shaped and designed as to allow the pins to drop into the bottom section thereof, where the slot is elongated. This is intended to allow for some movement of the 25/06/2002jfl 2121 spe,13 -14scaffold. However, in practice any movement should be counter acted by the bracing on the opposite cross-brace.

As one end (bottom connection) of an adjoining bracing member 50 is locked into position and the other end (top connection) is located in a downward slot of an adjoining bracing plate 60 the bracing member 50 cannot be dislodged or accidentally come apart. To further ensure that this cannot happen in a standard brace configuration the brace plate 60 is designed such that the second pin is fully located in the appropriate slot of the bracing plate 60 thereof when the brace is approximately 100mm below lining up with the other end slots thereof. This gives the added safety that the bracing member 50 is sprung up and into the slots, giving a positive downward force into the bottom of the slots in addition to gravity.

The brace plate 60 is designed so that it can make a 4-way connection where required if a cross brace is required in two adjacent bays in a multiple storey situation), by reason of the existence of the four slots 61 to 64 therein.

Each plate 60 consists of two bottom connection points one end (top two slots on the plate) and two top connection slots for the other end on the bottom of the plate. The plate 60 is welded so that it is more than the thickness of the head of the pin between the plate 60 and the standard 1.

The present invention gives rise to a method, various elements and an end result an erected scaffold assembly which exhibit significant advantages over previously known and in use arrangements.

Firstly, no ancillary locking means in the form of nuts, bolts, pins, clamps or whatever are necessary. Such can result in significant savings in terms of both expense and labour time in both assembly and disassembly.

Secondly, and once the relevant connections are made, the various elements are all locked in place without need for further adjustment, also being substantially proof against unwanted separation.

Thirdly, and by reason of the interlocking configurations employed without the need for bolts, nuts and the like fixing means a structure erected in accordance with the present invention is quick and easy to both assemble and disassemble.

Finally it is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of the invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.

25/06/2002jf12121 spe,14

Claims (21)

1. A method for the releasable interconnection of pairs of structural elements, said structural elements being adapted, in use, to be disposed at an angle, preferably 900, to one another, wherein a first of said structural elements includes, at pre-determined positions along the length dimension thereof, pairs of spaced-apart apertures, and wherein the second of said structural elements includes, releasably or fixedly attached to at least one end thereof, a plate member having formations associated therewith, which plate member is adapted, in use, to co-operate with a said pair of said apertures of said first structural element, thereby to retain said second structural element in position on said first structural element without the need for further ancillary connecting and retaining means, said method including the steps of: with said second structural element disposed at an angle of other than 900 to said first structural element, locate one of said formations of said second structural element within an upper of a said pair of apertures in said first structural element; and then rotate said second structural element relative to said first structural element whereby to have said second structural element disposed at substantially 900 to said first structural element, with said second formation thereof then been located in the lower of said pair of apertures.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pairs of apertures in said first structural element include a first, substantially T-shaped aperture and a second elongate slot or the like spaced therefrom in the length dimension of said first structural element.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said plate member of said second element includes a first formation, preferably in the form of a substantially U- shaped tongue or the like protrusion, which is adapted in use to be located within an upper one of a said pair of apertures, with the second structural element and associated plate member then being rotated relative to said first structural element whereby to bring a second formation of said plate member of said second structural element, in the form of a protrusion of a complementary size and shape to said second of said apertures, into engagement with said second aperture of said first structural element, thereby to lock said second structural element into position relative to said first structural element. 25/06/2002jf l2121 -16-

4. The method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second structural elements are in the form of an elongate, substantially hollow member, preferably constructed from a metal.

5. Apparatus for use in the erection of a scaffolding structure, said apparatus including: a plurality of first structural elements, in the form of elongate and preferably hollow members, each said first structural element having, at pre-determined positions along the length dimension thereof, pairs of spaced-apart apertures, said first structural elements constituting vertical members or standards for said scaffolding structure; and a plurality of second structural elements, each adapted in use to be disposed at an angle, preferably 900, to an associated first structural element, wherein each said second structural element includes, releasably or fixedly attached to at least one end thereof, a plate member having end formations associated therewith, said plate member being adapted, in use, to co-operate with a pair of said apertures of an associated said first structural element, thereby to retain said second structural element in position on said first structural element.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pairs of apertures in said first structural element include a first, substantially T-shaped aperture and a second elongate slot or the like spaced therefrom in the length dimension of said first structural element.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein said plate member of said second structural element includes a first formation, preferably in the form of a substantially U-shaped tongue or the like protrusion, which is adapted in use to be located within an upper one of a said pair of apertures, with the second structural element and associated plate member then being rotated relative to said first structural element whereby to bring a second formation of said plate member of said second structural element, in the form of a protrusion of a complementary size and shape to said second of said apertures, into engagement with said second aperture of said first structural element, thereby to lock said second structural element into position relative to said first structural element.

8. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein said first and second structural elements are each in the form of an elongate, substantially hollow member, preferably constructed from a metal. 25/06/2002,jfl 2121 spe, 16 -17-

9. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein each said second structural element includes means, preferably in the form of opposed flanges, for releasably receiving elongate members adapted, in use, to extend between juxtaposed pairs of said first structural elements thereby to create a scaffolding structure made up from a plurality of spaced apart vertical standards, support means associated with each said standard and extending substantially normally thereto at pre-determined locations in the height direction thereof, and elongate members extending between adjacent standards and attached to said support means, thereby to provide walkways or gangplanks extending around said scaffolding. An apparatus for releasably connecting a scaffolding structure to the frame of a building or the like, including: first support means adapted to be associated with a vertical standard of said scaffolding structure; second support means adapted to be a releasably attached to one or more frame members of said building; and connecting means extending between said first and second support means, wherein said connecting means includes: an elongate and preferably hollow member releasably and movably attached to said first support means and extending substantially normally thereto; and a substantially flat, elongate member which is slidably movable within and relative to said hollow member, said flat member including means, preferably at the free end thereof, for connection to said second support means.

11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said first support means is in the form of at least one elongate, hollow member adapted to be releasably connected to an associated at least one vertical standard of said scaffold structure.

12. The apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second support means is in the form of an elongate and preferably hollow member which is adapted, in use, to be disposed substantially horizontally and to extend between, and be releasably affixed to, adjacent frame members of said building, said hollow member having mounted thereon, and disposed substantially at right angles thereto, a further member which is adapted to receive and releasably retain a free end of said plate member. 25/06/2002jf1 2121 spe, 17 -18-

13. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, further including a sleeve or the like member, slidably mounted on said flat, elongate member, said sleeve or the like member being adapted, in use, to be disposed within the mortar of brickwork of said building.

14. A bracing assembly for interconnection between opposed standards of a scaffolding structure as claimed in claim 5, said assembly including: at least two bracket members each adapted, in use, to be disposed on adjacent standards and to be releasably connected thereto; and one or more bracing elements each adapted to having one end thereof received by a first bracket and the other end by the second bracket. The bracing assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein each bracing element is in the foam of an elongate, hollow, open-ended member, said member having a single pin or the like protrusion at or in the vicinity of one free end thereof and a pair of spaced-apart pins or the like protrusions at or in the vicinity of the other free end thereof.

16. The bracing assembly as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15, wherein each bracket member includes a plate member having end formations associated therewith, said formations being adapted to be selectively received and retained with the associated pairs of apertures of a vertical standard of said scaffolding structure whereby to be retained in position or said standard, each said bracket member further including a second plate member, attached to said first plate member, and having pairs of opposed, shaped slots at respective upper and lower ends thereof, said pairs of slots being adapted, in use, to receive and releasably retain the pairs of said bracing elements where to lock said elements in position relative to said standards and extending therebetween.

17. A method for the releasable interconnection of structural elements, whereby to create a standing structure, said method including: forming a plurality of pairs of shaped apertures in selected first ones of said structural elements, at pre-determined locations spaced apart along the length dimension thereof; and releasably and/or fixedly attaching, at opposed ends of the remaining structural elements, formations which are adapted, in use, to co-operate with said apertures of said selected first elements, thereby to allow for interconnection of the respective elements in a pre-determined array. 25/06/2002jf1 2121 spe, 18

19- 18. A structural element, for use in the method as claimed in claim 17, said first structural element being in the form of a hollow, elongate member of any suitable length and constructed from any suitable material, said hollow elongate member including pairs of spaced-apart apertures at pre-determined positions along the length dimension thereof. 19. A structural element, to be interconnected with a structural element as claimed in claim 18 and in the method of claim 17, said structural element being in the form of an elongate member having a plate or the like attached to/associated with each free end thereof, said plate or the like being adapted, in use, to co-operate with said aperture(s) of said first structural member whereby to allow for releasable yet solid interconnection between said first and second structural members. A method for the releasable interconnection of pairs of structural elements, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

21. Apparatus for use in the erection of a scaffolding structure, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

22. Apparatus for releasably connecting a scaffolding structure to the frame of a building or the like, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

23. A bracing assembly for interconnection between opposed standards of a scaffolding structure, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. A scaffolding structure, when erected using the method as claimed in claim I and the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 16.

25. An improved method and apparatus for the erection of scaffolds and the like structures includes a plurality of interlocking and interconnecting elements, including: a plurality of vertical standards each having spaced-apart airs of apertures formed therein at predetermined positions along the length (height) dimension thereof; a plurality of load supporting members adapted, in use, to be disposed substantially normally to the 25/06/2002jfl 2121 spe,19 associated vertical standards, and to be releasably connected thereto by interaction between formations provided on one side thereof and said pairs of apertures of said vertical standards; a plurality of bracing members adapted in use to be disposed between adjacent pairs of standards; and bracket means adapted to be interconnected to said standards in like manner to said load supporting members and to receive, and releasably retain, said bracing members. DATED this 2 5 t h day of June ,2002 TIM LARSEN, STEVEN LARSEN and PETER WRIGHT By their Patent Attorneys: CALLINAN LAWRIE 25/06/2002jf 2121