GB2360061A - Suspended or floor supported scaffold - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of using a multilevel scaffold system (20) which has a suspension member (32) for suspending the scaffold (20) from a roof (1) and a support members (34) for supporting the scaffold on the ground. In addition to moving the scaffold (20) vertically, the method may also allow for the scaffold (20) to be moved horizontally.

Description

t 2360061 1 SCAFFOLDING SYSTEM The invention relates to scaffolding

systems of a kind used in building construction and building maintenance. More particularly, it relates to a scaffolding system, which provides for a reduction in the time taken for building and maintenance tasks. In addition, the invention allows for a significant reduction in the size and/or the number of scaffolding system components.

Scaffolding systems have long been used on buildings as a platform from which to perform construction and maintenance tasks. For example, in the construction of a building of rectangular configuration, wall panels are required to be installed on the, four exterior walls of the building. In such a construction activity the wall panels are installed at different levels and locations on the building from a work platform provided by a scaffolding system. Alternatively, the painting of the exterior of a building or the washing of the windows of a completed building might require scaffolding. Scaffolding systems for such construction and maintenance activities are conventionally of a type that is built-up from ground level to provide work platforms at the required locations and levels on the exterior of the building. A conventional scaffolding system which has been built up from ground level is shown in Figure 1. The scaffolding system 10 is usually supported on or near the ground and assembled to extend up to the top of a building 1, which is under construction or maintenance.

Figure 2 provides a detailed representation of the scaffolding unit 10 shown in Figure 1. The scaffolding unit 10 comprises one or more work platforms 2 each of which are fixed to two or more vertical poles 4. The poles 4 function primarily as vertical supports for the work platforms 2. The strength of the scaffolding unit 10 can be increased by the inclusion of horizontal poles 6, which are connected to the platforms 2 and the vertical poles 4 by means of clamps 8. The horizontal poles 6 can be used to secure the scaffolding unit to the building. When the scaffolding unit 10 is installed on the side of a building as is shown in Figure 1, supports are often provided at several points on the scaffolding unit to secure the scaffolding unit to the exterior of the building. The supports can take the form of brackets, r 2 which are mechanically or chemically attached to the exterior of the building, or clamps, which are secured to appropriate features on the exterior of the building.

Many conventional scaffolding systems are beset by the problem that they extend a considerable height above ground level. Such conventional scaffolding systems are constructed of a large number and/or size of components. Thus, there is a correspondingly large storage and transportation requirement for the operator. Furthermore, the scaffolding system design, assembly and installation time is complicated and lengthy.

A farther problem with conventional scaffolding systems relates to the time taken for completion of work on a building. A conventional scaffolding system of the type shown in Figure 1 permits work to be carried out on one part of a building at a time. Such a conventional scaffolding system is often not readily moveable from one part of the building to another. Thus, as the construction or maintenance work moves from one part of the building to another, the work stops and the scaffolding system is disassembled, moved and then reassembled before work recommences. Much time can be expended on the disassembly and re- assembly of the scaffolding system each time it is moved, during which thne no work is being carried out on the building. Thus, the length of time required for disassembly and re-assembly of the scaffolding system can be a significant proportion of the total thne required for construction or maintenance work on a building.

Therefore, there is a requirement for a scaffolding system which affords a reduction in the number and/or size of components and which is more readily transported and stored, whilst not compromising on the capabilities of the scaffolding system.

Furthermore, there is a requirement for a scaffolding system which can be moved from one location on a building to another with minimal interruption of the work being carried out on the building.

In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method of use of a scaffolding system comprising a multi-stage scaffolding unit, at least one support element and at least one suspension element, said multi-stage scaffolding unit comprising a plurality of stages corresponding to a plurality of levels of a building, the method comprising:

1 3 providing for the scaffolding unit to be supportable adjacent or on the building by said at least one support element, and providing for the scaffolding unit to be suspensible adjacent or from the building by said at least one suspension element, and selecting between said supporting of the scaffolding and said suspension of the scaffolding. In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a scaffolding system comprising: a multi-stage scaffolding unit comprising a plurality of stages corresponding to a plurality of levels of a building; at least one support element for supporting the scaffolding system adjacent to or on a building, and at least one suspension element for suspending the scaffolding system adjacent to or from a building.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of further example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a representation of a conventional scaffolding system; Fig. 2 is a representation of the scaffolding unit shown in Fig. 1; Figs. 3a and 3b are a representation of a scaffolding system according to the present invention; Fig. 4a is a representation of the scaffolding unit shown in Figs. 3a and 3b; Fig. 4b provides examples of supports for the scaffolding unit shown in Fig. 4a; Fig. 5a is a representation of an alternative embodiment of a scaffolding unit according to the present invention; Fig. 5b provides examples of mechanical linkages for the scaffolding unit shown in 1 Fig. 5a; Fig. 6 is a representation of a first method of use according to the present invention; Fig. 7 is a representation of a second method of use according to the present invention; Fig. 8 is a representation of a third method of use according to the present invention.

4 Figures 3a and 3b are a representation of a scaffolding system according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 3a, the scaffolding system comprises a scaffolding unit 20 which is suspended from the top of a building 1 by means of cables. The cables are attached to the scaffolding unit 20 and are dispensed from winches 22 via booms 24, which winches and booms are positioned on the roof of building 1. The length of the cables is controlled by means of the winches 22, whereby the vertical position of the scaffolding unit 20 can be determined. The distance between the building exterior and the scaffolding unit 20 is determined by the length of the booms 24 extending beyond the top edge of the building 1. Instead of the fixed boom 24 and winch 22 arrangement shown in Figure 3a, a mobile roof vehicle can be provided to permit the scaffolding unit to be moved along the side of the building and around corners, without disassembly of the scaffolding unit 20. Figure 3b is a representation of the scaffolding unit 20 of Figure 3a operating as a supported or freestanding unit. In Figure 3b, the scaffolding unit 20 is disengaged from the suspension system, comprising cables, booms and winches, and the scaffolding unit 20 either stands on the ground or is supported at or near the bottom of the exterior face of the building 1.

A more detailed representation of the scaffolding unit of Figures 3a and 3b is shown in Figure 4a. The scaffolding unit 20 comprises one or more work platforms 12 each of which are fixed to two or more ladder sections 14. Ladder sections 14 function primarily as vertical supports for the work platforms 12. The provision of rungs 16 on the ladder sections 14 facilitates the vertical movement of persons from one work platform 12 to another. As shown in Figure 4a, the depth of the work platforms 12 is greater than the width of the ladder sections 14. This feature permits persons to move with greater ease from one end of a work platform 12 to the other, especially when there is a ladder section provided in the middle of the work platform for additional support as is shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The strength of the scaffolding unit 16 can be increased by the inclusion of support sections 18.

Of course, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the scaffolding unit shown in Figure 4a is merely illustrative and that modifications and variations can be made to the individual components and the overall structure of the scaffolding unit without changing its basic function.

The scaffolding unit of Figure 4a comprises two types of component to permit the scaffolding unit to function in both the suspended mode of operation shown in Figure 3a and the supported mode of operation shown in Figure 3b. As shown in Figure 4a, a suspension beam 32 is provided on the scaffolding unit 20 to provide a means of attachment for the suspension cables. The suspension beam 32 can be provided at the top of the scaffolding unit 20, as shown in Figure 4a. Alternatively, the suspension beam 32 can be provided at a lower part of the scaffolding unit, and to improve stability the suspension cables can be attached to or fed-through the upper portions of the scaffolding unit. In addition to the suspension component, the scaffolding unit 20 of Figure 4a is provided with support components, which support components permit the scaffolding unit 20 to operate in the supported mode. The scaffolding unit 20 of Figure 4a is represented as comprising plates 34, which plates are disposed at the lower end portion of the ladder sections 14. The plates 34 support the scaffolding unit on the ground and provide lateral stability. The plates 34, as shown in Figure 4a, are only representative of the several and diverse means of supporting a scaffolding unit. For example, the scaffolding unit can be supported on the ground on the ends of the ladder sections 14 instead of on plates 34. Alternatively, instead of or in addition to the plates 34, one or more support elements can be provided on the building exterior side of the scaffolding unit. The support elements can be used to secure the scaffolding unit to the exterior face of a building, to provide lateral stability and to provide vertical support where the scaffolding system does not sit on the ground. Figure 4b provides two illustrative representations of such support elements 36. The left-hand support element 36 is in the form of a loop for securing to some appropriate anchor point, e.g. a hook or other loop, on a building. The right-hand support element 36 comprises a bar, which is attached to the scaffolding unit, and a plate, or bracket, which is secured to the building by mechanical or chemical bonding.

Figure 5a shows an alternative embodiment of a scaffolding system according to the present invention. The scaffolding unit 20 of Figure 5a is substantially similar in structure to the scaffolding system shown in Figure 4a. The scaffolding unit 20 of Figure 5a is operable in a suspended mode and a supported mode.

6 In the suspended mode of operation, suspension cables are secured to the suspension bar 32. Alternative means of suspension are as described above with reference to the scaffolding unit of Figure 4a.

In the supported mode of operation, the scaffolding unit 20 of Figure 5a is supported by means of the two support elements 38, which are positioned at either end of the scaffolding unit. The scaffolding unit 20 can be removeably secured to the support elements 38, for example by means of clamps or locking pins, and then detached from the support elements 38 when it is desired to raise the scaffolding unit. Alternatively, the scaffolding unit can be mechanically linked to the support elements 38 to permit the scaffolding unit 20 to move in a vertical direction in relation to the support elements 38.

Figure 5b is a representation of a top view of two preferred means of mechanically linking a scaffolding unit 20 to a support element 38, which means permit vertical movement of the scaffolding unit 20 in relation to the support elements 38. The left-hand drawing and right-hand drawing of Figure 5b both comprise a receptacle 40 and a member 42. As shown in Figure 5a the receptacle 40 is provided on the support elements 38 and the member 42 is provided along the vertical length of a ladder section 14 of the scaffolding unit 20. Alternatively, the receptacle 40 can be provided on the scaffolding unit 20 and the member 42 can be provided on the support elements. As shown in Figure 5b the member 42 is moveably engaged with the receptacle 40, thereby permitting movement of the scaffolding unit 20 in relation to the support element 38 in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 5a, more than one member 42 can be provided along the vertical length of a ladder section 14 of one of the scaffolding modules. Of course, two or more mechanical linkages can be provided at a particular level on a ladder section 14.

As shown in the left hand drawing of Figure 5b, the member 42 is comprised of a shaft which is attached at one end to a ladder section on the scaffolding unit and to an engaging element 44 at its other end. The dimension of the engaging element 44 in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the scaffolding unit is greater than that of the shaft of the member 42. Furthermore, receptacle 40, which is provided on the support elements 38, comprises two restriction elements 46 which extend along the length of the receptacle 40. The restriction elements 46 are of a size and position to provide an 7 aperture in the outward face of receptacle 40 which is less than the width of engaging element 44. Thus, separation of adjacent scaffolding modules in a direction along the length of the shaft of member 42 is prevented. The relative dimensions of the engaging portion 44, the receptacle 40, the shaft of member 42 and the restriction elements 46 can be selected to provide a compromise between freedom of movement, e.g. for the relief of stress and strain, and restriction of movement of the scaffolding unit 20 in relation to the support element 38 in directions perpendicular to the permitted direction of movement. Engaging element 44 can be designed to have whatever shape provides for desired characteristics of the mechanical linkage, for example mechanical strength or low friction.

In the right-hand drawing of Figure 5b the engaging portion is provided with one or two wheels 48, which wheels are rotatably attached to the member 42. The provision of wheels 48 on member 42 affords low friction movement of the scaffolding unit. The arrangement shown in the right-hand drawing of Figure 5b includes a flexible joint 52 between two portions of the shaft of member 42 The inclusion of joint 52 in the member 42 allows for movement of the scaffolding unit relative to the support elements in a direction perpendicular to the pem-fitted, i.e. vertical, direction of movement. A second joint might be required at the point of attachment of the member to the ladder section. Joint 52 can comprise a hinge arrangement or a ball and socket arrangement, for example. Furthermore, joint 52 can comprise means to restrict rotation of one portion 50 of the shaft of member 42 relative to the other portion of the member on which the engaging portion is provided. Alternatively, means can be provided on joint 52 to lock the two portions of the shaft of member 42 at a fixed angle.

The structure of the mechanical linkage between the scaffolding unit and the support elements 38 is not limited to the examples shown in Figure 5b and can be modified or have a different structure without changing its essential function. For example, the member 42 can take the form of an element that extends continuously along the vertical length of a ladder section and be shaped to slidably engage with the receptacle.

The support elements 38 shown in Figure Sa. can be secured to the ground or secured to the exterior surface of the building. In addition, the support elements 38 can be constructed of a framework of scaffolding components, such as booms, or be comprised of solid components as shown in Figure 5a. It is preferred that the support elements are constructed and secured to the building in such a way that the support elements can be moved from one location to the next with the minimum of labour and time. Of course, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the support elements 38 shown in Figures 5a are merely illustrative and that modifications and variations can be made to the support elements and their disposition in relation to the scaffolding unit without changing their basic function.

The scaffolding unit 20 can be raised from the support elements 38 manually or with the suspension system shown in Figure 3a. Alternatively, the scaffolding unit 20 and support elements 38 can be configured to permit the scaffolding unit to be disengaged from the support elements and moved away from the building in a horizontal direction in relation to the support elements.

Brakes can be included in the scaffolding system to fix the position of the scaffolding unit relative to the support elements. The braking system could take the form of a hole and locking pin arrangement or the form of a more sophisticated arrangement for applying a variable braking force, for example a lever based system.

In a different embodiment of a scaffolding system according to the present invention, the support elements 38 of Figure 5a are substituted by a second and a third scaffolding unit. The second and third scaffolding units are positioned on either side of the scaffolding unit 20 to provide support for the scaffolding unit. The scaffolding unit 20 can be removeably or moveably linked to the second and third scaffolding units by the means described above.

The scaffolding system according to the present invention confers the significant benefit of reducing the height of the scaffolding unit required at a location on a building. The benefit is illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b. Figures 3a and 3b show a scaffolding unit 20 which is substantially half the height of the vertical face of the building 1 on which work is being carried out. In Figure 3a the scaffolding unit 20 is suspended from a suspension system which comprises winches 22 and booms 24. In Figure 3b the scaffolding unit is disengaged from the suspension system and is supported on or near the ground, by means of the support elements described above with reference to the scaffolding units shown in 1 9 Figures 4a and 5a. The scaffolding system of Figures 3a and 3b is substantially smaller than the conventional scaffolding system shown in Figure 1. Nevertheless, the scaffolding system shown in Figures 3a and 3b permits work to be carried out on the same exterior surface area of the building. A farther reduction in the height of the scaffolding system 20 of Figures 3a and 3b provides a corresponding reduction in the number and/or size of scaffolding unit components for the comparatively minor disadvantage of having to alter the vertical position of the scaffolding unit 20 in the suspended mode of operation. For example, the height of the scaffolding unit 20 can be reduced to one third or one quarter of the height of the building 1. However, it is preferred that the scaffolding unit comprises a multiplicity of stages, with each stage corresponding to a level on a building. For example, each of the multiplicity of stages of the scaffolding unit can comprise a platform 12, as shown in Figure 4a, for gaining access to a level on a building. A level on a building might be a floor of a building or a location on the exterior of a building at which there is a feature requiring maintenance, e.g. a drainage component or a structural component.

A further benefit of the scaffolding system according to the present invention is illustrated in Figures 6 to 8. The further benefit is an increase in flexibility and a significant reduction in the time taken for the completion of construction and maintenance tasks on a building without an increase in scaffolding system components.

Figure 6 shows work being carried out on building 1 with two scaffolding units 20 and one suspension system 22, 24. A first scaffolding system is operated in suspended mode and a second scaffolding system is operated in supported mode. Thus, work can be carried out at two locations on the building 1 at the same time. When work is complete on the two locations, the first scaffolding unit is lowered by the suspension system towards the ground and the first scaffolding system then operates in the supported mode. The suspension system, comprising winches 22 and booms 24, is moved in the direction shown in Figure 6 to a position where the second scaffolding unit can be attached to the suspension system and operated in the suspended mode. This method of use of the scaffolding system is particularly beneficial where the suspension system can be moved easily and quickly from one position to the next. Thus, work can be carried out at more than one location on a building with a degree of flexibility not afforded by conventional scaffolding systems.

Figures 7 and 8 show another method of use of a scaffolding system according to the present invention. Figures 7 and 8 show work being carried on a building 1 with one scaffolding unit 20 and one suspension system 22, 24. Work on the building commences with the scaffolding unit 20 operating in the suspended mode as shown in Figure 7. When work at the first location on the building is complete, the scaffolding unit is lowered towards the ground to position A. The scaffolding unit is disengaged from the suspension system and work is carried out at position A. Once work at position A is complete, the scaffolding unit is moved to position B where the scaffolding unit continues to operate in the supported mode. Whilst work is being carried out on the building at positions A and B the suspension system is moved along the top of the building in the direction indicated in Figure 7. After work at position B is complete, the suspension system raises the scaffolding unit to position C. This method of use is particularly applicable where the time required for the movement of the suspension system is considerably greater than that required for movement of a scaffolding unit which is being operated in supported mode. Figure 8 shows an alternative method of use of the scaffolding system which is similar to that illustrated in Figure 7, with the exception that work commences with the scaffolding unit operating in supported mode. This alternative method of use is particularly applicable where the time required for the movement of the scaffolding unit when it is in supported mode is considerably greater that that required for movement of the suspension system.

The aforegoing description has been given by way of example only and it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

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Claims (15)

1. A method of use of a scaffolding system comprising a multi-stage scaffolding unit, at least one support element and at least one suspension element, said multi-stage scaffolding unit comprising a plurality of stages corresponding to a plurality of levels of a building, the method comprising: providing for the scaffolding unit to be supportable adjacent or on the building by said at least one support element, and providing for the scaffolding unit to be suspensible adjacent or from the building by said at least one suspension element, and selecting between said supporting of the scaffolding and said suspension of the scaffolding.

2. A method of use of a scaffolding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the scaffolding system is suspended. by a suspension system disposed at the top or towards the top of the building.

3. A method of use of a scaffolding system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the scaffolding unit is moved substantially along a direction between the ground and the top of the building.

4. A method of use of a scaffolding system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, comprising the sequential steps of: supporting the scaffolding unit at a first location adjacent or on the building; attaching a suspension system to the scaffolding unit, said suspension system being at or towards the top of the building; moving the scaffolding unit to a second location adjacent or on the building by means of said suspension system, said second location being substantially along a direction between the ground and the top of the building; and moving the suspension system and the scaffolding unit to a third location on said building.

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5. A method of use of a scaffolding system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the sequential steps of: suspending the scaffolding unit from a suspension system at or towards the top of a building, such that the scaffolding unit is at or adjacent a first location on the surface of the building; moving the scaffolding unit to a second location adjacent or at the surface of the building by means of said suspension system, said second location being substantially along a direction between the ground and the top of the building; supporting the scaffolding unit adjacent or on the building; detaching the suspension system from the scaffolding unit; moving the scaffolding unit to a third, supported location at or adjacent the surface of the building; and moving the suspension system near to a fourth location on the surface of the building.

6. A method of use of a scaffolding system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising the sequential steps of: suspending the scaffolding unit from a suspension system at or towards the top of a building, such that the scaffolding unit is at or adjacent a first location on the surface of the building, and supporting a second scaffolding unit at a second location adjacent or on the building; moving the scaffolding unit to a third location adjacent or on the building by means of said suspension system, said third location being substantially along a direction between the ground and the top of the building; supporting the scaffolding unit adjacent or on the building; detaching the suspension system from the scaffolding unit; moving the suspension system near to a fourth location on the surface of the building; and attaching the suspension system to the second scaffolding unit.

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7. A scaffolding system comprising: a multi-stage scaffolding unit comprising a plurality of stages corresponding to a plurality of levels of a building; at least one support element for supporting the scaffolding system adjacent to or on a building, and at least one suspension element for suspending the scaffolding system adjacent to or from a building.

8. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one support element is provided on the scaffolding unit for removeably attaching the scaffolding unit to a surface of a building andlor the ground.

9. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said at least one support element is fixedly provided on the scaffolding unit.

10. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said at least one support element is moveably and/or removeably provided on the scaffolding unit.

11. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 10, wherein said at least one support element comprises a support unit, said support unit is for removeable disposal on the ground or on the building, and the scaffolding unit is moveable in relation to said support unit.

12. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said at least one support element comprises a mechanical linkage for moveably linking said scaffolding unit to said support unit.

13. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 12, wherein said support unit is at least one other scaffolding unit, thereby providing support for said scaffolding unit.

14 14. A scaffolding system as clahned in any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein said at least one suspension element comprises an attachment for a cable.

15. A scaffolding system substantially as described herein and with reference to any one of figures 1 to 8.