GB2359328A - Suspended modular scaffolding system - Google Patents

Abstract

The system includes at least a first and second scaffold module (16) each module being independently suspended from a structure (10), where the first and second scaffold modules are mechanically linked at adjacent sides. Movement of first module relative to the second module is permitted in a first direction but not in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the first. In one embodiment the first direction is vertical and the second direction is horizontal and in an subsequent embodiment (Figure 8) these directions are reversed. The mechanical link may comprise a member (Figure 4a ref. 42) located on one module and a receptacle (Figure 4a ref. 40) located on another module, where the member is slidably or rotatably located within the receptacle. The member may include wheels (Figure 5b) and the receptacle may have stops at either end to prevent the members from disengaging. The scaffolding modules may be suspended horizontally adjacent (Figure 3), vertically adjacent adjacent (Figure 8), or at an angle of less than 180 degrees to each other (Figures 6a, b and c).

Description

2359328 1 MODULAR SCAFFOLDING SYSTEM The invention relates to scaffolding

systems of a kind used in building construction and building maintenance. More particularly, it relates to a modular scaffolding system which provides for a reduction in scaffolding system design time and assembly and which is adaptable and readily transportable, whilst having good structural integrity.

Scaffolding systems have long been used on buildings and other structures 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.

Typically, such conventional scaffolding systems permit work to be carried out on one portion of a building at a time and are often not readily moveable from one part of the building to another. Thus, as the construction or maintenance activity moves from one part of the building to another, the scaffolding system must be disassembled before being moved and reassembled before work can recommence. Much time can be expended on the disassembly and reassembly of the scaffolding system each time it needs to be moved, with a consequential increase in cost and an increase in the risk of worker injury.

More recently, some of the above-noted problems have been alleviated by means of scaffolding systems of a suspension type. The basic structure and operation of a suspension type scaffolding system is shown in Figure 1. The building 10 of Figure 1 is under construction or is undergoing maintenance. A single scaffolding unit 16 is suspended from 2 the top of the building 10 to enable the work to be carried out. The scaffolding unit 16 is suspended from the top of the building 10 by means of cables 14. The cables 14 are attached to the scaffolding unit 16 and are dispensed from winches 12 via booms 18, which winches and booms are positioned on the roof of building 10. The length of the cables 14 is controlled by means of the winches 12, whereby the vertical position of the scaffolding unit 16 can be determined. The distance between the building exterior and the scaffolding unit 16 is determined by the length of the booms 18 extending beyond the top edge of the building 10. Instead of the fixed boom 18 and winch 12 arrangement shown in Figure 1, 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 16. An advantage of the suspension-type scaffolding system compared with the conventional ground based type is a reduction in assembly and disassembly time. Moreover, by suspending the scaffolding system from the roof of the building there is no restriction of access to the building around ground level.

Figure 2 provides a detailed representation of the scaffolding unit 16 shown in Figure 1. The scaffolding unit 16 comprises one or more work platforms 22 each of which are fixed to two or more ladder sections 24. Ladder sections 24 function primarily as vertical supports for the work platforms 22. The provision of rungs 26 on the ladder sections 24 facilitates the vertical movement of persons from one work platform 22 to another. As shown in Figure 2, the depth of the work platforms 22 is greater than the width of the ladder sections 24. This feature permits persons to move with greater ease from one end of a work platform 22 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 Figure 1. The strength of the scaffold unit 16 can be increased by the inclusion of support sections 28. A suspension beam 30 is attached to the scaffolding unit to provide a means of attachment for the suspension cables. The suspension beam 30 can be provided at the top of the scaffolding unit 16, as shown in Figure 1. Alternatively, the suspension beam 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. Of course, it will be 3 appreciated by the skilled person that the scaffolding unit shown in Figure 2 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.

However, the conventional suspension type scaffolding system shown in Figure 1 only addresses the problems associated with ground based scaffolding systems to a limited extent. Furthermore, the conventional suspension type scaffolding system creates a further significant problem. There is often a requirement in building construction or maintenance to carry out work on two or more different parts of the building. For example, work may be required at two locations on the exterior of the building that are some distance apart in the horizontal andlor vertical direction. Such a circumstance would require the scaffolding unit of the type shown in Figure 2 to be large in the horizontal andlor vertical direction. Alternatively, the exterior of the building might not be planar, in that it comprises one or more portions that extend some distance outwards from the exterior surface of the building. Such a circumstance might make it difficult to position the scaffolding unit of Figure 1 close to the building or it might make the design of the scaffolding unit complex. The result in both circumstances is an unwieldy scaffolding unit, which involves a lengthy design and assembly time. Furthermore, the inevitable increase in weight necessitates the use of a more powerful winch motor to move the scaffolding unit up and down the building.

On the other hand, two or more smaller scaffolding units could be independently suspended from the roof of the building. The advantages of this latter approach are a greater flexibility of use, a reduction in the size andlor number of scaffolding unit components and no requirement for high power winch motors. However, a significant disadvantage of this approach is instability in each of the smaller scaffolding units, for example as may be the case in high winds or during adjustment of the vertical position of a smaller scaffolding unit. Furthermore, movement of persons from one smaller scaffolding unit to an adjacent smaller scaffolding unit is more difficult and dangerous.

Thus, there is a requirement for a scaffolding system which is adaptable, which is comprised of the minimum number andlor size of components and which is readily transportable, whilst having good structural integrity and stability. Furthermore, there is a requirement for a scaffolding system which can accommodate different building shapes and provide a working platform for different tasks without incurring an increase in system design time, system assembly time and operational costs.

The present invention relates to a scaffolding system comprising at least a first scaffolding module and a second scaffolding module each capable of being suspended from a structure; each of said scaffolding modules comprising means to mechanically link the first scaffolding module to the second scaffolding module; said mechanical link means permits movement of the first scaffolding module in relation to the second scaffolding module in a first direction; and said mechanical link means restricts movement of the first scaffolding module in relation to the second module in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

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 suspended scaffolding system; Fig. 2 is a representation of the scaffolding unit shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an illustration of the present invention comprising two suspended scaffolding modules; Fig. 4a is a representation of a top view of the mechanical linkage between two scaffolding modules; Fig. 4b is a representation of a cutaway side view of the mechanical linkage between two scaffolding modules; Fig. Sa is a detailed illustration of a mechanical linkage; Fig. 5b is a detailed illustration of an alternative mechanical linkage; Fig. 6a is an illustration of a first means of linking scaffolding modules around a corner of a building; Fig. 6b is an illustration of a second means of linking scaffolding modules around a corner of a building; Fig. 6c is an illustration of a third means of linking scaffolding modules around a corner of a building; Fig. 7 is a representation of a second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 8 is a representation of another arrangement of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows two scaffolding modules 16 which are independently suspended from the roof of a building 10 by means of cables 14 dispensed from winches 12 via booms 18. The operation of the winches 12 and the booms 18 and the structure and composition of the individual scaffolding modules is as described above. According to the present invention, two or more scaffolding modules 16 are mechanically linked to allow each module to move in the vertical direction independently of any other scaffolding module. Referring to Figure 3, two scaffolding modules 16 are represented as being mechanically linked at or around their adjacent sides such that the left and right-hand modules are capable of moving in the vertical direction in relation to each other. A chain of three or more mechanically linked scaffolding modules could be formed across the exterior face of the building along a left to right direction of the building shown in Figure 3. The mechanical linkage between adjacent scaffolding modules (not shown in Figure 3) restricts the movement of the adjacent modules in directions perpendicular to the vertical direction, i. e. along the direction of disposition of the two scaffolding units and along a direction perpendicular to a plane formed by the front exterior face of the building 10. The freedom of movement that the mechanical linkage affords in the vertical direction provides for improved flexibility of access to the exterior face of the building without an undue increase in the size of the scaffolding system. The restriction of movement of the scaffolding modules in relation to each other in directions perpendicular to the vertical direction provides for increased rigidity in the scaffolding system as a whole. The restrictions of movement in the perpendicular directions are particularly useful when the vertical position of a scaffolding module is being adjusted or when a module is subjected to undue force, which undue force may for example be caused by high winds or accidental impact.

In a preferred embodiment, each scaffolding module is constructed of aluminium or 6 some other light material. Of course, less malleable and ductile materials can be used in the structure of a scaffolding module. Furthermore, with reference to Figure 2, it is preferred that work platforms 22 are 60' in length, 4' in depth and that they provide 2' of total clearance at the ladder sections 24 and 4' at all other positions. In addition, beams can be provided as handrails. It is preferred that each work platform 22 of a scaffolding module provides a Safe Working Load (SVL) of 1000 kg. Moreover, it is preferred that there is an overlap between adjacent scaffolding modules in the vertical direction of at least 25 % of the length of the vertical dimension of a scaffolding module.

The mechanical linkage between adjacent modules permits movement in the vertical direction of one module in relation to the other module and restricts movement in at least one of the directions perpendicular to the vertical direction. Figures 4a and 4b are a representation of a preferred means of mechanically linking one scaffolding module to another. Figure 4a is a top view of the ladder sections 24 of two adjacent and mechanically linked scaffolding modules. Figure 4b is a cut-away side view of the ladder sections 24 of two adjacent and mechanically linked scaffolding modules. As shown in Figure 4a, the mechanical linkage comprises a receptacle 40, which is provided along the vertical length of both sides of a ladder section 24 of one of the scaffolding modules. In addition, the mechanical linkage comprises a member 42 provided on both sides of a ladder section 24 of the other scaffolding module. As shown in Figure 4a the member 42 is moveably engaged with the receptacle 40, thereby permitting movement of one scaffolding module in relation to the other scaffolding module in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 4b, more than one member 42 can be provided along the vertical length of a ladder section 24 of one of the scaffolding modules. Of course, one rather than two mechanical linkages can be provided at a particular level on a ladder section 24, i.e. one of the two mechanical linkages shown in Figure 4a can be omitted. Where more than two scaffolding modules are to be mechanically linked, mechanical linkages are provided on the ladder sections at both, i.e. left and right-hand, sides of each scaffolding module.

The structure of the mechanical linkage between adjacent scaffolding modules is not limited to that shown in Figures 4a and 4b and can be modified or have a different structure 7 without changing its essential function. For example, the member 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. Figures Sa and 5b illustrate modifications to the mechanical linkage shown in Figures 4a and 4b. As shown in Figure 5a, the member 42 is comprised of a shaft which is attached at one end to a ladder section on a first scaffolding module 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 adjacent scaffolding modules is greater than that of the shaft of the member 42. Furthermore, receptacle 40, which is provided on a ladder section of the second scaffolding module, comprises two restriction elements 46 which extend along the length of the receptacle 40. As shown in Figure 5a, the restriction elements 46 are of a size and position to provide an 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 adjacent scaffolding modules in directions perpendicular to the permitted direction of movement of one scaffolding module relative to the other scaffolding module.

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. A preferred embodiment of the engaging portion is shown in Figure 5b. In 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 adjacent scaffolding modules. The arrangement 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 one scaffolding module relative to another module in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement. A second joint might be required at the point of attachment of the member to the ladder section. Joint 52 can 8 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.

Brakes can be included in the modular scaffolding system to fix the position of one scaffolding module relative to another. 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.

End stops can be provided at or towards the end of the ladder sections, for example on the receptacles, to prevent two mechanically linked scaffolding modules from disengaging from each other.

Figures 6a, 6b and 6c are representations of different means of linking scaffolding modules around a corner of a building. Figure 6a is a view of a top corner of a building with a scaffolding module 16 suspended down the exterior of each of two perpendicular vertical faces of the building. As shown in Figure 6a, one of the scaffolding modules is provided with two receptacles 40 and the other module with members 42, which members 42 are shown in the engaged position with the receptacles 40. As is shown in Figure 4a, the two mechanical linkages at a particular vertical location on a ladder section are of substantially the same length, where two scaffolding modules on the same face of a building are to be mechanically linked. Where a mechanical linkage is to be formed around a corner between two scaffolding modules, the mechanical linkage can take the form of that shown in Figure 6a. As shown in Figure 6a, the two receptacles 40 have different lengths to extend by different amounts beyond the corner of the building. In addition, the length of the members 42 are set to correspond to the different positions of the receptacles 40 and apertures are provided in the receptacles to face the members 42. An alternative means of linking modules around a corner is shown in Figure 6b. In Figure 6b, the member 42 is angled to provide a connection around the corner of the building. In the arrangement of Figure 6b, the flexible joint 52 of Figure 5b can be employed. Another linking arrangement 9 is shown in Figure 6c, wherein the member 42 is angled to permit one scaffolding module 16 to be suspended at a corner of the building, and the other module 16 to be suspended down one side of the building.

A second embodiment of the present invention is represented in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a view from the top of a building of two suspended scaffolding modules 16. According to this embodiment, the two scaffolding modules 16 are mechanically linked by means of member 42 and receptacle 60 to permit movement of one module in relation to the other in a direction away from the vertical exterior face of the building. The mechanical linkage of Figure 7 restricts movement of one scaffolding module in relation to the other module in directions perpendicular to the permitted direction of movement of one module in relation to the other. The member 42 and receptacle 60 have the same basic structure and function as the mechanical linkage of the first embodiment, with the exception that the receptacle 60 is perpendicular to the receptacle 40 of the first embodiment. Thus, the aperture in the receptacle 60 of Figure 7 runs in a direction towards and away from the vertical exterior face of the building. The arrangement shown in Figure 7 provides for flexibility, especially where the surface of a building is nonplanar. The mechanical linkages of the first and second embodiments can be combined in the same modular scaffolding system. As shown in Figure 7, all the arrangements described herein can comprise spacer elements 62 which are attached to a scaffolding module. The spacer elements 62 aid in stabilising the scaffolding system, help protect the building from impact from the scaffolding, and are useful for setting the distance between the work platforms and the building exterior.

A finiher arrangement of the scaffolding system of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. Two adjacent scaffolding modules 16 are disposed vertically along a face of a building 10. The upper scaffolding module 16 is suspended from the top of the building by means of the previously described winch and boom arrangement (not shown in Figure 8) or by some other means. The lower scaffolding module 16 is suspended either from the upper module or from the top of the building. The scaffolding modules 16 have a structure as described above. The upper and lower scaffolding modules are mechanically linked by at least one mechanical linkage to permit movement of one module relative to the other in a horizontal direction along the face of the building. The members 42 of the mechanical linkages are shown in Figure 8. The mechanical linkages have a structure based on that described above. The mechanical linkages restrict movement of one scaffolding module relative to the other in directions perpendicular to the permitted direction of movement of one module in relation to the other. The arrangement of Figure 8 can be incorporated in scaffolding systems in conjunction with one or both of the first and second embodiments described herein.

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 (18)

1. A scaffolding system comprising at least a first scaffolding module and a second scaffolding module each capable of being suspended from a structure; each of said scaffolding modules comprising means to mechanically link the first scaffolding module to the second scaffolding module; said mechanical link means permits movement of the first scaffolding module in relation to the second scaffolding module in a first direction; and said mechanical link means restricts movement of the first scaffolding module in relation to the second module in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

2. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first and second scaffolding modules are suspended from a structure and are adjacent to each other.

3. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said first and second scaffolding modules are suspended from the top of a structure, said first and second scaffolding modules are abreast of each other, and said first direction is substantially along a direction between the ground and the top of the structure.

4. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first and second scaffolding modules are suspended at an acute, a 90 degree, or an obtuse angle in relation to each other.

5. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said first and second scaffolding modules are suspended in line with each other.

6. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical link means permits movement of said first scaffolding module relative to said second scaffolding module in a first linear direction.

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7. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mechanical link means comprises at least one member provided on said first scaffolding module and a receptacle provided on said second scaffolding module.

8. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one member is slidably or rotatably engaged with said receptacle.

9. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said at least one member comprises a wheel.

10. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first direction is substantially in a direction of suspension of said first and second scaffolding modules.

11. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 9, wherein said first direction is substantially perpendicular to the direction of suspension of said scaffolding modules and substantially perpendicular to the direction of disposition of said first scaffolding module and said second scaffolding module.

12. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 and 4 to 9, wherein said first direction is substantially perpendicular to the direction of suspension of said scaffolding modules and in substantially the same direction as that of the disposition of said first scaffolding module and said second scaffolding module.

13. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one member comprises a joint portion that permits said first scaffolding module to rotate relative to said second scaffolding module about an axis along the direction of suspension.

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14. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said at least one member comprises an angled portion that permits said first scaffolding module to be mechanically linked to said second scaffolding module and to be suspended at an angle relative to said second scaffolding module.

15. A scaffolding system as claimed in claim 7, wherein said receptacle is provided with end stops to prevent two mechanically linked scaffolding modules from disengaging from each other.

16. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said scaffolding modules comprise braking means to slow down and/or arrest movement of said first scaffolding module in relation to said second scaffolding module.

17. A scaffolding system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said scaffolding modules co mprise at least one spacer element to set a distance between said scaffolding modules and said structure.

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