GB2441587A

GB2441587A - A scaffold assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2441587A
Application number: GB0617560A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Duncan Hyde; Mark Jason Black
Original assignee: SGB Services Ltd
Current assignee: SGB Services Ltd
Priority date: 2006-09-06
Filing date: 2006-09-06
Publication date: 2008-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-06
Also published as: GB2441587B; GB0617560D0

Abstract

The scaffold assembly comprises a generally vertical, cylindrical leg 2 incorporating a series of parallel longitudinal channels 3 spaced equi-angularly around the exterior of the leg; a generally lateral elongate frame member ( 6a, Fig 1) having a male locking member (12, Fig 4a) configured for retention within one of said channels to secure the frame member to the cylindrical leg; and a spacer element 17 positioned in between the frame member and cylindrical leg and incorporating a corresponding longitudinal channel 23 corresponding to the longitudinal channels 3 on the leg 2; wherein the spacer element is retained by one of the longitudinal channels on the leg so as to secure the spacer element to the leg such that the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element is spaced outwardly of, and in radial alignment with, one of the longitudinal channels on the leg, the male engaging element (12, Fig 4a) being retained within the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element to secure the frame member to the spacer element, thereby indirectly coupling the lateral frame member to the cylindrical leg with the spacer element therebetween. Preferably, the spacer element comprises an arcuate collar portion 18 engaged with the cylindrical exterior of the leg. Also defined is a spacer element for use with a scaffold assembly, preferably comprising an arcuate collar portion 18 for engaging a cylindrical leg. The scaffolding assembly may be incorporated into a shoring assembly.

Description

y 2441587 Title: Improvements in or Relating to a Scaffold Assembly

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a spacer element for use in a scaffold assembly, in particular a shoring assembly, including a shoring assembly incorporating such a spacer element.

Various forms of shoring assembly are known.

One such shoring assembly comprises a plurality of shoring legs, with a corresponding number of so-called "ledger frames" being secured laterally between the shoring legs to act as supporting brace members.

Typically, the ledger frames are all manufactured in a standard fixed length such that the shoring legs are spaced apart from one another, in the final shoring assembly, in accordance with industry standards or customary practice.

A disadvantage of such a shoring system is that, because the ledger frames are manufactured in fixed lengths, the shoring assembly is only suitable for use in accordance with a specific set of industry standards or customary practice, so that where different industry standards or practice might apply (for example in a country which uses an imperial, rather than metric, system of measurement) the shoring assembly may not meet those industry standards or accord with customary practice.

On the other hand, it is far preferable to manufacture the ledger frames in standard lengths so as, for example, to take advantage of economies of scale.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved scaffold assembly.

According to the present invention, there is provided a A scaffold assembly comprising: i) a generally vertical, cylindrical leg incorporating a series of parallel longitudinal channels spaced equi-angularly around the exterior of the leg; ii) a generally lateral elongate frame member having a male locking member configured for retention within one of said channels to secure the frame member to the cylindrical leg; and iii) a spacer element positioned inbetween the frame member and cylindrical leg and incorporating a Corresponding longitudinal channel corresponding to the longitudinal channels on the leg; wherein the spacer element is retained by one of the longitudinal channels on the leg so as to secure the spacer element to the leg such that the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element is spaced outwardly of, and in radial alignment with, one of the longitudinal channels on the leg, the male engaging element being retained within the Corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element to secure the frame member to the spacer element, thereby indirectly coupling the lateral frame member to the cylindrical leg with the spacer element therebetween.

Preferably, the spacer element is retained by two of the longitudinal channels on the leg with the Corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element

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being in radial alignment with a third longitudinal channel on the leg positioned inbetween the aforementioned two longitudinal channels.

Conveniently, the spacer element is retained by a single longitudinal channel on the leg with the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being in radial alignment with the longitudinal channel on the leg.

Conveniently, the spacer element comprises an arcuate collar portion engaged with the cylindrical exterior of the leg, the arcuate collar portion incorporating at least one clearance hole aligned with one of the longitudinal channels, the spacer element being retained by that longitudinal channel by means of a respective screw-clamp extending through each clearance hole to engage the underside of a respective lip provided along the edge of the channel, each screw clamp further engaging with the collar portion to clamp the collar portion to the leg.

Conveniently, the screw-clamp is in the form of a nut and T-bolt.

Alternativeiy1 the screw-clamp is in the form of a ring nut.

Conveniently, the arcuate collar portion supports an elongate, longitudinal box-beam section extending generally parallel to the longitudinal channels on the leg, the collar portion thus defining a central arcuate section forming one side of the longitudinal box-beam section and a pair of arcuate flange sections on either side of the longitudinal box-beam section said corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being formed on the side of the longitudinal box-beam section opposite the collar portion.

Preferably, the collar portion extends over a central longitudinal channel and two adjacent outer longitudinal channels on the cylindrical leg, each flange section being provided with at least one of said clearance holes and a

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respective number of screw-clamps engaging with the two outer channels to secure the spacer element to the leg, the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being radially aligned with the central longitudinal channel on the leg.

Conveniently, the central arcijate section of the collar portion is provided with a locating lug which engages with the central longitudinal channel to locate the Corresponding longitudinal channel in radial alignment with the central longitudinal channel.

Preferably the central arcuate section of the collar portion incorporates one or more of said clearance holes and respective screw clamps for engaging a single, central longitudinal channel on the leg, the Corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being radially aligned with the central longitudinal channel on the leg.

Conveniently, each of said arcuate flange sections terminates in an inwardly directed tang which engages with the near edge of the respective adjacent longitudinal channel on the leg.

Optionally, the arcuate collar portion has a different radius to that of the cylindrical leg.

Preferably, the angular separation of adjacent longitudinal channels on the leg is 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the scaffold assembly comprises two frame members and a respective pair of said spacer elements secured to the leg adjacent one / another and at the same level, whereby adjacent tangs on the respective spacer elements engage opposite edges of a common longitudinal channel.

In a further embodiment, the assembly comprises a plurality of frame members and a respective plurality of said spacer elements, the adjacent spacer elements being secured to the leg at the same level and sharing a common outer longitudinal channel, wherein the adjacent flange sections either side of the common longitudinal channel incorporate complementary male and female Cut-out sections to prevent overlap and interference of those adjacent flange sections.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spacer element, the spacer element being for use with a scaffold assembly comprising: i) a generally vertical cylindrical leg incorporating a series of parallel longitudinal channels spaced equi-angularjy around the exterior of the leg; and ii) a generally lateral elongate frame member having a male locking member configured for retention within one of said channels to secure the frame to the cylindrical leg; wherein the spacer element incorporates a Corresponding longitudinal channel corresponding to the longitudinal channels on the leg and is further configured for fixed engagement with the leg such that the coresponcsing longitudinal channel is spaced outwardly of, and in radial alignment with, the one of the longitudinal channels on the leg.

Preferably, the spacer element comprises an arcuate collar portion for engaging the cylindrical leg, and one or more clearance holes in the collar portion for receiving a screw-clamp therefhrough Conveniently, the arcuate collar portion supports an elongate, longitudinal box-beam section, the collar portion thus defining a central arcuate section forming one side of the longitudinal box-beam section and a pair of arcuate flange sections on either side of the longitudinal box-beam section incorporating said clearance holes, said Corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being formed on the side of the longitudinal box-beam section Opposite the collar portion.

Preferably, at least one of said clearance holes is provided on each flange section, the angular separation of the longitudinal channel and each clearance hole being substantially 45 degrees.

Alternatively, at least one of said clearance holes is provided on the central arcuate section, aligned with the corresponding longitudinal channel.

Optionally, the central arcuate section of the collar portion is provided with a locating lug for engaging with a longitudinal channel on the leg to locate the corresponding longitudinal channel in radial alignment with the longitudinal channel on the leg.

Preferably, each of said arcuate flange portions terminates in a locating tang, the angular separation of each locating tang and the Corresponding longitudinal channel being substantially 45 degrees.

Preferably, the spacer element is dimensioned to space the frame member from the leg by a distance in the region of either 28mm, 38mm or 60mm.

Convenientiy, the spacer element is an Aluminium extrusion.

According to a yet further aspect of the present invention the scaffold assembly is incorporated as part of a shoring assembly.

So that the invention may be more readily understood, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 Shows a perspective view of a scaffold assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 2 shows an alternative perspective view of the scaffold assembly corresponding to Figure 1; FIGURE 3 shows a plan view of the scaffold assembly corresponding to Figurel and 2; FIGURES 4a to 4c are perspective views showing alternative configurations of a part of the scaffold assembly illustrated in Figures 1 to 3; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view illustrating an alternative embodiment of a spacer element in accordance with the invention; FIGURE 6 is a plan view illustrating a plurality of the spacer elements shown in Figure 5 as part of a further embodiment of a scaffold assembly according to the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 3, a scaffold assembly i comprises a generally vertical, cylindrical shoring leg 2 incorporating a series of eight identical parallel longitudinal channels 3 spaced equi-angularly around the exterior of the leg. It will be appreciated that the angular separation between adjacent longitudinal channels 3 is 45 .

As best seen in Figure 3, each of the longitudinal channels 3 incorporates a respective overhanging lip 4 running along each edge of the channel, each respective pair of lips 4 defining a relatively narrow entry slot 5 along the length of the channel 3.

The scaffold assembly 1 further comprises a pair of identical elongate frame members 6a, 6b (only partly shown in Figures 1 to 3) each comprising a horizontal top tube 6c, 6d rigidly connected to a horizontal bottom tube 6e, 6f by means of a series of intermediate struts 6g,6h extending therebetween Each frame member is also provided with a respective pair of identical connecting assemblies 7a, 7b.

Focusing for the time being on the first elongate frame member 6a, the horizontal bottom tube 6e and horizontal lop tube 6c are each provided with an identical connecting assembly 7a. Generally speaking, each Connecting assembly 7a incorporates a male locking member (not shown in Figures 1 to 3) which is configured to be retained in a respective longitudinal channel 3 in the cylindrical leg to secure the frame member to the leg 2.

The configuration and operation of each connecting assembly 7a is shown in more detail in Figures 4a to 4c.

Thus, referring initially to Figure 4a, the connecting assembly 7a comprises a barrel 8 fixedly attached to the end of the horizontal top tube 6c. The barrel 8 incorporates an arcuate window 9, spanning a quadrant of the circular wall of the barrel 8 as shown in Figure 4a, and an aperture 10 formed in the end wall of the barrel, opposite the end of the horizontal top tube 6c.

A piston member 11 is both slidably and rotatably mounted within the barrel 8 and, in the configuration shown in Figure 4a, the piston member 11 extends through the aperture 10 where it terminates in a male locking member in the form of an enlarged generally rectangular head portion 12.

Still referring to Figure 4a, a wedge portion 13 extends through a slot 14 in the piston member 11, the wedge portion 13 comprising a keyway 15 which receives a corresponding key 16 (shown only partially in Figures 4a). In the configuration shown in Figure 4a, the wedge portion is generally vertical and fully retracted through the slot 14, whereby the head portion 12 is in a fully extended position, spaced outwardly of the end of the barrel 8. The keyway 15 is configured such that, as the wedge portion is inserted through the slot 14, the piston member 11 and head portion 12 are retracted towards the end wall ofthebarrel8 It will be appreciated that, with the connecting assembly 7a in the configuration shown in Figure 4a, the head portion 12 may be inserted into a longitudinal channel 3 on the shoring leg 2 through the entry slot 5 of the longitudinal channel 3.

Once the head portion 12 has been inserted, through the respective entry slot 5, into a longitudinal channel 3, the wedge portion 13 may be rotated to the generally horizontal position shown in Figure 4b, thus causing Corresponding rotation of the piston member 11 and head portion 12 so that the rectangular head portion 12 is likewise horizontal and projects laterally outwardly behind the lips 4 of the respective longitudinal channel 3. It will be appreciated that in this configuration, the connecting assembly 7a prevented from being removed from the longitudinal channel 3.

In the horizontal position shown in Figure 4c, the wedge portion can be struck with a hammer to forcibly insert the wedge portion 13 into the slot 14, whereby it win be appreciated that the interaction of the keyway 15 and key 16 serves to firmly clamp the head portion 12 against the underside of the lips 4 of the respective longitudinal channel, thus locking the connecting assembly 7a to the leg 2.

In the case of elongate frame member 6a, the connecting assemblies 7a are each locked to the leg 2 so that the frame member 6a is accordingly secured to the shoring leg 2, via retention of the head portion 12 in the longitudinal channel 3.

In the case of frame member 6b, the connecting assemblies 7b are not directly secured to the leg 2, but are instead indirectly coupled to the leg 2 by a corresponding pair of spacer elements 17, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.

Thus, each spacer element 17 comprises an arcuate collar portion 18 (in the sense that it may be considered to be part of an imaginary circular collar) which engages with the cylindrical exterior of the leg 2, and a longitudinal box-beam section 19 (longitudinal in the sense that it runs along an axis generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the aforementioned imaginary collar) which extends generally parallel with the longitudinal channels 3 on the leg 2.

The arcuate collar portion 18 thus defines a central arcuate section 1 8a which effectively forms one side of the box-beam section 19, and a pair of arcuate flange sections 1 8b on either side of the longitudinal box-beam section 19 (see in particular Figure 3).

Each spacer element 17 is secured to the leg 2. Thus, referring in particular to Figure 2, the flange sections 18b (of which only one is shown in Figure 2) are each provided with a pair of clearance holes 20. The clearance holes 20 are Positioned so that they align with a pair of non-adjacent longitudinal channels 3a and 3b positioned either side of a central longitudinal channel 3c.

The flange portions 18b are each secured to the leg 2 by means of a plurality of ring nuts 21 or, alternatively, an arrangement 22 comprising a T-bolt in combination with a conventional nut (see Figure 3), the operation of which will be readily appreciated. Both the ring nut 21 and arrangement 22 extends through the respective clearance hole 20 and into longitudinal channel 3a or 3b to engage both the underside of the tips 4 and the collar portion 18 so as to clamp the collar portion to the leg 2. The spacer element is thus retained by the longitudinal channels 3a and 3b. It will be appreciated that both the ring nut 21 and arrangement 22 are screw-clamps in the sense that they are configured to clamp the collar portion 18 to the leg by means of a screwing action.

The collar portion 18 is provided with a central locating lug 1 8c which engages with the central longitudinal channel 3c to assist with alignment of the spacer element 17 relative to the leg 2.

As best shown in Figure 1, each spacer element 17 further incorporates a longitudinal channel 23 formed on the side of the box-beam section 19 opposite the collar portion 18, the longitudinal channel 23 being spaced outwardly of, and in radial alignment with, central longitudinal channel 3c on the leg 2 (see Figure 3), whereby the separation of the corresponding longitudinal channel 23 with each clearance hole 20 is 45 (corresponding to the angular separation of the longitudinal channels 3 on the leg 2).

The longitudinal channel 23 corresponds to the longitudinal channels 3 and the respective connecting assembly 7b is retained by the respective corresponding longitudinal channel 23 in similar manner to the longitudinal channels 3, such that each spacer element 17 indirectly couples the frame member 6b to the leg 2, with the spacer elements 17 in between.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, it will be appreciated, by comparing the frame member 6a and frame member 6b, that the frame member 6b is spaced from the leg 2 in comparison to the frame member 6a.

Thus, it will be appreciated that by using the spacer element 17 as described above to indirectly couple the frame member 6b to the shoring leg 2, it is possible to vary the lateral extent of the frame member 6b (as compared to if that frame member where directly attached to the shoring leg), without having to implement (costly) modification of the frame member 6b itself, simply by substituting a spacer element 17 having the appropriate lateral dimension.

Indeed, it will be appreciated that a scaffold assembly comprising a combination of an elongate frame member, spacer element and shoring leg may constitute a "unit cell" for a shoring assembly which affords great design flexibility. Thus an entire shoring assembly may be constructed, using such a "unit cell", whereby the spacing of the cylindrical legs can be varied simply by using appropriately dimensioned spacers.

It is to be appreciated of course that whilst in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the frame member 6b is secured to the leg 2 using two spacer elements 17, an elongate frame member might equally be used which requires only a single spacer to securely attach it to the shoring leg.

Turning now to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of a spacer element is shown. The alternative spacer element shown in Figure 5 has many common features with the spacer element 17, and in the interests of clarity and conciseness similar features have labelled with similar reference numerals. p

Thus, the spacer element 24 shown in Figure 5 differs from the spacer element 17 in that the clearance holes 20 are not provided on the flange sections 18b, but are instead provided on the central arcuate section 18a, directly below the corresponding longitudinal channel 23. Thus, by comparison with spacer element 17, the clearance holes 20 on spacer element 24 are aligned with the central longitudinal channel 3c on the leg 2.

In similar manner to the spacer element 17, a ring nut 21 (see Figure 3) or nut and 1-bolt arrangement 22 may likewise be used to secure the spacer element 24 to the leg 2, although in contrast to spacer element 17, the spacer element 24 will of course be secured along the central longitudinal channel 3c, rather than the outer adjacent channels 3a and 3b. The spacer element 24 is thus retained by a single longitudinal channel 3c. In order to accommodate insertion of a ring nut or 1-bolt into the central longitudinal channel 3c, the spacer element 24 is provided with appropriately dimensioned cut-outs 25.

Referring again to Figure 5, the flange sections 18b terminate in an inwardly directed locating tang 1 8c, each tang 1 8c engaging with the near edge of the adjacent longitudinal channels 3a and 3b. The locating tang thus serves to locate the spacer element 24 in correct alignment with the channels 3a and 3b, which may be particularly useful prior to securing of the spacer element 24 to the leg 2.

As will be appreciated from considering Figure 6, the configuration of the spacer element 24 advantageously allows a plurality of such spacer elements to be located adjacent one another at the same level on the shoring leg 2, without adjacent spacer elements interfering with on another. Thus, referring to Figure 6, it will be noted that for each pair of adjacent spacer elements 24, the adjacent tangs engage opposite sides of the common longitudinal channel 3 shared by the spacer elements, so that the flange sections 18b do not interfere with one another.

In another embodiment (not illustrated) it is envisaged that spacer elements 17 might be located adjacent one another at the same level on the shoring leg 2.

In such a situation, it will be appreciated that adjacent spacer elements would share a common longitudinal channel along which they were secured to the leg 2. Thus in order to avoid the adjacent flange sections interfering with one another, it is envisaged that those adjacent flange sections incorporate complementary male and female cutout sections along the edge thereof such that any overlap or interference between those adjacent flange sections is prevented.

Whilst in the above embodiments the frame members are secured to the spacer elements or leg by means of connecting assemblies 7a, 7b, it is envisaged that other readily apparent suitable connecting assemblies may be used, provided that the frame members are secured to the leg by means of a male locking member retained in one or more of the longitudinal channels 3.

It is envisaged that convenient lateral dimensions for the spacer eleemtns might be in the region of 28mm, 38mm or 60mm.

It is envisaged also that the radius of the arcuate collar portion might be different to the radius of the cylindrical shoring leg. In this manner, there will be gaps between the collar potion and cylindrical leg when the collar portion is engaged with the leg, which may be advantageous if the leg is initially covered in a thin layer of dried concrete for example.

Although, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, two are provided on each flange section 18b, a single clearance hole might equally be provided on each flange section 1 8b.

Preferably, the spacer element is formed as an Aluminium extrusion.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

1. A scaffold assembly comprising: i) a generally vertical, cylindrical leg incorporating a series of parallel longitudinal channels spaced equi-angularly around the exterior of the leg; ii) a generally lateral elongate frame member having a male locking member configured for retention within one of said channels to secure the frame member to the cylindrical leg; and iii) a spacer element positioned iribetween the frame member and cylindrical leg and incorporating a corresponding longitudinal channel corresponding to the longitudinal channels on the leg; wherein the spacer element is retained by one of the longitudinal channels on the leg so as to secure the spacer element to the leg such that the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element is spaced outwardly of, and in radial alignment with, one of the longitudinal channels on the leg, the male engaging element being retained within the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element to secure the frame member to the spacer element, thereby indirectly coupling the lateral frame member to the cylindrical leg with the spacer element therebetween.

2. A scaffold assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spacer element is retained by two of the longitudinal channels on the leg with the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being in radial alignment with a third longitudinal channel on the leg positioned inbetween the aforementioned two longitudinal channels.

3. A scaffold assembly according to claim 1, wherein the spacer element is retained by a single longitudinal channel on the leg with the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being in radial alignment with the longitudinal channel on the leg.

4. A scaffold assembly according to any previous claim, wherein the spacer element comprises an arcuate collar portion engaged with the cylindrical exterior of the leg, the arcuate collar portion incorporating at least one clearance hole aligned with one of the longitudinal channels, the spacer element being retained by that longitudinal channel by means of a respective screw-clamp extending through each clearance hole to engage the underside of a respective lip provided along the edge of the channel, each screw clamp further engaging with the collar portion to clamp the collar portion to the leg.

5. A scaffold assembly according to claim 4, wherein the screw-clamp is in the form of a nut and T-bolt.

6. A scaffold assembly according to claim 4, wherein the screw-clamp is in the form of a ring nut.

7. A scaffold assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the arcuate collar portion supports an elongate, longitudinal box-beam section extending generally parallel to the longitudinal channels on the leg, the collar portion thus defining a central arcuate section forming one side of the longitudinal box-beam section and a pair of arcuate flange sections on either side of the longitudinal box-beam section, said corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being formed on the side of the longitudinal box-beam section opposite the collar portion.

8. A scaffold assembly according to claim 7, wherein the collar portion extends over a central longitudinal channel and two adjacent outer longitudinal channels on the cylindrical leg, each flange section being provided with at least one of said clearance holes and a respective number of screw-clamps engaging with the two outer channels to secure the spacer element to the leg, the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being radially aligned with the central longitudinal channel on the leg.

9. A scaffold assembly according to claim 8, wherein the central arcuate section of the collar portion is provided with a locating lug which engages with the central longitudinal channel to locate the corresponding longitudinal channel in radial alignment with the central longitudinal channel.

10. A scaffold assembly according to claim 7, wherein the central arcuate section of the collar portion incorporates one or more of said clearance holes and respective screw clamps for engaging a single, central longitudinal channel on the leg, the corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being radially aligned with the central longitudinal channel on the leg.

11. A scaffold assembly according to claim 10, wherein each of said arcuate flange sections terminates in an inwardly directed tang which engages with the near edge of the respective adjacent longitudinal channel on the leg.

12. A scaffold assembly according to any of claims 4 to 11, wherein the arcuate collar portion has a different radius to that of the cylindrical leg.

13. A scaffold assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the angular separation of adjacent longitudinal channels on the leg is 45 degrees.

14. A scaffold assembly according to any of claims 11 to 13, the assembly comprising two frame members and a respective pair of said spacer elements secured to the leg adjacent one another and at the same level, whereby adjacent tangs on the respective spacer elements engage opposite edges of a common longitudinal channel.

15. A scaffold assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of frame members and a respective plurality of said spacer elements, the adjacent spacer elements being secured to the leg at the same level and sharing a common outer longitudinal channel, wherein the adjacent flange sections either side of the common longitudinal channel incorporate complementary male and female cut-out sections to prevent overlap and interference of those adjacent flange sections.

16. A spacer element, the spacer element being for use with a scaffold assembly comprising: I) a generally vertical cylindrical leg incorporating a series of parallel longitudinal channels spaced equi-angular(y around the exterior of the leg; and ii) a generally lateral elongate frame member having a male locking member configured for retention within one of said channels to secure the frame to the cylindrical leg; wherein the spacer element incorporates a corresponding longitudinal channel corresponding to the longitudinal channels on the leg and is further configured for fixed engagement with the leg such that the coresponding longitudinal channel is spaced outwardly of, and in radial alignment with, the one of the longitudinal channels on the leg.

17. A spacer element according to claim 16, comprising an arcuate collar portion for engaging the cylindrical leg, and one or more clearance holes in the collar portion for receiving a screw-clamp therethrough.

18. A spacer element according to claim 17, wherein the arcuate collar portion supports an elongate, longitudinal box-beam section, the collar portion thus defining a central arcuate section forming one side of the longitudinal box-beam section and a pair of arcuate flange sections on either side of the longitudinal box-beam section incorporating said clearance holes, said corresponding longitudinal channel on the spacer element being formed on the side of the longitudinal box-beam section opposite the collar portion.

19. A spacer element according to claim 18, wherein at least one of said clearance holes is provided on each flange section, the angular separation of the longitudinal channel and each clearance hole being substantially 45 degrees.

20. A spacer element according to claim 18, wherein at least one of said clearance holes is provided on the central arcuate section, aligned with the corresponding longitudinal channel.

21. A spacer element according to claim 19, wherein the central arcuate section of the collar portion is provided with a locating lug for engaging with a longitudinal channel on the leg to locate the corresponding longitudinal channel in radial alignment with the longitudinal channel on the leg.

22. A spacer element according to claim 20, wherein each of said arcuate flange portions terminates in a locating tang, the angular separation of each locating tang and the corresponding longitudinal channel being substantially degrees.

23. A scaffold assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the spacer element is dimensioned to space the frame member from the leg by a distance in the region of either 28mm, 38mm or 60mm.

24. A scaffold assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the spacer element is an Aluminium extrusion.

25. A shoring assembly incorporating a scaffold assembly according to any preceding claim.

26. A scaffold assembly substantially as described herein with reference to Figures ito 4.

27. A spacer element substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.