NZ749544A - Modular scaffold securing system - Google Patents

Abstract

A scaffold structure and tool for use on such a structure is disclosed. The structure has at least one plank (42) having an upper surface and a portion spaced apart from the upper surface such as a flange. The at least one plank is supported on at least one plank support member (40). At least one clip (30 Fig 6) engages the at least one plank support member and at least said portion of at least one plank, and does not extend above the upper surface. The tool (12) crimps the clip about the plank and support by movement of handles (14) that rotate a pair of jaws (20) that bend the legs of the clip. This placement of clips from below avoids any potential safety risk caused by workers inadvertently tampering with the clips and because there are no tie wire lashings on the top of the planks, the clips cannot create a dangerous trip hazard for workers using the scaffold.

Description

Modular scaffold securing system Field of Invention This invention relates to modular scaffold systems, in particular to scaffold systems comprising metal scaffolding planks supported on scaffold transoms or hop- ups.

Background Scaffolding is used extensively throughout the building industry. Scaffolding is a type of demountable structure which preferably is easily erected, extremely secure in use, and easily disassembled on completion of a job.

Scaffolding typically comprises a scaffold structure comprising plank support members upon which modular metal planks are placed. The planks must then be securely fastened to the plank support members before use. Plank support members may be transoms or they may be hop-ups. Transoms and hop-ups both have the same cross-section dimensions and the planks sit on the transoms and the hop-ups in the same way.

The current method of securing modular planks to the scaffold plank support members is with tie wire wrapped fully around the top and bottom of each individual plank and plank support member. Securing the planks usually requires 2 workers, with one under the deck and one on top of the deck.

Safety inspections of erected scaffold systems must be carried out regularly, and such inspections comprise checking the tie wires from both top and bottom of the deck.

Furthermore, the tie wires themselves can present a safety hazard if not tied off properly, as workers may trip on the poorly tied wires.

Furthermore, poorly tied planks allow the possibility of some or all of the planks being blown out in strong winds.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a scaffold structure in which scaffold planks are secured to a scaffold support structure by clips being placed at the ends of the underside of the scaffold planks, so as to secure the scaffold planks to the plank support member. This placement of clips from below allows for security and for strength of the assembled scaffold.

By placing the clips on the underside of the planks, any potential safety risk caused by workers inadvertently tampering with the clips is significantly reduced.

Because there are no tie wire lashings on the top of the planks, the clips cannot create a dangerous trip hazard for workers using the scaffold.

Placing the clips on the underside of the planks has the further advantage that it minimises the time taken to conduct inspections of the scaffold, since the scaffold planks only need to be inspected from underneath each planked platform.

Scaffold Structure The present invention provides a scaffold structure comprising planks supported on plank support members, and clips, whereby at least one clip secures at least one plank to the corresponding plank support member, and whereby the at least one clip is attached from the underside of the plank and whereby the at least one clip does not extend above the top of the plank.

Most metal scaffold planks have a top surface and a lower end flange remote from and generally parallel to the top surface at each end. In some planks, the lower end flange may comprise an additional member which extends generally towards the top surface. This additional member is usually, but not necessarily, attached to the free end of the flange and generally orthogonal to the top surface.

Plank support members are generally of inverted T-shape. When the scaffold structure is erected, the end of a scaffold plank abuts the vertical section of the inverted T and the lower end flange of a plank lies upon one cross arm of the inverted T. Preferably the clips act to secure the lower end flange of a plank to the corresponding scaffold plank support member, preferably the lower end flange to the corresponding plank support member cross arm.

Preferably a clip comprises a clip base and at least one leg. The clip is moveable between an inserting position in which it can be inserted in the scaffold structure, and a securing position in which, when used to secure a scaffold structure, the clip base of the clip lies below the plank support member, and the legs lie above the lower end flange of a plank, sandwiching both part of the lower end flange of the plank and part of the plank support member between a leg of the clip and the clip base of the clip.

Preferably each clip is a wire clip, more preferably of a generally round cross section. Other types of clip are also suitable, such as “flat” clips of generally rectangular cross section.

Preferably each clip is formed of a single piece of wire or metal such as flat sheet which is bent into position to secure the planks to the corresponding plank support members.

Preferably each clip is pre formed into a shape suitable for insertion into the scaffold structure around the plank support member, and the legs of the clip are subsequently bent into a securing position which secures the lower end flange of the plank to the plank support member.

Alternatively, each clip may have a clip base and leg(s) which move or pivot to a securing position. There may be biasing means which acts to retain the leg(s) in a securing position or the leg(s) and/or the clip base may be formed of a spring material that is biased toward the securing position.

In one broad form, the present invention provides a scaffold structure comprising: at least one plank having an upper surface and a portion spaced apart from the upper surface, with the at least one plank supported on at least one plank support member, and at least one clip, wherein the at least one clip engages the at least one plank support member and at least said portion of the at least one plank, and does not extend above the upper surface.

The portion may include at least one lower end flange and wherein the at least one clip engages the at least one lower end flange.

The at least one plank support member may include at least one cross arm upon which a corresponding at least one plank is supported, wherein the at least one clip engages the at least one cross arm.

The scaffold structure may have a scaffold plank with at least one lower end flange supported on a corresponding at least one cross arm with the at least one clip engaging the at least one lower end flange and the at least one cross arm.

The at least one clip may comprise a clip base and at least one leg.

The clip base may engage the plank support member and the at least one leg may engage at least one plank.

The clip base of the at least one clip may lie below the plank support member, and the at least one leg may lie above the portion of the plank, sandwiching the portion and part of the plank support member between the respective leg and the clip base of the clip.

Each plank support member may support two planks and each clip may have two legs engaging adjacent planks supported on the same plank support member, with the clip base and each leg of each clip sandwiching a respective plank portion and plank support member.

The clip base of the at least one clip may lie below the plank support member, and the at least one leg may lie above a lower end flange of a plank, sandwiching both part of the lower end flange of the plank and part of the plank support member between the respective leg and the clip base of the clip.

The at least one plank support member may be a transom or a hop-up.

In another broad form the invention provides a scaffold structure comprising: at least one elongate plank having ends and longitudinally extending sides, the or each at least one elongate plank having an upper member with a plank top surface and a plank lower surface and a transversely extending end flange at each end of the plank spaced below the upper member, each end flange having an end flange upper surface spaced below the plank lower surface, an end flange lower surface and an end flange inner edge extending transversely and spaced longitudinally from the respective end; at least two plank support members each having at least one plank support upper surface and at least one plank support lower surface; the or each at least one plank supported on the at least two plank support members; each plank support member arranged relative to at least one plank supported by the plank support member with the respective plank support upper surface extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of respective plank and with at least the end flange lower surfaces resting on respective plank support upper surfaces; at least one clip, wherein the or each at least one clip engages at least one plank support member lower surface and at least one end flange upper surface of at least one plank within the transverse sides of the respective at least one plank, , and does not extend above the plank upper surface.

The at least one clip may comprise a clip base and at least one leg.

The clip base may engage the at least one plank support member lower surface and the at least one leg may engage the at least one end flange upper surface.

Each plank support member may support two planks and each clip may have two legs engaging adjacent planks supported on the same plank support member, with the clip base and each leg of each clip sandwiching the at least one plank support member lower surface and the respective end flange upper surfaces.

The at least one clip may extend between an end flange upper surface and the plank support member lower surface upon which the respective end flange is supported upon around the respective end flange inner edge.

The at least one clip may be secured against at least one end flange inner edge.

Scaffold Clamping Tool The scaffold tool of the present invention allows an operator to apply a clip underneath the scaffolding plank support member and above the lower end flange of each of the planks on either side of the plank support member, securing both planks in position at the same time from underneath the deck of planks. The clamping tool may apply a single clip or may apply two or more clips simultaneously.

Preferably the scaffold tool provides for operation by one person.

At the end of the deck, when only one plank is to be secured to the plank support member, the scaffold tool may secure the plank to one side of the plank support member by the clip, and may secure the clip directly to the plank support member on the other side.

In another broad form, the present invention provides a scaffold tool for securing scaffold planks having an upper surface and a lower end flange spaced apart from the upper surface, to a scaffold plank support member, the tool comprising a body with a base having a base face and at least one moveable jaw adapted to receive at least one clip and, wherein the tool has a first position and a second position, whereby in the first position the tool and at least one clip received in a jaw may be placed in position from underneath the upper surface, and whereby movement of the tool from the first position to the second position positions the clip such that the clip securely engages the at least one plank and corresponding at least one scaffold plank support member, without the clip extending above the upper surface.

The scaffold tool may be configured when in the first position to receive a clip having a clip base and at least one leg.

The scaffold tool may be configured such that movement from the first position to the second position sandwiches both the lower end flange of the at least one plank and the corresponding at least one plank support member between the leg of the clip and the clip base of the clip.

The scaffold tool may be configured such that movement of the tool from the second position to the first position allows the tool to be removed from the scaffold structure.

The at least one jaw may comprise a groove or recess, the groove or recess being dimensioned to receive a portion of a clip.

The base face may comprise a groove or recess dimensioned to receive a portion of a clip.

The scaffold tool may comprise at least one handle, whereby movement of the handle causes movement of the at least one jaw.

The at least one handle may move the at least one jaw between the first position and the second position.

The handle position corresponding to the at least one jaw being in the second position may involve the handle being positioned inside the hollow scaffold plank, or below the plank, or offset to lie to the side of the plank, or to the side and below the plank.

The jaw may be pivotally connected to the body, whereby movement of the handle causes the jaw to rotate with respect to the body.

The tool may be configured such that, when the clamping tool is snugly inserted to abut the plank support member from below, the pivot point between jaw and body is located such that it lies generally in the line of the lower end flange of the plank, thereby allowing the jaw to rotate such that in its second position the jaw lies generally parallel to the flange, thereby forcing the at least one leg of the clip into a position generally parallel to the lower end flange.

The tool may have two jaws.

Each jaw may be moved by a respective handle.

The tool may be used in conjunction with pre bent clips.

The tool may be used in conjunction with generally straight clips which are bent into the required insertion shape by the tool.

The tool may be used in conjunction with wire or metal from a length or roll which is cut to size and bent to the required insertion shape by the tool.

The tool may be configured such that in the first position there is an angle of at least 90 degrees between a jaw face and the base face.

The tool may be configured such that in the second position at least one jaw face is generally parallel to the base face.

The tool may be configured such that in the second position a part of a jaw face overlies a part of the base face.

The tool may be configured such that there is at least one pair of jaws, each jaw of a pair having a jaw face, mounted on the body, and in the second position one or both of the jaw faces extend at an angle less than 90 degrees between the respective jaw face and the base face.

The tool may be configured such that in the first position there is an angle of about 90 degrees between a jaw face and the base face, whereby in the first position the jaw faces are generally parallel to each other and extend generally perpendicular to the base face.

The tool may be configured such that the two jaw faces are spaced apart with the base intermediate the jaw faces.

The tool may be configured such that one or both of a jaw pair is mounted for rotation relative to the body about a respective axis.

Method for Securing Scaffolding In another broad form, the present invention provides a method for securing scaffold planks to scaffold plank support members from below, at least one plank having an upper surface and a portion spaced apart from the upper surface, with the at least one plank supported on at least one plank support member, the method comprising the step of securing at least one scaffold plank to the corresponding scaffold plank support member using at least one clip and whereby the at least one clip does not extend above the top of the scaffold plank.

The method may comprise the at least one clip being attached from below.

The method may include applying a clip to a plank support member and plank and moving the clip to a securing position, or allowing the clip to move to a securing position, thereby securing the plank to the plank support member.

The method may comprise bending the leg or legs of the clip into position to secure the at least one plank or planks to the corresponding at least one plank support member.

The method may include using a clip comprising a clip base and at least one leg, where the clip is moveable between an inserting position in which it can be inserted in the scaffold structure, and a securing position in which, when used to secure a scaffold structure, the clip base of the clip lies below the plank support member, and the legs lie above the portion of the plank, sandwiching both part of the portion of the plank and part of the plank support member between an leg of the clip and the clip base of the clip.

The clip base of the clip may lie below the plank support member, and the legs may lie above a lower end flange of a plank, sandwiching both part of the lower end flange of the plank and part of the plank support member between an leg of the clip and the clip base of the clip.

The clips may be pre-formed into a shape suitable for inserting into the scaffold structure, with the method comprising inserting a clip, and subsequently bending the legs of the clip into a position which secures the lower end flange of the plank to the plank support member.

The clips may have a clip base and one or more legs which move or pivot to a securing position and have biasing means which acts to retain them in the securing position, with the method comprising moving the legs to a securing position to sandwich both part of the lower end flange of the plank and part of the plank support member between a leg and the clip base of the clip.

The clips may have a clip base and one or more legs which have biasing means which acts to retain them in the securing position, with the method comprising moving the legs to an inserting position in which the clip may be inserted, and then allowing the clip to move to a securing position in which it sandwiches both part of the lower end flange of the plank and part of the plank support member between a leg and the clip base of the clip.

The clip may be secured by use of the scaffold tool described above.

The at least one plank support member may be a transom or a hop-up.

In yet another broad form the invention provides a method for securing a scaffold structure comprising: at least one elongate plank having ends and longitudinally extending sides, the or each at least one elongate plank having an upper member with a plank top surface and a plank lower surface and a transversely extending end flange at each end of the plank spaced below the upper member, each end flange having an end flange upper surface spaced below the plank lower surface, an end flange lower surface and an end flange inner edge extending transversely and spaced longitudinally from the respective end; at least two plank support members each having at least one plank support upper surface and at least one plank support lower surface; the or each at least one plank supported on the at least two plank support members; each plank support member arranged relative to at least one plank supported by the plank support member with the respective plank support upper surface extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of respective plank and with at least the end flange lower surfaces resting on respective plank support upper surfaces; the method comprising the step of securing at least one scaffold plank to the corresponding scaffold plank support member using at least one clip, by engaging the or each at least one clip with at least one plank support member lower surface and at least one end flange upper surface of at least one plank within the transverse sides of the respective at least one plank from below the plank lower surface, the or each at least one clip remaining below the plank upper surface.

The method may comprise bending the leg or legs of the clip into position to secure the at least one plank or planks to the corresponding at least one plank support member.

The method may provide a clip comprising a clip base and at least one leg, and the clip is moveable between an inserting position in which it can be inserted in the scaffold structure, and a securing position in which, when used to secure a scaffold structure, the clip base of the clip lies below the at least one plank support member lower surface, and the at least one leg lies above the at least one end flange upper surface, sandwiching parts of the end flange and the plank support member between an leg of the clip and the clip base of the clip.

The method may provide at least one clip that is secured to extend between an end flange upper surface and the plank support member lower surface upon which the respective end flange is supported upon around the respective end flange inner edge.

The method may comprise inserting a clip with the clip base extending alongside the plank support lower surface and the at least one leg extending alongside the respective end flange inner edge, and subsequently bending the at least one leg around the respective end flange inner edge and against the respective end flange upper surface, thereby sandwiching parts of the end flange and the plank support member between an leg of the clip and the clip base of the clip.

Each plank support member may support two planks and each clip may have two legs and the method may comprise engaging at least one clip with adjacent planks supported on the same plank support member, with the clip base and each leg of each clip sandwiching the at least one plank support member lower surface and the respective end flange upper surfaces.

The method may comprise securing the at least one clip against at least one end flange inner edge.

The method may provide at least one plank support member comprising a transom or a hop-up.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a front view of the clamping tool ready to receive a wire clip.

Figure 2 is a top view of the clamping tool of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view of a pre bent wire clip dimensioned to fit the clamping tool.

Figure 4 is a top view of the pre bent wire clip of Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the clamping tool of Figure 1 prior to insertion of the pivot bolts or pins showing the main components of the clamping tool.

Figure 6 shows the clamping tool of Figure 1 ready for insertion of the pre bent wire clip of Figure 2.

Figure 7 shows the clamping tool of Figure 1 with the pre bent wire clip inserted, ready to be used for securing the scaffold planks to the scaffold transom.

Figure 8 shows the clamping tool of Figure 1 with the pre bent wire clip inserted, positioned under the scaffold transom and planks ready for securing.

Figure 9 shows the clamping tool of Figure 1 fully open and with the pre bent wire clip of Figure 2 securing the scaffold plank to the scaffold transom.

Figure 10 shows the scaffold planks and the scaffold transom secured by the wire clip.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the clamping tool of the invention.

Figure 12 is a front view of a pre bent wire clip dimensioned to fit the clamping tool of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a front view of another embodiment of the clamping tool.

Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-section of one type of plank which may form part of the scaffold structure of the invention, and which may be secured by the method and the tool of the invention.

Figure 15 is a longitudinal cross-section of another type of plank which may form part of the scaffold structure of the invention, and which may be secured by the method and the tool of the invention.

Figure 16 shows the scaffold planks of the type shown in Figure 14 and the scaffold transom secured by the wire clip.

Detailed Description of Preferred and other Embodiments Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the clamping tool 10 of the invention comprising a base 12 and two handles 14. The base 12 has a base face 13. The handles 14 are each integrally attached to jaws 15. Bolts or pins 16 allow the jaws to pivot when force is applied to the handles. Grooves 20 on the inside of the jaws and groove 22 on the base face 13 are dimensioned to receive a pre bent wire clip 30.

The wire clip 30 comprises a clip base 32 and legs 34.

The wire clip 30 is preferably constructed of metal wire or rod of between about 3.5 mm and about 5 mm diameter. Clip base 32 preferably has a length of between about 100 mm and about 110 mm. Legs 34 preferably have a length of between about 44 mm and about 49 mm.

Grooves 20 hold the wire clip 30 in place within the tool whilst the tool is being used to apply the wire clip to the scaffold planks and transoms. Groove 22 assists in holding the wire clips within the clamping tool; however the clamping tool remains functional in the absence of groove 22. The preferred embodiment uses grooves to hold the clip in place; however this may also be achieved by the use of recesses or by protrusions that the wire sits between. If “flat” clips are used, no groove or recess or protrusion is necessary.

Figure 5 shows the main parts of the clamping tool 10 with the holes 18 aligned for insertion of the bolt or pin 16 through holes 18. The bolt or pin 16 allows the handles to pivot with respect to the body.

Figure 6 shows the clamping tool 10 ready to receive a pre bent wire clip 30 which is inserted into the clamping tool 10 as shown in Figure 6. The wire clip is inserted into the grooves 20 in the jaws and groove 22 in the body so that the grooves hold the clip in position within the clamping tool.

Figures 7 to 9 show the clamping tool 10 being used to attach a wire clip 30 to one or more scaffold planks 42, while Figures 10 and 16 show planks 42 secured to a transom 40 by a wire clip 30. Metal scaffold planks 42 have a top surface and a lower end flange remote from and generally parallel to the top surface at each end.

In some planks, the lower end flange may comprise an additional member which extends generally towards the top surface. This additional member is usually but not necessarily attached to the free end of the flange and is generally orthogonal to the top surface.

Figures 14 and 15 show longitudinal cross-sectional views of two types of plank which may form part of the scaffold structure of the invention, and which may be secured by the method and the tool of the invention. Figure 14 shows a plank 250 with a lower end flange 254 generally parallel to the top surface 252 and spaced apart from the top surface. Figure 15 shows a plank 260 with a lower end flange 264 generally parallel to the top surface 262 and spaced apart from the top surface, where the flange additionally comprises a lip 266 generally orthogonal to the top surface. The figures generally show the invention being used with the planks of Figure 14, though the invention also applies to other types of plank such as the plank of Figure 15.

Transoms 40 are generally of inverted T-shape. When the scaffold structure is erected, the end of a scaffold plank abuts the vertical section of the inverted T and the lower end flange of a plank lies upon one cross arm of the inverted T.

Hop-ups have the same cross-sectional dimensions as transoms, and a plank is attached to a hop-up in the same way as it is attached to a transom. While the figures and description generally refer to transoms, it will be understood by the person skilled in the art that all such references to transoms may also refer to hop- ups.

Once the wire clip has been inserted in the clamping tool, the clamping tool is positioned hard up under the scaffolding transom 40 with the legs 34 of the clip extending either side of the transom and into the respective hollowed base of plank 42, and with the clip base 32 of the clip lying beneath the scaffolding transom 40, as shown in Figure 8.

The clamping tool is then engaged, as shown in Figure 9 by an operator (not shown) separating the handles 14 sideways and upwards into the hollow part of the hollow plank. The action of moving the handles sideways and upwards forces the pre bent wire clip 30 over the top of the scaffold transom 40 and on to the top of the lower end flange of the scaffolding plank 42. The wire clip secures the lower end flange of the plank to the transom, sandwiching the flange and the transom between a leg of the clip and the clip base of the clip.

The handles may be moved simultaneously, or they may be moved sequentially.

An alternative construction of the clamping tool would allow part of one or both handles to lie below the underside of the plank when the clamping tool is engaged. One possible construction of this alternative type of handle is illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 11. Another alternative construction of the clamping tool would allow the handles to be offset such that they lie at the side of the plank when the clamping tool is engaged.

The clamping tool 10 is subsequently disengaged from the planks 42 by rotating the handles downwards which allows the release of the tool from the scaffold planks and the scaffold transom.

Figure 10 shows the wire clip 30 in a securing position fitted snugly around scaffolding transom 40 and scaffolding plank 42.

Figure 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the clamping tool with only one moveable jaw. This tool uses the pre bent clip 36 of Figure 12.

Figures 11 and 12 show an embodiment of the clamping tool 110 of the invention comprising a base 112 and one handle 114. The handle 114 is integrally attached to jaw 115. A bolt or pin 116 allows the jaw to pivot when force is applied to the handle. Groove 120 on the inside of the jaw and groove 122 on the base are dimensioned to receive a pre bent wire clip 130. The wire clip 130 comprises a clip base 132 and leg 134.

This embodiment of the clamping tool operates by first sliding the body of the tool, with clip inserted, over the plank and transom on one side of the transom, to secure that side of the transom to the corresponding plank. The handle 14 is the moved from a first position to a second position to bend the clip such that it secures the plank on the other side of the transom.

Figure 11 also shows an alternate handle configuration, in which part of the handle lies below the underside of the plank when the handle is in the second position. This handle configuration may also be used with the tool of Figure 1.

Figure 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the clamping tool 210 of the invention comprising a base 212 and two handles 214. The handles 214 are each integrally attached to jaws 215. Bolts or pins 216 allow the jaws to pivot when force is applied to the handles. Grooves 220 on the inside of the jaws and groove 222 on the base are dimensioned to receive a pre bent wire clip 30.

The embodiment of the clamping tool shown in Figure 13 has an alternative handle configuration to the tool of Figure 1. One advantage of the alternative handle configuration is that a user can hold the tool with one hand to load the clip.

A further advantage is that, when the tool is in the second position, each handle is spaced sufficiently apart from the top surface of the plank such that a user does not hit their knuckles on the bottom of the top surface of the plank.

Figure 16 shows the wire clip 30 in a securing position fitted snugly around scaffolding transom 40 and scaffolding plank of the type shown in Figure 15.

The embodiments of the clamping tool shown in the diagrams allow a single clip to be secured at a time. An alternative clamping tool may have several sets of generally parallel grooves 20, 120, 220 which allow several clips to be received simultaneously by the clamping tool, and subsequently to be secured simultaneously by the clamping tool.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and any claims the words “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”.

The features of the invention described or mentioned in this document may be combined in any combination of features where features are not mutually exclusive.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims (17)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A scaffold structure comprising: at least one elongate plank having ends and longitudinally extending sides, the or each at least one elongate plank having an upper member with a plank top surface and a plank lower surface and a transversely extending end flange at each end of the plank spaced below the upper member, each end flange having an end flange upper surface spaced below the plank lower surface, an end flange lower surface and an end flange inner edge extending transversely and spaced longitudinally from the respective end; at least two plank support members each having at least one plank support upper surface and at least one plank support lower surface; the or each at least one plank supported on the at least two plank support members; each plank support member arranged relative to at least one plank supported by the plank support member with the respective plank support upper surface extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of respective plank and with at least the end flange lower surfaces resting on respective plank support upper surfaces; at least one clip, wherein the or each at least one clip engages at least one plank support member lower surface and at least one end flange upper surface of at least one plank within the transverse sides of the respective at least one plank, and does not extend above the plank upper surface.

2. The scaffold structure of claim 1 wherein the at least one clip comprises a clip base and at least one leg.

3. The scaffold structure of claim 2 wherein the clip base engages the at least one plank support member lower surface and the at least one leg engages the at least one end flange upper surface.

4. The scaffold structure of any one of claims 2 to 3 wherein each plank support member supports two planks and each clip has two legs engaging adjacent planks supported on the same plank support member, with the clip base and each leg of each clip sandwiching the at least one plank support member lower surface and the respective end flange upper surfaces.

5. The scaffold structure of any one of the previous claims wherein the at least one clip extends around the respective end flange inner edge between the end flange upper surface and the plank support member lower surface upon which the respective end flange is supported.

6. The scaffold structure of claim 5 wherein the at least one clip is secured against at least one end flange inner edge.

7. The scaffold structure of any one of the previous claims wherein the at least one plank support member is a transom or a hop-up.

8. A method for securing a scaffold structure comprising: at least one elongate plank having ends and longitudinally extending sides, the or each at least one elongate plank having an upper member with a plank top surface and a plank lower surface and a transversely extending end flange at each end of the plank spaced below the upper member, each end flange having an end flange upper surface spaced below the plank lower surface, an end flange lower surface and an end flange inner edge extending transversely and spaced longitudinally from the respective end; at least two plank support members each having at least one plank support upper surface and at least one plank support lower surface; the or each at least one plank supported on the at least two plank support members; each plank support member arranged relative to at least one plank supported by the plank support member with the respective plank support upper surface extending transversely relative to the longitudinal direction of respective plank and with at least the end flange lower surfaces resting on respective plank support upper surfaces; the method comprising the step of securing at least one scaffold plank to the corresponding scaffold plank support member using at least one clip, by engaging the or each at least one clip with at least one plank support member lower surface and at least one end flange upper surface of at least one plank within the transverse sides of the respective at least one plank from below the plank lower surface, the or each at least one clip remaining below the plank upper surface.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the at least one clip is secured around the respective end flange inner edge to extend between an end flange upper surface and the plank support member lower surface upon which the respective end flange is supported.

10. The method of claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the at least one clip comprises a clip base and at least one leg.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the method comprises bending the at least one leg into position to secure the at least one plank or planks to the corresponding at least one plank support member.

12. The method of any one of claims 10 to 11 wherein the at least one clip is moveable between an inserting position in which it can be inserted in the scaffold structure, and a securing position in which, when used to secure a scaffold structure, the clip base of the clip lies below the at least one plank support member lower surface, and the at least one leg lies above the at least one end flange upper surface, sandwiching parts of the end flange and the plank support member between the at least one leg and the clip base.

13. The method of any one of claims 10 to 12 comprising inserting the at least one clip with the clip base extending alongside the plank support lower surface and the at least one leg extending alongside the respective end flange inner edge, and subsequently bending the at least one leg around the respective end flange inner edge and against the respective end flange upper surface, thereby sandwiching parts of the end flange and the plank support member between the at least one leg and the clip base.

14. The method of any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein each plank support member supports two planks and each clip has two legs and the method comprises engaging at least one clip with adjacent planks supported on the same plank support member, with the clip base and each leg of each clip sandwiching the at least one plank support member lower surface and the respective end flange upper surfaces.

15. The method of any one of claims 8 to 14 wherein the at least one clip is secured against at least one end flange inner edge.

16. The method of any one of claims 8 to 15 wherein the at least one plank support member is a transom or a hop-up.

17. A scaffold structure substantially as described with reference to the drawings of