TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to scaffolding, for example as used in building and construction, and to parts and components of scaffolding.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In the context of building and construction, a scaffold (also referred to as scaffolding) is a temporary structure used to support people, materials, etc, and to allow access to high or elevated areas, during the construction or repair or maintenance of a building or other high structure. Typically, scaffolding is erected on the outside of the building or structure, although it is also quite common for scaffolding to be used internally (e.g. during construction of internal parts of a building).

[0003] The nature of scaffolding (i.e. what it is) and the purpose/reason for its use will be apparent to those experienced in this area and therefore these things need not be explained.

[0004] Due to its nature, scaffolding has several dangers associated with it. For instance, one of the main purposes of scaffolding is to provide access to high or elevated areas, often multiple storeys above the ground. These heights create inherent risks, for example due to the possibility of injury or death in the event of a fall from the scaffolding, or should the scaffolding (or part of it) collapse or fall in which case persons on the scaffolding may fall or persons underneath may be struck by the falling scaffolding components, etc. Scaffolding may be at particular risk of collapse in the event of damage to the scaffolding structure, for example due to an unforeseen impact to the scaffolding or a collision with the scaffolding.

[0005] By way of illustrative example, there have been several instances where scaffolding has been in use on a construction site and a truck has accidentally driven into, backed into or otherwise collided with a part of the scaffolding structure causing the scaffolding (or part of it) to collapse resulting in damage and injury (and even death). It will be appreciated that the risk of such occurrences is heightened by the fact that scaffolding is often used on building and construction sites where trucks and other large vehicles/equipment can be required to move in tight or confined areas (often very close to, or even in between, parts of the scaffolding). [0006] It is thought that it would be desirable if something could be done to at least reduce some of the risks and dangers discussed above.

[0007] It is to be clearly understood that mere reference herein to previous or existing apparatus, products, systems, methods, practices, publications or any other information, or to any problems or issues, does not constitute an acknowledgement or admission that any of those things individually or in any combination formed part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the field, or that they are admissible prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one form, the present invention resides broadly in a scaffolding part or component which is operable for use, together with one or more other scaffolding parts or components (of the same or differing type), to create a scaffold, wherein at least a portion of the said scaffolding part or component that is visible when the scaffold is erected has a high visibility outer surface.

[0009] Thus, in this broad form of the invention, at least a portion of the scaffolding part or component (which portion is visible when the scaffold is erected) has a high visibility outer surface. In different various embodiments of the invention, the high visibility of this outer surface may arise due to one or a combination of the following: fluorescence, luminescence, reflectivity or self-illumination of the said portion or the outer surface thereof, or due to (a) high visibility colour(s) (e.g. orange, yellow, green, blue, pink and/or red) on the outer surface of the said portion.

[0010] In some particular embodiments, the scaffolding part or component (at least on the outer surface of the said portion which is visible when the scaffold is erected) may be painted with a bright coloured paint, for example bright orange, bright yellow, bright green, bright blue, bright pink or bright red paint. The paint used for this might also (or alternatively) have fluorescent, luminescent, reflective or self-illuminating properties.

[0011] In some alternative embodiments, instead of paint, a separately-formed high visibility device, member, part, attachment, coating, covering, treatment, or the like, may be provided and connected, installed or otherwise applied on the scaffolding part or component, at least on a portion thereof which is visible when the scaffold is erected, to give at least the said portion a high visibility outer surface.

[0012] In another form, the present invention resides broadly in a scaffold incorporating at least one scaffolding part or component like those described above. Of course, this broad form of the invention would also encompass scaffolds produced from or using many such scaffolding parts or components. In some embodiments, the majority or all of the scaffold

scaffold is erected may be of the kind described above.

[0013] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the Detailed Description below which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description may be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the contents of which will now be described.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a portion of a typical scaffold. In the portion of the scaffold shown in Figure 1 , there is an elevated access way platform which is represented as extending into (and out of) the page, and at the far end the platform makes a right angled turn and continues perpendicularly to the right. A number of parts and components used in the creation of this scaffold are identified in Figure 1 , including:

^■ the vertical structural members of the scaffold, called "standards" 10;

^■ horizontal members that together form guardrailing 20. The guardrailing provides edge protection for personnel and equipment on the scaffold (i.e. to prevent them from falling off etc). The uppermost rail of the guardrailing 20 is often referred to as a guardrail 30, and this may also function as a handrail;

^■ scaffolding planks (or simply "planks") 40 which form the floor of the scaffold platform (or the floor of each level or platform of the scaffold). The planks 40 are typically made from metal and attach to the standards 10 via plank brackets (discussed below). Optionally, to provide a slip-resistant surface, a layer of wooden planks 50 (or some other slip-resistant layer) may be placed over the top of the metal planks 40. Where wooden planks 50 are used for this, to help prevent a trip hazard, the wooden planks 50 may overlap at least some of the eages and joins between the metal planks 40, as indicated by (o. However, it must be emphasised that placing wooden planks (or some other slip-resistant layer) on top of the metal planks 40 is not always done. In other words, in some scaffolds, the metal planks 40 (alone) form the floor, and hence the upper sides of the respective planks 40 form the surface of the floor (with nothing else on top);

^■ kick plates (or toeboards) 80 which help to prevent materials, items, tools, etc (as well as personnel), from accidentally passing beneath the lowest rail of the guardrailing and falling off the scaffold.

[0016] Figure 2 contains schematic side-on, sectional and close-up detailed views, respectively, of a typical standard 10. As mentioned above, the standards 10 are the vertical structural members of the scaffold. One end of the standard 10 has a slightly reduced diameter. This is the vertically upper end, and the reduced diameter allows this upper end of the standard to be inserted into the lower end of another standard in the construction of high or multi-level scaffolds. Note that the dimensions (all in millimetres) and the manufacturing details (such as radii, welding specifications, etc) are provided in Figure 2 purely by way of example for indicative purposes only (and the same applies for the other figures). Therefore, the invention is not limited to or by any particular dimensions or manufacturing details. The "stars" 1 1 on the standard 10 (each of the close-up and sectional views in Figure 2 show a single such star 11) are operable to receive the "banana(s)" of (a) banana clip(s) to facilitate attachment of other scaffolding components to the standard 10. More specifically, on each star 11 , each of the open/looped triangular segments of the star can receive a "banana" of a banana clip in order to facilitate attachment of a scaffolding component to the standard. Banana clips are a conventional connection arrangement used in scaffolding, and this will therefore be familiar to those experienced in this area.

[0017] Figure 3 contains schematic top-down, side-on and sectional views, respectively, of one form of plank bracket used in scaffolding. The plank bracket in Figure 3 (and similarly the other plank brackets discussed below) can be used for connecting the planks 40 (which form the floor of the scaffold) of the standards 10. It can be seen that a banana clip is part of the bracket in Figure 3. A bracket of the type illustrated in Figure 3 can therefore be connected to a standard 10, for example, by inserting the "banana" 7 through one of the open triangular segments of a star 11 on the standard 10. (It will be appreciated that things like the rails that form the guardrailing 20, bracing members, ledgers, transoms, etc (discussed below), can also be attached to the standards 10 in a similar way, by inserting the associated banana(s) into the open triangular segment(s) of the star(s) 11.)

[0018] Figures 4 and 5 both contain schematic top-down and side-on views of other, slightly different forms of plank brackets. Like the plank bracket in Figure 3, it can be seen that a banana clip is part of the plank brackets in Figures 4 and 5, and these function in basically the same way as described above for attachment to standards.

[0019] Figure 6 contains schematic top-down, end, side and close-up detailed views, respectively, of a metal scaffolding plank 40. The function of the planks 40 in the creation of the scaffold (i.e. to form the floor of each level, platform, etc, of the scaffold) should be evident from the discussion above and Figure 1. In Figure 6, typical lengths (A) of the plank 40 might range from approximately 500mm to approximately 3m. However, as mentioned above, the present invention is not limited to or by any particular dimensions or manufacturing details. In order to form the floor of the scaffold, plank brackets (like those illustrated in Figures 3-5) may first be attached to already- erected standards 10, and the planks 40 may then be installed, and supported relative to the standards 10, by the plank brackets.

[0020] Figure 7 is an illustration of a base jack that may be used at the base of standards (or some standards) which are in contact with the ground (or at ground level). As can be easily appreciated from Figure 7, the base jack includes: a base plate; a threaded rod extending upward from the base plate; a nut screwed onto the threaded rod; and a hollow leg portion which extends down over/around the top of the threaded rod and rests on top of the nut. The hollow leg portion may, of course, be the bottom end of the standard 10. The leg portion cannot extend down over the threaded rod any further than the nut. Therefore, for any standard 10 used at ground level and having a base jack like the one in Figure 7 at its base, the length/height of that standard 10, or its elevation off the ground, can be adjusted by screwing the nut up or down the threaded rod. Screwing the nut upward along the threaded rod will push the leg portion up (away from the ground) thereby increasing the height of the standard, and conversely screwing the nut downward along the threaded rod will allow the leg portion to slide further down over the threaded rod (towards the ground) thereby shortening the standard. It should be noted that, sometimes, the base plate of the base jack may be placed directly on the ground. However, in other instances, the base plate of the base jack may be placed on top of a soleplate. That is, in the latter situation, the soleplate may be placed directly on the ground first, and the base jack may then be positioned with its base plate resting on top of the soleplate. The soleplate will generally be larger than the base plate (i.e. covering a greater area of the ground) and it may therefore help to distribute the load on the ground.

[0021] Figure 8 contains top and side views of a bracing member used in scaffolding. It can be seen from Figure 8 that, on either end of the bracing member there is a banana for attaching the bracing member to, for example, a standard (in the manner described above). The bracing member is a structural component used for strengthening or increasing the rigidity of the scaffold. In Figure 8, typical lengths (A) of the bracing member might range from approximately 1m to approximately 4m.

[0022] Figure 9 contains top and side views of a "ledger" used in scaffolding. A ledger is a horizontal structural member, normally used to connect adjacent standards to one another. Normally, ledgers are used to connect standards in the direction of the larger dimension of a scaffolding bay. In other words, in the example in Figure 1 , ledgers would typically extend horizontally between (and connect) one standard to the next in the same direction as (i.e. parallel to) the lengthwise direction of the planks 40. In Figure 9, typical lengths (A) of the ledger might range from approximately 1m to approximately 3m.

[0023] Figure 10 contains top and side views of a "transom" used in scaffolding. A transom is a horizontal structural member, normally used to connect adjacent standards to one another. Normally, transoms are used to connect standards in the direction of the smaller dimension of a scaffolding bay. In other words, in the example in Figure 1 , transoms would typically extend between (and connect) standards in the direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the planks 40. . In Figure 10, typical lengths (A) of the transom might range from approximately 500mm to approximately 2.5m. [0024] It is to be clearly understood that Figures 2-10 illustrate parts and components often used in the creation/ erection of a scaffold. However, nothing in this specification should be taken as implying or requiring that all, or any particular ones, of these components must always be used in the creation/erection of a scaffold. Therefore, whilst many or all of these components (and possibly multiple of each) may often be used, if may also be quite possible for a scaffold to be created in which one or more of the kinds of components illustrated in Figures 2-10, respectively, are omitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] As explained above, the present invention (in one form at least) provides a scaffolding part or component which is operable for use, together with one or more other scaffolding parts or components, to create a scaffold, wherein at least a portion of the said scaffolding part or component that is visible when the scaffold is erected has a high visibility outer surface.

[0026] The present invention is therefore concerned with scaffolding parts and/or components which are used in, and which (together with other similar and/or differing parts and components) become part of a scaffold when the scaffold is erected (or at least are connected to the erected scaffold). The term "a scaffolding part or component" herein covers (but is not restricted to) any of the scaffolding parts and components described above with reference to the figures. Hence, the following are all examples of things that constitute "a scaffolding part or component" within the present meaning: standards (including base jacks and any other parts or components associated with standards), rails used for guardrailing, planks and other flooring components, kick plates (aka toeboards), plank brackets, bracing members, ledgers, transoms, as well as other structural members or connectors used in a scaffold. Furthermore, as those skilled in this area will appreciate, there may be other structural members, supports, devices, connectors, etc, which form part of a scaffold when the scaffold is erected, and any of these may also constitute "a scaffolding part or component".

[0027] In the present invention, whatever form a particular scaffolding part or component happens to take, at least a portion of it (i.e. a portion of that scaffolding part or component) which remains visible when the scaffold is erected, should have a high visibility outer surface. The actual way in which this high visibility arises or is created is not necessarily critical to the invention. Therefore, the said portion of the scaffolding part or component (which remains visible when the scaffold is erected) could have an outer surface that is made (or is inherently) highly visible in a number of ways, in fact, any means or way of causing the said outer surface to have high visibility may potentially be used.

[0028] The purpose of the high vistbHity is to improve safetyv For example, referring to the example situations discussed above where trucks have previously driven into, backed into or collided with a part of a scaffolding structure causing the scaffolding (or part of it) to collapse, the risk of such occurrences might well be significantly reduced if the visibility of the scaffold (and the parts and components used to create it) were to be improved. For example, in situations where a truck might otherwise have accidentally backed into or collided with a scaffold, this might be avoided if the scaffolding (or the relevant portion of it) were more easily visible to the truck driver, thereby enabling the driver to see the scaffold and avoid it.

[0029] Of course, the potential safety improvements that may be achieved by providing scaffolding (and the parts and/or components thereof) with high visibility are not necessarily limited to the above situations involving trucks and other equipment. For instance, it is not only at or near ground level (where trucks and other equipment often operate) that such safety improvements might be realised. Indeed, scaffolding parts and components with high visibility portions might also be used in the creation of higher parts and/or levels of the scaffold, and the high visibility may help to improve safety for personnel working and moving about thereon. As a possible example, if the upper surfaces of the planks 40 used to create the floor in an elevated portion of the scaffold are provided with high visibility (even if just for some of the planks, or only portions on the planks' upper surfaces), this might significantly reduce trip hazards and other possible risks for personnel moving about thereon. Similarly, if the rails (or some of them) used to create the guardrailing 20 are provided with high visibility portions, this may help personnel to more easily see where the edge(s) of the scaffold is/are, and this may help to improve worker's location awareness, reduce fall hazards, etc. Those skilled in this area will recognise that there may be numerous other benefits as well. Thus, the present invention may be used to improve the visibility (and hence the safety) of any portion or region of a scaffold, be it near the ground (scaffolding parts and components used near the ground may include standards, bracing, etc) or higher up (parts and components used higher up may include flooring, guardrailing, etc). [0030] Whilst the present invention involves providing a high visibility outer surface on a portion of a scaffolding part or component which remains visible when the scaffolding is erected, the invention is not necessarily limited to the high visibility being applied only to the said portion of the scaffolding part or component. In other words, a given scaffolding part or component may have multiple separate portions thereof that are providedwith a high visibility outer surface, or indeed the entire component may even be provided with a high visibility outer surface.

[0031] As discussed above, the actual way in which high visibility of the part or component (or a portion thereof) arises is not necessarily critical, and any means or way of causing high or improved visibility may potentially be used.

[0032] For example, the scaffolding part or component (or a portion thereof) could have an outer surface that is (or is made from a material that is) fluorescent, or luminescent, or reflective or self-illuminating. By self-illuminating it is meant that light (or perhaps a glow) of some kind is produced without the need for a separate power or energy source, although embodiments are potentially also possible in which the said portion of the scaffolding part of component has an outer surface that incorporates an electrically or chemically powered light source. In any event, in embodiments where the high visibility portion is light-emitting, this may possibly be used to improve lighting conditions in low light or poorly lit areas.

[0033] As another example, the scaffolding part or component (or a portion thereof) could have an outer surface that is created with, or made to have, a high visibility colour (e.g. bright orange, yellow, green, blue, pink and/or red). Possibly, the outer surface of the relevant portion(s) of the scaffolding part or component may be made from a material that is one or a combination of these colours (or any bright colour(s)), alternatively one or a combination of these colours may be painted on. The paint could also (or alternatively) have fluorescent, luminescent, reflective or self-illuminating properties.

[0034] Another possibility may be that, instead of forming the scaffolding part or component such that the relevant portion (or portions) thereof itself (themselves) have high visibility, one or more separately-formed high visibility devices, members, parts, attachments, coatings, coverings, treatments, or the like, may be provided and connected, installed or otherwise applied on the said portion(s) of the scaffolding part or component to create a high visibility outer surface thereon. Such high visibility devices, members, parts, attachments, coatings, coverings, treatments, or the like, might thus be used on existing/conventional (low visibilty) scaffolding to give improved (high) visibiity and thus improved safety.

[0035] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising ¹ and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0036] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0037] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.