FI130533B - Ground supported scaffolding system - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising at least two posts (16), the posts (16) comprising a foot (1) configured to be set on a ground surface (2), a post body (3) having a longitudinal axis extending from the foot (1) to an opposite end (7), a first bracing strut (4) extending sideways from the post body (3) in view of the longitudinal axis of the post body (3) and being adjustable so that the distance between the longitudinal axis of the post body (3) and the tip (5) of the fist bracing strut (4) can be changed, a first railing strut (6) extending to the opposite side of the post body (6) than the first bracing strut (4), a stud (19) extending from the first bracing strut (4) to the opposite side of the first bracing strut (4) in view of the post body (3), and an adjuster (17/24) for setting the distance between the foot (1) and the opposite end (7) of the post body (3). The system further comprises a platform (25) configured to extend between two adjacent posts (16) at the end of the posts (16) opposite to the feet (1) of the post to connect the posts (16) and the platform (25) to a scaffold.

Description

GROUND SUPPORTED SCAFFOLDING SYSTEM

FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to scaffolding structures used to facilitate executing — work done above ground during erection and renovation of buildings. Especially the invention relates to facilitation of tasks related to building roof structures for relatively low rise buildings having one or two floors above ground.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Any building task performed above ground higher than reach of a builder requires some kind of means for elevating the person safely to a level where the tasks in question can be performed. This can be done by movable lifts or platforms or by using stationary scaffoldings erected temporarily around the building. Movable lifts and platforms are quite flexible in use and can be moved rapidly to a place where they are needed. The drawbacks of movable lifts and similar equipment are relatively small working space and high costs. They may also require trained staff to operate safely.

Stationary scaffoldings can be built on site from wood. However, if any larger scaffolding is needed, it may be more feasible to use modular scaffolding structures comprising risers, working platforms, elevators and any other equipment that may be needed. Such scaffolding structures are rather expensive to buy or rent, erect and dismantle. For these reasons they are most suitable for larger buildings where scaffolding is needed for long = time around the building that is erected or renovated. Some types of scaffolding may

ÖN require attachment to the frame of the building. This is usually not desirable as it may > decrease the structural strength of the frame and require time and work for removing the = 25 attachments and finishing the surfaces to obtain required visual appearance. a 10 [0003] Some scaffolding structures have been described in documents FI 126773, 3 DE 19631233, DE 19830022 and GB2262559

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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The purpose of the invention is to provide a new scaffolding system for facilitating building and renovation of roofs and other structures above ground level.

[0005] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising at least two posts, the posts comprising a foot configured to be set on a ground surface, a post body having a longitudinal axis extending from the foot — to an opposite end, a first bracing strut extending sideways from the post body in view of the longitudinal axis of the post body and being adjustable so that the distance between the longitudinal axis of the post body and the tip of the fist bracing strut can be changed, a first railing strut extending to the opposite side of the post body than the first bracing strut, a stud extending from the first bracing strut to the opposite side of the bracing strut in view — of the post body, an adjuster for setting the distance between the foot and the opposite end of the post body, a platform configured to extend between the posts at the end of the posts opposite to the foots to connect the post and the platform to a scaffold.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising a railing element extending between railing struts of two adjacent posts.

[0008] According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a = scaffolding system wherein the post comprises a foot consisting of two lengthwise > adjustable support bars and a solid support bar forming a tripod. 2 [0009] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a

E 25 scaffolding system wherein the foot is configured to have a solid central support bar and 10 three adjustable support bars placed circumferentially around the solid central support bar 3 at an angle.

N [0010] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising bracing struts extending as a fork from the post body.

[0011] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising posts having a rail extending from the end of a railing strut in the direction of the bracing struts.

[0012] According to the seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding system having a cover configured to be attached to the rails of adjacent posts and to extend between the adjacent rails.

[0013] According to the eight aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising a bracket connected to at least one of the railing strut or the rail to enable bracing of the scaffold to a fixing point.

[0014] According to the ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising a reinforcement element configured to connect two adjacent posts.

[0015] According to the tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding system wherein the extended longitudinal axis of the post body crosses the planar surface of the platform.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIGURE 1 illustrates a scaffolding system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention;

[0017] FIGURE 2 shows a detail of FIGURE 1; o 20 [0018] FIGURE 3 shows another detail of FIGURE 1; g < [0019] FIGURE 4 illustrates a scaffold in accordance with at least some

O

LO embodiments of the invention;

E [0020] FIGURE 5 is a side view of the FIGURE 4;

LO

N [0021] FIGURE 6 is a frontal view of the FIGURE 4; 3 > 25 [0022] FIGURE 7 illustrates a scaffold in accordance with at least some embodiments of the invention;

[0023]

[0024] FIGURE 8 is a top view of the FIGURE 7.

EMBODIMENTS

[0025] DEFINITIONS

[0026] In the present context, the term “ground surface” comprises firm generally level supporting surface such as actual ground surface, floor or a platform.

[0027] The invention relates to scaffolding systems for working on roofs, windows, outer lining or other parts of a building. When relatively low buildings as detached one — family houses or other buildings having for example one or two storeys are built or renovated, some of the work has to be done higher than the reach of a worker. For such tasks scaffolding or a lift is needed. The scaffoldings are usually designed for higher buildings and therefore clumsy and expensive. Lifts of personal cranes are expensive and sometimes difficult to use. At least some of the embodiments of the invention provide a lightweight scaffold that is easy to transport, erect and dismantle. As the scaffold can be dimensioned for relatively low working levels, the materials and dimensions used may be much lighter than those of the scaffoldings used for higher buildings. The scaffold is supported by ground surface and braced to the frame of the building. Bracing may be done without fixing the scaffold to the frame of the building whereby no damage to the outer lining or frame of the building is caused. Of course, the scaffolds can be fixed to the building if desired. 2

N [0028] FIGURE 1 illustrates a scaffold in accordance with at least some 5 embodiments of the present invention. In this illustration the scaffold is erected on a side 2 of a building 13. The scaffolding system comprises at least two posts 16. Each of the posts

E 25 — 16 comprises a foot 1 configured to be set on a ground surface 2. In this embodiment the 10 foot 1 is a tripod structure having a solid support bar 9 and two adjustable support bars 8. 3 The support bars form a fork-like tripod. The adjustable support bars 8 extend on an angle

S from the solid support bar 9. At the ends of the adjustable support bars are adjusting tips 17. The extension of the adjusting tips 17 from the end of the adjustable support bar can be changed in order to accommodate the foot on an uneven ground surface and to set the angular position of the foot. The type of the adjustment mechanism may vary and a person skilled in the art can choose and design a suitable mechanism for this use. Some of the mechanisms are mentioned later in the description as examples. The solid support bars 8 are connected to the solid support bar 9 by intermediate struts 18. This structure of the foot 5 is presented enlarged in FIGURE 2. This foot is simple and provides good stability based on three support points.

[0029] The solid support bar 9 is adjustably connected to a post body 3 that extends from the solid support bar 9 coaxially with it. Also herein various adjustment mechanisms may be used and examples are mentioned later. The post body 3 has a longitudinal axis extending from the foot 1 to an opposite end 7, wherein is a first bracing strut 4 extends sideways from the post body 3 in view of the longitudinal axis of the post body 3. The length of the first bracing strut 4 is adjustable so that the distance between the longitudinal axis of the post body 3 and the tip 5 of the fist bracing strut 4 can be changed. Also herein various adjustment mechanisms may be used. A second bracing strut 20 similar to the first bracing strut 4 extends also from the post body so that the bracing struts 4, 20 are on a same level and form a sharp V-angle between them. As can be seen from the FIGURES 1, 3 and 4, the bracing struts 4, 20 are configured to be set against the frame or the lining of the building so that the tips 5 of the bracing struts 4, 20 rest on the building. The V-angle formed by two bracing struts provides support in sideways direction in view of the longitudinal axis of the post body and the erected scaffolding system. The angle between the bracing struts may be chosen freely as long as it doesn’t exceed 180°. It can be contemplated that only one bracing strut is used or there can be three or more of them, but with a single bracing strut some of the stability is lost and adding the number of struts > increases the costs and weight. In this embodiment the bracing struts 4, 20 are connected to

N 25 — the post body through a single branch extension 23. The bracing struts 4, 20 may

O alternatively be connected to the post body 3 directly and they may connect to the post - body 3 at its outermost opposite end in relation to the foot 1 or below that point.

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E [0030] The post further comprises a first railing strut 6 extending to the opposite side

S of the post body 3 than the first bracing strut 4. The railing strut extends first away from 2 30 — the post body 3 and turns thereafter in an opposite direction in view of the foot 1 of the

N post 16. In an erected post 16 the railing strut 6 points upwards. As can be seen from the

FIGURE 3, the bracing struts 4, 20 and the railing strut 6 form two opposite branches at the end of the post body. The purpose of the railing strut 6 is to provide support for a railing element 21 extending between railing struts 6 of two adjacent posts 16. The railing element 21 may be a canvas extending between the adjacent railing struts. The canvas can be attached to the attaching rails 22 (see FIGURE 3). The purpose of the railing element 21 is to prevent a person from falling off from the scaffold. The railing element may be a canvas, web, plate, board or sheet or any kind of bar, tube or similar element commonly used as railings. Instead of attachment rails any attachment means such as hooks, bolts, screws, wire or snap joints can be used.

[0031] At the vertex of the V formed by the bracing struts is a stud 19 extending from the first bracing strut 4 to the opposite side of the bracing strut 4 in view of the post body 3. This stud 19 may be connected anywhere to the branch formed by the branch extension 23 and the bracing struts 4, 20.

[0032] In order to adjust the scaffolding system to dimensions of different buildings, the post 16 includes several adjusters for altering its dimensions. There is an adjuster for setting the distance between the foot 1 and the opposite end 7 of the post body 3. This adjuster may be formed of a telescopic joint 24 between the solid support bar 9 and the post body 3, by a telescopic post body or by using an adjustable support bar instead of a solid support bar in the foot. In such case the length of the post is adjusted by adjusting the support bars of the foot. However, using a telescopic post body or telescopic joint 24 between the foot and the post body makes the adjustment simple.

[0033] In order to enable working on the roof supported by the scaffold, a suitable walking and working surface needs to be provided. In some of the embodiments this is a platform 25 configured to extend between two adjacent posts 1 at the end 7 of the posts

O opposite to the feet 1 to connect the post 16 and the platform 25 to a scaffold. The platform

N may be a simple plank of wood or plywood, a planar piece of metal or composite or several

O 25 — parallel bars, for example. Basically any elements used in stairs or scaffolds as walking - platforms may be used. The platform 25 is joined to the post at the ends 7 opposite to the

E feet 1. The connection between the post 16 and platform should be such that at least a

O movement in direction of the longitudinal axis of the platform is prevented. In the 3 embodiment shown in FIGURE 3, there is a seat 26 that may be a L-profile on which the > 30 platform is set. The movement between the seat and the platform is locked by screws, bolts or by a slot and bar joint, by a hole and a tab joint or similar construction providing easy assembly and reliable connection. The platform 25 ties the adjacent posts to a scaffold. Of course, the seat 26 must be configured according to the locking system and its design may therefore vary.

[0034] FIGURES 4, 5 and 6 show an embodiment comprising a reinforcement lattice 27 connecting two parallel posts 16 to each other at the foots. In the embodiment of

FIGURE 4 the foot is configured to have a solid central support bar 28 and three adjustable support bars 8 placed circumferentially around the solid central support bar 28 at an angle.

The reinforcement lattice 27 is connected to the solid central support bars 28 of the feet 1.

This connection may be solid, for example a welding, or detachable, for example a hook and slot joint or a bolt joint. Of course, the reinforcement lattice may be attached between — the post bodies 3 at a higher position or two or even more reinforcement lattices 27 may be used, when desired. The purpose of the reinforcement lattice 27 is to make the scaffold more rigid and stable. Instead of the lattice structure shown, the reinforcement may be a simple rod, beam or even wire. There is a guard rail 30 extending between the studs 19 to prevent slipping off from the platform 25 under the eave.

[0035] The scaffolding system can be easy transported in a small van or trailer where it is needed. Transportation may occur totally or partially disassembled. When the scaffolding system is erected, each of the posts is assembled and taken at the wall of a building 13. The foot is set on the ground and possibly preset to accommodate the contour of the surface of the ground by adjusting the adjusting tips 17 of the adjustable support bars 8. The length of the post is set by telescoping the post body so that the stud 19 is set against the lover edge of the eave 15 of the building. The bracing struts 4, 20 are adjusted to rest against the corner of the eave 15 and the wall of the building 13 by adjusting the are tips 5 of the bracing struts 4, 20. A platform 25 is placed and fixed between adjacently 2 positioned posts 16 as well as reinforcement lattice, when in use. Now the scaffold is = 25 assembled. If needed, the various adjustment systems of the posts can be used to adjust and

LO fine tune the positions of the posts so that they are securely set against the building. A z railing element of choice is mounted between the adjacent railing struts 6. a

O [0036] The longitudinal axis of the post body is placed so that and imaginary 3 extension of it runs through the flat surface of the platform. The reason for this is to place > 30 — the support point of the platform under it so that the foot 1 of the post 16 and the post body 3 carry vertical loads caused by workers of tools placed on the platform 25. Part of the load is directed to the frame of the building through bracing struts 4, 20. As figure 5 shows, the post can be adjusted to a slightly tilted position to the building so that the foot 1 of the post 16 is farther away from the building than the platform. Now the loads are directed to the building and foot and the scaffold is pushed towards the building and is not in danger of falling away from the building. Also, as can be seen from figure 5, the bracing struts 4, 20 under the eave 15 of the building prevent tilting of the scaffold away from the building.

The loads placed on the platform are directed as pushing forces to the ground and to the frame of the building. As loads are mostly axial, the structure is stable as unstabilizing moment loads are minimized. Minimizing the moment loads enables a lightweight structure as bending moment loads don’t need to be compensated by higher material — strength.

[0037] The above described embodiments may be varied as partially described above. Further variations and embodiments are described below.

[0038] The scaffolding system may comprise posts 16 having a rails 10 extending from the end of a railing strut 6 in the direction of the bracing struts 4, 20. These rails 10 — may be detachable and the purpose of them is to extend over the roof 14 of the building 13.

In the example of the figure 7 the rail 10 extends over the roof and downwards towards the foot 1 of the post 16. The end of the rail 10 that is closest to the foot 1 is attached to the foot by a holder bar 32. In this embodiment the cover is a roller shutter having a roller shutter body 33 attached to the end of the rails 10 that is closes to the foots of two adjacent — posts 16. The rails 10 may have guide rails for holding the edges of the cover or the cover 11 may be attached to the rails 10 by eylets and string, by a zipper or any easily operated locking and holding system. The roller shutter system is easy to use, but same cover systems as used presently in scaffoldings as weather protection may be used as well as 2 systems used for adjusting and fastening sails. In order to support and hold the cover in = 25 — place there is a holder wire 29 extending from the end of the rail 10 that is closes to the

LO foot 1 to the opposite end of the rail 10 and therefrom to the railing strut 6. The wire z travels through an extension strut 34 that extends from the end of the railing strut 6. There a © are pulleys 31 at the distal ends of the rail and the extension strut for guiding the wire 29.

O The purpose of the wire 29 is to stiffen the structure against forces caused by the weight of 2 30 — the cover 11 and wind loads directed thereto. The rail 10, the extension strut 34 or any

N other element of the scaffold may include a bracket or brackets for attachment to the building of ground. One example would be to extend the wire of FIGURE 7 to the apex of the building or to the ground on the opposite side of the building.

[0039] One feature that may be utilized is a cover that can be adjusted in the direction of its width. For this a wrinkable or strechable cover canvas is feasible. It may be feasible that the cover is light permeable material. The railing element 21, guard rail 30 and the platform 25 may be adjustable so that the distance between the posts 16 may be easily adjusted to a desired width. Of course, the width of the scaffold can be adjusted by using more than two posts. The number of the posts needed is determined by the width of the working area. All of the parts of the scaffolding system may be lengthwise adjustable either stepwise or continuously.

[0040] Now, there can be provided various accessories that can be attached to the rails in order to facilitate the work done on the roof. One accessary is a cover configured to be attached to the rails of adjacent posts and to extend between the adjacent rails. In this way it is possible to cover the roof from weather. The cover provides more comfortable working space and protects the often exposed structures under the roof from rain and snow.

The rails or the covering may be eguipped with lights, for example a LED strips to facilitate work under the cover. The scaffolding system may comprise a bracket or brackets connected to at least one of the railing strut or the rail to enable bracing of the scaffold to a fixing point. This fixing point can be the apex of the roof, frame of the roof or the building or ground on the opposite side of the building in relation to the scaffold.

[0041] The foot of the post may be a single post, two posts set in an angle or a flat — support element placed on the ground, to mention a few. The post may include several adjustment elements for adjusting lengths of different parts thereon. The minimum is that there is at least one adjuster allowing adjustment and setting the distance between the foot and the opposite end of the post body so that the post can be tensioned between the 2 underside of the eave of the building and ground surface. The various adjusters or = 25 adjusting elements described above may be constructed of a threaded bar and tube, parallel

LO rows of holes and stopper element to be placed in the holes, a toothed bar and a ratchet or z even a small hydraulic cylinder provided with a pump as in hydraulic jacks. Even electrical so adjusters may be contemplated if the costs are not an issue.

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3 [0042] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not > 30 limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to eguivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0043] 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, appearances 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.

[0044] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, — these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along — with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto eguivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0045] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced = without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, = 25 etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or 7 described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

E [0046] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present 0 invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary 3 skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation 2 30 can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the - principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0047] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor reguire the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", ie a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0048] The invention can be utilized in building industry and other tasks where scaffolding is needed.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 foot 2 ground surface 3 post body 4 first bracing strut 5 tip of the first bracing strut 6 first railing strut 7 opposite end 8 adjustable support bar 9 solid support bar o

S 10 rail ? 20 11

Lo cover = 12 bracket a a 13 building

O

LO

O

Oo 14 roof

N

15 eave

16 post 17 adjusting tips 18 intermediate struts 19 stud 20 second bracing strut 21 railing element 22 attachment rail 23 branch extension 24 telescopic joint 25 platform 26 seat 27 reinforcement lattice 28 solid central support bar 29 wire guard rail 31 pulley > 32 holder bar

O

N

S 33 roller shutter body

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Ao a © 20 al

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O

O

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Claims (10)

CLAIMS:

1. A scaffolding system comprising : — at least two posts (16), the posts (16) comprising o a foot (1) configured to be set on a ground surface (2), o a post body (3) having a longitudinal axis extending from the foot (1) to an opposite end (7), o a first bracing strut (4) extending sideways from the post body (3) in view of the longitudinal axis of the post body (3) and configured to being adjustable so that the distance between the longitudinal axis of the post body (3) and the tip (5) of the fist bracing strut (4) can be changed to set the bracing strut (4) against the frame or the ling of the building so that the tip (5) of the bracing strut (4) rests on the building, o a first railing strut (6) extending to the opposite side of the post body (3) than the first bracing strut (4), o a stud (19) extending from the first bracing strut (4) to the opposite side of the first bracing strut (4) in view of the post body (3), and o an adjuster (17/24) for setting the distance between the foot (1) and the opposite end (7) of the post body (3) so that the length of the post body may be set by telescoping the post body so that the stud (19) is set against the lower edge of the eave (15) of the building, and N — a platform (25) configured to extend between two adjacent posts (16) at the end of O 25 the posts (16) opposite to the feet (1) of the post to connect the posts (16) and the N platform (25) to a scaffold. O z

2. A scaffolding system according to the claim 1, comprising a railing element (21) a LO extending between the railing struts (6) of two adjacent posts (16). O 30

3. A scaffolding system according to any of the previous claims, wherein the post (16) 2 comprises a foot (1) consisting of two lengthwise adjustable support bars (8) and a solid support bar (9) forming a tripod.

4. A scaffolding system according to any of the claims 1 or 2, wherein the foot (1) is configured to have a solid central support bar (28) and three adjustable support bars (8) placed circumferentially around the solid central support bar (28) at an angle.

5. A scaffolding system according to any of the claims 1 — 4, comprising bracing struts (4, 20) extending as a fork from the post body (3).

6. A scaffolding system according to any of the claims 1 — 5, comprising posts (16) having a rail (10) extending from the end of a railing strut (6) in the direction of the bracing struts (4, 20).

7. A scaffolding system according to any of the claims 1 — 6, comprising a cover (11) configured to be attached to the rails 10 of adjacent posts (16) and to extend between the adjacent rails (10).

8. A scaffolding system according to any of the claims 1 — 7 comprising a bracket (12) connected to at least one of the railing strut (6) or the rail to enable bracing of the scaffold to a fixing point.

9. A scaffolding system according to any of the claims 1 — 8, comprising a reinforcement element (27) configured to connect two adjacent posts (16).

10. A scaffolding system according to any of the claims 1- 9 wherein the extended longitudinal axis of the post body (3) crosses the planar surface of the platform (25). N N O N N O I a a LO al O LO O O N