GB2321491A

GB2321491A - Retaining scaffolding boards

Info

Publication number: GB2321491A
Application number: GB9806152A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Kevan Frederick Harris
Original assignee: Harris & Taylor Ltd
Current assignee: Harris & Taylor Ltd
Priority date: 1998-03-24
Filing date: 1998-03-24
Publication date: 1998-07-29
Anticipated expiration: 2018-03-24
Also published as: GB9806152D0; GB2321491B

Abstract

A retaining strap for retaining a plurality of boards 105 in a scaffolding, particularly of use in securing the boards against strong winds. The strap comprises an elongate member having a first end and a second end. The first end forms a hook shape and is intended to fit around a board 111 at a first edge of a platform of boards and a ledger 108 of the scaffolding. The second end forms a dog-leg shape and is intended to fit over a board 112 at an opposite end of the platform and can also support a toe board 106. The scaffolding boards are secured together between the two ends of the strap and also to the ledger 108 of the scaffolding. The strap is preferably formed of a single length of steel and is reusable and quick to instal and remove.

Description

RETAINING SCAFFOLDING BOARDS Field of the Invention The present invention relates to scaffolding and in particular, although not exclusively, to restraining boards on scaffolding.

Background to the Invention Scaffolding structures erected alongside a structure such as a face of a building in order to allow workers to repair or renovate the building can be prone to damage by wind. Strong winds can cause boards on the scaffolding structure to be lifted up or moved, potentially causing damage to the scaffolding and nearby buildings as well as to workers and members of the public who may be nearby. Not only can the scaffolding and building materials themselves be forced out of place by strong winds, but also any materials which lie on the scaffolding boards, such as workers' tools, etc.

It is known to attempt to secure scaffolding boards simply by tying a length of rope around the boards. Whilst this may secure the boards to some extent, tying the boards is a time consuming procedure, typically 20 - 30% of the time spent in erecting a scaffolding may involve tying rope in order to attempt to secure the boards. Furthermore, the ropes are rarely reusable, causing further expense to the scaffolding owners. Time spent using ropes in this way and removing them when the scaffolding is dismantled means that a total length of time spent on a particular job is increased, thereby raising an overall cost of the job.

It is also known to attempt to secure scaffolding boards by placing additional boards on the top of boards on a scaffolding structure. However, as this method relies mainly upon a weight of the additional board pressing down on the boards undemeath, it may not be as secure as other means. Furthermore, the additional boards protrude upwards from the scaffolding, thereby being a potential hazard, e.g. for workers tripping over the protruding boards.

Another known device which is intended to secure boards in a scaffolding comprises a binder-like apparatus. However, these binder devices usually need to be installed between individual boards, which can be even more time consuming process than securing using rope. Due to the fact that one of these binding devices may be required to secure a single board, they may be considered to be expensive and time taken to install and remove the binding devices again increases the total amount of time spent on a particular job, resulting in greater costs.

Summarv of the Invention An object of the present invention is to provide means for securing boards in a scaffolding, in particular securing boards against being lifted by strong winds. A further object of the invention is that the means of securing the boards is quick and simple to use, install and remove, thereby decreasing a total amount of time (and resulting costs) spent on a particular job in comparison to known methods which attempt to secure boards to scaffolding.

Another object of the invention is that the means of securing boards to scaffolding it provides is simple to manufacture and also reusable. A further object of the invention is that a single strap according to the preferred embodiment can secure a plurality of boards and poses a minimal tripping hazard.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a retaining strap for retaining a plurality of scaffolding boards, the strap comprising: an elongate member having a first end, wherein the first end comprises a first portion extending in a direction transverse to a main direction of the elongated member and a second portion protruding from the first portion such that a main direction of the second portion extends transversely to a main direction of the first portion.

Preferably the first end further comprises a third portion protruding from the second portion such that a main direction of the third portion extends transversely to a main direction of the second portion.

Preferably, the elongated member has a second end, the second end comprising a first portion extending in a direction transverse to a main direction of it's elongated member.

Preferably, the second end further comprises a second portion protruding of the first portion such that the main direction of the second portion extends transversely to a main direction of the first portion.

Preferably, the first portion of the first end extends substantially perpendicular with direction to the main direction of the elongated member.

Preferably, the second portion of the first end extends in the direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of the first portion of the first end.

Preferably, the third portion of the first end extends in direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the second portion of the first end.

Preferably, the first portion of the second end extends in direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the elongated member.

Preferably, the second portion of the second end extends in direction substantially perpendicular to the main direction of the first portion of the second end.

Preferably, the second portion of the first end extends in direction substantially parallel to the main direction of the elongated member.

Preferably, the first portion of the first end extends in direction substantially parallel to a main direction of the first portion of the first end.

Preferably, the first portion of the second end extends in direction substantially parallel to a main direction of the first portion of the first end.

Preferably, the second portion of the second end extends in a substantially parallel direction to a main direction of the elongated member.

Preferably, the second portion of the first end substantially towards the second end of the said elongated member.

Preferably, the second portion of the second end extends in a direction substantially away from the first end of the elongated member.

Preferably, the elongated members placed on the surface of the scaffolding boards.

Preferably, the first end is fitted around a ledger of scaffolding.

Preferably, the first end of the strap is also fitted around at least on of the plurality of scaffolding boards.

Preferably, the plurality of scaffolding boards are fitted between the first end and the second end of the straps.

Preferably, substantially no gap exists between the plurality of fitted boards.

Preferably, substantially no gaps exists between the plurality of boards and the first end and the second end of straps.

Preferably, the first end formed is substantially hook shaped and is fitted around an ledger and the plurality of boards.

Preferably, the second end forms a substantially dog legged shape, i.e. a tow board is placed on the surface of the second end.

Preferably, the tow board is placed on an upper surface of the second portion of the second end.

Preferably, lengths of the elongated members is substantially equal to width of the plurality of scaffolding boards.

Preferably length of the first portion of the first is at least substantially equal a thickness of one of the plurality of boards and a diameter of a ledger.

Preferably length of the second portion of the first end is at least substantially equal to a diameter of a ledger.

Preferably length of the third portion of the first end is substantially less than or equal to a diameter of ledger.

Preferably length of the first portion of the second end is substantially less than or equal to the thickness of one of the plurality of scaffolding boards.

Preferably length of the second portion of the second end is substantially greater than or equal to a thickness of a tow board.

Preferably the elongated member is fitted in a substantially horizontal plain.

Preferably, the first portion of the first end is substantially vertical and preferably the first portion of the second end is substantially vertical.

Preferably the strap is formed of steel Preferably, the strap is manufactured of a single length of material.

Altematively, the strap may be manufactured of a plurality of curved and/or straight members.

Preferably, the strap is painted light or of fluorescent color.

Preferably, the plurality of scaffolding boards are of a standard size.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is scaffolding structure having a retaining strap according the preferred embodiment.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a plurality of scaffolding boards retained by a strap according to the preferred embodiment.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a platform comprising a plurality of scaffolding boards retained using a strap according to the preferred embodiment.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of retaining a plurality of scaffolding boards, the method comprising the steps of: fitting a first end of the retaining strap around at lest one of the scaffolding boards; and placing the elongated member of the strap on an upper surface of the plurality of boards.

Preferably, the first end is also fitted around a ledger of the scaffolding.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of: fitting a second end of the strap around at least one of the plurality of boards.

Preferably, further comprises the step of: placing a toe board on the second end of strap.

Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a standard scaffolding structure incorporating the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 2 illustrates a view through line A - A' of Fig. 1.

Detailed DescriDtion of the Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention There will now be described by way of example the best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a standard scaffolding structure 101 incorporating a preferred embodiment of the present invention 110 intended to act as a strap to retrain the scaffolding's boards. It will be appreciated that one or more retaining straps 110 may be used in a single scaffolding. The scaffolding 101 is typically placed alongside a structure such as a face 113 of a building or wall to secure the face and/or to allow workers to perform tasks such as fixing or painting the faces.

The scaffolding structure 101 comprises a plurality of substantially vertical cylindrical rods 102, commonly called "standards". The standards 102 are usually the first part of the scaffolding structure 101 to be erected. The standards 102 are usually placed on or in a ground surface and are spaced apart and act as "legs" for supporting the scaffolding structure. The scaffolding structure 101 further comprises a plurality of cylindrical rods 103, commonly called "ledgers".

The ledgers 103 may be attached to the vertical standards 102 such that the ledgers 103 may be positioned substantially horizontally and transverse and preferably substantially perpendicular relative to the standards 102. The ledgers 103 may be positioned at various vertical heights on the standards 102 and may act to secure the standards and ledgers together. The ledgers are preferably substantially parallel to the face 113 of the building next to which the scaffolding is erected.

The scaffolding structure 101 further comprises a number of cylindrical rods 104, commonly called "transoms". The transoms 104 are preferably positioned in a substantially horizontal plane and transverse and preferably perpendicular with respect to the standards 102. The transoms 104 are also substantially perpendicular to the horizontal ledgers 103 and thus also transverse and preferably substantially perpendicular to the building face.. Thus, two ledgers 103 and two transoms 104 may form a substantially rectangular structure lying in a horizontal plane with a vertical standard 102 attached at each of the rectangle's comers. One or more such rectangular configurations of ledgers and transoms may be attached to the standards at various vertical levels. In the scaffolding structure 101 of Fig. 1, the transoms 104 are shown resting on the ledgers 103.

However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that alternative configurations may be used. Further, the standards, ledgers and transoms may be fixed by any conventional means, for example couplers or bolts, etc. Furthermore, the present invention is not restricted to the type of scaffolding structure shown in Fig. 1, and may be used with any other substantially conventional type of scaffolding, for example the known "system scaffolding" wherein scaffolding components may be welded together prior to erection of the scaffolding structure. Further conventional scaffolding components may also be added to the scaffolding structure 101, for example handrails, without affecting the functionality of the preferred embodiment.

The scaffolding structure 101 further comprises a plurality of boards 105.

The boards are preferably placed in a substantially horizontal plane substantially parallel to the ledgers and may rest upon the rectangular shape formed by the ledgers and transoms attached to standards of scaffolding 101. The boards are preferably supported by a substantially rectangular assembly comprising two transoms 104 which are positioned upon two ledgers 108 and 109. Ledger 108 may be attached to two vertical standards 102 which are preferably positioned next to the face of the building and ledger 109 is preferably attached to two standards at a substantially equal height from the ground as ledger 108 at an opposite edge of the scaffolding, furthest away from the building face 113. In Fig.

1, the scaffolding structure comprises 5 boards, having substantially similar dimensions and alignment, with edges of each board 105 being in contact with a corresponding edge of at least one other board, forming a substantially horizontal platform distanced above ground ievel intended for use by workers. Scaffolding structure 101 comprises 5 boards, with board 111 being at a first edge of the plafform (preferably the edge nearest to the building face 113) and a board 112 at an opposite edge (furthest from the building face 113) of the platform, with three boards positioned between the two edge boards 111 and 112. Although 5 boards are shown in scaffolding structure 101, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other numbers of boards are commonly be used, typically 3 to 6. The present invention is not restricted to any particular number of boards, as the preferred embodiment may be manufactured to be any practical size in order to adapt to any number of boards. Standard sizes of boards are known in the building industry. The standard boards usually have a length of between 1.53 meters and 2.96 meters, a typical width of 0.23 meters and a typical thickness of 38 millimeters. Again, the preferred embodiment is not restricted to these standard sizes, as it may be manufactured to be practically any size in order to accommodate different sizes and numbers of boards. The boards are typically timber boards, although the preferred embodiment may be used in conjunction with boards composed of other materials.

The scaffolding structure 101 further comprises a "toe board" 106. The toe board 106 is positioned next to board 112 at the edge of the plafform such that the toe board 106 is aligned with the edge of the platform furthest from the building face 113. The toe board 106 is positioned such that it may be considered to be substantially perpendicular to boards 105, protruding upwards at the edge of the platform, thereby forming a lip which may prevent materials on the platform slipping over the plafform's edge. The toe board 106 is typically attached to at least one standard which it may be positioned next to by means of at least one single coupler 107.

Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings illustrates a view through line A - A' of Fig. 1. The preferred embodiment of restraining strap 110 is shown to fit securely around the platform formed by the five boards such that there is substantially no gap between each individual board and substantially no gap between ends of the strap 110 and the plafform's edge boards 111 and 112, thus restricting movement of each individual board and the plafform as a whole.

The preferred embodiment is preferably formed of a single elongated length of steel formed into a preferred shape intended to function as a retaining strap.

The retaining strap 110 may be formed by bending a substantially straight length of steel or by casting the steel into shape. The steel member is preferably 6 millimeters thick (shown by arrows 205) and 30 millimeters wide. However, the present invention is not restricted to being manufactured of steel of these dimensions and it may comprise any material, preferably rigid, although a degree of flexibility may also be acceptable. Furthermore, the invention is not restricted to being manufactured of a single length of material, as a plurality of substantially straight or curved members may be attached together to form a composite having features according to the invention.

The preferred embodiment comprises an elongate member portion, indicated by arrows 201, which is intended to lie flat immediately on top of an upper surface of the substantially horizontal platform formed by scaffolding boards. For boards of standard width as described herein above, a length of elongate member 201 may measure 1100 to 1200 millimeters, and preferably 1165 millimeters, although it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the length of elongate member 201 may be selected so as to allow retaining strap 110 to extend at least beyond a plurality of scaffolding boards so that when the boards form a plafform (with substantially no gap between each board) preferably no gap exists between surfaces of the end boards 111 and 112 of the plafform and surfaces of ends of the restraining strap 110 as described hereinbelow.

The preferred embodiment of the restraining strap 110 preferably further comprises a portion 202, extending in a transverse and preferably substantially perpendicular downward direction to a main direction of elongate member 201 at a first end of elongate member 201, preferably positioned at the edge of the platform next to the building face 113. In the preferred embodiment, a length of portion 202 can range between 135 and 150 millimeters, and preferably 145 millimeters, although it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the length of portion 202 may be selected so that portion 202 extends at least beyond a thickness of board 111 at one end of the platform, and further extends beyond a diameter of a transom 104, upon which board 111 may rest, and a diameter of ledger 108 upon which the ledger may rest. A surface (i.e. a surface furthest away from the building face 113) of portion of length 202 is preferably in contact with an edge of board 111 nearest the building face and is also preferably in contact with a surface of ledger 108 nearest to the building face.

The first end of restraining strap 110 may further comprise an elongate portion 203 which extends in a transverse and preferably substantially perpendicular direction of a main direction of portion 202 protruding from a lower end of portion 202 in a direction away from the building face 113 below lower surfaces of board 111 and ledger 108. Portion 203 is preferably substantially parallel to elongate member 201 and extends towards a second (opposite) end of elongate member 201 so that portion 203 effectively extends undemeath board 111 at least and ledger 108. In the preferred embodiment, a length of portion 202 can measure 80 - 100 millimeters, and preferably 95 millimeters, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the length of portion 203 may be selected so that portion 203 extends at least beyond a diameter of ledger 108 at the edge of the platform nearest he building face 113. An upper surface of portion 203 is preferably in contact with a lower surface of ledger 108.

The first end of retaining strap 110 may further comprise a portion 204, extending in a transverse and preferably substantially upward perpendicular direction relative to portion 203. Portion 204 is preferably substantially parallel to portion 202 so that upright a main direction of portions 202 and 204 are spaced apart by horizontal portion 203, so that a substantially squared U shape is formed by a lower part of portion 202 (extending beyond a lower surface of board 111), portion 203 and portion 204. In the preferred embodiment, portion 204 may measure 50 - 70 millimeters, and preferably 60 millimeters, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that a length of portion 204 may be selected so as to allow portion 204 to extend upwards from portion 203 so that portion 204 extends at least partially up a diameter of ledger 108 but portion 204 preferably does not protrude further than the diameter of ledger 108 so as to allow a gap to exist between an upper end of portion 204 and the lower surface of board 111 above it. An inner surface (i.e. a surface nearest to the building face) of portion 204 is preferably in contact with a surface furthest from the building face of ledger 108.

Thus, portions 202, 203 and 204 preferably form a substantially "hook" shape which protrudes downwards as the first end of elongate length 201 and around edge board 111, transom 104 and ledger 108 so as to secure the restraining strap 110 to the plafform's boards and may also secure the platform to ledger 108, thus improving the overall stability of scaffolding 101, possibly preventing it being blown upwards or being moved by strong winds.

At a second (opposite) end of elongate member 201, an elongate portion 206 of the retaining strap 110 may protrude in a transverse and preferably substantially perpendicular and downwards direction to a main direction of elongate member 201, extending over the edge board 112 at the edge of the platform furthest from the building face. At a lower end of portion 206, an elongate portion 207 may extend in a transverse and preferably substantially perpendicular direction to a main direction of portion 206 and extending away from the edge board 112. Portion 207 is preferably substantially parallel to elongate member 201. The toe board 106 may be positioned on top of an upper surface of portion 207 and is also preferably in contact with an outer surface (i.e.

furthest from the building face) of portion 206. In the preferred embodiment, portion 206 may measure 35 - 45 millimeters, and preferably 41 millimeters, and length of portion 207 may measure 110 - 130 millimeters, and preferably 120 millimeters, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the lengths of portions 206 and 207 may be selected so that toe board 106 can fit on top of portion 207 so that an upper end of the toe board 106 protrudes beyond the upper surface of the platform and an upper surface of elongate member 201 of restraining strap 110 which rests upon the platform. The length of portion 206 is preferably selected such that a lower surface of portion 205 is substantially aligned with a lower surface of board 112 of the platform. The length of portion 205 is preferably selected to be at least equal to a thickness of toe board 106.

Thus, portions 206 and 207 at the second end of elongate member 201 form a substantially "dog-leg" shape intended to fit securely around board 112 and also support toe board 106.

Thus, the plurality of boards which form the plafform are effectively compressed together between portion 202 of the first end of restraining strap 110 and portion 206 of the strap's second end, thereby securing the boards in position. Furthermore, as portions 203 and 204 at least of the first end of restraining strap 110 fit around ledger 108, the boards may be further secured to the ledger 108, thereby improving the overall stability of scaffolding structure 101.

The restraining strap 110 is preferably installed during or after erection of the other components of scaffolding structure 101. The preferred method of installing the restraining strap 110 so as to secure the platform boards is to fit the first end 110 (which may be considered to comprise portions 202 and 203 at least) of the restraining strap around ledger 108 and the board 111 at the edge of the platform nearest the building face 113 and then position elongate member 201 of the strap so that its lower surface is in contact with and substantially horizontally on top of the platform. Portion 206 of the restraining strap 110 may then protrude substantially downward and around board 112 at the edge of the platform furthest from the building face 113. Toe board 106 may then be positioned on top of portion 207 of strap 110. The toe board may subsequently be attached to at least one standard of the scaffolding structure, for example by means of single coupler 107.

Although the thickness 205 of the retaining strap 110 does not protrude greatly from the upper surface of the platform, it may still be considered to be prudent to draw attention to the retaining strap 110 in order to attempt to prevent accidents. For this purpose, the retaining strap may be painted a distinctive noticeable or fluorescent/light color, for example red or yellow, so as to draw attention to its presence on the scaffolding platform and thus decrease any risk of the strap causing a worker to trip.

Claims

Claims:

1. A retaining strap for retaining a plurality of scaffolding boards, said strap comprising: an elongate member having a first end, wherein said first end comprises a first portion extending in a direction transverse to a main direction of said elongate member and a second portion protruding from said first portion such that a main direction of said second portion extends transversely to a main direction of said first portion.

2. A retaining strap according to claim 1, wherein said first end further comprises a third portion protruding from said second portion such that a main direction of said third portion extends transversely to said main direction of said second portion.

3. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said elongate member has a second end, said second end comprising a first portion extending in a direction transverse to said main direction of said elongate member.

4. A retaining strap according to claim 3, wherein said second end further comprises a second portion protruding from said first portion such that a main direction of said second portion extends transversely to a main direction of said first portion.

5. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first portion of said first end extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to said main direction of said elongate member.

6. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said second portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said first portion of said first end.

7. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said third portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said second portion of said first end.

8. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein said first portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said elongate member.

9. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein said second portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said first portion of said second end.

10. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said second portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially parallel to said main direction of said elongate member.

11. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said third portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially parallel to a main direction of said first portion of said first end.

12. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein said first portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially parallel to a main direction of said first portion of said first end.

13. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein said second portion of said second end extends in a substantially parallel direction to a main direction of said elongate member.

14. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein said second portion of said first end extends substantially towards said second end of said elongate member.

15. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein said second portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially away from said first end of said elongate member.

16. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said elongate member is placed on an upper surface of said scaffolding boards.

17. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first end is fitted around a ledger of a scaffolding.

18. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first end is also fitted around at least one of said plurality of scaffolding boards.

19. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 18, wherein said plurality of scaffolding boards are fitted between said first end and said second end of said strap.

20. A retaining strap according to claim 19, wherein substantially no gap exists between said plurality of fitted boards.

21. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein substantially no gap exists between said plurality of boards and said first end and said second end of said strap.

22. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first end forms a substantially hook shape.

23. A retaining strap according to claim 22, wherein said hook shape is fitted around a ledger and said plurality of boards.

24. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 4 to 23, wherein said second end forms a substantially dog-leg shape.

25. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 4 to 24, wherein a toe board is placed on an upper surface of said second end.

26. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 4 to 25, wherein a toe board is placed on an upper surface of said second portion of said second end.

27. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein length of said elongate member is substantially equal to width of said plurality of scaffolding boards.

28. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein length of said first portion of said first end is at least substantially equal to a thickness of one of said plurality of boards and a diameter of a ledger.

29. Apparatus according to any one o the above claims, wherein length of said second portion of said first end is at least substantially equal to a diameter of a ledger.

30. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 29, wherein a length of said third portion of said first end is substantially less than or equal to a diameter of a ledger.

31. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 30, wherein a length of said first portion of said second end is substantially less than or equal to a thickness of one of said plurality of scaffolding boards.

32. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 4 to 31, wherein a length of said second portion of said second end is substantially greater than or equal to a thickness of a toe board.

33. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein, in use, said elongate member is fitted in a substantially horizontal plane.

34. A retaining strap according to claim 33, wherein said first portion of said first end is substantially vertical.

35. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 33 or 34, wherein said first portion of said second end is substantially vertical.

36. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said strap is formed of steel.

37. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims1 wherein said strap is manufactured of a single length of material.

38. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said strap comprises a plurality of curved or straight members.

39. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said strap has a light or florescent color.

40. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said plurality of scaffolding boards are of a standard size.

41. A scaffolding structure having a retaining strap according to any one of the above claims.

42. A plurality of scaffolding boards retained using a strap according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

43. A platform comprising a plurality of scaffolding boards retained using the strap according to any one of claims 1 to 40.

44. A method of retaining a plurality of scaffolding boards, comprising the steps of: fitting a first end of a retaining strap around at least one of said scaffolding boards; and placing an elongate member of said strap on an upper surface of said plurality of boards.

45. A method according to claim 44, wherein said first end is also fitted around a ledger of said scaffolding.

46. A method according to claim 45, further comprising the step of: placing a toe board on said second end.

46. A method according to any one of claims 44 or 45, further comprising the step of: fitting a second end of said strap around at least one of said plurality of boards.

47. A method according to claim 46, further comprising the step of: placing a toe board on said second end.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A retaining strap for retaining a plurality of scaffolding boards, said strap comprising: an elongate member having a first end, wherein said first end comprises: a first portion extending in a direction transverse to a main direction of said elongate member; a second portion protruding from said first portion such that a main direction of said second portion extends transversely to a main direction of said first portion; and a third portion protruding from said second portion such that a main direction of said third portion extends transversely to said main direction of said second portion.

2. A retaining strap according to claim 1, wherein said elongate member has a second end, said second end comprising a first portion extending in a direction transverse to said main direction of said elongate member.

3. A retaining strap according to claim 2, wherein said second end further comprises a second portion protruding from said first portion such that a main direction of said second portion extends transversely to a main direction of said first portion.

4. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first portion of said first end extends in a substantially perpendicular direction to said main direction of said elongate member.

5. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said second portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said first portion of said first end.

6. A retaining strap according to any one of claims t to 5, wherein said third portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said second portion of said first end.

7. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein said first portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said elongate member.

8. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein said second portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said main direction of said first portion of said second end.

9. A retaining strap according to any one of the above clairns, wherein said second portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially parallel to said main direction of said elongate member.

10. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said third portion of said first end extends in a direction substantially parallel to a main direction of said first portion of said first end.

11. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein said first portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially parallel to a main direction of said first portion of said first end.

12. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 11, wherein said second portion of said second end extends in a substantially parallel direction to a main direction of said elongate member.

13. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein said second portion of said first end extends substantially towards said second end of said elongate member.

14. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 13, wherein said second portion of said second end extends in a direction substantially away from said first end of said elongate member.

15. A retaining strap according to any one of the above daims, wherein said elongate member is placed on an upper surface of said scaffolding boards.

16. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first end is fitted around a ledger of a scaffolding.

17. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first end is also fitted around at least one of said plurality of scaffolding boards.

18. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 17, wherein said plurality of scaffolding boards are fitted between said first end and said second end of said strap.

19. A retaining strap according to claim 18, wherein substantially no gap exists between said plurality of fitted boards.

20. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein substantially no gap exists between said plurality of boards and said first end and said second end of said strap.

21. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said first end forms a substantially hook shape.

22. A retaining strap according to claim 21, wherein said hook shape is fitted around a ledger and said plurality of boards.

23. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 22, wherein said second end forms a substantially dog-leg shape.

24. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 23, wherein a toe board is placed on an upper surface of said second end.

25. A retaining strap according to any one of daims 3 to 24, wherein a toe board is placed on an upper surface of said second portion of said second end.

26. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein length of said elongate member is substantially equal to width of said plurality of scaffolding boards.

27. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein length of said first portion of said first end is at least substantially equal to a thickness of one of said plurality of boards and a diameter of a ledger.

28. Apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein length of said second portion of said first end is at least substantially equal to a diameter of a ledger.

29. A retaining strap according to any one of claims I to 28, wherein a length of said third portion of said first end is substantially less than or equal to a diameter of a ledger.

30. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 2 to 29, wherein a length of said first portion of said second end is substantially less than or equal to a thickness of one of said plurality of scaffolding boards.

31. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 3 to 30, wherein a length of said second portion of said second end is substantially greater than or equal to a thickness of a toe board.

32. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein, in use, said elongate member is fitted in a substantially horizontal plane.

33. A retaining strap according to daim 32, wherein said first portion of said first end is substantially vertical.

34. A retaining strap according to any one of claims 32 or 33, wherein said first portion of said second end is substantially vertical.

35. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said strap is formed of steel.

36. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said strap is manufactured of a single length of material.

37. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said strap comprises a plurality of curved or straight members.

38. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said strap has a light or fluorescent color.

39. A retaining strap according to any one of the above claims, wherein said plurality of scaffolding boards are of a standard size.

40. A scaffolding structure having a retaining strap according to any one of the above claims.

41. A plurality of scaffolding boards retained using a strap according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

42. A platform comprising a plurality of scaffolding boards retained using the strap according to any one of claims 1 to 39.

43. A method of retaining a plurality of scaffolding boards, comprising the steps of: fitting a first end of a retaining strap around at least one of said scaffolding boards; and placing an elongate member of said strap on an upper surface of said plurality of boards, wherein said first end of said strap comprises: a first portion extending in a direction transverse to a main direction of said elongate member; a second portion protruding from said first portion such that a main direction of said portion extends transversely to a main direction of said first portion; a third portion protruding from said second portion such that a main direction of said third portion extends transversely to a main direction of said second portion.

44. A method according to claim 43, wherein said first end is also fitted around a ledger of said scaffolding.

45. A method according to any one of claims 43 or 44, further comprising the step of: fitting a second end of said strap around at least one of said plurality of boards.