PLATFORM STRUCTURE, METHOD OF ASSEMBLING A PLATFORM AND FITTING FOR USE IN THE METHOD

Abstract: Planks (11) resting on horizontal tubes (14) are held by clamps, each incorporating wings (19, 20) overlapping the planks and a hook (17) engaged beneath the tube.

Description: Title: "Platform structure, method of assembling a platform and fitting for use in the method" Description of Invention From one aspect, this invention relates a structure comprising a platform suitable for supporting workmen. The invention is primarily concerned with temporary structures. A scaffold is an example of a temporary structure comprising a platform intended for supporting workmen. -> A scaffold usually comprises a framework of rectilinear metal tubes connected with one another by fittings and including some parallel, horizontal members, together with a plurality of planks which are supported side-by-side on horizontal members of the framework to provide a platform for workmen. Timber planks and metal planks are both common. , υ It is known to arrange the framework of a scaffold in such a manner that the framework limits horizontal movement of the planks. To this end, scaffold frameworks sometimes comprise horizontal members of angle section to. receive end portions of the planks, one limb of the angle section lying beneath a plank and the other limb being adjacent to or abutting an end face of the plank. The known arrangements do not restrain upward movement of the planks. It will be appreciated that, if a plank moves upwardly relative to the scaffold framework, it may then be free to move in another direction relative to the framework. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ^ structure comprising a number of planks spaced apart in side-by-sϊde relation with major faces presented upwardly, a support engaged with downwardly facing surfaces of the planks and one or more retainers, the or each retainer having at least one lateral portion which overlaps an upwardly facing surface of a respective plank and a further portion disposed beside that plank, the retainer being connected with the support to restrain upward movement of the plank relative to the support. Generally, each retainer will have at least two lateral portions which overlap respective upwardly facing surfaces of a pair of adjacent planks and an intermediate portion which lies between these planks. A single retainer 30 may overlap four planks in side-by-side relation with one another and resting on a common support. The intermediate portion of the retainer preferably lies entirely below the lateral portions so that the intermediate portion does not protrude above the upwardly facing surfaces of the planks. The retainer may be connected with the support by a hook which engages beneath the support. In a case where the hook is a component distinct from the retainer, the hook preferably lies entirely below the upper surface of the planks. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for use in a structure according to the first aspect, the device comprising a hook having a bight to engage under a horizontal support for the planks, a retainer to engage an upwardly facing surface of a plank and a connector to connect the hook and the retainer, the connector being settable in a first condition to maintain a closer relation between the bight of the hook and the retainer and in a second condition to release the hook and retainer from the closer relation and permit limited movement of the retainer away from the bight of the hook. The connector preferably has a handle arranged to lie, at least when the connector is in the first condition, in a region generally between the bight of the hook and the position where the retainer engages the plank in use. The handle may be movable about an axis to set the connector in a selected one of the first and second conditions, the handle projecting radially with respect to that axis. The device may be used to secure to a generally upright, elongated member, a plank having minor faces presented upwardly and downwardly, the bight of the hook being engage with that member and the retainer engaging a laterally facing surface of the plank. According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a structure comprising a plank arranged with minor faces of the plank presented upwardly and downwardly, a generally upright support engaged with a major face of the plank and one or more retainers, the or each retainer having a portion which overlaps a further major face of the plank and being connected with the generally upright member to restrain movement of the plank away from the upright member. The device is preferably so arranged and constructed that the connector is set in its first condition or in its second condition by turning of the connector relative to one or both of the other components about an axis which is generally horizontal when the device is in use to hold horizontal planks on a horizontal support. The connector may also be rotatable relative to the hook about a second axis, which Is transverse to said horizontal axis. There may be between the hook and the connector an adjustable connection, for example provided by co-operating male and female screw threaded elements, which can be adjusted by rotation of the connector about the second axis. The connector is preferably adjustable relative to the hook In such a manner that the separation between the bight of the hook and the retainer, when the connector is in its first condition, can be varied. The retainer of the device preferably comprises two mutually spaced portions projecting In respective opposite directions for bearing on respective planks and the connector is preferably disposed in such a position relative to the retainer that the connector lies in a gap between planks engaged by these portions of the retainer. With this arrangement, when, the device is used to secure horizontal planks arranged side-by-side, the connector is readily accessible from a position above the planks. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a platform wherein a support is secured in a generally horizontal' attitude, a plurality of planks are rested on an upwardly facing surface of the support in side-by-side, spaced relation, a hook is engaged with a downwardly facing surface of the support, a retainer is engaged with an upwardly facing surface of one or more of the planks and a connector is set in a gap between adjacent planks to prevent mutual separation of the hook and retainer. An example of a structure in accordance with the first aspect of the invention which includes two different examples of devices according to the second aspect of the Invention and which is assembled by a method according to the third aspect of the invention will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:- FIGURE I shows a perspective view of a part of the structure; FIGURE 2 is a similar perspective view showing in greater detail a smaller part of the structure including one of the devices, certain components of the structure being partly broken away; FIGURE 3 is an elevation of certain parts shown in Figure 2, as viewed In the direction of the arrow III on Figure 2; F1GURE 4 is α further elevation of the parts shown in Figure 3, viewed in the direction of the arrow IV in Figure 3; FIGURES 5, 6 and 7 are perspective views of respective components of the device shown in Figure 3; FIGURES 8 to 12 are views corresponding to Figures 3 to 7 of the second example of device incorporated in the structure of Figure I ; and FIGURE 13 illustrates a modification of the retainer shown in Figure 5. The structure illustrated in Figure I Is a scaffold, a temporary structure which Includes a platform 10 for supporting workmen. The platform comprises a plurality of planks 1 1 arranged in the usual way. Thus, several planks lie side-by-side and these planks are arranged in end-to-end relation with further planks. The planks are rectilinear and have a rectangular transverse cross section. The planks may be formed of timber, in which case they are solid, or of metal, in which case they would be hollow and, possibly, open at the underside. A major face of each plank is presented upwardly and would normally be horizontal, although the invention may be used in circumstances where the platform 10, or a part thereof, is required to be Inclined to the horizontal. The scaffold comprises a framework which supports the planks I I and includes upright stanchions 12 which are spaced apart and interconnected by horizontal members, some of which, 13, are arranged with their lengths parallel to the lengths of the planks 1 1 , and others of which, 1 , are arranged with their lengths transverse to the lengths of the planks. Usually, the members 12, 13 and 14 are metal tubes connected to one another by scaffold fittings. However, other materials, for example timber, could be used. The planks 1 1 rest on upwardly facing surfaces of the transverse scaffold members 14. Upward movement of the planks relative to the scaffold framework is restrained by devices, a first of which is shown in detail in Figure 2 and the components of which first device are shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7. A second of the devices for restraining upward movement of the planks is illustrated in Figures 8 to 12. The device of Figures 2 to 7 comprises a hook 15 having a rectilinear shank \ 6 and a bight 17, the radius of curvature of the bight being at least approximately equal to the external radius of curvature of the horizontal members 14. It will be understood that these members, in the particular example illustrated, are cylindrical. Horizontal members of other forms may be used, in which case the portion 17 of the hook would have a shape different from that illustrated and complementary to that of the members 14. The device further comprises a retainer 18 which includes lateral portions 19 and 20 and an intermediate portion 21. These portions are preferably integral with one another, the retainer being formed from a single piece of strip metal. The lateral portions 19 and 20 are both flat, approximately rectangular and have respective major faces which lie in the same plane. The intermediate portion 21 is offset from the lateral portions in a direction which is a downward direction when the device is in use. | fj There is formed in the intermediate portion 21 of the retainer an aperture 22 through which the shank 16 of the hook extends with sufficient clearance for the hook to be freely slidable through the aperture. Preferably, the aperture is somewhat elongated in a direction parallel to the length of the planks I I. The arrangement may be such that the bight 17 can be | 5 withdrawn through the aperture 22, to separate the hook from the retainer 18. Alternatively, there could be provided on the bight of the hook a formation which prevents withdrawal of the bight through the aperture 22. The device further comprises a connector 23 shown in Figure 6. There is between the hook and the connector an adjustable connection, such that 20 the connector can be adjusted relative to the hook in a direction along the shank 16. The connection may be releasable, so that the connector can be separated from the hook. Alternatively, the hook and connector may be captive with respect to each other. In the example illustrated, this connection is a screw threaded connection. 25 The connector 23 includes a pivot pin 24 in which there is formed a screw threaded through bore, this bore having an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin. A threaded end portion of the shank 16 is screwed into the bore of the pivot pin. The connector further comprises a lever 25 which is carried on the pivot pin 24 for rotation relative thereto 30 about the longitudinal axis of the pivot pin. The lever has a cam surface 26 near to the pivot pin which is eccentric with respect to the axis of the pivot pin and a free end portion 27 which is remote from the pivot pin and serves as a handle of the lever 25. The connector 23 can be turned about the longitudinal axis of the pivot 35 pin 24 between a first condition illustrated by full lines in Figures 3 and 4, through to a second condition illustrated by the broken line in Figure 4 to a third condition illustrated in Figure 2. When the device is in use, the cam surfαce 26 bears on the intermediate portion 21 of the retainer during movement of the connector between its first and third conditions, so that the separation between the retainer and the bight 17 of the hook is varied. When the connector is in its second condition, the bight is spaced downwardly from c the retainer somewhat more than when the connector is in its first condition. The bight may be spaced even further from the retainer when the connector is in its third condition. Webs of the retainer which extend between the Intermediate portion 21 and the lateral portions 1 and 20 have respective concave surfaces presented I Q towards each other to provide between them a space within which the connector 23 can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the shank 16, when the connector is In its second condition. Such rotation of the connector screws the connector along the shank to draw the bight 17 upwardly towards the retainer or to lower the bight from the retainer. In this way, the device . c can be adjusted according to the thickness of the planks 1 1 and of the support 14 so that the connector can subsequently be set in its first condition without the application of excessive force to the connector and so that, when the connector is in its first condition, the planks will be held in firm contact with the support. 20 It will be noted that, when the connector 23 is in its first condition, ft lies between adjacent planks 1 1 and does not protrude above the upper surfaces of these planks. The webs of the retainer prevent rotation of the connector about the axis of the shank 16 when the connector is in its first condition. 25 There is shown in Figure 13 a modified retainer which can be used, in conjunction with the hook of Figure 7 and the connector of Figure 6, to secure a single plank, for example a plank having an edge which is not adjacent to any other plank. Certain parts of the retainer shown in Figure 13 correspond to parts of the retainer hereinbefore described and such 30 corresponding parts are indicated In Figure 13 by like reference numerals with the prefix 2. The preceding description is deemed to apply to such corresponding parts, except for the differences hereinafter mentioned. The retainer of Figure 13 has a single flat lateral portion 220 and, in place of the second lateral portion, a leg 229. At its free end, the leg is 5 formed with a concave surface facing in a direction away from the plane containing the lower surface of the lateral portion 220. This concave surface preferably has a radius of curvature substantially equal to that of the support 14. The length of the leg, measured from said plane, is preferably equal to the thickness of the plank 1 1 with which the retainer is to be used. The leg 229 is connected with the intermediate portion 221 of the retainer by a flanged web 230. A device comprising the connector of Figure 6, the hook of Figure 7 and the retainer of Figure 13 is suitable for securing an upper edge portion of a plank 9 which serves as a toe board. As shown in Figure I , this plank is situated at or adjacent to one lateral extremity of the platform 10 and is arranged with its major faces presented generally horizontally and one minor face resting on one of the boards I I or on the supports 14. The other minor face, generally referred to as an edge, is presented upwardly and is engaged by that web of the retainer which extends between the intermediate portion 22 ! and the lateral portion 220. The plank is trapped between the lateral portion 220 of the retainer and a stanchion 12 to which the retainer is secured by the hook and connector. The retainer of Figure 13 is also suitable for use at the edge of a plank 1 1 which lies adjacent to the stanchions 12. Certain parts of the device shown in Figures 8 to 12 correspond to parts of the device shown in Figures 2 to 7. In Figures 8 to 12, these corresponding parts are indicated by like reference numerals with the prefix I and the preceding description is deemed to apply, except for the differences hereinafter mentioned. The device of Figures 8 to 12 includes a retainer I 18, a hook I 15 and a connector 123. The aperture 22 in the intermediate portion 121 of the connector Is, however, considerably larger than the transverse cross section of the shank I 16 of the hook. The hook and the retainer are connected with one another by a connector 123 shown in Figure I I . There is between the hook and the connector a pin and slot connection, the pin 124 of which is secured in a free-end portion of the shank 1 16 to project therefrom in opposite directions transverse to the plane defined by a longitudinal centreline of the bight I 17 of the hook. The connector 123 is generall channel-shaped, the side walls of the channel being substantially parallel an formed with respective elongated slots 125 into which respective end portion of the pin 124 extend. The pin 124 thus establishes a captive relatio between the hook 1 15 and the connector 123. The pin 124 may be Integra with the shank 1 16 or formed as a separate component which is permanentl secured in an aperture in the shank. Along α major part of Its length, the connector 123 has a uniform cross section, the dimensions of which are slightly smaller than corresponding dimensions of the aperture 122, so that the connector can slide longitudinally within the aperture. At its end remote from the slots 125, the connector is j. formed with laterally projecting abutments 126 which cannot pass through the aperture 22. The abutments establish a captive relation between the connector and the retainer. The abutments are preferably integral with the remainder of the connector, which may be formed as a pressing from strip metal. It will be noted that the slots 125 and abutments 126 are separated by I Λ a distance which exceeds the thickness of the material of which the intermediate portion 121 of the retainer is formed. Furthermore, the slots 125 provide freedom for movement of the pin 24 along these slots. Accordingly, when the abutments 126 rest on the intermediate portion 121 and the remainder of the connector 123 projects downwardly through the 15 aperture 122 and below the retainer, the entire hook 1 15 can be spaced a substantial distance downwardly from the retainer. When the device has this configuration, the bight 1 17 of the hook can be lowered through a gap between adjacent planks 1 1 and then moved horizontally towards a support 14 on which the planks rest and drawn upwardly to engage the downwardly 20 facing surface of the member 14. When the hook is so engaged with the member 14, the lateral portions 1 19 and 120 of the retainer are spaced a considerable distance above the planks I I . Once the hook I 15 has been engaged beneath the member 14, the retainer 1 18 is lowered down the connector 123 so that the shank I 15 enters 25 the aperture 122 and the lateral portions 1 19 and 120 of the retainer come to rest on upwardly facing surfaces of adjacent planks. As the lateral portions move into engagement with the planks, the connector 123 emerges from the aperture 122. The connector can then be turned relative to the hook and the retainer from the first position, which is illustrated by a broken line in Figure 20 9, through an intermediate position into the second position illustrated by full lines in Figures 8 and 9. To facilitate such turning of the connector, the end portion remote from the abutments 126 is chamfered, as shown at 127. When the connector 123 is in its second position, the lengths of the slots 125 extend horizontally and downward movement of the hook I 15 relative to 3 the retainer 1 18 and connector 123 is therefore prevented. The connector can rest on those parts of the intermediate portion 121 which define the boundaries of the aperture 122. When in this position, the connector can be oved horizontally relative to the retainer 1 18 and hook 1 15, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 9, to transfer the pin 124 from first ends of the slots 125 to second ends thereof. When the pin 124 occupies those end portions of the slots 125 which are nearer to the abutments 126, the connector 123 rests on the retainer 1 18 at positions which are spaced apart, on opposite sides of the axis of the pin 124. Accordingly, pressure exerted by the retainer on the connector at these positions cannot turn the connector about the pin 124 towards its first position. To release the boards 1 1 from the horizontal member 14, the connector 123 must first be moved horizontally relative to the hook I 15 and retainer 1 18 to bring the pin 124 into both those end portions of the slots 125 which are furthest from the abutment 126. The connector 123 can then be turned about the axis of the pin 124 into its first position. When the connector is in its first position, it can be dropped through the aperture 22 until the abutments 126 come to rest on the intermediate portion 121. In this way, the hook can be lowered from the horizontal member I 14. It will be noted that, when the device is in use, the axis of the pin 124 is substantially horizontal. It will further be noted that, when the connector 123 is in its second position, neither the connector I 18 nor the hook 1 15 can project upwardly beyond the lateral portions 1 19 and 120 of the retainer. Indeed, the connector and hook lie entirely below those lateral portions and so do not constitute an obstruction on the platform 10. Whilst retainers having lateral portions, each of which can overlap with only a single plank have been described and illustrated, retainers with larger lateral portions capable of overlapping with two planks may be provided. The illustrated retainers may be modified to incorporate two intermediate portions separated by a bridge portion suitable for extending across two planks. With such a retainer, there would be used two hooks and two connectors. It will be noted that the devices hereinbefore described can be released quickly from the supports and that both release and application of the devices does not require the use of tools. The invention may take forms which fall outside the scope of the following claims. Means for carrying into effect the specific features disclosed in the foregoing description, in the following claims and/or in th accompanying drawings may, both separately and in any combination thereof, be utilised for realising the invention.

Claims: CLA1MS:- 1. A structure comprising α plurality of boards in side-by-side, spaced apart relation, a support on which the boards rest and a retainer having at least one lateral portion resting on an upwardly facing surface of one of said boards and a further portion disposed beside said one board, the retainer being connected with the support in a manner to restrain upward movement of the retainer relative to the support. 2. A structure according to Claim I wherein the retainer has two lateral portions overlapped with respective boards and an intermediate portion I o disposed between the boards. 3. A structure according to Claim I or Claim 2 wherein the retainer is connected with a hook engaged beneath the support and the hook lies entirely below the lateral portion or portions of the retainer. 15 4. A device for use in a structure according to Claim I , the device comprising a hook having a bight to engage under a horizontal support for the planks, a retainer to engage an upwardly facing surface of a plank and a connector to connect the hook and the retainer, the connector being settable 20 in a first condition to maintain a closer relation between the bight of the hook and the retainer and in a second condition to release the hook and retainer from the closer relation and permit limited movement of the retainer away from the bight of the hook. 25 5. A device according to Claim 4 wherein the connector is settable in a selected one of said first and second conditions by turning of the connector about an axis which is normally horizontal in use. 6. A device according to Claim 4 or Claim 5 wherein there is between the 30 connector and the hook an adjustable connection. 7. A device according to Claim 6 wherein a shank of the hook is screwed into the connector. 8. A device according to Claim 5 wherein the connector, when in its first condition, is slidable relative to the retainer and hook to a position in which the connector engages the retainer at two positions on opposite sides of said axis. 9. A device according to any one of Claims 4 to 8 wherein the hook, retainer and connector are mutually captive. 10. A device according to Claim 9, as appendant to Claim 8, wherein the retainer defines an opening which the connector can enter to enable the retainer to move along the connector. 1 1. A method of assembling a platform wherein a plurality of boards are rested on a support in side-by-side spaced apart relation, a hook is engaged with an underside of the support, a retainer is engaged with an upwardly facing surface of at least one of said boards and a connector is set in a gap between said one board and an adjacent board to prevent mutual separation of the hook and retainer. 12. A device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 2 to 7 of the accompanying drawings. 13. A device substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in Figures 8 to 12 of the accompanying drawings. 14. A scaffold substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein and/or shown in the accompanying drawings.

Inventors: MAYO TERENCE, PITCHER ALAN V, MAYO, TERENCE, PITCHER, ALAN, V.
Applicants: EDWARD ROSE BIRMINGHAM LIMITED, EDWARD ROSE (BIRMINGHAM) LIMITED
Application year: 1985
Main classification: E04G7
IPC codes: E04G7