Stackable, self-leveling scaffold base with automatic tilt compensation

Abstract

A stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700), characterized in that the scaffold base comprises: - a lower unit (102, 402); - an upper unit (104, 404) with a pivoting support surface (110); - a connecting element configured to connect the lower unit (102, 402) and the upper unit (104, 404); - a plurality of, preferably at least three, raised guides (108A-D, 408A-D) on the upper unit (104, 404), wherein the plurality of raised guides (108A-D, 408A-D) serves as a stacking aid for safely stacking several scaffold bases (100, 400, 700); wherein the scaffold base (100, 400, 700) further comprises a hemispherical connection (202, 502) which allows automatic tilt compensation of the pivotable support surface (110) on uneven and / or inclined surfaces and floors, thus ensuring stability for a scaffold foot on uneven and / or inclined surfaces / floors.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to scaffolding systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to a stackable, self-leveling scaffolding base that ensures consistent load transfer, automatic stepless tilt compensation, and central positioning of the scaffolding foot, thereby improving stability and ease of assembly, especially on uneven or inclined surfaces. Additionally, the scaffolding base according to the invention includes devices that make it stackable, thus improving its transportability and storage. BACKGROUND

[0002] Scaffolding systems must be erected on stable, uneven, or sloping surfaces, as required by regulations and manufacturer guidelines. However, this is problematic with conventional scaffolding systems on uneven and / or sloping surfaces such as floors or paving. Traditionally, scaffold bases require additional support, such as planks or wedges, to ensure a stable foundation on sloping or uneven terrain and to properly distribute the load. These measures are not only time-consuming but also require the constant availability of various wedges or planks to adapt to specific ground conditions. Furthermore, expertise in (re)positioning and alignment is always necessary. A properly aligned scaffold base is crucial for the effective and safe transfer of weight and forces to the ground.Otherwise, there is a risk that the scaffold feet will break, deform, or tip over under heavy loads, potentially leading to structural failure and compromising the overall safety of the scaffold. The latter can result in personal injury and / or damage to the building facade, which must be prevented.

[0003] Typical state-of-the-art scaffold feet consist of a screw rod, an adjusting nut, and a pressure plate, allowing the screw rod to be manually adjusted to different heights. Conventional wooden wedges / supports are typically used as scaffold bases, but these are inherently rigid, offering little to no flexibility and, for example, no adjustment options for sloping and / or uneven surfaces / floors. Thus, for instance, angles in the scaffold base cannot be adjusted.

[0004] Furthermore, state-of-the-art wooden wedges / supports still require manual intervention by a specialist, for example to adjust and lock the screw rod of the scaffold foot, which makes them less efficient when frequent adjustments to uneven surfaces / slopes are necessary. Another conventional approach involves height-adjustable scaffolds designed for inclined surfaces, which use, for example, sliding grooves, blocks, and adjustable screw mechanisms.

[0005] Furthermore, scaffold feet with an integrated tilt angle already exist. However, this can only be adjusted statically in one direction. Additionally, stability still needs to be individually ensured using wooden wedges / supports.

[0006] The prior art also describes plastic supports intended to replace the conventional wooden support / wedge. However, these supports again do not allow for angle adjustment.

[0007] Other state-of-the-art angle supports do allow for manual adjustment of the tilt angle, but only in one direction. Manual alignment is always necessary, and these conventional angle supports cannot be stacked safely for transport.

[0008] While these engineered designs address stability on inclined surfaces, they require additional components and increased manual adjustments to ensure consistent positioning. Although these designs offer versatility to adapt to various construction scenarios, they necessitate continuous manual intervention to compensate for uneven or sloping terrain, which is not ideal for efficient and rapid setup. A significant limitation of existing designs, for example, is their reliance on screw-based mechanisms that must be manually locked to guarantee stability. This requires additional effort and time, and carries the risk of improper adjustment, which can compromise safety.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need to address the aforementioned technical disadvantages of existing technologies for an improved scaffold base design that can automatically adapt to various slopes of a substrate / ground and provide a safe and stable hold - without (continuous) manual intervention by a professional. SUMMARY

[0010] The present disclosure aims to provide an innovative and advantageous solution for the assembly of scaffolding, particularly on inclined and / or uneven surfaces / bases / floors. This innovation overcomes the significant limitations of traditional methods, which rely on time-consuming manual adjustments and external supports such as wooden wedges / supports. By eliminating the need for such cumbersome practices, the proposed scaffolding base with automatic tilt compensation ("self-adjustment" or "self-leveling") ensures an optimized scaffolding assembly process, improving both efficiency and safety in construction site environments. The invention aims to provide a more efficient and user-friendly solution for the assembly of scaffolding, particularly on inclined and / or uneven surfaces.It overcomes the shortcomings of traditional methods that rely on manual adjustments and external supports, such as wooden wedges / shoulders or similar, by providing a scaffold base with an integrated hemispherical connection. This self-leveling connection, through automatic tilt compensation, allows for self-alignment of the scaffold base angle in all directions. This feature automatically compensates for slopes in the ground, ensuring consistent and optimally aligned force transmission to the ground at all times – without the need for manual angle adjustments. This also enables even a layperson to securely erect scaffolding on uneven and / or sloping surfaces, further enhancing scaffold safety.

[0011] The scaffold base according to the invention enables easy, one-handed assembly, making setup faster and safer. Furthermore, the scaffold foot is always centrally positioned on the scaffold base by means of a centering element, which is crucial for effective load distribution.

[0012] In one embodiment, the scaffold base preferably consists of a weather-resistant material, which ensures durability under various environmental conditions, and can alternatively or additionally be made from a recycled material, which offers a sustainable alternative.

[0013] In one embodiment, the self-leveling scaffold base is also stackable for safe transport. Due to its low weight, this enhances the stackability of the scaffold base, making it lighter, more cost-effective, and overall more advantageous than existing products on the market.

[0014] The technical objectives of the present invention are achieved by the solutions provided in the independent claims. Advantageous implementations of the present disclosure are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] Accordingly, the present invention generally provides a stackable, lightweight and optionally weatherproof / recyclable scaffold base designed to improve the assembly and stability of scaffolds on uneven or inclined surfaces / substrates / floors.

[0016] The scaffold base features uniformly sized components, ensuring consistent performance and reliable force transmission across all installations. Furthermore, the uniform dimensions contribute to the overall stability of the structure by ensuring that weight and forces are evenly distributed, which is crucial for maintaining safety and structural integrity on uneven and / or inclined surfaces.

[0017] In particular, the scaffold base features a hemispherical connection that enables automatic tilt compensation, eliminating the need for manual (continuous) angle adjustments. This allows a user to easily assemble the scaffold base, even with one hand, and more quickly and therefore more efficiently, significantly reducing setup time and effort.

[0018] In one aspect, a stackable scaffold base is provided according to the invention. In one embodiment, the stackable scaffold base comprises a lower unit, an upper unit, and a connecting element configured to connect the lower unit to the upper unit, as well as a plurality of, preferably at least three, raised guides on the upper unit. The plurality of raised guides serves as a stacking aid for the secure stacking of multiple scaffold bases.

[0019] In one embodiment, the scaffold base comprises a hemispherical connection that enables automatic compensation of inclinations (self-adjustment or self-leveling), thus ensuring stability on uneven and / or sloping terrain.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lower unit comprises a circular flat surface with a raised rim around its circumference.

[0021] In one embodiment, the lower unit further comprises a hemispherical structure with a second opening configured for connection to the connecting element.

[0022] In one embodiment, the lower unit comprises a non-slip base or profile that prevents the scaffold base from slipping on a surface / floor.

[0023] In one embodiment, the upper unit comprises a support surface that can be pivoted in all directions and is configured to pivot for various angles in order to freely adjust the position of the scaffold base and to adapt to different angles of inclination of uneven and / or sloping terrain.

[0024] In one embodiment, the upper unit further comprises a first opening that allows the connecting element to pass through the upper unit.

[0025] In one embodiment, the upper unit comprises a centering element, preferably a projecting centering rib, which helps to center the scaffold foot on the scaffold base according to the invention and also serves as a stacking aid.

[0026] In one embodiment, the stackable scaffold base optionally consists of a weather-resistant material capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, including humidity and temperature fluctuations.

[0027] In one embodiment, the scaffold base has, for example, a uniform height of 55 mm and a surface diameter of 50 mm, designed to provide consistent load distribution and stability. These dimensions are purely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0028] The invention further ensures consistent and effective load transfer by placing and holding a scaffold foot centrally on a centering element, preferably a projecting centering rib. This technical design guarantees that the weight and force of the scaffold foot are evenly distributed across a base / the ground, thus improving the stability and safety of the scaffold structure. In addition, the scaffold base is made of durable, optionally weather-resistant materials, enabling long-term use under various environmental conditions. The option of using recycled materials also offers a sustainability advantage for the product.

[0029] The scaffold base also incorporates a stackable design, facilitated by numerous raised guides to prevent slippage during transport. This feature enables the safe transport of multiple units, making it practical and efficient for construction applications. Overall, the invention offers an advanced solution for consistent load transfer, easy assembly, automatic tilt compensation, and sustainability, addressing the shortcomings of existing products on the market.

[0030] In one embodiment, the scaffold base according to the invention can be manufactured in various colors and / or patterns. This allows the scaffold base to be adapted to individual company branding, for example. Furthermore, signal colors can be implemented, for example for public areas or for nighttime operation, to further increase the safety of the scaffold base according to the invention.

[0031] Furthermore, in one embodiment, different material uses and / or combinations can be used to address specific customer requirements.

[0032] These and other aspects of the embodiments described herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that although the following descriptions specify preferred embodiments and numerous details, they are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. Many changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the embodiments described herein, and the embodiments described herein encompass all such modifications. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The embodiments described herein are better understood with reference to the following detailed description and the drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a stackable, self-leveling scaffold base with automatic tilt compensation and centralized load transfer according to the present disclosure. Fig. 2 the lower unit of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. 1 according to the present disclosure with a hemispherical connection. Fig. 3 the upper unit of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. 1 according to the present disclosure showing a pivotable support surface. Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base according to the invention with automatic tilt compensation and centralized load transfer. Fig. 5 the lower unit of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. 4 according to the present disclosure shows with a hemispherical connection. Fig. 6 the upper unit of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. Figure 4 according to the present disclosure shows a pivotable support surface. Fig. 7 an exemplary side view of three stackable, self-leveling scaffold bases from Fig. Figure 1 shows three scaffold bases stacked on top of each other, as shown in the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DISCLOSURE

[0034] The embodiments described herein, along with their various features and advantageous details, are explained in greater detail with reference to the non-limiting embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. The examples used here are intended only to facilitate understanding of how the embodiments described herein can be applied and to enable those skilled in the art to apply them. Accordingly, the examples should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0035] The present invention of an innovative scaffold base with self-leveling tilt compensation offers a technical solution that overcomes the problems encountered in the prior art and is designed for stability and ease of use on uneven or inclined surfaces / substrates / floors. By integrating a hemispherical connection between an upper and a lower unit, the invention enables automatic, self-leveling tilt compensation of the bearing surface of the upper unit of the scaffold base, thus eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments that often lead to safety risks. This latter feature makes the scaffold base according to the invention particularly suitable for laypersons.The implementation of a hemispherical, i.e., semi-spherical, connection in the scaffold base according to the invention not only improves the efficiency of assembly, but also ensures that the scaffold foot always remains centered on its base, which is crucial for a uniform weight distribution that adapts to the ground conditions.

[0036] In one embodiment, the lower profile of the lower unit of the scaffold base according to the invention is designed in such a way that it has a "slip-resistant" effect on various surfaces / floors.

[0037] Now, regarding Fig. 1: Fig. Figure 1 shows a stackable, self-leveling scaffold base with automatic tilt compensation and centralized load transfer for a scaffold foot according to the present disclosure. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base 100 comprises a lower unit 102, an upper unit 104, a centralizing unit 112 (shown as a centralizing rib), and a plurality of raised guides 108A-D; the latter to facilitate stacking, storage, and transport. The lower unit 102 and the upper unit 104 are connected to each other by a hemispherical connection (not shown here) such that the bearing surface 110 of the upper unit 104 is designed to pivot in all directions in order to assume angular dimensions in a self-leveling manner.The upper unit 104 is equipped with a pivoting support surface 110, which can be pivoted / rotated to self-level the position of the scaffold base 100 to accommodate slopes and / or uneven terrain, thus ensuring precise alignment at all times – without manual adjustments. This eliminates the need for manual angle adjustments, a common problem with conventional scaffold assemblies. In this embodiment, the upper unit 104 includes a first opening 106 to allow a connecting element of the hemispherical connection of the lower unit 102 to pass through it. The multiple raised guides 108A-D serve as stacking aids, in addition to the centering unit 112. This makes the scaffold bases 100 stackable without slippage, ensuring that they can be safely stored and transported without shifting or tipping over.According to the invention, a scaffold foot is always positioned centrally on the scaffold base 100 via the centering unit 112, which is important for effective force transmission. The stackable scaffold base 100 preferably consists of a weather-resistant, optionally recyclable material designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature fluctuations, which would otherwise degrade wood-based support devices such as wedges.

[0038] Now, regarding Fig. 2: Fig. Figure 2 shows the lower unit 102 of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. 1 according to the present disclosure. The lower unit 102 comprises a circular flat surface with a raised rim around its circumference. The lower unit 102 includes a hemispherical connection 202 in the center with a second opening 204. The hemispherical connection 202 with the second opening 204 is connected to the upper unit by means of a suitable connecting element.

[0039] Now, regarding Fig. 3: Fig. Figure 3 shows the upper unit 104 of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. 1 according to the present disclosure. The upper unit 104 comprises the pivotable support surface 110, the plurality of raised guides 108A-D and the centering unit 112 with a first opening.

[0040] Now, regarding Fig. 4: Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of a stackable, self-leveling scaffold base with automatic tilt compensation and centralized load transfer according to the present invention. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base 400 comprises a lower unit 402, an upper unit 404 with a pivotable support surface, a centralizing element 412 with a first opening 406, and a plurality of raised guides 408A-D.

[0041] The lower unit 402 and the upper unit 404 are connected to each other by a suitable connecting element such that the bearing surface of the upper unit 404 pivots freely on the hemispherical connection of the lower unit 402 (not visible here) in such a way that the bearing surface can assume various angles on its own. The upper unit 404 includes a first opening 406 to guide the connecting element to the lower unit 402 through the upper unit 404. The multiple raised guides 408A-D serve as stacking aids to make the scaffold base stackable, stowable, and transportable. This allows several scaffold bases 400 to be stacked and ensures that they can be safely stored and transported without slipping or falling over. A scaffold foot is always positioned centrally on the pivotable bearing surface of the scaffold base 400, with a centering element 412, e.g.,A centering rib is used, which is important for effective force transmission. The Scaffold Base 400 incorporates an internal hemispherical connection (not visible here) that provides automatic tilt compensation, ensuring stability even on uneven or sloping ground. This eliminates the need for manual angle adjustments, a common problem with conventional scaffolding structures. The stackable Scaffold Base 400 is preferably made of a weather-resistant, optionally recyclable material designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature fluctuations that would otherwise degrade wood-based scaffold bases.

[0042] Now, regarding Fig. 5: Fig. 5 the lower unit 402 of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. 4 according to the present disclosure. The lower unit 402 comprises a circular flat surface with a raised rim around its circumference. The lower unit 402 includes a hemispherical connection 502 in the center with a second opening 504. The hemispherical structure 502 with the second opening 504 is connected to the upper unit by a suitable connecting means.

[0043] Now, regarding Fig. 6: Fig. Figure 6 shows the upper unit 404 of the stackable, self-leveling scaffold base of Fig. 4 according to the present disclosure. The upper unit 404 comprises a plurality of the raised guides 408A-D and the centering element 412 together with the first opening. In addition, the circular pivotable support surface around the centering element 412 is shown.

[0044] Fig. Figure 7 shows an exemplary side view of three stackable, self-leveling scaffold bases according to the invention. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 7 shows the lower unit 102, the upper unit 104, the swiveling support surface 110, the centering element 112, and raised guides, e.g. 108C. Fig. Figure 7 demonstrates how the scaffold bases can be stacked vertically by means of the interplay between centering element 112 and the multitude of raised guides, e.g. 108C.

[0045] The preceding description of the specific embodiments will disclose the general nature of the embodiments contained herein so completely that others, applying current knowledge, will be able to easily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications without departing from the general concept. Such adaptations and modifications should be, and are intended to be, understood as being in the sense and within the scope of the equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the terminology used in this document serves to describe, not to limit, the scope. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments contained herein can be implemented with modifications in the spirit and within the scope of the appended claims. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 100, 400, 700 stackable, self-leveling scaffold base 102, 402 lower unit 104, 404 upper unit 112, 412 Centering element 108A-D, 408A-D Variety of raised guides 110 swiveling support surface 106, 406 first opening 202, 502 hemispherical connection 204, 504 second opening

[0046] In the above context, the present invention also relates to the following consecutively numbered embodiments: 1. A stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700), characterized in that the scaffold base comprises: - a lower unit (102, 402); - an upper unit (104, 404) with a pivoting support surface (110); - a connecting element configured to connect the lower unit (102, 402) and the upper unit (104, 404); - a plurality of, preferably at least three, raised guides (108A-D, 408A-D) on the upper unit (104, 404), wherein the plurality of raised guides (108A-D, 408A-D) serves as a stacking aid for safely stacking multiple scaffold bases (100, 400, 700); wherein the scaffold base (100, 400, 700) further comprises a hemispherical connection (202, 502) which allows automatic tilt compensation of the pivotable support surface (110) on uneven and / or inclined surfaces and floors, thus ensuring stability for a scaffold foot on uneven and / or inclined surfaces / floors. 2. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to embodiment 1, characterized in that the lower unit (102, 402) comprises a circular flat surface with a raised rim around its circumference. 3. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper unit (104, 404) comprises a centering element (112, 412), preferably with a first opening (106, 406), more preferably the centering element (112, 412) is designed as a centering rib. 4. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to one of embodiments 1 to 3, characterized in that the hemispherical connection (202, 504) comprises a second opening (204, 504). 5. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to one of embodiments 1 to 4, characterized in that the pivotable support surface (110) of the upper unit (104, 404) is configured to pivot at various angles in order to continuously adapt the position of the scaffold base (100, 400, 700) to slopes on uneven and / or inclined ground or uneven / sloping terrain. 6. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to one of the preceding embodiments 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting element connects the upper unit (104, 404) and the lower unit (102, 104) to each other through at least two openings such that the connecting element can pass through the openings. 7. The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to one of the preceding embodiments, characterized in that the stackable scaffold base (100, 400, 700) is made of a weather-resistant material, wherein the material is optionally recyclable, which is able to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Claims

[1] A stackable, self-levelling scaffold base (100, 400, 700), characterized in that the scaffold base comprises: - a lower unit (102, 402); - an upper unit (104, 404) with a pivotable support surface (110); - a connecting element configured to interconnect the lower unit (102, 402) and the upper unit (104, 404); - a plurality of, preferably at least three, raised guides (108A-D, 408A-D) on the upper unit (104, 404), wherein the plurality of raised guides (108A-D, 408A-D) serve as a stacking aid for securely stacking a plurality of scaffold bases (100, 400, 700); wherein the scaffold base (100, 400, 700) further comprises a hemispherical connection (202, 502) which allows automatic tilt compensation of the pivotable support surface (110) on uneven and / or inclined surfaces and floors, thus ensuring stability for a scaffold base on uneven and / or inclined surfaces / floors. [2] The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) of claim 1, characterized in that the lower unit (102, 402) comprises a circular flat surface with a raised rim around its periphery. [3] The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the upper unit (104, 404) comprises a centering element (112, 412), preferably with a first opening (106, 406), more preferably the centering element (112, 412) is designed as a centering rib. [4] The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hemispherical connection (202, 504) comprises a second opening (204, 504). [5] The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the pivotable support surface (110) of the upper unit (104, 404) is configured to pivot at various angular rates in order to continuously adapt the position of the scaffold base (100, 400, 700) to slopes on uneven and / or inclined ground or uneven / inclined terrain. [6] The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting element connects the upper unit (104, 404) and the lower unit (102, 104) to each other through at least two openings such that the connecting element can pass through the openings. [7] The stackable, self-leveling scaffold base (100, 400, 700) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the stackable scaffold base (100, 400, 700) is made of a weather-resistant material, the material being optionally recyclable, capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, including humidity and temperature fluctuations.

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