Platform for a scaffold and method for dismantling the platform from the scaffold

Abstract

Platform for a scaffold, comprising a longitudinal walkable surface (2), a cross-member (4) at each end of the walkable surface (2), at least one hook (9) on each cross-member (4) adapted for coupling the platform (1) to a respective cross beam (22) of the scaffold (20), and an anti-lifting device (11) on each cross member (4) configured to hold the platform (1) in a locked position against the respective cross beam (22), the anti-lifting device (11) comprising at least one elongated part which holds the cross beam. The elongated part comprises a notch which cooperates with a retaining surface of the cross member (4) to retain the anti-lifting device (11) against the cross member (4) in a release position allowing the release of the platform (1) with respect to the corresponding cross beam. Method for dismantling the platform from the scaffold.

Description

TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0001] The present invention relates to a platform for a scaffold and to a method for dismantling the platform from the scaffold.PRIOR ART

[0002] Scaffold platforms are generally placed on horizontal scaffold supports using hooks. The platforms must be secured to the horizontal supports to prevent them from being lifted and / or disengaged, especially in windy conditions, thus avoiding serious accidents. In order to secure the platforms to the horizontal supports, various anti-lifting devices have been used in the state of the art.

[0003] EP1795671A1 describes a scaffolding system comprising a platform, hooks for securing the platform, and locking means that can be manually disengaged to allow the platform to be intentionally released, but adapted to allow it to be re-engaged when the platform is repositioned. The locking means comprise elastic means.

[0004] EP2132388A1 discloses a scaffolding platform comprising an anti-lifting safety device formed by means of a swivel lever so that by manual rotation around a vertical axis the position of the platform on a horizontal support can be locked or the platform can be removed from the horizontal support. In the course of the manual turning of the safety swivel lever around its swivel axis, an elastic locking element causes a positive engagement of the safety swivel lever in a profile at the front end of the platform, so that the safety swivel lever can only be swivelled back from its locked or anti-lifting position to the open position by applying a higher swivel force.

[0005] WO2019076855A1 describes a scaffolding platform with an anti-lifting device designed as an interlocking hook. In a locked position, the anti-lifting device is arranged so that its free ends are in contact with a cross beam of the scaffold. The slack mounting of the anti-lifting device allows upward and downward movements of the anti-lifting device, whereby the anti-lifting device can be selectively activated and deactivated. In addition, the anti-lifting device is provided with a projection which limits the upward and downward movement of the anti-lifting device when it butts against the platform supports. In this way, the anti-lifting device is prevented from detaching from a cross beam of the platform.DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a platform for a scaffold and a method for dismantling the platform from the scaffold, as defined in the claims.

[0007] A first aspect of the invention relates to a platform for a scaffold, comprising a walkable surface extending longitudinally, a cross member extending transversely to the walkable surface at each end of the walkable surface, at least one hook on each cross member adapted for coupling the platform to a respective cross beam of the scaffold, and an anti-lifting device on each cross-member configured to, in a locked position, hold the platform against the respective scaffold cross-member when the platform is mounted on the scaffold, the anti-lifting device comprising at least one elongated part which crosses the cross-member and holds the scaffold cross-member in the locked position.

[0008] The anti-lifting device comprises, in the elongated part, a notch that cooperates with a cross-member retaining surface to retain the anti-lifting device against the cross-member in a release position that allows the platform to be released with respect to the corresponding cross-member.

[0009] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for dismantling the platform of the invention from the scaffold. The method for dismantling the platform according to the invention comprises the steps of: moving the anti-lifting device at one end of the platform to the release position, moving the anti-lifting device at the other end of the platform to the release position, and raising the platform to separate the platform hooks from the respective scaffold cross beams, releasing the platform from the respective cross beams.

[0010] In this way, a platform is obtained with anti-lifting devices which, once positioned in the release position, remain in that position, enabling the operator to lift the platform away from the cross beams from the centre of the platform or from any point on the platform. Considering the length of the platforms and their weight, with the platform according to the invention, the operator has to make much less effort to dismantle the platform as it is not necessary, after releasing one of the anti-lifting devices, to lift the platform from that end, The operator does not have to lift the platform from that end and load it until he reaches the other end where the anti-lifting device holds the platform and releases the anti-lifting device to separate the end of the corresponding cross beam as in the prior art because otherwise the initially released anti-lifting device returns to the locking position by gravity, locking the end of the platform again.

[0011] On the other hand, the platform's anti-lifting devices can be used as a handle for handling the platform, preventing operators from getting their fingers caught when placing the platform on the scaffolding and making it easier for the operator to transport it to other points on the construction site.

[0012] Furthermore, the operator can easily check whether the anti-lifting devices are correctly positioned in the locked position, because if they are not, the anti-lifting devices protrude above the walking surface, which is visible from any point and is noticeable to the operator standing on the walking surface because it disturbs the walking surface.

[0013] These and other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent in view of the figures and the detailed description of the invention.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a scaffold with a platform according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the platform shown in figure 1. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of the platform shown in detail in figure 2. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an anti-lifting means of the platform shown in detail in figure 2. Figure 5 shows another side view of the anti-lifting means of the platform shown in detail in figure 2. Figure 6 shows a detail view of the scaffold of figure 1 with the platform in a locked position. Figure 7 shows a detail view of the scaffold of figure 1 with the platform in a released position. DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Figure 1 shows a scaffold 20 comprising columns 21, cross beams 22 (only a cross beam is shown), and at least a platform 1 according to the invention coupled to the corresponding cross beams 22, each platform 1 being fitted between two corresponding cross beams 22.

[0016] The platform 1, shown in detail in figures 2 and 3, comprises a walkable surface 2 extending in a longitudinal direction, and cross members 4 extending transversely to the walkable surface 2. Each cross member 4 is arranged fixed to one end of the walkable surface 2. Each cross member 4 comprises hooks 9 adapted to couple the platform 1 to the scaffold 20 between two cross beams 22. When the platform 1 is mounted on the scaffold 20, the hooks 9 embrace the respective cross beams 22. The hooks 9 are arranged facing downwards during the use of the platform 1. The hooks 9 are U-shaped defining a space 9b in which the respective cross beam 22 is accommodated with an opening 9a facing downwards when the platform 1 is coupled to the cross beams 22.

[0017] The platform 1 comprises flanks 3 extending longitudinally on each side of the walkable surface 2. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the walkable surface 2 and the flanks 3 form a profile made of sheet metal, preferably profiled. In other embodiments, however, the sidewalls 3 may be extruded parts welded to the walking surface 2.

[0018] Each crossbar 4 comprises an upper surface 6 and a lower surface 7 extending in the transverse direction, a front surface 5, and side surfaces 8. Each cross member 4 is arranged at least partially under the walkable surface 2. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cross member 4 is fixed to the walkable surface 2 through the upper surface 6. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the cross member 4 is made of sheet metal.

[0019] The platform 1 comprises anti-lifting devices 11 configured to, when the platform 1 is mounted on the scaffold 20 coupled to the corresponding cross beams 22, keep the platform 1 restrained against the corresponding cross beams 22, such position being referred to as the locked position. The anti-lifting devices 11 prevent the platform 1 from being accidentally dismantled by a gust of wind or for any other undesired reason. Furthermore, once the hooks 9 embrace the cross beams 22, the corresponding anti-lifting device 11 automatically moves into the locked position without the operator having to move it into that position.

[0020] Each anti-lifting device 11 comprises at least one elongated part 12 and 13 which passes through the cross member 4 and retains the cross beam 22 in the locked position. In the elongated part 12 and 13, the anti-lifting device 11 comprises a notch 15 or indentation that cooperates with a retaining surface 19 of the cross member 4 so that the anti-lifting device 11 is retained against the cross member 4 in a position that allows the release of the platform with respect to the cross beam 22, said position being the release position. The notch 15 comprises two surfaces 15a and 15b, one of the surfaces being a substantially flat surface 15a followed by an inclined surface 15b. Both surfaces 15a and 15b are adapted to keep the anti-lifting device 11 retained against the retaining surface 19 of the cross beam 4 in the locked position.

[0021] The anti-lifting device 11, shown in detail in figures 4 and 5, comprises a stop 14 contiguous to the corresponding elongated part 12 and 13, and configured to keep the anti-lifting device 11 engaged to the cross member 4 when butting against an upper surface of the cross member 4 or against the walkable surface 2. The elongated part 12 and 13 comprises a first zone 12a and 13a comprising the notch 15 and arranged contiguous and orthogonal to the stop 14. The elongated part 12 and 13 comprises a second zone 12c and 13c extending at an angle to the first zone 12a and 13a. In the locking position, shown in detail in figure 6, the first zone 12a and 13a is arranged housed inside the cross member 4 and at least part of the second zone 12c and 13c is arranged outside the cross member 4 and in contact with the cross beam 22 retaining the cross beam 22 against the corresponding hook 9.

[0022] The crossbar 4 comprises at least one opening 17 on the upper surface 6 and at least one opening 18 on the lower surface 7, the elongated part 12 and 13 traversing the corresponding crossbar 4 through both openings 17 and 18. In the release position, shown in detail in figure 7, the first zone 12a and 13a extends at an angle to the front surface 5 of the cross member 4, being disposed at least partially outside the cross member 4, and the second zone 12c and 13c is mainly housed inside the cross member 4, so that it does not contact the cross beam 22 and the corresponding hooks 9 can be released from the cross beam 22. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the openings 17 and 18 also extend over the front surface 5, the retaining surface 19 being arranged on the front surface 5.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the anti-lifting device 11 is hook-shaped, with two parallel elongated parts 12 and 13 joined together through the stop 14, each elongated part 12 and 13 including a corresponding notch 15.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for dismantling a platform 1 according to the invention from a scaffold 20. The method comprises the steps of: moving the anti-lifting device 11 at one end of the platform 1 from the locked position to the release position, moving the anti-lifting device 11 at the other end of the platform 1 from the locked position to the release position, and raising the platform 1 to separate the hooks 9 of the platform 1 from the respective scaffold cross beams 22 of the scaffold 20, releasing the platform 1 from the respective cross beams 22.

[0025] When the anti-lifting devices 11 are arranged in the released position, they remain in that position until the operator acts on them again. In this way the operator can raise the platform 1 by exerting a force from any area of the lower surface 2a of the walkable surface 2, preferably from the central part so that he has to exert the minimum effort.

[0026] Before separating the platform 1 from the cross beams 22 of the scaffold 20, all anti-lifting devices 11 securing the platform 1 to the scaffold 20 are set to the release position. Subsequently, the platform 1 is lifted relative to the cross beams 22.

[0027] The described features and / or aspects of the platform are also valid and applicable to the disassembly method of the platform and / or vice versa, the described features and / or aspects of the method are also valid and applicable to the platform.

Claims

1. Platform for a scaffold, comprising a walking surface (2) extending longitudinally, a cross-member (4) extending transversely to the walking surface (2) at each end of the walking surface (2), at least one hook (9) on each cross-member (4) adapted for coupling the platform (1) to a respective cross beam (22) of the scaffold (20), and an anti-lifting device (11) on each cross member (4) configured to, in a locked position, hold the platform (1) against the respective cross beam (22) of the scaffold (20) when the platform (1) is mounted on the scaffold (20), the anti-lifting device (11) comprising at least one elongated part (12,13) that crosses the cross member (4) and holds the cross beam (22) of the scaffolding (20) in the locked position, characterised in that the anti-lifting device (11) comprises, in the elongated part (12,13), a notch (15) that cooperates with a retaining surface (19) of the cross-member (4) to retain the anti-lifting device (11) against the cross-member (4) in a release position that allows the release of the platform (1) with respect to the corresponding cross-member (22).

2. Platform according to the preceding claim, wherein the anti-lifting device (11) comprises a stop (14) contiguous to the corresponding elongated part (12,13), and configured to keep the anti-lifting device (11) attached to the cross member (4) by butting against an upper surface (19) of the cross member (4) or against the walkable surface (2).

3. Platform according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the notch (15) comprises angled surfaces (15a,15b) adapted to retain the anti-lifting device (11) retained against the retaining surface (19) of the crossbar (4) in the locking position.

4. Platform according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each elongated part (12,13) comprises at least a first zone (12a,13a) comprising the notch (15), the first zone (12a,13a) being contiguous and orthogonal to the stop (14), and a second zone (12c,13c) at an angle to the first zone (12a,13a), the second zone (12c,13c) being arranged in the locked position in contact with the cross beam (22) holding the cross beam (22) against the corresponding hook (9).

5. Platform according to the preceding claim, wherein the first zone (12a, 13a) is arranged inside the cross member (4) in the locked position, and extends at least partially outside the cross member (4) in the released position, at an angle to the walkable surface (2).

6. Platform according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the crossbar (4) comprises at least one opening (17,18) through which the elongated part (12,13) of the anti-lifting device (11) passes through the crossbar (4), the retaining surface (19) of the anti-lifting device (11) being a surface bounding the opening (17,18).

7. Platform according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-lifting device (11) is hook-shaped, with two parallel elongated parts (12,13) connected to each other through the stop (14) each of which includes the corresponding notch (15).

8. Scaffolding comprising a plurality of platforms (1) according to any of the preceding claims, each of them fitted between two corresponding cross beams (22).

9. Method for dismantling the platform (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7 from the scaffold (20), characterised in that it comprises the steps of: • moving the anti-lifting device (11) at one end of the platform (1) to the release position, • moving the anti-lifting device (11) at the other end of the platform (1) to the release position, and • raising the platform (1) to separate the hooks (9) of the platform (1) from the respective scaffold cross beams (22) of the scaffold (20), releasing the platform (1) from the respective cross beams (22).

10. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein, before raising the platform (1), all anti-lifting devices (11) securing the platform (1) to the scaffold (20) are brought into the release position.

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