Scaffolding member, manufacturing method thereof, scaffolding structure, and kit of parts for scaffolding structure

Abstract

A scaffolding element (100) with thermal insulation, said scaffolding element (100) comprising a frame (110) of metal braces (111) and a set of fastening means (120) arranged to fasten said scaffolding element (100) to a support structure (20) of a scaffolding structure (10). The invention is characterized in that said scaffolding element (100) further comprises blocks (130) of thermal insulation, said blocks (130) being cast around said frame (110) so that said frame (110) is completely covered by said thermal insulation, but said fastening means (120) are not covered by said thermal insulation. The invention also relates to a manufacturing method and a kit of parts.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a scaffolding element and a method for manufacturing the same, more particularly to such an insulated scaffolding element, the invention also relates to a scaffolding structure comprising such a scaffolding element, and further to a kit of parts comprising such a scaffolding element. [Background technology]

[0002] Scaffolding structures are widely used on construction and renovation sites. They are often several stories tall, and workers spend long periods of time on and in these temporary structures. Therefore, providing adequate weather protection for scaffolding structures is a challenge.

[0003] Traditionally, windbreaks have been installed using plastic membranes, but locations away from the equator still face challenges with low temperatures and humidity, especially during cold seasons. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems with providing insulated scaffolding structures is that the insulation itself is bulky and heavy. Because scaffolding structures are usually tested and approved for specific, well-defined uses, adding a lot of weight generally invalidates such approval.

[0005] Another problem with insulating scaffolding structures is that it is complex and it may be difficult to achieve a satisfactory level of fire safety.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention therefore relates to a scaffolding element provided with thermal insulation, said scaffolding element comprising a metal braced frame and a set of fastening means arranged to secure the scaffolding element to a supporting structure of a scaffolding structure, characterised in that said scaffolding element further comprises blocks of thermal insulation, said blocks being cast around the frame in such a way that the frame is completely covered by said thermal insulation but said fastening means are not covered by said thermal insulation.

[0008] The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing an insulating scaffolding element of the above type, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a mould; b) providing a first scaffolding element comprising a frame of metal braces and a set of fastening means arranged to fasten the scaffolding element to the support structure of a scaffolding structure; c) placing the first scaffolding element in the mould with the frame fully housed within the mould and the fastening means protruding from the mould; d) filling the mould with insulating material; and e) allowing the insulating material to solidify.

[0009] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof and the enclosed drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a wall scaffolding element according to the invention, which forms a wall of a scaffolding structure according to the invention, and a floor scaffolding element according to the invention, with an intermediate section according to the invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3a is a first partially cut-away perspective view of the scaffolding member shown in FIG. 2, the cut being taken in a first vertical plane. [Figure 3b] Figure 3b is a second partially cut away perspective view of the scaffolding member shown in Figure 2, the cut being taken in a second vertical plane perpendicular to the first vertical plane. [Figure 3c]Figure 3c is a third partially cut away perspective view of the scaffolding member shown in Figure 2, the cut being taken in a horizontal plane. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4a is an exploded perspective view of a wall scaffolding member. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is an assembly drawing of the wall scaffolding members. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5a shows a mold according to the invention in an open state. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5b shows the mold in a closed state. [Figure 5c] FIG. 5c shows the mold with the top closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] All figures share the same or corresponding part reference numerals.

[0012] 2 to 4b show a scaffolding member 100 according to the present invention. The scaffolding member 100 comprises a heat insulating material and provides at least one of thermal insulation and sound insulation.

[0013] Furthermore, the scaffolding element 100 comprises a metal frame 110, in particular a frame of metal braces 111, and a set of fastening means 120. Said fastening means 120 are arranged to fasten the scaffolding element 100 to the support structure 20 of the scaffolding structure 10.

[0014] The metal frame 110 advantageously directly connects, preferably by means of interlocking rigid metal connections, the fastening means 120 arranged on opposite widthwise W sides of the scaffolding element 100. The metal frame 110 thus provides both shape stability and rigidity to the scaffolding element 100 and can also provide rigid support for the fastening means 120.

[0015] The scaffolding structure 10 may itself be composed of conventional components, or may be composed entirely of conventional components. For example, the scaffolding structure 10 may be a construction scaffold, such as a support scaffold or a hanging scaffold, arranged to be attached along the wall of a building under construction or renovation. Preferably, the scaffolding structure 10 comprises or is a support structure consisting of standards and ledgers (see FIG. 2). The scaffolding elements 100 may be arranged to be fixed to the support structure 20, e.g., the standards and / or ledgers, so as to form an integral part of the scaffolding structure 10 (see below).

[0016] According to the invention, the scaffolding element 100 further comprises a block of insulation 130. In Figures 2 to 4b, the block of insulation 130 is not explicitly shown; rather, for reasons of clarity, the space in which the insulation is located is shown. The block 130 forms an integral part of the scaffolding element 100 by being cast around said frame 110, such that the frame 110 is covered, preferably completely covered, by said insulation, while the fastening means 120 are not covered by said insulation.

[0017] The insulation is preferably cast around the frame 110 to encase a portion of the frame 110, making it impossible to remove the frame 110 from the insulation without destroying the insulation. In other words, the frame 110 and the insulation form a single, integrated part that does not allow for disassembly without permanently destroying the insulation. In some embodiments, at least 50%, or even at least 80%, of the frame 110 is encapsulated in the insulation.

[0018] Advantageously, block 130 is substantially or completely parallelepiped in shape. By "substantially parallelepiped," we mean that the overall shape of block 130 may be parallelepiped, but may have rounded corners or other geometric features that do not detract from the overall parallelepiped shape of block 130. A preferred shape is a rectangular prism.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the scaffolding element 100 is positioned to form part of a barrier of the scaffolding structure 10, such as a barrier between an interior / indoor volume defined by the scaffolding structure 10 and an exterior / outdoor volume defined by the scaffolding structure 10. For example, the scaffolding element 100 may be positioned to form a wall, ceiling, or floor of the scaffolding structure 10. In this case, the scaffolding element 100 will have a width W, a height H, and a depth D. Here, the depth direction D is defined as the direction from the "inside" to the "outside" of such a scaffolding structure 10 to which the scaffolding element 100 is attached to form a part. In other words, the scaffolding element 100 may be positioned to form part of a barrier on the exterior of the scaffolding structure 10. Such a barrier may also be an internal barrier, such as a barrier forming a wall between two separated spaces within the scaffolding structure 10. Note that FIG. 2 shows some examples of such scaffolding elements 100, and the directions W and D are not applicable to all scaffolding elements 100 shown therein.

[0020] Such a barrier between indoors / inside and outdoors / outside may also be arranged in a local temperature gradient such that the scaffolding member 100 provides thermal insulation between two spaces of different temperatures separated by the scaffolding member 100. For example, the indoors / inside volume may be a heated volume, while the outdoors / outside volume may be an unheated volume.

[0021] The width W and height H directions are both perpendicular to the depth D and span a main extension plane of the scaffolding element 100. The scaffolding element 100 is then arranged to form a wall, ceiling, or floor that essentially covers an opening in the scaffolding structure 10 that extends across the main extension plane of the scaffolding element 100. Typically, the scaffolding element 100 will have a generally flat shape along the main extension plane. However, it should be noted that the scaffolding element 100 may also define an essentially curved shape, such as being arranged to cover a corner or curved portion of an external barrier of the scaffolding structure 10.

[0022] The same may then apply with respect to frame 110, which may also be generally flat or curved along a major plane of extension along the width W and height H directions. Block 130 may be associated with a width W and height H that substantially or completely correspond to the corresponding width W and height H of frame 110. In this manner, the shape of block 130 substantially follows the general shape of frame 110 and encloses shape-defining portions of frame 110 (preferably all such general shape-defining portions of frame 110), forming a wall, ceiling or floor having an overall shape adapted to form said barrier.

[0023] It should be noted that the "height" H of the scaffold member 100 may be oriented in different directions in the global coordinate system depending on the mounting orientation of the scaffold member 100. For example, if the scaffold member 100 is mounted as a floor member, the height H may be oriented horizontally, but if the scaffold member 100 is mounted as a wall member of a substantially vertical wall, the height H may be oriented vertically. The width W of the scaffold member 100 may be oriented horizontally whether the scaffold member 100 is mounted as part of a vertical wall or as part of a horizontal floor or ceiling.

[0024] The block 130 may have a total depth D of at least 10 cm, for example at least 20 cm. The depth D of the block may be up to 60 cm, for example up to 50 cm.

[0025] Preferably, the width W and / or height H of the block 130 is at least five times, or even ten times, the corresponding depth D of the block 130 .

[0026] The overall width W of the blocks 130 may be at least 40 cm, such as at least 60 cm. The overall width W of the blocks 130 may further be up to 200 cm, such as up to 150 cm.

[0027] The overall height H of the blocks 130 may be at least 50 cm, such as at least 80 cm. The overall height H of the blocks 130 may be at most 300 cm, such as at most 200 cm, such as at most 120 cm.

[0028] As will be explained in more detail below in connection with the description of the method, the insulating material is a foamed or expanded plastic material such as PIR (polyisocyanurate) foam. The insulating material may also include flame retardants, anti-mold compounds, etc.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment and as shown in FIGS. 3A-4B, the insulation block 130 is covered on at least one side, preferably at least three sides, preferably at least five sides, and most preferably all sides, with a metal or hard plastic foil material 141, such as sheet metal. The foil material 141 may be at least 0.5 mm thick, for example at least 1 mm thick, or at most 5 mm thick, for example at most 3 mm thick. It may also form a closed space containing the insulation of the block 130. The closed space may have through-holes through which the fastening means 120 protrude outside the closed space. Furthermore, the closed space may be configured without any additional through-holes. If the foil material 141 is metallic, it may be a corrosion-resistant metal, such as stainless steel.

[0030] In general, it is preferred that there is no, or at least substantially no, air between the block 130 and the foil material 141 .

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the block of insulation 130 is enclosed within a metal box 140 formed by the foil material 141. The metal box 140 can then be securely fastened to the fastening means 120. It is realized that the enclosed space enclosing the block of insulation 130 can be completely closed by the combination of the metal box and the fastening means 120 that protrudes through the foil material 141 and hermetically closes the enclosed space. In this way, by having the fastening means 120 hermetically protrude through the foil material 141, the enclosed space can be closed in a watertight or even gastight manner while still allowing the frame 110 to be partially surrounded by the insulation as described above. For example, the joining between the fastening means 120 and the metal box 140 can be achieved by welding to form a completely sealed structure in terms of the sealed enclosed space defined by the combination of the frame 110 (with the fastening means 120) and the metal box 140.

[0032] In other embodiments, the metal box 140 can completely hermetically seal the frame 110, and the fastening means 120 can be fastened to the exterior of the metal box 140. This avoids the need for through holes, but may weaken the overall structure.

[0033] The fastening means 120 may be conventional per se, for example consisting of fastening screws or quick-connect means arranged to provide a rigid but detachable connection to a standard type cylindrical metal scaffolding post or horizontal beam.

[0034] As shown in Figure 2, the scaffolding element 100 may be a wall element arranged to be used as a wall element in a scaffolding structure 10. In other words, when the scaffolding element 100 is attached to the scaffolding structure 10, it forms part of the wall structure of the scaffolding structure 10. The fastening means 120 may then consist of four (or more) fasteners for fastening the wall element to a vertical support structure 21 of the scaffolding structure 10, for example a vertical column.

[0035] In another embodiment, also shown in Figure 2, the scaffolding element 100 may, in a correspondingly similar manner, be a floor element, and the fastening means 120 may consist of four (or more) fasteners for fastening the floor element to a horizontal support structure 22, such as a horizontal beam, of the scaffolding structure 10.

[0036] In order to be able to attach the scaffolding element 100 as a wall and / or floor and / or ceiling element of the scaffolding structure 10, the width W and height H of the scaffolding element 100 are typically adapted to the standard dimensions of the scaffolding structure 10. In particular, the respective width W and height H distances between opposite fastening points defined by said fastening means 120 are adapted to the inter-column and / or inter-joist distances of the scaffolding structure 10. Such scaffolding structure geometries are standardized within the industry and will not be further mentioned herein.

[0037] It will be appreciated that multiple scaffolding members of the general type disclosed herein may be used in one and the same scaffolding structure 10, optionally forming one or more wall members and / or one or more floor or ceiling members of said scaffolding structure 10.

[0038] The present invention further relates to a scaffolding structure 10 of the above type, comprising at least one scaffolding member 100 according to the above, mounted as part of said scaffolding structure 10 as a respective floor, ceiling or wall member, as described above and as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0039] In particular, the scaffolding structure 10 may be comprised of at least one wall 30, such as a vertical wall, which is comprised of a plurality of attached scaffolding elements 100. At least 50%, for example at least 70%, of the surface of the wall 30 may be covered by the insulating material of each scaffolding element 100.

[0040] In an additional or complementary embodiment, the scaffolding structure 10 may comprise at least one ceiling or floor 40, such as a horizontal ceiling or floor, which comprises a plurality of scaffolding elements 100 as attached ceiling or floor sections. At least 50%, for example at least 70%, of the surface of the ceiling or floor 40 may be covered by the insulating material of each scaffolding element 100.

[0041] Figures 2 to 3c also show a further preferred embodiment applicable in the case of multiple scaffolding elements 40 attached to either side of a support or horizontal beam of the scaffolding structure 10. In this case, the area around said support or horizontal beam can be covered by an additional part in the form of an intermediate insulating part 50 which also constitutes an attachment part of the scaffolding structure 10. Although Figures 2 to 3c only show an intermediate part 50 which is part of a wall, the corresponding principle can be applied to an intermediate part of a floor or ceiling and / or to the junction between a wall and a ceiling / floor.

[0042] Thus, in this case, the scaffolding structure 10 may be made up of at least one, and preferably a plurality, of such intermediate insulating parts 50, each intermediate insulating part 50 being provided between each pair of two consecutively attached scaffolding members 100 of the type disclosed herein and forming part of the scaffolding structure 10, said scaffolding members 100 being arranged parallel or one at an angle (such as 90°) to the other.

[0043] Furthermore, each intermediate part 50 may be arranged to be fastened (effectively attached when attached to the scaffolding structure 10) to a cylindrical support structure 60 of the scaffolding structure 10, such as the aforementioned support or horizontal beam.

[0044] The intermediate piece 50 can then be positioned to connect to said two successive scaffolding members 100, thus forming together with the two successive scaffolding members 100 a connected insulated wall, ceiling or floor.

[0045] In this embodiment, the intermediate piece 50 therefore connects to the column or horizontal beam 60 and also to the respective scaffolding member 100. In this way, only one or none of the adjacent scaffolding members 100 may be directly connected to the cylindrical support structure 60 of the scaffolding structure 10, but instead may be connected only to an intermediate piece which provides a rigid connection between the cylindrical support structure 60 (column or horizontal beam) and that scaffolding member 100.

[0046] Alternatively, each of the scaffolding elements 100 may be arranged to connect directly to the cylindrical support structure 60 (adjacent scaffolding elements 100 then connect to one and the same support or horizontal beam). The intermediate part 50 may then not be directly connected to the cylindrical support structure 60, but instead be rigidly connected to each of said adjacent scaffolding elements 100. This latter is the example shown in Figures 2 to 3c.

[0047] Regardless, it is preferably the fastening means 120 of each of said adjacent scaffolding elements 100 that connects to the cylindrical support structure 60 or to the intermediate piece 50, as the case may be.

[0048] To achieve this, the intermediate part 50 may consist of a cylindrical part having dimensions (mainly cylindrical diameter and cylindrical shape) corresponding to those of a standard type of post and / or horizontal beam, so that a scaffolding member arranged to connect to a post or horizontal beam using fastening means 120 can instead connect to an intermediate part 50 of the type disclosed herein using the same fastening means 120.

[0049] Additionally, the intermediate piece 50 comprises a block of insulation 52, which may be of the general type described above in relation to the scaffolding member 100, and which may be cast around (partially surrounding) the load-bearing frame of the intermediate piece 50. The intermediate piece 50 may also comprise a foil cover 54, such as a metal box of the general type described above in relation to the scaffolding member 100.

[0050] It should be noted that, corresponding to block 130, insulation block 52 is not explicitly shown in the figure, but instead the space in which block 52 is located is shown.

[0051] As also shown in Figures 3a to 3c, the intermediate part 50 may comprise a through-channel 51 for a pipe or cable, which through-channel 51 may pass through said metal cover 54 and run in a direction parallel to the direction of the nearest cylindrical support structure 60 to which the intermediate part is rigidly connected, directly or indirectly (via the scaffolding element 100).

[0052] Figures 1 and 5a-5c illustrate a method according to the present invention for manufacturing an insulated scaffolding member 100 of the type disclosed herein.

[0053] The method begins with the first step.

[0054] In a next step, as shown in Figure 5a, a mold 200 is provided. As described above, the mold 200 is a mold (casting die) for casting the insulation blocks 130 of the scaffolding element 100. After the liquid material filled in the mold 200 has solidified, the mold 200 is either removed to be reused to cast the next insulation block 130, or is retained as an integral part of the scaffolding element 100, as will be described below.

[0055] In a subsequent step, a first scaffolding element 100 is provided that lacks cast insulation blocks 130. However, at this point in the manufacturing process, the first scaffolding element 100 comprises a frame 110 of the type described above, made up of metal braces 111. The scaffolding element 100 also comprises a set of fastening means 120 of the type described above, which set of fastening means 120 are arranged to fasten the scaffolding element 100 to the support structure 20 of that type of scaffolding structure 10. In other words, at this point in the manufacturing process, the first scaffolding element 100 may be made entirely of metal material.

[0056] In a subsequent step, the first scaffolding element 100 is placed in the mould 200 with the frame 110 fully contained within the mould 200 and its fastening means 120 protruding from the mould 200. The mould 200 may comprise through holes 201 arranged to allow the fastening means 120 to protrude through the wall of the mould 200.

[0057] FIG. 5 a shows the first part 210 of the mold 200 receiving the frame 110 .

[0058] For example, mold 200 may include two or more rigid mold subparts 210, 220, with cooperating edges of adjacent such mold subparts formed to together define said through-holes 201 for fastening means 120 when the subparts are joined to form mold 200. Alternatively, such mold subparts 210, 220 may include flexible edges, such as fabricated from rubber or the like, that provide sufficient yield to allow fastening means 120 to protrude between such flexible edges while still providing a seal sufficient to retain liquid insulating material within mold 200 prior to solidification.

[0059] FIG. 5b shows the assembled mold 200.

[0060] In a subsequent step, the mold 200 is filled with insulating material, preferably in liquid form.

[0061] In a subsequent step, the filled insulating material is solidified within the mold 200. Preferably, the insulating material is an expanded polymer material, and solidification includes generating gas bubbles within the insulating material to form said expansion.

[0062] As a result, upon solidification, the solid insulation block 130 surrounds the frame 110, and the fastening means 120 protrudes from the block 130 and the mold 200. Preferably, the filling, solidifying and / or expanding steps achieve the insulation completely filling at least the lower portion of the mold 200, e.g., substantially the entirety.

[0063] The method then ends.

[0064] In some embodiments, the mold 200 may be open at the top, and liquid insulating material may be dispensed into the mold 200 from above through the top opening 202 as a liquid foam material of the type described above.

[0065] In an additional method step, the top of the mold 200 may then be covered, such as with a metal top cover 203, so that the covered mold 200 forms a closed seal against the insulation, with only the fastening means 120 protruding from the mold 200 as described above. This is shown in Figure 5c.

[0066] In a preferred embodiment, the mold 200 is a hollow metal box 140 of the type described above, which may be assembled from two or more sub-parts 210, 220 as described above and / or arranged to be open upwards and covered by a metal top cover 203. Preferably, the mold 200 comprises metal parts arranged to completely enclose the insulation apart from the protruding fasteners 120 as described above.

[0067] The method may then further comprise rigidly fastening the metal box 140 to the first scaffolding element 100. This rigid fastening may be achieved via a block of insulation 130 that surrounds the frame 110 and is rigidly connected to the mould 200 upon solidification of the insulation. This rigid fastening may also be direct fastening at the contact points between the protruding fastening means 120 and the metal box 140, for example by welding these contact points. The rigid fastening may be achieved before or after solidification of the insulation. The fastening means 120 may also be fastened to the outside of the box 140 / assembled mould 200, in which case no through-holes 201 are required.

[0068] The metal box 140 can be made from stainless steel or aluminum sheet material, which may be at least 0.5 mm thick, for example at least 1 mm thick, or even up to 5 mm thick, for example at least 3 mm thick.

[0069] In order for the scaffolding elements 100 to be able to serve their purpose as wall, ceiling or floor elements adapted to existing or constructed scaffolding structures 10, which may preferably be conventional standard scaffolding structures 10 retrofitted with scaffolding elements 100, the first of which generally has standard dimensions with regard to the location of said fastening means 120. In particular, the fastening means 120 are arranged to have fastening points arranged to fasten to posts and / or horizontal beams arranged in standardized positions according to a standardized scaffolding system. Here, it is important that such fastening points of different fastening means 120 of one and the same scaffolding element 100 are arranged at predetermined standard distances from each other in the width W direction and, if applicable, also in the height H direction.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a kit of parts for a scaffolding structure 10 of the type described above. This kit of parts comprises at least two scaffolding elements 100 of the type described above, each arranged to form a wall, ceiling or floor section. Preferably, the kit of parts comprises both scaffolding elements 100 arranged to form the wall portions of the scaffolding structure 10 and scaffolding elements 100 arranged to form the floor portions of the scaffolding structure 10. In some embodiments, one and the same scaffolding element 100 may be suitable for use as both a wall element and a floor element, depending on the geometric position of the fastening points on the scaffolding structure 10.

[0071] Furthermore, such a kit of parts may comprise at least one intermediate insulating part 50 of the type described above, arranged to be provided between two scaffolding elements 100 of said kit of parts, said two scaffolding elements being arranged to be provided as two successive adjacent scaffolding elements 100 of said scaffolding structure 10. Said intermediate part 50 may then be fastened to the cylindrical support structure 60 of the scaffolding structure 10 and arranged to be connected to said two successive scaffolding elements 100, thus forming together with said two successive scaffolding elements 100 a connected insulated wall, ceiling or floor.

[0072] The scaffolding structure and method disclosed herein therefore solves the problems initially mentioned, and in particular provides a convenient and easy way to provide adequate weather protection to a scaffolding structure without having to redesign standard types of scaffolding structures. In particular, this type of scaffolding element 100 can be used to retrofit existing scaffolding structures 10 that have properly insulated walls, ceilings, and / or floors.

[0073] The insulation of the scaffolding element 100 forms a moisture and wind resistant wall, ceiling, floor and insulated structure. By providing the insulation blocks 130 as an integral part of the scaffolding element 100, the insulation blocks 130 can be provided without their bulk being an issue in terms of interfering with the activities desired to be carried out on and within the scaffolding structure 10. The frame 110 is the load-bearing portion of the scaffolding element 100, a function that is not impaired by the provision of the insulation blocks 150, as the blocks 150 are positioned around (and in some cases enclosed within) the frame 110 and in turn run between the fastening means 120 in the manner described above.

[0074] One important consideration is that the scaffolding element 100 of the present invention can be used with existing scaffolding systems, so that existing certifications and tests remain valid when the scaffolding element 100 is used as an integrated part of a scaffolding installation built using an existing scaffolding system. This can be achieved by ensuring that the frame 110 meets the structural requirements of the wall, ceiling, or floor section in terms of load-bearing capacity, etc. It is particularly noteworthy that, as mentioned above, the insulation does not degrade such load-bearing capacity because the frame 110 runs all the way between opposing fastening means 120.

[0075] The metal box 140 may also add to the overall structural integrity of the scaffolding member 100. Furthermore, the metal box 140 generally adds shear and torsion resistance to the entire scaffolding structure 10.

[0076] In many cases, the total load capacity of a scaffolding structure 10 is calculated based on the specific parameters of a given scaffolding system and the selected design of the structure 10. The use of the scaffolding elements 100 of the present invention at least does not reduce the load capacity or add significant weight to the structure 10, so the same calculations are still valid for the final structure 10 as if the scaffolding elements 100 of the present invention were not used.

[0077] By using the metal box 140 as described above, the scaffolding member 100 can also be arranged to have sufficient fire resistance.

[0078] The scaffolding element 100 may be designed with dimensions that allow it to function as a handrail extending 80-110 cm above the floor of the scaffolding structure 10. Alternatively, the scaffolding element 100 may be designed to cover the entire wall between two floors of the scaffolding structure 10.

[0079] The exterior surface formed on the scaffolding member 100 may be used for printed, projected, or electronically displayed messages, such as informational messages, commercials, etc. For example, the scaffolding member 100 may be provided with a computer display fed through cabling within the intermediate piece 50, as described above.

[0080] In some embodiments, the metal box 140 may be arranged with removable fastening means 120, which may be replaced as a function of different types of scaffolding systems, without having to remanufacture the entire scaffolding element 100, but rather allowing the scaffolding element 100 to be used with multiple different types of scaffolding systems. Such replaceable fastening means 120 may be fastened to the metal box 140 using cooperating engagement means, such as screws, that provide sufficient load-bearing capacity, such that any weakening resulting from said cooperating engagement means does not need to be taken into account when determining the total load-bearing capacity of the entire scaffolding structure 10.

[0081] Such cooperating engagement means may comprise a hinge mechanism on one width W side of the scaffolding element 100 and a locking mechanism on the opposite side. In this way, the entire scaffolding element 100 may be arranged to function as an openable and closable door for accessing the scaffolding structure 10. This principle may also be applied generally to the scaffolding elements 100 disclosed herein in that two or more of the fastening means 120 arranged on one width W side of the scaffolding element may be provided with a hinge function so as to be able to swing open when the scaffolding element 100 is installed on the structure 10.

[0082] The metal box 140 may itself also be arranged with an integrated door or similar openable component, allowing the metal box 140 to be temporarily opened and closed for ventilation or inspection.

[0083] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the essential concepts of the invention.

[0084] For example, each of the scaffolding members 100 according to the present invention may be constructed from additional parts and details. The scaffolding members 100 may also be specifically adapted for additional purposes, such as aesthetic or structural challenges that may be unique to various applications. This may include the geometry of the metal box 140, fastening means, etc. The present principles are useful in providing such specific adaptations.

[0085] As one example, the scaffolding member 100 may be provided with through-holes or see-through windows that extend through the metal box 140. As another example, the scaffolding member 100 may be provided with integrated lighting, which may be powered through cabling that passes through the intermediate piece 50, as described above. Such cabling may be connected to lighting means, such as via cable channels that extend through the metal box 140.

[0086] The kit of parts of the present invention may also be configured with additional parts useful for the particular purpose at hand.

[0087] In general, everything that has been said with respect to the different aspects of the invention, namely the scaffolding member, the kit of parts and the method, is equally applicable to all three aspects.

[0088] Therefore, the invention is not limited to the described embodiments, but can be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A scaffolding element (100) comprising a thermal insulating material, The scaffolding element (100) comprises a frame (110) of metal braces (111) and a set of fastening means (120) arranged to fasten the scaffolding element (100) to a support structure (20) of a scaffolding structure (10), the fastening means (120) being arranged on opposite widthwise (W) sides of the scaffolding element (100); The scaffolding member (100) further comprises a block (130) of insulating material; The insulation of the block (130) is cast around the frame (110) and is thus arranged to completely cover the frame (110), but the fastening means (120) protrude outside the space occupied by the insulation. and the frame (110) directly connects the fastening means (120) arranged on opposite widthwise (W) sides of the scaffolding member (110) by means of a rigid metal connection. A scaffolding member characterized by:

2. The block (130) is substantially parallelepiped in shape.

2. A scaffolding member according to claim 1.

3. The block (130) has a width (W) and a height (H) that substantially correspond to the corresponding width (W) and height (H) of the frame (110).

3. A scaffolding member according to claim 2.

4. The block (130) has a depth (D) of at least 20 cm 4. A scaffolding member according to claim 3.

5. The insulation is an expanded or foamed plastic material such as PIR foam A scaffolding member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The insulating material is covered on at least one side with a metal or hard plastic foil material (141). A scaffolding member according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The heat insulating material is enclosed in a metal box (140), and the metal box (140) is firmly fastened to the fastening means (120).

7. A scaffolding member according to claim 6.

8. The scaffolding element (100) is a wall element and the fastening means (120) comprises four fasteners for fastening the wall element to a vertical support structure (21) of the scaffolding structure (10), e.g. a vertical column. A scaffolding member according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The scaffolding element (100) is a floor element, and the fastening means (120) comprises four fasteners for fastening the floor element to a horizontal support structure (22) of the scaffolding structure (10), e.g., a horizontal beam. A scaffolding member according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. Comprising at least one scaffolding element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9 A scaffold structure (10) characterized by:

11. The scaffolding structure (10) comprises at least one wall (30) comprising a plurality of scaffolding members (100) according to claim 8.

11. The scaffold structure of claim 10.

12. The scaffolding structure (10) comprises at least one floor (40) comprising a plurality of scaffolding members (100) according to claim 9.

12. A scaffold structure according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The scaffolding structure (10) further comprises at least one intermediate insulating element (50) provided between two consecutive scaffolding elements (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The intermediate part (50) is fastened to the cylindrical support structure (60) of the scaffolding structure (10) and is arranged to connect the two successive scaffolding members (100), thus forming together with the two successive scaffolding members (100) a connected insulating wall or floor.

13. A scaffold structure according to claim 11 or 12.

14. The intermediate part (50) comprises a through channel (51) for a pipe or cable 14. A scaffold structure according to claim 13.

15. A method for manufacturing an insulated scaffolding member (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the method comprises the following steps: a) providing a mold (200); b) providing a first scaffolding element (100), wherein said first scaffolding element (100) comprises a frame (110) of metal braces (111) and a set of fastening means (120) arranged to fasten said scaffolding element (100) to a support structure (20) of a scaffolding structure (10); c) placing the first scaffolding element (100) in the mould (200) such that the frame (110) is fully contained within the mould (200) and the fastening means (120) protrude from the mould (200); d) filling the mold (200) with insulating material; and e) allowing the insulating material to solidify.

16. The mold (200) is open at the top, and the insulating material is supplied into the mold (200) as a liquid foam material.

16. The method of claim 15.

17. Further comprising the step of covering the top of the mold (200) and forming a closed seal against the insulating material.

17. The method of claim 16.

18. The mold (200) is a hollow metal box (140), The method further includes the step of firmly fastening the metal box (140) to the first scaffolding member (100).

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17.

19. The metal box (140) is made from stainless steel or aluminum sheet material with a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

20. The method of claim 18.

20. The first scaffolding member (100) has standard dimensions with respect to the location of the fastening means (120).

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19.

21. A kit of parts for a scaffolding structure (10), said kit of parts comprising at least two scaffolding elements (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A parts kit characterized by:

22. The kit of parts further comprises at least one intermediate insulating part (50) arranged to be provided between two consecutive scaffolding members (100) of the scaffolding structure (10); The intermediate part (50) is fastened to the cylindrical support structure (60) of the scaffolding structure (10) and is arranged to connect the two successive scaffolding members (100), thus forming together with the two successive scaffolding members (100) a connected insulating wall or floor.

22. Kit of parts according to claim 21.

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