Scaffolding

Abstract

A scaffolding module comprising: a frame that, when in an erected configuration, defines an interior space; and a plurality of mounting regions that allow the module to be mounted with other said scaffolding modules, wherein when so mounted, the module frames are able to be interconnected to form a support structure for one or more scaffolding platforms.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A demountable scaffolding assembly comprising:
 a support structure comprising:
 a plurality of scaffolding modules that are mounted together, the modules being of the same size as one another with each scaffolding module comprising a frame defining an interior space configured to receive workers, 
 the frame being formed from a plurality of elongate frame members that define a cuboid and incorporate mounting regions disposed on (i) upper and lower faces of the frame so that the module may be mounted with other said modules one on top of the other and (ii) on opposite side faces of the frame so that the module may be mounted with other said modules in side by side relation, the plurality of modules being mounted together at respective said mounting regions in one or both of, side by side, or one on top of the other, relation to form the support structure, 
 wherein at least some of the frame members are formed from profiled sections with the frame member sections of adjacent modules fastened together to form a unitary structure that enhances the rigidity of the support structure; and 
 one or more working platforms supported on the support structure to provide a trafficable surface for the workers to move between side by side scaffolding modules, 
 wherein the connections between side by side scaffolding modules are individually releasable to allow for selective demounting of individual scaffolding modules from the support structure and reuse of the scaffolding modules. 
   
     
     
         2 . A demountable scaffolding assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the mounting regions include pre-formed holes to receive mechanical fasteners to secure respective ones of the scaffolding modules together, and the pre-formed holes are spaced apart along the mounting regions of the elongate frame members. 
     
     
         3 . A demountable scaffolding assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the mounting regions are configured as surfaces which are arranged to mount in face to face relation with a corresponding mounting surface of another said module. 
     
     
         4 . A demountable scaffolding assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the elongate members are angled sections. 
     
     
         5 . A demountable scaffolding assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the frame members are interconnected by releasable connections to allow the module to adopt a collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         6 . A demountable scaffolding assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame defines the interior space in an erected configuration, and the frame is rigid when in its erected condition. 
     
     
         7 . A demountable scaffolding assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the frame members are interconnected by rigid connections. 
     
     
         8 . A construction arrangement comprising:
 a building or a structure under construction, renovation or maintenance; and   a demountable scaffolding assembly mounted to the building or the structure,   the demountable scaffolding assembly comprising:
 a plurality of scaffolding modules that are mounted together vertically and horizontally in an array to form a main support structure of the scaffolding assembly that extends across an exterior surface of the building or structure, each scaffolding module comprising a frame defining an interior space configured to receive workers, 
 the frame being formed from a plurality of elongate side frame members and top and bottom frame members that define a cuboid having upper and lower faces, opposite side faces, and inner and outer faces, the frame incorporating mounting regions disposed on (i) the upper and lower faces of the frame so that the module may be mounted vertically with other said modules one on top of the other and (ii) on the opposite side faces of the frame so that the module may be mounted horizontally with other said modules in side by side relation, the plurality of modules being mounted together at respective said mounting regions; 
 wherein at least some of the side frame members are formed from profiled sections with the side frame member profiled sections of adjacent modules fastened together at respective ones of the mounting regions to form a unitary upright structure that enhances the rigidity of the main support structure of the demountable scaffolding assembly; 
 wherein the opposite side faces of the frames have openings to allow the workers to freely pass between the modules mounted in side by side relation; and 
 one or more working platforms supported on the demountable scaffolding assembly to provide a trafficable surface for the workers to move between the scaffolding modules mounted in side by side relation; and 
 ties securing the main support structure of the demountable scaffolding assembly to the building or the structure. 
   
     
     
         9 . The construction arrangement of  claim 8 , wherein at least some of the mounting regions are configured as surfaces which are mounted in face to face relation with a corresponding mounting surface of another said module. 
     
     
         10 . The construction arrangement of  claim 8 , wherein each elongate frame member is in the form of an angled section. 
     
     
         11 . The construction arrangement of  claim 8 , further comprising releasable connections between scaffolding modules to allow for selective demounting of individual scaffolding modules from the demountable scaffolding assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The construction arrangement of  claim 8 , wherein the mounting regions include pre-formed holes, and the pre-formed holes are spaced apart along the elongate frame members. 
     
     
         13 . The construction arrangement of  claim 8 , wherein the scaffolding modules are capable of reconfiguration and reuse. 
     
     
         14 . A method of installing a scaffolding assembly to a building or a structure comprising:
 providing a plurality of scaffolding modules, the modules being of the same size as one another with each scaffolding module comprising a frame defining an interior space configured to receive workers;   mounting together the plurality of scaffolding modules to form a support structure via mounting regions that extends along at least a portion of the building or structure, the mounting regions are configured as surfaces being disposed on (i) upper and lower faces of the frame so that the module may be mounted with other said modules one on top of the other and (ii) on opposite side faces of the frame so that the module may be mounted with other said modules in side by side relation, the plurality of modules being mounted together at respective said mounting regions in one or both of, side by side, or one on top of the other, relation to form the support structure; wherein at least some of the frame members are formed from profiled sections with the frame member profiled sections of adjacent modules fastened together to form a unitary structure that enhances the rigidity of the support structure;   supporting one or more working platforms on the support structure to form the scaffolding assembly and provide a trafficable surface for the workers to move between side by side scaffolding modules; and   securing the support structure to the building or the structure via ties.   
     
     
         15 . A method according to  claim 14  further comprising providing releasable connections between scaffolding modules to allow for selective demounting of individual scaffolding modules from the scaffolding assembly. 
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 14 , further comprising reconfiguring and reusing of the scaffolding modules. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein the mounting regions include pre-formed holes to receive mechanical fasteners to secure respective ones of the mounted scaffolding modules together, and the pre-formed holes are spaced apart along the mounting regions of the elongate frame members. 
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein each elongate frame member of the support structure has an angled section. 
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 14 , further comprising interconnecting the frame member by releasable connections to allow the module to adopt a collapsed configuration. 
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 14 , wherein at least some of the mounting regions are configured as surfaces which are arranged to mount in face to face relation with a corresponding mounting surface of another said module.