GB2570028A - Modular scaffold cover assembly for roof - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular scaffold cover assembly 10 comprises a plurality of roofing struts 12 assembed to form an over-roof structure for a building, with a flexible covering 26 which engages with the plurality of roofing struts 12 to cover the over-roof structure. At least four scaffold over-roof strut connectors 14 are also provided which each have a roofing-strut mounting portion (248, Fig 5a) which is receivably engagable with an end of one of the plurality of roofing struts 12. To engage the scaffold over-roof strut connectors 14 with a scaffolding base structure 22, a scaffold-pole coupling 24 is associated with each scaffold over-roof strut connector 14. Also defined is a method of assembling a covering over a roof of a building. Further, a scaffold over-roof strut connector is defined.

Description

Modular Scaffold Cover Assembly For Roof

The present invention relates to a modular scaffold cover assembly, particularly but not necessarily exclusively for covering a roof of a building having an associated scaffolding base structure. A method of assembling a covering over a roof of a building having an associated scaffolding base structure is also provided, as is a modular scaffold cover-framework assembly for a building having an associated scaffolding base structure.

Construction work which is carried out on upper stories and roofs of buildings is generally undertaken by providing scaffolding which is assembled adjacent to the building, thereby allowing the workers to ascend and work safely at the elevated site. Given the risk of slipping and falling from a considerable distance, it can be dangerous to work from scaffolding in inclement weather conditions, particularly in high wind and rain conditions. Furthermore, it is desirable to provide a covering for the building when work is to be carried out on a roof, since the work may expose the interior of the roof cavity to the elements.

To provide secure covering for a scaffolding project, to protect the workers from inclement weather, the existing solution is to provide excess scaffolding poles which extend up and over the roof of the building associated with the scaffolding, and then sheets of corrugated steel can be connected to horizontal scaffold poles extending over the roof. This is known as a tin- or top-hat construction. This arrangement is time-consuming to assemble, and also adds significant weight to the overall scaffold construction.

For smaller projects, such as in repairs to residential roofing, it is also common to see a tarpaulin which is draped over exposed roofing beams of the building to provide some waterproofing for the building. The tarpaulin is weighted or tied down in order to limit water ingress; however, this is only a moderately effective solution, particularly in high winds, where water may blow in through poorly secured parts of the tarpaulin. This solution also prevents work on the building, and is therefore only utilised to cover the building, and not the workers themselves

The present invention seeks to provide a quick and effective solution which can be dimensioned according to a size of building to be protected.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular scaffold cover assembly for covering a roof of a building having an associated scaffolding base structure, the modular scaffold cover assembly comprising: a plurality of roofing struts assemblable to form an over-roof structure for the building; a flexible covering engagable with the plurality of roofing struts to cover the over-roof structure; at least four scaffold over-roof strut connectors, each scaffold over-roof strut connector having a roofing-strut mounting portion which is receivably engagable with an end of one of the plurality of roofing struts; and a scaffold-pole coupling associated with each scaffold over-roof strut connector, each scaffold-pole coupling being engagable with its corresponding scaffold over-roof strut connector to secure a relative position between the said scaffold over-roof strut connector and the scaffolding base structure.

There are several advantages to the provision of such a modular scaffold cover assembly. Firstly, the time and cost needed to protect a building project from adverse weather conditions is significantly reduced, compared with existing arrangement, and in particular, workers are able to access the project even when the modular scaffold cover assembly is present. The flexible covering is able to span the entire building project, thereby limiting leak paths, and this can be extended in a modular fashion to protect any size of building having scaffolding attached thereto. The modular scaffold cover assembly is also significantly more lightweight than equivalent solutions, reducing the burden on the underlying scaffold base structure.

Preferably, each scaffold over-roof strut connector may include a scaffold-pole connector which is dimensioned to receivably engage with an end of an in-use vertical scaffold pole of the scaffolding base structure, in which case each scaffold-pole connector may comprise a cylindrical plug receivable within the said end of the scaffold pole of the scaffolding base structure.

The advantage of providing scaffold over-roof strut connectors which can directly interface with an existing scaffold pole is that the assembly of the modular scaffold cover is significantly expedited.

First and second said scaffold-pole connectors may be provided. The advantage to two connectors is that the weight of the structure is much more evenly supported, significantly reducing the risk of component failure in high winds, rain or snow.

Optionally, each scaffold-pole coupling may comprise a fastening element engagable with the scaffold-pole connector of the corresponding scaffold over-roof strut connector.

An effective means of fastening the scaffold over-roof strut connectors to a scaffold base structure may be highly important for security, ensuring that the modular scaffold cover assembly is not swept away in high wind conditions.

Each scaffold-pole coupling may comprise a clamp element having a first clamp portion which is engagable with the scaffold-pole connector of the corresponding scaffold overroof strut connector, and a second clamp portion which is engagable with a scaffold pole of the scaffolding base structure.

The use of standard scaffold-pole connectors may ensure that the engagement between the scaffold base structure and the modular scaffold cover assembly is straightforward, and is intuitive for existing scaffold users.

Optionally, each scaffold-pole coupling may comprise a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor having a main body tube member and at least one perpendicular connector to the main body tube member which is directly or indirectly engagable with an in-use horizontal scaffold pole of the scaffolding base structure, the scaffold-pole connector of the corresponding scaffold over-roof strut connector being directly or indirectly connectable to the main body tube member.

The provision of scaffold over-roof mounting adaptors allows for at least a horizontal position of the modular scaffold cover assembly to be modified, since vertical scaffold poles may not be in convenient positions for accepting scaffold over-roof strut connectors in a majority of installations.

Preferably, a plurality of perpendicular connectors may be provided which are angularly adjustable relative to one another to alter a spacing of the main body tube member relative to the in-use horizontal scaffold pole.

Angular adjustment of the perpendicular connectors provides tolerance in the assembly, ensuring that, no matter what scaffold base structure configuration is provided, the modular scaffold cover assembly can always be effectively installed at a building project.

Each scaffold over-roof strut connector may include an angular adjustment element for altering an angular position of the roofing-strut mounting portion, in which case, each scaffold over-roof strut connector may comprise first and second support parts, the angular adjustment element being formed as a lockable wheel interconnecting the first and second support parts.

It may be advantageous to alter the pitch of the over-roof structure of the modular scaffold roof assembly, and as such, adjustable scaffold over-roof strut connectors provide an effective way of minimising the number of component parts to achieve this end.

Each of the plurality of roofing struts may have a rectangular profile, an end of each roofing strut having a recess within which an associated roofing-strut mounting portion is receivable. Each of the plurality of roofing struts may thus be formed as a four-track roof strut.

Interlocking complementary parts of the roofing struts and scaffold over-roof strut connectors advantageously further simplifies the assembly of the over-roof structure, allowing the modular scaffold cover assembly to be utilised in a much wider range of building projects, large- and small-scale.

Optionally, the flexible covering may comprise a plurality of flexible sheets.

Beneficially, the provision of a plurality of individual flexible sheets enables the user to assemble the flexible covering to whatever dimension they choose, which allows the modular scaffold cover assembly to be used with any appropriate building.

The flexible covering may be formed from unplasticized polyvinylchloride, and/or may preferably be at least in part light-transmissible.

The provision of a uPVC and/or transparent flexible covering allows for waterproofing of the working area, whilst also permitting work to be undertaken using natural light, eliminating the need for additional light sources.

In one embodiment, the flexible covering may comprise a beaded portion for connecting to at least one of an associated roofing strut and/or scaffold over-roof strut connector. Furthermore, each scaffold over-roof strut connector may include a keyed receiver for receiving the beaded portion to secure the flexible covering. A convenient method of engagement of the flexible covering is the provision of beading, which can be easily fed along a corresponding run or receiver on the over-roof structure. This engagement significantly improves the waterproofing of the overall assembled modular scaffold cover assembly.

The modular scaffold cover assembly may further comprise a plurality of roofing-strut engagement members, each roofing-strut engagement member including first and second roofing-strut mounting portions which are each receivably engagable with an end of one of the plurality of roofing struts.

Whilst it may be possible to utilise roofing struts which span the complete depth or width of a building, it will be appreciated that it is advantageous to provide a means of interconnecting adjacent roofing struts in a safe manner. Lightweight roofing-strut engagement members can provide such interconnection.

Preferably, each roofing strut engagement member may be recessed to engage with the end of a said roofing strut and/or connector. This allows the weight of the roofing strut engagement member to be reduced.

The first and second roofing-strut mounting portions may be positioned at an obtuse angle relative to one another, alternatively may be parallel to one another, and/or an angle between the first and second roofing-strut mounting portions may be adjustable.

Different roof arrangement of the modular scaffold cover assembly may be more or less beneficial depending upon the circumstances, and providing different types or adjustable roofing-strut engagement members can provide for this option.

Preferably, at least one anchoring coupling may be provided which is engagable with at least one of: one or more of the plurality of roofing struts; the flexible covering; one or more of the scaffold over-roof strut connectors; and one or more of the scaffold-pole coupling.

One of the risks of lightweight roofing structures is that they can act as sails in high wind, and can blow off the scaffold base structure to which they are engaged. It is therefore advisable to provide some means of secondary anchoring to avert the risk to persons at ground level.

Optionally, the plurality of roofing struts may comprise a plurality of roofing beams and a plurality of roofing purlins, the plurality of roofing beams forming horizontal roofing struts in the over-roof structure and the plurality of roofing purlins forming angled roofing struts in the over-roof structure.

The overall rigidity and/or structural stability of the over-roof structure may be improved by providing dedicated types of roofing strut which can cover off all eventualities.

Preferably, the modular scaffold cover assembly is in the form of a kit of parts.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a covering over a roof of a building having an associated scaffolding base structure, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a modular scaffold cover assembly, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; b] engaging the plurality of scaffold over-roof strut connectors with their scaffold-pole couplings to secure the scaffold over-roof strut connectors to the scaffolding base structure; and c] assembling a roofing framework which is dimensioned according to the size of the roof using the roofing struts, scaffold over-roof strut connectors, and flexible covering.

It is advantageous to be able to provide a means of covering a building to be worked on in situ, without necessarily knowing the dimensions to be covered beforehand. The present modular assembly is able to provide this feature.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffold over-roof strut connector for a modular scaffold cover assembly, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the scaffold over-roof strut connector comprising: first and second elongate tubular connector mounting portions for mounting the strut connector to a scaffolding base structure and/or a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor, the first and second connector mounting portions having a non-adjustable lateral extent; and an elongate tubular roofing-strut mounting portion for slidably mounting the strut connector to a roofing strut, the roofing-strut mounting portion having a non-adjustable lateral extent.

The provision of a dedicated scaffold over-roof strut connector which allows for a lightweight modular over-roof structure to be assembled over a building having scaffolding advantageously simplifies the assembly of a covered space for workers and/or the build project. The two connector mounting portions provide an improvement to the sturdiness to the structure which has been found to be important for holding the weight during testing.

Preferably, each of the first and second connector mounting portions may have a longitudinal axis which is non-colinear with a longitudinal axis of the roofing strut mounting portion

Providing the respective mounting portions of the connector in an angled relationship advantageously simplifies the construction of a pitched roof arrangement for the building, improving water run-off and/or preventing pooling of water on the flexible covering.

The scaffold over-roof strut connector preferably further may comprise an angular adjustment element for altering a relative angular position of the roofing-strut mounting portion and connector mounting portion, which may be formed as a lockable wheel interconnecting the roofing-strut mounting portion and first and second connector mounting portions.

In one embodiment, the roofing-strut mounting portion may have a rectangular lateral cross-section, which is slidably receivable within a roofing strut, and/or the first and second connector mounting portions may have a circular lateral cross-section. Preferably, a lateral cross-section of the first and second connector mounting portions may be different to a lateral cross-section of the roofing-strut mounting portion.

The provision of such a scaffold over-roof strut connector beneficially eliminates the need to use roofing struts which are compatible with existing scaffold couplings, such as scaffold poles, and can dramatically reduce the weight and erection speed of the overroof structure.

The scaffold over-roof strut connector may optionally further comprise a keyed receiver for receiving a beaded portion of a flexible covering.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular scaffold cover-framework assembly for a building having an associated scaffolding base structure, the modular scaffold cover-framework assembly comprising: a plurality of roofing struts assemblable to form an over-roof structure for the building; and at least four scaffold over-roof strut connectors, each scaffold over-roof strut connector having a roofing-strut mounting portion which is receivably engagable with an end of one of the plurality of roofing struts; and a scaffold-pole coupling associated with each scaffold over-roof strut connector, each scaffold-pole coupling being engagable with its corresponding scaffold over-roof strut connector to secure a relative position between the said scaffold over-roof strut connector and the scaffolding base structure.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a scaffold over-roof strut connector for a modular scaffold cover assembly, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the scaffold over-roof strut connector comprising: an elongate tubular connector mounting portion for mounting the strut connector to a scaffolding base structure and/or a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor, the connector mounting portion having a non-adjustable lateral extent; and an elongate tubular roofing-strut mounting portion for slidably mounting the strut connector to a roofing strut, the roofing-strut mounting portion having a non-adjustable lateral extent.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure la shows a side view of a first embodiment of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure lb shows a perspective view of part of the modular scaffold cover assembly of Figure la;

Figure 2 shows a perspective representation of a scaffolding base structure having a plurality of scaffold over-roof mounting adaptors of a second embodiment of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention attached thereto;

Figure 3 shows a perspective representation of the scaffolding base structure and modular scaffold cover assembly of Figure 2, indicating the positions of roofing struts of the modular scaffold assembly;

Figure 4 shows a perspective representation of the scaffolding base structure and modular scaffold cover assembly of Figure 2 inclusive of the flexible covering of the modular scaffold cover assembly;

Figure 5a shows a perspective representation of one embodiment of a scaffold over-roof strut connector of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 5b shows a perspective representation of a lower portion of the scaffold over-roof strut connector of Figure 5 a;

Figure 5c shows a perspective representation of the scaffold over-roof strut connector of Figure 5a, indicating the position of a lockable wheel of the lower portion;

Figure 6a shows a plan view of one scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor shown in Figure 2;

Figure 6b shows a side view of the scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor of Figure 2, indicating a position of a scaffold-pole coupling which is engagable with a scaffold over-roof strut connector;

Figure 6c shows a perspective representation of the scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor of Figure 6a in connection with a scaffolding base structure;

Figure 7a shows a side view of a first embodiment of a roofing-strut engagement member of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 7b shows a side view of an indicative modular scaffold cover assembly utilising the roofing-strut engagement member of Figure 7a;

Figure 8a shows a side view of a second embodiment of a roofing-strut engagement member of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 8b shows a side view of an indicative modular scaffold cover assembly utilising the roofing-strut engagement member of Figure 8a;

Figure 9a shows a side view of a third embodiment of a roofing-strut engagement member of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 9b shows a side view of an indicative modular scaffold cover assembly utilising the roofing-strut engagement member of Figure 9a;

Figure 10a shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of a roofing-strut engagement member of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 10b shows a side view of an indicative modular scaffold cover assembly utilising the roofing-strut engagement member of Figure 10a;

Figure 11a shows a side view of a fifth embodiment of a roofing-strut engagement member of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 1 lb shows a side view of an indicative modular scaffold cover assembly utilising the roofing-strut engagement member of Figure 11a;

Figure 12a shows a perspective representation of a further embodiment of a scaffold over-roof strut connector of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 12b shows a perspective representation of an embodiment of an extended scaffold over-roof strut connector of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 13a shows a side representation of a further embodiment of a roofing-strut engagement member of a modular scaffold cover assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and

Figure 13b shows a persepctive representation of the roofing-strut engagement member of Figure 13a.

Referring to Figures la and lb there is illustrated part of a modular scaffold cover assembly, indicated at 10, which is suitable for providing an over-roof structure for a building with which a scaffold base structure is associated.

The modular scaffold cover assembly 10 defines a framework which can be assembled and positioned over the roof of the building to cover workers and/or an exposed roof of the building, for instance, during re-tiling of a roof.

The modular scaffold cover assembly 10 comprises a plurality of roofing struts 12, which could be of uniform size, or could be of different lengths as illustrated. The roofing struts 12 shown are roofing purlins, that is, are shaped to define a slope of a roof. In other words, the roofing purlins have a longitudinal profile which is formed as a parallelogram. Other roofing strut 12 shapes that could be considered are horizontal roofing beams which have a rectangular longitudinal profile, and which will be discussed in respect of subsequent embodiments. The dimensions of such roofing struts 12 may vary, but may preferably be formed so as to be between approximately 0.5m and 5m in length, though longer or shorter roofing struts 12 could be considered. A preferred standard horizontal in-use length of a roofing strut 12 may be 4m.

The roofing struts 12 are preferably formed as lightweight roofing bars, that is, having a lower total weight than and equivalent steel scaffold pole, and may, for instance be formed from a material such as aluminium or a plastics material. The roofing struts 12 are therefore considerably less cumbersome than equivalent scaffold poles, since the weight distributed therethrough is considerably reduced. Preferably, the roofing struts 12 may be formed as four-track roof struts.

At least four scaffold over-roof strut connectors, or roofing-strut support elements 14 are provided which engage with at least some of the roofing struts 12. At least four are required to form a standard rectilinear footage of the over-roof structure which can be mounted to an associated scaffold base structure. Whilst it may be possible to use fewer than four scaffold over-roof strut connectors 14, for example, in a triangular configuration, this is unlikely to readily connect to existing scaffold base structures. Two of the scaffold over-roof strut connectors 14 can be seen in Figure 1, indicating the left- and right-hand support portions of the over-roof structure.

The modular scaffold cover assembly 10 is here provided as a peaked roof structure, and therefore the roofing struts 12 which extend from the scaffold over-roof strut connectors 14 meet at an apex of the over-roof structure. An intermediate roofing-strut engagement member 16 is therefore provided to enable coupling of adjacent roofing struts 12 at an angle to one another to form the apex.

Since each slope of the over-roof structure shown in Figure 1 is formed from two roofing struts 12 of differing length, additional roofing-strut engagement extensions 18 are also provided which linearly interconnect adjacent roofing struts 12.

At least the scaffold over-roof strut connectors 14, and possibly also the roofing-strut engagement members and extensions 16, 18, include a scaffold pole connector 20, which is a portion of the scaffold over-roof strut connector 14 which is adapted to be directly or indirectly connected to a scaffold pole of an associated scaffold base structure. In the depicted embodiment, this if formed as a tubular pole element dimensioned to be clamped in-line with a scaffold pole 22 via a scaffold-pole coupling 24. The scaffold-pole coupling 24 could be provided, for example, as a lockable clamp, such as an existing elongate scaffold clamp as illustrated, or could just be provided as a fastener, such as a screw-threaded fastener, which is complementarily engagable with the scaffold-pole connector 20, for instance. The form of the scaffold-pole coupling 24 will be discussed in more detail below.

The scaffold over-roof strut connectors 14 require a scaffold-pole connector 20 in some form; however, it will be appreciated that equivalent scaffold-pole connectors 20 are not strictly necessary for the roofing-strut engagement members and extensions 16, 18. The scaffold-pole connector 20 permits direct or indirect engagement with a scaffold pole.

To complete the modular scaffold cover assembly 10, there is provided a flexible covering 26 which at least in part extends over the over-roof structure to provide a cover, particularly for preventing ingress of rainwater. The flexible covering is preferably formed from a plastics and/or waterproof material, such as unplasticized polyvinylchloride (uPVC), and is preferably at least in part light-transmissible, most preferably being transparent. Furthermore, whilst it may be possible to provide a single flexible covering 26 which is intended to cover the entire over-roof structure, to maintain the modular construction of the modular scaffold cover assembly 10, it is preferred that the flexible covering 26 comprises a plurality of flexible sheets. The individual sheets of the flexible covering 26 can be sized to specific dimensions, for instance, 0.5m, 1.0m, 1.5m, 2.0m, 2.5m or 3.0m width, which are guided by the sizes of the roofing struts 12, and by interconnecting several units of roofing struts 12 plus sheets of flexible covering 26, the over-roof structure can be scaled to the size of building as necessary.

It will be apparent that a modular scaffold cover-framework assembly could be provided in which the modular scaffold cover assembly 10 omits the flexible covering. In such a case, the user could apply whatever roof covering is deemed appropriate for a given context, such as tarpaulin or corrugated steel roofing tiles.

Such a modular scaffold cover assembly 10 allows a user to construct an over-roof structure for a building having an associated scaffold base structure 28, without needing to assemble a heavy tin- or top-hat arrangement using scaffold poles and/or corrugated metal roofing.

In Figures 2 to 4, there is shown a method of assembly of a modular scaffold cover assembly, indicated at 110, to a scaffold base structure 28. Identical or similar components of the modular scaffold cover assembly to those described above will be referred to using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description will be omitted for brevity.

The scaffold base structure 28 illustrated comprises a plurality of in-use vertical scaffold poles 22a and a plurality of in-use horizontal scaffold poles 22b, 22c. A scaffold base structure 28 typically comprises a variety of different scaffold tube type, such as standards, the typically vertical scaffold poles 22a, ledgers, typically horizontal scaffold poles 22b which interconnect the standards, and transoms, typically horizontal scaffold poles 22c which rest on and are connected to the ledgers, and onto which scaffold boards 30 are positioned and secured.

Generally, the scaffold base structure 28 comprises spaced-apart inner and outer standards, thereby forming scaffolding having a non-negligible depth relative to the building. Only the inner scaffold poles 22a, 22b, 22c are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Although not shown, other conventional scaffolding components, such as guard rails or bracing, may also be provided on the scaffold base structure 28.

As illustrated in Figure 2, a plurality of scaffold over-roof mounting adaptors 132 are here formed as braces or bracing elements, and are provided as part of the modular scaffold cover assembly 110, which here form part of the scaffold-pole coupling 124, via which the over-roof structure is engagable with the scaffold base structure 28. The scaffold overroof mounting adaptors 132 are arranged in a regular configuration in engagement with one or more of the horizontal scaffold poles 22b. An indicative spacing between scaffold over-roof mounting adaptors 132 may be 1.5m, though this may readily be increased or decreased, depending on the sizes of the roofing struts, for example.

Each scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor 132 is preferably formed so as to comprise a main body member, here formed as a main body tube member 134, and at least one perpendicular or substantially perpendicular connector 136 to the main body tube member 134 which is directly or indirectly engagable with an in-use horizontal scaffold pole 22b of the scaffolding base structure 28. A scaffold-pole connector of a corresponding scaffold over-roof strut connector is directly or indirectly connectable to the main body tube member 134, which preferably extends vertically in-use. Identical scaffold-pole couplings 24 to those previously described could be used, or dedicated couplings which are only suitable for use with the scaffold over-roof mounting adaptors 132 could be considered.

The over-roof structure is indicated in dashed lines in Figure 3, showing general positions in which the roofing purlins would be positioned. To maintain security of the modular scaffold cover assembly 110 in-use, it may be desirable to provide one or more anchoring couplings 138, here illustrated as a wall-mounted bolt which can be affixed to the building 140, but other anchors could be considered, such as guy-roped weights. Water-filled containers might be suitable weights. The anchoring couplings 138 may be connected to any appropriate part of the modular scaffold cover assembly 110, including, but not limited to: one or more of the plurality of roofing struts; the flexible covering 126; one or more of the scaffold over-roof strut connectors; and one or more of the scaffold-pole couplings 124.

The engagement of the flexible covering 126 is shown in Figure 4. The flexible covering 126 is preferably formed from a plurality of individual sheets 142, which may be dimensioned so as to have a width which is equal or closely matched to a desired distance between adjacent roof purlins. Discrete lengths of sheets 142 could also be provided, as indicated; however, it may be viable to provide a roll of flexible material which can be unravelled to a desired length so as to span a full width of the building, extending from the scaffold over-roof strut connectors on one side of the building to the scaffold overroof strut connectors on the other side of the building. A plurality of different widths of sheets or rolls of flexible material could be provided, permitting the user some tolerance when assembling and positioning the scaffold over-roof mounting adaptors 132. End panels of the flexible covering 126 may also be provided to allow complete coverage of the building.

It will be appreciated that dedicated shapes of end panel could be provided for the flexible covering, such as trapezoidal or substantially triangular, thereby providing cover for in-use vertical ends of the over-roof structure, for instance. A specific embodiment of a scaffold over-roof strut connector can be seen in Figures 5a to 5c, indicated globally at 214. Here, the scaffold over-roof strut connector 214 is formed as an angularly-adjustable eaves knuckle, though it will be appreciated that a fixed-angle arrangement could readily be considered. Such an arrangement would simplify the assembly of an over-roof structure of a given pitch.

The scaffold over-roof strut connector 214 may be formed so as to comprise first and second support parts 244, 246 which are angularly adjustable relative to one another. The first support part 244 comprises a, preferably elongate and/or tubular, roofing-strut mounting portion 248 which is complementarily, and preferably slidably, engagable with a corresponding roofing strut. It is preferred that the roofing-strut mounting portion 248 is slidably receivable into the corresponding roofing strut, thereby forming a flush outer profile of the eventual over-roof structure. The roofing-strut mounting portion 248 preferably has a fixed or non-adjustable lateral extent. The longitudinal extent of the roofing-strut mounting portion 248 is preferably also non-adjustable, though a telescopic or similarly adjustable configuration could potentially be considered.

Preferably, each of the corresponding roofing struts has a rectangular profile, and an end of each roofing strut has a recess within which the roofing-strut mounting portion 248 of the scaffold over-roof strut connector 214 is receivable. The roofing-strut mounting portion 248 may therefore be formed as a cuboidal connector, as illustrated, and may include one or more locking elements 250, here formed as receivers for a locking element, such as a locking pin or screw-threaded fastener, which is also engagable with a roofing strut.

The second support part 246 here comprises a, preferably elongate and/or tubular member, which may be formed as a tube which is dimensioned to be identical in diameter to a scaffold pole, or to have a, preferably non-adjustable diameter or lateral dimension which is receivable within an end of a scaffold pole, thereby forming a cylindrical plug, preferably having a diameter of or substantially of 40mm, thereby being receivable into a scaffold pole having an outer diameter of 48.3mm with a wall thickness of 4mm. The second support part 246 therefore comprises the scaffold-pole connector 220, and may also include a rotatable element, such as the lockable wheel 252 illustrated, which is engagable with the first support part 244 to permit the angular adjustment therebetween. The scaffold-pole connector 220 could alternatively be sized so as to be identical or substantially identical to the dimensions of a scaffold pole, that is, typically 48.3mm outer diameter. This would allow the scaffold over-roof strut connector 214 to be engagable with existing scaffold couplings.

It will be appreciated, however, that the rotatable element could be provided as part of either of the first or second support parts 244, 246. In a preferred embodiment, the usable angular range of the rotatable element may be between 90 and 180 degrees, though an indexed angular range could be considered, which provides for discrete pitch angles, and may make assembly of the over-roof structure more straightforward.

Preferably, the first and second support parts 244, 246 are positioned or positionable such that longitudinal axes of the respective roofing-strut mounting portion 248 and connector mounting portion 220 are non-colinear, that is, angled relative to one another. However, the roofing-strut mounting portion 248 and connector mounting portion 220 are preferably co-planar, that is, not laterally offset to one another.

An engagement portion 254 may be provided which could be used for engagement with a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor 132, for example, or could be used to interconnect adjacent roofing-strut support elements 214. This could be provided associated with a user-engagement portion, for, for instance, locking a position of the rotatable element.

The first support part 244 may include a main body portion 256 from which the roofing-strut mounting portion 248 extends, and therefore may define a stop 258 against which an engaged roofing strut may abut when connected by sliding onto the roofing-strut mounting portion 248. Furthermore, the main body portion 256 of the first support part 244 may include one or more keyed receivers 260, engagement slots, or similar acceptor elements, for receiving a beaded portion of a flexible covering. The keyed receiver 260 preferably may have a receiving slot 262 having a narrowed throat 264 such that a thickened beading of the flexible covering is captively held in the keyed receiver 260. Using such an arrangement advantageously provides a mechanism by which a plurality of individual sheets of the flexible covering may be engaged with the over-roof structure without creating significant leak paths. Such beading may also be engagable with equivalent keyed receivers in the roofing struts. Whilst a keyed receiver 260 is suggested, it will be appreciated that any appropriate tethering means could be provided on the scaffold over-roof strut connector 214, for instance, one or more receiving apertures for tying a cord associated with the flexible covering, or could include one or more fastening elements, such as snap-fit connectors, for instance.

It will be apparent that whilst a cylindrical tubular connector mounting portion 220 and a rectangular tubular roofing-strut mounting portion 248 are preferred, since these will respectively best couple to scaffold poles and roofing struts, any combination of lateral cross-sections could be used, with different lateral cross-sections being preferred for the connector mounting portion and roofing-strut mounting portion. A specific embodiment of a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor 132 can be seen in Figures 6a to 6c. Four perpendicular connectors 136, arranged in two in-use vertically spaced-apart pairs at an angle relative to one another, are here provided in connection with the main body tube member 134. Each perpendicular connector 136 is preferably formed as a tube, such that it can be used in conjunction with existing scaffold-pole couplings 366a. In this embodiment, each pair of perpendicular connectors 136 may be parallel to one another, and may have an indicative separation of 0.5m, for example. The length of each perpendicular connector 136 may be lm, for example, to provide sufficient tolerance, though could be provided anywhere in the range of 0.1m to 2.0m, more preferably in the range 0.1m to 1.0m A default angle between the perpendicular connectors 136 may be 90 degrees, but this could be varied dependent on standard requirements and/or the length of each perpendicular connector 136.

One example of a scaffold-pole coupling 366a is shown in Figure 6a, in which the scaffold-pole coupling 366a is formed as a clamp element having a first clamp portion 368a which is engagable with a perpendicular connector 136, and a second clamp portion 370a which is engagable with a scaffold pole of the scaffolding base structure 28. Such a scaffold-pole coupling 366a could, of course, be used as a coupling with a scaffold overroof strut connector 14; 214, with the first clamp portion 368a being engagable with the scaffold-pole connector 20; 220. This scaffold-pole coupling 366a allows for the interconnection of an associated element at right angles to a scaffold pole 22.

An alternative scaffold-pole coupling 366b is shown in Figure 6b, wherein the first and second clamp portions 368b, 370b are positioned in-line with one another, to allow axial alignment of the associated element, such as the scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor 132 or scaffold over-roof strut connector 14; 214, with a, typically vertical, scaffold pole 22a.

As can be seen in Figure 6c, a pair of perpendicular connectors 136 can be rested upon, and secured to, a horizontal scaffold pole 22b. Where a plurality of horizontal scaffold poles 22a are provided, a corresponding number of perpendicular connectors 136 may be provided, thereby improving a security of connection between the modular scaffold cover assembly and the scaffold base structure 28.

In a preferable embodiment, the perpendicular connectors 136 within each pair of perpendicular connectors 136 may be provided so as to be angularly adjustable relative to one another, which allows the user to alter a spacing of the main body tube member 134 relative to an in-use horizontal scaffold pole 22b. This may be preferably provided by having a pivotable element, such as a hinge, which interconnects the paired perpendicular connectors, and this may extend through the main body tube member 134 such that all paired perpendicular connectors 136 are adjustable in tandem or synchronously. The angular adjustment of the perpendicular connectors 136 could be between 0 and 180 degrees, though more preferably may be between 30 and 120 degrees.

By changing an angle between paired perpendicular connectors 136, a separation between the main body tube member 134 and the horizontal scaffold poles 22b can be altered, which may allow the user to make small adjustments to be able ensure that a particular span across a roof of a building can be accommodated. If, for example, the total width of the over-roof structure formed by the roofing beams is too great for the scaffold over-roof strut connectors to directly engage with in-use vertical scaffold poles 22a, the scaffold over-roof mounting adaptors 110 can be used to provide some tolerance by adjustment of the angular separation between paired perpendicular connectors 136.

An indicative framework of a modular scaffold cover assembly is indicated globally at 410 in Figure 7b, which utilises the roofing-strut engagement member 416 shown in Figure 7a. Identical or similar components described previously will be referred to using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

The roofing-strut engagement member 416 is a fixed member having at least three roofing-strut mounting portions 448 which may be but are not necessarily equivalent to corresponding roofing-strut mounting portions 448 associated with the scaffold over-roof stmt connectors 414. Here, two roofing-strut mounting portions 448 are aligned to one another to form the apex of the roofing-strut engagement member 416, which defines left and right pitches of the over-roof structure. An internal angle of displacement the roofing-stmt mounting portions 448 could be 130 degrees, as illustrated, though this angle could feasible be anywhere between around 90 and 180 degrees, more preferably between 120 and 180 degrees.

The third roofing-stmt mounting portion 448 is aligned in a plane which is orthogonal to that in which the first and second roofing-stmt mounting portions 448 lie, extending in the direction of the reader in Figures 7a and 7b. As such, this roofing-stmt engagement member 416 is designed to be an end support, that is, engagable with three roofing stmts 412 in three directions, preferably forming a roof knuckle of the over-roof structure. This roof knuckle could be formed as a knuckle for a gambrel roof, a salt-box roof, a gabled roof, or potentially even a mansard roof. Each of these roofing-stmt engagement members would have a different pitch of the roofing-stmt mounting portions, thereby defining a pitch of the respective roof type.

Alternatively, the third roofing-stmt mounting portion could be dispensed with, and a scaffold-pole connector could be provided instead, which extends in an in-use vertical direction. This would result in a pitched roof with planar parallel end surfaces. This may make connection of the flexible covering more straightforward.

As can be seen in Figure 7b, each scaffold over-roof stmt connector 414 is mounted to a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor 432, which is in turn mounted directly to the scaffold base structure 28. Each roofing-stmt mounting portion 448 of each scaffold over-roof stmt connector 414 is aligned at an angle which corresponds with the angle of each roofing-stmt mounting portion 448 of the roofing-stmt engagement member 416, such that a roofing stmt 412 can be engaged therebetween.

The over-roof structure formed by the modular scaffold cover assembly 410 is therefore a peaked-roof structure, which protects the roof of the underlying building 40, whilst also covering the workers thereunder simultaneously. The modular scaffold cover assembly 410 can be assembled easily, since the component parts are significantly less weighty and cumbersome than scaffold poles, and as such, assembly times are vastly reduced.

An alternative framework of a modular scaffold cover assembly is indicated globally at 510 in Figure 8b, which utilises the roofing-strut engagement member 516 shown in Figure 8a. Identical or similar components described previously will be referred to using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

The over-roof structure shown in Figure 8b is broadly similar to that of Figure 7b, comprising the roofing struts 512 supported in a peaked roof configuration between the scaffold over-roof strut connectors 514 and roofing-strut engagement member 516.

However, the roofing-strut engagement member 516 shown in Figure 8a includes an angular adjustment element 572 via which an angular relative position between the first and second roofing-strut mounting portions 548 can be adjusted. Such an arrangement may not be possible with some roofing knuckles, and therefore may be more suitable for an arrangement in which a scaffold-pole connector 520 is provided.

The modular scaffold cover assembly 410 of Figure 7b is shown in Figure 9b, which utilises the roofing-strut engagement member 474 shown in Figure 9a. This roofing-strut engagement member 474 is an intermediate roofing-strut engagement member 474 for use with that of Figure 7a, in the middle of an over-roof structure. Only two roofing-strut mounting portions 448 are required.

An alternative construction of the modular scaffold cover assembly 610 of Figure 9b is shown in Figures 10a and 10b. A further roofing-strut engagement member 674 is provided to allow a variable pitch over-roof structure to be assembled.

In this instance, an alternative form of scaffold over-roof strut connector 676 is required, in which the scaffold-pole connector 620 and roofing-strut mounting portion 648 are co-linear with one another. Such a scaffold over-roof strut connector 676 may be formed as a fixed element, or could be formed using an adjustable scaffold over-roof strut connector, such as the scaffold over-roof strut connector 214 illustrated in Figure 5a. A further alternative framework of a modular scaffold cover assembly is indicated globally at 710 in Figure 1 lb, utilising the roofing-strut engagement member 716 shown in Figure 11a. Identical or similar components described previously will be referred to using identical or similar reference numerals, and further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

In this arrangement, a flat-roof over-roof structure is assembled, in which the roofing-strut mounting portions 748 of the roofing-strut engagement member 716, and thus roofing struts 712, are co-linear, and the scaffold-pole connectors 720 and roofing-strut mounting portions 748 of the scaffold over-roof strut connectors 714 are perpendicular to one another. An angular adjustment element 772 via which an angular relative position between the first and second roofing-strut mounting portions 748 of the roofing-strut engagement member 714 may be provided to allow a user to utilise the modular scaffold cover assembly 710 in a pitched roof arrangement as an alternative.

Figure 12a shows an alternative embodiment of a scaffold over-roof strut connector 814. In this arrangement, the scaffold over-roof strut connector 814 is formed as a fixed component having a roofing-strut mounting portion 848, formed as a rectilinear strut, which extends at a fixed angle with respect to first and second scaffold pole connectors 820a, 820b. The first scaffold pole connector 820a has an upper end which is slightly elevated with respect to that of the second scaffold pole connector 820b, so that the desired angle of the roofing-strut mounting portion 848 is maintained.

The scaffold over-roof strut connector 814 may require additional buttressing when a large scaffold over-roof structure is required, and the addition of further scaffold pole connectors 820a, 820b improves the sturdiness of the whole structure.

Given that two scaffold pole connectors 820a, 820b are provided, the angular arrangement is likely fixed, though it may be possible to provide a pivotable or hinging lockable mechanism between the scaffold pole connectors 820a, 820b which allows for some angular adjustment in situ. A similar scaffold over-roof strut connector 914 is shown in Figure 12b. This scaffold over-roof strut connector 914 has first and second co-linear roofing strut mounting portions 948a, 948b which extend in opposite directions with regards to the first and second scaffold pole connectors 920a, 920b, and the scaffold over-roof strut connector 914 can therefore be used either as normal, or instead as an extension component, similar to the previously described roofing-strut engagement extensions.

It will be appreciated that any of the features of the previously described scaffold overroof strut connectors could be integrated into this variant of scaffold over-roof strut connector 814, and additional features are not illustrated in Figures 12a and 12b for simplicity. In particular, the beading receivers are not shown in the Figures, and it will be appreciated that such receivers would be extremely useful for receiving the flexible covering as previously described.

An improved ridged roofing-strut engagement member 1016 is indicated in Figures 13a and 13b, which may be made and welded together from aluminium extrusions or similarly lightweight material to reduce the overall weight of the system once installed, without affecting sturdiness. The roofing-strut mounting portions 1048 are pitched relative to one another, with a bracing element 1074 being positioned therebetween to avoid bending of the roofing-strut mounting portions 1048 once a load is applied.

The provision of the bracing element 1074 allows for the roofing-strut engagement members 1016 to be provided in a much more lightweight configuration, with roofing-strut mounting portions 1048 each being recessed ready to receive a corresponding roofing strut or connector. This allows the roofing-strut engagement member 1016 to be connected to corresponding roofing struts, inserting into or around an end of the roofing strut. This significantly reduces the metal required to manufacture the roofing-strut engagement member 1016.

It is therefore possible to provide a modular system for covering a building project having scaffolding attached thereto. By providing a plurality of lightweight components, it is possible to erect a roofing assembly, optionally having different pitches, which can cover the working area at or adjacent to the roof of the building project. A flexible covering provides the necessary protection from adverse weather conditions. Using this system, buildings of different sizes and shapes can be accommodated, without needing to provide different roofing assemblies.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims (25)

Claims

1. A modular scaffold cover assembly for covering a roof of a building having an associated scaffolding base structure, the modular scaffold cover assembly comprising: a plurality of roofing struts assemblable to form an over-roof structure for the building; a flexible covering engagable with the plurality of roofing struts to cover the overroof structure; at least four scaffold over-roof strut connectors, each scaffold over-roof strut connector having a roofing-strut mounting portion which is receivably engagable with an end of one of the plurality of roofing struts; and a scaffold-pole coupling associated with each scaffold over-roof strut connector, each scaffold-pole coupling being engagable with its corresponding scaffold over-roof strut connector to secure a relative position between the said scaffold over-roof strut connector and the scaffolding base structure.

2. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein each scaffold over-roof strut connector includes a scaffold-pole connector which is dimensioned to receivably engage with an end of an in-use vertical scaffold pole of the scaffolding base structure.

3. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first and second said scaffold-pole connectors are provided.

4. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each scaffold-pole coupling comprises a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor having a main body tube member and at least one perpendicular connector to the main body tube member which is directly or indirectly engagable with an in-use horizontal scaffold pole of the scaffolding base structure, the scaffold-pole connector of the corresponding scaffold over-roof strut connector being directly or indirectly connectable to the main body tube member.

5. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein a plurality of perpendicular connectors is provided which are angularly adjustable relative to one another to alter a spacing of the main body tube member relative to the in-use horizontal scaffold pole.

6. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each scaffold over-roof strut connector includes an angular adjustment element for altering an angular position of the roofing-strut mounting portion.

7. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the plurality of roofing struts has a rectangular profile, an end of each roofing strut having a recess within which an associated roofing-strut mounting portion is receivable.

8. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein each of the plurality of roofing struts is formed as a four-track roof strut.

9. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible covering comprises a plurality of flexible sheets.

10. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible covering comprises a beaded portion for connecting to at least one of an associated roofing strut and/or scaffold over-roof strut connector.

11. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein each scaffold over-roof strut connector includes a keyed receiver for receiving the beaded portion to secure the flexible covering.

12. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a plurality of roofing-strut engagement members, each roofing-strut engagement member including first and second roofing-strut mounting portions which are each receivably engagable with an end of one of the plurality of roofing struts.

13. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein each roofing strut engagement member is recessed to engage with the end of a said roofing strut and/or connector.

14. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein an angle between the first and second roofing-strut mounting portions is adjustable.

15. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one anchoring coupling which is engagable with at least one of: one or more of the plurality of roofing struts; the flexible covering; one or more of the scaffold over-roof strut connectors; and one or more of the scaffold-pole coupling.

16. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of roofing struts comprise a plurality of roofing beams and a plurality of roofing purlins, the plurality of roofing beams forming horizontal roofing struts in the over-roof structure and the plurality of roofing purlins forming angled roofing struts in the over-roof structure.

17. A modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in the form of a kit of parts.

18. A method of assembling a covering over a roof of a building having an associated scaffolding base structure, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b] engaging the plurality of scaffold over-roof strut connectors with their scaffold-pole couplings to secure the scaffold over-roof strut connectors to the scaffolding base structure; and c] assembling a roofing framework which is dimensioned according to the size of the roof using the roofing struts, scaffold over-roof strut connectors, and flexible covering.

19. A scaffold over-roof strut connector for a modular scaffold cover assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, the scaffold over-roof strut connector comprising: first and second elongate tubular connector mounting portion for mounting the strut connector to a scaffolding base structure and/or a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor, the first and second connector mounting portion each having a non-adjustable lateral extent; and an elongate tubular roofing-strut mounting portion for slidably mounting the strut connector to a roofing strut, the roofing-strut mounting portion having a non-adjustable lateral extent.

20. A scaffold over-roof strut connector as claimed in claim 19, wherein each of the first and second connector mounting portions has a longitudinal axis which is non-colinear with a longitudinal axis of the roofing strut mounting portion

21. A scaffold over-roof strut connector as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, further comprising an angular adjustment element for altering a relative angular position of the roofing-strut mounting portion and the first and second connector mounting portions.

22. A scaffold over-roof strut connector as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein a lateral cross-section of the first and second connector mounting portions is different to a lateral cross-section of the roofing-strut mounting portion.

23. A scaffold over-roof strut connector as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising a keyed receiver for receiving a beaded portion of a flexible covering.

24. A modular scaffold cover-framework assembly for a building having an associated scaffolding base structure, the modular scaffold cover-framework assembly comprising: a plurality of roofing struts assemblable to form an over-roof structure for the building; and at least four scaffold over-roof strut connectors, each scaffold over-roof strut connector having a roofing-strut mounting portion which is receivably engagable with an end of one of the plurality of roofing struts; and a scaffold-pole coupling associated with each scaffold over-roof strut connector, each scaffold-pole coupling being engagable with its corresponding scaffold over-roof stmt connector to secure a relative position between the said scaffold over-roof stmt connector and the scaffolding base stmcture.

25. A scaffold over-roof stmt connector for a modular scaffold cover assembly, the scaffold over-roof stmt connector comprising: an elongate tubular connector mounting portion for mounting the stmt connector to a scaffolding base stmcture and/or a scaffold over-roof mounting adaptor, the connector mounting portion each having a non-adjustable lateral extent; and an elongate tubular roofing-stmt mounting portion for slidably mounting the stmt connector to a roofing stmt, the roofing-stmt mounting portion having a non-adjustable lateral extent.