SCAFFOLDING TOWER AND SCAFFOLD AND USE OF THE TOWER AND SCAFFOLD

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a scaffolding tower, a scaffold comprising the tower and the use of the tower and the scaffold.

PRIOR ART

During the creation of construction sites or temporary events, a scaffold can be used. The installation of the scaffold requires the levels to be gradually mounted along the length of the scaffold. The posts and floors are gradually assembled one after the other, until the desired height is obtained.

Traditional scaffolding installation is lengthy, from the preparation before on-site delivery of the various parts until mounting—and is not free of dangers during assembly or disassembly.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the invention is to provide a scaffold that is faster and safe to install.

For this purpose, the invention proposes a scaffolding tower comprising a plurality of modules articulated on one another, each module comprising a floor and posts articulated to the floor, the posts additionally being articulated along their length, the scaffolding tower being able to adopt a folded configuration in which each module is in a folded position and an unfolded configuration, obtained by vertical unfolding module by module, in which each module is in an unfolded position.

According to one variant, the modules are unfolded independently of one another.

According to one variant, a module is able to unfold by vertically pulling the module from the top or by vertically lifting the last unfolded module.

According to one variant, each post of a module comprises an articulation of said module to the floor and an articulation of said module to the upper module, each post further comprising an articulation along their length which is laterally offset relative to the other articulations of the post, in the unfolded position of the module.

According to one variant, the switch to the folded or unfolded position of a module is possible only by vertically lifting the module.

According to one variant, between the folded position of the modules and the unfolded position of the modules, the articulation along the length of the posts is aligned with the other articulations of the posts to the floors, and in the unfolded position of the modules, the articulation along the length of the posts is laterally offset relative to the other articulations of the posts to the floors.

According to one variant, the posts of each module are connected in pairs by a torsion bar, each module further comprises at least one safety railing connected to a post of each pair, the safety railing locking the articulation along the length of the two posts of the pair in the unfolded position of the module and releasing the articulation along the length of the two posts of the pair in the folded position of the module.

According to one variant, in the aligned position of the articulation along the length of the posts with the other articulations of the posts to the floor, the rotation of the railing activates a cam follower along a cam to a position of the railing wherein the articulation along the length of the posts is positioned laterally offset relative to the other articulations of the posts to the floors, this position of the railing corresponding to the unfolded positions of the modules.

According to one variant, the rotation of the railing simultaneously activates a cam follower along a cam at the post of each pair to which the railing is connected.

According to one variant, the railing is immobilized relative to the posts to which it is connected by the cam follower at the end of the cam and by a pin between the railing and a sleeve supporting the cam, the two posts to which the railing is connected and the modules are held in the unfolded position.

According to one variant, in the unfolded position of the modules, a plurality of pins, preferably four pins, lock the articulation along the length of at least two posts and the railing relative to the two posts to which it is connected.

According to one variant, the modules comprise a ladder with an articulation along its length, the ladder is rotatable around a post between a position of use of the ladder in the unfolded position of the respective module, the ladder being in a plane orthogonal to the axes of the articulations of the posts and a position allowing the folding of the module.

According to one variant, each module further comprises at least one end safety railing, rotatably mounted around a post and optionally removable.

According to one variant, the tower further comprises a vertical pulling frame of the tower at the top of the upper module.

According to one variant, the floors are with at least one passage hatch or without a passage hatch.

According to one variant, the tower further comprises connecting tabs between two modules in the folded position or between two neighboring modules in the unfolded position, the connecting tabs optionally comprising an indentation matching the gap between the modules.

According to one variant, the tower further comprises telescopic extenders movable between a position retracted in the floor and a position extracted from the floor, a floor extension being attached to the extenders in the extracted position.

According to one variant, the tower further comprises triangulation cables that are removable or permanently on the modules.

According to one variant, the lowest module comprises flat or flange-based jacks.

According to one variant, the module comprises a stairway articulated to the module by one end.

The invention also relates to a use of the scaffolding tower described above, as a temporary structure for construction sites, as a temporary structure for events such as rapid-build stands, private bleachers, or bleacher supports for a show, a sporting event or attraction, as a temporary structure for observation or measurement-taking, as a temporary support such as for an antenna, sensors, lighting, sound equipment, electrical cables or advertising, as a temporary structure for spanning a roadway, as a station for working at height in industry, as a shelf or a temporary shelving for shops or warehouses, as a main scaffolding tower or access tower or shoring tower, as a supplement or in combination with one or more conventional scaffolding spans.

The invention also relates to a scaffold comprising a plurality of scaffolding towers described above, the towers being juxtaposed to one another.

According to one variant, junctions are positioned between two neighboring modules separated by a space or an angle.

The invention also relates to a use of the scaffold as described above, as a temporary structure for construction sites, as a temporary structure for events such as rapid-build stands, private bleachers, or bleacher supports for a show, a sporting event or attraction, as a temporary structure for observation or measurement-taking, as a temporary support such as for an antenna, sensors, lighting, sound equipment, electrical cables or advertising, as a temporary structure for spanning a roadway, as a station for working at height in industry, as a shelf or a temporary shelving for shops or warehouses, as a supplement or in combination with one or more conventional scaffolding spans.

All embodiments thus all of the advantages of the modules and of the scaffolding tower are transposed mutatis mutandis to the scaffold and vice versa. The various embodiments can be taken in combination or individually.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the following detailed description for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended figures, which show:

FIG. 1 is an example embodiment of a scaffolding tower;

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the unfolding of the modules of the tower;

FIG. 3 shows another example embodiment of the unfolding of the modules of the tower;

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a module in an unfolded position;

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a module partially in a folded or unfolded position;

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a module in a folded position;

FIG. 7 shows an example embodiment of the relative position of the articulations of each post;

FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment of the actuation of a safety railing of the modules;

FIG. 9 shows an example embodiment of the actuation of a safety railing of the modules;

FIG. 10 shows an example embodiment of the actuation of a safety railing of the modules;

FIG. 11 shows an example embodiment of the actuation of a safety railing of the modules;

FIG. 12 shows an example embodiment of securing the articulation of the posts;

FIG. 13 shows an example embodiment of a ladder within the modules;

FIG. 14 shows an example embodiment of a ladder within the modules;

FIG. 15 shows an example embodiment of a ladder within the modules;

FIG. 16 shows an example embodiment of a ladder within the modules;

FIG. 17 shows an example embodiment of an end safety railing;

FIG. 18 shows an example of connecting tabs between two modules;

FIG. 19 shows an example of connecting tabs between two modules;

FIG. 20 shows an example embodiment of telescopic extenders;

FIG. 21 shows an example embodiment of a junction between two neighboring modules;

FIG. 22 shows an example embodiment of a junction between two neighboring modules;

FIG. 23 shows an example embodiment of a module with a stairway;

FIG. 24 shows an example of scaffold 9 comprising a plurality of towers in combination with multiple scaffolding spans able to be set up by successive assembly of unitary elements.

The drawings of the figures are not to scale. Similar elements are generally denoted by similar references in the figures. In the context of the present document, identical or similar elements may bear the same references. Furthermore, the presence of reference numbers or letters in the drawings cannot be considered limiting, including when these numbers or letters are indicated in the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes a scaffolding tower comprising a plurality of modules articulated one above another, each module comprising a floor and posts articulated to the floor, the posts additionally being articulated along their length. The scaffolding tower is able to adopt a folded configuration in which each module is in the folded position and an unfolded configuration, obtained by vertical unfolding module by module, in which each module is in the unfolded position. The advantage is to achieve savings in time and cost when installing and disassembling the tower, while promoting the safety of the operators who are installing the tower.

By juxtaposing a plurality of scaffolding towers in an unfolded configuration, in which each module is in the unfolded position, a scaffold is obtained. The scaffold is an assembly of towers to one another in the form of columns; the towers can be set into unfolded configuration side by side or unfolded a few meters apart (for example, in the street close to the place of use of the scaffold) and then juxtaposed with each other in the unfolded configuration. The same applies to disassembly. The installation of the scaffold by assembling towers in series makes it possible to save time—which is also the case for disassembly. Juxtaposing towers means that the towers and modules are side-by-side, aligned, adjacent, without necessarily touching; a space may exist between towers. Also, the term “juxtaposition” is understood to mean that the towers and modules are adjacent, perpendicular to each other (for example to follow a building angle) leaving an empty angle between the two.

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a scaffolding tower 10 and the scaffold resulting therefrom during the juxtaposition of a plurality of towers. The scaffolding tower and the scaffold that results when a plurality of towers is juxtaposed may be used as a temporary structure for construction sites, as a temporary structure for events (such as rapid-build stands, private bleachers, or bleacher supports for a show, a sporting event or attraction, etc.), as a temporary structure for observation or measurement-taking, as a temporary support (for an antenna, sensors, lighting, sound equipment, electrical cables or advertising), as a temporary structure for spanning a roadway, as a station for working at height in industry, as a shelf or a temporary shelving for shops or warehouses, as a main scaffolding tower or access tower or shoring tower, as a supplement or in combination with one or more conventional scaffolding spans. Conventional scaffolding is understood to mean a scaffold mounted by assembling tubes and connectors or with prefabricated elements (“frame” scaffolding, but especially also “multidirectional” scaffolding) in which the levels are gradually mounted over the desired length and height of the scaffold. In other words, a conventional scaffold is able to be set up by successively assembling items individually (floors, columns, connection nodes, collars, braces, stabilizers, brackets or storage space, floor extensions, bumpers, cross-members, gutters, etc.).

The tower 10 comprises a plurality of modules 12 articulated one above another. Six modules 12 are represented by way of example in FIG. 1; it is understood that the tower can comprise more or fewer modules 12, depending on how it is used. Each module 12 comprises a floor 14 and posts 16. The posts make it possible to support the upper modules. The floors are a surface allowing operators to move. The floors are for example a one-piece surface with a stiffening structure (such as a frame) or a surface supported by said structure. The surface may be made of metal, wood or fiberglass. The surface may be permanently attached to the structure or even removable relative to the structure. The surface may be in one piece or composed of sub-parts—for example 20 to 35 cm wide. The modules comprise components, such as posts or floor reinforcements, for example made of metal or fiberglass. It is possible to consider that the floor of a module is supported by the posts of said module; preferably (and as described below but in a non-limiting manner), a module comprises the floor 14 on which the posts 16 are placed and articulated—by their lower end. The modules 12 may comprise four posts 16 in order to ensure the stability of the tower 10. However, the invention is not limited to the presence of four posts 16 per module, as long as the stability of the tower 10 is ensured. The modules 12 are articulated to each other in the sense that the upper end of the posts 16 is connected and articulated to the floor 14 of the upper module 12. Furthermore, the posts 16 are articulated along their length. In other words, between their ends, the posts 16 comprise at least one articulation 18 allowing them to fold. Preferably, the posts comprise a single articulation 18, allowing them to fold into two.

FIG. 1 shows the tower 10 able to adopt a folded configuration (on the left in FIG. 1) in which each module 12 is in the folded position. The posts 16 are then folded in two at the articulation 18 along their length and folded against the lower (module) and upper (of the upper module) floors by the articulation at their ends. FIG. 1 also shows the tower 10 able to adopt an unfolded configuration (on the right in FIG. 1) by vertical unfolding module by module, in which each module 12 is in the unfolded position. The articulations 18 in the length of the posts 16 and the articulations to the floors allow the unfolding and folding of the modules 12 and therefore of the tower 10.

The tower 10 is therefore a single-piece, unfolded and foldable system, for which the operator does not have to carry out and assemble components of the structure. The floors 14 and posts 16 are already in place when the tower is in the folded or unfolded configuration. The tower saves time during its installation and removal. The advantage is that it is easier to prepare the tower before installing it because there is no risk of leaving out floors 14 or posts 16, and the same for removing it. Furthermore, the height of the tower is prepared in advance, by superimposing as many modules 12 as necessary to reach the desired height. Furthermore, the tower in a folded configuration can be easily transported by a truck—which greatly facilitates the delivery of the tower.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the unfolding of the modules 12. The composition of the scaffold 9 can also be seen by juxtaposition of the towers 10. In practice, the modules 16 are unfolded one after the other, from the highest module of the tower. A hoisting machine, such as a crane 20 (fixed or on a vehicle), makes it possible to unfold the modules 12 one after the other, by vertically pulling the module 121 from the top (by the top of the highest module 121). In FIG. 2, the top module 121 supported by the crane is already in the unfolded position and the lower module 122 is being deployed. The even lower modules are still in a folded position. In FIG. 2, several towers 10 with three modules 12 (by way of example) are already in the unfolded configuration. The modules are unfolded by gravity, which facilitates unfolding. As indicated above, the towers can be put into the unfolded configuration in a juxtaposed manner, or placed apart and then juxtaposed once in an unfolded configuration by movement by the lifting machine.

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of the unfolding of the modules 12. The composition of the scaffold 9 can also be seen by juxtaposition of the towers 10. Here, a lifting machine, such as a forklift truck 22, vertically deploys the modules in the direction of the arrow 24, by vertically lifting the last unfolded module. In other words, the top module 121 is unfolded first, then the vehicle vertically raises this module below in order to unfold the lower module—and so on by lifting the tower from the bottom of the last unfolded module. As in FIG. 2, the modules 16 are unfolded one after the other, from the highest module of the tower. The modules are unfolded by gravity, which facilitates unfolding. A tower 10 comprising, by way of example, three modules 12 is already in the unfolded configuration. A second tower 10 is being deployed. As indicated above, the towers can be put into the unfolded configuration in a juxtaposed manner, or placed apart and then juxtaposed once in an unfolded configuration by movement by the lifting machine. The embodiment of FIG. 3 is in particular applicable in the case where access from the top is not possible (in a building for example).

In order to allow vertical deployment of the modules 12, the tower 10 may comprise a vertical pulling frame 13 of the tower 10, at the top of the upper module. FIGS. 1 to 3 show the frame 13. The posts 16 are bolted in the corners of the frame 13. At the center, a lifting ring allows, gripping preferably by a lifting machine (whether on the deployment mode of FIG. 2 or 3). The ring is positioned in the axis of the center of gravity of the tower, which makes it possible to raise the module above and, where appropriate, the tower as-such remains vertical.

The floors 14 allow operators to move within the tower 10. The floors are with at least one passage hatch, making it possible to go from a module 12 to another, higher or lower, module 12 of the tower. The floors 14 may comprise one or two passage hatches. The floors can also be without a passage hatch.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a module 12 in an unfolded position. In particular, the posts 16, of which there are four as an example, are shown in more detail—without the floor 14. The posts 16 comprise an articulation 26 at their lower end, connecting the posts 16 to the floor 14 of the module 12 in articulated fashion. As indicated with reference to FIG. 1, the posts can also be articulated along their length, for example by the articulation 18. Furthermore, the posts 16 comprise an articulation 28 at their upper end, connecting the posts 16 to the floor 14 of the higher module 12 in articulated fashion. In FIG. 4, the module 12 (without floor) is in the unfolded position. Furthermore, the posts 16 of each module 12 are connected in pairs by a torsion bar 30. This allows synchronized unfolding of the posts 16 per pair, and prevents the posts from twisting. This improves travel from one position of the module 12 to another.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a module 12 partially in a folded or unfolded position. In this intermediate position (whether to the unfolded position or to the folded position), the articulation 18 makes it possible to fold the posts 16 in two and the articulations 26 and 28 make it possible to bring the two floors superimposed on each other, to reach the configuration shown on the left of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a module 12 in a folded position. The posts 16 are folded in two by virtue of the articulation 18 and the articulations 26 and 28 of each post 16 are brought closer together. In this position, the form factor of the modules 12 is minimal, which allows easy transportation and storage.

FIG. 7 shows an example embodiment of the relative position of the articulations 18, 26, 28 of each post 16, in different positions of the posts 16. The articulation 18 along the length of each post 16 can be offset laterally relative to the other articulations 26, 28 of the post, in the unfolded position of the module 12. On the left-hand part of FIG. 7, the post 16 is in a state corresponding to the (completely) unfolded position of the module 12; it can be seen that the articulation axis represented by a point of the articulation 18 is not aligned with respect to the articulation axis represented by a point of the articulations above 28 and below 26. This ensures a first safety feature of the tower 10 in the sense that, by this offset or non-alignment of the three articulations, the posts 16 are in a stable state, allowing an operator to complete the securing of the posts and modules as will be described below in greater detail. To go from a folded position to the unfolded position of the modules or vice versa, the articulations 18, 26, 28 of the posts are actuated so as to pass through a state wherein the articulation 18 is aligned with the other two articulations 26, 28; the posts 16 are in an unstable state making it possible to manipulate them. On the right part of FIG. 7, a movement to the right of the articulation 18 continues to cause the folding of the post 16 (in the state of FIG. 6); conversely, a movement to the left of the articulation 18 continues to cause the post to unfolded (and reach the state in the left part of FIG. 7). Whether to fold or unfold a module, the posts 16 pass through the unstable state only by vertically lifting the module. The vertical lifting is carried out by the lifting machine (which either raises the entire tower by pulling or raises the last unfolded module from below). Performing a lifting action makes it possible to secure the installation and the disassembly.

FIGS. 8 to 11 show an example embodiment of the actuation of a safety railing of the modules 12. Each module 12 may further comprise at least one safety railing 32 connected to a post 16 of each pair, the safety railing 32 locking the articulation 18 along the length of the two posts 16 of the pair in the unfolded position of the module 12 and releasing the articulation 18 along the length of the two posts 16 of the pair in the folded position of the module 12. The railing 32 therefore allows a locking of two posts 16 of the module in an unfolded state and a releasing of the two posts 16 of the module in a folded state, which is sufficient to lock or release the entirety of the module 12. Furthermore, the railing 32 allows this state change of the two posts of each pair—and therefore of the two pairs by virtue of the torsion bar 30—in a synchronized manner. The description of FIGS. 8-11 is for the two posts of the pair—in a synchronized and reverse manner.

FIG. 8 shows the railing 32 sliding into a sleeve 34 of a post 16—and sliding into a similar sleeve 34 of the other post 16 of the pair. The sleeve 34 is for example fixed to a stirrup 36 of the articulation 18. In the direction of the arrows 36, the upper and lower parts of the post 16 connected by the articulation 18 are moving towards the unfolded state of the post 16. The railing 32 slides in the sleeve 34—as well as in the sleeve 34 of the other post 16 of the pair. This is also visible in FIGS. 4 to 6 (in the movement in the opposite direction, in the folded state of the posts 16). In the unfolded position of the module 12, the two sleeves 34 are near the free ends of the railing 32; in the folded position of the module 12, the two sleeves 34 move towards each other towards the center of the railing 32.

According to FIG. 8, the three articulations 18, 26, 28 are aligned, as on the right part of FIG. 7—the post is in an unstable state. According to FIG. 9, the articulation 18 is laterally offset relative to the other articulations 26, 28 as on the left part of FIG. 7—the post is in a stable state. From FIG. 8, in the aligned position of the articulation 18 along the length of the posts with the other articulations 26, 28 of the posts 16, the rotation of the railing 32 activates a cam follower 38 along a cam 40 to a position of the railing 32 in which the articulation 18 along the length of the posts is positioned laterally offset relative to the other articulations 26, 28 of the posts, this position of the railing 32 corresponding to the unfolded position of the modules 12, shown in FIG. 9.

In FIG. 8, the cam follower 38 is not in the cam 40; in FIG. 9, the cam follower 38 is engaged in the cam 40 by the rotational movement of the railing 32 in the direction of the arrow 42. The cam follower 38 has a movement in the direction of the arrow 44 along the cam 40, in a helical section of the cam 40.

FIGS. 10 and 11 show the final movement of the cam follower 38 toward the end of the cam 40, in order to lock the railing in the unfolded position of the module 12. The cam 40 comprises a rectilinear segment connecting the helical segment to a locking segment. According to FIG. 10, the railing 32 is moved longitudinally so as to move the cam follower 38 in the straight segment in the direction of the arrow 45. The posts continue moving in the direction of the arrows 46. According to FIG. 11, the cam follower 38 has reached the end of the rectilinear segment of the cam 40. A rotational movement of the railing 32 in the direction of the arrow 48 makes it possible to engage the cam follower 38 in the locking section of the cam 40. The cam follower 38 makes it possible to lock the railing 32 and therefore lock the two posts 16 connected to the railing 32 in their unfolded and stable state.

Thus, the rotation of the railing 32 simultaneously activates the cam follower 38 along the cam 40 at the post of each pair to which the railing 32 is connected. The activation of the railing 32 by a single operator therefore makes it possible to lock or unlock the railing of two posts 16 and therefore of the entirety of the module 12 in a synchronized manner. This makes it possible to quickly place the modules in the unfolded position or vice versa, to allow the unlocking of the modules 12 in order to fold them. All this is securely performed with the lifting machine supporting the modules.

FIG. 11 shows how the railing 32 and the module 12 are secured in the unfolded position. The railing 32 is immobilized relative to the posts 16 to which it is connected by the cam follower 38 at the end of the cam 40—thereby ensuring a first securing of the railing 32 and of the module 12. Furthermore, the railing 32 is immobilized relative to the posts 16 to which it is connected by a pin 50 between the railing 32 and the sleeve 34 supporting the cam—thereby ensuring a second securing of the railing 32 and of the module 12. The pin 50 extends through an orifice 52 through the sleeve 34 and the railing 32. The railing 32 held with the cam followers 38 at the cam bottom 40 and with the pins 50 is immobilized relative to the sleeves 34 and thus relative to the posts 16 of the pair; the railing 32 prevents the posts 16 from folding back. Thus, the two posts 16 to which the railing is connected and thus all of the modules are held and secured in an unfolded position. Installation is therefore simple and fast, while ensuring great safety.

The disassembly method is done in the opposite direction to the assembly method described above—and is therefore just as easy while ensuring the safety of the operators. As indicated, vertically lifting or pulling with a lifting machine makes it possible to fold the modules, in particular by transitioning through the unstable state of the posts, in a safe manner.

The modules may comprise one or more safety railings—preferably two safety railings. In FIGS. 4 and 5, a second railing 33, lower than the railing 32, is provided. The railing 33 is connected to a post 16 of each pair by sliding into a sleeve similar to the sleeve 34. A pin 50 makes it possible to secure the railing 33 in position relative to the posts. The activation of the railing 32 (toward the unfolded or folded position of the module) also actuates the railing 33.

In the unfolded position of the modules 12, a plurality of pins lock the posts 16 in the unfolded state as well as the railing 32 relative to the sleeves 34 and therefore relative to the posts 16. More specifically, preferably four pins 50 lock the articulation 18 along the length of at least two posts 16 and the railing 32 relative to the two posts to which it is connected. According to FIG. 11, a pin 50 is used to lock the railing 32 to each of the posts 16 of the pair to which it is connected. FIG. 12 shows an example embodiment of securing the articulation 18 of the posts not connected to the railing 32. A pin 50 locks the articulation 18 along the length of the posts 16. In the stable state of the posts 16 (wherein the articulation 18 is offset laterally relative to the articulations 26 and 28), a pin locks the stirrups 36 forming the articulation 18 relative to each other, by passing through an orifice 54. Thus, two pins 50 are used for the posts connected by the railing 32 and two pins 50 are used for the two other posts not connected by the railing 32—it is thus sufficient for four pins to secure a module in the unfolded position. Other pins also make it possible to lock other components such as the railing 33 in the unfolded position of the modules.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show an example embodiment of a ladder within the modules 12. The modules 12 may comprise a ladder 56 with an articulation 58 along its length (one articulation for each side rail of the ladder), the ladder 56 is rotatable around a post 16 between a position of use of the ladder 56 in the unfolded position of the respective module 12, the ladder 56 being in a plane orthogonal to the axes of rotation of the articulations of the posts and a position allowing the folding of the module 12. In the position allowing folding, the ladder is in the plane of the axes of rotation of the articulations of the posts. The ladder therefore has several advantages. The ladder 56 can be folded and unfolded at the same time as the rest of the module. It is therefore not necessary to add the ladder 56 at a subsequent stage of assembling the modules and the tower, nor to manage disassembly separately. The ladder 56 also makes it possible to reinforce the safety of the modules 12 in that, in the position of use, the ladder prevents the articulations 18, 26, 28 from folding. The ladder locks the state change of the posts, which further increases the securing of the modules and of the tower.

In FIG. 13, a lower module 12 is in the folded position and an upper module is in the unfolded position. The ladder 56 of the upper module is in the use position in a plane orthogonal to the axes of the articulations 18, 26, 28. The ladder 56 can be immobilized in the position of use by a fastening 60 to the railing 32. This makes it possible to avoid a change in position of the ladder 56 during the use thereof.

In FIG. 14, the ladder 56 has changed position. The ladder 56 is in a position allowing the module 12 to fold. The ladder 56 has been rotated in the direction of the arrow 62 around a post 16. The ladder is in the plane of the axes of the articulations 18, 26, 28. The axis of the articulation 58 of each upright of the ladder 56 is parallel to the axes of the articulations 18, 26, 28, which allows the folding of the ladder 56 at the same time as the module—which facilitates changing the position of the module.

In FIG. 15, after rotating the ladder according to FIG. 14, the module 12 can be moved into the folded position. The posts 16 are folded in the direction of the arrows 64, causing the articulations 18 to move towards the inside of the module 12. The movement of the articulations 26 and 28 allows the floor 14 of the upper module to descend in the direction of the arrow 66. The railing 32 slides relative to the posts 16 to which it is connected, making it possible to switch the module to the folded position. The ladder 56 in the position of FIG. 14 folds at the same time as the rest of the module 12.

FIG. 16 shows the tower 10 in a folded configuration in which each module 12 is in the folded position, the ladder 56 was folded at the same time as the respective module. In this configuration, the tower is compact and it is not necessary to transport the components such as the posts, the floors, the railings, and the ladders separately; the tower forms an easy-to-transport whole.

FIG. 17 shows an example embodiment of an end safety railing 68. It can be envisaged that each module 12 further comprises one or more end safety railings 68, rotatably mounted around a post 16. For example, for modules intended to be at the end of the scaffold 9, the end railing 68 makes it possible to secure the installation. The railing 68 can be rotatably mounted around a post so as to be able to open it if necessary. The railing 68 is preferably of the size of a lower half-post 16, so as to prevent the passage of a person but also to fold at the same time as a pair of posts 16 connected by the torsion bar 30. This makes the railing 68 operational once the module 12 has been unfolded without impeding the folding of the module 12. The railing 68 is rotatable around a post 16 to be opened if necessary, in the closed position, the railing 68 can be secured by a pin inserted into an orifice 70 and a post 16 opposite the post 16 around which the railing 68 is movable in rotation.

Optionally, the end safety railing 68 is removable. It can be installed on the module if necessary, or removed. This may be the case for modules 12 that are not at the end of the scaffold and for which it is not useful to have such a railing 68. For this, the railing 68 is tilted by its free edge upward in the direction of the arrow 72 so that its edge connected to the rotation post 16 tilts in the direction of the arrow 74. This makes it possible to detach an upper elbow 76 from the railing 68 ensuring the rotation of the railing 68 around the post 16. The elbow 76 can be removed from the post 16. Next, a lower elbow 78 of the railing 68 ensuring the rotation of the railing 68 around the post 16 can in turn be removed from the post 16 in order to completely remove the railing 68.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show an example of connecting tabs between two modules 12. FIG. 18 shows the tower 10 in a folded configuration with two visible modules 12, in the folded position. The tower is ready for transport. The tower 10 comprises connecting tabs 80 between two modules in the folded position. The connecting tabs guarantee that the modules cannot unfold during transport or transshipment. Preferably, a connecting tab 80 is provided at each of the four corners of the modules 12. A fastening member 82 makes it possible to fasten a connecting tab between two modules and prevent unfolding. The connecting members 80 are for example screws with a butterfly nut as a nut, so as to easily attach or remove the connecting tabs 80. The connecting tabs 80 can be rotationally mobile relative to the modules, facilitating their use. The rotational movement can be around the fastening member 82.

FIG. 19 shows the tower 10 in a folded configuration with two visible modules 12, in the folded position. The tower 10 may comprise the connecting tabs 80 between two neighboring modules 12 in the unfolded position. In other words, when the towers are positioned side by side, it is preferable to attach the towers to each other; the connecting tabs 80 make it possible to attach together two adjacent modules 12 of two different towers. A rotational movement of the tabs makes it possible to attach the modules together.

The connecting tabs 80 may comprise at one of their ends a hole for the fastening members 82 to pass through. Regardless of whether the fastening member 82 is tightened or loosened, the connecting tabs 80 remain attached to the respective module, which prevents losing a connecting tab 80. For fixing to another module, the connecting tabs 80 may comprise another hole for a fastening member to pass through at their other end, as can be seen in FIG. 18. The connecting tabs 80 are then fastened by their two ends to the modules. The connecting tabs 80 may also optionally comprise a comb-shaped indentation 81, making it possible to attach the connecting tabs 80 to another module 12 positioned at a distance other than the gap between the two fastening member passages of a tab. FIG. 19 shows that the gap between the two neighboring modules 12 is smaller than the length of a connecting tab 80. It is therefore possible to attach the modules together by a fastening member 82 at one end of a tab 80 and by another fastening member of a neighboring module by positioning the fastening member 80 in an indentation 81 of the connecting tab 80. The connecting tabs 80 thus make it possible to attach two modules 12 together, while adapting to the space between the two modules.

FIG. 20 shows an example embodiment of telescopic extenders. The tower 10 may further comprise telescopic extenders 84 movable between a retracted position in the floor 14 of the respective module and a position extracted from the floor 14. The arrow 85 shows the movement of the extenders 84 to the extracted position. A floor extension 86 can then be attached to the extenders 86 in the extracted position. At least two extenders 84 are provided for each module, in order to ensure the stability of the extensions 86; preferably, three extenders 84 are provided in order to keep the extensions 86 from buckling under the weight of a person. The telescopic nature of the extenders 84 makes it possible to use these extenders and extensions only when needed, if a space exists between the tower and a building against which the tower is unfolded. This also makes it possible to take into account standards if necessary. The extensions 86 are for example placed on the floor during the preparation of the tower before installation; it then suffices to position the extensions 86 on the extenders 84 in the direction of the arrow 88. The extensions 86 can be rigidly connected to the extenders 84 by fastening means such as nuts, butterfly, pins or clips. The extensions 86 can also be attached to a component of the module during the preparation of the tower before installation or disassembly to avoid a fall during the unfolding or folding of the modules. It is also possible for the extensions 86 to be placed on the extenders 84 during the folding or unfolding of the modules.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the tower 10 can also comprise triangulation cables 90 that are removable or permanently on the modules. The triangulation cables 90 make it possible to prevent the modules, and therefore the tower, from folding laterally. The cables 90 are for example easily screwed by butterfly nuts between two floors. They are removable or placed permanently depending on whether these relaxed cables 90 do or don't hinder the manipulation of the tower in the folded position.

Independently of the flat-base jacks 92, the scaffold 9 may comprise one or more towers 12 as a complement to or in combination with one or more conventional scaffolding spans. Conventional scaffolding is understood to mean a scaffold mounted by assembling tubes and connectors or with prefabricated elements (mainly “multidirectional”, “frame” scaffolding, or even more rarely, rolling or suspended/bracketed scaffolding) in which the levels are gradually mounted over the desired length and height of the scaffold. In other words, a conventional scaffold is a scaffold able to be set up by successive assembly of discrete elements. A conventional scaffolding span is able to be set up by successively assembling discrete items (floors, columns, connection nodes, collars, braces, stabilizers, brackets or storage space, floor extensions, bumpers, cross-members, gutters, etc.). Indeed, construction sites may have singular features such as a sidewalk, door, slope of the terrain, etc. which complicate and delay the installation of a scaffold because the feature is to be overcome while allowing a pedestrian passage, road passage, etc. For this reason, and as can be seen in FIG. 24, the scaffold 9 may comprise a part in the form of a conventional scaffold 120 and another part as a tower 10 having the features described elsewhere. In other words, the scaffold 9 may comprise at least one tower 10 comprising a plurality of modules 12 articulated on top of each other, the tower being able to adopt different configurations, in combination with one or more conventional scaffold spans 120 (potentially by being rigidly connected together), that is, in combination with one or more scaffolding spans able to be set up by successive assembly of discrete elements (structural elements or equipment). The synergy between the tower(s) 10 and the conventional scaffolding spans makes it possible to obtain a scaffold that is quick to install or disassemble, which is adapted to different construction configurations. Such a scaffold saves the cost of installing and disassembling the scaffold. Also, the scaffold ensures the safety of operators and of non-worksite persons.

By way of example, relative to the tower(s) 10, the conventional scaffolding spans can be below (for example, as a base of the pedestrian passage type or to compensate for a difference in elevation), above (for example, as “low slope protection”, as “half-frame” or “half-level” to adjust the height of the scaffold, as a roof access gateway, such as a shoring tower or formwork support), on the sides or juxtaposed (for example, a multi-directional level or column or tubes and fittings, as a crossbeam, straddle, beam or walkway), at the rear of the scaffolding (for example, as an additional row of scaffolding to facilitate movement, for storage, or as an access tower or lifting tower), at the front of the scaffolding (in the case of multiple rows, as an access walkway to the roof, or to follow a slope, for example, on shipbuilding sites or under bleachers), or even as an interface between two vertically superimposed towers 10.

According to FIG. 16, the lowest module 12 of the tower 10 may comprise flat-base or flanged jacks 92. The jacks 92 are for example telescoping parts—for example by screwing/unscrewing—making it possible to adjust the flatness of the tower to the ground. Flat-based jacks 92 make it possible to place the lowest module on the ground. Flanged jacks 92 make it possible to attach the lowest module, and therefore the tower, on a lower structure. For example, it is possible to mount the tower on a lower scaffold, allowing people to pass along a sidewalk, to compensate for a level change in the terrain, or to allow the tower to be above a door. It is thus possible to combine or associate one or more towers 10, and optionally the scaffold that results therefrom, with a conventional scaffold (as described above). For example, it is possible to put up the tower by capping it at its highest point with a low slope protection using a scaffold suitable for roofing work, or even a half-frame making it possible to position the workstation precisely at the desired height (under a gutter or at a parapet for example), or a gateway leading to the roof, or even a support for picking up heavy loads during a use as a shoring tower or formwork support. For example, it is possible to put up the tower in juxtaposition of a single level or of a whole column made of multidirectional tube-and-fitting scaffolding, making it possible to adapt to one or more facade protuberances (balconies, ledges, decorative features, etc.), this column or this level alone being able to take the form of a conventional floor, sometimes a beam or cross-member making it possible to go over facade obstacles or ground obstacles that would in some places prevent the installation of a column 10 (or simply connect as few columns 10 of the scaffold 9 as possible, in the case of roofing work, for the sake of saving time). For example, it is possible to put up the tower by adding thereto at the rear one or more rows of scaffolding allowing better circulation, whether it has a footprint or is being used “as a bracket” of the tower 10/of the scaffold 9, or an access tower allowing workers to better move between floors unimpeded, a lifting tower making it possible to transport the materials to the right height, or as a storage space for materials at the height where they will be used (tiles, coatings, etc.). For example, it is possible to put up the tower by adding a level thereto at the front (as a bracket, a gateway or not), or one or more columns of scaffolding in order to adapt to an indentation in the building or to follow a slope, such as for example on shipbuilding sites or under bleachers, to best fit the ship or support). For example, it is possible to put up two towers 10 vertically superimposed by separating them from an interface in the form of half-frame or half-height of a scaffold to more precisely achieve desired working heights to be adjusted with only the use of flat-base jacks 92.

FIG. 21 shows an example embodiment of a junction 94 between two neighboring modules 12. The junctions 94 are positioned between two neighboring modules 12 separated by a space. The junctions make it possible to connect two modules of two different towers while a gap exists and that this gap cannot be filled by a tower or module. The junctions 94 then serve as bridges or gateways. The modules can be in the same alignment but separated by a space. The junction 94 then makes it possible to extend the two adjacent modules to each other. The modules can be perpendicular to each other (for example to follow a building angle) leaving an empty angle between both. The junction 94 then makes it possible to fill the angle between the two neighboring modules.

The junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) comprises a floor 14 and a safety barrier 96. The barrier is articulated to the floor, which makes it possible to fold it in order to reduce the bulk thereof during transport of the junctions 94. The barrier 96 comprises a locking member 98 for locking the barrier with the railing 32 of the neighboring module to ensure the safety of the operators. Two safety barriers 96 can also be envisaged in the case of an angle junction 94.

The junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) may further comprise a lifting ring 102 that is retractable into the floor 14 in line with the top of the safety barrier 96 positioned between 50 and 70° relative to the floor—preferably around 60°—and a double lifting ring 104 on the top of the barrier. The junction is able to remain substantially horizontal by lifting by a cable 100 attached between the two rings 102, 104 (holding the barrier inclined) and by a cable 106 attached to the ring 104.

Either the floor or the neighboring module 12 comprises projecting plates supporting a shaft 108 penetrating into a respective orifice of the other one of the floor or neighboring module 12. According to FIG. 21, the junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) may comprise plates protruding from the floor 14 supporting the shaft 108 entering the respective orifice of a neighboring module. This makes it possible to secure the junction with the neighboring module in a secure manner. Furthermore, a pin can be provided to lock the withdrawal of the shaft 108 from the orifice. This makes it possible to secure the latching of the junctions 94 to the modules 12.

FIG. 22 shows an example embodiment of a junction 94 between two neighboring modules. The junctions 94 are positioned between two neighboring modules 12 separated by an angle. A view from the bottom is shown. A junction 94 intended to connect two neighboring modules 12 separated by an angle may comprise a floor 14 and intersecting cross-beams 110 on which the floor 14 rests. This ensures the stability of the junction 94 when walked on by an operator.

The junction 94 (between two modules separated by a space or an angle) may also comprise extenders 84, as described above to support an extension 86.

FIG. 23 shows an example embodiment of a module 12 with a stairway 112. The stairway 112 makes it possible to move easily between the modules, within the scaffolding tower; for example, the stairway allows operators to move more easily while carrying loads with two hands, which is not possible via the ladder 56. The stairway 112 can be attached in an unfolded module—or removed before folding the module. Preferably, the stairway 112 is articulated to the module 12 and is placed during the unfolding of the module or follows the movement of the module during folding. For example, the stairway 112 is articulated to the module by its upper end and is able to slide on the floor of the module 12 by its lower end. Thus, during the folding or unfolding of the module, the stairway 112 follows the change in position of the module. In the folded position of the module, the lower end of the stairway 112 slides out from the module. In the unfolded position of the module, the lower end of the stairway 112 slides into the module. Once the module has been unfolded and the stairway 112 is in place, the lower end of the stairway 112 is locked, for example by a pin. The upper end of the stairway 112 is for example articulated, by the two side rails, to the posts 16 or to the torsion bar 30. Furthermore, the stairway 112 makes it possible to reach a higher module (or to descend therefrom) via an empty passage in the floor 14—which can be blocked by a hatch, or not.

The invention is therefore a modular scaffolding solution, unfoldable and simple to assemble. Time is saved on installation since, in general, such an installation that will often close off a street. The scaffold is single-piece, using folding and unfolding modules for example at least 6 m long, preferably at least 10 m. The scaffold can reach 20 m of height, or even 30 meters. The scaffold consists of juxtaposed towers; the scaffold is free of stabilizing arms resting on the ground extending beyond the ground surface of the modules, which makes it possible to juxtapose the towers in series (but may comprise them in the case where a single tower 10 is used). The deployment of a tower is carried out without human intervention, but in a mechanized manner, preferably by a lifting machine, making it possible to reduce accidents. The securing by several means described above is done by an operator, safely thanks to the lifting machine. Furthermore, the tower may comprise a number of components (such as columns, floors, safety railings, a ladder, etc. if necessary) already in place in the folded position of the tower and which are in place in the unfolded position—and vice versa. One revolution of 10 m can weigh between 1000 to 2000 Kg—by way of example, which cannot be handled by an unaided human (but can by a lifting machine). The modules are for example more than 2 meters wide, but preferably less than 2.4 meters wide so that they can be carried by a 2.5 meter truck. The junctions may measure, by way of example, between 2 and 4 meters long.

The towers are of a height suitable for the use mentioned above, and are able to be juxtaposed to cover a large length of use. Assembly is done in columns and lateral positions and not in rows as traditionally. The articulation-based ability to fold and unfold allows a very large degree of folded compactness.

The towers 10 have the ability to be preassembled and folded by articulation, which makes them as compact as possible. They are unfolded (and folded) by a lifting machine, which raises the entire tower (from the top or bottom of the last unfolded module). All components are already assembled, no manual operation at height is necessary for installation and disassembly—only the actuation of the described safety features. The lifting machine is for example a crane, a forklift truck, a crane truck, a telescopic carrier, etc. The fact that the unfolding or folding method described above of the modules during installation or disassembly is possible only by vertical lifting of the modules by the lifting machine for each level of module, assumes that the lifting means is present. The lifting machine makes both installation and disassembly (and therefore the lowering of the module and towers) safe. Thus, folding involving a sudden one-level drop without being attached and secured from above by the lifting machine is avoided. The described steps of the method for folding and unfolding the modules and the towers, as well as the juxtaposition of the towers, saves time and is safe for operators.