AU2014377971B2

AU2014377971B2 - Scaffold bar

Info

Publication number: AU2014377971B2
Application number: AU2014377971A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Helmut Kreller
Original assignee: Wilhelm Layher Verwaltungs GmbH
Current assignee: Wilhelm Layher Verwaltungs GmbH
Priority date: 2014-01-17
Filing date: 2014-12-09
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-09
Also published as: EP3049591A1; EP3049591B1; PL3049591T3; DE102014100498A1; ES2640393T3; WO2015106734A1; AU2014377971A1; ZA201603135B

Abstract

The invention concerns a metal scaffold bar (20.1) with a steel beam profile (21.1) comprising two beam profile ends (32.1, 32.2) that extend away from one another and to which a metal fastening means (33.1) is welded for detachably fastening the scaffold bar (20.1) to other scaffold parts (41). A U-shaped reinforcement profile (22.1) made of sheet steel is welded to the beam profile (21.1) using the fastening ends of the side branches of the U-shaped profile. The height of the U-shaped reinforcement profile is greater than the height of the beam profile and the width of the U-shaped reinforcement profile is smaller than the width of the beam profile by more than double the thickness of the beam profile (21.1).

Description

1 2014377971 25 Oct 2016

SCAFFOLD BAR

Technical Field

The invention relates to a scaffolding bar of metal with an elongate rod-shaped preferably 5 substantially straight girder profile member of steel.

Background

Scaffolding bars of that kind have become known from practice and from the applicant’s brochure ’Katalog und Preisliste’ for ’Layher Allround scaffolding system’, issue 1.3.2007, 10 in the form of the scaffolding bar shown therein on page 8 and termed Ό bar, reinforced’ and ’ll bar, reinforced’. The reinforcing profile member of this bar has a V-shaped cross-section and the internal cross-section is triangular. The reinforcing profile member is produced by folding or bending a substantially planar steel plate about a single folding or bending axis. The Ό profile member’ and the ’ll profile member’ as well as the respective 15 reinforcing profile member consist of a steel material with a yield strength of approximately 320 Newtons per square millimetre. Although this scaffolding bar has in many cases proved best in practice, it has emerged that this bar in certain circumstances of use, for example in the case of larger span widths, does not satisfy the applicable requirements for a higher bending strength or load-bearing capability. Accordingly, the applicant has 20 developed and offered so-called Ό double bars’ and ’U double bars’, which are similarly illustrated in the afore-mentioned product brochure on page 8. These ’double bars’ have also proved best in practice. They have an upper-chord O profile member or U profile member with two connecting heads welded to the ends thereof and have a downwardly protruding lower-chord profile member in the form of a round tube. The lower-chord profile 25 member is accordingly also termed ’lower-chord O profile member’. The round tube is welded to the upper-chord profile member by the ends of its upwardly angled tube parts. The lower-chord O profile member is additionally connected by welding with the upper-chord profile member by way of a plurality of support plates arranged at a spacing from one another in the longitudinal direction of the ’double bar’ and each imparting a vertical 30 spacing. The upper-chord profile member, the lower-chord O profile member and the support plates similarly consist of a steel material having a yield strength of approximately 320 N/mm2. A ’double bar’ of that kind does indeed have a greater bending strength and load-bearing capability by comparison with the said Ό bars’ and ’U bars’, but a significantly larger overall height. This has the consequence that in the case of installation of a ’double 35 bar’ of that kind as intended in a scaffolding, in which the connecting heads of the ’double

8319541 _1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 2 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 bar’ are fastened at the height of the scaffolding floor of a next storey to horizontally adjacent apertured discs - which are arranged at substantially the same height - of two scaffolding posts arranged or erected to be horizontally adjacent, the passage height is correspondingly reduced by the downwardly projecting lower-chord O profile member. 5 This can lead to obstacles to the movement of persons walking on the ground or on the scaffolding floor of a lower storey. Apart from these disadvantages, ’double bars’ of that kind are comparatively expensive.

Accordingly, the applicant has, inter alia, expedited developments which are disclosed in 10 German Patent Applications No. 10 2012 118 020 and No. 10 2013 102 492, which are still unpublished at the priority date of the present application. These concern ’double U scaffolding bars’ in which use is made of U profile members not only for the girder profile member, but also for the reinforcing profile member welded thereto. These U profile members have, as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the 15 longitudinal axes thereof, an identical U profile form or an identical U profile cross-section. In the case of the first-mentioned patent application, a respective, usually slotted connecting head of metal is directly welded to each of the two longitudinal ends of the U girder profile member, each head being capable of being firmly, but releasably wedge-connected with an apertured disc of a vertical scaffolding element, particularly a 20 scaffolding post, by means of a respective wedge. In the case of the second-mentioned patent application, a respective, usually hook-shaped suspension catch is fixedly welded to each of the two longitudinal ends of the U girder profile member by way of a respective support plate welded thereto, this catch also being termed suspension claw, by means of which this double U bar can be suspended in a U girder profile member of a scaffolding 25 component or placed on a support edge of a support web of a scaffolding component. These double U bars can indeed be produced comparatively simply and economically as well as manually handled easily and safely and have a relatively high bending stiffness or load-bearing capability for a comparatively small overall height, but these double U bars take up a comparatively large volume in transport and storage. 30

Summary

An embodiment of the invention may make available a scaffolding bar of the kind stated in the introduction which for an even simpler and comparatively more economic capability of production as well as easier and safer capability of manual handling and for an even 35 relatively smaller overall height has a bending stiffness or load-bearing capability which is

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 3 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 of at least the same or of greater magnitude and which offers favourable possibilities for space-saving transport or space-saving storage of several scaffolding bars of that kind. A first aspect of the invention provides a scaffolding bar of metal with an elongate rod-5 shaped girder profile member of steel, which extends in the direction of a first longitudinal axis in a first longitudinal direction and which as considered in the first longitudinal direction has a girder profile member length and a girder profile member longitudinal centre and as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction has a girder profile member width, a girder profile member height and a girder 10 profile member wall thickness, the member having a support edge, which is upper as considered in an installed setting, or support edges, which are upper as considered in the installed setting, for support and/or suspension of a scaffolding covering or a plurality of scaffolding coverings, wherein the girder profile member has two girder profile member ends, which extend away from one another in opposite directions in the first longitudinal 15 direction and to each of which is welded either a respective connecting head of metal for detachable fastening of the scaffolding bar in the installed setting to a fastening element, which is provided with at least one passage, of a scaffolding element by means of a connecting wedge insertable through the passage or a respective hook-shaped suspension claw or suspension catch of metal, which is downwardly open as respectively 20 considered in the installed setting, for detachable support and/or suspension of the scaffolding bar in the installed setting on and/or at scaffolding components, and wherein attached to a side, which forms an underside in the installed setting, of the girder profile member is an elongate rod-shaped U reinforcing profile member of steel plate, which extends away from the girder profile member to underneath the girder profile member in 25 the installed setting and extends in the direction of a second longitudinal axis in a second longitudinal direction parallel to the girder profile member or parallel to the first longitudinal axis thereof - with bridging-over of the girder profile member longitudinal centre - along the girder profile member continuously over a reinforcing profile member length corresponding with at least half the girder profile member length of the girder profile member, and 30 wherein the U reinforcing profile member has as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis and substantially over its entire reinforcing profile member length a U-shaped first U profile cross-section and is formed with a first base profile, which extends in the second longitudinal direction and from which two lateral first U profile limbs are folded or bent, the first U profile limbs extending substantially 35 perpendicularly away from the first base profile in the same direction and upwardly as

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 4 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 considered in the installed setting substantially parallel to one another at a transverse spacing, which corresponds with a first base profile width, and having fastening ends welded to the underside of the girder profile member, and wherein the U reinforcing profile member has a U reinforcing profile member width corresponding with the transverse 5 spacing and a U reinforcing profile member height which corresponds with a spacing of the fastening ends from the first base profile and is greater than the U reinforcing profile member width, wherein the U reinforcing profile member height is greater than the girder profile member height measured in the same direction as the U reinforcing profile member height and that the U reinforcing profile member width is smaller, by more than twice the 10 wall thickness of the girder profile member, than the girder profile member width measured in the same direction as the U reinforcing profile member width. As a result this scaffolding bar can have a moment of inertia which is of the same magnitude as or even greater than - and accordingly a bending stiffness or load-bearing capability of at least the same magnitude as or greater than - the afore-mentioned double U bar. Moreover, it can 15 thereby be achieved that a first scaffolding bar according to an embodiment of the invention is insertable by its U reinforcing profile member between the U profile limbs of the U girder profile member of a second scaffolding bar according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the respective second longitudinal axis the base profile of the U reinforcing profile member of 20 the first scaffolding bar is or can be arranged at an insertion spacing from the ends of the U profile limbs of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar in a U girder profile member inner space bounded by the U profile limbs and the base profile of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar. 25 According to one embodiment it can be provided that the U reinforcing profile member height is greater than the U reinforcing profile member width by the factor 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 or 1.7. In other words, the calculated ratio of U reinforcing profile member height to U reinforcing profile member width can be at least 1.3, at least 1.5, at least 1.6 or at least 1.7. The factor or the ratio is preferably greater than 1.7. Alternatively or additionally, it 30 can be provided that the U reinforcing profile member width is smaller, by at least or by

more than three times, four times, five times or six times the wall thickness of the girder profile member, than the girder profile member width measured in the same direction as the U reinforcing profile member width. Alternatively or additionally it can be provided that the U reinforcing profile member width is smaller by at least 10 percent, 20 percent, 25 35 percent or 30 percent than the girder profile width measured in the same direction as the U

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 5 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 reinforcing profile member width. The afore-mentioned advantages can be realised to a particular degree by the aforesaid measures.

According to a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the first U profile limbs have, 5 in the region of the fastening ends thereof, first limb wall parts which are folded away or bent away or over from the first U profile limbs in a direction towards one another or inwardly and which have, at the ends thereof associated with the girder profile member, the fastening ends. As a result, not only a greater degree of stiffness and consequently a greater degree of bending strength or load-bearing capability are achieved, but also safe 10 manual handling, because sharp edges can be avoided.

However, it will be understood that it can alternatively be provided that the first U profile limbs have, in the region of the fastening ends thereof, first limb wall parts which are folded away or bent away or over from the first U profile limbs in a direction away from one 15 another or outwardly and which have, at the ends thereof associated with the girder profile member, the fastening ends.

According to an advantageous development it can be provided that the first limb wall parts as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis 20 are folded away or bent away or over from the first U profile limbs through an angle. This makes simple and economic production possible.

In that case, according to a first alternative it can be provided that the angle is an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees and smaller than 180 degrees. This angle can preferably 25 adopt an angle between 95 degrees and 145 degrees. In particular, this angle can be approximately 120 degrees. As a result, tangential bearing of the first limb wall parts against the underside of the girder profile member can be achieved, whereby the risk of formation of a gap between the underside of the girder profile member and the first U profile limbs, which are welded thereto, of the U reinforcing profile member can be 30 minimised or even excluded. Through this measure, favourable welding conditions and consequently a good welded seam quality can be achieved, so that these scaffolding bars can have a particularly high level of bending stiffness or load-bearing capability.

According to a second alternative it can be provided that the angle is an acute angle which 35 is thus smaller than 90 degrees and greater than zero degrees. This angle can preferably

8319541 _1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 6 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 adopt a value between 20 degrees and 70 degrees. In particular, this angle can be approximately 45 degrees. As a result, the first limb wall parts can abut, by the end surfaces or end edges thereof, the underside of the girder profile member. This alternative embodiment does indeed have the advantage relative to the previously discussed 5 embodiment that less material is needed, whereby on the one hand costs and on the other hand weight can be saved, in which case, due to the latter, easier manual handling arises. On the hand, in the case of this alternative embodiment it can happen that the web edges extending longitudinally of the girder profile member do not always run exactly rectilinearly. As a result, formation of a gap and accordingly problems in the case of welding by robots 10 can arise. The weld seam quality can thereby be impaired, with the consequence of correspondingly lower mechanical characteristic values.

According to one variant of embodiment it can be provided that the girder profile member is a round tube with an outer diameter corresponding with the girder profile member width 15 and the girder profile member height.

For preference, in the case of an aforesaid scaffolding bar the girder profile member and/or the U reinforcing profile member can be constructed and/or arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal plane of symmetry containing the first longitudinal axis and 20 the second longitudinal axis. As a result, particularly simple and economic production is possible and scaffolding bars can be made available which have the same degree of bending strength or load-bearing capability regardless of the installed position thereof, so that the worker does not have to pay attention to how the corresponding scaffolding bar has to be attached or suspended. 25

According to a particularly preferred variant of embodiment it can be provided that the girder profile member is a U girder profile member which as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis has a U-shaped second U profile cross-section substantially over the entire girder profile member length and which in an 30 opening direction directed away from the U reinforcing profile member is upwardly open in the installed setting, the profile member being formed with a second base profile which extends in the first longitudinal direction and has, as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis, a second base profile width, wherein two lateral second U profile limbs are folded away or bent over or away from the 35 second base profile, which second U profile limbs extend upwardly as considered in the

8319541 1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 7 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 installed setting and substantially perpendicularly away from the second base profile in the same direction and at an transverse spacing, which corresponds with the second base profile width, substantially parallel to one another and have support ends, and wherein the second U profile limbs in the region of their support ends, which are directed away from 5 the second base profile and are upper as considered in the installed setting, form the support edges for support and/or suspension of scaffolding coverings, wherein the second U profile limbs have a transverse inner spacing from one another in the region of their support ends. In that case there is thus similarly concerned a ’double U bar’, but by which the advantages according to an embodiment of the invention can be realised to a 10 particular degree by comparison with the ’double U bars’ of earlier developments of the applicant as explained in the introduction.

In that case, according to a preferred embodiment it can be provided that the support ends of the second U profile limbs are formed by folded or bent portions, wherein the second U 15 profile limbs have second limb wall parts, which are bent over or away or folded away each through preferably approximately 180 degrees inwardly into a U girder profile member interior space bounded by the second U profile limbs and the second base profile, from limb ends, which second limb wall parts extend preferably parallel to one another in the direction of the second base profile and downwardly as considered in the installed 20 setting and have, as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis, the transverse inner spacing from one another. As a result, reinforced support regions are created. These can be formed as double wall regions. These can be designed with wall parts directly bearing against one another or can be designed with wall parts having a small spacing from one another. 25

According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that the U reinforcing profile member width as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis is slightly smaller than the transverse inner spacing between the second U profile limbs or between the second limb wall parts of the U girder profile 30 member. The bending stiffness or load-bearing capability of a double U bar of that kind can thereby be maximised.

According to a development of a scaffolding bar according to an embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the U girder profile member and/or the U reinforcing 35 profile member is or are constructed and/or arranged symmetrically with respect to a

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 8 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 longitudinal plane of symmetry containing the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis. A particularly simple and economic production of double U bars of that kind is thereby made possible, which in addition have the same degree of bending stiffness or load-bearing capability regardless of the installed position thereof, so that the 5 worker does not have to give attention to how the corresponding scaffolding bar has to be attached or suspended.

Another aspect of the invention also relates to an arrangement of a first scaffolding bar according to an embodiment of the invention, and a second scaffolding bar according to an 10 embodiment of the invention, particularly a double U scaffolding bar, wherein the U reinforcing profile member of the first scaffolding bar is inserted between the second U profile limbs or between the second limb wall parts of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar with a small lateral play, preferably so that or wherein as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the respective second 15 longitudinal axis the first base profile of the U reinforcing profile member of the first scaffolding bar is arranged at an insertion spacing from the ends of the second U profile limbs of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar in a U girder profile member inner space bounded by the second U profile limbs and the second base profile of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar. A stack arrangement of at least 20 two scaffolding bars according to an embodiment of the invention can thereby be achieved, in which the at least two scaffolding bars can be transported and/or stored ’nested one in the other’. The load volume of the bars is thereby reduced, so that more bars can be fitted in a load and/or transport device, particularly in a pallet and/or in a truck. In addition, as a result a greater number of scaffolding bars can be transported by hand 25 than previously. In the case of an arrangement of that kind, security against lateral tipping over in the case of storage and/or in the case of transport of the scaffolding bars inserted one into the other is increased by comparison with a stack arrangement in which a scaffolding bar furnished with a V reinforcing profile member according to the prior art is inserted into a U girder profile member of another scaffolding bar. 30

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the arrangement a first scaffolding bar, which can also be termed double U scaffolding bar, particularly according to any one of claims 9 to 12, can be inserted with small lateral play by its U reinforcing profile member between the second U profile limbs or between the second limb wall parts of the U girder 35 profile member of the second scaffolding bar, which similarly can be termed double U

8319541 _1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 9 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 scaffolding bar.

According to a preferred development of the arrangement it can be provided that the U reinforcing profile member, which is inserted into the U girder profile member inner space 5 of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar, of the first scaffolding bar bears by the first base profile thereof against the second base profile of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar. In other words, after insertion of the U reinforcing profile member of the first scaffolding bar into the U girder profile member inner space of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar the first base profile of the U 10 reinforcing profile member of the first scaffolding bar bears against the second base profile of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar. Security against lateral tipping in the case of storage and/or in the case of transport of the scaffolding bars can thereby be further increased. 15 The U girder profile member and/or the U reinforcing profile member can be produced by reshaping, particularly by bending away or over and/or folding away or profiling a preferably substantially planar steel plate, for example on a rolling train, or by shaping.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment it can be provided that the girder profile 20 member and/or the U reinforcing profile member consists or consist of a steel plate material, which has a yield strength of at least 450 N/mm2 to 470 N/mm2 or at least 460 N/mm2. The girder profile member and/or the U reinforcing profile member preferably consists or consist of the steel material S460 or the girder profile member and/or the U girder profile member is or are made from the steel material S460. The use of a high-25 strength steel material of that kind makes possible a substantial improvement in bending stiffness or load-bearing capability of the scaffolding bar produced therefrom.

The connecting head can preferably be formed with an upper head part and a lower head part, between which a forwardly open slot for plugging the connecting head onto the 30 fastening element, for example fastening flange, preferably rosette, particularly apertured disc, provided with a passage, preferably with several passages, can be formed. The connecting head can have at least one wedge opening or at least two wedge openings for the plugging-in or plugging-through of the connecting wedge. If the connecting head is formed with an upper head part and a lower head part and with a or the slot formed 35 therebetween, not only the upper head part, but also the lower head part can be provided

8319541J (GHMatters) P103126.AU 10 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 with wedge openings for plugging-through of the connecting wedge. The connecting head can be formed with side surfaces which are vertical in the installed setting. The slot can preferably also be formed to be open towards the side surfaces. The side surfaces can include a wedge angle preferably of 40 to 50 degrees, particularly approximately 44, 45 or 5 46 degrees, wherein the side surfaces can be formed to taper forwardly in direction towards a centre, preferably towards a post and/or disc centre of an apertured disc fastened to a post, and/or in the direction of a central axis of the scaffolding element, preferably scaffolding tube, particularly in the direction of a post axis of a scaffolding post. The connecting wedge can preferably be captively fastened to the connecting head, 10 preferably with the help of a securing element, for example a rivet, preventing its removal, particularly withdrawal, from the connecting head. However, it will be obvious that the respective connecting head can also be of different design. For example, the connecting head can be provided with an insertion lug extending transversely, preferably approximately perpendicularly, to the first longitudinal axis of the first U profile member 15 and downwardly in the installed setting, particularly to underneath the first U profile member surface of the first U profile member. The connecting head can be detachably fastened by way of this insertion lug to the fastening element of the scaffolding element in vertical direction or in the direction of a passage axis of the at least one passage of the fastening element. In other words, a connecting head of that kind is so detachably 20 fastenable or fastened to the at least one fastening element having a passage that its insertion lug is plugged in vertical direction through the passage of the fastening element. This is by contrast to the afore-mentioned embodiment of a scaffolding bar in which the respective connecting head has a slot which is forwardly open and is horizontal in the installed setting, which enables or requires horizontal plugging onto the fastening element 25 and which accordingly is plugged horizontally onto the apertured disc.

The fastening element can preferably be a rosette, particularly apertured disc, which has at least one passage, preferably several passages arranged offset relative to one another in circumferential direction, preferably at the same circumferential angle, particularly of 45 30 degrees, of a scaffolding element, preferably of a scaffolding tube, particularly of a scaffolding post.

An embodiment of the invention also relates to an arrangement and/or a scaffolding frame and/or a scaffolding with at least two vertical scaffolding tubes or scaffolding posts, to each 35 of which at least one respective fastening element, particularly fastening flange, preferably

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 11 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 rosette, particularly apertured disc, provided with at least one passage is fastened, to which a scaffolding bar according to the invention, is fastened in such a way that each connecting head is detachably fastened or firmly wedged by means of the respective connecting wedge inserted through the respective passage of the respective fastening 5 element.

Another embodiment of the invention also relates to an arrangement and/or a scaffolding frame and/or a scaffolding with at least two, preferably at least four, vertical scaffolding tubes or scaffolding posts, to or at each of which a respective girder profile member, 10 particularly U girder profile member, of a scaffolding component is fastened, at which a scaffolding bar according to the invention, is placed and/or suspended, preferably detachably, by means of at least one suspension claw or suspension catch.

It will be obvious that the foregoing features and measures can be combined as desired to 15 the extent of feasibility of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further advantages, features and aspects of the invention can be inferred from the following description part, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are described 20 by way of example only with reference to the non-limiting figures, in which:

Fig. 1 25 Fig. 2 30 Fig. 3 Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional illustration of a scaffolding bar, which is mounted in an installed setting at the apertured discs of two scaffolding posts, according to a first embodiment; shows a side view of the scaffolding bar, wherein for clarification of the installed setting thereof and mounting thereof on the two scaffolding posts the latter are illustrated in dot-dashed lines; shows a plan view of the scaffolding bar; shows a side view, to enlarged scale, of the scaffolding bar in the region of the end, which is shown on the left in Figure 2, with a partial section in the connecting region of a connecting head; 35

8319541 1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 2014377971 25 Oct 2016

12 Fig. 5 shows a plan view, to enlarged scale, of the scaffolding bar in the region of its end shown on the right in Figure 2; Fig. 6 5 shows a side view of a scaffolding bar according to a second embodiment; Fig. 7 shows a plan view of the scaffolding bar according to Figure 6; Fig. 8 10 shows a cross-section, to enlarged scale, of the scaffolding bar - in each instance designed as a double U bar - according to the first and second embodiments, along the section line 8-8 in Figure 2 and along the section line 8-8 in Figure 6; Fig. 9 15 shows a cross-section of a scaffolding bar according to a third embodiment; Fig. 10 shows a cross-section of a scaffolding bar according to a fourth embodiment; 20 Fig. 11 shows a cross-section of a scaffolding bar according to a fifth embodiment; Figs 12.1 to 12.3 show views of a first variant of embodiment of a stack arrangement of two scaffolding bars nested one in the other, according to the first 25 embodiment, wherein: Fig. 12.1 shows a side view, Fig. 12.2 30 shows a plan view and Fig. 12.3 shows a cross-section along the section lines 12.3, 12.3 in Figure 12.1; Figs. 13.1 to 13.3 35 show views of a second variant of embodiment of a stack arrangement of two scaffolding bars nested one in the other, 8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 13 2014377971 25 Oct 2016

Fig. 13.1 5 Fig. 13.2 Fig. 13.3 according to the second embodiment, wherein: shows a side view, shows a plan view and shows a cross-section along the section lines 13.3, 13.3 in Figure 13.1; and 10 Figs. 14.1 to 14.3 show views of a third variant of embodiment of a stack arrangement of two scaffolding bars nested one in the other, according to the sixth embodiment, which is designed similarly to the second embodiment, wherein: 15 Fig. 14.1 Fig. 14.2 Fig. 14.3 20 shows a side view, shows a plan view and shows a cross-section along the section lines 14.3, 14.3 in Figure 14.1.

Detailed Description

In the following initially features common to the scaffolding bars 20.1 to 20.6 shown in all figures are dealt with: in each instance these are scaffolding bars 20.1 to 20.6 of metal, 25 which is preferably galvanised. The scaffolding bars 20.1 to 20.6 each comprise a girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 of steel or steel plate and a U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 of steel plate welded thereto. The elongate rod-shaped straight girder profile member 21.2, 21.2 extends in the direction of a first longitudinal axis 23 in a first longitudinal direction 24. The girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 has as considered in the first 30 longitudinal direction 24 a girder profile member length 25 and a girder profile member longitudinal centre 26. The girder profile member 21.1,21.2 has as considered in a crosssection extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction 24 a girder profile member width 27.1, 27.2, a girder profile member height 40.1, 40.2 measured perpendicularly thereto and a girder profile member wall thickness 28.1, 28.2. The girder profile member 35 21.1,21.2 has at least one support edge 30.1, which is upper as considered in an installed

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 14 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 setting 29, or has support edges 30.2.1, 30.2.2, which are upper as considered in an installed setting, for the support and/or suspension of a scaffolding covering 31 or a plurality of scaffolding coverings 31. The girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 has two girder profile members ends 32.1, 32.2, which extend away from one another in opposite 5 directions in the first longitudinal direction 24 and to each of which respective fastening means 33; 33.1, 33.2 of metal for fastening the scaffolding bar 20.1 to 20.6 to other scaffolding components are fastened directly or indirectly by welding.

The elongate rod-shaped straight U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 is fastened by 10 welding to a side, which in the installed setting 29 forms an underside 34, of the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2. The U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 extends as considered in the installed setting 29 to underneath the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2. It is arranged substantially underneath the girder support member 21.1, 21.2. The U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 extends in the direction of a second longitudinal axis 15 43 in a second longitudinal direction 44 parallel to the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 or parallel to the first longitudinal axis 23 thereof - with bridging-over of the girder profile member longitudinal centre 26 - continuously along the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 over a reinforcing profile member length 45 corresponding with at least half the girder profile member length 25 of the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2. The girder profile 20 member length 25 can be, for example, 2,924 millimetres. The reinforcing profile member length 45 can be, for example, 2,424 mm. However, it will be obvious that other lengths and/or combinations of lengths are also possible. In the illustrated embodiments the first longitudinal axis 23 of the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 and the second longitudinal axis 43 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 are parallel. Both the first 25 longitudinal axis 23 of the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 and the second longitudinal axis 43 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 are arranged in a notional transverse centre longitudinal plane 36. In the installed setting 29 the transverse centre longitudinal plane 36 extends vertically. The profile ends 37.1, 37.2 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 preferably each have a longitudinal spacing 38.1, 38.2 from the 30 girder profile member ends 32.1, 32.2 of the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2. This spacing can preferably be, for example, 100 mm or approximately 250 mm.

The U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 has as considered in a transverse section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis 43 a substantially U-shaped U 35 profile cross-section 39.1, 39.2 substantially over its entire reinforcing profile member

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 15 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 length 45. The U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 is formed with a flat plate-shaped base profile 46 extending in the second longitudinal direction 44. The base profile 46 has as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis 43 a base profile width 47 Two lateral U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2; 48.2.1, 48.2.2 are 5 folded away or bent away or over from the base profile 46. The U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2; 48.2.1,48.2.2 extend substantially perpendicularly away from the base profile 46 in the same direction and substantially parallel to one another at a transverse spacing corresponding with the base profile width 47 and, as considered in the installed setting 29, upwardly. The U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2; 48.2.1, 48.2.2 have fastening ends 49.1.1, 10 49.1.2; 49.2.1, 49.2.2 which are associated with the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 and are welded to the underside 34 of the girder profile member 21.1,21.2 or by way of which the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 is welded to the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2. The U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 has a U reinforcing profile member width corresponding with the transverse spacing or the base profile width 47 and a U 15 reinforcing profile member height 50.1, 50.2 corresponding with a spacing of the fastening ends 49.1.1, 49.1.2; 49.2.1, 49.2.2 of the U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2; 48.2.1, 48.2.2 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 from the base profile 46 thereof. The U reinforcing profile member height 50.1, 50.2 is greater than the U reinforcing profile member width 47. Accordingly, the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 has as 20 considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to its second longitudinal axis 43 a substantially rectangular cross-section 51.1, 51.2. The U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 is arranged on edge as considered in the installed setting 29. The respective U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 preferably has a wall thickness 52 of approximately 2.5 mm. 25

According to an embodiment of the invention is provided that the U reinforcing profile member height 50.1, 50.2 is greater than the girder profile member height 40.1, 40.2 measured in the same direction as the U reinforcing profile member height 50.1, 50.2. In addition, the U reinforcing profile member width 47 is smaller, by more than twice the wall 30 thickness 28.1,28.2 of the girder profile member 21.1,21.2, than the girder profile member width 27.1,27.2 measured in the same direction as the U reinforcing profile member width 47. In the illustrated embodiments the U reinforcing profile member height 50.1, 50.2 is greater than the reinforcing profile member width 47 by more than the factor 1.7. For preference, the reinforcing profile member height can be 59 mm and/or the reinforcing 35 profile member width can be 34 mm.

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 16 2014377971 25 Oct 2016

The U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2; 48.2.1, 48.2.2 of the respective U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 have in the region of the fastening ends 49.1.1, 49.1.2; 49.2.1, 49.2.2 thereof limb wall parts 53.1.1,53.1.2; 53.2.1,53.2.2 which are folded away or bent away or 5 over from the U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2; 48.2.1, 48.2.2 in a direction towards one another or inwardly. These limb wall parts 53.1.1,53.1.2; 53.2.1, 53.2.2 have, at the ends thereof associated with the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2, the fastening ends 49.1.1, 49.1.2; 49.2.1, 49.2.2 by way of which the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 is welded to the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2. In that case the limb wall parts 53.1.1, 10 53.1.2; 53.2.1, 53.2.2 as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis 43 are folded away or bent away or over from the U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2; 48.2.1, 48.2.2 respectively through a defined angle 54.1.1, 54.1.2; 54.2.1, 54.2.2. In all scaffolding bars 20.1 to 20.6 shown in the figures the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 and the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 are respectively formed 15 symmetrically relative to a longitudinal plane 36 of symmetry containing the first longitudinal axis 23 of the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 and the second longitudinal axis 43 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2. In addition, in all illustrated embodiments the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 and the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal plane 36 of 20 symmetry containing the first longitudinal axis 23 of the girder profile member 21.1, 21.2 and the second longitudinal axis 43 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2. The scaffolding bars 20.1 to 20.6 can also be termed scaffolding covering supports or can be used for supporting scaffolding coverings 31, as shown by way of example with reference to Figure 1 in the example of the first embodiment of a scaffolding bar 20.1 according to 25 the invention.

The six embodiments, which are shown in the figures, of scaffolding bars 20.1 to 20.6 according to the invention have, in addition to the aforesaid features, further features which are described in the following: 30

The following fastening means 33.1, 33.2, in particular, are provided for fastening the respective scaffolding bar 20.1 to 20.6 to further scaffolding components, particularly scaffolding posts 41: 35 As shown in, for example, Figures 1 to 5 and 8 as well as 12.1 to 12.3, according to a first

8319541J (GHMallers) P103126.AU 17 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 embodiment a respective connecting head 33.1 of metal, as fastening means, for detachable fastening of the scaffolding bar 20.1 in the installed setting 29 to a fastening element, preferably an apertured disc 55, which is provided with at least one passage 56, of a scaffolding component, preferably a scaffolding post 41, by means of a connecting 5 wedge 57 insertable through the at least one passage 56, can be welded on. An arrangement of a scaffolding bar 20.1, which is firmly, but detachably wedge-connected in this mode and manner to two scaffolding posts 41,41, according to the first embodiment is shown in, in particular, Figure 1. 10 As shown in, for example, Figures 6 to 8 as well as 13.1 to 13.3 and 14.1 to 14.2 according to a second and a sixth embodiment of a scaffolding bar 20.2, 20.6 according to the invention a respective hook-shaped suspension catch or suspension claw 33.2 of metal, particularly of steel, preferably of galvanised steel, as fastening means, for detachable placing and/or suspension of the respective scaffolding bar 20.2, 20.6 in its 15 installed setting 29 on and/or at scaffolding components can be welded on. The suspension claws or suspension catches 33.2 have suspension jaws which bound respective suspension openings and which are downwardly open as considered in the respective installed setting. 20 According to the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 9 as well as 12.1 to 12.3, 13.1 to 13.3 and 14.1 to 14.4 the limb wall parts 53.1.1, 53.1.2 of the respective U reinforcing profile member 22.1 as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis 43 are each folded away or bent away or over from the U profile limbs 48.1.1, 48.1.2 through an obtuse angle 54.1.1, 54.1.2. This angle 54.1.1, 54.1.2 in 25 each case is preferably approximately 120 degrees. In these embodiments the two limb wall parts 53.1.1, 53.1.2 each extend inwardly into an inner space 58.1, which is bounded by the two lateral U profile limbs 48.1.1,48.1.2 and by the base profile 46 of the respective U reinforcing profile member 22.1, of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1. 30 According to the further embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 11 the limb wall parts 53.2.1, 53.2.2 of the respective U reinforcing profile member 22.2 as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis 43 are each folded away or bent away or over from the U profile limbs 48.2.1, 48.2.2 through an acute angle 54.2.1,54.2.2. This angle 54.2.1,54.2.2 is in each instance approximately 45 degrees. 35

8319541 _1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 18 2014377971 25 Oct 2016

In the case of the embodiments, which are shown in Figures 1 to 8, 11 and 12.1 to 14.3, of scaffolding bars 20.1,20.2, 20.5, 20.6 according to the invention the girder profile member is a U girder profile member 21.1. The U girder profile member 21.1 as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis thereof, thus to the first 5 longitudinal axis 23, has a substantially U shaped U profile cross-section 59 over the entire girder profile member length 25. The U girder profile member 21.1 is, as considered in the installed setting 29, upwardly open in an opening direction directed away from the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2. The U profile member 21.1 is formed with a base profile 60 extending in the first longitudinal direction 24. The base profile 60 is formed to 10 be substantially flat and plate-shaped. The base profile 60 has a base profile width 61 as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis 23. The base profile width 61 can preferably be 49 mm. Two lateral U profile limbs 2.1, 62.2 are folded away or bent over or away from the base profile 60. The U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 extend substantially perpendicularly away from the base profile 60 in the same 15 direction and substantially parallel to one another at a transverse spacing corresponding with the base profile width 61 and upwardly as considered in the installed setting 29. The U girder profile member 21.1 has a U girder profile member height 40.2 preferably of 43 mm. The U girder profile member 21.1 has a wall thickness 28.1 preferably of 2.5 mm. The wall thickness 28.1 of the U girder profile member 21.1 and the wall thickness 52 of 20 the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 are preferably of the same size. Production and cost advantages can thereby be achieved, because both the U girder profile member 21.1 and the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 can be produced by reshaping, particularly on a rolling train, from a steel plate blank with a defined wall thickness preferably of 2.5 mm. The U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 of the U girder profile member 21.1 25 form support edges 30.1, 30.2.1, 30.2.2, in the region of their support ends 64.1, 64.2 which face away from its base profile 60 and which are upper as considered in the installed setting 29, for the support and/or suspension of scaffolding components, particularly of scaffolding coverings 31. The U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 have a transverse inner spacing 66 from one another in the region of the support ends 64.1,64.2 thereof. 30

The support ends 64.1, 64.2 of the U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 are formed by folded-away portions or bent-over or bent-away portions. The U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 have limb wall parts 68.1, 68.2, which are bent over or away or folded away each through approximately 180 degrees inwardly into a U girder profile member inner space 67 bounded by the U 35 profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 and the base profile 60, from limb ends. These limb wall parts

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 19 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 68.1.68.2 extend in the direction of the base profile 60 of the U girder profile member 21.1 downwardly as considered in the installed setting 29. The said folded away or bent over or away limb wall parts 68.1, 68.2 have the said transverse inner spacing 66 from one another as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal 5 axis 23. The transverse inner spacing 66 can preferably be 36 mm. The transverse inner spacing 66 between the U profile limbs 62.1,62.2 or between the said limb wall parts 68.1,

68.2 of the U girder profile member 21.1 is as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first or second longitudinal axis 23, 43 slightly larger than the U reinforcing profile member width 47 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2. The U 10 reinforcing profile member width 47 can preferably be 34 mm. In other words, the U reinforcing profile member width 47 as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first or second longitudinal axis 23, 43 is slightly smaller than the transverse inner spacing 66 between the U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 or the limb wall parts 68.1, 68.2 thereof of the U girder profile member 21.1. This scaffolding bar 20.1, 20.2, 15 20.5, 20.6 can thereby be inserted by its U reinforcing profile member 21.1,21.2 with small play into the U girder profile member 21.1 of a second scaffolding bar 20.1,20.2, which is formed to be the same or identical at least with respect to the girder profile member thereof, and, in particular, in the illustrated examples in an insertion direction extending perpendicularly to the base profile 60 of the U girder profile member of the second 20 scaffolding bar 20.1,20.2. It is possible in this mode and manner to arrive at embodiments of arrangements according to the invention in the form of stack arrangements 70.1, 70.2, 70.3 which are shown in Figures 12.1 to 12.3, 13.1 to 13.1 and 14.1 to 14.3.

In the case of the first embodiment, which is shown in Figures 1 to 8 as well as 12.1 to 25 12.3, of a scaffolding bar 20.1 according to the invention and also in the case of the second embodiment, which is shown in Figures 6 to 8 as well as 13.1 to 13.3, of a scaffolding bar 20.2 according to the invention as well as in the case of the fifth embodiment, which is shown in a cross-section in Figure 11, of a scaffolding bar 20.5 according to the invention and also in the case of the sixth embodiment, which is shown in 30 Figures 14.1 to 14.3, of a scaffolding bar 20.6 according to the invention the bar concerned in each case is a double U scaffolding bar. This is formed in each instance from a U girder profile member 21.1 and a U reinforcing profile member 22.1, 22.2 welded thereto. The scaffolding bar 20.1, which is shown in Figures 1 to 8 as well as 12.1 to 12.3, according to the preferred first embodiment has a total height 71 of preferably 112 mm. 35

8319541 1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 20 2014377971 25 Oct 2016

According to the third and fourth embodiments, which are shown in Figures 9 and 10, of a scaffolding bar 20.3, 20.4 according to the invention the girder profile member can be a round tube 21.2 with an outer diameter 42 corresponding with the girder profile member width 27.2 and the girder profile member height 40.2. The outer diameter 42 can 5 preferably be 48.3 mm. The wall thickness 28.2 of the round tube 21.2 can preferably be 2.7 mm. However, a round tube having a different wall thickness, for example of 3.2 mm, can also be used.

In the case of the second embodiment, which is shown in Figures 6 to 8 and 13.1 to 13.3, 10 of a scaffolding bar 20.2 according to the invention, which in each case is formed with a U girder profile member 21.1 and a U reinforcing profile member 22.1 - which has the cross-section shown in Figure 8 - welded thereto, a respective stiffening and load-bearing plate 72.1, 72.2, which extends perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis 23 of the girder profile member 21.1 and which can also be termed stiffening and load-bearing body, is 15 fixedly welded to the girder profile member ends 32.1, 32.2, which are directed away from one another, of the U girder profile member 21.1. Suspension catches 33.2, which can also be termed suspension claws, are fixedly welded to the end surfaces thereof facing away from one another. Moreover, this scaffolding bar 20.2 has at least one fixing body 73.1, 73.2 securing against lifting off, preferably two such bodies, which is or can also be 20 termed strut. This or these can serve for fixing a scaffolding floor anti-lift device, which is not shown in the figures, against lateral tipping. In the said and illustrated second embodiment of a scaffolding bar 20.2 according to the invention this comprises two identical fixing bodies 73.1,73.1 securing against lifting off, each of which is fixedly welded to a stiffening load-bearing plate 72.1, 72.1 of the stiffening load-bearing plates. However, 25 it will be obvious that only a single anti-lift fixing body of that or similar kind can be provided.

Three variants of embodiment of stack arrangements 70.1, 70.2, 70.3, which can each also be termed arrangement and in each of which two identical scaffolding bars 20.1,20.1; 30 20.2, 20.2; 20.6, 20.6 are arranged to be nested one in the other, are shown in Figures 12.1 to 14.3. Each of these arrangements 70.1, 70.2, 70.3 comprises a first scaffolding bar 20.1, 20.2, 20.6 according to an embodiment of the invention and a second scaffolding bar 20.1, 20.2, 20.6 according to an embodiment of the invention, each with a U girder profile member 21.1 and a U reinforcing profile member 22.1. In that case, the U 35 reinforcing profile member 22.1 of the first scaffolding bar 20.1,20.2, 20.6, which is shown

8319541 1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 21 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 at the top in each of the figures, is inserted with small lateral play between the U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 of the U girder profile member 22.1 of the second scaffolding bar 20.1, 20.2, 20.6 shown in each case at the bottom. This is such that as considered in a crosssection extending perpendicularly to the respective second longitudinal axis 43 the base 5 profile 46 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1 of the upper or first scaffolding bar 20.1, 20.2, 20.6 is arranged at a defined insertion spacing 74.1,74.2, 74.3 from the ends of the U profile limbs 61.1, 62.2 of the U girder profile member 21.1 of the lower or second scaffolding bar 20.1, 20.2, 20.6 in a U girder profile member inner space 67 bounded by the U profile limbs 62.1,62.2 and the base profile 60 of the U girder profile member 21.1 of 10 the lower or second scaffolding bar 20.1,20.2, 20.6.

The first variant of embodiment, which is shown in Figures 12.1 to 12.3, of a stack arrangement 70.1 comprises two identical scaffolding bars 20.1, 20.1, which are arranged to be nested one in the other. Each of these scaffolding bars comprises a scaffolding bar 15 20.1 according to the first embodiment shown in, in particular, Figures 2 to 6 and 8. As apparent from Figure 12.1, in that case the two connecting heads 33.1, 33.1 of the first scaffolding bar 20.1 shown there at the top rest on the two connecting heads 33.1,33.1 of the second scaffolding bar 20.1 shown there at the bottom. The insertion spacing 74.1 in that case is preferably approximately 40 mm to 41 mm. A gap 75.1 is formed between the 20 base profile 46 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1 of the inserted first scaffolding bar 20.1 and the base profile 60 of the U girder profile member 21.1 of the second scaffolding bar 20.1. This gap 75.1 is, for example, approximately 10 mm. This first stack arrangement 70.1 has a stack height 76.1 preferably of approximately 184 mm. 25 The second variant of embodiment, which is shown in Figures 13.1 to 13.3, of a stack arrangement 70.2 similarly comprises two identical scaffolding bars 20.2, 20.2, which are arranged to be nested one in the other. Each of these scaffolding bars comprises a scaffolding bar 20.2 according to the second embodiment shown in, in particular, Figures 6 to 8. As apparent from Figure 13.1, in that case the first scaffolding bar 20.2 shown there 30 at the top rests by the base profile 60 of its U girder profile member 21.1 at or on the free ends of the anti-lift fixing body 73.1,73.2, which is also termed strut. The insertion spacing 74.2 is in that case preferably approximately 21 mm. A gap 75.2 is formed between the base profile 46 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1 of the inserted upper first scaffolding bar 20.2 and the base profile 60 of the U girder profile member 21.1 of the 35 lower or second scaffolding bar 20.2. This gap 75.2 is, for example, approximately 29.5

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 22 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 mm. This second stack arrangement 70.2 has a stack height 76.2 of preferably approximately 212 mm.

The third variant of embodiment, which is shown in Figures 14.1 to 14.3, of a stack 5 arrangement 70.3 similarly comprises two identical scaffolding bars 20.6, 20.6, which are arranged to be nested one in the other. Each of these scaffolding bars 20.6 according to the sixth variant of embodiment is formed to be the same as the scaffolding bars 20.2, which are shown in Figures 6 to 8, according to the second variant of embodiment with the exception that in the case of the sixth variant of embodiment shown here in each instance 10 the fixing bodies securing against lifting-off, which can be or are also termed strut, are omitted. This has the consequence that in the case of this third variant of embodiment of a stack arrangement 70.3 the U reinforcing profile member 22.1, which is inserted into the U girder profile member inner space 67 of the U girder profile member 21.1 of the lower or second scaffolding bar 20.6, of the upper or first scaffolding bar 20.6 bears or rests by its 15 base profile 46 against the base profile 60 of the U girder profile member 21.1 of the lower or second scaffolding bar 20.6. In this case, the insertion spacing 74.3 of the base profile 46 of the U reinforcing profile member 22.1 of the inserted upper or first scaffolding bar 20.6 from the support ends 64.1, 64.2 of the U profile limbs 62.1, 62.2 of the U girder profile member 21.1 of the lower or second scaffolding bar 20.6 is maximised. The 20 insertion spacing 74.3 is preferably approximately 50 to 51 mm. This third stack arrangement 70.3 has a stack height 76.3 of preferably approximately 174 mm.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general 25 knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, 30 i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

8319541J (GHMallers) P103126.AU 23 2014377971 25 Oct 2016

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST 20.1 scaffolding post 20.2 scaffolding post 5 20.3 scaffolding post 20.4 scaffolding post 20.5 scaffolding post 20.6 scaffolding post 21.1 girder profile member / U girder profile member 10 21.1 girder profile member / round tube 22.1 U reinforcing profile member 22.2 U reinforcing profile member 23 (first) longitudinal axis 24 (first) longitudinal direction 15 25 girder profile member length 26 girder profile member longitudinal centre 27.1 girder profile member width 27.2 girder profile member width 28.1 (girder profile member) wall thickness 20 28.2 (girder profile member) wall thickness 29 installed setting 30.1 (upper) support edge 30.2.1 (upper) support edge 30.2.2 (upper) support edge 25 31 scaffolding covering 32.1 girder profile member end 32.2 girder profile member end 33.1 connecting head 33.2 suspension claw / suspension catch 30 34 side / underside 36 transverse centre longitudinal plane / longitudinal plane of symmetry 37.1 profile end 37.2 profile end 38.1 longitudinal spacing 35 38.2 longitudinal spacing

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 24 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 39.1 U profile cross-section 39.2 U profile cross-section 40.1 girder profile member height 40.2 girder profile member height 5 41 scaffolding component / scaffolding element 42 outer diameter 43 (second) longitudinal axis 44 (second) longitudinal direction 45 U reinforcing profile member length 10 46 base profile 47 (first) base profile width / transverse spacing / U reinforcing profile member width 48.1.1 (first) U profile limb 48.1.2 (first) U profile limb 15 48.2.1 (first) U profile limb 48.2.2 (first) U profile limb 49.1.1 fastening end 49.1.2 fastening end 49.2.1 fastening end 20 49.2.2 fastening end 50.1 U reinforcing profile member height 50.2 U reinforcing profile member height 51.1 (first) U profile cross-section 51.2 (first) U profile cross-section 25 52 wall thickness 53.1.1 limb wall part 53.1.2 limb wall part 53.2.1 limb wall part 53.2.2 limb wall part 30 54.1.1 angle 54.1.2 angle 54.2.1 angle 54.2.2 angle 55 fastening element / apertured disc 35 56 passage

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU 25 2014377971 25 Oct 2016 57 connecting wedge 58.1 U reinforcing profile member inner space 58.2 U reinforcing profile member inner space 59 (second) U profile cross-section 5 60 base profile 61 (second) base profile width 62.1 (second) U profile limb 62.2 (second) U profile limb 64.1 support end 10 64.2 support end 66 transverse inner spacing 67 U profile inner space 68.1 limb wall part 68.2 limb wall part 15 70.1 (stack) arrangement 70.2 (stack) arrangement 70.3 (stack) arrangement 71 overall height 72.1 stiffening and load-bearing plate 20 72.2 stiffening and load-bearing plate 73.1 fixing body securing against lifting-off 73.2 fixing body securing against lifting-off 74.1 insertion spacing 74.2 insertion spacing 25 74.3 insertion spacing 75.1 gap 75.2 gap 76.1 stack height 76.2 stack height 30 76.3 stack height

8319541_1 (GHMatters) P103126.AU

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. Scaffolding bar of metal with an elongate rod-shaped girder profile member of steel, which extends in the direction of a first longitudinal axis in a first longitudinal direction and which as considered in the first longitudinal direction has a girder profile member length and a girder profile member longitudinal centre and as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction has a girder profile member width, a girder profile member height and a girder profile member wall thickness, the member having a support edge, which is upper as considered in an installed setting, or support edges, which are upper as considered in the installed setting, for support and/or suspension of a scaffolding covering or a plurality of scaffolding coverings, wherein the girder profile member has two girder profile member ends, which extend away from one another in opposite directions in the first longitudinal direction and to each of which is welded either a respective connecting head of metal for detachable fastening of the scaffolding bar in the installed setting to a fastening element, which is provided with at least one passage, of a scaffolding element by means of a connecting wedge insertable through the passage or a respective hook-shaped suspension claw or suspension catch of metal, which is downwardly open as respectively considered in the installed setting, for detachable support and/or suspension of the scaffolding bar in the installed setting on and/or at scaffolding components, and wherein attached to a side, which forms an underside in the installed setting, of the girder profile member is an elongate rod-shaped U reinforcing profile member of steel plate, which extends away from the girder profile member to underneath the girder profile member in the installed setting and extends in the direction of a second longitudinal axis in a second longitudinal direction parallel to the girder profile member or parallel to the first longitudinal axis thereof - with bridging-over of the girder profile member longitudinal centre - along the girder profile member continuously over a reinforcing profile member length corresponding with at least half the girder profile member length of the girder profile member, and wherein the U reinforcing profile member has as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis and substantially over its entire reinforcing profile member length a U-shaped first U profile cross-section and is formed with a first base profile, which extends in the second longitudinal direction and from which two lateral first U profile limbs are folded or bent, the first U profile limbs extending substantially perpendicularly away from the first base profile in the same direction and upwardly as considered in the installed setting substantially parallel to one another at a transverse spacing, which corresponds with a first base profile width, and having fastening ends welded to the underside of the girder profile member, and wherein the U reinforcing profile member has a U reinforcing profile member width corresponding with the transverse spacing and a U reinforcing profile member height which corresponds with a spacing of the fastening ends from the first base profile and is greater than the U reinforcing profile member width, wherein the U reinforcing profile member height is greater than the girder profile member height measured in the same direction as the U reinforcing profile member height and that the U reinforcing profile member width is smaller, by more than twice the wall thickness of the girder profile member, than the girder profile member width measured in the same direction as the U reinforcing profile member width.
2. Scaffolding bar according to claim 1, wherein the U reinforcing profile member height is greater than the U reinforcing profile member width by at least the factor 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 or 1.7.
3. Scaffolding bar according claim 1 or 2, wherein the first U profile limbs have in the region of the fastening ends thereof first limb wall parts which are folded or bent from the first U profile limbs in a direction towards one another or inwardly and which have at the ends thereof associated with the girder profile member the fastening ends.
4. Scaffolding bar according to claim 3, wherein the first limb wall parts as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis are folded or bent over from the first U profile limbs through an angle.
5. Scaffolding bar according to claim 4, wherein the angle is an obtuse angle.
6. Scaffolding bar according to claim 4, wherein the angle is an acute angle.
7. Scaffolding bar according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the girder profile member is a round tube with an outer diameter corresponding with the girder profile member width and the girder profile member height.
8. Scaffolding bar according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the girder profile member and/or the U reinforcing profile member is or are constructed and/or arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal plane of symmetry containing the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis.
9. Scaffolding bar according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the girder profile member is a U girder profile member, which as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis has a U-shaped second U profile cross-section substantially over the entire girder profile member length and as considered in the installed setting is open in an opening direction directed away from the U reinforcing profile member and which is formed with a second base profile extending in the first longitudinal direction and having a second base profile width as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis, wherein two lateral second U profile limbs are folded or bent from the second base profile and as considered in the installed setting extend upwardly substantially perpendicularly away from the second base profile in the same direction and substantially parallel to one another at a transverse spacing corresponding with the second base profile width, and wherein the second U profile limbs in the region of the support ends thereof, which face away from the second base profile and are upper in the installed setting, form the support edges for support and/or suspension of scaffolding coverings, wherein the second U profile limbs have a transverse inner spacing from one another in the region of the support ends thereof.
10. Scaffolding bar according to claim 9, wherein the support ends of the second U profile limbs are formed by folded or bent portions, wherein the second U profile limbs have second limb wall parts2, which are each bent or folded through approximately 180 degrees inwardly into a U girder profile member interior space bounded by the second U profile limbs and the second base profile, of limb ends, which second limb wall parts as considered in the installed setting extend downwardly in the direction of the second base profile and as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the first longitudinal axis have the transverse inner spacing from one another.
11. Scaffolding bar according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the U reinforcing profile member width as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the second longitudinal axis is slightly smaller than the transverse inner spacing between the second U profile limbs of the U girder profile member.
12. Scaffolding bar according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the U girder profile member and/or the U reinforcing profile member is or are constructed and/or arranged symmetrically with respect to a longitudinal plane of symmetry containing the first longitudinal axis and the second longitudinal axis.
13. Arrangement of a first scaffolding bar according to any one of the preceding claims and a second scaffolding bar according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the U reinforcing profile member of the first scaffolding bar is inserted with a small lateral play between the second U profile limbs of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar so that as considered in a cross-section extending perpendicularly to the respective second longitudinal axis the first base profile of the U reinforcing profile member of the first scaffolding bar is arranged at an insertion spacing from the support ends of the second U profile limbs of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar in a U girder profile member interior space bounded by the second U profile limbs and by the second base profile of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar.
14. Arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the U reinforcing profile member, which is inserted into the U girder profile member interior space of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar, of the first scaffolding bar bears by the first base profile thereof against the second base profile of the U girder profile member of the second scaffolding bar.