AU2014200776B2

AU2014200776B2 - A Coupling Device

Info

Publication number: AU2014200776B2
Application number: AU2014200776A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Lewis Roy Cleveland
Original assignee: Intaks Ip Ltd
Current assignee: Intaks Ip Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-15
Filing date: 2014-02-14
Publication date: 2018-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-14
Also published as: AU2014200776A1

Abstract

EXAMINER A bracket to attach a handrail to a balustrade. The bracket comprising a cradle in which the hand rail can sit and a fastener which is pivotally attached to the cradle to secure the hand rail to the cradle at'ttt cm ~21 /7 it // I ~'2~ Q ~N\NN /7;! / 74' A /1 /7/ /7/ \ t /7 .$,7 ~ /7/ >" /~ K- r '2 1/ /7/ / / -4, /7 / / f2.~' -4/tY> < 7 'V -' / 5/4 K', /7 N / 7, 7 1/ //

Description

A COUPLING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a coupling device. The invention has particular application for coupling devices used to secure hand rails to elevated structures but this is not meant to be limiting and other applications may be envisaged.

BACKGROUND ART

Hand rails are needed to comply with the health and safety requirements of many countries for elevated work platforms such as scaffolding systems or stairs. Hand rails can provide support and stabilisation for people using elevated surfaces and may help prevent falls.

Hand rails are preferably formed from a length of wood or metal and are held in position by brackets or couplings which are attached to a support structure (for example, railings or walls). The brackets usually comprise at least one cradle in which the hand rail can sit. Fasteners are then used to secure the hand rail to the cradle.

The fasteners may take various forms. For instance, screws are often used as fasteners for permanent hand rails. The screws simply extend through the cradle and the hand rail to secure the two together. Screws are a comparatively safe and robust fastener as they are not prone to inadvertent release.

However, screws can be fiddly and cumbersome to install. It means that they are not suitable for use with temporary scaffold type hand rail systems. A number of different releasable fasteners are used with scaffolding-type hand rail systems. One such fastener includes a jaw and screw thread fastener. The jaw is pivotally attached to the cradle of the bracket.

In use, the jaw is moved out of the way to enable a hand rail to be inserted into the cradle. The jaw is then pivoted so as to lie adjacent to the hand rail. The screw thread fastener is used to engage the cradle and thereby secure the jaw and cradle together. This though can be a fiddly process.

The configuration of the fasteners also requires a person to be in close proximity to the bracket to release or secure the hand rail. That can complicate assembling hand rails in many applications, which can be raised well above the ground.

In addition, the jaw is attached to the bracket so that it returns to a default position in which the jaw lies over top of the cradle. Therefore, it is necessary to first move the jaw away from the cradle so that it does not inhibit insertion of the hand rail into the cradle. This increases the time required to install a hand rail assembly meaning that this form of coupling is less than satisfactory. A second type of fastener often used with hand rail couplings is a jaw and wedge arrangement. As described previously, the cradle of a bracket is used to support the hand rail. A jaw is pivotally secured to the cradle.

In use, the jaw is moved so as to enable the hand rail to be placed into the cradle. The jaw is then pivoted so as to lie adjacent to the hand rail. A wedge is inserted through an aperture in the jaw. A hammer or the like is used to jam the wedge into an aperture in the cradle. This secures the hand rail in place.

However, the disadvantage of this type of fastener is that a tool is required. Therefore, the entire process of securing the hand rail using a hand rail coupling cannot be easily completed. Furthermore, a tool is also required to remove the wedge in order to release the hand rail.

Another disadvantage, shared with the previous fastening method described, is that it is necessary to pivot the jaw out of the way to enable the hand rail to be placed into the cradle. Again this complicates or hinders assembling of the hand rail.

Consequently this method of securing a hand rail is both time consuming and fiddly.

The jaws used with prior art hand rail couplings can simply be moved into position with respect to the cradles. These components simply surround the hand rail. The jaws themselves are rigid. These jaw configurations and properties lead to the inherent problems described above. Furthermore, they dictate the requirement to use additional fasteners so as to secure the jaws with respect to the cradle and thereby to fasten the hand rail in the cradle.

It is therefore an objective of the present invention to address any or all of the aforementioned problems with the prior art hand rail couplings. At the very least, the present invention offers the public a useful choice.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a coupling device, including: a body, a cradle configured to receive a hand rail, characterised in that the coupling device includes an over-centre locking mechanism to secure the hand rail in the cradle, wherein the locking mechanism is a latch having at least a portion formed from a resilient material.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a portion of a temporary structure, wherein the temporary structure includes a coupling device having a body, a cradle configured to receive a hand rail, and an over-centre locking mechanism, the method including the steps of: (a) positioning the coupling device; (b) positioning the hand rail in the cradle; (c) moving the over-centre locking mechanism into a locking position so as to secure the hand rail in the cradle.

In preferred embodiments the present invention relates to a coupling device for use in forming a rail assembly of a temporary structure in the form of a scaffolding system and more particularly a hand rail assembly.

In these embodiments the coupling device is a hand rail coupling and reference will be made herein as such. However, this should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present invention and the coupling device can be used for other purposes.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “body” should be understood as meaning a main structure of the hand rail coupling.

The body may be made from materials sufficient to withstand the forces and/or conditions that the hand rail coupling may experience in use. Examples of appropriate materials from which the body may be manufactured include stainless steel, extruded aluminium, or high strength plastic materials. These are as should be understood by one skilled in the art.

However, the discussion herein of the materials from which the body may be formed should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present invention. It is envisaged that other suitable materials may be readily used to form the body.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the hand rail coupling may be incorporated integrally into a member forming part of the scaffolding system. In these embodiments, the body is the member of the scaffolding system.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the body includes a connector. The connector is configured to secure the body to a member of a structure such as a frame member of a scaffolding system.

The connector may include a seating portion configured to surround at least a portion of a member of the scaffolding system. At least one locking pin is configured to extend through one or more apertures in the body and the member. This secures the body with respect to the member so that the body cannot move along the length of the member.

However, alternative embodiments for the connector are envisaged. These include clamp type connectors having jaws that surround the member. Accordingly, the discussion herein should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the present specification reference to the term “cradle” should be understood as meaning a component configured to receive a hand rail.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the cradle is a channel having a substantially “U”-shaped cross section or profile into which the hand rail may be placed and located.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the end faces of the cradle are open. Therefore, the member may extend out through the end faces of the cradle. This is beneficial as it facilitates provision of a hand rail transverse to the cradle and a member to which the hand rail coupling is secured.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention. It is also envisaged that the cradle may have other cross-sections or profiles such as square or triangular. Alternatively, in yet a further embodiment, the channel may simply be a flat ledge or surface on which the hand rail may bear.

Throughout the present specification, reference to the term “over-centre locking mechanism” should be understood as meaning a component to which work is done so as to move it past a non-locking position to a locking position.

The over-centre locking mechanism of the present invention has at least two stable positions. In the first stable position, the locking mechanism does not secure a hand rail in the cradle e.g. the hand rail can be inserted into or removed from the cradle.

In the locking position, the over-centre locking mechanism prevents the hand rail being removed from the cradle in a direction transverse to the length of the hand rail.

It should be understood that reference to the term “to which work is done so as to move it” (“it” being the over-centre locking mechanism) does not refer to moving a jaw of a hand rail coupling so as to open or close the cradle, by overcoming gravity. Rather, the term refers to applying force to the over-centre locking mechanism so as to overcome some mechanical force which prevents the locking mechanism being moved between the locking and nonlocking positions. This feature of the over-centre locking mechanism distinguishes the present inventions over the prior art couplings.

Furthermore, this feature facilitates provision of a hand rail coupling that can secure a hand rail within a cradle without the use of additional fasteners or components, such as screws or the like.

In a preferred embodiment the over-centre locking mechanism includes a latch.

Reference throughout the present specification to the term “latch” should be understood as meaning at least one member flange, detent, ratchet, button, plunger and so forth, that is capable of being moved between a locking position and a non-locking position.

In a preferred embodiment the over-centre locking mechanism includes a biasing component. Throughout the present specification reference to the term “biasing component” should be understood as meaning a component arranged and configured to apply an urging force to the latch. In use however, the biasing component may be overcome by application of force thereto so as to facilitate the latch being moved between the locking position and non-locking position.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the biasing component is a part of the latch.

In these embodiments, at least a portion of the latch that wraps about the handrail being secured when in use is formed from a resilient material. However, in preferred embodiments, the entire latch is formed from a resilient material.

The term “resilient material” should be understood to mean a material having a material memory, such that it can be deformed upon application of force but return to its original shape when the force is no longer being applied. The resilient material may be any suitable material readily apparent to a person skilled in the art including, but not limited to, sprung steel or another suitable metal or metal alloy, or plastics material which has a material memory.

Application of force to the latch causes the resilient material to deform so as to enable the latch to be moved between the locking position and non-locking position. In use, this means that the latch can deform as it passes over the handrail being secured as it transitions between the locked position and non-locking position.

The latch may take a variety of forms including a wire frame-like structure, but this is not meant to be limiting. This means the latch may be formed as a one-piece component from a single piece of, for example, sprung steel wire.

However, the foregoing should not be seen as limiting on the scope of the present invention. It is also envisaged that the biasing component may be a leaf spring or torsion spring as should be known to one skilled in the art. In these embodiments the spring directly or indirectly bears against the latch.

In a preferred embodiment the latch is pivotally attached to the hand rail coupling.

In a preferred embodiment the pivotal attachment of the latch to the hand rail coupling is such that it ensures that when the latch is in the non-locking position that it does not obstruct the cradle.

In a preferred embodiment, the body includes a mounting point for the latch which is positioned substantially beneath or under the cradle of the invention.

This is advantageous as it facilitates easy insertion of the hand rail into the cradle. As a result, this may make it easier to assemble a temporary structure using the present invention. In contrast, hand rail couplings in the prior art all have a default position whereby the jaw obstructs the cradle. Therefore it is necessary to move the jaw away from the cradle so as to enable insertion or placement of a hand rail into the cradle.

In contrast, the present invention does not have any of the foregoing problems.

Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that the configuration of the over-centre locking mechanism and latch enable the latch to be engaged from a distance using a pole or hook. The person is able to move the latch between the locking and non-locking positions by using the hook or pole. This facilitates securing and releasing of the hand rail within the cradle from a distance.

In contrast, the prior art hand rail couplings require a person to be in close proximity to the fasteners so as to secure release the hand rail.

Alternatively, jaws to secure a hand rail in a cradle may be separate components. Therefore it is necessary to attach them to the hand rail coupling. This can complicate assembly of the hand rail. In addition, being separate components, the jaws can be lost or misplaced. This makes the prior art unsatisfactory.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1A is a front perspective view of a first embodiment of a coupling device according to the present invention;

Figure 1B is a side view Figure of 1 A;

Figure 2A is a side view of a latch forming part of a coupling device according to the present invention;

Figure 2B is a rear perspective view of Figure 2A;

Figure 3A is a front perspective view of an assembled coupling device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3B is a side view of Figure 3A;

Figure 3C is a rear perspective view of Figures 3A and 3B;

Figure 4A is a front perspective view of an alternate second embodiment of a coupling device according to the present invention;

Figure 4B is a side view of Figure 4A;

Figure 4C is a rear perspective view of Figures 4A and 4B;

Figure 5A is a first perspective view of a hand rail coupling secured to a scaffolding frame member and having a latch in a non-locking position;

Figure 5B is a side view of Figure 5A;

Figure 5C is a view of Figure 5A having a latch in a locking position; and

Figure 5D is a side view of Figure 5C.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring first to Figures 1A and 1B showing views of a hand rail coupling generally indicated as (1).

The hand rail coupling (1) includes a main body (2). The main body may be formed by laser cutting and deforming sheets of stainless steel using techniques as will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.

The hand rail coupling (1) includes a cradle (3) that extends from main body (2). As will be appreciated from the figures, particularly Figure 1B, the cradle has a substantially “U”-shaped cross section.

The cradle (3) is configured to receive and support a hand rail (not shown in Figures 1A and 1B). The hand rail will be discussed in more detail below.

Mounting flanges (4A, 4B) extend away from the cradle (3). The mounting flanges are configured to facilitate securing of a latch (not shown in Figures 1A and 1B) to the hand rail coupling (1). Interaction of the mounting flanges (4A, 4B) and the latch (not shown) will be discussed in more detail below. A channel (circle 5) is defined by a pair of flanges (6A, 6B) that extend away from the main body (2). The flanges extend away from main body (2) in a direction distal to the cradle (3).

Each of the flanges (6A, 6B) includes a connection aperture (7A, 7B).

The channel (5) is configured to receive a member not shown in Figures 1A and B that forms part of a scaffolding system. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the channel (5) has a substantially square-shaped cross section. Accordingly, the hand rail coupling (1) is configured for use with a frame member (not shown) having a substantially square cross section.

In use, the hand rail coupling (1) can be positioned so that the frame member (not shown) is disposed within channel (5). The hand rail coupling can be moved along the length of the frame member (not shown) so that connection apertures (7A, 7B) align with corresponding apertures (not shown) in the frame member (not shown). A connection pin (not shown) can be disposed in connection apertures (7A, 7B) and the corresponding apertures (not shown) in the frame member (not shown).

Referring now to Figures 2A and 2B which show views of a latch (8) forming part of the hand rail coupling (not shown in Figures 2A and 2B) according to the present invention. The latch is formed by deforming a length of wire.

Deforming of the wire to form the latch (8) creates inwardly turned ends (9A, 9B). The inwardly turned ends (9A, 9B) are orientated and configured so as to be disposed within the apertures (10A, 10B in Figures 1A and 1B) of the mounting flanges (4A, 4B in Figures 1A and 1B). This secures the latch (8) to the hand rail coupling (1 in Figures 1A and 1B).

The inwardly turned ends (9A, 9B) are able to rotate within the apertures (10A, 10B in Figures 1A and 1B). Accordingly, interaction of inwardly turned ends and apertures pivotally secures the latch (8) to the hand rail coupling (1 in Figures 1A and 1B).

The latch (8) includes a first surround section (11 A) and a second surround section (11B). The surround sections each extend away from one of inwardly turned ends (9A, 9B). A handle indicated generally as (12) connects the first and second surround sections (11 A, 11B). The latch (8) is a one-piece structure, which is advantageous from a manufacturing perspective.

In use a person can grasp the handle (12) so as to cause this to move pivotally with respect to the hand rail coupling (1 in Figures 1A and 1B). This enables the person to move the latch (12) between a non-locking position and a locking position.

The locking position is shown in Figures 3A-3C. It should be noted that the surround portions (11 A, 11B) of the latch (8) extend around so as to overlap the top of the cradle (3). The cradle itself is dimensioned such that it is less than the width of the cradle.

In the unlocked position, the first and second surround portions (11 A, 11B) do not overlap the top of the cradle (3). Accordingly, when the latch is in the non-locking position, the hand rail (not shown) can be inserted into the cradle in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the hand rail. Being made from a resilient material, the latch can deform about and apply tension to the handrail in use.

Method of Assembly

Referring now to Figures 5A-5D, a scaffolding frame member (14) is connected to a scaffolding system (not shown) using techniques as should be known to one skilled in the art.

The hand rail coupling (1) is positioned with respect to scaffolding frame member (14). The body (2) is moved so that the scaffolding frame member is positioned within the channel (5 but not visible in Figures 5A-5D) and flanges (only 6A is visible in Figures 5A-5D) lies adjacent to the side walls (14B, 14C) of the scaffolding frame member.

The main body (2) is moved along the length of the scaffolding frame member (14) such that connection apertures (7A, 7B not visible in Figures 5A-5D) align with a corresponding connection aperture (not shown) in side walls (14B, 14C) and a connection pin (15) is inserted. This secures the hand rail coupling (1) with respect to the scaffolding frame member (14).

As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a hand rail (16) can be inserted into the cradle (3) of the hand rail coupling (1) in a direction indicated by arrow (17 in Figure 5A). This direction is substantially perpendicular to the frame mounting (14) but in line with the length of the hand rail (16).

The latch (8) may be engaged and moved pivotally with respect to the main body (2).

The person operating the latch (8) applies force to it, causing it to deform around the hand rail (16) as shown in Figures 5C and 5D, in a locking position which secures the hand rail in place. Deforming of the latch enables it to be moved to a locking position in which the surround portions (11 A, 11B) wrap around the hand rail (16).

The latch (8) is made from a resilient material. Therefore after the latch has been pivotally moved sufficiently that the surround sections are past the hand rail (16), the latch (8) returns to a non-deformed position.

To release the hand rail (16) from the hand rail coupling (1) a person can engage the latch (8). A person applies force to the latch causing its inwardly turned ends (9A shown in Figures 5B and 5D) to pivot within mounting flanges (4A shown in Figures 5B and 5D). The position of the mounting flanges is such that the pivoting movement is under the hand rail. This keeps the cradle unobstructed when the latch is in the unlocked position.

When sufficient force is applied to the latch (8), this causes the first and second surround portions (11 A, 11B) to deform so as to move the latch (8) to a non-locking position as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

Alternate Embodiment

Referring now to Figures 4A and 4B, these show an alternate embodiment for a hand rail coupling (19).

The hand rail coupling (19) is substantially the same as previously described with respect to Figures 1A and 1B and includes the same components and features. Accordingly, similar numbering is used to refer to the components of the alternative hand rail coupling (19).

Flowever, the mounting flanges (4A, 4B) of hand rail coupling (19) are shaped and configured to define a channel (5) that has a substantially circular cross section. The hand rail coupling (19) is therefore configured for use with a scaffolding frame member (not shown) having a circular cross section (not shown).

It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides a number of advantages over the prior art. These include: • facilitating easy assembly and disassembly of a temporary structure having a hand rail. • enabling the hand rail to be inserted into a cradle without always having to move a jaw or latch to a release position. • can be cost effectively manufactured. • is capable of being used with scaffolding frame members having different cross sectional shapes.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A coupling device, including: a body, a cradle configured to receive a hand rail, characterised in that the coupling device includes an over-centre locking mechanism to secure the hand rail in the cradle, wherein the locking mechanism is a latch having at least a portion formed from a resilient material, wherein the latch includes a biasing component, and wherein the latch is pivotally attached to the coupling device via a mounting point under the cradle such that, in use, the latch pivots to overlap the cradle.
2. The coupling device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body includes a connector configured to secure the body to a member of a structure.
3. The coupling device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the connector includes a seating portion configured to surround at least a portion of the member.
4. The coupling device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the member is a frame member of a scaffolding system.
5. The coupling device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the connector includes an aperture for a locking pin.
6. The coupling device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the body is integrally formed as part of a member of a structure.
7. The coupling device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the structure is a scaffolding system.
8. The coupling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the cradle has a “U”-shaped cross section.
9. The coupling device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the cradle has open end faces.
10. A method of assembling a portion of a temporary structure, wherein the temporary structure includes a coupling device having a body, a cradle configured to receive a hand rail, and an over-centre locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is a latch having at least a portion formed from a resilient material, wherein the latch includes a biasing component, and wherein the latch is pivotally attached to the coupling device via a mounting point under the cradle such that, in use, the latch pivots to overlap the cradle, the method including the steps of: a) positioning the coupling device; b) positioning the hand rail in the cradle; c) moving the over-centre locking mechanism into a locking position so as to secure the hand rail in the cradle.
11. A kit set for assembling a portion of a temporary structure, wherein the kitset includes: a hand rail; and a coupling device having a body, a cradle configured to receive the hand rail, and an over-centre locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism is a latch having at least a portion formed from a resilient material, wherein the latch includes a biasing component, and wherein the latch is pivotally attached to the coupling device via a mounting point under the cradle such that, in use, the latch pivots to overlap the cradle.