GB2454719A - Scaffolding coupling - Google Patents

Scaffolding coupling Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2454719A
GB2454719A GB0722527A GB0722527A GB2454719A GB 2454719 A GB2454719 A GB 2454719A GB 0722527 A GB0722527 A GB 0722527A GB 0722527 A GB0722527 A GB 0722527A GB 2454719 A GB2454719 A GB 2454719A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
coupling
scaffolding
male
female
opening
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0722527A
Other versions
GB0722527D0 (en
GB2454719B (en
Inventor
Michael Duffy
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB0722527.9A priority Critical patent/GB2454719B/en
Publication of GB0722527D0 publication Critical patent/GB0722527D0/en
Publication of GB2454719A publication Critical patent/GB2454719A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2454719B publication Critical patent/GB2454719B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G7/00—Connections between parts of the scaffold
    • E04G7/30—Scaffolding bars or members with non-detachably fixed coupling elements
    • E04G7/302—Scaffolding bars or members with non-detachably fixed coupling elements for connecting crossing or intersecting bars or members
    • E04G7/303—Scaffolding bars or members with non-detachably fixed coupling elements for connecting crossing or intersecting bars or members the added coupling elements are only fixed at one of the bars or members to connect
    • E04G7/304—Scaffolding bars or members with non-detachably fixed coupling elements for connecting crossing or intersecting bars or members the added coupling elements are only fixed at one of the bars or members to connect with tying means for connecting the bars or members
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G7/00—Connections between parts of the scaffold
    • E04G7/02—Connections between parts of the scaffold with separate coupling elements
    • E04G7/06—Stiff scaffolding clamps for connecting scaffold members of common shape
    • E04G7/12—Clamps or clips for crossing members
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
    • F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
    • F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
    • F16B7/044—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B7/00—Connections of rods or tubes, e.g. of non-circular section, mutually, including resilient connections
    • F16B7/04—Clamping or clipping connections
    • F16B7/044—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship
    • F16B7/048—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof
    • F16B7/0493—Clamping or clipping connections for rods or tubes being in angled relationship for rods or for tubes without using the innerside thereof forming a crossed-over connection

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Hooks, Suction Cups, And Attachment By Adhesive Means (AREA)

Abstract

A scaffolding coupling 10 comprises a U-shaped body portion 12 defining an opening 14, the body portion adapted to receive a scaffolding pole 16 through the opening and a gate portion 18 hingedly mounted to the body portion 12 and adapted to close and lock the opening, the gate portion comprising a male portion 22 defining an external thread and a female portion 24 defining an internal thread. When the opening is closed and locked, the male and female portions are in a threaded engagement and at least a section of the overlap between the male and female portions spans part of the opening.

Description

1 2454719
IMPROVED COUPLING
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a coupling for use with scaffolding.
Background to the Invention
Scaffolding is widely used in the construction of buildings. There are a variety of couplings available to couple scaffolding poles together, either at right angles to one another or parallel to one another, or to couple scaffolding to other objects such as beams.
Some conventional couplings, for example of the type shown in Figure 1, comprise a housing A for receiving a scaffolding pole B. The pole B is secured in place by a threaded bar C which is hingedly attached to the housing A. As can be seen from Figure 1 the threaded bar C is locked in the position shown in Figure 1 by a nut D which is tightened against the housing A. To release the scaffolding pole B the nut D is slackened off and the threaded bar C raised to permit removal of the pole B. To allow the nut D to be slackened but not removed from the bar C, a section E of the bar C extends from the coupling.
This design has a significant drawback. The section E of bar C which extends from the housing poses a potential health and safety hazard. In some circumstances a passer by can clip the end of the bar and suffer an injury or can catch their clothes on the coupling, potentially ripping their clothes.
One solution to the problem is to wrap padding around the coupling. Whilst this is effective, it is costly and only of benefit for as long as the padding remains secured to the coupling.
Another drawback of the coupling of Figure I is the engagement between the nut and the threaded bar, which secures the pole in the coupling only exists over a few turns of the thread. In situations where scaffolding is suspended from a beam, a very significant weight may be borne by this threaded connection.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a scaffolding coupling comprising: a U-shaped body portion defining an opening, the body portion adapted to receive a scaffolding pole through the opening; and a gate portion hingedly mounted to the body portion and adapted to close and lock the opening, the gate portion comprising a male portion defining an external thread and a female portion defining an internal thread; wherein when the opening is closed and locked, the male and female portions are in a threaded engagement and at least a section of the overlap between the male and female portions spans part of the opening.
In an embodiment of the present invention, provision of an overlap spanning part of the opening minimises the extension of the gate portion from the coupling and reduces the risk of injury to a passer-by. Furthermore, minimising the extension of the gate portion can, in some embodiments, reduce the amount of material required for the coupling.
Preferably, the male portion is hingedly mounted to the body portion.
Preferably, the female portion is removably attachable to the male portion.
Preferably, the male portion is a threaded bar.
Preferably, the female portion comprises a sleeve and an actuation portion.
Preferably, the female portion defines a blind bore.
Preferably, the sleeve defines the internal thread. Provision of a sleeve with an internal thread permits a greater area of cooperation between the male and female portions to be achieved. This strengthens the coupling when tension is applied axially to the gate portion. Furthermore, it is believed that increasing the area of co-operation between the male and female portions, permits a male portion and/or a female portion of smaller cross-section to be used.
Preferably, the actuation portion is adapted to co-operate with a tool.
Alternatively, the actuation portion is adapted to be manipulated by a user's hand.
Preferably, the actuation portion comprises a guide region. A guide region is provided to assist the user in placing an actuation tool on the actuation portion. The guide region acts as a "lead in".
Preferably, the guide region is a dome.
Alternatively, the guide region is conical or pyramid in shape. Any suitable lead in such as a tapered surface can be used for the guide region.
Preferably, the male and female portions comprise a material of similar physical properties.
Most preferably, the male and female portions are of the same material. Using the same material ensures that in the event of, for example, heat changes, both parts of the gate portion expand and contract at the same rate.
Preferably, the tool is a spanner.
In an alternative embodiment, the female portion is hingedly mounted to the body portion.
In this embodiment, the male portion is removably attachable to the female portion. In this embodiment, the male portion may comprise a threaded bar and an actuation portion.
Preferably, the body portion comprises a first section and a second section.
Preferably, the first and second section are hingedly connected. Providing a first and second section which are hingedly connected permits the coupling body portion to "wrap around" a scaffolding pole in use.
Preferably, the coupling is part of a double coupler. A double coupler connects two poles at right angles.
Alternatively, the coupling is part of the sleeve coupling. A sleeve coupling connects two poles end to end.
In a further alternative, the coupling is part of a swivel coupling. A swivel coupling permits two poles to be connected at any angle.
In a further alternative, the coupling is part of a gray lock. A gray lock permits a pole to be attached to, amongst other things, a ledge, a beam or an upright.
In a still further alternative, the coupling is part of any other suitable scaffolding coupling.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a scaffolding coupling comprising: a U-shaped body portion defining an opening, the body portion adapted to receive a scaffolding pole through the opening; and a gate portion adapted to close and lock the opening, the gate portion comprising a male portion hingedly mounted to the body portion and defining an external thread and a female portion having a blind bore defining an internal thread; wherein when the opening is closed and locked the male and female portions are in a threaded engagement.
It will be understood that the features listed as non-essential features of the first aspect may be equally applicable to the second aspect and are not repeated for brevity.
Brief Description of the Drawings
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art coupling; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a coupling in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of the gate portion of the coupling of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the coupling of Figure 2 in a partially closed configuration; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of the coupling of Figure 2 in an open configuration.
Detailed Description of the Drawings
Reference is firstly made to Figure 2 which is a perspective view of a coupling, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, in a closed configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. The coupling 10 comprises a U-shaped body portion 12 defining an opening 14. As can be seen from Figure 2, the body portion 12 is shaped to receive a scaffolding pole 16.
The coupling 10 further comprises a gate portion 18 which is hingedly mounted to the body portion 12 by a hinge 20. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the gate portion 18 comprises a male portion 22 in the form of a threaded T-bar, a female portion 24 comprising a sleeve 26 defining an internal thread, a washer 29 and a tool actuation portion 28 permitting the female portion 24 to be rotated with respect to the male portion 22 by a spanner (not shown).
In the closed configuration, the gate portion 18 closes the opening 14 and sits within a slot 30 defined by the body portion 12. The engagement of the tool actuation portion 28 with the sides of the slot 30 secures the coupling 10 and retains the scaffolding pole 16 within the coupling 10. In this position, the male and female portions 22,24 are in a threaded engagement and a section of the overlap 32 between the male and female portions 22,24 spans part of the opening 14.
This arrangement means that the extension of the gate portion 18 from the coupling is restricted to the length of the tool actuation portion 28 and no more. This reduces the possibility of injury to a passerby as the extension from the coupling 10 of the gate portion 18 is reduced.
In addition, the area of overlap 32 provides a region of threaded engagement between the sleeve 26 and the threaded bar 22. This overlap exists for the majority of the length of the sleeve 26 and provides a much greater contact area between the male and female portions 22,24. This strengthens the coupling 10.
Referring to Figure 3, to remove the pole 16 from the coupling 10 the female portion 24 is slackened by rotation with the spanner so that it moves away from the hinge 20. Once the female portion 24 has been displaced sufficiently from the hinge 20, the gate portion 18 can be pivoted about the hinge 20 clear of the body portion 12, as shown in Figure 4, permitting the scaffolding pole 16 to be removed from the coupling 10.
Various modifications and improvements may be made to the above described coupling without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the body portion may comprise two sections joined together by a hinge such that the body portion can achieve more of a wrap around the scaffolding pole. In an alternative embodiment, the female portion of the gate can be hingedly mounted to the body portion and receive a male portion incorporating the tool actuation portion.

Claims (26)

  1. Claims I. A scaffolding coupling comprising: a U-shaped body portion defining an opening, the body portion adapted to receive a scaffolding pole through the opening; and a gate portion hingedly mounted to the body portion and adapted to close and lock the opening, the gate portion comprising a male portion defining an external thread and a female portion defining an internal thread; wherein when the opening is closed and locked, the male and female portions are in a threaded engagement and at least a section of the overlap between the male and female portions spans part of the opening.
  2. 2. The scaffolding coupling of claim 1, wherein the male portion is hingedly mounted to the body portion.
  3. 3. The scaffolding coupling of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the female portion is removably attachable to the male portion.
  4. 4. The scaffolding coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the male portion is a threaded bar. * ** * * *
  5. 5. The scaffolding coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the female portion **S* comprises a sleeve and an actuation portion.
    * *****
  6. 6. The scaffolding coupling of claim 5, wherein the female portion defines a blind bore.
  7. 7. The scaffolding coupling of either claims 5 or 6, wherein the sleeve defines the internal thread.
  8. 8. The scaffolding coupling of any claims 5 to 7, wherein the actuation portion is adapted to co-operate with a tool.
  9. 9. The scaffolding coupling of any claims 5 to 7, wherein the actuation portion is adapted to be manipulated by a user's hand.
  10. 10. The scaffolding coupling of any claims 5 to 9, wherein the actuation portion comprises a guide region.
  11. 11. The scaffolding coupling of claim 10, wherein the guide region is a dome.
  12. 12. The scaffolding coupling of claim 10, wherein the guide region is conical or pyramid in shape.
  13. 13. The scaffolding coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the male and female portions comprise a material of similar physical properties
  14. 14. The scaffolding coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the male and female portions are of the same material
  15. 15. The scaffolding coupling of claim 8, wherein the tool is a spanner.
  16. 16. The scaffolding coupling of claim 1, wherein the female portion is hingedly mounted to the body portion.
  17. 17. The scaffolding coupling of claim 16, wherein the male portion is removably attachable to the female portion.
    ::
  18. 18. The scaffolding coupling of claim 17, wherein the male portion comprises a *S..
    threaded bar and an actuation portion.
    *...SS
  19. 19. The scaffolding coupling of any preceding claim, wherein the body portion comprises a first section and a second section.
  20. 20. The scaffolding coupling of claim 19, wherein the first and second section are hingedly connected.
  21. 21. The scaffolding coupling of any preceding claim, wherein, the coupling is part of a double coupler. * 10
  22. 22. The scaffolding coupling of any of claims 1 to 20 wherein the coupling is part of the sleeve coupling.
  23. 23. The scaffolding coupling of any claims I to 20, wherein the coupling part is of a swivel coupling.
  24. 24. The scaffolding coupling of any claims 1 to 20 wherein the coupling is part of a gray lock.
  25. 25. The scaffolding coupling of any claims ito 20, wherein the coupling is part of any other suitable scaffolding coupling.
  26. 26. A scaffolding coupling comprising: a U-shaped body portion defining an opening, the body portion adapted to receive a scaffolding pole through the opening; and a gate portion adapted to close and lock the opening, the gate portion comprising a male portion hingedly mounted to the body portion and defining an external thread and a female portion having a blind bore defining an internal thread; wherein when the opening is closed and locked the male and female *::* portions are in a threaded engagement. * * *
    * * ***. * * ** ** * * * * *
    **�s.. * .
GB0722527.9A 2007-11-16 2007-11-16 Improved coupling Expired - Fee Related GB2454719B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0722527.9A GB2454719B (en) 2007-11-16 2007-11-16 Improved coupling

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0722527.9A GB2454719B (en) 2007-11-16 2007-11-16 Improved coupling

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0722527D0 GB0722527D0 (en) 2007-12-27
GB2454719A true GB2454719A (en) 2009-05-20
GB2454719B GB2454719B (en) 2012-10-10

Family

ID=38896442

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0722527.9A Expired - Fee Related GB2454719B (en) 2007-11-16 2007-11-16 Improved coupling

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2454719B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013057692A1 (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-25 Lee Lipinski Scaffold clamp
CN108302103A (en) * 2018-01-24 2018-07-20 北京理工大学 Quick Release geometrical clamp and connector comprising it

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3554583A (en) * 1969-08-18 1971-01-12 Burton Delingpole & Co Ltd Couplers for scaffold tubes
GB1393094A (en) * 1971-07-30 1975-05-07 Burton Delingpole & Co Ltd Scaffold tube coupler
GB2097501A (en) * 1981-04-10 1982-11-03 Blakeley James Pipe coupling with gasket locating means

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB693500A (en) * 1950-07-12 1953-07-01 Albert Henry Hawes Improvements in or relating to clamps for securing scaffolding tubes
GB2113753A (en) * 1982-01-23 1983-08-10 Horace Raymond Davies Scaffolding clamp
JP2002295417A (en) * 2001-01-26 2002-10-09 Suzutou Kk Clamp fitment and its manufacturing method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3554583A (en) * 1969-08-18 1971-01-12 Burton Delingpole & Co Ltd Couplers for scaffold tubes
GB1393094A (en) * 1971-07-30 1975-05-07 Burton Delingpole & Co Ltd Scaffold tube coupler
GB2097501A (en) * 1981-04-10 1982-11-03 Blakeley James Pipe coupling with gasket locating means

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013057692A1 (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-04-25 Lee Lipinski Scaffold clamp
GB2495746B (en) * 2011-10-19 2013-10-23 Lee Lipinski Safe scaffolding bolt
GB2510304A (en) * 2011-10-19 2014-07-30 Lee Lipinski Scaffold clamp
GB2510304B (en) * 2011-10-19 2019-02-13 Lipinski Lee Scaffold clamp
CN108302103A (en) * 2018-01-24 2018-07-20 北京理工大学 Quick Release geometrical clamp and connector comprising it

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0722527D0 (en) 2007-12-27
GB2454719B (en) 2012-10-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU721142B2 (en) Clip for gripping sheet material
FI125688B (en) Lifting hook, safety latch for a lifting hook and locking and release device for a safety latch
FR2461842A1 (en) PIN-RIVET FOR FASTENING PANELS BETWEEN THEM
US5727834A (en) Safety attachment for a lifting hook
US10041526B2 (en) Hand-line hook
GB2454719A (en) Scaffolding coupling
DE102013102009A1 (en) Holder for joint lock at vehicle e.g. bicycle, has fastening device for mounting holder at vehicle, retention device designed as retaining ring that surrounds lock not more than quadrilateral, and closure element closed with ring side
WO2007070772A3 (en) Fishing line release system
CN201366199Y (en) Seat belt hanger for working aloft
FR2893818A1 (en) Upright wire guidance device for use in e.g. viticulture, has loop shaped folding allowing fixing of wire at end of strands, and hook shaped folding maintaining strands in raised portion
US6789384B2 (en) Adjustable hook and chain
GB2428731A (en) Safety anchor
US7976086B2 (en) Safety locking device for a lifting hook
ITVR20130033A1 (en) INDUSTRIAL VEHICLE BOX INCLUDING A FLOOR AND A PLURALITY OF PERIMETRAL SIDES OF AT LEAST ONE OPENABLE
EP0934471B1 (en) An anchor device
US6230375B1 (en) Latching S hook
CN200984949Y (en) Folding trailer rod capable of using as triangular warning board
GB2495746A (en) Bolt and nut arrangement for coupler
WO2001030647A1 (en) Fastening hook
CN205971644U (en) Novel ribbon
US10405529B2 (en) Hook with encapsulated breakaway joint mechanism
EP2564087A1 (en) Method and device for making a rope hitch
US706879A (en) Whiffletree-clip.
JPH0542843Y2 (en)
JPH0617822Y2 (en) Hook equipped with open / close gripping means

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)

Free format text: REGISTERED BETWEEN 20120126 AND 20120201

PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20181116