GB2474270A

GB2474270A - A bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2474270A
Application number: GB0917661A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter David Westlake
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: MICHAEL JAMES COX; PETER DAVID WESTLAKE
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2009-10-09
Publication date: 2011-04-13
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-09
Also published as: GB0917661D0; WO2011042697A1; GB2489121B; GB2474270B; GB2489121A; GB201208652D0

Abstract

A bracket for securing to a vertical post 4 the bracket comprises a body (1, Fig 1), a mounting means 2A, 2B to releasably mount the body about the post and secure the bracket against movement away from the axis of the post. The bracket also includes a fastening means for releasably securing the bracket against movement along the axis of the post, at least in the downward direction, where the fastening means comprises a securing member 3 with a cut-out 3B therein. The securing member is mounted within the body but movable relative thereto between a first position in which the plane of the cut-out lies perpendicular to the axis of the post, so the securing member, and the body, are free to slide along the axis of the post and a second position in which the plane of the cut-out is angled relative to said plane perpendicular to the axis of the post whereby edges of the cut-out engage the post so as to resist movement of the securing member, and the body, along the axis of the post, at least in the downward direction.

Description

A BRACKET

This invention relates to a bracket for securing to a substantially vertical post, for example a scaffold tube or pole.

Scaffold tubes are conventionally joined together to form a structure by means of brackets which are clamped about the respective tubes and secured thereto by tightening screw-threaded connectors with a spanner. Whilst such brackets work satisfactorily in many situations, recent health and safety legislation has introduced a requirement for horizontal guard rails to be fitted to each level (known as a lift in the industry) of the scaffold structure before a person stands on that lift. Accordingly, there is now a requirement to secure guard rails on the lift above that on which the scaffolder is standing, i.e. at a height beyond the vertical reach of the scaffolder.

Various systems have been proposed to address this need, generally involving the temporary fixture of posts carrying telescopic guard rails to the scaffold standards (vertical scaffold tubes) which posts are first attached to the standard and then slid up the standard so that the guard rai is positioned at the appropriate height. These systems suffer from a number of disadvantages: the posts carrying the guard rail have to be mounted above a load bearing point (e.g. a bracket securing a horizontal post (a ledger or transom) to a standard) as the fixing by which the post is secured to the standard cannot support the weight of the post and associated guard rail. Such systems can also only be mounted on the exterior of a scaffold structure and sway braces cannot be fitted to the outside of the scaffold until the guard rail has been slid up to the required height (as they would impede this movement). It may, therefore, be necessary to fit, temporary single-lift sway braces to the inside of the scaffold to stabilise the structure. Such systems are also expensive.

GB780929 discloses a bracket which can be mounted on a pipe and secured against sliding movement in one direction by means of a pair of toothed eccentric members which clamp the pipe between them as they are rotated in one direction and move apart to release the pipe when rotated in the opposite direction.

The invention seeks to provide an alternative form of bracket which can be secured to a post (such as a scaffold pole) in order to support, for example, a horizontal guard rail, which overcomes, or reduces, the problems described above.

The invention will be described in relation to a scaffold bracket for use in securing a guard rail between the standards of a scaffold structure although it may have other applications in the assembly and construction of a scaffold structure. The bracket may also have application in other fields in which it is desired to secure a bracket to a substantially vertical post.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for securing to a substantially vertical post having an axis along the length thereof, the bracket comprising: a body; mounting means for releasably mounting the body about the post and to secure the bracket against movement away from the axis of the post; and fastening means for releasably securing the bracket against movement along the axis of the post, at least in the downward direction, the fastening means comprising a securing member with a cut-out therein, the securing member being mounted within 4-k.-k.-,,4, I-.. .4- -..-4- ., ...1-.L. 4-I.. 4.L. ... .. .i. 1;..-.

i I IJJ%.1 y IJUL I pJvCiIJI IJLVVI I U III L}JJlLIUI I III VVI 111.1 I LI IC jiaI IC UI LI IC..UL.OUL. IIC substantially perpendicular to the axis of the post, such that the securing member, and the body, are free to slide along the axis of the post and a second position in which the plane of the cut-out is angled relative to said plane perpendicular to the axis of the post whereby edges of the cut-out engage the post so as to resist movement of the securing member, and the body, along the axis of the post, at least in the downward direction.

The term cut-out' is used herein to describe any open-sided recess or aperture which enables the securing member to be fitted about a post or tube other than by fitting over an end of the post or tube. In particular, it describes an open-sided hole defined within an incomplete annular or cylindrical member. Such a cut-out may be formed in a variety of ways, eg by stamping, moulding, cutting, etc. Preferably, the securing member is mounted to the body so that when the securing member is in said second position, force applied to the body along the axis of the post in a downward direction acts upon the securing member so as to increase the angle between the plane of the cut-out and said plane perpendicular to the axis of the post so as to increase the force with which said edges engage the post and so increase the resistance to movement of the body along the post, at least in the downward direction.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a bracket for releasably securing to a scaffold pole, the bracket comprising fastening means for releasably securing the bracket against movement along the length of the pole, at least in the downward direction, the fastening means comprising a securing member with a cut-out therein, the securing member being movable between a first position in which the plane of the cut-out lies substantially perpendicular to the axis of the post, such that it permits the bracket to slide along the pole, and a second position in which the plane of the cut-out is angled relative to said plane perpendicular to the axis of the pole whereby edges of the cut-out engage the pole so as to resist movement of the bracket along the pole, at least in the downward direction.

-.1.-I--.- i-L..- ___._ J t__J _I_ II l'VI ILRJI I QIIJ I CIL LU LI I ue UI UI I UI 11101 e UI cILISLS db UCSLI ILJU dUUV W support a guard rail on a scaffold structure at a position above the person installing said guardrail and to a kit of parts for providing a guard rail on a scaffold structure comprising a plurality of brackets as described above together with one or more guard rails. -Other preferred or optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification.

The invention will now be further described, merely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing three components of a first embodiment of a bracket according to the present invention, prior to being assembled together; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bracket of Figure 1 when assembled and mounted about a vertical scaffold tube; Figure 3 is a side view of the bracket shown in Figure 2 from one side thereof; Figure 4 is a side view of the bracket from the other side; Figures 5A and 5B are cross-sectional views taken oil line B-B of Figure 3 showing a securing member of the bracket in first and second positions; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a bracket according to the invention (with mounting means thereof in a first position); Figure 7 is a perspective view of the bracket of Figure 6 from another angle (and showing the mounting means thereof in a second position); Figures 8A, 8B and 8C are perspective views of a third embodiment of a bracket according to the invention seen from three different directions; Figures 9A to 9F are perspective views of various parts of the bracket shown in Fig 8; Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment; Figure 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a bracket according to the invention; -Figure 12 is an exploded view of the bracket of Figure 11 showing the components thereof; Figures 13 -23 are enlarged views of each of the components shown in Figure 12; Figures 24A and 24B are cross-sectional views of the bracket of Figure 11 when mounted to a vertical scaffold tube; Figure 25A is a perspective view of the bracket of Figure 11 in an open position when mounted to a vertical scaffold pole; and Figure 25B is a perspective view of the bracket of Figure 11 in a closed position when mounted to a vertical scaffold pole also showing a rail attached thereto.

The bracket shown in Figures 1-5 comprises a body 1, mounting means 2 for releasably mounting the body about a post and fastening means for releasably securing the bracket against movement along the axis of the post (at least in the downward direction) in the form of a securing member 3.

The body 1 may be formed of steel plate with upper and lower portions 1A, lB joined together by a rear portion 1C (see Figure 2). An aperture or cut-out 1D, 1E is provided in each of the upper and lower portions so that the body 1 can be fitted about a scaffold tube 4 (as shown in Figure 2), the tube 4 having an axis A running along its length. The mounting means comprises a steel plate 2A with a screw threaded bo!t 2B mounted therein. The pte 2A can be mounted within the open ends of the upper and lower portions 1A, lB of the body (as shown in Figure 2) and the bolt 2B tightened until the tip of the bolt engages the scaffold tube 4. The bolt 2B need only be tightened to finger tightness as the mounting means merely holds the body 1 on the tube 4. The mounting means 2 thus secures the body 1 of the bracket against movement away from the axis of the tube 4. If desired, it may be tightened further so as to support the weight of the bracket and thus prevent the bracket sliding down the tube prior to the fastening means being actuated.

The fastening means comprises a securing member 3 in the form of a metal plate 3A with a cut-out 3B therein to enable the plate 3A to be fitted about a scaffold pole (see Figure 2). The plate 3 is preferably held captive within the body 1 with a first tab 3C thereof projecting through a slot iF between two side plates 1G, 1H of the body (see Figure 4). One side of the cut-out 3B is open so the plate 3A can be fitted about the scaffold pole by movement of the plate 34A towards the axis of the pole.

The securing member 3 is movable between a first position (shown in Figure 5A) in which the plate 3A, and hence the plane of the cut-out 3B therein, lies substantially perpendicular to the axis of the scaffold pole 4 and a second position (shown in Figure 5B) in which the plate 3A, and hence the plane of the cut-out 3B therein, is angled relative to said perpendicular to the axis of the pole 4, e.g. by 15-45 degrees and preferably around 25-35 degrees.

In the first position, the securing member 3, and hence the body 1, are fee to slide up or down along the axis of the pole 4 (so long as the bolt 2B is only finger tight so does not prevent this sliding movement).

In the second position, edges 3F, 3G of the cut-out 3B engage the pole 4 so as to resist movement of the securing member 3A along the axis of the pole 4 (at least in the downward direction).

Thus, when the plate 3A is moved to the angled position shown in Figure 5B, e.g. by pressing down on the tab 3C and/or pressing upwards on tab 3D, the plate 3A is no -.,-..-,J-j,-. .-.J;A-. -L- A *%JI LJI t.., IIU II ciy QIUI 19 1.1 l JUI t.

In the preferred arrangement shown, the body 1 and plate 3A inter-engage so that a downward force applied to the body 1 acts upon the plate 3A so as to increase the angle between the plate 3A and the plane perpendicular to the axis of the pole 4.

This increases the force by which said edges 3F, 3G engage the pole 4 and so -increases the resistance to movement along the pole (at least in the downward direction). Thus, the greater the downward force applied to the bracket, the more tightly it engages the pole 4.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, a downward force applied to the body 1 is transmitted to the plate 3A via the engagement of the tab 3C in the slot iF. Other arrangements are, however, possible.

Whilst the bracket is tightly secured against downward movement in the manner described above, upward movement of the bracket causes an upward force to be applied to tab 3C (via the slot iF) so as to reduce the angle of the plate 3A relative to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the pole 4. The tight engagement of the plate against the pole is thus released and the bracket can be slid up the pole 4. A similar effect can be achieved by applying a downward force to the tab 3D.

Thus, by simply moving the plate 3A between the positions shown in Figure 5A and 5B, the bracket can be securely mounted on the pole to resist downward movement.

or can be released so it can be slid up (or down) the pole 4.

A telescopic leg for a ladder is known which has a mounting slidably fitted to a tube, the mounting being secured against axial movement in one direction by plates each of which has a circular hole through which the tube passes and the angle of which can be altered to inhibit or permit sliding along the tube. Such a mounting uses a similar technique to that described above to releasably secure it against sliding movement along the axis of a tube. However, the mounting has to be slid onto the end of the tube by passing the end of the tube through the circular aperture in each plate. The mounting cannot thus be removed from the tube in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube (so would be completely unsuited to use with a scaffold pole as described herein).

As shown in Figure 1, the plate 3A may also be provided with a resilient flap 3E (or other member) which overlaps the edge 3F of the cut-out 3B. In some cases, it has been found that this helps initiate tilting of the plate from the horizontal position shown in Figure 5A to an angled position as shown in Figure 5B.

Alternatively, resilient means (not shown in this embodiment) such as a spring may be used to bias the plate towards an angled position.

Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. This also comprises a body 11, mounting means 12 and fastening means 13. Whilst the body 11 is of a different form to that of the first embodiment, it performs a similar function and is shaped to fit about a scaffold pole. The mounting means 12, however, comprises a pair of rotatable arms 12C, 12D which can be moved from an open position (shown in Figure 7) to enable the bracket to be fitted about a scaffold pole to a closed position (shown in Figure 6) to secure the bracket to the pole (but without inhibiting sliding of the bracket along the pole). The arms 12C, 12D may be sprung-loaded (not shown) so the bracket can be snap-fitted to a pole. When in the closed position, the arms 12C, 12D secure the bracket from being removed from the pole in a direction away from the axis thereof.

The fastening means 13 again comprises a plate 13A with a cut-out 13B therein and is very similar to that of the first embodiment described above. This plate acts in the same manner to secure the bracket against sliding movement along the pole (at least in a downward direction) and release it again, e.g. for sliding up the pole.

Although not shown in Figures 6 and 7, the plate 13A preferably inter-engages with the body 11 in a manner such that a downward force applied to the body 11 serves to increase the angle of the inclination of the plate 13A and thus secure it more tightly against sliding movement along the pole (at least in the downward direction).

Figures 8 -10 Hustrate a third embodiment of the invention. This comprises a substantially cylindrical body 21 which may be formed from casting or by injection moulding, eg from metal (eg aluminium) or a plastics material. The mounting means comprises an openable gate member 22 which is hinged to the body 21 via a pivot pin 22A and in the closed position (shown in Fig 8A) the gate member 22 completes the cylindrical shape of the body 21 so as to secure the body 21 about a tube 24 and prevent is being removed therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube 24. Figures 88 and 8C show the third embodiment from two other directions.

The gate member 22 may be releasably secured in the closed position by a safety catch 25 which has to be moved in two different directions to release engagement with the body 21 and allow the gate member 22 to be opened. This helps prevent the catch 25 from being inadvertently released.

Figure 9A shows the gate member 22 in the open position. It will be seen that the top and bottom portions of the gate member 22 comprise approximately semi-circular arms 22C and 22D which are somewhat similar to the arms 12C and 12D of the second embodiment shown in Figs 6 ahd 7. When the gate member 22 is open, one end of each of the arms 22C and 22D projects into the cylindrical space within the body 21. When the body 21 is fitted about a tube 24, the tube engages these ends and thus assists in pivoting the gate member 22 about the pivot pin 22A to the closed position.

This embodiment also has fastening means (see Fig 10) in the form of a plate 23 with a semi-circular cut-out 23B therein and having a long tab 23C on one side and a short tab 23D on the other side. The long tab 23C engages with a slot 21F in the body 21 (see Fig 8B).

Figures 9B and 9C show a detail of the lower arm 22D and illustrate a lifting mechanism which acts to lift the plate 23 to an angled position as the gate member 22 is moved to the closed position. The lifting mechanism comprises a cam 22E (see Fig 10) which is carried by the arm 22D and engages a sliding member 22F (see Fig 9A and YB) which compresses a leaf spring 22G as the gate member is closed. The F c. rs.-r,. ) ( c. 4-k C. Fl sI0 1 Ij o.-1,-fs.-s #* ,-, r (-e o I-r. *, . Ie 0 C ri .. LII. I I I. LI I LI II 1⁄4. dXL.. LI LIJ LI IJ Li V V I... LI L.Li I III Li I LI LI Li I I LI.I Li V V I I I I I I I.1 Li) LI I I -.1 engages the underside of the long tab 23C so as to lift the plate 23 to an angled position (the plate 23 pivoting about the distal end of the tab 23C where it engages in the slot 21F).

Other mechanisms (not shown) can be envisaged for urging the plate 23 to the angled position, eg other configurations of springs or resilient members. These may be actuated upon closure of the gate member or may permanently bias the plate 23 towards an inclined position. Such mechanisms can be used in place of the flaps described in relation to the first embodiment.

Figures 9D and YE illustrate a depressing mechanism for depressing the short tab 23D of the plate 23 so as to reduce the angle the plate 23 makes with the plane perpendicular to the axis of the tube 24. The depressing mechanism comprises a plunger 26A slidably mounted within the body 21 so it can slide up and down para'lel to the axis of the tube 24 and a leaf spring 26B which urges the plunger to a raised position (shown in Fig 8 and Fig 9D). When the plunger 26A is depressed, eg by finger pressure applied to its upper end, it slides downwards and flexes the leaf spring 26B to a bowed configuration (as shown in Fig 9E). Depression of the plunger 26A causes its lower end to press tab 23D downwards and thus serves to reduce the angle of the plate (against the action of leaf spring 22G) so that its tight engagement with the sides of the tube 24 is released. Leaf spring 26B may be arranged (in the bowed configuration) to engage the side wall *of the tube 24 so as to provide at least frictional resistance to sliding movement of the bracket down the tube 24 to prevent the bracket falling under its own weight as soon as the plunger 26A is depressed.

Fig 9D illustrates the body 21 (with the gate member 22 removed for clarity) with the plunger 26A in the raised position.

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the third embodiment showing the components described above.

Figures 11 -25 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a bracket according to the _L_.*_...*_ii.

ii iVI ILIJI i. ii ii u u iuijuii I id u. .ui i il_SI iC a uULaI iLlally Lylli IUI ILI uuuy LUIIII_Jf Islily parts 31 and 32 which may be formed by casting or by injection moulding, eg from metal (eg aluminium) or a plastics material. The two parts 31, 32 are aligned by locating fins 32-Fl and 32-F2 (see Fig 14) provided on the second body part 32. The mounting means comprises an openable gate member 33 which is hinged to the body parts 31, 32 by locating pins 31-G and 32-G which engage in locating holes 33-Cl and 33-C2 (see Figs 13-15). In the closed position (see figure 25A), the gate member 33 completes the cylindrical shape of the bracket so as to secure the bracket about a tube (as shown in Figs 25A and 25B) and prevent it from being removed therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube. Operation of this fourth embodiment is similar to operation of the third embodiment described above.

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the bracket fully assembled with the gate member 33 open and a tube holding attachment 39 mounted to the body member 32. -11 -

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view showing the components of the fourth embodiment of the bracket. These components are described below with reference to Figure 13 -23.

Figure 13 shows the main body part 31 and various parts thereof. Figure 14 shows the second body part 32 and various parts thereof. Figure 15 shows the gate member 33 and a tension maintaining plate 34 mounted therein.

Figure 16A shows a metal locking plate 35 which forms the fastening member of this embodiment. The plate 35 has a semi-circular cut-out 35-A for fitting around a tube.

Figure 166 is a plan view of the plate 35 (in the angled position shown in Fig 246) when fitted about a tube. Figure 16C shows a variant of the locking plate which is made up of a plurality of layers (three in the example shown).

Figure 17 shows a release button 36 which releasably holds the closing member 33 in the closed position. Button 36 is depressed to urge the locking plate to a more horizontal position.

Figure 18 shows a securing clip 37 which is used to help secure the tube holding bracket 39 to the second body part 32.

Figure 19 shows an actuating spring 38 which is mounted on pin 31-A of the body part 31 and acts to urge the locking plate 35 towards an angled position.

Figure 20 shows the tube holding. bracket 39 that can be attached to the second body part 32. Another tube (not shown) can be mounted within this bracket 39. Figure 21 shows a tube locking screw 40 that is used to secure a tube within bracket 39.

Figures 22 and 23 show top and bottom metal protection plates 41, 42 and 43, 44, which are respectively attached to the top and bottom of the holding bracket to help prevent the ingress of dirt etc. Figure 24A shows a sectional view of the bracket (with the gate member 33 omitted for clarity). The release button 36 is depressed to move the locking plate 35 towards a horizontal position against the action of spring 38. This movement releases the engagement and hence the grip of the locking plate against the scaffold tube.

Figure 24B shows a sectional view of the bracket (again with the gate member 33 omitted for clarity). The release button 36 is released so allowing the actuating spring 38 to move the locking plate 38 to an angled position. Engagement of edges of the recess 35-A against the sides of the scaffold tube thus locks the bracket into position on the tube.

Figure 25A shows a perspective view of the bracket with the gate member 33 in the open position with the release button 36 depressed so the locking. plate is in the horizontal position (which facilitates fitting of the bracket onto the tube).

Figure 25B shows a perspective view of the bracket mounted on a tube with the gate member 33 in the closed position. A second tube is shown located within the ..L_J L...__L..1. LLJ--r dLLdLI IU LUU UI LIL I IUIUCI The gate member 33 may be releasably secured into the closed position by a sprung gate latch 33-D which engages a gate locating slot 32-A. The tension maintaining plate 34 is located in retaining slots 33-Gi and 33-G2 so it is bowed and extends into the cylindrical body of the bracket 30. The plate 34 is compressed against the scaffold tube as the gate member 33 is closed part 33 to provide frictional engagement with the tube.

It will be seen that the top and bottom portions of the gate member 33 comprise approximately semi-circular arms 33-A & 33-B. When the gate member 33 is in the open position, one end of each of the arms project into the cylindrical space within the body part 31 & part 32. When the bracket is fitted about the scaffold tube, the tube engages these ends and thus assists in rotating the gate member 33 about the locating pins 31-G and 32-G to the closed position.

The semi-circular cut out 35-A of the locking plate 35 has oversized radius returns 35-Di and 35-D2 so that the returns extend past the diameter of the scaffold standard (as shown in Fig 16B). The spacing between the returns is large enough to allow the diameter of the scaffold standard to pass therethrough when the bracket is fitted about the standard with the locking plate in the horizontal position (as shown in Fig 24A) but when the locking plate is in the angled position (as shown in Fig 24B), the diameter of the scaffold standard can no longer pass between the returns 35-Di and 35-D2 (as illustrated in Fig 16B) so the locking plate also helps hold the bracket on the scaffold standard.

A locating tag 35-B of the locking plate 34 fits within locating channel 31-B in the main body part 31, a positioning tag 35-C fits within locating channel 31-E in the main body part 31 and a loading bar 35-E is retained between a locking plate pin 31-F on the main body part 31 and a locking plate bearing frame 32-E in the second body part 32 Figure 24A is a section detail showing the release button locating slide 36-C of the release button part 36 located in the release button channel 31-D of the mn body part 31.The release button part 36 is in a depressed or lowered position. This is done manually to force the locking hinge plates, part 35 onto a flatter plane, thus releasing the grip on the tube and allowing movement in both an upwards or downwards direction. At the same time part 38, the actuating spring which is located in the main body part 31 and held in position by of a locating pillar 31-A, is compressed.

Figure 24B is a sectional view of the bracket and shows a slide member 36-C of the release button 36 located within a channel 31-D in the main body part 31 in a raised position (which is, the natural position of the bracket). In this position there is no downward force on the actuating spring 38 so this urges the locking plate 38 into an angled position (the plate 38 pivots about the positioning tag 35-C held within the locating channel 31-E of the main body part 31). The loading bar 35-E is retained between the locking plate pin 31-F of the main body part 31 and the locking plate bearing frame 32-E of the second body section part 32 leaving the locating tag 35-B free to rise in the holding channel 31-B of the main body part 31. In this angled -14 -position, the edges of the aperture 35-A of the locking hinge plates part 35 engage the outer wall of the tube to prevent any movement of the bracket in a downward direction.

The tube holding bracket 39 is an inter-changeable attachment that can be fitted to the second body part 32 by locating a docking spigot 39-B of the tube holding bracket 39 into an attachment docking part 32-B of the second body part 32. This is then held in place by securing clip 37 (which is fitted once the bracket 39 is in place). The securing clip part 37 passes through an attachment locking rebate 32-C of the second body part 32, then over and about an attachment locking rebate 39-C of the tube bracket holder 39. A tube cradle 39-E of the bracket 39 is strengthened by the weight transfer frame 39-D and strengthening ribs 39-Gi and 39-G2. A rotation limit stop 39-A prevents over-rotation by restricting movement through 90 degrees when coupled with a rotation stop 32-D of the second body part 32.

The tube locking screw part 40 is a threaded bolt 40-B with a waisted section before joining a cylindrical head 40-A. The bolt 40-B fits into a tube locking screw insert 39-H of the tube hoding bracket part 39, which is reinforced by an insert boss 39-F, dnd when rotated in a clockwise direction tightens so as to grip a tube held in the tube cradle 39-E of the tube holding bracket 38.

The metal protection plates 41 -44 are cut metal plates which are fixed to the top and bottom of the cylindrical shape formed by body parts 31 and 32. Part 41 is registered by locating holes 41-Bi and 41-B2 to holes 32-Hi and 32-H2 of the second body part 32 and holes 31-Cl and 31-C2 of the main body part 31 and fixed by way of metal fastenings (eg threaded inserts or similar). Part 42 is registered by locating holes 42-Bl and 42-B2 to holes 33-El and 33-E2 of the gate member 33 and fixed by way of metal fastenings (eg threaded inserts or similar). Part 43 is registered by locating holes 43-Bl and 43-B2 to holes 31-Hi and 31-H2 of the second body part 32 and fixed by way of metal fastenings (eg threaded inserts or similar). Part 44 is registered by locating holes 44-81 and 44-82 to holes 33-Fl & 33-F2 of the gate member 33 and fixed by way of metal fastenings (eg threaded inserts or similar).

-15 -The body 1, 11, 21 of the brackets described in Figs 1-10 may also be provided with securing means such as the tube holding bracket 39 described above for securing another member, e.g. another scaffold pole, thereto. Typically, the poles are joined at an angle, eg 90 degrees, to each other (but may also be secured together at other angles).

In a particular application, said member may be a guard rail as used in the prior art systems referred to above. The bracket described herein may thus be used by a scaffolder to secure a horizontal guard rail to a scaffold structure on the lift above that on which the scaffolder is standing. This may, for instance, be achieved by mounting the bracket to a standard with a guard rail attached thereto, via a swivel attachment, and then sliding the bracket up the standard to the required height. The bracket may be pushed upwards, eg by using a pole, to the required height then, when the upward force is removed, it moves downward slightly under its own weight -whereby the fastening member moves to the angled position and thus secures the bracket from moving further downwards. As this happens automatically, it does not require the scaffolder to be able to reach the bracket in order to tighten it to the -.-.-I-,....4 C...-I --.-I.4--....-. -l.--......-i. -....,.-.I.-..-----J us iiJcji il. ._iini I U UI ULr\L LI iU 1J1 UV IU U II IUi.I I II I IJII II ILI IIJ.J %JI L% I I1JIJI UI securing a guard rail to a standard than the prior art systems described above.

In order to erect guard rails on a scaffold structure on the lift above that on which the scaffolder is supported, it is simply necessary to provide a plurality of the brackets described herein with one or more guard rails. The use of such brackets thus reduces considerably the complexity and expense of the equipment required to provide such guard rails during the erection of a scaffold structure.

It also has the advantage that it is weight bearing as a downward force applied thereto tends to tighten its securement to the standard as described above.

Once the guard rail has been secured using such brackets, the scaffolder can climb up onto the level at which the guard rail has been fixed in order to secure a permanent guard rail. The brackets can then be released and slid upwards to provide a temporary guard rail on the next lift.

Alternatively, the bracket may also be provided with permanent securing means, e.g. similar to a conventional screw-threaded connector, which the scaffolder can tighten once he has climbed up the next lift and so convert the temporary guard rail to a permanent guard rail.

Thus, in addition to the releasable mounting means and releasable fastening means described above, the bracket may be provided with securing means for releasably securing the bracket to a pole or other member. In another arrangement, the mounting means may be designed such that it can be loosely tightened to slidably mount the bracket to a pole and subsequently securely tightened (eg by means of a screw-threaded clamping arrangement) to the pole.

As described above, the bracket may also have engagement means (such as the leaf spring 26B or the tension maintaining plate e) for providing frictional engagement between the bracket and the tube. This helps prevent the bracket sliding uncontrollably down the tube when the securing member is released from tight ei Iyc1ytI uieu ii. vvit.u I ii i i.uut. ri ei ti uIy, U ue ii lt.uur iai ei Iycyei I iei IL IS SUI I iLIl It. LU support at least the weight of the bracket.

It may be desirable to provide some form of safety catch or cover (not shown) to reduce the risk of the tab 3D, 13D, 23D, 35E being inadvertently pressed downwards and hence releasing the securement of the bracket to the post. A release mechanism (such as that described in relation to the third and fourth embodiments) may also be provided to control the angle of the securing member relative to the plane perpendicular to the post.

The mounting means may be biased towards a closed position so, when the body is fitted about a tube, the mounting means automatically closes. The bracket may thus be a snap-fit about the tube.

Two brackets may be connected together one above the other, eg by a linking member, so that one bracket may be mounted a predetermined height above the other, each supporting a horizontal guard rail, so providing a double guard rail.

The guard rail or rails may be telescopic rails as used in the prior art systems described above.

Whilst the bracket may, typically, be formed from metal, it may also be formed of other materials, e.g. plastic mouldings, and different parts thereof may be formed of different materials.

It will be appreciated that the body and the mounting means may have many different forms depending on the application.

The fastening means may also take different forms but comprises a cut-out therein the plane of which can be moved from a position substantially perpendicular to the axis of a pole or tube in which it enables the bracket to slide along the pole to an 1;.-. ..L-.;.-I-. ;,. .-._.:..j -.i-,.- - ., iii uuYViiVVaI U direction). In some cases, as shown in Fig 16B, it may be desirable for the fastening means to comprise a plurality of plates stacked upon each other rather than a single.

The cut-out preferably extends at least 180 degrees around the circumference of the pole or tube. In some cases, such as that illustrated in Fig 16B, it may extend further around the circumference, eg by 200-220 degrees.

The fastening means may also comprise two or more annular members or rings each of which has an opening therein having a width approximately equal to the internal diameter of the ring. One or more of the rings may be rotatable about its axis so said openings can be moved into and out of alignment with each other so as to close and open the opening.

The post or tube to which the bracket is secured will generally be, e.g. a scaffold standard, eg having an external diameter of about 50mm. However, the bracket may also be used on an inclined post or tube having a sufficient vertical component such that the weight of the bracket (and any vertical load applied thereto) is effective in increasing the force with which the edges of the securing member are pressed against the side of the post so as to prevent the bracket from sliding along the post. The term substantially vertical' used herein is intended to cover such an arrangement.

The cut-out of a plate for fitting about a 50mm scaffold pole will have a diameter (or width) slightly greater than this, eg 51mm, so as to be a sliding fit about the pole.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A bracket for securing to a substantially vertical post having an axis along the length thereof, the bracket comprising: a body; mounting means for releasably mounting the body about the post and to secure the bracket against movement away from the axis of the post; and fastening means for releasably securing the bracket against movement along the axis of the post, at least in the downward direction, the fastening means comprising a securing member with a cut-out therein; the securing member being mounted within the body but movable between a first position in which the plane of the cut-out lies substantially perpendicular to the axis of the post, such that the securing member, and the body, are free to slide along the axis of the post and a second position in which the plane of the cut-out is angled relative to said plane perpendicular to the axis of the post whereby edges of the cut-out engage the post so as to resist movement of the securing member, and the body, along the axis of the post, at least in the downward direction.
hrrt,ct-c rIirnr4 it, rIim 1 i Avhirh t-h rtrirn mmhr i rnniint-r1 tn -. ..-. ... -..... --..----.. --. ...--..--. --the body so that when the securing member is in said second position, force applied to the body along the axis of the post in a downward direction acts upon the securing member so as to increase the angle between the plane of the cut-out and said plane perpendicular to the axis of the post so as to increase the force with which said edges engage the post and so increase the resistance to movement of the body along the post, at least in the downward direction.
3. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the mounting means comprises a closure member moveable from an open position in which it allows the body to be moved into in engagement with the post in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the pole and a closed position in which it prevents movement of the body away from the axis of the post.-20 - 4. A bracket as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the mounting means is arranged to move from an open position to a closed position as it is fitted about said post.
4. A bracket as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3 in which the body comprises fastening means for securing another member thereto, eg a post or rail extending at an angle to the substantially vertical post.
5. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim in which the securing means comprises a plate having a cut-out therein for fitting about the post.
6. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim comprising biasing means for biasing the securing means towards said second position.
7. A bracket as claimed in claim 6 comprising release means which, when actuated, urges the securing means towards said first position against the action of said biasing means.
8. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim having engagement means for providing frictional engagement between the bracket and the post when the securing member is in said first position.
9. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to be secured about a scaffold pole.
10. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a guard rail which is attachable to the body of the bracket.
11. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mounting means is arranged to provide a temporary securement of the bracket against sliding along the post and in which securing means are provided for subsequently providing a more permanent securement against sliding along the post.
12. A bracket as claimed in claim 10 in which the mounting means also provides said securing means.
13. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim in which the mounting means is arranged so the bracket is a snap-fit about the post.
14. A bracket for releasably securing to a scaffold pole, the bracket comprising fastening means for releasably securing the bracket against movement along the length of the pole, at least in the downward direction, the fastening means comprising a securing member with a cut-out therein, the securing member being movable between a first position in which the plane of the cut-out lies substantially perpendicular to the axis of the post, such that it permits the bracket to slide along the pole, and a second position in which the plane of the cut-out is angled relative to said plane perpendicular to the axis of the pole whereby edges of the cut-out engage the pole so as to resist movement of the bracket along the pole, at least in the downward direction.
15. A bracket substniidy as hereirbefore described with rcfcrcnce to one or more of the accompanying drawings.
16. The use of one or more brackets as claimed in any preceding claim to.support a guard rail on a scaffold structure at a position above the person installing said guardrail.
17. A kit of parts for providing a guard rail on a scaffold structure comprising a plurality of brackets asclaimed in claim 9 together with one or more guard ra i Is.