GB2570264A

GB2570264A - Fastening means and apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2570264A
Application number: GB1702903.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bland Julian
Original assignee: Enhance Property Experts Ltd
Current assignee: Enhance Property Experts Ltd
Priority date: 2017-02-23
Filing date: 2017-02-23
Publication date: 2019-07-24
Anticipated expiration: 2037-02-23
Also published as: GB2570264B; GB201702903D0

Abstract

A fastener 10 for coupling together first and second ends of a scaffolding clamp comprises a body 18 and a threaded portion 20. The body comprises spaced apart first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24. In use the first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp are coupled by the fastener at a distance apart defined by the spacing between the first and second abutment surfaces. This prevents the over or under tightening of the clamp. The body may comprise a shank 26 and a head 28, and the diameter of the shank may be greater than the diameter of the threaded portion. The shank may comprise a cylindrical portion and a frustoconical portion, with the diameter of at least part of the frustoconical portion being greater than the diameter of the threaded portion. The shank may comprise a plurality of ribs interconnected by a bridging portion, or the shank may comprise a removable sleeve.

Description

TITLE

Fastening means and apparatus

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

Examples of the disclosure relate to fastening means and apparatus, and in particular fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of a scaffolding clamp.

BACKGROUND

Fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of a scaffolding clamp to securely hold a scaffolding tube are known. Conventionally, the fastening means are nut and bolt fasteners. A problem with known arrangements is that the a scaffolding clamp can easily be under tightened such that the scaffolding tube is not securely held, or over tightened. When a scaffolding clamp is overtightened this may damage and perhaps bend scaffold fitting parts, which can affect the performance of the parts over time, leading to possible failure and thus being potentially unsafe.

There is a requirement therefore to provide improved fastening means and scaffolding clamps which prevent under and over tightening.

BRIEF SUMMARY

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of a scaffolding clamp, the fastening means comprising a body and a threaded portion extending from the body, the body comprising first and second abutment surfaces, the first and second abutment surfaces being spaced apart, wherein the first abutment surface is configured to abut against the first end of the scaffolding clamp and the second abutment surface is configured to abut against the second end of the scaffolding clamp such that in use the first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp are coupled by the fastening means at a distance apart defined by the spacing between the first and second abutment surfaces.

The body may comprise a shank and a head, wherein the diameter of at least a part of the shank is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion, and wherein a part of the head extends beyond the shank.

The first abutment surface may be the underside of the shank.

The second abutment surface may be the underside of the part of the head which extends from the shank.

The shank may comprise a substantially cylindrical portion and a frustoconical portion extending from the substantially cylindrical portion, wherein the diameter of at least a part of the frustoconical portion is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion and wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the frustoconical portion.

The shank may comprise a substantially cylindrical portion and a plurality of ribs extending from the substantially cylindrical portion, wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the plurality of ribs.

The plurality of ribs may be interconnected by a bridging portion, wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the bridging portion.

The shank may comprise a removeable sleeve, wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the removeable sleeve. In some examples, the second abutment surface may be the topside of the removeable sleeve.

The shank and the threaded portion may be substantially of the same length.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided an apparatus comprising a scaffolding clamp and a fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp, the fastening means being as defined in any of the preceding paragraphs.

The first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp may comprise respective formations shaped to abut against the respective first and second abutment surfaces of the fastening means.

The first end of the scaffolding clamp may comprise an opening dimensioned such that the body of the fastening means can pass therethrough.

The apparatus may comprise any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a method comprising: providing a fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of a scaffolding clamp, the fastening means being as defined in any of the preceding paragraphs.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there is provided a method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising a scaffolding clamp and a fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp, the apparatus being as defined in any of the preceding paragraphs.

The methods may comprise any of the features described in any of the preceding statements or following description.

According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the disclosure there may be provided examples as claimed in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

For a better understanding of various examples that are useful for understanding the detailed description, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates a front view of a first fastening means;

Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the fastening means of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a first apparatus in use comprising the fastening means of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the apparatus of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view a second fastening means;

Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view a third fastening means;

Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view a fourth fastening means;

Fig. 8 illustrates a perspective view a fifth fastening means;

Fig. 9 illustrates a perspective view a sixth fastening means;

Fig. 10 illustrates a perspective view a seventh fastening means;

Fig. 11 illustrates a perspective view an eighth fastening means;

Fig. 12 illustrates a perspective view a ninth fastening means; and Fig. 13 illustrates a perspective view of a second apparatus in use comprising the fastening means of Fig. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figs. 1 to 4 illustrate a first fastening means 10 and a first apparatus 100 comprising the first fastening means 10 and a scaffolding clamp 12. The scaffolding clamp 12 is shown in engagement with a scaffolding tube 13. Scaffolding tubes 13 have standard dimensions, and may have a diameter of 48.3 mm. In this example, two such apparatus 100 are provided joined together such that a pair of scaffolding tubes 13 extending in different directions can be held.

The fastening means 10 is for coupling together first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12. The fastening means 10 comprises a body 18 and a threaded portion 20 extending from the body 18. The body 18 comprises first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24. The first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24 are spaced apart.

The first abutment surface 22 is configured to abut against the first end 14 of the scaffolding clamp 12 and the second abutment surface 24 is configured to abut against the second end 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12 such that, in use, the first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12 are coupled by the fastening means at a distance apart defined by the spacing between the first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24.

The distance the first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12 are held apart by abutment against the respective first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24 of the body 18 of the fastening means 10, corresponds to a configuration of the scaffolding clamp 12 which provides an optimal tightness around the scaffolding tube 13.

Accordingly, scaffolding clamps 12 in combination with fastening means 10 accordingly to examples of the disclosure cannot be under tightened such that the scaffolding tube 13 is not securely held, or over tightened such that the scaffolding tube 13 is damaged.

In use, tightening the scaffolding clamp 12 around the scaffolding tube 13 by way of the fastening means 10 causes the first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12 to move closer together until the point at which the first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24 of the body 18 of the fastening means 10 prevent further movement. Since the first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24 are provided on the body 18, and the body is formed of a rigid material, such as steel, it is not possible to move the first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12 closer together than the spacing between the first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24. At this point the configuration of the scaffolding clamp 12 provides an optimal tightness around the scaffolding tube 13. Examples of the disclosure therefore require no operator skill or special tooling to obtain an optimal tightness around the scaffolding tube 13.

The body 18 of the first fastening means 10 comprises a shank 26 and a head 28. The diameter of the shank 26 of the first fastening means 10 is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion 20 at every point along the length of the shank 26. In other examples, only a part of the shank 26 may have a greater diameter than the diameter of the threaded portion 20.

The first abutment surface 22 is the underside 30 of the shank 26. The shank 26 comprises a lip 32 which extends from the threaded portion 20, and the underside 30 of the shank 26 corresponds to the underside 30 of the lip 32.

A part 34 of the head 28 extends beyond the shank 26. In side view, the head 28 has a circular cross section. The second abutment surface 24 is the underside 36 of the part 34 of the head 28 which extends beyond the shank 26.

The shank 26 and the threaded portion 20 may be substantially of the same length.

As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, the first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12 may comprise respective formations 38, 40 shaped to receive the shank 26 and abut against the respective first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24 of the first fastening means 10 in use. The formation 38 comprises a lip 39 shaped to abut against the first abutment surface 22 in use. The lip 39 is arcuate and complimentary in size and shape to the first abutment surface 22. Adjacent the lip 39 is a profiled recess 37 to receive the shank 26. The lip 39 prevents the shank 26 passing out of the recess 37, and therefore prevents user error.

The first end 14 of the scaffolding clamp 12 comprises an opening 42 dimensioned such that the body 18 of the first fastening means 10 can pass therethrough.

In use, tightening the scaffolding clamp 12 around the scaffolding tube 13 by way of the fastening means 10 urges the first abutment surface 22 on the underside 30 of the shank 26 to abut against the lip 39. Simultaneously, the second abutment surface 24 on the underside 36 of the part 34 of the head 28 which extends beyond the shank 26 is urged to abut the formation 40. The scaffolding clamp is tightened by rotating a nut 41 about the threaded portion 20, as is conventional.

Figs. 5 to 12 illustrate further examples of the fastening means.

Fig. 5 illustrates a second fastening means 44 in which the shank 26 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion 46 and a frustoconical portion 48 extending from the substantially cylindrical portion 46. The diameter of at least a part of the frustoconical portion 48 is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion 20.

The first abutment surface 22 is the underside 30 of the frustoconical portion 48. The frustoconical portion 48 comprises a lip 32 which extends from the threaded portion 20, and the underside 30 of the frustoconical portion 48 corresponds to the underside 30 of the lip 32.

Fig. 6 illustrates a third fastening means 50 in which the shank 26 comprises a substantially cylindrical portion 52 and a plurality of ribs 54 extending from the substantially cylindrical portion 52. In this example, the diameter of the substantially cylindrical portion 52 is the same as the diameter of the threaded portion 20. The first abutment surface 22 is the underside 30 of the plurality of ribs 54.

The plurality of ribs 54 comprise a lip 32 which extends from the threaded portion 20, and the underside 30 of the plurality of ribs 54 corresponds to the underside 30 of the lip 32.

Fig. 7 illustrates a fourth fastening means 56 in which the plurality of ribs 54 are interconnected by a bridging portion 58. The first abutment surface 22 is the underside 30 of the bridging portion 58. The bridging portion 58 comprises a lip 32 which extends from the threaded portion 20, and the underside 30 of the bridging portion 58 corresponds to the underside 30 of the lip 32.

Fig. 8 illustrates a fifth fastening means 60 in which the shank 26 has a diameter which varies along its length. At least a part of the shank 26 has a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion 20.

Figs. 9 to 11 illustrate sixth, seventh and eighth fastening means 62, 64, 66 in which the shank 26 comprises a removeable sleeve 68. In each case the removeable sleeve 68 has the same or a similar configuration to the examples already discussed. In each case the first abutment surface 22 is the underside 30 of the removeable sleeve 68. The removeable sleeve 68 comprises a lip 32 which extends from the threaded portion 20, and the underside 30 of the removeable sleeve 68 corresponds to the underside 30 of the lip 32.

Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate a ninth fastening means 70 and a second apparatus 110 comprising the ninth fastening 70 means and a scaffolding clamp 12.

The shank 26 of the ninth fastening means 70 comprises a removeable sleeve 68. The first abutment surface 22 is the underside 30 of the removeable sleeve 68. The second abutment surface 24 is the topside 72 of the removeable sleeve 68.

The removeable sleeve 68 comprises a lip 32 which extends from the threaded portion 20, and the underside 30 of the removeable sleeve 68 corresponds to the underside 30 of the lip 32.

The removeable sleeve 68 also comprises a lip 74, and the topside 72 of the removeable sleeve 68 corresponds to the topside 72 of the lip 74.

In use, tightening the scaffolding clamp 12 around the scaffolding tube 13 by way of the fastening means 10 causes the first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp 12 to move closer together until the point at which the first and second abutment surfaces 22, 24 of the removeable sleeve 68 urge against the first and second arms of the scaffolding clamp 12. At this point the configuration of the scaffolding clamp 12 provides an optimal tightness around the scaffolding tube 13.

The figures also illustrate a method comprising: providing a fastening means 10, 44, 50, 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 70 for coupling together first and second ends 14, 16 of a scaffolding clamp 12, the fastening means being as defined in any of the preceding paragraphs.

The figures also illustrate a method comprising: providing an apparatus 100, 110 comprising a scaffolding clamp 12 and a fastening means 10, 44, 50, 56, 60, 62,

64, 66, 70 for coupling together first and second ends 14, 16 of the scaffolding clamp, 12 the apparatus 100, 110 being as defined in any of the preceding paragraphs.

There is thus described fastening means 10, 44, 50, 56, 60, 62, 64, 66, 70 apparatus 100, 110 and methods with a number of advantages as detailed above.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. For example, the fastening means and apparatus could comprise any suitable material, for instance, rigid plastics.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

The term “comprise” is used in this document with an inclusive not an exclusive meaning. That is any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. If it is intended to use “comprise” with an exclusive meaning then it will be made clear in the context by referring to “comprising only one...” or by using “consisting”.

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term “example” or “for example” or “may” in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus “example”, “for example” or “may” refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a subclass of the class that comprise some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a features described with reference to one example 5 but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be 0 understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS 11 05 17

1. A fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of a scaffolding clamp, the fastening means comprising a body and a threaded portion extending

5 from the body, the body comprising first and second abutment surfaces, the first and second abutment surfaces being spaced apart, wherein the first abutment surface is configured to abut against the first end of the scaffolding clamp and the second abutment surface is configured to abut against the second end of the scaffolding clamp such that in use the first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp are coupled 10 by the fastening means at a distance apart defined by the spacing between the first and second abutment surfaces.

2. A fastening means according to claim 1, in which the body comprises a shank and a head, wherein the diameter of at least a part of the shank is greater than the

15 diameter of the threaded portion, and wherein a part of the head extends beyond the shank.

3. A fastening means according to claims 2, in which the first abutment surface is the underside of the shank.

4. A fastening means according to claims 2 or 3, in which the second abutment surface is the underside of the part of the head which extends from the shank.

5. A fastening means according to any of claims 2 to 4, in which the shank comprises 25 a substantially cylindrical portion and a frustoconical portion extending from the substantially cylindrical portion, wherein the diameter of at least a part of the frustoconical portion is greater than the diameter of the threaded portion and wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the frustoconical portion.

30

6. A fastening means according to any of claims 2 to 4, in which the shank comprises a substantially cylindrical portion and a plurality of ribs extending from the substantially cylindrical portion, wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the plurality of ribs.

11 05 17

7. A fastening means according to claim 6, in which the plurality of ribs is interconnected by a bridging portion, wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the bridging portion.

8. A fastening means according to any of claims 2 to 4, in which the shank comprises a removeable sleeve, wherein the first abutment surface is the underside of the removeable sleeve.

9. A fastening means according to claim 8, in which the second abutment surface is the topside of the removeable sleeve.

10. A fastening means according to any of the preceding claims, in which the shank and the threaded portion are substantially of the same length.

11. An apparatus comprising a scaffolding clamp and a fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp, the fastening means being as defined in any of the preceding claims.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, in which the first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp comprise respective formations shaped to abut against the respective first and second abutment surfaces of the fastening means.

13. An apparatus according to claim 12, in which the first end of the scaffolding clamp comprises an opening dimensioned such that the body of the fastening means can pass therethrough.

14. A method comprising: providing a fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of a scaffolding clamp, the fastening means being as defined in any of claims 1 to 10.

15. A method comprising: providing an apparatus comprising a scaffolding clamp and a fastening means for coupling together first and second ends of the scaffolding clamp, the apparatus being as defined in any of claims 11 to 13.

16. A fastening means substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the 5 accompanying drawings.

18. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

10

19. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.

05 17