NZ587700A - A connector for adjacent scaffolds that connect the V-pressings on the standards with a hinge - Google Patents

Abstract

A swivel scaffold connector (10) to join adjacent scaffolding structures is disclosed. The connector has two connecting members (16, 34) joined by a pivot (32) so that the angular relationship between the adjacent scaffolding structures may be changed while still maintaining the connection between them. The connecting members are C-shaped and include a pair of spaced apart arms (22, 24, 36, 38) to receive a V-pressing from the associated vertically extending member. The connectors are locked to the V-pressing by a wedge (25, 35) passing through each arm and the V-pressing.

Description

PATENTS FORM 5 Our Ref: 965625NZ PATENTS ACT 1953 Dated: 31 August 2010 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Swivel scaffold connector for adjacent scaffolding structures We, Waco Africa (Proprietary) Limited, incorporated in Republic of South Africa, of 181 Barbara Road, Elandsfontein, 1401, Republic of South Africa, hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 0013H2<->37698J):IRG 1 Received at IPONZ 24 February 2012 2 SWIVEL SCAFFOLD CONNECTOR FOR ADJACENT SCAFFOLDING STRUCTURES FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a swivel scaffold connector for adjacent scaffolding structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A typical scaffolding structure comprises a plurality of vertically extending standards to which a plurality of horizontally extending ledgers are fitted, with this structure simply being repeated as needed.

When scaffolding structures extend along a straight line, adjacent scaffolding structures, and in particular, adjacent standards, may be joined together in a well known manner. However, when the scaffolding structure is to follow a curved line, there is no easy and convenient way of achieving this, with the scaffolding structure being positioned in a haphazard and uncontrolled manner so as to try and follow the curved line.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is the object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the invention there is disclosed herein a swivel scaffold connector for adjacent scaffolding structures, the connector comprising: a first connecting member connectable to a first vertically extending member of a first scaffolding structure; a second connecting member connectable to a second vertically extending member of a second, adjacent scaffolding structure; and a swivelling connecting arrangement to secure the first connecting member, and thus the first scaffolding structure, to the second connecting member, and thus the second scaffolding structure, so that the first and second scaffolding structures can swivel relative 6042410J:LKM Received at IPONZ 24 February 2012 3 to each other, wherein the first and second connecting members are C-shaped so as to include a pair of spaced apart arms to receive a V-pressing therebetween, the V-pressing extending from the first and second vertically extending members of the first and second scaffolding structures, respectively.

In an embodiment, a base member extends between, so as to join together, the spaced apart arms, with at least one, but typically a pair of plates extending from the base member, the plate defining an aperture that can be aligned with an aperture defined in the plate extending from the base member of an adjacent connecting member.

In an embodiment, a pin can extend through the aligned apertures so as to define the swivelling connecting arrangement between the first and second connecting members.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is disclosed herein a connecting member connectable to a first vertically extending member of a first scaffolding structure, the connecting member being swivably connectable to an adjacent, similar connecting member fitted to a second vertically extending member of a second, adjacent scaffolding structure, wherein the connecting member is C-shaped so as to include a pair of spaced apart arms to receive a V-pressing therebetween, the V-pressing extending from the first and second vertically extending members of the first and second scaffolding structures.

In an embodiment, a base member extends between, so as to join together, the spaced apart arms, with at least one, but typically a pair of plates extending from the base member, the plate defining an aperture that can be aligned with an aperture defined in the plate extending from the base member of an adjacent connecting member.

In an embodiment, a pin can extend through the aligned apertures so as to allow the connecting member to be swivably connectable to the adjacent, similar connecting member. 6042410_1:LKM Received at IPONZ 24 February 2012 4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a swivel scaffold connector for adjacent scaffolding structures according to an example embodiment of the present invention, the connector being shown in a first configuration; Figure 2 shows the connector shown in Figure 1 in a second, swivelled configuration; 60424I0_1:LKM Figure 3 shows a side view of adjacent scaffolding structures with the connector being shown connecting together these adjacent scaffolding structures; Figure 4 shows a detailed side view of the swivel scaffold connector in use between adjacent scaffolding structures, corresponding to circled portion "4" shown in Figure 3 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 shows a detailed top view of the swivel scaffold connector in use between adjacent scaffolding structures, taken along line 5-5 shown in Figure 3, the connector being shown in a second, swivelled configuration; shows a top view of the ends of a first scaffolding structure and a second scaffolding structure, the swivel scaffold connector defining a swivel connection point to enable the first and second scaffolding structures to swivel relative to each other; and shows a top view of the swivel scaffold connector being movable between a first, substantially straight configuration and a second, swivelled configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the drawings a swivel scaffold connector 10 for adjacent scaffolding structures 12, 14, is shown. The connector 10 comprises a first 2936568-1 connecting member 16 connectable to a first vertically extending member 18 of a first scaffolding structure 12. The first vertically extending member 18 is typically a conventional standard used in scaffolding arrangements, the standard 18 comprising a plurality of V-pressings 20 extending from the 5 standard 18.

The first connecting member 16 is substantially C-shaped so as to include a pair of spaced apart arms 22, 24 to receive the V-pressing 20 therebetween. As is well known in the art, a locking wedge 25 may be used to secure the first 10 connecting member 16 to the V-pressing 20. In an embodiment, a base member 26 extends between the arms 22, 24, so as to join them together. A pair of plates 28, 30 extend from the base member 26, the plates 28, 30 forming part of a swivelling connecting arrangement 32, which will be explained in more detail further below.

Similarly, the connector 10 comprises a second connecting member 34 connectable to V-pressings 20 on a standard 18 of a second, adjacent scaffolding structure 14, again using a locking wedge 35. The second connecting member 34 is substantially C-shaped so as to include a pair of 20 spaced apart arms 36, 38 to receive the V-pressing 20 therebetween, with a base member 40 extending between the arms 36, 38 so as to join them together. A pair of plates 42, 44 extend from the base member 40, the plates 42, 44 forming part of the swivelling connecting arrangement 32.

The plates 28, 30, 42, 44 define apertures that can be aligned so as to receive a pin 46 so as to complete the swivellng connecting arrangement 32 between the first and second connecting members 16, 34. The swivellng connecting arrangement 32 thus allows the first connecting member 16, and thus the first scaffolding structure 12, to swivel relative to the second connecting member 34 30 of the second scaffolding structure 14, as indicated by arrow 48 in Figure 7. This allows the first and second scaffolding structures 12, 14 to swivel relative 2936568-1 to each other, so as to conveniently and accurately follow a curved path if and when necessary. 2936568-1

Claims (8)

Received at IPONZ 24 February 2012 8 What I/we claim is:

1. A swivel scaffold connector for adjacent scaffolding structures, the connector comprising: a first connecting member connectable to a first vertically extending member of a first scaffolding structure; a second connecting member connectable to a second vertically extending member of a second, adjacent scaffolding structure; and a swivelling connecting arrangement to secure the first connecting member, and thus the first scaffolding structure, to the second connecting member, and thus the second scaffolding structure, so that the first and second scaffolding structures can swivel relative to each other, wherein the first and second connecting members are C-shaped so as to include a pair of spaced apart arms to receive a V-pressing therebetween, the V-pressing extending from the first and second vertically extending members of the first and second scaffolding structures, respectively.

2. The swivel scaffold connector of claim 1, wherein a base member extends between, so as to join together, the spaced apart arms, with at least one plate extending from the base member, the plate defining an aperture that can be aligned with an aperture defined in the plate extending from the base member of an adjacent connecting member.

3. The swivel scaffold connector of claim 2, wherein a pin extends through the aligned apertures so as to define the swivelling connecting arrangement between the first and second connecting members.

4. A connecting member connectable to a first vertically extending member of a first scaffolding structure, the connecting member being swivably connectable to an adjacent, similar connecting member fitted to a second vertically extending member of a second, adjacent scaffolding structure wherein the connecting member is C-shaped so as to include a pair of spaced apart arms to receive a V-pressing therebetween, the V-pressing extending from the first and second vertically extending members of the first and second scaffolding structures. 6042410_1:LKM Received at IPONZ 24 February 2012 9

5. The connecting member of claim 4, wherein a base member extends between, so as to join together, the spaced apart arms, with at least one plate extending from the base member, the plate defining an aperture that can be aligned with an aperture defined in the plate extending from the base member of an adjacent connecting member.

6. The connecting member of claim 5, wherein a pin extends through the aligned apertures so as to allow the connecting member to be swivably connectable to the adjacent, similar connecting member.

7. A swivel scaffold connector for adjacent scaffolding structures, substantially as herein described and illustrated.

8. A connecting member connectable to a first vertically extending member of a first scaffolding structure substantially as herein described and illustrated. Waco Africa (Proprietary) Limited By The Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON & FERGUSON 6042410_1 :LKM