NZ620398A - Improvements in and relating to fastening systems - Google Patents

Abstract

620398 The fastening system is typically used to connect ends of quadrilateral scaffold frames to uprights 2. Elongate structure 2 has first and second projections 6a and 7a, and elongate structure 3 is connected to elongate structure 2 by fastening a wing nut 9 on projection 6a. The hook 12 is retained between projections 6a and 7a.

Description

James & Wells ref: 701389 Improvements in and Relating to Fastening Systems TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to improvements in fastening systems for structural members.

The invention includes both an apparatus and methods of using such an apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART Fastening systems for attaching structural members together are common and varied in nature.

Different fastening systems typically confer some advantageous feature, such as rigidity, speed of attachment, simplicity of use or many other such advantages.

For the purposes of clarity the present invention will be described with reference to a temporary structure. It should be understood that the term temporary structure may describe any number of objects, non-limiting examples of which include scaffolding structures, formwork, temporary work surfaces, tool stands or the like. For the purposes of clarity and ease of understanding the present invention will be described with reference to scaffolding systems.

Scaffolding systems typically comprise a series of elongate structural members, usually in the form of pipes. A scaffold will normally be prepared by connecting various lengths of elongate structural members together with a variety of clamps in order to form a rigid support structure to which a work surface such as planking can be attached. A scaffold structure may take any number of forms depending on the nature of the site on which the scaffold is to be situated.

However, the structure will typically include at least four vertical structural members to which horizontal structural members and cross bracing members are attached. The complete structure will typically resemble one or more interconnected rectangular frames. In addition to providing structural integrity the scaffolding must also allow for the attachment of hand rails for any work surface that is positioned at greater than above the surface upon which the scaffold is positioned.

Scaffolding is usually clamped together by way of double ended clamps. The clamps can either include a rotatable connection between each clamp portion to allow a variable angular relation between clamped structural members, or alternatively the clamps will have a fixed angular relationship between the clamp members. It will be appreciated that a fixed relationship is likely to be more robust, however a larger number of clamps would be required to cater for all desirable angular relationships. Other clamps exist in which a single clamp is provided on each end of a scaffold member.

One problem with clamping the structural members is that if a clamp was to become loosened no backup is provided to prevent the scaffold from losing structural integrity and collapsing.

James & Wells ref: 701389 This requires that the scaffold be assembled to exacting standards using appropriate torque.

Too little torque and there is a risk that the scaffold may lose structural integrity, too much torque and there is a risk of damaging the structural members. Applying the correct torque requires that the scaffold installer must carry appropriate tools in order to install the scaffolding.

Another problem that is associated with using clamps is that it is inconvenient and time consuming for the installer of the scaffolding to install the clamps. This is particularly the case when a large number of different clamps are required to satisfy the various angular relationships between the structural members.

In addition to the problems associated with the clamps themselves, the elongate structural members being clamped require a relatively large overlap beyond the clamp holding them. This reduces the risk of the structural member being pulled out of a clamp. The overlap does however create a hazard as the overlapping end of a structural member can project out from the scaffold creating an injury risk for persons working near the scaffold.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

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

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

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

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improvement in the attachment of temporary structural members such as scaffolding components, or the framework of temporary structures such as workbenches, tool stands or the like. The invention resides in the various physical elements that are included in the temporary structure. A number of factors are important in the construction of temporary structures, the foremost of which is safety. Also of importance is the speed and convenience with which a temporary structure can be constructed and the structural James & Wells ref: 701389 integrity of the complete structure. The present invention provides a system by which structural elements of a temporary structure can be attached together simply, with speed, high integrity and in compliance with regulations. The system of the present invention also provides the further advantage of providing a backup fixing that prevents the structural components from separating in the event of the primary connection loosening.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a first elongate structural member for a releasable locking system, the first elongate structural member including a series of locking portions, each locking portion including a first projection configured to receive a fastener and an associated second projection ,  wherein each first projection and its associated second projection are spaced apart by a first fixed distance,  wherein each first projection and associated second projection is oriented substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the first elongate structural member,  wherein a length of the first projection is greater than a length of the second projection and  wherein the positions of each of the series of locking portions are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate structural member.

In preferred embodiments the locking portions are spaced apart by a second fixed distance.

Preferably the fastener is a nut and at least a portion of the first projection is threaded so as to engage with the nut. The fastener may take a number of forms without departing from the scope of the present invention. Non limiting examples of which include, locking nuts, wing nuts, split pins, clamps or the like.

In some preferred embodiments the second projection is formed by a locking pin inserted into an aperture In some preferred embodiments the first elongate structural member includes:  a first series of locking portions, the first projections and corresponding second projection of which extend in parallel in a first direction, and  a second series of locking portions, the projections and corresponding apertures of which extend in parallel and in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a second elongate structural member configured to engage with a first elongate structural member of a releasable locking system, the first elongate structural member substantially as described in the foregoing statements, the second elongate structural member including an engaging portion including a James & Wells ref: 701389 slot configured to slideably engage with a first projection on the first elongate structural member, wherein a closed end of the slot is separated from an outer surface of the engaging portion by a distance less than the first fixed distance to allow, in use, the engaging portion to be slid over the first elongate structural member’s first projection to position the closed end of the slot between the first elongate structural member’s first projection and an associated second projection.

In preferred embodiments the engaging portion is attached to, or formed from, an end of the second elongate structural member.

In preferred embodiments the engaging portion is formed from a flat plate of rigid material attached to an end of the second member.

Preferably the slot includes an open end. An open ended slot allows the slot and engaging portion to slide over the first projection from a direction orthogonal to the direction that the first projecting member extends. In use this allows engagement of an engaging member without the need to remove the head/nut from the first projecting member.

In preferred embodiments the slot may be formed at an angle of between 135 degrees and 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second member. More typically the slot will be formed at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second member.

Preferably the engaging portion is configured to be clamped between the fastener attached to the first projection and a portion of the first member. Clamping of the engaging portion is typically achieved by compression of the engaging portion between the fastener and a portion of the first structural member. Clamping both retains the engaging member on a first projection and prevents rotational movement between the first and second structural members.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a releasable locking system, including:  a first elongate structural member substantially as described in one or more of the foregoing statements;  a second elongate structural member of the type claimed in one or more of the foregoing statements; and  a releasable locking mechanism configured to engage with a first projection. wherein the releasable locking mechanism is configured, in use, to bear against a portion of the engaging portion of the second elongate structural member when the slot of the engaging portion thereof has been engaged with a first projection on the first elongate structural member.

James & Wells ref: 701389 According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for operating a releasable locking system of the type described in the paragraphs above, the method including the steps of: a) engaging a first projection of the first member in a slot of the engaging portion by sliding the first projection into the slot or by sliding the slot onto the first projection; and b) engaging the releasable locking mechanism on the projection such that the slot of the second structural member is between the first structural member and the releasable locking mechanism; and c) activating the releasable locking mechanism to lock the second structural member against the first structural member d) wherein the engaging portion is positioned adjacent to the second projection.

The location of the second projection adjacent prevents the slot from sliding off the first projection. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a temporary structure including a releasable attachment system, the temporary structure having:  two or more elongate first structural members of the type described in one or more of the foregoing paragraphs;  at least one elongate second structural member of the type described in the foregoing paragraphs, the elongate second structural member having a first engaging portion at one end thereof and a second engaging portion at the opposite end thereof;  two or more releasable locking mechanisms configured to engage with the projections on the first elongate structural members, wherein the temporary structure is formed by:  connecting the first engaging portion to a receiving portion of one of the two or more first members,  connection of the second engaging portion to a receiving portion of another of the two or more first members,  engaging a releasable locking means to the first projections to which an engaging portion is connected so as to lock the first and second members together at each end, Whereby engaging the releasable locking means positions the engaging portion adjacent a second projection. In preferred embodiments the two or more first structural members will typically be configured to be oriented substantially vertically.

James & Wells ref: 701389 In preferred embodiments the at least one elongate second structural member will typically be configured to be oriented between 0 degrees through to substantially 45 degrees to the horizontal. Typically temporary structures require a combination of vertical, horizontal and cross braced members in order to be structurally sound. The second structural members will typically be used to provide both horizontal and cross bracing functions.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a quadrilateral scaffold frame including an elongate first member and an elongate second member spaced apart and parallel to each other by integral spacing members,  wherein the ends of the elongate first member and the elongate second member include engaging portions configured to engage with the locking portions of a first elongate structural member of the type described in the foregoing paragraphs,  each engaging portion including a slot configured to engage with the locking portion’s first projection, wherein a closed end of the slot is separated from an outer surface of the engaging portion by a distance less than the first fixed distance.

In preferred embodiments the slots in the engaging portions at each respective end of the elongate second member form a pair of aligned slots having a common direction of engagement with respective first projections. It will be appreciated that aligned slots having a common direction of engagement allow for the frame to easily slide onto multiple first projections with a single movement.

Preferably the spacing between each of a pair of aligned slots corresponds with the spacing between first projections on a first elongate structural member. Typically the spacing between each pair of slots corresponds to a multiple of the spacing between first projections on the first member.

The present invention may provide a number of non-limiting advantages over the prior art, examples of which may include:  providing a temporary structural system which is simple to install, requiring few or no tools.  providing a temporary structural system that is rapid to assemble into a scaffold.  providing a temporary structural system that requires fewer distinct components for the construction of a scaffold structure.  providing a temporary structural system which requires no overlap of structural components, thereby reducing the injury risk for persons working near the scaffold.

James & Wells ref: 701389 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a releasable locking system in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first elongate structural member of the releasable locking system of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second elongate structural member of the releasable locking system of Figure 1, and Figure 4 shows a scaffolding frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5a shows a perspective view of the releasable locking system of Figure 1in an unlocked position.

Figure 5b shows a perspective view of the locking system of Figure 1 in a locked position.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the scaffold frame of Figure 4 in a locked position Figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of a releasable locking system in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, 2, 5a and 5b there is shown a releasable locking system as generally indicated by designator 1. Releasable locking system 1 includes a first elongate structural member 2, a second elongate structural member 3, and a releasable locking mechanism 5a.

The first elongate structural member 2 includes a series of locking portions 5a, 5b, 5c (multiple locking portions are shown in Figure 2), each locking portion has first projections 6a, 6b, 6c and associated second projections 7a, 7b, 7c. Each first projection and its associated second projection is spaced apart by a first fixed distance d1. Figure 2 also illustrates the orientation of each first projection 6a, 6b and 6c and their associated second projections 7a, 7b and 7c, each of which are oriented substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the first elongate structural member 2. The locking portions 5a, 5b, 5c are in alignment and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first elongate structural member 2. Each locking portion 5a, 5b, 5c is spaced apart from adjacent locking portion(s) by a second fixed distance d2. First projecting members 6a, 6b and 6c include a fastener in the form of wing nut 9 and a shaft portion 10 that James & Wells ref: 701389 is threaded so as to engage with the corresponding thread of the wing nut 9. Second projection 7a, 7b, 7c is configured to abut, or at least sit very close to where an outer surface of an engaging portion 12 of a second elongate member 3 is located. The position of the second projection 7a, 7b, 7c allows the engaging portion 12 of second elongate member 3 to rotate about the projecting member 6a but does not allow the engaging portion to slide free from the first projection 6a.

In alternative embodiments the first elongate structural member 2 includes a first series of locking portions which extend in parallel in a first direction, as shown in Figure 2, as well as a second series of locking portions which extend in parallel in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (not shown). It will be appreciated that this configuration of locking portions would allow a 90 degree corner to be created between lengths of second elongate members 3.

With reference to Figure 3, engaging portion 12 is attached to an end of the second elongate structural member 3 by a combination of crimping and bolting. However it will be appreciated that attachment could be achieved in a number of ways, such as welding, bonding or either of bolting or crimping. In yet further alternative embodiments the engaging portion may be formed as an integral part of the first elongate member 3. The engaging portion 12 includes a slot 13 configured to engage with a first projection 6a, 6b, 6c of a first elongate member. A closed end 14 of the slot 13 is separated from an outer surface 15 of the engaging portion 12 by a distance d3 that is less than the first fixed distance d1.

The slot illustrated in the preferred embodiment is formed at an angle of substantially 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second member. However it will be appreciated that an angle of between 135 degrees and 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second member may be used without adversely affecting the performance of the attachment.

In use, wing nut 9 bears against the engaging portion 12 of the second elongate structural member 3. The clamping force of wing nut 9 both locks the second elongate member 3 onto a 6a, 6b, 6c and, with sufficient clamping force, prevents rotation of a second elongate member 3 relative to the first elongate member 2. The wing nut also acts to pull the engaging portion under and adjacent a second projection 7a,7b,7c. In use the second projection prevents the engaging portion from sliding of the first projection 6a,6b,6c, unless the wing nut is loosened far enough for the engaging portion to slide away from the first enlongate member to clear the second projection.

The method of operating the releasable locking system 1, with reference to Figure 1, typically includes the steps of: a) engaging a first projection 6a of a first elongate structural member 2 in the slot 13 of a second elongate structural member 3 by sliding the first projection 6a into the slot 13 or by sliding the slot 13 onto the first projection 6a; and James & Wells ref: 701389 b) engaging the releasable locking mechanism, in the form of wing nut 9, on the projection 6a such that the slot 13 of the second structural member 3 is between the first structural member 2 and the wing nut 9; and c) tightening the wing nut 9 against the engaging portion 12 to lock the second structural member 3 against the first structural member 2 and to simultaneously pull the engaging portion under and adjacent the second projection 7a.

Second projection 7a prevents the slot 13 from sliding off first projection 6a even in the event that wingnut 9 becomes loosened. This adds a second level of security to the structural integrity of the temporary structure.

With reference to Figure 4 and 6 there is shown a quadrilateral scaffold frame 20. Quadrilateral scaffold frame 20 includes an elongate first member 21 and an elongate second member 22 spaced apart parallel to each other by integral spacing members 23. Spacing members 23 will typically be welded, bolted or bonded to each of the elongate first member 21 and elongate second member 22. The ends of the elongate first member 21 and the elongate second member 22 include engaging portions 25 configured to engage with a locking portion of a first elongate structural members, shown in Figure6. Each engaging portion 25 includes a slot 26 configured to engage with a locking portion’s first projection (shown in figure 6), a closed end 28 of each slot 26 is separated from an outer surface 27 of the engaging portion by a distance less than the first fixed distance d1 between a first projection 6a, and its associated second projection7a, as shown in Figure 2.

The pairs of engaging portions 25 at each respective end of the scaffolding frame 20 form a pair of aligned slots having a common direction of engagement with respective first projections 6s,6b. Engaging the scaffolding frame 20 with a first elongate scaffold members, shown in Figure 6, results in two projections 6a, 6b, being engaged, one by each of a pair of engaging portions 25. In this manner the scaffolding fame provides vertical stability to a first elongate scaffold members. It will be appreciated that the spacing between each of a pair of aligned slots corresponds with the spacing between adjacent protrusions on a first elongate structural member, or to a multiple of that spacing.

(I have added new Fig 7 detail in spec on file) With reference to Figure 7 there is shown an alternative embodiment of the releasable locking system shown in Figure 1. In the alternative embodiment the second projection is formed by a locking pin 16b located in an aperture 16a. The locking pin 16b may be removed from the aperture allowing the engaging portion 12 to slide upwards off first projection 6a with only minimal loosening of wing nut 9.

James & Wells ref: 701389 Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

James & Wells ref: 701389 WHAT I

Claims (25)

CLAIM 1. IS:

1. A releasable locking system for attaching temporary structural members together, including: a first elongate structural member having a series of locking portions aligned substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the first elongate structural member, each locking portion including a first projection and an associated second projection where a length of the first projection is greater than a length of the second projection, each projection oriented substantially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the first elongate structural member , each first projection and its associated second projection being spaced apart by a first fixed distance; a second elongate structural member configured to engage with the first elongate structural member, the second elongate structural member including an engaging portion having a slot configured to engage with the first projection on the first elongate structural member, and a releasable locking mechanism configured to engage with the first projection, wherein the releasable locking mechanism is configured, in use, to bear against a portion of the engaging portion when the slot of the engaging portion is engaged with the first projection, and wherein a closed end of the slot is separated from an outer surface of the engaging portion by a distance less than the first fixed distance such that, when the engaging portion is engaged with the first projection at least a portion of the outer surface of the engaging portion is positioned adjacent to and in proximity to the associated second projection.

2. A releasable locking system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the locking portions of the first elongate structural member are spaced apart by a second fixed distance.

3. A releasable locking system as claimed in either one of the preceding claims wherein the first projection includes a head portion and a shaft portion, wherein the head portion has a cross section that is larger than a cross section of the shaft portion. James & Wells ref: 701389

4. A releasable locking system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the head portion is a nut and at least a portion of the shaft portion is threaded to engage with the nut.

5. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second protrusion is formed by a locking pin inserted through an aperture in the first elongate structural member.

6. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including: a first series of locking portions, the first projections and corresponding second projections of which extend in parallel in a first direction, and a second series of locking portions, the first projections and corresponding second projections of which extend in parallel in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

7. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the engaging portion is attached to, or formed from, the end of the second elongate structural member.

8. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the engaging portion is formed from a flat plate of rigid material attached to an end of the second member.

9. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the slot includes an open end.

10. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the slot is formed at an angle of between 135 degrees and 45 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the second elongate structural member.

11. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the engaging portion is configured to be clamped between a nut and a portion of the first elongate structural member.

12. A releasable locking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second elongate structural member forms part of a temporary structure.

13. A method of forming a structure using a releasable locking system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, the method including the steps of: James & Wells ref: 701389 a) engaging the first projection in the slot of the second elongate structural member by sliding the first projection into the slot or by sliding the slot onto the first projection; b) engaging the releasable locking mechanism on the first projection such that the slot of the second elongate structural member is between the first elongate structural member and the releasable locking mechanism; and c) activating the releasable locking mechanism to lock the second elongate structural member against the first elongate structural member, wherein at least an outer portion of the engaging portion is positioned adjacent to and in proximity to the second projection when the releasable locking mechanism is locked.

14. The method as claimed in claim 13 wherein the structure includes: two or more first elongate structural members; at least one second elongate structural member, each second elongate structural member having a first engaging portion at one end thereof and a second engaging portion at the opposite end thereof; two or more releasable locking mechanisms configured to engage with the first projections on the first elongate structural members, wherein the method includes the steps of:  connecting the first engaging portion to a receiving portion of one of the two or more first elongate structural members, and  connecting the second engaging portion to a receiving portion of another of the two or more first elongate structural members,  engaging a releasable locking means to the first projections to which the first and second engaging portions are connected so as to lock the first and second elongate structural members together, wherein each engaging portion is positioned adjacent and in proximity to a second projection when the releasable locking means are locked. James & Wells ref: 701389

15. The method as claimed in claim 14 including the step of forming a second protrusion by inserting a locking pin through an aperture associated with the first protrusion to which the first or second engagement portion is attached.

16. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the two or more first elongate structural members are oriented substantially vertically to a base.

17. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein the at least one elongate second structural member is oriented between 0 degrees and substantially 45 degrees to the horizontal.

18. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein the slots in the first engaging portion and the second engagement portion form a pair of aligned slots having a common direction of engagement with the respective first projections.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18 wherein the spacing between each of a pair of aligned slots corresponds with the spacing between first projections on a first elongate structural member.

20. The method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 19 wherein the temporary structure is a scaffold.

21. A first elongate structural member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

22. A second elongate structural member as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

23. A releasable locking system substantially as described herein with reference and as illustrated by the accompanying description and drawings.

24. A method of operating a releasable locking system substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

25. A temporary structure substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. DAVID UELI MEREDITH by his authorised agents JAMES & WELLS 1 7a