US20080128205A1 - Snap-on cross brace for docks, decks and scaffolds - Google Patents
Snap-on cross brace for docks, decks and scaffolds Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20080128205A1 US20080128205A1 US11/566,269 US56626906A US2008128205A1 US 20080128205 A1 US20080128205 A1 US 20080128205A1 US 56626906 A US56626906 A US 56626906A US 2008128205 A1 US2008128205 A1 US 2008128205A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- snap
- elongate member
- support members
- cross brace
- apart
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G7/00—Connections between parts of the scaffold
- E04G7/02—Connections between parts of the scaffold with separate coupling elements
- E04G7/06—Stiff scaffolding clamps for connecting scaffold members of common shape
- E04G7/22—Stiff scaffolding clamps for connecting scaffold members of common shape for scaffold members in end-to-side relation
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E04G5/00—Component parts or accessories for scaffolds
- E04G5/16—Struts or stiffening rods, e.g. diagonal rods
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to structures made using cross braces and, in particular, to a snap-on cross brace that may be easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members.
- Cross braces including the dock system shown in FIG. 1 .
- Vertical members 109 , 111 extend from the dock down into the water, resulting in an assembly that could be unstable from side-to-side without cross brace 102 anchored to the vertical members 109 , 111 with couplings 104 , 106 .
- FIG. 2 is a detailed drawing which shows the way in which the cross brace of FIG. 1 is currently implemented.
- the system uses two coupling assemblies, 104 , 106 , which couple to a diagonal member 120 .
- Each coupling includes front and back clamping members, 108 , 110 , which are joined on either side with nut/bolts as with 112 , 114 .
- One side of the coupling includes an adaptor 116 , which fits into the end of hollow tube comprising diagonal member 120 , and is bolted through with another nut and bolt fastener 122 .
- the vertical uprights 109 , 111 are shown in broken-line form.
- a cross brace that may be easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members of the type used in the assembly of docks, decks, and scaffolds.
- a cross brace according to the invention comprises an elongate member having two ends spaced apart at a distance greater than the spacing of the support members, and first and second swiveling snap-on elements, one disposed at a respective one of the two ends of the elongate member.
- Each snap-on element having a c-shaped cross section with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the support members, such that each snap-on element may be oriented over a respective one of the support members and engaged at different heights through the application of pressure fixing the elongate member at an angle therebetween.
- each snap-on element comprises a spring metal cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise opening with sides spaced apart slightly less than the outer diameter of the spaced-apart support members.
- a fastener extends through the cradle and the elongate member at an angle perpendicular to the central axis facilitating rotation about the fastener.
- FIG. 1 is a simplified drawing illustrating the way in which a cross brace is applied in a prior-art dock system
- FIG. 2 is a detailed drawing of the prior-art cross brace of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an oblique representation of an improved cross brace coupler constructed in accordance with this invention.
- FIG. 4 is an end-on view drawing showing the way in which the improved cross brace of FIG. 3 is applied.
- FIG. 5 is a cross section of a snap-on cross brace coupling according to the invention configured for structural members having an outer diameter of two inches.
- FIG. 3 shows generally at 300 a cross brace system and coupler 300 constructed in accordance with the invention.
- the coupler 300 is attached to one end of an elongate tube 302 , with the understanding that an identical coupler 300 would be disposed at the other end of the member 302 .
- the coupler 300 broadly includes a body portion 320 through which there is disposed a nut and bolt, facilitating swiveling of the coupler 300 as shown with the double-headed arrows.
- a body portion 320 Through either side of the bottom portion 320 are curved sections 310 , 312 , resulting into a cradle that receives a cylindrical support member such as 302 in snap-fit engagement.
- FIG. 4 is an end-on view drawing showing the way in which the system is applied.
- a first coupler 300 has been press fit against the vertical member 109
- second coupler 301 has been applied at a lower height to a vertical member 111 , allowing elongate member 302 to assume a diagonal orientation, thereby providing an effective cross bracing action without the use of tools.
- fasteners 322 may include nuts with plastic or vinyl inserts, allowing for a controlled tightening without over-tightening. Washers and vinyl spacers may also be used to assist with swiveling.
- FIG. 5 is a cross section of a coupler according to the invention, in this case with dimensions shown for compatibility with cylindrical structural elements having an outer diameter of two inches.
- the side sections 310 , 312 extend downwardly past center line 502 sufficient to create a distance d which is slightly less than the two inch diameter, enabling the tubing to be pressed in, upwardly in the figure, and snapped into place.
- the structural bottom portion 320 includes extension members 510 , 512 , which not only provide for additional spring action of the side portions 310 , 312 , but also create a space to facilitate the head of a bolt which runs through the coupler.
- Middle portion 520 though optional, assists with overall strength and keeps the cylindrical pipe inserted into the coupler from extending too far and “bottom out.”
- the coupler is constructed of aluminum, or an alloy thereof, as is the elongate member 302 .
- other materials are not ruled out, such as stainless steel, suitable plastics, and so forth.
- the cross brace is shown in conjunction with a dock system, it is equally applicable to decks, scaffolds and other structures that utilize cylindrical support members.
- a single cross brace is shown in FIG. 4 , for example, an X-shaped system is easily accommodated by simply applying a second cross brace to the back side of the support members, if desired.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
Abstract
A snap-on cross brace is easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members of the type used in the assembly of docks, decks, and scaffolds. With respect to a structure having first and second spaced-apart support members, each with an outer diameter, a cross brace according to the invention comprises an elongate member having two ends spaced apart at a distance greater than the spacing of the support members, and first and second swiveling snap-on elements, one disposed at a respective one of the two ends of the elongate member. Each snap-on element having a c-shaped cross section with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the support members, such that each snap-on element may be oriented over a respective one of the support members and engaged at different heights through the application of pressure fixing the elongate member at an angle therebetween. Each snap-on element comprises a spring metal cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise opening with sides spaced apart slightly less than the outer diameter of the spaced-apart support members. A fastener extends through the cradle and the elongate member at an angle perpendicular to the central axis facilitating rotation about the fastener.
Description
- This invention relates generally to structures made using cross braces and, in particular, to a snap-on cross brace that may be easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members.
- Many lightweight structures benefit from cross braces, including the dock system shown in
FIG. 1 .Vertical members cross brace 102 anchored to thevertical members couplings -
FIG. 2 is a detailed drawing which shows the way in which the cross brace ofFIG. 1 is currently implemented. The system uses two coupling assemblies, 104, 106, which couple to adiagonal member 120. Each coupling includes front and back clamping members, 108, 110, which are joined on either side with nut/bolts as with 112, 114. One side of the coupling includes anadaptor 116, which fits into the end of hollow tube comprisingdiagonal member 120, and is bolted through with another nut andbolt fastener 122. Thevertical uprights - The prior-art system just described is difficult to install and remove, clumsy, and expensive. In order to place one of the couplings onto one of the vertical members, one of the nuts and bolts such as 114 must be completely removed, with the other (112) being loosened, allowing the two
clamp halves vertical member 106. Once this is accomplished, the nut andbolt 114 can be removed, but cannot be tightened until the other end is assembled usingclamping member 104 oververtical member 109. This takes considerable adjustment, tools such as a ratchet wrench, and creates a possibility that the various fasteners will be dropped into the water. Moreover, since docks are often assembled in the early spring and taken down in late fall, the water may be extremely cold, thereby further inconveniencing the user. - This invention is directed to a snap-on cross brace that may be easily coupled to, and removed from, spaced-apart structural members of the type used in the assembly of docks, decks, and scaffolds. With respect to a structure having first and second spaced-apart support members, each with an outer diameter, a cross brace according to the invention comprises an elongate member having two ends spaced apart at a distance greater than the spacing of the support members, and first and second swiveling snap-on elements, one disposed at a respective one of the two ends of the elongate member. Each snap-on element having a c-shaped cross section with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the support members, such that each snap-on element may be oriented over a respective one of the support members and engaged at different heights through the application of pressure fixing the elongate member at an angle therebetween.
- In the preferred embodiment the elongate member is a hollow tube, and the elongate member and snap-on elements are both constructed of aluminum or an alloy thereof. Also in the preferred embodiment, each snap-on element comprises a spring metal cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise opening with sides spaced apart slightly less than the outer diameter of the spaced-apart support members. A fastener extends through the cradle and the elongate member at an angle perpendicular to the central axis facilitating rotation about the fastener.
-
FIG. 1 is a simplified drawing illustrating the way in which a cross brace is applied in a prior-art dock system; -
FIG. 2 is a detailed drawing of the prior-art cross brace ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an oblique representation of an improved cross brace coupler constructed in accordance with this invention; -
FIG. 4 is an end-on view drawing showing the way in which the improved cross brace ofFIG. 3 is applied; and -
FIG. 5 is a cross section of a snap-on cross brace coupling according to the invention configured for structural members having an outer diameter of two inches. - Having discussed the drawbacks of the prior-art configuration of
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the reader's attention is directed toFIG. 3 , which shows generally at 300 a cross brace system andcoupler 300 constructed in accordance with the invention. Thecoupler 300 is attached to one end of anelongate tube 302, with the understanding that anidentical coupler 300 would be disposed at the other end of themember 302. - The
coupler 300 broadly includes abody portion 320 through which there is disposed a nut and bolt, facilitating swiveling of thecoupler 300 as shown with the double-headed arrows. On either side of thebottom portion 320 arecurved sections -
FIG. 4 is an end-on view drawing showing the way in which the system is applied. In particular, afirst coupler 300 has been press fit against thevertical member 109, and, owing to the ability to swivel the two couplers,second coupler 301 has been applied at a lower height to avertical member 111, allowingelongate member 302 to assume a diagonal orientation, thereby providing an effective cross bracing action without the use of tools. To better assist with swiveling action,fasteners 322 may include nuts with plastic or vinyl inserts, allowing for a controlled tightening without over-tightening. Washers and vinyl spacers may also be used to assist with swiveling. -
FIG. 5 is a cross section of a coupler according to the invention, in this case with dimensions shown for compatibility with cylindrical structural elements having an outer diameter of two inches. Theside sections past center line 502 sufficient to create a distance d which is slightly less than the two inch diameter, enabling the tubing to be pressed in, upwardly in the figure, and snapped into place. Thestructural bottom portion 320 includesextension members side portions Middle portion 520, though optional, assists with overall strength and keeps the cylindrical pipe inserted into the coupler from extending too far and “bottom out.” - In the preferred embodiment, the coupler is constructed of aluminum, or an alloy thereof, as is the
elongate member 302. However, other materials are not ruled out, such as stainless steel, suitable plastics, and so forth. Furthermore, although the cross brace is shown in conjunction with a dock system, it is equally applicable to decks, scaffolds and other structures that utilize cylindrical support members. Additionally, although only a single cross brace is shown inFIG. 4 , for example, an X-shaped system is easily accommodated by simply applying a second cross brace to the back side of the support members, if desired.
Claims (5)
1. A cross brace for a dock having first and second spaced-apart vertical support members, each with an outer diameter, the cross brace comprising:
an elongate member having two ends spaced apart at a distance greater than the spacing of the vertical members;
first and second swiveling snap-on elements, one disposed at a respective one of the two ends of the elongate member, each snap-on element having a c-shaped cross section with an inner diameter slightly less than the outer diameter of the vertical support members,
such that each snap-on element may be oriented over a respective one of the vertical support members and engaged at different heights through the application of pressure fixing the elongate member at an angle therebetween.
2. The cross brace of claim 1 , wherein the elongate member and snap-on elements are constructed of aluminum or an alloy thereof.
3. The cross brace of claim 1 , wherein the elongate member is a hollow tube.
4. The cross brace of claim 1 , wherein each snap-on element comprises a spring metal cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise opening with sides spaced apart slightly less than the outer diameter of the apart vertical support members.
5. The cross brace of claim 1 , wherein each snap-on element comprises a cylindrical cradle having a lengthwise central axis; and
a fastener extending through the cradle and the elongate member at an angle perpendicular to the central axis facilitating rotation about the fastener.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/566,269 US20080128205A1 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2006-12-04 | Snap-on cross brace for docks, decks and scaffolds |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/566,269 US20080128205A1 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2006-12-04 | Snap-on cross brace for docks, decks and scaffolds |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20080128205A1 true US20080128205A1 (en) | 2008-06-05 |
Family
ID=39494251
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/566,269 Abandoned US20080128205A1 (en) | 2006-12-04 | 2006-12-04 | Snap-on cross brace for docks, decks and scaffolds |
Country Status (1)
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US (1) | US20080128205A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060157302A1 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2006-07-20 | Van Den Goorbergh Anton J | Scaffold, and girder intended for such a scaffold, and method for building a scaffold |
WO2011018615A3 (en) * | 2009-08-10 | 2011-04-14 | Conbisafe International Ab | Edge protection system |
CN105863244A (en) * | 2016-05-16 | 2016-08-17 | 江苏业强脚手架科技发展有限公司 | Scaffold |
US20190010718A1 (en) * | 2015-07-17 | 2019-01-10 | Sistemas Tecnicos De Encofrados, S.A. | Diagonal reinforcement for support structures for floor formwork and method for mounting same |
WO2019199993A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-17 | Bigrock Innovations Llc | Microphone stand boom lock |
US20200217090A1 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2020-07-09 | Peri Gmbh | Scaffolding crossbar, scaffolding and method for constructing scaffolding |
US10995504B1 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2021-05-04 | David S. Cook | Scaffold stabilizer |
Citations (20)
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US2189667A (en) * | 1938-05-23 | 1940-02-06 | Kries John | Vehicle towing connector |
US2494881A (en) * | 1945-07-03 | 1950-01-17 | Prestole Corp | Fastening device for condensers or the like |
US2523785A (en) * | 1946-08-20 | 1950-09-26 | Sereno Paolo | Resilient clamping device for framework elements |
US3096623A (en) * | 1960-11-09 | 1963-07-09 | Ray H Laird | Small boat dock |
US3163391A (en) * | 1962-06-15 | 1964-12-29 | Bishop & Babcock Corp | Capacitor clip |
US3454131A (en) * | 1968-01-26 | 1969-07-08 | Up Right Inc | Scaffold |
US3690407A (en) * | 1971-03-15 | 1972-09-12 | Eugene Francis Cullison | Extension scaffold |
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US5642557A (en) * | 1994-09-09 | 1997-07-01 | C J Distributors Limited | Panel display system |
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US5878546A (en) * | 1997-07-10 | 1999-03-09 | Westover; Albert R. | Concrete reinforcing bar connector |
US20070095991A1 (en) * | 2005-10-27 | 2007-05-03 | Gary Fall | Clip device |
US20070187179A1 (en) * | 2006-02-10 | 2007-08-16 | Porfirio Simoes | Scaffold Support Bracket and Assembly |
US20070248420A1 (en) * | 2006-04-19 | 2007-10-25 | Max Manufacturing, D/B/A Marine Aluminum Extrusion , A Michigan Corporation | Clamping member |
-
2006
- 2006-12-04 US US11/566,269 patent/US20080128205A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US2189667A (en) * | 1938-05-23 | 1940-02-06 | Kries John | Vehicle towing connector |
US2494881A (en) * | 1945-07-03 | 1950-01-17 | Prestole Corp | Fastening device for condensers or the like |
US2523785A (en) * | 1946-08-20 | 1950-09-26 | Sereno Paolo | Resilient clamping device for framework elements |
US3096623A (en) * | 1960-11-09 | 1963-07-09 | Ray H Laird | Small boat dock |
US3163391A (en) * | 1962-06-15 | 1964-12-29 | Bishop & Babcock Corp | Capacitor clip |
US3454131A (en) * | 1968-01-26 | 1969-07-08 | Up Right Inc | Scaffold |
US3690407A (en) * | 1971-03-15 | 1972-09-12 | Eugene Francis Cullison | Extension scaffold |
US3837427A (en) * | 1972-05-12 | 1974-09-24 | Thomas Ltd Martin | Builders{40 {11 staging |
US4037382A (en) * | 1975-04-24 | 1977-07-26 | Form-Scaff (Proprietary)Limited | Scaffolding |
US4349297A (en) * | 1980-11-19 | 1982-09-14 | Misener Terrance J | Boat dock |
US4648484A (en) * | 1985-06-19 | 1987-03-10 | Gkn Kwikform Limited | Support assembly |
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US20070248420A1 (en) * | 2006-04-19 | 2007-10-25 | Max Manufacturing, D/B/A Marine Aluminum Extrusion , A Michigan Corporation | Clamping member |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060157302A1 (en) * | 2002-08-29 | 2006-07-20 | Van Den Goorbergh Anton J | Scaffold, and girder intended for such a scaffold, and method for building a scaffold |
WO2011018615A3 (en) * | 2009-08-10 | 2011-04-14 | Conbisafe International Ab | Edge protection system |
US20190010718A1 (en) * | 2015-07-17 | 2019-01-10 | Sistemas Tecnicos De Encofrados, S.A. | Diagonal reinforcement for support structures for floor formwork and method for mounting same |
US10570631B2 (en) * | 2015-07-17 | 2020-02-25 | Sistemas Tecnicos De Encofrados, S.A. | Diagonal reinforcement for support structures for floor formwork and method for mounting same |
CN105863244A (en) * | 2016-05-16 | 2016-08-17 | 江苏业强脚手架科技发展有限公司 | Scaffold |
US20200217090A1 (en) * | 2017-09-14 | 2020-07-09 | Peri Gmbh | Scaffolding crossbar, scaffolding and method for constructing scaffolding |
WO2019199993A1 (en) * | 2018-04-12 | 2019-10-17 | Bigrock Innovations Llc | Microphone stand boom lock |
US10995504B1 (en) * | 2018-07-19 | 2021-05-04 | David S. Cook | Scaffold stabilizer |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |