WO2011042697A1

WO2011042697A1 - A bracket

Info

Publication number: WO2011042697A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/001872
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter David Westlake
Original assignee: Cox, Michael James
Priority date: 2009-10-09
Filing date: 2010-10-07
Publication date: 2011-04-14
Also published as: GB2474270A; GB0917661D0; GB2474270B; GB2489121A; GB2489121B; GB201208652D0

Abstract

A bracket for securing to a vertical post (4), for example a scaffold pole the bracket comprising: a body(1); mounting means (2) for releasably mounting the body about the post and securing 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 (3) with a cut-out (3B) therein, the securing member being 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

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

BACKGROUND ART

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 rail 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.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

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 the body but movable relative to the body 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.

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 another 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.

The invention also relates to the use of one or more brackets as described above to 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 and, preferably, other parts as specified herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a bracket for releasably securing to a first scaffold pole, the bracket comprising: a body which is releasably securable about the pole by movement towards and away from the axis of the pole; fastening means within the body 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, the securing member being movable between a first position in which it permits the bracket to slide along the pole, and a second position in which it resists movement of the bracket along the pole, at least in the downward direction; and further fastening means pivotably mounted to said body for releasably securing another scaffold pole or guard rail at an angle to the first scaffold pole

Other preferred or optional features of the invention will be apparent from the following description and from the subsidiary claims of the specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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 on 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 Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment;

Figures 11A and 11B are cross-sectional views of a fourth embodiment of a bracket according to the invention showing a securing member of the bracket in first and second positions;

Figure 12A shows a metal locking plate which forms the fastening means of this embodiment, Figure 12B is a plan view of the plate (in the angled position shown in Fig 11B) when fitted about a tube and Figure 16C shows a variant of the locking plate:

Figure 13A is a perspective view of the bracket of Figure 11 in an open position when mounted to a vertical scaffold pole;

Figure 13B 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;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a bracket according to the invention in an open position and with a cradle assembly mounted thereto which is also in an open position;

Figure 15 is a perspective view from another angle of the bracket shown in Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the bracket shown in Figure 14 in a closed position and with the cradle assembly also shown in a closed position; Figures 17A and 17B are sectional views of the bracket shown in Figure 14 when mounted about a tube showing the cradle assembly in two different positions;

Figures 18A, 18B and 18C show side, front and plan views of a metal locking plate, in an uninclined position, as used in the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 16 as the securing member;

Figures 19A, 19B and 1C show side, front and plan views of the metal locking plate, in an inclined position, as used in the embodiment shown in figures 14 to 16 as the securing member;

Figure 20 shows perspective views of two main components of a wand assembly for use with the bracket shown in Figure 14;

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a joiner assembly for providing a join between two poles end to end; and

Figures 22A, 22B and 22C are end views of the joiner assembly of Figure 21 illustrating how it holds and releases one of the poles.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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, IB joined together by a rear portion 1C (see Figure 2). An aperture or cut-out ID, IE 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 bolt 2B mounted therein. The plate 2A can be mounted within the open ends of the upper and lower portions 1A, IB 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 3D 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 3A towards the axis A 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 A 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 A 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 A 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 A 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 longer able to slide freely along the pole 4. 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 3D 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 3D (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 3A 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 3C.

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 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention. This comprises a substantially cylindrical body 21 which may be formed from castings 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 8B 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 and 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 9B) which compresses a leaf spring 22G as the gate member is closed. The leaf spring 22G is thus flexed to a bowed configuration (as shown in Fig 9B) and 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, e.g. 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 9E also 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 parallel 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 also 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 9F 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 - 13 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a bracket according to the invention. This embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising part 31 which may be formed by casting or by injection moulding, e.g. from metal (e.g. aluminium) or a plastics material. The mounting means comprises an openable gate member 33 (see Fig 13) which is hinged to the body part 31 by locating pins which engage in locating holes in the respective parts. In the closed position (see Figure 13B), the gate member 33 completes the cylindrical shape of the bracket so as to secure the bracket about a tube 34 and prevents it from being removed therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube 34. Operation of this fourth embodiment is similar to operation of the third embodiment described above.

Figure 12A shows a metal locking plate 35 which may be used in the fastening member of this embodiment. The plate 35 has a semi-circular cut-out 35-A for fitting around a tube 34. Figure 12B is a plan view of the plate 35 (in the angled position shown in Fig 11B) when fitted about a tube 34.

Figure 12C shows a variant of the locking plate which is made up of a plurality of layers (three in the example shown). As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, a two-layer plate may also be used and, as shown in these Figures, the two layers are slidable relative to each other when the plate moves between the horizontal and inclined positions.

The assembly also comprises a release button 36 (see Figs 11A and 11B) which releasably holds the closing member 33 in the closed position. When button 36 is depressed it urges the locking plate 35 to a more horizontal position.

Figure 11A shows an actuating spring 38 which is mounted in the body part 31 and which acts to urge the locking plate 35 towards an angled position (as shown in Figure 11B).

Top and bottom metal protection plates 41, 42 and 43, 44, are respectively attached to the top and bottom of the holding bracket to help prevent the ingress of dirt etc.

Figure 11A 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 11B shows a similar sectional view of the bracket (with the gate member 33 omitted for clarity) with the release button 36 released so allowing the actuating spring 38 to move the locking plate 35 to an angled position. Engagement of edges of the recess 35-A (See Figure 12A) against the sides of the scaffold tube thus locks the bracket into position on the tube.

Figure 13A 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 35 is in the horizontal position (which facilitates fitting of the bracket onto the tube).

Figure 13B shows a perspective view of the bracket mounted on a tube 34 with the gate member 33 in the closed position.

Figure 13A also shows a tube holding bracket 39 that can be attached to the body part 31. Another tube 37 can be mounted within this bracket 39 as shown in Figure 13B. A tube locking screw 40 is used to secure a tube 37 within bracket 39.

The gate member 33 may be releasably secured in the closed position by a sprung gate latch which engages a gate locating slot in part 31. A tension maintaining plate 33A (see Fig 13A) similar to that shown in Fig 9E extends into the cylindrical body of the bracket 30 and is compressed against the scaffold tube 34 as the gate member 33 is closed to provide frictional engagement with the tube 34.

Top and bottom portions of the gate member 33 comprise approximately semicircular arms similar to those shown in Figure 9A. 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. When the bracket is fitted about the scaffold tube 34, the tube engages these ends and thus assists in rotating the gate member 33 to the closed position. As shown in Figure 12, the semi-circular cut out 35-A of the locking plate 35 has oversized radius returns 35-D1 and 35-D2 so that the returns extend past the diameter of the scaffold standard 34. 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-D1 and 35-D2 (as illustrated in Fig 12B) so the locking plate 35 also helps hold the bracket on the scaffold standard 34.

The locking plate has a locating tag 35-B, a positioning tag 35-C and a loading bar 35-E which fit within slots or channels in the main body part 31.

Figure 11B shows the release button 36 in a raised position. In this position, there is no downward force on the actuating spring 38 so this urges the locking plate 38 into the angled position (the plate 38 pivots about the positioning tag 35-C held within a locating channel of the main body part 31). In this angled position, the edges of the aperture 35-A of the locking plates 35 engage the outer wall of the tube 34 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 body part 31 by locating a spigot of the tube holding bracket 39 into a docking part of the body part 32. This is then held in place by a securing clip.

The embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 19 is a further development of that shown in Figures 8 to 13.

This embodiment comprises a substantially cylindrical body 51 formed from injection moulded parts, e.g. from a thermoplastic material such as nylon. The mounting means comprises an openable gate member 53 which is hinged to the body 51 via a pivot pin 53A and in the closed position (shown in Fig 16) the gate member 53 completes the cylindrical shape of the body 51 so as to secure the body 51 about a tube (not shown) and prevents it being removed therefrom in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the tube.

The locking plate 55 used in this embodiment comprises a two layer locking plate (which is described further below with reference to Figures 18 and 19). The locking plate 55 is biased towards an angled position by a spring 58 mounted within body part 51. In this embodiment, the spring 58 acts upon the underside of a long tab 55A of the locking plate 55 (rather than on the short tab as shown in Fig 11). The long tab 55A is located within a slot of similar width in the body part 51 and the upper surface of the long tab 55A engages a pivot surface 51A provided in the body part 55. This pivot surface 55A preferably comprises inner and outer ramps which meet at a ridge 51B (see Figs 17A and 17B).

As in other embodiments, the body member 51 is arranged so that when it is subject to downward forces, these are applied to the locking plate 55 so as to urge it towards a more angled position and thus in tighter engagement with the pole about which the bracket is mounted. When a downward force is applied to the body member 51 this is initially transferred to the long tab 55A of the locking plate 55 via the ridge 51B in the pivot surface. However, when H-HHHHHH-H-HIHHH-I high level (e.g. around 200 gf), there is a tendency for the long tab 55A to elastically deform, even when the locking member 55 is formed of two plates and these are each formed of hardened steel.

In these circumstances, it has been found that is desirable for the downward force on the longer tab 55A to be applied at a position closer to the tube to ensure that engagement of the locking plate 55 with the tube is maintained. This is achieved in this embodiment by the shape of the pivot surface 51A referred to above: as the downward force increases and the longer tab 55A starts to bend, the point at which it is engaged by the pivot surface moves from the ridge 51B to the inner ramp surface 51A. The force is thus applied to the longer tab 55A at a position closer to the tube and is spread over a larger surface area of the longer tab 55A. As in the embodiment described above, the gate member 53 is arranged to be moved toward the closed position as the bracket is mounted about a tube and the tube engages arms attached to the gate member so as to pivot the gate member 53 towards the closed position. The gate member 53 is also provided with a safety catch 56 to releasably hold it in the closed position. To open the gate member 53, the catch 56 has first to be rotated about an axis parallel to the axis A to move it out of a locked position. The catch 56 then has to be pressed downwards in a direction parallel to axis A to disengage the catch from the gate member 53. The gate member 53 can then be swung to the open position. In a preferred arrangement, the gate member 53 may be urged towards the open position to assist in removal of the bracket from the tube.

In a preferred arrangement, the bracket, gate member and catch are arranged to enable the bracket to be mounted and secured about a tube with one hand. This is facilitated by a slight upward movement of the bracket relative to the tube as it is mounted thereon to help fit the locking plate around the tube (as upward movement of the bracket helps move the locking plate to a less inclined position which makes it easier to fit the locking plate about the tube). Similarly, the bracket is preferably designed so that it can be released and removed with one hand. Again, this is facilitated by a slight upward movement of the bracket relative to the tube as it is being removed as this help disengages the locking plate from the tube.

Figures 14 to 17 also show a cradle assembly 59 which provides a tube holding bracket attached to the body 51 of the bracket assembly. This comprises a part- cylindrical cradle 59A shaped to receive another tube 57 therein at an angle to the tube 54 about which the bracket is clamped. The cradle is attached to the body 51 via a substantially cylindrical projection 59B with an enlarged diameter at its distal end which is captured between two halves of a pivot block 59C (see Fig. 17) which is shaped to permit rotation of the cradle assembly 59 about the axis of the projection (as illustrated by arrow Al in Fig 16). The two halves of the pivot block 59C are held together by screws and, when assembled to the bracket body 51, is held between components of the body 51 so as to be able to rock about a substantially horizontal axis (i.e. an axis perpendicular to the axis of the cylindrical body 51) as illustrated by arrow A2 (see Figure 15). In use, this rocking motion moves a rubber block 59D mounted at the inner end of the pivot block 59C into and out of frictional engagement with the tube 54 about which the bracket 51 is mounted. Figure 17A shows the cradle assembly 59 in its lower position in which the rubber block 59D is disengaged from the tube 54 and Figure 17B shows it when it has been tilted upwards so that the rubber block 59B engages the tube 54. Thus, if the cradle assembly 59 (and hence the bracket) is subject to an upward force (eg when the tube 57 is lifted out of the cradle or when a cantilevered load is applied to one end of a guard rail supported by two brackets), it tilts inwards so the rubber block 59D engages the tube 54. This acts as a brake to prevent the bracket 51 sliding up the tube 54 due to said upward force.

The cradle assembly has a releasable clasp 59E for holding a tube 57 within the cradle 59A. The clasp 59E is shown in the open position in Figs 14 and 15 in which it can be swung out of the way to permit a tube 57 to be located in the cradle 59A and a closed position as shown in Figure 16. The clasp 59E preferably has two closed positions, a first position in which it captures a tube 57 within the cradle 59A but permits the tube 57 to slide lengthways within the cradle 59A and a second position in which it captures the tube 57 within the cradle 59A and provides a sufficiently tight clamp about the tube 57 (e.g. by radially compressing the cradle 59A) so as to prevent the tube 57 sliding lengthways within the cradle 59A. The clasp 59E comprises a cam wire 59F pivotably mounted to the cradle 59A and a cam lever 59G pivotably mounted to the cam wire 59F, the cam wire 59F and/or the cam lever 59G being engageable in first and second recesses 59H, 593 on an outer side of the cradle 59A.

The cradle 59A is shaped so the tube 57 does not engage the underside of the cam wire 59A (in either of the positions of the clasp).

Figures 18 and 19 show the locking plate 55 used in the above embodiment and illustrate how this functions. The locking plate 55 comprises two plates 55', 55" which are slidable relative to each other. The plates 55 each comprise a substantially semicircular portion 55B and a long tab 55A. The upper plate 55' also has a short tab 55C which acts as a thumb tab which is accessible through an aperture in the gate member (see Fig 16) to enable the locking plate 55 to be pressed downwards by a user to release its grip about the tube 54. Both plates also have a locating tab 55D which is positioned so as to lie behind the pivot pin 53A of the gate member 53 to help retain the locking plate 55 within the bracket 51.

The upper plate 55' has an over-sized radius return 55E at one end of the semicircular portion 55B and the lower plate 55" has an over-sized radius return 55F at the other end of the semi-circular portion 55B. These are arranged so that when in the substantially horizontal position shown in Fig 18, the opening of the cut-out in the locking plate 55 has a width W which is slightly larger then the diameter of the tube 54 about which the bracket 51 is to be fitted. In the example shown, the width W may, for instance, be about 49 mm (with a tube diameter of about 48.8 mm). In this position the cut-out can be fitted about the tube (or disengaged therefrom) when the bracket is installed about the tube (or removed therefrom).

When the locking plate 55 is moved to an inclined position, as shown in Fig 19, the two plates 55', 55" slide relative to each other so that the over-sized radius returns 55E, 55F are moved towards each other and thus reduce the width W of the opening of the cut-out so that it is lightly smaller than the diameter of the tube 54. In the example shown, the width W may, for instance, be reduced to about 46.6 mm. In this position, the locking plates 55', 55" are thus unable to disengage laterally from the tube.

This arrangement also enhances the grip between the locking plates 55', 55" and the tube 54 in the inclined position as the edges of the oversized returns 55E, 55F are pressed tightly against the tube 54 as weight is applied to the bracket 51. The force with which these edges are pressed against the tube 54 can be sufficient to form indentations in the tube 54.

The locking plates are preferably formed of metal, e.g. 4 mm thick plate steel which has been nitride case hardened to increase its hardness.

Figure 20 illustrates a wand assembly 60 for use with the bracket 51 described above. This is used to push the bracket 51 up a tube 54 to a height beyond the reach of the installer (and also to help lower it from such a position). The assembly 60 comprises a telescopic handle 61 extendable from a length of about 60cm to a length of about 110cm and releasably fastenable at these two lengths. Whilst the external surface of the handle 61 typically has a circular cross-section, the sliding surfaces of the telescopic mechanism are preferably non-circular so the sections are not rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the wand. This provides better control over the angular orientation of a head assembly 62 attached to the upper end of the handle 61.

The head assembly 62 is designed to engage the bracket 51 so the wand 60 can be used to push the bracket 51 up a tube 54. Preferably, the head assembly 62 is designed to dock with the bracket 51. As shown in Figure 20, the preferred embodiment has a U-shaped plate 62A which engages the flat underside of the bracket 51 whilst also fitting partially about the tube 54 on which the bracket 51 is mounted. The head assembly 62 also has a projection 63 with a beak portion 63A which is received by an appropriately shaped aperture 51D in the bracket 51 (see Figure 17).

Once engaged in this aperture 51D, the wand 60 can be pivoted about a horizontal axis at about the level of the underside of the bracket 51. This causes the projection 63 to engage the underside of the long tab 55A of the locking plate 55. As the wand is pivoted (by moving the handle 61 away from the tube 54), this causes the projection 63 to press upwards on the tab 55 at a position near the outer end thereof so as to pivot the locking plate 55 about the ridge 55B of the pivot surface 55A whereby the inclination of the locking plate 55 is reduced so it releases its grip on the tube 54. The weight of the bracket (and any poles attached thereto via the cradle assembly 59) can thus be supported by means of the wand so the bracket can be allowed to slide down the tube 54.

As the wand is pivoted outwards in this manner, a second projection 64 of the head assembly engages the underside of a cradle assembly 59 mounted to the bracket 51 so as to tilt this upwards. The wand thus picks up the weight of the cradle assembly 59 (and the weight of the tube 57 therein) so this is transferred down through the wand handle 61 to the operative. This removes the weight of the cradle assembly 59 and tube 57 from the bracket 51 so the bracket is able to slide down the tube 54 without snagging or juddering.

It is important the rubber block 59D does not engage the tube 54 during this operation so the wand head 62 is shaped so to limit the angle through which the wand handle 61 can be pivoted outwards so the cradle assembly is not tilted far enough for the rubber block to engage the tube 54 thereby preventing unnecessary wear of the block 59D and resistance when lowering the bracket 51 (and attached tube 57).

Downward control of the bracket 51 and tube 57, when lowering, is thus achieved by the operative taking the load through the wand 60. However, if the scaffolder lets go of the wand, the wand 60 pivots inwards (towards the tube 54) so the bracket grips the tube again and so does not slip further down the tube.

Thus, the wand interacts with the bracket so as to release the engagement of the locking plate to enable the bracket to be slid down the tube. It will be appreciated that the ability to release the bracket in this manner when it is in a position beyond the vertical reach of the user greatly facilitates use of the bracket when a scaffold structure is being taken down.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a joiner assembly 70 which is used to connect two horizontal poles 71, 72 (e.g. as used to provide a guard rail) together end to end. The assembly 70 comprises a joiner body one end 73A of which comprises a tubular section which is first slid axially onto the end of one 71B of the tubes. The joiner body 73A can then be secured thereto by tightening a lock screw 73B which engages a side of the tube 71 located within the tubular section 73A. The other end 73C of the joiner body is generally cylindrical but open on one side so the end of a second tube 72 can be located therein by lateral movement (i.e. perpendicular to the axis of the tube 72).

A catch 74 pivotably mounted to one side of the joiner body 73 is provided to hold the end of the second tube 72 therein. The function of this catch 74 is illustrated by Figures 22A, 22B and 22C. As the end of the tube 72 is lowered into the joiner body 73 it engages an upper surface of a projection 74A of the catch which has a substantially triangular cross-section, so as to push this projection 74A outwards to permit the tube 72 to enter the joiner body (Fig 22A). The projection 74A is also pivotably mounted along the same axis as the catch but may, to some extent, be rotatable separately from the remainder of the catch.

Once past the projection 74A, the catch 74 returns to its inner position (in this embodiment by virtue of gravity which swings the catch back to this position) so as to retain the tube 72 in the joiner body 73C as shown in Fig 22B. If the tube 72 is lifted it engages the underside of the triangular projection 74A which blocks its exit as the catch 74 cannot further rotate anti-clockwise (in the orientation shown in Fig 22) to move the projection 74A out of the way.

To release the end of the tube 72 from the joiner assembly 70, it is necessary to flip the catch 74 over to a position in which gravity does not return it to the locking position as shown in Fig 22C (the projection 74A is not visible in Fig 22C as it has not rotated clockwise as far as the remainder of the catch 74). The tube end 72 can then be lifted out of the joiner body 73C as the triangular projection 74A has been swung out of its path. As the tube 72 is lifted out of the assembly 70, it moves the catch 74 back to its original position (but only after it has moved beyond the action of the triangular projection 74A).

The catch 74 is thus designed so that the second tube 72 is automatically latched therein when lowered into the joiner body 73C and the wand 60 described above can be used to flip the catch 74 over as described when it is desired to release the tube 72. Both these actions can thus be carried out on a tube 72 which are beyond the vertical reach of the user.

The bracket described above can be used to erect safety rails on a scaffold structure as it is assembled. A typical sequence of steps is a follows: B2010/001872

22 a) a scaffold structure comprising standards and ledgers is constructed in a conventional manner with a lift being formed by ledgers above the head height of the scaffolder.

b) Brackets of the type described herein (hereafter referred to as 'guard brackets') are fitted about two standards above the scaffold brackets securing the lift to the standards (the guard brackets being mounted at a height within the reach of the scaffolder standing on the lift beneath)

c) A horizontal scaffold tube is mounted in the cradle assemblies of the two guard brackets (again this can be done by scaffolders standing on the lift beneath) and secured therein by the clasps

d) Each of the guard brackets can then be pushed up the respective standard (by hand) as far as the scaffolder's reach permits

e) A wand is extended to its full length and its head assembly engaged with the guard bracket.

f) The wand is then used to push the guard bracket up the standard to a height determined by the scaffolder's reach plus the length of the wand (1MB the length of the wand is preferably such that the guard bracket is thus raised to the required height). The horizontal scaffold tube held by the guard brackets thus forms a safety rail for the lift

g) With this safety rail in place (and after the installation - in a conventional manner - of planks on the lift), the scaffolder can climb up onto the lift thus constructed

h) Conventional scaffold brackets are then installed on the standards immediately beneath the guard brackets.

i) The horizontal scaffold tube is then transferred (preferably one end at a time) from the cradle assemblies of the guard bracket to these scaffold brackets to form the permanent safety rail for that lift.

j) The guard brackets are then slid further up the standard by hand and steps c) to j) repeated for each lift.

In step i) it may be desirable to slide the guard brackets slightly further up the standards by hand to facilitate easy transfer of the horizontal scaffold tube to the scaffold brackets installed beneath them. In some cases, an additional horizontal tube will be attached at right angles to that installed in step c) to provide a guard rail at the end of the lift (the other end of this being supported by another guard bracket on a third standard).

If scaffolders are working in pairs, it may be possible for the horizontal scaffold tube to remain horizontal as it is slid upwards. However, if one end at a time is slid upwards, it will be necessary to secure the clasp(s) such that the tube can slide within the cradle assembly as the angle of the tube varies.

When the scaffold structure is dis-assembled, the reverse procedure is used. As explained above, when it is desired to slide the guard brackets down the standards, this can be done from the lift below by engaging the head of the wand in the guard bracket and pivoting the wand handle away from the standard so that the locking plate is tilted towards a more horizontal position and thus releases its grip on the standard.

Use of the joiner assembly helps spread the load applied by the horizontal scaffold poles across more than one bracket.

The joiner assembly shown in Figures 21 to 22 is used when it is necessary to join to horizontal scaffold poles end to end. It is fitted onto one end of the pole whilst this is at the level of the scaffolder and the pole then slid upwards to the lift above (as described in steps d) to f) above. A second horizontal pole (supported by further guard brackets) can then be raised to a similar height (with one end slightly above the joiner assembly) and then that end can be lowered into the joiner assembly (this all being done by a scaffolder on the lift beneath using a wand). When it is desired to separate the poles, the catch is flipped over (as described above) so the poles can be separated by the reverse procedure.

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 or cradle assembly 59 described above for securing another member, e.g. another scaffold pole, thereto. Typically, the poles are joined at an angle, e.g. 90 degrees, to each other (but may also be secured together at other angles).

In a particular application, said member may be a telescopic guard rail as used in the prior art systems referred to above. However, the cradle assembly of the embodiment shown in Figures 14-19 is designed for use with conventional scaffold tubes.

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, e.g. by using a pole, (such as the wand described) 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 standard. Such a bracket thus provides a much simpler method of temporarily 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, (not shown) 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 (e.g. by means of a screw-threaded clamping arrangement) to the pole.

As described above, in some embodiments, the bracket may also have engagement means (such as the leaf springs 26B, 33A 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 engagement with the tube. Preferably, the frictional engagement is sufficient to support at least the weight of the bracket.

In other embodiments, the bracket may also have engagement means (such as rubber block 59D) for providing frictional engagement between the bracket and the tube, for resisting movement of the bracket, at least in an upward direction. This helps prevent the bracket sliding up the tube when the bracket is subject to an upward force applied thereto via the cradle assembly (but not when an upward force is applied directly to the bracket 51).

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a 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. Or, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 14-19, the securing member can be moved towards the horizontal position via a thumb tab accessible through an aperture in the bracket and/or by the action of a tool (such as the wand described) which is engageable with the bracket.

The mounting means is preferably 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 (not shown), 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. Alternatively, they may comprise conventional scaffold poles which are initially held by the bracket described and then transferred to a permanent bracket.

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 preferably 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 angled position in which it inhibits said sliding movement (at least in a downward direction). In some cases, as described above, it may be desirable for the fastening means to comprise a plurality of plates stacked upon each other rather than a single plate. 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 12B and Figures 18 and 19, it may extend further around the circumference, e.g. by 200-220 degrees.

The fastening means may also comprise two or more annular members or rings (not shown) 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 a scaffold standard, e.g. having an external diameter nominally of about 50mm. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the diameter typically lies in the range 47.5 mm to 48.8 mm and the bracket is preferably designed to accommodate variations of this magnitude.

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

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.

Claims

1. 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 relative to the body 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.

2. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 in which 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.

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.

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.

5. A bracket as claimed in any preceding in which the body comprises holding means for securing another member thereto, eg a post or rail extending at an angle to the substantially vertical post.

6. A bracket as claimed in claim 5 in which the holding means is pivotably mounted to the body whereby the angle said another member makes with the substantially vertical post can be varied.

7. 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.

8. A bracket as claimed in claim 7 in which the securing means comprises two or more plates stacked on one another and slidable relative to each other.

9. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim comprising biasing means for biasing the securing means towards said second position.

10. A bracket as claimed in claim 9 comprising release means which, when actuated, urges the securing means towards said first position against the action of said biasing means.

11. 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 second position for resisting movement of the bracket at least in an upward direction..

12. A bracket as claimed in claim 11 when dependent upon claim 5, in which the holding means can rock between two positions relative to the body, a first position in which said engagement means is moved towards the post and a second position in which said engagement means is disengaged from said post.

13. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim with an aperture which provides access to part of the securing member whereby the securing member can be urged from said second position towards said first position by application of a finger or other tool.

14. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim adapted to be secured about a scaffold pole.

15. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a guard rail which is attachable to the body of the bracket.

16. 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.

17. A bracket as claimed in claim 16 in which the mounting means also provides said securing means.

18. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim in which the body and/or the mounting means is arranged so the bracket is a snap-fit about the post.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. A kit of parts for providing a guard rail on a scaffold structure comprising a plurality of brackets as claimed in claim 19.

22. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 21 comprising one or more guard rails or tubes which can be used as guard rails.

23. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 21 or 22 comprising a tool for pushing a bracket up a pole to a height beyond the vertical reach of the user.

24. A kit of parts as claimed in claim 23 in which said tool is adapted to engage with said bracket whereby pivoting of the tool relative to the bracket causes said securing member to move from said second position towards said first position.

25. A kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 21 to 24 comprising a joiner for releasably securing to one end of a first pole and for releasably receiving one end of a second pole so as to join the poles end to end.

26. A bracket for releasably securing to a first scaffold pole, the bracket comprising: a body which is releasably securable about the pole by movement towards and away from the axis of the pole; fastening means within the body 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, the securing member being movable between a first position in which it permits the bracket to slide along the pole, and a second position in which it resists movement of the bracket along the pole, at least in the downward direction; and further fastening means pivotably mounted to said body for releasably securing another scaffold pole or guard rail at an angle to the first scaffold pole.