WO2023088205A1

WO2023088205A1 - Advance installation guardrail assembly for scaffolding systems

Info

Publication number: WO2023088205A1
Application number: PCT/CN2022/131674
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Rogers
Original assignee: At-Pac China Business Trust
Priority date: 2021-11-16
Filing date: 2022-11-14
Publication date: 2023-05-25
Also published as: AU2022393853A1

Abstract

A scaffolding system includes a guardrail ledger having an elongated support member, a ledger head coupled to a first end of the elongated support member, and a hook ledger head coupled to a second end of the elongated support member. The hook ledger head is formed to include a first prong and a second prong configured to extend into a scaffolding rosette of a vertical scaffolding post to assist in the installation of the guardrail ledger prior to assembly of a work platform for an upper level of the scaffolding system.

Description

ADVANCE INSTALLATION GUARDRAIL ASSEMBLY FOR SCAFFOLDING SYSTEMS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 63/279,833, filed 16 November 2021 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Number 63/380,445 filed 21 October 2022, the disclosures of which are now expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to scaffolding systems, and more specifically to a guardrail ledgers adapted to be erected in advance of walking platforms for workers on the scaffolding system.

BACKGROUND

Modular scaffold support systems are commonly used to provide vertical support for structures as well as for use in defining a raised work platform adjacent a structure. Scaffold systems are also used for providing temporary structures such as work platforms or removable bleacher-type seating.

One of the most common scaffolding system is modular and is designed to allow convenient connection of horizontal members to tubular steel upright members. The tubular steel upright members have a series of connecting members positioned in the length of the vertical upright and the horizontal members include at the ends thereof a component designed to connect with any of a series of connecting nodes provided on vertical upright scaffold members. This type of modular connection of scaffold components is convenient and requires less expertise in the assembly of support structures or raised platforms.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a scaffolding system includes a guardrail ledger having an elongated support member, a ledger head coupled to a first end of the elongated support member, and a hook ledger head coupled to a second end of the elongated support member. The hook ledger head is formed to include a first prong and a second prong configured to extend into a scaffolding rosette of a vertical scaffolding post to assist in the installation of the guardrail ledger prior to assembly of a work platform for an upper level of the scaffolding system.

In some embodiments, the hook ledger head includes a prong support body from which the first prong and the second prong extend. The prong support body is formed to define a first slot therein for receiving a first wedge to couple the hook ledger head with a second scaffolding rosette. In some embodiments, the prong support body is formed to define a second slot that extends through a front face of the prong support body and opens into the first slot.

In some embodiments, the prong support body includes a contoured engagement surface. The engagement surface engages and presses upon the vertical scaffolding post in response to a wedge being inserted through the hook ledger head and the scaffolding rosette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a guardrail ledger in accordance with the present disclosure, having an elongated support member, a ledger head on one end thereof, and a hook ledger head on the other end therefor for quickly connecting with a rosette of a vertical scaffold post included in a modular scaffolding system;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing the hook ledger head fixed with the end of the elongated support member and the hook ledger head including a prong support body and a pair of prongs that extend away from the prong support body for insertion into a rosette of the vertical scaffold post;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing a ledger connector base of the hook ledger head coupled with the end of the elongated support member and one of the prongs extending downwardly away from the prong support body and curving toward the elongated support member;

Fig. 4 is a front elevation view of the end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing the prong support body includes a slot for temporarily securing a wedge in the prong support body during assembly of the guardrail ledger and further showing the pair of prongs extending downwardly away from the prong support body;

Fig. 5 is a rear elevation view of the end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing the prong support body defines a slot therein for securing a wedge in the hook ledger head and that the prong support body extends upwardly above the elongated support member while the pair of prongs extending downwardly below the elongated support member and curving proximally toward the elongated support member;

Fig. 6 is a top elevation view of the end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing the prong support body includes side surfaces that tapper toward each other as they extend away from the elongated support member and each prong is coupled with one of the tapered side walls such that the prongs are angled relative to the elongated support body;

Fig. 7 is a bottom elevation view of the end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing the side surfaces of the prong support body tapper toward each other as they extend away from the elongated support member and each prong is coupled with one of the tapered side walls such that the prongs are angled relative to the elongated support body;

Fig. 8 is a front elevation view of the end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing a wedge extending vertically through the prong support body of the hook ledger head as would be done to interlock the hook ledger head with a rosette of the vertical scaffold post;

Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of a second end of the guardrail ledger showing a wedge extending vertically through the ledger head as would be done to interlock the ledger head with a rosette of a second vertical scaffold post;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the scaffold system including a base of working platforms and a plurality of vertical scaffold posts and suggesting that, during assembly, the prongs of the hook ledger head are first inserted into the rosette of one of the vertical scaffold posts, the hook ledger head temporarily secures a wedge to itself for storage during the assembly process, and the ledger head at the opposite end is uncoupled from any scaffold post;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 10 suggesting that, in a second step of assembly, the ledger head is coupled to a rosette of an available scaffold post, the hook ledger head remains coupled in its corresponding scaffolding rosette, and the ledger head end of the guiderail ledger is lifted upwardly to move the bottom end of the free scaffold post toward an available spigot of another scaffold post;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 11 showing the ledger head of the guiderail ledger is lifted further upwardly to move the scaffold post into alignment with the available spigot of the lower scaffold post;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 12 showing the bottom end of the scaffold post has connected with the available spigot of the lower scaffold post and that the wedge on the hook ledger head has been moved from its storage position to the locking position in which the wedge extends vertically through the hook ledger head and the scaffolding rosette to interlock the guardrail ledger with the scaffold post; and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the scaffold system similar to Fig. 11 suggesting that the assembly process may be performed without the wedge stored in the hook ledger head during the assembly of the scaffold system;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of another hook ledger head in accordance with the present disclosure, the hook ledger head including a prong support body and a pair of prongs that extend away from the prong support body for insertion into a rosette of the vertical scaffold post;

Fig. 16 is a side elevation view of the hook ledger head of Fig. 15;

Fig. 17 is a front elevation view of the hook ledger head of Fig. 15;

Fig. 18 is a rear elevation view of the hook ledger head of Fig. 15;

Fig. 19 is a top elevation view of the hook ledger head of Fig. 15; and

Fig. 20 is a section side view of the hook ledger head of Fig. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

According to regulations in many regions and countries around the world, a temporary or permanent guardrail for a scaffolding system is to be install before the scaffold erection workers can erect or stand on a working platform (floor) on the scaffolding system. The present disclosure provides an advance installation guardrail ledger 10 that is configured to be installed in advance of (before) workers climb to the next higher level on a scaffolding system 110 as the scaffolding system 110 is being erected as suggested in Figs. 10-14.

The scaffolding system 110 includes a plurality of scaffold posts 112, ledgers 114, 115 that extend between the scaffold posts 112, and horizontal platforms 116 for workers to walk upon. Each scaffolding post 112 has one or more scaffolding rosettes 118 fixed thereon for coupling the ledgers 114, 115 or guardrail ledger 10 with the scaffolding posts 112.

The workers may climb through a hatch way or gap in the upper platform on the scaffolding system 110. As they climb upward, they may attach their fall arrest equipment to the guardrail ledger 10 (sometimes referred to as a guardrail post) . In this manner, the workers may be attached to the guardrail ledger 10 at all or substantially all times while the scaffolding system 110 is being built to help prevent the workers from falling from a height. The guardrail ledger 10 is configured to interlock with two scaffold posts 112 as shown in Figs. 10-14.

The guardrail ledger 10 includes an elongated support member 12, a hook ledger head 14, and ledger head 16 as shown in Fig. 1. The elongated support member 12 is configured to span between the two scaffold posts 112. The hook ledger head 14 is coupled to the elongated support member 12 and configured to rotate in the scaffolding rosette 118 of the first scaffold post 112 during installation of the guardrail ledger 10 as suggested in Figs. 10-12. The ledger head 16 is coupled with the elongated support member 12 and configured to couple with a scaffolding rosette 118 of the second scaffold post 112 as suggested in Figs. 12 and 13.

The elongated support member 12 extends along an axis 11 between a first end 18 and a second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Fig. 1. In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated support member 12 is a tube with a circular cross section. The axis 11 is located on a center point of the elongated support member 12 when viewed axially as shown in Fig. 4. The elongated support member 12 further has an uppermost point 24 and a lowest point 26.

The ledger head 16 is coupled to the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 1 and 9. The ledger head 16 is configured to couple with the scaffolding rosette 118 of one of the vertical scaffold posts 112 as suggested in Figs. 11-14. The ledger head 16 is configured to receive a wedge 22 that extends vertically therethrough to interlock the ledger head 16 with a scaffolding rosette 118 as suggested in Figs. 1 and 11-14. Each wedge 22 has an angled surface 23 that urge the ledger head 16 or hook ledger head 14 toward the scaffold posts 112 as the wedge 22 is forced through the ledger head 16 or hook ledger head 14.

The hook ledger head 14 is coupled to the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 and configured to couple the guardrail ledger 10 to the scaffolding rosette 118 of another scaffold post 112 as shown in Figs. 10-14. The hook ledger head 14 includes a ledger connector base 28, a prong support body 30, and a pair of prongs 32 as shown in Fig. 2. The ledger connector base 28 couples the hook ledger head 14 with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12. The prong support body 30 extends axially away from the ledger connector base 28 and provides a mount for the pair of prongs 32. The pair of prongs 32 extend downwardly away from the prong support body 30 and are configured to be received by the scaffolding rosette 118 to couple the hook ledger head 14 with the scaffold post 112.

The ledger connector base 28 is fixed with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Fig. 3. The ledger connector base 28 is welded with the elongated support member 12 in the illustrative embodiment. The ledger connector base 28 is circular when viewed axially and has a diameter about equal with a diameter of the elongated support member 12. An upper end of the ledger connector base 28 extends radially outward as it extends axially as shown in Fig. 3. A generally planar lower surface 34 of the ledger connector base 28 extends radially outward toward the prong support body 30 as the lower surface 34 extends axially away from the elongated support member 12. The ledger connector base 28 further includes a front surface 36 that extends generally vertical or perpendicular to the axis 11 from the lower surface 34.

The prong support body 30 extends from an upper end of the ledger connector base 28 to form an open space 38 vertically below the prong support body 30 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The open space 38 is provided to receive a portion of the scaffolding rosette 118. The open space 38 extends vertically above the center point of the elongated support member 12 in the illustrative embodiment as shown in Fig. 4. In the illustrative embodiment, the entire prong support body 30 is located above the center point of the elongated support member 12.

The prong support body 30 has a top surface 44, an upper front surface 46 that extends downward away from the top surface 44, a first side surface 48, a second side surface 50, a lower surface 52 opposite the top surface 44 and that extends between the first side surface 48 and the second side surface 50, a lower front surface 54 that extends upwardly from the lower surface 52, and an engagement surface 55 that extends between and interconnects the lower front surface 54 and the upper front surface 46. The top surface 44 extends radially outward as it extends axially distally away from the elongated support member 12. The engagement surface 55 is concave and shaped with a contour to match the outer diameter of the scaffold posts 112. The lower surface 52 extends generally planar and horizontally as it extends axially distally away from the elongated support member 12. The lower surface 52 defines a top of the open space 38. The first prong 60 and the second prong 62 both being received in the scaffolding rosette 118 locates the prong support body 30 in alignment with the scaffolding post 112 such that the engagement surface 55 is also located in alignment with and configured to engage the scaffolding post 112.

The first side surface 48 and the second side surface 50 taper toward each other as they extend axially distally away from the ledger connector base 28 and the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 1, 6, and 7. In some embodiments, the first side surface 48 extends at an angle 56 including and between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees relative to the axis 11 inward toward the second side surface 50 as suggested in Fig. 6. In some embodiments, the first side surface 48 extends at an angle 56 including and between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees relative to the axis 11 inward toward the second side surface 50. In some embodiments, the second side surface 50 extends at an angle 58 including and between about 10 degrees and about 30 degrees relative to the axis 11 inward toward the first side surface 48 as suggested in Fig. 6. In some embodiments, the second side surface 50 extends at an angle 58 including and between about 15 degrees and about 25 degrees relative to the axis 11 inward toward the first side surface 48.

The prong support body 30 is a generally solid protrusion and is formed to include a first slot 40 and a second slot 42 sized for receiving a wedge 22 therein as shown in Fig. 2. The first slot 40 extends generally vertically through the prong support body 30. The first slot extends through the top surface 44 and opens into the lower surface 52. The first slot 40 is generally rectangular in shape in the illustrative embodiment. The second slot 42 extends axially through the prong support body 30 and may extend also in the vertical direction. The second slot 42 opens into the first slot 40 and opens through the upper front surface 46 and the engagement surface 55. The second slot 42 is generally rectangular in shape. The second slot 42 allows a wedge 22 to be temporarily stored in the hook ledger head 14 during the installation of the guardrail ledger 10 as suggested in Figs. 10-13. The wedge 22 need not be stored in the second slot 42 during assembly as suggested in Fig. 14.

The pair of prongs 32 are configured to be removably received in the scaffolding rosette 118 of a given scaffold post 112 as suggested in Figs. 10-14. The pair of prongs including a first prong 60 and a second prong 62 spaced apart transversally from the first prong 60 as shown in Figs. 2-8. The first prong 60 extends downwardly away from the first side surface 48 of the prong support body 30. The second prong 62 extends downwardly away from the second side surface 50 of the prong support body 30. Each of the first prong 60 and the second prong 62 extend vertically below the lowest point 26 of the elongated support member 12 in the illustrative embodiment.

The pair of prongs 32 are arranged such that both the first prong 60 and the second prong 62 are simultaneously received in holes 120 formed in the scaffolding rosette 118 during use as suggested in Figs. 10-14. The first prong 60 extends outwardly transversely away from the first side surface 48 of the prong support body 30 at a first angle 64 relative to the axis 11 and downward away from the prong support body 30 as suggested in Fig. 6. The second prong 62 extends outwardly transversely away from the second side surface 50 of the prong support body 30 at a second angle 66 relative to the axis 11 and downwardly away from the prong support body 30 as suggested in Fig. 6.

The first angle 64 is between and including about 35 and 85 degrees and the second angle 66 is between and including about 35 and 85 degrees in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the first angle 64 is between about 55 and 65 degrees and the second angle 66 is between about 55 and 65 degrees.

The first prong 60 includes a first segment 68 coupled with the prong support body 30 and a second segment 70 that extends vertically downward and axially proximally toward the ledger connector base 28 and the elongated support member 12. The first segment 68 extends generally vertically downwardly. The second prong 62 includes a first segment 72 coupled with the prong support body 30 and a second segment 74 that extends vertically downward and axially proximally toward the ledger connector base 28 and the elongated support member 12. The first segment 72 extends generally vertically downwardly.

The ledger head 16 is coupled to the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 1 and 9. The ledger head 16 is coupled with the elongated support member 12 such that the ledger head 16 is capable of limited movement relative to the elongated support member 12. In contrast, the hook ledger head 14 is fixed with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12. For example, the hook ledger head 14 may be welded with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12.

The limited movement of the ledger head 16 assists in the assembly of the scaffolding system 110 as suggested in Figs. 11 and 12. In particular, the limited movement of the ledger head 16 relative to the elongated support member 12, allows the ledger head 16 and the second scaffold post 112B to move relative to the elongated support member 12 such that the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B is positionable onto a spigot 113 of a scaffold post 112C or other spigot component such as a spigot anchored to ground or other structure.

In the illustrative embodiment, the connection of the ledger head 16 with elongated support member 12 via the fastener 78 allows for the limited movement of the ledger head 16 as suggested in Figs. 1, 11, and 12. The ledger head 16 may pivot about an axis of the fastener 78 and/or the ledger head 16 may have limited multidirectional freedom due to the size of the hole in the elongated support member 12 being larger than the diameter of the fastener 78.

The ledger head 16 includes a connector base 80, an upper ledger body 82 that extends away from the connector base 80, and a lower ledger body 84 that extends away from the connector base 80 as shown in Fig. 9. A horizontal slot 86 is defined in the ledger head 16 and extends axially proximally inward toward the elongated support member 12 such that the slot 86 is located vertically between the upper ledger body 82 and the lower ledger body 84. The fastener 78 extends transversely through the connector base 80 to couple the ledger head 16 with the elongated support member 12. The ledger head 16 further includes a slot 88 that extends vertically through the upper ledger body 82 and the lower ledger body 84 to allow a wedge 22 to extend through the ledger head 16 and couple the ledger head 16 with one of the scaffolding rosettes 118 as shown in Fig. 11.

The upper ledger body 82 includes an engagement surface 83 and the lower ledger body 84 includes an engagement surface 85 as shown in Fig. 9. Similar to the engagement surface 55 of the hook ledger head 14, the engagement surfaces 83, 85 are curved and contoured to mate with the outer diameter of the scaffold posts 112 to allow for tight engagement of the ledger head 16 with the scaffold post 112 in response to the wedge 22 urging the ledger head 16 into forced engagement with the scaffold post 112.

A method of assembling the guardrail ledger 10 includes a number of steps as suggested in Figs. 10-13. As shown in Fig. 10, a first illustrative level of the scaffolding system 110 is assembled. The scaffolding system 110 includes a plurality of scaffold posts 112 (such as posts 112A, 112B, 112C) having a plurality of scaffolding rosettes 118 thereon, ledgers 114, 115 coupled between scaffold posts 112, and work platforms 116 supported on the ledgers 114, 115.

The guardrail ledger 10 of the present disclosure is configured to be installed into the scaffolding system 110 ahead of the second level work platforms 116 (not shown) as suggested in Figs. 10-13. The workers may be tethered (or otherwise connected) to a lower ledger 115, for example, during the entire assembly process of guardrail ledger 10. After guardrail ledger 10 is installed, the workers may then tether to the guardrail ledger 10 and/or lower ledger 115 during assembly of the second level work platforms 116 such that the workers may remain tethered at all times to a guardrail during assembly of the scaffolding system 110.

As shown in Fig. 10, the first prong 60 and the second prong 62 are both inserted into holes of the scaffolding rosette 118 of the first scaffold post 112A. The prong support body 30 is aligned with the first scaffold post 112A and the elongated support member 12 extends generally parallel with one of the lower ledgers 114 coupled with the first scaffold post 112A. In the illustrative method, the wedge 22 is received in the second slot 42 of the hook ledger head 14 to temporarily support the wedge 22 during assembly. As shown in Fig. 10, the ledger head 16 may be uncoupled to any scaffold post 112 when the hook ledger head 14 is being hooked onto the scaffolding rosette 118. In some embodiments, the wedge 22 is not temporarily stored in the second slot 42 as suggested in Fig. 14. A worker may hold onto or retrieve the wedge 22 from another location if the wedge 22 is not temporarily stored in the second slot 42.

In another method step, the second scaffold post 112B is coupled with the ledger head 16 of the guardrail ledger 10 as suggested in Fig. 11. The prongs 60, 62 of the hook ledger head 14 allow the guardrail ledger 10 to be angled downwardly to assist in the coupling of the ledger head 16 with the second scaffold post 112B. As suggested by the dotted line arrows in Fig. 11, the ledger head 16 and second scaffold post 112B are free to move by limited amounts relative to the elongated support member 12 due to the connection of the ledger head 16 with the elongated support member 12.

The desired scaffolding rosette 118 of the second scaffold post 112B is inserted into the horizontal slot 86 formed in the ledger head 16 as suggested in Fig. 11. One of the wedges 22 is then inserted into the top of the vertical slot 88 and passes through the upper ledger body 82, the scaffolding rosette 118, and the lower ledger body 84 to interconnect the ledger head 16 with the second scaffold post 112B. The angled surface 23 of the wedge 22 urges the ledger head 16 and the second scaffold post 112B into compressive engagement with one another. The engagement surface 83 of the upper ledger body 82 and the engagement surface 85 of the lower ledger body 84 mate with a tight fitting engagement with the exterior surface of the scaffold post 112B. In some instances, the wedge 22 may be loosely inserted into place during this step and then hammered or otherwise forced into secure interlocking engagement after the second scaffold post 112B is set into place as in Fig. 13.

In another step, the guardrail ledger 10 (including hook ledger head 14, elongated support member 12, and ledger head 16) and the second scaffold post 112B are rotated about the first prong 60 and the second prong 62 of the hook ledger head 14 to cause the elongated support member 12 to extend generally horizontally and the second scaffold post 112B to extend generally vertically as shown in Fig. 12. The wedge 22 may remain temporarily stored in the second slot 42 of the hook ledger head 14 during this step.

As suggested by the dotted line arrows in Fig. 12, the ledger head 16 and second scaffold post 112B are free to move by limited amounts relative to the elongated support member 12 due to the connection of the ledger head 16 with the elongated support member 12. This limited movement of the ledger head 16 relative to the elongated support member 12 allows the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B to be positioned vertically above and aligned axially with the top of the immediately lower scaffold post 112C (or other spigot component) while the ledger head 16 is securely coupled with the scaffolding rosette 118 during this installation step. In the illustrative embodiment, the limited movement allows the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B to be rotated 360 degrees around the scaffold post 112C.

If the ledger head 16 were completely fixed relative to the elongated support member 12, the second scaffold post 112B would move along a fixed arcuate path about the pivot provided by the hook ledger head 14. As a result, the mating via vertical sliding of the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B with the upper end of the scaffold post 112C would be made difficult and potentially impossible.

The lower end of the second scaffold post 112B is moved downwardly and mates with a spigot 113 at an upper end of the scaffold post 112C (or other spigot component) as suggested in Fig. 13. The wedge 22 is removed from the second slot 42 of the hook ledger head 14 and inserted into the first slot 40 such that the wedge 22 passes through the prong support body 30 and the scaffolding rosette 118. The wedge 22 is hammered or otherwise forced downwardly into secured engagement with the scaffolding rosette 118. The angled surface 23 of the wedge 22 urges the hook ledger head 14 and the first scaffold post 112A toward one another such that the engagement surface 55 of the prong support body 30 mates with a tight fitting and compressive force engagement with the exterior surface of the first scaffold post 112A. With the guardrail ledger 10 now installed, the workers are free to tether to the guardrail ledger 10 as desired while assembling the remainder of the scaffolding system 110.

The second segments 70, 74 of the first prong 60 and the second prong 62 are shaped to abut the scaffolding rosette 118 and block the hook ledger head 14 from being separated from the scaffolding rosette 118 if the wedge 22 is removed from the hook ledger head 14 while the ledger head 16 remains secured to the second scaffold post 112B. Even still, the ledger head 16 (via pivoting of the entire guardrail ledger 10) may be pivoted transversally left or right if its wedge 22 and the wedge 22 in the hook ledger head 14 are removed such that the ledger head 16 is moved to be uncoupled from its corresponding scaffolding rosette 118. The hook ledger head 14 may then be pivoted and separated from its scaffolding rosette 118. Such design blocks unintentional removal of the hook ledger head 14 and guardrail ledger 10 while allowing another option of installation or removal of the guardrail ledger 10.

Another embodiment of a hook ledger head 214 is shown in Figs. 15-20. The hook ledger head 214 is substantially similar to the hook ledger head 14 except as described below and as shown in Figs. 15-20. Similar reference numbers for the hook ledger head 14 apply as their 200 number counterpart to the hook ledger head 214. The hook ledger head 214 is applicable to the guardrail ledger 10 similar to the hook ledger head 14 and configured to be coupled to the elongated support member 12. The hook ledger head 214 includes, among other things, relatively longer prongs 260, 262, as compared to the hook ledger head 14, which extend proximal toward the elongated support member 12 at their tips. The hook ledger head 214 further includes a wedge retainer 231 coupled with the prong support body 230. The method described above with regards to the guardrail ledger 10 having the hook ledger head 14 is similarly applicable to guardrail ledgers 10 having the hook ledger head 214.

The hook ledger head 214 includes a ledger connector base 228, a prong support body 230, a wedge retainer 231, and a pair of prongs 232 as shown in Figs. 15-20. The ledger connector base 228 couples the hook ledger head 214 with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12. The prong support body 230 extends axially away from the ledger connector base 228 and provides a mount for the pair of prongs 232. The pair of prongs 232 extend downwardly away from the prong support body 230 and are configured to be received by the scaffolding rosette 118 to couple the hook ledger head 214 with the scaffold post 112.

The prong support body 230 extends from an upper end of the ledger connector base 228 to form an open space 238 vertically below the prong support body 230 as shown in Figs. 15-20. The prong support body 230 has a top surface 244, an upper front surface 246 that extends downward away from the top surface 244, a first side surface 248, a second side surface 250, a lower surface 252 opposite the top surface 244 and that extends between the first side surface 248 and the second side surface 250, a lower front surface 254 that extends upwardly from the lower surface 252, and an engagement surface 255 that extends between and interconnects the lower front surface 254 and the upper front surface 246. The top surface 244 extends radially outward as it extends axially distally away from the elongated support member 12.

The engagement surface 255 is concave and shaped with a contour to match the outer diameter of the scaffold posts 112. The lower surface 252 extends generally planar and horizontally as it extends axially distally away from the elongated support member 12. The lower surface 252 defines a top of the open space 238. The first prong 260 and the second prong 262 both being received in the scaffolding rosette 118 locates the prong support body 230 in alignment with the scaffolding post 112 such that the engagement surface 255 is also located in alignment with and configured to engage the scaffolding post 112. The first side surface 248 and the second side surface 250 taper toward each other as they extend axially distally away from the ledger connector base 228 and the elongated support member 12 as shown in Fig. 19.

The prong support body 230 is a generally solid protrusion and is formed to include a first slot 240 and a second slot 242 sized for receiving a wedge 22 therein. The first slot 240 extends generally vertically through the prong support body 230 as shown in Fig. 20. The first slot extends through the top surface 244 and opens into the lower surface 252. The second slot 242 extends axially through the prong support body 230. The second slot 242 opens into the first slot 240 and opens through the upper front surface 246 and the engagement surface 255.

The wedge retainer 231 is coupled with the prong support body 230 as shown in Figs. 15 and 20. The wedge retainer 231 is configured to engage the wedge 22 when the wedge 22 is inserted into the first slot 240 such that the wedge applies a force to the wedge retainer 231 and to the prong support body 230 on a surface opposite the wedge retainer 231. The wedge 22 may rest upon a top surface 243 of the wedge retainer 231 when the wedge 22 is in the second slot 242. In the illustrative embodiment, the wedge retainer 231 is welded with the prong support body 230. In other embodiments, the wedge retainer 231 and the prong support body 230 are integrally formed as a single, monolithic, one-piece component. The wedge retainer 231 is a generally rectangular flat, planar metallic plate in the illustrative embodiment.

The wedge retainer 231 has a wedge engaging surface 241 that extends vertically and faces into the first slot 240, a top surface 243, a lower surface 245, a back surface 247, and side walls as shown in Figs. 15-20. The wedge engagement surface 241 is configured to abut the wedge 22. The lower surface 245 is coupled with the prong support body 230 and extends axially distally away such that a portion of the lower surface 245 extends into the first slot 240. The wedge retainer 231 extends vertically outward of the first slot 240 such that the top surface 243 is located outward of the angles surface 244 of the prong support body 230. The side walls of the wedge retainer 231 are spaced apart from the inner surfaces of the prong support body 230 defining the first slot 240 as shown in Fig. 18.

The pair of prongs 232 are configured to be removably received in the scaffolding rosette 118 of a given scaffold post 112. The pair of prongs including a first prong 260 and a second prong 262 spaced apart transversally from the first prong 260 as shown in Figs. 15-19. The first prong 260 extends downwardly away from the first side surface 248 of the prong support body 230. The second prong 262 extends downwardly away from the second side surface 250 of the prong support body 230. Each of the first prong 260 and the second prong 262 extend vertically below the lowest point 26 of the elongated support member 12 in the illustrative embodiment.

The pair of prongs 232 are arranged such that both the first prong 260 and the second prong 262 are simultaneously received in holes 120 formed in the scaffolding rosette 118 during use. The first prong 260 includes a first segment 268 coupled with the prong support body 230, a second segment 270 that extends vertically downward and axially proximally toward the ledger connector base 228, and a third segment 271 that further curves from the second segment 270 and extends proximally toward the connector base 228. The first segment 268 extends generally vertically downwardly. The second segment 270 extends vertically downward an amount greater than the second segment 70 of the prong 60.

The second prong 262 includes a first segment 272 coupled with the prong support body 230, a second segment 274 that extends vertically downward and axially proximally toward the ledger connector base 228, and a third segment 275 that further curves from the second segment 274 and extends proximally toward the connector base 228. The first segment 272 extends generally vertically downwardly. The second segment 274 extends vertically downward an amount greater than the second segment 74 of the prong 62.

The first and second prongs 260, 262 extend vertically below a bottom of the connector base 228 as shown in Fig. 20. The open space 238 is completely free of any structure between the tips of the prongs 260, 262 and the lower surface 252. A dimensional height of the first and second prongs 260, 262 is greater than a dimensional height of both the prong support body 230 and the connector base 228. The relatively greater dimensional height of the prongs 260, 262 may help to prevent the hook ledger head 214 from being unintentionally removed from the scaffolding rosettes 118.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

Aspects of the disclosed embodiments are also set out in the following set of numbered clauses in which is described:

Clause 1. A guardrail ledger for use with a scaffolding system, the guardrail ledger comprising:

an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member,

a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving a first scaffolding rosette therein, and

a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member, the hook ledger head including a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member, a prong support body that extends from an upper end of the ledger connector base to form an open space vertically below the prong support body, and a pair of prongs that extend vertically downward from the prong support body, and wherein the prong support body is formed to define a first slot therein for receiving a first wedge to couple the hook ledger head with a second scaffolding rosette.

Clause 2. The guardrail ledger of clause 1, wherein the pair of prongs includes a first prong and a second prong, the first prong extends downwardly from a first side of the prong support body, and the second prong extends downwardly from a second side of the prong support body.

Clause 3. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the prong support body is formed to define a second slot that extends through the prong support body and opens into the first slot to allow the wedge to extend through either one of the first slot and the second slot.

Clause 4. The guardrail ledger of clause 3, wherein the first slot extends generally vertically through the prong support body and the second slot extends vertically and axially through the prong support body.

Clause 5. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the prong support body includes an engagement surface that is spaced apart axially distally from the ledger connector base and the engagement surface is concave and adapted to engage a vertical scaffold post.

Clause 6. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the ledger head is fastened with the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.

Clause 7. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the first prong extends transversely away from the first side of the prong support body relative to the axis by a first angle and the second prong extends transversely away from the second side of the prong support body relative to the axis by a second angle, the first angle is between about 35 and 85 degrees, and the second angle is between about 35 and 85 degrees.

Clause 8. The guardrail ledger of clause 7, wherein the first angle is between about 55 and 65 degrees and the second angle is between about 55 and 65 degrees.

Clause 9. The guardrail ledger of any one of clauses 2 to 9, wherein the first side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body tapper toward each other as the prong support body extends axially away from the ledger connector base.

Clause 10. The guardrail ledger of any one of clauses 2 to 9, wherein the first side of the prong support body extends at a third angle between about 10 and 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the second side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body extends at a fourth angle between about 10 and 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the first side of the prong support body.

Clause 11. The guardrail ledger of clause 10, wherein the third angle is between about 15 and 25 degrees and the fourth angle is between about 15 and 25 degrees.

Clause 12. The guardrail ledger of clause 2, wherein both the first prong and the second prong are arranged relative to one another such that both the first prong and the second prong simultaneously extend into corresponding holes formed in the second scaffolding rosette.

Clause 13. The guardrail ledger of any one of clauses 2 to 12, wherein the first prong and the second prong each include a first segment coupled with the prong support body that extends generally only vertically downward, a second segment that curves toward the elongated support member as the second segment extends vertically downward away from the first segment, and a third segment that extends from the second portion at least axially proximally toward the elongated support member.

Clause 14. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the entire prong support body is located above a center point of the elongated support member.

Clause 15. The guardrail ledger of clause 2, wherein the first prong and the second prong extend vertically downwardly below lowest most surfaces of the elongated support member and the ledger connector base.

Clause 16. The guardrail ledger of any preceding clause, wherein the hook ledger head further includes a wedge retainer configured to engage the first wedge and located in the first slot and coupled with the prong support body.

Clause 17. A scaffolding system comprising:

a first vertical scaffold post having a first scaffolding rosette,

a second vertical scaffold post having a second scaffolding rosette, and

guardrail ledger that includes:

a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body that receives the first scaffolding rosette therein, and

a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member, the hook ledger head including a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member, a prong support body that extends from an upper end of the ledger connector base to form an open space vertically below the prong support body that receives the second scaffolding rosette, and a pair of prongs that include a first prong and a second prong that extend vertically downward from the prong support body and both the first prong and the second prong are simultaneously received in corresponding holes formed in the second scaffolding rosette.

Clause 18. The scaffolding system of clause 17, wherein the prong support body includes an engagement surface spaced apart axially distally from the elongated support member, the engagement surface is curved and engaged with the second vertical scaffold post.

Clause 19. The scaffolding system of any one of clauses 17 or 18, wherein the ledger head is coupled to the elongated support member to allow for limited movement of the ledger head relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed to the elongated support member.

Clause 20. The scaffolding system of any one of clauses 17 to 19, wherein the prong support body is formed to define a first slot therein for receiving a first wedge that extends through the first slot and the second scaffolding rosette to couple the hook ledger head with the second vertical scaffold post and urge the prong support body into engagement with the second vertical scaffold.

Clause 21. The scaffolding system of clause 20, wherein the prong support body is formed to define a second slot that extends through the prong support body and opens into the first slot to allow the first wedge to extend through either one of the first slot and the second slot.

Clause 22. The scaffolding system of clause 21, wherein the first slot extends generally vertically through the prong support body and the second slot extends vertically and axially through the prong support body.

Clause 23. The scaffolding system of clause 21, wherein the second slot opens into the engagement surface.

Clause 24. The scaffolding system of any one of clauses 17 to 23, wherein the first prong extends downwardly from a first side of the prong support body and the second prong extends downwardly from a second side of the prong support body.

Clause 25. The scaffolding system of clause 24, wherein the first side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body tapper toward each other as the prong support body extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base.

Clause 26. The scaffolding system of clause 25, wherein the first side of the prong support body extends at a first angle between about 10 and about 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the second side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body extends at a second angle between about 10 and about 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the first side of the prong support body.

Clause 27. The scaffolding system of clause 20, wherein the hook ledger head further includes a wedge retainer configured to engage the first wedge and located in the first slot and coupled with the prong support body.

Clause 28. A method of assembling a scaffolding system, the method comprising:

inserting a first prong and a second prong of a hook ledger head into corresponding holes formed in a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post, the hook ledger head connected with a first end of an elongated support member,

coupling a ledger head to a second scaffolding rosette of a second scaffold post, the ledger head being coupled to a second end of the elongated support member while allowing limited movement relative to the elongated support member,

moving the ledger head and the second scaffold post upwardly while the first prong and the second prong are retained in the holes formed in the first scaffolding rosette,

coupling the second scaffold post vertically to a spigot of the scaffolding system such that the second scaffold post extends generally vertically away from the spigot and the elongated support member extends generally horizontally, and

moving a wedge through a first slot formed in the hook ledger head so that the wedge extends through the hook ledger head and interlocks the hook ledger head with the scaffolding rosette.

Clause 29. The method of clause 28, wherein moving the wedge through the first slot urges the hook ledger head and the first vertical scaffold post toward one another to cause a curved engagement surface of the hook ledger head to engage the first vertical scaffold post.

Clause 30. The method of any one of clauses 28 or 29, further comprising inserting the wedge into a second slot formed in the hook ledger head to temporarily retain the wedge in the second slot during the moving step.

Clause 31. The method of clause 30, wherein the second slot opens into the first slot.

Clause 32. The method of any one of clauses 30 or 31, wherein the second slot opens into the engagement surface of the hook ledger head.

Clause 33. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 32, wherein the ledger head includes an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving the second scaffolding rosette.

Claims

A guardrail ledger for use with a scaffolding system, the guardrail ledger comprising:

an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member,

a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving a first scaffolding rosette therein, and

a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member, the hook ledger head including a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member, a prong support body that extends from an upper end of the ledger connector base to form an open space vertically below the prong support body, and a pair of prongs that extend vertically downward from the prong support body, and wherein the prong support body is formed to define a first slot therein for receiving a first wedge to couple the hook ledger head with a second scaffolding rosette.
The guardrail ledger of claim 1, wherein the pair of prongs includes a first prong and a second prong, the first prong extends downwardly from a first side of the prong support body, and the second prong extends downwardly from a second side of the prong support body.
The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prong support body is formed to define a second slot that extends through the prong support body and opens into the first slot to allow the wedge to extend through either one of the first slot and the second slot.
The guardrail ledger of claim 3, wherein the first slot extends generally vertically through the prong support body and the second slot extends vertically and axially through the prong support body.
The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the prong support body includes an engagement surface that is spaced apart axially distally from the ledger connector base and the engagement surface is concave and adapted to engage a vertical scaffold post.
The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ledger head is fastened with the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.
The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first prong extends transversely away from the first side of the prong support body relative to the axis by a first angle and the second prong extends transversely away from the second side of the prong support body relative to the axis by a second angle, the first angle is between about 35 and 85 degrees, and the second angle is between about 35 and 85 degrees.
The guardrail ledger of claim 7, wherein the first angle is between about 55 and 65 degrees and the second angle is between about 55 and 65 degrees.
The guardrail ledger of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body tapper toward each other as the prong support body extends axially away from the ledger connector base.
The guardrail ledger of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the first side of the prong support body extends at a third angle between about 10 and 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the second side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body extends at a fourth angle between about 10 and 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the first side of the prong support body.
The guardrail ledger of claim 10, wherein the third angle is between about 15 and 25 degrees and the fourth angle is between about 15 and 25 degrees.
The guardrail ledger of claim 2, wherein both the first prong and the second prong are arranged relative to one another such that both the first prong and the second prong simultaneously extend into corresponding holes formed in the second scaffolding rosette.
The guardrail ledger of any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the first prong and the second prong each include a first segment coupled with the prong support body that extends generally only vertically downward, a second segment that curves toward the elongated support member as the second segment extends vertically downward away from the first segment, and a third segment that extends from the second portion at least axially proximally toward the elongated support member.
The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the entire prong support body is located above a center point of the elongated support member.
The guardrail ledger of claim 2, wherein the first prong and the second prong extend vertically downwardly below lowest most surfaces of the elongated support member and the ledger connector base.
The guardrail ledger of any preceding claim, wherein the hook ledger head further includes a wedge retainer configured to engage the first wedge and located in the first slot and coupled with the prong support body.
A scaffolding system comprising:

a first vertical scaffold post having a first scaffolding rosette,

a second vertical scaffold post having a second scaffolding rosette, and

guardrail ledger that includes:

an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member,

a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body that receives the first scaffolding rosette therein, and

a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member, the hook ledger head including a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member, a prong support body that extends from an upper end of the ledger connector base to form an open space vertically below the prong support body that receives the second scaffolding rosette, and a pair of prongs that include a first prong and a second prong that extend vertically downward from the prong support body and both the first prong and the second prong are simultaneously received in corresponding holes formed in the second scaffolding rosette.
The scaffolding system of claim 17, wherein the prong support body includes an engagement surface spaced apart axially distally from the elongated support member, the engagement surface is curved and engaged with the second vertical scaffold post.
The scaffolding system of any one of claims 17 or 18, wherein the ledger head is coupled to the elongated support member to allow for limited movement of the ledger head relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed to the elongated support member.
The scaffolding system of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the prong support body is formed to define a first slot therein for receiving a first wedge that extends through the first slot and the second scaffolding rosette to couple the hook ledger head with the second vertical scaffold post and urge the prong support body into engagement with the second vertical scaffold.
The scaffolding system of claim 20, wherein the prong support body is formed to define a second slot that extends through the prong support body and opens into the first slot to allow the first wedge to extend through either one of the first slot and the second slot.
The scaffolding system of claim 21, wherein the first slot extends generally vertically through the prong support body and the second slot extends vertically and axially through the prong support body.
The scaffolding system of claim 21, wherein the second slot opens into the engagement surface.
The scaffolding system of any one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the first prong extends downwardly from a first side of the prong support body and the second prong extends downwardly from a second side of the prong support body.
The scaffolding system of claim 24, wherein the first side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body tapper toward each other as the prong support body extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base.
The scaffolding system of claim 25, wherein the first side of the prong support body extends at a first angle between about 10 and about 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the second side of the prong support body and the second side of the prong support body extends at a second angle between about 10 and about 30 degrees relative to the axis inward toward the first side of the prong support body.
The scaffolding system of claim 20, wherein the hook ledger head further includes a wedge retainer configured to engage the first wedge and located in the first slot and coupled with the prong support body.
A method of assembling a scaffolding system, the method comprising:

inserting a first prong and a second prong of a hook ledger head into corresponding holes formed in a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post, the hook ledger head connected with a first end of an elongated support member,

coupling a ledger head to a second scaffolding rosette of a second scaffold post, the ledger head being coupled to a second end of the elongated support member while allowing limited movement relative to the elongated support member,

moving the ledger head and the second scaffold post upwardly while the first prong and the second prong are retained in the holes formed in the first scaffolding rosette,

coupling the second scaffold post vertically to a spigot of the scaffolding system such that the second scaffold post extends generally vertically away from the spigot and the elongated support member extends generally horizontally, and

moving a wedge through a first slot formed in the hook ledger head so that the wedge extends through the hook ledger head and interlocks the hook ledger head with the scaffolding rosette.
The method of claim 28, wherein moving the wedge through the first slot urges the hook ledger head and the first vertical scaffold post toward one another to cause a curved engagement surface of the hook ledger head to engage the first vertical scaffold post.
The method of any one of claims 28 or 29, further comprising inserting the wedge into a second slot formed in the hook ledger head to temporarily retain the wedge in the second slot during the moving step.
The method of claim 30, wherein the second slot opens into the first slot.
The method of any one of claims 30 or 31, wherein the second slot opens into the engagement surface of the hook ledger head.
The method of any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the ledger head includes an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving the second scaffolding rosette.