AU2016202190A1 - Scaffolding Hammer - Google Patents

Abstract

A scaffolding hammer; the hammer comprising a head portion, a handle portion and a heel portion integral with the head portion; the handle portion including a narrowed section 5 extending between the head portion and the heel portion; the hammer characterized in that the hammer includes at least one integral nut engaging formation; a central axis of the at least one nut engaging formation normal to an axis of the head portion. C'0 o 04

Description

SCAFFOLDING HAMMER

[0001] The present invention relates to scaffolding and, more particularly to specialized hammers used by scaffolding professionals.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Steel and aluminium scaffolding is now almost universally used, at least in the so-called developed countries and, in many jurisdictions is covered by stringent safety codes.

[0003] A number of specialised tools are used in the scaffolding industry, among which are hammers. Scaffolding relies for its security on mechanical clamping components and on friction between those components and connecting pipes. Both to erect scaffolding and to dismantle it, sharp impact blows are often required. In addition, in the dismantling process, a combination of impact blows and the prising open of clamps make it convenient to combine these functions into the one tool, so that typically, hammers used by scaffolders are provided with a tapered spike extending, preferably at an angle, from the end of the handle .

[0004] Nevertheless, known hammers are not as versatile as possible or desirable, in that certain operations require the changing over to other specialised tools.

[0005] Thus a scaffolder will frequently be required to tighten or slacken nuts and bolts from scaffolding assemblies needing him or her to carry one or more spanners. A combination of a socket wrench and a hammer head for use in scaffolding is known. For example, US5970552 discloses a ratchet tool comprised of a handle, hammer tip, a socket and ratchet gear. One problem with this arrangement is that to change from one size of nut to another, interchangeable sockets must be carried by a user. These relatively small items are easily misplaced or may be dropped creating a significant safety issue when dropped from considerable height. Other problems with this arrangement are that the housing enclosing the ratchet mechanism is liable to damage when subjected to the heavy abuse suffered by hammers in this industry, and that the mass of the hammer is restricted due to the single striking head. Furthermore, the nut which requires attention may have a considerable length of thread projecting from it so that a socket wrench closed at one end cannot be used.

[0006] Another problem with known scaffolding hammers is that they are not secured to the user, so that there is a constant risk that a hammer slipping from the grasp of a user, may inflict serious injury to workers or pedestrians below.

[0007] Typically also, the heads of known scaffolding hammers are of a simple cylindrical shape. It is desirable that the head be of a certain depth, be of sufficient diameter and the volume such as to provide the required impact. This sometimes results in an unbalanced and less than optimum to use configuration.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to address or at least ameliorate some of the above disadvantages .

Notes [0009] The term "comprising" (and grammatical variations thereof) is used in this specification in the inclusive sense of "having" or "including", and not in the exclusive sense of "consisting only of".

[0010] The above discussion of the prior art in the Background of the invention, is not an admission that any information discussed therein is citable prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art in any country.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

[0011] Accordingly, in a broad form of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding hammer; said hammer comprising a head portion, a handle portion and an angled tapered extension of said handle portion; said hammer characterized in that said handle portion includes a narrowed section extending between a generally cylindrical section of said handle portion and said head portion.

[0012] Preferably, the cross section of said narrowed section is generally in the form of a narrow diamond shape; a long axis of said diamond shape parallel to the axis of said generally cylindrical head portion.

[0013] Preferably, said narrowed section is of a width so as to pass between adjoining scaffolding elements; said narrowed section adapted to allow use of said hammer as a lever between said adjoining sections.

[0014] Preferably, said narrowed section provides a strengthened section; said strengthened section having greater resistance to impact forces when struck against an object than said generally cylindrical section of said handle .

[0015] Preferably, said head portion is of generally cylindrical form; said head portion provided with recessed side portions and a recessed front portion; said recessed portions adapted to maintain a desired ratio of head length, cylinder diameter and mass.

[0016] In another broad form of the invention, there is provided a scaffolding hammer; the hammer comprising a head portion, a handle portion and a heel portion integral with the head portion; the handle portion including a narrowed section extending between the head portion and the heel portion; the hammer characterized in that the hammer includes at least one integral nut engaging formation; a central axis of the at least one nut engaging formation normal to an axis of the head portion.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one nut engaging formation comprises two open-ended spanner formations centred on the central axis; one open-ended spanner formation located on each respective side of the head portion.

[0018] Preferably, each open-ended spanner formation extends to a mid-plane of the head portion.

[0019] Preferably, the two open-ended spanner formations are adapted to different sizes of nuts.

[0020] Preferably, the two open-ended spanner formations are in communication one with the other to allow passage of a bolt through the two open-ended spanner formations.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one nut engaging formation comprise two ring spanner formations located in the heel portion; one ring spanner formation set into each respective side of the heel portion.

[0022] Preferably, each ring spanner formation extends to a mid-plane of the heel portion.

[0023] Preferably, the two ring spanner formations are adapted to different sizes of nuts.

[0024] Preferably, the two ring spanner formations are in communication one with the other to allow passage of a bolt through the two ring spanner formations.

[0025] Preferably, a first profile section of the integral handle portion extending between the head portion and a grip portion of the scaffolding hammer has a cross section generally in the form of a narrow diamond shape; a long axis of the narrow diamond shape parallel to an axis of the generally cylindrical head portion.

[0026] Preferably, sharp edges of the narrow diamond shape are scraping edges.

[0027] Preferably, the first profile section is of a width so as to pass between adjoining scaffolding elements; the first section adapted to allow use of the scaffolding hammer as a lever between the adjoining sections .

[0028] Preferably, a second profile section of the integral handle portion extending between the first section and the heel portion has a cross section generally in the form of an "I-beam"; a web of the I-beam aligned with the axis of the generally cylindrical head portion.

[0029] Preferably, the second profile section is adapted for over-moulding with a shock absorbing polymer grip element.

[0030] Preferably, the grip element increases in cross section from a smallest cross section abutting a shoulder at an end of the first profile section to a maximum abutting a shoulder of the heel portion.

[0031] Preferably, the heel portion is provided with a through aperture for securing therethrough a safety lanyard.

[0032] Preferably, the head portion includes a generally cylindrical section and a claw section; the claw section bifurcated for engagement with, and removal of fastening elements .

[0033] In a further broad form of the invention, there is provided a method of using a scaffolding hammer to turn nuts of bolts used in a scaffolding assembly; the method including the steps of - Selecting an integral nut engaging formation of the scaffolding hammer to suit a selected nut, - Engaging the nut engaging formation with the selected nut, - Rotating the scaffolding hammer about an axis of the nut.

[0034] Preferably, the scaffolding hammer is provided with at least one integral nut engaging formation.

[0035] Preferably, the nut engaging formation is one of a pair of nut engaging formations.

[0036] Preferably, the pair of nut engaging formations comprise open ended spanner formations integrally formed in a head portion of the scaffolding hammer.

[0037] Preferably, the pair of nut engaging formations comprise a pair of ring spanner formations integrally formed in a heel portion of the scaffolding hammer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: [0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a scaffolding hammer according to prior art, [0040] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the scaffolding hammer according to the invention, [0041] Figure 3 is a view of the scaffolding hammer of Figure 1 as seen from above, [0042] Figure 3A is a sectioned view of a narrowed portion of the handle of the scaffolding hammer of Figures 1 and 2, [0043] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a scaffolding hammer according to the invention, provided with a safety strap or lanyard, [0044] Figure 5 is a further preferred embodiment of a scaffolding hammer incorporating a claw, [0045] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of the invention, [0046] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing details of the shaft of the scaffolding hammer of Figure 6, [0047] Figures 8 and 9 are cross section views of two sections of the shaft of the scaffolding hammer of

Figures 6 and 7 [0048] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a further preferred embodiment of a scaffolding hammer according to the invention provided with integral nut engaging structures in a head of the hammer, [0049] Figure 11 is a further view of the scaffolding hammer of Figure 10 now provided with a shock absorbent polymer grip, [0050] Figure 12 is a perspective view of a another preferred embodiment of a scaffolding hammer according to the invention provided with nut engaging structures in a heel portion of the hammer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] With reference to Figure 1, a typical scaffolding hammer according to the prior art, is distinguished from other specialized hammers by an angled, tapered extension of the handle. This angled extension provides the user with a means of prising apart certain scaffolding components.

First Preferred Embodiment [0052] Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scaffolding hammer 10 is a drop-forged tool. It is provided with an integral handle 12 comprising a generally cylindrical section 14, similar to that found in hammers of the prior art, but is additionally provided with a narrowed section 16 for a portion of the handle extending from the head portion 18. Conventionally, the hammer 10 of the invention is provided with an angled tapering spike 20 extending from the end of the cylindrical handle section 14.

[0053] The narrowed section 16 of handle 14 is, in section, of a generally narrow diamond shape, as best seen in the sectioned view of Figure 3A. The long axis of this diamond shape is parallel to the axis of the head portion 18. Preferably, the upper and lower regions 22 and 24 of the narrowed, diamond sectioned part of the handle, form narrow ridges extending generally from adjacent the cylindrical handle section 14 to adjacent the head portion 18. Preferably these narrow ridges have relatively sharp edges 26.

[0054] The narrowed section 16 of the handle 12, allows the hammer to be used as a wedging device in the prising apart of narrowly separated scaffolding components, which otherwise would have required the scaffolder to carry another tool for this purpose.

[0055] The long axis of the diamond shape of the narrow handle section 16 is of similar, or may be slightly longer, than the diameter of the cylindrical handle section 14. However, the diamond shape has been found in practice, to confer a much higher strength to this portion of the handle compared with a uniformly cylindrical handle as in the prior art, making it more resistant to inadvertent impacts delivered to the handle adjacent to the head.

[0056] The narrow ridges at upper and lower regions 22 and 24 and relatively sharp edges 26 of the narrowed section 16 of the handle 12, permit the scaffolding hammer 10 of the present invention, to be used as a crude chisel. This is a useful feature in that it allows the scaffolder to chop away obstructing parts of plywood sheeting or other timber where there is interference with scaffolding components .

[0057] These sharp edges 26 of the ridges 22 are also useful in scraping off accreted mortar or concrete from scaffolding tubing, again providing a greater usefulness of the scaffolding hammer of the invention.

[0058] Typically, the head of a scaffolding hammer is generally cylindrical, as shown in the prior art hammer of Figure 1. It is however preferable for a scaffolding hammer to combine a desired ratio of head length, cylinder diameter and mass. To this end, and to achieve a better balance in use, the hammer of the present invention is provided with a modified head geometry by means of recesses 30 and 32 at each side, and recess 34 at the front of the head 18. The reduction in mass afforded by these recesses permits a desired balance between hammer head mass, the head diameter and the length of the head between striking surfaces 36 and 38.

Second Preferred Embodiment [0059] In this second preferred embodiment with reference to Figure 4, a scaffolding hammer according to the invention, may incorporate all the features described in the first preferred embodiment above, but in addition, incorporates a safety lanyard strap or cord 40. In a preferred arrangement, the lanyard strap or cord 40 is secured to the hammer handle 12 adjacent the angle between the cylindrical handle section 14 and the tapered spike 20. Preferably the flexible strap or cord 40 is attached to a ring element 42 free to rotated about the end of the cylindrical section 14 in a groove 44 provided for that purpose. Alternatively, the handle at that location may be provided with a through aperture through which the strap or cord may be passed or by means of which an attachment element may be secured.

[0060] Preferably the lanyard strap or cord 40 forms a loop which is passed around the wrist of the scaffolder (not shown). Alternatively, the lanyard may comprise a longer cord provided at its outer end with a Carabiner type ' shackle for securing the lanyard to the tool belt of the scaffolder (not shown). In either case the lanyard strap or cord 40 of this embodiment prevents inadvertent loss of the scaffolding hammer 10 if it should slip from the grasp of a scaffolder.

Third Preferred Embodiment [0061] In a third preferred embodiment of the scaffolding hammer of the invention, the hammer again incorporates the narrowed section 16 of the handle 12, the angled, tapered spike 20 and at least part of the balance promoting recesses 30, 32 and 34 of the hammer head 18. It may further include the safety lanyard feature described in the second preferred embodiment. In this embodiment however, one end of the head 18 is modified to include a bifurcated claw 46 in the manner of a carpenter's hammer. Again, the addition of this feature adds to the usefulness and versatility of the scaffolding hammer of the invention, providing the functionality of a claw hammer without having to resort to a separate claw hammer where the need arises.

[0062] Preferably, the claw 46, which extends from the upper end of the head 18 of the scaffolding hammer, melds with the recessed portions 30, 32 and 34 as shown in Figure 5.

Fourth Preferred Embodiment [0063] With reference now to Figures 6 and 9, in a further embodiment of a scaffolding hammer 100 according to the invention, the hammer is provided, as in previously described embodiments above, with a hammer head 118, a handle shaft 112 and an angled tapered spike 120, characteristic of the invention. In this embodiment however, the handle shaft 112 includes a handle section 108 shaped to accommodate an over-moulded grip section 110, preferably formed of high impact polypropylene.

[0064] The hammer head 118 of this embodiment may take any one of the forms described in the embodiments above, that is those shown in Figures 2 to 4, but may additionally be in the form of a plain cylinder as shown in Figures 6 and 7 .

[0065] As best shown in Figure 7, the handle 112 is formed in two profile sections; a first profile section 122 which extends for part of the length of the handle shaft 112 from the hammer head 118, and the second profile section 124 extending from the first and which is enveloped by the grip section 110. The preferred forms of the first and second profile sections 122,124 are shown in the sectioned views of Figures 8 and 9.

[0066] It can be seen that the first profile section 122 is of a generally oval shape, with the long axis of the oval parallel to the axis of the generally cylindrical hammer head 118. Extending laterally from each side of the oval, in line with the short axis of the oval and extending along the length of the first profile section 122, are scraping ridges 126 and 128, each tapering to a sharp edge. These are adapted to perform the scraping function as described in the first embodiment above. The rearward end of the first profile section 122 is flared outwardly to provide a shoulder 130.

[0067] The second profile section 124 is formed with a generally I-beam profile as shown in Figure 9, which extends from the shoulder 130 of the first profile section 122, for maximum strength to weight ratio. Preferably it is provided along the sides of the central web with projections 132 to provide for secure engagement between this section of the handle shaft 112 and the over-moulded grip section 110.

[0068] It can be seen that the grip section 110 is preferably tapered, increasing in profile from its smallest at the shoulder 130 of the first profile section 122, to its maximum at its rearward end 134, the more securely to lie in the hand of a user by naturally resisting the hammer sliding from a user's grip. The gripping function of the grip section may be further augmented by the provision of projecting tabs 136 along at least a portion of the sides of the grip section.

[0069] In this embodiment, the angled tapered spike 120 extends from a junction section 138 of the handle shaft 112. This junction section 138 is formed to include a shoulder 140 abutting the overmoulded grip section 110, and is provided with a through aperture 142 for the securing of a safety lanyard (not shown) to the hammer 100, as previously described above.

Fifth Preferred Embodiment [0070] In this further preferred embodiment with reference to Figures 10 and 11 a scaffolding hammer 100 is largely formed as described. above, comprising a drop-forged tool including a hammer head 102 comprised in this instance of dual, cylindrical striking heads 104 and 106 projecting from a central section 108, an integral handle portion 110, an integral heel portion 112 and an integral, rearwardly projecting and preferably angled, tapering prising spike 114 projecting from the heel portion 112.

[0071] As before the handle 110 includes a narrowed section 116 provided with scraping edges 118. At least a portion of the handle 110 between the narrowed section and the heel portion 112 may be over-moulded with a polymer, shock absorbent grip 120 as shown in Figure 11.

[0072] In this preferred embodiment, the central section 108 of the hammer head 102, includes at least one, preferably two, nut engaging formations 122 and 124, integral with the central section 108 with one nut engaging formation arranged at either side of the hammer head 102.

[0073] As can be seen in the view of Figure 10A, these nut engaging formations 122,124, are centred on a common axis normal to the axis of the hammer head 102 and lie on either side of the central section 108. They project somewhat past the cylindrical formations of the striking heads 104 and 106, but with their outer faces generally tangential with the cylindrical body of the hammer head 102. As can best be seen in Figure 10A, the two nut engaging formations 122,124 are in communication one with another, each extending to a mid-plane of the hammer head, so that a bolt passing through a nut 130 located in one of the formations 122 or 124 may project through both formations unobstructed.

[0074] The two nut engaging formations 122 and 124 in effect form open ended spanners and are adapted to different sizes of nuts commonly used in the scaffolding industry, preferably M10 and M12.

[0075] The angled prising spike 114 extends, as for the embodiments above, from an enlarged junction or heel portion 112 of the handle 110 rearward of the over-moulded polymer grip 120 and is again provided with a through aperture 132 for attachment of a safety lanyard (not shown).

Sixth Preferred Embodiment [0076] Turning now to Figure 12, in this further preferred embodiment, nut engaging formations 132,134 are provided in the heel portion 112 of the scaffolding hammer 100. The formations 132,134 each extend from respective opposite sides of the heel portion 112 to a mid-plane of the hammer, and comprise axially aligned, hexagonal through apertures to form a pair of ring spanner formations, again adapted to two sizes of hexagonal nuts. Again in this instance the two nut sizes may be for M10 and M12 nuts.

In Use [0077] In use, the features of the invention provide a more versatile tool which may be used for all the operations usually performed by conventional scaffolding hammers in the erection and dismantling of steel or aluminium scaffolding, but in addition provide for functions which normally require the availability of additional specialized equipment. Since the tool array typically carried by a scaffolder is already extensive and quite heavy, the multi function capability of the scaffolding hammer of the invention provides a significant contribution to the art.

[0078] The ability of some of the embodiments of the hammer described above to manipulate the typical nuts used in nut and bolt assemblies in scaffolding within the hammer tool itself provides both convenience and additional safety [0079] In addition, an embodiment of the hammer incorporating the lanyard attachment, further provides for improved safety when a scaffolding hammer is used at levels above other personnel or passing pedestrian traffic, while the overmoulded grip element of the last described embodiment provides a much increased level of comfort and grip security to a user.

Claims (22)

1. A scaffolding hammer; the hammer comprising a head portion, a handle portion and a heel portion integral with the head portion; the handle portion including a narrowed section extending between the head portion and the heel portion; the hammer characterized in that the hammer includes at least one integral nut engaging formation; a central axis of the at least one nut engaging formation normal to an axis of the head portion.

2. The scaffolding hammer of claim 1 wherein the at least one nut engaging formation comprises two open-ended spanner formations centred on the central axis; one open-ended spanner formation located on each respective side of the head portion.

3. The scaffolding hammer of claim 1 or 2 wherein each open-ended spanner formation extends to a mid-plane of the head portion. -

4. The scaffolding hammer of claim 2 or 3 wherein the two open-ended spanner formations are adapted to different sizes of nuts.

5. The scaffolding hammer of any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the two open-ended spanner formations are in communication one with the other to allow passage of a bolt through the two open-ended spanner formations.

6. The scaffolding hammer of claim 1 wherein the at least one nut engaging formation comprise two ring spanner formations located in the heel portion; one ring spanner formation set into each respective side of the heel portion.

7. The scaffolding hammer of claim 6 wherein each ring spanner formation extends to a mid-plane of the heel portion.

8. The scaffolding hammer of claim 7 wherein the two ring spanner formations are adapted to different sizes of nuts .

9. The scaffolding hammer of any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the two ring spanner formations are in communication one with the other to allow passage of a bolt through the two ring spanner formations.

10. The scaffolding hammer of any previous claim wherein a first profile section of the integral handle portion extending between the head portion and a grip portion of the scaffolding hammer has a cross section generally in the form of a narrow diamond shape; a long axis of the narrow diamond shape parallel to an axis of the generally cylindrical head portion.

11. The scaffolding hammer of claim 9 wherein sharp edges of the narrow diamond shape are scraping edges.

12. The scaffolding, hammer of claim 10 or 11 wherein the first profile section is of a width so as to pass between adjoining scaffolding elements; the first section adapted to allow use of the scaffolding hammer as a lever between the adjoining sections.

13. The scaffold hammer of any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein a second profile section of the integral handle portion extending between the first section and the heel portion has a cross section generally in the form of an "I-beam"; a web of the I-beam aligned with the axis of the generally cylindrical head portion.

14. The scaffolding hammer of any one of claims 10 to 13 wherein the second profile section is adapted for over-moulding with a shock absorbing polymer grip element.

15. The scaffolding hammer of claim 14 wherein the grip element increases in cross section from a smallest cross section abutting a shoulder at an end of the first profile section to a maximum abutting a shoulder of the heel portion.

16. The scaffolding hammer of any previous claim wherein the heel portion is provided with a through aperture for securing therethrough a safety lanyard.

17. The scaffolding hammer of any previous claim in which the head portion includes a generally cylindrical section and a claw section; the claw section bifurcated for engagement with, and removal of fastening elements .

18. A method of using a scaffolding hammer to turn nuts of bolts used in a scaffolding assembly; the method including the steps of - Selecting an integral nut engaging formation of the scaffolding hammer to suit a selected nut, - Engaging the nut engaging formation with the selected nut, - Rotating the scaffolding hammer about an axis of the nut.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein the scaffolding hammer is provided with at least one integral nut engaging formation.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19 wherein the nut engaging formation is one of a pair of nut engaging formations.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the pair of nut engaging formations comprise open ended spanner formations integrally formed in a head portion of the scaffolding hammer.

22. The method of claims 20 wherein the pair of nut engaging formations comprise a pair of ring spanner formations integrally formed in a heel portion of the scaffolding hammer.