GB2415734A

GB2415734A - Anti-theft device for scaffolding T-connection

Info

Publication number: GB2415734A
Application number: GB0402429A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Fell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-10-28
Filing date: 2004-02-04
Publication date: 2006-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2024-02-04
Also published as: GB0325082D0; GB2415734B; GB0402429D0

Abstract

An anti-theft security device for scaffolding systems including two interlocking hinged halves 33 and 34, which encompass a typical scaffolding 'T' shaped connection when closed together, a lock and lock receptacle 44 and 46, which require a key to disengage. Re-enforcing metal components 40 and 39, which also form a secondary interlocking point 43 and 42 may be included if the construction material of the outer shell 33 and 34 is of plastic or similar softer material. A hinge pin 37 or a interconnection lug arrangement may form the hinge detail. Either hinge pin or lug combined with the lock and lock receptacle within the two halves 33 and 34 form a locking device that prevents the disassembly of the scaffolding joint connection.

Description

Anti - theft device for "Quick- Fit" assembly tower type scaffolding By

present conventional procedure, scaffolding is erected / assembled and fixed using skilled and / or qualified erectors, therefore ensuring the structure is safe and reliable for the work force organised and required to use.

In the main the scaffolding tower assembly consists of tubing with specialised fittings grouping the various vertical and horizontal tube members with diagonal ties, forming a stable structure.

Wheels of various types with combined brake assemblies are often fitted to the base of the vertical members to enable the structure to be somewhat mobile and moved as the work programme progresses.

In later years new forms of design using "Quick - Fit" scaffolding assemblies have been produced and become available, and are in use today. Manufactured from a wide range of materials including alloys, therefore subsequently relatively lighter in weight than the galvanised steel tube / pipe and f stings used previously.

However, one serious drawback to the user is that due to the "Quick - Fit" assembly method, not requiring specialised tools, which renders the structures open to theft, which has a financial knock - on effect, in particular to smaller companies using the said method of construction.

By way of the following description and drawings the invention seeks to overcome this problem.

Fig 1 is a plan view of the device with a cross - sectional view.

(Example No I) - 1

Fig 2 Isometric views. (Example Not) Fig 3 Exploded isometric (Example Not) Fig 4 Plan view with cross-section A-A. (Example No2) Figs 5 and 6 Isometric view showing "closed" and "open" positions.

(Example No2)

Fig 7 Exploded view (Example No2) Fig 8 Plan view with cross-section B-B. (Example No3) Figs 9 and 10 Isometric view showing "closed" and "open" positions.

(Example No3)

Fig l l Exploded view (Example No3)

(For example this description only).

Items 12 and 13 Figs 1, 2 and 3 are the "top" and "lower" housings of the device, manufactured (for this description only) from steel sheet by means of"press - tool" procedure to produce the specified shape.

The two housings 12 and 13 are located and juxtaposed to each other by means of lugs item l 9 Fig 3 and slots (not shown) in the lower housing Item 13.

The two housings 12 and 13 are then pivotally engaged as an integral member, the pivot point is denoted by Item l 4 Fig 1. - 2

The scaffolding tubes or members Items 16 and 17 Figs 1, 2 and 3 are held and retained in position by "Quick - Fit" claw like assemblies Item Figs 1 and 3 in a "T" form assembly, locking in position the various tube members in multiple arrangement throughout the entire structure.

This is mechanically achieved by actuating the manual trigger portion Iteml8Figl.

A lock item 20 Figs 1, 2 and 3 (of which several are commercially available) is secured to the front section of the lower housing Item 13, so that it becomes an integral part of the lower housing.

A "Latch - Plate" or other feature (not shown) is fitted to the "top" housing Item 12 Fig 3.

The "Latch - Plate" is compatible with the "claw" shape latch Item 21 Fig 3, such that when the two housings 12 and 13 are forwardly moved towards each other, totally or partially enclosing and concealing the "T" junction assembly Item 15 Fig 3, engagement of the "Latch - plate" in the upper housing produces a "close - lock" state. This will as aforesaid described both conceal the "Quick - Fit" assembly, also prevent easy theft of same.

A key Item 22 Figs 1, 2 and 3 will cause release of the two housings of the device.

A further embodiment of the invention is that of the two examples depicted in Figs 4 - 11 inclusive.

items 23 and 24 Figs 4, 5, 6 and 7 are the "top" and "lower" housings of the device manufactured (for this description only) from an aluminium alloy.

The two housings 23 and 24 are pivotally located together at one end by a pin Item 25 Figs 4 and 7, such that the two housings are locked together as an integral unit. - 3

The scaffolding tubes or members Items 26 and 27 Figs 4, 5 and 6 are retained in position by "Quick-Fit" "T" assembly Item 28 Figs 4 and 6, (which are commercially available) and used by all major scaffolding suppliers.

These assemblies lock and retain the various tube members in multiple arrangement throughout the entire scaffolding "tower" - "structure".

This is achieved by actuating the manual trigger portion Item 29 Fig 4.

A lock Item 30 Figs 6 and 7 (commercially available) secures the "top" and "lower" housings 23 and 24, once the "key" Item 30 engages within the location facility item 31 Figs 6 and 7 housed within the "lower" housing 24, once the top housing 23 is moved forwardly towards the "lower" housing 24 Fig 6, represented by the arrow "X".

A compatible "key" (not shown) is engaged within the locks "key-hole" 32 Figs 4 and 7 which will cause a release action of the two housings for disengagement.

The final example no3 is described as follows. Items 33 and 34 Figs 8, 9 and 11 are the "top" and "lower" housings of the device (manufactured for this description only) from a plastic for example Polycarbonate or ABS.

(For this example only).

The "lower" housing 34 contains two "lobes" or "lugs" Item 35 Fig 11, each containing a "hole" or "bore" 36.

A steel "pin" or "spring-pin" Item 37 with a diameter compatible with the "holes" 36 within the "lugs" 35 provides a necessary pivot point.

Blanking discs 38 Fig 11 provide retention of the pin Item 37 within the lugs 35.

Inserts items 39 and 40 Fig 11 manufactured (for this description only) from a sheet metal pressing are retained within the "upper" and "lower" housings Items 33 and 34 by "rivets", "self-tapping" screws or other fastening means,41 Fig 11, using sufficient quantity to ensure the inserts 39 and 40 are adequately secured, to be integral to each other. - 4

A slot 42 Fig 11 is located within the "upper" region at one end only of the lower insert 39.

Item 43 Fig l l is a "tab" formed at one end of the "lower" region of the "top" insert 40 and is compatible, having a pivotable location within the slot 42 Fig l l. This provides a pivot location assembly around the pin 37 of the "lower" housing 34 Figs 10 and 11.

A lock 44 Fig 11 is located within the "boss" 45 of the "lower" housings 34 and retained positively in position (for this description only) by a lock nut 45, located on the "outer" side of the insert 39. A compatible latch Part 46 Fig l l (retained by "rivets" or screws 41) is engageable with the lock 44 moved forwardly towards the "lower" housing 34 represented by the arrow "F". The two housings are then locked together as an integral unit.

A compatible key (not shown) can be engaged within the locks key hole 47 for disengagement. All dimensions and material specifications will satisfy the design criteria. Finally the device as aforesaid described would fit existing scaffolding "Quick-fit" assemblies as described by the designs l and 2 Figs 1-7.

Claims

1. A scaffolding security device including two coupling halves each with a lock or lock latch so that when the two halves encompass a typical scaffolding 'T' connection joint and lock, and lock latch are engaged the device may not be removed from the scaffolding connection and thus the scaffolding connection can not be disassembled without first disengaging the lock from the lock latch with a compatible key and removing the security device.

2. A scaffolding security device as claimed in Claim I where the means of coupling the two device halves is by lug and slot or hinge pin or other means providing a pivotal engagement to one another.

3. A scaffolding security device as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 where a lock is secured into one hinged half of the device so that it becomes an integral part, and a latch is secured into the other hinged half of the device so that it to becomes an integral part, and so that when the two device halves are pivoted toward each other the lock and latch engage to form a locked state.

4. A seafl'olding security device as claimed in Claim I or Claim 2 or Claim 3 where the device in a locked state can fully or partially enclose a typical scaffolding claw like 'T' connection, preventing easy theft.

5. A scat't'olding security device as claimed in any proceeding claim, which it made from metal, plastics material or wood, or from a combination of these materials.

6. A scaffolding security device substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. - 6