IE51656B1 - Improvements to assembly elements,more particularly for scaffolding - Google Patents

Abstract

The clamp has two half collars each with an internal deformable face (4a) to grip a scaffold tube and each with an external part providing a space between the two parts to take the ends of scaffold traverses or braces. A locking pin (7) can be engaged with its narrow part (7f) between the collars allowing a hinge action or it can be driven home to stop rotation. A second pin (6) can be driven down so that its end (6b) holds the two collars together or up so that one collar end can slide out through a gap (6a), the pin remaining on a collar projection (4c).

Description

The invention relates to assembly elements for, on the one hantl, gripping round a cylindrical element (with circular cross-section or other) after having been axially or laterally engaged on this cylindrical element and, on the other hand, securing on this cylindrical element one or more transverse elements.

The invention applies more particularly to assembly elements for scaffolding for, on the one hand, gripping round a vertical tubular upright after having been engaged axially or laterally on this vertical tubular upright and, on the other hand, securing on this vertical tubular upright one or more transverse connecting and/or wind—bracing elements such as longitudinal members or cross members and/or diagonal members.

Such an assembly element has already been proposed, comprising essentially two half-collars joined together by two pins, each half-collar comprising an internal deformable portion adapted to be applied against the surface of the cylindrical element and an external portion adapted so as to define with the internal portion, spaces for receiving the ends of the transverse element(s), one at least of these two pins, called locking pin, being adapted so as to cause, when it is moved axially with respect to the two half-collars, clamping of these two half-collars.

This clamping causes, on the one hand, interlocking of the two halfcollars with respect to the cylindrical element and, on the other hand, clamping of the ends of the transverse elements between the internal portion and the external portion of the two half-collars.

This operation may be achieved by simple axial movement of the locking 25 pin, which movement may be effected in one direction or in the other hy means of a simple hammer.

The invention aims at further improving assembly elements of the above-described type, particularly in malting them more reliable, easier to use and simpler to manufacture.

One aim of the invention is to provide an assembly element in which 5 the risk of accidental uncoupling is practically eliminated, which increases its reliability.

Another aim of the invention is to provide an assembly element whose component parts are inseparable, which makes it easier to use.

A further aim of the invention is to provide an assembly element whose component parts are obtained (by cutting out, stamping, deformation) from flat bar material, which simplifies manufacture thereof.

The assembly element of the invention comprises two half-collars joined together by two pins, each half-collar comprising an internal deformable portion, adapted so as to be applied against the surface of the cylindrical element, and an external portion adapted so as to define, with the internal portion, spaces for receiving the ends of the transverse element(s), one at least of these two pins, called locking pin being adapted so as to cause, when it is moved axially with respect to the two half-collars, clamping of these two half-collars, and it is characterized by the fact that the locking pin is formed by a closed hairpin closed back on itself so that the locking pin cannot be disengaged from the two half-collars and by the fact that the other pin, opposite the locking pin and called dismantling pin, is formed by an open hairpin having an opening disposed and arranged so that this dismantling pin may either occupy an axial release position in which the opening allows this pin to be disengaged from one of the two half-collars while remaining engaged in the other half-collar, or an axial engagement position in which this pin remains engaged in the two half-collars.

According to an advantageous arrangement of the invention, the locking pin possesses properties of elasticity (through its shape or the material from vhich it is formed) and it is provided with a stop maintaining this locking pin in its inactive position in which it does not clamp the two half5 collars, the thin part of this locking pin, which is then engaged in the two half-collars being then adapted so that the two half-collars may open when the dismantling pin is brought into its axial disengagement position.

From the constructional point of view, this stop may be advantageously obtained by local deformation of the outer leg of the hairpin forming the locking pin.

To facilitate opening of the two half-collars, the locking pin has in the part of its outer leg situated opposite the thin part of its inner leg, a disengagement space.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements which have been discussed above, of certain other arrangements which are used preferably at the same time and which will be more explicitly discussed hereafter.

The invention will in any case be well understood with the help of the complement of description which follows and the accompanying di’awings, which complement and drawings are relative to a preferred embodiment of the invention and comprise, of course, no limiting character.

Fig. 1 of these drawings is an exploded perspective view of on assembly element in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of this assembly element shown in the open position.

Figs. 3 and 4 show respectively in elevation and in a top view, an assembly element illustrated in the closed position but not locked about a vertical tubular upright.

Fig. 5 is a top view of this assembly element but shown this time in the closed and locked position about a vertical tubular upright and securing, on this vortical upright, two transverse wind-bracing elements.

Fig. 6 is a vertical section of the assembly element shown in Fig. 5.

As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the assembly element, designated generally by the reference number 1, allows, on the one hand, clamping of a cylindrical 5 element 2 (such as a vertical tubular upright) after having been engaged axially and laterally on this vertical tubular upright 2 and, on the other hand, the securing, on this vertical tubular upright 2, of several transverse connecting and/or wind-bracing elements 3 (such as longitudinal members or horizontal cross members and/or diagonal members).

This assembly element 1 is essentially formed, as can be clearly seen in Figs. 1 to 6, by two half-collars 4 and 5 joined together by two pins and 7.

Each half-collar 4 and 5 comprises an internal deformable portion, respectively 4a and 5a, adapted so as to bear against the surface of the vertical tubular upright 2, and an external portion, respectively 4b and 5b, for defining with the corresponding internal portion 4a and 5a, spaces for receiving the ends 3a of the transverse wind-bracing elements 3.

One of these two pins, pin 7 called locking pin, is adapted so that when it is moved axially with respect to the two half-collars 4 and 5, it causes clamping of these two half-collars.

Locking pin 7 is formed by a hairpin closed on itself, so that this locking pin 7 cannot be disengaged from the two half-collars 4 and 5. This closed hairpin comprises an inner leg 7a, an outer leg 7b,a loop-shaped upper part 7c joining together the inner 7a and outer 7b legs, and a lower part 7d formed by a portion of the outer leg 7b bent back on to the inner leg 7a, this lower part 7d bearing on the end of the inner leg 7a.

Such a locking pin 7 is formed from a material having properties of elasticity and its upper part 7c, in the form of a loop, promotes elastic 1656 deformations ; this locking pin 7 is then provided with a stop 7e maintaining it in its inactive position in which it does not clamp the two half-collars 4 and 5. The thin part 7f of this locking pin 7, which is then engaged in the two half-collars 4 and 5, is adapted in this case so that the two half-collars 4 and 5 may open when the dismantling pin 6 ( which will be discussed more fully hereafter) is brought into its axial disengagement position.

This stop 7e may be advantageously obtained by local deformation of the outer leg 7b of the hairpin forming the locking pin 7.

So as to cause clamping of the two half-collars 4 and 5 by an axial movement of locking pin 7 when it passes from its inactive position to its active position, the inner part 7a of this locking pin 7 comprises a ramp 7g ending at the thin part 7f.

Thus, pin 6 opposite locking pin 7 and calleddismantling pin is formed by an open hairpin having an opening 6a disposed and arranged so that this dismantling pin h may : - either occupy an axial disengagement position in which the opening 6a allows this pin to be released from one of the two half-collars 4 and 5, while remaining engaged in the other half-collar 5 or 4 ; - or occupy an axial engagement position in which this pin remains engaged in the two half-collars 4 and 5.

This open hairpin comprises an inner leg 6b in which there is provided the opening 6a, an outer leg 6c, and two rounded portions 6d and 6e joining together the inner 6b and outer 6c legs.

To facilitate opening of the two half-collars 4 and 5, the locking pin has, in the part of its outer leg 7b situated opposite the thin part 7f of its inner leg 7a, a disengagement space 7h.

From the constructional point of view, the two half-collars 4 and 5 are advantageously formed from steel (e.g. steel heat-treated so as to have characteristics of deformability and elasticity) and are formed from a flat bar.

At the level of pins 6 and 7, the half-collars 4 and 5 have inter5 fitting bent lugs, 4c for half-collar 4 which has three of them and 5c for half-collar 5 which also has three of them.

It will be then readily understood that the two half-collars 4 and 5 are identical, which facilitates manufacture of the assembly element.

Also from the constructional point of view, it is advantageous to form the locking 7 and dismantling 6 pins from a flat bar ; the same flat bar may moreover serve for producing these two pins.

So as to facilitate the deformability of the internal parts 4a and 5a of the two half-collars 4 and 5, each of these internal parts is provided with an axial slot 11 formed in the middle region of the internal part considered, i.e. approximately between the two locking 7 and dismantling 6 pins.

On each side of slot 11, the internal part considered 4a or 5a comprises radial bent lugs 12 which extend as far as notches 13 provided in the region opposite the external part considered 4b or 5b. This arrangement allows an 2C abutment affect of lugs 12 against the edges of the notches 13 to he obtained during clamping of the two half-collars 4 and 5 and when there exist spaces not occupied by the end 3a of the transverse wind-bracing elements.

So as to obtain axial locking of the two half-collars 4 and 5 on the vertical tubular upright 2, there is advantageously provided on this 25 vertical tubular upright 2 reliefs 14, spread out evenly along a generatrix of the tubular upright 2, or disposed along two diametrically opposed generatrices of said tubular upright 2. These reliefs 14 then engage in openings 15 provided in the internal part 4a and 5a of each half-collar 4 mid 5. These openings 15 may extend on each side of slot 11.

So as to improve, in the vortical direction from top to bottom, the strength of the connection between the transverse connecting und/or windbracing element 3 and the vertical tubular upright 2, it is advantageous 5 to cause the end 3a of this transverse element to bear on the internal part 4a or 5a of the half-collar 4 or 5 considered. For this purpose, this end 3a comprises an abutment surface 3b cooperating with the upper edge of the internal part 4a or 5a considered.

It should be noted that it is still possible -to fix an assembly element 10 1 constructed as has just been described outside the reliefs 14 provided on the vertical tubular upright 2. This fitting allows moreover any angular orientation of assembly element 1.

Axial locking is then obtained solely by clamping between the internal parts 4a and 5a and the surface of the vertical tubular upright 2. ;5 But assembly element 1 thus mounted may also be disposed just above another assembly element 1 engaged on the reliefs 14.

The following is a description of how an assembly element constructed in the afore-mentioned manner is assembled or dismantled.

Assembly - the assembly element is laterally engaged on the vertical tubular element, the dismantling pin 6 being disengaged from one of the two halfcollars and the locking pin 7 occupying its inactive position ; - this assembly element is brought to the desired level ; - the assembly element is closed on to the corresponding reliefs of the vertical tubular upright by bringing the dismantling pin 6 into its position in which it is engaged in the two half-collars ; in this position the assembly element is locked on the reliefs and it is possible to dispose the transverse and/or wind-bracing elements to be fixed on the vertical tubular upright ; - the assembly element is locked by bringing the locking pin 7 into its position in which it clamps together the two half-collars, and thus locking them on the vertical tubular upright and secures the transverse and/or wind-bracing elements.

Dismantling - locking pin 7 is brought from its active position in which the two half-collars are clamped to its inactive position in which the two half-collars are unclamped ; - then all or part of the transverse and/or wind-bracing elements may be withdrawn ; - then the assembly element is relocked if it has been only partly dismantled, or on the contrary the dismantling pin 6 may be disengaged from the two half-collars, the assembly element then being able to open, which allows it to be freed from the vertical tubular upright.

Finally, and whatever the embodiment adopted, the assembly element in accordance with the invention presents the following advantages : - the risk of accidental unlocking of the assembly element is practically eliminated since, in the case of a mistake in handling the locking pin, it always remains engaged in the two half-collars which cannot therefore, in any case, open from the locking pin ; - the parts forming the assembly element are inseparable and the user has always available a complete element, whose assembly and dismantling are effected with a simple hammer and without taking any special pre25 caution ; - all the parts forming the assembly element are obtained (by cutting out, stamping, deforming) from a flat bar material ; the two half-collars are obtained from a relatively wide flat bar and the two locking and 51636 dismantling pins are obtained, from a narrower flat bar. Manufacture is then carried out from only two flat bars ; - the locking pin occupies, during the first part of the assembly phase of the assembly element, an inactive position which allows opening of the two half-collars, positioning thereof, positioning of the transverse element(s) ; the same holds true for dismantling as soon as the locking pin has been moved from its active position to its inactive position which it retains until the next locking operation.

As is evident, and as it follows moreover already from what has gone before, the invention is in no wise limited to those of its modes of application and embodiments which have been more especially considered ; it embraces, on the contrary, all variations thereof.

Claims (8)

claims

1. An assembly element, more particularly for scaffolding, adapted for clamping a cylindrical element and fixing on this cylindrical element one or more transverse elements, comprising two half-collars joined together by a locking pin and a dismantling pin and each comprising an 5 internal deformable part adapted so as to be applied against the surface of the cylindrical element and an external part adapted to define with the internal part spaces for receiving the ends of at least one transverse element, the locking pin being adapted so as to cause, when it is moved axially with respect to the two half-collars, clamping of these two half10 collars, characterized by the fact that the locking pin is formed by a closed hairpin closed back on itself, so that the locking pin cannot be disengaged from the two half-collars and by the fact that the dismantling pin is formed by an open hairpin having an opening disposed and adapted so that this dismantling pin may occupy, either an axial disengagement. 15 position in which the opening allows this pin to be disengaged from one of the two half-collars, while remaining engaged in the other half-collar or an axial engagement position in which this pin remains engaged in the two half-collars.

2. An assembly element according to claim 1, characterized by the fact 20 that the locking pin has properties of elasticity and is provided with a stop maintaining it in its inactive position in which it does not clamp the two half-collars, the thin part of the locking pin being then adapted so that the two half-collars may open when the dismantling pin is brought to its axial disengagement position. 25

3. An assembly element according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that the stop is obtained by local deformation of the outer leg of the hairpin forming the locking pin.

4. An assembly element according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized hy the fact that the locking pin presents, in the part of its outer leg situated opposite the thin part of its inner leg, a 5. Disengagement space.

5. An assembly element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the fact that the locking pin is formed by an inner leg, an outer leg, an upper part in the form of a loop joining together these two inner and outer legs and a lower part formed by a portion of the outer 10 leg bent back on the inner leg, this bent back portion resting on the lower end of the inner leg.

6. An assembly element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the fact that the dismantling pin is formed by an inner leg in which there is provided the opening, an outer leg and two rounded 15 parts joining together the inner and outer legs.

7. An assembly element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by the fact that the locking and dismantling pins are formed from flat bars, preferably of the same width and the same thickness.

8. An assembly element as claimed in Claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.