AU2014101668A4 - Cantilever bracket - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cantilever bracket (10) used with scaffolding, where the cantilever bracket (10) comprises a support member (12), a connection means (14) at a first end of the support member (12) where the connection means (14) is arranged to fixedly engage with a vertical scaffolding member, and a bracing member (24), for bracing the support member (12), that has an arrangement adapted to engage said vertical scaffolding member at least at a point spaced apart vertically from the connection means (14). In this way, the support member (12) provides a means for support that is adjacent the edge of the scaffolding. The invention provides a useful means of providing extra width to a scaffold structure.

Description

CANTILEVER BRACKET FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to scaffolding used in the construction of buildings, particularly multistorey buildings. It includes scaffolding used to support formwork for the pouring of concrete floors and the like as well as scaffolding used to provide access to external portions of a building.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Scaffolding is used by builders to enable them to work off the ground on a building project and to support formwork or the like in building projects. Generally, scaffolding is modular in nature with a series of preformed frames assembled on a support surface. Scaffolding may be fastened to a building as it gets higher to provide better and more secure support.

[0003] Scaffolding can also be used to support formwork for pouring of concrete, for instance.

[0004] At each level, boards such as scaffolding boards may be provided within the scaffolding structure or on top of the scaffolding structure, for a builder to walk along, and ladders can be provided to enable a builder to progress between levels of a scaffolding arrangement.

[0005] The modular nature of scaffolding and the vertical legs or support posts result in the scaffolding modules having fixed dimensions of width between the vertical posts on each side. Therefore, the area of support of each module between the four corner posts is of a fixed dimension.

[0006] If support is required that extends beyond the edge of the scaffold, then it is currently required that a further scaffold structure will need to be erected on the side of the scaffold where the extension is required.

[0007] This will obviously be costly to erect. In addition, there may be difficulty in providing a solid base to support the additional scaffold or it may not be practical to build additional scaffolding from ground level particularly if the extension required is at the outer edge of a floor of a multi-storey building.

[0008] In many cases, only a narrow width of extension may be required. This would be the case where only a narrow walkway is required along the edge of a scaffolding structure or if additional support is required for a minor overhang in the concrete forming process. With current practice, the only solution to overcome this problem is to build a full modular scaffold.

[0009] It is to solving this problem that the present invention is directed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00010] In one form therefore, although this may not be the only or broadest form, the invention is said to reside in a cantilever bracket for scaffolding, the cantilever bracket comprising: a support member; a connection means at a first end of the support member, the connection means arranged to fixedly engage with a vertical scaffolding member; and a bracing member, for bracing the support member, having an arrangement adapted to engage said vertical scaffolding member at least at a point spaced apart vertically from the connection means whereby the support member provides a means for support that is adjacent the edge of the scaffolding.

[00011] Two or more cantilevers support arrangements can be used to support either formwork or other surfaces such as walkways for building access. Preferably, the support member is positioned on the vertical scaffolding member so that it extends substantially horizontally from the vertical scaffolding member. However, other angles, either up or down, may be used and will depend on the required application.

[00012] Preferably, the connection means comprises a connection bracket which is arranged to be engaged with an engagement bracket on a vertical scaffolding member. The arrangement on the bracing member may comprise either an abutment means that abuts against a vertical scaffolding member and is shaped to prevent horizontal displacement. Alternatively, the arrangement may comprise a connection bracket that engages with a further engagement bracket on a vertical scaffolding member.

[00013] The bracing member may be in the form of a gusset where an upper edge of the gusset comprises the support member and where an edge of the gusset bears against the vertical scaffolding member.

[00014] Alternatively, the support member may comprise a support rail and a bracing member may comprise a bracing bar where the bracing bar is affixed at a first end to the support member and has an arrangement at a second end adapted to engage the vertical scaffolding member at least at a point spaced apart vertically from the connection means of the first end of the support rail. By this means, the support rail is braced in a generally horizontal position by the bracing bar.

[00015] The bracing bar may be affixed at its first end to the end of the support rail or preferably it may be affixed at its first end to the support rail at a point intermediate the ends of the support rail.

[00016] Preferably, the cantilever support arrangement further includes a spacer strut extending substantially vertically and affixed to between the support rail and the bracing bar. The spacer strut may be substantially vertical and may be affixed to the support rail at a position adjacent the first end of the support rail so as to be spaced from the position that the bracing bar affixes to the support rail.

[00017] Preferably, the connection brackets referred to above comprise an arrangement to connect with a locking ring on the vertical scaffolding member, where the locking ring has a plurality of vertical oriented apertures spaced therearound and the connection bracket comprising a pin and socket arrangement, the socket to fit around the locking ring and the pin to engage through the socket and through one of the apertures in the locking ring to thereby hold the so formed joint rigidly.

[00018] Preferably, the pin is a tapered pin enabling it to be driven in and to thereby form a tight joint and to be easily driven out during dismantling of the scaffolding structure.

[00019] Alternative connection members such as a bolt and nut may be used through the socket and aperture on the locking ring.

[00020] Preferably, the support rail comprises at its second end a support arrangement for a vertical post in use. The vertical post at the second end of the support rail may be used to support a formwork structure or the like.

[00021] Preferably, the abutment arrangement comprises a saddle to engage partly around the vertical scaffolding member.

[00022] Alternatively, the abutment arrangement comprises a combination of a locking ring on the vertical scaffolding member, the locking ring having a plurality of vertical apertures spaced therearound and the abutment arrangement comprises a pin and socket arrangement, the socket to fit around the locking ring and the pin to engage through the socket and through one of the apertures in the locking ring to thereby hold the so formed joint rigidly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00023] This then generally describes the invention but to assist with understanding reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show preferred embodiments of the invention.

[00024] In the drawings: Fig 1 shows a cantilever bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention mounted onto a vertical scaffolding post; Figure 2 shows a side view of a cantilever bracket according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows a plan view of a cantilever bracket according to the present invention; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a cantilever bracket according to the present invention and particularly how a working deck may be supported by it; and Figure 5 shows an alternative embodiment of a cantilever bracket according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00025] Now looking at the drawings and particularly Figure 1, it will be seen that a cantilever bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated mounted onto a vertical scaffolding post. The cantilever bracket itself is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and 3.

[00026] The cantilever bracket 10 has a support rail 12, a connection bracket 14 at a first end 16 of the support rail. The connection bracket 14 is arranged to engage with an engagement bracket 20 on a vertical scaffolding member 22 as seen in Figure 1. A bracing bar 24 is affixed at a first end 26 to the support rail 12 at 26 intermediate its ends and comprising an abutment arrangement 31 at a second end 28, the abutment arrangement is adapted to engage the vertical scaffolding member 22 as seen in Figure 1 at a point spaced apart vertically from the engagement bracket 20 in use. By this arrangement, the support rail provides a surface for the placement of formwork or board for a working deck.

[00027] The cantilever bracket further includes a spacer strut 30 extending vertically and affixed to and between the support rail 12 and the bracing bar 24. As can be seen the spacer strut is affixed to the support rail 12 at a position nearer to the connection bracket 14 than the position that the bracing bar is affixed to the support rail and to the bracing bar adjacent to the abutment arrangement. This ensures that there is a fixed known distance between the connection bracket 14 and the abutment arrangement. This is particularly important when the abutment arrangement is a locking ring arrangement like the connection bracket above it.

[00028] In a preferred arrangement as shown in Figure 2, for instance, the engagement bracket on the scaffolding comprises a combination of a locking ring on the vertical scaffolding member and the connection bracket comprises a pin and socket arrangement. A locking ring arrangement is provided at selected distances along the vertical scaffolding member 22 as seen in Figure 1. A locking ring arrangement 32 is also provided at the second end 34 of the support bar 12. Each of the locking rings has substantially the same construction. Other forms of locking rings and other numbers of apertures may also be used.

[00029] With reference to Figure 3, it can be seen that a locking ring 20, 34 has an inner diameter which equals the outer diameter of the vertical members 22, 36 so that each locking ring 20, 34 can be slid into position prior to fixing by welding. Each locking ring 20, 34 comprises eight (8) single apertures 38 equally spaced around the locking ring 14. In this way, the ends of multiple connection sockets can be attached thereto extending at various angles as defined by the apertures 38.

[00030] The connection socket 14 as can be seen in Figure 2 generally comprise a socket to fit around the locking ring and the pin to engage through the socket 40 and through one of the apertures 38 in the locking ring to thereby hold the so formed joint rigidly. The pin is a tapered pin enabling it to be driven in and to form a tight joint and to be easily driven out during dismantling of the scaffolding structure.

[00031] A cantilever bracket 10 is secured to each of a number of vertical scaffolding members 22 to provide two or more cantilever brackets 10 between which either formwork or other elements can extend and be supported.

[00032] For example, Figure 4 shows an arrangement for connecting scaffold boards to a support rail to form a working deck. The deck component has a hooked tongue end 62 which hooks over the rail 12 but leaves exposed enough of the support rail so that another portion of working deck can be hooked over the rail from the other side of the rail and extend to another adjacent cantilever bracket 10.

[00033] In one form as shown in Figure 5 the abutment arrangement can comprises a saddle 50 to engage partially around the vertical scaffolding member 52 a selected distance below the upper connection arrangement 54. In other respects, the cantilever bracket shown in Figure 5 is substantially the same as that shown in Figures 1 to 4. It has an upper support rail 56, a bracing bar 56 affixed at a first end 58 to the support rail 56 intermediate its ends and the saddle 50 at its other end.

[00034] Throughout this specification various indications have been given as to the scope of this invention but the invention is not limited to any one of these but may reside in two or more of these combined together. The examples are given for illustration only and not for limitation.

[00035] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow unless the context requires otherwise, the words 'comprise' and 'include' and variations such as 'comprising' and 'including' will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (16)

1. A cantilever bracket for scaffolding, the cantilever bracket comprising: a support member; a connection means at a first end of the support member, the connection means arranged to fixedly engage with a vertical scaffolding member; and a bracing member, for bracing the support member, having an arrangement adapted to engage said vertical scaffolding member at least at a point spaced apart vertically from the connection means whereby the support member provides a means for support that is adjacent the edge of the scaffolding.

2. A cantilever bracket according to claim 1, wherein the support member comprises an upper edge of the bracing member.

3. A cantilever bracket according to claim 2, wherein the support member is a substantially unitary component.

4. A cantilever bracket according to claim 3, wherein the support bracket substantially comprises plate material.

5. A cantilever bracket according to claim 2, wherein the support member and bracing member comprises a tubular frame construction.

6. A cantilever bracket according to claim 1, wherein the support member comprises a support rail and the bracing member comprises a bracing bar where the bracing bar is affixed at a first end to the support rail and wherein the arrangement is at the second end of the bracing bar.

7. A cantilever bracket according to claim 6, where the arrangement comprises an abutment arrangement.

8. A cantilever bracket according to claim 7, wherein the connection means comprises a connection bracket arranged to fixedly engage with an engagement bracket on the vertical scaffolding member.

9. A cantilever bracket as in claim 7 further includes a spacer strut extending substantially vertically and affixed to between the support rail and the bracing bar, the spacer strut being affixed to the support rail at a position nearer to the connection bracket than the position that the bracing bar is affixed to the support rail.

10. A cantilever bracket as in claim 9, wherein the connection bracket on the support rail comprises an arrangement to connect with a locking ring on the vertical scaffolding member, the locking ring having, a plurality of vertical apertures spaced therearound and the connection bracket comprising a pin and socket arrangement, the socket to fit around the locking ring and the pin to engage through the socket and through one of the apertures in the locking ring to thereby hold the so formed joint rigidly.

11. A cantilever bracket as in claim 10, wherein the pin is a tapered pin enabling it to be driven in and to form a tight joint and to be easily driven out during dismantling of the scaffolding structure.

12. A cantilever bracket as in claim 10, wherein the pin comprises a bolt and nut arrangement used through the socket and aperture on the locking ring.

13. A cantilever bracket as in claim 7, wherein the support rail comprises at its second end a support arrangement for a vertical post used to support a formwork structure or the like.

14. A cantilever bracket as in claim 7, wherein the abutment arrangement comprises a saddle to engage around the vertical scaffolding member.

15. A cantilever bracket as in claim 7, wherein the abutment arrangement comprises a combination of a locking ring on the vertical scaffolding member, the locking ring having a plurality of vertical apertures spaced therearound and the abutment arrangement comprising a pin and socket arrangement, the socket to fit around the locking ring and the pin to engage through the socket and through one of the apertures in the locking ring to thereby hold the so formed joint rigidly.

16. A scaffold using two or more cantilever brackets according to any one of the preceding claims.

2014101668 19 Aug 2014

2014101668 19 Aug 2014

2014101668 19 Aug 2014