Fire escape – ladder – or scaffold – Self-sustaining – Connector for horizontal or diagonal brace
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-15
2001-10-02
Chin-Shue, Alvin (Department: 3634)
Fire escape, ladder, or scaffold
Self-sustaining
Connector for horizontal or diagonal brace
C403S049000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296077
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to structural connections between bracing members and legs/chords in temporary open lattice towers, trusses, and space frames. An example of such towers would be scaffolding/shoring systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Shoring is in effect scaffolding designed to support high relatively static loads wherein scaffolding normally provides a platform and access for workmen. Scaffolding that uses a number of members in standard lengths that employ unique quickly installed connections is referred to in the industry as “system scaffolding”. The connections, that are the subject of this invention, may find application in “system scaffolding/shoring”.
Existing “system scaffolds” make use of either wedges, pins, rotating collars or gravity (or spring) actuated latching mechanisms to secure the connections between members. Wedges and rotating collars are most often used. These connections require the use of two hands and a hammer when the system is erected or dismantled. These connection configurations also require the installer (or installers) to position himself within arms reach of each connection to set and hammer the wedge or collar. Similarly, latch and pin systems require the installer to position himself within arms reach of each connection when dismantling and often requires the use of two hands.
The members in system scaffolding are often in the order of 10 ft. long. Further the installer (scaffolder) is most often working at such a height that an accidental fall would result in serious injury and in many cases death. The need to use two hands and to move within arms reach of each connection when erecting and dismantling is a very serious drawback to existing systems, especially in light of the very limited personal security of the installer who must climb and support himself on the structure being erected.
Recognizing the foregoing limitations in the prior art, there exists a long felt need to reduce the risk to the installer and reduce the time needed to erect and dismantle temporary structures by creating an improved connection.
It is therefore a primary object of the invention to provide a scaffolding and shoring system which is simple to manufacture and easy to use and which obviates many of the problems in the prior art.
It is a further object of this invention to provide a connector for scaffolding/shoring members which interfit in the assembled position to provide locking between the members when the superior member is rotated to the assembled position.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a scaffolding and shoring system which improves the safety of those assembling the system.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a scaffolding and shoring system which is economical.
Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiments illustrated herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a scaffolding and shoring system comprising inter-engaging members connected to a vertical tower leg, said members including an upper (superior) member and a lower (inferior) member, said upper (superior) member of the system when erected inter-engaging with the lower (inferior) members when said upper member is rotated to an assembled position, each of the upper and lower members having two ends and preferably each end including engaging parts which engage upon the rotation of the upper member into its assembled position, thereby providing the desired locking action of the upper member locking the lower member in position as the upper member is rotated to its assembled position. This locking action is accomplished as the scaffolding is erected by the installer thereby minimizing the above-mentioned disadvantages. The connector embodied in the invention is more economical to produce and is considerably simplified as a results of the elimination of parts from known systems.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a scaffolding/shoring system comprising vertical tower legs, and structural bracing members, each structural bracing member having two ends and having preferably disposed proximate each end mutually cooperating connectors, said connectors for connecting said structural bracing members to the vertical tower legs or the like wherein the bracing members are locked in place by subsequent installation of a second bracing member. Preferably the bracing members can be removed by reversing the procedure. The only moving parts are the members being installed and the members in turn do not make use of moving parts either loose or captive. Preferably the members may be rotated in relation to one another in order to accomplish there inter-engagement which rotation pivots about one end of each member during installation or removal. Preferably the connectors of the system are provided with spoiling elements that ensure each member is installed in turn in the intended orientation.
A system of connectors for use in temporary structures to connect the bracing members of open lattice towers and trusses to the legs of towers and chords of trusses and space frames is provided. An example of such towers would be scaffolding/shoring systems. A connector is permanently fitted to each end of all bracing members. The connector is configured to engage a cylinder (or projection) that is integral to the leg (or chord as the case may be). After one end is engaged on a cylinder (projection) the member is rotated about the engaged end until the connector on the opposing end of the member engages a corresponding cylinder (projection) on the opposed leg or chord. Installation of the next member using the method as described permanently locks the previously installed member in place such that it can not be removed until the member that was installed after it is removed. The assembly sequence is therefore fixed and begins at the bottom of a tower leg or one end of a truss chord. Disassembly requires following a sequence that is exactly the reverse of the assembly sequence. This system of connectors allows rapid installation of bracing members without the use of tools, installation of fasteners, or engagement of additional securing components such as wedges or cams. Please refer to
FIG. 7
in this regard.
According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a joint for interconnecting structural bracing members comprising at least a first and second structural bracing member each having two ends and having mutually cooperating locking connectors fitted thereto proximate each end and for connecting said at least a first and second structural bracing member to compatible connectors disposed on legs/chords of one of a group of systems selected from the group of systems including towers, trusses and space frames, wherein the first bracing member is locked in place by said mutually cooperating locking connectors during the subsequent installation of the second bracing member.
Preferably said bracing members can be removed by reversing the procedure. The only moving parts are the members being installed and the members in turn do not make use of moving parts either loose or captive.
The members may be rotated in relation to one another in order to accomplish their inter-engagement which rotation pivots about one end of each member during installation or removal. The connectors of the joint may be provided with spoiling elements that ensure each member is installed in turn in the intended orientation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2842408 (1958-07-01), Symons
patent: 815095 (1951-09-01), None
patent: 53860 (1982-06-01), None
Au Clarence Pang Sum
Wood Charles Francis
Chin-Shue Alvin
Hughes Ivor M.
Hughes Neil H.
Sarkis Marcelo K.
Superbuild Technology Inc.
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