CN1989309A - Bracket for kickboards - Google Patents

Abstract

A bracket (60) for securing a first kickboard (62) transversely of a second kickboard (54) comprises a socket (64) for receiving an end of the first kickboard and a clip (70) for securing the bracket to the second kickboard, the clip comprising a lateral extension (76) aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second kickboard for stabilising the bracket thereon. Also disclosed are (1) a telescopic rail (46) for use in forming a guard or safety barrier for builders' trestles, staging, scaffolding or the like, comprising inner and outer telescopic parts (80, 82), in which the inner part is prevented from sliding free of the outer part in use; (2) a brace for stabilising adjacent trestles; (3) a ladder support bracket; (4) removable safety rail components and (5) a longitudinal kickboard bracket attached to a trestle crossmember.

Description

Construction Bench Accessories

technical field

The present invention relates to stands ("bandstands") for supporting work platforms used on construction sites and the like. Two or more such platforms are usually used with scaffolding boards mounted between them to form a platform. Such platforms are often used as a more convenient alternative to scaffolding for supporting relatively low height (eg 0.2-3.0m) work platforms. The invention relates more particularly to the methods of obtaining and safety features of such stands and platforms. In British Patent No. GB2378978 a construction bench system is described which is provided with safety rails, shelf end support safety brackets, tailgate and skirting board brackets.

Background technique

The bench shown in GB2378978 comprises a pair of vertical supports connected by cross members on which backing boards or battens can be supported for forming a platform, one of the vertical supports having an integral upward The extension reaches a height at which one or more substantially horizontally extending crossbars can be connected to form a safety barrier. When the bench is used against a wall, it is appropriate to use a single safety rail on the side of the platform opposite to the wall. However, where walls are missing or incomplete (for example, when benches are used to build walls), it is advisable to employ safety rails on both sides of the platform.

Contents of the invention

Therefore, the present invention provides a construction stand provided with a safety guardrail as described above, wherein the cross member is provided with fittings for receiving the lower end of the detachable vertical bar at its end opposite to the upward extension, and the other safety cross bar Can be attached to the detachable pole to form an additional safety rail. The fitting may simply be the open upper end of the upright at that end of the cross-member into which the lower end of the detachable upright fits in a telescopic sleeve, the open end preferably extending a little above the cross-member so as to provide Edge stops are provided for the scaffolding boards forming the platform.

Alternatively, the fitting may comprise a spigot fastened or formed to the upper end of the upright at that end of the cross-member.

Preferably, however, the fitting comprises a tubular socket connected to that end of the cross-member at which end the upright is connected to the cross-member inside the socket. The socket preferably includes a through opening for receiving the lower end of the detachable upright. Debris such as drops of mortar will therefore fall through the opening without accumulating therein and blocking the socket.

The detachable upright and upward extension may each be provided with fittings for attachment of the safety crossbar, the fittings being arranged at approximately the same height on the detachable upright as on the upward extension. A safety rail can thus also be mounted between the detachable upright and the upwardly extending body, eg forming a safety rail at the end of the work platform. The safety rails may be sleeved to enable them to be secured between the vertical supports at various intervals.

The applicant has developed a stand system according to GB2378978, which is sold as the SafeStand ^(R) 1200 Access System. While the performance of this system is a great improvement over conventional "bandstands", it has been found that further increases in table stability are desirable, especially when the table is used at or near maximum height.

Thus, in a second aspect, the present invention provides a stabilizing strut for building inter-bench fittings, said strut having a fixed structure at one end engageable with a first stand at a first angle and rotatable to A second angle at which the securing structure locks the strut to the first stand, the strut having a movable latch at its other end for locking the strut to the second stand.

Preferably, the latch is bolted to the strut so that no separate parts are lost. The latch secures the strut to the first stand at the second angle, thereby not only locking the other end of the strut to the second stand, but also ensuring that the securing structure is locked to the first stand. This locking arrangement is effective and simple to use, requiring no tools or specialized skills. In the locked position, the struts preferably extend diagonally in a vertical plane between the first and second stands, thereby stabilizing them from swaying.

The fixed structure may include a first member transversely engageable with the first stand to provide a pivot connection point for the strut; and a second member movable to the first stand when the strut is rotated from the first angle to the second angle. part of the rack to prevent lateral detachment of the first part. In one embodiment, the first part comprises laterally extending pins or pegs engageable in corresponding holes formed in the first stand part; the second part comprises claws extending laterally when the pins are engaged in the holes Over the first ledge, and the claw engages behind the ledge portion to prevent the pin from being withdrawn from the hole when the strut is rotated from the first angle to the second angle. The stand parts in this embodiment are braces forming part of the base of the first stand, but other locations are possible, eg in a vertical part of the base.

The movable latch somewhat similarly includes a first member laterally engageable with the second carriage; and a second member rotatably engaged behind a portion of the second carriage, thereby preventing lateral disengagement of the first member. In one embodiment, the latch first part comprises a transverse pin or peg engageable with a corresponding hole formed in the second stand, for example in a telescoping portion of the stand upright. This hole may be a hole generally used to lock the telescopic upright at a selected height, or it may be a transverse pin specially provided to receive a strut. The latch second part includes a rotatable pawl. The rotatable claw is preferably held engaged behind the second platform part by gravity, for example resting on the distal end of a pin which protrudes through the second platform part. Also, the latch structure is strong, reliable and simple to operate, requiring no tools or specialized skills.

The telescopic safety beams mentioned above create additional potential hazards. In one form such as that shown in Figure 3, such a safety beam comprises an inner tubular member of eg square or rectangular cross-section, slidable inside an outer tubular member of corresponding cross-section. The inner part is freely engaged/disengaged from the outer part, so the inner part may accidentally slip out of the outer part and fall from a height during handling and installation. JP2003041779 shows a sleeve-type protective crossbar with tubular inner and outer parts, each of which is internally provided with transversely extending pins. A strip of elastic material wraps around the pin inside the parts to hold them together.

DE19703558 shows a sleeve-type scaffolding railing. The protrusions or grooves in the outer tubular part engage in recesses formed in the inner tubular part, thus preventing relative rotation between these parts and thus retaining the inner part within the outer part.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a sleeved rail for forming a protective or safety rail for a building bench, frame, scaffolding, etc., comprising inner and outer sleeve parts, wherein the inner part is prevented from being exposed in use from the outside. slip-off, characterized in that the inner part includes laterally outward projections engageable with the outer part to prevent the two parts from slipping off of each other. The laterally outward projection may comprise an inner end stop on the inner sleeve part and the outer part may comprise a laterally inward projection forming a cooperating end stop, such as a collar, on the outer part. Preferably, however, the inner and outer parts are prevented from slipping out of each other by a spring-loaded latch carried by one part engageable in a locking formation on the other part. The latch may be a pin and the locking structure may be a socket or a hole. The spring load or bias may be provided by leaf springs, such as bow leaf springs, mounted in the inner part. Multiple locking formations may be provided, for example one at each end of the outer part, whereby the safety crossbar can be latched in a fully extended fully retracted position.

Ladders are often used to access platforms supported by ledges. It may be unsafe to lean the ladder against the edge of the platform because the slats forming the platform simply rest on the upper beam of the platform and can thus be displaced under lateral thrust. Ladders can also tip sideways unless they are securely fastened to the ledge structure. Furthermore, there must be substantial clearance in the safety rail, both for the ladder itself and for workers to get on and off the ladder, and into and out of the work platform. This maneuver is difficult, especially when carrying heavy loads, because the access platform is in front of and to the side of the ladder. DE4405117 shows a ladder support arm projecting laterally from a platform made of longitudinally extending framing elements. The support arm is connected to the platform by clamping to the frame elements forming the nearest edge of the platform.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention addresses the above problems by providing a ladder support bracket comprising laterally extending arms against which a ladder can rest for use, characterized in that said bracket comprises substantially vertically extending arms , suitable for being fixed on the vertical support of a construction bench or scaffolding. In some embodiments, the substantially vertically extending arm may be adapted to engage over or within the vertical support. The substantially vertically extending arm may simply be placed on or in the pole, with the ladder resting on the transversely extending carriage arm. This arm may be arranged to extend parallel to the platform supporting the cross-members of the building platform or scaffolding so that the platform is on one side of the ladder. Thereby, the gap in any safety rail required for the ladder to enter can be reduced, and walking up or down the ladder involves only a simple sideways movement.

The substantially vertically extending arm may be hollow and in use telescopically mounted on the pole. Preferably however it comprises a downwardly directed spigot which engages in the hollow interior of the tubular vertical support. The substantially vertically extending arm is preferably provided with means for engaging the vertical support to prevent rotation of the support bracket about the longitudinal axis of the upright. For example the engagement means and the uprights may have complementary non-circular (eg square or rectangular) profiles.

The laterally extending arm preferably has one end connected to the substantially vertically extending arm and has a stop member at its other end. The ladder can then rest on the laterally extending arms between the vertical arms and the stops, secured against the inclined sides.

To prevent objects from being accidentally knocked off the edge of the platform supported by the bench, it is desirable to have transverse kickboards at the ends of the platform and longitudinal kickboards at the rear edge (opposite the working side). Joist hangers are known which have pockets for receiving the ends of the joists, and straps or brackets for securing the pockets to adjacent walls or stringers. See eg GB2354267. Such a hanger is uninstructive in itself and is not suitable for securing transverse skirting boards to longitudinal skirting boards on platforms supported by building benches. Hangers must be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the longitudinal skirting boards, or, if loose, cannot provide sufficient stable support for the transverse skirting boards. Specifically, hangers may rotate around straps or brackets and break away from longitudinal skirting boards. Thus, if such a joist hanger were to be used loose without provision for accidents caused by falling objects, the transverse skirting board itself would become a dangerous unsecured and potentially falling object.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bracket for fixing the first skirting board transverse to the second skirting board, the bracket including a socket dimensioned to securely receive the end of the first skirting board and for fixing the bracket on the second skirting board. Clamp on a second skirting board, characterized in that the clamp includes a hook portion dimensioned to securely suspend the bracket from the top edge of the second skirting board, the clamp includes a transverse extension aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second skirting board for The stand is stabilized on it. Preferably, the laterally extending body includes a pair of protrusions, one protrusion extending on each side of the socket. In use the extension may be located along the top edge of the second skirting board. The socket may include a pair of opposing side walls and an optional bottom wall for engaging the end of the first skirting board. Lateral skirting board brackets are useful not only in conjunction with platforms supported by building benches, but can be used to attach any skirting boards, including those used in framing, scaffolding, and the like.

GB2378978 also discloses a bracket fixed on the upwardly extending body for holding the skirting board to prevent objects from being accidentally pushed out of the edge of the working platform. These brackets extend over the top of the slat forming the edge of the platform closest to the upwardly extending body and can interfere with the placement of this slat. Also, it is sometimes necessary to remove this slat while leaving the remaining slat in place as a working platform. The presence of suspended skirting board brackets makes this difficult or impossible.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided a building stand provided with a safety rail and comprising a pair of vertical supports connected by a cross member on which a backing plate or batten can be supported to form a platform, vertical One of the supports has an upward extension above the cross member, and the platform further includes a bracket for receiving a skirting board, characterized in that the bracket extends upward from the cross member and is spaced from the upright so that the skirting board can be received in use and remain between the bracket and the upward extension. Thus, the slats forming the platform are all located on the inside of the skirting board brackets, and all of the slats can be easily removed and/or rearranged without obstruction from the skirting board or its brackets.

Description of drawings

The invention and its various preferred features and advantages are described in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows that the lower end of the detachable pole is provided for fitting onto the stand;

Fig. 2 shows that the lower end of the detachable pole is received in the socket on its stand;

Figure 3 shows the assembled safety barrier mentioned above;

Fig. 4 is the general view of strut;

Figure 5 is a side view of the strut in the installed configuration shown on an enlarged scale;

Fig. 6 is a view corresponding to Fig. 5 in the lateral direction of the strut in the installed state;

Figures 7 and 8 are views of the movable latch, corresponding to Figures 5 and 6, respectively;

Fig. 9 shows the installation configuration of the first stand part and the struts in engagement from a first angle,

Figure 10 is a corresponding perspective view of the strut shown from a second angle;

Figure 11 shows the movable latch partially engaged with the second platform section;

Figure 12 shows the fully engaged movable latch;

Figure 13 is a general view showing the struts locked in position between the racks;

Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of overlapping portions of a telescopic crossbar embodying the third aspect of the invention;

Figure 15 is an alternative embodiment of a telescoping crossbar;

Figures 16 and 17 are perspective views of the inner sleeve portion of the crossbar shown in Figure 15;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the above-mentioned ladder support bracket;

Figure 19 shows the bracket of Figure 18 provided for mounting to an upwardly extending body of a bench or scaffolding;

Figure 20 shows the bracket of Figure 18 mounted on an upwardly extending body;

Figure 21 shows the bracket of Figure 18 in use to support a ladder for access to a work platform supported on a building bench;

Figure 22 shows a transverse skirting board bracket embodying the fifth aspect of the invention;

Figure 22a shows a deformation of the stent of Figure 22;

Figure 23 shows the stand of Figure 22 in use; and

Figure 24 shows the cross-member skirting bracket mentioned above.

Detailed ways

FIG. 1 shows a tubular socket 38 welded to the end of the upper cross member 28 of the platform 30 . The ends of the cross members extend outwardly beyond the vertical supports 40 . The lower end of the detachable pole 42 can be sleeved in the socket 38 . FIG. 2 shows that the lower end of the detachable pole 42 is received in the socket 38 . A welded stop plate 46 prevents the end from passing completely through the socket 38 .

At the end of the stand (not shown in FIG. 2 ) opposite the vertical support 40 and socket 38 , another vertical support is provided with an integral upward extension 24 ( FIG. 3 ) reaching to the end supported by the stand. Above the platform, the height is suitable for connecting with the substantially horizontally extending safety crossbar. The upper end of the detachable pole 42 is provided with a lug 26 for receiving the plug end of the safety cross bar 46 so as to form a safety guardrail on the working side of the platform. A safety rail 46 can also be fastened between the removable upright 42 and the fixed upward extension 24 on the other side of the same platform in the same manner to form an end rail. To this end, the lugs 26 are mounted on the removable upright 42 and the fixed upwardly extending body 24 at substantially the same height above the platform. Safety rails 46 are also secured between the fixed upward extensions 24 to form a safety rail on the opposite side of the platform parallel to the working side. The safety cross bar 46 is preferably a telescoping sleeve type, and is used for adjusting according to different stand spacings and widths. They can be dismantled when no longer needed, for example gradually when the wall in front of the platform is built. The skirting board may be fastened to the removable upright 42 by a suitable bracket (not shown) comprising, for example, a U-shaped saddle part for receiving the skirting board, and a collar connected to the saddle part, the removable upright 42 is threaded through the collar prior to insertion into socket 38 .

As a result of the further development of the SafeStand 1200 Access System, it has been recognized that stability in use at its upper weight limit can be enhanced by the introduction of struts 10 as shown in FIG. 4 .

In keeping with the design concept of the SafeStand system, the connection mechanism of the strut to the stand has been specifically designed so that there are no unconnected or loosely connected parts that can become separate and the mounting of the strut to the stand The method maintains the untechnical work behavior.

The struts are mounted diagonally between adjacent stands (see also Fig. 13); one end of the strut has a fixed "pin-and-claw" structure 212; the entire strut is provided and rotated into place to lock this end in place; a pin and swivel claw are used to lock the other end 214 to its stand.

As shown more clearly in Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10, the fixed "pin-jaw" structure 212 includes a pin 216 that fits through a pre-drilled hole 220 in the base 222 of the stand, between the struts and A rotation fixation is formed between the stands. The claws 218 of the structure 212 are specially designed so that the pins are inserted into the designated holes 220 in the base 222 of the stand only when the strut is tilted to a specific temporary position at a first angle relative to the base 222 as shown in FIG. 9 . Once the base of the stand is pinned, the strut 210 is rotated so that the other end 214 of the strut 210 is pinned to the adjacent stand, as further described below. By performing this rotational action, the "claw" 218 engages around and behind the angled part 224 of the stand base (see FIG. 10 ) so that once the strut reaches its final (second) angle relative to the stand base, "Claw" 218 prevents accidental removal of the strut by preventing pin 216 from withdrawing from hole 220 during stand use.

The pin 226 and swivel claw 228 configuration of the other end 214 of the strut 10 shown in FIGS. 7 , 8 and 11 allows for a pinned connection to the vertical upright 230 of the stand through a pre-drilled locating hole 232 . Once the pin 226 is engaged in the hole 232 , the pawl 228 can be rotated around and into engagement behind the upright 230 , resting on its own weight on the end of the pin 226 , which protrudes here from the hole 232 . In this rest position as shown in FIG. 12 , the strut cannot be accidentally removed by the pin 226 being withdrawn from the hole 232 .

The hole 232 may be a hole at the upper end of the stand base through which the locking pin is introduced into a corresponding hole in the telescopic upper part of the stand, retaining said upper part with a given protrusion. In this way, the pin 226 on the strut upper end 214 also acts as a locking pin. It is however preferred to engage the pin 226 into one of the unoccupied lock holes in the upper part of the stand. Alternatively, the pins 226 may engage in specially provided holes in the upper or lower portion of the stand for pole mounting.

Figure 13 shows a row of racks 241, 242, 243, 244 interconnected by struts, embodying the invention. The struts 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d extend diagonally between adjacent platforms and cooperate with the scaffolding to form a working platform (not shown) to stabilize the platforms from swinging in the series direction. Each platform also includes an integrally welded diagonal brace 234 for increasing the lateral stability of the working platform. Intersecting struts 10a, 10b may be provided between adjacent racks on one or both sides, or individual struts may be provided between selected adjacent racks in the row of racks, as desired. Therefore, the strut is easy to use, adaptable, strong and reliable.

The safety feature used to secure the inner tubular member 80 and outer tubular member 82 of the telescoping rail 46 together to prevent the two members from slipping out of each other is shown in FIG. 14 . The inner end of the inner member 80 is flared to form an end stop collar 84 with a laterally outward projection 86 . Accordingly, the inner end 88 of the outer member 82 is formed with a reduced cross-section to provide a laterally inward protrusion 90 . The protrusions 86 , 90 will abut each other to prevent the inner sleeve member 80 from being fully withdrawn from the outer sleeve member 82 . As shown, collar 84 and narrowed end 88 are formed by plastically deforming the ends of members 80, 82, such as by crimping, swaging, or the like. The desired deformation of the inner ends 84 , 88 of the members may be made prior to connecting (eg, welding) the spigots to the outer ends of each rail member 80 , 82 . The outer end of the inner member 80 is fed first into the outer end of the outer member 82 and out of the inner end 88 of the outer member. After any necessary leveling of the outer ends of the components, connect the spigots.

Instead of being formed by plastic deformation of the crossbar components, the lateral protrusions may be produced on separate elements, such as end stops/collars, which are laterally attached to the components 80, 82 by welding or other suitable means. The transverse projections 86,90 are not provided around the entire circumference of the inner ends 84,88 of the parts 80,82, but only on one, two or three corresponding faces of the parts 80,82. In addition to the square or rectangular cross-section shown, other (preferably non-circular) cross-sections of the components 80, 82 are possible, some or all of which are peripherally provided with lateral projections.

Figures 15-17 illustrate alternative embodiments of crossbar safety features. The spring loaded latch is formed by a pin 92 protruding from a hole 94 formed in the inner sleeve part 80 . The pin 92 can be pushed into the hole 94 against the rebound bias of the bow spring 98 by virtue of finger pressure applied through the slightly larger hole 96 formed in the inner end of the outer rail member 82 . With the pin so pressed, the inner part 80 can be slid further into the outer part 82 to adjust the length of the crossbar 46 as desired. When the member 80 is withdrawn from the member 82 again, since the pin 92 is flush with the hole 96, it will pop outward and engage in the hole 96, thereby preventing the two crossbar members 80, 82 from slipping out of each other. The hole 96 thus forms a locking structure for the latch pin 92 . Similar apertures may be provided in the outer end of the outer member 82 so that the crossbar 46 can be snapped into place in the fully retracted position. In fact, corresponding intermediate holes may be provided for snapping the crossbar 46 to a predetermined length, such as matching the recommended distance between adjacent racks or between the rack upward extensions 24 and the opposing detachable uprights 42 . Bow spring 98 may be retained in inner member 80 by welding or other suitable fasteners 100 . Pin 92 may be riveted through hole 102 formed in the other end of bow spring 98 . Other forms of resiliently biased latch pins or other cooperating spring loaded latch and locking structures will be apparent.

The ladder support bracket 10 shown in Figure 18 comprises a substantially vertical arm 12 and a laterally extending arm 14, each made of square section steel pipe, each having one end welded to the other. A pair of reinforcement plates 16 are provided at the junction. The other (upper) end of the vertical arm 12 has a substantially horizontal plate 18 welded thereto. The spigot 20 depends from the plate 18 parallel to the arm 12, providing a hook-like configuration. A plate 22 is welded to the free end of the transverse arm 14 to form an end stop. As shown in Figure 19, the spigot fits into the top end of a square section tubular upright support 24 of a construction bench of the type shown in GB2378978. The ends of the reinforcing plate 16 protrude outwardly below the spigot 20 to surround the upright 24 . The lower end of the arm 12 is thus stabilized and prevents the carriage 10 from rotating about the upright 24 . In FIG. 20 , the spigot is shown completely received within the hollow interior of the upright 24 . The lugs 26 for the safety rail connection remain accessible with the bracket 10 in place.

As shown in Figure 21, the lateral arms 14 of the ladder support bracket extend substantially parallel to the cross members 28 of the platform 30 in use. In this case, the arm 14 may support a ladder next to a work platform 34 resting on the platform 30 . Ladder 32 may be strapped to arm 14 as shown at position 36 . Only a small gap in the safety rail is required for the worker to walk between the ladder and the platform 34 . When not in use, this gap can be closed in the usual way by means of safety crossbars located between the lugs of adjacent uprights 24 .

FIGS. 22 and 23 show brackets 60 for securing the transverse skirting board 62 to the longitudinal skirting board 54 , for example to form a guardrail to prevent objects from being accidentally knocked off the end of the work platform 34 . The bracket 60 includes a socket 64 for receiving the end or corner of the lateral skirting board 62, the socket having a bottom wall 66 and a pair of opposing triangular side walls 68 spaced for tight contact therebetween. Fits to receive standard scaffolding boards. The bracket 60 further comprises a clamp 70 having a hooked portion 72 extending parallel to a rear wall 74 of the socket 64, whereby the clamp 70 can be hooked over the longitudinal skirting board 54, the upper edge of the longitudinal skirting board 54 being thus snugly received on the rear wall 74 and the hook portion 72. Given the thickness of the platform 34 , the clamp 70 supports the socket 64 and thus the skirting board 62 at a suitable height from the skirting board 54 above the adjacent bench cross member 28 . In the variant shown in FIG. 22 a , the bottom wall 66 is omitted, so that the lateral skirting board is supported directly on the platform 34 . Therefore the support of this form can be used in conjunction with the longitudinal skirting board of different heights (width) or be used for supporting, and this support is not only by the longitudinal skirting board that the lower edge among the GB2378978 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the platform 34, but also through The skirting boards described below with reference to FIG. 24 rest on the outside of platform 34 and are supported on platform cross members.

Clamp 70 also includes a pair of lateral extensions or projections 76 , one protruding from one side of socket 64 . In use extensions or projections 76 are arranged along the top edge of the longitudinal skirting board 54 and stabilize the socket 60 against twisting about the longitudinal axis of the transverse skirting board 62 . The transverse skirting board 62 is thus stabilized and securely fastened to the longitudinal skirting board 54 . If desired, the opposite end of the lateral skirting board 62 away from the socket 64 can be braced against the farthest detachable upright 42 to prevent the skirting board 62 from swinging around the bracket 60 toward the platform 34 . The lateral skirting board 62 can even be clamped or secured to the removable upright 42 .

A skirting board bracket is shown at an angle in FIG. 24 with horizontal limbs welded to the platform upper cross member 28 . The substantially vertical limb 48 of the bracket is located just inside the mounted upward extension 24 of the bench support, defining a slot 50 for receiving the slats. The limbs 48 are spaced a sufficient distance from the tubular sockets 38 (FIG. 5) to enable the batten depending end support brackets 52 to be mounted on the cross members 28, if desired. A longitudinal skirting board 54 can be seen in FIG. 21 , supported on the cross members 28 of a pair of adjacent platforms 30 . A kick plate 54 remains in the slot 50 between the vertical limb 48 and the adjacent upwardly extending body 24 . Platform 34 is formed by scaffolding plates supported on cross-members 28 between limbs 48 and sockets 38 .

Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty)

1. A building stand provided with a safety rail and comprising a pair of vertical supports connected by a cross member on which backing plates or battens may be supported in use to form a platform, between the vertical supports an integral upward extension above the cross member reaching a height at which one or more substantially horizontally extending cross bars can be joined to form a safety barrier, characterized in that the cross member Fittings are provided at its end opposite to the upwardly extending body for receiving the lower end of a detachable upright to which additional safety crossbars can be connected to form additional safety guardrails.

2. A building bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fitting comprises an open upper end of said upright at said end of the cross-member, the lower end of which is detachable in use in a telescopic fit to the upper end of the opening.

3. The building platform of claim 2, wherein the open end extends above the cross member.

4. A building bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fitting comprises a spigot secured in or formed by the upper end of said upright of said end of the cross-member .

5. The building stand of claim 1, wherein said fitting includes a tubular socket attached to said end of a cross member inside said pole socket of said end of the cross member connected to the cross member.

6. A building stand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in combination with at least one such detachable upright, wherein the detachable upright and the upward extension are each provided with a Fittings for the rod, these fittings are arranged on the upwardly extending body at a height approximately equal to the height at which the fittings are arranged on the detachable upright when the lower end of the detachable upright is received by the fitting.

7. A stabilizing brace for mounting between construction benches, the brace comprising a fixed structure at one end that engages a first bench at a first angle and is rotatable to a second angle, at a second The fixed structure locks the strut to the first stand, and the strut includes at its other end a movable latch for locking the strut to the second stand; the fixed structure comprises: a first part , the first member is transversely engageable with the first stand to provide a pivotal connection point for the strut, wherein the fixed structure includes a second member, the first member when the strut is rotated from the first angle to the second angle The second part is moved behind the frame of the first stand to prevent the first part from detaching laterally.

8. The pole of claim 7, wherein the latch is captive to the pole.

9. A pole as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the latch secures the pole to the first stand at the second angle.

10. A strut as claimed in any one of claims 7-9, wherein in the locked position the strut extends diagonally in a vertical plane between the first and second stands.

11. A strut as claimed in any one of claims 7-10, wherein the first member comprises a transversely extending pin or peg engageable in a corresponding hole formed in a part of the first stand.

12. A strut as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said second member comprises a claw which extends laterally across the first ledge portion when the pin is engaged in the hole and which engages behind the ledge portion, This prevents the pin from withdrawing from the hole when the strut is turned from the first angle to the second angle.

13. A pole as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the movable latch comprises a first part transversely engageable with the second carriage, and a second part rotatable to engage behind a portion of the second ledge, thereby preventing lateral disengagement of the first part of the latch.

14. A pole as claimed in claim 13, wherein the latch first part comprises a transverse pin or peg engageable with a corresponding hole formed in the second carriage.

15. A pole as claimed in claim 14, wherein the latch second part comprises a rotatable pawl.

16. A pole as claimed in claim 15, wherein the rotatable claw is held by gravity into engagement behind the second platform portion.

17. A sleeved rail for forming a protective or safety rail for a building platform, frame, scaffolding, etc., the sleeved rail comprising inner and outer sleeved parts, wherein the inner part is prevented in use from Slipping out of the outer part, characterized in that said inner part and said outer part are prevented from slipping out of each other by a spring-loaded latch captively held by a part engageable on the other part locked structure.

18. The telescopic crossbar of claim 17, wherein the latch comprises a pin and the locking structure comprises a socket or a hole.

19. A telescopic crossbar as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the spring load is provided by leaf springs mounted in the inner part.

20. A telescopic crossbar as claimed in any one of claims 17-19 comprising a plurality of said locking formations.

21. A ladder support bracket comprising a laterally extending arm against which a ladder rests in use, characterized in that said bracket comprises a substantially vertically extending arm adapted to Engaged on or in the vertical supports of a building bench or scaffolding.

22. A ladder support bracket as claimed in claim 21, wherein the substantially vertically extending arm is hollow.

23. The ladder support bracket of claim 21, wherein the substantially vertically extending arm includes a downwardly directed spigot.

24. A ladder support bracket as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the substantially vertically extending arm is provided with means for engaging the vertical support to prevent rotation of the support bracket about the longitudinal axis of the vertical support.

25. A ladder support bracket as claimed in claim 24, wherein the engagement means has a non-circular shape complementary to the cross-section of the vertical support.

26. A ladder support bracket as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the laterally extending arm has one end connected to the substantially vertically extending arm and has a stop at its other end.

27. A bracket for fixing a first skirting board transverse to a second skirting board, the bracket comprising a socket dimensioned to securely receive the end of the first skirting board and a clamp for fixing the bracket to the second skirting board, The clamp includes a hook portion sized to securely suspend the bracket from the top edge of the second skirting board, the clamp includes a transverse extension aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second skirting board for stabilizing the bracket in its , characterized in that the socket comprises a rear wall located in use between the first and second skirting boards.

28. The bracket of claim 27, wherein the laterally extending body includes a pair of protrusions, one protrusion extending on each side of the receptacle.

29. A bracket as claimed in claim 28, wherein the extension, in use, is located along the top edge of the second skirting board.

30. A bracket as claimed in any one of claims 27-29, wherein the socket includes a pair of opposing side walls for engaging the ends of the first skirting board.

31. The stand of claim 30, wherein the receptacle includes a bottom wall.

32. A building platform provided with a safety rail and comprising a pair of vertical supports connected by cross members, backing boards or battens may be supported on the cross members in use to form a platform, between the vertical supports An upwardly extending body above the cross member, the platform further comprising brackets for receiving skirting boards, characterized in that the brackets extend upwardly from the cross members and are spaced apart from the uprights so that the skirting boards can be received and held in use Between the bracket and the upward extension.

Claims (36)

1. A building stand provided with a safety rail and comprising a pair of vertical supports connected by a cross member on which backing plates or battens may be supported in use to form a platform, between the vertical supports an integral upward extension above the cross member reaching a height at which one or more substantially horizontally extending cross bars can be joined to form a safety barrier, characterized in that the cross member Fittings are provided at its end opposite to the upwardly extending body for receiving the lower end of a detachable upright to which additional safety crossbars can be connected to form additional safety guardrails. 2. A building bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fitting comprises an open upper end of said upright at said end of the cross-member, the lower end of which is detachable in use in a telescopic fit to the upper end of the opening. 3. The building platform of claim 2, wherein the open end extends above the cross member. 4. A building bench as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fitting comprises a spigot secured in or formed by the upper end of said upright of said end of the cross-member . 5. The building stand of claim 1, wherein said fitting includes a tubular socket attached to said end of a cross member inside said pole socket of said end of the cross member connected to the cross member. 6. A building stand as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in combination with at least one such detachable upright, wherein the detachable upright and the upward extension are each provided with a Fittings for the rod, these fittings are arranged on the upwardly extending body at a height approximately equal to the height at which the fittings are arranged on the detachable upright when the lower end of the detachable upright is received by the fitting. 7. A stabilizing brace for installation between construction benches, characterized in that the brace includes a fixed structure at one end which engages the first bench at a first angle and is rotatable to a second angle , the fixing structure locks the strut to the first stand at the second angle, and the strut includes a movable latch at its other end for locking the strut to the second stand. 8. The pole of claim 7, wherein the latch is captive to the pole. 9. A pole as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the latch secures the pole to the first stand at the second angle. 10. A strut as claimed in any one of claims 7-9, wherein in the locked position the strut extends diagonally in a vertical plane between the first and second stands. 11. A strut as claimed in any one of claims 7-10, wherein said securing structure comprises: a first member transversely engageable with the first stand to provide a pivotal connection point for the strut; and a second member that moves behind a portion of the first platform when the strut is rotated from the first angle to the second angle to prevent lateral disengagement of the first member. 12. A strut as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first member comprises a laterally extending pin or peg engageable in a corresponding hole formed in a portion of the first ledge. 13. A strut as claimed in claim 12, wherein said second member comprises a claw which extends laterally across the first ledge portion when the pin is engaged in the hole and which engages behind the ledge portion, This prevents the pin from withdrawing from the hole when the strut is turned from the first angle to the second angle. 14. A pole as claimed in any one of claims 7-13, wherein the movable latch comprises a first part transversely engageable with the second carriage, and a second part rotatable to engage behind the second shelf part, thereby preventing lateral disengagement of the first part of the latch. 15. A pole as claimed in claim 14, wherein the latch first part comprises a transverse pin or peg engageable with a corresponding hole formed in the second carriage. 16. A pole as claimed in claim 15, wherein the latch second part comprises a rotatable pawl. 17. A pole as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rotatable claw is held by gravity into engagement behind the second platform portion. 18. A sleeved rail for forming a protective or safety rail for a building platform, frame, scaffolding, etc., the sleeved rail comprising inner and outer sleeved parts, wherein the inner part is prevented in use from The outer part slips out, characterized in that the inner part includes a laterally outward projection engageable with the outer part to prevent the two parts from slipping off of each other. 19. A telescopic crossbar as claimed in claim 18, wherein said laterally outward projection comprises an inner end stop on the inner telescopic member and the outer member comprises an end stop forming a cooperating The lateral inward protrusion of the piece. 20. A telescoping rail as claimed in claim 18, wherein said inner part and said outer part are prevented from slipping out of each other by a spring loaded latch carried by a part engageable in in a locking structure on another component. 21. The telescopic crossbar of claim 20, wherein the latch comprises a pin and the locking structure comprises a socket or a hole. 22. A telescopic crossbar as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the spring load is provided by leaf springs mounted in the inner part. 23. A telescopic crossbar as claimed in any one of claims 20-22 comprising a plurality of said locking formations. 24. A ladder support bracket comprising a laterally extending arm against which a ladder rests in use, characterized in that said bracket comprises a substantially vertically extending arm adapted to Affixed to the vertical supports of a construction bench or scaffolding. 25. A ladder support bracket as claimed in claim 24, wherein the substantially vertically extending arm is adapted to engage over or within the vertical support. 26. A ladder support bracket as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the substantially vertically extending arm is hollow. 27. A ladder support bracket as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the substantially vertically extending arm comprises a downwardly directed spigot. 28. A ladder support bracket as claimed in any one of claims 24-27, wherein the substantially vertically extending arm is provided with means for engaging the vertical support to prevent rotation of the support bracket about the longitudinal axis of the vertical support. 29. A ladder support bracket as claimed in claim 28, wherein the engagement means has a non-circular shape complementary to the cross-section of the vertical support. 30. A ladder support bracket as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the laterally extending arm has one end connected to the substantially vertically extending arm and has a stop at its other end. 31. A bracket for securing a first skirting board transverse to a second skirting board, the bracket comprising a socket dimensioned to securely receive the end of the first skirting board and a clamp for securing the bracket to the second skirting board, characterized in that the clamp includes a hook portion sized to securely suspend the bracket from the top edge of the second skirting board, the clamp includes a transverse extension aligned with the longitudinal axis of the second skirting board for The stand is stabilized on it. 32. The bracket of claim 31, wherein the laterally extending body includes a pair of protrusions, one protrusion extending on each side of the receptacle. 33. A bracket as claimed in claim 32, wherein the extension, in use, is located along the top edge of the second skirting board. 34. A bracket as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the socket includes a pair of opposing side walls for engaging the ends of the first skirting board. 35. The stand of claim 34, wherein the receptacle includes a bottom wall. 36. A building platform provided with a safety rail and comprising a pair of vertical supports connected by cross members, backing boards or battens may be supported on the cross members in use to form a platform, between the vertical supports An upwardly extending body above the cross member, the platform further comprising brackets for receiving skirting boards, characterized in that the brackets extend upwardly from the cross members and are spaced apart from the uprights so that the skirting boards can be received and held in use Between the bracket and the upward extension.

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