Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the scaffolding and safety decking field. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a connector or brace used to create safety deck towers.

Background to the Invention

A safety deck is a temporary structure used to support a work crew and materials to aid in the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, bridges and all other man-made structures. Unsafe safety decking has the potential to result in death or serious injury.

There are five main types of scaffolding used worldwide today. These are tube and coupler (fitting) components, prefabricated modular system scaffold components, H-frame/facade modular system scaffolds, timber scaffolds and bamboo scaffolds (particularly in China). Safety decking is normally assembled using similar components to scaffolding. Each type is made from several components which often include:

• A base plate which is a load-bearing base for the scaffold/safety deck;

• A number of standards which are the upright or vertical components;

• A number of ledgers which are the horizontal components;

• Diagonal bracing members and/or cross-sectional bracing components;

• Battens or decking boards used to make a working platform;

• Couplers which are used to j oin components together;

• Scaffold/safety deck tie, used to tie the scaffold/safety deck to a structure; and

• Brackets, used to extend the width of working platforms. The most common coupler used to connect a diagonal bracing member to a standard, particularly when the scaffold/safety deck is a tube and clamp-type scaffold/safety deck, is a metal clamp having two tube clamps in a back to back configuration connected by a pivot allowing the tube clamps to be offset relative to one another. The tube clamps normally include a threaded rod and a nut or similar which is used to tighten and loosen the tube clamp.

Couplers such as these are time consuming to use. Further, the use of the tube clamps needs to planned as they typically need to be either installed at specific times during the assembly process or need to be undone entirely and redone entirely if installed at the wrong time. Still further, the tube clamps can be overtightened which instead of forming a strong connection, can deform the scaffold/safety deck members which leads to a reduction in strength and can cause point failure.

Embodiments of the invention seek to at least partially overcome or ameliorate any one or more of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a brace for a safety deck, the brace comprising: a pair of spaced apart wing portions to receive a portion of a standard therebetween; and an engagement portion oriented at an angle to the spaced apart wing portions, the engagement portion to engage a portion of a diagonal to position the portion of the diagonal relative to the portion of the standard.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a safety deck assembly comprising: at least two standards; at least one diagonal; and at least one brace comprising: a pair of spaced apart wing portions to receive a portion of one of the standards therebetween and an engagement portion oriented at an angle to the spaced apart wing portions, the engagement portion to engage a portion of the at least one diagonal to position the portion of the diagonal relative to the portion of the standard.

Providing a brace as detailed above will allow an operator to erect a safety deck assembly rapidly and repeatedly, with a high level of stability due to the juxtaposition of the end of the diagonal relative to the end of the standard via the brace.

The brace is preferably particularly configured for coupling a diagonal member relative to a standard.

The brace may couple one or more ledgers relative to a diagonal and/or a standard.

Usually, a number of braces will be used in a safety deck assembly. A brace may be used at one or both ends of a diagonal member, ledger and/or standard. A brace may be used at any appropriate location along the length of a diagonal member, ledger and/or standard.

A brace may be attached relative to a diagonal member, ledger and/or standard directly or indirectly. If attached indirectly, the brace may be attached relative to a foot and/or platform support of a scaffold or safety deck assembly.

The brace will preferably be configured to allow the attachment of the brace relative to the diagonal member, ledger and/or standard using one or more locking pins.

The brace typically includes a pair of spaced apart wing portions to receive a portion of a standard therebetween.

The wing portions may each be wings, each having a free end. In this configuration, the wings may be connected to a transverse member or assembly at the end opposite the free end. This typically provides a U-shaped configuration.

The wing portions may be connected to a transverse member or assembly at both ends to form an opening with a closed periphery. This will typically form a rectangular opening.

Preferably, the wing portions will be substantially parallel with one another. The wing portions may be planar. An inner or facing surface of the spaced apart wing portions may be planar.

An outer or free end of the wing portions may be arcuate.

The wing portions are spaced apart. Preferably, the wing portions are spaced apart equally over the length of the wing portions. A receiving gap is typically defined between the wing portions into which a portion of the standard is at least partially received.

Any receiving gap will preferably be an accepted width, to correspond to an accepted dimension of the standard, to be at least partially received therein.

The receiving gap may be shaped to receive a rectangular or circular cross- sectional shape standard. The receiving gap is preferably rectilinear in shape. Preferably, the dimension of the receiving gap substantially corresponds to the dimension of the standard. One or more spacers may be used if the dimension of the receiving gap is larger than the dimension of the standard.

Each wing portion may be provided with at least one attachment opening. As mentioned above, the at least one attachment opening may allow the use of one or more locking pins to attach the brace to the standard.

The at least one attachment opening will typically extend perpendicularly to the plane of an inner surface of the wing portion.

The at least one attachment opening may be keyhole shaped. A keyhole shaped opening will typically have an at least partially circular main portion and a convergent entryway leading to a narrowed neck or pinch point between the convergent entryway and the main portion. The pinch point will preferably discourage accidental but not determined attachment and detachment of the brace to and from the typical locking pin.

A locking pin can be inserted laterally through the main portion of the at least one opening and through aligned openings in the standard. Attachment could be accomplished by inserting a locking pin into the openings on the standard and then forcefully pushing the brace in a direction such that the pin enters the main part of the opening through the pinch point. Separation of the brace from the standard may be accomplished by either lateral removal in the same manner as insertion but in the opposite direction or by forcefully pulling the brace in a direction such that the pin exits the main part of the opening through the pinch point.

The convergent portion of the at least one opening will typically be oriented substantially vertically when the brace is in use. The load is typically borne by the periphery of the main portion of the at least one opening, typically in line with a main longitudinal axis of the wing portion.

The at least one opening may have an enclosed periphery. In this configuration, the preferred locking pin can only be inserted into and removed from the at least one opening in a transverse direction.

The periphery of the at least one opening may be reinforced. The periphery of the at least one opening may be enlarged. A perpendicularly extending lip may be provided about the periphery of the at least one opening.

A transverse member mounting portion may be provided on at least one wing portion. The transverse member mounting portion, where provided, can be used to mount a ledger relative to the brace. Typically, the transverse member mounting portion will extend in a direction transversely away from the receiving gap.

A transverse member mounting portion may be provided on each wing portion. The transverse member mounting portions will typically extend at an angle to one another. Angles such as 90° or 180° will normally be used. The transverse member mounting portions may be aligned and/or coaxial with one another.

The transverse member mounting portion is typically shaped to either receive a portion of a scaffold or safety deck member or be received within a portion of a scaffold or safety deck member. At least one transverse pin opening may be provided into or through the transverse member mounting portion. If the transverse member mounting portion is hollow, then at least one transverse pin opening may be provided into or through a wall of the transverse member mounting portion. If more than one transverse pin opening is provided in opposite walls of a hollow transverse member mounting portion, then the transverse pin openings will normally be aligned to receive a locking pin therethrough.

At least one secondary opening may be provided on an opposite side of the transverse member mounting portion to the at least one opening. In an embodiment, the at least one secondary opening may be larger in dimension than the at least one opening.

An abutment wall or surface may be provided relative to the receiving gap and against which the standard abuts when positioned within the receiving gap. The abutment wall or surface will typically be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wings and/or to the longitudinal axis of the at least one opening that may be provided in the wing portions. The abutment wall or surface will preferably assist with aligning the standard within the receiving gap.

The brace typically includes an engagement portion oriented at an angle to the spaced apart wing portions, the engagement portion to engage a portion of a diagonal to position the portion of the diagonal relative to the portion of the standard.

The engagement portion may be provided as a part of the brace which extends from the wing portions. The engagement portion may extend at an angle from the wing portions. Each of the wing portions may extend to form side sections of the engagement portion. The wing portions may extend beyond the preferred abutment wall to at least partially form the engagement portion.

The engagement portion may include an extension or an opening.

One or more separating walls of structures can be provided to separate the wing portions from the engagement portion. The abutment wall or surface may be or be a pat of a separating wall.

In an embodiment, the engagement portion may be configured to include an opening into or through which a portion of a diagonal member is received. The opening may be formed by a pair of planar side walls, a separating wall and an opposed wall. The planar side walls are preferably parallel and perpendicular to the separating wall and the opposed wall. This will form a rectangular engagement opening but an arcuate engagement opening (or an engagement opening of any shape) could be formed with one or more walls. In another embodiment, the engagement portion may be configured to include an extension which is at least partially received into a hollow portion in a diagonal member of a scaffold or safety deck assembly.

The extension may be shaped, and may have any shape. In an embodiment, an external shape of the extension will correspond to an internal shape of a hollow portion of a scaffold or safety deck member to be engaged by the extension. The extension may be cylindrical or rectangular. A cylindrical extension may be preferred.

The extension will preferably extend from a wall provided between the wing portions or between extensions from the wing portions.

One or more engagement formations may be provided on the exterior of the extension to assist with the engagement between the extension and the scaffold or safety deck member. The extension will normally be received within the diagonal member in a friction fit. One or more alternating series of slot openings and lands therebetween may be provided about the lateral periphery of the extension. Each land separated by slot openings may function as a fin. Each fin may be deformable to a small degree.

Where more than one series of slot openings and lands is provided, each series will preferably be circumferentially spaced about the periphery.

One or more further engagement portion may be provided on the brace to engage a scaffold or safety deck member at an angle to both the standard and the diagonal. Typically, the or each further engagement portion may be provided perpendicularly to the preferred transverse member mounting portions. The or each further engagement portion may be provided to engage a ledger or cross member if desired or required.

The one or more further engagement portion may be an opening or an extension as described above in respect of the engagement portion. The one or more further engagement portion may comprise any one or more features described above in respect of the engagement portion. In an embodiment, a further engagement portion may be an opening into which a portion of a ledger or cross member if desired or required.

Any engagement portion is preferably dimensioned to correspond to the portion of the diagonal that is engaged. At least one transverse opening may be provided into or through any one or more engagement portions. If the engagement portion is hollow, then at least one transverse opening may be provided into or through a wall of the engagement portion. If more than one transverse opening is provided in opposite walls of a hollow engagement portion, then the transverse openings will normally be aligned to receive a locking pin therethrough.

Any transverse opening that is provided to receive a locking pin may include an enlarged periphery to increase the strength of the periphery. In an embodiment, the or each transverse opening provided to receive a locking pin will preferably have a perpendicularly extending lip surrounding the transverse opening. If the transverse opening is circular (which is preferred, although the transverse opening could be shaped for use as a part of a bayonet engagement with the locking pin), the provision of a perpendicularly extending lip surrounding the transverse opening will typically form a tubular extension.

The engagement portion may extend at any angle relative to the wing portions. The angle between the engagement portion and the wing portions will typically be proportional to the height between vertically spaced ledgers or other members of the scaffold or safety deck assembly.

The brace may be provided in a first configuration to couple a diagonal scaffold or safety deck member relative to a standard.

The brace may be provided in a second configuration to couple a diagonal scaffold or safety deck member relative to a standard and the diagonal and the standard relative to one or more ledgers. In this configuration, the brace preferably couples the one or more ledgers to the standard in a 180° configuration and a cross-ledger at 90° to the standard and the one or more ledger.

The brace may be manufactured from any one or more materials. In an embodiment, an engineering plastic may be used. Metal may also be used.

As mentioned above, the brace is preferably attached to or relative to the scaffold or safety deck members using one or more locking pin. The locking pin may be formed of any one or more materials. In some configurations, a wholly plastic locking pin could be used or a combination pin with a metal shank or shaft with a plastic head portion may be provided.

The locking pin will preferably have an enlarged head. A flattened surface may be provided on the head to allow a hammer or similar tool to be used to drive the locking pin into position during assembly. An opening may be provided on the head to provide a gripping portion for removal of the locking pin. The opening may be provided between the shaft and the head (as a part of the head or the shaft). An enlarged abutment shoulder may be provided perpendicularly to the length of the shaft, between the head and the shaft to limit insertion of the locking pin.

The shaft may be shaped or provided with shaped portions, for example to provide a bayonet fitting if rotated after insertion. One or more grooves or extensions may be provided on the shaft to provide tactile and/or audible feedback of the engagement of the locking pin during assembly.

Each standard may be a leg or leg assembly. One or more extendible length leg assembly may be used in the safety deck assembly. One or more extendible length leg assembly may be formed of an inner leg member which is telescopically slidable relative to an outer leg member. The outer leg member will normally be a lower leg member and the inner leg member located for telescopic extension above the outer leg member.

The outer leg member will typically be at least partially hollow. The inner leg member may be at least partially hollow.

The outer leg member will normally have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. The inner leg will normally correspond in external shape to an internal shape of the outer leg member. The inner leg member will typically be received within the outer leg member in a sliding fit but guided by the internal shape of the outer leg member. Provision of the inner leg member and the outer led member as rectangular and in a sliding fit but guided by the internal shape of the outer leg member, will substantially prevent the inner leg member rotating or twisting within the outer leg member.

The upper end of each outer leg member is typically provided with at least one pair of openings through opposed sidewalls of the hollow outer leg member. Two pairs of openings through opposed sidewalls of the hollow outer leg member may be provided.

A series of pairs of openings through opposed sidewalls of the inner leg member spaced over at least a portion of the length of the inner leg member are typically provided.

The diagonal bracing member of the assembly may be mounted to the lower end of one outer leg member and the upper end of an adjacent upper leg member using the base and head brace. A pin may be used to attach a head to the upper leg member and also fix the inner leg member relative to the outer leg member. The use of the head and base as explained above, may allow the diagonal members to be used without ledgers. One or more lower ledgers may be provided to brace the bottom of the safety deck assembly. One or more upper ledgers may be provided to brace the upper end of the outer leg members of the safety deck assembly. One or more upper ledgers and one or more lower ledgers may be provided in a fully braced configuration.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view from above of the brace of an embodiment.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the brace illustrated in Figure 1, from below.

Figure 3 is a rear view of the brace illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a front view of the brace illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a view from below of the brace illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a view from above of the brace illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 7 is a side view from the left of the brace illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a safety deck tower formed using the brace illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 9 is a detailed view of the portion of Figure 8 identified by reference letter A.

Figure 10 is an isometric view from a first side of the brace of another embodiment.

Figure 11 is an isometric view of the brace illustrated in Figure 10, from the opposite end.

Figure 12 is a front view of the brace illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 13 is a rear view of the brace illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 14 is a view from below of the brace illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 15 is a view from above of the brace illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 16 is a side view from the right of the brace illustrated in Figure 10. Figure 17 is an isometric view of a safety deck tower formed using the brace illustrated in Figure 10.

Figure 18 is a detailed view of the portion of Figure 17 identified by reference letter B.

Figure 19 is an isometric view from the front of a brace of a further embodiment. Figure 20 is an isometric view from below of the brace illustrated in Figure 19. Figure 21 is an isometric view from above of the brace illustrated in Figure 19. Figure 22 is an isometric view of a safety deck tower formed using the brace illustrated in Figure 19.

Figure 22 A is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in Figure 22 and designated ‘A’.

Figure 22B is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in Figure 22 and designated ‘B’. Figure 22C is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in Figure 22 and designated ‘C\ Figure 23 is an isometric view of a safety deck tower with lateral buttress formed using the brace illustrated in Figure 19.

Figure 23 A is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in Figure 23 and designated D\ Figure 23B is a detailed view of the portion illustrated in Figure 23 and designated Έ’.

Figure 24 is an axonometric view of a safety deck formed with extendable leg members according to an embodiment.

Figure 25 is an axonometric view of the safety deck illustrated in Figure 24 with four bottom ledgers attached.

Figure 26 is an axonometric view of the safety deck illustrated in Figure 24 with four top ledgers attached.

Figure 27 is an axonometric view of the safety deck illustrated in Figure 24 with four bottom ledgers and four top ledgers attached. Figure 28 is an axonometric view of a safety deck with extendable leg members showing a diagonal brace member according to an embodiment.

Figure 29 is an axonometric view of the safety deck illustrated in Figure 28 with a bottom ledger attached.

Figure 30 is an axonometric view of the safety deck illustrated in Figure 28 with a top ledger attached.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a brace 10 for a safety deck is provided. The brace 10 is illustrated in two embodiments in the Figures, a first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9 and a second embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 18.

In both embodiments, the brace 10 comprises a pair of spaced apart wings 11 to receive a portion of a standard 12 (illustrated in Figures 8, 9, 17 and 18) therebetween. The brace also includes an engagement portion 13 oriented at an angle to the spaced apart wings 11 to engage a portion of a diagonal 14 (illustrated in Figures 8, 9, 17 and 18) to position the portion of the diagonal 14 relative to the portion of the standard 12.

The brace is used in a safety deck assembly, such as that illustrated in Figures

8, 9, 17 and 18. The safety deck assembly 20 illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, comprises four standards 12, four diagonals 14 and a brace 10 at the upper and lower end of each diagonal 14 to couple the diagonal 14 to one standard 12 at a lower end and an adjacent standard 12 at an upper end.

The brace may be used to couple one or more ledgers relative to a diagonal and/or a standard. This is shown in the configuration illustrated in Figures 17 and 18.

Usually, a number of braces will be used in a safety deck assembly. A brace may be used at one or both ends of a diagonal member, ledger and/or standard. A brace may be used at any appropriate location along the length of a diagonal member, ledger and/or standard.

The brace 10 may be attached relative to a diagonal 14, ledger 15 and/or standard 12 directly or indirectly. If attached indirectly such as illustrated in Figures 8,

9, 17 and 18, the brace 10 may be attached relative to a foot 16 and/or platform support 17 of a safety deck assembly. The platform support 17 illustrated has the same configuration as the foot 16 but is used in an inverted orientation to support a platform 17.

The brace 10 is coupled relative to the diagonal 14, ledger and/or standard 12 using an elongate locking pin 19. The locking pin 19 attaches the brace 10 and the foot 17/platform support 17 to the standard 12 as shown in Figure 9 in particular.

The brace 10 illustrated includes a pair of spaced apart wings 11 to receive a portion of a standard 12 therebetween.

As shown, the wings 11 each have a generally arcuate free end. In this configuration, the wings are connected to a transverse wall 36 at the end opposite the free end. This typically provides a receiving gap 21 of a generally U-shaped configuration for receiving the standard 12 thereinto. The receiving gap 21 is normally an accepted width to correspond to an accepted dimension of the standard 12 to be at least partially received therein.

The generally U-shaped receiving gap 21 can receive a rectangular or circular cross-sectional shape standard 12. The receiving gap 21 is preferably rectilinear in shape. Typically, the dimension of the receiving gap substantially corresponds to the dimension of the standard but if not, one or more spacers may be used if the dimension of the receiving gap 21 is larger than the dimension of the standard 12.

As shown, the wings 11 are substantially parallel with one another. The wings 11 illustrated are planar. An inner or facing surface of the spaced apart wings 11 is planar.

Each wing illustrated is provided with an attachment opening 22, allowing the use of a locking pin 19 to attach the brace 10 to the standard 12. The attachment opening 22 illustrated extends perpendicularly to the plane of an inner surface of the wings 11.

The attachment opening 22 in the illustrated embodiments is keyhole shaped. The keyhole shaped opening 22 has a partially circular main portion 23 and a convergent entryway 24 leading to a narrowed neck or pinch point between the convergent entryway 24 and the main portion 23. The pinch point will preferably discourage accidental but not determined attachment and detachment of the brace 10 to and from the locking pin 19.

A locking pin 19 can be inserted laterally through the main portion 23 of the opening 22 and through aligned openings in the standard 12. Attachment could be accomplished by inserting a locking pin 19 into the openings on the standard 12 and then forcefully pushing the brace 10 in a direction such that the pin 19 enters the main part of the opening 22 through the pinch point, although this will typically require that the locking pin 19 and/or the periphery of the opening 22 is at least partially deformable.

Separation of the brace 10 from the standard 12 may be accomplished by either lateral removal of the locking pin 19 in the same manner as insertion, but in the opposite direction ,or by forcefully pulling the brace 10 in a direction such that the pin 19 exits the main part 23 of the opening 22 through the pinch point. The convergent portion 24 of the opening 22 will typically be oriented substantially vertically when the brace 10 is in use as illustrated in Figure 7 (or inverted if used at an upper end). The load is typically borne by the periphery of the main portion 23 of the opening 22, typically in line with a main longitudinal axis of the wing 11.

The periphery of the opening 22 may be reinforced. As shown best in Figures 1 and 2, a perpendicularly extending lip 25 may be provided about the periphery of the opening 22.

As illustrated in Figures 10 to 18, the brace 10 may include a transverse member mounting portion 26 on at least one wing 11, and possibly both as shown. The transverse member mounting portion, where provided, can be used to mount a ledger 27 relative to the brace 10. Typically, the transverse member mounting portion 26 will extend in a direction transversely away from the receiving gap 21.

A transverse member mounting portion 26 may be provided on each wing 11 as shown. The transverse member mounting portions shown in Figures 10 to 18 extend at. 180° to one another. The transverse member mounting portions 26 are aligned or coaxial with one another. This transverse member mounting portion 26to configured to be received within a portion of the ledger 27.

A second (or third) transverse member mounting portion may be provided, configured as a transverse opening 29, shaped to receive a portion of transverse ledger 28. As shown in Figures 11 to 13 in particular, the transverse opening may be provided through a part of the brace, separated from the receiving gap 21 and the mounting portion for the diagonal 14.

An abutment wall 30 is provided relative to the receiving gap 21 and against which the standard 12 abuts when positioned within the receiving gap 21. The abutment wall 30 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wings 11 and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the attachment opening 22 that may be provided in the wings 11. The abutment wall 30 will preferably assist with aligning the standard 12 within the receiving gap 21. The brace 10 typically includes an engagement portion oriented at an angle to the spaced apart wings 11 to engage a portion of a diagonal 14, to position the portion of the diagonal 14 relative to the portion of the standard 12.

The engagement portion may be provided as a part of the brace 10 which extends from the wings 11. The engagement portion may extend at an angle from the wings 11.

The engagement portion may be an extension 31 as shown in Figures 1 to 9, or an opening 32 as shown in Figures 10 to 18.

In both illustrated configurations, the wings 11 extend beyond the preferred abutment wall 22, 30 to at least partially form the engagement portion.

One or more separating walls or structures can be provided to separate the wings 11 from the engagement portion. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 for example, a transverse separating wall 33 is provided relative to which the extension 31 is formed.

In this embodiment, the engagement portion is configured as an extension 31 which is at least partially received into a hollow portion in a diagonal member 14 of a safety deck assembly.

The extension 31 is shaped. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 9, the external shape of the extension 31 corresponds to an internal shape of a hollow portion of the diagonal 14 to be engaged by the extension 31. The extension 31 shown is cylindrical.

The extension 31 extends from the separating wall 33 provided between the extensions from the wings 11.

The extension 31 is normally received within the diagonal 14 in a friction fit. Engagement formations are provided on the exterior of the extension 31 to assist with the engagement between the extension 31 and the diagonal. At least two alternating series of slot openings 34 and lands 35 therebetween are provided on the periphery of the extension 31. Each land 35 separated by slot openings 34 functions as a fin. The fins may be deformable to a small degree. The engagement formations are circumferentially spaced about the periphery of the extension 31 as shown. In the embodiment shown in Figures 10 to 18, the engagement portion is configured as an opening 32 into or through which a portion of a diagonal 14 is received. The opening 32 is formed by a pair of planar side walls which are configured as extensions from the wings 11, a separating wall 37 and an opposed wall 38. The planar side walls are parallel and perpendicular to the separating wall 37 and the opposed wall 38. This will form a rectangular engagement opening 32.

As shown, a transverse pin opening 39 may be provided into or through the engagement portions. If the engagement portion is hollow such as the transverse member mounting portion 26, then the transverse pin opening is provided through a wall of the transverse member mounting portion 26. If more than one transverse pin opening 39 is provided in opposite walls of a transverse member mounting portion 26, then the openings 39 will normally be aligned to receive a locking pin 19 therethrough.

Any transverse opening 39 that is provided to receive a locking pin 19 may include an enlarged periphery to increase the strength of the periphery. In an embodiment, at least some of the transverse pin openings 39 have a perpendicularly extending lip surrounding the transverse pin opening 39. If the transverse opening is circular (which is preferred, although the transverse opening could be shaped for use as a part of a bayonet engagement with the locking pin), the provision of a perpendicularly extending lip surrounding the transverse pin opening 39 will form a tubular extension.

The engagement portion 31. 32 is provided at any angle relative to the wings 11. The angle will typically be related to the height between the ledgers 15 or other members of the safety deck assembly.

The brace 10 is provided in a first configuration to couple a diagonal safety deck member 14 relative to a standard 12.

The brace 10 may be provided in a second configuration to couple a diagonal safety deck member 14 relative to a standard 12 and the diagonal 14 and the standard 12 relative to one or more ledgers 15. In this configuration, the brace preferably couples the one or more longitudinal ledgers 27 to the standard in a 180° configuration and a cross-ledger 28 at 90° to the standard and the one or more longitudinal ledger27. The brace may be manufactured from any one or more materials. In an embodiment, an engineering plastic may be used. Metal may also be used.

As mentioned above, the brace 10 is preferably attached to or relative to the safety deck members using a locking pin 19. The locking pin 19 may be formed of any one or more materials. In some configurations, a wholly plastic locking pin 19 could be used or a combination pin 19 with a metal shank or shaft with a plastic head portion may be provided.

The locking pin 19 will preferably have an enlarged head. A flattened surface

40 may be provided on the head to allow a hammer or similar tool to be used to drive the locking pin 19 into position during assembly. An opening 41 may be provided on the head to provide a gripping portion for removal of the locking pin 19. The opening

41 may be provided between the shaft (not shown) and the head (as a part of the head or the shaft). An enlarged abutment shoulder 42 may be provided perpendicularly to the length of the shaft, between the head and the shaft to limit insertion of the locking pin 19.

The embodiment of the brace illustrated in Figures 19 to 21 is basically similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 to 18 with some small differences. Instead of the keyhole shaped opening in the wings for example, the attachment opening 22 in the embodiment in Figure 19 to 21, has an enclosed periphery. In this configuration, the locking pin 19 can only be inserted into and removed from the attachment opening 22 in a transverse direction.

A secondary opening 50 is provided on each wing 11, on an opposite side of the transverse member mounting portion 26 to the attachment opening 22. In an embodiment, the secondary opening 50 is larger in dimension than the attachment opening 22.

The brace of the embodiments illustrated allows the vertical safety deck components in multiple ways using a single brace. For example, the legs can be braced using a top to bottom method (chase the brace) without the need for a ledger/kicker lift in the bottom. The brace also allows bracing of the legs using a top to bottom method (chase the brace) with ledgers 52 (kicker lift) then fitted at the bottom as illustrated in the tower 51 shown in Figure 22.

Still further, the brace can allow the use of a buttress effect where a diagonal 53 is fitted to the brace at the top, and to an external perimeter of the safety deck at the bottom, to provide a raked buttress support by extension of the base, to stop the decking from overturning in a particular direction as illustrated in Figure 23.

The embodiment of the safety deck illustrated in Figures 24 to 30 is similar to that illustrated in Figures 22 to 22C but utilising extendible length leg assemblies for the uprights (or standards) of the safety deck.

In Figures 24 to 30, the extendible length leg assemblies are each formed of an inner leg member which is telescopically slidable relative to an outer leg member. The diagonal bracing member is mounted to the lower end of one outer leg member and the upper end of an adjacent outer leg member using the base and head brace. The upper end of each outer leg member is provided with two pairs of openings through opposed sidewalls of the hollow outer leg member. A series of pairs of openings through opposed sidewalls of the inner leg member are spaced over at least a portion of the length of the inner leg member.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pin used to attach the head brace to the outer leg member also fixes the inner leg member relative to the outer leg member with the respective openings are aligned with each other.

The use of the head and base brace as explained above, allows the diagonal members to be used without ledgers as shown in Figure 24, with a set of lower ledgers to brace the bottom of the safety deck assembly, as shown in Figure 25, with a set of upper ledgers to brace the upper end of the outer leg members of the safety deck assembly, as shown in Figure 26 or with both upper and lower ledgers in a fully braced configuration as illustrated in Figure 27.

Figures 28 to 30 show one side of the safety deck assembly of Figures 24 to 26 with the other legs and members removed for clarity. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.