FIELD

The invention relates to a coupling assembly for coupling a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube in a mutually parallel way. The invention further relates to a set of coupling assemblies, a scaffold rail assembly, a set of scaffold rail assemblies, and a scaffold construction. The invention furthermore relates to a method for coupling a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube in a mutually parallel way and a method for uncoupling a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube from each other.

BACKGROUND

Coupling assemblies and associated methods for coupling a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube in a mutually parallel way are known per se. A known coupling assembly is fixedly connected to the first scaffolding tube and configured to receive the second scaffolding tube therein. A received second scaffolding tube can be secured to counteract the scaffolding tubes being uncoupled unintendedly. The securing is for instance done by a securing unit which is normally in a securing state, for instance under the influence of a bias, and which can be moved manually to a releasing state, for instance against the bias.

A disadvantage of the known coupling assembly is that coupling and uncoupling of the second scaffolding tube requires relatively complex operations, which can make assembly and disassembly of a scaffold construction more difficult and slow the process. Another disadvantage is that the known coupling assembly is relatively sensitive to wear, as a consequence of which the functioning of the coupling assembly may deteriorate with the passage of time, which not only adversely affects the ease of use but also, in scaffolding construction and use, entails safety risks.

DE 10 2019 002078 Al and EP 1 571 275 A2 each disclose a coupling assembly according to the pre-characterizing portion of claim 1, which is operated by a manual rotational movement about a main axis of the respective first scaffolding tube. WO 2004/029382 Al discloses a coupling assembly for coupling two scaffolding tubes to each other at a right angle.

SUMMARY

An object of the current invention is to provide a coupling assembly with which a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube can be coupled to each other in a mutual parallel way more easily. An object is to provide a coupling assembly with which the thus coupled first and second scaffolding tubes can be uncoupled more easily. An object is to provide a more reliable, more durable, simpler and/or more versatile coupling assembly. An object is to make scaffold construction and use easier and/or safer.

An aspect of the invention provides to that end a coupling assembly for coupling a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube in a mutually parallel way. The coupling assembly comprises at least one connecting section with the aid of which the coupling assembly is connected with the first scaffolding tube. The coupling assembly comprises at least one fork which extends from the at least one connecting section in a fork direction to a distal end on which fork prongs are provided. Between the fork prongs a receiving space is formed for therein receiving the second scaffolding tube.

The coupling assembly comprises a securing unit which under deformation thereof is displaceable relative to the at least one fork and thereby is adjustable between a securing state and a releasing state. In the securing state, the securing unit is configured to form a narrowing at the fork prongs to secure in the receiving space a second scaffolding tube received in the receiving space. In the releasing state, the securing unit is configured to form, compared with the securing state, less or no narrowing at the fork prongs, so that a second scaffolding tube received in the receiving space is removable from the receiving space in the fork direction.

The securing unit comprises a handgrip which is so positioned relative to the at least one fork and the first scaffolding tube that the securing unit under deformation thereof is displaceable relative to the at least one fork by a single combined hand gripping of the handgrip and the first scaffolding tube to thereby adjust the securing unit from the securing state to the releasing state.

Because the coupling assembly can be adjusted to the releasing state by means of a single hand gripping of the handgrip and the first scaffolding tube, coupling and uncoupling of the second scaffolding tube is made easier. In particular, in this way, by means of the same hand gripping the first scaffolding tube can be displaced relative to the second scaffolding tube while the securing unit is being held in the releasing state.

It will be clear that in the context of the current disclosure a hand gripping substantially corresponds to moving respectively one or more fingers of a hand and a thumb of the same hand towards each other, in particular from both sides of the element to be gripped or the combination of elements to be gripped, such that that element or that combination of elements is thereby substantially clamped by the respective hand. So, if elements are displaceable relative to each other by a single combined hand gripping of those elements, it suffices for bringing about a mutual displacement of those elements that fingers and thumb of a same hand from both sides of that combination of elements are moved towards each other over a certain distance, while they can for instance for some time exert some force in each other’s direction on the combination of elements. Such force exertion by a hand is also called pinching and the corresponding hand movement is also called a manual pinching movement.

The single combined hand gripping may thus correspond in particular to a manual pinching movement with which the handgrip and the first scaffolding tube are moved towards each other.

In some known coupling assemblies, separate simultaneous hand gripping acts, that is, a complex operation with two hands, is necessary for, on the one hand, bringing the coupling assembly to a releasing state and, on the other, displacing the scaffolding tubes relative to each other. In some known coupling assemblies, in addition to the hand gripping, a rotational action is needed to be able to bring the securing unit to the releasing state, which is ergonomically unfavourable and brings with it a relatively complex and/or heavy mechanism.

The advantageous displaceability of the securing unit by the single combined hand gripping preferably corresponds to a translation of the securing unit, at least the handgrip thereof, transverse to a main direction of the first scaffolding tube.

Thus, the posture and movement of the hand for the single combined hand gripping can be particularly ergonomic and, in particular, substantially correspond to the common hand posture and movement for gripping a scaffolding tube.

The securing unit is preferably biased in the direction of the securing state from the releasing state, which bias can be overcome by the single hand gripping mentioned, so that the securing unit is normally, that is, in the absence of the hand gripping mentioned, is in the securing state.

The securing unit may be manufactured in one piece, for instance from plastic, so that the coupling assembly is less sensitive to wear. In known coupling assemblies, such wear is associated with mutually moving parts, in particular mutually hinging metal parts. Such a securing unit in one piece is preferably elastically deformable under the influence of the hand gripping mentioned between the securing state and the releasing state, while the elastic deformability can contribute to the above-mentioned bias in the direction of the securing state.

A further aspect provides a set of coupling assemblies herein described. Each of the coupling assemblies comprises at a distance from the at least one fork on the first scaffolding tube at least one of a further fork and an eye configured to receive at least partly a second scaffolding tube received in the receiving space. At least one of the coupling assemblies comprises the eye and at least one other of the coupling assemblies comprises the further fork. The coupling assemblies are configured to be coupled with a same second scaffolding tube at the same time, such that the eye and the further fork are positioned substantially at the same position along the second scaffolding tube.

With such a set of coupling assemblies, easily, reliably, stably and compactly, two first scaffolding tubes can be coupled to a same second scaffolding tube.

A further aspect provides a scaffold rail assembly comprising at least one coupling assembly as herein described, wherein the first scaffolding tube is part of the scaffold rail assembly.

Such a scaffold rail assembly can be easily and reliably coupled to a second scaffolding tube such as a standard, wherein the scaffold rail assembly, moreover, can be easily detachable from the second scaffolding tube. Due to such detachability, the scaffold rail assembly, if desired, can be easily adjusted, displaced and/or collapsed.

A further aspect provides a set of scaffold rail assemblies as herein described, wherein for each scaffold rail assembly the at least one coupling assembly comprises at least two coupling assemblies which are each provided on a different respective scaffolding tube of the scaffold rail assembly and which scaffolding tubes are provided in the scaffold rail assembly in a mutually movable manner. Each of the scaffold rail assemblies is so configured that a coupling assembly thereof together with a coupling assembly of another one of the scaffold rail assemblies forms a set of coupling assemblies as herein described.

Such a set of scaffold rail assemblies can easily, for instance side by side in series, be coupled to a scaffold construction to provide reliable fall protection. Two adjacent scaffold rail assemblies of the set may then be coupled to a same second scaffolding tube such as a standard of the scaffold construction.

A further aspect provides a scaffold construction comprising a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube. The first scaffolding tube is provided with a coupling assembly as herein described, with which the first scaffolding tube and the second scaffolding tube are coupled in a mutually parallel way to form at least a part of the scaffold construction.

Such a scaffold construction provides the above-mentioned advantages and can be particularly easily and safely assembled, used and disassembled.

A further aspect provides a method for coupling a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube in a mutually parallel way. The method comprises: providing a coupling assembly as herein described, wherein the coupling assembly is connected with the first scaffolding tube; and receiving the second scaffolding tube in the receiving space, wherein the second scaffolding tube is secured in the receiving space by the securing unit.

A further aspect provides a method for uncoupling from each other a first scaffolding tube and a second scaffolding tube coupled to each other in a mutually parallel way according to the above-described method. The method comprises: by means of a single combined hand gripping of the handgrip and the first scaffolding tube, displacing the securing unit relative to the at least one fork, whereby the securing unit is deformed and is thereby adjusted from the securing state to the releasing state; and thereupon moving the second scaffolding tube and the coupling assembly away from each other, in particular substantially by means of the same single combined hand gripping, whereby the second scaffolding tube is moved in the fork direction out of the receiving space.

Such methods provide the above-mentioned advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following, the invention will be further explained on the basis of examples of embodiments and drawings. The drawings are schematic and merely show examples. In the drawings, corresponding elements are indicated with corresponding reference signs. In the drawings:

Fig. 1A shows an isometric view of an example of a coupling assembly according to an embodiment, wherein the securing unit is in the securing state;

Fig. IB shows a further isometric view of the coupling assembly of Fig. 1A;

Fig. 2A shows an isometric cutaway view of a portion of the coupling assembly of Figs. 1A-B, wherein the securing unit is not shown;

Fig. 2B shows an isometric view of the securing unit of the coupling assembly of Figs. 1A-B, not shown in Fig. 2 A;

Fig. 3 A shows a top plan view of the coupling assembly of

Figs. 1A-B in cross section along the line III in Figs. 1A-B, wherein the securing unit is in the securing state;

Fig. 3B shows a top plan view in cross section corresponding to Fig. 3 A, wherein the securing unit is in a releasing state;

Fig. 4A shows an isometric view of an example of a coupling assembly according to a further embodiment, wherein the securing unit is in the securing state;

Fig. 4B shows a side view of an example of a set of coupling assemblies according to an embodiment, wherein the set of coupling assemblies comprises a coupling assembly according to Fig. 4A and a coupling assembly according to Figs. 1A-B;

Fig. 5 A shows an isometric view of an example of a set of scaffold rail assemblies according to an embodiment;

Fig. 5B shows an isometric view of a scaffold rail assembly of the set of scaffold rail assemblies of Fig. 5 A, wherein the scaffold rail assembly is in a transport configuration;

Fig. 6A shows an isometric view of parts of a coupling assembly according to a further embodiment; and

Fig. 6B shows a partly cutaway top plan view of the parts of the coupling assembly shown in Fig. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The drawings show examples of a coupling assembly 2, 102 for coupling a first scaffolding tube 4, 104 and a second scaffolding tube 6 in a mutually parallel way.

The second scaffolding tube 6 is represented in Figs. 1A-B, 3A-B, 4A-B and 5A in transparent view with a dashed line. In Figs. 6A-B the first scaffolding tube 4 is represented in transparent view with a dashed line. In practice, the first scaffolding tube 4 and the second scaffolding tube 6 are preferably manufactured from steel or aluminium, as is usual for scaffolding tubes, although other materials are not excluded.

The coupling assembly 2, 102 comprises at least one connecting section 8, 8' with the aid of which the coupling assembly 2, 102 is connected with the first scaffolding tube 4.

The coupling assembly 2, 102 comprises at least one fork 10, 10' which extends from the at least one connecting section 8, 8' in a fork direction R to a distal end on which fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' are provided, while between the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' a receiving space 16 is formed for therein receiving the second scaffolding tube 6. In the examples shown, per coupling assembly 2, 102 two connecting sections 8, 8' are provided, while from each of the two connecting sections 8, 8' a respective fork 10, 10' extends and wherein on each of the forks 10, 10' two respective fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' are provided. It will be clear that different numbers of connecting sections, forks and/or fork prongs are possible.

A fork 10, 10' and a respective connecting section 8, 8' may for instance as shown be manufactured in one piece, for instance from steel. The connection between the connecting section 8, 8’ and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 then concerns for instance a welded joint.

A fork 10, 10' with respective connecting section 8, 8' extends for instance radially outwards from the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, while the fork extends for instance substantially in a plane which extends transversely, preferably perpendicularly, relative to a main direction of the first scaffolding tube 4, 104. Thus, the receiving space 16 for the second scaffolding tube 6 can extend for instance substantially parallel to the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, for instance at some distance from the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, while between the first 4, 104 and coupled second 6 scaffolding tube one or more cross connections are formed by the one or more connecting sections 8, 8' with one or more forks 10, 10'.

The coupling assembly 2, 102 comprises a securing unit 18 which under deformation thereof is displaceable relative to the at least one fork 10, 10' and is thereby adjustable between a securing state B and a releasing state V. The securing state B is shown in Figs. 1A-B, 3A, 4A-B and 6A-B. The releasing state V is shown in Fig. 3B.

The securing unit 18 is configured in the securing state B to form at the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' a narrowing N (see Figs. IB, 3A and 6B) to secure in the receiving space 16 a second scaffolding tube 6 received in the receiving space 16. By the narrowing N a movement in the fork direction R of the second scaffolding tube 6 out of the receiving space 16 is substantially blocked, at least counteracted to a sufficient extent to obtain a reliable coupling. It can be seen that the second scaffolding tube 6 in the securing state B is locked in the receiving space 16 by means of form closure which is achieved by the narrowing N. The narrowing N may, as shown, be positioned at a distal end of the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b'. Alternatively or additionally, elsewhere a narrowing may be provided, in particular a narrowing which can cause form closure of the second scaffolding tube 6. In the examples shown, the narrowing N is substantially symmetrical relative to the fork direction R. Alternatively or additionally, a nonsymmetrical narrowing may be provided.

The securing unit 18 is configured in the releasing state V to form at the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b', compared with the securing state B, less or no narrowing, so that a second scaffolding tube 6 received in the receiving space 16 is removable from the receiving space 16 in the fork direction R.

The securing unit 18 comprises a handgrip 20 which is so positioned relative to the at least one fork 10, 10' and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 that the securing unit 18 under deformation thereof is displaceable relative to the at least one fork 10, 10' by a single combined hand gripping of the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 to thereby adjust the securing unit 18 from the securing state B to the releasing state V.

The single combined hand gripping corresponds in particular to a manual pinching movement with which the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 are moved towards each other. The displaceability of the securing unit 18 by the single combined hand gripping corresponds in particular to a translation of the securing unit 18, at least the handgrip 20 thereof, transversely to the main direction of the first scaffolding tube 4, 104.

In Figs. 3A-B it can be seen how the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 in an example are displaceable relative to each other: in the securing state B (Fig. 3A), between the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4 an intermediate space is formed, which offers room to move the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4 towards each other such that the intermediate space mentioned is diminished (Fig. 3B) or even cancelled, so that the releasing state V is achieved. In Figs. 6A-B the handgrip is not shown. However, the handgrip may be implemented in a manner corresponding to that in the other figures.

In Fig. 3B it can further be seen that in this example in the releasing state V, the narrowing N present in the securing state B (Fig. 3 A) has been substantially cancelled by deformation of the securing unit 18, in particular by a moving away from each other of cams 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b', as is further explained elsewhere in this description. The deformation of the securing unit 18 can for instance be achieved by a converting mechanism 22 and/or an elastic deformability of the securing unit 18, as is further explained elsewhere in this description.

The handgrip 20 is for instance provided with a grooved structure (see Fig. IB) in which, upon the hand gripping, fingers can be placed for a stable and comfortable gripping of the handgrip 20. In the mentioned single combined hand gripping of the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, fingers of the hand can extend along the handgrip 20 while the palm of the hand is placed against an opposite side of the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, the hand for instance forming, as it were, a fist around the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104. With a pinching movement of a thus placed hand, the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube can be moved towards each other. In an embodiment, the securing unit 18 is elastically deformable for adjustment between the securing state B and the releasing state V, while the coupling assembly 2, 102 is configured to have the securing unit 18 elastically deform by the single combined hand gripping of the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 for adjustment from the securing state B to the releasing state V.

Such elastic deformability makes a relatively simple construction with few parts possible.

The elastic deformability may for instance be achieved by manufacturing the securing unit 18 from a relatively elastic material such as a plastics material and/or by giving the securing unit 18 at least locally (in particular at hinge structures 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' further described elsewhere in this description) a relatively slender form which facilitates bending.

In an embodiment, the securing unit 18 is manufactured in one piece, for instance of plastic.

Thus, the securing unit 18 can be particularly durable and be manufactured relatively inexpensively.

Alternatively, the securing unit may be manufactured in more than one piece.

In an embodiment, the coupling assembly 2, 102 comprises a converting mechanism 22 which is configured to convert a mutual displacement of the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 into a deformation of the securing unit 18 for adjustment of the securing unit 18 between the securing state B and the releasing state V.

With such a converting mechanism 22, it can be achieved that the coupling assembly 2, 102 can be operated by the single hand gripping.

The converting mechanism 22 is preferably of wholly mechanical design, for instance in the form of guiding structures and/or hinge structures, as is further explained elsewhere in this description. In an embodiment, the securing unit 18 comprises at least one prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' which extends along, and preferably adjoining, a respective at least one of the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' and which is movably connected to the handgrip 20.

Thus, the securing unit 18 can form the narrowing N at the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b', in particular without limiting the receiving space 16 otherwise. The at least one prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' may here be supported by an adjoining respective fork prong 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b', which is for instance made of steel. Such support can be particularly advantageous when the prong sections 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b', for instance just like the whole securing unit 18, are manufactured from an elastically deformable material.

In an embodiment, the securing unit 18 comprises at least one fork structure 12, 12’, wherein the at least one prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' comprises a plurality of prong sections 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' which each extend as part of the at least one fork structure 12, 12’ along a respective fork prong of the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' and which are each movably connected to the handgrip 20.

A fork structure 12, 12’ of the securing unit 18 can thus substantially correspond to a structure of a respective fork 10, 10’ of the at least one fork 10, 10’. In Figs. 1A-B it can be seen by way of example that the fork structures 12, 12’ of the securing unit 18 substantially extend between the forks 10, 10’, with each fork structure 12, 12’ adjoining a respective one of the forks 10, 10’. In Fig. 6A it can be seen by way of example that the fork structure 12 substantially surrounds the fork 10, with the fork structure 12 in Fig. 6B being represented in a partly cutaway view to show, inside thereof, the fork 10 with connecting section 8.

Thus, the narrowing N can be formed simultaneously from a plurality of the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b', in particular in a symmetrical way, while with a relatively small displacement per prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' a relatively strong narrowing can be formed.

In an embodiment, each prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' of the at least one prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' is hingedly connected to the handgrip 20 by means of a respective hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b'.

Such a hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' can advantageously form part of the converting mechanism 22. A hinge axis of the hinge structures 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' extends for instance substantially parallel to the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 and (during use) the second scaffolding tube 6, so that the prong sections 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' by hinging at the hinge structures 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' can be moved towards the second scaffolding tube 6 or away from the second scaffolding tube 6 to form or enhance the narrowing N, or to diminish or undo it.

In an embodiment, the hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' is resilient, wherein each prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' of the at least one prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' is resiliently hingedly connected to the handgrip 20 by means of the respective resilient hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b'. The resilient hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' is preferably configured to bias the securing unit 18 in the direction of the securing state B from the releasing state V. Alternatively or additionally, such bias can for instance be achieved by a compression spring (not shown) which is placed between the first scaffolding tube 4 and the handgrip 20 and which is configured there to supply a bias directed parallel to the fork direction R, in the direction of the securing state B.

Thus, it is achieved that the securing unit 18 normally, that is, in the absence of the hand gripping or any other cancellation of the bias, is in the securing state B, which is of benefit to the safety and ease of use of the coupling assembly 2, 102 and an associated scaffold construction.

In an embodiment the elastic deformability of the securing unit 18 is at least partly provided by the at least one resilient hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' and/or the at least one resilient hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' is at least partly provided by the elastic deformability of the securing unit 18.

In an embodiment, the at least one resilient hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' is substantially formed by at least one elastically deformable neck of the securing unit 18, which at least one neck connects the at least one prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' to the handgrip 20.

In Figs. 3A-B and 6A-B it can for instance be seen that each hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' is substantially formed by one respective elastically deformable neck (in Figs. 6A-B implemented in two layers, one on each side of the connecting section 8), here in the form of a relatively slender neck section of the securing unit 18 formed in one piece, wherein each thus formed neck connects a respective prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' in a resilient hingeable manner to the handgrip 20.

Such a neck can form a resilient hinge structure in a relatively simple and reliable manner, allowing the securing unit 18 for instance to be formed in one piece.

In an embodiment, on the prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' of the securing unit 18 a respective cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' is formed which by adjustment of the securing unit 18 between the securing state B and the releasing state V is displaceable relative to the respective fork prong 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' between a securing position (in the securing state B) and a releasing position (in the releasing state V).

In an embodiment, the at least one cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' is configured to form in the securing position (in the securing state B) a respective part of the narrowing N at the respective fork prong 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' and to form in the releasing position (in the releasing state V) less narrowing or none at the respective fork prong 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b'.

With such cams 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b', in the securing state B the narrowing N can be formed, while the cams 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' can extend in particular at an angle to the fork direction R, from the prong sections 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' to form the narrowing N.

In the top plan views of Figs. 3A-B, it can be seen, by way of example, that the cams 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' in the securing state B (Fig. 3A) project further relative to the underlying fork prong 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b'. In the example of Fig. 3B the cams 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' in the releasing state V are retracted so far that apart from the boundary of the receiving space 16 formed by the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' themselves, no narrowing is formed. In the example of Fig. 6B the cams 26a, 26b can be retracted in a corresponding manner.

As can be seen in Fig. 3B, the at least one cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' in the releasing position is preferably at a distance from a second scaffolding tube 6 wholly received in the receiving space 16, at least, more at a distance than in the securing position.

In an embodiment, at least one of the at least one fork 10, 10’ and the securing unit 18 is provided with at least one guiding structure 28, 30, 28’, 30’ which is configured to deform the securing unit 18 by guiding relative to the at least one fork 10, 10’, when the securing unit 18 is displaced relative to the at least one fork 10, 10’.

Such a guiding structure 28, 30, 28’, 30’ can advantageously contribute to the converting mechanism 22, in particular in combination with the at least one hinge structure 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b' mentioned.

In an embodiment, the at least one guiding structure 28, 28', 30, 30' is configured to guide the at least one cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' between the securing position (in the securing state B) and the releasing position (in the releasing state V).

Thus, the converting mechanism 22 can be configured to convert a hand gripping of the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4 into a reduction or cancellation of the narrowing N, in particular when the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4 are moved relative to each other substantially parallel to the fork direction R by the hand gripping.

In an embodiment, the at least one guiding structure 28, 30, 28', 30' comprises at least one male guiding structure 28, 28’ fixed to the at least one fork 10, 10’, which is configured to limit a movability of the securing unit 18 relative to the at least one fork 10, 10’.

Such a male guiding structure 28, 28' can for instance be formed from metal, for instance from metal pins 28a, 28b, 28c, 28a’, 28b’, 28c’ (see Figs. 2A and 3A-B) which are fixed to a respective fork 10, 10’ and/or guiding structure 8, 8’, for instance by a screw connection. Alternatively or additionally, as shown in Fig. 6B, the male guiding structure 28 may be integrally formed with the fork 10 and/or the connecting section 8 itself, in particular by guiding sections 128a, 128b, 128c which are provided with an outer contour suitable for such a guiding. Thus, the male guiding structure 28, 28' can provide an efficient and firm boundary in a compact way.

In an embodiment, the at least one guiding structure 28, 30, 28', 30' comprises at least one female guiding structure 30, 30’ which is configured to cooperate with a respective male guiding structure 28, 28' of the at least one fork 10, 10’.

Thus, the respective male and female guiding structures 28, 28', and 30, 30’ together can provide a proper confining guidance. The male guiding structure 28, 28' is preferably enclosed with mutual play by the female guiding structure 30, 30’, where the mutual play provides movement guidance, while the enclosing confines the respective movement, in particular to counteract the securing unit 18 being moved (too far) outside the releasing state V, the securing state B and intermediate stages.

The mutual play is for instance provided by implementing the female guiding structure 30, 30’ as slots 30a, 30b, 30c, 30a’, 30b’, 30c’, as shown, while the male guiding structure 28, 28' is implemented as pins 28a, 28b, 28c, 28a’, 28b’, 28c’ and/or sections 128a, 128b, 128c, received in the slots, such that the pins and/or sections on the one hand and the slots on the other hand are movable relative to each other along a respective slot direction of the slots 30a, 30b, 30c, 30a’, 30b’, 30c’. In the example of Fig. 6B, the slots 30a, 30b, 30c, compared with Figs. 3A-B, are of relatively wide implementation to surround the guiding sections 128a, 128b, 128c, in particular as corresponding sections of the securing unit 18 which in this example substantially surrounds the fork 10 and connecting section 8.

In an embodiment, the at least one male guiding structure 28, 28' comprises a plurality of male guiding structures, for instance pins 28a, 28b, 28a’, 28b’, which are each provided on a respective one of the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a’, 14b’ to limit a movability of a respective prong section 24a, 24b, 24a’, 24b’ of the securing unit 18 relative to the respective fork prong 14a, 14b, 14a’, 14b’.

Thus, the securing unit 18 can be advantageously guided at the location of a plurality of fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b', for instance for guiding respective cams 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' between respective securing positions and releasing positions, for instance in respective guiding directions which may differ between the fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' mutually and which are for instance defined by respective slot directions of respective slots 30a, 30b, 30a’, 30b’.

In an embodiment, the at least one female guiding structure 30, 30’ comprises at each of the plurality of male guiding structures 28a, 28b, 28a’, 28b’ a respective female guiding structure 30a, 30b, 30a’, 30b’ which defines for a respective cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' of the at least one cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' a respective guiding path between the respective securing position and the respective releasing position, along which the cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' is guidable relative to the respective male guiding structure 28a, 28b, 28a’, 28b’. The respective guiding path is, as mentioned, for instance defined by a respective slot direction of the female guiding structure 30a, 30b, 30a’, 30b’. The thus defined guiding paths can advantageously have mutually different directions, in consequence of which the cams 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' can be moved by the hand gripping simultaneously in mutually different directions, in particular symmetrically away from each other, to their respective releasing position. Thus the narrowing N can be substantially symmetrically reduced or undone. A corresponding advantage is achieved when the securing unit 18 is moved from the releasing state V to the securing state B.

In an embodiment, at the securing unit 18 one or more further guiding structures are provided to stabilize the securing unit 18 relative to the fork 10, 10’ and/or connecting section 8, 8’ and/or first scaffolding tube 4, 104. To this end, near the hinge structures 32a, 32b, 32a', 32b', for instance further pins 28c, 28c’ are provided on the connecting section 8, 8’ and respective further slots 30c, 30c’ in the securing unit 18, which are arranged to stabilize, in particular to center, the securing unit 18 at the location of the hinge structures mentioned. In the example of Fig. 6B, the connecting section 8 itself constitutes such a further male guiding structure 128c. Thus, a particularly smooth and reliable adjustment between the securing state B and the releasing state V can be achieved. For that matter, in the examples shown a guiding structure is also provided by the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 and a part of the securing unit 18 that encloses the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, which part comprises the handgrip 20 and a part adjacent thereto. With these too, the securing unit 18 is, in a stable manner, movably guided and centered, in particular relative to the first scaffolding tube 4, 104.

In an embodiment, the coupling assembly 2, 102 comprises a selfsecuring mechanism 50, 50’ which is configured, in the securing state B, to automatically enhance the securing by the securing unit 18 of a scaffolding tube 6 received in the receiving space 16, under the influence of a force exerted by the received scaffolding tube 6 in the fork direction R. Thus, it can be counteracted that such a force could undesirably lead to the scaffolding tube 6 dislodging from the receiving space. In particular, the securing can be automatically further enhanced as the force exerted increases.

In an embodiment, the securing unit 18 comprises at least one wedge structure 48a 48b, 48a’, 48b’ (see Figs. 3A-B) which is configured, in the securing state B, as part of the self-securing mechanism 50, 50’, to clamp the received scaffolding tube 6 at the narrowing N under the influence of the force exerted by the received scaffolding tube 6 in the fork direction R.

Thus, the self-securing mechanism 50, 50’ can be realized in a simple but efficient manner. The wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’ may, as shown, be integrally formed with one or more further structures of the securing unit 18. The wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’ can be manufactured from an elastic material such as a plastic. Thus, the wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’ can cause a resilient clamping, in particular with respect to less resilient parts such as a steel scaffolding tube 6 and/or a steel part 28a, 28a’, 28b, 28b’ of a guiding structure.

In an embodiment, the at least one wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’ is provided at the at least one cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b'. In Figs. 3A-B and 6B, it can be seen that each wedge structure 48a’, 48b’ is for instance integrally formed with a respective cam 26a', 26b', the cam 26a', 26b' being in particular provided at a narrow end of the wedge structure 48a’, 48b’. For that matter, in an embodiment, the wedge structure 48a’, 48b’ can form the respective cam 26a’, 26b’ or a section thereof, as can be seen in Fig. 6B.

In an embodiment, the at least one wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’ with the at least one cam 26a, 26b, 26a', 26b' is displaceable between the securing position and the releasing position.

The wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’ extends preferably in a wedge direction from a wide end to a narrow end. The wedge direction preferably corresponds substantially to a direction from the releasing position to the securing position, which direction is for instance defined by the slot direction of a respective slot 30a, 30a’, 30b, 30b’, mentioned elsewhere in this description.

In an embodiment (see Fig. 3A), at least a part 28a, 28a’, 28b, 28b’ of the at least one guiding structure 28, 28', 30, 30' is configured to form a supporting surface 52a, 52a’, 52b, 52b’ for the clamping by the wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’.

Such a supporting surface 52a, 52a’, 52b, 52b’ can upon the clamping absorb a reaction force of the wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’.

In Fig. 3A it can be seen that the at least one wedge structure 48a, 48b, 48a’, 48b’ thus causes at the narrowing N a stronger clamping of the scaffolding tube 6 as a force exerted by the scaffolding tube 6 in the fork direction R increases.

Thus a reliable self-securing mechanism 50, 50’ for the scaffolding tube coupling can be realized, in particular with preservation of ease of use of the coupling assembly 2, 102.

In an embodiment, the at least one fork 10, 10’ comprises a plurality of forks 10, 10’ placed at a distance from each other along the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, the plurality of forks each extending from a respective connecting section 8, 8’ of the at least one connecting section 8, 8’ in a fork direction R to a respective distal end on which fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' are provided.

Thus, with a single coupling assembly 2, 102 a particularly stable coupling of the scaffolding tubes 4, 6 can be obtained.

In the drawings, it can be seen that per coupling assembly 2, 102, for instance four fork prongs 14a, 14b, 14a', 14b' are provided, each with a respective prong section 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' of the securing unit 18, while the four prong sections 24a, 24b, 24a', 24b' can be simultaneously operated with a single hand gripping to adjust the securing unit 18 to the releasing state V.

Although in Figs. 3A-B only one 10’ of the forks 10, 10’ with an adjacent section of the securing unit 18 is shown, it will be clear that another 10 of the forks 10, 10’ and its associated elements are preferably configured correspondingly, as also follows from Figs. 1A-B and 2A-B.

In Figs. 6A-B, according to a further embodiment, also only one 10 of the forks 10, 10’ with adjacent section of the securing unit 18 is shown, wherein another 10’ of the forks 10, 10’ and its associated elements are preferably substantially correspondingly configured.

In an embodiment, the handgrip 20 extends along the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 between the connecting sections 8, 8’.

Thus the handgrip 20 can provide for a compact and firm operation of the securing unit 18 at the plurality of forks 10, 10’.

A dimension of the handgrip 20 and a distance along the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 between the connecting sections 8, 8’ is then preferred to substantially correspond to an expected hand dimension of a user, in particular an expected hand width excluding a thumb portion of the hand. Thus, a user, upon gripping, can exert force simultaneously substantially throughout the handgrip 20, that is, at both connecting sections 8, 8’, for uniformly and efficiently operating the coupling assembly 2, 102.

In an embodiment, on the elastically deformable securing unit 18 in one piece at least one elastically deformable clamping fork 42, 42’ is formed, in particular on a side of the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 remote from the receiving space 16. In such a clamping fork 42, 42’, a further tube can be retained, in particular in an easily detachable manner for a, compared with a scaffold construction, little loaded or non-loaded construction. The further tube concerns for instance a part of a scaffold rail assembly 40, where the retention thereof, as shown in Fig. 5B, can contribute to keeping the scaffold rail assembly 40 in a collapsed transport configuration CT.

Such a clamping fork 42, 42’ can easily be operated by pushing a component to be received therein, between elastically deformable fork prongs of the clamping fork 42, 42’, whereby those fork prongs deform elastically and thereupon receive the component to be received with form closure. To release the received component, the clamping fork 42, 42’ and the component are pulled apart, whereby the elastic fork prongs deform again.

It will be clear that a coupling assembly 1, 102 according to the invention can be free of such an elastically deformable clamping fork 42, 42’ which is less suitable for more heavily loaded couplings and which has no direct function in the coupling and/or securing of the second scaffolding tube 6 as herein described.

In an embodiment, the coupling assembly 2, 102 comprises at a distance from the at least one fork 10, 10’ on the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 at least one of a further fork 34 and an eye 36, the further fork 34 and/or the eye 36 being configured to receive at least partly a second scaffolding tube 6 received in the receiving space 16.

Figs. 1A-B and 4B show an example of a coupling assembly 2 with such an eye 36. Figs. 4A and 4B show an example of a coupling assembly 102 with such a further fork 34.

The further fork 34 and/or the eye 36 are for instance manufactured from steel and for instance fixedly attached to the first scaffolding tube, for instance by welding, for instance via a respective connecting section 34v, 36v.

Such a further fork 34 and/or eye 36 can further strengthen the mutual coupling of the scaffolding tubes 4, 104, 6, in particular by taking up one or more moments between the scaffolding tubes 4, 104, 6. In the case where the eye 36 is provided, the eye 36 can moreover secure the first and second scaffolding tubes 4, 104, 6 to each other, which makes their coupling safer. The eye 36 may then, for instance, first be slid from an end of the second scaffolding tube 6 along the second scaffolding tube 6, after which the coupling assembly 2 can be coupled at the desired position along the second scaffolding tube 6 to the second scaffolding tube 6 with the aid of the securing unit 18, as herein described.

Figs. 4B and 5A show examples of a set 44, 44’ of coupling assemblies 2, 102, wherein at least one 2 of the coupling assemblies 2, 102 comprises the eye 36 and at least one other 102 of the coupling assemblies 2, 102 comprises the further fork 34, wherein the coupling assemblies 2, 102 are configured to be coupled at the same time on a same second scaffolding tube 6 or 6’ such that the eye 36 and the further fork 34 are positioned substantially at the same position along the second scaffolding tube 6 or 6’ (see Fig. 4B).

The substantially same position of the eye 36 and the further fork 34 is for instance a position of a reduced portion or another supporting structure of the second scaffolding tube 6. The eye 36 and/or the further fork 34 may, at that position, for instance be supported at least partly on the second scaffolding tube 6. Thus, an accurate mutual positioning of the scaffolding tubes 4, 6 can be promoted and the coming down of the first scaffolding tube 4 along the second scaffolding tube 6 can be (additionally) counteracted.

In an embodiment, the eye 36 and the further fork 34 are formed to extend along a portion of a tube circumference of the second scaffolding tube 6 in a mutually adjoining manner alongside each other (see Fig. 4B) when the eye 36 and the fork 34 are positioned substantially at the same position along the second scaffolding tube 6.

Thus, the two coupling assemblies 2, 102 can lend each other stability at the location of the eye 36 and the further fork 34. In an embodiment, the eye 36 and the further fork 34 are each formed with mutually adjoinable respective bevels 36s, 34s, such that the further fork 34 can be moved parallel to the bevels 36s, 34s along the eye 36 to move the further fork 34 into or out of engagement with the second scaffolding tube 6 while the eye 36 remains connected to the second scaffolding tube 6.

Thus, for instance, the further fork 34 can, from a position that is higher than the eye 36, be placed substantially under the eye 36, adjoining the second scaffolding tube 6, while the bevels 34s, 36s, moreover, can provide mutual guiding of the further fork 34 and the eye 36 to position the further fork 34 and the eye 36 accurately and stably with respect to each other.

In an embodiment, a distance between the respective at least one fork 10, 10’ and the eye 36 in the at least one coupling assembly 2 differs from a respective distance between the respective at least one fork 10, 10’ and the further fork 34 in the at least one other coupling assembly 102, such that the respective at least one forks 10, 10’ of both coupling assemblies 2, 102 can be coupled with the second scaffolding tube 6 at the same time when the eye 36 and the further fork 34 are positioned substantially at the same position along the second scaffolding tube 6 (see Fig. 4B).

Thus the further fork 34 and the eye 36 can be positioned substantially at the same position along the second scaffolding tube 6 without the coupling or operating of one of the coupling assemblies 2, 102 being thereby hampered. As can be seen in Fig. 4B, forks 10, 10’ of the coupling assemblies 2, 102 may for instance be positioned alternately along the second scaffolding tube 6, so that a distance along the second scaffolding tube 6 between the handgrips 20 of the coupling assemblies 2, 102 can be relatively small, which promotes easy operating.

For that matter, yet further forks 38 and/or the like may be provided in the coupling assembly 2, 102, for instance on respective connecting sections 38v. Thus the coupling of the coupling assembly 2, 102 can be strengthened and/or guided yet further.

Figs. 5 A and 5B show examples of a scaffold rail assembly 40 comprising at least one coupling assembly 2, 102, with the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 forming part of the scaffold rail assembly 40.

Such a scaffold rail assembly 40 can form a rail for a scaffold, where the scaffold rail assembly 40 can be easily and reliably coupled to the scaffold and uncoupled therefrom.

In an embodiment, the at least one coupling assembly 2, 102 of the scaffold rail assembly 40 comprises at least two coupling assemblies 2, 102, which two coupling assemblies 2, 102 are each provided on a different respective first scaffolding tube 4, 104 of the scaffold rail assembly 40 and which first scaffolding tubes 4, 104 are provided in the scaffold rail assembly 40 in a mutually movable, in particular hingeable and/or telescop able manner.

Thus, for instance, first one and then another of the two coupling assemblies 2, 102 can be coupled to the scaffold to provide the rail, while the scaffold rail assembly 40 can be transported or stored relatively compactly when the scaffold rail assembly 40 is not in use as rail.

The scaffold rail assemblies 40, 40’, 40” shown are collapsible, that is, adjustable between a rail forming configuration CL (see Fig. 5A) and a more compact transport configuration CT (see Fig. 5B). In Fig. 5A a scaffold rail assembly 40” can be seen which is coupled by one coupling assembly 2” to a standard 6’ of a scaffold construction 46, while the scaffold rail assembly 40” has not yet been (or no longer is) wholly extended to the rail forming configuration CL. In addition, scaffold rail assemblies 40, 40’ can be seen which are already in the rail forming configuration CL, each coupled by two coupling assemblies 102’, 2, 102 to the scaffold construction 46. (The rail assembly 40’ is only partly visible in Fig. 5A.) The adjustability between the two configurations CL, CT of the rail assemblies 40, 40’, 40” is provided by a combination of hingeability and telescop ability of parts of the rail assembly 40, 40’, 40”, as can be seen in Figs. 5A-B.

Fig. 5 A thus shows an example of a set of scaffold rail assemblies 40, 40’, 40”, wherein each of the scaffold rail assemblies 40, 40’, 40” is so configured that a coupling assembly 102’, 2, 102, 2” thereof together with a coupling assembly 2, 102’, 2”, 102 of another one of the scaffold rail assemblies 40, 40’, 40” forms a set of coupling assemblies 2, 102’; 2”, 102.

Such a set of scaffold rail assemblies 40, 40’, 40” benefits from the herein described advantages of a set of coupling assemblies 2, 102’; 2”, 102. Thus, easily and reliably, an array of rails can be formed on a scaffold, while in particular relatively few scaffolding tubes 6, 6’ of the scaffold construction 46 are needed to be able to couple the scaffold rail assemblies 40, 40’, 40” to the scaffold construction 46.

Figs. 4B and 5 A show examples of a scaffold construction 46 comprising a first scaffolding tube 4, 104 and a second scaffolding tube 6, wherein the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 is provided with a coupling assembly 2, 102 with which the first scaffolding tube 4, 104 and the second scaffolding tube 6 are coupled to each other in a mutually parallel way to form at least a part of the scaffold construction 46.

In the example, the first scaffolding tubes 4, 104 form part of a scaffold rail assembly 40. It will be clear that the coupling assembly 2, 102 can also be used with advantage for many other couplings in a scaffold construction 46, in particular where two scaffolding tubes need to be coupled in a mutually parallel way.

With reference to the drawings as illustration, an example of a method for coupling a first scaffolding tube 4, 104 and a second scaffolding tube 6 in a mutually parallel way comprises: providing the coupling assembly 2, 102, with the coupling assembly 2, 102 connected to the first scaffolding tube 4; and receiving the second scaffolding tube 6 in the receiving space 16, wherein the second scaffolding tube 6 is secured in the receiving space 16 by the securing unit 18.

In an embodiment, the coupling assembly 2, 102 comprises an eye 36, wherein the method further comprises receiving the second scaffolding tube 6 in the eye 36.

With reference to the drawings as illustration, an example of a method for uncoupling from each other a first scaffolding tube 4, 104 and a second scaffolding tube 6 coupled in a mutually parallel way according to the above-described method comprises: by means of a single combined hand gripping of the handgrip 20 and the first scaffolding tube 4, 104, displacing the securing unit 18 relative to the at least one fork 10, 10’, whereby the securing unit 18 is deformed and is thereby adjusted from the securing state B to the releasing state V; and then moving the second scaffolding tube 6 and the coupling assembly 2, 102 away from each other, in particular substantially by means of the same single combined hand gripping, resulting in the second scaffolding tube 6 being moved in the fork direction R out of the receiving space 16.

While the invention has been described on the basis of examples of embodiments and drawings, these do not form any limitation of the invention which is defined in the claims. Many variations, combinations and elaborations are possible, as will be clear to one skilled in the art. For instance: a scaffolding tube can have a cylindrical shape or a different shape, for instance with an angular cross-sectional profile such as a rectangle, in particular a square. A scaffolding tube can extend substantially along a straight central axis and/or a curved central axis and/or a different central axis. Scaffolding tubes can have mutually different dimensions. A scaffolding tube may or may not, along a central axis along which the tube extends, vary in one or more dimensions such as a diameter. Scaffolding tubes may be mutually fixedly coupled to each other, for instance by welding, for instance at an angle to each other, for instance to form a fixed frame. Further examples have been given at various places in the description.