Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of scaffolding equipment. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a hop-up scaffold bracket.

Background to the Invention

A hop-up scaffold bracket (also known as Scaffolding Stage Bracket or Scaffold Platform Bracket) is typically mounted relative to a standard (a vertical element) of a scaffold assembly. The hop-up scaffold bracket may possibly mount relative to a ledger (a horizontal element) at the top of the hop-up scaffold bracket and/or the bottom of the hop-up scaffold bracket but these are not strictly necessary.

Normally, at least a pair of spaced apart hop-up scaffold brackets would be provided and one or more scaffold boards would then be located relative to the pair of hop-up scaffold brackets to support one or more workmen or equipment thereon.

The mounting of a hop-up scaffold bracket relative to the other scaffold components is particularly important and is subject to the sometime competing aims of security of attachment and ease of attachment, with a more secure attachment often leading to a decrease in ease of attachment and removal and vice versa.

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 hop-up scaffold bracket comprising: a) A first arm to extend substantially perpendicularly relative to a first ledger in a scaffold system; b) A mounting assembly at a first end of the first arm to cantilever the first arm relative to the first ledger; c) A second arm mounted relative to the first arm at a second end thereof substantially opposite to the mounting assembly and extending at an angle thereto, the second arm having an inner end spaced from the first end of the first arm; and d) A wedge lock assembly including at least one wedge provided at the inner end of the second arm to lock the bracket relative to a second ledger in the scaffold system.

Providing a hop up bracket with a first arm, a second arm, a mounting assembly and a locking assembly as detailed above, mounts the hop-up bracket relative to a pair of ledgers in a scaffold system rather than to a standard. The hop up bracket with the features defined above will preferably mount to the scaffold system securely, but also be mounted and removed quickly and easily, minimising the chance that the hop-up bracket will move once attached, particularly while one or more scaffold boards are located relative to the hop-up scaffold bracket. The configuration will preferably provide greater latitude in the mounting of the hop up bracket relative to the scaffold system.

Although the members of the scaffold system may have any external cross- sectional shape, they are typically circular/arcuate. A rectangular external cross- sectional shape is possible, but is less common in this field.

Typically, more than one hop up scaffold bracket will be provided spaced apart from one another in order to support one or more scaffold boards thereon and relative to a scaffold assembly.

The hop up scaffold bracket preferably includes a first arm to extend substantially perpendicularly relative to a first ledger in a scaffold system. The first arm will typically be provided as an upper arm. In an embodiment, the first arm will extend substantially horizontally when the hop up scaffold bracket is mounted to a scaffold system.

The first arm will preferably be elongate. Providing an elongate first arm will allow one or more scaffold boards to be placed on the first arm and be supported thereon.

The first arm will preferably be at least partially hollow. The first arm will typically include a bore extending internally through the first arm. The first arm may have any cross-sectional shape. In an embodiment, the first arm will be circular in cross sectional shape.

Any material of construction or combination of materials may be used to form the first arm. It is preferred that the material used for the first arm is light but strong and a metal is particularly preferred.

An extension arm may be provided relative to the first arm, for extension and retraction relative to the first arm in order to increase the effective length of the support formed by the first arm and the extension arm. In an embodiment, the extension arm is at least partially received within the preferred hollow bore of the first arm when in the retracted position and extends from the preferred hollow bore when in the extended position, with a portion remaining within the preferred hollow bore for connection and support.

The extension arm will typically be elongate. Preferably, the length of the extension arm will be approximately equal to the length of the first arm.

The extension arm may have any cross-sectional shape. Whilst the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm may correspond to the internal shape of the preferred bore extending through the first arm, the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm may differ. For example, the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm may be rectangular.

The extension arm will preferably be received within a substantially circular hollow bore. It is preferable that the dimension of the extension arm is such that the extension arm is closely received within the dimension of the substantially hollow circular bore in order to optimise the fit of the extension arm within the hollow bore. This is preferably the case even if the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm is rectangular and the internal cross-sectional shape of the bore is circular. In that case, the corners or apices of the preferred rectangular shape will preferably abut an inner surface of the bore of the first arm at all times.

The extension arm will typically move between the extension and retraction positions by sliding movement. Typically, an operator will manually extend the extension arm to the desired length. A stop assembly may be provided at an outer end of the extension arm. Whilst the stop assembly may take any form, one configuration which may be used is a transversely extending stop block which extends further in at least one direction past the periphery of the extension arm. The stop assembly will typically act to abut a portion of at least one of the scaffold board placed onto the hop up bracket to prevent the scaffold board(s) slipping off the bracket. The stop assembly will also typically prevent the extension arm being forced to far into the first arm.

An engagement assembly may be provided at an outer end of the extension arm. The engagement assembly will preferably function to engage a member which is part of the scaffold system in order to brace an outer end of the hop up bracket. The engagement assembly may engage member extending in any direction. Typically, the engagement assembly will engage the member releasably.

The engagement assembly may be provided outside the stop assembly.

In an embodiment, the engagement assembly may be configured as a tube clamp although any engagement assembly could be used.

A tube clamp typically includes a first jaw and a second jaw which is hinged relative to the first jaw. Together, the shape of the first jaw and the second jaw will typically define a shaped opening to receive the scaffold member therein.

The first jaw and the second jaw will typically be releasably securable relative to one another. A securing mechanism will typically be provided in order to releasably secure the first jaw and the second jaw relative to one another. Any type of securing mechanism may be provided for example a clip, clamp or similar. Preferably, the securing mechanism will include an elongate threaded rod mounted to a relative to one of the first jaw or second jaw and which extends to be received between a pair of spaced apart fingers on the other of the first jaw or second jaw. An internally threaded nut can then be provided to be tightened on the threaded rod against the pair of spaced apart fingers to secure the first jaw and second jaw relative to one another, securely but releasably.

An extension arm locking assembly is preferably provided to at least temporarily fix the position of the extension arm relative to the first arm. Any type of locking assembly can be provided, simple or complex. In a simple form, a transversely extending abutment bolt can be provided in an internally threaded opening through a wall of the first arm in order to be tightened to abut a portion of the extension arm to at least temporarily fix the position of the extension arm relative to the first arm.

Alternatively, a clamping assembly may be provided.

An abutment portion may be provided on the extension arm in order to assist with engagement of the end of the preferred abutment bolt.

One or more transversely extending openings may be provided in the extension arm in order to receive a portion of the abutment bolt or another mechanism, such as a pin for example, in order to at least temporarily fix the position of the extension arm relative to the first arm.

Any locking assembly may be biased into the engaged condition and to be moved to a released condition against the bias. For example, a spring-loaded pin can be provided with the pin biased into the engaged condition.

The hop up scaffold bracket will typically include a mounting assembly at a first end of the first arm to cantilever the first arm relative to the first ledger.

The mounting assembly is preferably mounted relative to the first arm. Depending upon the configuration, the mounting assembly is preferably attached permanently and securely to the end of the first arm. An appropriate method will generally be used. For example, if the mounting assembly and the first arm are both metal, welding could be used to attach the mounting assembly permanently to the first arm.

In one form, the mounting assembly has an inverted U-shaped configuration. Although an L-shaped configuration could be used, is likely to be less secure. In the U- shaped configuration, the mounting assembly will typically include a pair of spaced apart walls with a connecting web. Typically, one of the spaced apart walls is attached to one end of the first arm. The connecting web typically extends substantially parallel to the length of the first arm. The other of the spaced apart walls will typically extend substantially transversely to the connecting web. Conceivably, the mounting assembly may have an arcuate shape. Preferably, the first ledger will be received within the opening defined between the pair of spaced apart walls and the connecting web.

The mounting assembly will typically include an opening which is dimensioned to receive the first ledger closely therein. Normally, the mounting assembly will receive the first ledger in a friction fit. Typically, the mounting assembly will be dimensioned and configured to minimise movement of the mounting assembly and thereby minimise movement of the hop up scaffold bracket relative to the first ledger.

An opening may be provided in the connecting web of the mounting assembly. The opening may be configured to receive a pin or similar therethrough for example, in order to at least temporarily fix the position of the hop up bracket relative to the length of the first ledger.

Preferably, the mounting assembly is formed from a light but strong material such as a metal but any material or combination of materials may be used. In an embodiment, the mounting assembly is preferably formed using a single plate which is then bent into a preferred shape. Arcuate transitions may be provided between the portions of the mounting assembly.

The hop up bracket preferably includes a second arm mounted relative to the first arm and a second end of the first arm, substantially opposite to the mounting assembly and the second arm extends at an angle relative to the first arm. The second arm typically has an inner end spaced from the first end of the first arm.

The first end of the first arm is typically an inner end. The second arm is preferably mounted relative to the first arm adjacent to, but slightly spaced from the outer, second end of the first arm. The second arm will preferably be located beneath the first arm, with an upper side of the first arm preferably supporting the at least one scaffold board relative thereto.

The second arm may be straight or shaped. The particular configuration of the second arm is less important than the fact that the inner end of the second arm is spaced from the first end (and mounting assembly) of the first arm. This will typically allow the second arm to brace an outer end of the first arm relative to the mounting assembly. This will typically increase the load that the first arm can bear. The second arm is preferably substantially coplanar with the first arm.

The second arm will preferably be manufactured from a light but strong material such as a metal but any material or combination of materials can be used. The second arm can have any cross-sectional shape. In an embodiment, the external cross-sectional shape of the second arm will normally be either rectangular hollow section or square hollow section. The second arm may be solid, but is preferably hollow in order to reduce weight but not sacrifice strength.

The second arm is typically a straight arm which is provided at an angle to the first arm in order to create the space/separation between the first end of the first arm and the inner end of the second arm.

The hop up bracket may include a third arm. The third arm will preferably brace the first end of the first arm and an inner end of the second arm apart, in a spaced apart configuration. Typically, the third arm will be attached, preferably permanently attached to both the first arm and the second arm. Typically, the attachment will be formed between the first arm and the second arm in order to brace the respective arms apart.

The third arm will typically be coplanar with the first arm and preferably, the second arm as well. The third arm will typically be a straight arm.

The locking assembly provided relative to the inner end of the second arm to lock the bracket relative to a second ledger in the scaffold system may be provided relative to a lower end of the third arm, as well as the inner end of the second arm.

The hop up bracket preferably includes a locking assembly provided relative to the inner end of the second arm to lock the bracket relative to the second ledger in the scaffold system.

The locking assembly will preferably function to lock the hop up bracket, specifically the lower end of the hop up bracket, relative to one or more second ledgers in the scaffold system. It is preferred that the locking assembly is provided substantially coplanar with the mounting assembly and/or the first arm and/or the second arm. Typically, all of the components in the hop-up bracket are provided in substantially the same plane. Preferably, at least two portions are provided in the locking assembly with the two portions preferably angled or offset relative to one another to form at least a pair of ledger seats which are offset or angle relative to one another. In the configuration where at least a pair of ledger seats are provided, the locking assembly will typically be a double lock, capable of locking the hop up bracket relative to one or two ledgers in the scaffold system.

Any type of locking assembly can be provided. A preferred locking assembly is a wedge lock assembly. A wedge lock assembly preferably includes a receiving opening into which at least one ledger from the scaffold system is received. The receiving opening will preferably be defined by a wedge lock body. The wedge lock body will preferably be shaped. The wedge lock body will preferably provide at least one, and typically a pair of ledger seats, one for each ledger.

Preferably, a wedge lock body mount is provided in order to mount the wedge lock body relative to at least one of the second arm and/or third arm. The wedge lock body mount is preferably shaped. The wedge lock body mount is typically shaped to abut a surface of the wedge lock body. Generally, the wedge lock body mount will correspond in shape, at least partially, to a part of the wedge lock body. In an embodiment, the wedge lock body mount is typically a substantially planar plate which is bent into a required shape. Typically, the wedge lock body mount is attached to the second arm at a lower part of the inner end of the second arm at one end and to a lower part of the preferred third arm at a second end.

The wedge lock body is preferably a plate which is bent into shape. The wedge lock body will preferably have an upper portion and a spaced apart lower portion in order to define a receiving opening therebetween for receiving at least one ledger. The upper portion is typically substantially planar. The lower portion is typically substantially planar. The upper portion and the lower portion are preferably parallel to one another.

An entry is preferably defined between the respective free ends of the upper portion and spaced apart lower portion. The upper portion and the lower portions are typically connected by a shaped ledger seat portion. The ledger seat portion preferably defines at least one, and typically a pair of ledger seats. The ledger seats are typically angled or offset relative to one another. In the configuration where a pair of ledger seats are provided, a lower ledger seat is preferably provided closer to the inner end of the second arm than the upper ledger seat. The ledger seat portion is preferably mounted to the wedge lock body mount.

At least one opening to receive a wedge is preferably provided through at least the upper portion. At least one opening may be provided into or through the spaced apart lower portion. Typically, each at least one opening is a shaped opening. A slot opening is particularly preferred. Preferably, the at least one opening in the upper portion is typically longer than the at least one opening in the lower portion. Normally, the respective at least one opening in the upper portion and the lower portion will be offset from one another. In this configuration, the wedge will typically extend through the respective openings in the upper portion and the lower portion, at an angle.

The wedge from the wedge lock will preferably be elongate. The wedge will preferably be substantially planar in order that once inserted into the preferred slot opening(s), in the wedge lock body, the wedge will typically resist rotation. One or more depressible members, such as a spheroid or similar may be provided relative to the lower end of the wedge and biased outwardly to provide tactile of the engagement of the wedge with the opening in the lower portion.

The wedge will typically include an enlarged head portion and a wedge-shaped body. At least one edge of the wedge will preferably act as an abutment edge to abut one or more ledgers located within the wedge lock body and to lock the hop-up bracket relative to the one or more ledgers. The abutment edge may be planar or shaped. A planar abutment edge will make for simpler insertion. A shaped abutment edge may result in a more secure engagement of the wedge with the at least one ledger.

A shaped abutment edge may for example be or include at least one depression in order to engage the one or more ledgers. In one form, the abutment edge of the wedge may be sinuous or waveform.

The edge of the wedge on the opposite side of the wedge to the abutment edge is preferably planar. Abutment of this opposite edge with the periphery of the slot opening(s) as the wedge is inserted into the respective openings, will preferably move the abutment edge of the wedge laterally in towards the at least one ledger which locks the hop-up bracket tightly to the at least one ledger.

In use, the hop up bracket will typically be mounted relative to an upper ledger using the mounting assembly and then rotated into place relative to at least one lower ledger until the at least one lower ledger is received within the locking assembly. The wedge can then be inserted into the preferred wedge lock locking assembly which will lock the hop up bracket relative to the scaffold system securely but will also allow the hop up bracket to be removed from the scaffold system quickly.

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 of a hop-up bracket in the extended position.

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 1, in the retracted position.

Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a top view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a bottom view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a view from the left of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a view from the right of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 8 is an isometric view of an alternative hop-up bracket in the extended position.

Figure 9 is an isometric view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 8, in the retracted position. Figure 10 is a side elevation view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 11 is a top view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 12 is a bottom view of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 13 is a view from the left of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 8.

Figure 14 is a view from the right of the hop-up bracket illustrated in Figure 8.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a hop-up scaffold bracket 10 is provided.

The hop-up scaffold bracket 10 illustrated in both embodiments in the accompanying Figures comprises a first arm 11 to extend substantially perpendicularly relative to a first ledger 15 in a scaffold system. A mounting assembly 12 is provided at a first end of the first arm 11 to cantilever the first arm 11 relative to the first ledger. A second arm 13 is mounted relative to the first arm 11 at a second end thereof substantially opposite to the mounting assembly 12 and extending at an angle thereto, the second arm 13 having an inner end spaced from the first end of the first arm 11. A locking assembly 14 is provided relative to the inner end of the second arm 13 to lock the bracket 10 relative to a second ledger 16 in the scaffold system.

Although the members of the scaffold system may have any external cross- sectional shape, as illustrated, they are typically circular as this shape is more common in the scaffolding field.

Typically, more than one hop-up scaffold bracket 10 will be provided spaced apart from one another in order to support one or more scaffold boards thereon and relative to a scaffold assembly.

As shown, the first arm 11 will typically be provided as an upper arm in the hop-up bracket 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 8 in particular, the first arm 11 extends substantially horizontally when the hop-up scaffold bracket 10 is mounted to a scaffold system.

The first arm 11 will preferably be elongate as providing an elongate first arm 11 allows one or more scaffold boards to be placed on the first arm 11 and be supported thereon.

The first arm 11 will preferably be at least partially hollow, typically including a bore extending internally through the first arm 11.

The first arm 11 illustrated in the Figures is circular in cross sectional shape. Any material of construction or combination of materials may be used to form the first arm 11. It is preferred that the material used for the first arm 11 is light but strong and a metal is particularly preferred.

As shown in the Figures, an extension arm 17 may be provided relative to the first arm 11, for extension and retraction relative to the first arm 11 in order to increase the effective length of the support formed by the first arm 11 and the extension arm 17. In the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 9 in particular, the extension arm 17 is received more or less completely within the hollow bore of the first arm 11 when in the retracted position and extends from the hollow bore when in the extended position, with a portion remaining within the hollow bore for connection and support, as shown in Figures 1 and 8.

The extension arm 17 illustrated is elongate. Preferably, the length of the extension arm 17 is approximately equal to the length of the first arm 11.

The extension arm 17 may have any cross-sectional shape. Whilst the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm 17 may correspond to the internal shape of the preferred bore extending through the first arm 11, the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm 17 may differ. For example, the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm may be rectangular as shown in Figures 1 and 8.

As shown, the extension arm 17 will preferably be received within a substantially circular hollow bore within the preferred first arm 11. It is preferable that the dimension of the extension arm 17 is such that the extension arm 17 is closely received within the dimension of the substantially hollow circular bore in order to optimise the fit of the extension arm 17 within the hollow bore. This is preferably the case even if the external cross-sectional shape of the extension arm is rectangular, as shown, and the internal cross-sectional shape of the bore is circular. In that case, the corners or apices of the preferred rectangular shape will preferably abut an inner surface of the bore of the first arm 11 at all times.

The extension arm 17 will typically move between the extension and retraction positions by sliding movement relative to the first arm 11. Typically, an operator will manually extend the extension arm 17 to the desired length. In the illustrated embodiment, a stop assembly is provided at an outer end of the extension arm 17. Whilst the stop assembly may take any form, one configuration which may be used is a transversely extending stop block 18 which extends further in at least one direction past the periphery of the extension arm 17. The stop block 18 will typically act to abut a portion of at least one of the scaffold board placed onto the hop up bracket 10 to prevent the scaffold board(s) slipping off the bracket 10. The stop block 18 will also typically prevent the extension arm 17 being forced to far into the first arm 11 as shown in Figures 2 and 9.

As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 to 14, an engagement assembly 19 may be provided at an outer end of the extension arm 17. The engagement assembly 19 will preferably function to engage a member which is part of the scaffold system, in order to brace an outer end of the hop up bracket 10. The engagement assembly 19 may engage member extending in any direction. Typically, the engagement assembly 19 will engage the member releasably.

As shown in Figure 8, the engagement assembly 19 is provided outside the stop block 18.

In an embodiment, the engagement assembly 19 may be configured as a tube clamp as shown in Figure 8, although any engagement assembly could be used.

A tube clamp illustrated includes a first jaw 20 and a second jaw 21 which is attached relative to the first jaw 20 using a hinge 26. The first jaw 20 and second jaw 21 are shaped such that the shape of the first jaw 20 and the second jaw 21 will typically define a shaped opening 22 to receive the scaffold member therein.

The first jaw 20 and the second jaw 21 are typically releasably securable relative to one another. A securing mechanism will typically be provided in order to releasably secure the first jaw 20 and the second jaw 21 relative to one another. Any type of securing mechanism may be provided for example a clip, clamp or similar.

As shown in Figure 9 in particular, the securing mechanism may include an elongate threaded rod 23 mounted to a relative to the first jaw 20 or second jaw 21 and which extends to be received between a pair of spaced apart fingers 24 on the second jaw 21. An internally threaded nut 25 can then be provided to be tightened on the threaded rod 23 against the pair of spaced apart fingers 24 to secure the first jaw 20 and second jaw 21 relative to one another, securely but releasably.

An extension arm locking assembly is preferably provided to at least temporarily fix the position of the extension arm 17 relative to the first arm 11. Any type of locking assembly can be provided, simple or complex. In a simple form, such as that illustrated, a transversely extending abutment bolt 27 can be provided in an internally threaded opening through a wall of the first arm 11 in order to be tightened to abut a portion of the extension arm 17 to at least temporarily fix the position of the extension arm 17 relative to the first arm 11.

The mounting assembly 12 is preferably mounted relative to the first arm 11. Depending upon the configuration, the mounting assembly 12 is preferably attached permanently and securely to the end of the first arm 11. An appropriate method will generally be used. For example, if the mounting assembly 12 and the first arm 11 are both metal, welding could be used to attach the mounting assembly 12 permanently to the first arm 11.

In the form illustrated, the mounting assembly 12 has an inverted U-shaped configuration. In the U-shaped configuration, the mounting assembly 12 will typically include a pair of spaced apart walls 28 with a connecting web 29. Typically, one of the spaced apart walls 29 is attached to one end of the first arm 11. The connecting web 29 typically extends substantially parallel to the length of the first arm 11. The other of the spaced apart walls 28 will typically extend substantially transversely to the connecting web 29.

As shown in Figures 1 and 8 for example, the first ledger 15 will be received within the opening defined between the pair of spaced apart walls 28 and the connecting web 29.

The opening in the mounting assembly 12 is dimensioned to receive the first ledger 15 closely therein. Normally, the mounting assembly 12 receives the first ledger 15 in a friction fit. Typically, the mounting assembly 12 is dimensioned and configured to minimise movement of the mounting assembly 12 and thereby minimise movement of the hop up scaffold bracket 10 relative to the first ledger 15. An opening 30 may be provided in the connecting web 29 of the mounting assembly 12. The opening 30 may be configured to receive a pin or similar therethrough for example, in order to at least temporarily fix the position of the hop up bracket 10 relative to the length of the first ledger 15.

Preferably, the mounting assembly 12 is formed from a light but strong material such as a metal but any material or combination of materials may be used. In an embodiment, the mounting assembly 12 is preferably formed using a single plate which is then bent into the preferred shape. Arcuate transitions may be provided between the portions of the mounting assembly 12 as shown in the Figures.

As shown, the second arm 13 is preferably mounted relative to the first arm 11 adjacent to, but slightly spaced from the outer, second end of the first arm 11. The hop- up bracket 10 is preferably oriented in use such that the second arm 13 will preferably be located beneath the first arm 11, with the upper side of the first arm 11 preferably supporting the at least one scaffold board relative thereto.

The second arm 13 may be straight or shaped. In the illustrated embodiments, the second arm 13 is straight, extending at an angle from the first arm 11 which results in the inner end of the second arm 13 is spaced from the first end (and mounting assembly 12) of the first arm 11. This will typically allow the second arm 13 to brace an outer end of the first arm 11 relative to the mounting assembly 12. This will typically increase the load that the first arm 11 can bear.

The second arm 13 is preferably substantially coplanar with the first arm 11.

The second arm 13 will preferably be manufactured from a light but strong material such as a metal but any material or combination of materials can be used. The second arm 13 can have any cross-sectional shape. In an embodiment, the external cross-sectional shape of the second arm 13 will normally be either rectangular hollow section or square hollow section. The second arm 13 may be solid, but is preferably hollow in order to reduce weight but not sacrifice strength.

As illustrated, the second arm 13 is typically a straight arm which is provided at an angle to the first arm 11 in order to create the space/separation between the first (inner) end of the first arm 11 and the inner end of the second arm 13. The hop up bracket 10 shown in the Figures includes a third arm 31. The third arm 31 will preferably brace the first (inner) end of the first arm 11 and an inner end of the second arm 13 apart, in a spaced apart configuration. Typically, the third arm 31 is attached, preferably permanently attached to both the first arm 11 and the second arm 13. Typically, the attachment will be formed between the first arm 11 and the second arm 13 in such a way as to brace the inner ends of the respective arms 11, 13 apart.

The third arm 31 will typically be coplanar with the first arm 11 and preferably, the second arm 13 as well. The third arm 31 will typically be a straight arm as shown in the Figures.

The locking assembly 14 provided relative to the inner end of the second arm

13 to lock the bracket 10 relative to a second ledger 16 in the scaffold system is preferably provided relative to a lower end of the third arm 31, as well as the inner end of the second arm 13.

The locking assembly 14 will preferably function to lock the hop up bracket 10, specifically the lower end of the hop up bracket 10, relative to one or more second ledgers 16 in the scaffold system. It is preferred that the locking assembly 14 is provided substantially coplanar with the mounting assembly 12 and the first arm 11 and the second arm 13. Typically, all of the components in the hop-up bracket 10 are provided in substantially the same plane.

Preferably, at least two portions are provided in the locking assembly 14 with the two portions preferably angled or offset relative to one another to form at least a pair of ledger seats 43 which are offset or angle relative to one another. In the configuration where at least a pair of ledger seats 43 are provided, the locking assembly

14 will typically be a double lock, capable of locking the hop up bracket 10 relative to one or two ledgers 16 in the scaffold system.

Any type of locking assembly can be provided. A preferred locking assembly is a wedge lock assembly as shown in the Figures. A wedge lock assembly preferably includes a receiving opening 32 into which at least one ledger 16 from the scaffold system is received. The receiving opening 32 will preferably be defined by a wedge lock body 33. The wedge lock body 33 will preferably be shaped. Preferably, a wedge lock body mount 34 is provided in order to mount the wedge lock body 33 relative to at least one of the second arm 13 and/or third arm 31. The wedge lock body mount 34 is preferably shaped. The wedge lock body mount 34 is typically shaped to abut a surface of the wedge lock body 33 as shown in the Figures. Generally, the wedge lock body mount 34 corresponds in shape, at least partially, to a part of the wedge lock body 33.

In the illustrated embodiments, the wedge lock body mount 34 is typically a substantially planar plate which is bent into the required shape. Typically, the wedge lock body mount 34 is attached to the second arm 13 at a lower part of the inner end of the second arm 13 at one end and to a lower part of the third arm 31 at a second end.

The wedge lock body 33 is preferably a plate which is bent into shape. The wedge lock body 33 will preferably have a planar upper portion 35 and a spaced apart planar lower portion 36 in order to define the receiving opening 32 therebetween for receiving at least one ledger 16. As shown, the upper portion 35 and the lower portion 36 are preferably parallel to one another. A connecting portion 37 is shown in the Figures between the upper portion 35 and the lower portion 36 and shaped to provide the ledger seats.

An entry to the receiving opening 32 is preferably defined between the respective free ends of upper portion 35 and the lower portion 36. The upper portion 35 and the lower portion 36 are typically connected by the shaped ledger seat connecting portion 37. The shaped ledger seat connecting portion 37 preferably defines a pair of ledger seats. The ledger seats are typically angled or offset relative to one another as shown in Figures 3 and 10 in particular. In the configuration where a pair of ledger seats are provided, the lower ledger seat is preferably provided closer to the inner end of the second arm 13 than the upper ledger seat. The shaped ledger seat connecting portion 37 is preferably mounted to the wedge lock body mount 34.

An opening 38 to receive a wedge 39 is preferably provided through at least the upper portion 35. An opening 40 is preferably provided through the spaced apart lower portion 36. As illustrated, each of the openings 38, 40 is a slot opening. Preferably, the opening 38 in the upper portion 35 is typically longer than the opening 40 in the lower portion 36. Normally, the respective openings 38, 40 in the upper portion 35 and the lower portion 36 are offset from or angled relative to one another. In this configuration, the wedge 39 typically extends through the respective openings 38, 40 in the upper portion 35 and the lower portion 36, at an angle.

As shown, the wedge 39 from the wedge lock will preferably be elongate. The wedge 39 will preferably be substantially planar in order that once inserted into the preferred slot opening(s) 38, 40, in the wedge lock body 33, the wedge 39 will typically resist rotation. One or more depressible members 41, such as a spheroid or similar may be provided relative to the lower end of the wedge 39 and biased outwardly to provide tactile of the engagement of the wedge 39 with the opening 40 in the lower portion 36.

The wedge 39 will typically include an enlarged head portion 41 and a wedge- shaped body. An inner edge of the wedge 41 (regardless of the orientation of the wedge which as illustrated, is reversible) will preferably act as an abutment edge to abut one or more ledgers 16 located within the wedge lock body 33 and to lock the hop-up bracket 10 relative to the one or more ledgers 16. The abutment edge may be planar or shaped. A planar abutment edge will make for simpler insertion. A shaped abutment edge may result in a more secure engagement of the wedge 39 with the at least one ledger 16.

The edge of the wedge 39 on the opposite side of the wedge 39 to the abutment edge is preferably planar. Abutment of this opposite edge with the periphery of the slot opening(s) 38, 40 as the wedge 39 is inserted into the respective openings38, 40, together with the wedge shape of the wedge 39 will preferably move the abutment edge of the wedge 39 laterally in towards the at least one ledger 16 which locks the hop-up bracket 10 tightly to the at least one ledger 16.

In use, the hop up bracket 10 will typically be mounted relative to an upper ledger 15 using the mounting assembly 12 and then rotated into place relative to at least one lower ledger 16 until the at least one lower ledger 16 is received within the locking assembly 14. The wedge 39 can then be inserted into the preferred wedge lock locking assembly which will lock the hop up bracket 10 relative to the scaffold system securely but will also allow the hop up bracket 10 to be removed from the scaffold system quickly.

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.