| CLAIMS: 1 . A pole holding and carrying apparatus for holding and carrying a plurality of poles of the type having a pole connection means for connection with other poles, the pole holding and carrying apparatus comprising an elongate holder rack adapted to engage with the pole connection means and the elongate holder rack comprising an interlocking means, the interlocking means being adapted for engagement with a second interlocking means provided on a second pole holding and carrying apparatus. 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means for connection with other poles comprises a bracket adapted to be connected to another pole. 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket is provided at or towards at least one end of the pole. 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the bracket is provided at both ends of the pole. 5. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the interlocking means is a flange, optionally, the flange comprising a female locating means and a complementary male locating means wherein the male locating means of a first flange is engageable with the female locating means of a second flange. 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the flange comprises two female locating means and two complementary male locating means, provided such that the flange can be interengaged with a second flange on a second pole holding and carrying apparatus and with a third flange on a third pole holding and carrying apparatus. 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the flange has four sides with the male locating means being provided on two adjacent sides and the female locating means being provided on the other two adjacent sides. 8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims 5 to 7 wherein in cross-section, the male locating means is in the form of a substantially V-shape. 9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein two flanges are provided, one at or towards each opposed end of the elongate holder rack. 10. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the means for adapting the elongate holder rack to engage with the pole connection means comprises the elongate holder rack having dimensions and shape complementary to that of the pole connection means. 1 1 . An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elongate holder rack further comprises a plurality of spacers provided along the length of the elongate holder rack, the spacers being effective, in use, to prevent a pole or poles connected onto the elongate holder rack, from sliding along the elongate holder rack. 12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the flange includes a foot element thereby providing a flat portion on which, in use, the apparatus with plurality of poles securely connected thereto, can rest in a stable manner on a surface. 13. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the elongate holder rack includes a relative wide spacer located towards one end of the elongate holder rack such that in use, when poles are connected to and between a pair of elongate holder racks, the two outermost poles are spaces sufficient distance apart to enable the outermost pole to be used as a handle. 14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 13 wherein the elongate holder rack comprises means for ensuring the appropriate orientation of the flange such that a male locator on a first flange of a first apparatus is available to engage with a female locator on a second flange of a second apparatus. 15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the means for ensuring the appropriate orientation of the flange comprises a rib provided on the scaffold pole holding apparatus such that scaffold poles can be connected onto the pole holding apparatus from the side opposed to the rib, thereby ensuring the flanges are all oriented in the appropriate direction. 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the rib is provided along the length of the pole holding apparatus. 17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 16 wherein the flange comprises two adjacent sides with a generally V- shaped or curved concave end profile and with a raised generally V-shaped or curve shape cross-section to form the male locating means; and on the opposite two adjacent sides, a generally V - shaped or curved convex end profile is provided and with a sunken V or curve shaped cross-section to form the female locating means. 18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 16 wherein the flange comprises two adjacent sides with a generally V- shaped or curved concave end profile and with a sunken generally V-shaped or curve shape cross-section; and on the opposite two adjacent sides, a generally V - shaped or curved convex end profile is provided and with a raised V or curve shaped cross-section. 19. An interconnecting flange for interlocking building elements such as a scaffold pole holding apparatus, an elongate support prop and/or blocks or slabs, the interconnecting flange comprising a female locating means and a complementary male locating means wherein the male locating means of one flange is engageable with the female locating means of a second flange. 20. An interconnecting flange as claimed in claim 19 wherein the flange has four sides with the male locating means being provided on two adjacent sides and the female locating means being provided on the other two adjacent sides. 21 . An interconnecting flange as claimed in any one of the claims 19 or 20 wherein in cross-section the male locating means is in the form of a substantially V-shape. 22. An interconnecting flange as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21 wherein the flange comprises two adjacent sides with a generally V- shaped or curved concave end profile and with a raised generally V-shaped or curve shape cross-section to form the male locating means; and on the opposite two adjacent sides, a generally V - shaped or curved convex end profile is provided and with a sunken V or curve shaped cross-section to form the female locating means. 23. An interconnecting flange as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 21 wherein the flange comprises two adjacent sides with a generally V- shaped or curved concave end profile and with a sunken generally V-shaped or curve shape cross-section; and on the opposite two adjacent sides, a generally V - shaped or curved convex end profile is provided and with a raised V or curve shaped cross-section. 24. A pole holding and carrying apparatus, in any embodiment, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. 25 . An interconnecting flange for interlocking building elements such as a scaffold pole holding apparatus, an elongate support prop and/or blocks or slabs, in any embodiment, substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings. |
The present invention relates to interlocking flanges to form two or three dimensional interlocking for the provision of secure, safe and compact assembly, handling, transporting or storing of components. A particular use described herein is in relation to bundles or grouping of rails, poles or bars and particularly, this invention relates to a pole holding apparatus for securely connecting poles, such as scaffold poles, thereto for holding/storing and carrying purposes.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a means of connecting together blocks, slabs or flanges which interlock to form a secure surface or structure or for the provision of secure, safe and compact assembly, handling, transporting or storing of components.
A problem that exists is that a substantial number of scaffold poles are used in erecting the average scaffolding structure, typically used in the construction industry. These scaffold poles are carried on and off site in bundles. A bundle of scaffold poles is very difficult to hold together and control; indeed, it represents a considerable risk to the person carrying the scaffold poles especially when doing so at heights. Scaffolding is quite often erected in very public places therefore putting the general public at risk also. Furthermore, scaffold poles (also known as scaffold rails) used in scaffolding are available in different lengths with quick release attachment brackets at each end. They can become damaged if stored and transported in bundles that are not properly held. Ideally, the scaffold poles should be stored and transported by some means that will hold them parallel and at some distance apart so as to prevent damage and to make it easier to identify bent or damaged poles or rails. In the interests of safety, the quick release attachment brackets should also be checked for functionality during the process of handling.
Known carrying devices only partially address the problems. Known carrying devices provide a means for carrying the poles but are not compact enough for efficient storage both in the transport vehicle and at the warehouse and so they fall some way short of fulfilling the above criteria.
The term "pole" when used throughout this specification is to be understood as referring to a pole, rail, tube/tubing, bars and other similar elongate article.
The present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with prior art scaffold pole holding and carrying devices. The present invention relates to the principle of utilising the scaffold pole attachment bracket as the means of fixing a scaffold pole to the scaffold holding apparatus. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to an interlocking means, such as a flange, which enables secure assembly, interlocking or stacking or abutting of structural elements.
The present invention accordingly provides a pole holding and carrying apparatus for holding and carrying a plurality of poles of the type having pole connection means for connection with other poles, the pole holding and carrying apparatus comprising an elongate holder rack adapted to engage with the pole connection means and the elongate holder rack comprising an interlocking means, the interlocking means being adapted for engagement with a second interlocking means provided on a second pole holding and carrying apparatus.
An advantage of the present invention is that it provides an interlocking means to form two or three dimensional interlocking ( ie. Interlocking in two or three planes) for the provision of secure, safe and compact handling, transporting, storing or assembly of components.
Preferably, the means for connection with other poles comprises a bracket adapted to be connected to another pole.
Ideally, the bracket is provided at or towards at least one end of the pole and most preferably, the bracket is provided at both ends of the pole.
Preferably, the interlocking means comprises a flange and the flange may comprise of a female locating means and a complementary male locating means wherein the male locating means of one flange is engageable with the female locating means of an abutting flange.
The flange preferably comprises two female locating means and two complementary male locating means, provided such that the flange can be interengaged with a second flange on a second pole holding and carrying apparatus and with a third flange on a third pole holding and carrying apparatus.
In one preferred embodiment, the flange has four sides with the male locating means being provided on two adjacent sides and the female locating means being provided on the other two adjacent sides.
Preferably, in cross-section, the male locating means is in the form of a substantially V-shape. Advantageously, two flanges are provided, one at or towards each opposed end of the elongate holder rack.
The means for adapting the elongate holder rack to engage with the pole connection means preferably comprises the elongate holder rack having dimensions and shape complementary to that of the pole connection means.
Preferably, the elongate holder rack further comprises a plurality of spacers provided along the length of the elongate holder rack, the spacers being effective, in use, to prevent a pole or poles connected onto the elongate holder rack, from sliding along the elongate holder rack.
Conveniently, the flange includes a foot element thereby providing a flat portion on which, in use, the apparatus with plurality of poles securely connected thereto, can rest in a stable manner on a surface.
Advantageously, the elongate holder rack includes a relative wide spacer located towards one end of the elongate holder rack such that in use, when poles are connected to and between a pair of elongate holder racks, the two outermost poles are spaces sufficient distance apart to enable the outermost pole to be used as a handle.
The elongate holder rack may comprise means for ensuring the appropriate orientation of the flange such that a male locator on a first flange of a first apparatus is available to engage with a female locator on a second flange of a second apparatus.
Conveniently, the means for ensuring the appropriate orientation of the flange comprises a rib provided on the scaffold pole holding apparatus such that scaffold poles can be connected onto the pole holding apparatus from the side opposed to the rib, thereby ensuring the flanges are all oriented in the appropriate direction.
The rib may be provided along the length of the pole holding apparatus.
In another aspect, the present invention also provides an interconnecting flange for interlocking building elements such as a scaffold pole holding apparatus, an elongate support prop and/or blocks or slabs, the interconnecting flange comprising a female locating means and a complementary male locating means wherein the male locating means of one flange is engageable with the female locating means of an abutting second flange.
The flange preferably, has four sides with the male locating means being provided on two adjacent sides and the female locating means being provided on the other two adjacent sides.
Advantageously, in cross-section the male locating means is in the form of a substantially V-shape. The flange may comprise two adjacent sides with a generally V- shaped or curved concave end profile and with a raised generally V-shaped or curve shape cross-section to form the male locating means; and on the opposite two adjacent sides, a generally V - shaped or curved convex end profile is provided and with a sunken V or curve shaped cross-section to form the female locating means.
Alternatively, the flange may comprise two adjacent sides with a generally V- shaped or curved concave end profile and with a sunken generally V-shaped or curve shape cross-section; and on the opposite two adjacent sides, a generally V - shaped or curved convex end profile is provided and with a raised V or curve shaped cross-section.
The invention will now be described more particularly with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, one embodiment of a scaffold pole holding apparatus in accordance with the present invention. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a series of views and cross-sections illustrating the pole holding apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 1A is a side view of a scaffold pole holding apparatus;
Figure 1 B is a sectional view across the scaffold pole holding apparatus along the line 1 B-1 B of Figure 1A;
Figure 1 C is an end view of the scaffold pole holding apparatus;
Figure 1 D is a sectional view along the line 1 D - 1 D of Figure 1 C;
Figure 1 E is a sectional view along the line 1 E - 1 E of Figure 1 C;
Figure 1 G is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 1 G in Figure 1 E, showing a name-badge disc-cover recess;
Figure 1 H is an isometric view of the scaffold pole holding apparatus showing the barrier rib;
Figure 1 F is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 1 F in Figure 1 C and showing the foot-rest flats on the scaffold pole holding apparatus;
Figures 1 J and 1 K are enlarged views of the respective portions encircled 1J and 1 K in Figure 1 H and showing the foot rest flats on the scaffold pole holding apparatus;
In Figure 2:
Figure 2A is a schematic illustration showing how the scaffold poles are mounted between two scaffold pole holding apparatuses; and
Figure 2B is an enlarged view of Figure 2A showing one scaffold pole detached from the scaffold pole holding apparatus and with two other scaffold poles shown attached to/connected onto the scaffold pole holding apparatus; Figure 3 is a schematic illustration showing two loaded scaffold pole holding apparatuses, loaded with scaffold poles connected to and between each scaffold pole holding apparatus and the entire arrangement being carried by a user;
Figure 4A is an isometric drawing showing a plurality of loaded scaffold pole holding apparatuses stacked together on top of each other when loaded with a plurality of scaffold poles connected thereto;
Figure 4B is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 4B in Figure 4A, showing the scaffold pole holding apparatuses interlocked when stacked;
In Figure 5:
Figure 5A is a schematic illustration showing stacks of loaded scaffold pole holding apparatuses arranged in end-to-end abutment;
Figure 5B is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 5B in Figure 5A showing the interlocking end-to-end abutment of the stacks of loaded scaffold pole holding apparatuses;
Figure 5C is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 5C in Figure 5B;
Figure 6 shows illustrations of the name badge disc and the barrier rib on the scaffolding pole holding apparatus;
In Figure 6:
Figures 6A and 6B are isometric views of the scaffold pole holding apparatus showing the name badge disc cover connectable to and removeable from scaffold pole holding apparatus;
Figure 6C is an isometric view from underneath of the scaffold pole holding apparatus, showing the barrier rib on the scaffold pole holding apparatus; and
Figure 6D is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 6D in Figure 6C, showing the barrier rib;
Figures 7A and 7B show two alternative embodiments of scaffold pole holding apparatus which include respective alternative end flanges;
In Figure 7A, the scaffold pole holding apparatus is shown in a second embodiment,
In Figure 7A:
Figure 7B is an isometric view of a scaffold pole holding apparatus of the present invention in a second embodiment;
Figure 7C is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 7C in Figure 7B;
Figure 7D is a cutaway side view of the scaffold pole holding apparatus in the second embodiment: Figure 7E is a sectional view along the line 7E-7E of Figure 7D;
Figure 7F is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 7F in Figure 7E;
In Figure 7B:
Figure 7G is an isometric view of a scaffold pole holding apparatus in a third embodiment;
Figure 7H is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 7H in Figure 7G;
Figure 7J is a cutaway side view of the scaffold pole holding apparatus in the second embodiment:
Figure 7K is a sectional view along the line 7K-7K of Figure 7J;
Figure 7L is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 7L in Figure 7K;
Figure 8 shows a comparison between the respective stacking arrangements of the scaffold pole holding apparatuses in the first embodiment, second embodiment and third embodiment; in which
Figure 8A is an isometric view showing the stacking arrangement of the scaffold pole holding apparatus in the first embodiment; and
Figures 8B and 8C are isometric views of the scaffold pole holding apparatus in the second and third embodiments respectively;
Figure 9 shows the stacking arrangement with scaffold poles loaded on the scaffold pole holding apparatuses in the second embodiment; in which
In Figure 9:
Figure 9A is an isometric view of the stacks of loaded scaffold poles connected to the scaffold holding apparatuses in the second embodiment;
Figure 9B is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 9B in Figure 9A showing the stacks butted against each other and interconnected by the abutting flanges; and
Figure 9C is an enlarged view of the portion encircled 9C in Figure 9B;
Figures 10 is an alternative aspect of the present invention in which the interlocking means, namely the flange in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, is used on a builders prop for ensuring secure stacking of the builders props;
In Figure 10:
Figure 10A is a side view of the builders prop with the interlocking flange which is shown on the scaffold pole holding apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 6;
Figure 10B is an isometric view of the builders prop;
Figure 10C is an enlarged view of the flange convex side;
Figure 10D is an enlarged view of the flange concave side;
In Figure 1 1 : Figure 1 1A is an isometric view of the builders' props shown in a stacked arrangement; and
Figure 1 1 B is an enlarged view showing secure joints in two planes, namely in the vertical plane in which the scaffold pole holding apparatuses are stacked and in the horizontal plane in which the scaffold pole holding apparatuses are abutted against each other;
In Figure 12:
Figure 12A is an isometric view of interlocking blocks; and
Figure 12B is an isometric view of interlocking tiles or slabs such as flooring or paving slabs.
Referring initially to the Figures included in Figure 1 , the scaffold pole holding apparatus is indicated generally by reference numeral 13 and comprises a holder rack tube 14 with a flange 17 at either end of the holder rack tube 14 and a plurality of spacers 15 provided along its length. Figure 1A is a side view, Figure 1 C an end view, and Figure 1 H is an isometric view. Figures 1 B, 1 D, 1 E, are sectional views and Figures 1 F, 1 G, 1 J and 1 K are close-up views. Scaffold poles are fitted with quick release brackets designed to provide a quick and convenient method of attaching either end of the scaffold pole to any portion of the tubular stem of an adjacent pole for the purpose of erecting the scaffold tower. With reference to Figure 2B, the holder rack tube 14 provides a secure location to attach the scaffold pole 10 utilising the quick release attachment bracket 1 1 provided at both ends of the scaffold pole 10. The scaffold holding tube 14 has substantially the same or marginally less outside diameter as a scaffold rail or pole 10 so as to allow easy attachment of the bracket 1 1 onto the holder rack tube14. Holder rack spacer 15 prevents the scaffold rail 10 from moving sideways along the holder rack tube 14 and also maintains a space between the scaffolding rails 10 as shown in Figure 3.
In addition to the spacers 15, the scaffold holding apparatus 13 also includes a relatively wider holder rack spacer 16 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The holder rack wide spacer 16 is located at the end of the holder rack tube 14 adjacent to the holder rack flange 17 and thereby maintains a wider gap between the two outermost scaffold poles 10 when connected between a pair of scaffold pole holding apparatuses 13. The wider gap between the two outermost scaffolding poles provides the space to enable the outermost pole to be used as a handle for a user to carry the plurality of scaffold poles when connected to the scaffold pole holder apparatuses 13 as shown in Figure 3. Both sides of the spacers 15 and 16 are sufficiently sloped to guide a scaffold pole 10 onto the holder rack tube 14.
The holder rack flange 17 has four major sides with each side being substantially "V" or curve shaped in two axes as shown in Figure 1 C. With reference to Figure 1 C, two adjacent sides of end flange 17 form a concave V or curve shape 18 and the two opposing sides form a convex generally V or curve shape 19. Additionally, and with reference to sectional view Figure 1 D, the two adjacent sides of the end flange 17 also form a raised V or curved cross-section referred to as the male locator 18 and the other two adjacent sides form a sunken V or curved cross-section referred to as the female locator 19. The holder rack end flange 17 thus provides two adjacent sides with a V or curved concave end profile and with a raised V or curve shape cross-section to form male locators 18. On the opposite two adjacent sides, a V or curved convex end profile is provided and with a sunken V or curve shaped cross-section to form female locators 19. In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the drawings, the concave sides can have the female 18 sunken cross section and the convex sides can have the male 19 raised cross section. With reference to Figure 4B, the male concave locator 18 side of holder rack flange 17 locates onto the female convex locator 19 side of the flange 17, thereby forming secure joint 21 for stacking purposes.
With reference to Fig 5B, a second secure joint 22 is formed when a first series of stacked scaffold poles 10 connected to a first plurality of holder rack tubes 14 is abutted against a second plurality of stacked holder rack tubes 14 to which a second series of stacked scaffold poles 10 are connected provides a means of securely interlocking in two planes, (stacking in a vertical plane and abutting in a horizontal plane), the loaded scaffold pole holding apparatuses 13 for storage and transportation. In order for the holder rack to stack and butt locate as shown, flange 17 on the holder rack must always be orientated in one direction when loaded with scaffold poles 10. With reference to Figures 6C, 6D andl B, a barrier rib 25 runs the full length between the end flanges 17. The poles can only be loaded onto the holder rack from the opposite side to the barrier rib 25 thereby ensuring that the end flanges 17 are all orientated in one direction. In an alternative embodiment, not shown in the drawings, a series of obtrusions or lobes protruding at intervals along the length of the holder tube 14 and/ or adjoining the sides of spacers 15 and 16 can be provided in a manner that achieves the same function as the barrier rib 25.
With reference to the close-up Figures 1 F, 1 J and 1 K, a foot-rest flat 20 is provided four places on three corners of the holder rack end flange 17 to enable the scaffold holder tube 13 and thus the rack to be placed securely on a flat surface such as a floor or shelf when loading and unloading the rack or when stacking. Additionally, the extreme end of the holder rack end flange has a circular recess 23 as shown in Figure 1 G which provides a more stable surface to support the scaffold holder rack when placed on its end, the flange being of sufficient dimensions to do so. These sufficient dimensions also allows the poles to fall clear of the holder rack tube 14 if placed up side down on a floor or shelf for unloading. Additionally, a disc cover or cap 24 can be inserted into the recess for aesthetic reasons and also to provide a means to badge the product by printing the cap 24 with company details and logos. The outer surface of the disc cap cover 24 is located sufficiently under the surface of the end flange 17 in order not to jeopardise the stability of the scaffold holding apparatus when placed on its end while at the same time, protecting the printed disc cover/cap 24 from being defaced. With reference to Figures 6A and 6B, the name-badge disc-cover 24 is respectively shown fitted onto the scaffold holding apparatus and shown removed therefrom. Figure 1 G shows the recessed groove 23 into which the disc cap 24 is located. The recess 23 on end flanges 17 and the hollow tubular cross section 26 of the scaffold pole holding apparatus tube 14 minimises material and weight without adversely affecting strength.
With reference to Figure 3, a pair of scaffold pole holding apparatuses 13 with a plurality of scaffold poles 10 securely connected thereto and therebetween, can be carried close to a person's body in a straight arm position, thereby making it less strenuous and therefore safer and less likely that the person will sustain injury.
All scaffold poles 10 utilise an attachment bracket 1 1 at each end which provides a quick release means for quick and easy assembly and dismantling of the scaffolding rails 10 to and from each other. With reference to Figures 2A and 2B, a typical quick release attachment means is indicated as attachment bracket 1 1 and attachment clasp 12. The scaffold pole holding apparatus 13 utilises the quick release attachment bracket 1 1 to secure the scaffold rail 10 onto the scaffold pole holding apparatus 13. In so doing, the quick release bracket 1 1 on each individual scaffold pole 10 is tried and tested before the scaffolding poles rails leave the store or depot and before reaching the site for assembly together to erect the scaffolding structure. Additionally, the scaffold rails are placed side by side in a single row at a fixed distance apart making it easy to spot any bent or damaged rails. The scaffold holding apparatus 13 groups together scaffold rails of equal lengths, making it easier to select the required number of rails in the correct lengths and for stock taking purposes. It is to be understood that this type of pole holding apparatus can be utilised for holding, storing, racking together all types of poles, rails or bars which incorporate an attachment bracket in addition to the scaffolding pole application described above.
The scaffold holder tubes 13 may be manufactured from any suitable material including metal or metal alloy; however, it is preferably manufactured as a one-piece moulded plastics component.
The means of spacing the poles apart when attached to the holder rack tube 14 can vary as can the style of holder ends for loading and stacking purposes.
By way of example, Figures 7A and 7B show two alternative embodiments of interlocking means, namely flanges, provided in these embodiments, on a pole holding and carrying apparatus. With reference to Figure 7A, end flange 17 is formed by effectively joining three plates together to form a sandwich. With reference to 7G and 7H, the smaller plate in the middle has a generally V - shaped raised portion 28 at the centre of each four sides. The larger plate on the outside has a generally V- shape sunken portion 27on the centre of all four sides. When stacked the larger outer plate is placed between the two outer plates on the opposing flange to rest on the smaller centre plate with the raised and sunken portions 28, 27 locating to form secure stacking joint 21. Alternatively, and with particular reference to Figure 7C, the outer edges form two raised generally V- shapes which together form an equal sunken V shape between, resembling the letter W, this shape runs the full length of all four sides. Additionally and with reference to Figures 7E and 7F, raised radius portion 29 is formed at the centre position in the root of the said sunken v shape on all four sides. Similarly an equal but sunken radius portion 30 is formed at the top of the two raised V shapes on all four sides. When stacked, one or other of the said raised V portions locate into the sunken V portion with the raised and sunken radius portions 29 and 30 locating to form secure stacking joint 21. The pole holder rack with these styles of end flanges would stack on all four sides therefore end flange orientation is not important thus the barrier rib 25 would not be required. With reference to Figures 8B and 8C, the disadvantage is that these holder racks will not stack flush, they must be staggered in order to locate and form secure joint 21 , additionally and with reference to Figures 9A, 9B and 9C, they cannot locate when the stacks are butted end to end therefore secure joint 22 is not possible.
The secure two dimensional stacking provided by the flange 17 which is the preferred embodiment described herein, can be utilised in any number of applications. By way of example and with reference to Figure 10, a builder's support/prop is commonly used in the construction industry especially in building renovation work to support and prop up structures, such as for example, when walls are being replaced. Figure 10A illustrates how the flange ends 17 are fixed to the prop at both ends with the recessed end of the flange providing a stable foot when the prop in placed upright when in use. Figure 10C provides a close-up view of the female convex locator 19 and Figure 10 gives a close-up view of male concave locator 18. Figure 1 1A shows a secure stack of props for safe compact transport and storage. Figure 10B gives a close-up view of the two dimensional secure joints 12 and 22 when stacked.
With reference to Figure 12 the two dimensional interlocking characteristics of the flange can also be applied to blocks, tiles or slabs. Figure 12A shows a vertical structure such as a wall using interlocking block 34 and Figure 12B is a horizontal structure such as a floor, ceiling or ground paving utilising an interlocking tile or slab 35.
It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein, which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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