Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of work platforms. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention concerns a comer mounting bracket for a work platform.

Background to the Invention

In the construction of a work platform such as a safety deck, formwork or scaffolding access platform, particularly a modern work platform with a plastic work platform member, a bracket can be used to connect the work platform member relative to a standard or vertically extending leg member.

The bracket will normally connect the work platform member relative to a standard or vertically extending leg member and also allow the attachment of one or more other members such as a horizontally or diagonally extending member.

In more modem work platform assemblies, which are designed for assembly without (or with only a minimum of) tools, connections between the support members (legs or standards, diagonals and lateral members or ledgers) and the connection brackets are typically achieved using pins inserted through aligned openings in the support members, brackets and work platform members. The pins provide an engaged connection which substantially prevents relative movement between components.

The pins can be difficult to insert though from certain angles, particularly in the comer of the safety assembly if assembled in situ and adjacent to the corner of a structure as clearance longer than the pin is typically required in the direction of insertion.

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 comer mounting bracket for a work platform, the corner mounting bracket comprising a body configured to engage with a standard of a work platform support assembly, and at least one substantially planar top wall with at least one engagement formation extending upwardly above the top wall.

Providing a corner bracket with these features allows an operator to fix a decking panel relative to a head component of a support assembly where the decking panel is in a corner of a space with obstructed access and therefore limited ability to secure the decking panel to the head component of the support assembly.

The corner mounting bracket is typically used in combination with a support assembly for supporting a work platform, such as a safety deck, formwork or scaffolding access platform. The support assembly will normally include at least one, and usually a number of standards (vertical members) and at least one, and usually a number of ledgers (horizontal members) extending between the standards. One or more diagonal members may be provided to brace the standards and/or ledgers.

The corner bracket may be manufactured from any material but a material such as an engineering plastic or similar will normally be used for low cost, ease of manufacture but to provide the required strength and rigidity for the bracket.

The comer bracket will normally be located at an upper end of a standard.

The comer bracket may be releasably locked relative to the standard using a locking pin which is insertable through at least one sidewall of the hollow body of the comer bracket and an aligned opening in at least one wall of the standard. Typically, there will be a pair of aligned openings in opposed portions or sidewalls of the body and a pair of aligned openings in opposed portions or sidewalls of the standard.

A work platform panel or lapboard can be supported directly on the at least one substantially planar top wall of the comer bracket.

The at least one engagement formation extending upwardly above the top wall will preferably positively locate the work platform panel or lapboard relative to the comer bracket. The work platform panel or lapboard can be locked relative to the comer bracket and/or standard. One or more locking pins may be used for this purpose.

The comer bracket includes a body configured to engage with a standard of a work platform support assembly. The body may be received at least partially into a hollow end of a standard (the male configuration). In this configuration, the body may be hollow or at least partially solid. A hollow body is preferred as it allows the use of less material, lowering weight whilst maintaining the necessary strength.

The body may be a hollow body to receive an end of a standard thereinto (the female configuration).

The hollow body may include at least one sidewall defining a bore thereinto. The hollow body will usually include more than one sidewall with the number of sidewalls usually determining the shape of the hollow body.

The shape of the body will normally correspond to a shape (external or internal) of a portion of the standard. The body typically engages with the standard closely. A friction fit may be used.

The body may be provided with a tapered entryway in order to more easily engage with the standard. In the female configuration, a lower edge of the at least one sidewall may be provided with a tapered or angled portion to form the tapered entry way . In the male configuration, a lower portion of the body may be provided with a tapered or angled portion to form a tapered part.

Although any shape could be used, in an embodiment, the bore may be rectangular or square defined by four sidewalls, provided in two opposed pairs.

Arcuate corner transitions are generally provided between sidewalls for increased strength.

As mentioned above, an internal shape of the bore will normally correspond with the external shape of the end portion of the shape of the standard. A rectangular or square shape is preferred as the comer portions will typically act to prevent rotation of the corner bracket on the standard, which could occur if the bore was circular. The provision of the comers also assists with the orientation of the comer bracket with respect to the panel.

In the female configuration, one or more ribs may be provided within the bore to assist with strength and/or engagement of the standard. A plurality of ribs may be provided. The ribs may be provided at an upper end of the bore, extending toward the opening of the bore from adjacent to the underside of the top wall. The ribs will normally extend only part of the distance to the opening. The ribs will usually not obstruct any opening formed in the at least one sidewall of the body.

At least one transverse attachment opening may be provided through body or the at least one sidewall of the body. Typically, aligned attachment openings are provided on each of two opposed sidewalls of the body. More than one attachment opening may be provided on a sidewall. An upper attachment opening and a lower attachment opening may be provided on at least two opposed sidewalls. Attachment openings may be provided in aligned pairs, in opposing sidewalls.

In an embodiment, a pair of attachment openings, one upper attachment opening and one lower attachment opening are provided on each of a pair of opposed sidewalls and a second pair of attachment openings, one upper attachment opening and one lower attachment opening are provided on each of a second pair of opposed sidewalls.

Any attachment opening may have a tapered entry to ease insertion of a locking pin.

The comer bracket includes at least one substantially planar top wall with at least one engagement formation extending upwardly above the top wall.

The at least one substantially planar top wall is usually provided at an upper end of the body. A single substantially planar top wall is preferred. The top wall will normally close the upper end of the corner bracket, including any hollow bore that is provided.

The top wall may extend laterally outside the extremities of the body on at least one side of the body. The top wall may extend laterally outside the extremities of the body on at least two sides of the body. The at least two sides of the body will normally be adjacent sides. The top wall may end flush with the other two sides of a preferably rectangular or square body.

The top wall may be provided at any angle relative to the body. Normally, the top wall will be substantially perpendicularly to the body.

The top wall will normally be formed in a single piece with the body. Any number of engagement formations may be provided. Any type of engagement formation may be provided. Any shape of engagement formation may be provided.

Typically, a plurality of engagement formations may be provided. The provision of more than one engagement formations will normally require that the decking panel or lapboard can only engage the comer bracket in a single orientation, assisting with ease of assembly.

The engagement formations provided will normally be extensions, extending upwardly from the upper side of the upper wall. The engagement formations will normally be at least partially received within corresponding openings provided in the decking panel or lapboard. The engagement formations are preferably closely received so as to minimise lateral movement of the decking panel or lapboard relative to the comer bracket.

The engagement formations may be upstanding posts or similar. The engagement formations may be elongate. The engagement formations may be larger in one dimension (length) than in other directions (height and/or width).

The size and shape of the engagement formations will normally be a tradeoff between the amount of material used and the strength/engagement required. A larger engagement formation will usually make a stronger engagement formation but will use more material and make the corner bracket heavier.

There will normally be more than one engagement formation, preferably two, three or four engagement formations. Each engagement formation will usually be elongate. Each engagement formation may be provided having a pair of parallel sidewalls, upstanding from the top wall and a pair of end walls. The end walls may be arcuate.

The engagement formations will typically extend substantially perpendicularly to the top wall.

At least one engagement formation may be offset or provided at an angle to at least one other engagement formation. This may assist with minimising movement of the decking board or lapboard relative to the corner bracket in more than one direction. The engagement formations may be provided at an angle relative to the body. A 45° angle may be used relative to the sidewalls of the body but a different angle may be used.

A depending wall may be provided at an outer edge of the top wall. A depending wall may be provided on the sides of the corner bracket on which the top wall extends laterally outside the body. The depending wall may be parallel to the sidewalls of the body. The depending wall will normally be spaced from the body, forming a U-shaped channel therebetween.

The provision of a depending wall may assist with positioning or locating the bracket relative to the decking panel or lapboard or vice versa. Part of the decking panel or lapboard may abut the outer sides of any depending wall.

An opening may be provided through any depending wall. Any such opening may be provided aligned with an attachment opening provided in the body so that a locking pin can be inserted. Typically, the opening in the depending wall will be aligned with an upper opening in the sidewall of the body.

In use, the comer bracket will be position relative to the end of a standard and engaged thereon. The panel can then be planed on top of the corner bracket. A locking pin may be used to lock the corner bracket relative to the standard. A locking pin may be used to lock the decking panel or lapboards relative to the corner bracket and/or standard. A pair of locking pins may be used or a single locking pin could be used. If more than one locking pin is used, the locking pins may be parallel to one another or perpendicular.

Advantages of embodiments of the comer bracket include:

1. Can be fitted to all work platform panel sizes;

2. Can be installed to a lapboard;

3. Sits within the layout and design of the work platform panel to allow a locking pin to be placed into the panel holes to secure it to the panel from either direction; 4. Creates a flush panel height when used on lapover parts (all panel types including lapboard)

5. Fits the standard platform height in a corner without overlaps.

6. Can be used in various configurations including: a. Configuration 1 - no panel - base on bottom, corner bracket on top standard panel secured (comer); b. Configuration 2 - any standard panel used as an overlap on top - 2 x bases on the bottom corner bracket on top standard panel secured; and c. Configuration 3 - lapboard panel used as an overlap on top - 2 x bases on the bottom, corner bracket on top standard panel secured.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an isometric view from the top of a corner mounting bracket for a safety deck according to an embodiment.

Figure 2 is an isometric view from the underside of the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an isometric view from a different angle of the underside of the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an isometric bottom view of the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a front view of the corner mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a rear view of the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 7 is a left side view of the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 8 is a right side view of the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1 Figure 9 is a top view of the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 10 is a bottom view of the corner mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 11 is an axonometric view from the underside of a safety deck assembly including the comer mounting bracket illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 12 is an axonometric view of the assembly from the left side of the configuration illustrated in Figure 11.

Figure 13 is an axonometric view of the assembly from the opposite side of the configuration illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a top view of a decking panel or lapboard in position relative to the comer bracket shown in Figures 1 to 9.

With reference to the accompanying figures, a corner mounting bracket 10 for a safety deck is provided. The corner mounting bracket 10 illustrated in the accompanying Figures comprises a body 11 configured to engage with a standard of a safety deck support assembly (shown partially in Figures 11 to 13), and a substantially planar top wall 12 with engagement formations 13 extending upwardly above the top wall 12.

The engagement formations 13 extend upwardly above the top wall 12 and preferably positively locate the safety deck panel or lapboard 14 relative to the corner bracket 10 as shown in Figure 14. The safety deck panel or lapboard 14 can be locked relative to the comer bracket 10 and/or standard 15 as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13 in particular. One or more locking pins 16 may be used for this purpose.

As shown, the comer bracket 10 includes a body 11 configured to engage with a standard 15 of a safety deck support assembly. The body 11 illustrated is a a hollow body to receive an end of a standard 15 thereinto (the female configuration).

The hollow body 11 includes at least one sidewall defining a bore 17 thereinto. In the illustrated embodiment, the hollow body 11 is rectangular defining a bore 17 which is also rectangular defined by four sidewalls 18, provided in two opposed pairs. As shown, arcuate corner transitions 19 are generally provided between sidewalls 18 for increased strength.

The shape of the body 11 will normally correspond to a shape (external or internal) of a portion of the standard 15. The body 11 typically engages with the standard 15 closely. A friction fit may be used.

The body 11 illustrated is provided with a tapered entryway in order to more easily engage with the standard 15. A lower edge 20 of each sidewall 18 is provided with a tapered or angled portion to form the tapered entryway.

The internal shape of the bore 17 will normally correspond with the external shape of the end portion of the standard 15. A rectangular or square shape is preferred as the corner portions will typically act to prevent rotation of the comer bracket 10 on the standard 15, which could occur if the bore 17 was circular. The provision of the comers also assists with the orientation of the comer bracket 10 with respect to the panel 14.

As best illustrated in Figures 4 and 10, a plurality of ribs 21 are provided within the bore 17 to assist with strength and/or engagement of the standard. The ribs 21 shown are provided at an upper end of the bore 17, extending toward the opening of the bore 17 from adjacent to the underside of the top wall 12. The ribs 21 will normally extend only part of the distance to the opening. The ribs 21 will usually not obstruct any opening formed in the sidewalls 18 of the body 11.

A number of transverse attachment openings 22 are provided through the sidewalls 18 of the body 11. Typically, aligned attachment openings 22 are provided on each of two opposed sidewalls 18 of the body 11. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, an upper attachment opening and a lower attachment opening are provided on each two opposed sidewalls 18, provided in aligned pairs, in opposing sidewalls 18.

In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of attachment openings 22, one upper attachment opening and one lower attachment opening are provided on each of a pair of opposed sidewalls and a second pair of attachment openings 22, one upper attachment opening and one lower attachment opening are provided on each of a second pair of opposed sidewalls. The attachment openings have a tapered entry to ease insertion of a locking pin

16.

The substantially planar top wall 12 is provided at an upper end of the body 11. The top wall 12 closes the upper end of the comer bracket 10, including the hollow bore 17 that is provided.

The top wall 12 extends laterally outside the extremities of the body 11 on two sides of the body 11. The top wall 12 extend laterally outside the extremities of the body 11 on two adjacent sides of the body. The top wall 12 ends flush with the other two sides of the body 11.

In the embodiment illustrated, three engagement formations 13 are provided. The provision of more than one engagement formation 13 will normally require that the decking panel or lapboard 14 can only engage the comer bracket 10 in a single orientation, assisting with ease of assembly.

The engagement formations 13 provided are extensions, extending upwardly from the upper side of the top wall 12. The engagement formations 13 are at least partially received within corresponding openings 23 provided in the decking panel or lapboard 14 as shown in Figure 14. The engagement formations 13 are preferably closely received in the openings 23 so as to minimise lateral movement of the decking panel or lapboard 14 relative to the corner bracket 10.

The engagement formations 13 are upstanding posts or similar. The illustrated engagement formations 13 are elongate, larger in one dimension (length) than in other directions (height and/or width).

Each engagement formation 13 illustrated is provided having a pair of parallel sidewalls, upstanding from the top wall and a pair of arcuate end walls. The engagement formations 13 extend substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the top wall 12.

At least one engagement formation 13 may be offset or provided at an angle to at least one other engagement formation 13. This may assist with minimising movement of the decking panel or lapboard relative to the comer bracket 10 in more than one direction. The engagement formations 13may be orients at an angle relative to the body 11. A 45° angle relative to the sidewalls 18 of the body 11 is used in the illustrated embodiment.

A depending wall 24 may be provided at an outer edge of the top wall 12. As shown, a depending wall 24 may be provided on the sides of the corner bracket 10 on which the top wall 12 extends laterally outside the body 11. The depending wall 24 is parallel to the sidewalls 18 of the body 11. The depending wall 24 is spaced from the body 11, forming a U-shaped channel therebetween.

The provision of a depending wall 24 may assist with positioning or locating the bracket relative to the decking panel or lapboard 14 or vice versa as shown in Figures 11 to 13. Part of an underside structure of the decking panel or lapboard 14 typically abuts the outer sides of any depending wall 24.

An opening 25 may be provided through any depending wall 24 as shown in Figures 5 and 7. Any such opening 25 may be provided aligned with the attachment opening 22 provided in the body 11 so that a locking pin 16 can be inserted. Typically, the opening 25 in the depending wall 24 will be aligned with an upper opening 22 in the sidewall 18 of the body 11.

As shown in Figures 11 to 13, the corner mounting bracket 10 is typically used in combination with a support assembly for supporting a safety deck. The support assembly will normally include at least one, and usually a number of standards 15 (vertical members) and at least one, and usually a number of ledgers (horizontal members, not shown) extending between the standards 15.

The corner bracket 10 will normally be located at an upper end of a standard 15.

The corner bracket 10 may be releasably locked relative to the standard 15 using a locking pin 16 which is insertable through an attachment opening 22 in at least one sidewall 18 of the hollow body 11 of the comer bracket 10 and an aligned opening in at least one wall of the standard 15.

In use, the comer bracket 10 is positioned relative to the end of a standard 15 and engaged thereon. The panel 14 can then be placed on top of the corner bracket 10. A locking pin 16 can be used to lock the comer bracket 10 relative to the standard 15. A locking pin 16 may be used to lock the decking panel or lapboard 14 relative to the comer bracket 10 and/or standard 15. A pair of locking pins 16 may be used or a single locking pin 16 could be used. If more than one locking pin 16 is used, the locking pins 16 may be parallel to one another or perpendicular as shown in Figure 12. 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.