The invention relates to a scaffolding tube coupler.

A scaffolding coupler is known from, inter alia, Dutch patents NL75.356, NL7117188 and NL7811721, and is especially suitable for easy connection of scaffolding tubes, in particular standardized scaffolding tubes according to the NEN-EN 39:2001 standard (such tubes have an external diameter of 48.3 mm). As is well known, a scaffolding is generally provided with a number of tubes (metal or steel, cylindrical tubes) mutually secured by a number of scaffolding tube couplers, in particular with standards and ledgers and generally with one or more diagonals.

With the known systems, tube clamping is effected by striking home a key (i.e., an elongate wedge-shaped clamping part), which may be part of a coupler as mentioned, or a loose part. In this manner, the scaffolding coupler can be rapidly mounted and demounted.

In certain cases, it is desired to provide the scaffolding system with other profiles or beams than (cross-sectionally) round scaffolding tubes, for example angular crossbeams. GB 1, 171, 126 shows an example of a

scaffolding tube system, including a coupler which is configured to couple a rectangular element to a smooth scaffolding tube. Use of such supporting beams affords additional possibilities to the scaffolding. Such a beam can for instance comprise a steel or iron profile, or, for example, a solid, in

particular wooden, beam, or the like.

In the systems mentioned, smooth scaffolding tubes are used (i.e., tubes without integral modular points of engagement). In addition, modular systems are known, for example the Peri Up system of PERI, having tubular standards which are configured at specific positions for coupling-on beam-shaped ledgers. The object of the present invention is an improved scaffolding system and respective coupler. In particular, the object of the invention is a system and coupler with which non-round elements (for example,

rectangular tubular profiles) can be coupled-on stably, firmly and efficiently.

According to an aspect of the invention, to this end, the scaffolding tube coupler is characterized by the features of claim 1.

The present scaffolding tube coupler is configured for detachably coupling it to a scaffolding tube of a scaffolding, the coupler comprising a first receiving part for engaging the scaffolding tube, which tube receiving part, in particular, is formed by steel substantially U-shaped profiles, the coupler further comprising a second receiving part configured for engaging an elongate supporting part of rectangular cross section, the second receiving part being configured to clamp the elongate supporting part in two mutually different positions, the two positions comprising positions mutually rotated about a longitudinal axis (of the supporting part), in particular a first position and a second position rotated through an angle of 90 degrees.

With the present scaffolding tube coupler, a supporting beam as mentioned can be efficiently and strongly incorporated in a scaffolding, with the coupler making it possible for the beam to be securely coupled-on in two different positions. This provides the possibihty to use on site, during assembly, a most favorable supporting beam position, for example having regard to beam load and/or a supporting surface furnished by the beam.

A first supporting beam position can comprise, for example, a position in which a wide longitudinal side of the beam extends along a substantially vertical plane, while a second supporting beam position mentioned can be a position in which said wide longitudinal side of the beam extends

substantially horizontally. The desired position of the supporting beam can obviously comprise various other orientations, depending, for example, on the intended scaffolding configuration. Further, an aspect of the invention provides a scaffolding system, comprising at least one scaffolding tube coupler according to the invention, wherein the coupler engages with the first receiving part a scaffolding tube, and with the second receiving part a rectangular supporting part, the supporting part, in particular, being held in a position mentioned of the different positions.

In this manner, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

The invention will now be further elucidated on the basis of the drawing which represents non-limiting exemplary embodiments. In the drawing, in particular:

Figure 1 is a perspective side view of an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in a closed position of the clamping parts;

Figure 2 is a perspective front view of the exemplary embodiment;

Figure 3 is a side view of the example shown in Fig. 1, viewed from a first direction;

Figure 4 is a second side view of the exemplary embodiment, viewed from a direction opposite to the first direction;

Figure 5 is a bottom view of the exemplary embodiment;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the exemplary embodiment, with a supporting part being clamped in a first supporting part position;

Figure 8 is a similar view to Fig. 7, with the supporting part being clamped in a second supporting part position;

Figure 9 is a schematic front view of a scaffolding Q; and

Figure 10 is a cross section of a supporting part, along line X-X of Figure 9.

Like or corresponding features are designated in this application with like or corresponding reference signs.

The drawing shows an example of a scaffolding tube coupler 1, which is configured for detachably coupling it to a scaffolding tube T of a scaffolding. A part of such a tube T is visible in Figures 7 and 8. The tube T, to which the coupler 1 is fixedly clamped, can comprise, for example, a vertical standard or horizontal ledger, or, for example, a tube extending in another direction. In particular, the tube T can be a standardized

scaffolding tube, having an external diameter BD of 48.3mm, and a smooth external side, but that is not essential.

Figure 9 shows a part of a scaffolding Q, in front view, comprising such couplers 1 and respective scaffolding tubes T (for example, standards, ledgers, and optional diagonals), mutually coupled by standard tube couplers 50. Further, a supporting beam D is coupled to the scaffolding, for example a supporting beam D extending substantially in horizontal direction, which beam has a substantially rectangular cross section (see Figure 10).

The beam D has two wide longitudinal sides S 1 (facing away from each other) and two narrow longitudinal sides S2 (facing away from each other), such that a width xl of a wide longitudinal side Si is greater than a width x2 of a narrow longitudinal side S2. More particularly, the width xl of a wide longitudinal side Si is greater than the external diameter BD

(xl>BD) of a scaffolding tube T mentioned. Further, in this example, a width x2 of a narrow longitudinal side S2 is less than the external diameter BD (x2<BD). According to a further elaboration, xl/x2 is approximately equal to 2. More particularly, it may be that xl=6 cm and x2=3 cm. Thus, a crossbeam D can be used whose cross-sectional dimensions to some extent correspond to those of scaffolding tubes T to be used in the system. Other transverse dimensions of the beam D are also within the possibihties, which will be clear to those skilled in the art. Further, the beam D may for instance be of hollow design (as in the example), but this is not essential; the beam can comprise, for example, a massive wooden beam. According to an alternative implementation, for example, the beam D can comprise, for example, a ledger of a Peri Up system mentioned. Couplers 1 are provided to fix the supporting beam D detachably to the tubes T of the scaffolding tube system Q. The beam D can for instance serve to support a horizontal walking deck V or the like. According to a further elaboration, the scaffold Q can comprise at least two mutually spaced apart supporting beams D to support a walking deck V or the like, with the supporting beams D coupled-on with respective couplers 1.

Figures 1-8 show the scaffolding tube(-supporting beam) coupler 1 in more detail. The supporting beam coupler 1 is provided with a first receiving part 3 for engaging the scaffolding tube T. The first receiving part 3 can comprise, for example, a tube clamping coupler which is conventional, at least, known per se. The tube receiving part 3, in particular, is formed by steel, substantially U-shaped profiles 3a, 3b. In particular, the first receiving part comprises at least two, mutually hingeably coupled, U-shaped bracket parts 3a, 3b (in particular, a central first - outer - bracket part 3a and two - inner - second bracket parts 3b), as follows from the drawing. The bracket parts (profiles) 3a, 3b are pivotably coupled to each other through a hinge pin 3d, namely, pivotably between the clamped position shown and a swung-apart release position, not shown. In the example, the first receiving part 3 is lockable in a clamped position by means of a key locking, i.e., via a translatable (wedge-shaped) key 3c which is bringable from a locking position as shown to a release position.

The coupler 1 is further provided with a second receiving part 5 configured for engaging an elongate supporting part/beam D (see Figures 7-10) of rectangular cross section. The second receiving part 5 may for instance be immovably fixed to the first receiving part 3 (for example, via one or more suitable welded joints), or be fixed thereto via a swivel coupler so as to allow rotation between the receiving parts 3, 5. In use of such a swivel coupler, a respective axis of rotation extends, for instance,

perpendicular with respect to a hinge pin 3d of the bracket parts 3a, 3b, which will be clear to those skilled in the art. The second receiving part 5 preferably comprises at least two, mutually hingeably coupled, U-shaped bracket parts 5a, 5b (in particular a central first - outer - bracket part 5a and two - inner - second bracket parts 5b), as follows from the drawing. The inner bracket parts 5b may for instance directly or indirectly be fixed by undersides thereof to sides facing them of the inner tube -receiving bracket parts 3b, or to an above-mentioned swivel coupler (not shown), for instance via suitable welded joints.

The second receiving part 5 is lockable in the clamped position shown by means of a key locking, i.e., via a translatable (wedge-shaped) key 5c, to clamp first ends of the bracket parts 5a, 5b to each other. The second receiving part 5 is bringable from a locked/clamped position (as shown) to a release position (not shown), (analogously to the key locking of the first receiving part 3), for release of the beam receiving space M defined by that receiving part (for the purpose of introducing a supporting beam D into that space M or removing same therefrom). To that end, the bracket parts (profiles) 5a, 5b are pivotably coupled to each other through a respective hinge pin 5d, namely, pivotably between the clamped position shown and the swung-apart release position (not shown). The last-mentioned hinge pin 5d is situated at a second end of the bracket parts 5a, 5b, opposite the wedge-shaped key clamping means.

With great advantage, the second receiving part 5 is configured to clamp the elongate supporting part D in a first position, as well as in a second position in which the supporting part has been rotated about a longitudinal axis with respect to the first position, i.e., to clamp the supporting part in two mutually different positions, the two positions comprising positions mutually rotated about a longitudinal axis (of the supporting part), in particular a first position and a second position rotated through an angle of 90 degrees. The two clamping positions are represented in Figures 7 and 8. The U-shaped bracket parts 5a, 5b of the second receiving part, to this end, are preferably provided with flat supporting surfaces 9a, 9b (see Fig. 3) which extend parallel relative to each other in a closed clamping position of the second receiving part 5, in particular to clamp therebetween the two end (mutually parallel) external sides S2 of a rectangular

supporting part (beam) D. In the example, a first of the two flat supporting surfaces mentioned is furnished by an inner side 9a, facing the beam receiving space M, of a flat clamping plate 8 which is centrally fixed (for example by a welded or glued joint) on the outer bracket part 5a of the second receiving part. The clamping plate 8 may for instance be made of steel. The outer bracket part 5a as such, in this example, is of curved configuration (with a convexly curved outer side facing away from the beam receiving space M, in a closed clamping position of the second receiving part 5). Alternatively, the outer bracket part 5a may, for example, itself be provided with a flat clamping side 9a facing the beam receiving space M (in lieu of a separate clamping plate).

In the example, a second of the two flat supporting surfaces is furnished by a second inner side, facing the beam receiving space M, of the second receiving part, which second inner side is defined by two central straight inner edges 9b of the two inner bracket parts 5b.

Be it noted here that each inner bracket part 5b of the second receiving part 5 as such extends substantially along a virtual square VS, with a lying central leg 5b 1 and two side legs 5b2 extending substantially at right angles thereto (see Fig. 4). It follows, accordingly, that the lying central legs 5b 1 in this example determine the flat beam supporting surface 9b. In Fig. 4, a distance between these supporting surfaces 9a, 9b is denoted by y2. This distance, in particular, is equal to a width xl of the rectangular beam D, at least, in the depicted beam clamping position of the coupler, to enable the beam to be stably and firmly clamped (as is represented in Figure 8). Also the mutually facing edges of the side legs 5b2 of the inner bracket parts 5b preferably extend substantially along the virtual square VS mentioned. Preferably, those edges can define respective flat beam

positioning surfaces, in the case of an alternative beam positioning (as is shown in Figure 7). In Fig. 4, a distance between the mutually facing sides of the side legs 5b2 is denoted by y2'. This distance y2', in particular, is substantially equal to or slightly (marginally) greater than a width xl of the rectangular beam D, to enable the beam D to be placed therebetween in a stable manner. According to a further elaboration, it holds that y2'=y2 or y2'=y2+Ay, for example with a margin Ay of about 1 mm or less.

The present second receiving part 5 additionally comprises four substantially symmetrically disposed parallel clamping elements 7, fixed on inner sides of the bracket parts 5a, 5b, for instance by means of respective welded joints and/or glued joints. With these additional, parallel clamping elements 7, an improved stable engagement of the four external sides SI, S2 of the supporting beam D can be achieved, as already follows from the drawing. In the present implementation, the clamping elements 7 comprise cylinder-shaped clamping parts, for example elements made from (steel) wire. Two outer clamping elements 7a are arranged at right angles to the outer bracket profile 5a of the second receiving part 5 (see Fig. 4). Two parallel inner clamping elements 7b are fixed at right angles to the two central legs 5b 1 of the second receiving part 5. These two inner clamping elements 7b can furnish additional stiffness and strength to the second receiving part 5, besides a beam positioning thereby achieved, but this is not essential.

As follows from the above, and has already been mentioned, the second receiving part 5 is bringable to the beam clamping position, in which clamping position the second receiving part encloses a clamping cavity M with four opposite clamping surfaces, which clamping surfaces, viewed in cross section, extend along a virtual square VS (the square mentioned has been drawn-in in Fig. 4 with broken lines). The parallel clamping elements 7 can fill the clamping cavity M at respective corners of the square VS, in particular for engaging longitudinal sides Si, facing away from each other, of the supporting part D.

The distance y2, y2' between opposite sides of the virtual square VS may for instance be equal to or slightly greater than a width xl of the rectangular supporting part D. Be it noted here that the virtual square VS does not have to be a 100% perfect square but, for instance, may also be a virtual rectangle, in particular if it holds that the distance y2' deviates slightly from (for example by a margin Ay and thus is slightly greater than) the distance y2.

A distance yl, yl' between opposite sides of a pair of clamping elements 7 is, in particular, equal to or slightly greater than a thickness x2 of the rectangular supporting part D, to be able to achieve a stable positioning and firm beam clamping.

According to a further elaboration, the distance yl between the two inner clamping elements 7a on the one hand and the two outer clamping elements 7b on the other, in the case of the beam clamping position of the coupler as shown in Fig. 7 (where those clamping elements 7a clamp the beam D between them), is equal to the thickness x2 of the beam D.

According to a further elaboration, the distance yl' between the two inner clamping elements 7a mutually is substantially equal to or slightly (marginally) greater than the thickness x2 of the rectangular beam D, in order to allow the beam D to be stably placed therebetween. According to a further elaboration, it holds that yl'=yl or yl -yl+Ay, for example with a margin Ay of about 1 mm or less. Likewise, it is advantageous if the distance yl' between the two outer clamping elements 7a mutually is substantially equal to or slightly (marginally) greater than the thickness x2 of the rectangular beam D. Here too, according to a further elaboration, it holds that yl'=yl or yl -yl+Ay, for example with a margin Ay of about 1 mm or less.

Figures 7 and 8 show the coupler 1 in two beam clamping positions, while the coupler is also fixedly clamped on a tube T of a scaffolding via the respective first receiving part 3. In both cases, the beam D can be strongly and stably retained by the coupler. Here, in both beam positions (both in Figure 7 and in Figure 8), the second receiving part 5 can take up the position shown in Figures 3-4, or virtually exactly that position (with some margin with respect to the position shown), such that the external sides of the beam D can be retained between substantially parallel positioning surfaces (in each of the two beam positions - viewed in cross section).

Uncoupling of the beam D can be done easily, by striking the wedge-shaped key of the second receiving part 5 to a release position, so that the second receiving part 5 can be brought to the swung-out position (not shown).

To the skilled person, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described. Various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as is set forth in the appended claims.

Thus, the inner (second) bracket parts 5b of the second receiving part may, for instance, each be made of bent wire, for example of steel. The same holds for the profiles 3b to form the tube receiving part 3.