Advance installation guardrail assembly with ledger head retaining features for scaffolding systems

Abstract

A scaffolding system includes a guardrail ledger having an elongated support member, a ledger head coupled to a first end of the elongated support member, and a hook ledger head coupled to a second end of the elongated support member. The hook ledger head is formed to include a hook configured to extend into a scaffolding rosette of a vertical scaffolding post to assist in the installation of the guardrail ledger prior to assembly of a work platform for an upper level of the scaffolding system.

Description

ADVANCE INSTALLATION GUARDRAIL ASSEMBLY WITH LEDGER HEAD RETAINING FEATURES FOR SCAFFOLDING SYSTEMSFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to scaffolding systems, and more specifically to guardrail ledgers adapted to be erected in advance of walking platforms for workers on the scaffolding system.BACKGROUND

[0002] Modular scaffold support systems are commonly used to provide vertical support for structures as well as for use in defining a raised work platform adjacent a structure. Scaffold systems are also used for providing temporary structures such as work platforms or removable bleacher-type seating.

[0003] One of the most common scaffolding systems is modular scaffolding that is designed to allow convenient connection of horizontal members to tubular steel upright members. The tubular steel upright members have a series of connecting nodes, typically rosette style nodes, positioned along the length of the vertical uprights. The ends of the horizontal members include connection features designed to connect with the connecting nodes provided on vertical upright scaffold members. This type of modular connection of scaffold components is convenient and requires less expertise in the assembly of support structures or raised platforms. With modular scaffolding, there remains a desire to provide guardrails for a given working floor prior to the work platforms being installed or otherwise accessed by the workers of the scaffolding system.It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an improved guardrail ledger, an improved scaffolding system and an improved method of assembling a scaffolding system. This object is solved by the subject matters of the independent claims. Embodiments thereof are claimed in the dependent claims.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

[0005] A guardrail ledger in accordance with the present disclosure includes an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member, a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, and a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member. The ledger head and the hook ledger head each couple to a corresponding scaffolding rosette on a vertical scaffold post to secure the guardrail ledger between the two vertical scaffold posts.

[0006] In the illustrative embodiments, the hook ledger head includes a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member and a hook that extends away from the ledger connector base. The hook is shaped to include a hook body and a hook tab. The hook body extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base and bends vertically downward and axially back toward the elongated support member to define to define a rosette-receiving space for receiving a second scaffolding rosette therein. The hook tab extends away from the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0007] In the illustrative embodiments, the hook tab may allow the hook to be inserted into a hole of the corresponding scaffolding rosette in response to the guardrail ledger being within a range of predetermined angles. The hook tab may block the hook, and thus the guardrail ledger, from escaping the hole of the corresponding scaffolding rosette inadvertently during installation. The hook tab engages the scaffolding rosette to block the guardrail ledger from inadvertently escaping and separating from the scaffolding rosette.

[0008] In the illustrative embodiments, the hook also may prevent the elongated support member and / or the ledger head of the guardrail ledger fromswinging down and hitting the scaffold post. The terminal end of the hook may engage the scaffold post to block the elongated support member and / or the ledger head of the guardrail ledger from swinging into the scaffold post.

[0009] In the illustrative embodiments, the hook body includes a first segment that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base, a second segment that extends vertically downward from the first segment and curves towards the elongated support member, and a third segment that extends vertically downward from the second segment and axially distally away from the second segment toward the elongated support member to a terminal hook end. The hook tab is positioned at a location spaced apart from the terminal hook end. The hook tab of the hook extends from the third segment of the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0010] In the illustrative embodiments, the hook tab is spaced apart from the ledger connector base to define a throat that opens to the rosette-receiving space. The throat has a throat width sized to receive the second scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head is within the range of predetermined orientations relative to the second scaffolding rosette.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a scaffolding system includes positioning a hook ledger head connected with a first end of an elongated support member within a range of predetermined orientations relative to a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post. The hook ledger head is positioned within the range of predetermined orientations so that a hook of the hook ledger head is aligned with a hole formed in a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post.

[0012] In the illustrative embodiments, the method includes inserting the hook of the hook ledger head into the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette of the first vertical scaffold post so that the first scaffolding rosette passes through a throat of the hook ledger head. The method includes moving the hookledger head to a hooked orientation once the hook of the hook ledger head is inserted into the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette.

[0013] In the illustrative embodiments, the method includes coupling a ledger head to a second scaffolding rosette of a second scaffold post. The ledger head is coupled to a second end of the elongated support member while allowing limited movement relative to the elongated support member.

[0014] In the illustrative embodiments, the method includes moving the ledger head and the second scaffold post upwardly while the hook is retained in the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette. The hook tab included on the hook blocks removal of the hook from the first scaffolding rosette while the ledger head and the second scaffold post are moved. The method further includes coupling the second scaffold post vertically to a spigot of the scaffolding system such that the second scaffold post extends generally vertically away from the spigot and the elongated support member extends generally horizontally.

[0015] Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 A is a perspective view of a scaffolding system that includes a plurality of vertical scaffold posts and horizontal ledgers connected therebetween to support a plurality of work platforms which provide a first working floor and showing a guardrail ledger installed between two of the vertical scaffold posts in advance of an upper second working floor of the scaffolding system being assembled;

[0017] Fig. 1 B is a perspective view of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 A in accordance with the present disclosure, the guardrail ledger having an elongated support member, a ledger head on a first end thereof, and a hook ledger head on a second end therefor for connecting with a scaffolding rosette of a verticalscaffold post to provide a guardrail on an upper floor of the scaffolding in advance of installation of the work platforms for the upper floor;

[0018] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the second end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 showing the hook ledger head includes a ledger connector base configured to extend into notches formed in the elongated support member to couple the hook ledger head with the elongated support member and a hook that extends away from the ledger connector base and shaped to be received in the scaffolding rosette of the vertical scaffold post and block inadvertent escape of the hook ledger head from the scaffolding rosette;

[0019] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the hook ledger head of Fig. 2 showing the ledger connector base includes a base body and a pair of prongs that each extend axially from the base body, and that the hook is shaped to include a hook body that extends from the ledger connector base to define a rosette-receiving space for receiving the scaffolding rosette therein and a hook tab that extends away from the hook body into the rosette-receiving space to block inadvertent escape of the hook ledger head from the scaffold rosette;

[0020] Fig. 4 is a side elevation view of the hook ledger head of Fig. 2 showing the hook tab is spaced apart from the ledger connector base to define a throat that opens to the rosette-receiving space, the throat having a throat width sized to receive the scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head is within a range of predetermined orientations relative to the scaffolding rosette as shown in Fig. 12;

[0021] Fig. 5 is a detail view of Fig. 4 showing the throat width of the hook ledger head is defined between the hook tab of the hook and a portion of the ledger connector base;

[0022] Fig. 6 is a side elevation view of the second end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B showing the ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member to fix the hook ledger head with the elongated support member;

[0023] Fig. 7 is a top elevation view of the second end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B;

[0024] Fig. 8 is a bottom elevation view of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B;

[0025] Fig. 9 is a front elevation view of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B;

[0026] Fig. 10 is a rear elevation view of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B through a section of the elongated support member;

[0027] Fig. 11 is cross-section view of the second end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B showing the hook ledger head being moved toward the scaffolding rosette for installing the guardrail ledger onto the vertical scaffold post;

[0028] Fig. 12 is a cross-section view similar to Fig. 11 showing the hook ledger head has been moved downward relative to the scaffolding rosette to insert the terminal end of the hook body into the hole in the scaffolding rosette;

[0029] Fig. 13 is a cross-section view similar to Fig. 12 showing the hook ledger head has been pivoted relative to the scaffolding rosette to move the hook body with the hook tab through the hole in the scaffolding rosette while the scaffolding rosette passes through the throat of the hook;

[0030] Fig. 14 is a cross-section view similar to Fig. 1 showing the hook ledger head installed in the scaffolding rosette such that the guardrail ledger is coupled with the vertical scaffold post in a horizontal orientation;

[0031] Fig. 15 is a cross-section view of the hook ledger head installed in the scaffolding rosette and suggesting that the hook tab engages the scaffold rosette and blocks unintentional escape of the hook ledger head from the scaffold rosette, for example, due to a worker inadvertently releasing the opposite end of the guardrail ledger during assembly of the guardrail ledger;

[0032] Fig. 16 is a cross-section view of the hook ledger head installed in the scaffolding rosette and suggesting that the hook tab engages the scaffold rosette and blocks unintentional escape of the hook ledger head from thescaffold rosette if the guardrail ledger were to pivot about the hole in the scaffolding rosette;

[0033] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the first end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B showing the ledger head is fastened with the other end of the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member;

[0034] Fig. 17 A is an exploded view of the first end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B showing the ledger head includes a connector base configured to pivotally couple to the first end of the elongated support member with a pin, an upper and lower ledger body that extend from the connector base for receiving a scaffolding rosette therein, and a wedge configured to be inserted through the ledger head to interlock the ledger head with the scaffolding rosette;

[0035] Fig. 17B is a side elevation view of the first end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 1 B showing the ledger head may be pivoted or rotated about an axis relative to the elongated support member from a normal position to one of an upward-facing position or a downward-facing position;

[0036] Fig. 18 is a front elevation view of the first end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 17 showing the wedge inserted through the ledger head as would be done to interlock the ledger head with the scaffolding rosette;

[0037] Fig. 19 is a cross-section view of the first end of the guardrail ledger of Fig. 17 showing the wedge inserted through the ledger head to interlock the ledger head with the scaffolding rosette, and further showing the first end of the elongated support member has notches to allow the ledger head to pivot relative to the elongated support member;

[0038] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the scaffold system including a base of working platforms and a plurality of vertical scaffold posts and suggested that, during assembly, the hook of the hook ledger head on the second end of the elongated support member is positioned in the predetermined orientation so thatthe terminal end of the hook body may be inserted into the hole in the scaffolding rosette as suggested in Fig. 21 ;

[0039] Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 20 suggesting that, in another step of the assembly, the hook ledger head has been moved vertically downward relative to the scaffolding rosette to insert the terminal end of the hook body through the hole in the scaffolding rosette so that the scaffolding rosette is in the rosette-receiving space and blocked from moving out of the rosette-receiving space;

[0040] Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 21 suggesting that, in another step of the assembly, the ledger head on the first end of the elongated support member is coupled to a scaffolding rosette of an available scaffolding post, the hook ledger head remains coupled to the corresponding scaffolding rosette, and the ledger head end of the guardrail ledger is lifted upwardly to move the bottom end of the free scaffold post toward an available spigot of another scaffold post;

[0041] Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 22 suggesting that, in another step of the assembly, ledger head of the guardrail ledger is lifted further upwardly to move the scaffold post into alignment with the available spigot of the lower scaffold post, while moving the hook ledger head of the guardrail ledger into a hooked orientation as shown in Fig. 24;

[0042] Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 23 showing the bottom end of the scaffold post has connected with the available spigot of the lower scaffold post and that the hook of the hook ledger head is in the hooked orientation in which the first segment of the hook rests on the scaffolding rosette;

[0043] Fig. 25 is a perspective view of the scaffold system suggesting that, during assembly, a top guardrail ledger and a mid guardrail ledger may be installed together by positioning the hook of the hook ledger head on the second end of each elongated support member in the predetermined orientation andinserting the terminal end of the hook body into the hole in the scaffolding rosette for each guardrail ledger before attaching the ledger head on the first end of each elongated support member to scaffolding rosettes on another scaffolding post as shown in Fig. 26;

[0044] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 25 suggesting that, in another step of the assembly, the ledger head on the first end of each elongated support member may be coupled to the corresponding scaffolding rosette of the available scaffolding post, the hook ledger heads remain coupled to the corresponding scaffolding rosette, and the ledger head end of each guardrail ledger is lifted upwardly to move the bottom end of the free scaffold post toward an available spigot of another scaffold post;

[0045] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 26 suggesting that, in another step of the assembly, ledger heads of each guardrail ledger is lifted further upwardly to move the scaffold post into alignment with the available spigot of the lower scaffold post, while moving the hook ledger heads of each guardrail ledger into the hooked orientation; and

[0046] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the scaffold system of Fig. 27 showing the bottom end of the scaffold post has connected with the available spigot of the lower scaffold post and that the hook ledger heads of each guardrail ledger is in the hooked orientation.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to a number of illustrative embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same.

[0048] According to regulations in many regions and countries around the world, a temporary or permanent guardrail for a scaffolding system may be installed before the scaffold erection workers can erect or stand on a workingplatform (floor) on the scaffolding system. The present disclosure provides an advance installation guardrail ledger 10 that is configured to be installed in advance of (before) workers climb to the next higher level on a scaffolding system 110 as the scaffolding system 110 is being erected as suggested in Figs. 20-28. The guardrail ledger 10 of the present disclosure further blocks unintentional escape of the guardrail ledger 10 from vertical scaffold posts 112 caused, for example, by a worker inadvertently releasing the guardrail ledger 10 during assembly of the guardrail ledger 10.

[0049] The scaffolding system 110 includes a plurality of scaffold posts 112, ledgers 114 that extend between the scaffold posts 112, and horizontal platforms 116 for workers to walk upon as shown in Fig. 1 A. Each scaffolding post 112 has one or more scaffolding rosettes 118 fixed thereon for coupling the ledgers 114 or guardrail ledger 10 with the scaffolding posts 112.

[0050] The guardrail ledger 10 is configured to interlock with two scaffold posts 112 as shown in Figs. 20-24. The guardrail ledger 10 may be assembled and secured between the two vertical scaffold posts 112 prior to the workers installing or moving up to a next upper floor of the scaffolding system 110. The guardrail ledger 10 provides a safety-rail for the workers to help block them from going over the edge of the scaffolding system 110.

[0051] The guardrail ledger 10 includes an elongated support member 12, a hook ledger head 14, and ledger head 16 as shown in Fig. 1. The elongated support member 12 is configured to span between the two scaffold posts 112. The hook ledger head 14 is coupled to the elongated support member 12 and configured to rotate in the scaffolding rosette 118 of the first scaffold post 112 during installation of the guardrail ledger 10 as suggested in Figs. 11 -14 and 20- 23. The ledger head 16 is coupled with the elongated support member 12 and configured to couple with a scaffolding rosette 118 of the second scaffold post 112B as suggested in Figs. 23 and 24.

[0052] The elongated support member 12 extends along an axis 11 between a first end 18 and a second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Fig. 1 B. In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated support member 12 is a tube with a circular cross section. The axis 11 is located on a center point of the elongated support member 12 when viewed axially as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. The elongated support member 12 further has an uppermost point 24 and a lowest point 26.

[0053] The ledger head 16 is coupled to the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 1A and 19. As suggested in Figs. 20-24, the ledger head 16 may be connected to a scaffold post 112 prior to the scaffold post 112 being installed on a spigot. The ledger head 16 is configured to couple with the scaffolding rosette 118 of one of the vertical scaffold posts 112 as suggested in Figs. 22-24. The ledger head 16 is configured to receive a wedge 22 that extends vertically therethrough to interlock the ledger head 16 with a scaffolding rosette 118 as suggested in Figs. 1 and 17-19. Each wedge 22 has an angled surface 23 that urge the ledger head 16 or hook ledger head 14 toward the scaffold posts 112 as the wedge 22 is forced through the ledger head 16 or hook ledger head 14.

[0054] The hook ledger head 14 is coupled to the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 and configured to couple the guardrail ledger 10 to the scaffolding rosette 118 of another scaffold post 112 as shown in Figs. 11-14 and 20-23. The hook ledger head 14 includes a ledger connector base 28 and a hook 30 as shown in Figs. 2-6 and 11-15. The ledger connector base 28 is coupled with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12. The hook 30 extends away from the ledger connector base 28.

[0055] In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated support member 12 has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis 11 , while the hook ledger head 14 is planar as shown in Figs. 2, 9, and 10. The hook ledger head 14 has a first planar side 32 and a second planar side 34 spaced apart from the firstplanar side 32 to define the thickness of the hook ledger head 14. The second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 has a first notch 24A and a second notch 26A opposite the first notch 24A. Each notch 24A, 26A extend axially into the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12.

[0056] In the illustrative embodiment, the hook ledger head 14 has chamfered edges as shown in Fig. 3. The chamfers are between the different sides 32, 34 and the upper and lower surfaces 36, 38 in the illustrative embodiment. The chamfered edges may make it easier to insert the hook ledger head 14 through the scaffolding rosette 118.

[0057] The ledger connector base 28 is fixed with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 6-8. The ledger connector base 28 extends axially into an opening 21 in the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 to couple the hook ledger head 14 to the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12. The ledger connector base 28 is welded with the elongated support member 12 in the illustrative embodiment.

[0058] The ledger connector base 28 has a first shoulder surface 28A that engages the elongated support member 12 in the first notch 24A and a second shoulder surface 28B that engages the elongated support member 12 in the second notch 26A. The ledger connector base 28 may engage the elongated support member 12 in the notches 24A, 26A to axially locate the hook ledger head 14 relative to the elongated support member 12 when the ledger connector base 28 is inserted into the opening 21 in the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12.

[0059] The ledger connector base 28 is further shaped to include an upper surface 36, a lower surface 38 spaced apart from that the upper surface 36, a hook-facing surface 40, a first notch surface 42A, and a second notch surface 42B as shown in Figs. 3-6. The hook-facing surface 40 is spaced apart axially from the hook 30 and extends perpendicular to the upper surface 36. The first notch surface 42A extends axially from the hook-facing surface 40 and thesecond notch surface 42B extends from the first notch surface 42A parallel with the hook-facing surface 40 to the lower surface 38. The first notch surface 42A and the second notch surface 42B define a notch 42 in the illustrative embodiment.

[0060] The ledger connector base 28 includes a base body 44, a first prong 46, and a second prong 48 as shown in Figs. 2-6 and 11-15. The first prong 46 and the second prong 48 each extend axially from the base body 44. The second prong 48 is spaced apart from the first prong 46 to define a gap therebetween 50. The first and second prongs 46, 48 extend axially into the opening 21 in the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12 to couple the hook ledger head 14 to the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12. The ledger connector base 28 of the hook ledger head 14 is also welded with the elongated support member 12 in the illustrative embodiment.

[0061] The hook 30 is shaped to include a hook body 52 and a hook tab 54 as shown in Figs. 2-6 and 11 -15. The hook tab 54 is configured to allow the hook 30 to be inserted into a hole 120 of the scaffolding rosette 118 in response to the guardrail ledger 10 being within a range of predetermined angles as suggested in Fig. 11. The range of predetermined angles being selected based upon typical angles the worker would hold the guardrail ledger 10 when installing the hook 30 into the scaffolding rosette 118. The hook tab 54 is further configured to block the hook, and thus the guardrail ledger 10, from escaping the hole 120 inadvertently as suggested in Fig. 15. For example, during installation, the hook 30 may be inserted into the hole 120 as shown in Figs. 14 and 21 , but the working holding the guardrail ledger 10 may accidently release the guardrail ledger 10. The released guardrail ledger 10 may swing and / or hit the vertical scaffold post 112 causing the guardrail ledger 10 to jerk upward.

[0062] The hook tab 54 engages the scaffolding rosette 118 to block the guardrail ledger 10 from inadvertently escaping and separating from the scaffolding rosette 118 as suggested in Fig. 15. Additionally, if the guardrailledger 10 were to pivot in the hole 120 of the scaffolding rosette 118 as suggested by Fig. 16, the hook tab 54 also engages the scaffolding rosette 118 to block the guardrail ledger 10 from inadvertently escaping and separating from the scaffolding rosette 118. The hook 30 may be intentionally removed from the hole 120 for disassembly by having the worker orient the guardrail ledger 10 within the predetermined angle ranges. The hook 30 also

[0063] Additionally, the shape of the hook 30 may also prevent the elongated support member 12 and / or the ledger head 16 of the guardrail ledger 10 from swinging down and hitting the scaffold post 112. The terminal end 58 of the hook 30 may engage the scaffold post 112 to block the elongated support member 12 and / or the ledger head 16 of the guardrail ledger 10 from swinging into the scaffold post 112.

[0064] The hook body 52 extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base 28 and bends vertically downward and axially back toward the elongated support member 12 to define to define a rosette-receiving space 56. The scaffolding rosette 118 is located in the rosette-receiving space 56 when the hook ledger head 14 is interlocked with the scaffolding rosette 118. The hook tab 54 extends away from the hook body 52 into the rosette-receiving space 56 at a location spaced apart from a terminal hook end 58 of the hook body 52.

[0065] In the illustrative embodiment, the notch 42 is axially aligned with the hook tab 54 of the hook 30. The hook tab 54 of the hook 30 is spaced axially aft of the hook-facing surface 40. The terminal hook end 58 extends axially past the notch 42.

[0066] The hook body 52 includes a first segment 52A, a second segment 52B, and a third segment 52C as shown in Figs. 2-6 and 11-15. The first segment 52A extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base 28. The second segment 52B extends vertically downward from the first segment 52A and curves slightly back toward the elongated support member 12. The third segment 52C extends vertically downward from the second segment 52B as thethird segment 52C extends axially distally away from the second segment 52B toward the elongated support member 12 to the terminal hook end 58.

[0067] The hook tab 54 of the hook 30 extends from the third segment 52C of the hook body 52 as shown in Figs. 2-6 and 11 -15. The hook tab 54 extends from the third segment 52C into the rosette-receiving space 56. The hook tab 54 extends from the third segment 52 to a terminal end 54A.

[0068] The hook tab 54 is spaced apart from the ledger connector base 28 to define a throat 60 as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The throat 60 opens to the rosette-receiving space 56. The throat 60 has a throat width 60W sized to receive the scaffolding rosette 118 when the hook ledger head 14 is within a range of predetermined orientations relative to the scaffolding rosette 118 as shown in Figs. 11 -13. The throat width 60W of the hook ledger head 14 is defined between the hook tab 54 of the hook 30 and an interface of the lower surface 38 and the second notch surface 42B, or corner of the ledger connector base 28.

[0069] The hook 30 is configured to be inserted through one of the holes 120 in the corresponding scaffolding rosette 118 as shown in Figs. 11-15. The throat width 60W is sized such that the hook 30 may only be inserted into the hole 120 of the scaffolding rosette 118 when the hook ledger head 14 is within the range of predetermined orientations relative to the scaffolding rosette 118 as shown in Figs. 11 -13. Once inserted, the throat width 60W prevents inadvertent removal of the hook ledger head 14 from the scaffolding rosette 118 as the hook ledger head 14 needs to be posited within the range of predetermined orientation so that the hook tab 54 may move through the hole 120. For example, if size of the throat width 60W prevents the hook 30 from being removed from the scaffolding rosette 118 if the hook ledger head 14 is pivoted about the hole 120 as shown in Fig. 16. Therefore, even if the guardrail ledger 10 is knocked loose, the scaffolding rosette 118 will remain in the rosette-receiving space 56, thus preventing guardrail ledger 10 from being separated from the scaffolding post 112.

[0070] To insert the hook 30 through the hole 120 of the scaffolding rosette 118, the hook ledger head 14 is located in a predetermined orientation to align the terminal hook end 58 of the hook 30 with the hole 120 as shown in Fig. 11 . The terminal hook end 58 of the hook 30 is shaped to make it easier to align the terminal hook end 58 with the hole 120 in the scaffolding rosette 118. The terminal hook end 58 is tapered or pointed to

[0071] Once in the predetermined orientation, the hook ledger head 14 is moved vertically downward as suggested in Fig. 12. The hook ledger head 14 is moved vertically downward to insert the terminal hook end 58 through the hole 120 thereby passing the portion of the hook 30 with the hook tab 54 through the hole 120. The portion of the scaffolding rosette 118 moves through the throat 60 as suggested in Fig. 12. The guardrail ledger 10 is then pivoted while moving the hook ledger head 14 slightly downward as suggested in Fig. 13. The hook ledger head 14 is pivoted until the first segment 52A of the hook body 52 rests flat on the scaffolding rosette 118 in a hooked orientation as shown in Fig. 14.

[0072] If the hook ledger head 14 is moved out of the hooked orientation, or in other words the hook ledger head 14 comes loose, the hook tab 54 prevents the scaffolding rosette 118 from moving out of the rosette-receiving space 56 as suggested in Figs. 15 and 16. The hook ledger head 14 needs to be kept in the predetermined orientations for the hook tab 54 to be able to pass through the hole 120 in the scaffolding rosette 118. Therefore, the hook tab 54 prevents the hook 30 from being removed from the scaffolding rosette 118 if the guardrail ledge 10 is unintentionally knocked loose. In this way, the guardrail ledger 10 remains interlocked with the scaffold posts 112 once assembled.

[0073] The ledger head 16 is coupled to the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 1 B and 17-19. The ledger head 16 is coupled with the elongated support member 12 such that the ledger head 16 is capable of limited movement relative to the elongated support member 12. In contrast, the hook ledger head 14 is fixed with the second end 20 of theelongated support member 12. For example, the hook ledger head 14 may be welded with the second end 20 of the elongated support member 12.

[0074] The limited movement of the ledger head 16 assists in the assembly of the scaffolding system 110 as suggested in Figs. 22-24. In particular, the limited movement of the ledger head 16 relative to the elongated support member 12, allows the ledger head 16 and the second scaffold post 112B to move relative to the elongated support member 12 such that the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B is positionable onto a spigot 113 of a scaffold post 112C or other spigot component such as a spigot anchored to ground or other structure. The scaffold post 112C may be a 1 meter, 2 meter, or other suitable length post.

[0075] In the illustrative embodiment, the connection of the ledger head 16 with elongated support member 12 via the fastener 62 allows for the limited movement of the ledger head 16 as suggested in Figs. 1 B and 22-24. The ledger head 16 may pivot about an axis 62A of the fastener 62 and / or the ledger head 16 may have limited multidirectional freedom due to the size of the hole in the elongated support member 12 being larger than the diameter of the fastener 62.

[0076] In the illustrative embodiment, the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 has beveled edges 18A, 18B to allow limited movement of the ledger head 16 as shown in Figs. 17 and 18. The first beveled edge 18A is formed on the upper side 24 of the elongated support member 12, while the second beveled edge 18B is formed on the lower side 26 of the elongated support member 12. The beveled edges 18A, 18B allow for rotation or pivoting of the ledger head 16 about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0077] The ledger head 16 may pivot upward in a first direction and pivot downward in a second direction about the axis 62A of the fastener 62 relative to the elongated support member 12 as suggested in Fig. 17B. The ledger head 16 may be located in a normal position in which an axis 11 A, 11 B of the ledger head16 is aligned with the axis 11 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 17, 17A, and 19.

[0078] The ledger head 16 may pivot in a first direction from the normal position to an upward-extending position as suggested in Fig. 17B. In the upward-extending position, the ledger head 16 extends upwardly at an angle a relative to the axis 11 of the elongated support member 12. The angle a is defined between the axis 11A of the ledger head 16 and the axis 11 of the elongated member 12 when the ledger head 16 is in the upward-extending position.

[0079] In the illustrative embodiment, the first angle a is at least 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is exactly 90 degrees. In the illustrative embodiment, the first angle a is more than 90 degrees.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 90 degrees and about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 90 degrees and about 100 degrees.

[0081] In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 95 degrees and about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 95 degrees and about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 95 degrees and about 100 degrees.

[0082] In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 100 degrees and about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is between about 100 degrees and about 110 degrees.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is at least 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is exactly 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is more than 95 degrees.

[0084] In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is at least 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is exactly 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is more than 100 degrees.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is at least 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is exactly 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is more than 105 degrees.

[0086] In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is at least 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is exactly 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the first angle a is more than 110 degrees.

[0087] The ledger head 16 may pivot in a second direction from the normal position to a downward-extending position as suggested in Fig. 17B. In the downward-extending position, the ledger head 16 extends downwardly at an angle p relative to the axis 11 of the elongated support member 12. The angle is defined between the axis 11 B of the ledger head 16 and the axis 11 of the elongated member 12 when the ledger head 16 is in the downward-extending position.

[0088] In the illustrative embodiment, the second angle p is at least 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is exactly 90 degrees. In the illustrative embodiment, the second angle p is more than 90 degrees.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second angle p is between about 90 degrees and about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p isbetween about 90 degrees and about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is between about 90 degrees and about 100 degrees.

[0090] In some embodiments, the second angle p is between about 95 degrees and about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is between about 95 degrees and about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is between about 95 degrees and about 100 degrees.

[0091] In some embodiments, the second angle p is between about 100 degrees and about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is between about 100 degrees and about 110 degrees.

[0092] In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is at least 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is exactly 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 95 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is more than 95 degrees.

[0093] In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is at least 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is exactly 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is more than 100 degrees.

[0094] In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is at least 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is exactly 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 105 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is more than 105 degrees.

[0095] In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is at least 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is exactly 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is about 110 degrees. In some embodiments, the second angle p is more than 110 degrees.

[0096] In the illustrative embodiment, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot at least 180 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62 as suggested in Fig. 17B. The degree of rotation is measured from the axis 11 A to the axis 11 B as shown in Fig. 17B. Therefore, the ledger head 16 may rotate or pivot at least 180 degrees when moving between the upward-facing position and the downward-facing position as suggested in Fig. 17B.

[0097] The ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot about 180 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62 when moving between the upward-facing position and the downward-facing position in the illustrative embodiment. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot exactly 180 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot more than 180 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62 when moving between the upward-facing position and the downward- facing position.

[0098] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 180 degrees and about 220 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 180 degrees and about 210 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 180 degrees and about 200 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 180 degrees and about 190 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0099] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 190 degrees and about 220 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 190 degrees and about 210 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivotbetween about 190 degrees and about 200 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0100] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 200 degrees and about 220 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 200 degrees and about 210 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot between about 210 degrees and about 220 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0101] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot at least 185 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot about 185 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot exactly 185 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot more than 185 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0102] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot at least 190 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot about 190 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot exactly 190 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot more than 190 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0103] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot at least 195 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot about 195 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot exactly 195 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot more than 195 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0104] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot at least 200 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot about 200 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot exactly 200 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot more than 200 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0105] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot at least 210 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot about 210 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot exactly 210 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot more than 210 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0106] In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot at least 220 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot about 220 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. In some embodiments, the ledger head 16 is able to rotate or pivot exactly 220 degrees about the axis 62A of the fastener 62.

[0107] The ledger head 16 includes a connector base 64, an upper ledger body 66 that extends away from the connector base 64, and a lower ledger body 68 that extends away from the connector base 64 as shown in Figs. 17-19. A horizontal slot 70 is defined in the ledger head 16 and extends axially proximally inward toward the elongated support member 12 such that the slot 70 is located vertically between the upper ledger body 66 and the lower ledger body 68. The fastener 62 extends transversely through the connector base 64 to couple theledger head 16 with the elongated support member 12. The ledger head 16 further includes a slot 72 that extends vertically through the upper ledger body 66 and the lower ledger body 68 to allow the wedge 22 to extend through the ledger head 16 and couple the ledger head 16 with one of the scaffolding rosettes 118 as shown in Fig. 19, 23, and 24.

[0108] The connector base 64 is pivotably coupled to the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 as shown in Figs. 16 and 19. The connector base 64 extends axially into an opening 19 in the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 to couple the ledger head 16 to the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12. The fastener 62 extends through the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 and the connector base 64 so that the ledger head 16 may pivot about the axis 62A of the fastener 62. The notches 24B, 26B in the elongated support member 12 allow the ledger head 16 to pivot relative to the elongated support member 12.

[0109] The connector base 64 has a base member 78 and a connector base mount 80 as shown in Figs. 16, 17, and 19. In the illustrative embodiment, the base member 78 has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and extends from the upper ledger body 66 and the upper ledger body 66. The connector base mount 80 extends from the base member 78 into the opening 19 formed in the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12.

[0110] In the illustrative embodiment, the elongated support member 12 has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis, while a portion of the connector base 64 of the ledger head 16 is planar as shown in Figs. 16 and 17. The connector base mount 80 is planar in the illustrative embodiment. The connector base mount 80 has a first planar side 74 and a second planar side 76 spaced apart from the first planar side 74 to define the thickness of the connector base mount 80.

[0111] The first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 has a first notch 24B and a second notch 26B opposite the first notch 24B. Each notch 24B,26B extend axially into the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12. The connector base mount 80 extends from the base member 78 into the opening 19 and into the first notch 24B and the second notch 26B formed in the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12. The first notch 24B and the second notch 26B allow the ledger head 16 to pivot relative to the elongated support member 12 until the connector base mount 80 or base member 78 engages the elongated support member 12 as suggested in Fig. 17B. In some embodiments, the first end 18 of the elongated support member 12 may only include one notch 24B, 26B.

[0112] The upper ledger body 66 includes an engagement surface 82 and the lower ledger body 68 includes an engagement surface 84 as shown in Fig.18. The engagement surfaces 82, 84 are curved and contoured to mate with the outer diameter of the scaffold posts 112 to allow for tight engagement of the ledger head 16 with the scaffold post 112 in response to the wedge 22 urging the ledger head 16 into forced engagement with the scaffold post 112.

[0113] A method of assembling the guardrail ledger 10 includes a number of steps as suggested in Figs. 20-24. As shown in Fig. 20, a first illustrative level of the scaffolding system 110 is assembled. The scaffolding system 110 includes a plurality of scaffold posts 112 (such as posts 112A, 112B, 112C) having a plurality of scaffolding rosettes 118 thereon, ledgers 114 coupled between scaffold posts 112, and work platforms 116 supported on the ledgers 114.

[0114] The guardrail ledger 10 of the present disclosure is configured to be installed into the scaffolding system 110 ahead of the second level work platforms 116 (not shown) as suggested in Figs. 20-24. As shown in Fig. 20, the hook ledger head 14 is in the predetermined orientation such that the portion of the hook 30 is located in the hole 120 as the scaffolding rosette is in the throat 60 of the hook 30. The method includes positioning the hook ledger head 14 in the predetermined orientation so that the terminal hook end 58 is aligned with the hole 120 as shown in Fig. 11 to be able to insert the hook ledger head 14 into thehole 120 as shown in Fig. 12 and pivot the hook ledger head 14 as shown in Figs. 12-14.

[0115] While the hook ledger head 14 is in the predetermined orientation, the method includes inserting the hook 30 of the hook ledger head 14 into the hole 120 formed in the scaffolding rosette 118 so that the scaffolding rosette passes through the throat 60 of the hook ledger as shown in Fig. 21 . The hook ledger head 14 needs to remain in the predetermined orientation so that the portion of the hook 30 with the hook tab 54 may pass through the hole 120. The hook ledger head 14 is inserted by moving the hook ledger head 14 vertically downward toward the lower platform 116 as shown in Figs. 12 and 13.

[0116] In another method step, the second scaffold post 112B is coupled with the ledger head 16 of the guardrail ledger 10 as suggested in Fig. 22. The hook 30 of the hook ledger head 14 allow the guardrail ledger 10 to be angled downwardly to assist in the coupling of the ledger head 16 with the second scaffold post 112B. As suggested by the dotted line arrows in Fig. 22, the ledger head 16 and second scaffold post 112B are free to move by limited amounts relative to the elongated support member 12 due to the pivot connection of the ledger head 16 with the elongated support member 12.

[0117] To couple the ledger head 16 with the scaffold post 112B, the desired scaffolding rosette 118 of the second scaffold post 112B is inserted into the horizontal slot 70 formed in the ledger head 16 as suggested in Fig. 22. The wedge 22 is then inserted into the top of the vertical slot 72 and passes through the upper ledger body 66, the scaffolding rosette 118, and the lower ledger body 68 to interconnect the ledger head 16 with the second scaffold post 112B. The angled surface 22A of the wedge 22 urges the ledger head 16 and the second scaffold post 112B into compressive engagement with one another. The engagement surface 82 of the upper ledger body 66 and the engagement surface 84 of the lower ledger body 68 mate with a tight fitting engagement with the exterior surface of the scaffold post 112B. In some instances, the wedge 22may be loosely inserted into place during this step and then hammered or otherwise forced into secure interlocking engagement after the second scaffold post 112B is set into place as in Figs. 23 and 24.

[0118] In another step, the guardrail ledger 10 (including hook ledger head 14, elongated support member 12, and ledger head 16) and the second scaffold post 112B are rotated about the hook 30 of the hook ledger head 14 to cause the elongated support member 12 to extend generally horizontally and the second scaffold post 112B to extend generally vertically as shown in Fig. 23.

[0119] As suggested by the dotted line arrows in Fig. 23, the ledger head 16 and second scaffold post 112B are free to move by limited amounts relative to the elongated support member 12 due to the connection of the ledger head 16 with the elongated support member 12. This limited movement of the ledger head 16 relative to the elongated support member 12 allows the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B to be positioned vertically above and aligned axially with the top of the immediately lower scaffold post 112C (or other spigot component) while the ledger head 16 is securely coupled with the scaffolding rosette 118 during this installation step. In the illustrative embodiment, the limited movement allows the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B to be rotated 404 degrees around the scaffold post 112C. If either of the hook ledger head 14 or the ledger head 16 were completely fixed relative to the elongated support member 12, the mating via vertical sliding of the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B with the upper end of the scaffold post 112C would be made difficult and potentially impossible.

[0120] The lower end of the second scaffold post 112B is moved downwardly and mates with a spigot 113 at an upper end of the scaffold post 112C (or other spigot component) as suggested in Fig. 24. The hook ledger head 14 is positioned in the hooked orientation once the lower end of the second scaffold posts 112B is mated with the spigot 113. With the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B connected with the spigot 113, the assembly is rigidand applies a compressive force to the ledger head 16 to prevent rotation of the ledger head 16 relative to the elongated support member 12.

[0121] The throat width 60W of the hook ledger head 14 is sized such that the hook 30 may only be inserted into the hole 120 of the scaffolding rosette 118 when the hook ledger head 14 is in the range of predetermined orientations.Once inserted, the throat width 60W prevents removal of the hook ledger head 14 from the scaffolding rosette 118 as the hook ledger head 14 needs to be posited in the predetermined orientations so that the hook tab 54 may move through the hole 120. Such design blocks unintentional removal of the hook ledger head 14 and guardrail ledger 10 while allowing another option of installation or removal of the guardrail ledger 10. Moreover, even if the guardrail ledger 10 is knocked loose, the scaffolding rosette 118 will remain in the rosettereceiving space 56, thus preventing guardrail ledger 10 from being unintentionally separated from the scaffolding post 112, adding another layer of retention and increasing the safety of the scaffolding system 110.

[0122] The hook ledger head 14 also allows multiple guardrails ledgers 10A, 10B to be installed together as suggested in Figs. 25-28. The mid and top guardrails 10A, 10B of the present disclosure are configured to be installed into the scaffolding system 110 ahead of the second level work platforms 116 (not shown) as suggested in Figs. 25-28.

[0123] As shown in Fig. 25, the mid guardrail ledger 10A is installed first by locating the hook ledger head 14 on the mid guardrail ledger 10A in the predetermined orientation and inserting the hook 30 into the hole 120 on the scaffolding rosette 118 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12 and pivoting the hook ledger head 14 relative to the scaffolding rosette 118 as shown in Figs. 12-14. Before coupling the ledger head 16 of the mid guardrail ledger 10A to the scaffolding rosette 118 on the second scaffold post 112B, the top guardrail ledger 10B is installed by repeating the same steps.

[0124] Once both hook ledger heads 14 of the guardrail ledgers 10A, 10B are coupled to the corresponding scaffolding rosette, the second scaffold post 112B may be coupled with the ledger heads 16 of each guardrail ledger 10A, 10B as suggested in Fig. 26. As suggested by the dotted line arrows in Fig. 26, the ledger heads 16 and second scaffold post 112B are free to move by limited amounts relative to the elongated support members 12 of each guardrail ledger 10A, 10B due to the pivot connection of the ledger heads 16 with the corresponding elongated support member 12.

[0125] To couple the ledger head 16 of each guardrail ledger 10A, 10B with the second scaffold post 112B, the desired scaffolding rosette 118 of the second scaffold post 112B is inserted into the horizontal slot 70 formed in the ledger head 16. The wedge 22 is then inserted into the top of the vertical slot 72 and passes through the upper ledger body 66, the scaffolding rosette 118, and the lower ledger body 68 to interconnect the ledger head 16 with the second scaffold post 112B. Each of these steps is done for the mid guardrail ledger 10A and the top guardrail ledger 10B.

[0126] In another step, the guardrail ledgers 10A, 10B and the second scaffold post 112B are rotated about the hooks 30 of each hook ledger head 14 to cause the elongated support members 12 of each guardrail ledger 10A, 10B to extend generally horizontally and the second scaffold post 112B to extend generally vertically as shown in Fig. 27.

[0127] As suggested by the dotted line arrows in Fig. 27, the ledger heads 16 and the second scaffold post 112B are free to move by limited amounts relative to the elongated support member s12 due to the connection of each ledger head 16 with the corresponding elongated support member 12.

[0128] The lower end of the second scaffold post 112B is moved downwardly and mates with a spigot 113 at an upper end of the scaffold post 112C (or other spigot component) as suggested in Fig. 24. The hook ledger head 14 is positioned in the hooked orientation once the lower end of the secondscaffold posts 112B is mated with the spigot 113. With the lower end of the second scaffold post 112B connected with the spigot 113, the assembly is rigid and applies a compressive force to the ledger head 16 to prevent rotation of the ledger head 16 relative to the elongated support member 12.

[0129] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the modifier about means ± 1 % of the given value. Of course, greater or lesser deviation is contemplated and may be used in processed method within the spirit of this disclosure.

[0130] While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, the same is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments thereof have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.

[0131] Aspects of the disclosed embodiments are also set out in the following set of numbered clauses in which is described:

[0132] Clause 1 . A guardrail ledger for use with a scaffolding system, the guardrail ledger comprising an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member.

[0133] Clause 2. The guardrail ledger of clause 1 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving a first scaffolding rosette therein.

[0134] Clause 3. The guardrail ledger of clause 2, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member.

[0135] Clause 4. The guardrail ledger of clause 3, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook ledger head includes a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member and a hook that extends away from the ledger connector base.

[0136] Clause 5. The guardrail ledger of clause 4, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook is shaped to include a hook body that defines a rosette-receiving space for receiving a second scaffolding rosette therein and a hook tab that extends away from the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0137] Clause 6. The guardrail ledger of clause 5, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook body extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base and bends vertically downward and axially back toward the elongated support member to define to define the rosettereceiving space for receiving the second scaffolding rosette therein.

[0138] Clause 7. The guardrail ledger of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook body includes a first segment that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base, a second segment that extends vertically downward from the first segment and curves towards the elongated support member, and a third segment that extends vertically downward from the second segment and axially distally away from the second segment toward the elongated support member to a terminal hook end and wherein the hook tab is positioned at a location spaced apart from the terminal hook end.

[0139] Clause 8. The guardrail ledger of clause 7, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook tab of the hook extends from the third segment of the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0140] Clause 9. The guardrail ledger of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook tab is spaced apart from the ledger connector base to define a throat that opens to the rosette-receiving space having a throat width sized to receive the second scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head is within a range of predetermined orientations relative to the second scaffolding rosette.

[0141] Clause 10. The guardrail ledger of clause 9, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger connector base is shaped to include an upper surface, a lower surface spaced apart axially from that the upper surface, a hook-facing surface spaced apart axially from the hook that extends perpendicular to the upper surface, a first notch surface that extends axially from the hook-facing surface, a second notch surface that extends radially from the first notch surface to the lower surface.

[0142] Clause 11 . The guardrail ledger of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the notch is axially aligned with the hook tab of the hook.

[0143] Clause 12. The guardrail ledger of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the hook tab of the hook is spaced axially aft of the hook-facing surface.

[0144] Clause 13. The guardrail ledger of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the terminal hook end extends beyond the notch.

[0145] Clause 14. The guardrail ledger of clause 10, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the throat width of the hook ledger head is defined between the hook tab of the hook and an interface of the lower surface and the second notch surface.

[0146] Clause 15. The guardrail ledger of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the hook ledger head is planar.

[0147] Clause 16. The guardrail ledger of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger connector base includes a base body, a first prong that extends axially from the base body, and a second prong that extends axially from the base body, the second prong spaced apart from the first prong to define a gap therebetween, the first and second prongs extend axially into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member to couple the hook ledger head to the second end of the elongated support member.

[0148] Clause 17. The guardrail ledger of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the second end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the second end of the elongated support member, and wherein the ledger connector base has a first shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the first notch and a second shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the second notch to axially locate the hook ledger head relative to the elongated support member when the ledger connector base is inserted into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member.

[0149] Clause 18. The guardrail ledger of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger head is pivotably coupled with the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.

[0150] Clause 19. The guardrail ledger of clause 6, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger head further includes a connector base that extends into an opening in the first end of the elongated support member and the connector base of the ledger head is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated support member.

[0151] Clause 20. The guardrail ledger of clause 19, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the first end of the elongated support member to allow the ledger head to pivot relative to the elongated support member.

[0152] Clause 21 . The guardrail ledger of clause 19, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the connector base includes a circular base member that extends from the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body toward the first end of the elongated support member and a connector base mount that extends from the circular base member into the opening and into the first notch and the second notch formed in the first end of the elongated support member.

[0153] Clause 22. The guardrail ledger of clause 21 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the connector base mount of the ledger head is planar.

[0154] Clause 23. A scaffolding system comprising: a first vertical scaffold post having a first scaffolding rosette, a second vertical scaffold post having a second scaffolding rosette, and a guardrail ledger.

[0155] Clause 24. The scaffolding system of clause 23, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the guardrail ledger includes an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member.

[0156] Clause 25. The scaffolding system of clause 24, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the guardrail ledger further includes a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving the first scaffolding rosette therein.

[0157] Clause 26. The scaffolding system of clause 25, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the guardrail ledger further includes a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member, the hook ledger head including a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member and a hook that extends away from the ledger connector base.

[0158] Clause 27. The scaffolding system of clause 26, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook is shaped to include a hook body that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base and bends vertically downward and axially back toward the elongated support member to define to define a rosette-receiving space for receiving the second scaffolding rosette therein and a hook tab that extends away from the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0159] Clause 28. The scaffolding system of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook body includes a first segment that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base, a second segment that extends vertically downward from the first segment and curves towards the elongated support member, and a third segment that extends vertically downward from the second segment and axially distally away from the second segment toward the elongated support member to a terminal hook end and the hook tab is spaced apart from a terminal hook end of the hook body.

[0160] Clause 29. The scaffolding system of clause 28, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook tab of the hook extends from the third segment of the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0161] Clause 30. The scaffolding system of clause 17, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook tab is spaced apart from the hook support body to define a throat that opens to therosette-receiving space having a throat width sized to receive the second scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head within a range of predetermined orientations relative to the second scaffolding rosette.

[0162] Clause 31 . The scaffolding system of clause 30, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger connector base is shaped to include an upper surface, a lower surface spaced apart axially from that the upper surface, a hook-facing surface spaced apart axially from the hook that extends perpendicular to the upper surface, a first notch surface that extends axially from the hook-facing surface, a second notch surface that extends radially from the first notch surface to the lower surface.

[0163] Clause 32. The scaffolding system of clause 31 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the notch is axially aligned with the hook tab of the hook.

[0164] Clause 33. The scaffolding system of clause 31 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the hook tab of the hook is spaced axially aft of the hook-facing surface.

[0165] Clause 34. The scaffolding system of clause 31 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the terminal hook end of the third segment extends axially past the notch.

[0166] Clause 35. The scaffolding system of clause 31 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the throat width of the hook ledger head is defined between the hook tab of the hook and an interface of the lower surface and the second notch surface.

[0167] Clause 36. The scaffolding system of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the hook ledger head is planar.

[0168] Clause 37. The scaffolding system of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger connector base includes a base body, a first prong that extends axially from the base body, and a second prong that extends axially from the base body, the second prong spaced apart from the first prong to define a gap therebetween, the first and second prongs extend axially into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member to couple the hook ledger head to the second end of the elongated support member.

[0169] Clause 38. The scaffolding system of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the second end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the second end of the elongated support member.

[0170] Clause 39. The scaffolding system of clause 38, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger connector base has a first shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the first notch and a second shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the second notch to axially locate the hook ledger head relative to the elongated support member when the ledger connector base is inserted into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member.

[0171] Clause 40. The scaffolding system of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger head is fastened with the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.

[0172] Clause 41 . The scaffolding system of clause 27, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger head further includes a connector base that extends into an opening in the first end ofthe elongated support member and the connector base of the ledger head is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated support member.

[0173] Clause 42. The scaffolding system of clause 41 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the first end of the elongated support member to allow the ledger head to pivot relative to the elongated support member.

[0174] Clause 43. The scaffolding system of clause 42, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the connector base includes a circular base member that extends from the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body toward the first end of the elongated support member and a connector base mount that extends from the circular base member into the opening and into the first notch and the second notch formed in the first end of the elongated support member.

[0175] Clause 44. The scaffolding system of clause 41 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and a portion of the connector base of the ledger head is planar.

[0176] Clause 45. A method of assembling a scaffolding system, the method comprising positioning a hook ledger head connected with a first end of an elongated support member within a range of predetermined orientations relative to a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post so that a hook of the hook ledger head is aligned with a hole formed in a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post.

[0177] Clause 46. The method of clause 45, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising inserting the hook of the hook ledger head into the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette of the firstvertical scaffold post so that the first scaffolding rosette passes through a throat of the hook ledger head.

[0178] Clause 47. The method of clause 46, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising moving the hook ledger head to a hooked orientation once the hook of the hook ledger head is inserted into the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette.

[0179] Clause 48. The method of clause 47, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising coupling a ledger head to a second scaffolding rosette of a second scaffold post, the ledger head being coupled to a second end of the elongated support member while allowing limited movement relative to the elongated support member.

[0180] Clause 49. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising moving the ledger head and the second scaffold post upwardly while the hook is retained in the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette.

[0181] Clause 50. The method of clause 48, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising coupling the second scaffold post vertically to a spigot of the scaffolding system such that the second scaffold post extends generally vertically away from the spigot and the elongated support member extends generally horizontally.

[0182] Clause 51 . The method of clause 50, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook is shaped to include a hook body that extends axially distally away from the elongated support member and bends vertically downward and axially back toward the elongated support member to define to define a rosette-receiving space and a hook tab that extends away from the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0183] Clause 52. The method of clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising moving the hook ledger head out of the hooked orientation.

[0184] Clause 53. The method of clause 52, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, further comprising blocking the first scaffolding rosette from moving out of the rosette-receiving space of the hook ledger head.

[0185] Clause 54. The method of clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook ledger head further includes a ledger connector base coupled with the first end of the elongated support member, the hook extends away from the ledger connector base, and the hook tab is spaced apart from a terminal hook end of the hook body.

[0186] Clause 55. The method of clause 54, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook body includes a first segment that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base, a second segment that extends vertically downward from the first segment and curves towards the elongated support member, a third segment that extends vertically downward from the second segment and axially distally away from the second segment toward the elongated support member to the terminal hook end.

[0187] Clause 56. The method of clause 55, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook tab of the hook extends from the third segment of the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

[0188] Clause 57. The method of clause 54, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the hook tab is spaced apart from the ledger connector base to define the throat that opens to the rosette-receiving space having a throat width sized to receive the first scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head is at a predetermined orientation relative to the first scaffolding rosette.

[0189] Clause 58. The method of clause 54, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger connector base is shaped to include an upper surface, a lower surface spaced apart axially from that the upper surface, a hook-facing surface spaced apart axially from the hook thatextends perpendicular to the upper surface, a first notch surface that extends axially from the hook-facing surface, a second notch surface that extends radially from the first notch surface to the lower surface.

[0190] Clause 59. The method of clause 58, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the notch is axially aligned with the hook tab of the hook.

[0191] Clause 60. The method of clause 58, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the hook tab of the hook is spaced axially aft of the hook-facing surface.

[0192] Clause 61 . The method of clause 58, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the terminal hook end extends axially past the notch.

[0193] Clause 62. The method of clause 58, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the throat width of the hook ledger head is defined between the hook tab of the hook and an interface of the lower surface and the second notch surface.

[0194] Clause 63. The method of clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the hook ledger head is planar.

[0195] Clause 64. The method of clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger connector base includes a base body, a first prong that extends axially from the base body, and a second prong that extends axially from the base body, the second prong spaced apart from the first prong to define a gap therebetween, the first and second prongs extend axially into an opening in the second end of the elongated supportmember to couple the hook ledger head to the second end of the elongated support member.

[0196] Clause 65. The method of clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the second end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the second end of the elongated support member, and wherein the ledger connector base has a first shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the first notch and a second shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the second notch to axially locate the hook ledger head relative to the elongated support member when the ledger connector base is inserted into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member.

[0197] Clause 66. The method of clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger head is fastened with the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.

[0198] Clause 67. The method of clause 51 , any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the ledger head further includes a connector base that extends into an opening in the first end of the elongated support member and the connector base of the ledger head is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated support member.

[0199] Clause 68. The method of clause 67, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the first end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the first end of the elongated support member to allow the ledger head to pivot relative to the elongated support member.

[0200] Clause 69. The method of clause 67, any other suitable clause, or combination of suitable clauses, wherein the elongated support member has acircular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the connector base of the ledger head is planar.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A guardrail ledger for use with a scaffolding system, the guardrail ledger comprising: an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member, a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving a first scaffolding rosette therein, and a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member, the hook ledger head including a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member and a hook that extends away from the ledger connector base; wherein the hook is shaped to include a hook body that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base and bends vertically downward and axially back toward the elongated support member to define to define a rosette-receiving space for receiving a second scaffolding rosette therein and a hook tab that extends away from the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

2. The guardrail ledger of claim 1 , wherein the hook body includes a first segment that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base, a second segment that extends vertically downward from the first segment and curves towards the elongated support member, and a third segment that extends vertically downward from the second segment and axially distally away from the second segment toward the elongated support member to a terminal hook end and wherein the hook tab is positioned at a location spaced apart from the terminal hook end.

3. The guardrail ledger of claim 2, wherein the hook tab of the hook extends from the third segment of the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

4. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hook tab is spaced apart from the ledger connector base to define a throat that opens to the rosette-receiving space having a throat width sized to receive the second scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head is within a range of predetermined orientations relative to the second scaffolding rosette.

5. The guardrail ledger of claim 4, wherein the ledger connector base is shaped to include an upper surface, a lower surface spaced apart axially from that the upper surface, a hook-facing surface spaced apart axially from the hook that extends perpendicular to the upper surface, a first notch surface that extends axially from the hook-facing surface, a second notch surface that extends radially from the first notch surface to the lower surface.

6. The guardrail ledger of claim 5, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the notch is axially aligned with the hook tab of the hook.

7. The guardrail ledger of claim 5, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the hook tab of the hook is spaced axially aft of the hook-facing surface.

8. The guardrail ledger of claim 5, wherein the terminal hook end extends beyond the notch.

9. The guardrail ledger of claim 5, wherein the throat width of the hook ledger head is defined between the hook tab of the hook and an interface of the lower surface and the second notch surface.

10. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the hook ledger head is planar.11 . The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ledger connector base includes a base body, a first prong that extends axially from the base body, and a second prong that extends axially from the base body, the second prong spaced apart from the first prong to define a gap therebetween, the first and second prongs extend axially into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member to couple the hook ledger head to the second end of the elongated support member.

12. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the second end of the elongated support member, and wherein the ledger connector base has a first shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the first notch and a second shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the second notch to axially locate the hook ledger head relative to the elongated support member when the ledger connector base is inserted into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member.

13. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ledger head is pivotably coupled with the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.

14. The guardrail ledger of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ledger head further includes a connector base that extends into an opening in the first end of the elongated support member and the connector base of the ledger head is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated support member.

15. The guardrail ledger of claim 14, wherein the first end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the first end of the elongated supportmember to allow the ledger head to pivot relative to the elongated support member.

16. The guardrail ledger of claim 14, wherein the connector base includes a circular base member that extends from the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body toward the first end of the elongated support member and a connector base mount that extends from the circular base member into the opening and into the first notch and the second notch formed in the first end of the elongated support member.

17. The guardrail ledger of claim 16, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the connector base mount of the ledger head is planar.

18. A scaffolding system comprising: a first vertical scaffold post having a first scaffolding rosette, a second vertical scaffold post having a second scaffolding rosette, and a guardrail ledger that includes: an elongated support member that extends along an axis between a first end and a second end of the elongated support member, a ledger head coupled to the first end of the elongated support member, the ledger head having an upper ledger body and a lower ledger body with a horizontal slot formed between the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body for receiving the first scaffolding rosette therein, and a hook ledger head coupled to the second end of the elongated support member, the hook ledger head including a ledger connector base coupled with the second end of the elongated support member and a hook that extends away from the ledger connector base; wherein the hook is shaped to include a hook body that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base and bends verticallydownward and axially back toward the elongated support member to define to define a rosette-receiving space for receiving the second scaffolding rosette therein and a hook tab that extends away from the hook body into the rosettereceiving space.

19. The scaffolding system of claim 18, wherein the hook body includes a first segment that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base, a second segment that extends vertically downward from the first segment and curves towards the elongated support member, and a third segment that extends vertically downward from the second segment and axially distally away from the second segment toward the elongated support member to a terminal hook end and the hook tab is spaced apart from a terminal hook end of the hook body.

20. The scaffolding system of claim 19, wherein the hook tab of the hook extends from the third segment of the hook body into the rosettereceiving space.21 . The scaffolding system of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the hook tab is spaced apart from the hook support body to define a throat that opens to the rosette-receiving space having a throat width sized to receive the second scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head within a range of predetermined orientations relative to the second scaffolding rosette.

22. The scaffolding system of claim 21 , wherein the ledger connector base is shaped to include an upper surface, a lower surface spaced apart axially from that the upper surface, a hook-facing surface spaced apart axially from the hook that extends perpendicular to the upper surface, a first notch surface that extends axially from the hook-facing surface, a second notch surface that extends radially from the first notch surface to the lower surface.

23. The scaffolding system of claim 22, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the notch is axially aligned with the hook tab of the hook.

24. The scaffolding system of claim 22, wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the hook tab of the hook is spaced axially aft of the hook-facing surface.

25. The scaffolding system of claim 22, wherein the terminal hook end of the third segment extends axially past the notch.

26. The scaffolding system of claim 22, wherein the throat width of the hook ledger head is defined between the hook tab of the hook and an interface of the lower surface and the second notch surface.

27. The scaffolding system of any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the hook ledger head is planar.

28. The scaffolding system of any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the ledger connector base includes a base body, a first prong that extends axially from the base body, and a second prong that extends axially from the base body, the second prong spaced apart from the first prong to define a gap therebetween, the first and second prongs extend axially into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member to couple the hook ledger head to the second end of the elongated support member.

29. The scaffolding system of any one of claims 18 to 28, wherein the second end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the second end of the elongated support member, and wherein the ledger connector base has a first shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the first notch and a second shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the second notch to axially locate the hook ledger head relative to the elongated support member when the ledger connector base is inserted into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member.

30. The scaffolding system of any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the ledger head is fastened with the elongated support member to allowfor limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.31 . The scaffolding system of any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the ledger head further includes a connector base that extends into an opening in the first end of the elongated support member and the connector base of the ledger head is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated support member.

32. The scaffolding system of claim 31 , wherein the first end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the first end of the elongated support member to allow the ledger head to pivot relative to the elongated support member.

33. The scaffolding system of claim 32, wherein the connector base includes a circular base member that extends from the upper ledger body and the lower ledger body toward the first end of the elongated support member and a connector base mount that extends from the circular base member into the opening and into the first notch and the second notch formed in the first end of the elongated support member.

34. The scaffolding system of claim 31 , wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and a portion of the connector base of the ledger head is planar.

35. A method of assembling a scaffolding system, the method comprising: positioning a hook ledger head connected with a first end of an elongated support member within a range of predetermined orientations relative to a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post so that a hook of the hook ledger head is aligned with a hole formed in a first scaffolding rosette of a first vertical scaffold post,inserting the hook of the hook ledger head into the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette of the first vertical scaffold post so that the first scaffolding rosette passes through a throat of the hook ledger head, moving the hook ledger head to a hooked orientation once the hook of the hook ledger head is inserted into the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette, coupling a ledger head to a second scaffolding rosette of a second scaffold post, the ledger head being coupled to a second end of the elongated support member while allowing limited movement relative to the elongated support member, moving the ledger head and the second scaffold post upwardly while the hook is retained in the hole formed in the first scaffolding rosette, and coupling the second scaffold post vertically to a spigot of the scaffolding system such that the second scaffold post extends generally vertically away from the spigot and the elongated support member extends generally horizontally, wherein the hook is shaped to include a hook body that extends axially distally away from the elongated support member and bends vertically downward and axially back toward the elongated support member to define to define a rosette-receiving space and a hook tab that extends away from the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising moving the hook ledger head out of the hooked orientation, and blocking the first scaffolding rosette from moving out of the rosettereceiving space of the hook ledger head.

37. The method of claim 35 or 36, wherein the hook ledger head further includes a ledger connector base coupled with the first end of the elongated support member, the hook extends away from the ledger connectorbase, and the hook tab is spaced apart from a terminal hook end of the hook body.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the hook body includes a first segment that extends axially distally away from the ledger connector base, a second segment that extends vertically downward from the first segment and curves towards the elongated support member, a third segment that extends vertically downward from the second segment and axially distally away from the second segment toward the elongated support member to the terminal hook end.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the hook tab of the hook extends from the third segment of the hook body into the rosette-receiving space.

40. The method of claim 37, wherein the hook tab is spaced apart from the ledger connector base to define the throat that opens to the rosette-receiving space having a throat width sized to receive the first scaffolding rosette when the hook ledger head is at a predetermined orientation relative to the first scaffolding rosette.41 . The method of claim 37, wherein the ledger connector base is shaped to include an upper surface, a lower surface spaced apart axially from that the upper surface, a hook-facing surface spaced apart axially from the hook that extends perpendicular to the upper surface, a first notch surface that extends axially from the hook-facing surface, a second notch surface that extends radially from the first notch surface to the lower surface.

42. The method of claim 41 , wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the notch is axially aligned with the hook tab of the hook.

43. The method of claim 41 , wherein the first notch surface and the second notch surface define a notch and the hook tab of the hook is spaced axially aft of the hook-facing surface.

44. The method of claim 41 , wherein the terminal hook end extends axially past the notch.

45. The method of claim 41 , wherein the throat width of the hook ledger head is defined between the hook tab of the hook and an interface of the lower surface and the second notch surface.

46. The method of any one of claims 35 to 45, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the hook ledger head is planar.

47. The method of any one of claims 35 to 46, wherein the ledger connector base includes a base body, a first prong that extends axially from the base body, and a second prong that extends axially from the base body, the second prong spaced apart from the first prong to define a gap therebetween, the first and second prongs extend axially into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member to couple the hook ledger head to the second end of the elongated support member.

48. The method of any one of claims 35 to 47, wherein the second end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the second end of the elongated support member, and wherein the ledger connector base has a first shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the first notch and a second shoulder surface that engages the elongated support member in the second notch to axially locate the hook ledger head relative to the elongated support member when the ledger connector base is inserted into an opening in the second end of the elongated support member.

49. The method of any one of claims 35 to 48, wherein the ledger head is fastened with the elongated support member to allow for limited movement relative to the elongated support member and the hook ledger head is fixed with the elongated support member.

50. The method of any one of claims 35 to 49, wherein the ledger head further includes a connector base that extends into an opening in thefirst end of the elongated support member and the connector base of the ledger head is pivotably coupled to the first end of the elongated support member.51 . The method of claim 50, wherein the first end of the elongated support member includes a first notch and a second notch opposite the first notch that each extend axially into the first end of the elongated support member to allow the ledger head to pivot relative to the elongated support member.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein the elongated support member has a circular cross-section when viewed along the axis and the connector base of the ledger head is planar.

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