A scaffolding assembly and disassembly device

Abstract

A scaffolding assembly and disassembly device comprising: a main part comprising a first end adapted to be received in an electric driver chuck, and a second end defining a first socket, wherein the first socket is configured to receive a scaffolding nut; and a removable adaptor configured to be received in the first socket, the removable adaptor comprising a stud end having a hexagonal cross section to replicate a scaffolding nut receivable by the first socket such that rotational power transferrable to the main part from an electric driver is also transferrable to the removable adaptor when received by the first socket, wherein the removable adaptor defines a second socket configured to receive a scaffolding nut, wherein the second socket has different dimensions from the first socket and wherein the first and second sockets are configured to receive differently dimensioned scaffolding nuts.

Description

[0001] A SCAFFOLDING ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY DEVICE

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device, an associated kit, associated parts and an associated method, in particular a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device for aiding in the assembly and disassembly of scaffolding parts; more particularly scaffold nuts.

[0004] Background

[0005] Assembly and disassembly of scaffolding at a jobsite should be done efficiently, with safety in mind. It can be problematic and time-consuming, requiring a number of tools that are generally unwieldy when working at height.

[0006] US 2011 0 209 587 (URICK) discloses a tool comprising: a front end attached to a shaft; an opening in the front end, the opening fitting about a bolt head; and a raised convex centre in the opening, wherein the raised convex centre contacts a bolt head when the bolt head is placed within the opening.

[0007] EP 0930 132 (KOZAK) discloses a tool for removing a one-way fastener comprising: a collar; means for receiving a head portion of the one-way fastener, said means attached to said collar; said head receiving means comprising a plurality of planar walls extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said collar, said walls forming a plurality of ridges for detachably engaging perimeter portions of said head portion of said one-way fastener and thereby forcibly removing said one-way upon rotation of said collar.

[0008] GB 2 081 613 (DEWEY) discloses apparatus for attaching a drill bit to a power tool wherein a first adaptor can be chucked into the tool and a second adaptor has a shank with a first longitudinal groove extending from one end and a second lateral groove intersecting the first such that the shank is received in a bore of the first adaptor and a protrusion engages in the first and then the second groove as the shank is inserted and then rotated and the bore has a resilient spring member which engages the shank of the second member and prevents undesired counter-rotation, wherein the firstadaptor is equipped with a hexagonal recess which can, alternatively, engage hexheaded fasteners or the hexagonal stem of an internal recess driver attachment.

[0009] Summary of the Invention

[0010] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device comprising: a main part comprising a first end adapted to be received in an electric driver chuck, and a second end defining a first socket, wherein the first socket is configured to receive a scaffolding nut; and a removable adaptor configured to be received in the first socket, the removable adaptor comprising a stud end having a hexagonal cross section to replicate a scaffolding nut receivable by the first socket such that rotational power transferrable to the main part from an electric driver is also transferrable to the removable adaptor when received by the first socket, wherein the removable adaptor defines a second socket configured to receive a scaffolding nut, wherein the second socket has different dimensions from the first socket and wherein the first and second sockets are configured to receive differently dimensioned scaffolding nuts.

[0011] The stud end of the removable adaptor may approximate a scaffolding nut that the first socket would be used to loosen or tighten such that inserting the stud end into the first socket may result in an engagement where when the main part rotates, the stud end and therefore the removable adaptor also rotates. As such, the main part may be used to transfer rotational power to the removable adaptor and therefore to any scaffolding nut received into the second socket of the removable adaptor. The main part may be rotated by hand as a hand tool or may be powered by an electric driver, such as a cordless impact wrench for example.

[0012] The main part may be a socket device, wherein the second end is a distal second end, and at least one of: (i) the socket device comprises an intermediate elongated body, (ii) the first end comprises a lanyard, and (iii) the second end comprises a lateral slot for receipt of a hook for turning by the first end.

[0013] The first end may have a hexagonal cross section and wherein each edge has a length of 21mm and / or wherein the first socket, at the second end, has a hexagonal cross section and is configured to receive a 19mm hex nut.Therefore, the first end may be receivable by an electric driver chuck configured to receive a 21mm hex insert or 21mm hex male part. This may be a common type of electric driver chuck, so this may enable a user to connect the main part to their existing electric driver.

[0014] Each edge of the stud end’s hexagonal cross section has a length of 19mm, configured to engage the first socket having dimensions to receive a 19mm hex nut.

[0015] The second socket of the removable adaptor may have a hexagonal cross section configured to receive a 21mm hex nut, such that the first socket and second socket have different dimensions for receiving different scaffolding nuts therein.

[0016] As such, the user may use the same main part, and may use the same electric driver, with or without the removable adaptor to apply torque to different scaffolding nut sizes / types.

[0017] The stud end may comprise at least one of: a securement means, a securement means comprising a resilient means, and a sprung ball securement.

[0018] The stud end may comprise a ball or sprung ball and wherein the main part comprises an engagement pin, ball or aperture, wherein the ball of the stud end is configured to engage the engagement pin, ball or aperture of the main part at the second end to releasably lock the stud end with the first socket.

[0019] Temporarily locking the removable adaptor to the main part may reduce the likelihood of dropping or losing the removable adaptor when not in use, reducing the risk of the removable adaptor falling from height (of a scaffold for example) and causing harm or being damaged. The example securement may be simple and quick to use for a worker on a jobsite and switching between the removable adaptor and the first socket of the main part being the part to engage a scaffolding nut may be simple versus sourcing an alternative tool.

[0020] The second socket may define a slot therein, configured to receive a hook or eyelet tie screw or other fixture having a non-planar surface with a protrusion into the second socket.A scaffolding nut generally has a planar or flat top; however the second socket may be configured to receive both a hex nut having a hexagonal cross section and a generally planar upper surface and, separately, a fixture having non-planar upper surface such as a hook or eyelet screw into the slot. The or each slot may be defined in a side wall of the second socket and may extend a length longitudinally along the removable adaptor, from the second socket towards the stud end.

[0021] The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device may further comprise a removable lanyard attachment part configured to connect to the first end, wherein the removable lanyard attachment part comprises a securing mechanism and is configured to secure the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device to a securing accessory.

[0022] The removable lanyard attachment part may allow the device to be connected to a securing accessory to prevent the device from being dropped or lost. Dropping the device from a height such as a scaffold may cause injury, damage to the device, as well as time lost for the worker to retrieve their device.

[0023] The removable lanyard attachment part may comprise a pin adapted to be received in the first end of the main part.

[0024] The first end may comprise a first end piece defining an opening therethrough, wherein the opening is an opening of a longitudinal passage in the main part and wherein the pin is insertable into the opening to connect the removable lanyard attachment part to the main part.

[0025] This may provide easy, smooth connection and disconnection of the lanyard attachment part as desired by the user / worker. Removal of the lanyard attachment part may allow the main part to be received at the first end by an electric driver chuck.

[0026] The pin may comprise a resilient engagement means. The resilient engagement means may comprise a sprung ball and wherein the main part comprises an engagement pin, ball or aperture, wherein the sprung ball is configured to engage the engagement pin, ball or aperture of the main part to releasably lock the removable lanyard attachment part with the main part.

[0027] This may further enhance the ease of connection and disconnection of the lanyard attachment part for the user / worker.The removable lanyard attachment part may further comprise a laterally extending disc having a diameter greater than a diameter of the main part and / or the removable adaptor.

[0028] The disc may offer some protection to the main part and the removable adaptor, when connected, when hanging from a securing accessory such as a lanyard and possibly swinging naturally while supported on the removable lanyard attachment part.

[0029] The removable lanyard attachment part may define a perforation and wherein the removable lanyard attachment part further comprises a split ring through the perforation for connecting the securing accessory to the removable lanyard attachment part.

[0030] The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device may further comprise a securing accessory connected to the removable lanyard attachment part, wherein the securing accessory is one of a lanyard, a carabiner or part of an item of clothing.

[0031] The securing accessory may comprise a tool belt or be connected to a tool belt, for example.

[0032] The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device may further comprise one or more collars comprising retroreflective or luminescent material, wherein the or each collar is applied to any of the main part, the removable adaptor or the removable lanyard attachment part.

[0033] The collar may enable the user / worker to spot the device at a dark jobsite or in a toolbox, for example, or to locate a dropped main part, removable adaptor or removable lanyard attachment part from a height, for example from a scaffold looking down.

[0034] A second aspect of the present disclosure comprises a kit comprising the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device as described above, further comprising one or more further removable adaptors, each having a second socket of different dimensions from the first socket of the main part, configured to receive a scaffolding nut having different dimensions from a scaffolding nut receivable into the first socket of the main part, wherein in use one of the further removable adaptors replaces the removable adaptor as described above to engage the main part.The one or more further removable adaptors may each comprise a stud end having dimensions to fit into the first socket of the main part.

[0035] The or one of the further removable adaptors may define a second socket having a hexagonal cross section with each edge having a length of 22mm.

[0036] For example, the removable adaptor may adapt a main part typically used in the United Kingdom, for example, for use in another region having different common scaffolding nut dimensions, for example the United States.

[0037] The kit may further comprise an electric driver having an electric driver chuck, configured to drive rotation of the main part when the main part is connected to the electric driver chuck at the first end.

[0038] The electric driver may be an impact wrench, for example a cordless impact wrench.

[0039] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of assembly and disassembly of scaffolding using the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device or the kit as described above, the method comprising engaging one of the first socket of the main part or the second socket of the removable adaptor with a scaffolding nut and applying torque to the scaffolding nut by rotating the main part.

[0040] The second socket may also be used to apply torque to a “scaffolding nut” having a non-planar upper surface such as a hook or eyelet screw, for example, using the or each slot as described above.

[0041] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a removable adaptor for the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device having any of the features of the removable adaptor described above.

[0042] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides a removable lanyard attachment part for a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device, the removable lanyard attachment part being configured to connect to the first end of the main part and having any of the features of the removable lanyard attachment part as described above.These and other characteristics will become clear from the following description of illustrative embodiments, given as non-restrictive examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0043] Brief Description of Figures

[0044] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to the present invention, with the removable adaptor displaced and the removable lanyard attachment part secured on the first end;

[0045] Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device as shown in Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device shown in Figure 1, entire and connected for transport or storage;

[0047] Figure 4 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device as shown in Figure 3;

[0048] Figure 5 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device shown in Figure 1, separated into parts;

[0049] Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device shown in Figure 5;

[0050] Figure 7 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device shown in Figure 1; and

[0051] Figure 8 shows an exploded isometric view of a kit comprising the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device shown in Figure 1 and an additional removable adaptor.

[0052] Detailed Description

[0053] Scaffolding should be tied to a building structure, which may be brick or concrete for example, by drilling a hole into the building face and screwing in an anchor screw or bolt to which scaffolding is attached. In the UK, there is currently a requirement forscaffolding to be tied every 16 square metres. For example, a scaffold of 13 feet long x 13 feet high would require a minimum of two ties. As such, installing ties is a frequent task for those erecting scaffolding.

[0054] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199. Although the present description sets out use of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 with scaffolding nuts, it should be recognised that the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 may be suitable for use with any type of nut or bolt having dimensions compatible with the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199.

[0055] A scaffold nut may herein refer to an elongate screw having a nut, for example a hexagonal nut, at an end of the elongate screw. The scaffolding nut’s screw may be inserted into a building face, for attachment to a scaffold when erecting the scaffold.

[0056] The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 comprises a main part 99, which may be referred to as a socket device 99. The main part 99 may function as a first tool, which may be configured to engage a scaffolding nut (or other suitable nut or bolt, for example) and be used to tighten or loosen or otherwise adjust said scaffolding nut.

[0057] The main part 99 may comprise a first end 13 adapted to be received in an electric driver chuck. An electric driver chuck is configured to grip a bit - here, the main part 99 - and transfer rotational power from a motor to the bit. In this way, the main part 99 may be driven to turn an engaged scaffolding nut and therefore loosen or tighten said scaffolding nut. The first end 13 may have suitable dimensions to connect to generic / known electric driver chucks. An example electric driver may be a powered impact wrench such as a cordless impact wrench.

[0058] The first end 13 may comprise a first end piece 13, which may have a hexagonal cross section. The first end piece 13 may be configured to be received by an electric driver chuck. The first end piece 13 may have dimensions equivalent to a 21mm hex nut such that the first end piece 13 may be received by a 21mm socket of an electric driver, in examples.In another example, the first end piece 13 may have dimensions equivalent to a 22mm hex nut such that the first end piece 13 may be received by a 22mm socket of an electric driver, in examples.

[0059] In an example, the first end 13 may define an opening 18. The opening 18 may have a circular cross section, for example. The opening 18 may be an opening to a longitudinal passage in the main part 99. The opening 18 may be an opening to a longitudinal passage in the first end piece 13.

[0060] Adjacent the first end piece 13, the main part 99 may comprise a first end section 12. The first end section 12 may have a hexagonal cross section.

[0061] The first end section 12 may comprise a longitudinal passage therein, like the first end piece 13. With the first end piece 13 and first end section 12 positioned together forming the main part 99 as shown in Figure 1 for example, the respective passages may align to provide a single passage through each of the first end piece 13 and the first end section 12, with the opening 18 as an opening to the passage. In other words, the first end piece 13 and the first end section 12 may be suitably aligned to define a passage through them. The opening 18 may be central to the first end piece and the passage may be arranged along a central longitudinal axis of each of the first end section 12 and first end piece 13.

[0062] The main part 99 may further comprise a second end 10. The second end 10 may be spaced from the first end 13 and may be arranged on the main part 99 opposite from the first end 13. The second end 10 may define a socket 11 for receipt of a scaffolding nut (or other suitable nut or bolt). As shown in Figure 1, the socket 11 may have a hexagonal cross section suitable to receive a typical hexagonally shaped nut or “hex nut”. In this way, the main part 99 comprising the socket 11 may be used as a torque tool, for example as a wrench.

[0063] In an example, the socket 11 may have a size and shape / dimensions to receive a 19mm nut. Here, 19mm refers to the width across flats of the nut, or in other words the length of an edge of the nut. In another example, the socket 11 may be configured to receive a 21mm nut (i.e. 21mm width across flats). In another example, the socket 11 may be configured to receive a 22mm nut (i.e. 22mm width across flats). As the industry continues to grow, it is envisioned that other scaffolding nut sizes may beused, for example different regions have different standard / widely used sizes. The socket 11 may be manufactured or adapted to receive a desired scaffolding nut accordingly.

[0064] The socket 11 may be considered a “female” hex socket 11, configured to receive a “male” hex socket insert. In examples, as above, the male hex socket insert may be a scaffolding nut. However, the female hex socket 11 may also slot together with a male hex socket insert to create a modular tool as described herein.

[0065] The socket 11 may be defined in a socket body having a cylindrical shape, as depicted in Figure 1. An outer surface of the socket body may be a smooth cylinder. This is in contrast to the first end section 12 and first end piece 13, which have a hexagonal cross section, and their respective outer surfaces have edges accordingly.

[0066] The socket 11 and socket body may be enclosed by a collar 6, in other words a collar 6 may form a band around the socket 11 and socket body. The collar 6 may have a circular cross section or may be cylindrical. The collar 6 may comprise a band of retroreflective or luminescent material, so as to draw attention to the main part 99, for example on a dark jobsite or inside a toolbox, a benefit of which is to prevent the device 199 from being misplaced.

[0067] The second end 10 may further comprise a second end section, the second end section comprising an engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 configured to engage and lock with another modular part of the device 199.

[0068] The main part 99 may comprise an elongate body 17 between the first 13 and second 10 ends, for example between the first end section 12 and the second end section comprising the engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 as shown in Figure 1.

[0069] As well as being configured to connect the main body 99 to an electric driver chuck, the opening 18 at the first end 13 may also be configured to receive another insert when the electric driver is not connected. As shown in Figure 1, at the first end 13, a removable lanyard part 105 may be connected to the first end 13.

[0070] The removable lanyard part 105 may enable the main part 99 to be connected to a lanyard, in examples, or another accessory such as a carabiner or keyring / set of keysor other securing accessory, for example to a worker’s vest or trousers or other workwear. A benefit of connecting the main part 99 to a lanyard or other securing accessory is preventing dropping from a height (as scaffolding can be high above walkways or other areas where a dropped tool could cause harm, as well as damage to the tool). Another benefit is preventing losing the device 199 in a cluttered toolbox or otherwise losing the device 199. Securing the main part 99 in this way is preferable simply to using pockets or trying to handle the main part 99 while climbing on scaffolding, which could lead to accident or injury.

[0071] The removable lanyard part 105 may comprise an elongate pin 20, which may be insertable into the opening 18 at the first end 13. The opening 18 may extend a depth into the main part 99. In an example, the opening 18 is central or generally central at the first end 13 and the opening 18 may extend a depth along a central axis of the main body 99. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the main part may comprise a first end section 12 having a length suitable to receive the elongate pin 20 via the opening 18. The opening 18 may extend into the first end section 12 as a cylindrical perforation, in an example.

[0072] The elongate pin 20 may comprise a mechanism to lock the elongate pin 20 inside the opening 18, to prevent or substantially prevent axial separation of the elongate pin 20 from the main part 99 unless sufficient force is applied to pull the elongate pin 20 and the main part 99 apart. The mechanism may comprise a securement means, which may be a resilient means. The elongate pin 20 may comprise a ball 5 (in other words, a retaining bearing 5), which may be receivable in the opening 18. The ball 5 may be positioned towards a leading end of the elongate pin 20 to be inserted into the opening 18 before a trailing end of the pin 20. The ball 5 may be configured to lock with an engagement pin, ball or into an aperture of the main part 99, which may be arranged at a side wall of the first end section 12 for example. Such locking may retain the elongate pin 20 in the opening 18 such that once a lanyard has been attached, the main part 99 may hang from the lanyard without unwantedly detaching from the elongate pin 20. Such locking may prevent the elongate pin 20 from twisting unwantedly inside the opening 18, which may undesirably free the main part 99 from the lanyard.

[0073] The lanyard attachment part 105 may further comprise a stalk 21, which may have a cylindrical shape. The stalk 21 may engage the first end 13 of the main part 99 at afirst end of the stalk 21, and at an opposite second end of the stalk 21 the lanyard attachment part 105 may comprise a disc 24. The disc 24 is depicted as having a circular cross section; it is envisaged that any suitable “topper” may be included on the stalk 21 at the end away from engagement with the first end 13 of the main part 99, for example a cube or pyramid, but for at least two reasons a circular disc is preferable. Firstly, avoiding sharp edges will prevent discomfort when the lanyard attachment part 105 is stored in a clothes pocket and handled, and secondly because a perforation 23 may be defined in the disc 24 for receiving a split ring or other connector 22.

[0074] In the depicted examples, a split ring 22 is shown as it is envisaged that a split ring 22 as a connector 22 would be simple to use / connect to a lanyard or other securing accessory and would allow the main part 99 to swing naturally when attached to the securing accessory, thus reducing susceptibility to damage.

[0075] In terms of structural soundness around the perforation 23, it is envisaged that a circular or generally circular disc 24 may be preferred. The perforation 23 may be located adjacent the circumference of the disc 24 as depicted in Figure 1 , for example.

[0076] In the depicted example, the disc 24 has a diameter greater than a cross section of the first end 13, first end section 12, elongate body 17 and second end 10. This may enable the split ring or connector 22 to move freely within the perforation 23 without being impeded by the main part 99.

[0077] The removable lanyard attachment part 105 may comprise a release mechanism, for example at the disc 24, configured to release the ball 5 (or retaining bearing 5) allowing the removable lanyard attachment part 105 to be removed from the main part 99. The release mechanism may be a spring-loaded button. The removable lanyard attachment part 105 connects at the first end 13 that is otherwise used by an electric driver when the main part 99 is operated as a wrench and so quick and easy release of the removable lanyard attachment part 105 from the main part 99 at a jobsite, to connect an electric driver instead, and also quick and easy reattachment of the lanyard attachment part 105 is important to the worker. When the device 199 is not in use as a wrench, it may be important for the worker that the removable lanyard attachment part 105 is engaged at the first end 13 to prevent the device 199 from being dropped from a height, for example. Providing the ball 5 and associated engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 and maybe also providing the release mechanism increases the userfriendliness of the device 199 and should reduce the time spent off a lanyard or other securing accessory when the main part 99 is not connected to an electric driver because the worker / user is encouraged to connect the removable lanyard attachment part 105 through simplicity of operation.

[0078] Figure 2 shows a different view of the device 199 and shows that the disc 24 has a depth which may be smaller than a depth of the stalk 21 , in an example. The disc 24 may further comprise a central spigot 25, which may extend axially and provide some protection to the split ring or connector 22 in use.

[0079] Figures 1 and 2 show a removable adaptor 100, which may be considered a second tool. When combined with the main part 99, the removable adaptor 100 and main part 99 may jointly form a third tool.

[0080] The removable adaptor 100 may be configured to connect to the second end 10 of the main part 99. The removable adaptor 100 may comprise a stud end 4 at a first end. The stud end 4 may comprise a hexagonal outer surface, which may replicate a scaffolding nut and may thereby be received in the socket 11. The stud end 4 may be a male hex insert, in other words, having a cross section matching a scaffolding nut or other nut that would be receivable into the dimensions of the socket 11.

[0081] Functioning as an adaptor to adapt the main part 99 to receive a differently sized scaffolding nut or other nut or a different type of scaffolding element such as an eyelet screw, the removable adaptor 100 may connect to the second end 10 via mating the stud end 4 with the socket 11 and may provide an alternative socket 3 at its own second end, opposite the first end having the stud end 4.

[0082] As shown in Figure 1 , at the second end of the removable adaptor 100 there is provided a second socket 3. The second socket 3 may have a greater area than the socket 4 and may be configured to receive a larger nut. For example, the socket 4 may be configured to receive a 19mm nut and the second socket 3 may be configured to receive a 21mm nut. Other size differences may be possible and in examples the removable adaptor 100 may have a reduced size of second socket 3 compared with socket 4.As depicted in Figure 1 , the second socket 3 may define one or more transverse slots 2, which may extend a length away from the second end of the removable adaptor 100 (towards the stud end 4). The socket 3 may be defined by an elevated sidewall, which may surround an internal space, whereby the sidewall may define the / each transverse slot 2. The or each transverse slot 2 may be used to pass a lateral member, such as a hook end or eyelet tie screw, into the space. In this way, the removable adaptor 100 may be used to convert the main part 99 to be able to transfer rotation to fixtures other than a nut or bolt, such as a hook or eyelet tie screw. An eyelet screw or eyelet tie screw or scaffold retaining eye is a fastener comprising a threaded screw section, to be inserted into a building face for example, and an eyelet or eyelet bolt. The eyelet part of an eyelet tie screw may be received into the slot(s) 2, and the main part 99 may be rotated to apply torque to the received eyelet tie screw.

[0083] Of course, because the socket 3 has a cross section for receiving a scaffolding nut or other nut, the removable adaptor 100 may also be used to transfer rotation to a nut (in the same manner as the main part 99) accordingly.

[0084] In erecting scaffolding, a hook or eyelet tie screw may be installed in the building face for engaging a hook of a scaffolding assembly, to fulfil a requirement to “tie” the scaffold to the building. Providing an adaptor 100 configured to receive a hook or eyelet tie screw via the transverse slot or slots 2 is convenient for the worker who does not need an additional tool from the main part 99 to install a hook or eyelet tie screw, as well as more affordable for a worker who may buy their own tools, versus buying a dedicated tool.

[0085] Connecting an electric driver chuck to the main part 99 and the removable adaptor 100 to the main part 99 therefore allows rotation power to be transferred from the electric driver to the removable adaptor 100. The device 199 may therefore be used to loosen or tighten a received nut more efficiently than by a handheld tool.

[0086] Due to the removable adaptor 100, a worker may carry the device 199 with them and be ready to tighten or loosen two different sizes of nut or bolt, as well as being prepared to tighten or loosen a hook or eyelet tie screw as explained above.

[0087] In examples, the stud end 4 may comprise a securement means, which may be a resilient means, for engagement with the main part 99 to create temporary / reversiblelocking between the adaptor 100 and the main part 99. As shown in Figure 1, the stud end 4 may comprise a ball 5, which may be configured to engage the engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 at the second end 10 of the main part 99. The ball 5 may be a trapped sprung ball 5, for example, configured to engage the engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 at the second end 10 of the main part 99 and retain the removable adaptor 100 in the socket 11. Compressing the trapped sprung ball 5 and disengaging it from the engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 may easily separate the removable adaptor 100 from the main part 99, as desired.

[0088] For transportation on a connected lanyard or other securing accessory, the securement means (for example the ball 5 and aperture 15) between the removable adaptor 100 and the main part 99 may be configured to substantially prevent axial separation of the removable adaptor 100 and the main part 99. The removable adaptor 100 may be transported or stored while the main part 99 is also connected to the removable lanyard attachment part 105 and the respective securement means (e.g. balls 5 and apertures 15) may be configured to substantially prevent axial separation of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 into its component parts undesirably. Of course, with sufficient force or by operation of the securement means by a worker / user to release the temporary locks, the securement means may be overcome. This may prevent loss of components while relying on the securing accessory connected to the removable lanyard attachment part 105 to carry the device 199.

[0089] In examples, the removable adaptor 6 may comprise a collar 6 having any of the features of the collar 6 of the main part 99. For example, the collar 6 may comprise a band of retroreflective or luminescent material, so as to draw attention and prevent the removable adaptor 100 from being misplaced. This is especially useful when the main part 99 and removable adaptor 100 are separated.

[0090] It will be appreciated that multiple removable adaptors 100 having different second socket 3 dimensions may be provided and may be fittable to the same main part 99, such that the user is in possession of a kit allowing loosening and tightening of multiple different sizes of scaffolding nuts / other nuts / bolts. Especially as the scaffolding industry grows and industry standards change, and for the device 199 to be usable across different regions having different standards / common sizes, it is envisaged that multiple removable adaptors 100 may be provided.Figure 3 shows the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 in a fully assembled condition, including both the removable lanyard attachment part 105 and the removable adaptor 100. This fully assembled condition may be used fortransport or storage, as the need for both the removable adaptor 100 and removable lanyard attachment part 105 to be connected to the main part 99 as once, in use with an electric driver, would not arise, not least because the lanyard attachment part 105 replaces the electric driver chuck when connecting to the main part 99.

[0091] The main part 99 of the device 199 may comprise a monolithic unit, which may comprise a forged or cast piece of stainless and / or hardened steel. Likewise, the removable adaptor 100 may comprise a monolithic unit, which may comprise a forged or cast piece of stainless and / or hardened steel.

[0092] As illustrated in Figure 3, the engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 at the second end 10 of the main part 99 and the engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 of the first end section 12 need not align. It may be preferrable for these features not to align along the same axis, for improved structural integrity and strength of the assembled device 199.

[0093] By releasing one or both of the balls 5 from engagement with the respective engagement pin, ball or aperture 15, the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 may be separated into its components; the main part 99, the removable adaptor 100 and the removable lanyard attachment part 105. As set out above, the main part 99 may provide a first tool for use loosening and tightening a first scaffolding nut of a first size, the removable adaptor 100 may provide a second tool for use loosening and tightening a second scaffolding nut of a second size, and inserting the removable adaptor 100 onto the main part 99 may create a third tool for use loosening and tightening a second scaffolding nut of a second size where rotational power is transferred to the removable adaptor 100 from a connected electric driver at the first end 13 of the main part 99.

[0094] In other words, each of the main part 99 and the removable adaptor 100 may be used as hand tools to tighten and loosen a scaffold nut which fits with the respective socket 11, 3, or the main part 99 may be rotationally driven using a connected electric driver, connected at the electric driver connection at the first end 13, to tighten and loosen ascaffold nut, or the main part 99 may be adapted using the removable adaptor 100 to receive a different scaffold nut of a size which fits the second socket 3, and the rotational driving may be transferred via the main part 99 to the connected adaptor 100 for loosening or tightening the scaffold nut with the second socket 3.

[0095] Locking the main part 99 and removable adaptor 100 and / or removable lanyard attachment part 105 together temporarily / reversibly has the following benefits: a worker may only have need for one electric driver and the ability to adapt the main part 99 for use with more than one size / dimensions / style of nut or bolt; a sprung ball 5 is simple to use for the worker as well as being quick to engage / disengage; a ball 5 and engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 provides a sufficiently secure connection for the main part 99 to hang from a lanyard or other securing accessory via the lanyard attachment part 105.

[0096] As the industry grows, new nut or bolt shapes and sizes may become popular or even standard and so new styles of removable adaptor 100 may be created for use with the existing main part 99. The worker may not need to replace the main part 99 they own or buy a new tool but rather could obtain a new appropriate removable adaptor 100.

[0097] For storage, for example, and while attached to the lanyard attachment part 105 and therefore possibly connected to a securing accessory such as a lanyard, the device 199 may preferably be fully assembled to prevent loss of the removable adaptor 100.

[0098] Figure 4 shows the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 in a full assembled condition as described above, angled to show a different view of the lanyard attachment part 105. As shown between Figures 3 and 4, the first end section 12 may comprise two or more engagement pins, balls or apertures 15, for example on different surfaces of the hexagonal section 12. This may improve security of the lanyard attachment part 105 therein.

[0099] Figure 5 shows the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 in an exploded view, and the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 may comprise three device parts as shown, namely the removable lanyard attachment part 105, the main part 99, and the removable adaptor part 100.As shown in Figure 5, the main part 99 may comprise a pinched neck 16. When attaching a securing accessory such as a lanyard, a first end of the lanyard may be connected to the removable lanyard attachment part 105 and the lanyard may have a second end (e.g. the lanyard may comprise a length of material, which may have a bungee section or the like) which may be connected to a worker’s clothing or tool belt or which may also be connected to the main part 99, thus forming a handle on the main part 99 for carrying the device 199. The pinched neck 16, for example, may provide a location to connect a lanyard, for example via a loop on the lanyard. The pinched neck 16 may have a smaller cross-section / width / diameter than adjacent parts of the main part 99 such that a loop may be tightened, for example via an adjustable clasp, around the pinched neck 16 and the pinched neck 16 may substantially prevent the loop from migrating on the main part 99 with the loop sitting on the pinched neck 16.

[0100] Figure 6 shows another exploded view of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 including the main part 99, removable lanyard attachment part 105 and removable adaptor 100. This exploded view shows how the balls 5 of each of the removable parts 105, 100 will align with the respective engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 of the main part 99 to enable engagement and temporary locking in place, to assemble the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199.

[0101] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199, with two collars 6 set aside. Including one or more collars 6 is optional and the figures indicate useful positions for collar(s) 6 according to an example. One or more collars 6 may be provided, for example on the main part 9, for example adjacent or at the second end 10, or on the elongate body 17, or adjacent or at the first end 13, for example on the first end section 12. One or more collars 6 may be provided on the removable adaptor 100, as shown. Although not shown, the removable lanyard attachment part 105 may have one or more collars 6. As set out above, a collar 6 may comprise a band of retroreflective or luminescent material, so as to draw attention and prevent loss. Of course, a collar 6 may comprise a strip of retroreflective or luminescent material stuck onto a part (e.g. the main part 99), for example as a sticker. However, in examples, a collar 6 may be a cylindrical piece for surrounding a part of the device 199 as a band around the device 199, the benefits of which may be ease of attachment and the fact that reflected light or luminescence may be seen from any orientation of the device 199 - for example in a dark toolbox or during a night shift.A kit 800 may be provided having two or more removable adaptors 100, each having different dimensions at the second socket 3 for use with differently scaffolding nuts or other types of nuts or bolts. Different regions have different standard sizes, for example, and so the same main part 99 could be used in different regions with a suitable removable adaptor 100.

[0102] Figure 8 shows a set of two removable adaptors 100, for example. Each of the two removable adaptors 100 in the depicted example comprises a slot 2 but in other examples the kit 800 may contain one or more removable adaptors 100 with or without the slot 2, accordingly. Each of the two example removable adaptors 100 of Figure 8 may have different dimensions of second socket 3 as well as having different dimensions from the first socket 11, enabling the worker / user to use the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 with, in this example, three different sizes of scaffolding nut.

[0103] Figure 8 is for illustrative purposes only and is not to scale. Dimensions differing between each of the sockets 11, 3 may be of the order of 1mm along an edge of a hexagonal socket, for example.

[0104] In a kit 800 having multiple removable adaptors 100, for example of different dimensions at their respective second / socket ends, multiple adaptors 100 may be stacked second end / socket end to stud end 4 for storage. To enable this, additional removable adaptors 100 may comprise an engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 similar to the an engagement pin, ball or aperture 15 at the second end 10 of the main part 99, to receive a ball 5 of an adjacent adaptor 100 in the stack accordingly.

[0105] Using the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 or the kit 800, for example to assemble and disassemble scaffolding, may comprise engaging one of the first socket 11 or the second socket 3 (if using an adaptor 100) with a scaffolding nut and loosening or tightening the scaffolding nut by rotating the main part 99. The main part 99 may be turned by hand in examples, or when an electric driver is connected at the connection at the first end 13 the main part 99 may be driven to rotate and thus turn an engaged scaffolding nut in the socket 11, 3.

[0106] A number of features of the present device 199 act to prevent loss of the device 199 or parts / components of the device 199, as well as preventing the device 199 from beingdropped from a height (such as from a scaffold). As the device 199 is modular and may include one or more different adaptors 100, the device 199 is easy to assemble and disassemble and to adapt for relevant nuts / bolts / other fixtures to be operated using the same main part 99 and, in use, electric diver (e.g. a drill) to meet the needs of a worker to tighten or loosen nuts / bolts / other fixtures and therefore, for example, assemble or disassemble scaffolding.

[0107] Repetitive strain injury, RSI, is a big issue in the scaffolding / building industry generally due to the intense physicality of the job. The present device 199 may reduce the effort of using hand powered spanners or wrenches to tie screws or bolts in, reducing repetitive strain injury on the wrists, elbows and shoulders of scaffolders.

[0108] The following are examples of the present disclosure:

[0109] With reference to the figures there may be shown a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device 199 which may generally comprise a socket device 99 comprising a first end adapted to be received in an electric driver chuck, an intermediate elongated body, and a distal second end arranged with a socket for receipt of a scaffolding nut, wherein the first end comprises a lanyard, and the second end comprises a lateral slot for receipt of a hook for turning by the first end. The pictured example comprises three device parts, namely a lanyard part 105, a main part 99, and an adaptor part 100.

[0110] The main part may provide the first end 13,12 adapted to be received in an electric driver chuck, which may comprise a short end section 13, with a hexagonal outer surface, a pinched neck 16 and a longer section 12 with a hexagonal outer surface.

[0111] Further along towards the distal end there is shown a cylindrical continuation section 17 of the elongated body, and at the second end there is shown an enlarged smoothed socket outer 6, internal to which may be the socket 11 for receipt of a scaffolding nut. The smoothed socket outer may further comprise a band of retroreflective or luminescent material 6, so as to draw attention and prevent loss. The main part of the device 99 may comprise a monolithic unit which may be envisaged to be formed as a forged or cast piece of stainless and / or hardened steel.

[0112] The adaptor part may comprise a stud end 4 with a hexagonal outer surface which replicates the scaffolding nut and is thereby adapted to be received in the socket 11so as to adapt the main part of the device 99. The adaptor 100 may comprise a monolithic unit which may be envisaged to be formed as a forged or cast piece of stainless and / or hardened steel. The adaptor may further comprise an elevated sidewall 3, which surrounds an internal space, whereby the sidewall has a transverse slot 2, which may be used to pass a lateral member, such as a hook end, into the space, such that the adaptor may be turned by the main part to turn the hook.

[0113] The sidewall may comprise a band of retroreflective or luminescent material 6, so as to draw attention and prevent loss. The stud 4 of the adaptor part 100 may be provided with a trapped sprung ball 5 near its end for engagement into the socket 11 of the main part 99. The main part socket sidewall may further comprise a small perforation 15 near its base to receive the sprung ball 5, so as to temporarily lock the parts together.

[0114] The device may further include a lanyard attachment part 105, which is received into the first end of the main part 99 to enable the device to be easily stored or transported on a site. The lanyard attachment part 100 may comprise an elongate pin 20, which is adapted to be inserted into the first end of the main part 99, wherein the first end comprises a cylindrical perforation 18 along its central axis. The end of the pin 20 may comprise a ball 5, which is received in the hole 18 and is adapted to lock with an engagement pin or ball 15 in the side of the main part 99.

[0115] The lanyard attachment part 105 further may comprise a cylindrical stalk 21 continuing along the device axis leading to an enlarged circular diameter disc 24. This disc may comprise a lanyard attachment point perforation 23 near its circumference, which is used in the pictured example to receive a split ring 22. The disc may further comprise a central spigot 25 extending axially and providing some protection to the split ring 22 in use.

[0116] In an example, there may be provided a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device comprising a socket device comprising a first end adapted to be received in an electric driver chuck, an intermediate elongated body, and a distal second end arranged with a socket for receipt of a scaffolding nut, wherein the first end comprises a lanyard, and the second end comprises a lateral slot for receipt of a hook for turning by the first end.

[0117] The first end comprises a hexagonal outer surface. The lateral slot may be comprised on a displaceable adaptor. The displaceable adaptor may comprise a perforatedsidewall extending from a hexagonal stud arranged to engage into the socket. The stud may comprise a securement means. The securement means may comprise a resilient means, and may comprise a sprung ball securement. The lanyard may be provided by a displaceable lanyard part. The displaceable part may comprise a pin adapted to be received in the first end. The pin may comprise a resilient engagement means, and may comprise a sprung ball engagement. The device may comprise a laterally extending disc. The device may comprise a split ring. The device may comprise one or more bands of retro reflective or luminescent material, so as to draw attention and prevent loss.

[0118] In an example, there may be provided a method of assembly and disassembly of scaffolding using a device as described above.

[0119] In an example, there may be provided displaceable adaptor part for a device as described above. In an example, there may be provided a displaceable lanyard part for a device as described above.

[0120] The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above; reference should be had to the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A scaffolding assembly and disassembly device comprising:a main part comprising a first end adapted to be received in an electric driver chuck, and a second end defining a first socket, wherein the first socket is configured to receive a scaffolding nut; anda removable adaptor configured to be received in the first socket, the removable adaptor comprising a stud end having a hexagonal cross section to replicate a scaffolding nut receivable by the first socket such that rotational power transferrable to the main part from an electric driver is also transferrable to the removable adaptor when received by the first socket, wherein the removable adaptor defines a second socket configured to receive a scaffolding nut, wherein the second socket has different dimensions from the first socket and wherein the first and second sockets are configured to receive differently dimensioned scaffolding nuts.

2. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device of claim 1 , wherein the main part is a socket device, wherein the second end is a distal second end, and at least one of: (i) the socket device comprises an intermediate elongated body, (ii) the first end comprises a lanyard, and (iii) the second end comprises a lateral slot for receipt of a hook for turning by the first end.

3. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end has a hexagonal cross section and wherein each edge has a length of 21mm and / or wherein the first socket, at the second end, has a hexagonal cross section and is configured to receive a 19mm hex nut.

4. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device of any preceding claim, wherein each edge of the stud end’s hexagonal cross section has a length of 19mm, configured to engage the first socket having dimensions to receive a 19mm hex nut.

5. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device of any preceding claim, wherein the second socket of the removable adaptor has a hexagonal cross section configured to receive a 21mm hex nut, such that the first socket and23second socket have different dimensions for receiving different scaffolding nuts therein.

6. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any preceding claim wherein the stud end comprises at least one of: a securement means, a securement means comprising a resilient means, and a sprung ball securement.

7. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any preceding claim wherein the stud end comprises a ball or sprung ball and wherein the main part comprises an engagement pin, ball or aperture, wherein the ball of the stud end is configured to engage the engagement pin, ball or aperture of the main part at the second end to releasably lock the stud end with the first socket.

8. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second socket defines a slot therein, configured to receive a hook or eyelet tie screw or other fixture having a non-planar surface with a protrusion into the second socket.

9. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a removable lanyard attachment part configured to connect to the first end, wherein the removable lanyard attachment part comprises a securing mechanism and is configured to secure the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device to a securing accessory.

10. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to claim 9 wherein the removable lanyard attachment part comprises a pin adapted to be received in the first end of the main part.

11. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device of claim 10, wherein the first end comprises a first end piece defining an opening therethrough, wherein the opening is an opening of a longitudinal passage in the main part and wherein the pin is insertable into the opening to connect the removable lanyard attachment part to the main part.

12. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the pin comprises a resilient engagement means.

13. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to claim 12 wherein the resilient engagement means comprises a sprung ball and wherein the main part comprises an engagement pin, ball or aperture, wherein the sprung ball is configured to engage the engagement pin, ball or aperture of the main part to releasably lock the removable lanyard attachment part with the main part.

14. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the removable lanyard attachment part further comprises a laterally extending disc having a diameter greater than a diameter of the main part and / or the removable adaptor.

15. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any preceding claim wherein the removable lanyard attachment part defines a perforation and wherein the removable lanyard attachment part further comprises a split ring through the perforation for connecting the securing accessory to the removable lanyard attachment part.

16. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any one of claims 9 to 15, further comprising a securing accessory connected to the removable lanyard attachment part, wherein the securing accessory is one of a lanyard, a carabiner or part of an item of clothing.

17. The scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more collars comprising retroreflective or luminescent material, wherein the or each collar is applied to any of the main part, the removable adaptor or the removable lanyard attachment part.

18. A kit comprising the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device of any of claims 1 to 17, further comprising one or more further removable adaptors, each having a second socket of different dimensions from the first socket of the main part, configured to receive a scaffolding nut having different dimensions from a scaffolding nut receivable into the first socket of the main part, wherein in use one of the further removable adaptors replaces the removable adaptor of any of claims 1 to 17 to engage the main part.

19. The kit of claim 18, wherein the one or more further removable adaptors each comprises a stud end having dimensions to fit into the first socket of the main part.

20. The kit of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the or one of the further removable adaptors defines a second socket having a hexagonal cross section with each edge having a length of 22mm.

21. The kit of any one of claims 18, 19 or 20, further comprising an electric driver having an electric driver chuck, configured to drive rotation of the main part when the main part is connected to the electric driver chuck at the first end.

22. A method of assembly and disassembly of scaffolding using the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device according to any of claims 1 to 17 or the kit of any of claims 18 to 21, the method comprising engaging one of the first socket of the main part or the second socket of the removable adaptor with a scaffolding nut and applying torque to the scaffolding nut by rotating the main part.

23. A removable adaptor for the scaffolding assembly and disassembly device having any of the features of the removable adaptor of any preceding claim.

24. A removable lanyard attachment part for a scaffolding assembly and disassembly device, the removable lanyard attachment part being configured to connect to the first end of the main part and having any of the features of the removable lanyard attachment part of any one of claims 9 to 16.

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