Scaffold clamp

Abstract

A scaffold clamp 1 is provided for retaining two scaffold pipes 3 and 5 in close proximity. The scaffold clamp 1 comprises a first yoke part 7 for engaging with external surface of one of the scaffold pipes 3/5 . A second yoke part 9 is provided for engaging with external surfaces of the other of the scaffold pipes 3/5 . A stringer part 11 interconnects the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 at one side. A clamping mechanism 17 is provided for interconnecting the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 at the other side. The scaffold clamp is such that the two scaffold pipes 3/5 will be embraced within a space 23 defined by the first yoke part 7 and the second yoke part 9 , and the stringer part 11 and the clamping mechanism 17 , so there can be relative drawing of the first yoke part 7 towards the second yoke part 9 to retain the two scaffold pipes 3/5 in adjacent proximity.

1 . A scaffold clamp for retaining two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity, said clamp comprising a first yoke part for engaging with an external surface of one of the scaffold pipes, and a second yoke part for engaging with an external surface of the other of the scaffold pipes,
 each of the first yoke part and the second yoke part being of lengths to extend to overlap past the sides of the respective two scaffold pipes,   a stringer part interconnecting the first yoke part and the second yoke part at one side of the first yoke part and at one side of the second yoke part,   and a clamping mechanism for interconnecting the first yoke part and the second yoke part at the other side of first yoke part and the second yoke part,   the scaffold clamp being such that the two scaffold pipes will be embraced within a space defined by the first yoke part and the second yoke part, and the stringer and the clamping mechanism, so that the clamping mechanism can be operated to relatively draw the first yoke part towards the second yoke part and to retain the two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity.   
   
   
       2 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the stringer part is connected with at least one of the first yoke part or second yoke part by a connection that permits relative swinging of the stringer part relative to the respective yoke part, and wherein, in use, an axis of swinging is generally parallel with a longitudinal central axis of a scaffold pipe to which the scaffold clamp is to be used with. 
   
   
       3 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the stringer part is connected with both the one yoke part and the second yoke part by respective connections that permit relative swinging of the stringer part relative to both yoke parts. 
   
   
       4 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 3  wherein the clamping mechanism is connected with one of the first yoke part or second yoke part by a connection that permits relative swinging of the clamping mechanism relative to the respective yoke part, said connection permitting the clamp to be opened so said space is accessible to permit the two scaffold pipes to be embraced therein, whereafter the clamping mechanism can be swung to connect with the other of the yoke part and close the clamp, and to be operated to relatively draw the first yoke part towards the second yoke part. 
   
   
       5 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the axis of swinging of the connection between the clamping mechanism and the one yoke part or the second yoke part is, in use, generally parallel with the axis of swinging of the connection between the stringer part and the first yoke part or second yoke part. 
   
   
       6 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the clamping mechanism is a screw thread operated clamping mechanism. 
   
   
       7 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein the clamping mechanism is an arm and where the other of the first yoke part or second yoke part to which the arm is swing attached has an open socket at the other side thereof, and wherein the arm can be swung to locate the arm within the socket, said arm screw threadedly carrying a nut thereon which can be screw threadably moved along said arm to engage the socket, to relatively move the first yoke part towards the second yoke part. 
   
   
       8 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 7 , and including a scaffold pipe spacer to be fitted between the two pipes, so that when the first yoke part is relatively moved towards the second yoke part, the spacer will space the scaffold pipes and permit compressive clamping to occur to the two pipes from the first yoke part and the second yoke part when the first yoke part is relatively drawn towards the second yoke part. 
   
   
       9 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the spacer has a hole at one end, and wherein the spacer is held to the clamp by either the stringer or the clamping arm passing through said hole, said spacer being rotatable relative to the respective stringer or clamping arm so that the spacer can be positioned to extend away from said space during fitting of the clamp about two scaffold pipes, and so that when said clamp is fitted about the two scaffold pipes it can be swung to extend into said space and between the two scaffold pipes. 
   
   
       10 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein said spacer is of a length sufficient so that when swung to extend into said space, said clamping arm will locate against said clamping arm. 
   
   
       11 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the surfaces of each of said first yoke part and said second yoke part that are to engage with the respective scaffold pipes during the compressive holding together of the two scaffold parts, are of curved profile so that the surfaces of the respective scaffold pipes can nest therein. 
   
   
       12 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the surfaces of the spacer that are to engage with the respective scaffold pipes are of curved profile so that the surfaces of the respective scaffold pipes can nest therewith. 
   
   
       13 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the spacer is of a compressible synthetic plastics material. 
   
   
       14 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 10 , including a locating pin, for locating within pre-provided aligned apertures in two adjacent proximity scaffold pipes to correctly height align the two scaffold pipes and to provide a position locator for correctly height positioning the scaffold clamp by locating on the locator before relatively drawing the first yoke part towards the second yoke part. 
   
   
       15 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the locating pin is attached to the scaffold clamp by a flexible connector. 
   
   
       16 . A scaffold clamp as claimed in  claim 1 , retaining two scaffold pipes together in adjacent proximity.