EP0038428B1 - Head mounting for ladders and collapsible loft stairs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an articulated head fitting for retractable attic ladders or stairs, articulated on the one hand on the top of the hatch and, on the other hand, on a slide on which slides a ladder or a retractable attic staircase.

• -soit des échelles constituées d'un tronçon supérieur articulé sur le bord inférieur de la trappe (bas du hourdis ou caisson) et sur lequel vient coulisser ou se replier un ou plusieurs tronçons inférieurs et/ou intermé- daires d'une dimension égale ou inférieure au tronçon supérieur. Ce type d'échelles ou d'escaliers qui s'escamotent soit dans le volume de la trappe ou directement dessus, a pour principal inconvénient de nécessiter une trappe dont la longueur soit au minimum celle du plus long tronçon de l'échelle.
• - soit des échelles constituées d'un tronçon supérieur articulé sur le bord supérieur de la trappe (haut du hourdis ou du caisson) et sur lequel vient coulisser un ou plusieurs tronçons plus longs que le tronçon supérieur.
• -soit, enfin, des échelles suivant le brevet GB-A-903,608, dont les deux montants composant le tronçon supérieur glissent dans un fourreau articulé en un point fixe situé au bord de la trappe et dont ces mêmes montants sont équipés dans leur partie supérieure d'un bras jouant le rôle d'une biellette articulée d'une part sur une chappe fixe solidaire du plancher du grenier et d'autre part, sur un des deux montants composant le tronçon supérieur. Le pliage de l'échelle dans le grenier et son dépliage pour son utilisation s'effectuent suivant un arc de cercle constant ne permettant pas, en particulier, d'éviter, pendant ces manoeuvres, un obstacle situé dans le grenier, ne serait-ce qu'au niveau du toit lorsque celui-ci est très incliné.

The state of the art offers:

• -or ladders consisting of an upper section articulated on the lower edge of the hatch (bottom of the slab or box) and on which slides or folds one or more lower and / or intermediate sections of equal size or lower than the upper section. The main disadvantage of this type of ladder or staircase which retracts either into the volume of the hatch or directly above it is that it requires a hatch whose length is at least that of the longest section of the ladder.
• - or ladders consisting of an upper section articulated on the upper edge of the hatch (top of the slab or box) and on which slides one or more sections longer than the upper section.
• - or, finally, scales according to patent GB-A-903,608, the two uprights of which make up the upper section slide in an articulated sheath at a fixed point located at the edge of the hatch and with these same uprights fitted in their upper part an arm playing the role of a link articulated on the one hand on a fixed screed secured to the attic floor and on the other hand, on one of the two uprights making up the upper section. The folding of the ladder in the attic and its unfolding for its use are carried out in a constant arc not allowing, in particular, to avoid, during these maneuvers, an obstacle located in the attic, even only at the roof when it is very tilted

Once retracted, these ladders or stairs resting for part on the floor of the upper floor and for another part above the hatch. This last type of retractable ladders or stairs has two other major drawbacks: firstly, it is frequent that the clearance radius required for folding is not available and this due to the configuration of the attic, upper floor, in relation to the hatch (proximity to a wall, a beam or the roof); on the other hand, these same ladders which bear on the upper part of the hatch always clutter a part of the latter in the unfolded position due to their necessary inclination.

In summary, it is therefore impossible to equip a hole of 500 m / mx400 m / m with this type of ladder while leaving the necessary passage to a man. The object of the present invention relates to an articulated head fitting for attic ladders and stairs, of a type conforming to GB-A-903608, composed of several sections which can be deployed by sliding one over the other, the upper section supporting the folded state of the other sections, all of the sections once folded being retractable through a hatch; fitting comprising two carrying arms located on either side of the upper section of the ladder or staircase, each arm being pivotally mounted around an axis located near the edge of the hatch, the arms being connected to the upper section of the ladder or staircase by means of sliding of the slide-slide type allowing said upper section to move in its plane in the sliding direction of the different sections.

According to the invention, the desired objective is achieved while the pivoting of the arms relative to the upper edge of the hatch is effected by an articulation of the type constituted by a horizontal axis rotating in two fixed stirrups and integral with a joist constituting the border of the hatch, said articulation being situated at one end of the arms in any place of the joist, and in that the other end of the arms is articulated on two slides on which the lateral uprights of the section of the ladder move or staircase, by means of an axis connecting said slides.

• -de réduire considérablement l'encombrement de l'échelle ou de l'escalier dans la trappe, lorsqu'il est en position dépliée.
• - de permettre de replier à volonté l'échelle ou l'escalier de grenier escamotable d'un côté ou de l'autre de la trappe selon la configuration de l'étage supérieur (mur, toiture, poutre, etc...).
• - de permettre l'utilisation de tous les types d'échelles ou d'escaliers de grenier escamotables dans une trappe aux dimensions les plus réduites, jusqu'au simple trou d'homme (400 m/m x 500 m/m).

The advantages obtained thanks to this invention are:

• -to considerably reduce the size of the ladder or the staircase in the hatch, when it is in the unfolded position.
• - allow the ladder or retractable attic staircase to be folded at will on one side or the other of the hatch depending on the configuration of the upper floor (wall, roof, beam, etc.).
• - to allow the use of all types of retractable attic ladders or attic in a hatch with the smallest dimensions, up to a simple manhole (400 m / mx 500 m / m).

• -la figure 1 représente, en perspective, une ferrure de tête articulée pour échelle ou escalier de grenier escamotable avec représentation de l'échelle et de la trappe accédant à l'étage supérieur.
• - la figure 2 représente, en vue de côté, la ferrure de tête articulée pour échelle ou escalier de grenier escamotable monté sur sa trappe.
• -la figure 3 représente une demi-ferrure articulée pour échelle ou escalier de grenier escamotable et le coulisseau sur lequel vient coulisser le tronçon supérieur de l'échelle ou de l'escalier.
• - la figure 4 représente le processus et la possibilité de pliage de l'échelle ou de l'escalier de grenier escamotable d'un côté de la trappe.
• -la figure 5 représente l'échelle ou l'escalier de grenier escamotable pilé sans aucun dépassement au dessus de l'ouverture de la trappe.
• la figure 6 représente le processus et la possibilité de pliage de l'échelle ou de l'escalier de grenier escamotable de l'autre côté de la trappe.

In the following, the invention is explained in more detail with the aid of drawings representing an embodiment.

• FIG. 1 represents, in perspective, a hinged head fitting for a ladder or retractable attic staircase with a representation of the ladder and of the hatch accessing the upper floor.
• - Figure 2 shows, in side view, the hinged head fitting for ladder or retractable attic staircase mounted on its hatch.
• FIG. 3 represents an articulated half-fitting for ladder or attic staircase retractable and the slide on which slides the upper section of the ladder or staircase.
• - Figure 4 shows the process and the possibility of folding the ladder or the retractable attic staircase on one side of the hatch.
• FIG. 5 represents the ladder or the retractable attic staircase pounded without any overshoot above the opening of the hatch.
• Figure 6 shows the process and the possibility of folding the ladder or the retractable attic staircase on the other side of the hatch.

According to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the hinged head fitting for a ladder or retractable attic staircase is composed of two carrying arms (1). These two carrying arms are articulated around an axis (3) threaded at its two ends and resting on two stirrups (2) secured to the joist of the hatch by means of lag screws (16). The free assembly in rotation of the two carrying arms (1) of the axis (3) and the two brackets (2) is obtained by means of two nuts (4) and two spring washers (5) screwed on the two ends threaded on said axis (3). This latter arrangement makes it possible to obtain friction on rotation, offering the possibility of maintaining the carrying arms (1) in the desired position during the handling of the ladder or of the retractable attic staircase.

According to another feature (Figures 2 and 3) a handle (6) retractable along one of the two carrying arms (1) free to rotate about the axis (3) by means of a nut (4) and d '' a washer (5) and provided with a stop (15) allows the pivoting upwards of the two carrying arms (1) necessary for the gripping of the ladder or of the retractable attic staircase for its folding from the upper floor.

Still according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the other end of the two support arms (1) is articulated on two slides (7) by means of two screws (8) and their nut (9).

These two slides (7) take the place of a slide at the upper section of the ladder or the retractable attic staircase. A stop (13) fixed on the end of the upper section of the ladder or of the retractable attic staircase prevents the latter from coming out of the slide (7).

A stop (14) adjustable in height on the upper section of the ladder or of the retractable attic staircase limits the travel of said section during folding.

Still according to FIG. 2, a pawl (10) makes it possible to immobilize the upper section of the ladder or of the retractable attic staircase on the slide (7). This ratchet (10) free to rotate pivots under the effect of its own weight around an axis (11) and has a lug (12).

• -le figure 4 illustre le processus de pliage du côté des deux étriers (2) fixés sur la partie haute de la solive. En position A les tronçons de l'échelle ou de l'escalier de grenier escamotable sont superposés et bloqués entre eux. En levant l'échelle, grâce au cliquet (10) venant buter sur le coulisseau (7), figure 2, la ferrure de tête articulée pivotera vers le haut pour passer de la position A à la position B. Dans la position B, l'ergot (12) prend appui sur le bras porteur (1) et libère le cliquet (10) permettant le glissement de l'échelle sur le coulisseau (7). Le prolongement de ce coulissement, suivi d'un basculement de l'échelle ou de l'escalier de grenier escamotable, permet de passer de la position B à la position C.
• -la figure 5 montre une possibilité d'escamotage de l'échelle ou de l'escalier de grenier sans aucun dépassement ou dessus de la trappe. L'utilisateur a la possibilité de passer de la position C, représentée sur la figure 4, à la position 1 (figure 5) en réglant en conséquence la butée (14) qui limite à volonté la course de coulissement.
• - la figure 6, illustre le processus de pliage de l'échelle ou de l'escalier de grenier escamotable du côté opposé aux deux étriers (2). En levant l'échelle, grâce au cliquet (10) venant buter sur le coulisseau (7) la ferrure de tête articulée pivote vers le haut pour passer de la position D à la position E.

The folding and unfolding of the ladder or the retractable attic staircase is carried out according to the following operating mode.

• FIG. 4 illustrates the folding process on the side of the two stirrups (2) fixed on the upper part of the joist. In position A, the sections of the ladder or the retractable attic staircase are superimposed and locked together. By lifting the ladder, thanks to the pawl (10) abutting on the slide (7), Figure 2, the articulated head fitting will pivot upwards to pass from position A to position B. In position B, l 'pin (12) is supported on the carrier arm (1) and releases the pawl (10) allowing the sliding of the ladder on the slide (7). The extension of this sliding, followed by a tilting of the ladder or the retractable attic staircase, makes it possible to pass from position B to position C.
• FIG. 5 shows a possibility of retracting the ladder or the attic staircase without any overshoot or above the hatch. The user has the possibility of passing from position C, shown in FIG. 4, to position 1 (FIG. 5) by adjusting the stop (14) accordingly which limits the sliding stroke as desired.
• - Figure 6 illustrates the folding process of the ladder or the retractable attic staircase on the side opposite the two stirrups (2). By lifting the ladder, thanks to the pawl (10) abutting on the slide (7), the articulated head fitting pivots upwards to pass from position D to position E.

In position E, the pawl (10) pivots under its own weight and releases the slide (7).

The sliding at will then becomes possible to pass from position E to position F.

• - tirer la poignée de manoeuvre (6) jusqu'à ce que la butée (15) vienne prendre appui sur l'un des deux bras porteurs (1) de la ferrure de tête articulée.
• - ladite ferrure de tête pivotant alors vers le haut, permet à l'utilisateur d'attraper le tronçon supérieur de l'échelle ou de l'escalier.
• -l'utilisateur a alors la possibilité de plier son échelle soit en position C (figure 4) soit en position 1 (figure 5) soit en position F (figure 6).

Finally, the user has the possibility of folding the ladder or the retractable attic staircase from the upper floor according to the following operating mode.

• - pull the operating handle (6) until the stop (15) comes to bear on one of the two carrying arms (1) of the articulated head fitting.
• - Said head fitting then pivoting upwards, allows the user to catch the upper section of the ladder or the staircase.
• -the user then has the possibility of folding his ladder either in position C (figure 4) or in position 1 (figure 5) or in position F (figure 6).

Claims (5)

1. Articulated head fittings for loft ladders and stairs, comprising several sections unfolded by sliding along one another, the upper section supporting the other sections when folded, and the whole assembly disappearing through a trap-door once folded; fittings comprising two supporting arms (1) situated on each side of the stair or ladder upper section, each arm (1) being mounted pivoting around a pin situated close the trap edge, the arms (1) being connected to the ladder or stair upper section by means of sliding devices (7) such as slider/slideway enabling said upper section to move in its plane according to the sliding direction of the various sections characterised by the arm (1) pivoting with regard to the trap upper edge being made by an articulation constituted by one horizontal pin (3) rotating in two fixed forks (2) and integral with a trap-edge joist, the said articulation being situated at one end of the arms (1) in one place of the joist and by the other end of the arms (1) being articulated on two sliders on which the ladder or stair section side posts travel by means of a pin connecting said sliders (7).

2. Articulated head fittings for retractable loft ladders and stairs according to claim 1, characterised by the supporting arm (1) length being inferior to the trap opening dimension or their pivoting plane and superior to the sliders (7) length so that the retractable loft ladder or stairs may be folded indifferently on either side of the trap, this specific position enabling to equip with loft retractable ladder or stairs the smallest trap openings, even a man-hole and this, even if the closeness of an obstacle such as a wall, a girder, a roof etc. prevents placing the loft retractable ladder or stairs on the en- cumbored side, this specific arrangement enabling moreover the complete folding away for all types of retractable ladder or stairs without projecting beyond the joist-integral fork articulation joint.

3. Articulated head fittings for retractable loft ladders and stairs, according to claim 1, characterised by the two supporting arms (1) length being superior to the trap thickness.

4. Articulated head fittings for retractable loft ladders and stairs, according to claim 1, characterised by one of the two supporting arms (1) being used as a stop to a lug (12) of a pawl (10) thus enabling to automatically release the pawl to slide the retractable loft ladder or stairs along the sliders (7).

5. Articulated head fittings for retractable loft ladder and stairs according to claim 1 characterised by one of the two supporting arms (1) being possibly equipped with a handle (6) enabling to fold the ladder from the upper floor.

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