EP0457703B1 - Hinged ladder - Google Patents

Hinged ladder Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0457703B1
EP0457703B1 EP91440040A EP91440040A EP0457703B1 EP 0457703 B1 EP0457703 B1 EP 0457703B1 EP 91440040 A EP91440040 A EP 91440040A EP 91440040 A EP91440040 A EP 91440040A EP 0457703 B1 EP0457703 B1 EP 0457703B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ladder
side rail
hinge
bearing
hinged
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91440040A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0457703A1 (en
Inventor
Bertrand Vuillemenot
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
Priority claimed from FR9006418A external-priority patent/FR2662206A2/en
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AT91440040T priority Critical patent/ATE103662T1/en
Publication of EP0457703A1 publication Critical patent/EP0457703A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0457703B1 publication Critical patent/EP0457703B1/en
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Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C7/00—Component parts, supporting parts, or accessories
    • E06C7/18—Devices for preventing persons from falling
    • E06C7/181—Additional gripping devices, e.g. handrails
    • E06C7/182—Additional gripping devices, e.g. handrails situated at the top of the ladder
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
    • E06C1/14—Ladders capable of standing by themselves
    • E06C1/16—Ladders capable of standing by themselves with hinged struts which rest on the ground
    • E06C1/20—Ladders capable of standing by themselves with hinged struts which rest on the ground with supporting struts formed as poles
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06C—LADDERS
    • E06C1/00—Ladders in general
    • E06C1/02—Ladders in general with rigid longitudinal member or members
    • E06C1/38—Special constructions of ladders, e.g. ladders with more or less than two longitudinal members, ladders with movable rungs or other treads, longitudinally-foldable ladders
    • E06C1/39—Ladders having platforms; Ladders changeable into platforms
    • E06C1/393—Ladders having platforms foldable with the ladder

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an articulated stepladder composed of a ladder and a crutch each having two uprights formed by hollow profiles, each upright of the crutch having an upper end situated in the same substantially vertical plane as a corresponding upright of 1 ladder and connected to this amount of scale by an articulation with a horizontal axis, the upper end of each amount of the stand being provided with an elbow arm provided with a lateral pin, this arm extending in one side of the corresponding upright of the ladder, and the articulation of said uprights comprising said trunnion, a bearing in synthetic material disposed through the upright of ladder and provided with an axial bore where the trunnion is pivotally housed, and retaining means arranged to hold the pin axially in both directions relative to the bearing.
  • the parts most exposed to wear are the elements of the joints, whether these are the joints between uprights or those of a folding platform which, in known manner, constitutes the last step and at the same time serves to keep the stepladder in the open position.
  • a high-quality stepladder for example for professional use, it is desirable to arrange these elements both so as to reduce the risks of wear and so as to allow them to be easily replaced if they are damaged, without having to disassemble the ladder or kickstand.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide various improvements going in the direction indicated above.
  • a stepladder according to the invention is characterized in that the bearing of the articulation of the uprights has a cross section whose periphery is non-circular and cooperates with at least one hole of corresponding shape in the upright of ladder.
  • the bearing advantageously comprises a peripheral rim and a pair of opposite elastic tongues, having at their end an excess thickness of material.
  • each strut of the stand is provided with a connecting element made of a single piece of metal or synthetic material and comprising a connector for connection to the strut, the bent arm and the trunnion.
  • a stepladder according to the invention can advantageously be of the type comprising a folding platform connected to the ladder by a first articulation and to a cross member of the stand by a connecting rod, which is connected to the platform by a second articulation and to the crosspiece by a third articulation.
  • An advantageous embodiment consists in that the third articulation comprises a removable bearing mounted on the cross-member and provided with a cylindrical external surface engaged in a corresponding transverse bore of the connecting rod.
  • the cross member has a non-circular transverse profile and the bearing has a corresponding internal profile, preventing it from turning on the cross member.
  • the bearing can be provided with an internal lug fitted into a corresponding hole in the cross member and preventing it from sliding on the latter.
  • the pad is made in one piece molded from synthetic material.
  • the pad completely surrounds the cross member and comprises two shells connected by at least one thinned part forming a flexible hinge between them.
  • the second articulation can be removable so as to allow the rod to slide on the cushion of the third articulation to release this cushion.
  • the first articulation of the platform comprises, in each upright of the ladder, a bearing engaged in a lateral opening of the upright and provided with an axial bore receiving a pin secured to the platform.
  • Said journal is provided with a shoulder whose length is equal to or greater than that of the journal and the section is less than that of the lateral opening of the upright.
  • Figure 1 shows an articulated stepladder (also called “step”) having a generally classic shape and composed of a ladder 1 (also called “climb plan”) with uprights 2 and a rear stand 3 (also called “plan support ”) having uprights 4 each of which is connected by a hinge 5 to a corresponding upright 2 of the scale.
  • the uprights 2 and 4 are provided with non-slip feet 6.
  • the uprights 2 of the ladder 1 are rigidly connected to each other by steps 7 and by an upper cross member 8.
  • the uprights 4 of the stand 3 are rigidly connected by at least two cross members 9, the highest of which supports , in the position shown, the rear edge of a folding platform 10, the front edge of which is connected to the uprights 2 of the ladder by joints 12. When the stepladder is open, this platform maintains the angle opening between the ladder 1 and the stand 3, its rear edge being profiled to fit onto the upper cross member 9 so as to ensure good rigidity of the stepladder in torsion with respect to a vertical axis.
  • the uprights 2 and 4 are formed by rectilinear sections of profiles made of light metal or of another material, having a hollow rectangular cross section illustrated in FIG. 2.
  • the steps 7 and the crosspieces 9 can be made of metal or synthetic material and are rigidly fixed to these profiles in a known manner, for example by means of rivets.
  • each upright 4 On each side of the stepladder, the upright 2 of the ladder 1 and the upright 4 of the stand 3 are located substantially in the same plane.
  • the upper end of each upright 4 is equipped with a link arm 13 connecting the upright to the corresponding articulation 5 and bent so as to extend along the inner side of the corresponding upright 2 of the scale.
  • This arm 13 is part of a one-piece connecting element 14 made in one piece from light metal cast iron or synthetic material, comprising the connecting arm 13, a male end piece intended to be force-fitted into the upper end of the upright 4, and a cylindrical journal 16 (FIG. 2) extending laterally at the end of the arm 13 in a direction orthogonal to that of the upright 4.
  • the arm 13 has a left shape which is bent in several directions, in order to allow the uprights 2 and 4 to be folded against each other.
  • the structure of one of the articulations 5 appears more especially in FIG. 2.
  • the upper end of the element 14 has, around the pin 16, a flat lateral surface 23 disposed slightly recessed with respect to the arm 13.
  • the pin 16 is crossed by an axial bore 24 opening, on the side of the arm 13, in a housing with six sections intended to receive a nut 25.
  • the upright 2 of the ladder is provided with two opposite openings, of non-circular shape, through which is inserted a bearing 26 of synthetic material receiving the pin 16, which is pivotally adjusted in a cylindrical bore 27 of the bearing 26.
  • This comprises a peripheral flange 28 intended to bear against the external face 29 of the upright 2, and a pair of opposite elastic tabs 30 which tend to move apart like pawls to block the wall of the profile between them and the rim 28.
  • These tongues are reinforced at their end 30 ′ by an extra thickness of material ensuring the locking.
  • the bearing 26 On the other side of the upright 2, the bearing 26 has a slightly projecting end 31, the front surface of which bears by sliding against the surface 23 of the arm 13.
  • a retaining screw 32, having a head 33 applied against the head of the bearing 26, is screwed into nut 25 and thus keeps the bearing in abutment against the surface 23, which eliminates any play between the arm and the bearing.
  • the joint can easily be dismantled by removing the screw 32, which makes it possible to tear off the bearing 26 by breaking the elastic tabs 30.
  • this bearing can easily be replaced in the event of wear. If it is the pin 16 or another part of the element 14 which is damaged, this element can be dislodged from the upright 4 of the stand, which allows its pin to be released from the upright 2 of the scale. We proceed in reverse order to replace a new element 14.
  • Figure 3 shows that the cross section of the bearing 26 in synthetic material has a non-circular external profile 34, in this case rectangular in the upper part of the bearing. This profile cooperates with an identical profile of the opening of the upright in which it is engaged, which prevents the bearing 26 from rotating and from wearing out in this opening.
  • the upper part of the bearing has a thickness E1 greater than the thickness E2 of its lower part, because it supports the greater part of the forces transmitted by the pin 16.
  • Figure 4 shows how the folding platform 10, shown here in an intermediate position during the opening or closing of the stepladder, is connected to the upper cross member 9 of the stand 3 by a connecting rod 40 whose respective ends are connected to platform 10 by a joint 41 and the cross member 9 by a joint 42.
  • the joint 41 may comprise, for example, a U-shaped bracket 43 whose base is fixed under the platform 10 and whose wings carry a removable pin 44 on which the end of the connecting rod 40 pivots.
  • a bearing 45 mounted on the cross-member 9 and provided with a cylindrical outer surface 46, this bearing sliding in a cylindrical bore of the connecting rod 40.
  • the cross member 9 is a tubular section with a square section, and the bearing 45 has a central orifice of corresponding section, preventing it from pivoting on the cross member.
  • the pad 45 is formed by a molded plastic part having, at the outlet of the mold, the shape shown in FIG. 5.
  • the pad consists of two substantially symmetrical parts 47 and 48, connected by one or more tabs 49 forming a joint.
  • Part 47 is provided with an internal lug 50 intended to fit into a corresponding hole in the cross member 9 and serving as a stop in the longitudinal direction of the cross member.
  • the pad 45 can be replaced easily and quickly in the event of damage. It suffices to dismantle the articulation 41 of the connecting rod by removing the pin 44, then to slide the connecting rod in the direction of the cross-member 9 to release it from the bearing, which allows the opening thereof and its replacement .
  • FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the articulation 12 connecting the platform 10 to an upright 2 of the scale 1.
  • the upright 2 is provided with two opposite openings, of non-circular shape, at through which a bearing 52 of synthetic material is inserted.
  • This bearing 52 is identical to the bearing 26 described above, except the bore for the passage of the screw 32, necessary in FIG. 2, which is no longer so in FIG. 6.
  • This bearing 52 has the same characteristics and advantages as those of the bearing 26.
  • the platform 10 is provided at its two ends with a journal 56 intended to pivot in an axial bore 58 of the bearing 52.
  • Each journal 56 is provided with a shoulder 57 arranged to hold the platform 10 between the ends of the two bearings 52.
  • the length of the shoulder is equal to or greater than that of the journal and its section is less than that of the opening in the upright 2.
  • each bearing can optionally be locked by a retaining screw having a head applied against the head of the bearing 52 and being screwed into a bore provided at the end of the journal 56.
  • said bearing 52 will include a bore for the passage of the screw , like bearing 26.
  • any of the elements of the joints of a stepladder according to the invention can be easily replaced without dismantling or damaging the rigid structure of the ladder 1 or of the stand 3, in particular the rigid assembly. between the steps of a cross member and the uprights.

Abstract

The invention concerns an articulated stepladder composed of a ladder (1), a prop (3) articulated to the ladder (1) and a foldable platform (10) connected to the ladder (1) and to the prop (3) by articulations (12, 41, 42). All of the articulations (12, 41, 42) are arranged in such a way as to allow their dismantling and the replacement of worn parts. The articulation (5) of each upright (4) of the prop (3) on the corresponding upright (2) of the ladder comprises a moulded part (14) having a spindle (16) which pivots in a bearing (26) with a non-circular external profile, engaged in a hole in the upright. The platform (10) is connected to a cross-piece (9) of the prop (3) by means of a connecting rod (40) encircling a removable bearing (45) adjusted on the cross-piece. <IMAGE>

Description

La présente invention concerne un escabeau articulé composé d'une échelle et d'une béquille ayant chacune deux montants formés par des profilés creux, chaque montant de la béquille ayant une extrémité supérieure située dans un même plan sensiblement vertical qu'un montant correspondant de l'échelle et raccordée à ce montant d'échelle par une articulation à axe horizontal, l'extrémité supérieure de chaque montant de la béquille étant pourvu d'un bras coudé muni d'un tourillon latéral, ce bras s'étendant d'un seul côté du montant correspondant de l'échelle, et l'articulation desdits montants comportant ledit tourillon, un palier en matière synthétique disposée à travers le montant d'échelle et pourvue d'un alésage axial où le tourillon est logé de manière pivotante, et des moyens de retenue agencés pour maintenir le tourillon axialement dans les deux sens par rapport au palier.The present invention relates to an articulated stepladder composed of a ladder and a crutch each having two uprights formed by hollow profiles, each upright of the crutch having an upper end situated in the same substantially vertical plane as a corresponding upright of 1 ladder and connected to this amount of scale by an articulation with a horizontal axis, the upper end of each amount of the stand being provided with an elbow arm provided with a lateral pin, this arm extending in one side of the corresponding upright of the ladder, and the articulation of said uprights comprising said trunnion, a bearing in synthetic material disposed through the upright of ladder and provided with an axial bore where the trunnion is pivotally housed, and retaining means arranged to hold the pin axially in both directions relative to the bearing.

Dans un tel escabeau, les parties les plus exposées à l'usure sont les éléments des articulations, qu'il s'agisse des articulations entre montants ou de celles d'une plate-forme rabattable qui, de manière connue, constitue la dernière marche et sert en même temps à maintenir l'escabeau en position ouverte. Dans un escabeau de qualité supérieure, par exemple pour un usage professionnel, il est souhaitable d'agencer ces éléments à la fois de façon à réduire les risques d'usure et de façon à permettre de les remplacer facilement s'ils sont endommagés, sans devoir démonter l'échelle ou la béquille.In such a stepladder, the parts most exposed to wear are the elements of the joints, whether these are the joints between uprights or those of a folding platform which, in known manner, constitutes the last step and at the same time serves to keep the stepladder in the open position. In a high-quality stepladder, for example for professional use, it is desirable to arrange these elements both so as to reduce the risks of wear and so as to allow them to be easily replaced if they are damaged, without having to disassemble the ladder or kickstand.

La présente invention a pour but d'apporter divers perfectionnements allant dans le sens indiqué ci-dessus.The object of the present invention is to provide various improvements going in the direction indicated above.

A cet effet, un escabeau selon l'invention est caractérisé en ce que le palier de l'articulation des montants a une section transversale dont le pourtour est non circulaire et coopère avec au moins un trou de forme correspondante dans le montant d'échelle.To this end, a stepladder according to the invention is characterized in that the bearing of the articulation of the uprights has a cross section whose periphery is non-circular and cooperates with at least one hole of corresponding shape in the upright of ladder.

Le palier comporte avantageusement un rebord périphérique et une paire de languettes élastiques opposées, ayant à leur extrémité une surépaisseur de matière.The bearing advantageously comprises a peripheral rim and a pair of opposite elastic tongues, having at their end an excess thickness of material.

Dans une forme de réalisation particulière, l'extrémité supérieure de chaque montant de la béquille est pourvue d'un élément de liaison fait d'une seule pièce métallique ou en matière synthétique et comprenant un embout de raccordement au montant, le bras coudé et le tourillon.In a particular embodiment, the upper end of each strut of the stand is provided with a connecting element made of a single piece of metal or synthetic material and comprising a connector for connection to the strut, the bent arm and the trunnion.

Un escabeau selon l'invention peut avantageusement être du type comportant une plate-forme rabattable reliée à l'échelle par une première articulation et à une traverse de la béquille par une bielle, laquelle est reliée à la plate-forme par une deuxième articulation et à la traverse par une troisième articulation. Une forme de réalisation avantageuse consiste en ce que la troisième articulation comporte un coussinet amovible monté sur la traverse et pourvu d'une surface extérieure cylindrique engagée dans un alésage transversal correspondant de la bielle.A stepladder according to the invention can advantageously be of the type comprising a folding platform connected to the ladder by a first articulation and to a cross member of the stand by a connecting rod, which is connected to the platform by a second articulation and to the crosspiece by a third articulation. An advantageous embodiment consists in that the third articulation comprises a removable bearing mounted on the cross-member and provided with a cylindrical external surface engaged in a corresponding transverse bore of the connecting rod.

De préférence, la traverse a un profil transversal non circulaire et le coussinet a un profil intérieur correspondant, l'empêchant de tourner sur la traverse. Le coussinet peut être pourvu d'un ergot intérieur emboîté dans un trou correspondant de la traverse et l'empêchant de coulisser sur celle-ci.Preferably, the cross member has a non-circular transverse profile and the bearing has a corresponding internal profile, preventing it from turning on the cross member. The bearing can be provided with an internal lug fitted into a corresponding hole in the cross member and preventing it from sliding on the latter.

Dans une forme de réalisation préférée le coussinet est fait d'une seule pièce moulée en matière synthétique. De préférence, le coussinet entoure complètement la traverse et comporte deux coquilles raccordées par au moins une partie amincie formant une charnière souple entre elles.In a preferred embodiment the pad is made in one piece molded from synthetic material. Preferably, the pad completely surrounds the cross member and comprises two shells connected by at least one thinned part forming a flexible hinge between them.

La deuxième articulation peut être démontable de façon à autoriser un coulissement de la bielle sur le coussinet de la troisième articulation pour dégager ce coussinet.The second articulation can be removable so as to allow the rod to slide on the cushion of the third articulation to release this cushion.

De préférence, la première articulation de la plate-forme comporte, dans chaque montant de l'échelle, un palier engagé dans une ouverture latérale du montant et pourvu d'un alésage axial recevant un tourillon solidaire de la plate-forme. Ledit tourillon est pourvu d'un épaulement dont la longueur est égale ou supérieure à celle du tourillon et la section est inférieure à celle de l'ouverture latérale du montant.Preferably, the first articulation of the platform comprises, in each upright of the ladder, a bearing engaged in a lateral opening of the upright and provided with an axial bore receiving a pin secured to the platform. Said journal is provided with a shoulder whose length is equal to or greater than that of the journal and the section is less than that of the lateral opening of the upright.

La présente invention et ses avantages apparaîtront mieux dans la description suivante d'une forme de réalisation préférée, en référence aux dessins annexés, dans lesquels :

  • la figure 1 représente en perspective un escabeau articulé selon l'invention,
  • la figure 2 est une vue en coupe horizontale partielle d'une articulation de l'escabeau,
  • la figure 3 est une vue en coupe verticale suivant la ligne III-III de la figure 2,
  • la figure 4 est une vue schématique en coupe longitudinale d'une plate-forme rabattable de l'escabeau, équipée d'une bielle,
  • la figure 5 représente un coussinet d'une articulation de la bielle, et
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne VI-VI de la figure 4.
The present invention and its advantages will appear more clearly in the following description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an articulated stepladder according to the invention,
  • FIG. 2 is a partial horizontal section view of an articulation of the stepladder,
  • FIG. 3 is a view in vertical section along the line III-III of FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of a foldable platform of the stepladder, equipped with a connecting rod,
  • FIG. 5 represents a bearing of an articulation of the connecting rod, and
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line VI-VI of FIG. 4.

La figure 1 montre un escabeau articulé (appelé aussi "marchepied") ayant une forme générale classique et composé d'une échelle 1 (appelée aussi "plan de montée") à montants 2 et d'une béquille arrière 3 (appelée aussi "plan d'appui") ayant des montants 4 dont chacun est raccordé par une articulation 5 à un montant correspondant 2 de l'échelle. Les montants 2 et 4 sont pourvus de pieds antidérapants 6.Figure 1 shows an articulated stepladder (also called "step") having a generally classic shape and composed of a ladder 1 (also called "climb plan") with uprights 2 and a rear stand 3 (also called "plan support ") having uprights 4 each of which is connected by a hinge 5 to a corresponding upright 2 of the scale. The uprights 2 and 4 are provided with non-slip feet 6.

Les montants 2 de l'échelle 1 sont reliés rigidement l'un à l'autre par des marches 7 et par une traverse supérieure 8. Les montants 4 de la béquille 3 sont reliés rigidement par au moins deux traverses 9 dont la plus haute supporte, dans la position représentée, le bord arrière d'une plate-forme rabattable 10 dont le bord avant est raccordé aux montants 2 de l'échelle par des articulations 12. Quand l'escabeau est ouvert, cette plate-forme maintient l'angle d'ouverture entre l'échelle 1 et la béquille 3, son bord arrière étant profilé pour s'emboîter sur la traverse supérieure 9 de manière à asssurer une bonne rigidité de l'escabeau en torsion par rapport à un axe vertical. Les montants 2 et 4 sont formés par des tronçons rectilignes de profilés en métal léger ou en une autre matière, ayant une section transversale rectangulaire creuse illustrée par la figure 2. Les marches 7 et les traverses 9 peuvent être en métal ou en matière synthétique et sont fixées rigidement à ces profilés d'une manière connue, par exemple au moyen de rivets.The uprights 2 of the ladder 1 are rigidly connected to each other by steps 7 and by an upper cross member 8. The uprights 4 of the stand 3 are rigidly connected by at least two cross members 9, the highest of which supports , in the position shown, the rear edge of a folding platform 10, the front edge of which is connected to the uprights 2 of the ladder by joints 12. When the stepladder is open, this platform maintains the angle opening between the ladder 1 and the stand 3, its rear edge being profiled to fit onto the upper cross member 9 so as to ensure good rigidity of the stepladder in torsion with respect to a vertical axis. The uprights 2 and 4 are formed by rectilinear sections of profiles made of light metal or of another material, having a hollow rectangular cross section illustrated in FIG. 2. The steps 7 and the crosspieces 9 can be made of metal or synthetic material and are rigidly fixed to these profiles in a known manner, for example by means of rivets.

Sur chaque côté de l'escabeau, le montant 2 de l'échelle 1 et le montant 4 de la béquille 3 se trouvent sensiblement dans un même plan. Afin d'éviter une saillie extérieure le long des côtés de l'échelle, l'extrémité supérieure de chaque montant 4 est équipée d'un bras de liaison 13 raccordant le montant à l'articulation correspondante 5 et coudé de manière à s'étendre le long du côté intérieur du montant correspondant 2 de l'échelle. Ce bras 13 fait partie d'un élément monobloc de liaison 14 fait d'une seule pièce en fonte de métal léger ou en matière synthétique, comprenant le bras de liaison 13, un embout mâle destiné à être emboîté à force dans l'extrémité supérieure du montant 4, et un tourillon cylindrique 16 (figure 2) s'étendant latéralement à l'extrémité du bras 13 dans une direction orthogonale à celle du montant 4. Le bras 13 a une forme gauche qui est coudée dans plusieurs directions, afin de permettre aux montants 2 et 4 d'être rabattus l'un contre l'autre.On each side of the stepladder, the upright 2 of the ladder 1 and the upright 4 of the stand 3 are located substantially in the same plane. In order to avoid an external projection along the sides of the ladder, the upper end of each upright 4 is equipped with a link arm 13 connecting the upright to the corresponding articulation 5 and bent so as to extend along the inner side of the corresponding upright 2 of the scale. This arm 13 is part of a one-piece connecting element 14 made in one piece from light metal cast iron or synthetic material, comprising the connecting arm 13, a male end piece intended to be force-fitted into the upper end of the upright 4, and a cylindrical journal 16 (FIG. 2) extending laterally at the end of the arm 13 in a direction orthogonal to that of the upright 4. The arm 13 has a left shape which is bent in several directions, in order to allow the uprights 2 and 4 to be folded against each other.

La structure de l'une des articulations 5 apparaît plus spécialement dans la figure 2. L'extrémité supérieure de l'élément 14 présente, autour du tourillon 16, une surface latérale plane 23 disposée légèrement en retrait par rapport au bras 13. Le tourillon 16 est traversé par un alésage axial 24 débouchant, du côté du bras 13, dans un logement à six pans prévu pour recevoir un écrou 25. Le montant 2 de l'échelle est pourvu de deux ouvertures opposées, de forme non circulaire, à travers lesquelles est inséré un palier 26 en matière synthétique recevant le tourillon 16, lequel est ajusté de manière pivotante dans un alésage cylindrique 27 du palier 26. Celui-ci comporte un rebord périphérique 28 destiné à s'appuyer contre la face extérieure 29 du montant 2, et une paire de languettes élastiques opposées 30 qui tendent à s'écarter comme des cliquets pour bloquer la paroi du profilé entre elles et le rebord 28. Ces languettes sont renforcées à leur extrémité 30' par une surépaisseur de matière assurant le verrouillage. De l'autre côté du montant 2, le palier 26 a une extrémité légèrement saillante 31 dont la surface frontale s'appuie en glissant contre la surface 23 du bras 13. Une vis de retenue 32, ayant une tête 33 appliquée contre la tête du palier 26, est vissée dans l'écrou 25 et maintient ainsi le palier en appui contre la surface 23, ce qui élimine tout jeu entre le bras et le palier. En outre, on peut facilement démonter l'articulation en enlevant la vis 32, ce qui permet d'arracher le palier 26 en brisant les languettes élastiques 30. Ainsi, ce palier peut facilement être remplacé en cas d'usure. Si c'est le tourillon 16 ou une autre partie de l'élément 14 qui est endommagée, on peut déboîter cet élément du montant 4 de la béquille, ce qui permet de dégager son tourillon du montant 2 de l'échelle. On procède dans l'ordre inverse pour remettre en place un nouvel élément 14.The structure of one of the articulations 5 appears more especially in FIG. 2. The upper end of the element 14 has, around the pin 16, a flat lateral surface 23 disposed slightly recessed with respect to the arm 13. The pin 16 is crossed by an axial bore 24 opening, on the side of the arm 13, in a housing with six sections intended to receive a nut 25. The upright 2 of the ladder is provided with two opposite openings, of non-circular shape, through which is inserted a bearing 26 of synthetic material receiving the pin 16, which is pivotally adjusted in a cylindrical bore 27 of the bearing 26. This comprises a peripheral flange 28 intended to bear against the external face 29 of the upright 2, and a pair of opposite elastic tabs 30 which tend to move apart like pawls to block the wall of the profile between them and the rim 28. These tongues are reinforced at their end 30 ′ by an extra thickness of material ensuring the locking. On the other side of the upright 2, the bearing 26 has a slightly projecting end 31, the front surface of which bears by sliding against the surface 23 of the arm 13. A retaining screw 32, having a head 33 applied against the head of the bearing 26, is screwed into nut 25 and thus keeps the bearing in abutment against the surface 23, which eliminates any play between the arm and the bearing. In addition, the joint can easily be dismantled by removing the screw 32, which makes it possible to tear off the bearing 26 by breaking the elastic tabs 30. Thus, this bearing can easily be replaced in the event of wear. If it is the pin 16 or another part of the element 14 which is damaged, this element can be dislodged from the upright 4 of the stand, which allows its pin to be released from the upright 2 of the scale. We proceed in reverse order to replace a new element 14.

La figure 3 montre que la section transversale du palier 26 en matière synthétique a un profil extérieur 34 non circulaire, en l'occurrence rectangulaire dans la partie supérieure du palier. Ce profil coopère avec un profil identique de l'ouverture du montant dans lequel il est engagé, ce qui empêche le palier 26 de tourner et de s'user dans cette ouverture. En outre, la partie supérieure du palier a une épaisseur E1 plus grande que l'épaisseur E2 de sa partie inférieure, car elle supporte la plus grande partie des efforts transmis par le tourillon 16.Figure 3 shows that the cross section of the bearing 26 in synthetic material has a non-circular external profile 34, in this case rectangular in the upper part of the bearing. This profile cooperates with an identical profile of the opening of the upright in which it is engaged, which prevents the bearing 26 from rotating and from wearing out in this opening. In addition, the upper part of the bearing has a thickness E1 greater than the thickness E2 of its lower part, because it supports the greater part of the forces transmitted by the pin 16.

La figure 4 montre comment la plate-forme rabattable 10, représentée ici dans une position intermédiaire durant l'ouverture ou la fermeture de l'escabeau, est reliée à la traverse supérieure 9 de la béquille 3 par une bielle 40 dont les extrémités respectives sont reliées à la plate-forme 10 par une articulation 41 et la traverse 9 par une articulation 42. L'articulation 41 peut comporter, par exemple, un étrier 43 en forme de U dont la base est fixée sous la plate-forme 10 et dont les ailes portent un axe amovible 44 sur lequel pivote l'extrémité de la bielle 40. Dans l'articulation 42, il est prévu un coussinet 45 monté sur la traverse 9 et pourvu d'une surface extérieure cylindrique 46, ce coussinet glissant dans un alésage cylindrique de la bielle 40. Dans cet exemple, la traverse 9 est un profilé tubulaire à section carrée, et le coussinet 45 a un orifice central de section correspondante, l'empêchant de pivoter sur la traverse.Figure 4 shows how the folding platform 10, shown here in an intermediate position during the opening or closing of the stepladder, is connected to the upper cross member 9 of the stand 3 by a connecting rod 40 whose respective ends are connected to platform 10 by a joint 41 and the cross member 9 by a joint 42. The joint 41 may comprise, for example, a U-shaped bracket 43 whose base is fixed under the platform 10 and whose wings carry a removable pin 44 on which the end of the connecting rod 40 pivots. In the articulation 42, there is provided a bearing 45 mounted on the cross-member 9 and provided with a cylindrical outer surface 46, this bearing sliding in a cylindrical bore of the connecting rod 40. In this example, the cross member 9 is a tubular section with a square section, and the bearing 45 has a central orifice of corresponding section, preventing it from pivoting on the cross member.

Afin de pouvoir être remplacé facilement, le coussinet 45 est formé par une pièce moulée en matière synthétique ayant, à la sortie du moule, la forme représentée à la figure 5. Le coussinet se compose de deux parties sensiblement symétriques 47 et 48, reliées par une ou plusieurs languettes 49 formant une articulation. La partie 47 est pourvue d'un ergot intérieur 50 destiné à s'emboîter dans un trou correspondant de la traverse 9 et servant d'arrêt dans la direction longitudinale de la traverse.In order to be able to be replaced easily, the pad 45 is formed by a molded plastic part having, at the outlet of the mold, the shape shown in FIG. 5. The pad consists of two substantially symmetrical parts 47 and 48, connected by one or more tabs 49 forming a joint. Part 47 is provided with an internal lug 50 intended to fit into a corresponding hole in the cross member 9 and serving as a stop in the longitudinal direction of the cross member.

Il est possible de remplacer facilement et rapidement le coussinet 45 en cas de détérioration. Il suffit de démonter l'articulation 41 de la bielle en retirant l'axe 44, puis de faire coulisser la bielle dans la direction de la traverse 9 pour la dégager du coussinet, ce qui permet l'ouverture de celui-ci et son remplacement.The pad 45 can be replaced easily and quickly in the event of damage. It suffices to dismantle the articulation 41 of the connecting rod by removing the pin 44, then to slide the connecting rod in the direction of the cross-member 9 to release it from the bearing, which allows the opening thereof and its replacement .

La figure 6 montre un exemple de réalisation de l'articulation 12 reliant la plate-forme 10 à un montant 2 de l'échelle 1. Comme en figure 2, le montant 2 est pourvu de deux ouvertures opposées, de forme non circulaire, à travers lesquelles est inséré un palier 52 en matière synthétique. Ce palier 52 est identique au palier 26 décrit plus haut, excepté l'alésage pour le passage de la vis 32, nécessaire en figure 2, qui ne l'est plus en figure 6. Ce palier 52 présente les mêmes caractéristiques et avantages que ceux du palier 26. On retrouve un profil extérieur non circulaire, un rebord périphérique 54 qui s'appuie sur la face extérieure 53 du montant 2 et une paire de languettes élastiques opposées 55, renforcées à leur extrémité 55' par une surépaisseur de matière assurant le verrouillage. La plate-forme 10 est pourvue à ses deux extrémités d'un tourillon 56 prévu pour pivoter dans un alésage axial 58 du palier 52. Chaque tourillon 56 est muni d'un épaulement 57 agencé pour maintenir la plate-forme 10 entre les extrémités des deux paliers 52. La longueur de l'épaulement est égale ou supérieure à celle du tourillon et sa section est inférieure à celle de l'ouverture dans le montant 2. Cette réalisation a l'avantage de permettre le remplacement rapide de la plate-forme 10 en cas d'usure sans détériorer l'escabeau ou ses montants. Il suffit en effet d'arracher un premier palier 52 en brisant les languettes élastiques 55, de faire coulisser la plate-forme en direction du palier manquant en introduisant l'ensemble, tourillon 56 et épaulement 57, dans cette première alvéole. Le deuxième tourillon se dégage du deuxième palier 52 situé dans la deuxième alvéole, dégageant ainsi toute la plate-forme 10. On procède dans l'ordre inverse pour remettre en place une nouvelle plate-forme 10. Les paliers peuvent facilement être remplacés en cas d'usure. Chaque palier peut éventuellement être verrouillé par une vis de retenue ayant une tête appliquée contre la tête du palier 52 et étant vissée dans un alésage prévu en extrémité du tourillon 56. Dans ce cas, ledit palier 52 comportera un alésage pour le passage de la vis, comme le palier 26.FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of the articulation 12 connecting the platform 10 to an upright 2 of the scale 1. As in FIG. 2, the upright 2 is provided with two opposite openings, of non-circular shape, at through which a bearing 52 of synthetic material is inserted. This bearing 52 is identical to the bearing 26 described above, except the bore for the passage of the screw 32, necessary in FIG. 2, which is no longer so in FIG. 6. This bearing 52 has the same characteristics and advantages as those of the bearing 26. There is a non-circular external profile, a peripheral rim 54 which rests on the external face 53 of the upright 2 and a pair of opposite elastic tongues 55, reinforced at their end 55 'by an extra thickness of material ensuring locking. The platform 10 is provided at its two ends with a journal 56 intended to pivot in an axial bore 58 of the bearing 52. Each journal 56 is provided with a shoulder 57 arranged to hold the platform 10 between the ends of the two bearings 52. The length of the shoulder is equal to or greater than that of the journal and its section is less than that of the opening in the upright 2. This embodiment has the advantage of allowing rapid replacement of the platform 10 in the event of wear without damaging the stepladder or its uprights. It suffices in fact to tear off a first bearing 52 by breaking the elastic tabs 55, to slide the platform in the direction of the missing bearing by inserting the assembly, pin 56 and shoulder 57, into this first cell. The second journal emerges from the second bearing 52 located in the second cell, thereby freeing up the entire platform 10. We proceed in the reverse order to replace a new platform 10. The bearings can easily be replaced in the event of of wear. Each bearing can optionally be locked by a retaining screw having a head applied against the head of the bearing 52 and being screwed into a bore provided at the end of the journal 56. In this case, said bearing 52 will include a bore for the passage of the screw , like bearing 26.

La description qui précède montre qu'on peut remplacer facilement n'importe lequel des éléments des articulations d'un escabeau selon l'invention sans démonter ou détériorer la structure rigide de l'échelle 1 ou de la béquille 3, notamment l'assemblage rigide entre les marches d'une traverse et les montants.The foregoing description shows that any of the elements of the joints of a stepladder according to the invention can be easily replaced without dismantling or damaging the rigid structure of the ladder 1 or of the stand 3, in particular the rigid assembly. between the steps of a cross member and the uprights.

Claims (13)

  1. Hinged ladder composed of a ladder (1) and a stand (3) each with two hollow tube side rails, each side rail (4) of the stand having an upper end situated substantially in the same vertical plane as the corresponding side rail (2) of the ladder and connected to this ladder side rail by a hinge (5) with horizontal shaft, the upper end of each side rail (4) of the stand being equipped with an elbow joint (13) fitted with a lateral shaft (16), this elbow joint extends to one side only of the corresponding side rail (2) of the ladder, the hinge (5) of the said side rails consisting of the said shaft (16), an end slide bearing (26) of synthetic material placed through the side rail (2) of the ladder and foreseen with an axial bore (27) where the hinge is seated in a pivoting manner and the means of retaining (23,32) intended to keep the shaft (16) axially straight in both directions in respect to the end slide bearing (26), the hinged ladder being characterized in that the end slide bearing (26) of the side rail hinges (2,4) has a transversal cross-section of which the circumference (34) is not circular and interacts with at least one hole with a corresponding form in the ladder side rail (2).
  2. Hinged ladder according to claim 1, characterized in that the end slide bearing (26) comprises a peripheral edge and a pair of flexible fingers placed in opposition (30).
  3. Hinged ladder according to claim 2, characterized in that the fingers (30) have at their extremity (30') an additional thickness of material.
  4. Hinged ladder according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end of each side rail (4) of the stand is equipped with a link (14) made from a single piece of metal or synthetic material and comprising an end piece for connection of side rail (4), elbow joint (13) and shaft (16).
  5. Hinged ladder according to claim 1, comprising a collapsible platform (10) connected to the ladder (1) by a first hinge (12) and to a cross bar (9) of the stand by a tie-rod (40), which is connected to the platform (10) by a second hinge (41) and to the cross-bar (9) by a third hinge (42), characterized in that the third hinge (42) contains a removable bearing bush (45) fitted to the cross-bar (9) and having a cylindrical exterior surface (46) inserted in the corresponding transversal bore of the tie-rod.
  6. Hinged ladder according to claim 5, characterized in that the cross-bar (9) has a non circular form and the bearing bush (45) has a corresponding interior form, preventing it from turning in the cross-bar.
  7. Hinged ladder according to claim 5, characterized in that the bearing bush (45) is foreseen with an internal pin (50) inserted in a corresponding hole in the cross-bar (9) which prevents it from sliding on the latter.
  8. Hinged ladder according to claim 5, characterized in that the bearing bush (45) is moulded from a single piece of synthetic material.
  9. Hinged ladder according to claim 8, characterized in that the bearing bush (45) entirely encircles the cross-bar and comprises two half-shells (47,48) connected by at least one thinned section (49) forming together a flexible hinge.
  10. Hinged ladder according to claim 7, characterized in that the said second hinge (41) may be removed to allow sliding of tie-rod (40) along bearing bush (45) of the third hinge to remove this bearing bush.
  11. Hinged ladder according to claim 5, characterized in that the said first hinge (12) of the platform comprises, in each side rail (2) of the ladder, an end slide bearing (52) inserted in the lateral opening of the side rail and foreseen with an axial bore which receives a shaft (56) forming one element with platform (10).
  12. Hinged ladder according to claim 11, characterized in that the end slide bearing (52) of the first hinge (12) of platform (10) is identical in form to the end slide bearing (26) of the side rail hinges (2,4).
  13. Hinged ladder according to claim 11, characterized in that the said shaft (56) is foreseen with a shoulder (57) of which the length is equal to or greater than that of the shaft and the diameter is less than that of the lateral opening in the side rail (2).
EP91440040A 1990-05-18 1991-05-17 Hinged ladder Expired - Lifetime EP0457703B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT91440040T ATE103662T1 (en) 1990-05-18 1991-05-17 ARTICULATED LADDER.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9006418A FR2662206A2 (en) 1990-03-02 1990-05-18 Articulated stepladder
FR9006418 1990-05-18

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0457703A1 EP0457703A1 (en) 1991-11-21
EP0457703B1 true EP0457703B1 (en) 1994-03-30

Family

ID=9396868

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91440040A Expired - Lifetime EP0457703B1 (en) 1990-05-18 1991-05-17 Hinged ladder

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Country Link
EP (1) EP0457703B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE103662T1 (en)
DE (1) DE69101513T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2054469T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4302029A1 (en) * 1993-01-26 1994-07-28 Hymer Leichtmetallbau Joint for a stepladder and the like
FR2715187B1 (en) * 1994-01-19 1996-04-05 Tubesca Step platform hooking device and step obtained.
GB9704153D0 (en) * 1997-02-28 1997-04-16 Abru Aluminium Ltd A combined stepladder and stool
FR2780440B1 (en) * 1998-06-24 2000-09-01 Artub FOOTBOARD PLATFORM
GB2378728B (en) * 2001-08-15 2004-10-13 Sgb Services Ltd Support arrangement for supporting a platform of a step ladder

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1383452A (en) * 1964-02-25 1964-12-24 Loh Kg Hailo Werk Double step ladder
EP0000499B1 (en) * 1977-07-20 1980-10-29 ZARGES Leichtbau GmbH Hinge furnishing for ladder elements
DE2942220C2 (en) * 1979-10-18 1984-09-06 Hymer Leichtmetallbau Ingenieur Erwin Hymer, 7988 Wangen Securing against spreading of a stepladder
DE3442129C1 (en) * 1984-11-17 1986-06-12 Hailo-Werk Rudolf Loh Gmbh & Co Kg, 6342 Haiger Domestic step ladder
US4842098A (en) * 1988-01-22 1989-06-27 Haison Yuen Adjustable folding ladder
FR2632028A1 (en) * 1988-05-27 1989-12-01 Shur Lok International Sa Device for fixing a component to a composite panel and panel including such a device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2054469T3 (en) 1994-08-01
DE69101513T2 (en) 1994-10-06
ATE103662T1 (en) 1994-04-15
DE69101513D1 (en) 1994-05-05
EP0457703A1 (en) 1991-11-21

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