EP0702120B1 - Floor element for scaffolding floors - Google Patents

Abstract

The unit consists of two telescopically-linked hollow metal panels (14,15), equipped with hooks (17) for fastening the unit to parallel supporting members (12). The outer transverse edges of the outer metal panel have a tongue on one side and a groove on the other for engaging with adjacent units. The tongues have up-turned outer edges, and the grooves are made with corresponding recesses. Both panels have ribbed upper surfaces and holes in their sides for locking pins; they are made from aluminium or an aluminium alloy. The end hooks (17) are equipped with spring-loaded retaining jaws.

Description

The present invention relates generally the decking that must be provided on a scaffold for the support and circulation of the personnel called to to work.

This deck consists in practice of elements of floor properly arranged.

Most often, to date, these floor elements are wooden planks attached longitudinally on parallel support bodies, that these support bodies are made up of simple scaffolding consoles arranged transversely from place to place for this purpose or whether it is cross members belonging to a frame more complex scaffolding.

The wooden boards thus used are heavy and difficult to handle and set up, maintaining them on the supporting organs that carry them is uncertain, and their connection to each other at their ends normally involves an overlay leading to a significant local change in level for the decking formed.

In addition, this level change occurs transversely, against traffic on the decking formed, and it can therefore be unfortunately the origin of a false step.

The present invention generally has for object a floor element, which is relatively light and easy to implement, which only leads to a change of minimal and longitudinal level for the decking formed, and which has other advantages as well.

This scaffolding floor element, which for participate, with others, in the creation of a deck, is to be reported transversely on two support bodies is generally characterized in that it consists of two sections of profile, which are engaged one in the other telescopically, and each of which forms internally at least one box in the favor of which is attached a clean support tip to be worn on one of the two relevant support bodies.

Preferably, the sections of profile thus set in work are made of metal, and, more precisely, of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

Both presenting a structure in practice in a box, they both have characteristics relatively high mechanical properties, particularly with regard to the moment of inertia of their cross section, while advantageously remaining both of a relatively weight moderate and compatible with handling requirements individual.

In addition, by the telescopic engagement of these two sections of profile one inside the other, the floor element scaffolding according to the invention can advantageously adapt to different range distances for supporting bodies that carry it.

It therefore therefore has great flexibility for use and implementation.

Finally, the constitution of a more extensive deck Advantageously only involves the simple arrangement next to side of such scaffolding floor elements, without superposition of one of these, and, therefore, without transverse level change.

At the same time, the level change occurring longitudinally between the outer profile section and the advantageously, the section of the interior profile remains very moderate.

Preferably, to ensure safely all the necessary continuity from a floor element to the other, the outer profile section forms, laterally, along its longitudinal edges, interlocking means, which, from one of these longitudinal edges to the other, are complementary, for its connection with the profile section exterior of an adjacent floor element.

For example, these nesting means comprise, of a side of the section of outer profile, a tongue, and, the other side, for the insertion of such a tab, a groove.

Such nesting means are advantageously easy and quick to implement.

In addition, they effectively ensure continuity and the desired fixation, even if, at installation, their engagement mutual is only imperfect.

la figure 1 est une vue partielle en perspective d'un platelage d'échafaudage formé d'éléments de plancher suivant l'invention ;

la figure 2 est, à échelle supérieure, une vue partielle de bout d'un tel platelage, suivant la flèche II de la figure 1 ;

la figure 3 en est, suivant la flèche III de la figure 2, une vue partielle en plan, limitée à un seul élément de plancher ;

la figure 4 est, à échelle supérieure, une vue en coupe transversale de cet élément de plancher, suivant la ligne IV-IV de la figure 2 ;

la figure 5 est, à l'échelle de la figure 4, une vue en coupe transversale du tronçon de profilé extérieur que comporte cet élément de plancher ;

la figure 6 reprend, à échelle supérieure, le détail de la figure 5 repéré par un encart VI sur cette figure 5 ;

la figure 7 est, à l'échelle des figures 4 et 5, une vue en coupe transversale du tronçon de profilé intérieur de l'élément de plancher suivant l'invention ;

la figure 8 est, à échelle supérieure, une vue en élévation d'un des embouts de support équipant l'élément de plancher suivant l'invention, suivant la flèche VIII de la figure 3.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a partial perspective view of a scaffolding deck formed of floor elements according to the invention;

Figure 2 is, on a larger scale, a partial end view of such a deck, along arrow II of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is, according to arrow III of Figure 2, a partial plan view, limited to a single floor element;

Figure 4 is, on a larger scale, a cross-sectional view of this floor element, along the line IV-IV of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is, on the scale of Figure 4, a cross-sectional view of the outer section section that includes this floor element;

Figure 6 shows, on a larger scale, the detail of Figure 5 identified by an insert VI in this Figure 5;

Figure 7 is, on the scale of Figures 4 and 5, a cross-sectional view of the inner section section of the floor element according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is, on a larger scale, an elevation view of one of the support end pieces equipping the floor element according to the invention, according to arrow VIII of FIG. 3.

As illustrated in these figures, it is, overall, to ensure the constitution of a deck 10.

According to the invention, it is implemented, for this do, floor elements 11 to report transversely one after the other on two support members 12.

In the embodiment shown, the support members 12 consist of two sills parallel, and they are themselves supported by consoles scaffolding, not shown, duly installed transversely from place to place.

In practice, all of the floor elements 11 works are identical to each other.

According to the invention, such a floor element 11 is formed of two sections of profile 14, 15, one outside, the other interior, who are engaged in each other's telescopically, and each of which forms, internally, in practice away from each other, at least one box 16 in favor from which is attached a support tip 17 specific to relate to one of the two support members 12.

The two sections of profile 14, 15 have one and the other a box structure.

More specifically, the section of outer profile 14 form, internally, in the embodiment shown, for engaging the profile section 15 interior, a free volume 18 with T-profile, with, laterally, in favor of the lateral arms 19 of this volume free 18, two clean shoulders 20 supporting the section of profile 15 inside, and this has, itself, externally, a T profile, like the previous T profile.

In the embodiment shown, the section profile 14 outside forms at least one box 16 along each of its longitudinal edges, perpendicular to each of the lateral arms 19 of its free volume 18.

In practice, two boxes 16, of rectangular outline, and identical to each other, are provided side by side at the plumb of each of these lateral arms 19.

Because of these boxes 16, which, of course, extend by definition all along the outer profile section 14, and, disregarding the fact that in the embodiment shown, the middle part 22 of the free volume 18 of this profile section 14 outside extends downwards beyond from the base of these boxes 16, the section of profile 14 outside a, externally, in the embodiment shown, a generally rectangular outline.

Preferably, and as shown, the section of external profile 14 forms, laterally, along its longitudinal edges, interlocking means, which, from one of these longitudinal edges to each other, are complementary, for its connection with the profile section 14 outside of an element of adjacent floor 11, as shown in lines interrupted in Figure 4.

In the embodiment shown, these means interlocking feature, along one of the longitudinal edges of the outer profile section 14, a tongue 23, and, the along the other of these longitudinal edges, they comprise, for the insertion of such a tongue 23, a groove 24.

The tongue 23 extends laterally, projecting, on the corresponding side wall 26 of the profile section 14 exterior, cantilevered from it.

It has, from this side wall 26, on the one hand, a root 27, which in the embodiment shown, extends slightly obliquely to the upper wall 25 of the profile section 14 outside, in deviating from it as it moves away from it, and, on the other hand, an end 28, which, on the contrary, is straightens slightly in the opposite direction.

So, in this embodiment, the tongue 23 has, overall, a very dihedral transverse profile wide open, with its concavity turned upwards.

In the embodiment shown, the width from the root 27 of the tongue 23 is very widely greater than that of its end 28.

Jointly, the groove 24 is formed by two lips 30, 31, one upper, the other lower, which also protrude laterally, cantilevered, on the wall lateral 32 corresponding to the profile section 14 outside.

The upper lip 30 extends substantially level with the top wall 25.

Complementary to the obliquity of the end 28 of the tongue 23, the internal surface of this lip upper 30 extends slightly obliquely to the upper wall 25.

In addition, and for reasons which will appear below, this upper lip 30 comprises, at the end of its internal surface, a step 33.

Overall, the width of this upper lip 30 is relatively reduced, like that of the end 28, straightened, tongue 23.

The lower lip 31 has a width relatively large, this width being greater than that of the upper lip 30 and corresponding, overall, to that of the entire tongue 23.

Significantly complementary to the root 27 of this tongue 23, the end 34 of the lower lip 31 extends slightly obliquely to the wall upper 25.

Its root 29, on the other hand, is substantially straight, its internal surface, at least, extending substantially perpendicular to the corresponding side wall 32.

In the embodiment shown, the section of internal profile 15 has a middle portion 35 and two lateral arms 36, and the free volume 37 that each of these forms the latter is isolated from free volume 38 which forms jointly the middle part 35 by a partition 39 which is in the extension of the side walls 40 thereof.

The lateral arms 36 and the middle part 35 have the same upper wall 41.

In the embodiment shown, the section of internal profile 15 also forms a box 16, and only one, along each of its longitudinal edges, and, for one of these longitudinal edges, this box 16 extends to plumb with the corresponding side arm 36, while backing up externally to the corresponding side wall 40 of the middle part 35, while for the other of these edges longitudinal, this box 16 extends away from the lateral arm 36 corresponding, being leaned internally to the wall corresponding side 40 of the middle portion 35, and thus encroaching on the free volume 38 of this middle part 35.

Parallel to the side walls 40 of the part median 35, the two boxes 16 that thus presents globally the inner profile section 15 each forms itself a side wall 40 ′, and, apart from box 16 which encroaches on it, the free volume 38 of its middle part 35 a a generally rectangular outline.

The boxes 16 of the inner section section 15 are identical to each other, and they are identical to the boxes 16 of the profile section 14 outside.

The same support tip 17 can therefore equip either of these boxes 16.

In practice, the middle part 22 of the free volume 18 that internally forms the profile section 14 outside has a width L1 greater than that L2 that presents externally so as a whole the middle part 35 of the section of inner section 15 taking account of box 16 leaned externally to one of its side walls 40.

The corresponding difference E is substantially equal to the width L3 of a box 16, while being slightly greater to this one.

In the embodiment shown, one and the other of the profile sections 14, 15 have ribs 42 projecting from the outer surface of their upper wall 25, 41.

As is easy to understand, these ribs 42 are advantageously favorable to adhesion; in practice, they are organized in series of three.

In the embodiment shown, the section profile 14 outside has at least one rib 43 in projection on the internal surface of its upper wall 25.

In practice, two ribs 43 are provided, parallel to each other, at a distance from each other, and they each extend respectively to the right of the walls side 40 of the middle part 35 of the section section 15 interior.

Likewise, the inner profile section 15 has at least one rib 45 projecting from the external surface of its lower wall 46.

In practice, two ribs 45 are provided, parallel to each other, at a distance from each other, and they also each extend respectively to the right side walls 40.

As is easy to understand, the ribs 43, 45 thus implemented advantageously provide reinforcement profile sections 14, 15.

They also advantageously limit contact possible at this level, which, when necessary, is favorable to the relative displacement that their engagement allows telescopic, especially when, having regard to the environment, they are more or less soiled.

For the installation of at least one locking pin 48, both of the profile sections 14, 15 have, from place in place, on their side walls 26, 40 or 40 ', holes 49 each suitable for such an installation.

Preferably, both of the sections of profile 14, 15 are made of aluminum or aluminum alloy.

It is the same, preferably, the end caps support 17, which, too, are formed by sections of streamlined.

In the embodiment shown, these tips support 17, all identical to each other, have, overall, a hook shape.

They therefore have, on the one hand, a portion rectilinear 50, which, intended to be engaged in a box 16, has, in cross section, a rectangular outline complementary to that of such a box 16, and, on the other hand, a curved portion 52, which, intended to cap an organ of support 12, has the general shape of an inverted U, its concavity being turned down.

For the passage of a pin 53 suitable for fixing of the assembly to a section of profile 14, 15 to be fitted, the rectilinear portion 50 has, transversely, a bore 54.

For reasons of ease of realization, and so that it is better visible in Figure 8, this hole 54 is paired with a 54 'parallel bore by connecting to it by a slot 55.

In the embodiment shown, each end piece support 17 is equipped with a retaining lug 56, which, by a hinge pin 57, is pivotally mounted on it.

The support end piece 17 forming a solid piece, this retaining lug 56 intervenes in practice externally, on one of its main side faces.

At a point of attachment 58 of this retaining tab 56 distinct from its articulation axis 57 is coupled a spring 60 whose attachment point 61 on the support end piece 17 is established in such a way that, by crossing a position middle of neutral, it can occupy so stable either of two extreme positions, one, I, closing, for which, as shown in line continuous in Figure 8, it is close to the end of the support end piece 17, and therefore of the curved portion 52 of this one, the other, II, opening, for which, such as shown schematically in broken lines in Figure 8, it is at otherwise removed from this end.

In use, the retaining tab 56 occupies a position III, which is intermediate between positions I, II above, being between the closed position I and the neutral crossing position.

Consequently, for this service position III, the tab retainer 56 is resiliently applied by the spring 60 against the support member 12 concerned.

To marry, at best, the profile of such a body of support 12, the retaining tab 56 is generally bent in square.

Due to the special location of boxes 16 on the profile sections 14, 15, the support end pieces 17 advantageously alternate with one another support members 12 to each other, which advantageously allows to be able if desired to use the same support member 12 for the establishment on either side of it of two decks 10, without, on this support member 12, these support tips 17 overlap with each other.

Jointly, it is advantageously possible, thanks to this implantation, to engage indifferently in a sense or in the other, the inner profile section 15 in the section profile 14 outside.

For the constitution of a deck 10, the elements 11 are arranged successively side by side.

For their length adjustment to the spacing of the support members 12, their profile sections 14, 15 are moved relative to each other accordingly.

To limit the possible displacement of these sections profile 14, 15 relative to each other, it is engaged, by force, a locking pin 48 in at least one of the holes 49 of each of them.

From one section of profile 14, 15 to another, the paths stop pins 48 thus implemented interfere with one with the other, which is enough for the limitation sought.

Each of the floor elements 11 is normally engaged obliquely by the tongue 23 of its profile section 14 outside in the groove 24 of the profile section 14 exterior of the adjacent floor element 11 already installed, before to be tilted to be brought flat in the same plane as this one.

The relative engagement of the tongue 23 in the groove 24 is then found to be complete, as shown in lines interrupted in Figures 4 and 6.

But, if, as a result of a random installation, this commitment is incomplete, the tongue 23 advantageously remains in engagement with the upper lip 30 of the groove 24, thanks to the step 33 provided for this purpose at the end of the internal surface of this one.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, but encompasses any variant as described in the claims.

Also, if desired, instead of being laid transversely on two sills, the floor elements according to the invention can be established end to end of a scaffolding console to another.

Claims (20)

1. Floor element to be attached transversely to two parallel support members, characterised in that it is formed by two lengths of profiled, section (14, 15), which are engaged in each other telescopically, and each of which forms internally at least one compartment (16) by means of which a supporting end piece (17) is attached, able to bear on one of the support members (12).
2. Floor element according to Claim 1, characterised in that the outer length of profiled section (14) forms, laterally, along its longitudinal edges, nesting means which, from one of these longitudinal edges to the other, are complementary, for connecting it with the outer length of profiled section (14) of an adjacent floor element (11).
3. Floor element according to Claim 2, characterised in that, along one of the longitudinal edges of the outer length of profiled section (14), the nesting means have a tongue (23) and, along the other one of these longitudinal edges, the nesting means have, for inserting such a tongue (23), a groove (24).
4. Floor element according to Claim 3, characterised in that the end (28) of the tongue (23) stands up and, in a complementary fashion, the inner surface of the top lip (30) of the groove (24) extends aslant with respect to the top wall (25) of the outer length of profiled section (14).
5. Floor element according to Claim 4, characterised in that, at the end of its inner surface, the top lip (30) of the groove (24) has a step (33).
6. Floor element according to any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterised in that the root (27) of the tongue (23) extends aslant with respect to the top wall (25) of the outer length of profiled section (14), the bottom lip (31) of the groove (24) has a width greater than that of the top lip (30) and, complementary to the root (27) of the tongue (23), the end (34) of this bottom lip (31) extends aslant with respect to the said top wall (25).
7. Floor element to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the outer length of profiled section (14) forms, internally, for the engagement of the inner length of profiled section (15), a free volume (18) with a T-shaped profile with, laterally, two shoulders (20) suitable for supporting this inner length of profiled section (15), and the latter itself has externally, a T-shaped profile.
8. Floor element according to Claim 7, characterised in that the outer length of profiled section (14) forms at least one compartment (16) along each of its longitudinal edges, in line with each of the lateral arms (19) of its free volume (18).
9. Floor element according to Claim 8, characterised in that the outer length of profiled section (14) forms two compartments (16) in line with each of the lateral arms (19) of its free volume (18).
10. Floor element according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the inner length of profiled section (15) forms a compartment (16) along each of its longitudinal edges and, for one of these longitudinal edges, this compartment (16) extends in line with the corresponding lateral arm (36) of this inner length of profiled section (15), whilst backing externally onto the corresponding lateral wall (40) of the median part (35) thereof, whilst, for the other one of these longitudinal edges, this compartment (16) extends away from the corresponding lateral arm (36), whilst backing internally onto the corresponding lateral wall (40) of the said median part (35), and therefore encroaching on the free volume (38) of the latter.
11. Floor element according to Claim 10, characterised in that the median part (22) of the free volume (18) which the outer length of profiled section (14) forms internally has a width (L1) greater than that (L2) which the median part (35) of the inner length of profiled section (15) has externally having regard to the compartment (16) backing externally onto one of its lateral walls (40).
12. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that each of the lengths of profiled section (14, 15) has projecting ribs (42) on the external surface of their top wall (25, 41).
13. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the outer length of profiled section (14) has at least one projecting rib (43) on the internal surface of its top wall (25).
14. Floor element according to any one of Claims I to 13, characterised in that the inner length of profiled section (15) has at least one projecting rib (45) on the external surface of its bottom wall (46).
15. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterised in that, for locating at least one stop pin (48), both of the lengths of profiled section (14, 15) have, from place to place, on their lateral walls (26, 40 or 40'), drillings (49) each suitable for such a location.
16. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 15, characterised in that both the lengths of profiled section (14, 15) have a box structure.
17. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 16, characterised in that both the lengths of profiled section (14, 15) are made of aluminium or aluminum alloy.
18. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, characterised in that a supporting end piece (17) is in the shape of a hook.
19. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, characterised in that a supporting end piece (17) is a length of profiled section.
20. Floor element according to any one of Claims 1 to 19, characterised in that a retaining lug (56) is pivoted on a supporting end piece (17) and, at an attachment point (58) for this retaining lug (56) distinct from its pivot axis (57), a spring (60) is coupled, whose point of attachment (61) to the supporting end piece (17) is established so that, by passing an intermediate neutral position, it can occupy, in a stable fashion, one or other of two extreme positions, one (I) of closure, in which it is close to the end of the supporting end piece (17), the other (II) of opening, in which it is on the contrary away from it.

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