EP1885984A1

EP1885984A1 - Security device for preventing a passage from being crossed, particularly for a window or swimming pool

Info

Publication number: EP1885984A1
Application number: EP06743742A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sandrine Courbin; Joseph Mercurio
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-04-26
Filing date: 2006-04-26
Publication date: 2008-02-13
Also published as: WO2006114519A1; FR2884846A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for preventing a passage (1) from being crossed, comprising at least one longitudinal barrier element (11) placed or to be placed across the passage. This barrier element (11) is mounted in a manner that enables it to pivot or rotate in a single direction (S1) about a longitudinal axis (12) and comprises means for preventing pivoting or turning in a prohibited direction of rotation (S2). The invention is for use in producing security barriers for windows or swimming pools.

Description

SAFETY DEVICE FOR PREVENTING THE CROSSING OF A PASSAGE, ESPECIALLY FOR WINDOW OR SWIMMING POOL

The present invention relates to a method and a device for preventing the crossing of a passage, comprising at least one longitudinal barrier element arranged or arranged across the passage.

The present invention particularly relates to a method and a device for preventing children from crossing a window bay.

The fall of a child through a window is an unfortunate and dramatic accident that unfortunately happens every year. Children often try to climb the windows, then kneel on the ledges and, although the windows are usually equipped with a security barrier, they may inadvertently pass over the barrier.

The present invention is based on the observation that, paradoxically, a safety barrier arranged across a window bay also forms a means that allows a child to grab to climb on the window sill.

On the basis of this observation, an object of the present invention is to provide a barrier element which prevents a child from grabbing, especially to climb a window.

A more general object of the present invention is to provide a means preventing a person from grasping to cross an elevated object, window, wall, fence, etc.

Document US 5143354 describes an animal barrier having in its upper part a freely rotatable cylinder in both directions preventing animals from crossing the barrier.

Similarly, GB 612265 discloses a cylinder system for preventing the crossing of a wall in which the cylinder is freely rotatable in both directions.

The present invention is based on the idea of using a rotating element as a barrier means but finds that the provision of a rotating means in both directions would make the extremely dangerous means because it would promote the tilting of the child in a vacuum .

Thus, an idea of the invention is to provide a rotating means having a prohibited direction of rotation.

More particularly, the invention provides a device for preventing the crossing of a passage, comprising at least one longitudinal barrier element arranged or arranged across the passage, wherein the barrier member is pivotally or rotatably mounted in a single direction about a longitudinal axis and includes means for preventing it from pivoting or turning in a direction of rotation prohibited.

According to one embodiment, the barrier element is freely rotatable in the authorized direction. According to one embodiment, the barrier element comprises at least one one-way bearing.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises a motor for rotating the barrier element in the authorized direction.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises a system for detecting a support on the barrier element.

According to one embodiment, the motor is activated when a support is detected.

According to one embodiment, the device comprises at least one floating mounted end on an elastic system and at least one electrical contact which switches in the closed state when a support is exerted on the barrier element.

According to one embodiment, the barrier element has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and a diameter sufficient to not be able to be grasped in full hands by a child.

According to one embodiment, the rotary barrier element is arranged substantially horizontally across the passage and the direction of rotation or rotation allowed is chosen so that if a person tries to grip the barrier element to cross the passage, the barrier element turns on itself and returns the person's hands to the side where the person is.

The invention also relates to a method for preventing the crossing of a passage, comprising a step consisting in arranging substantially horizontally across the passageway at least one longitudinal element which is provided to pivot or rotate in a single direction of rotation about an axis. longitudinal axis and which comprises means for preventing it from pivoting or turning in a direction of rotation prohibited, the direction of rotation allowed being chosen so that if a person tries to grip the barrier element to cross the passage the barrier element turns on itself and returns the person's hands to the side where the person is.

According to one embodiment, the barrier element is freely rotatable in the authorized direction.

In one embodiment, the barrier member is driven by a motor that is activated upon detecting a bearing on the barrier member.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be set out in more detail in the following description of various embodiments of a device according to the invention, given in a non-limiting manner in relation to the accompanying drawings. which:

FIG. 1 represents an arrangement of the device according to the invention on a high window,

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the window and the device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, also comprising expanded views in section of two elements present in the device,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of the device according to the invention, and

FIGS. 5A, 5B are detailed sectional views of the right-hand part of the device of FIG. 4, respectively in an inactive position and in an active position,

FIG. 6 represents an arrangement of the device according to the invention on a low window,

FIG. 7 illustrates a use of the device of the invention to prevent the crossing of a wall,

FIG. 8 illustrates a use of the device of the invention to form an access barrier, in particular for swimming pool, and

- Figure 9 also illustrates a use of the device of the invention to form an access barrier.

The present invention is based on the simple but no less inventive idea to provide a security barrier rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis, which pivots on itself if a person, including a child, tries to grip it.

In relation to the above-mentioned child safety problem, a main application of the invention is to prevent a child from climbing on a window sill. Such an application is illustrated in Figure 1, where we see a device 10 according to the invention arranged on a window bay 1. The device 10 comprises a barrier element 11 arranged horizontally across the bay and fixed at both ends to wall housings 15, 16 shown here visible but can be integrated into the wall. The barrier element 11 is here cylindrical in shape (complex shapes may however be provided) and preferably has a diameter sufficient to not be grasped by a child in full hands.

FIG. 2 is a simplified sectional view of the element 11. This element is rotatably mounted around a longitudinal axis 12 and has an allowed direction of rotation S1 and a forbidden direction of rotation S2. The axis 12 shown is a mathematical axis and is not necessarily a real axis because, as will be seen later, obtaining such an axis of rotation does not generally require to provide a material axis traversing the element 11 from side to side.

The rotation of the element 11 in the direction Sl prevents a child from climbing on the window by gripping the element 11. Indeed, in this case, the element 11 rotates in the direction Sl and the hands of the child. child are returned to the interior. In other words, the element 11 "discards" when one tries to grip it.

The prediction of the direction of rotation forbidden S2 is justified for safety reasons. Indeed, assuming that a child manages to climb on the window sill without clinging to the barrier element 11 and then leans on it, the fact that the element 11 can turning in the direction of rotation S2 could be very dangerous as the child could be dragged forward. However, if the prediction of the direction of rotation prohibits S2 appears essential in the application described here, it may not be necessary or even be undesirable in other applications, some of which will be discussed later.

The rotation of the element 11 in the direction Sl can be a free rotation or a forced rotation, that is to say with intervention of a motor. The provision of a device with free rotation is advantageous in terms of cost and the provision of a device for forced rotation can be advantageous in some cases in terms of safety. For example, if the window sill is low relative to the floor and a child can easily reach the element 11 by means of a chair or assisted by another child, the child will sooner or later be brought to rely on item 11 taking the risk of going over it. A solution to this eventuality is to motorize the device so that the element 11 starts to rotate as soon as a support is exercised, so that the child will be returned to the inside. Another solution, described later, is to raise element 11 as much as possible.

We will now describe two embodiments of the device, one free rotation, the other forced rotation. It will be noted that these examples are described only by way of example and not limitation because it is within the reach of those skilled in the art to make a rotating cylinder (or any other form of the barrier element ) motorized or not.

The device 20 shown in section in FIG. 3 is of the free rotation type and comprises a barrier element 11 having as before in the form of a cylinder, a left lateral wall box 22 and a right lateral wall box 23, and two bearings. 24, 25 which respectively connect the left and right ends of the cylinder 11 to the corresponding side housings 22, 23.

The barrier element 11 is here a hollow cylinder which may be plastic or metal. It can be coated with a non-slip layer, such as a film of rubber material. Its diameter is for example of the order of 10 to 30 cm.

The bearings 24, 25 are one-way bearings, for example needle bearings of a type commonly used in the trade. Their structure is shown very schematically in section in a dashed circle. Each bearing 24, 25 comprises an outer ring 200 and an inner ring 201 separated by a groove 202 in which is arranged a row of needles 203 which allows the outer ring 200 to rotate relative to the inner ring 201 (or vice versa ). Although the complete structure of the bearings is not shown, it will be recalled that the needles of a one-way bearing are arranged in a spacer cage which comprises housing each receiving a needle. Each housing of the spacer cage has a first edge where the needle can roll freely and a second edge having an inclined wall which wedges the needle and prevents it from rotating freely. An elastic blade pushes the needle towards the first edge but when the bearing is driven in the direction of rotation prohibited, the needle fits into the second edge and jams against the inclined wall so that the bearing can not rotate.

The outer ring 200 of each bearing 23, 24 is fitted into the corresponding end of the cylinder 11 where it is held by wedging or by means of any fastener, for example a key or a fixing glue. The inner ring 201 of each bearing has a hub axis 204 which extends axially. The axis 204 has a threaded end 205 (the thread is not shown in the figure) on which is screwed and locked (if necessary by means of a lock nut) a end piece 206 of square or polygonal shape .

Each wall box 22, 23 (see detailed view in a dashed circle) comprises a housing 210 of corresponding shape (square or polygonal) which receives the end piece 203, so that the inner ring 201 of the bearing is blocked. in rotation while the outer ring 200 and the cylinder 11 secured thereto can rotate in the direction of rotation permitted by the bearings 23, 24.

Each wall housing 22, 23 comprises a housing 211 to receive the corresponding end of the cylinder 11, both for aesthetic reasons that to prevent a child pinches his fingers between the edges of the cylinder and the wall housings. Each wall box 22, 23 is in two parts, namely a lower portion 220 having holes 212 for fixing the housing on the wall, and an upper portion 221 which caps the lower part 220. Thus, after having fixed the housings wall, the ends of the cylinder 11 and the end pieces 206 are engaged in the housing 210, 211 through the top, then the housing 210, 211 are closed by screwing the upper part 221 on the lower part 220.

It goes without saying that various other types of bearings can be used, including ball bearings or cylinder. Furthermore, it is sufficient that only one of the bearings 24, 25 is one-way to prevent the cylinder 11 from rotating in the direction of rotation prohibited. Also, an alternative embodiment without a bearing can be provided, using a rotational axis comprising a plain bearing bearing and a ratchet non-return system to prevent the cylinder 11 from rotating in the direction of rotation prohibited. It is thus possible to achieve a safety device according to the invention at low cost, marketable at an attractive price to encourage parents to install the device on all windows potentially dangerous for children.

The device 30 shown in section in FIG. 4 comprises, in addition to the preceding one, an electric motor 40 and a bearing detector which activates the motor 40 when it is supported on the cylinder 11.

The motor 40 is disposed here inside the cylinder 11 and is more particularly arranged in a sleeve 50 having a cylindrical envelope which is housed inside the cylinder 11, the cylinder 11 being free to rotate around the sleeve 50. rear of the engine 40, corresponding here to the right end of the cylinder 11, the sleeve 50 has a termination 51 of square or polygonal section which extends outside the cylinder 11. At the front of the engine 40, the sleeve 50 also receives a planetary gear 41 forming with the motor 40 a geared motor of a type commercially available as a standard component. At the front of the gearbox 41 is the axis 42 of the geared motor which extends beyond the sleeve 50 and is coupled to a roller 43 for driving the cylinder 11. The cylinder 11 is made integral in rotation with the roller 43 by a pin 44 which passes through the cylinder and the roller. At the right end of the cylinder 11, there is a right lateral wall housing 60 which has a housing 61 for receiving the end 51 of the sleeve 50, of the same shape as this one. Thus, the housing 61 prevents the sleeve 50 and therefore the motor 40 from rotating around themselves. The wall box 60 is capped by a removable upper portion 62 according to the principle described above, the portion 62 being screwed on the housing 60 to close the housing 61 after the termination 51 of the sleeve 50 has been engaged in the housing 61.

At the left end of the cylinder 11 is a fastening system identical to that of the device 20 previously described, comprising the wall housing 22 already described, whose references are retained, and the bearing 24 fitted into the cylinder 11, which engages in the wall box 22 in the manner already described.

FIG. 5A shows in more detail the structure of the right side wall box 60. The power supply function of the motor and the function of detecting the supports on the cylinder 11 are realized here by a system common to both functions which comprises a spring 70, a ball 71, two electrically conductive brushes 72, 72 'and two metal blades 73, 73'.

The lower part of the housing 61 has a vertical orifice in which the spring 70 and the ball 71 are arranged. The end 51 of the sheath 50 is supported on the ball 71 which, under the effect of the spring, forms a kind of suspension which sinks when a support is exerted on the cylinder 11.

The brushes 72, 72 'are integral with the rear flange of the motor 40 and are electrically connected to the motor. They extend horizontally in the housing 61 and their ends are opposite and substantially above the distal ends of the metal blades 73, 73 ', which are also horizontal. The blades 73, 73 'are bent and each have a vertical proximal portion which is fixed on a rear wall 64 of the cavity 61, the proximal portions being isolated from each other by an electrically insulating washer 74. Conductors pass through the rear wall 64 and electrically connect the blades 73, 73 'to tongues 75, 75' which extend into a cavity 65 located behind the partition 64. During assembly of the device, the tongues 75, 75 'are connected to power supply wires electrically and receive a power supply voltage of the engine.

Figure 5B illustrates the operation of the support detection system. When a support is exerted on the cylinder 11, the mechanical play imparted to the cylinder at its other end allows it to tilt a little bit by depressing the ball 71 in its housing, as shown. The brush 72 comes into contact with the blade 73 and the brush 72 'comes into contact with the blade 73'. The motor 40 is then powered electrically, thus driving the cylinder in the direction of rotation allowed. Note that the system is very sensitive and the vertical movement of the ball is low, as well as the distance between the brushes 72, 72 'and the blades 73, 73', preferably of the order of one millimeter. Thus, if a person and especially a child relies a little bit on the cylinder 11, it starts immediately to turn. The rotation speed is preferably low, for example of the order of 10 revolutions per minute. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the device which has just been described is capable of various alternative embodiments and improvements. In particular, in FIG. 4, the left end of the cylinder 11 may be equipped with a support detection system identical to that at its right end, with the contacts connected to the motor in parallel with those which are in the right part. Such symmetrical double detection is particularly conceivable when the cylinder has a great length (for example more than one meter and up to several meters long).

As another improvement, the drive roller 43 can be replaced by a one-way bearing which rotates the cylinder 11 and the motor shaft 42, while allowing the cylinder 11 to rotate freely in the direction authorized, in case of engine failure or power failure.

Also, the support detection system can be used to trigger an audible alarm, thus providing an additional degree of security. Thus, the support detection system can also be integrated in the free rotation embodiment described in connection with Figure 3, only to trigger an alarm.

The rotary barrier element may have various shapes, including fancy shapes, for example a star-shaped, triangle-shaped section, etc.

Furthermore, instead of being free rotation in the allowed direction or in the two possible directions of rotation ("free rotation" meaning that it can rotate several times on itself) the element can be arranged to only rotate about its longitudinal axis at a limited angle of rotation, for example 180 °, and be equipped with a return spring in its original angular position. For safety reasons, the angular speed of elastic return of the pivoting element is preferably slow and the return of the element in the rest position is performed with a low restoring force.

The device according to the invention is also capable of various applications and arrangements.

FIG. 6 illustrates a variant of the arrangement shown in FIG. 1 in which the window bay 1 is low with respect to the ground and in which conventional barriers 13, 14 are arranged between the cylinder 11 according to the invention and the rim from the window. These barriers 13, 14 may also be replaced by rollers according to the invention, to form an impassable barrier formed by a plurality of pivoting rollers stacked on each other.

Figure 7 illustrates an application where a cylinder 11 according to the invention is arranged at the top of a wall 17, to prevent intruders from crossing the wall. The cylinder 11 preferably has a diameter substantially equal to the thickness of the wall 17, and can be freely rotated in both directions, as a deterrent, which makes its crossing risky with the risk of falling on the other side of the wall.

FIG. 8 illustrates an application to the production of peripheral barriers for the protection of swimming pool approaches, preferably using the free rotation embodiment which is inexpensive to produce and makes it possible to manufacture barriers of great length at a lower cost. For example, an elementary barrier unit as shown includes four free-rolling cylinders with a diameter of 20 cm, arranged one above the other with an interval of the order of 10 cm between each cylinder and leaving 10 cm between the ground and the lowest cylinder, either a barrier of a height of 120 cm almost impassable for a child (the minimum height according to the French standard being 1.10 m with regard to the barriers of protection of access to private pools). In such an application, the prediction of a single direction of rotation may be considered less crucial, and may possibly be abandoned to achieve low cost cylinder barriers. Likewise, the rotation of the rolls can be ensured by inexpensive sliding bearings to be carried out, and the entire device can comprise only weather-resistant plastic materials.

Of course, and as represented in FIG. 9, a swimming pool barrier according to the invention may also comprise a conventional barrier (for example in place of the three lower rolls) surmounted by a pivoting or rotating element 11 according to the invention which prevents his crossing.

Claims

Device (10, 20, 30) for preventing the crossing of a passage (1), comprising at least one longitudinal element (11) forming a barrier arranged or arranged across the passage, characterized in that the element (1) 11) is pivotally or rotatively mounted in one direction (Sl) about a longitudinal axis (12) and has means for preventing it from pivoting or turning in a prohibited direction of rotation (S2).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the barrier element is freely rotatable in the permitted direction (Sl).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the element (11) forming barrier comprises at least one rolling direction (24, 25).

4. Device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a motor (40, 41, 42) for rotating the barrier element in the permitted direction.

5. Device (30) according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a system (51, 70, 71, 72, 73) for detecting a support on the element (11) forming a barrier.

6. Device according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the motor (40) is activated when a support is detected.

7. Device according to one of claims 5 and 6, comprising at least one end (51) floating mounted on an elastic system (70, 71) and at least one electrical contact (72, 73) which switches in the closed state when a support is exerted on the element (11) forming a barrier.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the element (11) forming a barrier has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and a diameter sufficient to not be able to be grasped in full hands by a child.

9. Device (10, 20, 30) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the rotary element (11) forming barrier is arranged substantially horizontally across the passage (1) and the direction of pivoting or rotation (Sl) is chosen so that if a person tries to grip the barrier element to cross the passage, the barrier element turns on itself and returns the person's hands to the side where the person is located.

10. A method for preventing the crossing of a passage (1), characterized in that it comprises a step of arranging substantially horizontally across the passage at least one longitudinal element (11) which is provided pivoting or rotatable according to a single direction of rotation (Sl) about a longitudinal axis and having means for preventing it from pivoting or turning in a direction of forbidden rotation (S2), the permitted direction of rotation (Sl) being chosen so that if a person seeks to grip the barrier element to cross the passageway, the barrier member turns on itself and returns the person's hands to the side where the person is.

The method of claim 10, wherein the barrier member is freely rotatable in the permitted direction.

The method according to one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the barrier element (11) is driven by a motor (40) which is activated upon detecting a bearing on the barrier element.

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the element (11) forming a barrier has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and a diameter sufficient to not be able to be grasped by a child