EP3578231A1

EP3578231A1 - Fall arrest and people retrieving device

Info

Publication number: EP3578231A1
Application number: EP19177623.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Alberto Gandellini
Original assignee: Sial Safety Srl
Current assignee: Sial Safety Srl
Priority date: 2018-06-08
Filing date: 2019-05-31
Publication date: 2019-12-11
Anticipated expiration: 2039-05-31
Also published as: IT201800006144A1; EP3578231C0; EP3578231B1

Abstract

Fall arrest and people retrieving device (1) comprising:
- a self-supporting base structure (2) and comprising a base body (3) and a first (4) and a second arm (5) fixed to the base body (3),
- an upright (6) fixed to the base body (3) and
- a support arm (7) fixed to the upright (6),
wherein the first arm (4) is hinged to the base body (3) so that the base structure (2) can alternatively assume a first configuration in which the first arm (4) is close to the second arm (5) and a second configuration in which the first arm (4) is rotated away from the second arm (5) with respect to the first configuration.

Description

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a fall arrest and people retrieving device, in particular suitable for temporary use in confined spaces and/or with difficult access and/or suspected of pollution, such as manholes, ducts, cesspools, sewers, chimneys, biological pits, purifiers, tunnels, elevator shafts, containers, pipelines, boilers, pools, canalizations, pipes, tanks, silos and the like.

State of the Art

In general, in the aforesaid confined and/or with difficult access places, also due to their conformation itself, it is difficult if not impossible to install fixed fall arrest safety devices, such as lifelines or fastening devices. Moreover, in such places, since the interventions are very sporadic or only in emergency situations, there are typically no fixed fall arrest systems.
There are known fall arrest and people retrieving devices for temporary use in confined and/or with difficult access places of transportable type (for example trailer-mounted) and self-supporting. They comprise a base structure with a rigid frame having a plurality of bars arranged according to a C, H or rectangle configuration, able to rest on the ground and self-support the whole device. The device further comprises an upright fixed on a bar of the base structure and, fixed to the upright, a support arm on which one or more safety devices for the operator (such as winches, retrieving devices, etc.) are fixed. Some of these devices provide that the bar on which the upright is fixed can slide linearly along the other bars of the base structure in order to adjust the relative position of the upright.

Summary of the invention

The Applicant has found that the known devices have some drawbacks and/or can be improved in some aspects.
For example, the known devices are inconvenient to use, since in order to be transported from one place to another, it is necessary to disassemble the devices (for example by acting on pins, screws, bolts, etc.), in particular it is necessary to disassemble the base structure and/or decoupling the upright from the base structure and/or the support arm from the upright, and reassemble them in the place of destination, with consequent lengthening of the times and costs of use.
The C, H or rectangle configuration of the bars of the base structure is a limit on the applicability of the device since it requires sufficient space to place the base structure, which has a predetermined overall encumbrance.
Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a fall arrest and people retrieving device inside confined spaces that is simple and practical to store and/or to move, without the need to disassemble the base structure and/or to decouple the upright from the base structure and/or the support arm from the upright, and which at the same time guarantees reliability and stability during use.
Further object of the present invention is to provide a fall arrest and people retrieving device which can be positioned on the ground securely and safely in a versatile way against a variability of the dimensions of the available space and/or of the entrance of the confined space in which it will be going to operate.
According to the Applicant the problem of realizing one or more of these objects is solved by fall arrest and people retrieving device according to the attached claims and/or having one or more of the following features combined together.
According to an aspect the invention relates to a fall arrest and people retrieving device comprising:

a self-supporting base structure comprising a base body and a first and a second arm fixed to said base body,
an upright fixed to said base body and
a support arm fixed to said upright,

With the expression 'arm coupled to the base body' it is included both the case of a hinge and the case in which the arm can assume (even without a real hinge) at least two positions with respect to the base body rotated, or roto-translated, with respect to each other in order to vary the encumbrance of the base structure between the two positions.
According to the Applicant the self-supporting base structure in which the first arm is coupled to the base body allows an easy movement and/or storage of the device itself when the base structure is in the first configuration, with reduced encumbrance due to the proximity of the two arms, and it makes, in the second configuration, a solid and reliable structure for supporting the device in operation, because of the large plant surface encumbered by the two arms moved away from each other. Moreover, the coupling of the first arm to the base body on which in turn the upright is fixed allows the passage of the base structure from one to the other configuration also in the presence of the upright and with the support arm fixed on the upright (i.e. it is not necessary to disassemble the support arm and/or the upright to place the device in the first configuration). In this way it is possible to move the whole device (i.e. complete with base structure, upright and support arm) with the base structure in the first configuration, with reduced encumbrance.
The coupling of the first arm to the base body can allow to vary the plant surface encumbered by the two arms, when reciprocally moved away, in order to be able to safely place the device, even in a configuration of the base structure intermediate between the first and the second configuration, for adapting to the available space. The present invention in one or more of the aforesaid aspects can present one or more of the following preferred features.
In one embodiment said second arm is rigidly coupled to said base body to be able to assume one and only one position relative to the base body, for example forming a single body with said base body. In this way the base structure is rational and economic.
Preferably the second arm is also coupled to said base body so that in the second configuration said second arm is rotated, or roto-translated, away from the first arm with respect to the first configuration. In this way it is possible to make the base structure symmetrical and with the two arms equal, simplifying its construction.
Preferably said device develops along a first direction.
Preferably, in use, said first direction coincides with a (substantially) vertical direction. Preferably said first and second arm have a respective main development direction, more preferably perpendicular to said first direction (both in the first and in the second configuration). In this way the two arms develop substantially parallel to a horizontal supporting plane of the device.
Preferably said first arm, and more preferably said second arm, is/are hinged to said base body. In this way the passage from the first to the second configuration takes place by simple rotation of the arm(s) and it is simplified the structure of the device. Preferably said first arm, and more preferably said second arm, is/are hinged to said base body so that said base structure can assume one or more further intermediate operating configurations between said first and second configuration.
Preferably in said second configuration, and possibly in one or more of said further configurations, an angle formed by said respective main development directions of the first and second arm is greater than or equal to 60°, more preferably greater than or equal to 70°, even more preferably greater than or equal to 80°, and/or less than or equal to 120°, more preferably less than or equal to 110°, even more preferably less than or equal to 100°. In this way it is enhanced the stability of the device.
Preferably a length of each first and second arm along said main development direction is greater than or equal to 150 cm, more preferably greater than or equal to 175 cm, and/or less than or equal to 250 cm, more preferably less than or equal to 225 cm. In this way it is enhanced the stability of the device.
Preferably in said first configuration the first and second arm are adjacent and parallel to each other (in order to reduce the encumbrances).
Preferably respective hinge axes of said first and second arm are parallel to said first direction. In this way in use it is possible to rotate the two arms parallelly along the supporting surface.
Preferably said first arm, or both the arms, is/are hinged to said base body at a respective first end proximal to said base body. In this way it is maximized the excursion of the area swept by the arms.
Preferably said base structure comprises a respective hinge for the first arm, and more preferably for the second arm. Preferably said hinges are distinct and separate from each other, more preferably coplanar with respect to a plane orthogonal to said first direction. In this way it is possible to construct hinges in a sturdier way.
Preferably the base body is rigid. In this way it is enhanced the stability of the structure. Preferably the base body comprises a main body and a bottom plate and an upper plate rigidly fixed to the main body (e.g. by welding) at a mutual distance along said first direction (e.g. parallel to each other).
Preferably a respective first end of the first arm, and more preferably of the second arm, is interposed between the two plates. Preferably each hinge comprises a pin passing through the two plates and the respective first end of the respective arm. In this way the hinges are obtained in a simple and economic way, and at the same time they are sturdy.
Preferably said base body comprises a respective blocking element for the first arm, and more preferably for the second arm. In this way it is possible to rigidly lock the respective arm in a determined position with respect to the base body. Preferably each blocking element is structured to lock the respective arm in the second configuration, and optionally also in the first configuration and/or in one or more of the further configurations. In this way, for safety reasons, it is avoided that the base structure can close and/or open, for example following a shock or an unbalance, compromising the stability of the device during the operation and/or the transport.
In one embodiment said blocking element comprises a plug inserted in a hole passing through said base body (preferably through said lower and upper plates) and which engages a respective hole of the respective arm.
Preferably said base structure comprises a respective element made of polymeric material interposed, at the respective hinge, between said base body (e.g. said pin of the respective hinge) and the first arm, and more preferably between said base body and the second arm. In this way it is reduced the friction between the arms and the base body.
Preferably said base body comprises a movement element, structured to allow the movement of said device along a supporting surface. Preferably said movement element comprises one or more wheels, preferably tyred. In this way it is possible to move the device.
Preferably each of said first and second arm comprises a respective handle. In this way the catching point for the device are easily identified and it is simplified their rotation.
Preferably each respective handle is located at a second end of the respective arm distal from the base body. In this way it is easy for an operator to move the device in said first configuration by lifting its arms by means of the respective handles, since a favourable lever is provided for the operator, having an arm consisting of a distance of the handles from the base body and fulcrum in the ground contact point of the movement element.
Preferably said base body comprises one (and preferably only one) respective ground support element, preferably a foot. In this way the base structure can stably lying on the ground at the base body.
Preferably each of said first and second arm comprises one (and preferably only one) respective ground support element, preferably a respective foot. In this way the base structure can stably lying on the ground at the arms.
Preferably, said respective ground support element of the first and second arm are arranged at a second end of said first and second arm distal from said base body. In this way in the second configuration the ground support elements are advantageously arranged to define a ground support triangle of the base structure having maximum area. Typically, in fact, the ground support elements realize corresponding stable points around a work area, leaving at the same time a free internal area of the supporting triangle, wherein an operator is free to act (and wherein it is typically placed an entrance of a confined space such as a manhole or a tank).
Preferably one or more of said ground support elements is/are adjustable in height. In this way it is possible to adjust the support of the base structure according to the supporting surface.
Preferably said respective ground support element of said base body and/or said movement element is/are adjustable in height to lean in mutually exclusive way on a supporting surface.
Preferably said base body comprises two respective stroke ends for said first arm, more preferably also for said second arm, said two respective stroke ends being arranged on opposite sides of the respective arm to identify two extreme rotational positions of the first and/or of the second arm with respect to the base body. Typically, the two extreme rotational positions of the first (and preferably of the second arm) correspond respectively to the first and to the second configuration of the base structure.
Preferably said upright has a main development direction along said first direction.
Preferably said upright is fixed to said base body to be able to rotate, with respect to said base body, around a respective rotation axis, typically substantially parallel to said first direction. In this way it is possible to rotate the upright and the support arm fixed to the upright for adapting it to the working conditions.
Preferably said upright has cylindrical shape. In this way it is simplified the rotation of the upright.
Preferably said base body (more preferably said main body) comprises a mounting portion of said upright.
In one embodiment said mounting portion comprises a cavity at least partially closed at one lower end thereof and counter-shaped to a lower end portion of said upright, said lower end portion of said upright being inserted into said cavity. In this way the upright it is maintained in position by the gravity.
Preferably the base body comprises a rolling bearing having a first portion (e.g. a lower portion) integral with said mounting portion and a second portion (e.g. an upper portion) integral to the upright. In this way it is simplified the rotation of the upright.
In one embodiment, the rolling bearing rests on a bottom wall of said cavity.
Preferably said device comprises a blocking system of said upright in an angular position of a discrete series of angular positions of the upright with respect to said base body. In this way it is possible to keep the upright stably in an angular position chosen between a predetermined series of operationally correct angular positions of the upright with respect to the base body.
Preferably said base structure comprises a further element made of polymeric material interposed between said upright and said base body (e.g. said main body of the base body), more preferably interposed between said lower end portion of the upright and said mounting portion. In this way it is reduced the friction between the upright and the base body.
In one embodiment said upright is rigidly fixed to said base body to be able to assume one and only one relative position with respect to the base body, for example said upright and said base body are in single piece. In this way the device is simple and economic.
Preferably said support arm is fixed to said upright at an upper end of the upright. In this way it is fully exploited the extension of the upright.
Preferably said device comprises a fastening body rigidly fixed to said upright (even in single piece with said upright) and structured to fast said support arm to said upright. Preferably said support arm is fixed to said upright (e.g. fastened to said fastening body) to able to assume in mutually exclusive way a plurality of operative positions which differ between each other for a width of an angle of inclination of said support arm with respect to said first direction. In this way a use of the support arm is versatile, for example depending on the supporting surfaces.
Preferably said support arm has a respective main development direction substantially orthogonal to said first direction in one of said operative positions. In this way it is possible to fully exploit an extension of the support arm to move, typically vertically, a load.
Preferably said support arm is fixed to said upright to be able to assume a closing position, wherein said main development direction of the support arm is substantially parallel to said first direction, more preferably wherein said support arm is adjacent to said upright. In this way it is possible to reduce an encumbrance of the support arm when in the closing position.
Preferably said support arm is fastened to said fastening body by means of a first and of a second hinge having respective hinge axes parallel to each other, more preferably orthogonal to said first direction and to said main development direction of the support arm. In this way the support arm is rigidly constrained to the fastening body. Preferably each of said first and second hinge comprises a pin passing through the upright (e.g. the fastening body) and the support arm. In this way the hinges are made in a simple and sturdy way.
Preferably each of said pins of the first and second hinge is removable, more preferably alternatively. In this way it is possible to keep the support arm fastened to the fastening body and moreover to admit (alternatively) the rotation of the support arm about the first and/or second hinge.
Preferably said support arm comprises a first end proximal to, and fixed to, said upright, more preferably fixed to said fastening body, and a second end distal from said upright and protruding, with respect to the upright, on the same side of the base arms. In this way, it is fully exploited an extension of the support arm and the device is stable. Preferably said device comprises a first anchoring member rigidly fixed to said upright (more preferably at a median portion of said upright) and structured to anchor a first winch to said device. In this way an operator can act on the first winch in a simple and ergonomic way.
Preferably said device comprises a second anchoring member rigidly fixed to said support arm (more preferably at a first end of said support arm) and structured to anchor a second winch to said device. In this way the device is versatile.
Preferably said support arm comprises a first pulley mounted at a second end of the support arm. In this way the cable of one of the first and the second winch is guided by the first pulley.
Preferably said support arm comprises a second pulley mounted at a first end of the support arm and lying on the same resting plane of said first pulley. In this way the cable of the first winch is guided by the first and second pulley.
Preferably said support arm comprises a third pulley mounted at said second end of the support arm, placed side by side with said first pulley (more preferably with rotation axes parallel to each other, even more preferably coincident). In this way it is possible to guide the cables of both the first and second winch.
Preferably said device comprises said first winch and/or said second winch, wherein said first winch comprises a respective cable which engages said first and second pulley and wherein said second winch comprises a respective cable which engages said third pulley.
Preferably said first winch is structured to assume a first operating mode in which the cable is free to be unwound from a coil belonging to the winch for unrolling speed below a threshold, while for unrolling speed above said threshold said first winch blocks said cable. In this way the winch acts as a fall arrest device. Preferably, in the first operating mode the winch automatically rewinds the cable for cable tensions below a respective threshold.
Preferably said first winch is structured to assume a second operating mode in which the cable is unwound and wound on said coil following a rotation of a crank rigidly connected to the coil. In this way the winch acts as a device for lowering and/or retrieving people. In fact, in emergency situation in which it is necessary to save a first operator fastened to the cable, a second operator can rotate the crank, with the winch in the second operating mode, to retrieve the cable and then return the first operator to the device, or to release the cable and thus lower the first operator away (typically vertical) from the device to a safe place (for example on the ground).
Preferably said second winch is structured to assume (only) said second operating mode.
In one embodiment said first winch is structured to assume only said second operating mode and/or said second winch is structured to assume both said first and second operating modes.
Preferably said device comprises a railing fixed, more preferably superiorly and removably, to said base structure, more preferably to said arms. In this way the working area is defined and/or provided with a prevention against falling for operators (and eventually for personnel unrelated to the work) during the use of the device. Preferably said railing comprises, for each arm, a first portion integrally fixed, more preferably superiorly and removably, to the respective arm. Preferably each first portion has a respective prevailing extension parallel to said main development direction of the respective arm, and a respective secondary extension parallel to said first direction. In this way each first portion precludes a passage along a direction substantially orthogonal to the respective arm.
Preferably said railing further comprises, for each arm, a second portion structured to be moved relatively to the respective arm.
Preferably each second portion has a respective prevailing extension orthogonal to said first direction and a respective secondary extension parallel to said first direction. Preferably, when the base structure is in said second configuration, each second portion is structured to assume alternatively a first position, in which the second portion lies adjacent and parallel to the respective first portion, and a second position, in which said respective prevailing extension of the second portion defines an opening angle (substantially right) with said main development direction of the respective arm. In this way it is possible to further define a working area for the device by means of the second portion when in the second position.
Preferably, when the base structure is in said first configuration, each second portion is structured to assume (only) said first position. In this way the encumbrance of the railing is reduced and it does not exceed the overall dimensions of the device, allowing an easy movement of the device in the first configuration.
Preferably each first portion extends substantially along a whole extension of the respective arm.
Preferably said respective prevalent extension of each first portion has a length substantially equal to said respective prevalent extension of each second portion. In this way the portions can define a square working area.
Preferably each second portion, at a respective end, is hinged to the respective first portion of the railing, more preferably at a respective end of the first portion. In this way each second portion can be s rotated with respect to the respective first portion to pass from the first to the second position.
Preferably said railing comprises at least one hinge, more preferably a plurality of hinges, for each hinged second portion.
Preferably each hinge of the railing has a rotation axis parallel to said first direction. In this way each second portion can be rotated parallelly to a supporting surface of the device.
Preferably each second portion comprises, at a free end, a ground support element, more preferably adjustable in height. In this way it is possible to stabilize the free end of each second portion to the ground.

Brief description of the drawings

The features and advantages of the present invention will be further clarified by the following detailed description of some embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example of the present invention, with reference to the attached figures, in which:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a fall arrest and people retrieving device according to the present invention in the second configuration;
figure 2 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 with the railing removed; figure 3 shows a perspective view of a detail of figure 2;
figure 4 shows a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in the first configuration; figure 5 shows a partial exploded view of the device of figure 1;
figure 6 shows a perspective view of a detail of figure 1.

Detailed description of some embodiments of the invention

Exemplarily in the figures it is shown a fall arrest and people retrieving device 1 comprising:

a self-supporting base structure 2 comprising a base body 3 and a first 4 and a second arm 5 fixed to the base body 3,
an upright 6 fixed to the base body 3 and
a support arm 7 fixed to the upright 6.

The first arm 4 and the second arm 5 are hinged to the base body 3 so that the base structure 2 can alternatively assume a first configuration (shown in figure 4) in which the first arm 4 is close to the second arm 5 and a second configuration (shown in figures 1-3) in which the first arm 4 is rotated away from the second arm 5 with respect to the first configuration and vice-versa.
In one embodiment not shown, the first and/or the second arm are coupled to the base body to be able to assume two respective positions rotated or roto-translated to each other (corresponding to the first and second configuration), for example by means of bolts which engage respective holes on the base body.
Exemplarily the device 1 develops along a first direction 100, which, in use, coincides with a vertical direction.
Exemplarily the first 4 and second arm 5 have a respective main development direction 101, orthogonal to the first direction 100 both in the first and in the second configuration. Exemplarily each first 4 and second arm 5 has a length along the main development direction 101 equal to 208 cm.
Exemplarily in the second configuration an angle 300 formed by the respective main development directions 101 is equal to 90°.
Exemplarily in the first configuration the first 4 and the second arm 5 are parallel and adjacent to each other.
Exemplarily respective hinge axes 102 of the first 4 and the second arm 5 are parallel to the first direction 100.
Exemplarily the base structure 2 comprises a respective hinge 9 for each of the first arm 4 and second arm 5 at a respective first end 8 proximal to the base body 3, wherein the hinges 9 are distinct, separate to each other and coplanar with respect to a plane orthogonal to the first direction 100.
In one embodiment not shown, the first and second arm are hinged to the base body by means of a single hinge, for example they are hinged on a single pin.
Exemplarily the base body 3 is rigid and it comprises a main body 10 and a bottom plate 11 and an upper plate 12 welded to the main body 10 at a mutual distance along the first direction 100 and parallel to each other.
Exemplarily each hinge 9 comprises a pin 13 (e.g. a bolt) passing through the two plates (11, 12) and the respective first end 8 of the respective arm, which is interposed between the two plates (11, 12).
Exemplarily the base body 3 comprises a respective blocking element 14 for the first arm 4 and for the second arm 5, structured to lock the respective arm in the second configuration. Exemplarily the locking element 14 comprises a plug 15 (e.g. a bolt) inserted in a hole 16 passing through the lower plate and the upper plate and which engages a respective hole 17 passing through the first end 8 of the respective arm. Exemplarily the base structure 2 comprises a respective element 19 made of polymeric material interposed respectively between the first 4 and the second arm 5 and the pins 13 of the respective hinges 9.
Exemplarily the base body 3 comprises a movement element 20, comprising two tyred wheels 25, structured to allow the movement of the device 1 along a supporting surface.
Exemplarily each of the first 4 and second arm 5 comprises a respective handle 21, located at a second end 22 of the respective arm distal from the base body 3. Exemplarily the base body 3 comprises one and only one respective ground support element 23, exemplarily a foot 23.
Exemplarily each of said first 4 and second arm 5 comprises one only one respective ground support element 24, exemplarily a respective foot 24 arranged at the respective second end 22 of the first 4 and second arm 5.
Exemplarily the ground support elements 23, 24 are adjustable in height. Exemplarily the base body 3 comprises two respective stroke ends 26 for each of the first 4 and the second arm 5, wherein the two respective stroke ends 26 are arranged on opposite sides of the respective arm to identify two extreme rotational positions of the first and the second arm with respect to the base body 3 (corresponding respectively to the first and to the second configuration).
Exemplarily the upright 6 has a main development direction along the first direction 100.
Exemplarily the upright 6 is fixed to the base body 3 to be able to rotate, with respect to the base body 3, around a respective rotation axis 100, parallel to the first direction 100 (for this reason shown with the same reference number).
Exemplarily the upright 6 has cylindrical shape and the main body 10 comprises a mounting portion 27 of the upright 6. Exemplarily the mounting portion 27 comprises a cavity 28 at least partially closed at one lower end (e.g. provided with a bottom wall, not visible in the figures) and counter-shaped to a lower end portion 30 of the upright 6, the lower end portion 30 of the upright 6 being inserted into said cavity 28.
In one alternative embodiment (not shown) the mounting portion comprises an element which protrudes superiorly from the mounting portion parallelly to the first direction. In this case the upright comprises a cavity obtained at a lower end portion thereof and counter-shaped to the protruding element, wherein the upright is fitted, thanks to the cavity, on the protruding element of the mounting portion.
Exemplarily the base body 3 comprises a rolling bearing 31 resting on the bottom wall (not visible in the figures) of the cavity 28 and having a first lower portion integral with the mounting portion 27 and a second portion integral to the upright 6.
Exemplarily the device 1 comprises a blocking system 34 of the upright 6 in an angular position of a discrete series of angular positions of the upright 6 with respect to the base body 3. Exemplarily the blocking system 34 comprises a bracket (only partially shown) integral with the upright 6 and comprising a through hole, a series of holes (only partially shown) made in the base body 3, angularly spaced with respect to the rotation axis 100 of the upright 6, and a plug (only partially shown) inserted in the through hole of the bracket and in one of the holes in the series of holes. Exemplarily each of the holes in the series of holes corresponds to an angular position of the discrete series of angular positions of the upright 6.
Exemplarily the base structure 2 comprises a further element 39 made of polymeric material (exemplarily made of two parts) interposed between the lower end portion 30 of the upright 6 and the mounting portion 27.
Exemplarily the support arm 7 is fixed to the upright 6 at an upper end 40 of the upright 6.
In one alternative embodiment (not shown) the support arm is fixed to the upright at a lower height with respect to the upper end of the upright and at any point of the upright. Exemplarily the device 1 comprises a fastening body 41 rigidly fixed to said upright 6 and structured to fast the support arm 7 to the upright 6.
In one embodiment (not shown) the support arm is directly fixed to the upright, for example in single body.
Exemplarily the support arm 7 has a respective main development direction 103.
Exemplarily the support arm 7 is fixed to the fastening body 41 to able to assume in mutually exclusive way a plurality of operative positions which differ between each other for a width of an angle of inclination 301 of the support arm 7 with respect to the first direction 100. Exemplarily the support arm 7 is shown in the horizontal operative position only (angle of inclination 301 equal to 90°). Exemplarily a difference between the widths of two angles of inclination 301 of the support arm 7 in two consecutive operative positions is equal to about 20°.
Exemplarily the support arm 7 is fastened to the fastening body 41 by means of a first 42 and of a second hinge 43 having respective hinge axes 104 parallel to each other and orthogonal to the first direction 100 and to the main development direction 103 of the support arm 7.
Preferably each hinge 42, 43 comprises a pin (e.g. a bolt) passing through the fastening body 41 and the support arm 7. Exemplary each of the pins of the first 42 and second hinge 43 is removable so that the support arm 7 can assume a closed position (not shown), wherein the main development direction 103 is substantially parallel to the first direction 100 and wherein the support arm 7 is adjacent to the upright 6.
Exemplarily the fastening body 41 comprises a series of holes 45 (e.g. three) angularly distributed in equidistant way along a circumference arc having centre in the second hinge 43. Exemplarily the pin of the first hinge 42 passes the fastening body 41 through one of the holes of the series of holes 45, corresponding to the shown operative position of the support arm 7.
Exemplarily the three operative positions provide an insertion of both the pins of the first 42 and of the second hinge 43. The closed position (not shown) of the support arm 7 provides an insertion of the pin of the first hinge 42 and a removal of the pin of the second hinge.
Exemplarily the support arm 7 comprises a first end 46 fixed to the fastening body 41, and a second end 47 distal from the upright 6 and protruding, with respect to the upright, on the same side of the base arms.
In one embodiment (not shown) the support arm is fixed to the upright at any point of the support arm, included between the first and second ends of the support arm. Exemplarily the device 1 comprises a first anchoring member 48 rigidly fixed to the upright 6, at a median portion of the upright 6, and structured to anchor to the device 1 a first winch 49.
Exemplarily the device 1 comprises a second anchoring member 50 rigidly fixed at the first end 46 of the support arm 7 and structured to anchor to the device 1 a second winch 51.
Exemplarily the support arm 7 comprises a first pulley 52 mounted at the second end 47, a second pulley 53 mounted at the first end 46 and lying on the same resting plane of the first pulley 52 and a third pulley 54 mounted at the second end 47, placed side by side with the first pulley 52 with rotation axes parallel to each other and coincident. Exemplarily the first 52, second 53 and third pulley 54 are respectively circumferentially grooved and the device 1 comprises a respective counter-roller adjacent to each pulley.
Exemplarily a respective cable of the first winch 49 engages the first 52 and the second pulley 53 and a respective cable of the second winch 51 engages the third pulley 54. Exemplarily the device 1 comprises a railing 58 superiorly and removably fixed to the first 4 and second arm 5.
Exemplarily the railing 58 comprises, for each arm, a first portion 59 integrally fixed superiorly and removably to the respective arm.
Exemplarily each first portion 59 has a respective prevailing extension 200 parallel to the main development direction 101 of the respective arm, and a respective secondary extension 201 parallel to the first direction 100.
Exemplarily the railing 58 further comprises, for each arm, a second portion 60 structured to be moved relatively to the respective arm.
Exemplarily each second portion 60 has a respective prevailing extension 202 orthogonal to the first direction 100 and a respective secondary extension 203 parallel to the first direction 100.
Preferably the railing 58 comprises a plurality of hinges 63 for hinging each second portion 60, at a respective end 61, to a respective end 62 of the first portion 59. Exemplarily each hinge 63 has a rotation axis 105 parallel to the first direction 100.
In this way, when the base structure 2 is in the second configuration, each second portion 60 can alternatively assume a first position (not shown when the device is in the second configuration), in which the second portion 60 lies adjacent and parallel to the respective first portion 59, and a second position (shown in figure 1), in which the respective prevailing extension 202 of the second portion 60 defines an opening angle 302 (e.g. equal to 90°) with the main development direction 101 of the respective arm. Exemplarily, the opening angle 302 is adjacent to the respective arm and facing the other arm.
As shown in Figure 4, when the base structure 2 is in the first configuration, each second portion 60 can assume the first position.
Exemplarily each first 59 and second portion 60 comprises two respective uprights 64, parallel to the first direction 100, respectively placed at ends of the respective portion, and a plurality of longitudinal handrails 65, parallel to the respective prevailing extension, connecting the two respective uprights 64.
Exemplarily each second portion 60 comprises, at a free end, a ground support element 66 adjustable in height.
In one alternative embodiment, not shown, the upper plate is symmetrical to the lower plate 11 with respect to a horizontal plane of symmetry and therefore equipped with respective upper stroke ends. Moreover, both the upper plate and the lower plate can be provided with through holes vertically aligned and distributed between the two respective stroke ends. In this way the first and second arm 4 and 5 can be fixed (for example by means of a respective pin which engages the aforesaid vertically aligned holes and the respective hole 17) in one or more intermediate angular positions between the two extreme positions, so that the base structure can assume further respective intermediate operative configurations between the first and the second configuration.
In one embodiment not shown, the coupling hinges of the first and/or second arm are made by a respective sleeve integral with the arm and inserted for example on the main body to allow rotation of the arm.

Claims

Fall arrest and people retrieving device (1) comprising:
- a self-supporting base structure (2) comprising a base body (3) and a first (4) and a second arm (5) fixed to said base body (3),

- an upright (6) fixed to said base body (3) and

- a support arm (7) fixed to said upright (6),
wherein the first arm (4) is coupled to said base body (3) so that said base structure (2) can alternatively assume a first configuration in which said first arm (4) is close to said second arm (5) and a second configuration in which said first arm (4) is rotated, or roto-translated, away from said second arm (5) with respect to the first configuration.
Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said second arm (5) is also coupled to said base body (3) so that in the second configuration said second arm (5) is rotated, or roto-translated, away from the first arm (4) with respect to the first configuration.
Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first arm (4), or both said first (4) and second arm (5), is/are hinged to said base body (3) so that said base structure (2) can assume one or more further intermediate operating configurations between said first and second configuration, wherein in said second configuration, and possibly in one or more of said further configurations, an angle (300) formed by respective main development directions (101) of the first (4) and second arm (5) is greater than or equal to 60°, and/or less than or equal to 120°, wherein a length of each first (4) and second arm (5) along said main development direction (101) is greater than or equal to 150 cm, and/or less than or equal to 250 cm, and wherein in said first configuration the first (4) and the second arm (5) are adjacent and parallel to each other.
Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said first arm (4), or both said first (4) and second arm (5), is/are hinged to said base body (3) at a respective first end (8) proximal to said base body (3), wherein respective hinge axes (102) of said first arm (4), or of both said first (4) and second arm (5), are parallel to a first direction (100) of development of the device (1), wherein said base structure (2) comprises a respective hinge (9) for the first arm (4), or for said first (4) and second arm (5), wherein said hinges (9) are distinct and separate from each other and preferably coplanar with respect to a plane orthogonal to said first direction (100).
Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said base body (3) is rigid, wherein the base body (3) comprises a main body (10) and a bottom plate (11) and an upper plate (12) rigidly fixed to the main body (10) at a mutual distance along a first direction (100) of development of the device (1), wherein a respective first end (8) of the first arm (4), or of said first (4) and second arm (5), is interposed between the two plates, wherein each hinge (9) comprises a pin (13) passing through the two plates (11, 12) and the respective first end (8) of the respective arm (4, 5), wherein said base body (3) comprises a respective blocking element (14) for the first arm (4), or for said first (4) and second arm (5), and wherein each blocking element (14) is structured to lock the respective arm in the second configuration.
Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said base body (3) comprises a movement element (20), structured to allow the movement of said device (1) along a supporting surface, wherein said movement element (20) comprises one or more wheels (25), wherein each of said first (4) and second arm (5) comprises a respective handle (21) located at a second end (22) of the respective arm distal from the base body (3), wherein said base body (3) comprises one and only one respective ground support element (23), wherein each of said first (4) and second arm (5) comprises one and only one respective ground support element (24) arranged at said second end (22) of said first (4) and second arm (5) distal from said base body (3), wherein one or more of said ground support elements (23, 24) is/are adjustable in height.
Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said base body (3) comprises two respective stroke ends (26) for said first arm (4), preferably also for said second arm (5), said two respective stroke ends (26) being arranged on opposite sides of the respective arm to identify two extreme rotational positions of the first (4) and/or of the second arm (5) with respect to the base body (3) and wherein the two extreme rotational positions of the first (4) and preferably of the second arm (5) correspond respectively to the first and second configuration of the base structure (2).
Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said upright (6) is fixed to said base body (3) to be able to rotate, with respect to said base body (3), around a respective rotation axis, substantially parallel to said first direction (100), wherein said base body (3) comprises a mounting portion (27) of said upright (6), wherein said mounting portion (27) comprises a cavity (28) at least partially closed at one lower end thereof and counter-shaped to a lower end portion (30) of said upright (6), said lower end portion (30) of said upright (6) being inserted into said cavity (28) and wherein said upright has cylindrical shape.
Device (1) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said device (1) comprises a railing (58) fixed, preferably superiorly and removably, to said base structure (2), preferably to said first and second arm (4, 5).
Device (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said railing (58) comprises, for each arm, a first portion (59) integrally fixed, preferably superiorly and removably, to the respective arm, wherein said railing (58) further comprises, for each arm (4, 5), a second portion (60) structured to be moved relative to the respective arm, wherein each second portion (60), at a respective end (61), is hinged to the respective first portion (59) of the railing (58), wherein, when the base structure (2) is in said second configuration, each second portion (60) is structured to alternately assume a first position, in which the second portion (60) lies adjacent and parallel to the respective first portion (59), and a second position, in which a respective prevailing extension (202) of the second portion (60) defines, with a main development direction (101) of the respective arm, a substantially right opening angle (302), wherein, when the base structure (2) is in said first configuration, each second portion (60) is structured to assume said first position.