EP3656927A1 - Device for use in a floor - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100; 500) for use in a floor, comprising a shock-absorbing base body (102) and a recess (103), the base body (102) surrounding the recess (103), the base body (102) has a larger circumference on an upper side than on an underside.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for use in a floor according to the preamble of claim 1.

The standards DIN EN 1176-1 to 7 define safety-related requirements for play equipment and their safety-related testing, inspection and maintenance. DIN EN 1177 specifies values for the shock-absorbing properties of the floor under the play equipment and describes the test method for this.

Since 01.07.2018, the foundations of play equipment have to be checked annually. To do this, the foundations must be exposed. Since the foundations are usually covered by a shock-absorbing floor, this means a considerable effort. The floor must be partially removed and later restored. The gaming device can then not be used for a relatively long period of time.

So the ground has to be broken up and restored every year. These measures can often not be carried out aesthetically adequately. There is usually a visible transition between the existing area and the restored floor. In addition, waste is generated with every measure, since the removed part of the soil cannot simply be put back into the soil. Another problem can be changed shock-absorbing properties of the restored floor. Often these cannot be achieved in the same quality again. In any case, proof of the shock-absorbing properties for the restored part would have to be provided.

In contrast, the present invention has for its object to provide a device that facilitates a review of the foundation of play equipment. In addition, a system with such a device and a base made of a shock-absorbing material and a method for producing such a system are to be created.

This object is achieved by a device according to claim 1, a system according to claim 8 and a method according to claim 12. Embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

The device comprises a shock-absorbing base body and a recess. The basic body frames the recess. This border can in particular only be present on the side, so that when the device is inserted in the bottom, an object can protrude through the recess from bottom to top. In the context of this description, the term “shock-absorbing” is understood in particular to mean that the component referred to in this way cushions the body of a child in the event of a fall from a play device and thus reduces the risk of injuries. In particular, the base body can consistently meet the fall protection properties of the surrounding fall protection covering required by DIN EN 1176 and have the values for the shock-absorbing properties defined in DIN EN 1177.

The base body has a larger circumference on an upper side than on an underside. The top is understood to mean the side which is directed upwards when the device is inserted in the floor. In this orientation of the device, the underside is then directed downwards. In particular, it is possible that the circumference of the base body continuously changes from that Bottom enlarged to top. The different circumferential sizes simplify the insertion of the device into the recess. Within the scope of this description, the scope is understood to mean the external limitation of a component or a body.

When inserted into the ground, a post of a gaming device can protrude through the recess of the device. If the foundation of the post is to be checked, the device can be removed from the ground. This can be done, for example, with a tool or without tools. After the foundation has been checked, the device can easily be put back into the ground.

The aesthetics of the floor is less affected. Checking the foundation is considerably simplified. In addition, there is no recurring inspection of the fall protection properties of the area above the foundation.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can be folded apart at a folding point. In the unfolded state, the recess can be partially surrounded by the base body and in the folded state completely. This embodiment further simplifies the inspection of the foundation. The device can be removed from the floor and then unfolded. Then it can be removed from the post and put down so that the foundation can be checked. After the check has been carried out, it can be placed around the post again, folded up and inserted into the ground.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can have an incision which is arranged opposite the folding point is. It is in particular possible that the recess of the device is arranged between the folding point and the incision. The incision makes it possible to fold the base body further apart, so that the device can also be removed from relatively thick posts.

It is possible that the base body is conical. This simplifies insertion of the device into the ground and removal of the device from the ground.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the recess at the top can have a smaller circumference than at the bottom. In particular, it is possible for the circumference to decrease continuously from the bottom to the top. It is also possible for the recess to have a constant circumference.

The upwardly decreasing recess can be advantageous for using the device with a post that is not arranged perpendicular to the floor. In addition, other components that serve, for example, to stabilize the post, can be covered with the recess that shrinks upward. For example, this can be gusset plates that are welded between a floor mounting plate and the post. The device can then cover these components and protect a user from direct contact with them. The recess with the constant circumference can be advantageous in the case of a post which is arranged perpendicular to the floor.

The base body can, for example, have a fastening recess which extends through the entire base body from the top to the bottom. These Fastening recess can be used to fasten the device. For example, a bolt can be passed through the fastening recess and fastened in a hole underneath. It is also possible for the base body to have a plurality of fastening recesses.

In addition, the device can comprise a stopper which can be inserted into the fastening recess and can thus clog the fastening recess.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the recess and / or the base body can be rotationally symmetrical. This simplifies in particular the insertion of the device into the ground, since self-centering can take place. In the context of this description, a rotationally symmetrical base body is understood in particular to mean that the outer circumference and the border of the recess are rotationally symmetrical. If, for example, the base body has fastening recesses or other irregularities in the area between the outer circumference and the border of the recess, these can be excluded from the rotational symmetry.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can be constructed in several parts. A lower part of the base body can encompass the underside and an upper part of the base body can encompass the top side. A shoulder can be arranged between the upper part and the lower part. The paragraph can also be called an edge. This can mean that at this transition between the upper part and the lower part, for example, the circumference of the base body does not change continuously. The heel can improve the stability of the device when inserted in the ground. The parts of the base body can in particular cohesive, be firmly connected to each other. This can mean that the parts cannot be detached from one another without damaging or destroying the base body.

It is also possible for the base body to have a marking. This can be a flattening, for example. This marking can be used for a reproducible positioning of the device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can have an annular edge and an annular inner region. The edge can surround the inner area and form an outer end of the base body. The edge can protrude upwards from the inside. This is advantageous if the device is inserted into a floor recess. The shock-absorbing material of the floor can thus be arranged on the inside, so that a large part of the base body - possibly with the exception of the edge - and the floor can have the same material in the same color. This is visually particularly appealing. In this connection, the edge, which may be colored in contrast to the floor and the shock-absorbing material arranged on the inside, can provide an indication that an embodiment of the invention is present, so that someone who wants to carry out a visual inspection of the hidden foundation can immediately see that he is only need to lift the device.

The system according to claim 8 comprises a device according to an embodiment of the invention and a bottom made of a shock absorbing material. In particular, the floor can consistently meet the fall protection properties of the surrounding fall protection covering required by DIN EN 1176 and those in DIN EN 1177 have specified values for the shock-absorbing properties. The floor has a floor recess. A post is arranged in the floor recess. The device can be inserted into the bottom recess and can be removed from the bottom recess, in particular non-destructively and without damaging the device, the bottom and the post. In the inserted state of the device, the post protrudes through the recess of the device.

It is possible that the device is arranged captively on the post. This can mean in particular that the device cannot be removed from the post without tools. This has the advantage that the device cannot be removed by unauthorized persons. It is also possible that the device can only be removed from the post if it is damaged or destroyed. This possibility further increases the protection against unauthorized removal of the device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can be positively connected to the floor. This will reduce the risk of injury.

It is possible that the post is not perpendicular to the floor. This means in particular that the post is arranged at an angle smaller or greater than 90 ° relative to the floor.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the shock-absorbing material from which the floor is made can be arranged on the inner region. In particular, the color of the shock-absorbing material arranged on the inner region can be identical to the color of the floor. This has the advantage of an optical one appealing appearance. The edge that surrounds the inner region can, when the device is inserted in the bottom recess, be the only element visible from above the device that has a color that differs from the color of the bottom. This edge can then be an indication of the particularly easy removability of the device.

The edge can be arranged directly next to the floor. The shock-absorbing material on the interior can be arranged directly adjacent to the edge. In the context of this description, the term “stepless” is understood in particular to mean that there is no step that can be determined without measuring devices between the respective elements.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the base body can at least partially consist of the same material as the floor. The base body can consist, for example, on the top or entirely of the same material as the base.

Claim 12 relates to a method for producing a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the device can first be manufactured and at least partially covered with a film. The device can, for example, be arranged around a post of a gaming device. The floor can then be produced around the device, the device being separated from the floor by the film during the production of the floor. With this procedure, it is particularly advantageous that the recess in the base is particularly well adapted to the shape of the device. Any transitions between the floor and the device are particularly small and attract little or no attention.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the bottom can first be produced with the bottom recess. The floor recess can be milled into the floor, for example. The device is manufactured separately from the floor. For example, a template can be used to produce the bottom recess, so that the recess has a shape into which the device can be inserted. The device is then inserted into the bottom recess.

It is also possible that the floor is first produced with the floor recess. The floor recess can be kept free from the material of the floor, for example, during the production of the floor by a displacer. The base recess can then be covered with a film and the device can be produced in the base recess. The film serves to ensure that the device does not bond to the floor in a materially bonded manner, which would make removal difficult or impossible. The film can be removed when the bottom and device are set.

The advantage of producing the device in the bottom recess is that the device automatically fits into the bottom recess without a particularly great outlay being necessary.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the shock-absorbing material can only be arranged on the inner region of the device after the device has been inserted into the bottom recess. This has the advantage that the shock-absorbing material arranged on the inner region can be selected such that it is very similar or even identical to the shock-absorbing material of the floor. This applies in particular to the color.

It is also possible for the base body to be cut out of the already produced floor, so that the floor recess is created. This enables a system to be retrofitted to an existing floor.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Seitenansicht einer Vorrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Seitenansicht der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 1 mit einem neigbaren Pfosten;

Fig. 4

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Vorrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Vorrichtung nach einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung mit einem Innenbereich und einem Rand; und

Fig. 6

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht der Vorrichtung aus Fig. 5.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals are used for the same and similar components and for components with the same or similar functions. In it show:

Fig. 1

is a schematic side view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2

is a schematic plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3

a schematic side view of the device Fig. 1 with a tiltable post;

Fig. 4

is a schematic perspective view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5

is a schematic plan view of a device according to an embodiment of the invention with an inner region and an edge; and

Fig. 6

a schematic perspective view of the device Fig. 5 .

The device 100 is arranged on a post 101 and comprises a base body 102 which surrounds a recess 103. The post 101 protrudes through the recess 103. The post 101 can, for example, be part of a gaming device in a playground. The base body 102 is designed to be shock-absorbing.

The recess 103 has a larger circumference in the lower region than in the upper region. This allows - as in Figure 3 shown - an inclinability of the post 101. It is of course also possible to guide a post 101 arranged at right angles to the floor and not inclinable through the recess. In addition, a non-inclinable post 101, which is not arranged at right angles to the floor, can also protrude through the recess.

The base body 102 comprises an upper part 104 and a lower part 105. The circumference of the lower part 105 increases from bottom to top. In addition, the lower part 105 is conically shaped. In the transition to the upper part 104, the base body 102 has a shoulder 106. This improves the hold of the device 100 on the ground.

The base body 102 has fastening recesses 200. This can be used, for example, to insert a bolt or a screw into a fastening recess in the floor and thus fasten the device 100 to the floor. The fastening recesses 200 can then be filled with plugs, so that the risk of injuries is reduced.

The device 100 can be inserted into a floor recess in a floor. If the foundation of the post is to be checked, the device 100 can easily be raised. Then it can be reinserted into the floor recess.

The in the Figures 5 and 6 The device 500 shown comprises a central recess 103, an annular rim 501 and an annular inner region 502. The inner region 502 surrounds the Recess 103. The edge 501 surrounds the inner region 502. The edge 501 protrudes upward from the inner region 502. This results in a step between the inner region 502 and the edge 501.

The device 500 can be inserted into a floor recess. The shock-absorbing material of the base can then be arranged on the inner region 502 until it adjoins the edge 501 in a stepless manner. The advantage is that the shock-absorbing material arranged on the inner region 502 can be adapted as well as possible to the shock-absorbing material of the floor. It is particularly advantageous to use the same material for both the floor and the interior 502.

When the device 500 is inserted in the bottom recess, an optically appealing image is obtained since there is little or no color difference between the device 500 except for the edge 501 and the bottom. The color contrast of the edge 501 from its surroundings is also advantageous, since it is thus quickly apparent to a user that the device 500 is installed and that he only has to lift the device 500 to inspect a foundation arranged underneath.

Claims (15)

Device (100; 500) for use in a floor, comprising a shock-absorbing base body (102) and a recess (103), the base body (102) surrounding the recess (103), characterized in that the base body (102) is attached to a Top has a larger circumference than on a bottom. Apparatus (100; 500) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base body (102) can be folded apart at a folding point, so that the recess (103) is partially surrounded by the base body (102) in the expanded state and completely in the folded state. Device (100; 500) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base body (102) has an incision, the incision being arranged opposite the folding point. Device (100; 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (103) has a smaller circumference at the top than at the bottom or that the recess (103) has a constant circumference. Device (100; 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (103) and / or the base body (102) are / are rotationally symmetrical. Device (100; 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (102) is formed in several parts and has an upper part (104) and a lower part (105), with a shoulder (106) between an upper end of the lower part (105) and a lower end of the upper part (104). Device (100; 500) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (102) has an annular edge (501) and an annular inner region (502), the edge (501) surrounding the inner region (502), wherein the edge (501) forms an outer end of the base body (102), and the edge (501) protrudes upwards from the inner region (502). System comprising a device (100; 500) according to one of the preceding claims and a base made of a shock-absorbing material, the base having a base recess, wherein a post (101) is arranged in the base recess, the device (100; 500) Can be inserted into the bottom recess and removed from the bottom recess, and the post (101) projects through the recess (103) of the device (100; 500) when the device (100; 500) is in the inserted state. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base body (102) is positively connected to the floor. System according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the shock-absorbing material is arranged on the inner region (502), the edge (501) being arranged continuously directly adjacent to the floor, and the shock-absorbing material arranged on the inner region (502) continuously adjoining the edge (501). System according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (102) consists at least partially of the same material as the floor. A method of manufacturing a system according to any one of the preceding four claims. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that first the device (100; 500) is produced and at least partially covered with a film, the floor being subsequently produced around the device (100; 500), during the production of the floor the device (100; 500) is separated from the floor by the film. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that first the bottom with the bottom recess and the device (100; 500) are manufactured separately from one another, the device (100; 500) then being inserted into the bottom recess. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the shock-absorbing material is only arranged on the inner region (502) of the device (100; 500) after the device (100; 500) has been inserted into the bottom recess.

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