EP3702575B1 - Load bearing shelf - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the field of tool-holder devices or tool-holder shelves, and more particularly to the field of tool-holder shelves capable of being attached to steps or stepladders.

By step or stepladder, reference is made to height access devices comprising a climb plane and a crutch plane, the climb plane allowing height access to the user, and comprising two side members connected to each other. by several bars.

Throughout the remainder of the description, tool-holder devices or tool-holder shelves are designated by the term shelf.

The use of a tablet is well known to users of steps or stepladders. A shelf generally defines a substantially planar surface capable of supporting a predefined load.

Such shelves thus allow the storage of tools in the vicinity of the user while carrying out work at height. In this way, the user can put down and take back the tools necessary to carry out the tasks, without having to get off the stepladder or the step. The use of shelves makes it possible to avoid the user having to descend to deposit the tools that he no longer uses, or else allows the tools to be deposited in a secure manner.

Tablets can be classified into several categories, depending on how they are attached.

There are thus shelves in the form of a plate comprising protuberances which engage within profiled hollow spars. Such tablets are for example disclosed in document EP3205811 A1 (Hailo ), or the document CH517891 (Loh ).

In the document GB 2371078 (SGB), the shelf is mounted directly to rest on the arched upper part of a stepladder.

However, such tablets have a very limited strength, which has the consequence of imposing a tray having a size reduced, and does not allow the support of heavy tools such as a hammer drill for example.

In order to make it possible to increase the load supported by the plate, it is known to provide the shelf with an additional support means, making it possible to increase the admissible load. In order to ensure such a function, the additional support means employed are often in the form of a rod articulated to the plate, the rod coming to hook on one of the side members, as for example disclosed in the documents. US 2007181368 (Simpson ), US 5913380 (Gugel ), US 4460063 (Casda ), US 5722507 (Kain ), or on a step as described in the documents US 2007181761 (Astor ), US 4815684 (Kellstadt ), US 5052581 (Craft ).

The document DE 20 2009 004 879 U1 discloses an assembly according to the preamble of independent claim 1.

However, such tablets cannot remain permanently on the climb plan, and must be put in place by the user himself.

Although such an implementation is not complex, the use of tools is necessary. Furthermore, a faulty assembly can have dramatic consequences. Indeed, if the articulated rod is incorrectly positioned, there is a risk of the tools tipping or the tablet falling.

Because of its important role in the stability of the tool holder device, the articulated rod must be designed to resist external attacks such as corrosion or shocks, which requires the use of treated metallic materials, which are generally relatively expensive. .

Furthermore, the rod may accidentally be twisted, for example during the transport of the step or the stepladder, rendering the tool holder device unusable.

The invention proposes to respond to the aforementioned drawbacks.

A first object of the invention is to provide an assembly comprising a shelf and a climb plane, the shelf being resistant to an increased load compared to the devices of the art. prior.

A second object of the invention is to provide such an assembly, the tablet being inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

A third object of the invention is to provide such an assembly comprising such a tablet, the tablet being resistant to handling as well as to attacks linked to the external environment.

A fourth object of the invention is to provide a step or a stepladder equipped with such an assembly.

For this purpose, it is proposed, first of all, an assembly comprising a plan of rise of a step or a stepladder comprising two longitudinal members connected by a plurality of parallel bars including an end bar, each of the longitudinal members comprising through hollows. above the end bar, the assembly comprising a shelf intended to support a predetermined load, the shelf comprising a fixing part provided with two members able to fit into the hollows of the side members, so as to allow the mounting of the shelf on the side members, the shelf comprising a protuberance configured to come into contact with the end bar when the shelf is mounted on the climb plane, so as to form a support.

Such a tablet offers in particular the advantage of being able to increase the admissible load, without hindering the user's freedom of movement.

• l'excroissance s'étend au centre de la distance séparant les deux membres;
• l'excroissance comprend une portion de contact, définissant une forme transversale complémentaire à la section transversale du barreau extrême ;
• la portion de contact présente une forme de demi-lune, présentant un rayon identique au rayon de la portion de contact du barreau extrême ;

• l'excroissance comprend une encoche, agencée sur la portion de contact ;
• l'excroissance est formée d'une pluralité de languettes, disposées parallèlement entre elles, chacune des languettes comprenant une face latérale, l'excroissance étant en outre munie d'une première face et/ou d'une deuxième face reliant les faces latérales entre elles ;
• l'excroissance est munie de raidisseurs s'étendant sensiblement dans un plan vertical ;
• la tablette comprend une partie d'utilisation pourvue de logements débouchants et/ou borgnes.

Various additional features can be provided, alone or in combination:

• the protuberance extends to the center of the distance separating the two limbs;
• the protuberance comprises a contact portion, defining a transverse shape complementary to the transverse section of the end bar;
• the contact portion has the shape of a half-moon, having a radius identical to the radius of the contact portion of the end bar;

• the protuberance comprises a notch, arranged on the contact portion;
• the protuberance is formed of a plurality of tongues, arranged parallel to each other, each of the tongues comprising a lateral face, the protuberance being furthermore provided with a first face and / or a second face connecting the lateral faces between them;
• the protuberance is provided with stiffeners extending substantially in a vertical plane;
• the shelf includes a use part provided with open and / or blind housings.

Secondly, a step or stepladder is proposed comprising an assembly as presented above.

• la figure 1 représente une vue schématique en perspective d'un marchepied muni d'une tablette,
• la figure 2 représente une vue schématique en perspective d'une tablette et d'une partie d'un plan de montée, la tablette étant représentée emboitée sur le plan de montée,
• la figure 3 représente une vue schématique en perspective d'une tablette et d'une partie d'un plan de montée, la tablette étant représentée en cours de montage sur le plan de montée,
• la figure 4 représente une vue schématique de dessus de la tablette, la tablette étant représentée emboitée sur le plan de montée,
• la figure 5 représente une vue en coupe selon le plan de coupe V-V de la figure 4 de la tablette emboitée sur le plan de montée,
• la figure 6 représente une vue schématique arrière de la tablette, avec en médaillon un détail sur l'excroissance,
• la figure 7 représente une vue schématique en perspective de la tablette, avec un médaillon montrant un détail sur une excroissance.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly and in a concrete manner on reading the following description of embodiments, which is given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• the figure 1 represents a schematic perspective view of a step fitted with a shelf,
• the figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a shelf and part of a climb plane, the tablet being shown nested on the climb plane,
• the figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a tablet and part of a climb plan, the tablet being shown during assembly on the climb plan,
• the figure 4 shows a schematic top view of the shelf, the shelf being shown nested on the ascent plane,
• the figure 5 shows a sectional view along the section plane VV of the figure 4 of the shelf nested on the climb plan,
• the figure 6 represents a schematic rear view of the tablet, with an inset detail on the protuberance,
• the figure 7 represents a schematic perspective view of the tablet, with a medallion showing a detail on a protuberance.

We refer to the figure 1 showing a stepladder or step 1 comprising a climb plane 2 and a crutch plane 3. The climb plane 2 is provided with a shelf 4. The climb plane 2 and the shelf 4 both belong to a set 5. Although the description of the set 5 is made with reference to a stepladder or a step stool comprising a crutch plane 3 , it is understood that the shelf 4 can be mounted at the upper end of a ladder, simple or sliding.

The climb plan 2 allows the user to access at height. The tablet 4 allows the user to deposit tools.

The climb plane 2 comprises a plurality of bars 7 mounted between two parallel longitudinal members 8 , including an end bar 6 in the upper part of the climb plane 2 , when the stepladder or the step 1 is in the deployed position of use. The stepladder 1 can be made of aluminum alloy, steel or a composite material.

In some implementations, not shown, the ascent plane 2 is in two parts, sliding with respect to one another, the user stopping the sliding at a predetermined position, so as to obtain the access height desired.

As can be seen in particular on the figure 3 , the side members 8 are profiled, and each have inner edges 9 forming hollows 10, opening out, at least on an upper part 11 of the side members 8, at the level of the free ends 12. Such hollows 10 thus form a hole serving as an anchoring by interlocking for the shelf 4, so as to allow assembly or disassembly without tools on the ascent plane 2.

The side members 8 advantageously define a rectangular section, and are for example made of an aluminum alloy or a composite material, in particular obtained from profiling by extrusion or pultrusion.

In other embodiments, not shown, the cross section of the side members 8 is circular or elliptical.

According to the embodiment shown, the bars 6, 7 are inserted within perforations 13, arranged on the side members 8. The bars 6, 7 are advantageously mounted within the side members 8 by riveting, crimping, snap fastening or tulipage.

In general, the climb plane 2 comprises climbing bars 7 , or rungs adapted to support the weight of a person, and an end bar 6 arranged in the upper part of the climbing plane 2.

In the embodiment shown, the end bar 6 makes it possible in particular to stiffen the general structure of the climb plane 2.

In the embodiment shown, the bars 6, 7 are cylindrical, advantageously of circular section.

In other embodiments, not shown, the bars 6, 7 are cylindrical with a rectangular section, U-shaped or L-shaped.

In other embodiments, not shown, the climbing bars 7 have a U-shaped or L-shaped section, so as to constitute rungs facilitating the installation of the user's foot when he climbs onto the step 1. In some implementations, the bars have slatted bearing surfaces.

In some embodiments, the climb plane 2 further comprises an access platform 14 , of a size greater than the bars 6, 7, arranged between the climb plane 2 , and the crutch plane 3. Such a platform 14 makes it possible to place tools, or a barrel, for example a 15-liter paint barrel.

As shown on figures 1 to 4 , the step 1 comprises an end part 15 provided with an end bar 6 . The extreme bar 6 is however not disposed directly between the two free ends 12 of the side members 8, but a distance, a sufficient clearance is left to allow the interlocking of a shelf 4. In other words, in the upper part 11 of the climb plane 2 , the free end 12 of each spar 8 extends beyond, above, the end bar 6 .

• un axe X, définissant une direction longitudinale, horizontale, confondue avec la direction d'extension du barreau 6 extrême,
• un axe Y, définissant une direction transversale, horizontale, qui avec l'axe X définit un plan XY horizontal,
• un axe Z, définissant une direction verticale, perpendiculaire au plan XY horizontal.

One defines with respect to the step 1, an orthogonal frame of reference XYZ forming a direct trihedron, comprising three perpendicular axes two by two, namely:

• an axis X, defining a longitudinal, horizontal direction, coincident with the direction of extension of the extreme bar 6,
• a Y axis, defining a transverse, horizontal direction, which together with the X axis defines a horizontal XY plane,
• a Z axis, defining a vertical direction, perpendicular to the horizontal XY plane.

The crutch plane 3 also comprises two side members 8 which are advantageously parallel, separated by end bars 6 . The side members 8 of the crutch plane 3 have, for example, a dimension smaller than the side members 8 of the climb plane, so as to allow the insertion of the shelf 4.

As observed on the figure 1 , in the embodiment shown, the crutch plane 3 is devoid of lifting bars 7 .

The climb plane 2 and the crutch plane 3 are both intersecting via their respective longitudinal members 8. The junction between the climb plane 2 and the crutch plane 3 takes place in the vicinity of the end parts of the side members 8 of the crutch plane 3 , so as to let the climb plane 2 protrude.

Advantageously, a pivot link 16 is arranged between the ascent plane 2 and the crutch plane 3 , making it possible to fold or unfold the step or the stepladder. Thus, it is possible to change the step or stepladder between an unfolded configuration (shown on the figure 1 ), and folded configuration (not shown). In the unfolded position, the step or stepladder is able to be placed in the position of use, that is to say that the ends of the side members rest on the ground (not shown). The step or stepladder is advantageously provided with non-slip means, for example pads.

The tablet 4 will now be described more particularly, with reference to figures 2 to 7 .

The shelf 4 comprises a fixing part 17 , allowing the interlocking of the shelf 4 on the ascent plane 2 , and a use part 18 , making it possible to receive the objects to be supported.

The part 18 of use comprises a face 19 of use, intended to receive objects, such as tools, or else elements intended to be put in place on the site.

In the embodiment shown, the use portion 18 has edges 20 together conferring a substantially rectangular geometry to the tablet 4, when projected in a horizontal plane.

In the embodiment shown, the use part 18 comprises a flat surface 21 , as well as several housings 22, 23, 24, 25, 26.

In other embodiments, not shown, the use part 18 is devoid of housings 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, or only has a single housing.

Advantageously, a first housing 22, opening, is for example rectangular, which allows for example the insertion of a removable pocket (not shown).

Advantageously, a second housing 23 is blind, and has a sufficiently large dimension to receive a drill.

Advantageously, a third housing 24 is arranged on the side of the shelf 4, allowing the attachment of an object provided with a lateral attachment device, for example a pot (not shown).

Advantageously, a fourth housing 25 is arranged opening and is for example rectangular, which allows for example the insertion a removable pocket (not shown).

Advantageously, a fifth housing 26 is disposed substantially in the center of the part 18 of use, and is made blind, that is to say has a bottom 27. In this way, the fifth housing 26 serves as a receptacle for a large number of objects or tools, such as a hammer, screwdriver, or hardware. Furthermore, providing a fifth housing 26 blind, rather than opening at such a location on the face 19 of use is favorable as regards the rigidity of the shelf 4, in particular if the shelf 4 is loaded.

So as to allow the interlocking of the shelf 4 on the ascent plane 2 , the fixing part 17 extends below a fixing face 28 , opposite to the face 19 of use of the part. 18 of use, so as not to encroach on the surface 19 of use of the tablet 4. Also, the available space of the face 19 of use is not restricted due to the presence of a means of fixing of the shelf 4 on the ascent plane 2.

So as to allow the shelf 4 to be fitted onto the free ends 12 of the ascent plane 2 , the fixing part 17 comprises two members 29 which project from the face 19 of use. Such an assembly by interlocking is achievable without tools.

The members 29 are advantageously symmetrical to one another with respect to a vertical plane passing through the middle of the part 18 of use, to adapt to the symmetry of the side members 8. In order to obtain a horizontal surface by With respect to the ground, the orientation between the face 19 of use and the members 29 is substantially identical to the orientation between the ground and the side members 8, when the step 1 is unfolded and in the position of use.

The members 29 have a section, along an XY plane, complementary to the section of the hollows 10. In this way, the members 29 can be fitted within the hollows 10, making it possible to make the interlocking of the shelf 4 on the plane 2 climb. Such interlocking is favorable when using the tablet 4 due to the lack of accessibility of the limbs 29. The user is therefore not hampered in his freedom of movement.

Furthermore, such an assembly by interlocking the members 29 in the recesses 10 makes it possible to adapt the force to be taken up by acting on the length of the members during manufacture.

In the embodiment shown, the members 29 comprise a fitting portion 30 , and a stop portion 31 , advantageously arranged successively starting from the fixing face 28.

The fitting portion 30 has a section complementary to the section of the end 12 of a spar 8, sufficient play is left so as to be able to insert the fitting portion 30 within the recess 10.

Advantageously, the stop portion 31 has an outer contour 32 of a dimension at least greater than the inner edges 9. In this way, a shoulder 33 is formed making it possible to act as a stop when inserting the member 29 into the hollow 10, part of the forces exerted by the weight of the tablet 4 towards the ground being transmitted by shoulder 33.

The tablet 4 comprises a protuberance 34 which extends from the fixing face 28. The protuberance 34 is oriented in the same direction as the members 29. The protuberance 34 has a dimension allowing it to come into contact with the extreme bar 6 , when the shelf 4 is nested on the ascent plane 2.

Such a protuberance 34 thus has a support function, bearing on the end bar 6 . In this way, it is possible to increase the load that can be supported by the shelf 4, since the protuberance 34 offers an additional anchoring point to the shelf 4. The risk of deformation of the part 18 of use by bending around a longitudinal axis is thus minimized.

Advantageously, the protuberance 34 is arranged between the members 29, for example in the middle of the distance along the longitudinal axis separating the members 29. Such an arrangement minimizes the risk of deformation of the shelf 4, and allows the part 18 of use to support an increased load. Furthermore, such an arrangement makes it possible to have a maximum distance between a limb 29 and the protuberance 34, limiting the risk of hyperstatism.

Advantageously, the protuberance 34 comprises a contact portion 35 defining a shape complementary to the section, along a transverse plane, of the end bar 6 . In this way, a homogeneous contact is created, which allows a distribution of the load on the contact surface between the protuberance 34 and the end bar 6 . The load that can be supported by the tablet 4 is therefore maximized.

Advantageously, the contact portion 35 , when projected onto a vertical plane, has the shape of an arc of a circle, with a radius substantially identical to the radius of the outer periphery of the end bar 6 . Such a characteristic aims to match the cylindrical shape of the end bar 6 as well as possible .

In the embodiment shown, the protuberance 34 comprises a first face 36 and a second face 37 facing one another, and connected together by means of lateral faces 38. The first face 36, the second face 37 and the lateral faces 38 define a prismatic volume, which gives the protuberance 34 a rigidity allowing it to withstand increased loads.

Advantageously, the protuberance 34 is hollow, the first face 36 and the second face 37 being interconnected by means of tabs 39, preferably parallel. The tongues 39 connect the first face 36 and the second face 37, which reinforces the structure of the protuberance 34. The tongues 39 have for example a surface appearance, and are provided with a sufficiently large thickness to prevent the bending of the. protuberance 34 under a predefined load. Such an arrangement is favorable for increasing the rigidity of the protuberance 34, while limiting the quantity of material used, which is favorable in terms of manufacturing cost. Advantageously, the protuberance 34 is provided with vertical stiffeners 40 arranged on the first face 36 and / or on the second face 37. Such stiffeners 40 increase the resistance to deformation of the protuberance 34, and make it possible to increase the load. admissible by tablet 4.

Advantageously, the protuberance 34 comprises a notch 41 formed for example on the first face 36 and the second face 37, for example at the level of the contact portion 35. Thus, when the shelf 4 is mounted on the end bar 6 , the notch 41 allows the formation of a hole allowing for example the insertion of a hook (not shown).

In the embodiment shown, the notch 41 is provided between two stiffeners 40, and is disposed substantially in the center of the protuberance 34, so as not to prejudice the distribution of the stresses of the shelf 4 on the end bar 6. .

So as to increase the load admissible by the shelf 4, the protuberance 34 is advantageously disposed between the bottom 27 and the surface 19 of use. In this way, the fifth housing 26 is used to recover part of the load exerted by the tablet 4, and the tools placed thereon. In addition, using the bottom 27 is advantageous to limit the vertical length of the protuberance 34. Such arrangements make it possible to avoid stress concentrations, and thus to increase the admissible load.

Advantageously, the tablet 4 is made of a thermoplastic material, such as for example polypropylene. Such a material offers qualities of resistance to bending and to external aggressions.

For reasons of cost, the tablet 4 is advantageously obtained by injection molding.

We will now describe an assembly of the shelf 4 on the ascent plane 2 , with reference to the figures 2 and 3 .

In a positioning step, the members 29 are positioned in face of the recesses 10 in the upper part 11 of the step 1.

In a nesting step, a force is exerted in order to push the members 29 into the hollows 10 until the shoulder 33 abuts on the end bar 6 , which allows the shelf 4 to be fitted onto the hollow. the step 1. In an advantageous implementation, the shelf 4 is then screwed onto the side members 8, ensuring it is held in position when using the step or stepladder 1.

• un grand nombre de possibilités en terme d'objets supportés, en raison des nombreux logements 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
• une compacité accrue, du fait de l'absence de pièces de support apparentes,
• un montage sur le marchepied 1 réalisable sans apprentissage particulier, et sans recourir à l'usage d'outils,
• une fabrication aisée et économique,
• une charge admissible accrue par rapport aux dispositifs actuellement disponibles, sans pour autant nécessiter l'adjonction de bras ou barres articulées.

The shelf 4, and the step or stepladder fitted with the shelf 4 offer many advantages, including:

• a large number of possibilities in terms of supported objects, due to the many housings 22, 23, 24, 25, 26,
• increased compactness, due to the absence of visible support parts,
• mounting on step 1 that can be carried out without special training, and without resorting to the use of tools,
• easy and economical manufacture,
• an increased admissible load compared to the devices currently available, without requiring the addition of arms or articulated bars.

Claims (9)

1. A set (5) comprising:

   a climbing plane (2) of a step stool or a stepladder (1) comprising two strings (8) connected by a plurality of parallel rungs (7) including an end rung (6), each of the strings (8) comprising hollows (10) leading above the end rung (6),

   a shelf (4) for supporting a predetermined load, the shelf (4) comprising a fastening part (17) provided with two members (29) able to be fitted within the hollows (10), so as to enable the shelf (4) to be mounted to the strings (8),

   the shelf (4) being characterised in that it comprises a protrusion (34) configured to contact the end rung (6) when the shelf (4) is mounted to the climbing plane (2), so as to form a support.
2. The set (5) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the protrusion (34) extends in the centre of the distance separating both members (29).
3. The set (5) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the protrusion (34) comprises a contact portion (35), defining a transverse shape complementary to the transverse cross-section of the end rung (6).
4. The set (5) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the contact portion (35) has a half-moon shape having a radius identical to the radius of the contact portion (35) of the end rung (6).
5. The set (5) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterised in that the protrusion (34) comprises a notch (41) arranged on the contact portion (35).
6. The set (5) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the protrusion (34) is formed by a plurality of tabs (39) disposed parallel to each other, each of the tabs (39) comprising a side face (38), the protrusion (34) being further equipped with a first face (36) and/or a second face (37) connecting the side faces (38) to one another.
7. The set (5) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the protrusion (34) is equipped with stiffeners (40) extending substantially in a vertical plane.
8. The set (5) according to any of the previous claims, characterised in that the shelf (4) comprises an operating part (18) provided with through and/or blind housings (22, 23, 24, 25, 26).
9. A step stool or stepladder (1) comprising a set (5) according to any of the previous claims.

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