EP4047156A1 - Board and connector made of plastic - Google Patents

Abstract

A toe board (1) for scaffolding is described, the toe board being formed from a hollow plastic profile (2) with a first long side (3) and a second long side (4) and two narrow side edges (5). At least one of the longitudinal sides (3, 4) of the hollow profile is arched or angled in cross section. In addition, a connector (10) made of plastic is disclosed for attaching a toe board (1) to a scaffold, the connector (10) having a fastener (11) for attaching the toe board to a scaffold and an insertion element (12) for insertion into the toe board has, wherein the insertion element (12) is complementary to the hollow profile (2) of the toe board (1).

Description

technical field

The invention relates to a toe board for scaffolding for the lateral delimitation of walkways and/or work surfaces of scaffold decking, and a connecting piece for fastening the toe board to scaffolding.

State of the art

In building construction and scaffolding, toe boards are provided for the lateral delimitation of scaffolding decks in order to prevent people from slipping sideways and/or objects from falling. They have a board body, which mostly consists of solid wood or an aluminum or steel profile, and has a rectangular board profile. Steel or aluminum connectors are fastened to the narrow front side edges with the help of screws or rivets, which are used to connect to the scaffolding or a neighboring toe board. Such toe boards are made, for example DE1960069U , DE3813513A1 , EP1950360A1 , DE102008023525A1 or EP1950360A1 known.

Plastic toe boards are also disclosed. For example describes DE3434362A1 a hollow-chamber plank made of plastic for scaffolding, with the core of the plastic plank consisting of high chambers made of hard PVC.

In WO0104437A1 a scaffolding plank made of plastic is described, which is reinforced with glass fibers and optionally with steel. GB2346921A discloses a rectangular scaffolding panel made of polymeric material with a foamed polymeric core.

The known and described toe boards have a rectangular board profile. In practice, toe boards made of wood have prevailed because they are light, cheap and easy to manufacture. The disadvantage of toe boards made of wood is that they look worn out and worn after just a few years due to mechanical wear and weathering, which leads to an unaesthetic appearance on a construction site. In addition, damaged wooden boards can lead to injuries. Although aluminum toe boards are light, they are comparatively expensive and complex to produce. Steel toe boards are also complex to manufacture and handling involves a considerable risk of injury due to sharp edges in the edge area. Toe boards made of plastic have not become established in practice because the known plastic toe boards are too expensive, too heavy or not stable enough.

object of the invention

The object of the present invention is now to provide a toe board for scaffolding which is durable, stable, visually appealing, light, cost-effective and sustainable.

Description of the invention

This object is achieved by a toe board for scaffolding, which is formed from a hollow profile made of plastic with a first long side and a second long side and two narrow side edges, with at least one of the long sides of the hollow profile being arched or angled in cross section.

Toe boards have to meet high requirements in terms of stability/impact strength and rigidity with the lowest possible weight. For example, toe boards with a reference length of 3 m should ideally not weigh more than 6 kg, should not sag by more than 35 mm in the middle of the toe board under a load of 150 N, i.e. have a high level of rigidity, and withstand a fall of 1 m without damage. In addition, the toe board should and weather, achieve a service life of 10 years and preferably be dyeable in many colors. The toe board according to the invention meets these requirements thanks to the special hollow profile made of plastic. With a hollow profile it is possible to produce a toe board with a lower weight. In addition, material can be saved, making the toe board cheaper. The curvature or angular shape of at least one longitudinal side of the hollow profile results in a higher bending resistance moment than with a rectangular hollow profile, which makes the toe boards more resistant to bending.

Arched is understood to mean a shape which has the shape of a bulge, an arc, a curve or a crescent. By angled is meant a shape having one or more obtuse angles, with the apex of the angle being located in the center or off-center of the long side. The arched or angular shape is chosen so that preferably a large part of the plastic mass of the hollow profile is as far away as possible from the neutral phase in order to achieve the highest possible bending resistance moment. In strength theory, the neutral phase, also known as the neutral fiber or zero line, is that fiber or layer of a beam cross-section whose length does not change when twisted or bent. There, the stress does not cause any tensile or compressive stress.

Both longitudinal sides, that is to say the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side, are preferably curved or angled in cross section. The two longitudinal sides particularly preferably run parallel to one another. On the one hand, this leads to increased stability of the toe boards. On the other hand, the toe boards can be stacked with parallel longitudinal sides, which is an additional advantage of the toe boards according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the longitudinal sides of the hollow profile is curved outwards in cross-section or is embodied in an angular shape outwards. The term "outside" here means the direction of the curvature or the angle, which points away from the center line of the toe board.

Preferably, the first longitudinal side of the hollow profile is curved outwards or formed in an angle and is also called the outer longitudinal side. The second longitudinal side is flat in cross section of the hollow profile or is preferably curved inward or angled. The second long side is also called the inner long side. The term inside is understood here to mean the direction of the curvature or the angle, which points to the center line of the toe board. The two longitudinal sides of the hollow profile preferably run parallel to one another and the first outer longitudinal side is curved outwards or is angled and the second inner longitudinal side is curved inwards or is angled.

When using the toe board as a lateral delimitation of scaffolding decks, the at least one outwardly curved or angled long side is attached in the direction of the outside of the scaffolding deck. The first longitudinal side is preferably arranged on the outer side of the toe board in the direction of the outer side of the scaffolding floor. The second longitudinal side is preferably arranged on the inner side of the toe board in the direction of the running surface of the scaffolding floor. When used as a toe board, the inner side of the toe board serves as a lateral boundary for scaffold decks.

The arched shape has proven to be particularly preferred. This crescent shape leads to particularly stiff toe boards, especially when a large mass of material is as far away from the neutral axis as possible. In order to be able to stack the toe boards, the outer radii of the two longitudinal sides are preferably parallel to one another. The insides of the two long sides can have different radii or preferably a partially elliptical shape.

In a further embodiment, the two narrow side edges of the toe board, perpendicular to the narrow side edges, each have two parallel flat surfaces. This leads to better stackability of the toe boards, especially in the case of curved long sides.

The toe board according to the invention is preferably made from a thermoplastic material. Examples of suitable thermoplastics are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET is particularly preferred, and glycol-modified PET (PET-G) is even more preferred. Preferably, the plastic is made partially or entirely from recycled plastic. Plastic recyclates are particularly cost-effective and sustainable. Thermoplastics are recyclable, which means that the toe board according to the invention made of thermoplastics can be recycled again after use. This also contributes to sustainability. The hollow body is preferably made of plastic using an extrusion process. Other possible manufacturing processes are pultrusion, injection molding (GIT, WIT), pressing combined with welding or with foldable or detachable cores or 3D printing.

In a preferred embodiment, the hollow profile made of plastic is reinforced with fibers, preferably with glass fibers. Also suitable fibers are natural fibers, preferably from waste, wood, cellulose, flax, coconut, hemp, bamboo or rice husks. The hollow profile preferably has 10 to 70% by weight fibers, preferably 30 to 50% by weight fibers, particularly preferably 40 to 45% by weight fibers, based on the total weight of the hollow profile.

In a further embodiment, the hollow profile has at least one reinforcing rib between the two longitudinal sides, which preferably connects the first longitudinal side and the second longitudinal side to one another. This also increases the stability of the toe boards. The at least one reinforcement rib is preferably arranged in the middle of the longitudinal sides perpendicularly to the longitudinal sides and connects the crests of the two longitudinal sides to one another. It is also possible for several, for example two, three or four, reinforcing ribs to be arranged between the two longitudinal sides, which preferably connect the two longitudinal sides to one another. The reinforcement ribs can be arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal sides or also obliquely to the longitudinal sides, for example in a zigzag shape.

Particularly high stability and flexural rigidity of the toe boards is achieved if the toe board has ribs with free ends on the inside of the long sides. These free-ended ribs can be used in addition to the at least one reinforcement rib or instead of the reinforcement rib in the hollow profile. The free-ended ribs are preferably located at or near the apex of the first outer longitudinal side or at or near the narrow side edges at the ends of the second inner longitudinal side. The ribs with free ends are particularly preferably arranged both in the area of or near the apex of the first outer longitudinal side and in the area of or near the narrow side edges at the ends of the second inner longitudinal side.

The hollow profile preferably has a wall thickness of 1 to 5 mm. This wall thickness can be partially reinforced to increase the stability and flexural rigidity of the toe boards. Preferably, the first outer longitudinal side has increased wall thicknesses in the middle region near the apex or the second inner longitudinal side in the outer region near the narrow side edges. The increased wall thicknesses are particularly preferably arranged both in the central region near the apex of the first outer longitudinal side and in the outer region near the narrow side edges at the ends of the second inner longitudinal side. The increased wall thickness has a similar effect to the free ended ribs.

The hollow profile preferably has a further plastic layer at least partially on the outside of the profile. At least the outside of the first outer longitudinal side preferably has a further plastic layer. Even more preferably, the further plastic layer completely encloses the hollow profile. The plastic of the further plastic layer is preferably a thermoplastic, preferably a UV-resistant thermoplastic Plastic. The plastic of the further plastic layer is preferably made from recycled plastic. Thermoplastic plastics for the further plastic layer are acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymers (ASA), polyethylene (PE), in particular high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), PET, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymers (SAN), acrylonitrile -Butadiene-Styrene (ABS), PVC, Polyamide (PA) or Polypropylene (PP) suitable. Unreinforced acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymers (ASA) are particularly preferred. In a further embodiment, the plastic of the further plastic layer can be reinforced with glass or natural fibers. The plastic of the further plastic layer is preferably UV-resistant or additionally contains a UV-resistant material, preferably an inorganic pigment, which maintains the color intensity of the further plastic layer over a longer period of time. This adds to the longevity of the toe board and a better aesthetic appearance. In addition, toe boards can be made in any color, including signal colors, over the additional plastic layer, and advertising or company names can be attached. The further plastic layer preferably has a thickness of between 0.1 mm and 3 mm, preferably a thickness of 0.5 mm. The further plastic layer is produced, or co-extruded, together with the hollow profile made of plastic, for example via a co-extrusion process. However, the further plastic layer can also be sprayed onto the hollow profile made of plastic using other methods, such as painting. If the hollow profile of the toe board is made of a UV-resistant plastic that can be easily colored, no additional plastic layer is required.

In a further embodiment, the hollow profile can be partially or completely filled with a material of low density, also called low-density material. For example, plastic foams made of polyurethane (PU), PET, PE, PP or PVC come into consideration as low-density material.

To attach the toe board to a scaffolding, connecting elements or connecting pieces are used on the front sides of the scaffolding Rivets, screws or clamps are used to connect to scaffolding or an adjacent toe board.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the toe board additionally has a connecting element on the front sides for fastening to a scaffolding, the connecting element being produced in one piece with the toe board. The connecting element is preferably produced from the end faces of the toe board by means of a pressing process, in which the end sides of the toe board are placed in a tool and formed into integrated connecting elements.

Another subject matter of the present invention relates to a connecting piece made of plastic for fastening a toe board according to the invention to a scaffolding, the connecting piece having a fastening element for fastening the toe board to a frame and an insertion element for inserting into the toe board, the insertion element being complementary to the hollow profile of the Toe boards is formed.

The fastening element preferably has at least one opening for receiving screws, rivets or other fastening means for fastening to scaffolding. The fastening element can either be fastened directly to a framework or another toe board by means of screws, rivets or other fastening means. In a further embodiment, the fastening element is mounted on a frame via a frame fitting, preferably a metal fitting. The fastening element is preferably made of a thermoplastic material and is preferably reinforced with fibers, preferably with recycled glass fibers.

The insertion element is designed to be complementary to the hollow profile. The insertion element preferably has at least one elevation and at least one depression, with the elevation being braced against the inside of the first longitudinal side of the hollow profile and the depression being braced against the inside of the second longitudinal side of the hollow profile when inserted. In a preferred Embodiment, the insertion element has a plurality of elevations and a plurality of depressions, which are arranged alternately and can be moved relative to one another, and function according to the harmonica principle. A plug-in element designed in this way contracts when it is plugged into the hollow profile and then expands again in the plugged-in end state.

The at least one elevation and the at least one depression preferably have prongs on the surface facing the inside of the longitudinal side, which hook into the inside of the hollow profile, so that the plug-in element is prevented from being pulled out.

In a further embodiment, the insertion element has at least one recess for receiving at least one reinforcing rib of a toe board. The recess is preferably in the form of a slot.

The plug-in element is preferably made of a thermoplastic material. Examples of suitable thermoplastics are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PA, ASA, ABS, SAN, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET and PP are particularly preferred. Preferably, the plastic is made partially or entirely from recycled plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the insertion element made of plastic is reinforced with fibres, preferably with glass fibres, particularly preferably with recycled glass fibres.

Preferably, the fastening element and the insertion element are made of the same plastic and are made in one piece. The connecting piece with the fastening element and the plug-in element are preferably produced using an injection molding process. Other manufacturing processes are also possible, such as pressing or 3D printing.

With the toe boards according to the invention made of a curved or angular hollow profile made of plastic, it is possible to achieve the desired to produce durable, stable, visually appealing, light, inexpensive and sustainable toe boards, which can be attached to scaffolding together with the connector according to the invention.

Further advantages of the invention follow from the following description, in which the invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings.

Brief description of the figures

• Fig. 1A ein Bordbrett in perspektivischer Darstellung von schräg vorne auf die äussere Längsseite,
• Fig. 1B einen Querschnitt durch ein Bordbrett mit gewölbten Längsseiten,
• Fig. 1C zwei gestapelte Teilstücke von zwei Bordbrettern mit gewölbten Längsseiten in perspektivischer Darstellung von schräg vorne,
• Fig. 2A eine perspektivische Darstellung auf den Querschnitt eines Teilstücks eines Bordbretts von schräg vorne,
• Fig. 2B einen Querschnitt durch ein Bordbrett mit gewölbten Längsseiten und Rippen mit freiem Ende,
• Fig. 3A eine perspektivische Darstellung auf den Querschnitt eines Teilstücks eines weiteren Bordbretts von schräg vorne,
• Fig. 3B einen Querschnitt durch ein Bordbrett mit gewölbten Längsseiten und mehreren Verstärkungsrippen,
• Fig. 4A eine perspektivische Darstellung auf den Querschnitt eines winkelförmigen Bordbretts von schräg vorne,
• Fig. 4B einen Querschnitt durch ein Bordbrett mit winkelförmigen Längsseiten und mehreren Verstärkungsrippen,
• Fig. 5A eine perspektivische Darstellung auf ein Verbindungsstück mit einem Befestigungselement und einem Einsteckelement,
• Fig. 5B ein Verbindungsstück in einer Vorderansicht von vorne auf das Einsteckelement von Fig. 5A,
• Fig. 5C das Verbindungsstück von Fig. 5A in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von schräg unten,
• Fig. 6A eine perspektivische Darstellung auf ein weiteres Verbindungsstück mit einem Befestigungselement und einem Einsteckelement,
• Fig. 6B ein Verbindungsstück in einer Vorderansicht von vorne auf das Einsteckelement von Fig. 6A,
• Fig. 6C das Verbindungsstück von Fig. 6A in einer perspektivischen Darstellung von schräg unten,
• Fig. 7A ein Verbindungsstück und ein Bordbrett im nicht zusammengesteckten Zustand,
• Fig. 7B ein Verbindungsstück und ein Bordbrett im halb zusammengesteckten Zustand.

Show it:

• Figure 1A a toe board in a perspective view from the front at an angle to the outer long side,
• Figure 1B a cross section through a toe board with curved long sides,
• Figure 1C two stacked sections of two toe boards with curved long sides in a perspective view diagonally from the front,
• Figure 2A a perspective view of the cross section of a section of a toe board from an angle from the front,
• Figure 2B a cross section through a toe board with curved long sides and ribs with free end,
• Figure 3A a perspective view of the cross section of a section of another toe board diagonally from the front,
• Figure 3B a cross section through a toe board with curved long sides and several reinforcing ribs,
• Figure 4A a perspective view of the cross section of an angled toe board from the front,
• Figure 4B a cross section through a toe board with angled longitudinal sides and several reinforcing ribs,
• Figure 5A a perspective view of a connector with a fastener and an insertion element,
• Figure 5B a connector in a front view of the male member of Figure 5A ,
• Figure 5C the connector from Figure 5A in a perspective representation from diagonally below,
• Figure 6A a perspective view of another connector with a fastener and an insertion element,
• Figure 6B a connector in a front view of the male member of Figure 6A ,
• Figure 6C the connector from Figure 6A in a perspective representation from diagonally below,
• Figure 7A a connecting piece and a toe board in the unmated state,
• Figure 7B a connector and a toe board in a semi-assembled condition.

In the figures, the same reference symbols are used for the same elements and explanations relating to a specific reference symbol apply to all figures, unless something else is expressly mentioned.

Embodiments of the invention

Figure 1A shows a toe board 1 for a frame made of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first long side 3 and a second long side 4 and two narrow side edges 5. Both long sides are arched in the form of an arc and run parallel to one another. The first longitudinal side 3 has a convex outward curvature and is referred to as the outer longitudinal side 3 . The second long side 4 has a concave curvature inwards and is referred to as the inner long side 4 . The first long side 3 has an inside 15 and the second long side 4 has an inside 16 . The two inner sides 15, 16, together with the inner sides of the narrow side edge 5, delimit the cavity of the hollow profile 2. The two narrow side edges 5 of the toe board 1 each have two parallel flat surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges 5, which serve better stackability. Between the two long sides 3.4 is parallel to the two narrow side edges 5 a Reinforcing rib 9 arranged, which connects the apex 23 of the first longitudinal side 3 with the apex 23 'of the second longitudinal side 4. This increases the flexural rigidity and stability of the toe boards. The hollow profile 2 is completely surrounded by a further layer 8 of plastic. The hollow profile 2 is made from a recycled, glycol-modified, glass fiber-reinforced PET (rPETG). The other plastic layer 8 is made from recycled acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymers (ASA). The hollow profile 2 and the additional plastic layer 8 are produced using a co-extrusion process.

In Figure 1B is that in Figure 1A The toe board 1 described is shown in cross section and consists of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first long side 3 and a second long side 4, two narrow side edges 5, two parallel surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges, a further plastic layer 8 which encases the hollow profile 2 , and a reinforcing rib 9 which connects the apex 23 of the first longitudinal side 3 to the apex 23' of the second longitudinal side 4 with one another.

In Figure 1C are two sub-segments of the in Figure 1A The toe boards 1 described are shown in the stacked state, each consisting of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first long side 3 and a second long side 4, two narrow side edges 5, two parallel surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges, a further plastic layer 8 which covers the hollow profile 2, and a reinforcing rib 9, which connects the apex 23 of the first longitudinal side 3 to the apex 23' of the second longitudinal side 4 with one another. The parallel surface 7 of the second longitudinal side 4 of the upper toe board 1 rests on the parallel surface 6 of the first longitudinal side 3 of the lower toe board 1 . The outside of the first long side 3 of the lower toe board 1 partially touches the outside of the second long side 4 of the upper toe board 1 , which stands on the first toe board 1 .

Figure 2A shows a partial segment of the as in Figure 1A described toe board 1 for a frame made of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with two curved longitudinal sides 3, 4, two narrow side edges 5, two parallel surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges, another plastic layer 8, which encases the hollow profile 2, and a reinforcing rib 9. In addition to the in Figure 1A the toe board described in Figure 2A Hollow profile shown 2 more ribs with a free end 19 on. Four further ribs with a free end 19 are arranged in the area or near the apex of the first outer longitudinal side 3 and two each near the narrow side edges 5 at the ends of the second inner longitudinal side 4 . The ribs with a free end 19 additionally increase the flexural rigidity and stability of the toe board 1. Instead of the other ribs with a free end, it is also possible in a further variant to increase the wall thickness in the central area near the apex of the first outer longitudinal side 3 and in the outer area of the narrow side edges 5 at the ends of the second inner longitudinal side 4 to enlarge.

In Figure 2B is that in Figure 2A The toe board 1 described is shown in cross section and consists of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first long side 3 and a second long side 4, two narrow side edges 5, two parallel surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges, a further plastic layer 8 which encases the hollow profile 2 , a reinforcing rib 9 which connects the vertices of the two longitudinal sides 3, 4, and additional free-ended ribs 19 near the vertex 23 of the first longitudinal side 3 and near the narrow side edges 5 at the ends of the second inner longitudinal side 4.

Figure 3A shows that as in Figure 1A described toe board 1 for a framework made of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with two curved longitudinal sides 3, 4, two narrow side edges 5, two parallel surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges, a further plastic layer 8, which encloses the hollow profile 2, and one Reinforcement rib 9. In addition, the hollow profile 2 has two further reinforcement ribs 9', which connect the two longitudinal sides 3, 4 to one another and are arranged between the central reinforcement rib 9 and the two narrow side edges 5. As a result, four hollow chambers are formed. the further reinforcement ribs 9' additionally increase the flexural rigidity and stability of the toe board 1.

In Figure 3B is that in Figure 3A The toe board 1 described is shown in cross section and consists of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first long side 3 and a second long side 4, two narrow side edges 5, two parallel surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges, a further plastic layer 8 which encases the hollow profile 2 , A central reinforcement rib 9, and two further reinforcement ribs 9 ', which connect the two longitudinal sides 3.4, together.

Figure 4A shows another toe board 1 for a frame made of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first long side 3 and a second long side 4 and two narrow side edges 5. Both long sides 3, 4 are angled and run parallel to one another. The apexes 24, 24' of the two long sides 3, 4 are offset from the middle of the long sides. The two narrow side edges 5 of the toe board 1 have, perpendicular to the narrow side edges 5, two parallel flat surfaces 6, 7, which are used for better stackability. A reinforcing rib 9 is arranged between the two longitudinal sides 3, 4 parallel to the two narrow side edges 5, which rib connects the vertex 24 of the first longitudinal side 3 and the vertex 24' of the second longitudinal side 4 to one another. In addition, the hollow profile 2 has two further reinforcement ribs 9 ′, which connect the two longitudinal sides 3 , 4 to one another and are arranged between the central reinforcement rib 9 and the two narrow side edges 5 . As a result, four hollow chambers are formed. The hollow profile 2 is completely surrounded by a further layer 8 of plastic. The hollow profile 2 is made from a recycled, glycol-modified, glass fiber-reinforced PET (rPETG). The other plastic layer 8 is made from recycled acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymers (ASA). The hollow profile 2 and the additional plastic layer 8 are produced using a co-extrusion process.

In Figure 4B is that in Figure 4A The toe board 1 described is shown in cross-section and consists of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first angled longitudinal side 3 and a second angled longitudinal side 4, two narrow side edges 5, two parallel surfaces 6, 7 perpendicular to the narrow side edges, a further plastic layer 8 which covers the hollow profile 2 wrapped, a central reinforcing rib 9, and two further reinforcing ribs 9 ', which connect the two longitudinal sides 3.4 together.

In Figure 5A a connecting piece 10 made of plastic for fastening a toe board with curved longitudinal sides to a scaffolding is shown. The connecting piece 10 has a fastening element 11 and an insertion element 12 for insertion into a toe board. The fastener 11 consists of a plate 25 with a plurality of openings 21 for receiving rivets, screws and other fasteners. Scaffolding fittings (not shown), preferably metal fittings, can be attached to the fastening element 11 with the aid of the rivets, screws and other fastening means. The scaffold fittings are used to mount a toe board on a scaffold. In addition, the fastening element 11 has a plurality of side walls 26 and a curved stop element 27, which serves as a stop and cover when the plug-in element 12 is inserted into a toe board. The fastening element 11 has two recesses 31 on the left and right underside, which are used to drain water. The insertion element 12 is complementary to a hollow profile with curved longitudinal sides (as in Figure 1A and 1B shown) trained. The male element 12 has two elevations 13 which extend on both sides from the center of the male element 12 in cross section and each merge into a central rib 28 pointing towards the center of the male element 12 and running perpendicular to the elevations 13 . The insert element 12 has a recess 18 between the two central ribs 28 in the center of the insert element 12 for receiving at least one reinforcing rib of a toe board (in Figure 1A and 1B shown) on. The recess 18 has the shape of a slot. The insertion element 12 also has two indentations 14, which each have a connecting rib 29 with the two elevations 13 are connected. The indentations 14 open into two side ribs 22 which run on the side edges of the male element 12 in a parallel orientation to the central ribs 28 . Such plug-in elements 12 have a double-S shape in cross section, with the two S's being mirrored between the two central ribs 28 . The alternating elevations 13 and depressions 14 can be moved relative to one another and function according to the accordion principle. When these plug-in elements 12 are inserted into a hollow profile of a toe board (not shown), the individual elements of the plug-in element 12 contract and expand again in the inserted end state. When inserted, the two elevations 13 are in contact with the inside of the first longitudinal side of a hollow profile of a toe board (not shown) and the two depressions 14 are in contact and braced with the inside of the second longitudinal side of a hollow profile of a toe board (not shown). The elevations 13, depressions 14 and side ribs 22 have prongs 17 on the side that comes into contact with the inside of a hollow profile of a toe board, which prongs engage with the inside of a hollow profile when inserted into a toe board, so that the insertion element is prevented from being pulled out. The connecting piece 10 with the fastening element 11 and the male element 12 is made of a recycled thermoplastic material, preferably glass fiber reinforced PET, preferably by injection moulding. The fastening element 11 and the insertion element 12 are preferably produced in one piece.

In Figure 5B is that in Figure 5A described connecting piece 10 shown in a front view from the front of the male element 12. The double-S shape of the male element 12 is shown with the slot-shaped recess between the double-S shapes, a central rib 28, an elevation 13, a connecting rib 29, a depression 14 and a side rib 22. The side walls 26 and the curved stop element 27 of the fastener 11. The fastener 11 has on the left and right underside two recesses 31, which serve as a water drain.

Figure 5C shows that in Figure 5A described connecting piece 10 in a perspective representation obliquely from below on the underside of the connecting piece 10 with the fastening element 11 and the insertion element 12. The prongs 17 on the underside of the depressions 14 and on the outside of the side ribs 22 are visible, which when inserted into hook a toe board to the inside of a hollow profile. Also visible are the reinforcing struts 30 on the underside of the plate 25 of the fastener 11 which connect the openings 21 to each other and to the side walls 26 and reinforce the fastener 11 .

In Figure 6A Another connector 10 made of plastic for fastening a toe board with curved longitudinal sides to a scaffolding is shown with a further fastening element 11 and an insertion element 12. The insertion element 12 has the same element as in FIG Figure 5A described on each with two elevations 13 and depressions 14, connecting ribs 29 and side ribs 22, arranged in a double-S shape. The fastener 11 consists of a plate 25 with two openings 21 for receiving rivets, screws and other fasteners which can be mounted directly on a scaffolding. With this fastening element 11, no additional frame fittings are required. The fastening means 11 also has side walls 26, a stop element 27 as in FIG Figure 5A described and reinforcement struts 30 on. The reinforcement struts 30 serve to reinforce the connection between the stop element 27 and the plate 25, whereby the additional scaffolding decks become superfluous.

In Figure 6B is that in Figure 6A described connecting piece 10 shown in a front view from the front of the male element 12. The double-S shape of the male element 12 is shown with the slot-shaped recess between the double-S shapes, a central rib 28, an elevation 13, a connecting rib 29, a depression 14 and a side rib 22. Also shown are the side walls 26, the plate 25 and the domed stop element 27 of the fastener 11. The fastener 11 has two recesses 31 on the left and right underside, which serve as a water drain.

Figure 6C shows that in Figure 6A described connecting piece 10 in a perspective representation obliquely from below on the underside of the connecting piece 10 with the fastening element 11 and the insertion element 12. The prongs 17 on the underside of the depressions 14 and on the outside of the side ribs 22 are visible, which when inserted into hook a toe board to the inside of a hollow profile. The fastening means 11 has additional reinforcement struts 30 on the underside of the connection between the stop element 27 and the plate 25, which serve to reinforce the connection between the stop element 27 and the plate 25.

In Figure 7A are these in Figure 6A shown connector 10 made of plastic with the fastener 11 and the plug-in element 12 and in Figure 1A shown toe board 1 made of a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first curved longitudinal side 3 and a second curved longitudinal side 4 and a central reinforcing rib 9 shown. The connecting piece 10 and the toe board 1 are shown in the position just before the plug-in element 12 is inserted into the hollow profile 2 of the toe board 1 .

In Figure 7B are these in Figure 6A shown connecting piece 10 made of plastic with the fastening element 11 and the plug-in element 12 as well as the in Figure 1A represented toeboard 1 from a hollow profile 2 made of plastic with a first curved longitudinal side 3 and a second curved longitudinal side 4 and a central reinforcing rib 9 shown. The connecting piece 10 and the toe board 1 are shown in the half-inserted position of the insertion element 12 in the hollow profile 2 of the toe board 1 .

the Figures 1-7 show a possible embodiment of the invention. Other designs are also conceivable within the meaning of the invention, for example a different shape of the longitudinal sides or different shapes of the reinforcing ribs.

Reference List

1

toe board

2

hollow profile

3

first long side

4

second long side

5

narrow side edge

6

first parallel surface

7

second parallel surface

8th

plastic layer

9, 9'

reinforcing rib

10

connector

11

fastener

12

male element

13

increase

14

deepening

15

Inside of the first long side

16

Inside of the second long side

17

Pink

18

recess

19

Rib with free end

20

fastener

21

opening

22

side rib

23

Apex of the first long side

23'

Apex of the second long side

24

Angle apex of the first long side

24'

Apex of the second long side

25

plate

26

Side wall

27

stop element

28

midrib

29

connecting rib

30

reinforcement braces

31

recess

Claims (18)

Toe board (1) for scaffolding, the toe board being formed from a hollow profile (2) made of plastic with a first long side (3) and a second long side (4) and two narrow side edges (5), characterized in that at least one of the longitudinal sides (3, 4) of the hollow profile is arched or angled in cross-section. Toe board (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the longitudinal sides (3, 4) of the hollow profile is curved outwards in cross-section or is angled outwards. Toe board (1) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first longitudinal side (3) and the second longitudinal side (4) are curved or angled in cross section. Toe board (1) according to Claim 4, characterized in that the first longitudinal side (3) and the second longitudinal side (4) of the hollow profile run parallel to one another. Toe board (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side edges (5) of the toe board each have two flat surfaces (6, 7) parallel to one another. Toe board (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic is thermoplastic, preferably glycol-modified PET. Toe board (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic is made from recycled plastic. Toe board (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the plastic is reinforced with fibres, preferably glass fibres. Toe board (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow profile (2) has at least one reinforcing rib (9) between the two longitudinal sides (3, 4). Toe board (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow profile (2) has at least partially a further plastic layer (8) on the outside. Toe board (1) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the further plastic layer (8) is made of thermoplastic material. Toe board (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the toe board (1) has a connecting element (20) on each end face for fastening to a scaffolding, the connecting element (20) being produced in one piece with the toe board. Connector (10) made of plastic for fastening a toe board (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 11 to a scaffold, characterized in that the connector (10) has a fastening element (11) for fastening a toe board to a frame and an insertion element (12 ) for insertion into a toe board, the insertion element (12) being designed to complement the hollow profile (2) of the toe board (1). Connecting piece (10) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the insertion element (12) has at least one elevation (13) and at least one depression (14), with the elevation (13) being in the inserted state with the inside (15) of the first Long side (3) of the hollow profile (2) and the recess (14) braced with the inside (16) of the second longitudinal side (4) of the hollow profile (2). Connecting piece (10) according to Claim 14, characterized in that the at least one elevation (13) and the at least one depression (14) have teeth (17) on the surface facing the inside of the longitudinal sides. Connecting piece (10) according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the insertion element (12) has a plurality of elevations (13) and a plurality of depressions (14) which are arranged alternately and can be moved in relation to one another. Connector (10) according to any one of Claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the male element (12) is made of thermoplastic material. Connecting piece (10) according to one of Claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the fastening element (11) and the insertion element (12) are produced in one piece.

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