EP4680430A1

EP4680430A1 - Device for releasing an element from a structure

Info

Publication number: EP4680430A1
Application number: EP24721771.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giancarlo Camellini
Original assignee: Gema SRL
Current assignee: Gema SRL
Priority date: 2023-03-14
Filing date: 2024-03-14
Publication date: 2026-01-21
Also published as: WO2024189660A1; IT202300004836A1

Abstract

The device for releasing an element from a structure includes a removable actuation rod equipped at a respective end with first engagement means and second engagement means. The second engagement means (12b) is slidable between a first position, close to said first engagement means (12a), and a second position, spaced out from said first engagement means (12a). The actuation rod (10) is provided with elastic retaining means, configured to exert a force adapted to maintain the second engagement means (12b) in the first close position. The device (1) comprises a fixed body (20), integral with the structure (3), comprising a first seat (21), adapted to receive the first engagement means (12a), and a second seat (22) adapted to receive the second engagement means (12b). The device (1) includes a swinging member (30), associated with the fixed body (20), equipped with an engagement portion (31) and a release portion (32).

Description

DEVICE FOR RELEASING AN ELEMENT FROM A STRUCTURE

Technical Field

[01] The present invention relates to a device for releasing an element from a structure.

Prior art

[02] Use of structures, for example made in the form of frames or bars, used to house loads and objects, in particular on a top surface of a vehicle, or even a fixed construction such as a box or a garage, is known in the art.

[03] Such structures can be provided with one or more elements or portions movable between a constrained position, in which said elements or portions are made integral with said top surface, and a released position, in which they can move with one or more degrees of freedom, for example translate or rotate, with respect to said top surface.

[04] In particular, the released position of a portion of the structure can be exploited to facilitate the loading and unloading of an object on the structure, since it allows the portion of the structure to be brought closer to the operator. The constrained position is instead used to stably house the object on the structure.

[05] In this context, a problematic aspect is related to the fact that such structures are often placed at a relatively high height with respect to the ground. Therefore, an operator is in difficulty, having to manually reach the movable portions of the structure, to bring them from the constrained position to the released position.

[06] For this reason, remote control means have been proposed, which envolves use of drive rods, to allow the operator to more easily reach the mobile portions of the structure.

[07] It was noted, however, that the currently known solutions may still be improved. In particular, the known solutions are unreliable and difficult to use by the operator, especially in low light conditions.

Disclosure

[08] The aim of the present invention is to solve or mitigate the aforementioned problems, by devising a device to release an element from a structure that allows to obtain compactness and constructive simplicity.

[09] Another object of the invention is to provide a device for releasing an element from a structure capable of reducing the physical effort and the risks of injury to the operator, in the operations of loading and unloading an object on a structure.

[10] A further object of the invention is to provide a device which is simple to maintain.

[11] A still further object of the invention is to provide a device that has low weight.

[12] A still further object of the invention is to provide a device that is easy to use by the operator, in particular in low light conditions.

[13] An even further object of the invention is to provide a device for releasing an element from a structure of simple constructive and functional design, which is reliable in operation, has versatile use, as well as relatively economical cost.

[14] The aforementioned objects are achieved, according to the present invention, by the device for releasing an element from a structure according to the appended claims.

[15] The device for releasing an element from a structure includes a removable actuating rod equipped, at a respective end, with first engagement means and second engagement means.

[16] The second engagement means may slide between a first position, close to said first engagement means, and a second position, distant from said first engagement means.

[17] The actuation rod is equipped with elastic retaining means, configured to exert a force capable of maintaining said second engagement means in said first close position.

[18] Preferably, the elastic retaining means comprises a spring.

[19] The device comprises a fixed body, integral with said structure, comprising a first seat, suitable for receiving said first engagement means, and a second seat, suitable for receiving said second engagement means.

[20] The device also includes a swinging member, associated with said fixed body, equipped with an engagement portion and a release portion.

[21] The swinging member is movable between an engagement position, in which said engagement portion engages said element, locking it in a stable condition with respect to said structure, and a release position, in which said engagement portion does not engage said element.

[22] The release portion is associated with said first seat in such a way that, in operation, when said first engagement means is inserted into said first seat and said second engagement means is inserted into said second seat, said first engagement means abuts said release portion and said rod is stably associated with said fixed body and can be operated to bring said swinging member into said release position.

[23] Preferably, the first engagement means and the second engagement means comprise or are formed by respective pins.

[24] Preferably, the drive rod forms at least one slot in which at least one said second pins may slide between said first position and said second position.

[25] Preferably, said pins are parallel.

[26] Preferably, said pins are aligned along one or more longitudinal directions of said actuation rod.

[27] Preferably, the first engagement means comprises or is formed by one or more fixed pins, which extend laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rod, protruding laterally with respect to the rod.

[28] Preferably, the first engagement means comprises a pair of coplanar and coaxial pins, which extend orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rod.

[29] More preferably, the first engagement means comprises a pair of coplanar and coaxial pins, which extend orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rod.

[30] Preferably, the second engagement means comprises or is formed by one or more movable pins, which extend laterally with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rod, protruding laterally with respect to the rod.

[31] More preferably, the second engagement means comprises a pair of coplanar and coaxial pins, which extend orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rod.

[32] Preferably, the first and the second pins are coplanar and parallel.

[33] Preferably, the swinging member is pivotably connected to said fixed body by means of a rotation constraint.

[34] Preferably, said rotation constraint is associated with an intermediate portion of said swinging member, interposed between said engagement portion and said release portion.

[35] Preferably, said rotation constraint is a pin.

[36] Preferably, the engagement portion is provided with a seat, conforming a hollow or a recess, adapted to receive, in said engagement position, engagement means associated with said element.

[37] Preferably, the first seat, adapted to receive said first engagement means, shapes a hollow or recess, partially superimposed on said release portion of said swinging member.

[38] Preferably, the release portion of said swinging member shapes a tooth.

[39] Preferably, the tooth is protruding with respect to said swinging member.

[40] Preferably, the tooth is adapted to abut, in operation, onto said first engagement means.

[41] Preferably, the fixed body is provided with a portion conforming a curved outer surface adapted to guide, in operation, the insertion of said first engagement means in said first seat.

[42] Preferably, said first and second seats of said fixed body are located at respective opposite sides of said fixed body.

[43] It is also an object of the invention a method for releasing an element from a structure, by means of a device according to the invention. The method comprises the following steps: a. engaging second engagement means of a detachable actuation rod in a second seat of a fixed body of a device; b. exerting a pulling stress on said rod to determine the sliding of said second engagement means from a first position, close to said first engagement means, to a second position, spaced out from said first engagement means; c. engaging first engagement means of said detachable actuation rod in a first seat of said fixed body, said first engagement means abutting onto a release portion of a swinging member; d. exerting a stress on said rod to bring said swinging member from an engagement position, in which said engagement portion engages an element, locking it in a stable condition with respect to said structure, to a release position, in which said engagement portion does not engage said element.

Description of drawings

[44] The details of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the device for releasing an element from a structure according to the invention, illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1-4 show respective side views of an embodiment of the device according to the invention, in different operational phases of use of the device;

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the device in the operational phase illustrated in Figure 4, wherein an outer portion has been removed to allow the view of internal components.

Description of embodiments of the invention

[45] With particular reference to Figures 1 - 5, the device for releasing an element 2 from a structure 3 is indicated as a whole with the reference number 1 .

[46] In particular, the structure 3 may comprise a frame or a series of bars or rods, for housing a load or an object. The structure 3 is preferably associable with a top surface of a vehicle or of a construction, for example a box or a garage.

[47] The element 2 preferably comprises one or more longitudinal bars or uprights.

[48] The element 2 is connected to the structure 3 in such a way as to be selectively configurable in a first constrained condition, in which it is integral with the structure 3, and a second released condition, in which it is movable with one or more degrees of freedom with respect to the structure 3. Preferably, in the second released condition, the element 2 can rotate and/or translate with respect to the structure 3.

[49] It should be clarified that, in the context of this patent application, the term "to release" means to bring the element 2 from said first constrained condition, in which it is integral with the structure 3, to said second released condition, in which it is movable with one or more degrees of freedom with respect to the structure 3.

[50] The device 1 comprises a detachable actuation rod 10, provided, at a respective end 11 , with first engagement means 12a and second engagement means 12b.

[51] Preferably, the first engagement means 12a comprises or is formed by one or more fixed pins, which extend laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rod 10, protruding laterally with respect to the rod 10.

[52] According to a preferred embodiment, the first engagement means 12a comprises a pair of coplanar and coaxial pins, which extend orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rod 10.

[53] The second engagement means 12b is slidable between a first position, close to the first engagement means 12a, and a second position, spaced out from the first engagement means 12a.

[54] Preferably, the second engagement means 12b comprises or is formed by one or more movable pins, which extend laterally with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rod, protruding laterally with respect to the rod.

[55] According to a preferred embodiment, the second engagement means 12b comprises a pair of coplanar and coaxial pins, which extend orthogonally with respect to said longitudinal axis of the rod 10.

[56] Preferably, the first and the second pins are coplanar and parallel.

[57] Preferably, the rod 10 shapes at least one slot 13 in which at least one said second pin 12b may slide between the first position and the second position. Preferably, the slot 13 is parallel to said longitudinal axis of the rod 10.

[58] In a preferred embodiment, the rod 10 shapes a pair of slots 13, parallel and opposite to said longitudinal axis of the rod 10, so that a respective pin of said pair of pins 12b slides in each slot 13.

[59] The drive rod 10 is provided with elastic retaining means, configured to exert a force adapted to maintain the second engagement means 12b in said close position. Preferably the elastic retaining means comprises a spring.

[60] The device 1 comprises a fixed body 20, integral with the structure 3.

[61] Preferably, the fixed body 20 is made integral with the structure 3 through connection means, such as screws or bolts.

[62] The fixed body 20 shapes a first seat 21 , adapted to receive said first pins 12a, and a second seat 22, adapted to receive said second pins 12b.

[63] Preferably, the first seat 21 shapes a hollow or a recess.

[64] The device 1 also comprises a swinging member 30, associated with said fixed body 20. The swinging member 30 is provided with an engagement portion 31 and a release portion 32.

[65] The swinging member 30 is movable between an engagement position, in which said engagement portion 31 engages the element 2, locking it in a stable condition with respect to the structure 3, and a release position, in which said engagement portion does not engage the element 2.

[66] In particular, as described in more detail below, the release portion 32 of the swinging member 30 is associated with the first seat 21 of the body 20 in such a way that, in operation, when the first pins 12a are inserted in the first seat 21 and the second pins 12b are inserted in the second seat 22, the first pins 12a abut the release portion 32 of the swinging member 30. To this end, the hollow or recess formed by the first seat 21 is partially superimposed on the release portion 32 of the swinging member 30. In this condition, the rod 10 is stably associated with the fixed body 20 and is operable by an operator to bring the swinging member into said release position.

[67] Preferably, the swinging member 30 is pivotably connected to the fixed body 20 by means of a rotation constraint 33, for example a pin. Preferably, the pin 33 is associated with an intermediate portion of the swinging member 30, interposed between said engagement portion 31 and said release portion 32.

[68] Preferably, the swinging member 30 is associated with elastic means, for example comprising a spring, configured to exert a stress adapted to maintain the swinging member 30 in said position of engagement.

[69] Preferably, the engagement portion 31 is provided with a seat 34, shaping a hollow or a recess, adapted to receive, in said engagement position, engagement means 35, for example a pin, associated with the element 2 (see in particular Figure 5).

[70] Preferably, the release portion 32 of the swinging member 30 shapes a tooth 36, protruding with respect to the same swinging member 30. The tooth 36 is adapted to abut, in operation, the first pins 12a.

[71] Preferably, the fixed body 20 is provided with a portion shaping a curved outer surface 23, adapted to guide, in use, the insertion of the first pins 12a of the rod 10 into the first seat 21 of the fixed body 20.

[72] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second seats 21 , 22 of the fixed body 20 are located at respective opposite sides of the fixed body 20.

[73] The operation of the device 1 for releasing an element from a structure is easily understandable from the foregoing description.

[74] Initially, an operator, by handling the rod 10, engages the second pins 12b of the rod 10 in the second seat 22 of the fixed body 20 of the device 1 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[75] Then, the operator exerts a pulling stress on the rod 10 to cause the sliding of the second pins 12b from the first position, close to the first pins 12a, to the second position, spaced apart from the first pins 12a (see Figure 2).

[76] Subsequently, the operator engages the first pins 12a of the rod 10 in the first seat 21 of the fixed body 20, bringing the first pins 12a to abut the release portion 32 of the swinging member 30 (see Figure 3).

[77] Then, the operator exerts a stress on the rod 10 to bring the swinging member 30 from the engagement position, in which the engagement portion 31 of the swinging member 30 engages the element 2, locking it in a stable condition with respect to the structure 3, to the release position, in which the engagement portion 31 does not engage the element 2. In particular, by rotating the rod 10 around a rotation axis constituted by the second pins 12b, the first pins 12a exert a thrust on the tooth 36 which determines the swing of the swinging member 30 around the pin 33. This swing causes the pin 35 of the element 2 to move away from the respective seat 34 of the engagement portion 31 , thus determining the release of the element 2 from the structure 3 (see Figures 4 and 5).

[78] Advantageously, when the first pins 12a are inserted into the seat 21 and the second pins 12b are inserted into the seat 22, the rod 10 is associated in a stable manner with the fixed body 20, thanks to the action exerted by the elastic retaining means on the second pins 12b. This enables the operator to handle the rod 10 with greater safety.

[79] Furthermore, thanks to the shape of the device 1 , the insertion of the first pins 12a into the seat 21 and the second pins 12b into the seat 22 is particularly easy, even in low light conditions.

[80] In the practical embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and the dimensions, may be modified depending on needs without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[81] Should the technical features mentioned in any claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding of the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.

Claims

1 . A device (1 ) for releasing an element (2) from a structure (3) comprising a detachable actuation rod (10) equipped, at a respective end (11 ), with first engagement means (12a) and second engagement means (12b); said second engagement means (12b) being slidable between a first position, close to said first engagement means (12a), and a second position, spaced out from said first engagement means (12a); said actuation rod (10) being equipped with elastic retaining means, configured to exert a force capable of maintaining said second engaging means (12b) in said first close position; said device (1 ) comprising a fixed body (20), integral with said structure (3), comprising a first seat (21 ), suitable for receiving said first engagement means (12a), and a second seat (22) suitable for receiving said second engagement means (12b); said device (1 ) comprising a swinging member (30), associated with said fixed body (20), having an engagement portion (31 ) and a release portion (32); said swinging member (30) being movable between an engagement position, in which said engagement portion (31 ) engages said element (2), locking it in a stable condition with respect to said structure (3), and a release position, in which said engagement portion (31 ) does not engage said element (2); said release portion (32) being associated with said first seat (21 ), such that, in use, when said first engagement means (12a) is inserted in said first seat (21 ) and said second engagement means (12b) is inserted in said second seat (22), said first engagement means (12a) abuts said release portion (32) and said rod (10) is permanently associated with said fixed body (20) and is operable to bring said swinging member (30) in said release position.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein said first engagement means and second engagement means (12a, 12b) comprise or are shaped by respective pins, said actuation rod (10) forming at least one slot (13) in which at least one said second pin (12b) may slide between said first position and said second position.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein said pins (12a, 12b) are parallel and aligned along one or more longitudinal directions of said actuation rod (10).

4. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said swinging member (30) is rotatably connected to said fixed body (20) by means of a rotation constraint (33), said rotation constraint (33) being associated with an intermediate portion of said swinging member (30), interposed between said engagement portion (31 ) and said release portion (32).

5. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said engagement portion (31 ) is provided with a seat (34), shaping a hollow or a recess, adapted to receive, in said engagement position, engagement means (35) associated with said element (2).

6. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first seat (21 ), adapted to receive said first engagement means (12a), shapes a hollow or recess, partially superimposed on said release portion (32) of said swinging member (30).

7. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said release portion (32) of said swinging member (30) shapes a tooth (36), protruding with respect to said swinging member (30), said tooth (36) being able to abut, in use, said first engagement means (12a).

8. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fixed body (20) is provided with a portion shaping a curved outer surface (23) adapted to guide, in operation, the insertion of said first engagement means (12a) into said first seat (21 ).

9. The device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second seats (21 , 22) of said fixed body (20) are located at respective opposite sides of said fixed body (20).

10. A method for releasing an element (2) from a structure (3) by means of a device (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises the following steps: a. engaging second engagement means (12b) of a detachable actuation rod (10) in a second seat (22) of a fixed body (20) of a device (1 ); b. exerting a pulling stress on said rod (10) to determine the sliding of said second engagement means (12b) from a first position, close to said first engagement means (12a), to a second position, spaced out from said first engagement means (12a); c. engaging first engagement means (12a) of said detachable actuation rod (10) in a first seat (21 ) of said fixed body (20), moving said first engagement means (12a) in abutment with a release portion of a swinging member; d. exerting a stress on said rod (10) to bring said swinging member (30) from an engagement position, in which said engagement portion (31 ) engages an element (2), locking it in a stable condition with respect to said structure (3), to a release position, in which said engagement portion (31 ) does not engage said element (2).