FR2609738A1 - Dismantleable steps for access to water meters - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for climbing very easily up and down inspection holes for water meters. The invention consists in producing 2 steps MA 1 and MA 2 which have the whole width of the inspection hole and are arranged at right-angles at 2 different levels. These steps are laid on rungs 5. They greatly facilitate access to the bottom of the inspection hole, for the meter readers. In addition, since they are detachable, they can be removed in order to allow the meter fitters to work therein quite comfortably, in a maximum volume. This device is therefore mainly intended for water companies and meter fitters working for these companies.

Description

 The present invention relates to a device allowing access to the areas of water meters in the pavilions.

 Currently, access to these manholes is carried out in principle (when there is one) using steps and possibly (if there is one) with a stick. This maneuver is quite dangerous and requires a certain skill.

 The method according to the invention allows a very safe descent and ascent, very simple and not tiring.

 The principle is as follows: in a prefabricated manhole, slightly modified, composed of eight cement slabs, figure 3 (8) all identical, provision is made for the installation of two cement steps arranged at right angles to each other 'other, and judiciously distributed over the height.

 The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention.

Figure 1: the first lower step (MA 1) is placed on two steps (5) sealed at an angle. It is arranged parallel to the axis of the connection (A).

So that it does not slip, there are provided under this step two lugs (3) forming a stop behind the steps (5).

 In addition, for safety, there are provided notches, Figure 3 (4) in the assembly stops of the angles of the slabs (8) of the manhole, in which the corners of the step are fitted, thus avoiding tilting.

Figure 2: the top step (MA 2) is installed in exactly the same way, but 90 "from the other.

Figure 3 (perspective): therefore, access becomes very easy: the length of each step allows the meter reading employees of Compagnie des Eaux to put their two feet there and possibly turn around before passing on the next step. The descent and the ascent are carried out without any support of the hands, and thus without risks for these employees. The stability of a person being remarkable on these steps.

 Currently, Compagnie Générale des Eaux requires smaller looks (Om80 x OmBO x lmOO depth) instead of the old ones (lmOO x lmOO x lmOO depth), these steps are instantly removable by lifting them slightly from the nose and pulling them towards the center, to completely free the interior volume of the manhole, allowing installers and repairers of meters to work in the maximum space, the rungs remaining in place can serve as an access ladder during the work.

 Anyway, the volume occupied by these two suspended steps being minimal, these employees can possibly (depending on their build) do their work without dismantling these steps: to avoid being squatted, they can sit on the bottom step (MA 1 ) and the top step (MA 2) can be used as a small workbench for putting down their tools.

 Finally, for the customer himself, the arrangement of these steps in no way hinders the installation of the anti-freeze protection floor (in four planks) on the plates (6) provided for this purpose, in the middle of the height . During normal periods, these boards are stacked on top of each other and stored under the top step (MA 2), in a vacuum (7). Therefore, they are neither visible nor annoying, and are ready at any time, in case of cold.

 I1 it should be noted that the realization of this device of steps is very economical (four steps and two steps).

 The application can be carried out on all existing manholes, in masonry or in prefab: the sealing of the rungs at an angle poses few problems, the installation of the steps (in cement or any rigid material) poses none, as far as with the anti-tilt system (4), it can be achieved by sealing (or fixing by dowels and lag screws) near the angles of the gaze, two small flat iron legs or angles.

 This device, very economical and above all very practical (which has excited certain water companies to which this look has been presented), will be appreciated by both customers and meter readers and installers.

Claims (4)

 1) Device facilitating access to the levers in the manholes for water meters, characterized in that it consists of two steps  (MA 1 and MA 2) arranged at right angles to different levels, each resting on two steps (5) and comprising a double safety device  a) pins (3) to prevent slipping of the steps  b) an anti-tilt safety device for these steps consisting of notches (4) in the angles of the manhole, or other devices on existing manholes.  2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that these steps  (MA 1 and MA 2) are removable to allow meter installers to work in the maximum volume.  3) Device according to claims 1 and 2 characterized in that this system can be applied in any existing manhole, prefabricated or masonry.  4) Device according to claims 1 and 3 characterized in that these steps (MA 1 and MA 2) do not hinder the establishment of the anti-freeze floor on the protruding pads (6) provided for this purpose. I) is stored in the space (7) between these plates (6) and the upper step (MA2).