FR2794491A1 - STEP OR STEP WITH A ARTICULATED PLATFORM IN ITS MIDDLE - Google Patents

Abstract

The step ladder, consisting of a stile (1) with rungs (3) and a prop (5) which deploys to support the stile when in operation and folds against it for storage, has a top platform (7) in two hinged halves (7a) which deploy and fold together with the stile and prop. In the storage position the two halves of the platform are folded together and in line with the stile and prop, while in the deployed position they pivot about a rod (9) along their undersides, so that the platform is locked by the facing edges of the two halves. The two halves of the platform are identical and basically flat, being made from extruded metal alloy, e.g. aluminium.

Description

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  STEP OR STEP WITH A PLATFORM

ARTICULATED IN THE MIDDLE.

  The invention relates to a stepladder or step with a

  hinged platform in the middle.

  Stepladders or steps are known, the upper platform of which is articulated to the stand plane is locked in the service position horizontal to the climb plane by means of a hook engaged on the climb plane, or by means of a lower link. holding, which further allows the tilting of the platform in the folded position out of service. These mechanisms are not very rigid, subject to play and of low mechanical resistance. They require more for stepladders of a certain height of the lower holding straps

  the opening of the plans fixed on their uprights.

  The object of the invention is to provide a platform of good mechanical strength and rigidity and which does not require straps

lower maintenance plans.

  It is in fact proposed according to the invention a stepladder or step comprising a climbing plane and a crutch plane hinged to each other at the upper level, and an upper service platform, characterized in that said flat -form consists of two parts articulated on the one hand, one to the other in opposition and on the other hand, each respectively to the climb plan and to the stand plan, so that in the out of service position both platform parts are folded back towards each other, substantially in alignment with the climbing planes and stand plan brought back towards each other and in the operating position they are deployed substantially in plan with locking of

  positioning relative to each other.

  Advantageously, said platform parts are

  articulated at the middle of the platform service plan

  shape formed and at the same height on each of the ascent and crutch planes. In addition, said platform parts may be identical, substantially planar and derived from an alloy extrusion.

metallic, aluminum for example.

  They are each articulated on a pillar axis or on a rod connecting the uprights, respectively of the stand plane and the climb plane, without projecting outwards beyond this rod or the respective plane to prevent the possibility of couple creation

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  by the operator likely to inadvertently open the platform (in

fold up).

  In addition, they are advantageously articulated to each other by a lower rod extending and held axially over their width with closure stop in the service position by their front edge, which are applied against each other. , above said articulation rod. Said articulation rod is advantageously mounted in the lower legs of the half-platforms, regularly formed under these over the width of their edge and with interlacing from one to the other.

  Preferably, to block the closing of the platform

  form in the operating position and avoid inadvertent opening, a small hollow angle is provided on the platform plane (2 to 5) or a greater alignment angle of the platform parts equal to approximately

  to 178.

  The invention is illustrated below using an embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure i is a partial perspective view of a step according to the invention, in the service position ; - Figure 2 is a partial median cross-sectional view of the running board in the service position; FIG. 3 is a view in partial median cross-section of the running board in the folded position out of service, and

  - Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the plate-

form alone.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the step according to the invention essentially comprises a front ascent plane 1 provided with steps 3, a rear stand plane 5 articulated at its end

  higher than the climb plan 1, and a service platform 7.

  This platform 7 of rectangular format has a width substantially equal to the distance (identical) between the respective uprights; Sa two by two from each of the climb planes 1 and stand 5, and a length equal to the distance between two lateral uprights la, Sa

  adjacent, in the open service position and at platform height.

  It consists of two identical parts or half-platforms 7a. These are flat, from aluminum extrusion. They

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  come substantially in alignment with each other in the position of

  service to constitute said platform.

  The half-platforms are hinged to each other at the median level of the running board on the vertical median plane P of the running board (FIG. 2) and on the other hand, to each of the stand 5 and climbing planes

  1, respectively, by their outer edge end 7b.

  The central articulation (see also FIG. 4) is produced by means of a rod 9 extending over the width of the coupled half-platforms 7a. This rod is received in tabs 7c forming a hinge bearing of the rod and regularly arranged across the width and under the edge of each of the half-platforms. The legs 7c are spaced from each other by their own width so as to allow their

  crisscrossing at the coupling of the half-platforms.

  The rod 9 therefore forms the lower articulation axis of the two half

  platforms 7a. These abut one against the other by their edge before 7d in the open position. In this position, they are substantially in alignment with each other to form the plane of

  step 7 platform service.

  In addition, it is advantageous to provide a slight upper hollow so as to lock the platform opening (upper angle

  of alignment of the half-platforms 7a equal to approximately 175 to 178).

  Thus, any bringing together of the stand and climb plans cannot induce an upward force on the half-platforms in order to fold them up. The locking of the opening of the middle joint can also be achieved by an attached attachment (not shown) such as a

  hook connecting the two half-platforms or a half-leg

  platform turned against the other half platform when locked.

  The external articulation of the half-platforms is carried out using a rod 11 connecting the uprights la; 5a two by two from each of the ascent and stand plans. This rod is mounted through and free in rotation with little play along the end of the outer edge 7b of each of the half-platforms. The outer edge 7b is rounded without protruding outside the plane, so that the operator cannot make

  lever on this edge to inadvertently fold the platform.

  The closed out-of-service position of the step with its folded platform is shown in Figure 3. In this position, the

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  mounted 1 and stand 5 are folded substantially in alignment against one another and likewise the half-platforms 7a are folded up. To reach this position, it suffices to manually raise the platform 7 in the middle on the underside, with one hand, while the crutches and ascent planes are pushed towards each other by the other hand . As soon as the half-platforms 7a have started a slight rotation, the closure is carried out automatically by bringing one towards the other

plans 1, 5.

  Conversely, the opening is obtained automatically by pulling

  one of the planes 1 or 5 apart from each other, the opening of the platform

  form 7 being developed simultaneously with that of planes 1, 5. It suffices to slightly exceed the alignment of the half-platforms 7a and to reach said locking recess, so that the service position

be reached.

  It will then be noted that the stand and ascent plans are doubly articulated, first at the upper level like the traditional running boards, and secondly at the level of the platform following an isosceles articulated triangle (in vertical cross section) whose vertices are respectively the upper articulation of the planes and the articulations of the platform, itself articulated in its middle, with the crutch and ascending planes, respectively. It follows a good rigidity of connection of the plans of the running board which

  allows heavy loads to be safely supported.

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Claims (10)

  1. Stepladder or step comprising a climbing plane (1) and a crutch plane (5) articulated to each other at the upper level, and an upper service platform (7), characterized in that said platform form (7) consists of two parts (7a) articulated, on the one hand to one another in opposition and on the other hand, each respectively to the climb plane (1) and to the stand plane (5) , so that in the out-of-service position the two platform parts (7a) are folded back towards each other, substantially in alignment with the ascent planes (1) and stand plan (5) brought back one towards each other, and that in the service position they are deployed substantially in plan with locking of   positioning relative to each other.   2. Stepladder or step according to claim 1, characterized in that said platform parts (7a) are articulated at   the middle part of the platform service plan (7) formed.   3. Stepladder or step according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said platform parts (7a) are articulated at the same height on each of the climbing planes (1) and stand (5).   4. Stepladder or step according to one of the claims   previous, characterized in that said platform parts (7a) are the same.   5. Stepladder or step according to one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the platform parts (7a) are   substantially flat, from metal alloy extrusion.   6. Stepladder or step according to one of the claims   previous, characterized in that said platform parts (7a) are each articulated on an upright axis or on a rod (11) connecting the uprights, respectively, of the stand plane (5) and of the climb plane ( 1), without protruding outwards beyond this rod or the respective plane in order to prevent the untimely creation of a couple by the operator capable of opening the platform (in folding down towards the top).   7. Stepladder or step according to one of the claims   previous, characterized in that the platform parts (7a) are articulated to each other by a lower rod (9) extending and held axially over their width, with closing stop in 6 2794491   service position by their front edge (7d), which edges (7d) are   applied one against the other above said articulation rod (9).   8. Stepladder or step according to claim 7, characterized in that said articulation rod (9) is mounted in lower legs (7c) of the half-platforms, regularly formed under each of these, across the width of their edge, and with   interlacing from one to the other for coupling the half-platforms shapes.   9. Stepladder or step, according to one of claims   previous, characterized in that to ensure the locking of the closing of the platform in the service position and to avoid inadvertent opening, a small angle of recess is provided on the plane of the platform (2 to 5) or a higher alignment angle of the parts   of platform equal to about 175 and 178.   10. Stepladder or step according to one of claims   previous, characterized in that the stand (5) and ascent (1) planes are doubly articulated, first at the upper level like the traditional running boards, and secondly at the level of the platform following an isosceles articulated triangle in cross section, the vertices of which are respectively the upper articulation of the planes (1, 5) and the lower points are the articulations (11) of the platform (7), itself articulated in its middle with the planes of stand (5) and rise (1), respectively.