FR3107499A1 - Handling device for a ground element such as a guardrail - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device (100) for handling a ground element having a convex portion, comprising engagement means comprising a first arm (11) of which a first distal portion (11a) is configured to engage under said said device. convex portion, lifting means configured to lift said element engaged by said first distal portion (11a) and means for retaining said element with said first arm (11).

Description

Device for handling a ground element of the guardrail type

The present invention relates to the field of handling tools.

The present invention relates more particularly to a device for handling an element on the ground of the safety barrier type allowing the lifting, pulling and pushing of said element relative to the ground, by reducing the arduousness of the work and by limiting the efforts of the operator. operator to reduce and limit the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (or MSDs).

By element on the ground having at least one convex portion within the meaning of the present, is meant throughout the following description any type of object arranged at ground height, the overall structure of which has at least one convex portion with respect to the ground, i.e. a shape curved away from the ground. By convex is meant any shape having a clearance relative to its ends which separates it from the ground. It can therefore be a strictly speaking convex shape; but it can also be a niche or “reverse bowl” shape, etc. This convex portion is therefore open laterally, i.e. directly visible and accessible by any external actor. Such an element can be rigid or semi-rigid. The element can also be slender and have a significant length.

For example, it can be a safety barrier or even a U-shaped profile.

The present invention will thus find many advantageous applications in the field of road works and beaconing, and in particular in the installation and/or removal of crash barriers along the road, by offering an alternative to manual handling.

State of the art

The Applicant observes that the guardrails weigh on average around fifty kilograms, that they are made of steel and that they have a cumbersome slender shape with dimensions greater than four meters in length.

On construction sites, they are handled by hand by operators in a repetitive manner.

Lifting heavy loads placed on the floor is hard work that imposes an inadequate and dangerous posture for the operators.

These operations result in a variety of occupational accident risks such as:

• a risk of crushing hands;
• a risk of cut fingers and/or toes;
• a risk of lumbago;
• a risk of herniated discs;
• a risk of muscle tears; And
• a risk of tendonitis.

In addition to these risks, there is also the appearance of musculoskeletal disorders directly related to the loads applied to the bones and joints.

The Applicant submits that to date there is no alternative solution aimed at facilitating the work of the operators responsible for handling such slides and at reducing these risks of work and health accidents.

Summary of the present invention

The present invention aims to improve the current situation described above.

The present invention aims more particularly to remedy the various drawbacks mentioned above by proposing a device capable of lifting the elements on the ground by providing mechanical assistance to the operators.

To this end, the object of the present invention relates in a first aspect to a device for handling at least one element on the ground of the type, for example safety barrier, the element having at least one convex portion facing the ground.

Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises engagement means comprising a first arm, a first distal portion of which is configured to engage under the convex portion.
Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises lifting means configured to lift the at least one element when the first distal portion is engaged in the convex portion.

Advantageously, the device according to the present invention comprises means for retaining the at least one element with the first arm.

This arrangement allows the handling of at least one element on the ground without having to bend down.

The design of this device is thus suitable for lifting elements having a convex portion facing the ground and makes it easy to engage them.

Thanks to the present invention, the operator can lift heavy loads without considerable effort or change of posture.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the lifting means comprise a second arm.

Preferably, this second arm has a second proximal portion which is in connection with the first proximal portion of the first arm to form a point of support so that the actuation of the second distal portion of the second arm causes a pivoting of the device around the fulcrum.

In other words, the association of the first and the second arm constitutes a lever making it possible to transmit and magnify a force exerted on the end of the second arm towards the end of the first arm. A person skilled in the art understands that the fulcrum resulting from the junction of the first and the second arm constitutes in practice a rotation shaft for the device.

This design allows easy handling of the device and minimal effort required for lifting while remaining at ground level.

In a particular embodiment, the first and second arms are articulated relative to each other so as to present at least two positions including:

- a first so-called lifting position in which the first and second distal portions are separated from each other; And

- a second so-called transport position in which the first and second distal portions are moved closer together.

Advantageously, the first and second arms form between them an angle comprised between 90 and 120° in the lifting position, and an angle comprised between 0 and 20° in the transport position.

In another particular embodiment which can be combined with the previous mode, the second arm comprises telescopic means.

Such a design makes it possible to move from a position suitable for work to a more folded and less cumbersome position for transporting and/or storing the device.

In one mode of implementation, the device comprises a reinforcing piece in connection with said first and second arms.

It is understood here that such a reinforcing piece distributes the internal forces applied at the junction between the first and second proximal portions to improve the robustness of the device.

Advantageously, the convex portion comprises at least one perforation.

Preferably, a mode is provided in which the retaining means comprise a pin provided on the upper face of the first distal portion and able to engage in the at least one perforation.

In this mode, it is understood that the engagement of the pin in the at least one perforation complements the engagement of the first distal portion in the convex portion, and ensures that the element is held in position during all handling operations.

In an additional embodiment, the device includes a removable hook.

Preferably, the hook is placed on the device using a snap system (or equivalent) and includes gripping means at ground level to facilitate its use.

Advantageously, the convex portion comprises at least one perforation.

Preferably, a mode is provided in which the hook then has a curved end capable of engaging in the at least one perforation.

This hook makes it possible to manually lift one or more elements and/or to separate an element from a plurality of elements engaged with the device.

It is understood here that this hook makes it possible to carry out additional handling operations without risk for the operator.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device according to the present invention comprises gripping means at the height of a man to facilitate its movement.

Preferably, the device is mounted on wheels.

Advantageously, the device comprises at least one ground stabilization foot.

Of course, it is understood that the wheels and/or the stabilizing foot make it possible to easily move the device in situations of use of the device for handling and/or transporting the device.

Preferably, the device has a tubular metal structure.

The selection of this structure ensures a device that is simple to manufacture, robust and light.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a kit comprising two devices according to the first aspect of the invention, the two devices being intended to operate in tandem on two ends of the element for handling the element.

We understand here that this kit makes it possible to ensure stable transport of a slender element, preventing the element from tipping over and/or being dragged on the ground.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to the use of at least one device according to the first aspect of the invention for handling a guardrail.

The device can be used alone or in tandem according to the second aspect of the invention. It is understood here that the guardrail has a convex portion comprising at least one perforation and is suitable for handling with any of the embodiments of the first aspect of the invention.

Thus, by the various functional and structural technical characteristics above, the Applicants propose a device allowing operators to carry out simplified handling of elements having a convex portion by minimizing the risks encountered and the difficulty of operations on construction sites.

Brief description of the appended figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below with reference to the appended figures 1 to 3 illustrating an example of embodiment which is devoid of any limiting character and on which:

FIG. 1 represents a schematic perspective view of a handling device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a handling device according to Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows an exploded schematic view of a handling device according to Figure 1.

Detailed description according to an advantageous embodiment

The present invention will now be described in the following with reference in conjunction to Figures 1 to 3 appended to the description.

In the example described here, there are a plurality of slides stacked on the ground on a road construction site, for example along a road.

As indicated in the preamble to the description, the operator's job is to install and/or remove the guardrails along the road. To do this, he must grasp and lift the runners on the ground in order to position them on the supports provided for this purpose according to the site construction plan.

This objective is achieved by the device 100 developed in the context of the present invention, an exemplary embodiment of which is described below.

It will be understood here that this example is not limiting and that the invention will find other applications for the handling of slides and/or other objects in other situations.

Such a device 100 has in this example a hollow tubular structure which comprises a first arm 11 and a second arm 12 mounted on wheels 16a and 16b. The structure is made of a metallic material whose properties ensure the rigidity and robustness of the device 100, preferably steel.

As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the first arm 11 includes a first distal portion 11a sized to engage under the convex portion of the slideways.

In this example, the first distal portion 11a has a narrowed shape relative to the arm 11 to facilitate its engagement.

The operator in charge of handling the slides will therefore grasp the device 100 according to the present invention, for example via the handles 15 serving as gripping means.

He will then move the device 100 so as to engage the first distal portion 11a of the first arm 11 under the convex portion of the slideways.

In this example, the device 100 comprises a second arm 12 linked to the first proximal portion 11b by its second proximal portion 12b

In this example, a reinforcing piece 13 can be provided in connection with the first and second proximal portions 11b and 12b to reinforce the structure of the device 100.

Provision is therefore made in this example for the implementation of the lifting means of the device 100 by the transmission of a force applied to the second distal portion 12a to the first distal portion 11a by means of a lever produced by the assembly first and second proximal portions 11b and 12b and the reinforcing piece 13.

In this example, the axis of rotation of the lever formed by the assembly of the first arm 11, of the second arm 12 and optionally of the reinforcement part 13 can be coincident with or distinct from the axis of the wheels 16a and 16b. The exact configuration of these parts is chosen to ensure the balancing and resistance to loads of the device 100.

Once the first distal portion 11a has engaged under the convex portion of the slides, the operator will proceed to lift the slide, here by pressing on the second distal portion 12a to exert a lever on the first distal portion 11a.

Of course, lifting slides can be done by a variety of other lifting means. The operator can thus actuate, for example, a motorized lift causing the first arm 11 to slide upwards.

Here, the retaining means of the device 100 are implemented by a pin 14 illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 provided on the upper face of the first distal portion 11a.

It is understood here that the pin 14 is adapted to be housed in a perforation of the convex portion of the slides engaged by the first distal portion 11a.

Thus, when handling the slides, the pin 14 keeps the slides in place on the device 100.

The operator will, during the engagement and lifting operations, ensure that the pin 14 engages in a perforation of the convex portion of the slides to validate their stability. The retaining means can also be implemented, for example, by a clamp consisting of the first arm 11 and a third arm which clamp the slides or even by a magnetic fixing of the slides.

In an additional example, a hook is provided, one end of which comprises gripping means, for example a handle similar to the handle 15, and the other end of which is adapted to be housed in a perforation of the slideways engaged by the first portion distal 11a, for example in an identical perforation or of different dimensions. This additional means of engaging the slides makes it possible to separate one or more slides from among all the slides lifted by the device 100.

Still to prevent the operator from bending down, provision is also made in this example for a plurality of fixings on the second arm 12, for example a snap-fit system suitable for arranging the hook there.

The operator will therefore, once the slides have been lifted, grasp and click the hook of the device 100, slide its curved end into a hole in the upper slide, and lift it individually to position it on its support.

In an example not illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the device 100 comprises at least one stabilization foot on the ground, for example fixed to the rear of the second arm 12. Such a stabilization foot supports the principle underlying the invention avoids any inappropriate posture on the part of the operator, and provides additional safety during handling operations.

The operator can therefore leave the device 100 in place with the slides raised to carry out the necessary site work on the positioned slide.

In another example, the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 are articulated so as to be able to pass from a so-called lifting position, in which the device 100 is able to implement the means of engagement, lifting and retained, for example the means described above, for handling slides and where the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 form between them an angle comprised for example between 90° and 120°, in a so-called transport position, in which the device 100 is less bulky, can more easily be moved or stored and where the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 form between them an angle comprised for example between 0° and 20°.

In this example, the second arm 12 comprises telescopic means making it possible to modify the effective length of the second arm 12.

It is understood here that the telescopic means allow the operator to adapt the length of the second arm 12 to improve the ergonomics of the dimensions of the device 100 and/or to retract the second arm 12 and reduce its size. These telescopic means can be used independently or in addition to the joint between the first arm 11 and the second arm 12.

The operator can therefore not only operate using a device 100 adapted to his morphology, he can also, before or after handling operations, fold the device 100 to transport it without difficulty, even on uneven ground.

The device 100 described above can be used alone for handling one or more slides, or in combination with other similar devices operating on either side of the slides. The use of a plurality of devices 100 makes it possible to improve the stability of the slides, to reduce the individual efforts for the handling of heavy loads and to avoid dragging the slides on the ground.

Two operators in collaboration will thus each use a device 100 on the opposite ends of the slides and transport them together without risk of damaging them.

The use of the device 100 for the handling of guardrails in the field of road works offers a variety of benefits, in particular:

- by limiting the efforts made for the installation/removal of heavy loads;

- by accelerating handling operations;

- by providing an intermediary between the operator and the slides to reduce the danger of cutting or crushing;

- improving the posture of the operator, thus reducing long-term health risks;

- by making handling more accessible to operators already suffering from health problems, for example problems related to the back or balance.

It should be noted that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case this description is in any way limiting to the subject of the invention; on the contrary, it aims to remove any possible imprecision or any misinterpretation of the following claims.

It should also be noted that the reference signs placed between parentheses in the following claims are in no way limiting; these signs have the sole purpose of improving the intelligibility and understanding of the following claims as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims (10)

Device (100) for handling at least one element on the ground of the type, for example safety barrier, said element having at least one convex portion facing said ground, said device (100) comprising:
- engagement means comprising a first arm (11) of which a first distal portion (11a) is configured to engage under said convex portion;
- lifting means configured to lift said at least one element when said first distal portion (11a) is engaged in said convex portion; And
- Means for retaining said at least one element with said first arm (11). Device (100) according to Claim 1, in which the said lifting means comprise a second arm (12) of which a second proximal portion (12b) is in connection with the first proximal portion (11b) of the said first arm (11) to form a fulcrum so that actuation of the second distal portion (12a) of the second arm (12) causes said device (100) to pivot around said fulcrum. Device (100) according to Claim 2, in which the said first and second arms (11, 12) are articulated with respect to each other so as to present at least two positions including:
- a first so-called lifting position in which said first and second distal portions (11a, 12a) are separated from each other; And
- a second so-called transport position in which said first and second distal portions (11a, 12a) are close to each other. Device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said second arm (12) comprises telescopic means. Device (100) according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, which comprises a reinforcing piece (13) in connection with the said first and second arms (11, 12). Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, said convex portion comprising at least one perforation, in which said retaining means comprise a pin (14) made on the upper face of the first distal portion (11a) and able to engage in said at least one perforation. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a removable hook. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at least one ground stabilization foot. Kit comprising two devices (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said two devices (100) being intended to operate in tandem on two ends of said element for the handling of said element. Use of at least one device (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 for handling a safety barrier.