HK1237010B - A device for compensating a slope of a construction surface - Google Patents

Description

Device for compensating for the slope of the construction surface

Technical Field

The invention relates to a device for compensating the inclination of a construction surface, the device preferably being placed on or below a base capable of elevating the construction surface, the device comprising a first and a second inclination-compensating element cooperating with each other to compensate for the inclination, the first and second inclination-compensating elements being mounted so as to be rotatable relative to each other, each element having a range with a predetermined number of positions placed successively on a portion of the circumference of the respective compensating element, each position corresponding at each time to a value of inclination compensation for the element associated therewith.

Background Art

European Patent EP 1 027 511 discloses a device for compensating for the inclination of a construction surface, thereby enabling, for example, the placement of a base at the same height above the construction surface. To compensate for the inclination of a construction surface, the surface inclination is first determined, for example, as a percentage or as an angle. A position is then selected from a plurality of positions that corresponds to the determined value. A first and a second inclination-compensating element are then rotated relative to one another so as to position them at the determined value. Finally, the device is placed directly on the surface, or applied to or below the base, ensuring that the device is oriented along the surface inclination if the height must also be compensated. To maintain the two elements in the selected position, the first compensating element rests on the inner surface of a recessed section, while the second compensating element is provided with wedges that engage the grooves in the recessed section.

A disadvantage of this known device is that, even with the use of wedges and notches, the established slope can change between the time the slope is established and the time the device is placed in its final position on the surface. Indeed, the wedges and notches do not adequately constrain the components in a predetermined position. However, they also do not facilitate rotation of the components relative to one another. If the position has changed, it will be necessary to correctly reposition both components, which results in a loss of time and money.

Summary of the Invention

The object of the present invention is to achieve a device in which the probability of position variations established during the placement phase is reduced, without adversely affecting the ease with which the elements can be positioned relative to each other.

To this end, the device according to the invention is characterized in that it is a set comprising a fixing foot with a gripping member, first and second tilt-compensating elements, each comprising a first series of windows, each applied to each element, and a corresponding second series of windows. The windows of the first and second series are arranged in such a way that, for each position corresponding to the tilt compensation value of the first and second tilt-compensating elements, at least one window of each tilt-compensating element is positioned opposite one another, and the windows are sized so that the gripping member can engage within the windows positioned opposite one another. The presence of the first and second series of windows applied to each window, and the fact that at least one window of each tilt-compensating element is positioned opposite one another when the tilt-compensating element is adjusted to a predetermined value, enable the gripping member to engage within these windows, temporarily confining the discs to one another and thus preventing rotation of the elements during placement on a surface. Thus, the value established between the two elements remains fixed during the time required to place the device in its final position. Thereafter, the fixing foot can be withdrawn.

A first preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the fixing foot comprises a small spatula juxtaposed to the gripping member, the spatula being dimensioned to receive a portion of a user's foot. The user can thus utilize the fixing foot to hold the device where it must be placed simply by placing a portion of his or her foot on the spatula.

A second preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the spatula is arc-shaped and is provided with reinforcing ribs on the inner side of the arc. This can form a rigid structure that resists the weight of the foot while being very light.

A third preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the windows of the first and second series of windows are arranged such that, for each position of the pitch compensation value of the first and second pitch compensation elements, at least two windows of each pitch compensation element window are positioned opposite one another, and the gripping member is designed as a jaw comprising two teeth spaced apart from one another by a distance such that each tooth penetrates into the two windows positioned opposite one another. The use of two windows and two teeth, on the one hand, makes the gripping member more rigid and, on the other hand, advantageously maintains the elements in the selected position value.

A fourth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the windows are elongated. This facilitates the engagement of the teeth into the windows.

A fifth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the second series of windows comprises first, second and third subgroups of windows, each subgroup of windows having a predetermined window width, the width of the windows of the third subgroup being greater than the windows of the second subgroup of windows, which in turn are greater than the windows of the first subgroup of windows. This allows better consideration of different compensation values.

A sixth preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a locking member capable of locking the first and second tilt-compensating elements in the respective positions. The locking member better positions the elements in their positions corresponding to the selected values even after placement.

A seventh preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the locking member is formed by a first series of second openings and a second series of fourth openings, which are applied to each slope-compensating element and are arranged along a circle having a radius smaller than that of the slope-compensating element, the fourth openings being arranged such that, for each of the positions described, at least one fourth opening of the second series is positioned opposite a second opening of the first series, and the locking member further comprises a key having such dimensions that it can be inserted into one of the second and fourth openings at a time when the second and fourth openings are positioned opposite each other. This allows for a reliable and inexpensive implementation of the locking member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of a slope compensation device according to the invention for compensating the slope of a building surface.

Figure 1 shows a tile placed on a base provided with compensation means for compensating for the inclination of a construction surface;

FIG2 a shows a first surface of a first slope compensation element;

FIG2 b shows a cross-sectional view along line II-II′ of the first slope compensation element;

FIG3 shows a second side of the first slope compensation element opposite to the first side;

FIG4 shows a first side of a second slope compensation element;

FIG5 shows a second surface of the second slope compensation element opposite to the first surface;

FIG6 shows a device for compensating for the inclination of a construction surface and a complete set of fixed feet;

FIG7 shows a top side view of the fixed foot;

FIG8 shows a bottom side view of the fixed foot; and

Figure 9 shows the key of the locking member.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG1 schematically shows a tile 3 placed on a base 2 provided with a compensation device 1 for compensating for the slope of a construction surface 4. The base is placed on a construction surface inclined at an angle β. This angle has a slope value corresponding to the percentage of the slope of the inclined surface 4. The base itself serves to lift the construction surface. The slope compensation device 1 serves to compensate for this slope of the surface, which has a slope of β, so that the tile 3 can be placed horizontally on the base provided with the device. In the embodiment shown in FIG1 , the device is placed under the base, but it is also possible to place the device on the base, or directly on the soil without using a base. The surface slope compensation device comprises a first slope compensation element 5 and a second slope compensation element 6, each of which has the shape of a disc and cooperates with each other to compensate for the slope. The first and second slope compensation elements are mounted so as to be able to rotate relative to each other.

Figures 2 to 5 illustrate embodiments of first and second slope-compensating elements in greater detail. Each element is assigned a range consisting of a predetermined number of positions (α ₀ , α ₁ , α ₂ , α ₃ , ... α _n ) positioned sequentially along a portion of the circumference of the slope-compensating element. Each position corresponds to an associated slope-compensating value α _i (0 ≤ 1 ≤ n) for the element, the slope being determined relative to the construction surface 4 . The slope-compensating value can be expressed as a percentage or in degrees. For example, in the example, n = 5, but this is obviously an example only, and other values greater or less than n = 5 can also be chosen. Thus, in the example of Figure 1 , the device can compensate for slope values β between 0% and 5%. This can be done in steps of 1% or 0.5%. Of course, other values than these can also be used. Preferably, each position α _i is provided with a small arrow indicating the direction of the slope, which then allows the device to be correctly positioned in the direction of the slope. These arrows are applied to the peripheral boundary 11, which itself extends over the entire element.

To achieve this slope compensation, the first compensating element 5 is provided with a sloped profile 12 on its surface area, extending diagonally across the element, as shown in FIG2b . This profile is preferably formed by staircase steps 19, which extend obliquely across the surface area of the disk and away from the peripheral boundary 11. The height of the steps preferably varies continuously along the diameter of the element. Thus, in the element orientations shown in FIG2a , b , and 3 , the steps increase in height from right to left.

The first slope-compensating element 5 includes a first series of windows 10-i (1≤i≤m) extending across the element. In the example shown, m=16, but the invention is obviously not limited to this number; other values of m are also possible. The windows are preferably applied to the first slope-compensating element along its peripheral edge 11 to facilitate gripping by the fixed foot, as will be described below. The windows preferably have an elongated shape, but other shapes, such as oval or trapezoidal, are also contemplated. The various windows are preferably arranged equidistant from one another.

The first slope compensation element 5 preferably further includes a first opening 13 and a wedge 14 , the function of which will be described below.

The first slope-compensating element also preferably includes a series of second openings 16-1 and 16-2, each positioned on a raised surface. These second openings are associated with a locking member, as will be described in detail below. The raised surface can be realized, for example, by a height difference realized on the first surface, in which the first slope-compensating element is realized in the material, as shown in FIG3 . Each of these second openings is configured to receive a locking member, as will be described in more detail below. The second openings are preferably elongated with a centrally located rounded portion.

To facilitate the rotation of the first slope compensating element relative to the second slope compensating element, first protrusions 8 are preferably provided on the peripheral border 11. These first protrusions are arranged in such a way that they do not interfere with the first window. The first protrusions form grips to initiate the rotation of the elements.

The first slope compensating element 5 further comprises a fifth opening 17 which is arranged centrally and is provided with a circular border 18 for engagement with the second slope compensating element 6 .

FIG4 shows a first side of a second slope-compensating element 6, which, like the first slope-compensating element, also includes a sloped profile extending diagonally across the element. The outer perimeter 20 of the second slope-compensating element preferably comprises a staircase shape formed by steps 22 extending from intermediate steps 21, which themselves extend from the outer perimeter 20 of the second slope-compensating element 6. The sloped profile preferably extends over the steps 22.

The second slope-compensating element 6 includes a second series of windows 23-j (1≤j≤k), as shown in FIG5 . In the example shown, k=18, but it is clear that the invention is not limited to this number, and other values of k are possible. The windows are preferably arranged on the steps 22 and arranged over the entire circumference of the second slope-compensating element to facilitate gripping by the fixing legs, as will be described below. The windows are preferably elongated, but other shapes such as oval or trapezoidal are also contemplated. Of course, the geometry of the second series of windows must correspond to the geometry of the first series of windows in order to enable engagement of the fixing legs, as will be described below. The second series of windows 23 includes a first subset of windows 23/1, a second subset of windows 23/2, and a third subset of windows 23/3, each having a predetermined window width, the third subset of windows having a greater width than the second subset of windows, which in turn has a greater width than the first subset of windows.

The first series of windows 10 and the second series of windows 23 are arranged in such a way that, for each position corresponding to the slope compensation value (α) of the first and second slope compensation elements, at least one window of the first slope compensation element windows 10-i and at least one window of the second slope compensation element windows 23-j are positioned opposite each other. However, the windows of the first and second series of windows are preferably arranged in such a way that, for each position corresponding to the slope compensation value of the first and second slope compensation elements, at least two windows of each slope compensation element window are positioned opposite each other. This latter embodiment provides for better anchoring of the gripping member, as will be described below.

On this second slope-compensating element, a series of fourth openings 24-p (1≤p≤w) each placed within a recess 25-p are also preferably foreseen. These fourth openings cooperate with the second openings 16 present on the first element and constitute locking means. For this reason, the fourth openings have an external shape similar to that of the second openings. The recess 25, extending on the second face of the second slope-compensating element, includes an internal shape provided with two second protrusions 26 and 27, which are arranged diagonally relative to the center of the recess, as shown in FIG5 . These protrusions form retaining elements and are arranged along the elongated shape of the fourth openings. Each protrusion extends over half the length of the fourth opening. In the example shown, w=9, but the invention is obviously not limited to this number.

The notched section 28 is placed on the first face of the second slope compensating element and cooperates with the wedge 14 of the first slope compensating element to form a step by a stepped rotation of the first and second slope compensating elements relative to each other and a weak fixation of the second slope compensating element relative to the first slope compensating element.

The second slope-compensating element comprises, in its central portion, a first series of holes 31 and a second series of holes 32 to allow rainwater that falls on the compensating device to drain away. A central hole 29 is also conceivable. The first and second series of holes are located at the bottom of a basin 36 arranged in the center of the second slope-compensating element. This basin is able to collect rainwater before the holes 31 and 32 are emptied.

The winglets 30 are arranged along the outer edge of a ring 34 positioned approximately halfway along the radius of the second pitch-compensating element. Each winglet is provided with a small recess positioned at its outermost end and intended to grip the circular periphery 18 of the first pitch-compensating element, thereby enabling the first and second pitch-compensating elements to be connected together while allowing the two elements to rotate relative to each other.

The first surface of the second slope-compensating element 6 preferably also has slope-compensated values α. These values, designated by reference numeral 35, are positioned approximately two-thirds of the radius of the second element, at a height corresponding to the height at which the third opening 37 of the first slope-compensating element 5 is arranged. Thus, a user placing the device can see through the third opening 37 whether the value displayed on the second slope-compensating element corresponds to the value α selected by the user.

FIG6 shows a complete set of apparatuses comprising the device 1 for compensating for the slope of a construction surface and a fixing foot 40. The fixing foot comprises a gripping member 41, which is adapted to engage within at least one of the first element windows 10 and at least one of the second element windows 23. As shown in FIG7 , the fixing foot comprises a small spatula 42, juxtaposed to the gripping member 41, which is sized to accommodate a portion of a user's foot. Preferably, the fixing foot has a length of 10 cm. Of course, this relates to a preferred embodiment; other dimensions are also possible.

The spatula 42 is preferably curved, as shown in FIG8 , and is provided with reinforcing ribs 49 on the inner side of the curve. As their name suggests, these ribs serve to strengthen the spatula's structure, thereby better supporting the weight of a foot resting on it. These reinforcing ribs are preferably implemented as horizontal and vertical branches that intersect at the center of the spatula. This results in good redistribution of force both horizontally and vertically. The spatula is preferably provided with a series of protrusions 43, which, on the one hand, reduce the weight of the structure while making it more rigid, and, on the other hand, conserve the material used in its manufacture. This series of protrusions extends on either side of a central portion 44, below which extend the vertical branches of the reinforcing ribs 49.

The gripping member 41 is preferably configured as a jaw 45 comprising two teeth 46 and 47 spaced apart at a distance from one another so that each tooth can penetrate into one of two consecutive windows when positioned opposite one another. However, an embodiment is also conceivable in which the jaws comprise only teeth. An embodiment with two teeth offers the advantage that two teeth each grasp each of two windows facing one another, thereby improving the definition of the two elements at their selected inclination value α. The distance between the teeth creates a space 48 between them, which allows for a better view of the windows and thus facilitates the placement of the teeth into the windows. Preferably, the teeth 46 and 47 are provided with small protrusions 52 located on the inner surface of the jaw 45. These small protrusions serve to limit the play between the teeth when they are introduced into the windows.

Preferably, the jaws 45 are raised relative to the surface in which the spatula 42 is positioned. In this way, there is enough space for the teeth 46 and 47 to extend, and the raised wall 51 of the jaws forms a stop for the foot that is about to step on the spatula 42. The teeth are arranged according to an arc to match the circular shape of the element in which the window is applied.

The locking member further comprises a key 60, which is capable of locking the first and second slope compensation elements in the respective slope compensation positions. A preferred embodiment of such a key 60 is shown in FIG9 . The key is dimensioned so that it can be inserted into one of the first and fourth openings of the first and second slope compensation elements at a time, when the first and fourth openings of the first and second slope compensation elements are positioned relative to each other at a certain slope angle. The key has a T-shape that is placed on an ingot 61. The head of the T-shape is positioned opposite the ingot and is separated by a vertical branch of the T-shape. The vertical branch is preferably cylindrical, while the head is linear. The upper face of the ingot comprises a central slot 62 of a certain size for inserting the end of a screwdriver therein. Preferably, two arrows 63 and 64 are applied on either side of the slot 62 to indicate that the key must be turned.

When placing the compensation device according to the present invention, the user first determines the slope value β and the inclination direction of the slope on which the device should be placed. He then picks up the first and second slope-compensating elements and rotates one relative to the other in order to position both elements at the value _αi corresponding to the determined slope value β. During this latter operation, the user observes the α value displayed on the element borders, the value visible through the first opening 13, or both. During the rotation of the two elements, the wedge 14 is displaced on the notched section 28, thereby enabling the first slope-compensating element to be rotated step by step relative to the second. This allows for precise adjustment of the values.

The rotation of the tilt-compensating elements 5 and 6 will cause the windows of the first series 10 and the second series 23 to follow the rotation, since the windows belong to these elements. Thus, when the elements are adjusted to their selected values α, at least one window 10-i of the first series 10 and at least one window 23-j of the second series 23 will be opposite each other. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5, each element has two windows, which are opposite each other.

As is now the case, with at least one window 10-i of the first series of windows 10 and at least one window 23-j of the second series of windows 23 facing each other, it becomes possible to engage the gripping members 41 of the fixed foot in those windows facing each other. The user can then engage the gripping members in those windows, which will then restrict the rotation of the components within them. Indeed, the gripping members, when intersecting, as in the case of windows 10-i of the first series of windows 10 and windows 23-j of the second series of windows 23, will prevent the components from rotating relative to each other. Thus, the two components remain confined to the value α at which they were previously positioned. The presence of the spatula 42 allows the user to place their foot on it, thereby temporarily holding the components 5 and 6 in place. The fact that the user can hold the components in place with their foot frees their hands to place the base 2 and tile 3 (if necessary).

When the gripping member 41 comprises two teeth, as shown in the example of Figure 7, each tooth will penetrate into a window, which can further restrict the rotation of the two elements 5 and 6. In this way, the presence of two teeth considerably restricts the rotation of the gripping member relative to the elements 5 and 6.

To ensure that, even after elements 5 and 6 have been positioned, their positioning at value α remains fixed, the locking mechanism is activated. To this end, the user places key 60 between the openings of the series of second openings 16-1 and 16-2, which are opposite the openings of the series of fourth openings 24-p. Indeed, rotating elements 5 and 6 to position them at value α will also result in the second openings 16-1 and 16-2 of the first slope compensation element being opposite the fourth openings 24-p of the second slope compensation element. This allows the head of the vertical branch of the key's T-shape to be inserted into the second opening 16, which will face one of the fourth openings 24-p. During this operation, the key is aligned so that the head extends in the same direction as the elongated shape of the fourth opening. When the head and the vertical branch of the key have crossed the second opening 16 and the fourth opening 24, the ingot 61 will rest on a raised surface. By means of a screwdriver placed in the central slot 62, the user will turn the key so that the key head can be trapped on the second protrusions 26 and 27 located in the recess 25. By virtue of this trapping on the protrusions, the locking member will lock the key and lock the two elements 5 and 6 to each other, thereby preventing any subsequent rotation of these elements.

Claims (15)

1. A compensation device for compensating the slope of a structural surface, the device being placed on or below a base capable of lifting the structural surface, the device comprising first and second slope compensation elements that cooperate to compensate for the slope, the first and second slope compensation elements being mounted rotatable relative to each other, each element having a range having a predetermined number of positions sequentially placed on a portion of the circumference of the respective slope compensation element, each position corresponding at a time to a slope compensation value of the element associated therewith, the compensation device further comprising a locking member capable of locking the first and second slope compensation elements relative to each other, characterized in that the device belongs to an assembly of devices, the assembly of devices further comprising a fixed foot having a gripping member, the first slope compensation element comprising a first series of windows applied to the first slope compensation element, the second slope compensation element comprising a second series of windows applied to the second slope compensation element, the windows in the first and second series of windows being arranged such that, for each position, the slope compensation value of the first and second slope compensation elements corresponds to this position, at least one window in the windows of each slope compensation element is positioned opposite each other, the windows being sized such that the gripping member can engage into the windows positioned opposite each other. 2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the window is arranged along the circumference of the slope compensation element. 3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing foot includes a small shovel arranged side by side with the gripping member, the shovel being sized to accommodate a portion of the user's foot. 4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the small shovel is arc-shaped and is provided with reinforcing ribs located on the inner side of the arc. 5. The device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the small shovel is provided with a series of protrusions. 6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the windows in the first and second series of windows are arranged such that, for each position of the slope compensation value of the first and second slope compensation elements, at least two windows in the windows of each slope compensation element are positioned opposite each other, and the gripping member is configured as a jaw comprising two teeth arranged spaced apart from each other, the distance of the spacing being such that each tooth can penetrate into the two windows positioned opposite each other. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the jaws are raised relative to the surface of the small shovel in which they are positioned. 8. The device as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein the notch in the jaws is disposed in the space between the two teeth. 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the window is elongated. 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the windows of the first series have equal dimensions. 11. The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the second series of windows comprises first, second and third subgroups of windows, each subgroup of windows having a predetermined window width, the window width of the third subgroup being greater than the window width of the second subgroup of windows, and the window width of the second subgroup of windows being greater than the window width of the first subgroup of windows. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the boundary of the second slope compensation element comprises a staircase shape, and the first series of windows are applied to the intermediate staircase steps. 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking member is formed by a first series of second openings and a second series of fourth openings, these openings being applied within each slope compensation element and positioned along a circle with a radius smaller than the radius of the slope compensation element, the fourth openings being configured such that, for each said position, at least one fourth opening of the second series is positioned relative to the second opening of the first series, the locking member further comprising a key sized such that, when the second and fourth openings are positioned relative to each other, it can be inserted into one of the second and fourth openings at any given time. 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein each of the fourth openings is elongated and has a circular portion at its center, and the key has a T-shape placed on the ingot. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the fourth opening is provided with a retaining element for securing the head of the T-key.