WO2016098137A1

WO2016098137A1 - System for connecting and disconnecting an isolation barrier to/from a support structure thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2016098137A1
Application number: PCT/IT2015/000314
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emanuele Valter SCICOLONE
Original assignee: Scicolone Emanuele Valter
Priority date: 2014-12-18
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2016-06-23

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for connecting and disconnecting a fireproof polyethylene sheet to an upright of a metal scaffold. The system comprises a first element placeable between the sheet and the upright, a second element placeable on the side opposite of the sheet with respect to the upright, and means suitable for magnetically coupling the first element both to the upright and to the second element, so that the sheet is tightened between the first and the second elements and, thereby, is connected to the upright by means of the first element. In a first embodiment of the system object of the invention in which the second element is metal, the coupling means comprise first magnets integrally connected to the first element and suitable for magnetically attracting both the upright and the second element. In a second embodiment of the sys tem object of the invention, the magnetic coupling means comprise first mag nets integrally connected to the first element and second magnets integrally connected to the second element. The first magnets are suitable for magnetical ly attracting the upright. The first and the second magnets are suitable for being magnetically attracted to each other. In a third embodiment of the system the object of the invention in which the second element is metal, the coupling means comprise third and fourth magnets integrally connected to the first element. The third magnets are suitable for magnetically attracting the upright. The fourth magnets are suitable for magnetically attracting the second element. In a fourth embodiment of the system object of the invention, the magnetic coupling means comprise both said third and fourth magnets integrally connected to the first element, and said second magnets integrally connected to the second ele ment.

Description

System for connecting and disconnecting an isolation barrier to/from a support structure thereof

Field of application of the invention

The present invention relates to the construction industry and to the sector of reclaiming operations and dangerous man-made vitreous fibers. More precisely, the present invention relates to that branch of construction in which building, finishing, restoring or demolishing a building first involves creating a barrier suitable for at least partially isolating the portion of space in which the construction works are performed from the surrounding ambient. In the description below, for convenience of disclosure, the portion of space in which the construction works are performed will be indicated with the expression "worksite". Different types of barriers exist, according to the type of isolation to be obtained. When a worksite is to be visually and/or acoustically isolated, the barrier is a suitable structure for at least partially preventing the propagation of light radiations and/or of sound waves. When the execution of the construction works involves the dispersal of agents harmful to man and/or to the environment into the atmosphere (such as for example in operations involving removing asbestos), the barrier is a suitable structure for confining said harmful agents within the worksite. In the description below, the expression "isolation barrier" is meant to identify any barrier of the aforesaid type.

More precisely, the present invention is applied in reference to construction works involving the installation of a framework, that is a support structure for the construction workers which is usually raised so as to at least partially surround an existing building on which restoration or demolishing works are to be performed, or so as to delimit an area at which a new building is to be built. In these cases, the isolation barrier usually comprises one or more sheets con- nectable to the framework in preferably reversible manner. In the construction works in reference to which the present invention is applied, therefore the framework acts as a support structure for the isolation barrier.

The present invention relates in particular to a system for connecting and disconnecting an isolation barrier to/from a support structure thereof.

Overview of the prior art

Frameworks installed within the scope of a construction work are usually scaffolds, that is preferably metal reticular structures comprising a multiplicity of uprights (i.e., first load-bearing elements extending in length and arranged vertically) connected vertically to each other and connected horizontally by a multiplici- ty of longitudinal bars (i.e., second load-bearing elements extending in length and arranged horizontally) at which cross members (i.e., third load-bearing elements extending in length and arranged horizontally) are generally placed, on which planking can be rested which are passable by the workmen performing the construction works. In such a case, the isolation barriers are connected to the uprights and to the longitudinal bars. This occurs by connecting the isolation barrier, the uprights and longitudinal bars of the scaffold to a second reticular interconnecting structure which is interposed between the barrier and the scaffold. Said second reticular structure usually comprises a multiplicity of wooden laths connected reciprocally by means of nails or screws, and connected to the uprights and longitudinal bars of the scaffold by means of an adhesive tape. The isolation barrier is connected to the second reticular structure by interposing portions of double sided adhesive between the barrier and the wooden laths, and/or by tighten the barrier at certain portions thereof, between the wooden laths and suitable fixing plates made of wood or metal and screwed or nailed to the laths.

The scaffolds usually have a modular structure due to which not only they can be assembled and disassembled an indefinite number of times, but they can al- so be assembled as desired, i.e. they can be assembled so as to create a framework which shape and dimensions are adequate to those of the worksite in which the construction works are to be performed. The second reticular structure can also be assembled and disassembled as desired, however for a limited number of times. Indeed, wooden laths tend to deteriorate quickly, due to the action of atmospheric agents and to the fact that the reciprocal connection and disconnection thereof occurs by inserting and extracting nails or screws, i.e. by performing operations which necessarily damage the structure of the laths, thus compromising the reusability thereof.

In addition to that said, when the isolation barrier is connected to the laths by means of fixing plates, the latter are also connected to the laths by means of nails or screws. This further damages the structure of the laths.

During the installation of the second reticular structure, the need may also arise to shorten one or more laths in suitable manner (for example, if the worksite to be delimited is irregular in shape). Shortened laths are difficult to use within the scope of another construction work and therefore are to be replaced.

Objects of the invention

It is the object of the present invention to overcome the aforesaid drawbacks and to indicate a system for connecting and disconnecting an isolation barrier to/from a support structure thereof made at least partially of metal, which does not have the above-described drawbacks.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to a system for connecting and disconnecting an isolation barrier to/from a support structure thereof comprising at least one load- bearing element made at least partially of metal,

the connection and disconnection system comprising:

• a first connection element placeable between the isolation barrier and the load-bearing element;

• a second connection element placeable on the side opposite to the isolation barrier with respect to the load-bearing element;

in which, according to the invention, the connection and disconnection system comprises: • magnetic coupling means:

- between the first connection element and the load-bearing element when the first connection element is placed between the isolation barrier and the load-bearing element,

and

- between the first element and the second connection element when the first and the second connection elements are placed on the sides opposite to the isolation barrier, the magnetic coupling between the first and the second connection elements being such as to tighten the isolation barrier between the first and the second connection elements, thus integrally connecting the isolation barrier to the first connection element.

"Magnetic coupling means between two elements" are intended as means suitable for integrally connecting the two elements to each other due to a reciprocal magnetic attraction.

When the isolation barrier is tightened between the first and the second connection elements, the isolation barrier is integrally connected to the load-bearing element of the support structure by means of the first connection element. This means that the magnetic coupling between the first connection element and the load-bearing element is such to integrally connect the first and the second con- nection elements, and the isolation barrier placed therebetween, to the load- bearing element.

By using the system of the invention for connecting an isolation barrier to a support structure, such as e.g. a scaffold, advantageously, there is no need to create any reticular interconnecting structure. This not only translates into less use of materials as compared to the prior art, but also into a shortening of the barrier installation times, the labor used being equal. In addition to what said, the system of the invention does not provide the use of nails or of screws to make a connection between the isolation barrier and the scaffold. This results in a double advantage. Firstly, the components of the system of the invention are not subjected to the above-mentioned deterioration undergone by the wooden laths due to repeated insertions and extractions of nails or screws. Therefore, the system of the invention can potentially be used again for an indefinite num- ber of times. Secondly, the connection of the fastening plates to the wooden laths by means of nails or screws in the prior art necessarily involves perforating the isolation barrier (the latter being tightened between the plate and the laths). This compromises the seal of the barrier. This drawback does not occur in the system of the invention, since the coupling between the first and the second connection elements is achieved magnetically.

A further advantage associated with using the system of the invention consists in the fact that should the need arise to move the barrier after having connected it to the scaffold, the second connection element simply needs to be moved away from the first connection element enough to move the barrier, since the coupling between the first and the second connection element is magnetic. Should the need arise in the prior art to move the barrier after it has been connected to the scaffold, the isolation barrier requires further perforation, thus compromising the seal even more, since the connection between the fastening plate and the wooden laths is made by means of nails or screws.

The system of the invention also allows the use to be significantly reduced of adhesive and double sided adhesive tapes or of other disposable material.

Further innovative features of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the magnetic coupling means comprise at least a first magnet integrally connected to the first connection element, the second connection element being made at least partially of metal,

the first connection element being placeable between the isolation barrier and the load-bearing element so that the first magnet magnetically attracts the load- bearing element,

the second connection element being placeable on the side opposite to the isolation barrier with respect to the load-bearing element so that the first magnet magnetically attracts the second connection element.

Therefore, the first magnet attracts both the load-bearing element and the sec- ond connection element thereby making the magnetic coupling between said three elements.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the magnetic coupling means com- prise at least a first magnet integrally connected to the first connection element, and at least a second magnet integrally connected to the second connection element,

the second connection element being placeable on the side opposite to the isolation barrier with respect to the load-bearing element so that the first and the second magnet are magnetically attracted to each other.

With respect to the first embodiment of the invention, the isolation barrier is advantageously more integrally connectable to the first connection element (and subsequently to the load-bearing element) due to the presence of the second magnet.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the magnetic coupling means comprise at least a third magnet and a fourth magnet integrally connected to the first connection element, the second connection element being made at least partially of metal,

the first connection element being placeable between the isolation barrier and the load-bearing element so that the third magnet magnetically attracts the load- bearing element,

the second connection element being placeable on the side opposite to the isolation barrier with respect to the load-bearing element so that the fourth magnet magnetically attracts the second connection element.

In the third embodiment of the invention, the magnetic coupling between the first connection element and the load-bearing element, and the magnetic coupling between the first and the second connection elements are made by means of two separate magnets, both integrally connected to the first connection element.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the magnetic coupling means comprise at least a second magnet integrally connected to the second connection element, and at least a third magnet and a fourth magnet integrally connected to the first connection element, the first connection element being placeable between the isolation barrier and the load-bearing element so that the third magnet magnetically attracts the load- bearing element,

the second connection element being placeable on the side opposite to the iso- lation barrier with respect to the load-bearing element so that the second and the fourth magnets are magnetically attracted to each other.

With respect to the preceding embodiments of the invention, the isolation barrier is advantageously more integrally connectable to the first connection element (and subsequently to the load-bearing element) due to the simultaneous pres- ence of the second, third and fourth magnets.

According to an aspect of the invention, the first connection element comprises a seat in which the load-bearing element can be at least partially housed.

The load-bearing element is at least partially housed in said seat when the first connection element is coupled magnetically to the load-bearing element.

The first connection element is advantageously more stably connectable to the load-bearing element due to the presence of said seat.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first and the second connection elements comprise at least a first and a second face, respectively, said faces being at least partially opposite each other with the interposition of the isola- tion barrier when the first and the second connection elements are magnetically coupled to each other, said faces matching each other by means of the isolation barrier when the first and the second connection elements are magnetically coupled to each other.

The pressure caused by the tightening exerted by the first and second connec- tion element is advantageously better uniformly distributed on the portion of isolation barrier interposed between the connection elements, due to the presence of the matching faces.

According to another aspect of the invention, at least one of said faces is rough. The roughness advantageously increases the friction between the isolation bar- rier and the connection elements. Thereby, the intensity is lower of the magnetic attraction between the first and the second connection element required to integrally connect the isolation barrier to the first connection element. According to another aspect of the invention in which the load-bearing element is extended in length and comprises at least a transverse support made at least partially of metal for connecting at least a second load-bearing element, the first connection element is placeable between the isolation barrier and the load- bearing element so that the first magnet (in the first or second embodiment of the invention) or the third magnet and/or the fourth magnet (in the third or fourth embodiment of the invention) magnetically attract the transverse support.

If the load-bearing element is, by way of example, an upright of a scaffold, the magnetic attraction between one or more of the magnets integrally connected to the first connection element and the transverse support of the upright advantageously opposes a possible sliding of the first connection element (and therewith, of the isolation barrier) in vertical direction due to the effect of the weight force.

According to another aspect of the invention in which the load-bearing element is extended in length and comprises at least a transverse support made at least partially of metal for connecting at least a second load-bearing element, the magnetic coupling means comprise at least a fifth magnet integrally connected to the first connection element, the first connection element being placeable between the isolation barrier and the load-bearing element so that the fifth magnet magnetically attracts the transverse support.

Brief description of the drawings

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided below of an embodiment thereof and from the accompanying drawings merely given by way of a non-limiting exam- pie, in which:

- figure 1 shows a perspective view of a system for connecting and disconnecting an isolation barrier to/from a load-bearing element of a support structure, according to the present invention;

- figure 2 shows a top plan view of a component of the connection and dis- connection system in figure 1 ;

- figure 3 shows a front plan view of the component in figure 2;

- figure 4 shows a top plan view of the isolation barrier in figure 1 , connected to the load-bearing element in figure 1 by means of the connection and disconnection system in figure 1 ;

- figure 5 shows a front plan view of a first variant of the component in figure

3;

- figure 6 shows a top plan view of a first variant of a second component of the connection and disconnection system in figure 1 ;

- figure 7 shows a top plan view of a second variant of the component in figure

3;

- figure 8 shows a straight section of a variant of the load-bearing element in figure 1 ;

- figure 9 shows a front plan view of a third variant of the component in figure 3, connectable to the load-bearing element in figure 8;

- figure 10 shows an exploded perspective view of a variant of the system in figure 1 , comprising a fourth variant of the component in figure 3 and a sec- ond variant of the second component of the connection and disconnection system in figure 1.

Detailed description of some preferred embodiments of the invention

For convenience of disclosure, in the present description reference is made only to a preferred exemplary embodiment in which the connection and disconnec- tion system of the invention is used to connect and disconnect a polyethylene sheet to/from a scaffold upright. It is to be apparent that the system of the invention is not limited to the aforesaid example, but can be used to connect and disconnect any isolation barrier to/from a support structure thereof comprising at least one load-bearing element made at least partially of metal.

In the continuation of the present description, a drawing can be illustrated also with reference to elements not expressly indicated in that drawing but in other drawings. The scale and proportions of the different elements depicted do not necessarily correspond to the real ones.

Figure 1 shows a system 1 suitable for connecting and disconnecting an isola- tion barrier 2 to/from a load-bearing element 3 of a support structure (not shown in the drawings) made at least partially of metal.

With regard to the barrier, it is preferably made with sheets of synthetic materi- als which are very lightweight but are very resistant to wear, impacts, tears and breaks, are preferably opaque and are preferably made of polyethylene. Preferably, the weight of said sheets, within a range of thicknesses between 0.05 mm and 0.20 mm, is between 160 g/m² and 200 g/m².

By way of example, barrier 2 is a polymeric material sheet, preferably polyethylene, and even more preferably is fireproof. By way of example, sheet 2 has a thickness between 0.05 mm and 0.20 mm and may be used as isolation barrier in construction works for operations as removing asbestos. The load-bearing structure of which element 3 is part is preferably a scaffold. Element 3 is, by way of example, an upright made of a ferrous alloy and having a tubular cylindrical shape, with an outer diameter DM preferably between 35 mm and 50 mm. System 1 comprises a first element 4 placeable between sheet 2 and upright 3 and a second element 5 placeable on the side opposite to sheet 2 with respect to upright 3. Element 4 preferably has a shape obtained by making a groove 13 at a face of a rectangular parallelepiped. In particular, element 4 comprises a pair of bases 6 and 7 opposite to each other, and four side walls 8 interposed between the bases 6 and 7. The latter has a height H1 greater than length L1 thereof so as to give element 4 an elongate shape. Groove 13 is preferably made at base 6 and is semi-cylindrical in shape. In particular, groove 13 is pref- erably arranged longitudinally in element 4, it extends centrally along base 6 from a first side wall 8 to a second side wall 8 opposite thereto, and has a constant cross section (incidentally, corresponding to a half-circle). Element 4 is thus symmetrical with respect to the same two symmetry planes orthogonal to the bases 6 and 7 of the parallelepiped starting from the shape from which ele- ment 4 is obtained. By way of example, element 4 is made of a plastic material, preferably polyethylene, and has a height H1 preferably between 200 mm and 350 mm, a length L1 preferably between 35 mm and 50 mm, and a width W1 preferably between 40 mm and 70 mm. The semicircular cross section of groove 13 has a diameter DS which is preferably not less than the outer diame- ter DM of upright 3, and even more preferably almost identical to the latter.

Element 4 is integrally connected to magnets 9 which are preferably permanent and are by way of example, three in number. Said magnets are preferably made with a nickelate or neodymium prism (a disk or a bar), with axial magnetization, having a thickness "s" between 0.5 mm and 30 mm. It has been found that the best conduct of the system according to the invention is obtained with an attractive force ranging between 7.5 kg and 150 kg. The attractive force of the indi- vidual magnet is preferably between 1 .5 kg and 30 kg, at a very short distance from the magnet.

As shown in figures 2 and 3, the magnets 9 preferably have a flattened shape and are included in element 4 in an intermediate position between groove 13 and base 7. In particular, the magnets 9 are preferably aligned to each other in longitudinal direction with respect to element 4, are preferably coplanar and are preferably arranged parallel to base 7. The magnets 9 generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross the bases 6 and 7 and groove 13 of element 4. Therefore, the latter only partially shields the magnetic field generated by the magnets 9.

With reference again to figure 1 , it is possible to note that element 5 preferably has a rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising a pair of bases 10 and 1 1 opposite to each other, and four side walls 12 interposed between the bases 10 and 1 1 . The latter have a height H2 greater than length L2 thereof so as to give element 5 an elongate shape. By way of example, element 5 is made of a metal material, preferably soft iron, and has a height H2 and a length L2 which are almost identical to height H1 and to length L1 of element 4. By way of example, element 5 has a width W2 between 40 mm and 70 mm.

Figure 4 shows sheet 2 connected to upright 3 by means of the system 1 of the invention. Upright 3 occupies groove 13 and sheet 2 is interposed between the elements 4 and 5, opposite to the bases 7 and 10 of the latter. The magnetic field generated by the magnets 9 is shaped so as to magnetically attract upright 3 and element 5 to element 4, thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect both upright 3 and sheet 2 (the latter due to the effect of the pressure exerted by element 5 against element 4) to element 4. The magnets 9 thus generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross sheet 2. The latter is tightened between the elements 4 and 5 and is connected to upright 3 by means of element 4. The bases 7 and 10 are opposite to each other with the in- terposition of sheet 2 and are preferably matching by means of the latter. At least one of the bases 7 and 10 is preferably rough, so as to increase the friction between sheet 2 and at least one of the elements 4 and 5.

The magnets 9 act as magnetic coupling means between both element 4 and upright 3, and between the elements 4 and 5.

Groove 13 acts as a seat for housing upright 3. Should upright 3 not have a tubular cylindrical shape or more generally, should the load-bearing element not be an upright, the groove of element 4 is preferably shaped so as to at least partially match with the load-bearing element housed therein.

System 1 was identified above as first embodiment of the system of the invention.

Figure 5 shows an element 15 which forms a first variant of element 4 of system 1. In particular, element 15 differs from element 4 in that, in place of the magnets 9, it includes magnets 16, they also preferably permanent, by way of example seven in number, and arranged in rows 17 and 18, by way of example two in number, directed longitudinally with respect to element 15. The two rows 17 and 18 of magnets 16 preferably comprise the first 17 three magnets and the other 18 four magnets. Similarly to the magnets 9, the magnets 16 preferably have a flattened shape, are included in element 15 in an intermediate position between groove 13 and base 7, are preferably coplanar and are preferably arranged parallel to base 7. The two rows 17 and 18 of magnets 16 are thus arranged one beside the other with respect to base 7. The magnets 16 of one row are in staggered position with respect to the magnets 16 of the other row so as to minimize the magnetic interaction between the magnets 16 belonging to dif- ferent rows. Similarly to that said for the magnets 9, the magnets 16 generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross the bases 6 and 7 and groove 13 of element 4. Therefore, the latter only partially shields the magnetic field generated by the magnets 16.

Figure 6 shows an element 20 which forms a first variant of element 5 of the system 1 of the invention. In particular, element 20 differs from element 5 in that it is preferably made of polyethylene and in that it is integrally connected to magnets 21 which are preferably permanent and are by way of example, three in number. By way of example, the magnets 21 are almost identical to the magnets 9 of element 4 and are connected to element 20 in a manner similar to that in which the magnets 9 are connected to element 4. Therefore, the magnets 21 preferably have a flattened shape and are included in element 20 in an interme- diate position between the bases 10 and 11. The magnets 21 are preferably aligned to each other in longitudinal direction with respect to element 20, are preferably coplanar and are preferably arranged parallel to base 10. Similarly to the magnets 9, the magnets 21 are preferably made with a nickelate or neo- dymium prism (a disk or a bar), with axial magnetization. The magnets 21 gen- erate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross base 10. Element 20 thus only partially shields the magnetic field generated by the magnets 21.

When sheet 2 is connected to upright 3 by means of a connection and disconnection system comprising element 4 in figure 1 and element 20 in figure 6 (in place of element 5 in figure 1 ), the magnetic field generated by the magnets 9 is shaped so as to magnetically attract upright 3 to element 4, thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect upright 3 to element 4. In addition to this, the magnetic fields generated by the magnets 9 and 21 , respectively, are shaped so that the elements 4 and 20 are magnetically attracted to each other, thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect both ele- ment 20 and sheet 2 (the latter due to the effect of the pressure exerted by element 20 against element 4) to element 4. Therefore, the magnets 9 and 21 generate sufficiently intense magnetic fields to cross sheet 2. The latter is tightened between the elements 4 and 20 and is connected to upright 3 by means of element 4. The magnets 9 and 21 act as magnetic coupling means between both element 4 and upright 3, and between the elements 4 and 20. Such a connection and disconnection system constitutes a variant of system 1 in figure 1 and was identified above as second embodiment of the system of the invention. Figure 7 shows an element 25 which forms a second variant of element 4 of system 1. In particular, element 25 differs from element 4 in that, in place of the magnets 9, it includes magnets 26, also preferably permanent, by way of example six in number, and arranged in rows 27 and 28, by way of example two in number, and directed longitudinally with respect to element 25. The two rows 27 and 28 of magnets 26 preferably comprise three magnets each. Similarly to the magnets 9, the magnets 26 preferably have a flattened shape, are included in element 25 in an intermediate position between groove 13 and base 7, and are arranged parallel to base 7. The two rows 27 and 28 of magnets 26 overlap each other with respect to base 7. One row 27 of magnets 26 is thus closer to groove 13 and the other row 28 of magnets 26 is closer to base 7. A magnetic shield (not shown in the drawing) is interposed between the rows 27 and 28 so as to minimize the magnetic interaction between the magnets 26 belonging to different rows. The magnets 26 of row 27 generate a sufficiently intense mag- netic field to cross base 6 and groove 13 of element 25. The magnets 26 of row 28 generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross base 7 of element 25. Therefore, the latter only partially shields the magnetic field generated by the magnets 26.

When sheet 2 is connected to upright 3 by means of a connection and discon- nection system comprising element 25 in figure 7 (in place of element 4 in figure 1 ) and element 5 in figure 1 , the magnetic field generated by the magnets 26 of row 27 is shaped so as to magnetically attract upright 3 to element 25, thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect upright 3 to element 25. In addition to this, the magnetic field generated by the magnets 26 of row 28 is shaped so as to magnetically attract element 5 to element 25, thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect both element 5 and sheet 2 (the latter due to the effect of the pressure exerted by element 5 against element 25) to element 25. Therefore, the magnets 26 of row 28 generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross sheet 2. The latter is tightened between the ele- ments 25 and 5 and is connected to upright 3 by means of element 25. The magnets 26 act as magnetic coupling means between both element 25 and upright 3, and between the elements 25 and 5. Such a connection and disconnection system constitutes a variant of system 1 in figure 1 and was identified above as third embodiment of the system of the invention.

A connection and disconnection system forming a further variant of system 1 in figure 1 (and identified above as fourth embodiment of the system of the invention) comprises element 25 in figure 7 (in place of element 4 in figure 1 ) and el- ement 20 in figure 6 (in place of element 5 in figure 1 ). When sheet 2 is connected to upright 3 by means of said system, the magnetic field generated by the magnets 26 of row 27 is shaped so as to magnetically attract upright 3 to element 25, thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect up- right 3 to element 25. In addition to this, the magnetic fields generated by the magnets 26 of row 28 and by the magnets 21 , respectively, are shaped so that the elements 25 and 20 are magnetically attracted to each other, thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect both element 20 and sheet 2 (the latter due to the effect of the pressure exerted by element 20 against ele- ment 25) to element 25. The magnets 26 of row 28 and the magnets 21 thus generate sufficiently intense magnetic fields to cross sheet 2. The latter is tightened between the elements 25 and 20 and is connected to upright 3 by means of element 25. The magnets 26 and 21 act as magnetic coupling means between both element 25 and upright 3, and between the elements 25 and 20. Figure 8 shows upright 30 which constitutes a variant of upright 3 in figure 1. In particular, upright 30 comprises a tubular cylindrical element 31 substantially coincident with upright 3 and a support 32 arranged transversely (coaxial) to the tubular element 31 and integrally connected to the latter. Support 32 is shaped by way of example, like a ring crossed by the tubular element 31. Support 32 is also preferably metal and allows the connection of other load-bearing elements of the scaffold, e.g. a longeron, to upright 30. The difference between the outer diameter of ring 32 and the outer diameter of the tubular element 31 is preferably equal to or less than the minimum distance between base 7 and a point of the wall of groove 13 of element 4.

When sheet 2 is connected to upright 30 by means of the connection and disconnection system subject of the invention according to any one of the four embodiments described above, element 4 or 15 (in the first or second embodiment) or element 25 (in the third or fourth embodiment) is coupled magnetically to upright 30 close enough to support 32 (preferably with one of the end side walls 8 of groove 13 opposite to support 32) so that the magnetic field generated by the magnets 9 or 16 (in the first or second embodiment) or the field generated by the magnets 26 of row 27 alone, by the magnets 26 of row 28 alone or by the magnets 26 of both the rows 27 and 28 (in the third or fourth embodiment) magnetically attracts support 32 to element 4 or 15 or 25. The magnets 9 or 16 or 26 thus generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross the aforesaid side walls 8. The magnetic attraction described above opposes any vertical sliding of element 4 or 15 or 25 when placed below ring 32, due to the effect of the weight force.

Figure 9 shows an element 35 which forms a third variant of element 4 of system 1. In particular, element 35 differs from element 4 due to the fact that in addition to the magnets 9, it includes a magnet 36, it also preferably permanent, flattened in shape and included in element 35 in an intermediate position between the row of magnets 9 and one of the end side walls 8 of groove 13 (the upper wall in figure 9). Magnet 36 generates a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross the side wall 8 closest to it. Therefore, element 35 only partially shields the magnetic field generated by magnet 36. A magnetic shield (not shown in the drawing) is interposed between the magnets 9 and magnet 36 so as to minimize the magnetic interaction therebetween.

When sheet 2 is connected to upright 30 by means of a connection and disconnection system comprising element 35 in figure 9 (in place of element 4 in figure 1 ) and element 5 in figure 1 (or element 20 in figure 6), the magnetic field gen- e rated by magnet 36 is shaped so as to magnetically attract support 32 to element 4.

Figure 10 shows a connection and disconnection system 40 forming an exemplary embodiment of the above-mentioned third embodiment of the system of the invention. System 40 comprises an element 41 placeable between sheet 2 and upright 3 (in place of element 4 in figure 1 ) and an element 42 placeable on the side opposite to sheet 2 with respect to upright 3 (in place of element 5 in figure 1 ). Similarly to element 25 in figure 7, element 41 differs from element 4 in that, in place of the magnets 9, it includes magnets 43, they also preferably permanent, by way of example seven in number, and arranged in rows 44 and 45, by way of example two in number, and directed longitudinally with respect to element 41. The two rows 44 and 45 of magnets 43 preferably comprise, the first 44 three magnets and the other 45 three magnets 43. Similarly to the mag- nets 9, the magnets 43 preferably have a flattened shape, are included in element 41 in an intermediate position between groove 13 and base 7, and are arranged parallel to base 7. The two rows 44 and 45 of magnets 43 are placed overlapped with respect to base 7. One row 44 of magnets 43 is thus closer to groove 13 and the other row 45 of magnets 43 is closer to base 7. The magnets 43 of one row are in staggered position with respect to the magnets 43 of the other row so as to minimize the magnetic interaction between the magnets 43 belonging to different rows. In addition to this, a magnetic shield (not shown in the drawing) is possibly interposed between the rows 44 and 45. The magnets 43 of row 44 generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross base 6 and groove 13 of element 41. The magnets 26 of row 45 generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross base 7 of element 41. Therefore, the latter only partially shields the magnetic field generated by the magnets 43.

As apparent in figure 10, element 41 comprises a middle body 46 which can be inserted into and extracted from a peripheral body 47. In particular, body 47 differs from element 4 in figure 1 due to the presence of hole 48, by way of example through hole, which extends preferably longitudinally into body 47 from one of the two side walls 8 from which groove 13 extends. Hole 48 is interposed between base 7 and groove 13 and has a preferably constant cross section corre- sponding by way of example, to a square. Hole 48 is made so that one side of the square is opposite to base 7, preferably parallel to the latter, and the opposite side is opposite to groove 13.

Body 46 has a shape which is substantially complementary to that of hole 48. The latter acts as a seat for housing body 46. In particular, body 46 is, by way of example, also parallelepiped in shape and can be inserted into and extracted from hole 48. When body 46 is housed in hole 48, body 46 is preferably integrally snappingly connected to body 47. The magnets 43 are housed in respective seats made at the walls of body 46 opposite to base 7 and to groove13 when body 46 is housed in hole 48. In particular, the magnets 43 of row 44 are at the wall of body 46 opposite to groove 13 of body 47 when body 46 is housed in hole 48. The magnets 43 of row 45 are at the wall of body 46 opposite to base 7 of body 47 when body 46 is housed in hole 48. Body 46, at a transversal wall thereof, expands transversely to form a grip 49 for facilitating the insertion and extraction of body 46 into/from hole 48.

Element 41 , and body 47 in particular, differs from element 4 also for the particular conformation of base 7. Indeed, it is not flat, but rather knurled. By way of example, the knurling is obtained by means of grooves which extend longitudinally along base 7. As apparent from figure 10, element 42 differs from element 5 in figure 1 because base 10 has a knurling which is complementary to that of the base 7 of element 41. Thereby, the two knurlings match (with the interposition of sheet 2) when the bases 7 and 10 are opposite to each other. The area of the portion of sheet 2 tightened between the elements 41 and 42 is advantageously larger due to the knurling.

When sheet 2 is connected to upright 3 by means of system 40, the magnetic field generated by the magnets 43 of row 44 is shaped so as to magnetically attract upright 3 to element 41 , thus generating a sufficiently intense force to inte- grally connect upright 3 to element 41. In addition to this, the magnetic field generated by the magnets 43 of row 45 is shaped so as to magnetically attract element 42 to element 41 , thus generating a sufficiently intense force to integrally connect both element 42 and sheet 2 (the latter due to the effect of the pressure exerted by element 42 against element 41 ) to element 41. The mag- nets 43 of row 45 thus generate a sufficiently intense magnetic field to cross sheet 2. The latter is tightened between the elements 41 and 42 and is connected to upright 3 by means of element 41. The magnets 43 act as magnetic coupling means between element 41 and upright 3, and between the elements 41 and 42.

An advantage of the connection and disconnection system of the present invention as compared to connection and disconnection systems of the prior art consists in that it is fireproof.

On the basis of the description provided for a preferred embodiment, it is obvious that some changes can be made by those skilled in the art without depart- ing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

System (1 , 40) for connecting and disconnecting a barrier (2) to/from a support structure thereof comprising at least one load-bearing element (3, 30) at least partially made of metal,

said system (1 , 40) comprising:

• a first connection element (4, 15, 25, 35, 41 ) that can be placed between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (3, 30);

• a second connection element (5, 20, 42) that can be placed on the side opposite said barrier (2) with respect to said load-bearing element (3, 30);

said system (1 , 40) being characterized in that it comprises:

• means (9, 16, 21 , 26, 27, 28, 36, 43, 44, 45) for the magnetic coupling:

- between said first connection element (4, 15, 25, 35, 41 ) and said load-bearing element (3, 30) when said first connection element (4, 15, 25, 35, 41 ) is situated between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (3, 30),

and

- between said first connection element (4, 15, 25, 35, 41 ) and said second connection element (5, 20, 42) when said first and second connection element (4, 5, 15, 20, 25, 35, 41 , 42) are situated on opposite sides of said barrier (2), the magnetic coupling between said first and second connection element (4, 5, 15, 20, 25, 35, 41 , 42) being such to tighten said barrier (2) between said first and second connection element (4, 5, 15, 20, 25, 35, 41 , 42), integrally connecting said barrier (2) to said first connection element (4, 15, 25, 35, 41 ).

System (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said magnetic coupling means (9, 16) comprise at least one first magnet (9, 16) integrally connected to said first connection element (4, 15, 35), said second connection element (5) being at least partially made of metal,

said first connection element (4, 15, 35) being placeable between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said first magnet (9, 16) magnetically attracts said load-bearing element (3, 30), said second connection element (5) being placeable on the side opposite said barrier (2) with respect to said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said first magnet (9, 16) magnetically attracts said second connection element (5).

System according to claim 1 , characterized in that said magnetic coupling means (9, 16, 21 ) comprise at least one first magnet (9, 16) integrally connected to said first connection element (4, 15, 35) and at least one second magnet (21 ) integrally connected to said second connection element (20), said first connection element (4, 5, 35) being placeable between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said first magnet (9, 6) magnetically attracts said load-bearing element (3, 30), said second connection element (20) being placeable on the side opposite said barrier (2) with respect to said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said first and second magnet (9, 16, 21 ) are magnetically attracted to each other.

System according to claim 1 , characterized in that said magnetic coupling means (26, 27, 28, 43, 44, 45) comprise at least one third magnet (26, 27, 43, 44) and a fourth magnet (26, 28, 43, 45) integrally connected to said first connection element (25, 41 ), said second connection element (5, 42) being at least partially made of metal,

said first connection element (25, 41 ) being placeable between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said third magnet (26, 27, 43, 44) magnetically attracts said load-bearing element (3, 30),

said second connection element (5, 42) being placeable on the side opposite said barrier (2) with respect to said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said fourth magnet (26, 28, 43, 45) magnetically attracts said second connection element (5).

System according to claim 1 , characterized in that said magnetic coupling means (21 , 26, 27, 28) comprise at least one second magnet (21 ) integrally connected to said second connection element (20) and at least one third magnet (26, 27) and a fourth magnet (26, 28) integrally connected to said first connection element (25),

said first connection element (25) being placeable between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said third magnet (26, 27) magnetically attracts said load-bearing element (3, 30), said second connection element (20) being placeable on the side opposite said barrier (2) with respect to said load-bearing element (3, 30) in a manner such that said second and fourth magnet (21 , 26, 27, 28) are magnetically attracted to each other.

6. System (1 , 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first connection element (4, 15, 25, 35, 41 ) comprises a seat

(13) in which said load-bearing element (3, 30) can be at least partially housed.

7. System (1 , 40) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first and second connection element (4, 5, 1 5, 20, 25, 35, 41 , 42) respectively comprise at least one first face (7) and one second face (10), said faces (7, 10) being at least partially opposite each other, with the interposition of said barrier (2), when said first and second connection element (4, 5, 15, 20, 25, 35, 41 , 42) are magnetically coupled to each other, said faces (7, 10) mating each other, through said barrier (2), when said first and second connection element (4, 5, 15, 20, 25, 35, 41 , 42) are magnetically coupled to each other.

8. System (1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least one of said faces (7, 10) is rough.

9. System (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said load-bearing element (30) is extended lengthwise and comprises at least one transverse support (32) at least partially made of metal for the connection of at least one second load-bearing element, said first connection element (4, 15, 25) being placeable between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (30) in a manner such that said first magnet (9, 16) or said third magnet (26, 27) and/or said fourth magnet (26, 28) magnetically attract said transverse support (32).

10. System (1 ) according to any one of the claims from 1 to 8, characterized in that said load-bearing element (30) is extended lengthwise and comprises at least one transverse support (32) at least partially made of metal for the connection of at least one second load-bearing element, said magnetic coupling means comprising at least one fifth magnet (36) integrally con- nected to said first connection element (35), said first connection element (35) being piaceable between said barrier (2) and said load-bearing element (30) in a manner such that said fifth magnet (36) magnetically attracts said transverse support (32).