Device for maintaining at least one person

Abstract

A device (1) is used for restraint. It has a fixed frame (2) to which a pivoting frame (3) is articulated about an approximately horizontal pivot axis (4). This pivoting frame (3) can be pivoted between a substantially vertical closed position and a pivoted exposure position. A net (5) or grid is held in the pivoting frame (3), on which the person lies in the exposure position. The pivoting frame (3) is adjustable by means of at least one threaded spindle (8) with a self-locking thread pitch.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for entertaining at least one person. The device comprises at least one fixed frame, on which at least one pivoting frame is articulated about an approximately horizontal pivot axis. This pivoting frame can be pivoted between a substantially vertical closed position and a pivoted exposure position.

[0002] DE 20 2018 004 916 U1 discloses a device having the aforementioned features. This device is used to place people in an overhanging, inclined position and then hold them in an exposed position. The pivoting frame is adjusted using hydraulic cylinders that are controlled synchronously. This device has proven itself in practice and forms the basis of the present invention.

[0003] A pivoting window is known from CN 111 335 780 A, which can be pivoted around a horizontal pivot axis by a motor. This window has a telescopic design and is used to ventilate a room.

[0004] From DE 10 2019 002 069 A1 a horizontally sliding window is known which is arranged in a building wall.

[0005] US 2019 / 118102 A1 discloses a device of this type for entertaining people. It has a floor-to-ceiling window with an attached base plate on which a person can stand. The window can be pivoted into an exposure position, with the person pivoting along with it. A hydraulic cylinder, which engages a pivoting frame, is provided for pivoting.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of creating a device of the type mentioned above which is simple and economical to operate while being highly safe.

[0007] This object is achieved by the device according to claim 1.

[0008] A device according to the invention serves to entertain at least one person, providing them with a spectacular experience. This device has at least one fixed frame that is mounted in or on a building, a bridge, a tower, a scaffolding tower, a crane, a rock face, a cliff, or the like. The moving parts are supported on this at least one fixed frame. In this way, the at least one fixed frame also forms an important safety element of the device. At least one pivoting frame, which can be pivoted about an approximately horizontal pivot axis, is articulatedly supported on the at least one fixed frame. This at least one pivoting frame can be pivoted between a substantially vertical closed position and a pivoted exposure position. In the closed position, the at least one person can easily approach or walk away from the at least one pivoting frame.In the exposed position, however, the person is exposed in a kind of overhang. In particular, when the device is mounted on a tall building or rock face, the person or persons have the feeling of almost falling, which increases their adrenaline levels accordingly. In order to create this feeling as intensely as possible, at least one net or grid is held in the at least one pivoting frame, on which the at least one person lies in the exposed position. In contrast to a fixed plate, the at least one net or grid has the advantage of reinforcing the feeling of practically standing on the edge of a precipice. In addition, the at least one net or grid is more hygienic because, in contrast to a fixed plate, it offers fewer surfaces for germs to attack. At least one threaded spindle is provided to adjust the at least one pivoting frame, which enables simple and safe adjustment of the at least one pivoting frame.By means of the at least one threaded spindle, considerable reduction ratios can be achieved, so that even drives with low torque are sufficient to adjust the at least one pivoting frame. This also increases the safety of the device. In order to keep the load on the drive low, the at least one pivoting frame can be coupled to at least one counterweight in order to reduce the load on the at least one drive. The device can be designed relatively compactly, making it suitable for mobile use and thus specifically for temporary events. The at least one threaded spindle has a self-locking thread pitch, so that if the drive torque fails, the at least one pivoting frame remains in its position.This reliably prevents excessive swinging of the at least one pivoting frame in the event of a power failure, but can be further improved with additional stops. If such stops are provided, the self-locking thread pitch prevents the at least one pivoting frame from hitting these stops in an uncontrolled manner, further improving the safety of the device.

[0009] To easily adjust the at least one pivoting frame, the at least one threaded spindle is preferably driven in rotation. This results in a very favorable reduction ratio, thus saving torque in the drive.

[0010] To drive the at least one threaded spindle, at least one motor has proven effective, preferably an electric motor. However, this requires a power source. If the device is mounted on a building, for example, this should generally not be a problem. However, if it is installed outdoors, an appropriate power supply, such as a generator, power bank, or similar, should be provided.

[0011] Particularly in emergencies, such as a power outage, it is advantageous if at least one threaded spindle can be operated by at least one crank. This allows at least one person to be transferred from the exposed position to the closed position in the event of a power outage without the need for complex rescue measures. This also improves the safety of the device.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one pivoting frame can also be pre-tensioned toward the closed position by means of a spring. This generally makes it easy for the at least one person to move themselves from the exposed position to the closed position.

[0013] To optimally transmit the force of the at least one threaded spindle to the at least one pivoting frame, it is advantageous to use at least one lever mechanism. This can be used for additional force adjustment and for optimal force application to the at least one pivoting frame.

[0014] During the pivoting process of the at least one pivot frame, the required holding force increases the further the at least one pivot frame is from the closed position. To counteract this effect, it is advantageous if the at least one lever mechanism has a lower gear ratio near the exposed position than near the closed position. This results in optimized adjustment throughout the entire pivoting process, so that a rotary drive for the at least one threaded spindle is optimally utilized. In particular, this allows the pivoting process to be accelerated near the closed position without overloading the drive of the at least one threaded spindle near the exposed position.

[0015] To further increase safety for the at least one person, it is advantageous if at least one side wall is provided on at least one side member of the at least one pivoting frame. This at least one side wall holds the at least one person within the at least one pivoting frame and thus prevents a fall.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, at least one side frame may be provided instead of the at least one side wall, provided that it is ensured that the at least one person cannot slip through within the at least one side frame.

[0017] Especially with wider side frames, additional anti-slip protection is required, preferably in the form of a net or grille. If necessary, the existing net or grille of at least one side frame can also be used for this purpose.

[0018] To prevent the at least one person from sliding toward a free end of the at least one pivoting frame, it is advantageous to provide at least one shoulder strap on the at least one pivoting frame, which restricts the freedom of movement of the at least one person. This significantly increases safety for the at least one person.

[0019] To prevent accidents caused by a damaged net or grating, it is advantageous to attach an additional net and / or grating to the pivoting frame below the at least one net or grating as a fall protection device. This additional net and / or grating is generally not subjected to stress during use of the device, thus preventing any material fatigue problems.

[0020] To optimize the experience for at least one person, it is advisable to leave at least one net or grille open in the area of the head of at least one person. This ensures an unobstructed view into the depths.

[0021] To avoid dangerous situations, it is advantageous if the device has at least one sensor for detecting the force acting on the at least one pivoting frame. This sensor can generally be a force or torque sensor. In the simplest case, when using an electric motor to drive the at least one threaded spindle, however, it is sufficient to monitor its current consumption, which is proportional to the applied torque. Such monitoring can be used, for example, to prevent any further adjustment of the at least one pivoting frame toward the exposure position if there is a risk of overloading the device. This also increases the safety of the device.

[0022] The subject matter of the invention is explained by way of example with reference to the drawing, without limiting the scope of protection.

[0023] The single figure shows a three-dimensional, partially sectioned view of a device 1. This device has a fixed frame 2, which can be integrated, for example, into a building or a fall protection system. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to simply set up the fixed frame 2 freely.

[0024] A pivoting frame 3 is articulatedly supported on the fixed frame 2 and can pivot about a horizontal pivot axis 4. A net 5, preferably made of polyamide but alternatively designed as a grid, is held in this pivoting frame 4. In its upper region, this net 5 has a cutout 6 that ensures an unobstructed view for a person. Below this net 5, another net 7, preferably made of steel, is attached and serves solely as a fall protection device. Also attached to the pivoting frame 3 is a base plate 3' on which the person can stand. This base plate 3' also serves as a counterweight to partially or fully compensate for the torque exerted by the pivoting frame or the person.

[0025] A threaded spindle 8, which has a self-locking thread pitch, is supported in the fixed frame 2. This threaded spindle 8 is driven by a motor 9, which is designed as an electric motor. Alternatively or additionally, a crank 9' is provided, with which the threaded spindle 8 can also be driven. This is intended, on the one hand, for emergency operation in the event of a power failure and, on the other hand, for using the device 1 without a power supply. By rotating the threaded spindle 8 by means of the motor 9, a bearing eye 10 is adjusted in the vertical direction. A lever 11 engages this bearing eye 10, the opposite end 12 of which is articulated to the pivoting frame 3. This lever 11 thus forms a lever mechanism 13, which has a higher transmission ratio near a vertical closed position than near a substantially horizontal exposure position.In this way, the fact is taken into account that the required actuating force becomes greater the further the swivel frame 3 is swiveled out.

[0026] A sensor 14 is assigned to the motor 9, which detects the current flow through the motor windings. This current flow is monitored by a comparator 15, which prevents the swivel frame 3 from pivoting further toward the exposure position if the current flow through the motor 9 exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0027] Two shoulder straps 16 are also supported on the pivoting frame 3, preventing the person from sliding forward and subsequently falling. A further net 7, made of steel, is provided beneath the net 5 and provides fall protection in the event of a net tear.

[0028] A shoulder strap 16 is also supported on the pivoting frame 3, preventing the person lying on the net 5 from sliding forward. This is a safety measure that does not affect the function of the device 1 in any way.

[0029] Furthermore, a side wall 17 is provided on the pivoting frame 3, which is supported by a side beam 18. This side wall 17 ensures the person's side safety. An alternative embodiment is shown on the right side of the pivoting frame 3. There, a side frame 19 is provided on the side beam 18, which is filled with a net 20 or grid. Alternatively, the net 5 mentioned above can also be used for this purpose. List of reference symbols

[0030] 1Device 2Fixed frame 3Swivel frame 3Base plate 4Swivel axis 5Net 6Recess 7Further net 8Threaded spindle 9Motor 9Crank 10Bearing eye 11Lever 12Opposite end 13Lever gear 14Sensor 15Comparator 16Shoulder bracket 17Side wall 18Side rail 19Side frame 20Net

Claims

1. Apparatus for the amusement of at least one person, wherein the apparatus has at least one fixed frame (2), on which at least one pivoting frame (3) is supported in an articulated manner about an approximately horizontal pivot axis (4), it being possible for the pivoting frame to be pivoted between an essentially vertical, closed position and a pivoted, exposed position, characterized in that at least one net (5) or mesh is retained in the pivoting frame (3), and the at least one person lies thereon in the exposed position, wherein the at least one pivoting frame (3) can be adjusted by means of at least one threaded spindle (8) with a self-locking thread pitch.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one threaded spindle (8) is driven to rotate.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterized in that the at least one threaded spindle (8) is motor-driven.

4. Apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the at least one threaded spindle (8) is in operative connection with at least one crank.

5. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one pivoting frame (3) is connected to at least one spring which prestresses the at least one pivoting frame (3) in the direction of the closed position.

6. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the threaded spindle (8) is in operative connection with the at least one pivoting frame (3) via at least one lever mechanism (13).

7. Apparatus according to Claim 6, characterized in that the at least one lever mechanism (13) has a lower step-up transmission ratio in the vicinity of the exposed position than in the vicinity of the closed position.

8. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one side member (18) is provided on the at least one pivoting frame (3), and at least one side wall (17) for protecting the at least one person is fitted on the at least one side member.

9. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one side member (18) is provided on the at least one pivoting frame (3), and at least one side frame (19) for protecting the at least one person is fitted on the at least one side member.

10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterized in that the net (5) or mesh and / or a further net (20) or mesh for protecting the at least one person is fitted on the side frame (19).

11. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that at least one shoulder restraint (16), which restricts the freedom of movement of the at least one person, is provided on the at least one pivoting frame (3).

12. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, beneath the at least one net (5) or mesh, a further net (7) and / or mesh is fastened on the pivoting frame (3) to form a fall arrester.

13. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the net (5, 7) or mesh has a cutout in the region of the at least one person's head.

14. Apparatus according to at least one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized by the provision of at least one sensor (14) which senses a torque of the at least one pivoting frame (3), wherein the situation where the at least one pivoting frame (3) pivots out further when a predetermined torque is exceeded is prevented.

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