Scaffolding system comprising inclined posts and spherical clamps

Abstract

The invention relates to a scaffolding system (10) comprising posts (20) and spherical clamps (25), in which one or more posts (10) are positioned at an angle. The spherical clamps (25) are formed from two hemispheres (30) each comprising at least two elements (30A, 30B) which each surround the posts (20). The bases (32) of the hemispheres (30), each of which is formed by the at least two elements (30A, 30B), deviate at the angle (α) from a plane perpendicular to an inclined post (20), at which angle this same post (20) is inclined. As a result, the bases (32) are aligned horizontally. Furthermore, the hemispheres (30) of the clamps (25) have receptacles (40) for the insertion of attachment parts (60).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a scaffolding system with posts and spherical clamps, in which one or more posts are arranged at an angle. The spherical clamps are formed from two hemispheres, each with at least two elements that encompass the post. The equatorial surfaces of the hemispheres, formed by the at least two elements, deviate from a plane at a right angle to the inclined post, at the same angle as the inclined post. This aligns the equatorial surfaces horizontally. Furthermore, the hemispheres of the clamps have recesses for inserting attachments.

[0002] Playground installations and climbing frames are often assembled from modular components. This limits the design possibilities. They frequently necessitate a vertical and horizontal alignment of components such as posts and attached parts, resulting from the use of modular components and resulting in perpendicular alignment. Such an arrangement is perceived as less creative and stimulating for playing children, and also as lacking in organic feel, especially when the playground installations and climbing frames are intended to resemble familiar objects or figures, such as a pirate ship. If the arrangement of individual components is to deviate from the rectangular grid, custom solutions are usually required, which are complex and therefore expensive.

[0003] US patent 2006 / 0128530A1 shows a climbing system with climbing elements that can be assembled from various system components. No additional components for creating a climbing landscape are provided.

[0004] It would be desirable if components for playground installations and climbing frames could be designed more flexibly, and in particular if it were possible to deviate from purely vertical and horizontal orientations without having to resort to individual custom solutions in each case. To make this possible, solutions are sought that primarily allow the connection and fastening of individual components to each other at varying angles.

[0005] The object of the invention is therefore seen as being to design such nodes in such a way that an inclined arrangement of components is possible.

[0006] The object of the invention is achieved with a scaffolding system according to claim 1 and a use according to claim 12. Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the remaining features mentioned in the dependent claims.

[0007] A scaffolding system according to the invention is formed with posts and spherical clamps, wherein at least one post is arranged at an angle and at least one spherical clamp is arranged on each inclined post, and wherein a spherical clamp is arranged on each is composed of two spherical hemispheres, each of which is formed from the same at least two elements that differ from each other within a spherical hemisphere, the at least two elements of each spherical hemisphere comprising the post, which deviates from a plane perpendicular to the associated post by means of the equatorial surfaces forming the at least two elements of a spherical hemisphere at the angle in which the post is inclined to align these equatorial surfaces horizontally, the at least two elements of a spherical hemisphere being screwed together so that a clamping effect results between the spherical hemisphere and the associated post, the spherical hemispheres being screwed together, and the elements having receptacles in the area of ​​the equatorial surfaces of the spherical hemispheres for the insertion of at least one attachment.

[0008] The scaffolding system therefore consists of posts and spherical clamps, which are combined in the number required for the scaffolding or the specific application. A post is defined as a load-bearing component with a predominantly longitudinal dimension, oriented vertically or whose orientation is primarily vertical. At least one of these posts is inclined at an angle to the vertical. A post can be tubular or hollow.

[0009] At least one spherical clamp is attached to an inclined post. This spherical clamp is formed from two joined hemispheres, each of which is itself composed of at least two elements. Within each hemisphere, the elements differ due to the inclination of the equatorial surface and, if applicable, the design of the screw connections or other optional features, as will be shown later. However, the hemispheres themselves are identical. They consist of structurally identical elements. Each hemisphere forms an upper and a lower hemisphere and is arranged one above the other to form a sphere.

[0010] The term "hemispheres" should not be understood as hemispheres in the geometrically correct sense. Rather, the groupings of at least two elements roughly correspond to a hemisphere. They thus have the appearance of a hemisphere, but deviate from a hemispherical shape in the geometric sense due to the inclined equatorial surface, which will be explained later. After the hemispheres are assembled, as will be explained below, the resulting spherical bell appears to be a sphere.

[0011] The at least two elements of each spherical hemisphere encompass the post. They are shaped and arranged in such a way that, when installed, they enclose the post. To this end, the elements of each spherical hemisphere have a section that corresponds to the outer contour of the post, so that the elements of the spherical hemispheres rest against the post in this area.

[0012] The at least two elements of each hemisphere each form an equatorial surface. This refers to the circular base of the respective hemisphere. According to the invention, this equatorial surface does not extend in a plane perpendicular to the inclined post. Instead, it deviates from the plane perpendicular to the post by the angle at which it is inclined. Thus, in the installed state, it is horizontally oriented and, within the manufacturing and assembly tolerances, essentially horizontal.

[0013] This is made possible by the design of the elements of the spherical hemispheres. The surfaces of the at least two elements, oriented towards the equatorial plane, achieve the desired inclination. These surfaces are not perpendicular to a vertical axis of the respective hemisphere, but rather inclined at the aforementioned angle. This is achieved by the adjacent elements of a hemisphere each continuing the inclination of the surfaces of the neighboring elements facing the equatorial plane, thus forming a common equatorial surface when they are joined. During assembly, the two hemispheres are then placed one on top of the other to form a closed spherical clamp.The hemispheres are rotated relative to each other, regardless of their actual assembly, so that the inclination of the equatorial surfaces of the two hemispheres allows the upper equatorial surface to lie flush against the lower equatorial surface. The attachment to the inclined post ensures that the equatorial surface is essentially horizontally aligned.

[0014] The elements of each hemisphere are screwed together, i.e., connected by screws. In addition to connecting the elements within a hemisphere, a clamping effect is also achieved between the at least two elements of a hemisphere and the inclined post, thus preventing the spherical clamp from slipping along the inclined post.

[0015] In addition, the two hemispheres are screwed together to secure their relative position to each other.

[0016] Preferably, at least two screws are provided for the screw connections. These are screwed through corresponding screw holes in one of the at least two elements of a sphere half into corresponding threaded bushings in an adjacent element within the sphere half if the elements of a sphere half are to be screwed together.

[0017] In the case of screwing the two sphere halves together, the screw holes are provided in at least one element of one sphere half and threaded bushings in the at least one element of the other sphere half that is adjacent to it when assembling the spherical clamp.

[0018] Using the example of a spherical clamp with two elements in each half of the sphere, eight screws are used: two per half to screw the elements of the halves together, and two more to screw an element of the upper half to one of the lower half.

[0019] Finally, the elements of the spherical hemispheres have recesses in the area of ​​the equatorial surfaces into which at least one attachment can be inserted. These recesses are understood to be cutouts in the elements of the spherical hemispheres into which attachments or their ends can be inserted or arranged. Attachments are also elements of the frame system. The recesses are designed such that each half is arranged in an element of the lower spherical hemisphere and an adjacent element of the upper spherical hemisphere, with these half-recesses corresponding to each other in position and size and, after assembly, enclosing an inserted attachment or its end.

[0020] The essential inventive feature of the scaffolding system according to the invention is that the elements of the two spherical hemispheres are identical. The upper and lower hemispheres are therefore the same. The inclination in the area of ​​the equatorial surfaces, the screw holes and threaded bushings for screwing the spherical hemispheres together, and the receptacles for attachments are designed, arranged, and aligned in such a way that the spherical hemispheres can be easily assembled and connected to each other.

[0021] The assembly process is described using the example of a spherical clamp with two elements per hemisphere: Each hemisphere in this example consists of an element A and an element B. First, element A and element B of the lower hemisphere are positioned on the inclined post and screwed together. Then, attachments can be inserted or placed into the designated slots. Next, element B of the upper hemisphere is placed onto element A of the lower hemisphere and screwed in place, followed by element A of the upper hemisphere being placed onto element B of the lower hemisphere. Finally, elements A and B of the upper hemisphere are screwed together, and element A of the upper hemisphere is screwed to element B of the lower hemisphere.It is recommended to insert only the attachment(s) into the designated receptacle(s) at a time, screwing the elements together immediately to prevent them from falling until the corresponding element of the upper sphere half is mounted.

[0022] As can be seen above, the upper hemisphere is offset from the lower hemisphere, such that element B sits above element A and element A above element B. This results from the arrangement of elements A and B within the hemispheres and the overall inclination of the equatorial surface, which is formed by the inclined surfaces of the individual elements in the equatorial region. By offsetting the hemispheres relative to each other in the sense of a rotation about a vertical axis, the equatorial inclinations of the upper and lower hemispheres are aligned, resulting in a closed sphere.

[0023] Due to the identical design of the upper and lower spherical halves with their individual elements, standardized components can be provided and used for the spherical halves, which are always arranged and connected in the same way. Since the individual elements are only assembled when attached to the inclined posts, they do not need to be laboriously slid over the posts into the desired position. The scaffolding system can be formed with additional posts and spherical clamps, which can be arranged at different angles of inclination.

[0024] The scaffolding system according to the invention therefore makes it possible to install inclined posts while always providing the connections for all types of attachments in a horizontal orientation. The inclined arrangement of posts allows playground installations and climbing frames to be designed in a more organic and pleasing way, offering greater design flexibility.

[0025] In a first embodiment of the invention, the at least one post has a round cross-section, and the hemispheres of the at least one clamp arranged on it each encircle the post in a ring-like manner. If the post has a round cross-section, it has no edges or corners on which a user of the scaffolding system could bump into and injure themselves. This also results in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. The spherical clamp, which is arranged on such a round, inclined post, encircles it in a ring-like fashion. For this purpose, the elements of the hemispheres are formed on the surfaces facing the post, relative to a top view, with arc segments that, when assembled, form a circle corresponding to the diameter of the round post. In spatial terms, the inner surfaces form a cylinder through which the post passes.

[0026] In a second embodiment of the scaffolding system, a post is arranged at an angle of 2° to 12°, particularly at a tilt of approximately 5°. An inclination of 2° to 12° is already perceived by the eye as a tilt and deviation from the vertical, allowing for more diverse designs of playground installations and climbing frames. Larger angles of inclination place higher demands on the stability and sturdiness of the scaffolding system.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the scaffolding system, the at least two elements of each hemisphere are different colors. The colors should preferably be clearly distinguishable. The respective color serves to identify the individual elements. All elements of the same type are therefore the same color. Thanks to the different colors, it is easy and reliable to distinguish during assembly which elements are to be assembled and which element still needs to be added for complete assembly, without having to search for printed or embossed markings and / or measure the elements. Thus, assembly can also be carried out using a simple colored image template. The upper and lower hemispheres are colored identically, as the same elements are used in both hemispheres.

[0028] The scaffolding system can be equipped with various attachments, meaning it must include at least one attachment. An attachment can be selected from the following groups: tube, handle, decorative element, sunshade, rope, or end cap. An attachment can be fixed in place by means of a single receptacle in the spherical clamp, or by means of multiple receptacles in the same spherical clamp. Some attachments have only one attachment point on a clamp, while others are secured by multiple clamps.

[0029] A tube, as a longitudinally extended hollow body, can be used, for example, as a horizontal connection between two spherical clamps on two posts, especially inclined posts. It can thus form a fall protection barrier, but also provide a mounting option for cladding, decorations, and other attachments that are not designed for attachment to a spherical clamp. A tube can simply have a linear extension, i.e., be a straight tube, but it can also be used in curved shapes.

[0030] A handle is an attachment designed to provide users of the scaffolding system with support or to facilitate entry or ascent. A handle can, for example, be a curved element running between two spherical clamps.

[0031] Decorative elements are very diverse. They include, among other things, cladding, but also ladders, climbing poles, or other aids for accessing and entering the scaffolding system. Elements for sun protection can also be attached to the spherical clamps and, for example, extend as sun sails over sections of the scaffolding, thus protecting users from direct sunlight.

[0032] Ropes are another element that can be attached to or run between spherical clamps. These can serve as fall protection, but also for climbing and playing.

[0033] For cases where the receptacle of the spherical clamp is not used, it can be sealed with a plug. A plug is a molded part that seals the receptacle from the outside, preventing dirt and water from entering and also preventing anyone from reaching into the opening and injuring themselves.

[0034] In one embodiment of the scaffolding system, the mounting points for attachments are arranged at 90° intervals along the equatorial surfaces. In total, four mounting points can be distributed along one equatorial surface, evenly spaced along the circular base. This allows attachments to be inserted from the spherical clamp, and thus the post, in four main directions. If a hemisphere, as described above, is formed with two elements of equal size, each element would have two mounting points. This regular arrangement ensures that loads transferred via attachments into the mounting points, and thus into the spherical clamp, are evenly distributed and absorbed.

[0035] A further embodiment of the scaffolding system consists in that it comprises at least one attachment part and that at least one attachment part is designed with a profile in the area which is inserted into a receptacle of the spherical clamp, and the receptacles of the spherical clamp are designed with a corresponding profile in order to achieve a positive fit between the attachment part and the receptacle(s).

[0036] A profile in the end or support area of ​​an attachment is defined as a specially shaped outer form of this area, designed and formed by a curve, radius, projections and recesses, edges, and the like, in such a way that it engages with a corresponding surface profile in a receptacle, thus preventing rotation and / or slippage within the receptacle. It is preferably embossed, so that the attachment has a smaller cross-section in this area. Profiling the attachment and the corresponding profiling of the receptacle can also predefine the orientation of the attachment, which facilitates installation.

[0037] In particular, the profile can be a circumferential octagonal profile of the attachment in the area where it rests in the ball clamp. This can be illustrated using the example of a pipe as an attachment: In the end region of the pipe, which is inserted into the spherical clamp, an octagonal contour is formed in certain areas, for example, using a radial jaw press. This contour is formed circumferentially in the end region of the pipe, resembling an embossed ring. The recesses in the elements of the spherical clamp each have protrusions that correspond to the depressions of this exemplary octagonal profile. When the attachment is inserted or inserted into the recess, the profiles in the end region of the attachment and those in the recess come into contact, thus forming a positive fit.

[0038] Preferably, the profile of the attachment does not extend to its end, leaving an unprofiled section. This secures the attachment against being pulled or slipped out of the receptacle, as the widening behind the profiled receptacle also creates a positive fit in this direction.

[0039] The form-fitting design in the receiving area of ​​the spherical clamp can be used for all attachments.

[0040] To simplify the installation and alignment of the elements of the upper sphere half, an element of the first sphere half can be designed with a bulge in an edge region of the sphere half that extends into the edge region of the adjacent element of the other sphere half, and the adjacent element of the other sphere half has a corresponding recess. Thus, it is provided that an element of one sphere half extends in its edge region, i.e., along the sphere's contour, into the edge region of the other sphere half and, in particular, into the element located there, which has a corresponding recess for this purpose. This area can serve as a pivot point for assembly, around which the element of the upper sphere half can be pivoted into its final position.Since the upper half of the sphere is formed with the same elements as the lower one, there will be another similar combination with a bulge and recess in reverse arrangement.

[0041] If the bulge is also formed with a protrusion and the recess of the other element has a corresponding receptacle, the protrusion on the bulge of one element can engage with the receptacle in the recess of the other element during assembly, thus providing additional support. This can serve, in particular, as a way to secure the position, especially until all the elements are screwed together. The protrusion can, for example, take the form of a nose or a pin-like projection in the area of ​​the bulge.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, corresponding protrusions and / or depressions can be formed along the equatorial surfaces of the spherical hemispheres to create a positive fit between them. This also prevents displacement of the hemispheres relative to each other or of the elements during installation along the equatorial surfaces. In the event of screw connections failing, this can also provide a certain degree of residual safety.

[0043] In this embodiment, the base surfaces of the spherical hemispheres forming the equatorial surfaces are provided with raised areas and / or depressions, with a raised area on one element of the spherical hemisphere corresponding to a depression in the opposite element of the other hemisphere. When the elements are assembled, the raised area and depression engage, thus forming a positive fit.

[0044] The drill holes and screw holes for connecting the two spherical halves prove particularly suitable for this design. A raised area can be formed in the area of ​​the drill hole facing the other spherical half, and a recess in the area of ​​the screw hole in the other spherical half. The threaded bushing there would then be countersunk slightly deeper into the element. The advantage is that, during assembly, the drill hole and screw hole are aligned, allowing the screw to be inserted and tightened quickly and easily.

[0045] To prevent the screw heads used to connect the elements within a spherical hemisphere, or between the hemispheres themselves, from protruding and posing a risk of injury, recesses should be formed on the surface of the spherical clamp, extending towards the screw holes. This means that in the area of ​​an element where a screw is to be inserted to connect it to another element, a recess is formed, similar to a depression, extending towards the screw hole, so that the screw head is countersunk when tightened. It is thus recessed below the rest of the element's surface, preventing accidental snagging on the screw head. This also protects the screw from unauthorized access.

[0046] A further embodiment of the scaffolding system according to the invention provides that the elements forming the hemispheres are designed as hollow bodies. They are therefore not to be provided as solid, solid bodies, but rather have cavities where this is practical and technically feasible with regard to the expected loads. These cavities need not be closed; they can also be open in one or more directions. Such a design of the elements allows for a significant reduction in weight, which in turn permits a more expansive and flexible design of playground installations and / or climbing frames.

[0047] The scaffolding system according to the invention is preferably intended for use in playground structures, playground elements, and / or climbing frames. Playground structures and playground elements can also be collectively referred to as playground installations. A variety of playground installations and / or climbing frames can be designed using inclined (and non-inclined) posts, spherical clamps, and attachments that are connected to the clamps or otherwise to the scaffolding system. By deviating from rectangular constructions, such playground installations and / or climbing frames appear more playful and organic, stimulating the creativity of the users, i.e., the children. Furthermore, places, figures, or objects can be replicated more easily and effectively when there is no restriction to a rectangular fastening or construction system.

[0048] The scaffolding system according to the invention offers a solution for designing playground installations and / or climbing frames with posts and clamps without being limited to a rectangular system. It allows for the tilting of the posts, while spherical clamps compensate for the angle of inclination, thus providing horizontally aligned mounting points for attachments of all kinds. This enables the quick and easy installation of intermediate levels, ensuring they are immediately horizontally aligned. Naturally, such a clamp can also be attached to a non-tilted post, thereby providing a sloping equatorial surface. The spherical clamps can also be mounted on inclined posts at different angles. Any combination is possible, expanding the design possibilities for the development of playground installations and / or climbing frames.

[0049] Unless otherwise stated in individual cases, the various embodiments of the invention mentioned in this application can be advantageously combined with one another.

[0050] The invention is explained below using exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figures 1 and 2 show exemplary designs of the elements for one half of a spherical clamp; Figure 3 shows the assembly of the elements from the Figure 1 and 2 Figures 4 to 8 show the assembly of a spherical clamp on an inclined post, and Figures 9 to 11 show exemplary playground installations with the scaffolding system according to the invention.

[0051] Figure 1 and 2Figure 1 shows elements 30A and 30B forming a hemisphere 30 for a spherical clamp 25 of a framework system 10 according to the invention, with two elements within a hemisphere 30. Both figures are explained together. The embodiment with two elements 30A and 30B in a hemisphere 30 is merely an exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Elements 30A and 30B are designed to be mounted on a post inclined at an angle α. In both figures, figure part a shows a view from the direction of the equatorial surface 32, figure parts b and c show side views, and figure part d shows a perspective view. Following the description of elements 30A and 30B, their assembly and use are described with reference to the other figures.

[0053] In Figure 1Thus, a first element 30A is shown. It occupies approximately half of a sphere half 30 and is approximately modeled after a quarter of a sphere. The same applies to element 30B in Figure 2 Both elements 30A and 30B have a recess in the direction of the future vertical axis, which serves to accommodate the post. It is marked with the radius R.

[0054] Elements 30A and 30B have screw holes 34 and threaded bushings 36 into which screws can be inserted, by means of which the two elements 30A and 30B can be screwed together and to the elements 30A and 30B of the other sphere half 30. Element 30B in Figure 2 Element 30A has protrusions 54 in the area of ​​its screw holes 34, which are arranged on the equatorial surface 32 to be formed. Figure 1The elements 30A and 30B have recesses 56 in the area of ​​the threaded bushings 36, which face the equatorial surface 32 to be formed. Both elements 30A and 30B together form one hemisphere 30.1 and, in the same combination, a second hemisphere 30.2, as will be shown in the following figures. When these hemispheres 30.1 and 30.2 are joined, one element 30A passes over one element 30B and one element 30B over one element 30A. Then the previously described projections 54 and recesses 56 interlock and form a positive fit between the hemispheres 30.1 and 30.2.

[0055] To ensure that the screws required for the assembly of the sphere halves 30.1 and 30.2 in the scaffold system do not pose a risk of injury, recesses 39 are formed from their surface in the direction of the screw connections, i.e. the screw holes 34, in which the screws are countersunk.

[0056] To enable the spherical clamp 25 to accommodate attachments (not shown here) as intended, receptacles 40 are provided in each element 30A, 30B. These are arranged in a 90° grid relative to the base of the spherical hemispheres 30 to be formed. Each receptacle 40 has a profile 44 that corresponds to a profile on an attachment to ensure a positive fit between the attachment and the element 30A, 30B of the spherical clamp 25. The receptacles 40, and thus also the profiles 44, are each formed on half of an element 30A, 30B. The profile 44 represents a constriction in the receptacle 40. For example, the profile of the attachments is assumed to be an octagonal circumferential ring around the attachment (see also Figure 5 ).

[0057] To facilitate installation and to create a further positive fit between the spherical halves 30.1 and 30.2, the element 30B has a bulge 46 in its edge region ( Figure 2), which projects towards element 30A of the other spherical hemisphere and overlaps it there. Element 30A has a corresponding recess 50 into which this projection 46 can extend. This prevents any displacement of the spherical hemispheres 30.1 and 30.2 relative to each other. The relative position of the two elements 30A, 30B in the two superimposed spherical hemispheres 30.1 and 30.2 is further fixed because the projection 46 is formed with a protrusion or lug 48 that engages in a receptacle 52 of the recess 50 when elements 30A, 30B are assembled.

[0058] Each in Figure 1c and 2c The design of elements 30A, 30B to compensate for the inclined post by the angle α becomes clear: Instead of a surface perpendicular to the vertical axis V of element 30A, 30B (in Figure 1b and 2b) the surfaces of elements 30A, 30B, which form the equatorial surface 32, are inclined by the angle α.

[0059] The function and interaction of elements 30A and 30B of a sphere hemisphere are best explained in Figure 3 Clearly, elements 30A and 30B are shown in a side view, illustrating their arrangement relative to each other. The angle α is also indicated here. As previously explained, an element 30A and an element 30B form a hemisphere 30.1 and, similarly, a hemisphere 30.2. Each hemisphere 30.1, 30.2 has an equatorial surface 32.1 or 32.2, respectively, which extends over both elements 30A, 30B. The elements 30A, 30B of a hemisphere 30.1, 30.2 each continue the inclination by the angle α, thus forming a common plane. If the hemispheres 30.1 and 30.2 are arranged one above the other, they must (as in Figure 3(shown) are arranged rotated 180° relative to each other so that the inclinations of the equatorial surfaces 32.1 and 32.2 allow for flush contact and the formation of the spherical shape of the clamp 25. This also brings the previously described screw holes 34 and threaded bushings 36 into the correct relative position, as well as the bulges 46 and recesses 50.

[0060] The representation of elements 30A, 30B in Figure 3 However, it deviates from the installation position in that the vertical axis 70 shown there corresponds to the axis of the inclined post in the installation position, i.e. it would be inclined by the angle α (marked as axis 72), whereby the equatorial surfaces 32.1 and 32.2 are aligned horizontally as provided for in the invention.

[0061] Only the following will be listed below. Figures 4 to 8 explained, describing the actual assembly or one possible assembly method. In Figure 4aA post 20 is shown, which is inclined by an angle α, as shown by Figure 4b This is illustrated. The angle α is assumed to be 5° (degrees) as an example. Post 20 is designed as a tube with a round cross-section.

[0062] Elements 30A and 30B of the lower half of the sphere 30.1 are to be attached to post 20. These are, as shown in Figure 4a As can be seen, some are designed as hollow bodies to reduce weight. They also feature different colors to allow for quick and easy differentiation, thus simplifying and speeding up installation.

[0063] Elements 30A and 30B are individually brought to the post 20 until they encircle it and are then screwed together using screws 38. The screw holes 34 and threaded bushings 36 described above are used for this purpose. This also creates a clamping effect on the lower sphere half 30.1 against the post 20. The equatorial surface 32 formed by elements 30A and 30B is now horizontally aligned by the configuration of elements 30A and 30B, as explained previously.

[0064] In Figure 5Attachments 60 are inserted into the designated receptacles 40 of element 30A. In this figure, each tube 60.1 is shown, which, for example, is intended to serve as a horizontal connection between two posts. The tubes 60.1 have profiles 42 in the form of an octagonal ring at their ends, which correspond to the profiles 44 of the receptacles 40. The ends of the tubes 60.1 no longer have any profile. Since the profiles 42 create a narrowing of the cross-section, and the tubes 60.1 subsequently have a wider cross-section without any profile, they cannot be pulled out of the receptacles along their longitudinal axis. The profiles 42, 44 prevent the tubes 60.1 from twisting and slipping in the receptacles 40 and allow for the pre-alignment of attachments 60 until the element of the upper spherical hemisphere can be attached and fixed.The profiles 42, 44 shown here can be applied in the same way to other attachments 60.

[0065] The installation of the upper element 30B takes place in Figure 6 . In doing so, Figure 6a It is clear that element 30B of the upper sphere half 30.2, with its protrusion 46, is attached to the recess 50 of element 30A of the lower sphere half 30.1 and rotated around it towards post 20. In doing so, the protrusion 48 engages with the receptacle 52. The pipes 60.1, or other attachments, are now fixed in their position. As shown in Figure 6b As can be seen, the upper element 30B and the lower element 30A are connected to each other by means of screws 38. Now, sealing plugs 60.2 or other attachments 60 can be inserted into the receptacles 40 of the lower element 30B ( Figure 7) and the upper element 30A is mounted. This is screwed to both the element 30B of the same sphere half 30.2, and the element 30B of the lower sphere half 30.1 ( Figure 8 ). Now both spherical hemispheres 30.1 and 30.2 are completely and securely in position, thus forming the spherical clamp 25 with horizontally connected attachments 60.

[0066] The application of the spherical clamp 25 and the entire scaffolding system 10 according to the invention is exemplified in the Figures 9 to 11 The figures are shown. They are described together, with particular emphasis on their differences. Reference symbols are only assigned to relevant elements and explained; however, not every element is individually labeled.

[0067] All three Figures 9 to 11Each illustration shows a playground installation with climbing and play elements implemented using the scaffolding system 10. The posts 20 are mostly inclined. A large number of spherical clamps 25 are arranged on the posts 20, to which various attachments 60 are inserted. Thus, in Figure 9 Sunshades 60.4 are inserted and attached to two mounting points of a clamp 25. Handles 60.3 are positioned between two clamps 25 and facilitate access to the climbing frame. Tubes 60.1 connect clamps 25 horizontally and serve to attach cladding elements and decorative elements that cannot be attached to a clamp 25. Some clamps 25 are also used purely for decorative purposes with plugs 60.2.

[0068] In Figure 10 The clamps form 25 starting points for climbing aids 60.5 and ladders 60.6. Figure 11 It also shows the connection of ropes 60.7 to the spherical clamps 25. Reference sign

[0069] 10 Scaffolding system 20 Post 25 Spherical clamp 30 Half of a sphere 30A Element of a half of a sphere 30B Element of a half of a sphere 32 Equatorial surface 34 Screw hole 36 Threaded bushing 38 Screw 39 Recess for screw 40 Receptacle 42 Profiling on the attachment 44 Profiling in the element 46 Bulge 48 Protrusion in bulge 50 Recess 52 Receptacle in recess 54 Raise on the equatorial surface 56 Depression in the equatorial surface 60 Attachment 70 Axis 72 Axis α Inclination angle of the post R Radius (inner radius) V Vertical axis

Claims

1. A frame system (10) comprising posts (20) and spherical clamps (25), in which, in an assembled state, at least one post (20) is arranged to be slanted at an angle in relation to the ground, and at least one spherical clamp (25) is arranged on each post (20), and wherein each spherical clamp (25) - is composed of two sphere halves (30), and wherein each of the two sphere halves (30) is formed of the same at least two elements (30A, 30B), which differ from one another within one sphere half (30), - the at least two elements (30A, 30B) of each sphere half (30) surround the post (20), - the at least two elements (30A, 30B) of a sphere half (30) are screwed to one another such that a clamping action between the sphere half (30) and the associated post (20) results, - the sphere halves (30) are screwed to one another, characterized in that - the equatorial surfaces (32) formed by the at least two elements (30A, 30B) of a sphere half (30) depart from a plane at right angles to the associated post (20) by the angle (α) at which said post is slanted, in order to horizontally align said equatorial surfaces (32), and - the elements (30A, 30B) comprise, in the region of the equatorial surfaces (32) of the sphere halves (30), receptacles (40) for the insertion of at least one attachment (60).

2. The frame system (10) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the at least one post (20) has a round cross section, and the sphere halves (30) of the at least one clamp (25) placed on said post surround the post (20) in a ring-like manner in each case.

3. The frame system (10) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a post (20) is arranged to be slanted at an angle in the range of 2° to 12°, in particular by substantially 5°.

4. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least two elements (30A, 30B) of a sphere half (30) have different colors.

5. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one attachment, the at least one attachment (60) being selected from the group consisting of a tube (60.1), a handle (60.3), a decorative element (60.5, 60.6), a sunshade (60.4), a rope (60.7), and a sealing plug (60.2).

6. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the receptacles (40) for attachments (60) are arranged along the equatorial surfaces (32) with an offset of 90° from one another.

7. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one attachment, the at least one attachment (60) being formed, in the region inserted into a receptacle (40) of the spherical clamp (25), so as to have a profiled portion (42), in particular a wrap-around octagonal profiled portion, and the receptacles (40) of the spherical clamp (25) being formed so as to have a corresponding profiled portion (44) in order to establish a form fit between the attachment (60) and the receptacle (40).

8. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one element of a first sphere half (30) is formed so as to have a convex portion (46) in an edge region of the sphere half (30), said portion extending into the edge region of the adjacent element of the other sphere half (30), in particular so as to have a protrusion (48) in the region of said convex portion (46), and the adjacent element of the other sphere half (30) is formed so as to have a corresponding recess (50), in particular so as to have a receptacle (52) that corresponds to the protrusion (48).

9. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that projections (54) and / or indentations (56) that correspond to one another in each case are formed along the equatorial surfaces (32) of the sphere halves (30) in order to establish a form fit between the sphere halves (30).

10. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that recesses (39) from the surface of the spherical clamp (25) are formed in the direction of the screw fixings.

11. The frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elements (30A, 30B) for forming the sphere halves (30) are configured as hollow bodies.

12. The use a frame system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims for playground structures, playground elements and / or climbing frames.

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