Protective device to secure the movement of passers-by near a scaffolding structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (100) for securing the movement of pedestrians near a scaffolding structure (200). One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a device that prevents or limits any risk of bodily injury when a pedestrian passes near a scaffolding structure (200) assembled using rosettes with protruding parts. To this end, the inventors propose a mechanical structure that can be removably mounted to a portion of the scaffolding structure (200).

Description

Domaine technique

[0001] The invention relates to the field of scaffolding structures. In particular, it relates to a protection device for securing the movement of passers-by near a scaffolding structure. Technique antérieure

[0002] Scaffolding structures consist of uprights (e.g. vertical, diagonal) that are joined together using connecting elements, called rosettes.

[0003] A "scaffolding structure" means a temporary, fixed or mobile construction or structure which facilitates access to structures (e.g. buildings) and the carrying out of repair or construction work.

[0004] In practice, rosettes allow a predefined spacing to be maintained between uprights and ensure the general stability of a scaffolding structure.

[0005] Additionally, the rosettes allow you to adjust the height of the uprights and fix them securely in place.

[0006] In particular, when the rosettes are in place on scaffolding, they have parts which protrude from the uprights.

[0007] However, the protruding parts of the rosettes are likely to cause injuries to passers-by who walk near a scaffolding structure erected with these rosettes.

[0008] Documents FR 2965574 and DE 9211317U disclose known protection devices.

[0009] Thus, there is a need for a solution that can prevent or limit any risk of bodily harm as described above. Résumé de l'invention

[0010] The invention aims to solve, at least partially, this need.

[0011] In particular, the invention relates to a device for protecting a portion of a scaffolding structure according to claim 1 and comprising at least one scaffolding post and at least one connecting element fixed to the scaffolding post, the connecting element projecting from the scaffolding post.

[0012] The dependent claims describe specific embodiments of the present application. Brève description des dessins

[0013] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood upon reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, given for illustrative purposes and in no way limiting. [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a front view of a portion of scaffolding structure. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents a protection device according to the invention. [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents a front view of the protection device of the figure 2 . [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 represents the protection device of the figure 2 according to one embodiment of the invention. [ Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 represents a zoomed view of part of the figure 4 . [ Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 represents a view from below of the protection device of the figure 2 . [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 represents the protection device of the figure 2 in the positioning configuration facing the scaffolding structure portion of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 represents the protection device of the figure 2 moving into the locking configuration on the scaffolding structure portion of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 9 ] There figure 9 represents the protection device of the figure 2 in the locking configuration on the scaffolding structure portion of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 10 ] There figure 10 represents an embodiment of the protection device of the figure 2 in the lock configuration.

[0014] The figures do not necessarily respect the scales, particularly in thickness, and this is for illustration purposes. Description des modes de réalisation

[0015] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a device which prevents or limits any risk of bodily harm when a passer-by passes near a scaffolding structure mounted using rosettes which have projecting parts.

[0016] To this end, the inventors propose a mechanical structure that can be removably mounted to a portion of the scaffolding structure.

[0017] Thus, the invention relates to a protective device which is designed to removably receive at least a portion of scaffolding structure.

[0018] As illustrated in the figure 1 , the scaffolding structure portion 200 extends longitudinally along a first axis D.

[0019] In practice, the scaffolding structure portion 200 comprises at least one scaffolding post and at least one connecting element 230 which is fixed to the scaffolding post.

[0020] Dans a first example, the connecting element 230 is tied to the scaffolding post.

[0021] In a second example, the connecting element 230 is fitted onto the scaffolding post.

[0022] In a third example, the connecting element 230 is welded to the scaffolding post.

[0023] In one implementation of the scaffolding structure portion 200 illustrated in figure 1 , this one, comprises a first scaffolding pole 210 and a scaffolding pole 220, and the connecting element 230 which is assembled with the first scaffolding pole 210 and the second scaffolding pole 220.

[0024] In this case, the first scaffolding post 210 and the second scaffolding post 220 are separate elements and are assembled with the connecting element 230 (e.g. by welding).

[0025] Conventionally, the scaffolding post 210, 220 is of a known type, of the kind commonly used in the construction industry.

[0026] In the example of the figure 1 , the scaffolding post 210, 220 is an “I” profile.

[0027] In a first implementation of the scaffolding post 210, 220, it has a single cross-section.

[0028] In a second implementation of the scaffolding pole 210, 220, it has several different cross-sections.

[0029] In an example of the first implementation and the second implementation of the scaffolding pole 210, 220, the cross-section is selected from one of the following shapes: circular, oval, triangle, square, parallelogram, trapezoid, rhombus, pentagon, hexagon or cross.

[0030] However, depending on the needs, it may be possible to consider using other forms, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0031] In the invention, the term "connecting element" (also known as a "rosette") means a fixing element which makes it possible to connect at least two scaffolding poles while ensuring the stability of the scaffolding, thus contributing to ensuring the safety of people working on the scaffolding.

[0032] Generally, the connecting element 230 is made of metal.

[0033] However, depending on the needs, it may be possible to consider using other materials, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0034] Furthermore, the connecting element 230 comprises openings (not shown) which make it possible to fix the various elements of a scaffolding such as the rails and the diagonals.

[0035] For this, the connecting element 230 is designed to protrude from the scaffolding post 210,220.

[0036] There figure 2 illustrates a protection device 100 for the scaffolding structure portion 200.

[0037] In practice, the protection device 100 comprises a body 110.

[0038] In a first example, the body 110 is made from a bio-sourced material.

[0039] In a second example, the body 110 is made of a biodegradable material.

[0040] In a first embodiment of the body 110, it is made of a rigid material.

[0041] In one example, the body 110 is made from a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), in particular for its better mechanical strength. However, depending on the needs, it may be possible to consider using other rigid materials, without requiring substantial modifications of the invention.

[0042] In a second embodiment of the body 110, it is made of a semi-rigid material.

[0043] In one example, the body 110 is made from a foamed polymer. This may be a crosslinked type foamed polymer such as polyethylene (PEX) and / or polyurethane (PU).

[0044] However, depending on the needs, it may be possible to consider using other semi-rigid materials, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0045] In a third embodiment of the body 110, it is made of or coated with a material that absorbs and / or dampens shocks.

[0046] In one example, the shock absorbing material is chosen from: polyethylene foam, latex, plastics, rubber foam or similar.

[0047] However, depending on the needs, it may be possible to consider using other shock-absorbing materials, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0048] In a fourth embodiment of the body 110, the latter has a shape substantially complementary to that of the scaffolding structure portion 200.

[0049] Still on the figure 2 , the body 110 extends longitudinally along a second axis F between a first end opening 111 and a second end opening 112.

[0050] In practice, the first end opening 111 is opposite the second end opening 112.

[0051] Further, the body 110 defines an interior volume 113 that extends between the first end opening 111 and the second end opening 112.

[0052] In particular, when the protection device 100 is used, the interior volume 113 of the body is designed to surround at least part of the portion of scaffolding structure 200 which is located on either side of the connecting element 230, called adjacent intermediate portion 240, as illustrated in the figure 1 .

[0053] As illustrated on, the figure 2 , there figure 3 and the figure 4 , the body 110 further comprises an outer wall 114.

[0054] In practice, the outer wall 114 has an outer surface without edges or corners.

[0055] In this way, if a collision occurs between a passerby and the protective device 100, the latter will cause little or no bodily harm to the passerby, because friction will be reduced.

[0056] In one example, the outer surface of the outer wall 114 is a smooth surface.

[0057] Still in the invention, as illustrated in the figure 2 , there figure 3 , there figure 4 and the figure 6 , the outer wall 114 defines a first wall opening 1140, a second wall opening 1141 and at least one wall segment.

[0058] In practice, the first wall opening 1140 and the second wall opening 1141 open into the interior volume 113.

[0059] In particular, the first wall opening 1140 extends between the first end opening 111 and the second end opening 112.

[0060] Also, the first wall opening 1140 has an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of at least a portion of the scaffolding pole 210, 220 towards the interior volume 113.

[0061] Generally, the opening width of the first wall opening 1140 has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the outer wall 114 of the body 110 of the protection device 100.

[0062] Furthermore, the first wall opening 1140 is designed to prevent the passage of the connecting element 230 towards the interior volume 113.

[0063] Thus, when the protection device 100 is used, the connecting element 230 cannot pass through the first wall opening 1140.

[0064] As illustrated in the figure 2 , there figure 3 and the figure 4 , the second wall opening 1141 extends transversely from the first wall opening 1140.

[0065] In a first embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, it extends transversely on one side only from the first wall opening 1140.

[0066] In practice, the first embodiment can be used when the connecting element 230 is not centered relative to the scaffolding post 210, 220.

[0067] In a second embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, it extends transversely from the first wall opening 1140 on either side of the first wall opening 1140.

[0068] In a first example of the second embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, the second wall opening 1141 extends symmetrically on either side of the first wall opening 1140.

[0069] In a second example of the second embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, the second wall opening 1141 extends asymmetrically on either side of the first wall opening 1140.

[0070] In practice, the second embodiment can be used when the connecting element 230 is centered relative to the scaffolding post 210, 220.

[0071] Furthermore, the second wall opening 1141 has an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element 230 towards the interior volume 113.

[0072] Thus, when the protection device 100 is used, the connecting element 230 can pass through the second wall opening 1141.

[0073] In the invention, as illustrated in the figure 4 , there figure 5 and the figure 6 , the wall segment extends between, on the one hand, one of the first end opening 111 and the second end opening 112, called the stop opening 111, 112, and on the other hand, the start of the second transverse wall opening 1141.

[0074] Further, the wall segment comprises at least one first stop element 115.

[0075] A "stop element" means a mechanical part which is intended to prevent or limit the movement of a moving part.

[0076] In the example of the figure 4 , there figure 5 and of the figure 6 , the stop element 115 prevents or limits, by friction, the translation of the protection device 100 along the first axis D of the portion of scaffolding structure 200.

[0077] In practice, the wall segment has a height which is designed to allow the connecting element 230 to be maintained within the perimeter delimited by this height, in the interior volume 113.

[0078] In a first embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter is designed and arranged in the interior volume 113 on an interior surface of the wall segment.

[0079] In a second embodiment of the first stop element 115, it is designed and arranged in the interior volume 113 in an interior surface of the wall segment.

[0080] In a third embodiment of the first stop element 115, it comprises a single protrusion.

[0081] As illustrated in the figure 5 , in a fourth embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter comprises a plurality of protrusions.

[0082] In a fifth embodiment of the first stop element 115, it comprises a single groove.

[0083] In a sixth embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter comprises a plurality of grooves.

[0084] In the invention, the protection device 100 is designed to evolve between, on the one hand, a first positioning configuration in which the connecting element 230 is located substantially opposite the second wall opening 1141 and the second axis F is substantially parallel to the first axis D and on the other hand, a first locking configuration.

[0085] In practice, in the first positioning configuration, which is designed to allow movement of the protection device 100 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis D, the first wall opening 1140 is designed to allow passage of the adjacent intermediate portion 240 towards the interior volume 113 and the second wall opening 1141 is designed to allow passage of the connecting element 230 towards the interior volume 113, so that the interior volume 113 surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion 240 and the connecting element 230.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first locking configuration, which is designed to allow movement of the protection device 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D, the first stop element 115 is designed to stop, by friction, the movement of the protection device 100 by coming into contact with the connecting element 230, so that the connecting element 230 is held, in the interior volume 113, inside the perimeter delimited by the height of the wall segment and that the connecting element 230 is no longer positioned substantially opposite the second wall opening 1141.

[0087] Now that we have described the characteristics of the protection device 100, we will describe its use.

[0088] There figure 7 , there figure 8 and the figure 9 illustrate a method of positioning the protection device 100 on the scaffolding structure portion 200.

[0089] In practice, the protection device 100 is designed to evolve between a first positioning configuration and a first locking configuration.

[0090] In particular, in a first step, as illustrated in the figure 7 , the first positioning configuration begins when the connecting element 230 is located substantially opposite the second wall opening 1141 and the second axis F is substantially parallel to the first axis D.

[0091] Then, in a second step, as illustrated in the figure 8 , the first positioning configuration requires a movement of the protection device 100 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis D.

[0092] Then, in a third step, in response to this displacement, the adjacent intermediate portion 240 passes through the first wall opening 1140.

[0093] Then, at the same time, in the third step, the connecting element 230 passes through the second wall opening 1141, until the interior volume 113 surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0094] Thus, at the end of the first positioning configuration, the scaffolding post 210, 220 and the connecting element 230 are housed in the interior volume 113.

[0095] Furthermore, the first locking configuration begins when the interior volume 113 surrounds at least a portion of adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0096] Then, in a fourth step, as illustrated in the figure 9 , the first locking configuration requires a movement of the protection device 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D, called the direction of advancement.

[0097] Then, in response to this movement, the connecting element 230 is no longer positioned substantially opposite the second wall opening 1141 and the connecting element 230 comes into abutment, by friction, against the first abutment element 115, thus locking the protection device 100.

[0098] In a particular embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter has a beveled surface which, in the first locking configuration, is designed to guide the connecting element 230 in sliding.

[0099] In a first example of the first stop element 115, it defines a straight bevel.

[0100] In a second example of the first stop element 115, it defines a curved bevel.

[0101] In practice, the cross-section of the bevel gradually increases as the protection device 100 is moved in the direction of advancement.

[0102] In this way, the beveled surface of the first stop element 115 gradually prevents any radial play of the connecting element 230.

[0103] As illustrated in the figure 5 , in a particular implementation of the particular embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter is provided with at least one end-of-travel shoulder 117 which is arranged at one end of the beveled surface and which is designed to intercept the connecting element 230.

[0104] In one example of this particular implementation of the particular embodiment of the first stop element 115, the end-of-travel shoulder 117 projects from the beveled surface.

[0105] Thus, at the end of the first locking configuration, the protection device 100 is arranged so that a passer-by cannot come into direct contact with the connecting element 230, thus limiting any risk of bodily harm.

[0106] Then, to remove the protection device 100 from the portion of scaffolding structure 200, for example at the end of the worksite, it is sufficient to carry out the first step, the second step, the third step and the fourth step, in the opposite direction, so as to move the protection device 100 from the first locking configuration to the first positioning configuration.

[0107] In a first embodiment of the invention, provision is made to assemble the protection device 100 with a second separate protection device 100.

[0108] In this case, the wall segment further comprises a second stop element 116 which is designed and arranged at the outer surface of the wall segment.

[0109] In a first implementation of the first embodiment of the invention, the second abutment element 116 is designed and disposed on an outer surface of the wall segment.

[0110] In a second implementation of the first embodiment of the invention, the second abutment element 116, similar to the first abutment element 115, is designed and disposed in an outer surface of the wall segment.

[0111] In a third implementation of the first embodiment of the invention, the second stop element 116 has a beveled surface which, in the first locking configuration, is designed to slidably guide an inner surface of a wall segment of the second protection device 100, devoid of a stop element, around the outer surface of the stop segment of the first protection device 100 and to abut, by friction, against the second stop element 116.

[0112] In a second embodiment of the invention, not illustrated, another way of positioning the protection device 100 on the portion of scaffolding structure 200 is provided.

[0113] In this case, the first stop element 115 further comprises a cover and a return element (e.g., a coil spring) which are connected to each other.

[0114] In practice, the cover is designed to be movable in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis F between a closed position and a retracted position, the return element being designed to return the cover to the closed position.

[0115] In particular, in the closed position, the cover is designed to close the stop opening 111, 112.

[0116] Further, in the retracted position, the cover is configured to move toward the end that is distal to the stop opening 111, 112, and is configured not to completely block the stop opening 111, 112.

[0117] In the second embodiment of the invention, the protection device 100 is further designed to evolve between, on the one hand, a second positioning configuration in which at least one projecting part of the connecting element 230 is located above and in contact with the cover and the second axis F is substantially inclined relative to the first axis D, and on the other hand, a second locking configuration, according to the method described below.

[0118] In practice, in the second positioning configuration, which is designed to allow movement of the protection device 100 according to the combination of a translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D and a translational movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis D, the first wall opening 1140 is designed to allow passage of the adjacent intermediate portion 240 towards the interior volume 113 and the stop opening 111, 112 is designed to allow passage of the connecting element 230 towards the interior volume 113, so as to move the cover towards the retracted position, so that the interior volume 113 surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0119] Furthermore, in the second locking configuration, which is designed to allow movement of the distal end at the stop opening 111, 112 in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D, the first stop element 115 is designed to stop, by friction, the movement of the protection device 100 by coming into contact with the connecting element 230, so that the connecting element 230 is not positioned opposite the second wall opening 1141.

[0120] In a first step of the method, the second positioning configuration begins when at least one protruding portion of the connecting element 230 is located above and in contact with the cover and the second axis F is substantially inclined relative to the first axis D.

[0121] Then, in a second step, the second positioning configuration requires a movement of the protection device 100 which consists of a combination of a translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D and a translational movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis D.

[0122] In other words, the protection device 100 is moved towards the portion of scaffolding structure 200 according to a succession of translational movements which are sometimes parallel to the first axis D and sometimes perpendicular to the first axis D.

[0123] Then, in a third step, in response to this displacement, the adjacent intermediate portion 240 passes through the first wall opening 1140.

[0124] Then, at the same time, in the third step, the connecting element 230 passes through the stop opening 111, 112 so as to move the cover towards the retracted position, until the interior volume 113 surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0125] Thus, at the end of the second positioning configuration, the scaffolding post 210, 220 and the connecting element 230 are housed in the interior volume 113.

[0126] Furthermore, the second locking configuration begins when the interior volume 113 surrounds at least a portion of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0127] Then, in a fourth step, the second locking configuration requires a movement of the end which is distal to the stop opening 111, 112 in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D.

[0128] Then, in response to this movement, the connecting element 230 is not positioned opposite the second wall opening 1141 and the connecting element 230 comes into abutment, by friction, against the first abutment element 115, thus locking the protection device 100.

[0129] Thus, at the end of the second locking configuration, the protection device 100 is arranged so that a passer-by cannot come into direct contact with the connecting element 230, thus limiting any risk of bodily harm.

[0130] Then, to remove the protection device 100 from the portion of scaffolding structure 200, for example at the end of the worksite, it is sufficient to carry out the first step, the second step, the third step and the fourth step, in the opposite direction, so as to move the protection device 100 from the second locking configuration to the second positioning configuration.

[0131] In a third embodiment of the invention, provision is made to use the protection device 100 to receive and hold at least one support element (e.g. an advertising panel support or a lighting support).

[0132] In this case, the protection device 100 comprises a first cavity-protrusion coupling portion which is adapted to be removably coupled, by cavity-protrusion coupling, to a second cavity-protrusion coupling portion.

[0133] In a first implementation of the third embodiment, the first cavity-protrusion coupling portion is a cavity.

[0134] In practice, the cavity is at least one of a notch, a hole, an opening, a slot, a groove, a mound, a chamber, and combinations thereof.

[0135] Furthermore, in this case, the second cavity-protrusion coupling part is a protrusion, such as a pin or a lug, which is arranged on the support element.

[0136] In a first example of the first cavity-projection coupling part, as illustrated in the figure 10 , the cavity is an outer peripheral groove 120.

[0137] In this case, as illustrated in the figure 10 , the outer peripheral groove 120 extends over all or part of the outer surface of the outer wall 114 between the edges of the first wall opening 1140.

[0138] In practice, the outer peripheral groove 120 is designed to receive, guide and rest therein support arms of the support element.

[0139] In particular, the support arms of the support element have at their free ends at least one end portion which is convexly curved.

[0140] Furthermore, the edges of the first wall opening 1140 are designed along their length so that each curved end portion can be held there by clipping.

[0141] In a particular embodiment, as illustrated in the figure 10 , the protection device 100 further comprises at least one protruding portion which is presented in the form of a stop lug 130.

[0142] In practice, the stop lug 130 is arranged along the edges of the first wall opening 1140, so that the curved end portions of the support arms of the support element can abut there.

[0143] In a second example of the first cavity-projection coupling part, as illustrated in the figure 10 , the cavity is a 140 notch.

[0144] In the example of the figure 10, the notch 140 extends vertically and horizontally over all or part of the outer wall 114 of the protection device 100.

[0145] However, depending on the needs, it may be envisaged that the notch 140 extends in other directions, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0146] In a second implementation of the third embodiment, the first cavity-protrusion coupling portion is a protrusion, such as a pin or a lug.

[0147] In this case, the second cavity-protrusion coupling part is a cavity that is formed on the support element.

[0148] We have described and illustrated the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments that we have presented. Indeed, numerous combinations of variants, alternatives, embodiments and implementations can be envisaged within the framework of the appended claims. Thus, an expert in the field can deduce other variants, alternatives, embodiments and implementations, upon reading the description and the appended figures and depending on the economic, ergonomic and dimensional constraints to be respected.

[0149] The invention may be the subject of numerous variations and applications other than those described above. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional features of each particular implementation described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but, on the contrary, as mere juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional features of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination, within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A protective device (100) designed to removably receive at least one scaffolding structure portion (200) that extends longitudinally along a first axis, D, the scaffolding structure portion (200) comprising at least one scaffolding pole (210, 220) and at least one connecting element (230) fixed to the scaffolding pole (210, 220), the connecting element (230) protruding from the scaffolding pole (210, 220), the protective device (100) comprising a body (110) which extends longitudinally along a second axis, F, between a first end aperture (111) and a second end aperture (112) which is opposite to the first end aperture (111), the body (110) defining an interior volume (113) which extends between the first end aperture (111) and the second end aperture (112), the interior volume (113) being further designed to surround at least part of the scaffolding structure portion (200) which is located on either side of the connecting element (230), called adjacent intermediate portion (240), the body (110) further comprising an external wall (114) which has an external surface without ridges or corners and which defines a first wall aperture (1140), a second wall aperture (1141) and at least one wall segment, - the first wall aperture (1140) opening out into the interior volume (113) and extending between the first end aperture (111) and the second end aperture (112), the first wall aperture (1140) having an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of at least part of the scaffolding pole (210, 220) towards the interior volume (113) and to prevent the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113), - the second wall aperture (1141) opening out into the interior volume (113) and extending transversely from the first wall aperture (1140), the second wall aperture (1141) having an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113), - the wall segment extending between, on the one hand, one among the first end aperture (111) and the second end aperture (112), called abutment aperture (111, 112), and on the other hand, the start of the second transverse wall aperture (1141), the wall segment comprising at least a first abutment element (115), the wall segment having a height which is designed to allow holding the connecting element (230) inside the perimeter delimited by this height, in the interior volume (113), wherein, - the protective device (100) is designed to move between, on the one hand, a first positioning configuration in which the connecting element (230) is located substantially facing the second wall aperture (1141) and the second axis, F, is substantially parallel to the first axis, D, and on the other hand, a first locking configuration, - in the first positioning configuration, which is designed to allow a displacement of the protective device (100) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis, D, the first wall aperture (1140) is designed to allow the passage of the adjacent intermediate portion (240) towards the interior volume (113) and the second wall aperture (1141) is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113), so that the interior volume (113) surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion (240) and the connecting element (230), - in the first locking configuration, which is designed to allow a displacement of the protective device (100) in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, D, the first abutment element (115) is designed to stop, by friction, the displacement of the protective device (100) by coming into contact with the connecting element (230), so that the connecting element (230) is held, in the interior volume (113), within the perimeter delimited by the height of the wall segment and so that the connecting element (230) is no longer positioned substantially facing the second wall aperture (1141).

2. The protective device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first abutment element (115) is designed and disposed on or in an internal surface of the wall segment, the first abutment element (115) having a beveled surface which, in the first locking configuration, is designed to slidably guide the connecting element (230).

3. The protective device (100) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the wall segment further comprises a second abutment element (116), the second abutment element (116) being designed and disposed on or in an external surface of the wall segment and having a beveled surface which, in the first locking configuration, is designed to slidably guide an internal surface of a wall segment of another protective device (100), devoid of an abutment element, around the external surface of the wall segment and to abut, by friction, against the second abutment element (116).

4. The protective device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the first abutment element (115) comprises a single protuberance or a plurality of protuberances.

5. The protective device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first abutment element (115) comprises a single groove or a plurality of grooves.

6. The protective device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first abutment element (115) is provided with an end-of-travel shoulder (117) which is located at one end of the beveled surface and which protrudes from the beveled surface, the end-of-travel shoulder (117) being designed to intercept the connecting element (230).

7. The protective device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first abutment element (115) further comprises a cover and a return element, - the cover being designed to be movable in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis, F, between a closed position and a retracted position, - in the closed position, the cover is designed to obturate the abutment aperture (111, 112), - in the retracted position, the cover is designed to move in the direction of the end which is distal to the abutment aperture (111, 112), - the return element being connected to the cover and designed to return the cover to the closed position, and wherein, the protective device (100) is further designed to move between, on the one hand, a second positioning configuration in which at least a protruding part of the connecting element (230) is located above and in contact with the cover and the second axis, F, is substantially inclined relative to the first axis, D, and on the other hand, a second locking configuration, - in the second positioning configuration, which is designed to allow a displacement of the protective device (100) according to the combination of a translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, D, and of a translational movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis, D, the first wall aperture (1140) is designed to allow the passage of the adjacent intermediate portion (240) towards the interior volume (113) and the abutment aperture (111, 112) is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113), so as to move the cover towards the retracted position, so that the interior volume (113) surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion (240), - in the second locking configuration, which is designed to allow a displacement of the end which is distal to the abutment aperture (111, 112) in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, D, the first abutment element (115) is designed to stop, by friction, the displacement of the protective device (100) by coming into contact with the connecting element (230), so that the connecting element (230) is not positioned facing the second wall aperture (1141).

8. The protective device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least a first cavity-protrusion coupling part which is designed to be removably coupled, by cavity-protrusion coupling, to a second cavity-protrusion coupling part.

9. The protective device (100) according to claim 8, wherein, - the first cavity-protrusion coupling part is an external peripheral groove (120) which extends on the external surface of the external wall (114) between the edges of the first wall aperture (1140), the external peripheral groove (120) being designed to receive, guide and rest therein support arms of at least one support element which have at their free ends at least one convexly curved terminal part, and - the edges of the first wall aperture (1140) are designed along their length so that each curved terminal part can be held therein by clipping.

10. The protective device (100) according to claim 9, further comprising at least one abutment lug (130) which is disposed along the edges of the first wall aperture (1140) so that the curved terminal parts of the support arms of the support element can abut thereon.

Images