Railing assembly comprising an elastically deformable flap and a safety device

Abstract

The invention relates to a railing assembly (1) comprising a support device (3) comprising a slab seat (20), and a mainly planar slab (2) defining an inner seat (201) and an outer seat (202) in the slab seat (20). The railing assembly (1) comprises an adjustment group (4) in the inner seat (201) controllable by a user to perform an adjustment action of the position of the slab (2). The railing assembly (1) comprises a flap (6) elastically deformable by engaging the slab (2) in the outer seat (202), and a safety body (70) movable by the user to a resting position, in which it allows elastic deformation of the flap (6), and to a working position, in which it limits or prevents elastic deformation of the flap (6).

Description

[0001] The object of the present invention is a railing assembly.

[0002] In the prior art, railing assemblies are known comprising large slabs, made of translucent or transparent material, for example glass, with which remarkable aesthetic effects of continuity can be achieved.

[0003] As the dimensions and weight of the slabs increase, however, significant difficulties are encountered in adjusting the position of the slabs.

[0004] In the field, it is required that the support, adjustment and locking systems of the slab have reduced overall dimensions and are visually minimally invasive, despite the considerable dimensions of the slabs. An example of a railing assembly provided with a system for adjusting and locking the slab is described in international application WO2024110925A1 in the name of the Applicant.

[0005] In the field, furthermore, railing assemblies are required which simplify the installation of the slab, in particular which allow the adjustment and locking of the slab to be carried out exclusively from the inner side, that is to say from the side of the operator assigned to the assembly. Documents WO2018011309A1 and EP3323958B1 describe examples of railing assemblies that address these needs, however they prove to be particularly complex and costly to make.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a railing assembly that meets the requirements of the field and overcomes the aforementioned problems, being particularly reliable and having simplified assembly.

[0007] This object is achieved by means of the railing assembly according to claim 1. The dependent claims seek protection for additional features which result in further advantageous technical effects.

[0008] The features and advantages of the invention are clarified by the following description of its preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 and 1a show a perspective view of the movable panel system according to the present invention, in a preferred embodiment, respectively with parts assembled and with parts separated; Figure 1b shows a user using a tool to move a safety body of the railing assembly, in accordance with the present invention, in a first preferred embodiment; Figures 2 and 2a show a perspective view, respectively with parts separated and with parts assembled, of some components of the railing assembly according to the present invention, in a first preferred embodiment; Figures 3 and 3a respectively show a sectional view and an enlargement of the railing assembly in accordance with the present invention, in a first preferred embodiment, with the safety body respectively in the resting position and in the working position; Figures 4 and 4a show a perspective view, respectively with parts assembled and with parts separated, of a safety device, in accordance with the present invention, according to a preferred embodiment; Figures 5 and 5a show a perspective view, respectively with parts assembled and with parts separated, of the railing assembly in accordance with the present invention, in a second preferred embodiment; Figures 6 and 6a show a vertical sectional view of the railing assembly in accordance with the present invention, in a second preferred embodiment, with the safety body respectively in the resting position and in the working position; Figures 7 and 7a respectively show a perspective view and a sectional view of a safety body in accordance with the present invention, in a second preferred embodiment.

[0009] With reference to the accompanying figures, the number 1 denotes overall a railing assembly according to the present invention.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the railing assembly 1 is anchorable to a ground surface P.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the ground surface P is elevated, for example it is a balcony or it is a terrace.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the railing assembly 1 is anchorable near or at an edge Pe of the ground surface P, to prevent objects and people from falling into the void.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the railing assembly 1 comprises a longitudinal axis L-L, for example parallel to the ground surface P, a vertical axis V-V orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L-L, and a transverse axis T-T, orthogonal to the longitudinal axis L-L and to the vertical axis V-V.

[0014] In the course of the discussion, "longitudinal" and "longitudinally" refer to a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L-L, "vertical" and "vertically" refer to a direction substantially parallel to the vertical axis V-V, and "transverse" and "transversely" refer to a direction substantially parallel to the transverse axis T-T.

[0015] According to the present invention, the railing assembly 1 comprises a slab 2, for example made of glass, having a substantially planar shape. The slab 2 comprises an inner face 21 and an outer face 22, in particular transversely opposite to the inner face 21, for example having prevailing extensions in the longitudinal direction and in the vertical direction.

[0016] Preferably, in the transverse direction, the slab 2 has a reduced dimension or thickness, defined between the inner face 21 and the second slab 2.

[0017] Preferably, the slab 2 has a prevailing dimension along a slab axis S-S, for example in the longitudinal direction.

[0018] Preferably, in the vertical direction, the slab 2 extends between a lower end of the slab 23, also known as slab foot, and an upper end of the slab 24.

[0019] According to the present invention, the railing assembly 1 comprises a support device 3 that supports the slab 2 in a predefined position, for example substantially vertically with respect to the ground surface P.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the support device 3 extends longitudinally substantially along the entire prevailing dimension of the slab 2, for example parallel to the slab axis S-S.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the railing assembly 1 comprises a plurality of support devices 3 spaced along the slab axis S-S.

[0022] The support device 3 is preferably made by extrusion, for example in metal alloy.

[0023] The support device 3 comprises a device base 30, preferably configured to be anchored to the ground surface P, for example by means of anchoring screws. The support device 3 comprises an inner wing 31 and an outer wing 32 extending from the device base 30, for example vertically. The inner wing 31 and the outer wing 32 are spaced, in particular spaced transversely, defining between them a slab seat 20, wherein the slab 2 is housed, in particular the lower end of the slab 23.

[0024] Preferably, the slab seat 20 extends parallel to the slab axis S-S or extends longitudinally.

[0025] In particular, the upper end of the slab 24 is positioned externally to the slab seat 20, vertically distal from the support device 3.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the upper end of the slab 24 projects externally to the support device 3 by a measure greater than 50 centimeters, preferably approximately 70 centimeters or approximately 1 meter or approximately 1.3 meters.

[0027] Preferably, the slab seat 20 is open and accessible in the vertical direction, for example through a slab insertion opening 25 distal from the device base 30, for example vertically opposite. Preferably, the outer wing 32 comprises opening edges 325 that define peripherally, at least partially, the slab insertion opening 25.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wing 32 comprises an engagement cavity 324 preferably proximal to the opening edges 325, for example vertically proximal, to house in a slidable manner a closing member 8, which will be described later.

[0029] According to the present invention, the slab 2 defines, within the slab seat 20, an inner seat 201 defined between the inner wing 31 and the inner face 21, and an outer seat 202 defined between the outer wing 32 and the outer face 22.

[0030] In particular, the slab 2 positioned within the slab seat 20 defines an inner side of the slab assembly 2, facing a user installing the slab 2 in the support device 3, and an opposite outer side of the slab assembly 2, for example facing towards a free end edge Pe of the ground surface P.

[0031] Preferably, with the slab 2 positioned within the slab seat 20, the inner seat 201 is identified on the inner side, and the outer seat 202 on the outer side.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the railing assembly 1 comprises a closing member 8 supported by the outer wing 32, preferably engaged to the opening edges 325, and configured to engage the outer face of the slab 2 and close the outer seat 202.

[0033] Preferably, the closing member 8 achieves a hermetic seal with the outer face 22 of the slab 2, for example to prevent water and / or dirt from entering into the outer seat 202.

[0034] Preferably, the closing member 8 is movable between an open position, in which it allows access to the outer seat 202, for example in the vertical direction, and a closed position, in which it prevents access to the outer seat 202.

[0035] Preferably, the closing member 8 is slidable between the open position and the closed position, for example transversely slidable.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the closing member 8 comprises a closing body 81.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the closing body 81 comprises an engagement body portion 815 slidably inserted, for example in the transverse direction, into the engagement cavity 324 of the outer wing 32. Preferably, the engagement body portion 815 achieves a form-fit or force-fit coupling within the engagement cavity 324.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the closing member 8, in the open position, allows the insertion of a tool 10 into the inner seat 201 to move a safety body 70, which will be described later.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the closing member 8, in the closed position abutting the outer face 22, prevents or limits an oscillation of the slab 2 towards the outer wing 32, for example cooperating with a safety body 70, which will be described later.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the closing body 81 and the engagement cavity 324 respectively comprises a knurled surface 817, 3247 that allows to retain the engagement body portion 815 in position, limiting or preventing a movement of the closing body 81, for example caused by a pushing action of the slab 2.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one knurled surface 817, 3247 allows the movement of the closing member 8 by means of a tool 10, described later.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the closing member 8 comprises a lateral opening 80 in the closing body 81 accessible longitudinally, for example having an ogival shape or a slot shape in vertical section. Preferably, the lateral opening 80 is configured to be engaged by a tool 10 to move the closing member 8, for example by a hook-shaped portion of the tool 10 configured to create an undercut in the lateral opening 80.

[0043] Preferably, the lateral opening 80 is in the engagement body portion 815 of the closing body 81.

[0044] According to the present invention, the railing assembly 1 comprises an adjustment group 4 housed in the inner seat 201 and controllable by a user to perform an adjustment action of the position of the slab 2.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 is configured to oscillate the slab 2 towards the outer wing 32.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 comprises a pair of thrust bodies 41, 42 respectively engaged to the inner wing 31 and to the inner face 21, and at least one control body 44, for example at least one control screw, whose movement along a control axis P-P causes the mutual distancing of the thrust bodies 41, 42, for example in the transverse direction. Preferably, the thrust bodies 41, 42 exert a pushing action on the inner face 21, causing a variation of the position of the slab 2, in particular of its inclination with respect to the device base 30.

[0047] Preferably, the at least one control body 44 extends in the vertical direction. Preferably, the control axis P-P is substantially vertical.

[0048] Preferably, the at least one control body 44 extends in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, the control axis P-P is substantially longitudinal.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 comprises at least two, preferably at least three, control bodies 44 vertically spaced, for example independently operable.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, each thrust body 41, 42 comprises one or more inclined surfaces.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 comprises a central body 43 having a wedge shape, transversely comprised between the two thrust bodies 41, 42 and engaged to the at least one inclined surface of the thrust bodies 41, 42.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the central body 43 is movably connected to the control body 44, for example the at least one control screw is screwed into the central body 43, in such a way that the movement of the at least one control body 44 causes the movement of the central body 43, which exerts a transverse distancing action on the thrust bodies 41, 42, in particular on the respective inclined surfaces.

[0053] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the adjustment group 4 is configured to perform a pulling action of the slab 2 towards the inner wing 31.

[0054] In an embodiment not shown in the figures, the adjustment group 4 is configured in such a way that the transverse approaching of the thrust bodies 41, 42, for example mutual, causes a pushing action on the slab 2.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 is of the active type, that is to say it is controllable by a user to impart the adjustment action of the position of the slab 2. Preferably, the user determines the extent of the adjustment by operating the adjustment group 4. For example, the user adjusts the position of each control screw, preferably independently.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 is made according to the teachings of document EP2815040B1.

[0057] According to the present invention, the railing assembly 1 comprises an abutment group 5 housed in the outer seat 202 and comprising a flap 6 elastically deformable by engaging the outer face 22 of the slab 2 in the outer seat 202.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 is elastically deformable by a pushing action of the slab 2.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 operates passively, that is to say consequently and as a function of the adjustment action imparted by the adjustment group 4.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, in response to the pushing action of the slab 2 on the flap 6, due to the adjustment action of the adjustment group 4, the flap 6 exerts on the slab 2 a pushing reaction to push the slab 2 towards the inner wing 31.

[0061] Preferably, for example, the flap 6 creates an abutment for the slab 2 on the outer side.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 maintains the continuous engagement between the slab 2 and the adjustment group 4, preferably a thrust body 42 engaged to the outer face 22.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 is configured to oscillate the slab 2 and deform the flap 6 always within the elastic deformability range. In particular, with thrust bodies 41, 42 transversely to the maximum mutual distance, the flap 6 is elastically deformed, without reaching the yielding point of the material.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment group 4 and the flap 6 lock the slab 2 in the transverse direction, in particular they prevent an oscillation of the slab 2, for example due to the weight force of the slab 2.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 extends in a cantilevered fashion between a base foot 61 connected to the outer wing 32 and an operating portion 62 detached from the outer wing 32, for example vertically distal from the base foot 61.

[0066] Preferably, the operating portion 62 is at least partially elastically deformable.

[0067] In particular, the operating portion 62 has a geometry such as to allow its elastic deformation, for example it has a reduced transverse dimension or thickness.

[0068] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6, in particular the operating portion 62, faces and projects into the slab seat 20. The insertion of the slab 2 into the slab seat 20 directly causes the elastic deformation of the flap 6.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 only faces the slab seat 20 and, with the slab 2 inserted into the slab seat 20, the operating portion 62 remains housed in the outer seat 202 in an undeformed condition.

[0070] In other words, the insertion of the slab 2 into the slab seat 20 does not directly cause the elastic deformation of the flap 6.

[0071] Preferably, upon reaching a predefined oscillation of the slab 2 towards the outer wing 32, the slab 2 encounters the flap 6, deforming it elastically.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 is made in one piece with the outer wing 32.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 is a component distinct from the outer wing 32 and the base foot 61 is engaged to the outer wing 32 by means of a form-fit or force-fit coupling or is snap-engaged. In other words, preferably the flap 6 is fixed to the outer wing 32.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the flap 6 is engaged to the outer face 22, preferably by means of interposed elements, for example a gasket 65.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the abutment group 5 comprises an abutment body 59 interposed and engaged transversely between the flap 6 and the outer wing 32 to prevent excessive deformation of the flap 6 beyond a predefined deformation limit value.

[0076] In a preferred embodiment, the abutment body 59 is positioned so as to reduce the bending arm of the operating portion of the flap 6, for example in any position of the slab 2 or only upon reaching a predefined oscillation of the slab 2 towards the outer wing 32.

[0077] Preferably, the abutment body 59 is rigid, in particular it is configured to remain substantially undeformed during the elastic deformation of the flap 6.

[0078] Preferably, the abutment body 59 extends predominantly longitudinally.

[0079] Preferably, the abutment body 59 is rod-shaped, for example it is a bar or tubular element. Preferably, the abutment body 59 has a reduced transverse dimension, for example circular section on a vertical plane.

[0080] According to the present invention, the abutment group 5 comprises a safety device 7 comprising a safety body 70 movable by the user.

[0081] According to the present invention, the safety body 70 is movable within the outer seat 202 to a resting position, in which it allows elastic deformation of the flap 6, and a working position, in which it limits or prevents elastic deformation of the flap 6.

[0082] According to the present invention, in the resting position, the safety body 70 is detached both from the flap 6 and from the outer face 22.

[0083] According to the present invention, in the working position, the safety body 70 is engaged to the flap 6 or is engaged to the outer face 22.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 in the resting position is supported by, in particular engaged to, the outer wing 32.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 in the working position is supported by, in particular engaged to, at least partially, the outer wing 32.

[0086] Specifically, in the resting position and / or in the working position, for example also during movement between said positions, the safety body 70 is inside the outer seat 202.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 is configured to be moved by a tool 10 operated by the user, which will be described later. In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 comprises movement means engageable by a tool 10 to move the safety body 70.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the movement means consist of an end seat 75 that extends longitudinally, engageable to move the safety body 70, for example vertically and / or transversely.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, the movement means consist of a plurality of wheel ridges 78 and wheel depressions 79, engageable to rotate the safety body 70, for example about a device axis Q-Q oriented transversely.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, in the working position, the safety body 70 is positioned abutting between the operating portion 62 of the flap 6 and the outer wing 32, in particular in the transverse direction.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment, the operating portion 62 of the flap 6 and the outer wing 32 comprise respective mutually facing abutment surfaces 627, 327, which support the safety body 70 in the working position.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of said abutment surfaces 627, 327 comprises a plurality of mutually alternating abutment ridges 628, 328 and abutment depressions 629, 329. For example, the abutment ridges 628, 328 and the abutment depressions 629, 329 collectively create a knurling or a raised pattern on the at least one abutment surface 627, 327.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wing 32 comprises a support element 322 that at least partially defines a convex region 320 within the outer seat 202. In the resting position, the safety body 70 is housed, for example stably balanced, in the convex region 320. By "stably balanced" it is meant that the safety body 70 remains in contact with the support element 322 even in the presence of slight oscillations or vibrations induced in the support device 3, for example during the assembly operations of the railing assembly 1.

[0094] Preferably, the safety body 70 rests on the support element 322, for example vertically supported.

[0095] Preferably, the support element 322 provides a hinge, carriage or simple support constraint for the safety body 70.

[0096] Preferably, the support element 322 is a bracket, for example projecting in a cantilevered fashion into the outer seat 202.

[0097] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70, in particular the body axis K-K, in the resting position is positioned at a first distance H1 from the device base 30, for example supported by the support element 322. The safety body 70, in particular the body axis K-K, in the working position is positioned at a second distance H2 from the device base 30, for example positioned between the flap 6 and the outer wing 32.

[0098] In a preferred embodiment, the first distance H1 is different from the second distance H2.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment, the first distance H1 is greater than the second distance H2.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 is moved by the effect of gravity between the resting position and the working position. Preferably, for example, the safety body 70 falls vertically from the support element 322 and stops between the flap 6 and the outer wing 32.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the first distance H1 is smaller than the second distance H2. Preferably, the safety body 70 is moved against the force of gravity.

[0102] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 is rod-shaped, for example it is a bar or a tubular element.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 is made of a rigid material, for example of metal alloy.

[0104] Preferably, the safety body 70 is configured to remain undeformed during the elastic deformation of the flap 6.

[0105] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 has a circular or polygonal or annular section on a vertical plane, that is to say transverse to the longitudinal axis L-L.

[0106] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 extends along a body axis K-K.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the body axis K-K is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L-L.

[0108] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 extends parallel to the slab axis S-S.

[0109] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 extends between two axial body ends 71, 72, for example longitudinally opposite.

[0110] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 comprises at least one end seat 75 positioned at one of the axial body ends 71, 72, for example at least one end seat 75 for each axial body end 71, 72.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one end seat 75 is open, for example longitudinally accessible, at the axial body end 71, 72.

[0112] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one end seat 75 extends axially into the safety body 70 up to the opposite axial body end 71, 72.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one end seat 75 is a blind hole or is a recess or is a cavity.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one end seat 75 provides an example of movement means engageable by a tool 10 to move the safety body 70.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 comprises an outer body surface 74, for example circular on a cross-sectional plane transverse to the body axis.

[0116] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 comprises a plurality of body ridges 76 and body depressions 77 extending, at least partially, circumferentially alternating on the outer body surface 74. For example, the body ridges 76 and the body depressions 77 collectively create a knurling or a raised pattern on the outer body surface 74.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the body ridges 76 and the body depressions 77 of the safety body 70 extend longitudinally, preferably they are parallel to one another, for example parallel to the longitudinal axis L-L.

[0118] Preferably, the body ridges 76 and the body depressions 77 of the safety body 70 in the working position engage the abutment ridges 628, 328 and the abutment depressions 629, 329 of the abutment surfaces 627, 327.

[0119] In a preferred embodiment, the abutment body 59 in the working position is positioned, for example in a fixed position, transversely engaged between the mutually facing abutment surfaces 627, 327, preferably vertically below the safety body 70, for example vertically spaced.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the safety device 7 comprises a device axis Q-Q incident, for example substantially orthogonal, to the outer face 22 of the slab 2.

[0121] Preferably, the body axis K-K of the safety body 70 is parallel, for example coincident, with the device axis Q-Q of the safety device 7.

[0122] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 is translatable or roto-translatable with respect to the device axis Q-Q between the resting position and the working position and vice versa.

[0123] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 comprises an abutment surface 77 transverse or incident to the device axis Q-Q which, in the working position, is planarly abutting engaged to the outer face 22 of the slab 2. Preferably, the abutment surface 77 is substantially vertical.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, between the resting position and the working position, the safety body 70, in particular the body axis K-K, is positioned substantially at the same distance H from the device base 30.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment, the safety body 70 is a gear wheel that extends along and around the device axis Q-Q.

[0126] Preferably, the safety body 70 comprises a plurality of wheel ridges 78 and wheel depressions 79 positioned circumferentially alternating around the body axis K-K and / or the device axis Q-Q.

[0127] Preferably, the wheel ridges 78 and the wheel depressions 79 extend parallel to the body axis K-K and / or the device axis Q-Q.

[0128] The wheel ridges 78 and the wheel depressions 79 of the safety body 70 are configured to be engaged by a tool 10, for example they have a predefined dimension in the radial direction with respect to the body axis K-K and / or the device axis Q-Q.

[0129] Preferably, the wheel ridges 78 and the wheel depressions 79 collectively create an outer toothing of the safety body 70.

[0130] In a preferred embodiment, the wheel ridges 78 and the wheel depressions 79 of the safety body 70 provide an example of movement means engageable by a tool 10 to rotate the safety body 70.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, the safety device 7 comprises a support pin 701 that extends along the device axis Q-Q and movably supports the safety body 70. Preferably, the safety body 70 engages the support pin 701 by means of a threading. For example, the safety body 70 is engaged circumferentially around a threaded nut 702, in turn screwed to the support pin 701.

[0132] In a preferred embodiment, the support pin 701 is inserted in a support cavity 323 of the outer wing 32, for example longitudinally open.

[0133] Preferably, the support pin 701 is longitudinally slidable within the support cavity 323 and positionable in a plurality of positions along the longitudinal axis L-L.

[0134] In a preferred embodiment, a system comprises a railing assembly having the characteristics described above and a tool 10 configured to engage the movement means of the safety body 70 to move the safety body 70 from the resting position to the working position, preferably also from the working position to the resting position.

[0135] In an embodiment, the tool 10 is manually movable vertically on the outer side of the railing assembly 1 by a user positioned on the inner side of the railing assembly 1.

[0136] In an embodiment, the tool 10 comprises a curved or hook-shaped portion configured to engage the lateral opening 80 of the closing member 8, creating an undercut with it.

[0137] In an embodiment, the tool 10 comprises a curved or hook-shaped portion configured to engage the at least one end seat 75 of the safety body 70, creating an undercut with it.

[0138] In an embodiment, the tool 10 comprises a rack 15 or linear toothing configured to engage the wheel ridges 78 and the wheel depressions 79 of the safety body 70.

[0139] In an embodiment, the tool 10 extends predominantly vertically by a length sufficient to allow a user positioned on the inner side to manually maneuver the tool 10 on the outer side. Preferably, the tool 10 has a length greater than 50 centimeters, for example 70 centimeters or 110 centimeters.

[0140] For greater clarity, two examples of methods for installing a railing assembly 1 that provide for the use of the tool 10 are reported below.

[0141] In a starting condition, the slab 2 is housed in the slab seat 20 in a position defined by the adjustment group 4, previously appropriately adjusted by the user, preferably with the flap 6 elastically deformed. In this starting condition, the slab 2 is transversely locked.

[0142] Generally, the user is on the support surface P on the inner side of the railing assembly 1, for example standing. Preferably, the support surface P on the outer side limits or prevents the user from inserting, positioning, adjusting and locking the slab, for example the support surface P has an insufficient transverse dimension to perform one or more activities safely.

[0143] The user on the inner side grips the tool 10 and extends the arm beyond the upper end of the slab 24, that is to say positions the tool 10, the hand and at least partially the arm, on the outer side of the railing assembly 1.

[0144] Preferably, the user inserts the tool 10 into the lateral opening 80 of the closing member to move it to the open position.

[0145] The user inserts the tool 10 into the outer seat 202 to reach and engage the movement means of the safety body 70.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment, the user inserts the tool 10, in particular the hook-shaped portion, into the end seat 75 of the safety body 70, creating an undercut with it, and subsequently pulls and / or lifts vertically and / or transversely the safety body 70. Out of the stable balanced position, for example beyond the support element 322 of the outer wing 32, the user raises or lowers and / or lets the safety body 70 fall until it engages the flap 6. Preferably, the user repeats these actions for each end seat 75 of the safety body 70.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment, the user engages the rack 15 of the tool 10 to the wheel ridges 78 and the wheel depressions 79 of the safety body 70 and subsequently moves the tool 10, for example translates it vertically, to roto-translate the safety body 70 towards the slab 2, until positioning the abutment surface 77 abuttingly against the outer face 22 of the slab 2.

[0148] Preferably, after positioning the safety body 70 in the working position, the user extracts the tool 10 from the outer seat 202.

[0149] Preferably, the user inserts the tool 10 into the lateral opening 80 of the closing member 8 to move it to the closed position.

[0150] Innovatively, the railing assembly fully achieves the intended purpose, overcoming the typical problems of the known art.

[0151] Advantageously, the railing assembly allows the installation and adjustment of the slab in an extremely simple and intuitive manner. Advantageously, the railing assembly eliminates the need to access the outer side, for example by installing suspended scaffolding.

[0152] Advantageously, every installation phase of the railing assembly, from the initial assembly to the fine adjustment of the slab, takes place exclusively from the inner side, that is to say the side facing the user.

[0153] Advantageously, the railing assembly provides an aesthetic effect of continuity that is particularly appealing. Advantageously, the slab support, adjustment and locking systems have reduced overall dimensions and are visually minimally invasive.

[0154] Advantageously, the closing member limits or prevents the ingress of water, dust or other undesirable material into the slab seat.

[0155] Advantageously, the closing member prevents or limits an oscillation of the slab towards the outer wing.

[0156] Advantageously, the engagement of the body ridges and the body depressions of the safety body with the abutment ridges and the abutment depressions of the abutment surfaces prevents accidental movement and guarantees a locking of the safety body.

[0157] Advantageously, the railing assembly allows a fine adjustment of the inclination of the slab.

[0158] It is clear that a qualified person, in order to meet contingent needs, may make modifications to the invention described above, all within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A railing assembly (1) comprising: i) a support device (3) comprising a device base (30), an inner wing (31) and an outer wing (32) defining a slab seat (20); ii) a mainly planar slab (2) housed in the slab seat (20), comprising an inner face (21) defining an inner seat (201) with the inner wing (31), and an outer face (22) defining an outer seat (202) with the outer wing (32); iii) an adjustment group (4) housed in the inner seat (201) controllable by a user to perform an adjustment action of the position of the slab (2); and iv) an abutment group (5) housed in the outer seat (202), comprising: - a flap (6) elastically deformable by engaging the outer face (22) of the slab (2); and - a safety device (7) comprising a safety body (70) movable by the user to: • a resting position, in which it is detached both from the flap (6) and from the outer face (22), allowing elastic deformation of the flap (6); and • a working position, in which it is engaged to the flap (6) or is engaged to the outer face (22), limiting or preventing elastic deformation of the flap (6).

2. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the safety body (70) in the resting position is supported by the outer wing (32).

3. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the safety body (70) in the working position is supported by the outer wing (32).

4. A railing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety body (70) comprises movement means engageable by a tool (10) to move the safety body (70) between the resting position and the working position.

5. A railing assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (6) extends in a cantilevered fashion between a base foot (61) connected to the outer wing (32), and an operating portion (62) detached from the outer wing (32), wherein the safety body (70) in the working position is positioned abutting between the operating portion (62) and the outer wing (32).

6. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the safety body (70) in the resting position is positioned at a first distance (H1) from the device base (30), wherein the safety body (70) in the working position is positioned at a second distance (H2) from the device base (30), wherein the first distance (H1) is different from, preferably greater than, the second distance (H2).

7. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the slab (2) extends along a slab axis (S-S), wherein the safety body (70) is rod-shaped, for example it is a bar or tubular element, extending parallel to the slab axis (S-S).

8. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 7, wherein the safety body (70) extends along a body axis (K-K) between two axial body ends (71, 72) and comprises at least one end seat (75) positioned at one of the axial body ends (71, 72), preferably at least one end seat (75) for each axial body end (71, 72).

9. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the safety body (70) comprises a circular outer body surface (74) and a plurality of body ridges (76) and body depressions (77) circumferentially alternating on the outer body surface (74).

10. A railing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the operating portion (62) and the outer wing (32) comprise respective mutually facing abutment surfaces (627, 327) configured to support the safety body (70) in the working position, wherein at least one of said abutment surfaces (627, 327) comprises a plurality of mutually alternating abutment ridges (628, 328) and abutment depressions (629, 329), which are at least partially engaged by the body ridges (76) and the body depressions (77) of the safety body (70) in the working position.

11. A railing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the outer wing (32) comprises a support element (322) at least partially defining a convex region (320) within the outer seat (202), wherein the safety body (70) in the resting position is housed on the support element (322) stably balanced in the convex region (320).

12. A railing assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the safety device (7) comprises a device axis (Q-Q) substantially orthogonal or incident to the outer face (22), wherein the safety body (70) is translatable or roto-translatable with respect to the device axis (Q-Q), between the resting position and the working position and vice versa.

13. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 12, wherein the safety body (70) comprises an abutment surface (77) transverse or incident to the device axis (Q-Q), which planarly abutting engages the outer face (22) of the slab (2) in the working position.

14. A railing assembly (1) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the safety body (70) is a gear wheel comprising a plurality of wheel ridges (78) and wheel depressions (79) positioned circumferentially alternating about the device axis (Q-Q), overall creating an outer toothing.

Images