Secure access platform

Abstract

The invention primarily relates to a secure access platform (1) comprising a frame (3) intended to rest on the ground, a platform (2) and a guard rail (4) connected to the frame (3), characterised in that it comprises at least one first locking means (16) for locking the guard rail (4) relative to the frame (3) in a holding direction (20), at least one second locking means (5) for locking the guard rail (4) relative to the frame (3) in the same holding direction (20), which second locking means (5) is offset relative to the first locking means (16) perpendicularly to the holding direction (20).

Description

DESCRIPTION Title: Secure Access Platform. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a secure access platform, in particular a stepladder platform. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0002] In many areas such as goods handling or construction and renovation work, users have systems that allow them to access items located at height. Such systems are mainly stepladders or steps, which do not require support from a fixed vertical wall, and which include a raised platform on which the user maintains a standing position.

[0003] As some of these platforms are located at significant heights, it has become necessary to introduce guardrails to prevent the user from falling. Such a guardrail is formed of one or more perimeter rails connected to a frame of the platform, and designed to surround the pelvis and, where appropriate, the legs of the user mounted on the platform.

[0004] However, it is common for the user to lean against the rails during handling work. The guardrail must therefore be strong enough not to give way under the action of the lateral force imposed on it.

[0005] In addition, these guardrails can deform under the action of lateral forces generated by the user when leaning, which risks causing the user to lose his balance. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention thus aims to propose a more secure access platform which overcomes the drawbacks mentioned above. STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a secure access platform comprising a frame, a platform and a guardrail connected to the frame, which platform comprises at least a first means for locking the guardrail relative to the frame in a holding direction, at least a second means for locking the guardrail relative to the frame in the same direction holding direction, which second locking means is offset relative to the first locking means perpendicular to the holding direction

[0008] The presence of a first and second locking means offset perpendicular to the holding direction makes it possible to transfer any force exerted on the guardrail to the frame, which limits the deformation of said guardrail and improves user safety.

[0009] The platform of the invention may also include the following optional features considered in isolation or in all possible technical combinations: - The guardrail is pivotally connected to the frame around a pivot axis parallel to the holding direction between a deployed position of use and a folded position, and at least the second locking means is operable between a locking position of the guardrail relative to the frame in the holding direction when said guardrail is in the deployed position, and a release position of the guardrail relative to the frame when the guardrail is in the folded position. Thus, the fact that the second locking means can be operated between two positions allows the guardrail to remain free to pivot while solving the technical problem of improving the safety of the platform. - The second locking means comprises a first part fixed to the guardrail and a second part fixed to the frame, and the first part is: • in liaison cooperation with the second party when the second locking means is in its locking position, and • separated from the second part when the second locking means is in its release position. This structure of the second locking means simplifies assembly on the platform and optimizes the transfer of force between the guardrail and the frame. - In its locking position, the first part of the second locking means is opposite the frame and the second part of the second locking means is opposite the guardrail. Such a configuration minimizes the lever arm between the two parts of the second locking means, maximizes the transfer of force from the guardrail to the frame and limits deformation of the guardrail as much as possible. - The first and second parts of the second locking means are movable relative to each other in a plane perpendicular to the holding direction. The degrees of freedom of the second locking means are thus reduced to a minimum, improving the stability of the platform when the guardrail is in its deployed position. - The second locking means comprises means for interlocking the first and second parts together, said interlocking means being mounted in translation in the plane perpendicular to the holding direction. Thus, the interlocking means are actuable by the movement of the guardrail between its two positions. - The interlocking means comprise a grooved member provided on the first part of the second locking means and a tab provided on the second part of the second locking means. - The second part of the second locking means is formed of a plate comprising a fixing portion secured to the frame and a portion for cooperation with the first part forming the tongue for cooperation with the groove of the grooved member. Thus configured, the interlocking means do not require any actuation other than the pivoting of the guardrail between its two deployed and folded positions. - The fixing and cooperation portions of the plate are parallel to each other, extend perpendicular to the holding direction and are offset in a direction parallel to said holding direction. The offset between the two portions of the plate moves the cooperation portion away from the frame and facilitates cooperation with the grooved member. - The first part of the second locking means comprises a connecting axis mounted through the guardrail in a direction parallel to the holding direction, and a cylinder mounted free to rotate around the connecting axis, which cylinder includes on its lateral surface a circular perimeter groove and forms the grooved member. Such an assembly of the grooved member ensures its replacement in the event of a defect. In addition, whatever the position of the cylinder, the tongue will always be able to cooperate with a part of the circular groove. - The tongue has a curvilinear profile whose radius of curvature corresponds to that of the circular perimeter groove Such a configuration increases the contact area between the groove and the tongue, and strengthens the cooperation between the groove and the tongue. - The frame comprises at least two uprights arranged on either side of the plate, the guardrail comprises an upper perimeter rail pivotally connected to at least one of the uprights by at least one pivoting member also forming a first locking means in the holding direction, and a lower perimeter rail on which the first part of the second locking means is arranged, the second part of said second locking means being arranged on the relevant upright of the frame. The offset between the first locking means and the second blocking means is thus increased, which improves the distribution of any lateral force experienced by the guardrail, and further improves the transfer of force to the frame. - The upper perimeter rail is pivotally connected by two pivoting members facing each other in the holding direction, said pivoting members forming first locking means, the lower perimeter rail is U-shaped and comprises two lateral legs arranged on either side of the plate facing each other in the holding direction, one of the legs crossing one of the uprights and the other leg crossing the opposite upright, and the first parts of two second locking means are arranged on the respective legs of the lower perimeter rail facing each other in the holding direction, the second parts of said second locking means being arranged on the respective uprights of the frame. This prevents deformation of the guardrail on both opposite sides of the platform, further increasing safety of use.

[0010] The invention also relates to a stepladder comprising a secure access platform as described above, feet capable of resting on the ground and a plurality of steps for accessing the platform. PRESENTATION OF FIGURES

[0011] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended figures, among which:

[0012] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a stepladder in the deployed position of use, comprising the platform of the invention;

[0013] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the stepladder and platform of the invention in the folded position;

[0014] [Fig. 3] Figure 3 represents a perspective view of a detail of the second locking means of the invention in the cooperative position;

[0015] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 represents a perspective view of a detail of the second locking means of the invention in the separation position;

[0016] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 shows an exploded view of a first part of the second locking means;

[0017] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a second part of the second locking means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is first specified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can be easily found by referring to another figure.

[0019] It is also specified that the figures essentially represent one embodiment of the subject of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0020] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a stepladder 15 comprising a first pair 23 of uprights 18, 19 and a second pair 24 of uprights 21, 22, the uprights of the same pair 23, 24 being identical and parallel to each other. Each upright 18, 19, 21, 22 comprises a main body, a first end and a second and opposite end.

[0021] The uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23 are connected to each other by four parallel steps 25 opening onto a receiving platform 2 for a user of the stepladder 15. Furthermore, the first ends of the uprights 18, 19 are connected to a guardrail 4 which will be described below, while the second opposite ends comprise non-slip feet or pads 26 and are configured to come into contact with the ground.

[0022] The uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24 are shorter than the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23, and are connected to each other by bars 27 which extend perpendicular to said uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24. The first ends of the two uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24 are pivotally connected to the main bodies of the two uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23, while the second opposite ends also comprise non-slip pads 26 and are configured to come into contact with the ground. The stepladder 15 of the invention is therefore, in a non-limiting manner, a folding stepladder 15, shown in FIG. 1 in its deployed position of use and in FIG. 2 in its folded position.

[0023] The stepladder 15 further comprises a guardrail 4 comprising two rectilinear rods 28 each comprising a main body slidably connected to the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23 via rings 34 secured to the uprights 18, 19, which rods 28 extend perpendicular to the platform 2 when the stepladder 15 is deployed. Each rod 28 further comprises a first end and a second opposite end.

[0024] The guardrail 4 comprises two U-shaped protective rails 12, 17, respectively a lower rail 17 whose ends are pivotally connected to the main body of the respective rods 28 by two lower connecting members 29, and an upper rail 12 whose ends are pivotally connected to the second ends of the respective rods 28 by two upper connecting members 30. Each rail 12, 17 may further comprise tool-receiving supports 31.

[0025] The stepladder 15 also comprises an access gate 32 connected to the lower connecting members 29 and to the upper connecting members 30.

[0026] The stepladder comprises two telescopic support legs 51 pivotally connected to the two respective uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24. More specifically, each leg 51 comprises a main body, a first end pivotally connected to the upright 21, 22 in question and a second end provided with a pad. The body of each leg 51 is further connected in a translational connection to a connecting bar 52, one end of which is also pivotally connected to the body of the upright in question 21, 22.

[0027] These legs 51 are therefore adjustable in length to allow for additional support even on uneven ground, which increases the stability of the stepladder 15 in its deployed position. Furthermore, the connecting bars 52 make it possible to block the pivoting of each leg 51 relative to the upright in question 21, 22, which further increases the stability of the stepladder 15 in its deployed position.

[0028] Finally, the stepladder 15 comprises two wheels 33 connected in the vicinity of the second ends of the uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24, to facilitate the movement of the stepladder 15 once folded.

[0029] The stepladder 15 comprises a secure platform 1 comprising the platform 2, the gate 32, the guardrail 4 and a frame 3 formed by the two pairs 23, 24 of uprights 18, 19, 21, 22.

[0030] According to the invention, the guardrail 4 is pivotally connected to the first ends of the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23, around a pivot axis X, via two pivot members, in particular pivot connections 16.

[0031] More precisely, a leg 35 of the upper rail 12 is connected via the considered pivot connection 16 to the first end of one of the uprights 18, while the opposite leg 36 of said rail 12 is connected via the considered pivot connection 16 to the first end of the other upright 19. Furthermore, the two opposite legs 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 are respectively slidably connected to the uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24 via rings 37 secured to said respective uprights 21, 22.

[0032] Advantageously, each pivot connection 16 forms a first means of locking the guardrail 4 relative to the frame 3 in a holding direction 20 parallel to the pivot axis X. The two pivot connections 16 are opposite each other in the holding direction 20.

[0033] The guardrail 4 is therefore pivotally movable relative to the frame 3 between a deployed position of use when the stepladder 15 is in its deployed position (figure 1), and a folded position when the stepladder 15 is in its folded position (figure 2).

[0034] According to the invention, the platform 1 comprises second locking means 5 for locking the guardrail 4 in the holding direction 20, these second locking means 5 being offset relative to the first locking means 16 perpendicular to the holding direction 20.

[0035] Thus, if a user on the platform 2 leans and leans on one of the legs 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 and / or on one of the legs 35, 36 of the upper rail 12, then the mechanical distance - perpendicular to the holding direction 20 - between each first locking means 16 and each second locking means 5 generates a resistance force which opposes the user's support force, thereby drastically limiting the deformation of the guardrail 4. This increases the safety of the secure platform 1 and of the stepladder 15 comprising this platform 1.

[0036] In particular, the platform 1 of the invention comprises two second locking means 5 provided at the level of each leg 38, 39 of the lower rail 17.

[0037] With reference to Figures 3 to 6, each second locking means 5 comprises a first part 6 which is fixed on the leg considered 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 and a second part 7 which is fixed on the upright considered 18, 19 of the first pair of uprights 23. Such a two-part structure 6, 7 of each second locking means 5 is explained by the fact that the guardrail 4 is mounted to pivot on the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23 and that the pivot axis X is offset relative to said second locking means 5, perpendicular to the holding direction 20.

[0038] Each second locking means 5 is thus actuable between a locking position of the guardrail 4 relative to the frame 3 in the holding direction 20 - when said guardrail 4 is in the deployed position - and a release position of the guardrail 4 relative to the frame 3 when said guardrail 4 is in the folded position.

[0039] More precisely, when the second blocking means considered 5 is in its blocking position, then the first part 6 of said second blocking means 5 is in connection cooperation with the second part 7, while when the second blocking means considered 5 is in its release position, then the first part 6 of said second blocking means 5 is separated from the second part 7.

[0040] With reference to figures 5 and 6, the first part 6 of each second locking means 5 comprises a grooved member 9 formed of a hollow cylinder with a circular section and comprising on its lateral surface a circumferential groove 13, which cylinder 9 is mounted free to rotate around a connecting axis 14 parallel to the holding direction 20 and passing through the leg considered 38, 39 of the lower rail 17, which connecting axis 14 is fixed to said leg 38, 39 via a nut 40. The use of an axis-nut fixing system allows its easy replacement in the event of breakage of either the axis 14, or the nut 40, or the grooved member 9.

[0041] The second part 7 of the second blocking means considered 5 comprises a plate comprising a fixing portion 11 secured to the upright considered 18, 19 of the first pair of uprights 23 by any known means, for example a rivet 42, and a cooperation portion 10 with the grooved cylinder 9 of the first part 6: this cooperation portion forms a cooperation tongue 10 with the groove 13 of the grooved cylinder 9, said groove 13 and said tongue 10 forming interlocking means 8 of the first and second parts 6, 7 of the second blocking means considered 5.

[0042] In order to offset the cooperation tongue 10 from the surface of the upright 18, 19 and thus facilitate cooperation between said tongue 10 and the groove 13 of the cylinder in question 9, the tongue 10 is offset in a direction parallel to the holding direction 20, and connected to the fixing portion 10 by a shoulder wall 41 which extends parallel to the holding direction 20 and perpendicular to the fixing portion 11 and to the tongue 10. Finally, in order to improve the contact between the groove 13 of the cylinder 9 of the first part 6 and the tongue 10 of the second part 7, said tongue 10 has a curvilinear profile whose radius of curvature is equivalent to the radius of curvature of the groove 13 of said cylinder 9.

[0043] Advantageously, the use of a grooved member 9 having the shape of a cylinder makes it easier to position said grooved member 9 on the lower rail 17: the tongue 10 of the plate forming the second part 7 of the second locking means 5 is always opposite a part of the groove 13 of the cylinder 9, with which it can cooperate when the second locking means 5 is in the blocking position.

[0044] One of the second blocking means 5 therefore comprises its first part 6 fixed to one of the legs 38 of the lower rail 17 and its second part 7 fixed to one of the uprights 18 opposite said leg 38, while the other second locking means 5 comprises its first part 6 fixed to the other leg 39 of the lower rail 17 and its second part 7 fixed to the other upright 19 opposite said leg 39.

[0045] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate one of the second locking means 5 respectively in its locking position - when the guardrail 4 is in its deployed position - and in its release position, when the guardrail 4 is in its folded position. The first and second parts 6, 7 of the second locking means 5 are therefore movable relative to each other in a plane perpendicular to the holding direction 20 in order to follow the pivoting of the guardrail 4 which passes from its deployed position to its folded position and vice versa.

[0046] Furthermore, in its locking position, the first part 6 of the second locking means 5 is opposite the frame 3 and the second part 7 of the second locking means 5 is opposite the guardrail 4. This reduces to a minimum the lever arm between the two parts 6, 7 of the second locking means 5 and limits to a minimum the movement of the lower rail 17 relative to the uprights 18, 19 in the holding direction 20. Furthermore, in the position of blocking, the two second blocking means 5 are face to face in the holding direction 20.

[0047] Each second locking means 5 makes it possible to transfer the force exerted by the user on the leg 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 to the relevant upright 18, 19 of the frame 3. This has the consequence of limiting the deformation of the guardrail 4 in the holding direction 20 and therefore increases the stability and safety of the platform 1 and the stepladder 15.

Claims

Claims

1. Secure access platform (1) comprising a frame (3), a platform (2), a guardrail (4) connected to the frame (3), at least one first locking means (16) of the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) in a holding direction (20), at least one second locking means (5) of the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) in the same holding direction (20), which second locking means (5) is offset relative to the first locking means (16) perpendicular to the holding direction (20) and comprises a first part (6) fixed to the guardrail (4) and a second part (7) fixed to the frame (3), which first part (6) of the second locking means (5) is: a. in connection cooperation with the second part (7) when the second locking means (5) is in its locking position, and b.separated from the second part (7) when the second locking means (5) is in its release position, characterized in that, in its locking position, the first part (6) of the second locking means (5) is opposite the frame (3) and the second part (7) of the second locking means (5) is opposite the guardrail (4).

2. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guardrail (4) is pivotally connected to the frame (3) around a pivot axis (X) parallel to the holding direction (20) between a deployed position of use and a folded position, and in that at least the second locking means (5) is actuable between a locking position of the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) in the holding direction when said guardrail (4) is in the deployed position, and a release position of the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) when the guardrail (4) is in the folded position.

3. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second parts (6, 7) of the second locking means (5) are movable relative to each other in a plane perpendicular to the holding direction (20).

4. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second locking means (5) comprises means (8) for fitting the first and second parts (6, 7) together, said fitting means (8) being mounted in translation (8) in the plane perpendicular to the holding direction.

5. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the interlocking means (8) comprise a grooved member (9) provided on the first part (6) of the second locking means (5) and a tongue (10) provided on the second part (7) of the second locking means (5).

6. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part (7) of the second locking means (5) is formed of a plate comprising a fixing portion (11) integral with the frame (3) and a portion for cooperation with the first part (6) of said second locking means (5), which cooperation portion forms the tongue (10) for cooperation with a groove (13) of the grooved member (9).

7. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing (11) and cooperation (12) portions of the plate (7) are parallel to each other, extend perpendicular to the holding direction (20) and are offset in a direction parallel to said holding direction (20).

8. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first part (6) of the second locking means (5) comprises a connecting pin (14) mounted through the guardrail (4) in a direction parallel to the holding direction (20), and a cylinder mounted free to rotate around the connecting pin (14), which cylinder comprises on its lateral surface a circular perimeter groove (13) and forms the grooved member (9).

9. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tongue (10) has a curvilinear profile whose radius of curvature corresponds to that of the circular perimeter groove (13).

10. Platform (1) according to claim 1 and according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the frame (3) comprises at least two uprights (18, 19) arranged on either side of the platform (2), in that the guardrail (4) comprises an upper perimeter rail (12) pivotally connected to at least one of the uprights (18, 19) by at least one pivoting member also forming a first locking means (16) in the holding direction (20), and a lower perimeter rail (17) on which the first part (6) of the second locking means (5) is arranged, the second part (7) of said second locking means (5) being arranged on the relevant upright (18, 19) of the frame (3).

11. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the upper perimeter rail (12) is pivotally connected by two pivoting members facing each other in the holding direction (20), said pivoting members forming first locking means (16), in that the lower perimeter rail (17) is U-shaped and comprises two lateral legs (38, 39) arranged on either side of the platform (2) facing each other in the holding direction (20), one of the legs (38, 39) crossing one of the uprights (18, 19) and the other leg (38, 39) crossing the opposite upright (18, 19), and in that the first parts (6) of two second locking means (5) are provided on the respective legs (38, 39) of the lower perimeter rail (17) facing each other in the holding direction (20), the second parts (7) of said second locking means (5) being arranged on the respective uprights (18, 19) of the frame (3).

12. Stepladder (15) comprising a secure access platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, legs (26) capable of resting on the ground and a plurality of steps (25) for access to the platform (2).

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