Grating marking and related method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a grating marking device for insertion into a grating comprising at least two base bodies (1) arranged parallel to each other, wherein a marking element (2) is arranged at one end of the base bodies and wherein the base bodies each comprise at least two lamellae (3) which have a different axial height extension from the outer shell of the base body.

Description

Brief description of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a grating marking system and an associated method.

[0002] Gratings are well-known, plate-like structures used, among other things, as (walkable) covers, platforms, and treads such as steps. Gratings are generally designed to allow liquids, such as rainwater, to pass through while simultaneously providing a stable, walkable floor area. They are also used for supply and exhaust air outlets in the form of ventilation grates. Gratings typically have side walls, a finishing profile at the back, and a front edge. The individual components of the edge frame are usually welded and / or brazed together, depending on the material. Bearing bars and infill bars are arranged within this edge frame. The bearing bars are usually made of flat steel and run parallel to each other within the edge frame.The infill bars are also made of flat steel and intersect the load-bearing bars vertically within the edge frame, forming a grid. The load-bearing and infill bars can have the same or different cross-sectional dimensions. Typically, the load-bearing and infill bars are arranged so that their cross-sections are oriented vertically. During manufacturing, the load-bearing and infill bars are produced directly in this grid shape, either by pressing or by homogeneous bonding. The resulting grid is then enclosed with an edge frame.

[0003] To mark the gratings, for example with a logo, the manufacturer and / or other information, the gratings usually have a welded or soldered metal piece, depending on the material of the gratings, on which the corresponding information is engraved, laser-etched or similar.

[0004] The disadvantage of this type of marking is that its production by welding or soldering is complex and expensive. Furthermore, individual markings must be produced for each grating. In addition, such markings are not easily replaceable.

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a grating marking that can be manufactured cost-effectively, is flexible in its application, can be replaced at any time and preferably can be incorporated into any standard grating without the need for welding or soldering.

[0006] The present invention therefore relates to a grating marking system comprising at least two base bodies arranged parallel to each other for insertion into a grating, wherein a marking element is arranged at one end of the base bodies and wherein each base body comprises at least two lamellae having different axial heights extending from the outer surface of the base body. According to the invention, the base bodies each have the shape of a rectangle. In a preferred embodiment, the base bodies are each designed as hollow bodies. According to the invention, the lamellae are arranged on the respective base body such that they extend circumferentially around it.

[0007] In a further aspect of the invention, the identifying element comprises a plate-shaped element. The identifying element preferably includes a marking, a type designation, a label, information, a logo, an inscription, a symbol, and / or a designation on its upper surface. In another aspect of the invention, the identifying element has the shape of a rectangle, preferably with a length of 35 mm and a width of 35 mm.

[0008] In one embodiment, the base bodies each have the shape of a rectangle with a length of 28 mm to 33 mm, particularly preferably 31 mm, and a width of 5 mm to 12 mm, preferably 9 mm. In a particularly preferred aspect of the invention, the distance between the two base bodies below the marking element is between 18 mm and 25 mm, particularly preferably 22.22 mm.

[0009] In a further embodiment, the marking element has a chamfer on the surface in at least one side region, which is preferably arranged in the circumferential side region of the marking element.

[0010] The grating marking of the present invention further comprises, in one aspect, at least one stiffening element. This serves to stabilize the marking element. For this purpose, the at least one stiffening element is preferably arranged on the underside of the marking element.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one marking element may further have at least one opening through which, for example, water can drain.

[0012] The base body, the marking element and / or the lamellae of the grating marking are preferably made of plastic. This plastic can be, for example, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0013] The present invention further relates to a method for marking gratings with a previously described grating marking, wherein the method comprises inserting the grating marking into at least one mesh of a grating, wherein the lamellae of the base bodies of the grating marking are brought into contact with at least one side of a supporting and / or filling bar, and wherein the grating marking is further inserted into the grating such that the at least two base bodies are arranged completely below the running surface of the grating, so that the underside of the marking element rests on the top side of the grating.

[0014] The present invention is characterized by the embodiments in the claims and is further described by the details in the following description, examples and drawings. Description of the drawings

[0015] Fig. 1 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment from a perspective view of the underside of the grating marking. Fig. 2 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment from a perspective view of the top side of the grating marking. Fig. 3 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the grating marking (side view). Fig. 4 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the grating marking (top view). Fig. 5 Schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the grating marking (section AA of the Fig. 4 ). Detailed description of the invention

[0016] The present invention relates to a grating marking system and an associated method.

[0017] In the following, the articles "ein" and all derivatives thereof, as used here, should generally be understood as "ein / e / es or more", unless otherwise specified or the singular form is evident from the context.

[0018] Where the terms "contains", "has", "possesses" and the like are used in the description or claims, these terms shall be understood in the same way as the terms "possessing" or "comprising", i.e., not exhaustively, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0019] The terms "grating," "grating," and "steel sheet grating" are used interchangeably within this description and refer to a plate-shaped component consisting of intersecting bearing bars and crossbars, preferably made of flat steel. The crossbars may also be round bars, preferably twisted round bars. For the sake of simplicity, the intersecting bearing bars and crossbars are referred to as the "grating" in the following. The bearing bars are load-bearing bars running parallel to each other between two sides. The crossbars, also called transverse bars, hold the bearing bars in their vertical position and transfer the load to adjacent bars. An edge frame surrounds and encloses the grating. The mesh size refers to the distance between one bearing bar and the next and / or between two crossbars. Over time, a standardized mesh size has become established, which is defined in the standard DIN 24357-1.The standard mesh sizes include a narrow mesh, known as 30 / 10 mm, and the standard mesh, known as 30 / 30 mm. The corresponding dimensions and calculation specifications are defined in detail by the RAL-GZ 638 quality assurance standard of the German Association for Quality Assurance of Gratings (Gütegemeinschaft Gitterroste e. V.) and can be viewed therein.

[0020] The grating marking of the present invention is designed such that it can be applied to both mesh sizes of a grating, i.e., a narrow as well as a normal mesh size. Furthermore, the grating marking can also be used with varying thicknesses of the bearing or infill bars.

[0021] The terms "marking" or "grating marking" are used interchangeably within this description and refer to a marking, classification, labeling, information, or characterization of the grating. The marking can include, for example, a logo, an inscription, a symbol, a designation, or other information, depending on the user's requirements.

[0022] The grating marking according to the invention comprises at least two base bodies (1) arranged parallel to each other, each preferably designed as a hollow body, such as the Fig. 1As can be seen from the diagram. In order to be inserted into standard-compliant gratings and firmly connected there, the base bodies (1) each have the shape of a rectangle. In a preferred aspect, the rectangular base body (1) has a length of 28 mm to 33 mm, particularly preferably 31 mm. The width is preferably 5 mm to 12 mm, but more preferably 9 mm. Furthermore, each of the base bodies (1) has a preferred height of 5 mm to 20 mm, particularly preferably 8 mm. The distance between the two base bodies (1), i.e., the distance from the centers of the base bodies to each other, is preferably between 18 mm and 25 mm, more preferably 22.22 mm, as shown in the diagram. Fig. 3 a)can be extracted. In an alternative embodiment, it can be provided that the two basic bodies (1) comprise several parts, which, however, each form a basic body (1) in the overall shape. Although the basic bodies (1) are described as hollow bodies, it is of course clear that they could also consist of a filled or solid body. However, due to the cost in relation to material savings, this is generally not worthwhile.

[0023] According to the invention, the base bodies (1) have an open and a closed end. The closed end of the base bodies (1) is sealed by a marking element (2), such as the Fig. 2As can be seen from the above, the base bodies (1) are located below the marking element (2). The marking element (2) is preferably a plate-shaped element which may have a marking, type, inscription, information, or characterization on its upper surface, i.e., the side facing away from the base bodies, for example, in the form of logos, inscriptions, symbols, designations, or markings. The marking is not limited to the preceding list but may include all known forms of marking. Alternatively or additionally, the plate-shaped element may also have a specific shape that, for example, represents a logo or other identifier or form. The marking on the marking element (2) may be arranged on it or incorporated into it.This can be achieved, for example, by lettering or engraving, but preferably during the manufacturing of the grating marking, for example, by printing or casting processes. The marking element (2) can also have bulges, protrusions, or other height-determining shapes in one aspect. However, the disadvantage of such a design is that, for gratings used for pedestrian traffic, the grating marking could create a tripping hazard. For gratings used as ventilation grilles, on the other hand, a three-dimensional contour of the marking element can be present without any negative effects. In one embodiment of the present invention, the marking element (2) has a chamfer (4) on at least one side region, such as the... Fig. 2 and 3 b)The chamfer (4) serves in particular to provide a continuous rise on walkable gratings, thus minimizing the risk of snagging on the grating marking. For this reason, in a particularly preferred embodiment, a chamfer (4) is arranged in the circumferential side region of the marking element (2). The size of the marking element (2), in conjunction with the aforementioned base bodies (2), is preferably 30 mm to 40 mm in length and 30 mm to 40 mm in width, as for example in the Fig. 4 can be seen from this.

[0024] Although the figures and the above description depict a square grating marking whose base can be inserted between two narrow meshes (30 / 10) or a standard mesh (30 / 30), it is clear to those skilled in the art that the distance A between the bases can be increased accordingly so that they can be inserted into even more defective meshes. In such a case, it may also be provided that more than two bases (1) are arranged below the marking element (2) to allow for better retention of the marking element within the meshes. The same applies to the size and shape of the marking element (2). Depending on the manufacturer's or user's requirements, this can have any size and shape.

[0025] According to the invention, the at least two base bodies (1) each have at least two lamellae (3) in their side regions, which result in a different axial height extension with respect to the outer shell (5) of the base body, such as the Fig. 1, 2 , 3 and 5 This can be seen from the following. The term "lamella(s)" here describes thin, plate-shaped components that are arranged parallel to each other as elements. According to the invention, the lamellae (3) are arranged on the respective base body (1) such that they run circumferentially around it, as for example the Fig. 1The lamellae (3) are also made of the same material as the base body (1) in one aspect, with the difference that they are so thin that they possess a certain degree of flexibility. Alternatively, the lamellae (3) can be made of a different material, preferably a flexible, elastic material. The lamellae (3) allow the grating marking to be inserted into one or more meshes, with the lamellae resting on the flat sides of the bearing and / or infill bars, preferably creating a positive connection between the grating marking and the bars. Due to the lamellae being attached laterally to the base body (1), the grating marking can be securely mounted within the grating without being able to slip out.

[0026] The grating marking, comprising the base body (1), the marking element (2), and / or the lamellae (3), is preferably made of plastic, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), but not limited to the foregoing. The individual components of the grating marking can be made of different materials, or a single material can be used for all components. In a preferred embodiment, however, the grating marking is manufactured using an injection molding process, 3D printing, or similar methods. Because the grating marking can be manufactured using the aforementioned methods, rapid and cost-effective production is possible.

[0027] Depending on the material used and / or the size of the marking element (2), at least one stiffening element may be provided in one aspect, which additionally stabilizes the marking element (2). This can be advantageous, particularly when using the grid marking on walkable gratings, to prevent the grid marking from breaking when walked on or subjected to other stresses. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one such stiffening element is provided for larger grid markings that surround more than two meshes. The at least one stiffening element is preferably arranged on the underside of the marking element (2) and on at least one base body (1), and particularly preferably extends from the marking element (2) to the base body (1).

[0028] In a further aspect of the invention, at least one opening can be provided within the marking element (2). This opening serves for air and water exchange. This is particularly advantageous for larger marking elements (2) to prevent water from accumulating on their surface. Water on the surface of the marking element (2) can create a slip hazard on walkable gratings and / or depending on the material used for the marking element (2). An opening that allows water to drain away minimizes this risk.

[0029] The present invention also relates to a method for marking gratings with a previously described grating marking. The method comprises inserting a previously described grating marking into at least one mesh of a grating, wherein the lamellae (3) of the grating marking are brought into contact with at least one side of a bearing and / or infill bar. The grating marking is inserted into the grating such that the at least two base bodies (1) are completely inserted below the walking surface of the grating, so that the underside of the marking element (2) rests on the top side of the grating.

[0030] These and other embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in and encompassed by the description and examples. Further literature on known materials, processes, and applications that can be used in accordance with the present invention can be accessed from public libraries and databases, for example, using electronic devices. A more complete understanding of the invention can be obtained by referring to the figures, which are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Reference symbol list

[0031] 1 Base body 2 Identification element 3 Lamella(s) 4 Bevel 5 Outer shell A Distance L Length B Width

Claims

1. Grating marking device comprising at least two base bodies (1) arranged parallel to each other for insertion into a grating, wherein a marking element (2) is arranged at one end of the base bodies (1) and wherein the base bodies (1) each have the shape of a rectangle, wherein the base bodies (1) furthermore each comprise at least two lamellae (3) which have a different axial height extension from the outer surface of the base body (2) and wherein the lamellae (3) are arranged on the respective base body (1) such that they run circumferentially around it.

2. Grating marking according to claim 1, wherein the base bodies (1) are each designed as hollow bodies.

3. Grating marking according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the marking element (2) comprises a plate-shaped element which preferably includes a marking, a type, a label, an information, a logo, an inscription, a symbol and / or a designation on its upper surface.

4. Grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base bodies (1) have a length of 28 mm to 33 mm, particularly preferably 31 mm, and a width of 5 mm to 12 mm, preferably 9 mm.

5. Grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the marking element (2) has the form of a rectangle which preferably has a length of 35 mm and a width of 35 mm.

6. Grating marking according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the two base bodies (1) below the marking element (2) is between 18 mm and 25 mm, particularly preferably 22.22 mm.

7. Grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the marking element (2) has a chamfer (4) of the surface in at least one side region.

8. Grating marking according to claim 7, wherein the chamfer (4) of the surface is arranged in the circumferential side area of ​​the marking element (2).

9. Grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the base bodies (1), the marking element (2) and / or the lamellae (3) are made of plastic.

10. Grating marking according to claim 9, wherein the plastic comprises polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

11. Grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the grating marking comprises at least one stiffening element which stabilizes the marking element (2).

12. Grating marking according to claim 11, wherein the at least one stiffening element is arranged on the underside of the marking element (2).

13. Grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the marking element (2) has at least one opening.

14. Method for marking gratings with a grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the method comprises inserting the grating marking according to one of claims 1 to 11 into at least one mesh of a grating, wherein the lamellae (3) of the base bodies (1) of the grating marking are brought into contact with at least one side of a supporting and / or filling bar, and wherein the grating marking is further inserted into the grating such that the at least two base bodies (1) are arranged completely below the running surface of the grating, so that the underside of the marking element (2) rests on the top side of the grating.

15. Use of a grid cost marking according to one of claims 1 to 14 in a grid.

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