TILABLE OR PAVING SLAB

Abstract

TILING OR PAVING SHELF The present invention relates to a device for providing access to an underground cavity such as, for example, an inspection chamber or a shaft. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tiling or paving slab (1) equipped with handles (20, 40) allowing the slab (1) to be extracted from its frame. The invention provides means for extracting the slab from its frame that do not require any special tools. These extraction means comprise two handles (20, 40) for extracting the slab and resting in their respective recesses (21, 41) in a snug fit. Each handle (20, 40) has gripping means (202, 203, 402, 403) allowing its extraction from its recess (21, 41). Fig. 1.

Description

Title of the invention: TILING OR PAVING HOB Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for providing access to an underground cavity such as, for example, a manhole or a well. More specifically, the present invention relates to a tiling or paving plate provided with handles allowing it to be removed from its housing. State of the art

[0002] There are many solutions for covering an underground cavity while allowing access to it. These solutions share at least two fundamental elements: a removable plate and a frame resting around an upper opening of the underground cavity and allowing the plate to be received and supported.

[0003] Such a device is disclosed by patent KR20100077784. This device discloses a plate intended to be accommodated within a frame. The plate of this device has two handles to allow its extraction from its frame. These two handles are attached to the plate and rest in housings when not in use, housings from which they can be extracted to be held and used to extract the plate from the frame.

[0004] If the means for extracting the plate from its frame are easy to grasp, in particular if they do not require the use of tools, people unaware of the danger that an underground cavity can represent are likely to extract the plate from its frame without having put in place the usual safety devices.

[0005] In the case of tiling or paving hobs, it is necessary to use special tools to extract the hob from its frame.

[0006] However, the need to have recourse to one or more tools has the disadvantage that this or these tools are not available to the person experiencing the justified need to access the underground cavity. Summary of the invention

[0007] The main object of the present invention is to address the problem of extracting a tiling or paving hob from its frame. More specifically, the present invention provides a tiling or paving hob provided with means for extracting the tiling or paving hob which do not require tools while being more secure.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a tiling or paving slab comprising a container for receiving tiles or paving stones, the container including side walls and a bottom for supporting the tiles or paving stones; a first handle that can be gripped by a user and a first housing that can receive the first handle therein and from which the first handle can be extracted; first connecting or contact means between the first handle and the first housing or between the first handle and the container; a second handle that can be gripped by a user and a second housing that can receive the second handle therein and from which the second handle can be extracted; second connecting or contact means between the second handle and the second housing or between the second handle and the container; the first housing and the second housing each have an upper opening allowing the extraction of the first and second handles respectively from the first and second housing.

[0009] An inner surface of an upper portion of the first housing and an outer surface of the first handle facing it when the first handle rests in said first housing are cylindrical shapes originating from the same first generatrix.

[0010] The first handle and the first housing are sized such that the first handle can be fully and laterally fitted into the first housing.

[0011] The first handle has an upper face provided with two gripping means arranged respectively on either side of a center of mass of the first handle and arranged respectively at two opposite distal ends of the upper face of the first handle.

[0012] An inner surface of an upper part of the second housing and an outer surface of the second handle facing it when the second handle rests in said second housing are cylindrical shapes originating from the same second generator.

[0013] The second handle and the second housing are sized such that the second handle can be fully and laterally fitted into the second housing.

[0014] The second handle has an upper face provided with two gripping means arranged respectively on either side of a center of mass of the second handle.

[0015] With such a device, it is not possible to grasp the first or second handle, when it is resting in its housing, by sliding a finger between the handle and its housing. The only way to extract the first or second handle from its housing without using a tool is to use both gripping means simultaneously.

[0016] In the following, what applies to the first handle and the first housing may also apply in full to the second handle and the second housing, unless otherwise stated. This saving of text is solely intended to improve the readability of the document.

[0017] Preferably, the first handle is oblong in shape.

[0018] Indeed, with such a shape, the handle is easy to hold in the hand.

[0019] Advantageously, the first housing and the first handle are of rectangular parallelepiped shape. Indeed, the choice of such a shape facilitates the manufacture of the housing and the handle.

[0020] Preferably, the first handle has a height “H” of between 2 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0021] Indeed, such a height allows you to pass your fingers under the handle when it comes out of its housing to grab it.

[0022] Advantageously, when the first handle is inserted into the first housing, the first handle has a maximum lateral clearance “d” relative to the first housing which is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0023] Indeed, such a tight fit does not allow a finger, even a child's, to slip between the handle and its housing when the handle is resting in its housing.

[0024] Preferably, an upper edge of the first housing is flush with an upper edge of the container and / or the upper face of the first handle is flush with an upper edge of the first housing when the first handle rests in the first housing.

[0025] Indeed, such a dimensioning of the handle and its housing makes it possible to maintain a flat external surface on an upper part of the plate.

[0026] Advantageously, the gripping means are notches, blind holes, through holes, protrusions, or a combination thereof.

[0027] Indeed, such gripping means provide a grip for a person's fingers and therefore make it unnecessary to use one or other tool to extract the handle from its housing.

[0028] The gripping means of the first handle are arranged respectively at two opposite distal ends of the upper face of the first handle.

[0029] Indeed, such an arrangement of the gripping means makes it possible to make the best use of the traction force enabling the handle to be extracted from its housing.

[0030] Advantageously, the first housing is a part attached to the plate.

[0031] In fact, the housing can thus be manufactured independently of the plate.

[0032] Advantageously still, the attached part has three lateral faces forming a U-shaped profile and is fixed against a first lateral wall of the container.

[0033] Alternatively advantageously, the insert has four side faces forming a rectangular profile and is fixed against a first side wall of the container.

[0034] Preferably, the first connecting means comprise at least one articulated mechanical connection connecting the first handle to the first housing or to the container.

[0035] Indeed, such connecting means are housed in the housing when the handle rests in its housing.

[0036] More preferably, the first connecting means comprise a single articulated mechanical connection between the first handle and the first housing or between the first handle and the container, and in that said articulated mechanical connection comprises a rod connected to the first handle in a distal part of the rod and connected to the container or to the first housing in the other distal part of the rod, the first connection and the second connection each being adapted to allow the rotation of the two elements that it connects around a first axis and around a second axis respectively, parallel to each other.

[0037] In fact, this is the simplest embodiment of an articulated mechanical joint connecting a handle to a housing.

[0038] Alternatively, the first connecting means comprise two articulated mechanical connections between the first handle and the first housing or between the first handle and the container, and in this case: said first articulated mechanical connection comprises a first rod connected to the first handle at a distal portion of the first rod; a second rod connected to the container or to the first housing at a first distal portion of the second rod, the first rod and the second rod being connected to each other by their other distal portions; said second articulated mechanical connection comprises a third rod connected to the first handle at a distal portion of the third rod; a fourth rod connected to the container or to the first housing at a first distal portion of the fourth rod, the third rod and the fourth rod being connected to each other by their other distal portions.

[0039] Advantageously, the first connecting means comprise a first articulated mechanical connection between the first handle and the first housing or between the first handle and the container and a second articulated mechanical connection between the first handle and the first housing or between the first handle and the container.

[0040] Indeed, with such connecting means the handle can be extracted by a simple vertical traction force.

[0041] Alternatively, the first connecting means comprise at least one rod, a first end of which is attached to the first handle and a second end of which comprises a stop adapted to hold said second end of the rod under the bottom of the container or under the bottom of the first housing when the first handle is lifted.

[0042] Indeed, such a connecting means is simplified in construction. Brief description of the figures

[0043] These and other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawings of the figures, in which:

[0044] [Fig. 1] shows a 3D view of an example of a tiling or paving slab according to the invention;

[0045] [Fig.2] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of a tiling or paving slab according to the invention;

[0046] [Fig.3] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of a handle of a tiling or paving hob according to the invention;

[0047] [Fig.4] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of a housing for a handle of a tiling or paving hob according to the invention;

[0048] [Fig.5] shows a 3D view of another preferred embodiment of a housing for a handle of a tiling or paving hob according to the invention;

[0049] [Fig.6] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of the connecting means of a handle of a tiling or paving hob according to the invention;

[0050] [Fig.7] shows a 3D view of another preferred embodiment of the connecting means of a handle of a tiling or paving hob according to the invention;

[0051] [Fig.8] shows a 3D view of another preferred embodiment of the connecting means of a handle of a tiling or paving hob according to the invention.

[0052] The drawings in the figures are not to scale or proportionate. Generally, similar or identical elements are denoted by identical references in the figures.

[0053] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0054] [Fig.l] shows a 3D view of an example of a tiling or paving slab (1) according to the invention. Such a tiling or paving hob comprises a container (10) for receiving tiles or paving stones, the container (10) including side walls (11, 12, 13, 14) and a base (15) for supporting the tiles or paving stones; a first handle (20) capable of being gripped by a user and a first housing (21) capable of receiving the first handle (20) therein and from which the first handle (20) can be extracted; first connecting or contact means (30) between the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) or between the first handle (20) and the container (10); a second handle (40) capable of being gripped by a user and a second housing (41) capable of receiving the second handle (40) within it and from which the second handle (40) can be extracted; second connecting or contact means (50) between the second handle (40) and the second housing (41) or between the second handle (40) and the container (10).

[0055] Furthermore, the first housing (21) and the second housing (41) each have an upper opening allowing the extraction of the first and second handles respectively from the first and second housings.

[0056] According to the invention, the inner surface (210) of an upper part of the first housing (21) and the outer surface (200) of the first handle (20) facing it when the handle rests in said first housing (21) are of cylindrical shapes originating from the same first generatrix. Still according to the invention, the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) are dimensioned so that the first handle (20) can be inserted entirely and laterally adjusted in the first housing (21). The first handle (20) has an upper face (201) provided with two gripping means (202, 203) arranged respectively on either side of the center of mass of the first handle (20).The inner surface (410) of an upper part of the second housing (41) and the outer surface (400) of the second handle (40) facing it when the handle rests in said second housing (40) are cylindrical shapes originating from the same second generatrix. The second handle (40) and the second housing (41) are dimensioned so that the second handle (40) can be fully and laterally fitted into the second housing (41). The second handle (40) has an upper face (401) provided with two gripping means (402, 403) arranged respectively on either side of the center of mass of the second handle (40). In [Fig.l], the first handle (20) is extracted from its housing (21) while the second handle (40) rests in its housing (41), masking the second connecting or contact means (50, 51) between the second handle (40) and the second housing (41) or between the second handle (40) and the container (10). The first connecting or contact means (30, 31) between the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) or between the first handle (20) and the container (10) are on the other hand visible in [Fig. l]. In the example of [Fig. l], these first connecting or contact means (30, 31) are fixed to the first housing (21). In general, they could be fixed to the container (10), for example to the bottom (15) of the container (10). The first and second connecting or contact means (30, 31, 50, 51) can be fixed, for some, in a housing and for others on the bottom of the container (10).The first and second connecting or contacting means (30, 31, 50, 51) may generally be of any type. [Fig.l] shows a tiling or paving hob (1) according to the invention provided with four side walls (11, 12, 13, 14), but it may have any number of side walls, for example . three walls or even six side walls. Furthermore, the profile of the side walls (11, 12, 13, 14) does not necessarily have to be regular, each side wall (11, 12, 13, 14) being able to have its own dimensions. The handles (20, 40) can be of different shapes and, when they rest in their housings (21, 41), can have their upper faces (201, 401) inside said housing or outside said housing (i.e. a handle can protrude from its housing or not when it rests there). A housing (21, 41) can be a part added to the tiling or paving slab (1) or be integrated therein. The gripping means (202, 203, 402, 403) of a handle (20, 40) can be of any shape. The two handles (20, 40) can be different, just as the two housings (21, 41) can be different. The two housings (21, 41) can be located in generally any places on the tiling or paving hob (1).

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a housing (21, 41) and a handle (20, 40) are oblong in shape and, preferably, rectangular parallelepiped.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a handle (20, 40) has a height “H” of between 2 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when a handle (20, 40) is inserted into its housing (21, 41), the handle (20, 40) has a lateral clearance “d” relative to its housing (21, 41) which is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0060] [Fig.2] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of a tiling or paving hob (1) according to the invention. In this preferred embodiment an upper edge (211) of a housing (21) is flush with an upper edge (120) of the container (10) and the upper face (201) of the handle (20) which rests in said housing (21) is flush with an upper edge (212) of said housing (21) when it rests there. In general, these may be two different edges of said housing (21). Preferably, the upper face (201) of the handle (20) is flat. Preferably, the upper face (201) of the handle (20) is flush with all the upper edges of its housing (21).

[0061] [Fig. 3] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of the handles of a tiling or paving hob (1) according to the invention. In this preferred embodiment the gripping means (202, 203) of a handle (20) are notches. However, the gripping means (202, 203) may also be blind holes, through holes, protrusions, notches or a combination thereof. In general, the gripping means (202, 203) may be different for each handle, or even different for the same handle.

[0062] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, still illustrated by [Fig. 3], the gripping means (202, 203) of a handle (20) are arranged respectively at the two opposite distal ends furthest from the upper face (201) of said handle (20). However, the gripping means may also be arranged at the two opposite distal ends closest and, in general, at the two opposite distal ends of the upper face (201) of the handle (20).

[0063] [Fig.4] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of housings (21, 41) of handles (20, 40) of a tiling or paving hob (1) according to the invention. In this preferred embodiment, the housings (21, 41) are parts added to the hob (1), i.e. parts independent of the hob (1) and which are fixed thereto. The means for fixing the parts added to the hob (1) may be any. For example, a housing (21) may be glued against a side face of the container. Alternatively, a housing (21) may be fixed in notches provided in a side face (11, 12, 13, 14) of the container (10) as illustrated in [Fig.l]. Alternatively, a housing (21) may be screwed or welded into a side face (11, 12, 13, 14) of the container (10). In general, each housing (21, 41) may have a particular profile and may be fixed in a particular manner.

[0064] [Fig. 5] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of a housing (21) of a handle (20) of a tiling or paving hob (1) according to the invention. In this preferred embodiment, a housing (21) is a part attached to the hob (1) comprising three side faces (216, 217, 218) forming a U-shaped profile and therefore having a side opening (215).

[0065] Preferably the lateral opening (215) of the housing profile (21) is placed against a side wall (11) of the container (12).

[0066] [Fig.4] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of a housing (21) for a handle (20) of a tiling or paving hob (1) according to the invention. In this preferred embodiment, a housing (21) is a part attached to the hob (1) having a rectangular profile, one of the four side faces (216, 217, 218, 219) of which is fixed against a side wall (11) of the container.

[0067] [Fig. 6] shows a 3D view of a preferred embodiment of the connecting means of a handle of a hob (1) according to the invention. In this preferred embodiment, the connecting means (30) comprise a single articulated mechanical connection between the handle (20) and its housing (21), which comprises a first rod (33) connected to the handle in one of its distal parts by means of a second rod (34), and connected to the housing in its other distal part by means of a third rod (35), the axes (31, 32) of the second and third rods being parallel to each other. However, the connecting means (30) of the handle (20) may be connected to the container (10) rather than to the housing (21). In general, an articulated mechanical connection can be of any type, for example a ball-and-socket type connection.

[0068] [Fig.7] shows a 3D view of another preferred embodiment of a connecting or contact means (30) between a handle (20) and its housing (21) or between a handle (20) and the container (10) according to the invention. In this preferred embodiment, a connecting means (30) comprises two articulated mechanical connections, each connecting a first handle (20) and its housing (21). The first articulated mechanical connection comprises a first rod (36) connected to the handle (20) at one of its distal parts and a second rod (37) connected to the housing (21) at one of its distal parts, the first rod (36) and the second rod (37) being connected to each other by their other distal parts.The second articulated mechanical connection comprises a third rod (38) connected to the handle (20) at one of its distal parts and a fourth rod (39) connected to the housing (21) at one of its distal parts, the third rod (36) and the fourth rod (37) being connected to each other by their other distal parts. The first and second rods (36, 37) of a first connecting means (30) connecting a handle (20) to its housing (21) are articulated about axes parallel to each other, for example by means of a rivet. The third and fourth rods (38, 39) of a first connecting means (30) connecting a handle (20) to its housing (21) are articulated about axes parallel to each other, for example by means of a rivet.

[0069] However, the connecting means of the handle may be connected to the container rather than to the housing. In general, an articulated mechanical connection may be of any type, for example a ball-and-socket type connection.

[0070] [Fig.8] shows a 3D view of another preferred embodiment of a connecting means (30) of a handle (20) of a hob (1) according to the invention. The connecting means (30) of the first handle (20) comprises in this case a rod (300) one end of which is attached to said first handle (20) and the other end of the rod is located under the bottom of the first housing (21) and ends in a stop (301) adapted to hold this other end of the rod (300) under the bottom of the first housing (21) when the handle (20) is lifted. The rod (300) is preferably fixed to the center of mass of the handle (20). However, the rod (300) can be fixed at any point of the handle (20) and in any manner. The length of the rod (300) can also be any length, as long as it allows the handle (20) to be removed from its housing (21).Thus, it can pass through the bottom (15) of the container (10) and the stop (301) can in such a case be located under the bottom (15) of the container (10), possibly so as to maintain said stop (301) under the bottom (15) of the container (10) when said handle (20) is lifted. The rod (300) does not necessarily have to be rigid, it can for example be a flexible link.

[0071] The present invention has been described in relation to specific embodiments, which are of purely illustrative value and should not be considered as limiting. In general, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the examples illustrated and / or described above.

[0072] The use of the verbs “comprendre”, “include”, “comprendre”, or any other variant, as well as their conjugations, cannot in any way exclude the presence of elements other than those mentioned.

[0073] The invention can also be described as follows: a tiling or paving hob (1) provided with handles (20, 40) allowing the hob (1) to be extracted from its frame. The invention provides means for extracting the hob from its frame which do not require a special tool to be implemented. These extraction means comprise two handles (20, 40) used to extract the hob and resting in their respective housings (21, 41) in a fitted manner. Each handle (20, 40) has gripping means (202, 203, 402, 403) allowing it to be extracted from its housing (21, 41).

Claims

1. Claims A tiling or paving hob (1) comprising: a container (10) for receiving tiles or paving stones, the container (10) including side walls (11, 12, 13, 14) and a base (15) for supporting the tiles or paving stones; a first handle (20) capable of being gripped by a user and a first housing (21) capable of receiving the first handle (20) therein and from which the first handle (20) can be extracted; first connecting or contact means (30) between the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) or between the first handle (20) and the container (10); a second handle (40) capable of being gripped by a user and a second housing (41) capable of receiving the second handle (40) therein and from which the second handle (40) can be extracted;second connecting or contact means (50) between the second handle (40) and the second housing (41) or between the second handle (40) and the container (10); the first housing (21) and the second housing (41) each have an upper opening allowing the extraction of the first and second handles (20, 40) respectively from the first and second housings (21, 41); an inner surface (210) of an upper part of the first housing (21) and an outer surface (200) of the first handle (20) facing it when the first handle rests in said first housing are of cylindrical shapes originating from the same first generatrix; the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) are dimensioned so that the first handle (20) can be inserted entirely and laterally adjusted in the first housing (21);an inner surface (410) of an upper part of the second housing (41) and an outer surface (400) of the second handle (40) facing it when the second handle rests in said second housing (40) are of cylindrical shapes originating from the same second generatrix; the second handle (40) and the second housing (41) are dimensioned so that the second handle (40) can be inserted entirely and laterally adjusted in the second housing (41), characterized in that the first handle (20) has an upper face (201) provided with two gripping means (202, 203); arranged respectively on either side of a center of mass of the first handle (20) and arranged respectively at two opposite distal ends of the upper face (201) of the first handle (20), in that the gripping means (202, 203) of the first handle are notches, blind holes, through holes, protrusions, or a combination thereof, and in that the second handle (40) has an upper face (401) provided with two gripping means (402, 403) arranged respectively on either side of the center of a mass of the second handle (40).

2. Tiling or paving hob according to claim 1, characterized in that the first handle (20) is oblong in shape.

3. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first housing (21) and the first handle (20) are of rectangular parallelepiped shape.

4. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first handle (20) has a height “H” of between 2 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 20 mm.

5. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the first handle (20) is inserted into the first housing (21), the first handle (20) has a maximum lateral play “d” relative to the first housing (21) which is between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

6. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an upper edge (211) of the first housing (21) is flush with an upper edge (120) of the container (10) and / or in that the upper face (201) of the first handle (20) is flush with an upper edge (212) of the first housing (21) when the first handle (20) rests in the first housing (21).

7. Tiling or paving plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first housing (21) is a part attached to the plate (1).

8. Tiling or paving plate (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the attached part has three side faces (216, 217, 218) forming a U-shaped profile and is fixed against a first side wall (11, 12, 13, 14) of the container.

9. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the attached part has four side faces (216, 217, 218, 219) forming a rectangular profile and is fixed against a first side wall (11) of the container.

10. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting or contact means (30) comprise at least one articulated mechanical connection connecting the first handle (20) to the first housing (21) or to the container (10).

11. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connecting or contact means (30) comprise a single articulated mechanical connection between the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) or between the first handle (20) and the container (10), and in that said articulated mechanical connection comprises a rod connected to the first handle (20) in a distal part of the rod and connected to the container (10) or to the first housing (21) in the other distal part of the rod.

12. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the first connecting means (30) comprise a first articulated mechanical connection between the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) or between the first handle (20) and the container (10) and a second articulated mechanical connection between the first handle (20) and the first housing (21) or between the first handle (20) and the container (10), in that: • said first articulated mechanical connection comprises: i. a first rod (36) connected to the first handle at a distal portion of the first rod (36), ii. a second rod (37) connected to the container (10) or to the first housing (21) at a first distal portion of the second rod (37), the first rod (36) and the second rod (37) being connected to each other by their other distal portions, • said second articulated mechanical connection comprises: i.a third rod (38) connected to the first handle (20) at a distal portion of the third rod (38).

13. ii. a fourth rod (39) connected to the container (10) or to the first housing (21) at a first distal portion of the fourth rod (39), the third rod (38) and the fourth rod (39) being connected to each other by their other distal portions. Tiling or paving hob (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first connecting means (30) comprise at least one rod (300) a first end of which is attached to the first handle (20) and a second end of which comprises a stop (301) adapted to hold said second end of the rod under the bottom of the container (10) or under the bottom of the first housing (21) when the first handle (20) is lifted.

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