EASY-MOVING FURNISHING ELEMENT

The fitting element, with its circular base and tool connection means, addresses the challenges of moving and repositioning concrete trays by enabling easy handling and access control while maintaining space delimitation effectiveness.

FR3133864B1Active Publication Date: 2025-06-13CORNAZ SA
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Patent Information

Application Number
FR2022002562
Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2022-03-23
Publication Date
2025-06-13
Estimated Expiration
2042-03-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing concrete trays used to protect sidewalks and building entrances from vehicles are not aesthetically pleasing and are difficult to move or reposition due to their mass, making them ineffective for easy handling and access control.

Method used

A fitting element with a lower base having a circular contour and connection means for a handling tool, allowing the element to be easily moved by tilting and rolling, while preventing accidental movement without the tool.

Benefits of technology

The fitting element can be efficiently moved and repositioned by authorized personnel using a specialized tool, while maintaining effectiveness in delimiting spaces and preventing unauthorized access.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

There is provided a fitting element (B1) comprising a body (2) provided with a longitudinal axis (Z), comprising at a first longitudinal end a base (4) delimited by a circular contour (11) and at a second end connection means (8) to a handling tool (12), such that, when the handling tool (12) is connected to said body (2), they allow the body (2) to be placed on the contour of its circular base (4). [Fig 4]
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Description

Title of the invention: EASY-TO-MOVE FITTING ELEMENT TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The present invention relates to a development element, more particularly an exterior development element.

[0002] In order to protect a sidewalk or a building entrance against the parking or passage of vehicles, particularly cars, it is common to have concrete trays initially intended to receive vegetation, filled with pebbles and / or concrete in order to prevent them from being easily moved. However, these trays are not very aesthetic, and they cannot be easily moved or put back in place if they have been knocked over or pushed due to their mass.

[0003] Furthermore, it is desirable to have arrangements which make it possible to limit access to certain people, but which can nevertheless be relatively easily moved by other authorized people to allow this access and / or modify the access. Statement of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an aim of the present application to provide a development element, more particularly an exterior development element, which can be easily handled by authorized persons while being effective in delimiting spaces.

[0005] The above stated object is achieved by a fitting element comprising at least one lower base provided with a circular contour, and provided at its opposite end with means for connection to a handling tool, such that the fitting element can be moved by tilting the element to place it on the circular contour of the base, by rolling the element on its contour. The movement of the element is therefore relatively easy provided that the tool configured to cooperate with the connection means is available in the fitting element. The fitting element has sufficient mass and dimensions to prevent its easy movement without use of the appropriate handling tool.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the connection means comprise a three-wing recess cooperating with one end of the tool having a complementary shape.

[0007] The tool advantageously comprises a handle provided at one end with a shape cooperating with the opening and at another end a steering wheel facilitating the movement of the fitting element.

[0008] Very advantageously, the connection means are such that, at least during a connection phase, or even during the entire connection phase, the tool is moved only in translation along the longitudinal axis of the body in the direction of the body, which makes the connection quick and simple.

[0009] Preferably, the fitting element has a truncated cone shape, which makes it possible to limit its movement if it were to be accidentally knocked over.

[0010] The fitting element may be hollow.

[0011] In other words, a fitting element is produced which is configured to cooperate only with a tool allowing its base to be placed on edge and moved by rolling it.

[0012] An object of the present application is a fitting element comprising a body provided with a longitudinal axis, comprising at a first longitudinal end a base delimited by a circular contour and at a second end means of connection to a handling tool, such that, when the handling tool is connected to said body, they allow the body to be placed on the contour of its circular base.

[0013] Advantageously, the connection means have a shape configured to cooperate only with a manipulation tool of specific shape.

[0014] Preferably, the connection means are such that, at least during a connection phase, the manipulation tool is moved only in translation along the longitudinal axis of the body in the direction of the body.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the first connection means comprise at least two holes, advantageously three, with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis and opening into the second end.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment, the first connection means comprise a recess comprising at least two radial housings each intended to receive a radial extension of the tool.

[0017] Preferably, the body has a frustoconical shape, the base forming the large base and the connection means being formed in the small base.

[0018] According to an additional characteristic, the body is hollow and is open at its base.

[0019] According to another additional characteristic, the arrangement element comprises a tube located inside the body, extending along the longitudinal axis and fixed to the small base.

[0020] The second end of the body advantageously comprises a housing configured to mount a post.

[0021] Preferably, the development element is at least partly made of cast concrete.

[0022] Another object of the present application is a manipulation tool configured to cooperate with the fitting element according to the invention, comprising a handle provided at a first longitudinal end with second connection means configured to connect to the first connection means of the fitting element.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the second connection means comprise at least two fingers extending in directions parallel to the axis of the handle and configured to penetrate into the holes.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment, the second connection means comprise at least two extensions extending radially relative to the axis of the handle and configured to each penetrate into a radial housing.

[0025] Advantageously, the handling tool comprises at a second longitudinal end a steering wheel for handling the fitting element. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fitting element according to the invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] is a top view of the fitting element of [Fig.l],

[0028] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an example of a configured manipulation tool to assist in moving the layout element of [Fig.l];

[0029] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the fitting element of [Fig.l] on which is mounted the tool of [Fig.3] shown edgewise during movement;

[0030] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the element of [Fig.l] in an upside-down position;

[0031] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of the arrangement element of [Fig.l] in an application to an indicator panel;

[0032] [Fig.7] is a perspective view of several development elements of [Fig.l] used to form a barrier;

[0033] [Fig.8] is a plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a fitting element according to the invention;

[0034] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the fitting element of [Fig.8], on which is mounted a tool according to another embodiment example shown during movement;

[0035] [Fig. 10A] is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a fitting element according to the invention;

[0036] [Fig. 10B] is a longitudinal sectional view along plane AA of the terminal of [Fig. 10A];

[0037] [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of a variant of the terminal of [Fig. 10A]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0038] In [Fig. 1], one can see an example of the embodiment of a fitting element according to the invention.

[0039] In the remainder of the description, the development element will be referred to as “terminal” for the sake of simplicity.

[0040] The terminal B1 comprises a body 2 with a longitudinal axis Z provided at a first longitudinal end with a circular base 4 and at a second longitudinal end with a flat upper bottom 6. The flat bottom 6 can serve as a base.

[0041] Particularly advantageously, the terminal has a truncated or substantially truncated shape, the advantage of which will be described below.

[0042] In this example, the side wall of the body has a convex shape seen in longitudinal section. Alternatively, the longitudinal section of the terminal is trapezoidal.

[0043] The terminal also comprises first connection means 8 in its upper bottom 6, advantageously on the longitudinal axis Z configured to cooperate with a tool intended to help move the terminal.

[0044] In this example, the first connection means 8 comprise three holes 10 distributed so as to form an equilateral triangle centered on the longitudinal axis Z ([Fig.2]). The holes extend parallel to the longitudinal axis Z.

[0045] In [Fig. 3], an example of a handling tool 12 configured to cooperate with the terminal Bl can be seen. The tool 12 comprises a handle 14 provided at a first longitudinal end with three fingers 16 configured to penetrate the three holes 10 of the terminal Bl, i.e. they are oriented relative to each other and sized to penetrate the holes 10. The diameter of the fingers 16 is such that it allows insertion with play of the fingers into the holes while avoiding too much freedom of movement of the fingers 16 in the holes 10. When the fingers are housed in the holes, the tool can tilt the terminal to place it on its circular contour 11. It will be understood that the terminal may comprise one, two or more than three holes. The number of fingers of the tool is adapted accordingly.

[0046] The terminal has dimensions and a mass which allow it to form an obstacle and make it difficult to move.

[0047] By way of example only, the terminal Bl has a height h of several tens of centimeters, for example of the order of 60 cm and a diameter also of several tens of centimeters, for example of the order of 60 cm. Its mass is for example of the order of 150 kilograms.

[0048] The tool may very advantageously comprise a handwheel 18 at a second longitudinal end of the handle, allowing the user to move the terminal relatively easily.

[0049] An example of a terminal moving operation will now be described.

[0050] The user grasps the handling tool 12 by the steering wheel and / or the handle and aligns each finger 16 with a hole 10. Then the user moves the tool along the Z direction of the terminal towards it, to make the fingers 16 penetrate into the holes 10 and put the end of the fingers 16 against the bottom of the holes 10.

[0051] Then he exerts a transverse force to the axis of the tool so as to tilt the terminal B1 and position it on the contour 11 of its base 4 ([Fig.4]). He then applies a torque to the steering wheel, which rolls the terminal on its contour and allows it to be moved to the chosen location.

[0052] The torque exerted between the fingers 16 and the holes 10 generates friction which is sufficient to ensure the connection between the tool and the terminal. The movement of the terminal is therefore relatively easy.

[0053] Alternatively, the tool is only used to tilt the terminal and keep it balanced on its contour 11, and the rotational movement of the latter is carried out directly by manipulating the terminal.

[0054] The terminal is large and heavy enough that it cannot easily be tipped without the use of the tool. The use of the tool generates a lever arm that facilitates the tipping which can be done by a single person.

[0055] Furthermore, this manipulation is only permitted by a person with the tool.

[0056] As described above, the terminal advantageously has a truncated cone shape, which means that if the terminal B1 is on a slope and is accidentally knocked over either by a vehicle or by the user handling it for the purpose of moving it, the terminal will move on a circular trajectory and not in a straight line, which limits the risk of an accident. In addition, the truncated or substantially truncated cone shape facilitates demolding.

[0057] However, as a variant, the terminal may have a cylindrical shape with a circular or prismatic section without departing from the scope of the present application.

[0058] Advantageously the contour of the base is chamfered, which reduces the risk of deterioration compared to a sharp edge.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the base is covered with a flexible material such as an elastomer, which makes it possible to protect the surface on which the terminal is arranged, for example when the terminal is used inside a building. It may be provided to overmold only the base or the entire terminal.

[0060] In [Fig.6], we can see the application of the terminal to the creation of a traffic sign, for example to indicate a ban on parking or stopping.

[0061] Preferably, the panel 19 is fixed to a post whose lower end is configured to cooperate with a central recess 21 provided between the holes 10. Means may be provided to immobilize the panel 19 in the central recess 21, in particular to prevent malicious removal thereof.

[0062] In [Fig.7], we can see several terminals B1 arranged next to each other to delimit a barrier. Posts 23 are mounted on the pads and allow the fixing of a chain 25. The posts have an end configured to cooperate with the recess(es) of the terminal.

[0063] This type of installation is for example set up during one-off events or works, the mobility of the terminals is then particularly interesting.

[0064] Means for gripping the terminal may be provided for moving the terminals over long distances, for example between their place of manufacture and their final location or between a hangar and their place of occasional use. For example, a ring (not shown) is anchored in the terminal. It is, for example, advantageously anchored in the center of the triangle delimited by the holes.

[0065] Alternatively, the lateral surface is formed from a plurality of flat faces of trapezoidal shape while retaining a circular base. The implementation of this flat also applies to a cylindrical terminal with a circular section.

[0066] In Figures 8 and 9, another example of embodiment of a terminal according to the invention can be seen.

[0067] In this example, the recess 22 has three branches and the tool 24 has three radial extensions (not visible) configured to penetrate the recess 22. The user aligns the radial extensions with the branches and moves the tool axially toward the terminal to place the radial extensions inside the branches.

[0068] According to another example, the connection means are of the bayonet type.

[0069] The terminal comprises a recess comprising ears separated by notches and the tool also has ears sized to fit into the notches. When the tool is pivoted about its axis, it locks into the connecting means, and the terminal can be manipulated.

[0070] The connection means are for example produced directly during molding and / or by machining or are carried by a metal insert put in place during molding of the terminal.

[0071] The connection between the tool and the terminal is such that it is fast, simple and robust. Furthermore, the connection is such that it does not deteriorate when a force is exerted on the tool to tilt the terminal.

[0072] In Figures 10A and 10B, a perspective view and a longitudinal sectional view respectively of a terminal B4 according to another exemplary embodiment can be seen. The terminal comprises a body 2 with a longitudinal axis Z provided, at a first longitudinal end intended to rest on the ground, with a lower part 28 in the shape of a truncated cone, the smaller base of which rests on the ground, and an upper part 30 with a polygonal cross-section.

[0073] The terminal, when on edge, can pivot on the contour of the truncated base, and the edges of the faces of the upper part do not touch the ground and do not hinder rotation.

[0074] In [Fig. 11], we can see a variant B5 of the terminal of [Fig.10A] having a cylindrical upper part 30 of circular section comprising on the lateral face grooves 32 imitating the grooves of an ancient column. Other shapes making it possible to imitate elements of the environment are conceivable.

[0075] The terminal is for example made by molding concrete, a cement and plastic composite or any other material offering sufficient density. Concrete has the advantage of being easily moldable, having sufficient density and offering a reduced cost price.

[0076] In an exemplary embodiment, the terminal is hollow. On the one hand, this makes it possible to reduce its mass relative to its dimensions. On the other hand, it can advantageously be turned over and used, for example, as a pot for flowers or a shrub as shown in [Fig.5].

[0077] Very advantageously, the hollow part of the terminal also comprises a central tube 26 serving for connection to a tool for moving the pot in a similar manner to the terminal.

[0078] When the tube 26 passes through the small base, the tube can be used for the flow of water, the tube being pierced with one or more holes.

[0079] The tube is for example made of steel placed in the mold of the terminal. It is possible to envisage that the tube is a through tube and carries at one end the means of connection with the tool.

[0080] In the examples described, the upper bottom is flat. Alternatively, the upper bottom may be, in a non-limiting manner, concave, convex or pointed.

[0081] The development element according to the invention has the advantage of forming an obstacle while providing ease of movement for the person authorized to carry out such movement.

[0082] The terminal can be used indoors and outdoors. Its dimensions and mass may vary depending on the applications.

Claims

Claims

1. Terminal-type arrangement element for delimiting spaces, comprising a body (2) provided with a longitudinal axis (Z), comprising: - at a first longitudinal end a base (4) delimited by a circular contour (11), and - at a second end connection means (8, 22) to a handling tool (12, 24), said connection means being such that they allow the penetration of one end of the tool into the body;and such that when the handling tool (12, 24) is connected to said body (2), they allow the body (2) to be placed on the contour (11) of its circular base (4), the connection means (8) being such that, at least during a connection phase, the handling tool (12) is moved only in translation along the longitudinal axis (Z) of the body (4) in the direction of the body (4), in which the first connection means (8) comprise at least two holes (10), advantageously three, with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis (Z) and opening into the second end.;

2. A fitting element according to claim 1, wherein the body (2) has a truncated cone shape, the base forming the large base and the connection means being formed in the small base.

3. A fitting element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the body (2) is hollow and is open at its base.

4. A fitting element according to claims 2 and 3, comprising a tube (26) located inside the body (2), extending along the longitudinal axis (Z) and fixed to the small base.

5. 5. A fitting element according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second end of the body comprises a housing configured to mount a post.

6. A development element according to one of the preceding claims, in that it is at least partly made of cast concrete.

7. A handling tool configured to cooperate with the arrangement element according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a handle (14) provided at a first longitudinal end with second connection means configured to connect to the first connection means of the arrangement element, in which the second connection means comprise at least two fingers (16), advantageously three fingers, extending along di- sections parallel to the axis of the handle and configured to penetrate the holes.

8. 8. A handling tool according to claim 7, wherein the handle has at its second longitudinal end a steering wheel for manipulating the fitting element.