Folding work platform ladder

Abstract

A ladder (1) comprising a climbing platform (2) having a pair of spars and rungs transversely connecting the spars, the ladder comprising a folding work platform (5) and a wall spreader, the work platform having a guardrail and a platform, the guardrail and wall spreader forming an assembly articulated to the climbing platform, between a folded configuration in which the guardrail and wall spreader are folded towards the climbing platform and a deployed configuration for use of the work platform, the platform being articulated to the climbing platform between a folded configuration in which the platform is folded towards the climbing platform and a deployed configuration for use of the work platform, the means of articulation to the climbing platform of the assembly formed by the guardrail and wall spreader being distinct and independent of the means of articulation to the climbing platform of the platform. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Folding workstation ladder

[0001] The invention relates to the field of ladders (possibly telescopic) equipped with a folding workstation.

[0002] By “ladder” we mean here a transportable device comprising a climbing plan.

[0003] By "telescopic ladder" is meant here a ladder whose climbing plane comprises at least two elements mounted to slide relative to each other.

[0004] By “workstation” we mean here an assembly comprising a guardrail and a floor.

[0005] By "foldable" is meant here the fact that the workstation can be in a compact transport or storage position, or in a deployed position in which a user can access or dismount from the workstation.

[0006] Ladders of this type are used in particular in the construction industry for formwork work, or in the civil engineering industry for work on electricity poles or pylons.

[0007] Ladders equipped with a folding workstation are most often used for short-term work, and are designed to be portable.

[0008] Examples of such scales can be found in documents FR2892146 (AUDINNOV, 2007), FR2927649 (AUDINNOV, 2009), FR2926590 (DUARIB, 2009), FR2990988 (AUDINNOV, 2013).

[0009] Ladders of this type are of a different structure and use from those of the rolling platforms presented in the NF EN 131-7 standard, of the individual rolling platform (PIR) or light individual rolling platform (PIRL) type.

[0010] Firstly, the individual rolling platforms comprise a rising plane and a support plane, as well as, where appropriate, stabilizing feet. The support plane extends towards the front of the platform. The weight of the platform rests on the ground, by the feet of the rising plane and the feet of the support plane.

[0011] A ladder with a folding workstation is, in the deployed position of the workstation, supported on a structure. Such a ladder conventionally comprises a device for supporting against this structure. Such a device is often called a support cradle. Depending on the intended uses for the ladder, the support cradle comprises wheels or rubber pads. Document FR3012510 (CDH, 2015) presents a cradle for supporting a ladder against a pylon. Document EP3995665 (STAASAEKER, 2022) presents a spreader comprising wheels, for supporting a ladder against a facade. Reference may also be made to document EP2454440 (EASI, 2013).

[0012] Secondly, an individual rolling platform allows access to a workstation comprising a floor located at a maximum height of 2.5 m above the ground, according to standard NF P 93-352. A lightweight individual rolling platform allows access to a workstation comprising a floor at a maximum height of 1.5 m above the ground.

[0013] In ladders equipped with a folding workstation, the floor of the workstation is generally located at a height of around 3 to 6 meters.

[0014] The unfolding of an individual rolling platform can be carried out easily by a single person, the feet of the lifting surface and the support surface ensuring stability for the platform during this unfolding.

[0015] The same does not apply to ladders equipped with a folding workstation, the deployment of the workstation being tiring, complicated, or even dangerous in the designs proposed in the prior art.

[0016] Document EP 1783322 (TUBESCA, 2007) describes a ladder whose climbing plane comprises two sliding elements, the ladder being provided with a folding assembly comprising a floor and a guardrail. The floor is articulated at a rung of the climbing plane, and is articulated to the side members of the climbing plane by two connecting rods. The guardrail comprises a lower rail and an upper rail, the two rails being connected by two lateral legs and each being articulated on the side members of the climbing plane. Each of the lateral legs is slidably mounted on an upright, by a support part comprising a lock. An axis carried by the lock slides in a groove in the upright. For the deployment of the workstation, the ladder is placed inclined relative to the vertical, and the floor pivots by gravity to its horizontal position.The operator then exerts a push on these two side legs, causing the upper and lower rails of the guardrail to pivot. Deployment of the workstation may be hindered by deposits, for example of coating or roughcast, in the sliding grooves of the side legs, or on the pivot pins of the upper and lower rails. Pivoting the guardrail when manually pushing on the side legs involves eight joints and two sliding grooves, increasing the risk of blockage due to fouling. Gravity pivoting of the floor may not be achieved, for the same reasons.

[0017] Document FR2907493 (AUDINNOV, 2008) describes a ladder whose climbing surface comprises two sliding elements, the ladder being provided with a folding workstation comprising a floor and a U-shaped frame forming a guardrail. The floor and the guardrail are each articulated on a rung of the climbing surface, and are connected by a connecting rod. To deploy the workstation, the operator must climb onto the climbing surface, operate a lock with one hand and, with the other hand, lift the guardrail upwards or push the floor downwards. As the ladder is resting against a wall during this maneuver, the pivoting of the floor may be blocked by a relief present on this wall, for example a window sill. Furthermore, during use, the ladder may have been splashed with paint, cement, plaster or coating. Such deposits on the pivot axes of the floor or guardrail require greater manual effort to deploy the workstation, which may affect the stability of the ladder, with the resulting risk of the operator falling.

[0018] Document FR2918408 (AUDINNOV, 2009) describes a ladder provided with a workstation comprising a floor and a guardrail, the floor being articulated to a rung of the climbing plane and being connected by connecting rods to the guardrail. Each connecting rod is provided with a collar mounted to slide on the guardrail. To deploy the workstation, the operator must climb onto the climbing plane and exert a force on the floor to pivot it horizontally, this pivoting having to cause the movement of the connecting rods to the guardrail. The operator must check that the connecting rods are in position, and if not, slide the collars on the guardrail. The ladder has the disadvantages of that described in document FR2907493, the deployment of the workstation being moreover longer and more complicated.

[0019] An object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art, by proposing a ladder equipped with a folding workstation, the ladder offering better ergonomic and safety qualities, while being simple to use and offering great compactness in the folded configuration.

[0020] For these purposes, there is proposed, according to a first aspect, a ladder comprising a climbing plane having a pair of side members and rungs or bars transversely connecting the side members, the ladder comprising a foldable workstation and a wall spreader, the workstation comprising a guardrail and a floor, the guardrail and the wall spreader forming an assembly articulated to the climbing plane, between a folded configuration in which the guardrail and the wall spreader are folded towards the climbing plane and a deployed configuration for use of the workstation, the floor being articulated to the climbing plane between a folded configuration in which the floor is folded towards the climbing plane and a deployed configuration for use of the workstation, the means of articulation to the climbing plane of the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spreader being distinct and independent of the means of articulation to the climbing plane of the floor.

[0021] The deployment of the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spreader can thus be obtained before straightening the ladder, after having deployed the floor. The user can carry out the deployment of the workstation in complete safety, with both hands available for maneuvers, without the weight of the ladder constituting discomfort. When the workstation has been put into the deployed configuration, the user can tilt the climbing plane and place the ladder in its position of use.

[0022] Advantageously, the guardrail comprises a gate for access to the workstation. According to various embodiments, the gate may comprise one or more bars, or a panel extending over the entire width of the workstation, the gate opening upwards or towards the inside or towards the outside of the workstation.

[0023] In certain implementations, in the deployed configuration of the workstation, the guardrail comprises two vertical uprights and two horizontal uprights, the vertical and horizontal uprights extending on either side of the climbing plane, each vertical upright being slidably mounted on a guide fixed to a spar of the climbing plane, the guide pivoting transversely relative to the spar of the climbing plane, each horizontal upright being pivotally mounted to a vertical upright, each horizontal upright being pivotally mounted to a spar of the climbing plane.

[0024] In the folded configuration of the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer, the vertical and horizontal uprights of the guardrail are advantageously arranged parallel and at a short distance from the side members of the climbing plane. The ladder can thus be transported or stored in a very compact configuration.

[0025] According to certain implementations, a guide piece is slidably mounted on each of the side members of the climbing plane, each guide piece being connected to the wall spacer by a connecting bar, each guide piece being connected to a vertical upright of the guardrail by a connecting tube, the sliding of each guide piece on its support side member, between a first extreme position and a second extreme position causing the movement of the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer between its deployed configuration for use of the workstation and its folded configuration.

[0026] The manual operation of the two guide parts is advantageously carried out before straightening the climbing plane, the ladder being extended on the ground. The user can thus ensure the perfect deployment of the floor and of the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spreader, before straightening the climbing plane. The user can then climb onto the climbing plane and begin his work, without having to carry out any other intervention for the deployment of the workstation.

[0027] Advantageously, locking means are capable of maintaining at least one guide part in its first extreme position, in which the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer is in its deployed configuration.

[0028] Advantageously, locking means are capable of maintaining at least one guide part in its second extreme position, in which the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer is in its folded configuration.

[0029] The locking means are advantageously locking hands, of which the actuation is carried out manually against a return means, such as for example a tension or torsion spring.

[0030] Advantageously, the floor is articulated, by a front edge, to the ascent plane, in transverse rotation, the floor being in its deployed configuration supported by a rear edge on a support tube, the support tube being articulated in transverse rotation to the ascent plane, a guide being slidably mounted on the support tube, the guide being mounted in transverse rotation to the rear edge of the floor.

[0031] Advantageously, a shock absorber is placed between the support tube and the floor.

[0032] In some implementations, the riser plane comprises at least two parts slidably mounted relative to each other.

[0033] Advantageously, two stabilizers are articulated to the climbing plane. These stabilizers form support legs or struts. The stabilizers are advantageously telescopic, and comprise for example a tube sliding in a sleeve, means allowing the length of the stabilizers to be adjusted, for example holes in the tube facing an orifice in the sleeve for the passage of a pin, or a locking of the sliding tube by friction using a part linked to the sleeve.

[0034] Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the description of an embodiment, given below with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] is a perspective view of a ladder equipped with a folding workstation, the ladder being shown in the deployed configuration;

[0036] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the workstation of the ladder shown in [Fig.l];

[0037] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of the workstation shown in [Fig.l], illustrating more particularly the guardrail;

[0038] [Fig.4] is a side view of the scale of [Fig.l], shown in configuration folded compactly, for storage or transport;

[0039] [Fig.5] is a side view of the upper part of the ladder shown in [Fig.l], the workstation being in deployed configuration;

[0040] [Fig.6] is a side view of the upper part of the ladder shown in [Fig.l], the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer being in an intermediate folded position, the floor being in its deployed configuration;

[0041] [Fig.7] is a side view of the upper part of the ladder shown in [Fig.l], the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer being in its folded configuration, the floor being in its deployed configuration;

[0042] [Fig.8] is a side view of the upper part of the ladder shown in [Fig.l], the floor being in an intermediate folded position, the assembly formed by the guardrail and wall spacer being in its deployed configuration;

[0043] [Fig.9] is a side view of the upper part of the ladder shown in [Fig.l], the floor being in its folded configuration, the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer being in its deployed configuration;

[0044] [Fig. 10] is a detail view of the support of the floor on its support, in the deployed configuration of the floor;

[0045] [Fig. 11] is a detailed view of the locking means of the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spacer.

[0046] In the remainder of this description, the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used in reference to the ladder in the deployed position, resting on the ground.

[0047] In [Fig.l] is shown a telescopic ladder equipped with a folding workstation.

[0048] The ladder 1 comprises a climbing plane 2, two stabilizers 3, 4, and a foldable workstation 5. Each of the two stabilizers 3, 4 is articulated to the climbing plane 2 by a brace 6, 7.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the ascent plane 2 comprises an upper part 8 slidably mounted on a lower part 9. The ascent plane 2 thus comprises two planes.

[0050] In other embodiments, not shown, the climbing plane comprises more than two planes, for example three to five planes, making it possible to reach high working heights, for example more than ten meters.

[0051] The ladder advantageously comprises a parachute allowing the elements of the ascent plane to be locked and unlocked.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, the upper part 8 comprises two substantially parallel side members 10 and ten cross members 11 fixed to the side members 10 (nine cross members 11 for access to the workstation 5 and a last cross member 11 at the upper end of the ascent plane 2, reinforcing the rigidity), the lower part 9 comprising two substantially parallel side members 12 and ten cross members 13 fixed to the side members 12.

[0053] In other embodiments, not shown, the upper part and / or the lower part of the climbing plane comprises less than ten crosspieces, for example between four and seven crosspieces.

[0054] Ladder 1 is provided with means reducing the risk of slipping.

[0055] In the embodiment shown, each stabilizer 3, 4 is provided with a non-slip pad 14, and each of the two side members 12 of the lower part 9 of the climbing plane 2 is provided with a non-slip pad 15

[0056] The pads 14, 15 are for example made of elastomer material.

[0057] In one implementation, the pads 15 of the ascent plane 2 comprise a part low part for contact with the ground, and an upper part for attachment to the side members 12. In a particular implementation, the lower part of the pads 15 is made of a flexible material, and the upper part of the pads is made of a rigid material, the pads 15 being manufactured using a two-material process.

[0058] In certain implementations, the side members 12 are formed from hollow profiles, and the pads 15 fit the base of the side members or are force-fitted into the side members 12.

[0059] In one implementation, the pads 14 of the stabilizers 3, 4 comprise a lower part for contact with the ground, and an upper part for attachment to the stabilizers 3, 4. In a particular implementation, the lower part of the pads 14 is made of a flexible material, and the upper part for attachment of the pads is made of a rigid material, the pads 14 being manufactured using a two-material process.

[0060] In the embodiment shown, each stabilizer 3, 4 comprises a tubular body and a lower profile mounted to slide relative to the body, the lower profile carrying a pad 14. In certain embodiments, the lower profile is hollow and the pad 14 is mounted as an insert in the lower profile. In other embodiments, the pad 14 fits over the base of the lower profile.

[0061] In other embodiments, each stabilizer 3, 4 comprises a lower tubular body and an upper profile mounted to slide relative to the body, the shoe 14 being mounted for insertion in the lower tubular body or fitting the base of the lower tubular body.

[0062] In certain implementations, the pads 15 are mounted articulated to the side members 12.

[0063] Ladder 1 is advantageously provided with means reinforcing its stability by deployed position.

[0064] In certain implementations, the climbing plane is provided at its base with a stabilizer bar, in particular telescopic, or crutches.

[0065] In some implementations, the riser plane spars are further apart from each other at the base of the riser plane.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, the body of each stabilizer 3, 4 is articulated by a brace 6, 7 to a spar 10 of the upper part 8 of the climbing plane 2.

[0067] In other embodiments, each stabilizer is articulated by a brace to a spar of the lower part of the climbing plane.

[0068] In the compact position for storing, stocking or transporting the ladder 1, the lower profile is retracted into the body and the brace 6 is substantially parallel to the side member 10 of the ascent plane.

[0069] The crosspieces 11, 13 form bars or rungs serving as steps for going up or down.

[0070] In the embodiment shown, the crosspieces 11, 13 are substantially equidistant.

[0071] In certain implementations, the climbing plane 2 is formed by the assembly of metal, steel or aluminum alloy side members and cross members.

[0072] The assembly of the crosspieces to the side members can be carried out by welding, screwing, stapling, or even by fitting with force-locking parts in place, to lock the crosspieces in their fitting position.

[0073] The assembly of the crosspieces to the side members can be carried out by expanding or crimping.

[0074] For assembly by crimping, the rungs are provided, on their two lateral ends, with at least one constriction which engages in holes in the side members. The end of these constrictions projects from the external face of the side members and is deformed by crimping, or by rolling, bell-shaped, or stamping. Single crimping leads to deformation of the constriction on the external face of the side member. Double crimping, carried out on both the external face and the internal face of the side member, provides greater mechanical strength than single crimping, since it allows tightening on either side of the side member wall.

[0075] For assembly by expansion, the expansion is for example mechanical and comprises a barrel, rollers or needles and a conical pin. The conical pin (or expansion tail) advances inside the profile forming the cross member. This pin is rotated by an expanding machine, electric or pneumatic. The pin increases the circumference of the rollers while rotating them. The rollers thus cause the expansion of the profile forming the cross member. This expansion is carried out while the profile forming the cross member has been introduced into an opening made in the side member. It is thus possible to form beads on the cross member, these beads being placed on either side of at least one of the walls of the side member.

[0076] The assembly of the crosspieces to the side members is advantageously carried out by rolling, riveting, tuliping, crimping, leading to a plastic deformation of the two ends of the crosspieces, this plastic deformation being advantageously ensured simultaneously on the two end parts of the crosspieces.

[0077] In the embodiment shown, the side members 10, 12 forming uprights of the rising plane 2 are of rectangular cross-section and the cross members 11, 13 are of square cross-section. By cross-section here is meant a section along a plane perpendicular to the direction of slenderness of an element.

[0078] In other embodiments, not shown, the crosspieces are of circular, oval, rectangular or polygonal cross section, the side members being of circular, oval or polygonal section.

[0079] The sleepers advantageously comprise, in their part located between the side members, reliefs such as grooves or folds. These reliefs help prevent the user's foot or hand from slipping when climbing or descending the ladder 1.

[0080] In one implementation, these reliefs are undulations in the thickness of the profile forming the crosspiece, the thickness of this profile, measured in cross section of the crosspiece, being substantially constant.

[0081] In other implementations, at least a portion of the crosspieces of the rising plane is provided with an added non-slip material, such as an elastomer strip, or even a plate made of embossed, ribbed, perforated, expanded metal or even grating.

[0082] In some implementations, the ladder is formed by assembling non-conductive material, for example a composite material with mineral fiber such as fiberglass, or with plant fiber such as flax fiber. The profiles forming the side members and cross members of the climbing plane are for example pultruded.

[0083] These arrangements are advantageous when the ladder is intended for electrical work or outdoor work near power lines.

[0084] In the embodiment shown, the foldable workstation 5 is permanently fixed to the ladder 1, in the upper part.

[0085] In other embodiments, not shown, the folding workstation is attached to the ladder, in a removable manner.

[0086] The workstation 5 comprises a guardrail 18, a floor 19 and a wall spacer 20.

[0087] In the embodiment shown, the workstation 5 comprises folded or curved tubular elements, for example made of steel or aluminum alloy.

[0088] When the ladder is intended for electrical work or outdoor work near electrical cables, the tubes forming the workstation are advantageously made of insulating material, such as a composite material, for example with a polymer matrix and fiberglass reinforcement.

[0089] The guardrail 18 and the wall spacer 20 form an assembly that can be folded and unfolded in one movement, independent of the folding and unfolding movement of the floor 19.

[0090] Floor 19 will now be described more particularly.

[0091] The floor 19 is advantageously non-slip and is for example with an embossed, ribbed or perforated surface. The floor 19 may be made of metal, in particular aluminum alloy or steel, or even composite, for example with a polymer matrix and fiberglass reinforcement, or even wood.

[0092] The floor 19 advantageously comprises a plinth 21. In the embodiment shown, the plinth 21 comprises three sections 22, 23, 24 substantially perpendicular to the floor 19, namely two lateral sections 22, 23 and a section of junction 24. When the ladder 1 is in the deployed position of use, the floor 19 is substantially horizontal and the junction section 24 is substantially vertical and arranged opposite the climbing plane 2.

[0093] The plinth 21 limits the risks of objects falling, such as, for example, tools that may be on the floor 19. The plinth 21 forms a stop for the user's feet, limiting the risks of falling.

[0094] The height of the plinth 21 is advantageously of the order of ten centimeters or more than ten centimeters.

[0095] In one implementation, the floor 19 and the plinth 21 are made in one piece, for example from injection molding.

[0096] In other implementations, the plinth is fixed to the floor. In some implementations, the plinth is hinged to the floor between a compact position, in which the plinth is substantially parallel to the floor, and a deployed position of use.

[0097] The width of the floor 19 is for example forty centimeters. In the embodiment shown, the floor 19 is substantially square.

[0098] In other embodiments, not shown, the floor is rectangular.

[0099] In the deployed position, the floor 19 rests on a support 25. In the mode of embodiment shown, the support 25 comprises a curved tube, pivotally articulated to the side members 10 of the upper part 8 of the ascent plane. A stopper 26 is placed between the curved tube of the support 25 and the floor 19. This stopper 26 can be carried by the curved tube of the support 25 or be carried by the floor 19.

[0100] In the embodiment shown, the stopper 26 is formed of two dampers 27, 28, advantageously made of elastomer material, arranged between the floor 19 and the curved tube of the support 25. These dampers 27, 28 are for example fixed by screwing to the curved tube of the support 25.

[0101] The presence of these shock absorbers 27, 28 ensures a soft and noiseless contact of the floor 19 on the support 25, when the workstation is unfolded.

[0102] The presence of these shock absorbers 27, 28 ensures comfort for the user of the ladder 1, during his movements in the work station 5, the shock absorbers 27, 28 absorbing the vibrations and pressures exerted on the floor 19.

[0103] The floor 19 is pivotally articulated to the support 25.

[0104] In the embodiment shown, the curved tube of the support 25 comprises two guides 29, 30 slidably mounted on the curved tube of the support 25, each of the two guides 29, 30 being pivotally mounted on a lateral section 22, 23 of the plinth 21.

[0105] The floor 19 is pivotally articulated to the ascent plane 2.

[0106] In the embodiment shown, the floor 19 carries two knuckles 31, 32 receiving a crosspiece 33 of the mounting plane 2. By knuckle here is meant a part comprising a reservation in which the crosspiece 33 forming the articulation axis passes.

[0107] The shanks 31, 32 are for example fixed to the floor 19 by screwing, welding, or riveting.

[0108] In the deployed position, the floor 19 rests on the support 25. In the embodiment shown, no mechanical locking is used in this deployed position.

[0109] In other implementations, not shown, a mechanical lock, for example a pin, ensures that the floor is held in the deployed position.

[0110] The folding of the floor 19 is obtained by the sliding of the guides 29, 30 on the support 25, the rotation of the floor 19 relative to the guides 29, 30, the rotation of the floor 19 relative to the cross member 33, and the rotation of the support 25 relative to the side members 10 of the ascent plane 2.

[0111] During this pivoting, the floor 19 gradually passes from a substantially horizontal position to a storage position, in which the floor 19 comes to be positioned between the side members 10 of the ascent plane 2.

[0112] In this storage position, the curved tube of the support 25 is substantially parallel to the side members 10 of the ascent plane.

[0113] The wall spacer 20 is now described.

[0114] In the embodiment shown, the wall spacer 20 comprises a plate 34 arranged between two curved tubes 35, 36. When the wall spacer 20 is in the deployed position, the plate 34 is substantially horizontal, and arranged substantially at the height of the pelvis of a person located at the workstation 5.

[0115] The plate 34 allows the user to place tools, pots or buckets. In certain implementations, not shown, the plate includes housings whose shapes are adapted to specific tools.

[0116] Each of the curved tubes 35, 36 carries a support member 37, 38 such as a wheel or a skate, allowing the ladder 1 to rest against a facade or a wall.

[0117] In certain implementations, not shown, the wall spacer is of the telescopic type, allowing adjustment of the distance between the workstation and the facade or wall against which the ladder rests.

[0118] In certain implementations, not shown, the wall spacer comprises an accessory allowing support against a post.

[0119] The curved tubes 35, 36 are articulated in rotation to the side members 10 of the ascent plane 2.

[0120] The guardrail 18 is now described.

[0121] In the embodiment shown, the guardrail 18 comprises a gate 40 hinged on two vertical uprights 41, 42. The gate 40 comprises a lower bar 43, an upper bar 44 and a connecting plate 45 hinged to the upper bar 44 and to the lower bar 43.

[0122] A connecting yoke 46 connects the lower bar 43 and the plate 45. A connecting yoke 47 connects the upper bar 44 and the plate 45.

[0123] The lower bar 43 is pivotally mounted on a hinge yoke 48 fixed on a vertical upright 4L. Similarly, the upper bar 44 is pivotally mounted on a hinge yoke 49 fixed on the vertical upright 4L.

[0124] When the gate 40 is in the closed position of the workstation 5, the upper and lower bars 43, 44 are substantially horizontal and parallel. The free end of the lower bar 43 is then supported on a support yoke 48a mounted on the second vertical upright 42. Similarly, the free end of the upper bar 44 is then supported on a support yoke 49a mounted on the second vertical upright 42.

[0125] The articulation yokes 48, 49, and the support yokes 48a, 49a are for example formed by assembling parts made of polymer material, the assembly of the parts and the mounting of the yokes on the uprights 41, 42 being for example carried out by screwing.

[0126] The assembly formed by the lower bar 43, the upper bar 44, and the connecting plate 45 can be moved manually by pivoting. In the open position of the gate 40, the two bars 43, 44 are brought into a substantially vertical position. The return to the closed position of the gate 40 is ensured by the own weight of the assembly formed by the bars 43, 44 and the connecting plate 45.

[0127] The opening of the gate 40 thus takes place substantially in a vertical plane, without the gate 40 being driven towards the inside of the workstation 5, or towards the front of the ascent plane 2.

[0128] In certain implementations, a return means such as for example a torsion spring ensures automatic closing of the gate.

[0129] In certain implementations, a locking device ensures that the lower bar 43 and / or the upper bar 44 are held in the horizontal position for closing the workstation 5.

[0130] In the embodiment shown, the bars 43, 44 of the gate 40 are articulated to the vertical upright located to the left of the ascent plane 2.

[0131] In other embodiments, not shown, the bars 43, 44 of the gate 40 are articulated to the upright located to the right of the ascent plane 2.

[0132] In the embodiment shown, the gate 40 is formed of an assembly forming a single leaf, extending over the entire width of the workstation 5.

[0133] In other embodiments, the gate comprises two assemblies each extending over a portion of the width of the workstation. For example, the gate comprises bars hinged to the vertical upright located to the right of the ascent plane, and further includes bars articulated on the vertical upright located to the left of the ascent plane.

[0134] In other implementations, not shown, the gate is hinged to one of the vertical uprights 41, 42 and opens towards the inside of the workstation. When entering the workstation, the gate opens as the user passes, to close behind him, advantageously automatically, by the weight of the gate and, if necessary, by a return means.

[0135] In other implementations, the gate is hinged to one of the vertical uprights 41, 42 and opens towards the outside of the workstation.

[0136] Each vertical upright 41, 42 is slidably mounted on a guide 50, each guide 50 being pivotally mounted on a spar of the ascent plane 2.

[0137] Each vertical upright 41, 42 is furthermore articulated to a horizontal upright 51, 52, each horizontal upright 51, 52 being articulated to a spar 10 of the ascent plane 2.

[0138] The workstation 5 is provided with two guide pieces 60, each of these two guide pieces 60 being slidably mounted on a beam 10 of the ascent plane 2.

[0139] Each guide piece 60 is connected to the wall spacer 20 by a connecting bar 61.

[0140] Each guide piece 60 is connected to a vertical upright 41, 42 by a connecting tube 62.

[0141] We will now describe the pivoting of the assembly formed by the guardrail 18 and the wall spreader 20, from a deployed position for use of the workstation 5 to a compact position for transporting or storing the ladder 1.

[0142] In a first step, a locking device is manually actuated.

[0143] In the embodiment shown, a locking hand 63 is unlocked, on each side of the climbing plane 2, the locking hand 63 being held in the locked position by a return means such as a spring. Locking is for example obtained by passing one end of the locking hand 63 through a hole in the spar. Alternatively, locking is obtained by friction.

[0144] The locking hand 63 is pivoted around its main axis and is then inserted into a housing 64, making it possible to maintain the locking hand 63 in the open position, during the sliding of the guide part 60.

[0145] In a second step, the guide pieces 60 are slid along the side members 10 of the ascent plane 2.

[0146] During this sliding, the wall spreader 20 pivots to come into position in a plane substantially parallel to the rising plane 2.

[0147] When the guide pieces 60 slide, the horizontal uprights 51, 52 pivot to come to rest in a plane slightly inclined relative to the plane of climb 2.

[0148] When the guide pieces 60 slide, the vertical uprights 41, 42 pivot relative to the side members 10 by sliding in the guides 50. At the end of pivoting, the vertical uprights 41, 42 are arranged in a plane substantially parallel to the ascent plane 2.

[0149] In a third step, locking of the ladder 1 in the folded position is ensured, by actuation of the locking hands 63.

[0150] When the sliding of the guide part 60 is completed, the locking hand 63 is pivoted around its main axis, and the main axis of the locking hand 63 is housed in a hole in the spar 10 of the ascent plane, ensuring locking.

[0151] In a variant, the pivoting of the locking hand is done automatically to one or the other or both extreme positions.

[0152] Workstation 5 provides high security.

[0153] A work space is delimited laterally by the upper end parts of the two side members 10. This work space is secured, in particular with regard to the risks of falling, at different heights of the user's body.

[0154] A first safety feature, at the height of the user's feet, is provided by the plinth 21.

[0155] A second safety feature, at the height of the user's legs, is provided by the lower bar 43 of the gate 40 and by the end parts of the two side members 10.

[0156] A third safety feature, at the height of the user's pelvis, is provided by the upper bar 44 of the gate 40, by the two horizontal uprights 51, 52 of the guardrail 18, and by an upper crosspiece 53.

[0157] The workspace is thus secured completely, over 360°, and therefore against the risks of falling forward, falling sideways or falling backwards.

[0158] Advantageously, the workstation is provided with means preventing the gate from accidentally opening outwards when the user present in the workspace leans on the gate.

[0159] Scale 1 is easy to use.

[0160] Starting from a compact storage position of the ladder 1, placed on the ground, the floor 19 can be manually placed in the deployed position. The ladder 1 is then supported on the ground, at the base of the side members of the ascent plane 2 (where the pads 15 are located), and by the support 25 of the floor 19.

[0161] The user can then manually deploy the assembly formed by the guardrail 18 and the wall spreader 20. During this manual deployment, the support members 37, 38 such as wheels can come to rest on the ground. The deployment of the assembly formed by the guardrail and the wall spreader is thus obtained while the ladder 1 is on the ground. The user can safely deploy the workstation, with both hands available for maneuvering, without the weight of the ladder 1 being a hindrance.

[0162] When the workstation is deployed, the user can tilt the lifting plane and place the stabilizers 3, 4 resting on the ground.

Claims

Claims

1. Ladder (1) comprising a climbing plane (2) having a pair of side members (10, 12) and rungs (11, 13) transversely connecting the side members (10, 12), the ladder (1) comprising a foldable workstation (5) and a wall spreader (20), the workstation (5) comprising a guardrail (18) and a floor (19), the guardrail (18) and the wall spreader (20) forming an assembly hinged to the climbing plane (2), between a folded configuration in which the guardrail (18) and the wall spreader (20) are folded towards the climbing plane (2) and a deployed configuration for use of the workstation (5), the floor (19) being hinged to the climbing plane (2) between a folded configuration in which the floor (19) is folded towards the climbing plane (2) and a deployed configuration for use from the workstation (5),the means of articulation to the rising plane (2) of the assembly formed by the guardrail (18) and the wall spacer (20) being distinct and independent of the means of articulation to the rising plane (2) of the floor (19), characterized in that a guide piece (60) is slidably mounted on each of the side members (10, 12) of the rising plane (2), each guide piece (60) being connected to the wall spacer (20) by a connecting bar (61), each guide piece (60) being connected to a vertical upright (41, 42) of the guardrail (18) by a connecting tube (62), the sliding of each guide piece (60) on its supporting side member (10, 12), between a first extreme position and a second extreme position causing the movement of the assembly formed by the guardrail (18) and the wall spacer (20) between its deployed configuration for use of the workstation work (5) and its folded configuration.,

2. Ladder (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guardrail (18) comprises a gate (40) for access to the workstation (5).

3. Ladder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the deployed configuration of the workstation (5), the guardrail (18) comprises two vertical uprights (41, 42) and two horizontal uprights (51, 52), the vertical and horizontal uprights extending on either side of the climbing plane (2), each vertical upright (41, 42) being slidably mounted on a guide (50) fixed to a side member (10) of the climbing plane (2), the guide (50) pivoting transversely relative to the side member (10) of the climbing plane (2), each horizontal upright (51, 52) being pivotally mounted to a vertical upright (41, 42), each horizontal upright (51, 52) rizontal (51, 52) being pivotally mounted to a spar (10) of the ascent plane (2).

4. Ladder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that locking means are capable of maintaining at least one guide piece (60) in its first extreme position, in which the assembly formed by the guardrail (18) and the wall spacer (20) is in its deployed configuration.

5. Ladder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that locking means are capable of holding at least one guide piece (60) in its second extreme position, in which the assembly formed by the guardrail (18) and the wall spacer (20) is in its folded configuration.

6. Ladder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the floor (19) is articulated, by a front edge, to the climbing plane (2), in transverse rotation, the floor (19) being in its deployed configuration supported by a rear edge on a support tube (25), the support tube (25) being articulated in transverse rotation to the climbing plane (2), a guide (29, 30) being slidably mounted on the support tube (25), the guide (29, 30) being mounted in transverse rotation to the rear edge of the floor (19).

7. Ladder (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, in the deployed configuration of the floor (19), a shock absorber (27, 28) is placed between the support tube (25) and the floor (19).

8. Ladder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the climbing plane (2) comprises at least two parts (8, 9) mounted to slide relative to each other.

9. Ladder (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that two stabilizers (3, 4) are articulated to the climbing plane (2).

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