RAILING SYSTEM

Abstract

TITLE: RAILING SYSTEM The present invention relates to a railing system, comprising at least one post, at least one handrail and at least one assembly module (4), said assembly module (4) for connecting said post and said handrail, characterized in that said handrail is formed by a profiled hollow body and has a central longitudinal cavity opening into a peripheral longitudinal groove, the assembly module (4) comprising: - a support element (13), intended to be inserted into said central longitudinal cavity by sliding, - a mounting element (14), having a first end (141) intended to bear against the support element (13), said first end (141) being intended to be inserted into said central longitudinal cavity by sliding, the mounting element (14) having a second end (142),adapted to project from said handrail by means of said peripheral longitudinal groove, said second end being intended to be inserted and fixed into said post, the bearing of said first end (141) against said support element (13) allowing rotation between the support element (13) and the mounting element (14) about a transverse axis of said handrail, and clamping means (15) intended to lock the support element (13) and the mounting element (14) in translation within said handrail. Abbreviated figure: Figure 4,

Description

Title of the invention: RAILING SYSTEM Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of interior and exterior equipment for houses, residential buildings, buildings for professional or commercial use and public buildings, in particular safety and decorative equipment for open surfaces receiving the public or the passage of people.

[0002] The invention relates in particular to delimitation equipment with an elongated structure composed of the assembly of several parts or segments placed end to end, and more specifically to components making it possible to produce such elongated constructions by mutual assembly of standard parts or segments of reduced individual size.

[0003] The invention relates more specifically to a railing system making it possible to form such a construction. Prior art

[0004] Many railing systems are known. However, they generally consist of a large number of parts, which means that all of these parts must be manufactured, transported and stored. In addition, their assembly is often complex and may require the intervention of a professional. This complex assembly can also affect the aesthetic appearance of the construction once assembled.

[0005] Document EP 2003 265 describes a balustrade system making it possible to reduce the number of parts for assembling the construction. In this system, the connecting means between a handrail and a post comprise, on the one hand, a supporting arm comprising a bent part on the end of which is secured, with the ability to pivot and lock in position, a support and fixing plate for the handrail, and a straight part forming a slide and, on the other hand, two complementary components mounted in the upper end of the profiled hollow body of the post and intended to ensure guided sliding and locking in position with tightening of the rectilinear part forming a slide of the supporting arm. Thus, a relatively large number of assembly and fixing steps remain necessary to obtain the desired construction.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a railing system comprising a limited number of parts, which can be easily adapted to different configurations, and which does not have an unsightly connection at the junctions between the posts and the handrails. Statement of the invention

[0007] These objectives, as well as others which will become more clearly apparent hereinafter, are achieved by means of a railing system, comprising at least one post, at least one handrail and at least one assembly module, said assembly module making it possible to connect said post and said handrail, characterized in that said handrail is formed by a profiled hollow body and comprises a central longitudinal cavity opening into a peripheral longitudinal groove, the assembly module comprising: - a support element, intended to be inserted into said central longitudinal cavity, by sliding, - a mounting element, comprising a first end intended to bear against the support element, said first end being intended to be inserted into said central longitudinal cavity, by sliding, the mounting element comprising a second end, capable of projecting from said handrail through said peripheral longitudinal groove, said second end being intended to be inserted and fixed in said post, the bearing of said first end against said support element allowing rotation between the support element and the mounting element along a transverse axis of said handrail, and - clamping means, intended to block the support element and the mounting element in translation in said handrail.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the invention, said support element comprises a curved portion, for receiving said first end of the mounting element.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, said first end of the mounting element comprises two lugs, for holding the mounting element inside said central longitudinal cavity.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, said clamping means comprise headless screws intended to be screwed into threaded holes in the support element.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the railing system comprises two posts supporting said handrail, and two assembly modules making it possible to rigidly connect each of said posts and said handrail.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the invention, the railing system comprises a surface filling element and / or several elongated spacer elements, extending between said posts and secured to said posts at fixing points.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the railing system comprises two handrails, said two handrails being connected to each other by means of pins.

[0014] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a system of railing as described above, comprising: - a step of placing the mounting element on the support element, consisting of positioning the first end of the mounting element resting on said support element, - a step of placing the support element and the mounting element inside the handrail, consisting of inserting the support element and the first end of the mounting element into the central longitudinal cavity of the handrail, by sliding, so that the second end of the mounting element projects through the peripheral longitudinal groove, - a step of fixing the mounting element in the post, consisting of inserting and fixing the second end of the mounting element in the post, - a step of adjusting the position of the handrail relative to the post, consisting of adjusting the position of the support element by longitudinal translation, and - a tightening step, consisting of tightening the tightening means, to block the support element and the mounting element in translation in said handrail.

[0015] Preferably, said first end of the mounting element comprises two lugs, for holding the mounting element inside said central longitudinal cavity. The lugs participate in locking the mounting element in the handrail.

[0016] List of figures

[0017] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description of preferred embodiments, given as a simple figurative and non-limiting example, and accompanied by the figures among which: - [Fig.l] is a perspective view of a railing system according to one embodiment of the invention; - [Fig.2] is a partial perspective view of a railing system according to a second embodiment of the invention, showing the assembly of two handrails; - [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a handrail of the system of railing of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.4] is an exploded perspective view of an assembly module of the railing system of [Fig.l]; - [Fig.5] is a side view of the assembly module of [Fig.4]; - [Fig.6] is a perspective view showing the insertion of the module assembly in the handrail; - [Fig.7] is a perspective view showing the inserted assembly module in the handrail; - [Fig.8] is a side view showing the assembly module inserted into the handrail ; - [Fig.9] is a perspective view showing the installation of the module assembly in a post of the railing system; - [Fig. 10] is a perspective view showing the adjustment of the angle between the post and the handrail; - [Fig.l 1] is a side view showing the tightening of the railing system; and - [Fig. 12] is a step diagram showing the steps of an assembly process of the railing system, according to one embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention 1. Railing system

[0018] A railing system 1 is described below.

[0019] The term “railing” here designates any type of protective barrier, for example a balustrade, a ramp, a guardrail, or a guard rail.

[0020] A railing system 1 is for example used to protect a staircase, a terrace, a swimming pool, a platform or other.

[0021] The railing system 1 comprises at least one post 2, preferably at least two posts 2, and at least one handrail 3. The handrail 3 may also be referred to as a "top grab bar". The railing system 1 may further comprise a surface filling element and / or a plurality of elongated spacer elements 5, which extend between the posts 2 and which are fixed to the posts 2 at fixing points.

[0022] The railing system 1 further comprises at least one assembly module 4, making it possible to rigidly connect the post 2 and the handrail 3.

[0023] In [Fig.l], the railing system 1 comprises three posts 2, a handrail 3, and three assembly modules 4 allowing the three posts 2 to be connected to the handrail 3 respectively.

[0024] The railing system 1 may also comprise several handrails 3 ( [Fig.2]). In this case, the handrails 3 are connected to each other by means of pins 6. The pins 6 are, for example, split pins. Two pins may be used, but this number is not limiting. The junction between two handrails 3 is preferably made at a post 2.

[0025] Each post 2 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The directrix curve of the cylinder is for example circular or elliptical. Each post 2 comprises, at its lower end, means for fixing to the ground 7. Each post 2 comprises, at its upper end, means for receiving and fixing an assembly module 4. The receiving means are for example formed by a cylindrical cavity 8 opening onto the upper face of the post 2. The fixing means comprise for example two threaded orifices 9, diametrically opposite, opening into the cylindrical cavity 8. Each orifice 9 is intended to receive a headless screw 10 ([Fig.9]), after the installation of an assembly module 4 in the cylindrical cavity 8.

[0026] As can be seen in particular in [Fig. 3], each handrail 3 is formed by a profiled hollow body and comprises a central longitudinal cavity 11, which extends over the entire length of the handrail 3, and is therefore accessible from both ends of the handrail 3. The central longitudinal cavity 11 opens into a peripheral longitudinal groove 12, which also extends over the entire length of the handrail 3. The width of the central longitudinal cavity 11 is greater than the width of the peripheral longitudinal groove 12. The peripheral longitudinal groove 12 opens outside the handrail 3. 1. Assembly module

[0027] Referring to [Fig.4] and [Fig.5], an assembly module 4 is described in more detail below. When several assembly modules 4 are used, they can all be made in a similar manner.

[0028] The assembly module 4 comprises a support element 13, a mounting element 14, and clamping means 15.

[0029] The support element 13 is arranged to be inserted into the central longitudinal cavity 11, by sliding from one end of the handrail 3. Its shape and dimensions are therefore adapted to allow this insertion. The width of the support element 13 is furthermore greater than the width of the peripheral longitudinal groove 12, to allow the support element 13 to be held in the cavity 11 after its insertion.

[0030] The support element 13 comprises a curved portion 16, having for example a substantially triangular section, for receiving a first end 14i of the mounting element 14.

[0031] The first end 14i is arranged to come into contact with the support element 13, at the bottom of the curved portion 16. This contact allows rotation, between the support element 13 and the mounting element 14, along a transverse axis of the support element 13. The first end 14i is rounded, to facilitate this rotation.

[0032] The first end 14i of the mounting element 14 comprises two lugs 17, arranged on either side of the first end 14b to hold the first end 14i inside the central longitudinal cavity 11, after its insertion.

[0033] The mounting element 14 comprises a second end 142 capable of projecting from the handrail 3 through the groove 12. The second end 142 has the shape of a rod. The diameter of the rod is adapted to allow its insertion into the cylindrical cavity 8 of the post 2.

[0034] The clamping means 15 are intended to lock the support element 13 and the mounting element 14 in position in the handrail 3, to obtain a rigid connection between the post 2 and the handrail 3. The clamping means 15 comprise two headless screws 18, intended to be mounted in two holes 19 of the support element 13. 1. Assembly process

[0035] Referring to [Fig. 12], the steps of a method of mounting a railing system 1, according to one embodiment of the invention, are described below.

[0036] The method comprises a step S1 of placing the mounting element 14 on the support element 13. This step consists of placing the first end 14i of the mounting element 14 in abutment against the bottom of the curved portion 16 of the support element 13 ([Fig.5]).

[0037] The method comprises a step S2 of placing the support element 13 and the mounting element 14 inside the handrail 3. This step consists of simultaneously inserting the support element 13 and the first end 14i of the mounting element 14 into the handrail 3, by sliding, from one end of the handrail 3 ([Fig.6] and [Fig.7]). For this insertion, the second end 142 of the mounting element 14 is positioned in line with the longitudinal groove 12, and slides into the longitudinal groove 12 by projecting therefrom. At this stage, the support element 13 is movable in longitudinal translation inside the central longitudinal cavity 11 of the handrail 3. The first end 14i of the mounting element 14 is integral in translation with the support element 13, because it is held in the curved portion 16.The first end 14i of the mounting element 14 is rotatable relative to the support element 13, around a transverse axis, which corresponds to an axis passing through the two lugs 17.

[0038] The method comprises a step S3 of fixing the mounting element 14 in the post 2 ([Fig.9]). This step consists of inserting the second end 142 of the mounting element 14 into the cylindrical cavity 8 of the post 2, then fixing the second end 142 in the post 2 using the screws 10.

[0039] The method comprises a step S4 of adjusting the position of the handrail 3 relative to the post 2 ([Fig. 10]). This step consists of adjusting the position of the support element 13, therefore of the mounting element 14, in the longitudinal cavity 11, by sliding. This step can be carried out very simply and without tools.

[0040] The method comprises a tightening step S5. This step consists of tightening the tightening means 15, i.e. the screws 18. During tightening, the heads of the screws 18 come to bear against a surface of the longitudinal cavity 11 ([Fig.l 1]). This bearing has the effect of pushing the support element 13 against the opposite surface of the longitudinal cavity 11. Simultaneously, the support element 13 exerts, via the bottom of the curved portion 16, pressure on the first end 14i and on the lugs 17 of the mounting element 14. The lugs 17 then exert pressure on the cavity 11. Consequently, tightening the screws 18 makes it possible to simultaneously block the support element 13 and the mounting element 14 in translation in the handrail 3. In other words, at this stage, the support element 13 and the mounting element 14 can no longer perform any translational movement inside the cavity 11.

[0041] On the other hand, the angle between the support element 13 and the mounting element 14 can still be adjusted by means of a transverse axis rotation. This angle is fixed once the handrail 3 has been fixed to two posts 2.

[0042] To facilitate assembly, the screws 18 may be placed in the holes 19, without complete tightening, before inserting the support element 13 and the first end 14i of the mounting element 14 into the longitudinal cavity 11.

[0043] Steps S1 to S5 can then be repeated as many times as necessary, with different handrails 3, different posts 2, and different assembly modules 4, to obtain the desired installation.

[0044] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the adjustment step S4 and the tightening step S5 are carried out before the step S3 of fixing the mounting element 14 in the post 2.

[0045] The railing system 1 thus allows adjustment of the angle of the handrail 3 without screws and simultaneous locking of the support element 13 and the mounting element 14.

[0046] In addition, once the assembly is complete, the injunction of the support element 13 and the mounting element 14 is concealed in the handrail. This makes it possible to improve the aesthetics of the railing system 1.

[0047] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above as examples; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Claims

1. Railing system (1), comprising at least one post (2), at least one handrail (3) and at least one assembly module (4), said assembly module (4) making it possible to connect said post and said handrail, characterized in that said handrail (3) is formed by a profiled hollow body and comprises a central longitudinal cavity (11) opening into a peripheral longitudinal groove (12), the assembly module (4) comprising: - a support element (13), intended to be inserted into said central longitudinal cavity (11), by sliding, - a mounting element (14), comprising a first end (14J) intended to bear against the support element (13), said first end (14J) being intended to be inserted into said central longitudinal cavity (11), by sliding, the mounting element (14) comprising a second end (142),able to project from said handrail (3) by said peripheral longitudinal groove (12), said second end being intended to be inserted and fixed in said post (2), the support of said first end (14J against said support element (13) allowing rotation between the support element (13) and the mounting element (14) along a transverse axis of said handrail (3), and - clamping means (15), intended to block the support element (13) and the mounting element (14) in translation in said handrail (3).,

2. A railing system according to claim 1, wherein said support member (13) comprises a curved portion (16), for receiving said first end (14i) of the mounting member (14).

3. A railing system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first end (14i) of the mounting element (14) comprises two lugs (17), for holding the mounting element (14) inside said central longitudinal cavity (11).

4. A railing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said clamping means (15) comprise headless screws (18) intended to be screwed into threaded holes (19) of the support element (13).

5. A railing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising two posts (2) supporting said handrail (3), and two assembly modules (4) allowing each of said posts (2) and said handrail (3) to be rigidly connected.

6. A railing system according to claim 5, comprising a surface filling element and / or a plurality of elongated bracing elements (5), extending between said posts (2) and secured to said posts (2) at fixing points.

7. A railing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising two handrails (3), said two handrails being connected to each other by means of pins (6).

8. A method of mounting a railing system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: - a step (S1) of placing the mounting element (14) on the support element (13), consisting of positioning the first end (14i) of the mounting element (14) resting on said support element (13), - a step (S2) of placing the support element (13) and the mounting element (14) inside the handrail (3), consisting of inserting the support element (13) and the first end (14i) of the mounting element (14) into the central longitudinal cavity (11) of the handrail (3), by sliding, so that the second end (14i) of the mounting element projects through the peripheral longitudinal groove (12), - a step (S3) of fixing the mounting element (14) in the post (2), consisting of inserting and fixing the second end (142) of the mounting element in the post (2),- a step (S4) of adjusting the position of the handrail (3) relative to the post (2), consisting of adjusting the position of the support element (13) by longitudinal translation, and - a tightening step (S5), consisting of tightening the tightening means (15), to block the support element (13) and the mounting element (14) in translation in said handrail (3).,

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