Stair step

Abstract

A step for a staircase, as well as a staircase comprising such steps, allowing for the easy and rapid construction of a temporary or permanent staircase that can adapt to the terrain profile, the step comprising a frame (20) and a support board (50), forming a walking surface (51), in which the frame (20) includes an upper assembly structure (41), configured to pivotally connect an upper step (10), and a lower assembly structure (42), configured to pivotally connect a lower step (10), and in which the frame (20) includes an adjustment structure (31a-31d) configured to adjust the inclination of the support board (50) relative to the frame (20). Fig. 5.

Description

Description Title of the invention: Stair step Technical field This disclosure relates to a step for a staircase, as well as a staircase comprising such steps, allowing the easy and rapid construction of a staircase, temporary or permanent, which can be adapted to the profile of the terrain. Such a staircase is particularly useful for equipping an embankment, a bank, a ditch or even a basin, particularly in the context of a construction site. Prior art When working outdoors, it is often useful to put in place means of easily climbing to the top of an embankment or, on the contrary, descending to the bottom of a ditch. Most often, a simple rope is hung from the top of the relief; sometimes, a makeshift staircase made of tires tied to each other is installed along the slope of the relief. However, of course, such solutions do not provide the desired reliability and safety for users. Sometimes prefabricated stairs, made from assembled metal tubes and plates, are installed along the slope of the relief. However, these stairs, designed primarily for indoor use, have a constant slope and therefore cannot always rest on the relief when it is not regular, which makes it necessary to use pillars to support the staircase; the result is a complex, heavy, expensive construction that is difficult to install and dismantle. A first, more satisfactory solution was devised in patent application FR 2 990 456. Indeed, this document describes a staircase made up of prefabricated steps, assembled together using longitudinal profiles and having a geometry allowing them to vary the slope of the staircase between two values ​​in order to best adapt it to the slope of the terrain. However, despite the significant progress made by this first solution, the latter only allows adaptation to two different slopes. Furthermore, it is not suitable when the terrain has a non-linear curvature. There is therefore a real need for a stair step, as well as a staircase comprising such steps, which are free, at least in part, from the drawbacks inherent in the aforementioned known configurations. Statement of the invention This disclosure relates to a stair tread, comprising a chassis, and a support board, forming a walking surface, wherein the frame comprises an upper assembly structure, configured to pivotally connect an upper step, and a lower assembly structure, configured to pivotally connect a lower step, and wherein the frame comprises an adjustment structure configured to adjust the inclination of the support board relative to the frame. Thanks to the upper assembly structure, which allows an upper step to be connected using a pivot connection, and the lower assembly structure, which allows a lower step to be connected also using a pivot connection, it is possible to adapt the curvature of the staircase to that of the terrain on which the staircase is installed. In fact, the angle formed between the upper step and the current step can vary freely and independently of the angle formed between the current step and the lower step: the inclination of the frame of each step can therefore vary freely in order to adjust as closely as possible to the inclination of each section of the terrain. Furthermore, thanks to the adjustment structure, it is possible to adjust the inclination of the support board, and therefore of the walking surface, in relation to the frame in order to be able to orient the walking surface in a direction close to the horizontal regardless of the inclination of the frame. Thus, the combination of these two methods makes it possible to construct stairs capable of adapting to varied terrain geometries, notably presenting non-linear curvatures, while offering walking surfaces close to the horizontal and therefore pleasant and easy to climb. In addition, the use of such prefabricated steps allows for quick, easy and inexpensive assembly and disassembly. In some embodiments, the range of adjustment of the inclination of the support board relative to the frame extends over at least 10°, preferably at least 25°, more preferably at least 40°. In some embodiments, the inclination of the support board relative to the frame may take at least three distinct values, preferably at least four distinct values. In particular, the values ​​that this inclination may take may be discrete or continuous. In some embodiments, the frame includes a set of multiple fan-shaped notches or slots each configured to receive a hooking member for the backing board. The inclination of the backing board can thus be easily adjusted by engaging the hooking member in different notches or slots. In some embodiments, the frame includes two side plates and at least one axle connecting the two side plates. Such a configuration is both robust, lightweight and inexpensive to manufacture. In some embodiments, the axle is pivotally mounted on each side plate. The pivoting of the axle thus forms a pivot connection with the adjacent step. In particular, the axle may be provided to be pivotally mounted both on each side plate of the current step and on each side plate of the adjacent step. In some embodiments, the axle is slidably mounted on each side plate. This can facilitate assembly and lateral adjustment of the staircase. In some embodiments, the frame comprises at least one stop member attached to at least one end of the axle to prevent it from sliding. Such a stop member is configured to not prevent the axle from pivoting. In some embodiments, the axle takes the form of a hollow tube. Such a configuration provides increased mechanical strength. Such hollow tubes are also easy to source. In addition, it is possible to pass an element, for example a rope, within the tube. In some embodiments, the axle is made of plastic, preferably polyvinyl chloride (PVC). In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate includes an upper hinge hole configured to receive an upper axle. Such a hole thus forms a plain bearing forming a pivot connection for the axle. This axle may allow connection with the upper step. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate includes a lower hinge hole configured to receive a lower axle. Such a hole thus forms a plain bearing forming a pivot connection for the axle. This axle may allow connection with the lower step. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate includes a set of several notches or slots arranged in a fan shape and each configured to receive a hooking member of the backing board. The inclination of the backing board can thus easily be adjusted by engaging the hooking member in different notches or slots. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate comprises a set of several notches formed in a front edge of the side plate. Due to their position at the front end of the frame, a given gap between two distinct notches results in a significant angular gap for the inclination of the support board. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate comprises a set of several slots. Such slots may in particular allow the insertion of a member for attaching the support board or even the insertion of another element, for example a support bar. In particular, each slot can coincide with a notch in the side plate and therefore correspond to a given inclination of the support board. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate comprises an oblong slot configured to allow a fastening device to pass through. This oblong slot allows the same fastening device to pass through regardless of the inclination of the support board. In particular, this oblong slot may be curved to follow the pivoting of the support board; it may extend in a direction transverse to the support board. This oblong slot may be located near the upper hinge hole, i.e. at least closer to the latter than to the front edge of the side plate. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate comprises a set of several locking holes, each locking hole being configured to allow a fastening device to pass through. Such locking holes may allow the passage of a fastening device, such as a screw or a pin, for locking the position of the backing board. In particular, each locking hole may coincide with a notch in the side plate and therefore correspond to a given inclination of the backing board. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate has a general L-shape comprising an upper arm and a lower arm. In particular, the side plate comprises a hollow between the upper arm and the lower arm. Such a hollow makes it possible on the one hand to reduce the mass of the step and on the other hand to reduce the surface area of ​​the frame in contact with the ground, which facilitates the installation of the staircase when the ground is uneven: in particular, only the ends of the two arms can be in contact with the ground. In some embodiments, the end of at least one arm, and reference of the two arms, is rounded. This facilitates stable support of this arm on the ground even when the latter is uneven. In some embodiments, the upper hinge hole is provided at the end of the upper arm and / or the lower hinge hole is provided at the end of the lower arm. In some embodiments, the side plate notches are provided in the junction area between the upper arm and the lower arm. In some embodiments, at least one, and preferably each, side plate is made of plastic, preferably polyethylene (PE). PE is lightweight while having good mechanical strength and resistance to temperature variations: it can be used in both cold and hot weather. An anti-UV treatment can be used. In some embodiments, the frame includes a support bar configured to connect the two side plates by engaging two opposing slots in the side plates. Such a support bar provides a cross member on which the backing board can rest; it further reinforces the assembly, including the frame and the backing board. In some embodiments, the support bar includes at least one hook provided at one end of the support bar. This hook allows the position of the support bar to be rigidly fixed. In some embodiments, the support board includes at least one hook configured to engage a notch or slot in the frame. This hook allows the position of the support bar to be rigidly fixed. In particular, a hook may extend from each side of the plate, for example laterally from each end of its front edge. In some embodiments, the support board rests on at least one cross member of the frame, preferably at least two cross members of the frame. The weight of a person walking on the support board can thus be taken up by the frame by reducing the force exerted on the attachment member of the support board. In particular, the support board can rest on the upper axis and / or on the support bar. In some embodiments, the support board comprises at least one recess at its rear end. Such a recess is useful for accommodating the end of a side plate of the upper step: in such a case, the width of the recess is at least equal to the thickness of the side plate. It can also allow the attachment of another element of the staircase, for example a lashing member. In particular, such a recess can be provided on each side of the support board, along each of its side edges. In some embodiments, the support board comprises at least one lateral notch configured to cooperate with a fixing device. In particular, such a lateral notch may be provided on each side of the support board. It may be positioned opposite the oblong slot. In some embodiments, the support board is made of plastic, preferably polyethylene (PE). PE is lightweight yet has good mechanical strength and resistance to temperature variations: it can be used in both cold and hot weather. UV protection may be used. The present disclosure also relates to a staircase, in particular for slopes, comprising a plurality of steps according to any one of the preceding embodiments, assembled together. In some embodiments, the walking surface of at least 50% of the steps of the staircase, preferably at least 90% of the steps of the staircase, more preferably all of the steps of the staircase, forms an angle of less than 10° with the horizontal, preferably less than 5° with the horizontal. In some embodiments, the curve passing through the base of the frames of the successive steps of the staircase is not linear. It can be concave, convex or have several curvatures. The above-mentioned and other features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of examples of the proposed step and staircase. This detailed description refers to the attached drawings. Brief description of the drawings The attached drawings are schematic and are intended primarily to illustrate the principles of the presentation. In these drawings, from one figure to another, identical elements (or parts of elements) are identified by the same reference signs. [Fig.1] [Fig.1] represents an embankment on which a staircase is installed according to this presentation. [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a step of this staircase. [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an exploded view of the step of [Fig.2]. [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a side view of a side plate of the step of [Fig.2] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] illustrates the assembly of two successive steps. [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a front view of the staircase in [Fig.1]. Description of the embodiments In order to make the disclosure more concrete, an example of a staircase is described in detail below, with reference to the attached drawings. It is recalled that the invention is not limited to this example. [Fig.1] represents a staircase 1 installed along the slope of an embankment 9. In this example, this staircase 1 comprises four steps 10 assembled together. [Fig. 2] shows such a step 10 in isolation. [Fig. 3] shows the same step 10 in an exploded view. All steps are constructed in the same way. This step 10 comprises a frame 20 and a support board 50 forming a step surface 51. The frame 20 comprises two side plates 21, 22, identical and connected by an upper axis 41, a lower axis 42 and a support bar 43. As best seen in [Fig.4], each side plate 21, 22 is flat and takes a general L shape with an upper arm 23, a lower arm 24 and a junction zone 25 at the intersection of the two arms 23, 24. The two arms 23, 24 form between them an obtuse angle forming a hollow 26 in the lower edge 27 of the plate 21, 22. The end of each arm 23, 24 is rounded. Each side plate 21, 22 comprises an upper hinge hole 28, provided at the end of its upper arm 23, and a lower hinge hole 29, provided at the end of its lower arm 24. These two holes 28, 29 have the same diameter. Each side plate 21, 22 has a front edge 30, extending in an arc of a circle, comprising a set of several notches 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d arranged in a fan shape. More precisely, the lower segment of each notch 31a-31d extends along a directrix Da, Db, Dc, Dd which is tangent to the upper edge of the upper articulation orifice 28. All the notches 31a-31d are identical, except for their position and orientation. Each side plate 21, 22 also comprises an oblong slot 32, provided near the upper hinge hole 28 and extending in an arc of a circle. Each side plate 21, 22 also comprises a set of several slots 33a, 33b, 33c, 33d arranged in a fan-shaped and staggered manner in two rows. More precisely, each slot 33a-33d is provided on a directing line Da-Dd. Each slot 33a-33d has a rectangular profile whose long length extends in a direction perpendicular to this directing line Da-Dd. All the slots 33a-33d are identical, except for their position and orientation. In the present example, the side plates 21, 22 are made of polyethylene (PE) by cutting from large plates using a digital saw. They are treated against ultraviolet rays and are preferably black in color. The upper axis 41 and the lower axis 42 of the chassis 20 are each a hollow PVC tube of the same diameter adjusted to that of the articulation holes 28, 29. The upper axis 41 is thus engaged in the upper articulation hole 28 and the lower axis 42 is engaged in the lower articulation hole 29. Stop rings 44 are placed on the sections of the axes 41, 42 projecting laterally from the side plates 21, 22 in order to block the sliding of the axes 41, 42. The support bar 43, also made of PE, is rectilinear and has a rectangular section corresponding to the profile of the slots 33a-33d of the side plates 21, 22. The support bar 43 comprises, at each of its ends, a recess 45a forming a hook 45. The width of this recess 45a is at least equal to, and preferably adjusted to, the thickness of the side plates 21, 22. The support bar 45 can engage in any one of the slots 33a-33d of the side plates 21, 22; the lower edge of the slot 33a-33d can then engage in the recess 45a of the hook 45 in order to block the support bar 43 and thus, in particular, block the spacing of the side plates 21, 22, The support board 50 is flat and made of PE by cutting large plates using a digital saw. It is treated against ultraviolet rays and is preferably black in color. It is designed to rest on the upper axis 41 and on the support bar 43. The support board 50 comprises, at its two front corners, a hook-shaped hooking member 52 extending from the lateral edge 53 of the support board 50 and turned towards the rear. The recess 52a formed by this hook 52 has a width at least equal to, and preferably adjusted to, the thickness of the side plates 21, 22. The hook 52 can engage in any one of the notches 31a-31d, the bottom of the notch 31a-31d engaging in the recess 52a of the hook 52 in order to block the support board 50 and thus, in particular, block the spacing of the side plates 21, 99 Due to the plurality of notches 31a-31d and slots 33a-33d, it is possible to adjust the inclination of the support board 50 relative to the chassis, each available inclination corresponding to one of the directing lines Da-Dd. Thus, in the present example, the support board 50 can be inclined in four different ways relative to the chassis 20, a gap of 10° being provided between each successive inclination Da-Dd: more precisely, in the present example, the support board 50 can form an angle equal to 17°, 27°, 37° or 47° relative to the base plane P of the chassis passing through the ends of the upper arm 23 and the lower arm 24 of the side plates 21, 23. The support board 50 further comprises, at each lateral edge 53, a lateral notch 54 in which a nut 55a can be housed. When the support board 50 is installed on the chassis 20, this lateral notch 54 is positioned facing the oblong slot 32: a screw 55b can then be engaged in the oblong slot 32 to be tightened in the nut 5Sa and thus lock the support board 50 on the chassis 20. The support board 50 further comprises, at its two rear corners, a recess 56 whose thickness is at least equal to the thickness of the side plates 21, 22. The function of these recesses 56 will be explained below. The assembly of a step 10 has just been explained. The assembly of the steps 10 together will now be explained with reference to figures 5 and 6. It is understood from these figures that each lower axis 42 of a given step 10 constitutes the upper axis 41 of the lower step 10. Thus, with the exception of the upper axis 41 of the highest step 10 and the lower axis 42 of the lowest step 10, lower, each intermediate axis 41, 42 is engaged simultaneously in the lower articulation hole 29 of the upper step 10 and in the upper articulation hole 28 of the lower step 10. In this way, the axis 41, 42 constitutes a pivot axis articulating the lower step 10 relative to the upper step 10 according to a pivot connection. On this occasion, it is noted that the lower step 10 is offset by a side plate thickness relative to the upper step 10 and that the lower arm 24 of one of the side plates 22 of the upper step 10 can be received in the corresponding recess 56 of the support board 50 of the lower step 10. Over the entire staircase 1, it is noted that the steps 10 are offset alternately on the left side and on the right side in order to maintain, on average, the alignment of the staircase 1. As can be seen in [Fig. 1], thanks to the articulation of each step 10, the staircase 1 is able to follow the curvature of the slope 9. In addition, it is possible to choose for each step 10 the inclination Da-Dd of the support board 50 most suitable so that the walking surface 51 is close to horizontal. To fix the staircase 1, it is possible, for example, to secure it using a rope passed around the upper axis 41 of the highest step, at the level of a recess 56 of the support board 50 of this step 10. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. It is also obvious that all the characteristics described with reference to a method are transposable, alone or in combination, to a device, and conversely, all the characteristics described with reference to a device are transposable, alone or in combination, to a method.

Claims

Claims

1. Stair step, comprising a chassis (20), and a support board (50), forming a walking surface (51), wherein the frame (20) comprises a su- assembly structure upper (28, 41), configured to pivotally connect a step upper (10), and a lower assembly structure (29, 42), configured to pivotally connect a lower step (10), and wherein the frame (20) comprises an adjustment structure (31a-31d) configured to adjust the inclination of the support board (50) relative to the chassis (20).

2. A step according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment range of the inclination of the support board (50) relative to the frame (20) is at least equal to 10°, preferably at least equal to 30°, preferably still at least equal to 45°, and in which the inclination of the support board (50) relative to the chassis (20) can take at least three distinct values, preferably at least four distinct values.

3. A step according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the frame (20) includes a set of several notches (31a-31d) or slots (33a-33d) arranged in a fan shape and each configured to receive a attachment member (52) of the support board (50).

4. A step according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the frame (20) comprises two side plates (21, 22) and at least one axis (41, 42) connecting the two side plates (21, 22), and in which the axis (41, 42) is pivotally mounted on each plate lateral (21, 22).

5. A step according to claim 4, wherein at least one, and preferably each side plate (21, 22) comprises an orifice upper hinge (28) configured to receive an upper axle {41),and wherein at least one, and preferably each, side plate (21, 22) includes a lower hinge port (29) configured to receive a lower axle (42).

6. A step according to claim 4 or 5, wherein at least one, and preferably each side plate (21, 22) comprises a set of several notches (31a-31d) made in a front edge (30) of the side plate (21, 22).

7. A step according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein at least one, and preferably each, side plate (21, 22) includes a set of several slots (33a-33d), and wherein the frame (20) comprises a support bar (43) configured to connect the two side plates (21, 22) by engaging in two opposite slots (33a-33d) of the side plates (21, 22).

8. A step according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein at least one, and preferably each, side plate (21, 22) has a general L-shape comprising an upper arm (23) and an arm lower (24).

9. A step according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support board (50) comprises at least one recess (56) at the level of its rear end.

10. Staircase, in particular for slopes, comprising a plurality of steps (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, assembled to each other.