Protective device to secure pedestrian traffic near a scaffolding structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a protective device (100) for securing the movement of pedestrians near a scaffolding structure (200). One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a device that prevents or limits any risk of bodily injury when a pedestrian passes near a scaffolding structure (200) assembled using rosettes with protruding parts. To this end, the inventors propose a mechanical structure that can be removably mounted to a portion of the scaffolding structure (200). Figure to be published with the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: PROTECTION DEVICE FOR SECURING THE CIRCULATION OF PASSENGERS NEAR A SCAFFOLDING STRUCTURE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of scaffolding structures. In particular, it relates to a protection device for securing the movement of passers-by near a scaffolding structure. Prior art

[0002] Scaffolding structures comprise uprights (e.g. vertical, diagonal) which are assembled using connecting elements, called rosettes.

[0003] The term "scaffolding structure" means a temporary, fixed or mobile construction or frame which facilitates access to structures (e.g. buildings) and the carrying out of repair or construction work.

[0004] In practice, the rosettes make it possible to maintain a predefined spacing between the uprights and ensure the general stability of a scaffolding structure.

[0005] In addition, the rosettes allow the height of uprights to be adjusted and fixed securely in place.

[0006] In particular, when the rosettes are in place on scaffolding, they have parts which project from the uprights.

[0007] However, the projecting parts of the rosettes are likely to cause injuries to passers-by who move near a scaffolding structure mounted with these rosettes.

[0008] Thus, there is a need for a solution that can prevent or limit any risk of bodily harm as described above. Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention aims to resolve, at least partially, this need.

[0010] In particular, the invention relates to a protective device which is intended to removably receive at least one portion of scaffolding structure which extends longitudinally along a first axis, the portion of scaffolding structure comprising at least one scaffolding post and at least one connecting element fixed to the scaffolding post, the connecting element projecting from the scaffolding post.

[0011] In practice, the protective device comprises a body which extends longitudinally along a second axis between a first end opening and a second end opening which is opposite the first end opening, the body defining an interior volume which extends between the first end opening and the second end opening, the interior volume being further configured to surround at least part of the portion of scaffolding structure which is located on either side of the connecting element, called the adjacent intermediate portion, the body further comprising an exterior wall which has an exterior surface without edges or corners and which defines a first wall opening and a second wall opening.

[0012] Furthermore, the first wall opening opens into the interior volume and extends between the first end opening and the second end opening, the first wall opening having an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of at least a portion of the scaffolding pole and to prevent the passage of the connecting element.

[0013] In addition, the second wall opening opens into the interior volume and extends transversely from the first wall opening, the second wall opening having an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element.

[0014] In addition, one of the first end opening and the second end opening, called the stop opening, comprises at least one first stop element.

[0015] Finally, the protection device is configured to evolve between a first positioning configuration and a first locking configuration.

[0016] In the first positioning configuration, - when the connecting element is located substantially opposite the second wall opening and the second axis is substantially parallel to the first axis, - and that, in response to a movement of the protective device in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis, - then, the adjacent intermediate portion passes through the first wall opening and the connecting element passes through the second wall opening, until the interior volume surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion.

[0017] In the first locking configuration, - when the interior volume surrounds at least one part of an adjacent intermediate portion, - and that, in response to a movement of the protective device in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, - then, the connecting element is no longer positioned substantially opposite the second wall opening and comes into abutment, by friction, against the first abutment element.

[0018] In a first embodiment, the first stop element is provided in the interior volume, on or in an interior surface of the body, the first stop element having a beveled surface on which, in the first locking configuration, the connecting element is slidably guided.

[0019] In a second embodiment, the stop opening further comprises a second stop element which is provided on or in an outer surface of the body and which has a beveled surface on which, in the first locking configuration, an inner surface of an end opening of another protective device, devoid of a stop element, can be slidably guided around the outer surface of the stop opening and frictionally abut against the second stop element.

[0020] In a first implementation of the first embodiment and second embodiment, the first abutment element comprises a single protrusion or a plurality of protrusions.

[0021] In a second implementation of the first embodiment and second embodiment, the first stop member comprises a single groove or a plurality of grooves.

[0022] In a third implementation of the first embodiment and second embodiment, the first stop member is provided with an end-of-travel shoulder which is located at one end of the beveled surface and which projects from the beveled surface, the end-of-travel shoulder being adapted to intercept the connecting member.

[0023] In a third embodiment, the first stop element further comprises a cover and a return element, - the cover being movable in rotation around an axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis between a closed position and a retracted position.

[0024] In the closed position, the cover closes the stop opening, while in the retracted position, the cover is moved towards the end which is distal to the stop opening.

[0025] Furthermore, the return element is connected to the cover and configured to return the cover to the closed position.

[0026] In addition, the protection device is further configured to evolve between a second positioning configuration and a second locking configuration.

[0027] In the second positioning configuration, - when at least one projecting part of the connecting element is located above and in contact with the cover and the second axis is substantially inclined relative to the first axis, - and that, in response to a movement of the protection device according to the com- combination of a translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis and a translational movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis, - then, the adjacent intermediate portion passes through the first wall opening and the connecting element passes through the stop opening so as to move the cover towards the retracted position, until the interior volume surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion.

[0028] In the second locking configuration, - when the interior volume surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion, - and that, in response to a displacement of the distal end at the stop opening in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, - then, the connecting element is not positioned opposite the second wall opening and comes into abutment, by friction, against the first abutment element.

[0029] In a fourth embodiment, the protection device further comprises at least a first cavity-protrusion coupling portion which is configured to be removably coupled, by cavity-protrusion coupling, to a second cavity-protrusion coupling portion.

[0030] In an implementation of the fourth embodiment, - the first cavity-projection coupling portion is an outer peripheral groove extending on the outer surface of the outer wall between the edges of the first wall opening, the outer peripheral groove being configured to receive, guide and rest therein support arms of at least one support element which have at their free ends at least one convexly curved end portion, and - the edges of the first wall opening are configured along their length so that each curved end part can be held there by clipping.

[0031] In a variation of the implementation of the fourth embodiment, the protection device further comprises at least one stop lug which is arranged along the edges of the first wall opening so that the curved end portions of the support arms of the support element can abut thereon. Brief description of the drawings

[0032] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and with reference to the appended drawings, given for illustrative purposes and in no way limiting.

[0033] [Fig-1] [Fig.l] represents a front view of a portion of structure scaffolding.

[0034] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] represents a protection device according to the invention.

[0035] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] represents a front view of the protection device of [Fig.2].

[0036] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] represents the protection device of [Fig.2] according to a mode of carrying out the invention.

[0037] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a zoomed view of a portion of [Fig.4].

[0038] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] represents a view from below of the protection device of the [Fig.2],

[0039] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] represents the protection device of [Fig.2] in the confi positioning figure facing the scaffolding structure portion of [Fig.l].

[0040] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] shows the protection device of [Fig.2] passing in the locking configuration on the scaffolding structure portion of [Fig.l].

[0041] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] represents the protection device of [Fig.2] in the confi locking arrangement on the scaffolding structure portion of [Fig.l].

[0042] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] shows an embodiment of the protection device of [Fig.2] in the locking configuration.

[0043] The figures do not necessarily respect the scales, in particular in thickness, and this is for illustration purposes. Description of the embodiments

[0044] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a device which prevents or limits any risk of bodily harm when a passer-by walks near a scaffolding structure mounted using rosettes which have projecting parts.

[0045] For this, the inventors propose a mechanical structure which can be removably mounted to a portion of scaffolding structure.

[0046] Thus, the invention relates to a protection device which is intended to removably receive at least one portion of scaffolding structure.

[0047] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the scaffolding structure portion 200 extends longitudinally along a first axis D.

[0048] In practice, the scaffolding structure portion 200 comprises at least one scaffolding post and at least one connecting element 230 which is fixed to the scaffolding post.

[0049] In a first example, the connecting element 230 is tied to the scaffolding post.

[0050] In a second example, the connecting element 230 is fitted onto the scaffolding post.

[0051] In a third example, the connecting element 230 is welded onto the post. scaffolding.

[0052] In one implementation of the scaffolding structure portion 200 illustrated in [Fig.l], it comprises a first scaffolding post 210 and a scaffolding post 220, and the connecting element 230 which is assembled with the first scaffolding post 210 and the second scaffolding post 220.

[0053] In this case, the first scaffolding post 210 and the second scaffolding post 220 are separate elements and which are assembled with the connecting element 230 (e.g. by welding).

[0054] Conventionally, the scaffolding post 210, 220 is of a known type, of the kind commonly used in the construction industry.

[0055] In the example of [Fig.l], the scaffolding post 210, 220 is an “I” profile.

[0056] In a first implementation of the scaffolding post 210, 220, the latter has a single cross-section.

[0057] In a second implementation of the scaffolding post 210, 220, it has several different cross-sections.

[0058] In an example of the first implementation and the second implementation of the scaffolding pole 210, 220, the cross-section is chosen from one of the following shapes: circular, oval, triangle, square, parallelogram, trapezoid, rhombus, pentagon, hexagon or cross.

[0059] However, depending on the needs, it will be possible to envisage using other forms, without requiring substantial modifications of the invention.

[0060] In the invention, the term "connecting element" (also known as "rosette") means a fixing element which makes it possible to connect at least two scaffolding posts while ensuring the stability of the scaffolding, thus contributing to ensuring the safety of people working on the scaffolding.

[0061] Generally, the connecting element 230 is made of metal.

[0062] However, depending on the needs, it will be possible to consider using other materials, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0063] Furthermore, the connecting element 230 comprises openings (not illustrated) which make it possible to fix the various elements of a scaffolding such as the rails and the diagonals.

[0064] For this, the connecting element 230 is designed to protrude from the scaffolding post 210,220.

[0065] [Fig.2] illustrates a protection device 100 for the scaffolding structure portion 200.

[0066] In practice, the protection device 100 comprises a body 110.

[0067] In a first example, the body 110 is made from a bio-sourced material.

[0068] In a second example, the body 110 is made from a biodegradable material.

[0069] In a first embodiment of the body 110, the latter is made of a rigid material.

[0070] In one example, the body 110 is made from a thermoplastic polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), in particular for its better mechanical strength. However, depending on the needs, it may be possible to consider using other rigid materials, without requiring substantial modifications of the invention.

[0071] In a second embodiment of the body 110, the latter is made of a semi-rigid material.

[0072] In one example, the body 110 is made from a foamed polymer. This may be a foamed polymer of the crosslinked type such as polyethylene (PEX) and / or polyurethane (PU).

[0073] However, depending on the needs, it will be possible to consider using other semi-rigid materials, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0074] In a third embodiment of the body 110, it is made or coated with a material which absorbs and / or dampens shocks.

[0075] In one example, the shock absorbing material is selected from: polyethylene foam, latex, plastics, rubber foam or the like.

[0076] However, depending on the needs, it will be possible to consider using other shock-absorbing materials, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0077] In a fourth embodiment of the body 110, the latter has a shape substantially complementary to that of the scaffolding structure portion 200.

[0078] Still in [Fig.2], the body 110 extends longitudinally along a second axis F between a first end opening 111 and a second end opening 112.

[0079] In practice, the first end opening 111 is opposite the second end opening 112.

[0080] Further, the body 110 defines an interior volume 113 that extends between the first end opening 111 and the second end opening 112.

[0081] In particular, when the protection device 100 is used, the interior volume 113 of the body is configured to surround at least part of the portion of scaffolding structure 200 which is located on either side of the connecting element 230, called adjacent intermediate portion 240, as illustrated in [Fig.l].

[0082] As illustrated in [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], the body 110 further comprises an outer wall 114.

[0083] In practice, the outer wall 114 has an outer surface without edges or corners.

[0084] In this way, if a collision occurs between a passer-by and the protection device 100, the latter will cause little or no bodily harm to the passer-by, because friction will be reduced.

[0085] In one example, the outer surface of the outer wall 114 is a smooth surface.

[0086] Still in the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.2], [Fig.3], [Fig.4] and [Fig.6], the outer wall 114 defines a first wall opening 1140 and a second wall opening 1141.

[0087] In practice, the first wall opening 1140 and the second wall opening 1141 open into the interior volume 113.

[0088] In particular, the first wall opening 1140 extends between the first end opening 111 and the second end opening 112.

[0089] Also, the first wall opening 1140 has an opening width that is designed to allow the passage of at least a portion of the scaffolding pole 210, 220.

[0090] Generally, the opening width of the first wall opening 1140 has a shape substantially complementary to the shape of the outer wall 114 of the body 110 of the protection device 100.

[0091] Furthermore, the first wall opening 1140 is designed to prevent the passage of the connecting element 230.

[0092] Thus, when the protection device 100 is used, the connecting element 230 cannot pass through the first wall opening 1140.

[0093] As illustrated in [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4], the second wall opening 1141 extends transversely from the first wall opening 1140.

[0094] In a first embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, it extends transversely on one side only from the first wall opening 1140.

[0095] In practice, the first embodiment can be used when the connecting element 230 is not centered relative to the scaffolding post 210, 220.

[0096] In a second embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, the latter extends transversely from the first wall opening 1140 on either side of the first wall opening 1140.

[0097] In a first example of the second embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, the second wall opening 1141 extends symmetrically on either side of the first wall opening 1140.

[0098] In a second example of the second embodiment of the second wall opening 1141, the second wall opening 1141 extends asymmetrically on either side of the first wall opening 1140.

[0099] In practice, the second embodiment can be used when the connecting element 230 is centered relative to the scaffolding post 210, 220.

[0100] Furthermore, the second wall opening 1141 has an opening width that is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element 230.

[0101] Thus, when the protection device 100 is used, the connecting element 230 can pass through the second wall opening 1141.

[0102] In the invention, as illustrated in [Fig.4], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], the protection device 100 further comprises at least one first stop element 115.

[0103] The term “stop element” means a mechanical part which is intended to prevent or limit the movement of a moving member.

[0104] In the example of [Fig.4], [Fig.5] and [Fig.6], the stop element 115 prevents or limits, by friction, the translation of the protection device 100 along the first axis D of the portion of scaffolding structure 200.

[0105] In practice, the stop element 115 is arranged at an end opening, called the stop opening, namely, either at the first end opening 111, or at the second end opening 112.

[0106] In a first embodiment of the first stop element 115, it is provided in the interior volume 113 on an interior surface of the body 110.

[0107] In a second embodiment of the first stop element 115, it is provided in the interior volume 113 in an interior surface of the body 110.

[0108] In a third embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter comprises a single protrusion.

[0109] As illustrated in [Fig.5], in a fourth embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter comprises a plurality of protrusions.

[0110] In a fifth embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter comprises a single groove.

[0111] In a sixth embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter comprises a plurality of grooves.

[0112] Now that we have described the characteristics of the protection device 100, we will describe its use.

[0113] [Fig.7], [Fig.8] and [Fig.9] illustrate a method of positioning the protection device 100 on the scaffolding structure portion 200.

[0114] In practice, the protection device 100 is configured to evolve between a first positioning configuration and a first locking configuration.

[0115] In particular, in a first step, as illustrated in [Fig.7], the first positioning configuration begins when the connecting element 230 is substantially opposite the second wall opening 1141 and the second axis F is substantially parallel to the first axis D.

[0116] Then, in a second step, as illustrated in [Fig.8], the first positioning configuration requires a movement of the protection device 100 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis D.

[0117] Then, in a third step, in response to this movement, the adjacent intermediate portion 240 passes through the first wall opening 1140.

[0118] Then, at the same time, in the third step, the connecting element 230 passes through the second wall opening 1141, until the interior volume 113 surrounds at least part of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0119] Thus, at the end of the first positioning configuration, the scaffolding post 210, 220 and the connecting element 230 are housed in the interior volume 113.

[0120] Furthermore, the first locking configuration begins when the interior volume 113 surrounds at least a portion of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0121] Then, in a fourth step, as illustrated in [Fig.9], the first locking configuration requires a movement of the protection device 100 in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D, called the direction of advancement.

[0122] Then, in response to this movement, the connecting element 230 is no longer positioned substantially opposite the second wall opening 1141 and the connecting element 230 comes into abutment, by friction, against the first abutment element 115, thus locking the protection device 100.

[0123] In a particular embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter has a beveled surface on which the connecting element 230 is guided in sliding.

[0124] In a first example of the first stop element 115, it defines a straight bevel.

[0125] In a second example of the first stop element 115, it defines a curved bevel.

[0126] In practice, the cross-section of the bevel increases progressively as the protection device 100 is moved in the direction of advancement.

[0127] In this way, the beveled surface of the first stop element 115 progressively prevents any radial play of the connecting element 230.

[0128] As illustrated in [Fig.5], in a particular implementation of the particular embodiment of the first stop element 115, the latter is provided with at least one end-of-travel shoulder 117 which is disposed at one end of the beveled surface and which is designed to intercept the connecting element 230.

[0129] In one example of this particular implementation of the particular embodiment of the first stop element 115, the end-of-travel shoulder 117 projects from the beveled surface.

[0130] Thus, at the end of the first locking configuration, the protection device 100 is arranged so that a passer-by cannot come into direct contact with the connecting element 230, thus limiting any risk of bodily harm.

[0131] Then, to remove the protection device 100 from the portion of scaffolding structure 200, for example at the end of the worksite, it is sufficient to carry out the first step, the second step, the third step and the fourth step, in the opposite direction, so as to move the protection device 100 from the first locking configuration to the first positioning configuration.

[0132] In a first embodiment of the invention, provision is made to assemble the protection device 100 with a second separate protection device 100.

[0133] In this case, the stop opening 111, 112 further comprises a second stop element 116 which is arranged at the outer surface of the body 110.

[0134] In a first implementation of the first embodiment of the invention, the second stop element 116 is provided on an outer surface of the body 110.

[0135] In a second implementation of the first embodiment of the invention, the second stop element 116, similar to the first stop element 115, is provided in an outer surface of the body 110.

[0136] In a third implementation of the first embodiment of the invention, the second stop element 116 has a beveled surface on which, in the first locking configuration, an inner surface of an end opening of the second protection device 100, without a stop element, can be guided in sliding around the outer surface of the stop opening 111, 112, and come into abutment, by friction, against the second stop element 116.

[0137] In a second embodiment of the invention, not illustrated, another way of positioning the protection device 100 on the portion of scaffolding structure 200 is provided.

[0138] In this case, the first stop element 115 further comprises a cover and a return element (e.g., a coil spring) which are connected to each other.

[0139] In practice, the cover is configured to be movable in rotation about an axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis F between a closed position and a retracted position, the return element being configured so as to return the cover to the closed position.

[0140] In particular, in the closed position, the cover is configured to close the stop opening 111, 112.

[0141] Further, in the retracted position, the cover is moved towards the end which is distal to the stop opening 111, 112, and is configured not to completely close the stop opening 111, 112.

[0142] In the second embodiment of the invention, the protection device 100 is further configured to evolve between a second positioning configuration and a second locking configuration, according to the following method.

[0143] In a first step, the second positioning configuration begins when at least one projecting portion of the connecting element 230 is located above and in contact with the cover and the second axis F is substantially inclined relative to the first axis D.

[0144] Then, in a second step, the second positioning configuration requires a movement of the protection device 100 which consists of a combination of a translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D and a translational movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis D.

[0145] In other words, the protection device 100 is moved towards the portion of scaffolding structure 200 according to a succession of translational movements which are sometimes parallel to the first axis D and sometimes perpendicular to the first axis D.

[0146] Then, in a third step, in response to this movement, the adjacent intermediate portion 240 passes through the first wall opening 1140.

[0147] Then, at the same time, in the third step, the connecting element 230 passes through the stop opening 111, 112 so as to move the cover towards the retracted position, and this, until the interior volume 113 surrounds at least a part of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0148] Thus, at the end of the second positioning configuration, the scaffolding post 210, 220 and the connecting element 230 are housed in the interior volume 113.

[0149] Furthermore, the second locking configuration begins when the interior volume 113 surrounds at least a portion of the adjacent intermediate portion 240.

[0150] Then, in a fourth step, the second locking configuration requires a movement of the end which is distal to the stop opening 111, 112 in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis D.

[0151] Then, in response to this movement, the connecting element 230 is not positioned opposite the second wall opening 1141 and the connecting element 230 comes into abutment, by friction, against the first abutment element 115, thus locking the protection device 100.

[0152] Thus, at the end of the second locking configuration, the protection device 100 is arranged so that a passer-by cannot come into direct contact with the connecting element 230, thus limiting any risk of bodily harm.

[0153] Then, to remove the protection device 100 from the portion of scaffolding structure 200, for example at the end of the worksite, it is sufficient to carry out the first step, the second step, the third step and the fourth step, in the opposite direction, so as to move the protection device 100 from the second locking configuration to the second positioning configuration.

[0154] In a third embodiment of the invention, provision is made to use the protection device 100 to receive and hold at least one support element (e.g. an advertising panel support or a lighting support).

[0155] In this case, the protection device 100 comprises a first cavity-protrusion coupling portion which is configured to be removably coupled, by cavity-protrusion coupling, to a second cavity-protrusion coupling portion.

[0156] In a first implementation of the third embodiment, the first cavity-protrusion coupling portion is a cavity.

[0157] In practice, the cavity is at least one of a notch, a hole, an opening, a slot, a groove, a mound, a chamber, and combinations thereof.

[0158] Furthermore, in this case, the second cavity-protrusion coupling part is a protrusion, such as a pin or a lug, which is arranged on the support element.

[0159] In a first example of the first cavity-protrusion coupling portion, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the cavity is an outer peripheral groove 120.

[0160] In this case, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the outer peripheral groove 120 extends over all or part of the outer surface of the outer wall 114 between the edges of the first wall opening 1140.

[0161] In practice, the outer peripheral groove 120 is configured to receive, guide and rest therein support arms of the support element.

[0162] In particular, the support arms of the support element have at their free ends at least one end portion which is convexly curved.

[0163] Furthermore, the edges of the first wall opening 1140 are configured along their length so that each curved end portion can be held there by clipping.

[0164] In a particular embodiment, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the protection device 100 further comprises at least one projecting portion which is presented in the form of a stop lug 130.

[0165] In practice, the stop lug 130 is arranged along the edges of the first wall opening 1140, so that the curved end portions of the support arms of the support element can abut there.

[0166] In a second example of the first cavity-protrusion coupling portion, as illustrated in [Fig. 10], the cavity is a notch 140.

[0167] In the example of [Fig. 10], the notch 140 extends vertically and horizontally- spreading over all or part of the outer wall 114 of the protection device 100.

[0168] However, depending on the needs, it may be envisaged that the notch 140 extends in other directions, without requiring substantial modifications to the invention.

[0169] In a second implementation of the third embodiment, the first cavity-protrusion coupling portion is a protrusion, such as a pin or a lug.

[0170] In this case, the second cavity-protrusion coupling portion is a cavity that is formed on the support member.

[0171] We have described and illustrated the invention. However, the invention is not limited to the embodiments that we have presented. Indeed, numerous combinations of variants, alternatives, embodiments and implementations can be envisaged without requiring substantial modifications of the invention. Thus, an expert in the field can deduce other variants, alternatives, embodiments and implementations, upon reading the description and the appended figures and depending on the economic, ergonomic and dimensional constraints to be respected.

[0172] The invention may be the subject of numerous variations and applications other than those described above. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the different structural and functional features of each particular implementation described above should not be considered as combined and / or closely and / or inextricably linked to each other, but, on the contrary, as simple juxtapositions. Furthermore, the structural and / or functional features of the different embodiments described above may be the subject in whole or in part of any different juxtaposition or any different combination.

Claims

Claims

1. A protective device (100) adapted to removably receive at least one portion of scaffolding structure (200) that extends longitudinally along a first axis, D, the portion of scaffolding structure (200) comprising at least one scaffolding pole (210, 220) and at least one connecting element (230) attached to the scaffolding pole (210, 220), the connecting element (230) projecting from the scaffolding pole (210, 220), the protective device (100) comprising a body (110) that extends longitudinally along a second axis, F, between a first end opening (111) and a second end opening (112) that is opposite the first end opening (111), the body (110) defining an interior volume (113) which extends between the first end opening (111) and the second end opening (112),the inner volume (113) being further designed to surround at least a portion of the scaffolding structure portion (200) which is located on either side of the connecting element (230), called the adjacent intermediate portion (240), the body (110) further comprising an outer wall (114) which has an outer surface without edges or corners and which defines a first wall opening (1140), a second wall opening (1141) and at least one wall segment, - the first wall opening (1140) opening into the inner volume (113) and extending between the first end opening (111) and the second end opening (112), the first wall opening (1140) having an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of at least a portion of the scaffolding pole (210, 220) towards the inner volume (113) and to prevent the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113),- the second wall opening (1141) opening into the interior volume (113) and extending transversely from the first wall opening (1140), the second wall opening (1141) having an opening width which is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113), - the wall segment extending between, on the one hand, one of the first end opening (111) and the second end opening (112), called the stop opening (111, 112), and on the other hand, the start of the second transverse wall opening (1141), the segment, wall comprising, at least a first stop element (115), the wall segment having a height which is designed to allow the connecting element (230) to be held inside the perimeter delimited by this height, in the interior volume, in which, - the protection device (100) is designed to move between, on the one hand, a first positioning configuration in which the connecting element (230) is located substantially opposite the second wall opening (1141) and the second axis, F, is substantially parallel to the first axis, D, and on the other hand, a first locking configuration, - in the first positioning configuration, which is designed to allow movement of the protection device (100) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis, D,the first wall opening (1140) is designed to allow the passage of the adjacent intermediate portion (240) towards the interior volume (113) and the second wall opening (1141) is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113), such that the interior volume (113) surrounds at least a part of the adjacent intermediate portion (240) and the connecting element (230), - in the first locking configuration, which is designed to allow movement of the protection device (100) in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, D, the first stop element (115) is designed to stop, by friction, the movement of the protection device (100) by coming into contact with the connecting element (230), such that the connecting element (230) is held, in the interior volume (113),within the perimeter delimited by the height of the wall segment and that the connecting element (230) is no longer positioned substantially opposite the second wall opening (1141).,

2. The protective device (100) of claim 1, wherein the first stop element (115) is configured and arranged on or in an inner surface of the wall segment, the first stop element (115) having a beveled surface which, in the first locking configuration, is configured to slidably guide the connecting element (230).

3. A protective device (100) according to claims 1 to 2, wherein the wall segment further comprises a second stop element (116), the second stop element (116) being configured and arranged on or in an outer surface of the wall segment and having a beveled surface, which, in the first locking configuration, is configured to slidably guide an inner surface of a wall segment of another protective device (100), devoid of a stop element, around the outer surface of the wall segment and abut, by friction, against the second stop element (116).

4. A protective device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the first stop element (115) comprises a single protrusion or a plurality of protrusions.

5. A protective device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first stop element (115) comprises a single groove or a plurality of grooves.

6. A protective device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first stop member (115) is provided with an end-of-travel shoulder (117) which is located at one end of the beveled surface and which projects from the beveled surface, the end-of-travel shoulder (117) being adapted to intercept the connecting member (230).

7. Protective device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first stop element (115) further comprises a cover and a return element, - the cover being rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to the second axis, F, between a closed position and a retracted position, - in the closed position, the cover is designed to close the stop opening (111, 112), - in the retracted position, the cover is designed to move towards the end which is distal to the stop opening (111, 112), - the return element being connected to the cover and designed to return the cover to the closed position, and wherein, the protective device (100) is further designed to move between, on the one hand,a second positioning configuration in which at least one projecting portion of the connecting element (230) is located above and in contact with the cover and the second axis, F, is substantially inclined relative to the first axis, D, and on the other hand, a,

8.

9.

10. second locking configuration, - in the second positioning configuration, which is designed to allow a movement of the protection device (100) according to the combination of a translational movement in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, D, and a translational movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first axis, D, the first wall opening (1140) is designed to allow the passage of the adjacent intermediate portion (240) towards the interior volume (113) and the stop opening (111, 112) is designed to allow the passage of the connecting element (230) towards the interior volume (113), so as to move the cover towards the retracted position, so that the interior volume (113) surrounds at least a part of the adjacent intermediate portion (240), - in the second locking configuration, which is adapted to allow movement of the distal end at the stop opening (111, 112) in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis, D, the first stop element (115) is adapted to stop, by friction, the movement of the protection device (100) by contacting the connecting element (230), so that the connecting element (230) is not positioned opposite the second wall opening (1141). The protection device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one first cavity-projection coupling portion which is adapted to be removably coupled, by cavity-projection coupling, to a second cavity-projection coupling portion. Protective device (100) according to claim 8, wherein, - the first cavity-projection coupling part is an outer peripheral groove (120) which extends on the outer surface of the outer wall (114) between the edges of the first wall opening (1140), the outer peripheral groove (120) being adapted to receive, guide and rest therein support arms of at least one support element which have at their free ends at least one convexly curved end portion, and - the edges of the first wall opening (1140) are designed along their length, so that each curved end part can be held there by clipping. Protective device (100) according to claim 9, further comprising at least one stop lug (130) which is arranged along the edges of the first wall opening (1140) so that the curved end portions of the support arms of the support member can abut there.

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