DEVICE FOR HANDLING COMPONENTS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SCAFFOLDING OR SHORING TOWERS

Abstract

This device for handling elements (2, 3, 4) used in the construction of scaffolding or shoring towers or equivalent structures, consists of a lifting jib (5) capable of being reversibly attached to said scaffolding. This jib comprises at least one vertical beam (6) equipped with means for reversibly attaching it to the scaffolding. An extension (7), particularly a horizontal one, is attached to this beam. A lifting pulley or equivalent can be attached to the free end (8) of this extension. These reversible attachment means are positioned respectively at the lower end of the beam (6) and at a distance of between one-third and two-thirds of the height of said beam. (See Figure 2 for abbreviations.)

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR HANDLING COMPONENTS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SCAFFOLDING OR SHORING TOWERS Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the technical sector of scaffolding, but also to all structures performing the same function as scaffolding, such as in particular shoring towers or rolling scaffolding, which constitute variants thereof.

[0002] It relates more particularly to a device for handling the elements used in the construction of such scaffolding, especially on several levels, and is intended to optimize ergonomics during the assembly and dismantling of such scaffolding, but also the safety of operators. Prior state of the art

[0003] Scaffolding, and other equivalent devices, are conventionally made up of vertical uprights or posts, and horizontal components called braces. These braces are fixed to the posts and extend between them to provide the required stability to the scaffolding. Depending on their height, and on average every two meters, these scaffolds have a horizontal platform that forms the floor, suitable for personnel working on the scaffolding. In addition, these scaffolds are equipped with guardrails to prevent any risk of falls by workers; these guardrails are generally fixed to the vertical uprights of the scaffolding.

[0004] As the scaffolding is erected, it is therefore necessary to handle, and in particular to lift, its various elements (posts, braces, flooring, platform). For this purpose, a lifting gantry is typically used, which can be reversibly fixed to the scaffolding, and generally to one of the posts that make up its structure.

[0005] Such jib cranes traditionally consist of a vertical beam equipped with reversible fastening means for one of the scaffolding posts. A horizontal bar extends from this vertical beam, and a pulley can be mounted at the end of this horizontal bar, thus enabling the handling of the scaffolding components. These reversible fastening means are positioned at the upper and lower ends of the vertical beam, respectively.

[0006] In so doing, due to the very chronology of the construction of such scaffolding, the gantry can therefore only be mounted on an existing structure, so that the The working height of the operator(s), operating the pulley on one hand, and ensuring the gripping of the mounted element using the jib on the other hand, is necessarily less than his height, and generally less than the height of his shoulders, since also, the vertical posts entering into the constitution of said scaffolding of the upper floors are not yet in place.

[0007] It follows from this observation that there is a lack of ergonomics for the operator(s) on the one hand, and above all, a risk in terms of safety, the operator(s) having to lean over the guardrail in place in order to be able to grasp the elements thus raised at the level of the pulley.

[0008] The objective of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks. Brief description of the invention

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a device for handling elements used in the construction of scaffolding or shoring towers or the like. This device comprises a lifting jib capable of being reversibly attached to said scaffolding. The jib comprises at least one vertical beam equipped with means for reversibly attaching it to the scaffolding, to which is attached an extension or bar, in particular a horizontal one, at the end of which a lifting pulley or the like can be fixed.

[0010] According to the invention, said reversible fixing means are positioned respectively at the lower end of the gantry beam, and at a distance of between one third and two thirds of the height of said beam.

[0011] In doing so, it is understood that, due to the positioning of the reversible fixing means, part of the vertical beam emerges above the highest level of the scaffolding on which the operators work, and typically above the guardrail, facilitating the gripping of the elements thus handled without affecting the safety of said operators.

[0012] According to the invention, the reversible fastening means with which the vertical beam of the jib is equipped consist of guide and locking pins, oriented substantially vertically, and intended to cooperate with complementary elements provided on the scaffolding. Typically, these complementary elements consist of rosettes, fixed to the posts, and suitable for securing horizontal elements such as braces and guardrails.

[0013] More specifically, the lower centering pin is fixed to the vertical beam, while the intermediate pin, called the locking pin, is fixed to a rod sliding within the vertical beam, the upper end of the rod being operable by the operator, and the beam being provided with a vertical through slot allowing the relative movement of said locking pin. Brief description of the figures

[0014] The manner in which the invention can be implemented and the resulting advantages will be more apparent from the following example of implementation, given by way of illustration and not limitation, in support of the attached figures.

[0015] The [Fig. 1] is a schematic perspective representation of a shoring tower or scaffolding, equipped with a handling device according to the invention.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a more detailed view of the upper end of the shoring tower of Fig. 1.

[0017] [Fig.3] is a variant of [Fig.2]

[0018] Fig. 4 is a view analogous to Fig. 2, in which the ma device nuttention is in the unlocked position.

[0019] The [Fig.5] is a variant of the [Fig.4].

[0020] Fig. 6 is a partial sectional view of a detail of Fig. 4.

[0021] The [Fig.7] is a variant of the [Fig.6].

[0022] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of part of the handling device of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the sliding rod associated with its intermediate locking pin.

[0024] The [Fig. 10] is a variant of the [Fig. 9].

[0025] Fig. 11 is a schematic view illustrating the handling device of the invention in mode attached to a scaffold.

[0026] The [Fig.12] is a variant of the [Fig.11].

[0027] Figure 13 is a partial sectional view illustrating the handling device of the invention in a mode secured to a scaffold.

[0028] The [Fig.14] is a variant of the [Fig.13].

[0029] Fig. 15 is a schematic view illustrating the handling device of the invention in detachment mode from a scaffold.

[0030] The [Fig. 16] is a variant of the [Fig. 15].

[0031] Fig. 17 is a schematic view of the detail of the interaction between the locking pin and a rosette with which a post is fitted.

[0032] The [Fig. 18] is a variant of the [Fig. 17]. Detailed description of the invention

[0033] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a shoring tower (1) of classical design. This consists of vertical posts or uprights (2), in this case arranged in a quadrilateral, said posts being joined vertically in pairs, typically by interlocking and rotating by 1 / 8 of a turn, said posts typically being fitted with fire hose couplings. The posts are further fitted with rosettes (11, 12), intended to to allow the fixing of horizontal elements on the posts, and in particular of the braces (3) or of lateral structures incorporating a guardrail.

[0034] Such guardrails have also been illustrated and are also known, so there is no need to describe them here in more detail.

[0035] The braces (3), in addition to their stabilizing function, are also designed to support platforms (4), allowing operators to work. Thus, two superimposed levels of platforms appear on the shoring tower of [Fig. 1].

[0036] In order to enable the construction of an upper floor (not shown in [Fig.1]), a lifting gantry (5) is installed at the level of one of the columns (2) of the highest level of the tower constructed, as can be clearly seen in Figures 1 to 5.

[0037] More specifically, the lifting gantry (5) of the invention, shown in more detail with reference to Figures 8 to 16, consists of a vertical beam (6), from the upper end of which extends a horizontal crossbar or bar (7), in this case perpendicular to the beam (6). The free end of the horizontal crossbar (7) has a member (8), typically adapted to receive a pulley, in order to allow the effective lifting of the elements forming part of the shoring tower, or more generally of a scaffold, these various elements being made up of the posts (2), the braces (3), the platforms (4), in addition to the guardrails.

[0038] As can be seen in the various figures, the lifting gantry (5) of the invention is provided with two means for the removable fixing of the beam (6) on a post (2).

[0039] The first removable fastening means is located at the lower end of the beam (6). In this case, it consists of a centering pin (10) integral with said lower end of the beam (6), and designed to be inserted into one of the holes (20) of a rosette (11, 12), typically by interlocking. To this end, the width and thickness of this centering pin (10) are compatible with the dimensions of the holes (20), which are radially arranged within the rosette (11, 12).

[0040] The second removable fixing means consists of a structure (15), described in more detail in relation to figures 17 and 18, and a locking pin (9) or intermediate pin, intended to be keyed again at the level of a rosette (12).

[0041] This locking pin (9) is positioned at a distance from the lower centering pin (10) between one-third and two-thirds of the total height of the beam (6). It can be manually actuated by the operator when setting up the lifting jib (5). For this purpose, the lifting jib incorporates a vertical rod (14) capable of sliding within the beam (6) over a predetermined distance 1, typically on the order of ten centimeters. The locking pin (9) is fixed to the rod (14), and not of the beam (6).

[0042] To allow relative movement of the locking pin (9), the beam (6) is provided with a vertical through slot (16), which can be seen in [Fig. 8], extending over a length corresponding substantially to the travel length 1 of the vertical rod (14) within the beam (6). In other words, the height of this through slot (16) is directly related to the height of the locking pin (9), in order to allow sufficient travel to enable its release from a rosette (11, 12). This rod (14) is actuated by a handle (13) according to a first embodiment of the invention (Figures 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17). In fact, the upper end of said rod, which can protrude from the beam (6), is attached to this handle (13), as can be clearly seen in the aforementioned figures. This handle can be operated by an operator, who can thus act on the rod (14).According to a second embodiment of the invention, the device includes a second handle (22), integral with the unlocking pin (10), as illustrated in figures 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18. This second embodiment, thus comprising two handles (13, 22), makes it easier for the operator to assemble and disassemble the jib (5).

[0043] The structure (15) mentioned above is described in more detail in Figures 17 and 18. It is integral with the beam (6) and consists of a clamp or jaw whose two arms are adapted to enclose the rosette (11, 12), and more specifically to position themselves above and below said rosette, until they bear against the post (2). Said arms are pierced with a through-hole (17, 18), through which the locking pin (9) can be inserted. In fact, when the structure (15) is supported against the post (2), the through lights (17, 18) are positioned vertically above one of the through holes (20) with which the rosette (11, 12) is equipped, so that the locking pin can then pass through the upper through light (17), then one of the holes (20) of the rosette, and finally the lower through light (18), thus securing the positioning of the bracket (5) on the post (2) in question.

[0044] In order to optimize the stability of the bracket fixing on the post, the internal shape of the structure (15) defines a groove (19), the width of which corresponds, within the play, to the thickness of the rosette (11, 12).

[0045] Furthermore, in order to ensure a certain degree of locking of the locking pin in such a configuration, its shape is adapted in size and thickness. It adopts a generally triangular profile. This locking can be optimized by the operator by striking, for example with a hammer, the handle (13), or even the handle (22), or on a striking area (21) provided in the vicinity of the handle (13), and extending substantially perpendicularly with respect to the latter.

[0046] Thus, the installation of this lifting gantry (5) is carried out in the following manner: - positioning of the lower centering pin (10) by fitting it into one of the holes of a rosette (11) while slightly inclining the beam (6) relative to the vertical, - then bringing the beam (6) closer to the vertical, the handle (13) being then in the high position, and wrapping the rosette considered by the jaw of the structure (15), until said structure (15) comes to rest against the post (2); - and lowering of said handle (13), or even of the handle (22), in order to allow the descent of the rod (14) within the beam (6) and consequently, the positioning of the locking pin (9) in one of the holes (20) of said rosette and in the through-holes (17, 18) of the structure (15). If necessary, the operator may strike the handle (13), or even the handle (22), or even the aforementioned striking area (21) with a hammer.

[0047] The removal of the lifting gantry (5) is carried out in reverse order, namely: - firstly, pulling the handle (13), and possibly the handle (22) upwards, which releases the locking pin (9) from the rosette in which it was received; if necessary, the operator can strike the said handles or the striking area (21) mentioned previously with a hammer or equivalent; - tilting of the gantry relative to the vertical; - and removal by simple pulling towards the top of the bracket (5) to retract the centering pin (10) out of the lower rosette (11) in which it was simply received.

[0048] The full advantage of the lifting gantry of the invention is clear: - Firstly, in terms of ease of positioning: the positioning and removal steps of the gantry have been described previously; - Next, in terms of ergonomics: we observe that an important part of the boom, and more particularly of its active area, i.e. the positioning of the pulley at the free end of the horizontal crossbar (7), is typically located at the shoulder height of a man of standard height, due to the respective positioning of the lower centering pins and intermediate locking pins; This ergonomics is further optimized with regard to the actual handling of the boom, both when raising and lowering it, due to its very structure; - Finally, in terms of safety: we note that the operator no longer has to lean over the guardrail to grasp the elements handled by means of this lifting gantry.

Claims

Demands

1. A device for handling elements (2, 3, 4) used in the construction of scaffolding or shoring towers or equivalents, consisting of a lifting jib (5) capable of being reversibly fixed to said scaffolding, said jib comprising at least one vertical beam (6) equipped with means for reversible fixing to the scaffolding, beam to which is attached an extension (7), in particular horizontal, to the free end (8) of which a lifting pulley or equivalent is capable of being fixed, characterized in that said means for reversible fixing are positioned respectively at the level of the lower end of the beam (6), and at a distance of between one third and two thirds of the height of said beam, and in that the vertical beam (6) is devoid of any other means of fixing to the scaffolding in particular in the vicinity of its upper end.

2. A device for handling elements (2, 3, 4) used in the construction of scaffolding or shoring towers or equivalents according to claim 1, characterized in that the reversible fixing means consist of a lower centering pin (10) and an intermediate locking pin (9), oriented substantially vertically, and intended to cooperate with complementary elements (11, 12) provided on the scaffolding.

3. Device for handling elements (2, 3, 4) used in the construction of scaffolding or shoring towers or equivalents according to claim 2, characterized in that the complementary components consist of rosettes (11, 12) pierced with through holes (20), suitable for ensuring the assembly of said elements (2, 3, 4) with each other.

4. A device for handling elements (2, 3, 4) used in the construction of scaffolding or shoring towers or equivalents according to one of claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the lower guide pin (10) is integral with the vertical beam (6), and in that the intermediate locking pin (9) is integral with a rod (14) adapted to slide within the vertical beam (6), the upper end of the rod (14) being operable by an operator, the beam (6) being provided in the vicinity of said intermediate locking pin (9) with a vertical through slot (16), adapted to allow the relative movement of the intermediate locking pin (9).

5. Device for handling elements (2, 3, 4) entering into the embodiment scaffolding or shoring towers or equivalents according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper end of the rod (14) is provided with a handle (13), suitable for allowing an operator to slide it within the beam (6).

6. A device for handling elements (2, 3, 4) used in the construction of scaffolding or shoring towers or equivalents according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a second handle (22), integral with the intermediate locking pin (9), suitable for facilitating the operator's operations during the assembly and disassembly of the jib (5).

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