Modular metal pedestrian bridge system

Abstract

The invention relates to an emergency pedestrian bridge system characterized by three types of platform modules, mechanically linked together by means of hooks, resting on supports formed by tubular posts which provide a weak grip against a possible flood current and which are fitted into a tube articulated to a platform to lock its deployment. This platform can slide vertically on the post at a desired altitude, so that the platform thus arranged, adjusted and locked, allows pedestrians to pass over an area made impassable, in safe conditions and with a passage width sufficient to allow two people to cross and a person with reduced mobility to move around. By its weight and size, as well as its principle of rapid assembly, adjustment and locking, the system allows its easy deployment by two handlers in difficult and varied conditions.Figure for abstract: Fig.1.

Description

Title of the invention: Modular metal pedestrian bridge system

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular metal pedestrian bridge system provided with a locking and adjustment device which allows it to be installed in an emergency context, in particular that of floods.

[0002] To our knowledge and after extensive research, there is no system equivalent to the one we have developed:

[0003] Generally, in a flood emergency context, to maintain pedestrian traffic, means are implemented which vary from the most pragmatic (plank on concrete blocks) to the most opportunistic (tables placed end to end on St Mark's Square in Venice, a system of platforms inspired by the world of theatre, etc.) to more elaborate systems (scaffolding with an enlarged footing, Passinond type).

[0004] None of them fully satisfy the characteristics of safety, practicality, robustness, durability, storability and ease of implementation in a degraded context that one can expect from an advanced society preparing effectively for the consequences of global warming and the floods that can result from it.

[0005] Our modular system helps address these issues.

[0006] Detailed description of the patent with the improvements made:

[0007] Our emergency pedestrian bridge system is characterized by three types of platform modules resting on supports formed by tubular posts which fit into a tube articulated to the platform to lock its deployment. This platform can slide vertically on the post at a desired altitude, so that the platform thus arranged, adjusted and locked, allows the passage of pedestrians above an area made impassable, in safe conditions and with a sufficient passage width.

[0008] Our modular system offers a clear passage between 40 and 160, ideally 120 cm wide, suitable for people with reduced mobility and pedestrian crossings.

[0009] Our system allows easy, simple and secure handling by untrained personnel and in emergency conditions.

[0010] Assembly can be carried out by just two people. Each module weighs between 20 and 80 kg, preferably 50 kg to comply with labor regulations. That is, between 10 and 40 kg, preferably 25 kg per person.

[0011] Our system is robust and durable over time. It is resistant to corrosion. It is composed of an assembly of aluminum, stainless steel and galvanized steel.

[0012] It could be made of other materials whose composite assembly would respect

[0013] the ratio of lightness of handling, durability, solidity, stability.

[0014] The principle of implementation is based on a tubular post provided with holes which, when placed in relation to those of the legs of the platform, allow the height of the latter to be adjusted by means of a pin, independently of the other posts.

[0015] Our system adapts to its environment thanks to its fine vertical adjustment (15mm) and the possibilities of turns and connections (figs. 9, 10 & 11)

[0016] The three modules that make up the system alternately allow access to the gateway (ramp module, [Fig.2] - C), to efficiently cross a given distance (module 240, [Fig.2] - B) and to connect the elements together (base module 120, [Fig.2] - A)

[0017] Our system allows for optimized storage ([Fig.2]): the equipment is foldable (by means of a ball joint), removable (by means of sleeves) and stackable (by its flat shape once folded).

[0018] The modules are protected against corrosion and the effects of time and weather, by a combination of materials which make them durable and light enough for handling by two people.

[0019] Small elements such as locking pins ([Fig.l] - 4) are connected by cable (4.2) to the module, so as not to waste time and energy finding them.

[0020] The pin, provided with a guide pin, requires the handler to insert it into the holes following their key shape.

[0021] The pin, whose handle falls back by gravity, locks the assembly securely.

[0022] Our system is safe for its users: non-slip floor (3), guardrails (6 & 7), wide platform (3), stability.

[0023] Our system only exposes a very low current catch thanks to its feet composed of tubes (1) with a diameter between 3 and 15 cm, ideally 5 cm corresponding to sufficient inertia for the intrinsic robustness of the tube, a minimum of material to fit it into the unfolded leg (2.1) of the platform (3)

[0024] The tubular post (1) is used to fit in turn an upright (6) of a guardrail system. The deployed net guardrail (7) is stretched over the hooks of the upright, making it possible to strongly secure traffic on the footbridge.

[0025] In the cases of module B (crossing 240) and C (ramp), an additional part (10) is required to attach the upright (6) of the guardrail.

[0026] The sides of platform A are each provided with a horizontal welded tube allowing the next footbridge module to be accommodated in the desired direction.

[0027] To combine all these characteristics, our system uses the following devices:

[0028] - a post consisting (1) of an ideally round tube with a diameter close to 50 mm is fitted into the leg (2.1) unfolded by a ball joint of a platform (3).

[0029] - the leg (2.1) is made up of a tube with a diameter a few mil greater meters to that of the post. It is articulated to the platform by means of a ball joint. The legs work in pairs connected to form a frame (2)

[0030] - the platform (3) is made of a reinforced teardrop sheet with a frame and crosspieces. At its ends are welded plates equipped with a reservation (3.1) allowing the passage of the post. The post (1) fitted into the plate (3.1) and into the leg (2.1) locks the unfolded position of the platform and prevents it from being folded back accidentally.

[0031] - the post is pierced with holes which coincide with others (2.2) made in the leg with a keyed shape. An L-shaped pin (4) with a guide pin (4.1) locks the sliding connection between the post and the leg. The arrangement of the holes allows for fine adjustment.

[0032] The configuration of the pin allows for gravity locking by the handle falling back.

[0033] The pin is attached by a cable (4.2) to the leg so as not to lose it.

[0034] - the post can be fitted at the base with a distribution plate (5) so as to limit punching on the support.

[0035] - the post can be equipped at the top with a sleeve (6), also with a diameter a few millimeters higher than the post, which serves as an upright for a guardrail system (7) which may be made of nylon netting on a reel or other means of preventing a body from falling from the platform.

[0036] - the platform, once locked and adjusted, has horizontal tubes (8) on its four sides and which allow the following modules to be connected using hooks (9).

[0037] - To facilitate the movement and continuity of the path on the footbridge, covers ([Fig.8] - 11) are positioned between modules A.

[0038] In the event that the path begins an inflection or a turn of less than 90°, a custom hood can be implemented ([Fig.8] - 12)

[0039] The combination of platforms A, B and C allows multiple directional possibilities:

[0040] simple 90° turn ([Fig.9]), hip swing ([Fig. 10]), multidirectional branches ([Fig.11])

Claims

Claims

1. Emergency pedestrian bridge system characterized by three types of platform modules, mechanically linked together by means of hooks, resting on supports formed by tubular posts which provide a weak grip against a possible flood current and which fit into a tube articulated to a platform to lock its deployment, this platform being able to slide vertically on the post at a desired altitude, so that the platform thus arranged, adjusted and locked, allows the passage of pedestrians above an area made impassable, in safe conditions and with a passage width sufficient to allow the crossing of pedestrians and the movement of a person with reduced mobility.

2. Emergency pedestrian bridge system according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular post is provided with holes which, when related to those of the legs of the platform, allow the height of the latter to be adjusted by means of a pin, independently of the other posts.

3. Emergency pedestrian bridge system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular post is used to fit in turn an upright of a guardrail system, deployed in a net and stretched on hooks fixed to the upright, making it possible to strongly secure traffic on the bridge.

4. Emergency pedestrian bridge system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the pin provided with a guide pin, requires a handler to insert it into the holes following their key shape and that the pin, the handle of which falls back by gravity, locks the assembly securely.

5. An emergency pedestrian walkway system according to any preceding claim, characterized by the non-slip nature of the checker plate platform.

6. An emergency pedestrian bridge system according to any preceding claim, wherein the sides of the platform are each provided with a horizontal welded tube to accommodate the next bridge module and in the desired direction.

7. Emergency pedestrian bridge system according to any one of the preceding claims, by which the modules implemented, allowing access (ramp C), crossing (B) and connection (A), are foldable by ball joints and stackable so that their storage is easy

8. An emergency pedestrian bridge system according to any preceding claim, whereby the modules are protected against corrosion and the effects of time and weather, by a combination of aluminum and stainless steel and galvanized steel, which make them durable and sufficiently light for handling by two people.

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