Secure access platform.

Abstract

The invention relates mainly to a secure access platform (1) comprising a frame (3) intended to rest on the ground, a platform (2) and a guardrail (4) connected to the frame (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one first locking means (16) for the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) along a holding direction (20), at least one second locking means (5) for the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) along the same holding direction (20), which second locking means (5) is offset relative to the first locking means (16) perpendicular to the holding direction (20). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Secure access platform. technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a secure access platform, in particular a stepladder platform. PRIOR ART AND DISADVANTAGES OF PRIOR ART

[0002] In many fields such as the handling of goods or construction and renovation work, users have systems allowing them to access elements located at height, such systems being mostly stepladders or step stools, which do not require support against a fixed vertical wall, and which include a raised platform on which the user remains in a standing position.

[0003] As some of these platforms are located at significant heights, it has become necessary to introduce guardrails to prevent users from falling. Such a guardrail consists of one or more perimeter rails connected to a platform frame, and designed to surround the pelvis and, where applicable, the legs of the user mounted on the platform.

[0004] However, it is common for the user to lean against the handrails during handling operations. The guardrail must therefore be sufficiently strong so as not to give way under the lateral force exerted upon it.

[0005] In addition, these guardrails can deform under the action of lateral forces generated by the user leaning on them, which may cause an imbalance of said user. OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention thus aims to provide a more secure access platform that overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] To this end, the invention relates to a secure access platform comprising a frame, a platform and a guardrail connected to the frame, which platform includes at least one first locking means for the guardrail relative to the frame along a holding direction, at least one second locking means for the guardrail relative to the frame along the same holding direction, which second locking means is offset relative to the first locking means perpendicular to the holding direction

[0008] The presence of a first and second locking means offset perpendicularly to the direction of retention makes it possible to transfer any force exerted on the guardrail to the frame, which limits the deformation of said guardrail and improves user safety.

[0009] The platform of the invention may also include the following optional features considered individually or according to all possible technical combinations: - The guardrail is pivotally connected to the frame around a pivot axis parallel to the direction of retention between a deployed position of use and a folded position, and at least the second locking means is actuable between a locking position of the guardrail relative to the frame along the direction of retention when said guardrail is in the deployed position, and a release position of the guardrail relative to the frame when the guardrail is in the folded position. Thus, the fact that the second locking mechanism can be operated between two positions allows the guardrail to remain free to pivot while solving the technical problem aimed at improving the safety of the platform. - The second locking mechanism comprises a first part fixed to the guardrail and a second part fixed to the frame, and the first part is: • in liaison cooperation with the second party when the second blocking means is in its blocking position, and • separated from the second part when the second blocking means is in its release position. This structure of the second locking mechanism simplifies assembly on the platform and optimizes the transfer of force between the guardrail and the frame. - In its locking position, the first part of the second locking means is opposite the frame and the second part of the second locking means is opposite the guardrail. Such a configuration minimizes the lever arm between the two parts of the second locking means, maximizes the transfer of force from the guardrail to the frame and minimizes deformation of the guardrail. - The first and second parts of the second locking means are movable relative to each other in a plane perpendicular to the direction of retention. The degrees of freedom of the second locking mechanism are thus reduced to a minimum, improving the stability of the platform when the guardrail is in its deployed position. - The second locking means comprises means for interlocking the first and second parts, said interlocking means being mounted for translation in the plane perpendicular to the direction of retention. Thus, the interlocking means are actuated by the movement of the guardrail between its two positions. - The interlocking means comprise a grooved element provided on the first part of the second locking means and a tab provided on the second part of the second locking means. - The second part of the second locking means is formed of a plate comprising a fixing portion integral with the frame and a cooperation portion with the first part forming the cooperation tongue with the groove of the grooved element. Thus configured, the interlocking means do not require any actuation other than the pivoting of the guardrail between its two positions deployed and folded. - The fixing and cooperation portions of the plate are parallel to each other, extend perpendicularly to the direction of retention and are offset along a direction parallel to said direction of retention. The offset between the two portions of the plate moves the cooperation portion away from the reinforcement and facilitates cooperation with the grooved element. - The first part of the second locking means comprises a connecting axis mounted through the guardrail in a direction parallel to the direction of retention, and a cylinder mounted freely to rotate around the connecting axis, which cylinder comprises on its lateral surface a circular perimeter groove and forms the grooved element. This type of mounting for the grooved component ensures its replacement in case of a defect. Furthermore, regardless of the cylinder's position, the tongue will always be able to engage with a portion of the circular groove. - The tongue has a curvilinear profile whose radius of curvature corresponds to that of the circular perimeter groove Such a configuration increases the contact area between the groove and the tongue, and strengthens the cooperation between the groove and the tongue. - The frame comprises at least two uprights arranged on either side of the platform; the guardrail comprises an upper perimeter rail pivotally connected to at least one of the uprights by at least one pivoting device which also forms the first means of locking in the direction of support; and a lower perimeter rail on which is provided the The first part of the second locking mechanism is attached to the relevant upright of the frame. The offset between the first locking mechanism and the second locking mechanism is thus increased, which improves the distribution of any lateral force exerted on the guardrail and further enhances the transfer of force to the frame. - The upper perimeter rail is connected by pivoting means by two pivoting members facing each other in the direction of retention, said pivoting members forming first means of locking, the lower perimeter rail is U-shaped and includes two lateral legs arranged on either side of the platform facing each other in the direction of retention, one of the legs crossing one of the uprights and the other leg crossing the opposite upright, and the first parts of two second means of locking are provided on the respective legs of the lower perimeter rail facing each other in the direction of retention, the second parts of said second means of locking being provided on the respective uprights of the frame. This prevents deformation of the guardrail on both opposite sides of the platform, further increasing safety during use.

[0010] The invention also relates to a stepladder comprising a secure access platform as described above, feet suitable for resting on the ground and a plurality of steps for accessing the platform. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clear from the description given below, by way of example and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:

[0012] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a stepladder in its deployed position for use, including the platform of the invention;

[0013] Fig. 2 represents a perspective view of the stepladder and platform of the invention in the folded position;

[0014] Fig. 3 represents a perspective view of a detail of the second locking means of the invention in a cooperative position;

[0015] Fig. 4 represents a perspective view of a detail of the second locking means of the invention in the separation position;

[0016] Fig. 5 represents an exploded view of a first part of the second locking means;

[0017] Fig. 6 represents an exploded view of a second part of the second locking means. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] It is first specified that in the figures, the same references designate the same elements regardless of the figure in which they appear and regardless of the form of representation of these elements. Similarly, if elements are not specifically referenced in one of the figures, their references can easily be found by referring to another figure.

[0019] It is also specified that the figures essentially represent one embodiment of the object of the invention but that there may be other embodiments which meet the definition of the invention.

[0020] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the invention relates to a stepladder 15 comprising a first pair 23 of uprights 18, 19 and a second pair 24 of uprights 21, 22, the uprights of each pair 23, 24 being identical and parallel to each other. Each upright 18, 19, 21, 22 comprises a main body, a first end and a second, opposite end.

[0021] The uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23 are connected to each other by four parallel steps 25 leading to a receiving platform 2 for a user of the stepladder 15. Furthermore, the first ends of the uprights 18, 19 are connected to a guardrail 4 which will be described below, while the second opposite ends include anti-slip feet or pads 26 and are configured to come into contact with the ground.

[0022] The uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24 are shorter than the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23, and are connected to each other by bars 27 that extend perpendicularly to said uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24. The first ends of the two uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24 are pivotally connected to the main bodies of the two uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23, while the opposite second ends also include anti-slip pads 26 and are configured to come into contact with the ground. The stepladder 15 of the invention is therefore, by way of non-limitation, a folding stepladder 15, shown in [Fig. 1] in its extended position for use and in [Fig. 2] in its folded position.

[0023] The stepladder 15 further comprises a guardrail 4 having two straight rods 28, each comprising a main body slidably connected to the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23 via rings 34 fixed to the uprights 18, 19, which rods 28 extend perpendicularly to the platform 2 when the stepladder 15 is deployed. Each rod 28 further comprises a first end and a second opposite end.

[0024] The guardrail 4 comprises two U-shaped protective rails 12, 17, respectively a lower rail 17 whose ends are pivotally connected to the main body of the respective rods 28 by two lower connecting members 29, and an upper rail 12 whose ends are pivotally connected to the latter ends of the respective rods 28 by two upper connecting members 30. Each rail 12, 17 may further include tool receiving supports 31.

[0025] The stepladder 15 also includes an access gate 32 connected to the lower connecting members 29 and the upper connecting members 30.

[0026] The stepladder comprises two telescopic support legs 51 pivotally connected to the two respective uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24. More specifically, each leg 51 comprises a main body, a first end pivotally connected to the upright 21, 22, and a second end fitted with a foot. The body of each leg 51 is further connected by a linear joint to a connecting bar 52, one end of which is also pivotally connected to the body of the upright 21, 22.

[0027] These legs 51 are therefore adjustable in length to allow for additional support even on uneven ground, which increases the stability of the stepladder 15 in its extended position. Furthermore, the connecting bars 52 allow the pivoting of each leg 51 to be locked relative to the relevant upright 21, 22, which further increases the stability of the stepladder 15 in its extended position.

[0028] Finally, the stepladder 15 includes two wheels 33 connected in the vicinity of the second ends of the uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24, to facilitate the movement of the stepladder 15 once folded.

[0029] The stepladder 15 includes a secure platform 1 comprising the platform 2, the gate 32, the guardrail 4 and a frame 3 formed by the two pairs 23, 24 of uprights 18, 19, 21, 22.

[0030] According to the invention, the guardrail 4 is pivotally connected to the first ends of the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23, around a pivot axis X, via two pivoting members, in particular pivot links 16.

[0031] More specifically, one leg 35 of the upper rail 12 is connected via the pivot joint considered 16 to the first end of one of the uprights 18, while the opposite leg 36 of said rail 12 is connected via the pivot joint considered 16 to the first end of the other upright 19. In addition, the two opposite legs 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 are respectively connected by sliding to the uprights 21, 22 of the second pair 24 via rings 37 fixed to said respective uprights 21, 22.

[0032] Advantageously, each pivot joint 16 forms a first means of locking the guardrail 4 relative to the frame 3 along a retention direction 20 parallel to the pivot axis X. The two pivot joints 16 are opposite each other along the retention direction 20.

[0033] The guardrail 4 is therefore movable by pivoting relative to the frame 3 between a deployed position of use when the stepladder 15 is in its deployed position ([Fig.1]), and a folded position when the stepladder 15 is in its folded position ([Fig.2]).

[0034] According to the invention, the platform 1 includes second locking means 5 of the guardrail 4 along the retention direction 20, these second locking means 5 being offset relative to the first locking means 16 perpendicular to the retention direction 20.

[0035] Thus, if a user on the platform 2 leans over and rests on one of the legs 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 and / or on one of the legs 35, 36 of the upper rail 12, then the mechanical separation - perpendicular to the direction of support 20 - between each first locking means 16 and each second locking means 5 generates a resistance force which opposes the user's support force, thereby drastically limiting the deformation of the guardrail 4. This increases the safety of the secure platform 1 and the stepladder 15 comprising this platform 1.

[0036] In particular, the platform 1 of the invention includes two second locking means 5 provided at the level of each leg 38, 39 of the lower rail 17.

[0037] With reference to figures 3 to 6, each second locking means 5 comprises a first part 6 which is fixed on the considered leg 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 and a second part 7 which is fixed on the considered upright 18, 19 of the first pair of uprights 23. Such a two-part structure 6, 7 of each second locking means 5 is explained by the fact that the guardrail 4 is mounted movably to pivot on the uprights 18, 19 of the first pair 23 and that the pivot axis X is offset with respect to said second locking means 5, perpendicular to the retaining direction 20.

[0038] Each second locking means 5 is thus actuable between a locking position of the guardrail 4 relative to the frame 3 according to the holding direction 20 - when said guardrail 4 is in the deployed position - and a release position of the guardrail 4 relative to the frame 3 when said guardrail 4 is in the folded position.

[0039] More specifically, when the second blocking means considered 5 is in its blocking position, then the first part 6 of said second blocking means 5 is in a bonding cooperation with the second part 7, while when the second blocking means considered 5 is in its release position, then the first part 6 of said second blocking means 5 is separated from the second part 7.

[0040] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, the first part 6 of each second locking means 5 comprises a grooved member 9 formed of a hollow cylinder with a circular cross-section and comprising on its lateral surface a circumferential groove 13, which cylinder 9 is mounted to rotate freely about a connecting axis 14 parallel to the direction of retaining 20 and passing through the considered leg 38, 39 of the lower rail 17, which connecting axis 14 is fixed to said leg 38, 39 via a nut 40. The use of an axis-nut fixing system allows its easy replacement in case of breakage of either the axis 14, or the nut 40, or the grooved element 9.

[0041] The second part 7 of the second locking means considered 5 comprises a plate having a fixing portion 11 attached to the upright considered 18, 19 of the first pair of uprights 23 by any known means, for example a rivet 42, and a cooperation portion 10 with the grooved cylinder 9 of the first part 6: this cooperation portion forms a cooperation tongue 10 with the groove 13 of the grooved cylinder 9, said groove 13 and said tongue 10 forming interlocking means 8 of the first and second parts 6, 7 of the second locking means considered 5.

[0042] In order to offset the cooperation tongue 10 from the surface of the upright 18, 19 and thus facilitate cooperation between said tongue 10 and the groove 13 of the cylinder considered 9, the tongue 10 is offset in a direction parallel to the retaining direction 20, and connected to the fixing portion 10 by a shoulder wall 41 which extends parallel to the retaining direction 20 and perpendicular to the fixing portion 11 and to the tongue 10. Finally, in order to improve the contact between the groove 13 of the cylinder 9 of the first part 6 and the tongue 10 of the second part 7, said tongue 10 has a curvilinear profile whose radius of curvature is equivalent to the radius of curvature of the groove 13 of said cylinder 9.

[0043] Advantageously, the use of a grooved member 9 having the shape of a cylinder makes it easier to position said grooved member 9 on the lower rail 17: the tongue 10 of the plate forming the second part 7 of the second locking means 5 is always opposite a part of the groove 13 of the cylinder 9, with which it can cooperate when the second locking means 5 is in the locking position.

[0044] One of the second locking means 5 therefore comprises its first part 6 fixed to one of the legs 38 of the lower rail 17 and its second part 7 fixed to one of the uprights 18 opposite said leg 38, while the other second locking means 5 comprises its first part 6 fixed to the other leg 39 of the lower rail 17 and its second part 7 fixed to the other upright 19 opposite said leg 39.

[0045] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate one of the second locking means 5 respectively in its locked position – when the guardrail 4 is in its deployed position – and in its released position, when the guardrail 4 is in its folded position. The first and second parts 6, 7 of the second locking means 5 are therefore movable relative to each other in a plane perpendicular to the direction of retention 20 in order to follow the pivoting of the guardrail 4 which goes from its deployed position to its folded position and vice versa.

[0046] Furthermore, in its locked position, the first part 6 of the second locking means 5 is opposite the frame 3 and the second part 7 of the second locking means 5 is opposite the guardrail 4. This minimizes the lever arm between the two parts 6, 7 of the second locking means 5 and minimizes the movement of the bottom rail 17 relative to the uprights 18, 19 along the restraint direction 20. In addition, in the locked position, the two second locking means 5 are opposite each other along the restraint direction 20.

[0047] Each second locking means 5 allows the force exerted by the user on the leg 38, 39 of the lower rail 17 to be transferred to the relevant upright 18, 19 of the frame 3. This has the effect of limiting the deformation of the guardrail 4 along the direction of support 20 and therefore increases the stability and safety of the platform 1 and the stepladder 15.

Claims

Demands

1. Secure access platform (1) comprising a frame (3), a platform (2), a guardrail (4) connected to the frame (3), at least one first locking means (16) of the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) in a holding direction (20), at least one second locking means (5) of the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3) in the same holding direction (20), which second locking means (5) is offset from the first locking means (16) perpendicular to the holding direction (20) and comprises a first part (6) fixed to the guardrail (4) and a second part (7) fixed to the frame (3), which first part (6) of the second locking means (5) is: a. in connection cooperation with the second part (7) when the second locking means (5) is in a position of locking the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3), and b.separated from the second part (7) when the second locking means (5) is in a position of release of the guardrail (4) relative to the frame (3), characterized in that, in its locking position, the first part (6) of the second locking means (5) is opposite the frame (3) and the second part (7) of the second locking means (5) is opposite the guardrail (4).

2. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the guardrail (4) is pivotally connected to the frame (3) about a pivot axis (X) parallel to the holding direction (20) between a deployed position of use and a folded position, and in that at least the second locking means (5) is actuable between its guardrail (4) locking position relative to the frame (3) along the holding direction when said guardrail (4) is in the deployed position, and its guardrail (4) release position relative to the frame (3) when the guardrail (4) is in the folded position.

3. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first and second parts (6, 7) of the second means of blockage (5) are mobile relative to each other in a plane perpendicular to the direction of retention (20).

4. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second locking means (5) comprises means for interlocking (8) the first and second parts (6, 7) with each other, said interlocking means (8) being mounted in translation (8) in the plane perpendicular to the direction of retention.

5. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the interlocking means (8) comprise a grooved member (9) formed on the first part (6) of the second locking means (5) and a tab (10) formed on the second part (7) of the second locking means (5).

6. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the second part (7) of the second locking means (5) is formed of a plate comprising a fixing portion (11) integral with the frame (3) and a cooperation portion with the first part (6) of said second locking means (5), which cooperation portion forms the cooperation tongue (10) with a groove (13) of the grooved member (9).

7. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the fixing portions (11) and cooperation portions (12) of the plate (7) are parallel to each other, extend perpendicularly to the holding direction (20) and are offset along a direction parallel to said holding direction (20).

8. Platform (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first part (6) of the second locking means (5) comprises a connecting axis (14) mounted through the guardrail (4) in a direction parallel to the retaining direction (20), and a cylinder mounted freely to rotate about the connecting axis (14), which cylinder comprises on its lateral surface a circular perimeter groove (13) and forms the grooved member (9).

9. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tongue (10) has a curvilinear profile whose radius of curvature corresponds to that of the circular perimeter groove (13).

10. Platform (1) according to claim 1 and according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the frame (3) comprises at least two uprights (18, 19) arranged on either side and on the other side of the platform (2), in that the guardrail (4) comprises an upper perimeter rail (12) pivotally connected to at least one of the uprights (18, 19) by at least one pivoting member also forming the first locking means (16) according to the direction of retention (20), and a lower perimeter rail (17) on which is provided the first part (6) of the second locking means (5), the second part (7) of said second locking means (5) being provided on the upright in question (18, 19) of the frame (3).

11. Platform (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the upper perimeter rail (12) is pivotally connected by two pivoting members facing each other along the retaining direction (20), said pivoting members forming first locking means (16), in that the lower perimeter rail (17) is U-shaped and comprises two lateral legs (38, 39) arranged on either side of the platform (2) facing each other along the retaining direction (20), one of the legs (38, 39) crossing one of the uprights (18, 19) and the other leg (38, 39) crossing the opposite upright (18, 19), and in that the first portions (6) of two second locking means (5) are provided on the respective legs (38, 39) of the lower perimeter rail (17) facing each other along the retaining direction (20), the second portions (7) of the said second locking means (5) being provided on the respective uprights (18, 19) of the frame (3).

12. Stepladder (15) comprising a secure access platform (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, feet (26) suitable for resting on the ground and a plurality of steps (25) for accessing the platform (2).

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