Straight staircase

Abstract

The invention relates to a straight staircase comprising: - two stringers (1) each extending along a longitudinal axis (A1), said longitudinal axes (A1) being parallel to each other; - at least one step (2) fixed between the stringers (1); - at least one brace (4) extending along an axis having a bracing angle between 20° and 70° with respect to the longitudinal axes (A1) of said stringers. This staircase is particular in that it further comprises a means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes (A1) of the stringers (1) with respect to the horizontal, this angle of inclination being defined from a list of predefined positions. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing one or more straight staircases according to the invention. Figure for the abstract: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Straight staircase technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of metal staircases. More particularly, it relates to a straight staircase whose different parts are configured to allow its inclination to be adapted relative to the horizontal.

[0002] The invention finds a particularly advantageous application for quickly producing a straight staircase with a specific inclination.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates more particularly to the creation of a solid and robust staircase, suitable for public buildings or industrial sites. Prior art

[0004] Metal staircases are generally custom-made.

[0005] Staircases of standard dimensions exist, but these can only be used for a limited number of applications. Either the installation location for the staircase is designed from the outset to conform to these standard dimensions, which implies design constraints that can lead to increased costs and / or suboptimal use of space. Or the installation location was not designed to accommodate such a staircase, and it must then be adapted to these standard dimensions, which entails the same drawbacks but also requires this adaptation step.

[0006] Custom-made staircases are generally an optimal fit for their installation location. However, since these staircases cannot be mass-produced, they are more expensive. Furthermore, their manufacture is only initiated upon order, which implies a significant delivery time.

[0007] For the purposes of this invention, the term "stringer" refers to the upright(s) of a staircase that support the treads. Although a staircase may have a single central stringer, it typically has two parallel stringers. The stringers have a longitudinal axis connecting the threshold, aligned with the lower level, and a landing tread, aligned with the upper level. Along this longitudinal axis, each stringer typically has an I-beam profile with a central face to which the treads are fixed, an upper face to which a handrail can be attached, and a lower face. To ensure the rigidity of the staircase, the stringers are typically connected by cross braces and cross braces.

[0008] For the purposes of the invention, the term "incline" of the staircase, or "incline" of the stringers of the staircase, refers to the inclination between the longitudinal axes of the stringers and the horizontal.

[0009] For the purposes of this invention, the term "spacer" refers to reinforcements extending substantially perpendicularly between the stringers and designed to counteract the forces that pull the stringers apart. Sturdy staircases typically include several spacers fixed to the central faces of the stringers, opposite one another.

[0010] The term "bracing" refers to reinforcements that extend at an angle typically between 20 and 70 degrees with the longitudinal axis of the stringers. These reinforcements resist torsional forces and are typically fixed to the undersides of the stringers.

[0011] There are staircases with a variable incline. Since the steps of the stairs must be horizontal for ergonomic reasons, the main function of staircases with a variable incline is to allow adjustment of the incline of the steps relative to the stringers.

[0012] French patent FR2474085 proposes a staircase with a variable incline. This variability is achieved by means of oblong holes arranged on the treads and stringers. This solution is difficult to implement, as adjusting the incline of each tread requires considerable time and care to ensure the treads are horizontal. Furthermore, there is a risk that, over time and due to the mechanical stresses exerted on the staircase, one or more treads may become uneven.

[0013] French patent FR2722525 proposes a variable-incline staircase in which each stringer comprises two clamping flanges, and each tread is fixed to each stringer by means of a front and a rear bracket, both pivoting. The offset between the front and rear brackets along the stringers is adjustable, in order to obtain horizontal treads regardless of the inclination given to the stringers when the staircase is installed. However, in this type of embodiment, adjusting the inclination of the treads is time-consuming, and this inclination is not permanent.

[0014] The technical problem of the invention is therefore to determine how to obtain a straight staircase with an adaptable inclination, which is easy to climb and whose inclination adjustment is durable over time. Description of the invention

[0015] The present invention aims to address this technical problem by using a straight staircase comprising:

[0016] - two silts each extending along a longitudinal axis, said longitudinal axes being parallel to each other; - at least one fixed step between the stringers; - at least one bracing extending along an axis presenting a bracing angle between 20 and 70° with respect to the longitudinal axes of said stringers.

[0017] This staircase is special in that it also includes a means of adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes of the stringers with respect to the horizontal, this angle of inclination being defined from a list of predefined positions.

[0018] Thanks to these provisions, several adjustable-incline staircases can be manufactured with a large number of common parts, allowing for the complete or nearly complete mass production of the staircase. Furthermore, thanks to the list of predefined positions, the risks of inaccurate adjustment or degradation of this adjustment over time are reduced.

[0019] Said staircase may include two lower anchor pieces, each comprising a means of fixing to a horizontal surface, and each stringer may include at its lower end a lower connecting piece, the lower connecting pieces being fixed to the lower anchor pieces by means of oblong holes allowing adjustment of the inclination of the lower anchor piece relative to the longitudinal axis of the stringer, which makes it possible to increase the number of pieces usable for several staircases of various inclinations.

[0020] Said staircase may include two upper anchoring pieces having a horizontal part and / or a vertical part, and each stringer may have at its upper end an upper connecting piece, the upper connecting pieces being fixed to the upper anchoring pieces by means of oblong holes allowing adjustment of the inclination of the upper anchoring piece with respect to the longitudinal axis of the stringer, which makes it possible to increase the number of pieces usable for several staircases of various inclinations.

[0021] Said staircase may further include at least one spacer extending from one stringer to the other along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the stringers, which makes it possible to obtain a staircase with reinforced solidity.

[0022] Said at least one spacer may be telescopic, so that its width can be adjusted from a list of predefined widths, which makes it possible to obtain stairs of different widths using identical parts.

[0023] The said staircase may further include at least one bracing extending along an axis having a bracing angle between 20 and 70° with respect to the longitudinal axes of said stringers, which makes it possible to obtain a staircase with reinforced solidity.

[0024] Said at least one bracing may be telescopic, so that its length can be adjusted from a list of predefined lengths.

[0025] Said means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes of the stringers with respect to the horizontal may include at least one adjustment piece suitable for being fixed to the stringer in at least two different positions, the position of said adjustment piece being able to determine the position of at least two variable tread supports with respect to said stringer by means of a positioning piece, so that each of these two positions corresponds to a particular tread angle of at least two treads with respect to the longitudinal axis of said stringer, which makes it possible to make a single adjustment for a plurality of treads, reducing the risk of adjustment error.

[0026] Said adjusting piece can be fixed to said stringer at the level of a horizontal fixing axis, and said adjusting piece can comprise at least two flat surfaces parallel to said horizontal fixing axis, said flat surfaces being able to be arranged at different distances from said horizontal fixing axis, each position of the adjusting piece being able to correspond to an alignment of one of said flat surfaces with the longitudinal axis of the stringer, said positioning piece being able to have a contact surface cooperating with the flat surface aligned with the longitudinal axis of the stringer, said at least two variable supports being able to be fixed to said positioning piece, which is a simple and robust embodiment of the invention.

[0027] Said variable support can be fixed to said stringer by means of an oblong hole, which is a simple and robust embodiment of the invention.

[0028] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a plurality of straight staircases according to the invention, the stringers of at least two staircases having at least two different angles of inclination with respect to the horizontal, said method comprising the following steps: - manufacturing a plurality of pairs of stringers, each pair of stringers being identical, - manufacturing a plurality of steps 2, then for each staircase: - adjusting the inclination using the means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes of the stringers relative to the horizontal - fixing at least one step between two stringers.

[0029] Thanks to these provisions, several adjustable-incline staircases can be manufactured with a large number of common parts, allowing for the complete or nearly complete mass production of the staircase. Furthermore, thanks to the list of predefined positions, the risks of inaccurate adjustment or degradation of this adjustment over time are reduced.

[0030] Said process may further include the following step: - for each staircase, manufacture of at least one adjustment piece, at least one connecting piece and at least one variable support, these pieces being identical for each staircase, the fixing of the adjustment piece on the stringer being adapted for each staircase to the angle of inclination of the stringer relative to the horizontal.

[0031] The present invention further relates to a method for installing a straight staircase according to the invention, comprising the following steps: - installation of two stringers, - fixing at least one adjustment piece on each stringer, in the position corresponding to the angle of inclination of the stringers relative to the horizontal, - for each stringer, fixing a plurality of variable supports on at least one positioning piece, - arrangement of said positioning parts so as to place their contact surface against the flat surfaces of the adjustment parts parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stringers, - fixing the variable supports onto the stringers.

[0032] Thanks to these features, the staircase according to the invention can be manufactured simply, with easy adjustment of the inclination and a reduced risk of error. Brief description of the drawings

[0033] The present invention and its advantages will become more apparent from the following description of several embodiments given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a perspective view of a staircase according to a mode of preferred embodiment of the invention,

[0035] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the lower part of the staircase in [Fig.1],

[0036] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of the lower part of the staircase in [Fig.1],

[0037] [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a side view of the lower part of a staircase made with identical pieces to the staircase in [Fig. 1], but with a different inclination,

[0038] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is a view from below of the lower part of the staircase in [Fig.1],

[0039] [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a perspective view of two struts and a bracing of the staircase in [Fig. 1],

[0040] [Fig.7] [Fig.7] is a side view of a detail of the upper part of the staircase in [Fig.4],

[0041] [Fig.8] [Fig.8] is a side view of a detail of the upper part of the staircase in [Fig.1],

[0042] [Fig.9] [Fig.9] is a perspective view of the upper part of the staircase in [Fig.1],

[0043] [Fig. 10] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a detail of [Fig. 9],

[0044] [Fig. 11] [Fig. 11] is a schematic side view of two consecutive steps of a staircase according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0045] [Fig. 12] [Fig. 12] is a perspective view of the means for adjusting the inclination of the stringers relative to the horizontal of the staircase of [Fig. 1].

[0046] [Fig. 13] [Fig. 13] is a side view of a detail of [Fig. 12],

[0047] [Fig. 14] [Fig. 14] is a side view similar to [Fig. 13] of the staircase of the [Fig.4], Description of the implementation methods

[0048] In the illustrated embodiments, identical elements or parts bear the same reference numbers. Furthermore, terms with a relative meaning, such as vertical, horizontal, right, left, front, back, above, below, etc., should be interpreted under normal conditions of use of the invention, as shown in the figures. The X, Y, and Z axes are defined by an orthonormal coordinate system illustrated in [Fig. 1], with the X and Y axes being horizontal and the Z axis being vertical. Moreover, the geometric positions indicated in the description and claims, such as "perpendicular," "parallel," and "symmetrical," are not limited to the strict geometric sense but extend to geometric positions that are close, i.e., that allow a certain tolerance within the technical field considered, without affecting the result obtained.This tolerance is notably introduced by the adverb "sensible", without this term necessarily being repeated before each adjective.

[0049] With reference to the figures, the staircase according to the invention comprises two stringers 1 extending along two parallel longitudinal axes Al, and at least one step 2 extending between the two stringers in a horizontal direction parallel to the axis Y.

[0050] The stringers 1 are elongated elements located on each side of the staircase, extending mainly along a longitudinal direction parallel to a straight line that would pass through the center of the steps 2. The longitudinal direction of the stringers is perpendicular to the Y axis and inclined with respect to the horizontal.

[0051] The steps 2 are horizontal, which, within the context of the present invention, is understood to mean that their upper surfaces, on which a user's feet rest when going up or down the stairs, are horizontal. This is also the case when the upper surface of the steps 2 does not correspond to a flat face, for example, if the step is made of a metal grating.

[0052] The treads 2 are fixed to the stringers 1 and supported by the stringers 1, preferably by means of two supports 3 per tread 2, one support per stringer 1. As illustrated in [Fig. 12], the supports 3 are, for example, angle-shaped, comprising a vertical surface pressed against the stringer 1 and a horizontal surface on which the step 2 rests.

[0053] The steps 2 of the staircase according to the invention are preferably all identical in terms of dimensions and method of attachment to the stringers 1.

[0054] The staircase according to the invention is made up of parts, most of which can be common to staircases of different inclinations, the inclination of the staircase in the present invention referring to the inclination of its stringers 1 with respect to the horizontal axis X. The staircase therefore includes a means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 with respect to the horizontal. The angle of inclination of the staircase is chosen from a list of predefined positions, for example, corresponding to angles between 25 and 45°. For example, this list could include 16 angles between 25 and 45°, for example, between 28 and 36°.

[0055] The parts constituting the steps 2 are preferably independent of the inclination of the staircase, so identical steps 2 can be used for staircases of different inclinations.

[0056] Since the treads 2 are horizontal, the inclination of the treads 2 relative to the stringers 1 varies according to the inclination of the staircase. The stringers 1 may include a fastening system allowing different inclinations of at least one tread 2 relative to the stringers 1. This inclination is defined according to a tread angle al corresponding to the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 relative to the horizontal axis X.

[0057] In a particular embodiment of the invention, the means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes A1 comprises at least one adjusting piece 4 and at least one positioning piece 5. The adjusting piece 4 is suitable for being fixed to a stringer 1 in at least two different positions, each position corresponding to a particular tread angle A1. The position in which the adjusting piece 4 is fixed determines the position of the positioning piece 5. The support 3 for the step 2 is a variable support, that is to say, it allows the step 2 to be fixed to the stringer 1 in several different positions. The position of the positioning piece 5 determines the position of at least two variable supports 3 for the steps 2. Thus, by adjusting a single adjusting piece 4, the position of a plurality of steps 2 can be defined, thereby ensuring that these steps 2 are all positioned at the same tread angle A1.

[0058] For example, as illustrated in figures 12 to 14, the variable support 3 is fixed to the stringer at a fixed point, and at a variable point, which in this example is an oblong hole 8. The variable support 3 can thus take several positions around said fixed point.

[0059] More particularly, in the preferred embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, the adjusting piece 4 can be fixed to the stringer 1 at a horizontal fixing axis A2 fixed relative to the stringer 1. The adjusting piece 4 has at least two flat surfaces 6 parallel to the fixing axis A2, the flat surfaces 6 being located at different distances from the fixing axis A2. Each flat surface 6, and more particularly each distance between a flat surface 6 and the fixing axis A2, corresponds to a particular walking angle α2. The adjusting piece 6 is designed so that the alignment, i.e., the paralleling, of one of the flat surfaces 6 with the longitudinal axis A1 of the stringer 1, allows the adjusting piece 4 to be positioned in a position corresponding to a particular walking angle α2. There are two positions of the adjusting piece 4 that allow this alignment to be achieved.In the example shown in Figures 12 to 14, the position located below the fixing axis A2 is used. However, it is possible to use the position located above the fixing axis A2 without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0060] The adjusting piece 4 has more than two flat surfaces 6, for example eight flat surfaces 6, as shown in Figures 12 to 14. The adjusting piece 4 may have indications relating to the step height corresponding to each flat surface 6, in order to help the assembler to position the adjusting piece 4 and reduce the risk of error.

[0061] In the preferred embodiment, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 12 to 14, the positioning piece 5 has a contact surface 7 configured to cooperate with the flat surface 6 of the adjusting piece 4, which is aligned with the longitudinal axis A1 of the stringer 1. The distance between the contact surface 7 of the positioning piece 5 and the fixing axis A2 is determined by the position of the adjusting piece 4, which in turn determines the position of the positioning piece 5 relative to the stringer 1. In this embodiment, the variable supports 3 are fixed to the positioning piece 5. However, it could be imagined that the variable supports 3 and the positioning piece 5 are made as a single piece. The position of the variable supports 3 is ultimately determined by the position of the adjusting piece 4, via the positioning piece 5.

[0062] The variable supports 3 can be fixed to the stringer 1 by means of oblong holes 8, present on the stringer 1 or on the variable support 3, and cooperating, for example, with a bolt. Thus, a single variable support 3 can be used regardless of the walking angle al used. Other known variable fixings can of course be used without departing from the scope of the invention, for example, a plurality of holes present on the stringer 1 or the variable support 3, each hole or set of holes corresponding to a particular walking angle al.

[0063] Figures 13 and 14 show the extreme relative positions of the adjusting piece 4, the positioning piece 5 and the variable supports 3. In [Fig. 13], the angle of inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal is the minimum angle allowed by the oblong holes 8. In [Fig. 14], the angle of inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal is the maximum angle allowed by the oblong holes 8.

[0064] As illustrated in [Fig. 12], the staircase according to the invention can comprise a plurality of adjustment pieces 4, each adjustment piece 4 cooperating with a positioning piece 5. It can then be provided that the positioning pieces 5 have at their ends alignment surfaces configured to be pressed against each other, which makes it possible to ensure that two adjacent positioning pieces 5 are positioned so as to impose on their respective variable supports 3 a position resulting in a constant step angle al over the entire length of the staircase.

[0065] The means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 with respect to the horizontal can be configured so that the relative position of the steps 2 complies with certain safety precautions, which may or may not be dictated by regulations.

[0066] The means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 with respect to the horizontal can be configured so that the overlap R of the projection of two consecutive steps 2 on a horizontal plane, represented in [Fig.1 1], has a dimension along the horizontal axis X greater than or equal to 50 mm.

[0067] The means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 with respect to the horizontal can also be configured so that Blondel's law is respected for any set of two consecutive steps 2, that is to say that the sum of twice their vertical spacing E and their tread G, represented in [Fig.1 1], is between 600 and 640 mm, the tread being defined as the horizontal spacing between the two nosings of the step.

[0068] The invention then makes it possible to create stairs of different inclinations from common parts, while ensuring, by means of adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 with respect to the horizontal, that is to say for example by means of the particular geometry of the adjustment piece 3, illustrated in [Fig. 12] to 14, that these stairs do not pose a safety problem.

[0069] Each stringer 1 may include a central section, comprising a central element la or more central elements la fixed end-to-end, framed by a lower anchoring section, forming the lower end of the stringer 1, and an upper anchoring section, forming the upper end of the stringer 1.

[0070] Thanks to the means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 relative to the horizontal, unique models of central elements These central elements can be used to construct staircases with varying inclines. They can be of different lengths, determined by the number of steps supported (e.g., 2, 3, 6, or 9 steps). Central elements of varying lengths can be used in the same staircase. A maximum length of 9 steps allows the central element to be less than 3 meters long, which is advantageous for transport.

[0071] The lower anchoring section, illustrated by way of example in Figures 2 to 4, preferably comprises a lower connecting piece 1b, to which a lower anchoring piece 9 can be attached. The lower anchoring piece 9 includes a means 10 for attaching it to a horizontal surface. As illustrated in Figures 2 to 4, the means 10 for attaching it to the lower anchoring piece 9 can be fixed to it at varying heights, for example, by means of vertical oblong holes, in order to allow adjustment of the height of the staircase relative to the horizontal surface to which its lower end is anchored. The means 10 is, for example, made of an angle bracket cooperating with two vertical anchor screws.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment of the lower anchor piece 9 to the lower connecting piece 1b is adjustable in inclination, so as to be able to be adjusted to the inclination of the staircase. For example, each lower anchor piece 9 is preferably attached to a lower connecting piece 1b by a fastening means having at least one oblong hole 8, cooperating, for example, with a bolt. The oblong hole 8, present on the lower anchor piece 9 or on the lower connecting piece 1b, allows different relative inclinations of these two pieces, in order to adapt to the inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal. Other variable fastening means than the oblong holes 8 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention, for example, a plurality of holes, each hole or set of holes allowing the pieces to be fixed to each other in a certain relative position.

[0073] Thanks to these provisions, unique designs of lower connecting piece 1b and lower anchoring piece 9 can be used for stairs of different inclinations.

[0074] Figures 3 and 4 show the extreme relative positions of the lower anchor piece 9 and the lower connecting piece 1b. In [Fig. 3], the angle of inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal is the maximum angle allowed by the oblong holes 8. In [Fig. 3], the angle of inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal is the minimum angle allowed by the oblong holes 8.

[0075] The lower connecting piece 1b may include means for fixing to one or more steps 2.

[0076] The upper anchoring section, illustrated by way of example in figures 7 and 8, preferably includes an upper connecting piece le, on which an upper anchoring piece 10 can be fixed. The upper anchoring piece 10 includes a part, for example a face or an edge, horizontal or vertical.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the attachment of the upper anchor piece 10 to the upper connecting piece le is adjustable in inclination, so as to be able to be adjusted to the inclination of the staircase. For example, each upper anchor piece 10 is preferably attached to an upper connecting piece le by a fastening means having at least one oblong hole 8, cooperating, for example, with a bolt. The oblong hole 8, present on the upper anchor piece 10 or on the upper connecting piece le, allows different relative inclinations of these two pieces, in order to adapt to the inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal. Other variable fastening means than the oblong holes 8 can be used without departing from the scope of the invention, for example, a plurality of holes, each hole or set of holes allowing the pieces to be fixed to each other in a certain relative position.

[0078] Thanks to these provisions, unique models of upper connecting piece le and upper anchoring piece 10 can be used for stairs of different inclinations.

[0079] Figures 7 and 8 show the extreme relative positions of the upper anchor piece 10 and the upper connecting piece 1e. In [Fig. 7], the angle of inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal is the minimum angle permitted by the oblong holes 8. In [Fig. 8], the angle of inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal is the maximum angle permitted by the oblong holes 8.

[0080] The lower connecting piece 1b may include means for fixing to one or more steps 2.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the staircase can be made up of parts, most of which can be common to staircases of different widths. Certain arrangements, described below, can be made to allow the width of the staircase according to the invention to be adaptable. The width of the staircase, that is, its dimension along the Y-axis, is then preferably chosen from a list of predefined positions, for example, corresponding to widths between 800 and 1400 mm. This list can, for example, include all the positions corresponding to widths between 800 and 1400 mm, in increments of 25 mm.

[0082] In the rest of the description, the term "width" applied to any part refers to its dimension along the Y axis.

[0083] The stringers 1 are preferably independent of the width of the staircase, so identical stringers 1 can be used for staircases of different widths.

[0084] The steps 2 must be adapted to the width of the staircase. Preferably, the supports 3 of the steps 2 are independent of the width of the staircase and can therefore be used for staircases of different widths. The steps 2 can be cut to the correct width to fit the width of the staircase. Alternatively, modular steps 2 can be provided, with the addition of sub-parts to increase the width of the steps 2. Steps 2 can also be provided with a variable width, for example, a step 2

[0085] The staircase according to the invention may include at least one spacer 11. The spacer 11 extends between the two stringers 1 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes A1 of the stringers 1, parallel to the Y-axis, and preferably horizontal. The spacer 11 reinforces the strength of the straight staircase. The spacer 11 preferably includes a means for adjusting its width, which allows a single spacer 11 to be used for several staircases according to the invention with different widths. The width of the spacer 11 is, for example, defined from a list of predefined positions, so as to be adapted to the width of the staircase.

[0086] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the spacer 11 may be telescopic and comprise at least two longitudinal elements lia, 11b whose relative positions can be modified to vary the width of the spacer 11. The longitudinal elements lia, 11b are preferably configured to slide relative to each other, and the spacer 11 includes a means for locking this sliding. For example, the longitudinal elements lia, 11b are fastened together by one or more bolts passing through mounting holes present in each longitudinal element lia, 11b along an axis perpendicular to the horizontal axis Y. A first longitudinal element lia, for example, may have at least one mounting hole, and a second longitudinal element 11b may have a greater number of mounting holes than the first longitudinal element.Thus, when assembling the spacer 11, one can choose which hole in the second longitudinal element 11b to use for its attachment to the first longitudinal element 1la, this choice determining the width of the spacer 11.

[0087] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the spacer 11 may include two second longitudinal elements 11b cooperating with a first longitudinal element lia.

[0088] The staircase according to the invention may include a single spacer 11. If the staircase is of a certain length, it then preferably includes several spacers 11, distributed over its height, with a spacing between them preferably constant, which may be between 800 mm and 1200 mm, for example 1000 mm.

[0089] The staircase according to the invention may further comprise at least one bracing 12. The bracing 12 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 at a bracing angle between 20 and 70°, shown as an example in [Fig. 5]. The bracing 12 reinforces the strength of the straight staircase and, in particular, resists torsional forces.

[0090] As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the bracing 12 can be telescopic and comprise at least two longitudinal elements 12a, 12b whose relative positions can be modified to vary the length of the bracing 12. The longitudinal elements 12a, 12b are preferably configured to slide relative to each other, and the bracing 12 includes a means for locking this sliding. For example, the longitudinal elements 12a, 12b are fixed to each other by one or more bolts passing through fixing holes present in each longitudinal element 12a, 12b.A first longitudinal element 12a, for example, may have at least one fixing hole, and a second longitudinal element 12b may have more fixing holes than the first longitudinal element. Thus, when assembling the bracing 12, one can choose which hole in the second longitudinal element 12b to use for its attachment to the first longitudinal element 12a, this choice determining the length of the bracing 12.

[0091] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the bracing 12 is fixed to the first longitudinal element 1la of the spacer 11. In a stair configuration in which the width of the spacer 11 is wider, the bracing 12 can be fixed to the longitudinal elements 11b, so that its ends are as close as possible to the stringers 1. To do this, it is necessary to vary the length of the bracing 12.

[0092] The staircase according to the invention may include a single brace 4. If the staircase is of a certain height, it preferably includes several braces 4, distributed over its height, with a spacing between them that is preferably constant, which may be between 800 mm and 1200 mm, for example 1000 mm.

[0093] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the bracing 12 is fixed to two cross braces 11 by means of angle brackets 13. When the staircase has several bracing elements 12, two successive bracing elements 12 can be fixed to a single cross brace 11. In this case, to reinforce the overall strength, the two angle brackets 13 for fixing each of the bracing elements 12 can also be fixed to each other, as illustrated in [Fig. 6], at the level of the cross brace 11.

[0094] The staircase according to the invention may comprise one or two handrails 14. The handrail 14 may be fixed to a stringer 1 by means of handrail supports 15 disposed on the stringers 1, the handrail supports 15 being oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axes A1 of the stringers 1. In order to ensure the continuity of the handrail 14 to the top of the staircase, the handrail 7 may be fixed to the upper anchoring section by For example, the upper anchor piece 10 is attached via a vertical handrail support 15a, illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. Since the handrail 14 is preferably parallel to the longitudinal axes A1 of the stringers 1, its angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal axis X is equal to the angle of inclination of the staircase. The means for attaching the handrail 14 to the vertical handrail support 15a may include a means for adjusting the inclination of the handrail 14 with respect to the vertical handrail support 15a, this inclination having a handrail angle α3 shown in [Fig. 10]. As illustrated in [Fig. 10], this attachment means may, for example, include a connecting piece 15b that is rotatable about an axis A3 parallel to the horizontal axis Y, the axis A3 being represented by a screw.

[0095] The staircase according to the invention may include one or two handrails, on one or both sides of the staircase. The handrails are preferably fixed to the stringers 1, for example by means of the handrail supports 15, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 9. The handrails include, for example, one or more profiles 16 whose longitudinal axis follows the inclination of the staircase.

[0096] The present invention proposes a method for manufacturing several straight staircases of different inclinations and optionally of different widths, comprising the following steps: - manufacturing a plurality of pairs of stringers 1, each pair of stringers 1 being identical, - preferably, manufacturing a plurality of identical upper anchoring pieces 10 and / or a plurality of identical lower anchoring pieces 9, - preferably, manufacturing a plurality of identical spacers 11, the width of said spacers 11 being able to vary, - preferably, manufacturing a plurality of identical braces 12, the length of said braces 12 being able to vary, - manufacturing a plurality of steps 2, the steps 2 being able to be of variable width, of a single fixed width, or of different fixed widths corresponding to the widths of said staircases, then for each staircase: - adjusting the inclination using the means for adjusting the inclination angle of the longitudinal axes Al of the stringers 1 relative to the horizontal - where appropriate, adaptation of the width of at least one spacer 11 to the width of the staircase, then fixing of said at least one spacer 11 between two stringers 1, - where appropriate, fixing of at least one bracing 12 to two spacers 3, - fixing of at least one step 2 between two stringers 1.

[0097] The present invention also proposes another method for manufacturing several straight staircases of different inclinations and possibly different widths, comprising the following step, which may or may not be combined with the steps of the above process: - for each staircase, manufacture of at least one adjustment piece 4, at least one positioning piece and at least one variable support, these pieces being identical for each staircase, the fixing of the adjustment piece 4 on the stringer 1 being adapted for each staircase to the angle of inclination of the stringer 1 with respect to the horizontal.

[0098] The staircase according to the invention can be installed according to a method comprising the following steps:

[0099] - where applicable, on the installation site of the straight staircase, verification of the height required for the staircase, - installation of two stringers 2, - fixing at least one adjusting piece 4 on each stringer 1, in the position corresponding to the angle of inclination of the stringers 1 with respect to the horizontal, - for each stringer 1, fixing a plurality of variable supports 3 on at least one positioning piece 5, - arrangement of said positioning parts 5 so as to place their contact surface 7 against the flat surfaces 6 of the adjustment parts 4 parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stringers, - fixing the variable supports 3 on the stringers 1, - fixing the steps 2 on the variable supports 3.

[0100] The staircase according to the invention is preferably a metal staircase, meaning that all its structural parts, such as the stringers, braces, and crossbeams, are metallic. Any metal can be used, including steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Other parts may be non-metallic, for example, the treads, which can be made of wood.

[0101] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described but extends to any modification and variant obvious to a person skilled in the art, within the limits of the appended claims. Furthermore, the technical features of the various embodiments and variants mentioned above may be combined, in whole or in part.

Claims

Demands

1. Straight staircase comprising: - two stringers (1) each extending along a longitudinal axis (Al), said longitudinal axes (Al) being parallel to each other; - at least one step (2) fixed between the stringers (1); - at least one bracing (4) extending along an axis having a bracing angle between 20 and 70° with respect to the longitudinal axes (Al) of said stringers, characterized in that said staircase further comprises a means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes (Al) of the stringers (1) with respect to the horizontal, this angle of inclination being defined from a list of predefined positions.

2. Straight staircase according to claim 1, wherein said staircase comprises two lower anchor pieces (9) each comprising a means for fixing to a horizontal surface, and each stringer (1) comprises at its lower end a lower connecting piece (1b), the lower connecting pieces (1b) being fixed to the lower anchor pieces by means of oblong holes (8) allowing adjustment of the inclination of the lower anchor piece (9) with respect to the longitudinal axis (Al) of the stringer (1).

3. Straight staircase according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein said staircase comprises two upper anchoring pieces (10) having a horizontal part and / or a vertical part, and each stringer (1) has at its upper end an upper connecting piece (le), the upper connecting pieces (le) being fixed to the upper anchoring pieces (10) by means of oblong holes (8) allowing adjustment of the inclination of the upper anchoring piece (10) with respect to the longitudinal axis (Al) of the stringer (1).

4. Straight staircase according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one spacer (11) extending from one stringer (1) to the other along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes (Al) of the stringers (1).

5. Straight staircase according to claim 4, wherein said at least one spacer (11) is telescopic, so as to be able to adjust its width from among a list of predefined widths.

6. Straight staircase according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one bracing (12) extending along an axis having a bracing angle between 20 and 70° with respect to the longitudinal axes (Al) of said stringers (1).

7. Straight staircase according to claim 6, wherein said at least one bracing (12) is telescopic, so as to be able to adjust its length from a list of predefined lengths.

8. Straight staircase according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes (Al) of the stringers (1) with respect to the horizontal comprises at least one adjusting piece (4) capable of being fixed to the stringer (1) in at least two different positions, the position of said adjusting piece (4) determining the position of at least two variable tread supports (3) with respect to said stringer (1) by means of a positioning piece (5), so that each of these two positions corresponds to a particular tread angle (a2) of at least two treads (2) with respect to the longitudinal axis (Al) of said stringer (1).

9. Straight staircase according to claim 8, wherein said adjusting piece (4) is fixed to said stringer (1) at the level of a horizontal fixing axis (A2), and said adjusting piece (4) comprises at least two flat surfaces (6) parallel to said horizontal fixing axis (A2), said flat surfaces (6) being arranged at different distances from said horizontal fixing axis, each position of the adjusting piece (4) corresponding to an alignment of one of said flat surfaces (6) with the longitudinal axis (Al) of the stringer, said positioning piece (5) having a contact surface (7) cooperating with the flat surface (6) aligned with the longitudinal axis (Al) of the stringer, said at least two variable supports (3) being fixed to said positioning piece (5).

10. Straight staircase according to claim 9, wherein said variable support (3) is fixed to said stringer (1) via an oblong hole (8).

11. A method for manufacturing a plurality of straight staircases according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the stringers (1) of at least two staircases having at least two different angles of inclination with respect to the horizontal, said method comprising the following steps: - manufacturing a plurality of pairs of stringers (1), each pair of stringers (1) being identical, - manufacturing a plurality of steps (2), then for each staircase: - adjusting the inclination using the means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the longitudinal axes (Al) of the stringers (1) relative to the horizontal, - fixing at least one step (2) between two stringers (1).

12. A method for manufacturing a plurality of straight staircases according to claim 11, said staircases being according to any one of claims 8 to 10, said method further comprising the following step: - for each staircase, manufacturing at least one adjusting piece (4), at least one positioning piece (5) and at least one variable support (3), these pieces being identical for each staircase, the fixing of the adjusting piece (4) on the stringer (1) being adapted for each staircase to the angle of inclination of the stringer (1) with respect to the horizontal.

13. A method for installing a straight staircase according to any one of claims 9 to 10, comprising the following steps: - installation of two stringers (1), - fixing at least one adjusting piece (4) on each stringer (1), in the position corresponding to the angle of inclination of the stringers (1) with respect to the horizontal, - for each stringer (1), fixing a plurality of variable supports (3) on at least one positioning piece (5), - arranging said positioning pieces (5) so as to place their contact surface (7) against the flat surfaces (6) of the adjusting pieces (4) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A1) of the stringers (1), - fixing the variable supports (3) on the stringers (1).

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