OBSTACLE CROSSING DEVICE AND INSTALLATION FOR ROPE ACCESS TECHNICIANS

Abstract

OBSTACLE CROSSING DEVICE AND INSTALLATION FOR ROPE CLIMBING The invention relates in particular to an obstacle crossing device (100) characterized in that it comprises: - first and second hoops (110); - at least one first connecting element (120) extending between said first and second hoops (110); - at least one first member (130) for support against a facade (F) of a building (B), carried by a first end (111) of each of said first and second hoops (110); - at least one second member (140) for support against a roof (T) or against the facade (F) of said building (B), carried by a second end (112) of each of said first and second hoops (110); and - a fixing member (150) for a restraint device for said building (B). Abbreviated figure: [Fig.2]

Description

Title of the invention: OBSTACLE CROSSING DEVICE AND INSTALLATION FOR ROPE ACCESS TECHNICIANS 1. Technical field

[0001] The field of the proposed technique is that of support devices for equipment for suspending a person and / or a load under the roof of a building.

[0002] The proposed technique relates more particularly to an obstacle-crossing device located on a building. The proposed technique also relates to an obstacle-crossing installation comprising a plurality of such devices. 2. Prior art

[0003] Buildings generally require window cleaning, facade cleaning, or other work on the exterior surfaces of the building's walls. For multi-story buildings, these operations may be entrusted to professional workers known as rope access facade specialists.

[0004] When working on the exterior surfaces of building walls, rope access technicians generally wear suspension equipment consisting of a safety harness removably attached to a suspension rope by means of a carabiner. The suspension rope is usually fixed to the building's roof at an anchor point formed by a dedicated element or, failing that, an improvised one, such as a chimney. This safety equipment helps prevent bodily injury due to an accidental fall.

[0005] However, when the rope access technician is working, the suspension rope that secures them is in contact with the interior surfaces of the building. Consequently, when the technician moves, the rope rubs against the building. Such contact generally occurs near the junction of the exterior wall surfaces with the roof of a building. Such contact is particularly harmful because it can damage the exterior surfaces of the building and / or the safety equipment of the rope access technicians.

[0006] A known solution for avoiding such contacts is to install one or more davits on the roof of a building. Davits are effective on tall buildings with horizontal roofs, but are difficult to install and use on a pitched roof. However, many buildings of a few stories have such pitched roofs that cannot support a davit.

[0007] There is a need for new obstacle crossing devices allowing intervention in suspension on buildings having in particular sloping roofs.

[0008] There is also a need for such a device which is easily usable at any point in the same building. 3. Summary of the proposed technique

[0009] The proposed technique relates, according to a first aspect, to a remarkable obstacle-crossing device in that it comprises: - the first and second hoops; - at least one first connecting element extending between the first and second arches; - at least one first support element against a facade of a building, supported by a first end of each of the first and second arches; - at least one second support element against a roof or against the facade of the building, supported by a second end of each of the first and second arches; and - a fixing device for a restraint system on the building.

[0010] When installed on a building, such a device prevents any unwanted contact, and therefore friction, between the building and the rope access technician's suspension equipment, the latter also being referred to hereafter as the user. In other words, when the rope access technician is working on an exterior surface, the suspension rope does not come into contact with a gutter, and where applicable, a cornice supporting said gutter. Thus, the risks of damage to the building and / or the rope access technician's suspension equipment are reduced.

[0011] According to a particular feature of the proposed technique, each of the first and second hoops has an internal circular arc of a length determined according to the following formula: l = r0 with : r a value of the radius of the circle including the inner circular arc; and 0 an angle value selected from an interval between 160° and 270°.

[0012] Such hoop lengths allow the device to be installed on any type of building roof, i.e. from horizontal roofs to vertical roofs and all intermediate inclinations.

[0013] According to another particular feature of the proposed technique, each of the first and second hoops comprises at least two telescopic parts and a locking system for the positioning of the telescopic parts.

[0014] Such a telescopic configuration of the hoops makes it possible, in particular, to simplify the handling and transport of the obstacle-crossing device, from the ground to the roof of the building, for example. This configuration also allows the device to be adapted to the building typology, and more specifically to the slope between the roof and the building facade.

[0015] According to yet another particular feature of the proposed technique, the first and / or second support members are pivotally mounted on the first and / or second hoops.

[0016] Such a pivoting arrangement of the support elements also allows the device to be adapted to the typology of the buildings, and more specifically to the inclination between the roof and the facade of the building. For example, the use of a ball joint makes it possible to adapt to a variation in the relief of the exterior surface of the wall and / or the roof of the building.

[0017] According to a particular implementation of this feature, the first and / or second support members are mounted on the first and / or second hoops by means of pivots.

[0018] According to yet another particular feature of the proposed technique, each of the first and second hoops includes a height adjustment mechanism for the second support members.

[0019] Such mechanisms make it possible to adapt the position of the second support members so as to adjust the arrangement of the device to the structure of the building, in particular to the inclination between the roof and the facade of the building and / or to the dimensions of the obstacle to be avoided.

[0020] According to yet another particular feature of the proposed technique, the device includes at least one guiding element for a load suspension rope, the guiding element being mounted on the first connecting element.

[0021] The implementation of such a guide element makes it possible, in particular, to simplify the vertical and / or horizontal movement of the rope access technician's suspension rope when working on the exterior surface of the building wall. This further reduces wear on the rope, resulting in improved safety for the rope access technician.

[0022] According to a particular implementation of this feature, the guiding member is mounted to rotate freely on the first connecting element.

[0023] According to another particular implementation of this feature, the guiding member is mounted movable in translation on the first connecting element.

[0024] According to yet another particular feature of the proposed technique, the first support elements include wheels.

[0025] Such wheels are particularly useful when the device is bulky. The user can then move the device by rolling it, which simplifies installation. In the case of pneumatic wheels, their material also helps to reduce the risk of damage to the building.

[0026] According to yet another particular feature of the proposed technique, the first connecting element is configured to fit into at least one hole provided in at least one of the first and second hoops, the first connecting element comprising at least one insertion stop configured to come into contact with the associated hoop.

[0027] Such a stop allows, by interrupting the sliding of the first element in the hoop, to simplify the assembly of the obstacle crossing device.

[0028] According to a particular implementation of this feature, the first connecting element has at least one receiving slot for an assembly pin of the first connecting element to the associated hoop, the slot being offset from the stop by a value greater than or equal to a thickness of the associated hoop.

[0029] Such a configuration makes it possible, in particular, to simplify the handling and transport of the obstacle-crossing device to the roof of the building. This arrangement also allows for the assembly and disassembly of the obstacle-crossing device without the need for assembly tools.

[0030] The proposed technique relates, according to a second aspect, to an obstacle crossing installation comprising at least two devices as described above and at least one second linking element extending between the devices.

[0031] Such a crossing installation makes it possible to increase, at a lower cost, the working area initially offered by two crossing devices.

[0032] According to a particular feature of the proposed technique, the second connecting element is arranged parallel to the first connecting element of at least one of the devices.

[0033] According to another particular feature of the proposed technique, the second connecting element is configured to be assembled to the first connecting elements of the devices by insertion.

[0034] Such a configuration notably allows for the formation of a continuous connection between the elements. Thus, the user's suspension cord can slide relatively smoothly from one device to the other. This therefore results in improved user comfort. 4. List of Figures

[0035] The proposed technique, as well as its various advantages, will be more easily understood in light of the following description of illustrative and non-limiting embodiments thereof, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0036] - [Fig.1]: [Fig.1] illustrates, according to a profile view and installed on a building, an example of an obstacle crossing device according to a first embodiment; - [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4]: Figures 2 to 4 illustrate, from different views and in isolation, the device of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.5]: [Fig.5] illustrates, schematically, the assembly of a connecting element on an arch of the device of [Fig.1]; - [Fig.6A]: [Fig.6A] illustrates, schematically, a first example of an obstacle crossing installation comprising two devices conforming to the first embodiment connected by second connecting elements; - [Fig.6B]: [Fig.6B] is a schematic view illustrating a detail of an assembly area of ​​a second connecting element of [Fig.6A]; - [Fig.7A]: [Fig.7A] illustrates, schematically, a second example of an obstacle crossing installation comprising two devices conforming to the first embodiment connected by second connecting elements; - [Fig.7B]: [Fig.7B] is a schematic view illustrating a detail of an assembly area of ​​a second connecting element of [Fig.7A]; - [Fig.8]: [Fig.8] illustrates, from a profile view, an example of an obstacle crossing device according to a second embodiment; - [Fig. 9]: [Fig. 9] illustrates, in profile view, an example of an obstacle-crossing device according to a third embodiment; and - [Fig. 10]: [Fig. 10] illustrates, from a top view, an example of an obstacle crossing device according to a fourth embodiment. 5. Detailed description of the proposed technique

[0037] 5.1 General Principle

[0038] The proposed technique relates to a new and inventive approach to an obstacle-crossing device 100, such as a gutter G and / or a cornice, for example. According to an advantageous aspect illustrated by the figures, said device essentially has the shape of a portion of a cylinder.

[0039] It is considered that a cylinder is defined as a long, narrow element whose arched cross-section is closed, that is to say, formed by a curved line whose ends meet. A portion of a cylinder is considered to be a long, narrow element whose arched cross-section is not closed.

[0040] Such a device 100 comprises: - of the first and second hoops 110; - at least one first linking element 120 extending between the first and second arches; - at least one first element 130 for support against a facade F of a building B, supported by a first end 111 of each of the first and second arches 110; - at least one second support element 140 against a roof T or against the facade F of building B, supported by a second end 112 of each of the first and second arches 110; and - a fixing element 150 of a restraint device R to building B.

[0041] 5.2 Description of illustrative embodiments

[0042] Figure 1 illustrates, in profile view, an example of an obstacle crossing device 100 according to a first embodiment installed on a building. Figures 2 to 5 illustrate, in isolation and from different views, all or part of such an obstacle crossing device 100.

[0043] In this embodiment, the obstacle crossing device 100 comprises two identical hoops 110, designated first and second hoops. The first and second hoops 110 are located in separate planes (not shown) and are arranged opposite each other.

[0044] Each hoop 110 has an overall circular shape. The device 100 thus has the shape of a portion of a cylinder with an annular cross-section.

[0045] More precisely, each arch 110 has an internal circular arc 116 of a first length Ln6 determined according to the following formula: l = r0 With r being the radius of the circle including the inner circular arc 116 and 0 an angle value selected from a range between 160° and 270°. Such a range allows the device 100 to be installed on a wide range of buildings B. Of course, the choice of radius and / or angle values ​​may vary depending on the structure of the buildings B in particular.

[0046] Furthermore, each hoop 110 comprises a first end 111 and a second end 112, opposite the first end 111.

[0047] The first end 111 of each arch 110 carries, in a movable pivoting manner, a first member 130 for bearing against a facade F of a building B, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0048] The second end 112 of each arch 110 carries, in a movable pivoting manner, a second member 140 for support against a roof T of the building B, as illustrated in [Fig.1] also.

[0049] Obviously, depending on the configuration of building B, it can be envisaged that the second component 140 of the device 100 also bears on the facade F of the building B. This is the case, for example, when the obstacle to be overcome is an element, such as a gutter, located halfway up the facade of the building.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the device 100 includes, for each hoop 110, an adjustment mechanism 180 of a height hi40 and / or an inclination Ii4o of the second member 140. Thus, each second member 140 is connected to the second end 112 of the hoop 110 via the adjustment mechanism 180.

[0051] Each adjustment mechanism 180 comprises a slide 181 mounted movably in translation within a sleeve 182. The slide 181 is connected to the second pivoting member 140. The sleeve 182 is pivotally connected to the second end 112 of the associated hoop 110.

[0052] Such an adjustment mechanism 180 thus makes it possible to adapt the position of the associated second element 140 so as to modify the positioning of the second elements 140 relative to the first elements 130. In this way, it is possible to adjust the arrangement of the device 100 to the structure of building B. For example, it is possible to position the device 100 overlapping the facade F and the roof T of building B, as illustrated in [Fig. 1]. It is also possible to adjust the second elements 140 so that they also rest on the facade F of building B. In other words, the first and second elements 130, 140 are in a common plane. Such a configuration is particularly useful for crossing a gutter extending horizontally halfway up the height of building B, for example.

[0053] Furthermore, the first and second hoops 110 of the device 100 are connected to each other via the first connecting elements 120. The first elements 120 therefore extend between the first and second hoops 110.

[0054] All or part of the first elements 120 is intended to support the rope C for suspending a load, such as a rope access technician U, when the latter is under the roof T of the building B, as illustrated in [Fig.1].

[0055] Furthermore, the device 100 includes, in the vicinity of the second end 112 of each hoop 110, a fastening member 150. This fastening member 150 is adapted to cooperate with a restraint device R so as to hold the device 100 in position on the building B. Thus, the retention of the device 100 on the building B can be separated from the retention of the rope access technician U on the same building B.

[0056] In the illustrated example, each arch 110 is formed by two parallel, arched metal plates joined by spacers. Each arch 110 has a predetermined thickness en0. Any other arch structure can alternatively be considered, for example, using a tubular profile curved by bending.

[0057] A plurality of circular holes 113 are provided on each hoop 110 and distributed along it. The holes 113 are intended for the assembly of the first elements 120 onto the hoops 110, as illustrated in particular in [Fig. 5].

[0058] Each first element 120 is formed by a cylindrical bar having shoulders near its ends. Each first element 120 thus has a central portion 121, delimited by the shoulders, and two insertion portions 122, located beyond each shoulder. The spacing between the shoulders therefore determines the distance Duo between the hoops 100.

[0059] The central portion 121 is adapted to support the load suspension rope. The insertion portions 122 are configured to fit inside the openings 113 of the hoops 110. The shoulders, for their part, form stops 123 for inserting the bar into the hoops 110.

[0060] Furthermore, each insertion portion 122 has a second length L122 greater than the thickness en0 of the hoops 110. Thus, when the bars are assembled to the hoops 110, a part 1221 of the insertion portions 122 protrudes and extends beyond the hoops 110.

[0061] A slot 124 is provided on the part 1221, configured to receive a pin 125 for locking the bar assembly to the hoop. In other words, the slot 124 is offset from the stop 123 by a value greater than or equal to the thickness en0 of the hoop 110.

[0062] In summary, the assembly of the device 100 comprises, sequentially: - the insertion of an insert portion 122 of a first element 120 into an opening 113 of a hoop, - the sliding of this insert portion 122 until it reaches the stop 123, and

[0063] - the insertion of the pin 125 into the light 124 insertion portion 122 so as to retain the hoop 110 between the pin 125 and the stop 123.

[0064] These operations are repeated for each first element 120 to be assembled to the hoops 110.

[0065] In this example, the first members 130 are identical and formed by disc-shaped pads. The first members 130 are made of wood. Similarly, the second members 140 are identical and formed by disc-shaped pads. The second members 140 are made of wood. Of course, any other structure and / or shape of the support members can be considered.

[0066] A first surface 131 of the skate is mounted on the first end 111 of an arch 110 by means of a pivot 160. A first surface 141 of the skate is mounted on the second end 112 of said arch 110 by means of a pivot 170 and the adjustment mechanism 180.

[0067] In the illustrated example, the second organs 140 are shown in different inclinations so as to illustrate the independence of the pivots 170. Although not illustrated, the same is true for the first organs 130.

[0068] In this example as well, the slide 181 of each adjustment mechanism 180 is formed by a bar with a square cross-section, one end of which is fixed to the articulated slide. This bar is mounted to move in translation within an articulated frame, forming the sleeve 182.

[0069] The positioning of the bar within the frame, for height adjustment, and of the frame relative to the hoop, for tilt adjustment, is achieved by suitable means. In this example, such positioning means are formed by snap-locking mechanisms.

[0070] Figure 6A schematically illustrates an example of an obstacle-crossing installation comprising two devices connected by second connecting elements of a first type. Figure 6B is a schematic view illustrating a detail of an assembly area of ​​a second connecting element to a device.

[0071] In a first implementation, the obstacle crossing IF installation comprises several devices 100 and second linking elements 200 extending between the hoops 110 of two consecutive devices 100.

[0072] Each device 100 is installed on building B by means of the first and second support elements 130, 140 against the facade F and / or against the roof T respectively. In other words, the devices 100 are arranged substantially identically on building B and are thus substantially at the same level.

[0073] In this first implementation, the second elements 200 are arranged parallel to the first linking elements 120 of each of the devices 100.

[0074] The holding in position of the second elements 200 to the hoops 110 of the devices 100 is achieved by suitable assembly systems.

[0075] In the illustrated example, the second elements 200 are metal bars similar to those forming the first elements 120 of the connecting hoops 110 of the same device 100. The first and second elements 120, 200 are therefore arranged head to tail on the hoops 110.

[0076] The assembly of the second elements 200 onto the hoops 110 is carried out in a manner analogous to the first elements 120, as illustrated in [Fig. 6B]. To do this, a portion 222 of each second element 200 is inserted into an opening 113 in the hoop 110. A pin 225 is inserted into each slot 224 to hold the second elements 200 onto the hoops 110 of the devices 100.

[0077] Such similarity of the connecting elements makes it possible, in particular, to simplify the assembly of the installation as a whole. It eliminates the risk of confusion between the first and second connecting elements. Such confusion This can lead to delays in the installation. Furthermore, it can pose a safety risk to the user if they fail to notice the error.

[0078] Figure 7A schematically illustrates another example of an obstacle-crossing installation comprising two devices connected by second connecting elements of a second type. Figure 7B is a schematic view illustrating a detail of an assembly area of ​​a second connecting element to a device.

[0079] This second installation differs from the first installation described above in the structure of the second connecting elements of the hoops of two consecutive devices. For reasons of clarity and conciseness, the common and identical elements between the two installations will not be described.

[0080] In this second installation, the second elements 200 are arranged in line with the first elements 120 and are assembled by interlocking. In other words, the first and second connecting elements 120, 200 fit into one another.

[0081] Such a configuration allows, in particular, for the continuity of the connecting elements. Thus, the user's suspension cord can slide relatively smoothly from one device to the other. This results in improved user comfort. Furthermore, such a configuration eliminates the need for assembly sections on the hoop itself. This helps to preserve the mechanical strength of the devices.

[0082] In the illustrated example, the second elements 200 are identical and formed by hollow metal tubes with annular cross-sections. Each second element 200 thus has an outer wall 210 and an inner wall 210. Each second element 210 is dimensioned so as to house, by fitting, the ends of the first elements 120, formed by bars.

[0083] Furthermore, each second element 200 has, near its ends (only one of which is shown in [Fig. 7B]), a through hole 224. The hole 224, which extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the tube 224, is arranged so as to align with the opening 124 of the first associated element 120.

[0084] The holding in position of the second element 200 on the first element 120 is thus achieved by inserting the pin 125 into the hole 224 and the light 124, as illustrated in [Fig.7B].

[0085] Fig. 8 illustrates, from a side view, an example of an obstacle crossing device according to a second embodiment.

[0086] This second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the structure of the hoops. For reasons of clarity and conciseness In particular, common and identical elements between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will not be described.

[0087] In this second embodiment, each of the hoops 110 of the device 100 comprises at least two telescopic parts 110A, 110B which fit together and slide within each other. The two telescopic parts 110A, 110B are held in position by a locking system.

[0088] A telescopic configuration makes it possible, in particular, to reduce the size of the hoops when the device is not in use or when it is disassembled. This simplifies the storage and handling of the device.

[0089] Such a telescopic configuration also allows the length of each hoop 110 to be adjusted as needed, particularly between the different angle values ​​indicated in the first embodiment. Thus, the device 100 can be adapted to different building structures, and more specifically to different inclinations between the roof and the facade of a building.

[0090] In this embodiment, the locking system comprises a first locking member 114, located on the second telescopic section 110B, and several second locking members 115, distributed on the first telescopic section 110A. The first locking member 114 is configured to cooperate selectively with one of the second locking members 115. Such an arrangement allows for step-by-step locking of the deployment of each hoop 110.

[0091] In the illustrated example, the locking elements are formed by a lug 114 configured to fit into a complementary orifice 115. Obviously, any other step-by-step locking structure can alternatively be considered.

[0092] Fig. 9 illustrates, from a side view, an example of an obstacle crossing device according to a third embodiment.

[0093] This third embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the structure of the first support elements against the building's facade. For reasons of clarity and conciseness, the common and identical elements between the first and third embodiments will not be described.

[0094] In this third embodiment, each first organ 130 comprises a wheel 132 mounted removably to the skate (not visible), referenced 131 in the first embodiment.

[0095] Such wheels 132 are particularly useful when the device 100 is bulky. The user can thus move the device 100 by rolling it. This is the case, for example, when the user is on the roof of the building and wishes to install the device 100 against the facade. By rolling the lower part of the With device 100, crossing and overcoming an obstacle, typically a gutter, is relatively easy. Such wheels 132 thus simplify the installation of device 100, resulting in a reduction of the user's workload.

[0096] The removable aspect of the wheels also makes it easier to store and handle the device 100 from the ground up to the roof of the building, access to which can sometimes be limited, especially in older buildings.

[0097] After installation of the device 100 on the building facade, the wheels 132 can be removed. The device 100 then rests against the building facade via the pads in a manner similar to the first embodiment. Alternatively, the wheels 132 can be retained. The device 100 then rests against the building facade via the wheels 132.

[0098] In the illustrated example, the wheels 132 each have an outside diameter of at least 25 mm. Such a wheel diameter simplifies the overlapping, and therefore the protrusion, of the gutter, which generally has a diameter of approximately 20 mm. This results in a simplified installation of the device 100 and thus a reduction in the effort required by the user.

[0099] Furthermore, each wheel 132 is a pneumatic wheel so as to limit the risks of damage to the gutter when it is overlapped.

[0100] Retaining the wheels 132 on the device 100 after its installation against the building facade is particularly advantageous when using pneumatic wheels. The deformable material of the wheel allows it, to a certain extent, to adapt to the surface irregularities of the facade. This ensures both a non-slip function and limits the risk of damage to the facade.

[0101] Fig. 10 illustrates, from a top view, an example of an obstacle crossing device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0102] This fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment by the implementation of at least one guiding element for the movement of a load suspension rope, such as a user. For reasons of clarity and conciseness, the common and identical elements between the first and fourth embodiments will not be described.

[0103] In this fourth embodiment, the device 100 includes guide elements 190, for the movement of such a rope, mounted movably in rotation on the first connecting element 120 of the hoops 110.

[0104] Such rotating elements make it possible, in particular, to guide the vertical and / or horizontal movement of the suspension rope when the user rappels down the facade and / or moves laterally on it. This results in a reduction Friction between the rope and the device is reduced. This results in less jerking, and therefore improved user comfort. It also reduces wear and tear on the rope and / or the device, thus improving user safety.

[0105] In the illustrated example, the device 100 comprises three guiding elements 190 whose structures, described below, differ.

[0106] The first guiding element is formed by a single tube 191 mounted movably in rotation on a first bar 120. The tube 191, of annular cross-section, has a length substantially less than a spacing value between the hoops 110.

[0107] A guide element having such a structure is simple in design and relatively robust. Such a guide element is also quickly installed on the device.

[0108] The second guide element is formed by a succession of identical tubular sections 192 mounted for rotation on a second bar 120. The total length of the succession of tubular sections 192 is substantially less than the spacing between the hoops 110. There is no functional play between any two consecutive tubular sections 192, meaning that the rope cannot become lodged or jammed there. The rope can thus slide from one tubular section to another according to the lateral movement of the user on the facade. In other words, this second guide element differs from the first guide element only in its design consisting of several tubular sections 192.

[0109] Such a design makes it possible, in particular, to limit the rotational movement of the guide element to only the tubular portion stressed by the suspension rope. This makes it possible, in particular, to limit the overall wear of the guide element and to simplify its maintenance, notably by replacing only the worn tubular portion(s).

[0110] The third guide element is formed by a single sleeve 193, with an annular cross-section, mounted movably in rotation and translation on a third bar 120. The sleeve 193 has radial projections 1931, 1932 at its ends forming translation stops for the rope (not shown) on the sleeve 193. In other words, the ends are flared so as to hold the rope on the sleeve 193 and initiate the translational movement of the latter on the third bar 120 during the lateral movement of the user on the facade.

[0111] Such an arrangement allows the guiding element to be relatively compact and to limit the overall mass of the device it is fitted with. This therefore reduces the difficulty of transporting and installing the device.

[0112] It may also be envisaged to implement a single type of guiding element 190 on the same device 100, and this on all or part of the first connecting elements 120.

[0113] 5.3 Other embodiments and variants not shown

[0114] In another embodiment, the device is devoid of pivot linkage between the hoops and the support members, of height adjustment mechanism of the second support members and / or of stops provided on the linking elements between the hoops.

[0115] In another embodiment, the arches are arranged opposite each other, and their other ends converge towards one another. Such convergence can be achieved, for example, by using first arch connecting elements of different lengths. The convergence can also be achieved symmetrically or asymmetrically. In other words, the distance between the first support elements is greater than the distance between the second support elements. Such convergence of the arches makes it possible, in particular, to increase the user's lateral movement range along the building's facade. This arrangement therefore allows the user to limit the movement of the device along the building. This results, in particular, in improved user comfort and efficiency.

[0116] In another embodiment, the telescopic sections of each hoop are held in position by means of a continuous locking system. Such a locking system allows for gradual adjustment of the hoop length. This results in precise adjustment of the hoop lengths. For example, such a continuous locking system comprises a threaded rod carried by a tapped hole formed on the first telescopic section. This tapped hole opens onto a solid portion of the second telescopic section, which is housed inside the first telescopic section. By rotating the threaded rod clockwise (via a handle, for example), the second telescopic section is progressively clamped between the threaded rod and the first telescopic section.

[0117] In another embodiment, each first component is formed by a pneumatic wheel connected to the associated hoop by means of a ball joint. Thus, by pivoting the wheel, it is possible to position its side against the building facade. This arrangement first of all allows the wheels to remain on the device after passing the obstacle, unlike the second embodiment. This arrangement also increases the contact area between the wheels of the device and the building facade. Furthermore, the deformable material of the pneumatic wheel allows it, to a certain extent, to adapt to the surface irregularities of the facade. This arrangement therefore limits the risk of damage to the building's facade and improve the stability of the device. This therefore results in improved safety and user comfort.

[0118] In another embodiment, the guiding element is formed by a tube, with a square cross-section, mounted movably in translation on a first connecting element of the hoops formed by a bar, also with a square cross-section.

[0119] In another embodiment, the guide element is a static element, that is, immobile relative to the first connecting element that supports it. This allows, in particular, for a simplified design of the guide element and provides a robust guidance solution. For example, the static element can be a corrugated plate, reversibly mounted on a plurality of first connecting elements and oriented, with the corrugations arranged parallel to the hoops. Thus, when the user moves laterally on the facade of a building, the suspension rope that holds them is offset accordingly between the corrugations.

[0120] In another embodiment, the obstacle-crossing device comprises a single first connecting element for the hoops. For example, such a first element is formed by a smooth, curved plate corresponding to the circular arc of the hoops, the lateral edges of which are fixed to the hoops by suitable means. According to another example, the single connecting element for the hoops is formed by a curved, corrugated plate. The corrugated plate thus acts as both a connecting element and a guide. Such an arrangement reduces the number of component parts of the device. This results, in particular, in a simplification of the device's assembly.

[0121] In another embodiment, and in a manner analogous to that described above, the crossing installation comprises a single second connecting element extending between two consecutive devices.

[0122] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments and variants described above and provided solely by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants that a person skilled in the art may consider within the scope of the present invention, and in particular all combinations of the different modes of operation described above, which may be taken separately or in combination.

[0123] Depending on various aspects, the proposed technique therefore offers all or part of the following advantages, depending on the embodiments chosen: - providing a solution guaranteeing the integrity of the building, - providing a solution guaranteeing the integrity of the user's equipment, - providing a mobile and easily transportable solution, - improving user comfort, - ensuring user safety. - to propose an adaptable and / or scalable solution, - to propose a simple manufacturing solution, - etc.

Claims

Demands

1. Obstacle crossing device (100) characterized in that it comprises: - first and second arches (110); - at least one first connecting element (120) extending between said first and second arches (110); - at least one first bearing element (130) against a facade (F) of a building (B), supported by a first end (111) of each of said first and second arches (110); - at least one second bearing element (140) against a roof (T) or against the facade (F) of said building (B), supported by a second end (112) of each of said first and second arches (110); and - a fixing element (150) for a restraint device (R) of said building (B).

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said first and second hoops (110) has an inner circular arc (116) of a length determined according to the following formula: l = r0 with: r a value of the radius of the circle including said inner circular arc; and 0 an angle value selected in an interval between 160° and 270°.

3. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said first and second hoops (110) comprises at least two telescopic parts (110A, 110B) and a locking system (114, 115) for the positioning of said telescopic parts (110A, 110B).

4. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first and / or second support members (130, 140) are pivotally mounted on said first and / or second hoops (110).

5. Device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that said first and / or second support members (130, 140) are mounted on said first and / or second hoops (110) by means of pivots (160, 170).

6. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each of said first and second hoops (110) includes a height adjustment mechanism (180) (hi40) of said second support members (140).

7. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one guide member (190) of a rope (C) for suspending a load, said guide member (190) being mounted on the first connecting element (120).

8. Device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that said guiding member (190) is mounted movably in rotation on said first connecting element (120).

9. Device (100) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that said guiding member (190) is mounted movable in translation on said first connecting element (120).

10. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first support members (130) comprise wheels (132).

11. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first connecting element (120) is configured to fit into at least one orifice (113) provided in at least one of said first and second hoops (110), said first connecting element (120) comprising at least one insertion stop (123) configured to come into contact with said associated hoop (110).

12. Device (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that said first connecting element (120) has at least one receiving slot (124) for an assembly pin (125) of said first connecting element (120) of said associated hoop (110), said slot (124) being offset from said stop (123) by a value greater than or equal to a thickness (en0) of said associated hoop (110).

13. Obstacle crossing installation (IF) comprising at least two devices (100) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least a second connecting element (200) extending between said devices (100).

14. Installation (IF) according to claim 13, characterized in that said second connecting element (200) is arranged parallel to said first connecting element (120) of at least one of said devices (100).

15. Installation (IR) according to claim 13, characterized in that said second connecting element (200) is configured to be assembled to said first connecting elements (120) of said devices (100) by push-fit.

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