Sleeve for post fixing

Abstract

Sleeve (1) for fixing a post in the ground, the sleeve (1) extending in an insertion direction (X) around a central hole suitable for receiving a post, the sleeve (1) comprising a first jaw (10), a second jaw (20), and a sleeve body (30) comprising a lower part (50) intended to be inserted into a hole provided in the ground and a base (40) intended to receive the first jaw (10) and the second jaw (20); the first jaw (10) comprising a first bearing surface (14) and the second jaw (20) comprising a second bearing surface (24), the first bearing surface (14) and the second bearing surface (24) being configured to clamp a post mounted in the base (40) in a clamping direction (Y);and the base (40) includes a locking member (60) configured to move the first jaw (10) in translation along the clamping direction (Y) between a locking position and a disengaged position, the first jaw (10) and the second jaw (20) being comparatively closer to each other in the locking position than in the disengaged position. Fig. 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Sleeve for post fixing technical field

[0001] The present description relates to a sleeve, and more particularly a sleeve for fixing a post in the ground, for example a road sign post or a post for street furniture. Previous technique

[0002] Post fixing sleeves in the ground are known. These sleeves are conventionally inserted into a hole provided for this purpose in the ground and held together with the ground, for example by chemical sealing.

[0003] Such sleeves are therefore only suitable for receiving posts of predetermined dimensions and / or shapes, and are also difficult to replace without resorting to heavy tools or damaging the ground or the sleeve. Description of the invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a post fixing sleeve at least partly free from the aforementioned disadvantages, capable of receiving and holding posts of various shapes and dimensions.

[0005] The invention relates to a sleeve for fixing a road sign post in the ground, the sleeve extending in an insertion direction around a central opening adapted to receive a road sign post, the sleeve comprising: - a first jaw, - a second jaw, and - a sheath body comprising a lower part intended to be inserted into an opening provided in the ground and a base intended to receive the first jaw and the second jaw; the first jaw comprising a first bearing surface and the second jaw comprising a second bearing surface, the first bearing surface and the second bearing surface being configured to clamp a post mounted in the base in a clamping direction; The base includes a locking element configured to move the first jaw in translation along the clamping direction between a locked position and a clear position, the first jaw and the second jaw being comparatively closer to each other in the locked position than in the clear position.

[0006] Such a structure makes it possible to free up a large space for the insertion of a post into the central opening of the sheath when the first jaw and the second jaw are in clear position, then close the first jaw and the second jaw on the post in the locking position.

[0007] Such a sleeve can thus allow the insertion and retention of posts of various cross-sections in terms of their dimensions and shapes, while presenting a simplified operation.

[0008] Typically, the locking member may include a cam configured to exert a force on the first jaw so as to move the first jaw in translation from the clear position to the locking position.

[0009] Typically, the cam is mounted to rotate freely relative to the base about an axis perpendicular to the clamping direction. Typically, said axis is parallel to the insertion direction.

[0010] Typically, the base includes a stop configured to prevent the cam from rotating beyond a predetermined angular position.

[0011] Typically, the second jaw is assembled in a non-removable way with the base, preferably the second jaw and the base are formed as a single piece.

[0012] Alternatively, the second jaw is a separate part from the base. For example, the second jaw may be in planar contact with the base.

[0013] Typically, the sheath comprises a plastic material. The sheath may be entirely formed of a plastic material, for example polyamides.

[0014] Typically, the locking member includes an actuating member configured to actuate the locking member between the locked position and the unlocked position, the actuating member preferably being formed as a single unit with the cam.

[0015] Typically, one of the locking member and the base comprises a male member and the other of the locking member and the base comprises a female member, the male and female members being configured to cooperate by complementary shape so as to exert a torque resisting the actuation of the locking member from the locked position to the released position.

[0016] The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a sleeve according to the present invention and a post, in which the post is inserted into the central orifice of the sleeve.

[0017] Typically, in the locked position, the first jaw and the second jaw grip the post so as to hold the post in position.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a method of assembling a post with a sleeve according to the present invention, comprising inserting the post into the central orifice of the sleeve, actuation of the locking member so as to move the first jaw from the clear position to the locking position and hold the post in position. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly between a sleeve according to the first embodiment and a post.

[0020] [Fig.2] Fig.2 is a schematic perspective view of a sheath according to a first embodiment, in which the first jaw and the second jaw have not been shown.

[0021] [Fig.3] The [Fig.3] is an exploded view schematically representing the locking member, the first jaw and the second jaw.

[0022] [Fig.4] The [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the locking member.

[0023] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the cutting plane V-VI of [Fig. 1] representing the sheath in the exposed position.

[0024] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a schematic cross-sectional view along the cutting plane V-VI of the [Fig.1] representing the sheath in the locking position. Description of the implementation methods

[0025] The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it is evident that modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various embodiments illustrated / mentioned can be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0026] The present invention relates to a sleeve 1 for fixing a post, for example a road sign post. Naturally, any other type of post can be used with the sleeve 1, for example a post for street furniture such as a bollard.

[0027] Conventionally, road sign equipment in the form of a sign includes a post 2 on which is fixed a sign intended to inform road users.

[0028] Conventionally, post 2 is fixed to the ground, and ensures vertical support of the signpost; post 2 then typically extends vertically.

[0029] In the present exposition, the sheath 1 will be described in a direct orthogonal coordinate system with axes X, Y, Z, in which, by convention, the X axis is vertical.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sleeve 1 extends in an insertion direction around a central opening 3 which can receive a post 2, for example a road sign post or a city bollard, the post 2 being represented schematically by transparency on [Fig.1], for reasons of readability.

[0031] Hereinafter, by convention, the sleeve 1 being intended to be inserted into the ground so that the post 2 is vertical, the sleeve 1 will be described so that the insertion direction coincides with the vertical axis X. The insertion direction X corresponds to a length direction of the sleeve 1.

[0032] The sheath 1 comprises a sheath body 30, a first jaw 10, a second jaw 20, and a locking member 60.

[0033] The sheath body 30 includes a lower part 50 intended to be inserted into an opening provided for this purpose in the ground.

[0034] The lower part 50 can have any shapes and dimensions compatible with insertion into a hole provided in the ground and with receiving a post in its central hole 3.

[0035] For example, the lower part 50 may have an outer contour of square or rectangular shape, seen in a cross-section, at least over part of its length.

[0036] The lower portion 50 comprises a base 52, the base 52 being formed at one end vertically downwards of the lower portion 50 when the sleeve 1 is installed in the ground. Such a shape of the lower portion 50 and / or the base 52 allows, for example, for an additional obstacle to the rotation of the lower portion 50 in the opening provided in the ground, once the sleeve 1 is sealed.

[0037] On [Fig.1], the bottom 52 of the lower part 50 coincides with the bottom 25 of the post 2, so as to allow the proper insertion and retention of the post 2 in the ground, the bottom 52 of the lower part 50 and the bottom 25 of the post 2 being located vertically downwards when the sleeve 1 and the post 2 are assembled.

[0038] The bottom 52 may for example have a complex shape seen in a cross-section, for example one or more sections or parts of sections of square, rectangular, and / or circular shape, so as to be able to receive and hold posts 2 of various dimensions and shapes, these shapes being able to correspond to standardized dimensions of posts 2.

[0039] Such a hold on the bottom 52 allows to exert, in addition to the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 20 as described below, a holding torque which prevents an untimely movement of the post 2 once installed in the sleeve 1.

[0040] The lower part 50 may further include one or more ribs 70 extending along the length of the lower part 50.

[0041] These ribs 70, for example, provide mechanical reinforcement to the lower part 50, and thus to the sheath body 30. These ribs 70 can also facilitate sealing and improve the grip of the lower part 50 in the orifice once sealed, and to further prevent the rotation of the lower part 50 in the orifice provided in the ground once the sleeve 1 is sealed.

[0042] The lower portion 50 is a part of the sheath 1 intended to be inserted into the ground. The lower portion 50 may be the only part of the sheath 1 intended to be inserted into the ground.

[0043] The sheath body 30 further includes a base 40, intended to be vertically above the lower part 50, and forming an open upper end of the sheath body 30 thus allowing the insertion of a post 2 into the sheath body 30.

[0044] In other words, the bottom 52 and the base 40 are located at two vertically opposite ends of the lower part 50.

[0045] The base 40 can be provided separately from the sheath body 30.

[0046] A collar 48 can be provided between the base 40 and the lower part 50.

[0047] The collar 48 can serve as a support for stiffening ribs. Stiffening the sleeve 1, for example by means of ribs, ensures that the structure of the sleeve 1 is maintained when immersed in a concrete pour.

[0048] Once the lower part 50 of the sheath body 30 is correctly positioned in the hole provided for this purpose in the ground, the sheath 1 can be held rigidly in the ground.

[0049] Such a retention may for example involve known chemical sealing techniques, for example by pouring concrete, or by screwing through the collar 48 through holes (not shown) provided for this purpose in the collar 48.

[0050] Sealing by pouring concrete may, for example, involve first pouring concrete into an opening provided in the ground, then inserting and holding the sleeve 1 in position until the concrete has completely set.

[0051] The base 40 typically comprises side walls forming a closed contour, viewed in a cross-section perpendicular to the insertion direction X, for example along the section plane V-VI of [Fig. 1]. For example, the side walls form a rectangular or square contour. The section plane V-VI is, for example, a median plane dividing the base 40 into two upper and lower ends of equal height measured along the insertion direction X.

[0052] The base 40 may include guide rails 46, extending over a part of the contour of the base 40 formed by the side walls of the base 40.

[0053] The guide rails 46 can take the form of an overthickness projecting inwards from the base 40, for example extending in a plane comprising a clamping direction Y, for example a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction X. The clamping direction Y is perpendicular to the insertion direction X.

[0054] Typically, the rails 46 can extend along the clamping direction Y.

[0055] Typically, the base comprises two parallel rails 46, provided on either side of the base 40 symmetrically to a plane comprising the insertion direction X and the clamping direction Y.

[0056] The rails 46 can for example prevent an undesired movement of the first jaw 10 along the insertion direction X and / or a rotational movement of the first jaw 10 around the clamping direction Y, regardless of the presence of the grooves 12 described below.

[0057] The rails 46 can be provided on an upper part of the base 40.

[0058] It is understood, however, that the rails 46 are not limited to such a positioning.

[0059] For example, the rails 46 may be provided in a position other than an upper part of the base 40.

[0060] The rails 46 can then be intended to bear against an upper face of the first jaw 10 so as to prevent the withdrawal of the first jaw 10 by the insertion direction X, or to correspond by its shape with a groove 12 provided on the lateral surface of the first jaw 10 so as to prevent the withdrawal of the first jaw 10 by the insertion direction X.

[0061] There may be two rails 46. However, it is understood that the number of rails 46 is not limited to two.

[0062] For example, the sleeve 1 may comprise four rails 46, for example arranged in two pairs of rails. Each pair of rails 46 may then comprise two rails located one above the other in the insertion direction X.

[0063] One or more ribs 71 may be provided between the side walls of the base 40 and the collar 48. These ribs 71 make it possible, for example, to stiffen the base 40 without significantly increasing the amount of material needed to form it.

[0064] The base 40 can receive a first jaw 10, a second jaw 20, and a locking member 60.

[0065] Typically, the height of the first jaw 10 and the height of the first jaw 20 are less than the height of the base 40, and in particular of the side walls of the base 40, the height being measured along the X direction. It is understood, however, that the height of the first jaw 10 and / or the second jaw 20 may be the same as or greater than the height of the base 40.

[0066] The first jaw 10 includes a first bearing surface 14 and the second jaw 20 includes a second bearing surface 24.

[0067] The first bearing surface 14 and the second bearing surface 24 face each other when the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 20 are positioned in the base 40.

[0068] When a post 2 is inserted into the central opening 3 of the sleeve 1, the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 20 can grip the post 2 by means of the first bearing surface 14 of the first jaw 10 and of the second bearing surface 24 of the second jaw 20 as described below.

[0069] The first bearing surface 14 and the second bearing surface 24 can have any shape or dimension compatible with post support.

[0070] For example, as illustrated in the view along section plane V-VI of Figures 5 and 6, the first bearing surface 14 and the second bearing surface 24 have a curvilinear cross-section, preferably circular, and preferably of the same curvature. Such a shape is particularly suitable for supporting a column 2 with a circular cross-section. The cross-section of the first bearing surface 14 and the second bearing surface 24 is measured perpendicular to the insertion direction X. Naturally, other shapes can be provided, for example, a cross-section forming a right angle, so as to form a wedge suitable for supporting columns with cross-sections of various shapes, for example, rectangular, square, hexagonal, octagonal, with or without grooves.

[0071] The first jaw 10 is movable in translation relative to the base 40 according to the clamping direction Y.

[0072] The rails 46 can then further prevent an undesired movement of the first jaw 10 along the Z direction, or a rotational movement of the first jaw around the insertion direction X. This obstacle to an undesired movement of the first jaw 10 along the Z direction or to a rotational movement of the first jaw around the insertion direction X can thus be achieved in addition to the side walls of the base 40.

[0073] The second jaw 20 can be provided so as to be immobile relative to the base 40.

[0074] The second jaw 20 can for example be formed in one piece with the base 40.

[0075] The second jaw 20 can, for example, be a separate part from the base 40. The second jaw 20 can for example be assembled to the base 40 by any method of fixing, reversible or not, for example by screwing or by gluing.

[0076] As shown in figures 3 and 4, the locking member 60 may include a cam 62 and an actuating member 64. The cam 62 and the actuating member 64 may be formed as a single unit, or may be two separate pieces assembled to form the locking member 60.

[0077] The actuation member 64 has a shape adapted to allow its actuation by an operator, typically by hand or with the aid of a tool such as a key.

[0078] For example, the actuating member 64 has the shape of a cylinder of revolution having a recess for receiving an actuating tool. The recess can have any shape suitable for actuating by a tool such as a key, for example a square, polygonal or hexagonal recess.

[0079] As shown in [Fig.5], corresponding to a clear position, the cam 62 can come into contact with the first jaw 10, via the surface 16 of the first jaw 10, opposite the bearing surface 14.

[0080] The cam 62 typically has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the axis of the actuating member 64. In this way, the rotation of the cam 62 around the actuating member 64 causes the application of a force on the surface 16 of the first jaw 10, so as to move the first jaw 10 in translation from the clear position, represented schematically on [Fig.5], to the locking position, represented schematically on [Fig.6].

[0081] The actuating member 64 thus allows the locking member 60 to be engaged between the locked position and the disengaged position.

[0082] The first jaw 10 and the second jaw 20 are comparatively closer to each other in the locked position than in the unlocked position.

[0083] In other words, the clear position is the position in which the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 20 are furthest apart from each other so as to allow the insertion or removal of a post 2.

[0084] Conversely, the locking position is the position in which the first jaw 10 and the second jaw 20 are closest to each other so that the first bearing surface 14 of the first jaw 10 and the second bearing surface 24 of the second jaw 20 come into contact with the post 2, thus ensuring the retention of the post 2, or even preventing the post 2 from being pulled out.

[0085] The actuation of the locking member 60 from the disengaged position to the locked position can for example be achieved by the actuation of the actuating member 64, causing the rotation of the cam 62.

[0086] Once actuated and in the locked position, the locking member 60 thus holds the post 2 in the locked position.

[0087] Return means (not shown) may be provided to allow the first jaw 10 to return from the locked position to the unlocked position. These return means may, for example, take the form of one or more springs.

[0088] The base 40 may include a stop 49. The stop 49 may, for example, prevent the locking member 60, and in this case the cam 62, from rotating beyond a predetermined angular position. For example, the stop 49 may prevent the locking member 60 from rotating in a position corresponding to the positioning of the first jaw 10 in the disengaged position.

[0089] In this way, the actuation of the locking member 60 from the locked position to the unlocked position can be carried out by an operator without having to monitor the actual position of the locking member.

[0090] The actuation of the locking member 60 beyond the locking position is prevented by the clamping force between the first jaw 10, the post 2 and the second jaw 20, transmitted to the locking member 60 in the form of a torque resisting clamping.

[0091] As shown in the enlarged figure of [Fig. 6], the base 40 may include a male member 47 designed to correspond in shape with a corresponding female member 67 of the cam 62 when the locking member 60 is in the locked position. In the illustrated example, the male member 47 is defined by a protruding portion of the base, while the female member 67 is a recess in the cam 62 with a shape complementary to that of the male member 47.

[0092] Due to the interaction between the male organ 47 and the female organ 67, the passage of the locking organ 60 from and to the locking position then implies an additional tightening effort, implying in this case an additional tightening torque.

[0093] These components 47, 67 prevent the locking component 60 from being unintentionally unlocked from the locked position, for example, due to vibrations. They are configured so that a minimum torque is required to disengage them, thus defining a threshold torque value for unlocking.

[0094] These components 47, 67 also provide an indicator of the end of tightening, i.e. of proper placement in the locking position, and thus facilitate locking by an operator.

[0095] It is understood that, conversely, organ 47 can be a female organ and organ 67 can be a male organ, organs 47, 67 corresponding by correspondence of shape.

[0096] The assembly of a post 2 in the sleeve 1 can then be carried out by inserting the post 2 into the central opening 3 of the sleeve 1.

[0097] The locking member 60 can then be actuated to move the first jaw 10 from the disengaged position to the locked position and hold the post 2 in position. In particular, the cam 62 can be actuated by rotating the actuating member 64.

[0098] In the described embodiment, the locking member 60 comprises a cam 62 and an actuating member 64 for actuating the cam 62, thereby moving the first jaw 10. It is understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to this locking and actuating method. For example, the locking member 60 may comprise one or more screws extending along the clamping direction Y, the actuating of which moves the first jaw 10 between the disengaged position and the locked position.

Claims

Demands

1. Sleeve (1) for fixing a post in the ground, the sleeve (1) extending in an insertion direction (X) around a central hole suitable for receiving a post, the sleeve (1) comprising a first jaw (10), a second jaw (20), and a sleeve body (30) comprising a lower part (50) intended to be inserted into a hole provided in the ground and a base (40) intended to receive the first jaw (10) and the second jaw (20); the first jaw (10) comprising a first bearing surface (14) and the second jaw (20) comprising a second bearing surface (24), the first bearing surface (14) and the second bearing surface (24) being configured to clamp a post mounted in the base (40) in a clamping direction (Y);and the base (40) includes a locking member (60) configured to move the first jaw (10) in translation along the clamping direction (Y) between a locking position and a disengaged position, the first jaw (10) and the second jaw (20) being comparatively closer to each other in the locking position than in the disengaged position.

2. Sheath (1) according to claim 1, wherein the locking member (60) comprises a cam (62) configured to exert a force on the first jaw (10) so as to move the first jaw (10) in translation from the cleared position to the locking position.

3. Sleeve (1) according to claim 2, in which the cam (62) is mounted movable in rotation relative to the base (40) about an axis perpendicular to the clamping direction, said axis being preferably parallel to the insertion direction (X).

4. Sleeve (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the base (40) includes a stop (49) configured to prevent the rotation of the cam (62) beyond a predetermined angular position.

5. Sheath (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second jaw (20) is assembled in a non-removable manner with the base (40), preferably the second jaw (20) and the base (40) are formed as a single piece.

6. Sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locking member (60) comprises an actuating member (64) configured to actuate the locking member (60) between the locked position and the released position, the actuating member (64) preferably being formed as a single unit with the cam.

7. Sheath (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein one of the locking member (60) and the base (40) comprises a male member (47,67) and the other of the locking member (60) and the base (40) comprises a female member (47,67), the male member (47,67) and the female member (47,67) being configured to cooperate by complementary shape so as to exert a torque resisting the actuation of the locking member (60) from the locked position to the released position.

8. Assembly comprising a sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a post (2), wherein the post (2) is inserted into the central opening of the sleeve (1).

9. Assembly according to claim 8, wherein in the locked position, the first jaw (10) and the second jaw (20) clamp the post (2) so as to hold the post (2) in position.

10. Method of assembling a post with a sleeve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising inserting the post (2) into the central orifice of the sleeve (1) and actuation of the locking member (60) so as to move the first jaw (10) from the clear position to the locking position and hold the post (2) in position.