Clamping device for attachment of a safety element to a building element
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/057707
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-03-19
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-24
Smart Images
Figure EP2026057707_24092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Clamping Device for Attachment of a Safety Element to a Building Element
[0002] Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention generally relates to the field of safety devices and safety systems providing fall protection which may be attached to building elements, such as ceilings, walls or staircases .
[0004] In particular, the present invention relates to a clamping device for attachment of safety elements to building element, a method of mounting such a clamping device to a building element and a method of protecting a person or an obj ect from falling off a building.
[0005] Background Art
[0006] Construction sites are inherently hazardous environments where accidents frequently occur . A risk of falling results from construction workers standing or working near the edge of a floor or a ceiling of a building under construction to fall . To mitigate this risk, safety measures such as safety nets or safety fences are commonly installed along unsecured building edges . These safety elements require reliable attachment to the building. Fastening devices serve as an effective means of fastening these safety elements to the building elements, ensuring stability and protection for workers .
[0007] In the prior art, fastening devices are commonly secured to building elements using bolts or screws . This requires drilling holes into the surface of the building elements, into which the bolts or screws are inserted. An example of such a fastening device is disclosed in US 12, 012, 769 B2 .
[0008] A drawback of this approach is that modification of the building element by drilling holes is required, which may compromise its structural integrity and increase installation time and effort . Another disadvantage is that the drilled holes have to be refilled with concrete material after disassembly of the fasteningdevices .
[0009] Other prior art fastening devices rely on bolts or screws to create a clamping force by pressing against the surface of a building element without requiring drilled holes . Examples of such systems are disclosed in US 2006 / 0214150 Al . However, these designs have limitations, as the bolts merely press against the surface rather and use friction forces than being securely anchored, increasing the risk of slippage and reducing overall reliability.
[0010] Accordingly, it is an obj ective of the present invention to eliminate or at least alleviate at least individual disadvantages of the prior art . Preferably, it is an obj ective of the present invention to provide a fastening device that enables quick and secure installation onto a building element without requiring drilled holes for bolts or screws, thereby preventing damage to the structure of the building element . The fastening device should still ensure a strong and reliable connection between the safety element and the building element .
[0011] Summary of the Invention
[0012] The invention relates to a clamping device for attachment of a safety element to a building element, the clamping device comprising :
[0013] a distance adjustment element;
[0014] a holding element to which the safety element is removably connectable ;
[0015] a first j aw element having a first clamping surface;
[0016] a second j aw element having a second clamping surface; wherein the first j aw element and the second j aw element are movable towards each other by adjusting the distance between the first j aw element and the second j aw element with the distance adjustment element; and
[0017] wherein the first and / or the second clamping surface com-prise / s a plurality of penetration elements configured to rest on or penetrate a surface of the building element at a first depth in a mounted state of the clamping device and to penetrate the surface of the building element in a loaded mounted state ofthe clamping device at a second depth when a load is transferred to the clamping device via the safety element .
[0018] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a clamping device for attachment of a safety element to a building element, comprising the following steps :
[0019] Providing the clamping device having a distance adjustment element, a first aw element having a first clamping surface and a second j aw element having a second clamping surface, wherein the first and / or the second clamping surface comprise / s a plurality of penetration elements;
[0020] Positioning the clamping device at an edge of a building element such that the clamping device embraces the building element at least partially;
[0021] Actuating the distance adjustment element, thereby moving the first j aw element towards the second j aw element such that the clamping device is in a mounted state, wherein the penetration elements of the first clamping surface and / or the second clamping surface rest on or penetrate a surface of the building element at a first depth.
[0022] The invention also relates to a method of protecting a person or an obj ect from falling off a building with a safety system having a clamping device and a safety element, wherein the safety element is connected to the clamping device,
[0023] wherein the clamping device comprises a distance adjustment element, a first j aw element having a first clamping surface and a second j aw element having a second clamping surface, wherein the first and / or the second clamping surface comprise / s a plurality of penetration elements,
[0024] wherein the clamping device is in a mounted state in which the clamping device is mounted on the building element, the penetration elements of the first clamping surface and / or the second clamping surface resting on or penetrating a surface of the building element at a first depth,
[0025] wherein the person or the obj ect applies a load to the safety element, which load is transferred to the clamping device such that the clamping device is transferred from the mounted state into a loaded mounted state, wherein the penetration elements of the first and / or second clamping surface penetrate thesurface of the building element at a second depth, thereby preventing dismounting of the clamping device from the building element
[0026] All aspects of the invention relate to each other and any embodiment described for one aspect commensurately relates to all other aspects and embodiments mentioned. In particular, the advantages and features mentioned in the context of the clamping device also relate to the methods disclosed herein.
[0027] Detailed description of the invention
[0028] The present invention provides for a clamping device for attachment of a safety element to a building element, the clamping device comprising:
[0029] a distance adjustment element;
[0030] a holding element to which the safety element is removably connectable ;
[0031] a first aw element having a first clamping surface;
[0032] a second j aw element having a second clamping surface; wherein the first j aw element and the second j aw element are movable towards each other by adjusting the distance between the first j aw element and the second j aw element with the distance adjustment element; and
[0033] wherein the first and / or the second clamping surface com-prise / s a plurality of penetration elements configured to rest on or penetrate a surface of the building element at a first depth in a mounted state of the clamping device and to penetrate the surface of the building element in a loaded mounted state of the clamping device at a second depth when a load is transferred to the clamping device via the safety element .
[0034] Advantageously, in the mounted state of the clamping device the penetration elements of the first and / or second clamping surface rest on or penetrate the surface of the building element only at a first distance and thus do not cause any or just neglectable damage to the building element . Due to the penetration elements of the first and / or second clamping surface the clamping device can be reliably secured to the building element in the mountedstate and it is not required to drill holes into the building element or prepare the building element in any other way for installation of the clamping device . Consequently, the integrity of the building element can be preserved. Further, the installation of the clamping device is alleviated and expediated. However, upon application or transfer of a load to the clamping device, the penetration elements of the first and / or second clamping surface may penetrate the surface of the building element at the second distance, providing additional retaining force to keep the clamping device fastened to the building element in the loaded mounted state and avoid slippage . The penetration elements can penetrate the surface of the building element using a sharp tip or edge, cutting or embedding themselves into the material . When the surface is penetrated, the penetration elements are at least partially embedded into the building element . The penetration elements may protrude from a main plane of the respective clamping surface . The penetration elements may have a triangular or rectangular cross-section, for example . Preferably, the penetration elements are teeth, but may also be, for example, grooves . Tests have shown that teeth provide a particularly reliable mounting of the clamping device to the building element . As the penetration elements of the first and / or second clamping surface have penetrated the surface of the building element, disengagement of the clamping device from the building element is counteracted or preferably even prevented. In the mounted state, where no additional load other than the weight of the clamping device or of an attached safety element is applied or transferred to the clamping device, the material of the building element is usually sufficiently resistant to avoid penetration of the penetration elements into the surface of the building element at all . The building element may be made of or comprise concrete material . However, if the material is resilient or the distance adjustment element tightly tensioned, the penetration elements may penetrate the surface of the building element at a first depth. However, the first depth, which may be less than 10 mm (millimetres) or even less than 2 mm or 1 mm, does not impair the building element and is hence neglectable . If a load is transferred to the clamping device from the safety element, the penetration elements penetrate the surface of the building element at a second depth. If the penetration elementshave penetrated the surface of the building element in the mounted state at the first distance, they may further penetrate the surface of the building element to the second distance . The load may in particular result from a fall of an obj ect or a person caught by the safety element and transferred to the clamping device . The load may, for example, be in the range between 15 kN (kilonewton) and 60 kN in a vertical direction and in a range between 5 kN and 30 kN in a horizontal direction. The second depth is larger than the first depth. The building element may be a floor, a ceiling, a wall or a staircase . It is an advantage of the invention that the penetration elements only penetrate the surface of the building element at the second depth when the clamping device is transferred into the loaded mounted state, reducing damage to the building element . The second depth may be essentially limited to the height of the penetration elements . For example, the second depth may be between 2 mm and 20 mm or between 5 mm and 15 mm, which still causes minor damage to the building element in comparison to the required holes drilled in the prior art . In other words, also the penetration of the penetration elements at a second depth do not compromise the integrity of the building element . In contrast to this, the holes drilled into a building element required to fasten fastening devices of the prior art typically have a greater depth and thus impair the building element . The higher the load transferred to the clamping device, the deeper the penetration elements penetrate the surface of the building element . Therefore, the higher the load, the more resistance the penetration elements provide against slipping of the clamping device off the building element, thereby enhancing security. However, the maximum depth of penetration will preferably be limited by the height of the penetration elements . The penetration of the penetration elements into the surface of the building element enables a frictional and tight fit engagement of the first and / or second clamping surface with the building element in the loaded mounted state, counteracting disengagement of the clamping device from the building element . Preferably the first clamping surface abuts an upper surface of the building element and the second clamping surface abuts a lower surface of the building element . The distance adjustment element may comprise a first and a second member which are movable relative to each other . Advantageously,the length of the clamping device can be adjusted by moving the first and the second member relative to each other . Thus, the clamping device can be adjusted to the thickness or width of the building elements to which the clamping device shall be attached. In other words, the clamping device is adjustable to different types of building elements . However, also other embodiments of the distance adjustment element are conceivable, such as a threaded rod attached to one of the first and second j aw element and to a main body of the distance adjustment element . The distance adjustment element is configured to adjust the distance between the first j aw element and the second j aw element . However, preferably, a first member and a second member movable relative to each other are used. The first member and the second member may be, for example, formed by rods . The first member and the second member may be arranged in a telescopic manner, wherein the second member may be partially included into the first member or vice versa . In a preferred embodiment, the first and the second member may have a rectangular cross section. The first j aw element may be connected to the first member, the second j aw element may be connected to the second member . In one embodiment, the j aw elements may be formed integral with the respective members of the distance adjustment element . A main plane of the first and / or second j aw element may be arranged at an angle of essentially 90° to a longitudinal axis of the distance adjustment element . By means of the distance adjustment element, the first j aw element and the second j aw element may be arranged at an adjustable distance to each other between 10 cm (centimetre) and 100 cm. The first clamping surface may be disposed at a lower surface of the first j aw element . Thereby, the first clamping surface may form a part of the lower surface of the first j aw element . In other words, not the entire lower surface of the first j aw element corresponds to the first clamping surface . Preferably, the first clamping surface is disposed at a section of the first j aw element distant to the distance adjustment element . The second clamping surface may be disposed at an upper surface of the second j aw element . Thereby, the second clamping surface may form a part of the upper surface of the second j aw element . In other words, not the entire upper surface of the second j aw element corresponds to the second clamping surface . Preferably, the second clamping surface is disposed ata section of the second j aw element distant to the distance adjustment element . The penetration elements on the first and / or second clamping surface protrude from the respective clamping surface, preferably towards the respective other clamping surface . The penetration elements may have a height of at least 1 mm, preferably of at least 5 mm or at least 7 mm. It is particularly preferred when the penetration elements have a height between 5 mm and 15 mm. The holding element may, for example, be connected to or form a part of the distance adjustment element, in particular first member and / or the first j aw element . The holding element is configured to be connected with a dedicated mounting section the of safety element . The safety element may be a safety net element or a safety fence element . In an alternative embodiment, a platform, in particular a concreting platform, may be attached to the clamping device in order to attach the platform to the building element . As already mentioned, the penetration elements are preferably teeth. However, the penetration elements may also be, for example, grooves or plates, preferably inclined to a main plane of the respective clamping surface . The penetration elements preferably have a tapering form, in particularly viewed in cross section, to facilitate penetration of the building element . The form of the penetration elements preferably tapers in a direction away from their respective clamping surface . In other words, the penetration elements preferably have a tip at the end. The penetration elements may be mounted on a carrier element, such as a ridge or a lamella .
[0035] In order to facilitate the mounting of the clamping device, it is advantageous if a main plane of the first clamping surface and a main plane of the second clamping surface are oriented parallel to each other . By actuating the distance adjustment element, the distance between the main planes of the first and second clamping surface can be adjusted. Actuation can take place, for example, by rotating a threaded shaft . In the mounted state, the first and the second clamping surface may be oriented essentially parallel to the surface, in particular an upper and / or lower surface, of the building element . If the first and second clamping surfaces are inclined at an angle of less than 10° relative to each other, they may preferably still be considered as having a parallel orientation, as precise alignments aretypically not achievable in the building industry.
[0036] To provide a secure mounting of the clamping device, it is preferred when the penetration elements of the first clamping surface protrude in a direction towards the second clamping surface and / or the penetration elements of the second clamping surface protrude in a direction towards the first clamping surface . This does not exclude that the penetration elements of the clamping surfaces may be inclined in a specific direction.
[0037] In one embodiment of the invention the penetration elements of the first and / or the second clamping surface are arranged in one or more rows having one penetration element or more penetration elements . The at least one row may be essentially oriented parallel to an expected direction movement of the first and / or second clamping surface parallel to the surface of the building element when a load is transferred to the clamping device via the safety element . Said direction of movement may be parallel to the surface of the building element . Preferably, the penetration elements are arranged in multiple rows . The rows may be parallel to each other or, in particular viewed in a plane parallel to the main plain of the respective clamping surface, inclined to each other . The penetration elements may be mounted on a carrier element, such as a ridge or a lamella .
[0038] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first and / or the second clamping surface comprise / s multiple rows, each row having one penetration element or more penetration elements . The penetration elements may be mounted on a carrier element, such as a ridge or a lamella . By comprising multiple parallel rows, the retaining force of the clamping device in the loaded mounted state can be enhanced. The rows at the first and / or second clamping surface may be oriented parallel or inclined to each other . Preferably, the multiple rows are essentially oriented parallel to an expected direction of movement of the first and / or second clamping surface when a load is transferred to the clamping device via the safety element .
[0039] The penetration elements each may have a triangular shape . The triangular shape may particularly be observed when thepenetration elements are viewed in cross-section. As the penetration elements also have a width, for example between 2 mm and 15 mm, the form of the penetration elements each may be a triangular prism. The length of the penetration elements may be, for example, between 5 mm and 40 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 25 mm. The length may be viewed in a direction parallel to an expected direction of movement of the first and / or second clamping surface . The penetration elements may each have the shape of an isosceles triangle or an equilateral triangle .
[0040] In one embodiment of the invention, each penetration element comprises a first outer surface, a second outer surface and a base section, the first outer surface enclosing a first angle with the base section of the penetration element and the second outer surface enclosing a second angle with the base section of the penetration element, wherein the first angle is greater than the second angle . In this embodiment, the penetration elements may be considered as prisms, in particular as triangular prisms . The first and second outer surface of a penetration element may be flat surfaces which intersect at a connection line forming the tip or edge of the penetration element . The first outer surface may be arranged preferably at an angle of at least 80° , in particular at essentially 90° , to the base section. The second outer surface may be arranged preferably at an angle of lower than 80° , preferably lower than 60° , to the base section. The base section may be arranged parallel to a base surface of the respective j aw element or a main plane of the respective clamping surface . At the base section, the penetration element transitions into the base surface of the respective aw element . Viewed in isolation of a penetration element, the first and second outer surface may also be considered as first and second upper surface of the penetration element .
[0041] In one embodiment of the invention, the first clamping surface comprises a first plurality of penetration elements and the second clamping surface comprises a second plurality of penetration elements, wherein the penetration elements of the first plurality of penetration elements are inclined towards a first direction and the penetration elements of the second plurality of penetration elements are inclined towards a second direction,the first direction being opposite to the second direction. The first direction and the second direction are preferably oriented parallel to the main planes of the first and second j aw elements . In this way, the penetration of the surface of the building element is further improved and the retaining force enhanced. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first direction is directed towards the distance adjustment element . Inclination of a penetration element refers to the deviation of the penetration element from its normal vertical alignment in which the tip of each penetration element is symmetrically centered.
[0042] Preferably, the holding element comprises a recess into which a mounting section of the safety element can be inserted. The recess may have a closable opening, the opening being preferably directed upwards to allow for a hooking in of the mounting section of the safety element into the recess form above .
[0043] In one embodiment of the invention, the holding element comprises a retaining element which is transferable between an opening position, in which the mounting section of the safety element can be inserted and / or removed from the recess, and a locking position, in which the mounting section is secured in the recess . The retaining element may be, for example, a bracket . The retaining element may be pivotable . A securing mechanism may lock the retaining element in the locking position to avoid unwanted transferring the retaining element into the opening position. The securing mechanism may comprise a locking pin which secures the retaining element in the locking position. A spring may tension the retaining element, for example, into the locking position.
[0044] The retaining element may be pivotably mounted on the distance adjustment element . The retaining element is preferably mounted on a main body or the first member of the distance adjustment element . Also, the securing mechanism may be mounted on the distance adjustment element, in particular the first member . The securing mechanism may also be mounted on the first j aw element .
[0045] In one embodiment of the invention, the distance adjustment element comprises a first member, a second member and a shaft witha thread coupled to the first and / or second member, wherein by rotating the shaft the length of the distance adjustment element is adjustable . The first and / or second member may have a counter thread which may be engaged with the thread of the shaft . The shaft may comprise a portion, for example a shaft head, that cooperates with a tool, such as a wrench or a spanner . The shaft may be rotated to adjust the length of the distance adjustment element and to press the first and the second clamping surface against the building element . Preferably, a spring is provided which is configured to apply a tension to the shaft to avoid unintentional loosening of the shaft and to secure the shaft .
[0046] In an alternative embodiment, the distance adjustment element comprises a longitudinal member with at least one, preferably multiple, insertion openings, into which a securing element may be inserted to secure the position of the first j aw element relative to the second j aw element . The first j aw element may be arranged slidably to the longitudinal member . To this end, the first j aw element may be directly slidably arranged at the longitudinal member and / or to a sliding element configured to slide along the longitudinal member . By inserting the securing element into the at least one insertion opening, a sliding movement of the first j aw element or the sliding element may be restricted or the first j aw element or the sliding element may be fixed at a certain position at the longitudinal member . The securing element may be a bolt or a wedge, for example . By inserting the securing element, the distance between the first j aw element and the second j aw element may be adjusted by restricting movement of the first j aw element / the sliding element or fixing the first j aw element / the sliding element at a desired position.
[0047] In order to enhance stability of the clamping device, the clamping device may further comprise a load transfer element connected to the first j aw and the distance adjustment element . The load transfer element may be, for example, a rod or a plate, and be inclined to the first j aw and to the distance adjustment element, in particular to the first member or the sliding element .
[0048] The safety element may be a safety fence element or a safety net element .The safety element may be removably attached to the clamping device . The combination of the clamping device and the safety element may be referred to as safety system. The installation of the clamping device and the safety element is facilitated when the clamping device is mounted at first to the building element, followed by attachment of the safety element to the clamping device . In one embodiment of the invention, the safety element may be attached to and removed from the clamping device without the use of tools .
[0049] In one embodiment, the safety element is a safety net element and comprises :
[0050] at least one vertical post element;
[0051] at least one safety net;
[0052] at least one inclined element which is transferable between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein in the unfolded position the safety net is deployed;
[0053] at least one brace element which is transferable between a release position and a securing position, wherein in the securing position, the at least one brace element secures the at least one inclined element in the unfolded position.
[0054] The safety net may be attached to the horizontal rod elements . Preferably, one of the horizontal rod elements may form at least one mounting section that may be connected to the holding element of the clamping device . The safety net may be connected to the horizontal rod elements via fasteners, such as laces or strings . The at least one inclined element may be pivotably mounted to the at least one vertical post via at least one first joint . The transfer of the at least one inclined element can be carried out by tilting of the at least one inclined element with respect to the at least one vertical post element . In the folded position, transport of the safety net element is facilitated as the at least one vertical post element and the at least one inclined element are arranged in parallel . In the unfolded position, the at least one inclined element encloses an angle of preferably 20° to 50° with the at least one vertical post . The at least one inclined element may be connected with one of the horizontal rod elements to deploy the safety net in the unfoldedposition. The at least one vertical post element may be connected with another horizontal rod element . By tilting the at least one inclined element with respect to the at least one vertical post element, the safety net can be put up . The at least one brace element may be pivotably connected to the at least one vertical post element via at least one second joint . In the release position of the at least one brace element, the at least one inclined element may be transferred into the folded position. In a preferred embodiment, the safety net element is connected to multiple clamping devices that may be mounted on building elements .
[0055] In another embodiment of the invention, the safety element is a safety fence element having at least one vertical post and at least a retaining element forming a protection area . The retaining element may be a net or a grid, for example .
[0056] The invention also relates to a method of mounting a clamping device for attachment of a safety element to a building element, comprising the following steps :
[0057] Providing the clamping device having a distance adjustment element, a first j aw element having a first clamping surface and a second j aw element having a second clamping surface, wherein the first and / or the second clamping surface comprise / s a plurality of penetration elements;
[0058] Positioning the clamping device at an edge of a building element such that the clamping device embraces the building element at least partially;
[0059] Actuating the distance adjustment element, thereby moving the first j aw element towards the second j aw element such that the clamping device is in a mounted state, wherein the penetration elements of the first clamping surface and / or the second clamping surface rest on or penetrate a surface of the building element at a first depth.
[0060] The features, advantages and embodiments described above in relation with the clamping device also apply to the method of mounting a clamping device . In the mounted state, the clamping device is ready for attachment of a safety element . The building element is preferably a floor, a ceiling, a wall, a staircase ora building proj ection. The building element may have a thickness of 10 cm (centimetres) to 100 cm at the position where the clamping device is mounted. The building element may have a first surface and a second surface . The thickness refers to the distance between the first and second surface . In the mounted state, the first clamping surface may abut the first surface and the second clamping surface may abut the second surface . By actuating the distance adjustment element, the first clamping surface may be pressed against the first surface and the second clamping surface may be pressed against the second surface .
[0061] Preferably, the first and second clamping surface comprises a plurality of penetration elements, which rest on or penetrate the first and second surface at a first depth, respectively. The distance adjustment element may be actuated with a tool . In a preferred embodiment, the distance adjustment element comprises a first member, a second member a shaft with a thread that moves the first member towards the second member by rotating the shaft . However, the distance adjustment element may also, for example, comprise a longitudinal member with at least one, preferably multiple, insertion openings, into which a securing element may be inserted to secure the position of the first j aw element relative to the second j aw element . In the mounted state, the clamping device is ready to transfer a load, for example, from a falling obj ect or person, to the building element .
[0062] Thereby, the penetration elements penetrate the surface of the building element at a second depth, which may be deeper than the first depth - if the penetration elements do not merely rest on the surface of the building element but also penetrate it at the first depth.
[0063] After mounting of the clamping device to the building element, the safety element may be removably connected to a holding element of the clamping device . Preferably, a retaining element of the holding element is brought into an opening position which allows for hooking in a mounting section of the safety element into a recess of the holding element . Then, the retaining element is transferred into a locking position which secures the mounting section in the recess .
[0064] The invention also relates to a method of protecting a person oran obj ect from falling off a building with a safety system having a clamping device and a safety element, wherein the safety element is connected to the clamping device,
[0065] wherein the clamping device comprises a distance adjustment element, a first j aw element having a first clamping surface and a second j aw element having a second clamping surface, wherein the first and / or the second clamping surface comprise / s a plurality of penetration elements,
[0066] wherein the clamping device is in a mounted state in which the clamping device is mounted on the building element, the penetration elements of the first clamping surface and / or the second clamping surface resting on or penetrating a surface of the building element at a first depth,
[0067] wherein the person or the obj ect applies a load to the safety element, which load is transferred to the clamping device such that the clamping device is transferred from the mounted state into a loaded mounted state, wherein the penetration elements of the first and / or second clamping surface penetrate the surface of the building element at a second depth, thereby preventing dismounting of the clamping device from the building element .
[0068] The above-mentioned features, advantages and embodiments described above in relation with the clamping device also apply to the method of protecting a person or an obj ect from falling off a building. The load may in particular be applied to the safety element when the person or obj ect falls and is caught by the safety element . The method of protecting a person or an obj ect from falling off a building may be applied after the application of the method of mounting a clamping device .
[0069] In the following, embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail with drawings . However, the invention is not restricted to the embodiments shown in the drawings .
[0070] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a clamping device mounted on a building element to which a safety net element is attached;
[0071] Fig. 2 shows the clamping device and the safety net element attached thereto in another view;Fig. 3 a detailed view of a holding element;
[0072] Fig. 4 a perspective view of the clamping device;
[0073] Fig. 5 a side view of the clamping device;
[0074] Fig. 6 a detailed view of a first clamping surface,
[0075] Fig. 7 a detailed view of a second clamping surface;
[0076] Fig. 8 a cross-sectional view of the clamping device;
[0077] Fig. 9 another perspective view of the clamping device;
[0078] Fig. 10A penetration elements of a first clamping surface resting on a surface of a building element;
[0079] Fig. 10B penetration elements of the first clamping surface penetrating the surface of the building element at a second depth;
[0080] Fig. IOC penetration elements of the first clamping surface penetrating the surface of the building element at a first depth;
[0081] Fig. 11 another embodiment of the clamping device in a perspective view;
[0082] Fig. 12 the clamping device of Fig. 11 in a mounted state; and
[0083] Fig. 13 another embodiment of a first clamping surface .
[0084] Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a safety system 1 comprising two clamping devices 2 and a safety element 3. The safety element 3 is releasably connected to the clamping devices 2 . The clamping devices 2 are mounted on a building element 100, which, in the embodiment shown, is a ceiling 4 of a building 5. The clamping devices 2 each comprise a holding element 6 which are configured for a removable connection to the safety element 3. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the safety element 3 may be a safety net element 7 which is configured to prevent obj ects or persons (notshown) from falling off the building 5. In alternative embodiments, the safety element 3 may also be a safety fence, for examp 1 e .
[0085] The safety net element 7 depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 comprises vertical post elements 8 arranged in parallel, horizontal rods 9, a safety net 10, inclined elements 11 and brace elements 12. As shown in Fig. 1 and 2, each vertical post element 8 is pivotably connected with an inclined element 11 and a brace element 12. The inclined elements 11 are transferable between a folded position and an unfolded position by tilting. To this end, the inclined elements 11 are connected via first joints 15 to the vertical post elements 8. In the unfolded position, which is shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the safety net 10 is deployed between the two horizontal rods 9 and configured to protect obj ects and persons from falling off the building 5. When the safety net 10 is deployed, it spans an essentially horizontal protection area 13 to catch falling persons and obj ections . One of the horizontal rods 9 is fastened to the vertical post elements 8 at an upper end and has mounting sections 14 by means of which the safety element 3 can be fastened to the clamping devices 2. The other horizontal rod 9 is fastened to the inclined elements 11 such that the horizontal rods 9 can be moved towards or away from each other when the inclined elements 11 are transferred between the folded and unfolded positions . The safety net 10 may be fastened to the horizontal rods 9 via fasteners 101, such as laces . In order to secure the inclined elements 11 in the unfolded position, the brace elements 12 are transferable between a release position and a securing position (shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 ) by tilting. The brace elements 12 are connected with the vertical post elements 8 via second joints 16. In the securing position, the brace elements 12 secure the inclined elements 11 in the unfolded position such that unwanted transfers of the inclined elements 11 into the folded position are avoided, in particular when a load L is applied to the safety net 10. The load may be, for example, 15 kN and 60 kN in vertical direction. The energy may, for example, be between 0.1 and 10 kJ. In this way, the safety net 10 remains deployed even though obj ects or persons have fallen into it . In the unfolded position, the inclined elements 11 are inclined upwards from therespective first joints 15 via which the inclined elements 11 are connected with the vertical post elements 8 . In the securing position, the brace elements 12 are inclined downwards from the respective second joints 16 via which the brace elements 12 are connected with the vertical post elements 8 . The brace elements 12 each comprise two bracket elements 17 which form an opening 18 that engages with the inclined elements 11 in the securing position of the brace elements 12. In order to enhance stability of the safety system 1, the vertical post elements 8 may not only be connected with the clamping devices 2 mounted on the building element 100, but also abut an edge of another building element 1000. The other building element 1000 may also be a ceiling 4 arranged parallel to the building element 100. In the embodiment shown, the vertical post elements 8 comprise vertical posts 8a, 8b arranged parallel and connected with each other to increase the effective length of the vertical post elements 8. In an alternative embodiment, the vertical post elements 8 may not abut an edge of another building element 1000, but be secured to the building element 100 via a console (not shown) .
[0086] The safety net 10 may have, for example, a length Lio of 4 000 mm to 6 000 mm and a width Wio of 2 500 mm to 4 800 mm. The vertical post elements 8 may have, for example, a length Lg between 3 000 mm and 5 000 mm.
[0087] Fig. 3 is a detailed view of a mounting section 14 being mounted to a holding element 6.
[0088] Fig. 4 shows a clamping device 2 in a perspective view. The clamping device 2 comprises a distance adjustment element 19 with a first member 20 and a second member 21 which are moveable relative to each other . The first member 20 is arranged telescopically with the second member 21. The first 20 and second member 21 both are rods with rectangular profiles . A first j aw element 22 is connected to the first member 20 and extends perpendicular to it . A second j aw element 23 is connected to the second member 21 and extends perpendicular to it . The first j aw element 22 comprises a first clamping surface 24 located on a lower surface 25 of the first j aw element 22. The second j aw element 23 comprises a second clamping surface 26 located on anupper surface 27 of the second j aw element 23.
[0089] As can be seen in Fig. 4, the first 24 and second clamping surface 26 comprise a first plurality 28 of penetration elements 29 in the form of teeth and a second plurality 30 of penetration elements 29 in the form of teeth, respectively. The penetration elements 29 at the first clamping surface 24 protrude towards the second clamping surface 26. The penetration elements 29 at the second clamping surface 26 protrude towards the first clamping surface 24. Preferably, the penetration elements 29 are teeth .
[0090] As can be seen in the side view of the clamping device 2 in Fig.
[0091] 5, the penetration elements 29 of the first 28 and second plurality 30 are inclined in different directions, namely a first direction 31 and a second direction 32. The directions 31, 32 are expected directions of movement of the first 22 and second aw element 23 when a load L is applied to the clamping device 2 mounted to the building element 100.
[0092] As can be seen in Fig. 5 or in the detailed view of the first clamping surface 24 in Fig. 6, the penetration elements 29 each have a triangular shape and are essentially triangular prisms . In particular, each penetration element 29 comprises a first outer surface 33, a second outer surface 34 and a base section 35. The first outer surface 33 encloses a first angle al with the base section 35 of the penetration element 29. The second outer surface 34 encloses a second angle a2 with the base section 35 of the penetration element 29. The first angle al is preferably greater than the second angle a2 . In the embodiment shown, the first angle al is essentially 90° while the second angle a2 is below 70° , preferably below 50° , below 30° or even below 20° .
[0093] In the shown embodiment, the penetration elements 29 of the first clamping surface 24 are arranged in four rows 36, which are preferably arranged in parallel, each row comprising multiple penetration elements 29. The rows 36 are arranged parallel to the first direction 31. The penetration elements 29 of each row 36 may protrude from a ridge 99. The penetration elements 29transition into the ridges 99 at the respective base section 35. The penetration elements 29 may be formed integrally with the ridge 99. The rows 36 of the first clamping surface 24 may also be inclined to each other . This is shown in Fig. 13, where two rows 36 are inclined to each other . The outer rows 36 are arranged parallel to each other .
[0094] As shown in the detailed view of Fig. 7, the penetration elements 29 of the second clamping surface 26 are arranged in two rows 36, which are preferably arranged in parallel, comprising multiple penetration elements 29. Additionally, in Fig. 7, the rows 36 of penetration elements 29 of the second clamping surface 26 are connected via a bow element 37, which may also comprise at least one penetration element 29 and forms a bow of 180° . However, the bow element 37 may also be omitted. The rows 36 of the second clamping surface 26 may also be inclined to each other, i . e . , not be arranged in parallel, as shown in Fig.
[0095] 13 for the first clamping surface 24. The penetration elements 29 may also be formed integrally with ridges 99. The penetration elements 29 transition into the ridges 99 at the respective base section 35.
[0096] The penetration elements 29 of the first 24 and second clamping surface 26 may have a height H29 measured from the base section 35 of at least 1 mm or of at least 5 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 15 mm or between 5 mm and 10 mm, in particular essentially 7 mm. The penetration elements 29 of the first 24 and second clamping surface 26 may have a width W29 of at least 2 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 12 mm or between 5 mm and 10 mm. The penetration elements 29 of the first 24 and second clamping surface 26 may have a length L29, measured in the first 31 or second direction 32, of at least 10 mm, preferably between 15 mm and 40 mm or between 15 mm and 30 mm.
[0097] As can be best seen in Fig. 9, the holding element 6 comprises a recess 38 limited by the first member 20, the first j aw element 22 and a bar element 39. The holding element 6 also comprises a retaining element 40 which is transferable between an opening position, in which the mounting section 14 of the safety element 3 can be inserted and / or removed from the recess 38, and alocking position, in which the mounting section is secured in the recess 38. Fig. 9 shows the locking position. The retaining element 40 may be pivotable about an axis 103. A tensioning spring (not shown) may tension the retaining element 40 towards the bar element 39. In this way, unintentional loosening of the retaining element 40 in the locking position may be avoided. A securing mechanism 41 may lock the retaining element 40 in the locking position to avoid unwanted transferring the retaining element 40 into the opening position. The securing mechanism 41 may comprise a locking pin 42 (see Fig. 8 ) which secures the retaining element 40 in the locking position.
[0098] In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8, it can be seen that the distance adjustment element 19 comprises a shaft 43 with a thread 44 coupled to the second member 22. The shaft 43 is arranged inside the first 21 and second member 22. By rotating the shaft 43 the length Lig of the distance adjustment element 19 is adjustable . The shaft 43 has a head 45 which can be engaged with a tool to rotate the shaft 43. In order to enhance stability, the clamping device 2 may further comprise a load transfer element 46 connected to the first j aw element 22 and the distance adjustment element 19. The thread 44 of the shaft 43 may be coupled to a counter-thread 104 of the second member 22. At the upper end of the shaft 43, a spring 105 may be provided which is configured to apply a tension to the shaft 43 to avoid unintentional loosening of the shaft 43 and to secure the shaft 43 in the mounted state . The spring 105 may also provide an essentially constant tensioning.
[0099] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the clamping devices 2 are in a mounted state in which the penetration elements 29 of the first 24 and second clamping surface 26 rest on a surface 102 of the building element 100. Thereby, the penetration elements 29 of the first clamping surface 24 rest on a first surface 102a and the penetration elements 29 of the second clamping surface 26 rest on a second surface 102b . This is shown in greater detail in Fig. 10A with the penetration elements 29 of the first clamping surface 24. In the embodiment shown, the penetration elements 29 do not damage the surface 102 of the building element 100 as they only rest on the surface 102 but do not penetrate it .However, if the distance adjustment element 19 is tensioned too much or if the material of the building element 100 is soft, the penetration elements 29 may penetrate the surface of the building element at a first depth DI . This is shown in Fig. 10C, where the clamping device 2 is also in the mounted state but the penetration elements 29 of the first clamping surface 24 slightly penetrate the surface 102 of the building element 100 at the first depth DI . However, a potential damage of penetration elements penetrating at the first depth DI can be considered neglectable because the first depth is small . The first depth DI may be, for example, 1 mm.
[0100] When an obj ect or a person falls into the safety net 10, a load L is applied to the safety net 10 from above and transferred to the clamping devices 2. Upon transfer of the load L, the penetration elements 29 penetrate the surface 102 of the building element 100 at a second depth D2 (see Fig. 10B) and thus secure the clamping devices 2 to the building element 100, thereby avoiding disengagement of the clamping devices 2 from the building element 100. In the loaded mounted state, the penetration elements 29 claw into the surface 102 of the building element 100. The second depth D2 may be, for example, greater than the first depth D2, preferably greater than 1.5 mm. In one embodiment, the second depth D2 may be between 1 mm and 30 mm, between 5 mm and 30 mm or between 10 mm and 20 mm.
[0101] Thus, when no load is applied to the clamping devices 2, which is typically the case when no obj ect or person is caught by the safety net element 7 or the safety fence element, the building element 100 remains essentially unscathed. When the clamping device 2 is transferred into the loaded mounted state, the penetration elements 29 of the clamping surfaces 24, 26 penetrate the surface 102 of the building element 100 at the second depth D2 and thus secure the clamping device 2 to the building element 100.
[0102] Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 show another embodiment of the invention. As the functionality is basically the same as the embodiment of the clamping device 2 described above, only the differences will be explained in the following. As can be seen in Fig. 11, somepenetration elements 29 at the first 24 and second clamping surface 26 are arranged in rows 36 that are inclined towards each other at the respective clamping surface 24, 26. Further, in order to adjust the clamping device 2, the distance adjustment element 19 comprises a longitudinal member 49 with at least one, preferably multiple, insertion openings 47, into which a securing element 48 may be inserted to secure the position of the first j aw 22 element relative to the second j aw element 23. The first j aw element 22 may be arranged slidably to the longitudinal member 49. To this end, the first j aw element 22 may be directly slidably arranged at the longitudinal member 49 and / or to a sliding element 50 configured to slide along the longitudinal member 49. By inserting the securing element 48 into the at least one insertion opening 47, a sliding movement of the first j aw element 22 and the sliding element 50 may be restricted or the first j aw element 22 may be fixed at a certain position at the longitudinal member 49. The securing element 48 may be a bolt or a wedge, for example . By inserting the securing element 48, the distance between the first j aw element 22 and the second j aw element 23 may be adjusted by restricting movement of the first j aw element 22 and the sliding element 50 or fixing the first j aw element 22 and the sliding element 50 at a desired position. The second j aw element 23 may be mounted to the longitudinal member 49 immovably.
Claims
25Claims :
1. A clamping device (2 ) for attachment of a safety element (3) to a building element ( 100) , the clamping device (2 ) comprising:a distance adjustment element ( 19) ;a holding element ( 6) to which the safety element (3) is removably connectable;a first aw element (22 ) having a first clamping surface (24 ) ;a second j aw element (23) having a second clamping surface (26) ; wherein the first j aw element (22 ) and the second j aw element (23) are movable towards each other by adjusting the distance between the first j aw element (22 ) and the second j aw element (23) with the distance adjustment element ( 19) ; and wherein the first (24 ) and / or the second clamping surface (26) comprise / s a plurality of penetration elements (29) configured to rest on or penetrate a surface of the building element ( 100) at a first depth (DI ) in a mounted state of the clamping device (2 ) and to penetrate the surface ( 102 ) of the building element ( 100) in a loaded mounted state of the clamping device (2 ) at a second depth (D2 ) when a load is transferred to the clamping device (2 ) via the safety element (3) .
2. The clamping device (2 ) according to claim 1, wherein a main plane of the first clamping surface (24 ) and a main plane of the second clamping (26) surface are oriented parallel to each other .
3. The clamping device (2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the penetration elements (29) of the first clamping surface (24 ) protrude in a direction towards the second clamping surface (26) and / or the penetration elements (29) of the second clamping surface (26) protrude in a direction towards the first clamping surface (24 ) .
4. The clamping device (2 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the penetration elements (29) of the first (24 ) and / or the second clamping surface (26) are arranged one or more rows having one penetration element (29) or more penetration elements (29) .
5. The clamping device (2 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first (24 ) and / or the second clamping surface (26) comprise / s multiple rows, each row having one penetration element (29) or more penetration elements (29) .
6. The clamping device (2 ) according any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the penetration elements (29) each have a triangular shape .
7. The clamping device (2 ) according to claim 6, wherein each penetration element (29) comprises a first outer surface (33) , a second outer surface (34 ) and a base section (35) , the first outer surface (33) enclosing a first angle (al ) with the base section (35) of the penetration element (29) and the second outer surface (34 ) enclosing a second angle (a2 ) with the base section (35) of the penetration element (29) , wherein the first angle (al ) is greater than the second angle (a2 ) .
8. The clamping device (2 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first clamping surface (24 ) comprises a first plurality (28 ) of penetration elements (29) and the second clamping surface (26) comprises a second plurality (30) of penetration elements (29) , wherein the penetration elements (29) of the first plurality (28 ) of penetration elements are inclined towards a first direction (31 ) and the penetration elements (29) of the second plurality (30) of penetration elements are inclined towards a second direction (32 ) , the first direction (31 ) being opposite to the second direction (32 ) .
9. The clamping device (2 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the holding element ( 6) comprises a recess (38 ) into which a mounting section ( 14 ) of the safety element (3) can be inserted .
10. The clamping device (2 ) according to claim 9, wherein the holding element ( 6) comprises a retaining element (40) which is transferable between an opening position, in which the mounting section ( 14 ) of the safety element (3) can be inserted and / or removed from the recess (38 ) , and a locking position, in whichthe mounting section ( 14 ) is secured in the recess ( 38 ) .11 . The clamping device ( 2 ) according to claim 10 , wherein the retaining element ( 40 ) is pivotably mounted on the distance adj ustment element ( 19 ) .12 . The clamping device ( 2 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the distance adj ustment element ( 19 ) comprises a first member ( 20 ) , a second member ( 21 ) and a shaft ( 43 ) with a thread ( 44 ) coupled to the first ( 20 ) and / or second member ( 21 ) , wherein by rotating the shaft ( 43 ) the length ( Lig ) of the distance adj ustment element ( 19 ) is adj ustable .13 . The clamping device ( 2 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , further comprising a load trans fer element ( 46 ) connected to the first j aw element ( 22 ) and the distance adj ustment element ( 19 ) .14 . The clamping device ( 2 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein the safety element ( 3 ) is a safety fence element or a safety net element .15 . The clamping device ( 2 ) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 , wherein the safety element ( 3 ) is removably attached to the clamping device ( 2 ) .16 . The clamping device ( 2 ) according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein the safety element ( 3 ) is a safety net element and comprises : at least one vertical post element ( 8a, 8b ) ;at least one safety net ( 10 ) ;at least one inclined element ( 11 ) which is trans ferable between a folded position and an unfolded position, wherein in the unfolded position the safety net ( 10 ) is deployed;at least one brace element ( 12 ) which is trans ferable between a release position and a securing position, wherein in the securing position, the at least one brace element ( 12 ) secures the at least one inclined element ( 11 ) in the unfolded position .17 . The clamping device ( 2 ) according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein the safety element ( 3 ) is a safety fence element having at least28one vertical post ( 8a, 8b ) and at least a retaining element ( 40 ) forming a protection area ( 13 ) .18 . Method of mounting a clamping device ( 2 ) for attachment of a safety element ( 3 ) to a building element ( 100 ) , comprising the steps of :Providing the clamping device ( 2 ) having a distance adj ustment element ( 19 ) , a first aw element ( 22 ) having a first clamping surface ( 24 ) and a second j aw element ( 23 ) having a second clamping surface ( 26 ) , wherein the first ( 24 ) and / or the second clamping surface ( 26 ) comprise / s a plurality of penetration elements ( 29 ) ;Positioning the clamping device ( 2 ) at an edge of a building element ( 100 ) such that the clamping device ( 2 ) embraces the building element ( 100 ) at least partially;Actuating the distance adj ustment element ( 19 ) , thereby moving the first j aw element ( 22 ) towards the second j aw element ( 23 ) such that the clamping device ( 2 ) is in a mounted state , wherein the penetration elements ( 29 ) of the first clamping surface ( 24 ) and / or the second clamping surface ( 26 ) rest on or penetrate a surface ( 102 ) of the building element ( 100 ) at a first depth ( DI ) .19 . Method of mounting a clamping device ( 2 ) according to claim 18 , wherein the safety element ( 3 ) is removably connected to a holding element ( 6 ) of the clamping device ( 2 ) .20 . Method of protecting a person or an obj ect from falling of f a building ( 5 ) with a safety system ( 1 ) having a clamping device ( 2 ) and a safety element ( 3 ) , wherein the safety element ( 3 ) is connected to the clamping device ( 2 ) ,wherein the clamping device ( 2 ) comprises a distance adj ustment element ( 19 ) , a first j aw element ( 22 ) having a first clamping surface ( 24 ) and a second j aw element ( 23 ) having a second clamping surface ( 26 ) , wherein the first ( 24 ) and / or the second clamping surface ( 26 ) comprise / s a plurality of penetration elements ( 29 ) ,wherein the clamping device ( 2 ) is in a mounted state in which the clamping device ( 2 ) is mounted on the building element ( 100 ) , the penetration elements ( 29 ) of the first clamping29surface ( 24 ) and / or the second clamping surface ( 26 ) resting on or penetrating a surface ( 102 ) of the building element ( 100 ) at a first depth ( DI ) ,wherein the person or the obj ect applies a load ( L ) to the safety element ( 2 ) , which load ( L ) is trans ferred to the clamping device ( 2 ) such that the clamping device ( 2 ) is trans ferred from the mounted state into a loaded mounted state , wherein the penetration elements ( 29 ) of the first ( 24 ) and / or second clamping surface ( 26 ) penetrate the surface of the building element ( 100 ) at a second depth ( D2 ) , thereby preventing dismounting of the clamping device ( 2 ) from the building element ( 100 ) .