COLLAPSIBLE LINK FOR A LOAD SUPPORTING APPARATUS

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a collapsible link which visually indicates the overloading of a load supporting apparatus by means of bending at loads exceeding a predetermined limit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The use of a load supporting apparatus such as a crane, jib, davit or fall protection system can be quite dangerous if used improperly Death, injury and property damage can result from attempting to lift a load that exceeds the recommended loading range for which a particular apparatus was designed Concerns over safety therefore create a desire for a device that can prevent accidents by providing an indication to a user or observer when a load supporting apparatus has been overloaded Provided with such a warning, the user can unload the apparatus immediately in order to avert failure and resulting casualties For cases where the load cannot be removed quickly and safely, it is also desirable to have a means to reduce the effect of the overloading and prevent substantial damage to the primary components of the apparatus.

[0003] US 2004/256607 discloses a portable hoist system comprising a base assembly which includes a pin. Slidably mounted over the pin is a hoist support assembly. The hoist support assembly includes a substantially vertical tube which is connected at its top portion to a support arm. The support arm is supported with respect to the substantially vertical tube by an angled brace member. On the top of the support arm is located a lifting strap control assembly. The lifting strap control assembly includes a windlass and a guide bar. Further disclosed is a base assembly support system which is connectable to the hitch receiver portion of a tow bar assembly on a vehicle such as a pickup truck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for supporting a load including a first member having a first connection point thereon, and a second member having a second connection point thereon, said second member having a loading point configured and arranged to support the load and said second member being supported on the first member, the apparatus comprising a collapsible link comprising a longitudinal member having opposite ends spaced apart by a first distance, said collapsible link extending between the first and second connection points, thereby supporting the second member on the first member, said longitudinal member having a weakened portion between the opposite ends, the weakened portion being bendable; the connection points being points being spaced apart by a second distance; the apparatus having a load limit for a load applied to the second member; the collapsible link bending proximate the weakened portion if the load exceeds a rated load limit of the apparatus such that the first distance between the opposite ends of said longitudinal member is decreased, thereby visually indicating overloading of the apparatus; and the second member moving during bending of the longitudinal member of the collapsible link such that the second distance between the first and second connection points is decreased thus reducing the load applied through the second member to the first member to a value less than the rated load limit to avoid damaging the apparatus.

[0005] The collapsible link of the load supporting apparatus is arranged to bend during overloading of the apparatus, thereby visually indicating the overload to a user or observer. The indicator is arranged to extend between connection points on a first member and a second load supporting member of the apparatus in order to bend in response to excessive loading of the second member. The bending action moves the opposite ends of the member closer together, thereby reducing the distance between the connection points of the two members. This brings the load supported by the second member closer to the first member so as to reduce the load applied to the first member from the load through the second member to a value less than a predetermined load rating In this way the movement of the collapsible link not only avoids damage to the apparatus when the predetermined rated load is exceeded but also the movement caused by its collapse reduces the load to the apparatus to a level below that predetermined rating.

[0006] Preferably the first member comprises a post extending upwardly from a lower end, the first connection point being upwardly spaced from said lower end.

[0007] Preferably the second member comprises a longitudinal support member supported on the post upward from the first connection point and extending to one side of said post.

[0008] Preferably the load is supported on the longitudinal support member at a loading point distally spaced from the post.

[0009] Preferably the second connection point is located between the post and the loading point.

[0010] In the case where the second member extends out to one side of the upward extending first member and supports the load at a distance therealong, bringing the load closer to the first member reduces the moment about the attachment point of the two members This avoids failure of the apparatus, thereby preventing accidents and keeping maintenance costs down, as only the collapsible link will need replacement.

[0011] The first member may further comprise a first mounting element supported on the post and extending toward the second connection point, the first connection point being located on said first mounting element. In this case, the second member may further comprise a second mounting element supported on the longitudinal support member and extending toward the first connection point, the second connection point being located on the second mounting element such that the collapsible link is supported between said first and second mounting elements.

[0012] Preferably the collapsible link further comprises a plurality of slots spaced along the longitudinal member between the opposite ends thereof, said slots extending into said longitudinal member from a first side thereof. The series of slots extending into the longitudinal member from one side weaken the member along that one side, thereby ensuring that the collapsible link will bend in a predetermined fashion. Specifically, the indicator will bend concavely with respect to that one side, moving the opposite ends of the member closer together.

[0013] Preferably the longitudinal member comprises a U-shaped cross section defining a central portion separating two spaced apart side portions, said side portions extending from the central portion toward the first side of the longitudinal member such that the plurality of slots are spaced along and extend into each of said side portions.

[0014] Preferably the slots in the side portions of the longitudinal member do not extend to the central section thereof.

[0015] Preferably the slots of the collapsible link are arranged to cause the collapsible link to bend concavely with respect to the first side thereof during overloading of the apparatus such that the first distance between the opposite ends of said longitudinal member is decreased.

[0016] Preferably, the slots are arranged such that each slot has a respective slot on the opposite side portion that is generally equal in dimensions and is equally positioned along the longitudinal channel member, and each slot being of a length such that a distance is defined between said slot and the central portion of the longitudinal channel member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a load supporting apparatus supporting a load less than its maximum recommended loading value.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the load supporting apparatus of Figure 1 supporting a load greater than its maximum recommended loading value.

Figure 3 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of the collapsible link according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is an end view of the first embodiment of the collapsible link according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the present invention at an intermediate stage of its manufacture.

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a davit assembly featuring an collapsible link according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of another load supporting apparatus supporting a load less than its maximum recommended loading value.

Figure 8 is an elevational view of the load supporting apparatus of Figure 7 supporting a load greater than its maximum recommended loading value.

Figure 9 is a close up view of the collapsible link and mounting elements of the apparatus of Figures 7 and 8 having been overloaded.

Figure 10 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 11 is an end view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a side view of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a top plan view of second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14 is an isometric view of a portion of a fall protection system featuring an collapsible link according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the general purpose of the col!apsible link according to the present invention. In Figure 1, a load supporting apparatus 100 features a first member 2 extending upward and having a second member 4 supported at the upper end and extending outward to one side. The two members are connected at an attachment point 6 featuring suitable fastening means that will resist moments of limited magnitude about that point. Such means are well known to those of skill in the art. Near a distal end of the second member 4 is supported a load 8 that is less than a maximum recommended loading value of the apparatus 100. The longitudinal collapsible link 10 extends angularly from the first member 2 at a point spaced downwardly from the second member 4 to a point on the second member 4 between the first member 2 and the load 8. In this arrangement, the collapsible link further supports the second member 4 relative to the first member 2.

[0019] Figure 2 shows the same apparatus 100 wherein the load 8 exceeds the maximum recommended loading value. The collapsible link 10 is designed to undergo bending at loads exceeding this value such that it takes on the bow shape shown in the figure. This bending or bowing action serves to visually indicate to a user that the apparatus 100 has been overloaded and prevent damage to the first 2 and second 4 members that would otherwise be caused by the excessive load. When the user sees the overload indictor start to bend, he or she can respond to the visual feedback by removing the load to prevent further bending and possible accidents. In the case where the angle between the first 2 and second 4 members is 90 degrees or less before bending, the collapsible link 10 also serves to reduce the effect of the load on the apparatus 100 during exposure to overloading. When the collapsible link 10 bends as shown, the angle between the first 2 and second 4 members decreases, thereby moving the load 8 closer to the post 2. This reduces the magnitude of the moment induced about the attachment point 6 by the loading of the second member 4, increasing the effective resistance of the fastening means at this point 6 and thereby preventing further collapse of the apparatus 100.

[0020] A first embodiment of the collapsible link according to the present invention is shown in Figure 3. The collapsible link 10 is made of a longitudinal member 12 having a U-shaped cross section as shown in Figure 4. The U-shaped member 12 has a central portion 18 extending perpendicularly between parallel side portions 20. Between opposite ends 14 and 16, the longitudinal member 12 has a series of slots 24 extending from a side 23 opposite the central portion 18 toward the central portion 18 in each side portion 20. These slots 24 define teeth 22, each of which is positioned between two adjacent slots 24. At each of the ends 14 and 16, there is provided a pair of holes for mounting the collapsible link on an appropriate load supporting apparatus. A hole 28 is provided through each side portion 20 at each of the ends 14 and 16 for use as a connection point by means of which the collapsible link 10 can be installed for use in a load supporting apparatus.

[0021] The absence of material in the side portions 20 created by the slots 24 weakens the ability of these side portions 20 to resist compression loading along a longitudinal axis of the collapsible link 10. The central portion 18 however, remains intact as a solid piece having and thus has a greater strength than the side portions 20. As a result, longitudinal loading of the collapsible link 10 will tend to cause the longitudinal member 12 to bend, or bow, forming a concave curvature along the side 23 as the slots 24 close and the teeth 22 move together such that the collapsible link 10 takes on the general form shown in Figure 2. With adjacent teeth 22 coming into contact, the strength of the collapsible link 10 is increased as the slots 24 close up. While weakened by the presence of the slots 24, it should be noted that the longitudinal member 12 will not bend under any longitudinal loading, but rather will only do so under excessive loading in which a predetermined limit is exceeded. The slot dimensions, slot spacing and longitudinal member material are all chosen so as to provide the collapsible link 10 with the appropriate bending characteristics for use in a specific load supporting apparatus having a particular loading limit. The collapsible link 10 therefore will only begin to bend when the apparatus has been loaded beyond the upper limit of its recommended load range, thereby indicating to a user that the apparatus has been overloaded.

[0022] Figure 5 shows the collapsible link at an intermediate stage of its manufacture. Using dies, a 3/16" steel plate is formed having the two dimensional shape shown in the figure. In order to obtain the U-shaped cross section of the final product, as shown in Figure 4, the side portions 20 are bent 90 degrees along the broken lines shown in Figure 5. A series of six slots nearest each of the ends 14 and 16 of each side portion 20 is longer than the slots 24 between the two series of each side portion 20. Each tooth 22 is rounded at its outermost edge 25 opposite the central portion 18 between the respective pair of adjacent slots. Each slot 24 or 26 is tapered moving from the side 23 of the longitudinal member 12 toward the central portion 18, where it is rounded at its end 27, which is spaced from the central portion 18. Each corner 29 of the longitudinal member 12 is also rounded. As described above, the material and dimensions of the collapsible link 10 can be modified to alter the bending characteristics as needed.

[0023] Figure 6 illustrates a davit assembly 150 featuring the first embodiment of the collapsible link 10 as described above. In this particular assembly 150, the first member consists of a vertically arranged post 32 having a pair of side plates 34 attached at points 33 and 35 by means of bolting arrangements including bolts, washers and nuts. The plates 34 extend vertically upward from the post 32 to an upper end 37. The second member in the davit assembly 150 is a longitudinal support member 38 extending upward and out to one side of the post 32 and side plates 34. The support member 38 is connected to the side plates 34 at an attachment point 36 near the upper end 37 of the plates by a bolting arrangement that will resist moments about that point. The support member 38 is arranged to support a load (not shown) at a loading point 42 near a distal end 43 opposite the plates 34 and post 32 by means of a U-bracket 44. The collapsible link 10 is mounted between the support member 38 and the side plates 34 such that the side 23 from which the slots 24 extend into the indicator 10 is to face upward toward the support member 38 and side plates 34. The collapsible link 10 is attached to the side plates 34 at a first connection point 41 by bolting arrangements including appropriate spacers. The link 10 is attached to the support member 38 at a second connection point 45 on brackets 40 provided on the support member 38, again by bolting arrangements. Bolting arrangements and other suitable fastening means are well known to those of skill in the art, and therefore not described in detail.

[0024] Arranged as described above, the collapsible link 10 will bow under overloading conditions, tending to go from the shape shown in Figure 1 to that shown in Figure 2. This bowing or bending action first serves as an indicator that the apparatus 100 has been overloaded. As mentioned previously, the davit assembly 150 of Figure 6 is arranged such that the support member 38 from which the load is suspended extends upwardly, defining an angle between the support member 38 and side plates 34 greater than 90 degrees. In such an arrangement, the link 10 will not act to reduce the effect of overloading on the other assembly components unless it is overloaded enough to bend to an extent such that the angle between the support member 38 and the side plates 34 is reduced to 90 degrees or less. This is due to the fact that the moment exerted about the attachment point 36 is greatest when the support member 38 and side plates 34 are at right angles to each other. So preliminary bending causing the angle between the support member 38 and the plates 34 to decrease from the original angle to 90 degrees will only serve to indicate to a user that the apparatus has been overloaded, while further bending will decrease the magnitude of the moment created about the attachment point 37 by the load, thereby increasing the assembly's ability to support it.

[0025] Figure 7 illustrates the use of a second embodiment of the present invention, generally indicated at 50, in an alternate mounting arrangement. A load supporting apparatus 200, similar to the one illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, features a first member 2 extending upward and having a second member 4 supported at the upper end and extending outward to one side. The two members are connected at an attachment point 6 featuring suitable fastening means that will resist moments of limited magnitude about that point. The alternate mounting arrangement for the collapsible link 50 consists of mounting elements 56 which support the collapsible link 50 between them. Each mounting element is angularly attached to one of the two members and extends toward the other mounting element. The element 56 on the first member 2 is attached at a point downward from the second member 4 while the element 56 on the second member is located between the load 8 and the first member 2. In this arrangement, the collapsible link in combination with the mounting elements 56 further support the second member 4 relative to the first member 2.

[0026] The second embodiment of the collapsible link 50 works under the same principles as the first but bends only over the distance between the mounting elements 56 rather than the distance between the first 2 and second members 4. Figure 8 shows the apparatus 200 with a bent collapsible link 50 resulting from overloading. Figure 9 shows a closer view of the mounting arrangement shown in Figures 7 and 8. The mounting elements 56 are hollow such that each element may receive a respective end portion 60 of the collapsible link 50 therein. The bending of the collapsible link occurs only in the bendable portion 58 between the end portions 60. The end portions are rigid and remain straight, substantially aligned with the mounting elements 56 in which they are housed.

[0027] Figure 10 shows the second embodiment of the collapsible link 50 in greater detail. Like in the first embodiment, the collapsible link 10 is made of a longitudinal member 12 having a U-shaped cross section with a central portion 18 extending perpendicularly between parallel side portions 20. Between opposite ends 14 and 16, the longitudinal member 50 has a series of slots 24 extending from a side 23 opposite the central portion 18 toward the central portion 18 in each side portion 20. These slots 24 define teeth 22, each of which is positioned between two adjacent slots 24. Like the first embodiment the slots are arranged to induce concave bending along the side 23 of the longitudinal member 12 from which the slots 24 extend into the side portions 20 during longitudinal loading beyond a predetermined limit chosen for a particular application.

[0028] In this second embodiment, the series of slots 24 does not extend as far towards each of the ends 14 and 16 of the longitudinal member 12. This arrangement creates the rigid end portions 60 that are housed within the hollow mounting elements 56 as discussed above. Instead of a pair of aligned holes in the side portions at each end, the second embodiment features a pair of holes 54 extending through the central portion 18 of the longitudinal member 12 at each of the ends 14 and 16. The holes 54 of each pair are spaced apart along a central axis of the central portion 18, which is illustrated by broken line A-A in Figure 13. Each hole is aligned with a lock nut 52 positioned on the central portion 18 between the side portions 20. This allows the collapsible link 50 to be bolted into position from outside the mounting elements 56 by means of holes (not shown) in the mounting elements 56 that are spaced to align with those in the collapsible link 50. In addition to the lack of slots 24, the end portions 60 of the collapsible link 50 are further restricted from bending by the pairing of these fasteners at each end.

[0029] With the holes 54 and nuts 52 of the collapsible link 50 being situated at the central portion 18 of the longitudinal member 12, the orientation of the collapsible link 50 within the mounting elements 56 will determine whether it bends toward or away from the members 2 and 4 of the apparatus 200. Inserting the bolts 61 from above, as shown in Figure 9, will position the side 23 with the slots 24 downward, resulting in bending toward the members as shown In Figure 8.

[0030] Figure 14 illustrates a portion of a rail system 300 for use in fall protection featuring the second embodiment of the present invention. At each end of the system 300, the first member consists of a vertical post 68 having a cylindrical mounting element 62 supported on it by means of a pair of brackets 66 at a connection point 63. The second member is a longitudinal support member consisting of a pair of side plates 70 having another cylindrical mounting element 64 supported between the plates 70 at a connection point 65 and a loading point 42. The members at each end support a rigid rall 72 from which a worker can be suspended in case of a fall from an elevated work surface. With the overload indicator 50 installed as described above, if the rall system 300 is overloaded, perhaps due to attempted use of the system for applications other than fall protection where higher loads are involved, bending of the indicator 50 will warn users that the system 300 is overloaded and will reduce the moment created about the attachment point 36 by lowering the rail 72 arcuately toward the vertical post 68.

[0031] The collapsible link is to be sold as part of a load supporting apparatus and as a replacement part. That way when an indicator has been bent due to overloading of an apparatus, a replacement indicator can be purchased to replace it so that the apparatus can be reset to its original arrangement and used again without incurring significant cost. Aside from the collapsible link, and possibly fastening means for connecting components of the apparatus, no other major components will require replacement.

[0032] While the above embodiments have been outlined in the context of load supporting systems having a generally vertical member and a generally horizontal load supporting member extending outward from an elevated position on the vertical member, it should be realized that the present invention should not be limited to such arrangements. The shape, arrangement and means of attaching the components of a load supporting apparatus can be easily modified by those of skill in the art while still making use of a bending member to indicate overloading and prevent the failure of other components of the apparatus. The collapsible link can be mounted or adapted in a variety of ways to suit a number of applications. The invention would be useful in situations where it is desirable to visually indicate the application of an excessive force and/or allow limited relative movement of components of a load bearing system during excessive loading.

[0033] The loading limit at which the indicator begins to bend can be adjusted by modifying the physical characteristics of the indicator, such as the slot size, slot spacing and material. As such, it should be noted that the term "excessive" is used to describe a magnitude or maximum loading that is considered to be so In regards to the application for which the apparatus using the collapsible link is designed or rated.

[0034] Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the scope of the claims without department from such scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting a load including a first member (2, 32, 68) having a first connection point (41, 63) thereon, and a second member (4, 38, 70) having a second connection point (45, 65) thereon, said second member (4, 38, 70) having a loading point (42) configured and arranged to support the load and said second member (4, 38, 70) being supported on the first member (2, 32, 68), the apparatus comprising:

a collapsible link (10, 50) comprising a longitudinal member (12) having opposite ends (14, 16) spaced apart by a first distance, said collapsible link (10, 50) extending between the first and second connection points (41, 63 and 45, 65), thereby supporting the second member (4, 38, 70) on the first member (2, 32, 68)

the connection points (41,63 and 45, 65) are points being spaced apart by a second distance;

the apparatus (100, 150, 200, 300) has a load limit for a load applied to the second member (4, 38, 70);

characterized in that said longitudinal member (12) has a weakened portion between the opposite ends (14, 16), the weakened portion being bendable;

the collapsible link (10, 50) is adapted to bend proximate the weakened portion if the load exceeds a rated load limit of the apparatus (100, 150, 200, 300) such that the first distance between the opposite ends (14, 16) of said longitudinal member (12) is decreased, thereby visually indicating overloading of the apparatus; and

the second member (4, 38, 70) is adapted to move during bending of the longitudinal member (12) of the collapsible link (10, 50) such that the second distance between the first and second connection points (41, 63 and 45, 65) is decreased thus reducing the load applied through the second member (4, 38, 70) to the first member (2, 32, 68) to a value less than the rated load limit to avoid damaging the apparatus.

2. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the first member (2, 32, 68) comprises a post extending upwardly from a lower end, the first connection point (41, 63) being upwardly spaced from said lower end, and wherein the second member (4, 38, 70) comprises a longitudinal support member supported on the post upward from the first connection point (41, 63) and extending to one side of said post and wherein the load is supported on the longitudinal support member at a the loading point (42) distally spaced from the post.

3. The apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein the second connection point (45, 65) is located between the post and the loading point (42).

4. The apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein the first member (2, 32, 68) further comprises a first mounting element (56) supported on the post and extending toward the second connection point (45, 65), the first connection point (41, 63) being located on said first mounting element (56).

5. The apparatus according to Claim 4 wherein the second member (4, 38, 70) further comprises a second mounting element (56) supported on the longitudinal support member and extending toward the first connection point (41, 63), the second connection point (45, 65) being located on the second mounting element (56) such that the collapsible link (10, 50) is supported between said first and second mounting elements (56).

6. The apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 5 wherein the collapsible link (10, 50) further comprises a plurality of slots (24) spaced along the longitudinal member (12) between the opposite ends thereof, said slots (24) extending into said longitudinal member (12) from a first side thereof.

7. The apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein the longitudinal member (12) comprises a U-shaped cross section defining a central portion (18) separating two spaced apart side portions (20), said side portions (20) extending from the central portion (18) toward the first side of the longitudinal member (12) such that the plurality of slots (24) are spaced along and extend into each of said side portions (20).

8. The apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein the slots (24) in the side portions (20) of the longitudinal member (12) do not extend to the central section (18) thereof.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 further comprising:

the slots (24) of the collapsible link (10, 50) provide the weakened portion that allows the collapsible link (10, 50) to bend concavely with respect to the first side thereof during overloading of the apparatus such that the first distance between the opposite ends of said longitudinal member (12) is decreased.

10. The apparatus according to Claim 7 wherein the slots (24) in the side portions (20) of the longitudinal member (12) terminate at a position spaced from the central section (18) thereof.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising:

the slots (24) being arranged such that each slot (24) has a respective slot (24) on the opposite side portion (20) that is generally equal in dimensions and is equally positioned along the longitudinal member (12); and

each slot (24) being of a length such that a distance is defined between said slot (24) and the central portion (18) of the longitudinal member (12), the slots (24) providing the weakened portion between the opposite ends of the longitudinal member (12), the weakened portion bending when subjected to a load exceeding a load limit of the longitudinal member (12).

12. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the opposite ends (14, 16) of the longitudinal member (12) are rigid end portions and the weakened portion is a weaker portion between the rigid end portions, the weaker portion bending if the load exceeds the load limit of the apparatus.

13. The apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein the weakened portion includes a plurality of slots (24) in the longitudinal member (12).

Ansprüche

1. Vorrichtung zum Tragen einer Last, umfassend ein erstes Glied (2, 32, 68) mit einer ersten Verbindungsstelle (41, 63) daran, und ein zweites Glied (4, 38, 70) mit einer zweiten Verbindungsstelle (45, 65) daran, wobei das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) eine Belastungsstelle (42) aufweist, die dazu ausgebildet und angeordnet ist, die Last zu tragen und das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) auf dem ersten Glied (2, 32, 68) getragen wird, wobei die Vorrichtung Folgendes umfasst:

eine knickfähiges Verbindungsstück (10, 50), umfassend ein längslaufendes Glied (12) mit um einen ersten Abstand voneinander beabstandeten gegenüberliegenden Enden (14, 16), wobei sich das knickfähige Verbindungsstück (10, 50) zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Verbindungsstelle (41, 63 und 45, 65) erstreckt und dadurch das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) auf dem ersten Glied (2, 32, 68) trägt;

die Verbindungsstellen (41, 63 und 45, 65) sind um einen zweiten Abstand voneinander beabstandete Stellen;

die Vorrichtung (100, 150, 200, 300) weist eine Grenzlast für eine auf das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) aufgebrachte Last auf;

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das längslaufende Glied (12) einen geschwächten Abschnitt zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Enden (14, 16) aufweist, wobei der geschwächte Abschnitt biegbar ist;

das knickfähige Verbindungsstück (10, 50) dazu angepasst ist, sich in der Nähe des geschwächten Abschnitts zu biegen, wenn die Last eine Bemessungsgrenzlast der Vorrichtung (100, 150, 200, 300) übersteigt, so dass der erste Abstand zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Enden (14, 16) des längslaufenden Glieds (12) verringert wird, wodurch das Überlasten der Vorrichtung sichtbar angezeigt wird; und

das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) dazu angepasst ist, sich während des Biegens des längslaufenden Glieds (12) des knickfähigen Verbindungsstücks (10, 50) zu bewegen, so dass der zweite Abstand zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Verbindungsstelle (41, 63 und 45, 65) verringert wird, wodurch die durch das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) auf das erste Glied (2, 32, 68) aufgebrachte Last auf einen Wert reduziert wird, der geringer ist als die Bemessungsgrenzlast, um das Beschädigen der Vorrichtung zu vermeiden.

2. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei das erste Glied (2, 32, 68) einen sich von einem unteren Ende nach oben erstreckenden Pfosten umfasst, wobei die erste Verbindungsstelle (41, 63) nach oben von dem unteren Ende beabstandet ist, und wobei das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) ein längslaufendes Tragglied umfasst, das oberhalb von der ersten Verbindungsstelle (41, 63) auf dem Pfosten getragen wird und sich von dem Pfosten zu einer Seite erstreckt und wobei die Last an der distal von dem Pfosten beabstandeten Belastungsstelle (42) auf dem längslaufenden Tragglied getragen wird.

3. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, wobei sich die zweite Verbindungsstelle (45, 65) zwischen dem Pfosten und der Belastungsstelle (42) befindet.

4. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 3, wobei das erste Glied (2, 32, 68) weiter ein erstes Befestigungselement (56) umfasst, das auf dem Pfosten getragen wird und sich auf die zweite Verbindungsstelle (45, 65) zu erstreckt, wobei sich die erste Verbindungsstelle (41, 63) an dem ersten Befestigungselement (56) befindet.

5. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, wobei das zweite Glied (4, 38, 70) weiter ein zweites Befestigungselement (56) umfasst, das auf dem längslaufenden Tragglied getragen wird und sich auf die erste Verbindungsstelle (41, 63) zu erstreckt, wobei sich die zweite Verbindungsstelle (45, 65) an dem zweiten Befestigungselement (56) befindet, so dass das knickfähige Verbindungsstück (10, 50) zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Befestigungselement (56) getragen wird.

6. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wobei das knickfähige Verbindungsstück (10, 50) weiter mehrere Schlitze (24) umfasst, die entlang dem längslaufenden Glied (12) zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Enden desselben in Abständen angeordnet sind, wobei sich die Schlitze (24) von einer ersten Seite desselben in das längslaufende Glied (12) erstrecken.

7. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, wobei das längslaufende Glied (12) einen U-förmigen Querschnitt umfasst, der einen zwei voneinander beabstandete Seitenabschnitte (20) trennenden mittleren Abschnitt (18) definiert, wobei sich die Seitenabschnitte (20) von dem mittleren Abschnitt (18) auf die erste Seite des längslaufenden Glieds (12) zu erstrecken, so dass die mehreren Schlitze (24) entlang jedem der Seitenabschnitte (20) in Abständen angeordnet sind und sich in diese erstrecken.

8. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, wobei sich die Schlitze (24) in den Seitenabschnitten (20) des längslaufenden Glieds (12) nicht bis zu dem mittleren Abschnitt (18) desselben erstrecken.

9. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, die weiter Folgendes umfasst:

die Schlitze (24) des knickfähigen Verbindungsstücks (10, 50) sehen den geschwächten Abschnitt vor, der das knickfähige Verbindungsstück (10, 50) während des Überlastens der Vorrichtung in Bezug auf die erste Seite desselben sich konkav biegen lässt, so dass der erste Abstand zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Enden des längslaufenden Glieds (12) verringert wird.

10. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Schlitze (24) in den Seitenabschnitten (20) des längslaufenden Glieds (12) an einer von dem mittleren Abschnitt (18) desselben beabstandeten Position enden.

11. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, die weiter Folgendes umfasst:

die Schlitze (24) sind derart angeordnet, dass jeder Schlitz (24) einen entsprechenden Schlitz (24) an dem gegenüberliegenden Seitenabschnitt (20) aufweist, der allgemein die gleichen Abmessungen aufweist und gleich entlang dem längslaufenden Glied (12) positioniert ist; und

jeder Schlitz (24) ist von einer derartigen Länge, dass ein Abstand zwischen dem Schlitz (24) und dem mittleren Abschnitt (18) des längslaufenden Elements (12) definiert ist, wobei die Schlitze (24) den geschwächten Abschnitt zwischen den gegenüberliegenden Enden des längslaufenden Glieds (12) vorsehen, wobei sich der geschwächte Abschnitt biegt, wenn er durch eine Last beansprucht wird, die eine Grenzlast des längslaufenden Glieds (12) übersteigt.

12. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei es sich bei den gegenüberliegenden Enden (14, 16) des längslaufenden Glieds (12) um steife Endabschnitte handelt und es sich bei dem geschwächten Abschnitt um einen schwächeren Abschnitt zwischen den steifen Endabschnitten handelt, wobei sich der schwächere Abschnitt biegt, wenn die Last die Grenzlast der Vorrichtung übersteigt.

13. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der geschwächte Abschnitt mehrere Schlitze (24) in dem längslaufenden Glied (12) umfasst.

Revendications

1. Appareil pour supporter une charge comportant un premier élément (2, 32 ,68) ayant un premier point de raccordement (41, 63), et un second élément (4, 38, 70) ayant un second point de raccordement (45, 65), ledit second élément (4, 38, 70) ayant un point de chargement (42) configuré et agencé pour supporter la charge et ledit second élément (4, 38, 70) étant supporté sur le premier élément (2, 32, 68), l'appareil comprenant :

un lien affaissable (10, 50) comprenant un élément longitudinal (12) ayant des extrémités opposées (14, 16) espacées d'une première distance, ledit lien affaissable (10, 50) s'étendant entre les premier et second points de raccordement (41, 63 et 45, 65), supportant ainsi le second élément (4, 38, 70) sur le premier élément (2, 32 ,68) ;

les points de raccordement (41, 63 et 45, 65) étant espacés d'une seconde distance ;

l'appareil (100, 150, 200, 300) ayant une limite de charge pour une charge appliquée au second élément (4, 38, 70) ;

caractérisé en ce que ledit élément longitudinal (12) a une partie affaiblie entre les extrémités opposées (14, 16), la partie affaiblie pouvant fléchir ;

le lien affaissable (10, 50) est adapté pour fléchir près de la partie affaiblie si la charge dépasse une limite de charge nominale de l'appareil (100, 150, 200, 300) de telle sorte que la première distance entre les extrémités opposées (14, 16) dudit élément longitudinal (12) soit diminuée, indiquant ainsi visuellement une surcharge de l'appareil ; et

le second élément (4, 38, 70) est adapté pour se déplacer durant le fléchissement de l'élément longitudinal (12) du lien affaissable (10, 50) de telle sorte que la seconde distance entre les premier et second points de raccordement (41, 63 et 45, 65) soit diminuée réduisant ainsi la charge appliquée à travers le second élément (4, 38, 70) au premier élément (2, 32, 68) à une valeur inférieure à la limite de charge nominale pour éviter l'endommagement de l'appareil.

2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier élément (2, 32, 68) comprend un montant s'élevant depuis une extrémité inférieure, le premier point de raccordement (41, 63) étant espacé vers le haut de ladite extrémité inférieure, et dans lequel le second élément (4, 38, 70) comprend un élément de support longitudinal supporté sur le montant en amont du premier point de raccordement (41, 63) et s'étendant vers un côté dudit montant et dans lequel la charge est supportée sur l'élément de support longitudinal au point de chargement (42) espacé distalement du montant.

3. Appareil selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le second point de raccordement (45, 65) est situé entre le montant et le point de chargement (42).

4. Appareil selon la revendication 3, dans lequel le premier élément (2, 32, 68) comprend en outre un premier élément de montage (56) supporté sur le montant et s'étendant vers le second point de raccordement (45, 65), le premier point de raccordement (41, 63) étant situé sur ledit premier élément de montage (56).

5. Appareil selon la revendication 4, dans lequel le second élément (4, 38, 70) comprend en outre un second élément de montage (56) supporté sur l'élément de support longitudinal et s'étendant vers le premier point de raccordement (41, 63), le second point de raccordement (45, 65) étant situé sur le second élément de montage (56) de telle sorte que le lien affaissable (10, 50) soit supporté entre lesdits premier et second éléments de montage (56).

6. Appareil selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, dans lequel le lien affaissable (10, 50) comprend en outre une pluralité de fentes (24) espacées le long de l'élément longitudinal (12) entre les extrémités opposées de celui-ci, lesdites fentes (24) s'étendant dans ledit élément longitudinal (12) depuis un premier côté de celui-ci.

7. Appareil selon la revendication 6, dans lequel l'élément longitudinal (12) comprend une section transversale en forme de U définissant une partie centrale (18) qui sépare deux parties latérales espacées (20), lesdites parties latérales (20) s'étendant depuis la partie centrale (18) vers le premier côté de l'élément longitudinal (12) de telle sorte que les fentes de la pluralité de fentes (24) soient espacées de long de chacune desdites parties latérales (20) et s'étendent jusque dans celles-ci.

8. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel les fentes (24) dans les parties latérales (20) de l'élément longitudinal (12) ne s'étendent pas jusqu'à la section centrale (18) de celui-ci.

9. Appareil selon la revendication 6, dans lequel :

les fentes (24) du lien affaissable (10, 50) produisent la partie affaiblie qui permet au lien affaissable (10, 50) de fléchir de façon concave relativement au premier côté de celui-ci durant une surcharge de l'appareil de telle sorte que la première distance entre les extrémités opposées dudit élément longitudinal (12) soit diminuée.

10. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel les fentes (24) dans les parties latérales (20) de l'élément longitudinal (12) se terminent à une position espacée de la section centrale (18) de celui-ci.

11. Appareil selon la revendication 7, dans lequel :

les fentes (24) sont agencées de telle sorte que chaque fente (24) ait une fente respective (24) sur la partie latérale opposée (20) qui est généralement de même dimension et est positionnée de manière identique le long de l'élément longitudinal (12) ; et

chaque fente (24) est d'une longueur telle qu'une distance est définie entre ladite fente (24) et la partie centrale (18) de l'élément longitudinal (12), les fentes (24) produisant la partie affaiblie entre les extrémités opposées de l'élément longitudinal (12), la partie affaiblie fléchissant quand elle est soumise à une charge dépassant une limite de charge de l'élément longitudinal (12).

12. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les extrémités opposées (14, 16) de l'élément longitudinal (12) sont des parties d'extrémité rigides et la partie affaiblie est une partie plus faible entre les parties d'extrémité rigides, la partie plus faible fléchissant si la charge dépasse la limite de charge de l'appareil.

13. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la partie affaiblie comporte une pluralité de fentes (24) dans l'élément longitudinal (12).

Drawing