BOARD DEVICE TO OPERATE SAFELY ON LADDERS

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to board device according to claim 1, to operate safely on stairs, fixed and portable stairs, particularly for ladders.

[0002] Principally, the present invention relates to a platform applicable to different types and sizes of ladders, for example leaning ladders used for building maintenance (power lines, facades preservation, or other).

Background art

[0003] At the state of the art, there are known stairs provided with footboards or platforms, with a fixed structure. These kinds of devices oblige the operator, who is climbing on the ladder, to pass over the footboard of the ladder.

[0004] This is due to the fact that these platforms protrude from the natural ascent line of the stairs because of their fixed form, and they therefore represent a major obstacle for workers.

[0005] In fact, it is required for the operator to bend his body back, to avoid bumping into the platform with his knees, increasing the risk of falling during a phase which is already difficult itself. US 6 109 392 A discloses a board device to operate safely on ladders.

Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks noted above in known types of devices to operate on stairs, fixed and portable stairs, in particular on ladders, which can permit to secure an operator which is climbing on a ladder, stair or similar, and maneuver at a certain height which is dangerous for falling.

[0007] This aim and these and other objectives which will become better apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a board device,
according to claim 1.

Brief description of the drawings

[0008] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the board device to operate safely on stairs, particularly for ladders, illustrated only by way of non-limitative example with the aid of the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 represents a portion of the board device in operating configuration, in perspective view;

Figure 2 represents, in a perspective view, a portion of the device of the preceding Figure, applied to a ladder, in the initial closed configuration;

Figure 3 shows a portion of the device in semi-open position;

Figure 4 shows a portion of the device, completely opened, in the final configuration.

Ways of carrying out the Invention

[0009] With reference to the figures, a board device to operate safely on stairs, particularly for ladders, according to the invention, is generally designated by the reference numeral 1.

[0010] One of the features of the device 1 is that it comprises a supporting frame 3 provided with hooks 4 for clamping to at least one step 5 of a stair 2. The supporting frame 3 further comprises uprights 10 and a pair of footboards 6 placed side by side and arranged to be turned over with respect to developing direction of the supporting frame 3. Said pair of footboards 6 having cross dimensions such as to be completely inside the space defined by the uprights, in order that each one of the footboards is able to pass from a closed configuration to an open operating configuration, one independently from the other.

[0011] The device pair of footboards 6 are connected to the frame 3 by means of rotational fulcrums distribution: pivots 7 and rotation hinges 8.

[0012] In particular, the frame 3 comprises two series of hooks 4. The hooks 4 are arranged to be connected to two corresponding steps 5 of the stair 2. Furthermore, the hooks 4 are connected by respective crosspieces 11 and 12 for connecting the series of hooks 4 of the same step 5 of the stair 2.

[0013] Preferably, the crosspieces 11 and 12 are adjustable in length and the distance between the two series of hooks 4 is also adjustable in order to mount precisely the device 1 on stairs with different widths and which comprise steps placed at different distances.

[0014] Moreover, in correspondence of the hooks 4 may be provided for anti-unthreading pins 18, for example metal split pins, inserted in a stable manner through holes 19 in order to close the step 5 inside of the hook 4.

[0015] Preferably, there are provided additional holes 19 in order to adjust the distance between the pins 18 and the hooks 4, by means of a transverse crosspiece 21, substantially normal to the ground, for connecting each step 5 to the others, depending on the size of the step 5, and thus it may be avoided the option of an excessive possibility of movement of the step inside of the hooks 4.

[0016] In addition, it may be provided a threaded pressure screw 24 which passes through one of the holes 19 and intended to be mounted in compression against the step 5 for increasing the stability of the support of the device 1.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the hooks 4, measured in a direction substantially normal to the development direction of the uprights 10, or the length of the transverse crosspiece 21, may also be adjustable to adapt the hook 4 in steps of different sizes.

[0018] According to the present invention, each of the two footboards 6 is arranged between two uprights 10 and each of the footboards 6 also comprises, at its ends, a first rigid rods 15 and a second slotted rod (9) that are parallel to the uprights 10. Each of the rigid rods 15 rotate about a pivot 7 mounted on an upright (10) of the supporting frame 3. Each of the second slotted rods 9 are hinged at rotation hinges 8 of said supporting frame 3 sliding, into a slot 13 of each of the second slotted rods 9, with respect to a pin 14. The pin 14 is integrally connected to the footboards 6.

[0019] Preferably, the footboards 6 comprise a first rigid part 16 and a movable driving part 17 to drive the rigid part 16 from the closed configuration in which the rigid part 16 is substantially in the same plane defined by the uprights 10 and the open operating configuration in which the rigid part 16 is substantially normal in respect of the developing direction of the uprights 10. This part 17 is articulated, with respect to the first part 16, about an axis 25, in order to oscillate toward the inner side of the stair (see the direction of arrow in Fig. 1).

[0020] Advantageously, according to this solution, the part 17 allows the insertion of a foot of the operator during the climb and to gain spontaneously the position of alignment with the fixed section 16 when the device is in action. Thus, the risk that an operator may fall is further reduced, while the useable surface for foot placement remains the same, as it will be better specified below.

[0021] In use, once the frame 3 is adjusted according to the size of the scale 2, it is attached to the steps 5 by means of the hooks 4, which are then closed by means of the anti-unthreading pins 18. In the initial configuration, the device 1 is contained within the overall dimensions defined by the width of the legs 23 of the ladder (Fig. 2).

[0022] Advantageously, the footboards 6 have cross dimensions such as to be completely inside the space defined by the uprights 10 of the frame 3, possibly provided with notches 22 to allow the complete closure of the footboards 6 and to compensate for the excess in width due to the pins 14 of the footboards.

[0023] With the device in the configuration of Figure 1, the operator can climb the ladder and pass without any difficulty the point of installation of the device, with the possibility to rest feet on step 5 of the lower connection.

[0024] As mentioned above, this maneuver is particularly facilitated by the conformation of the movable section 17 of the footboards 6.

[0025] To break down the footboards, the operator must only raise one of two feet up, firmly remaining into abutment with the other foot and then pull down one of the two footboards as shown in Figure 3.

[0026] At this point, it will be sufficient to place only one foot on the lower footboard and safely perform the same maneuver pulling down the second footboard to obtain the open configuration of Figure 4.

[0027] From what has been described above it is therefore evident that the invention achieves the proposed aim and objectives and, in particular, the fact is stressed that the board device to operate safely on stairs, particularly for ladders, practically eliminates the risk of falls due to tripping on the footboard, because climbing the stair with the footboard in the closed configuration the operator can overpass the footboard itself in a normal manner, resting his feet on the steps of the ladder. At this point the operator can turn over the footboard using just one foot positioning the device in the operating configuration.

[0028] In this configuration, the operator is able to rest his feet on both the footboards and to operate, in safety and comfort, at the desired level of the stair.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the device is made of bent and welded metal foil, but it is understood that all the details may further be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

[0030] In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may any, according to requirements.

[0031] Moreover, the employment of means easily available commercially and the usage of common materials make the device economically competitive.

[0032] Although the disclosed embodiments have been fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be noted that various changes and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the disclosed embodiments as defined by the appended claims

[0033] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numbers, those reference numbers have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numbers do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numbers.

Claims

1. A board device to operate safely on stairs, particularly for ladders, said board device comprising:

- a supporting frame (3) provided with hooks (4) for clamping to at least one step (5) of a stair (2), said supporting frame (3) further comprising uprights (10), and

- a pair of footboards (6) placed side by side and arranged to be turned over with respect to said supporting frame (3), said pair of footboards (6) having cross dimensions such as to be completely inside the space defined by the uprights (10) of said supporting frame (3) in order that each one of said footboards (6) passes independently from a closed configuration to an open operating configuration, wherein said footboards (6) are articulated with respect to the uprights (10) of said supporting frame (3), in the closed configuration said footboards (6) being contained within the width of said uprights (10), characterized in that each of said footboards (6) is arranged between two of said uprights (10), each of said footboards (6) comprising a first rigid rod (15) and a second slotted rod (9) at both ends of said footboards (6) that are parallel to said uprights (10), each of said first rigid rods (15) rotating about a pivot (7) mounted on an upright (10) of said supporting frame (3) and each of said second slotted rods (9) being hinged at rotation hinges (8) of said upright (10) of said supporting frame (3), said footboards (6) sliding into a slot (13) of each of said second slotted rods (9), with respect to a pin (14), said pin (14) being integrally connected with said footboards (6).

2. The board device according to claim 1, wherein said supporting frame (3) is provided with two series of said hooks (4) arranged to be connected to two corresponding steps (5) of the stair (2) and wherein the hooks (4) of each series of said hooks (4) are connected by respective crosspieces (11, 12) for connecting the series of said hooks of the same step (5).

3. The board device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance between said two series of hooks (4) and/or the length of said crosspieces (11, 12) are adjustable in order to permit the installation of the board device (1) itself in stairs of different sizes.

4. The board device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said hooks (4) are provided with anti-unthreading pins (18).

5. The board device according to claim 4, wherein said anti-unthreading pins (18) are arranged to be mounted at an adjustable distance from a transverse crosspiece (21) of said hooks (4), in order to close any steps (5) of different sizes inside said hook (4).

6. The board device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said hooks (4) are provided with at least one pressure screw (24) intended to be screwed, by means of compression, against said step (5) to increase the stability of support of the board device (1) towards said stair (2).

7. The board device according to claim 5, wherein the depth of said hooks (4), measured in a direction substantially normal to the development direction of said uprights (10), or the length of said transverse crosspiece (21), is adjustable to fit the hook (4) with steps of different sizes.

8. The board device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said footboards (6) are provided with a rigid part (16) and a movable driving part (17), said movable driving part (17) being articulated with respect to said rigid part (16) about an axis (25), in order to facilitate the insertion of a foot of the operator during the climbing and the support of the foot on said step (5), in said closed configuration.

9. The board device according to claim 8, wherein said uprights (10) are provided with notches (22) in order to lodge the excess width of said pins (14) of said footboards (6).

10. The board device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it is made of bent and welded metal foil.

Ansprüche

1. Brettvorrichtung für den sicheren Betrieb auf Treppen, insbesondere für Leitern, wobei die Brettvorrichtung Folgendes umfasst:

- einen Stützrahmen (3), der mit Haken (4) zum Klemmen an mindestens eine Stufe (5) der Treppe (2) versehen ist, wobei der Stützrahmen (3) ferner Pfosten (10) umfasst, und

- ein Paar von Trittbrettern (6), die Seite an Seite platziert und angeordnet sind, mit Bezug auf den Stützrahmen (3) umgewendet zu werden, wobei das Paar von Trittbrettern (6) derartige Querabmessungen aufweist, dass sie sich vollständig in dem Raum befinden, der durch die Pfosten (10) des Stützrahmens (3) definiert ist, damit jedes der Trittbretter (6) unabhängig aus einer geschlossenen Auslegung in eine offene Betriebsauslegung geführt wird, wobei die Trittbretter (6) mit Bezug auf die Pfosten (10) des Stützrahmens (3) angelenkt sind, wobei die Trittbretter (6) in der geschlossenen Auslegung in der Breite der Pfosten (10) enthalten sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jedes der Trittbretter (6) zwischen zwei der Pfosten (10) angeordnet ist, wobei die Trittbretter (6) an beiden Enden der Trittbretter (6) eine erste starre Stange (15) und eine zweite geschlitzte Stange (9), die parallel zu den Pfosten (10) verlaufen, umfassen, wobei sich jede der ersten starren Stangen (15) um einen Zapfen (7) dreht, der an einem Pfosten (10) des Stützrahmens (3) montiert ist, und jede der zweiten geschlitzten Stangen (9) an Drehgelenken (8) des Pfostens (10) des Stützrahmens (3) gelenkig angebracht ist, wobei die Trittbretter (6) mit Bezug auf einen Bolzen (14) in einen Schlitz (13) jeder der zweiten geschlitzten Stangen (9) gleiten, wobei der Bolzen (14) integral mit den Trittbrettern (6) verbunden ist.

2. Brettvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, wobei der Stützrahmen (3) mit zwei Serien der Haken (4) versehen ist, die angeordnet sind, mit zwei entsprechenden Stufen (5) der Treppe (2) verbunden zu werden, und wobei die Haken (4) jeder Serie der Haken (4) zum Verbinden der Serien der Haken mit derselben Stufe (5) durch jeweilige Querstücke (11, 12) verbunden sind.

3. Brettvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Abstand zwischen den zwei Serien von Haken (4) und/oder die Länge der Querstücke (11, 12) einstellbar sind, um die Installation der Brettvorrichtung (1) selbst in Treppen verschiedener Größen zu erlauben.

4. Brettvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Haken (4) mit aufdrehgeschützten Bolzen (18) versehen sind.

5. Brettvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, wobei die aufdrehgeschützten Bolzen (18) angeordnet sind, in einem einstellbaren Abstand von einem transversalen Querstück (21) der Haken (4) montiert zu werden, um Stufen (5) verschiedener Größen im Haken (4) einzuschließen.

6. Brettvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Haken (4) mit mindestens einer Druckschraube (24) versehen sind, die mittels Kompression gegen die Stufe (5) geschraubt werden soll, um die Stabilität der Stützung der Brettvorrichtung (1) zur Treppe (2) zu erhöhen.

7. Brettvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Tiefe der Haken (4), gemessen in eine Richtung im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Entwicklungsrichtung der Pfosten (10), oder die Länge des transversalen Querstücks (21) einstellbar ist, um den Haken (4) an Stufen verschiedener Größen anzubringen.

8. Brettvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Trittbretter (6) mit einem starren Teil (16) und einem bewegbaren Antriebsteil (17) versehen sind, wobei das bewegbare Antriebsteil (17) mit Bezug auf das starre Teil (16) um eine Achse (25) angelenkt ist, um das Einsetzen eines Fußes des Betreibers während des Aufsteigens und die Stützung des Fußes auf der Stufe (5) in der geschlossenen Auslegung zu erleichtern.

9. Brettvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Pfosten (10) mit Kerben (22) versehen sind, um die überschüssige Breite der Bolzen (14) der Trittbretter (6) aufzunehmen.

10. Brettvorrichtung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, durch die Tatsache gekennzeichnet, dass sie aus einer gebogenen und geschweißten Metallfolie besteht.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de planche pour travailler en toute sécurité sur des escaliers, en particulier pour des échelles, ledit dispositif de planche comprenant :

- un cadre de support (3) muni de crochets (4) pour bloquer au moins une marche (5) d'un escalier (2), ledit cadre de support (3) comprenant en outre des montants (10), et

- une paire de marchepieds (6) placés côte à côte et disposés pour être retournés par rapport audit cadre de support (3), ladite paire de marchepieds (6) ayant des dimensions transversales de manière à être complètement à l'intérieur de l'espace défini par les montants (10) dudit cadre de support (3) afin que chacun desdits marchepieds (6) passe indépendamment d'une configuration fermée à une configuration de fonctionnement ouverte, où lesdits marchepieds (6) sont articulés par rapport aux montants (10) dudit cadre de support (3), dans la configuration fermée, lesdits marchepieds (6) étant contenus dans la largeur desdits montants (10), caractérisé en ce que chacun desdits marchepieds (6) est disposé entre deux desdits montants (10), chacun desdits marchepieds (6) comprenant une première tige rigide (15) et une seconde tige fendue (9) aux deux extrémités desdits marchepieds (6) qui sont parallèles auxdits montants (10), chacune desdites premières tiges rigides (15) tournant autour d'un pivot (7) monté sur un montant (10) dudit cadre de support (3) et chacune desdites secondes tiges fendues (9) étant articulée au niveau de charnières de rotation (8) dudit montant (10) dudit cadre de support (3), lesdits marchepieds (6) coulissant dans une fente (13) de chacune desdites secondes tiges fendues (9), par rapport à une broche (14), ladite broche (14) étant solidaire desdits marchepieds (6).

2. Dispositif de planche selon la revendication 1, où ledit cadre de support (3) est pourvu de deux séries desdits crochets (4) disposés pour être connectés à deux marches correspondantes (5) de l'escalier (2) et où les crochets (4) de chaque série desdits crochets (4) sont connectés par des traverses respectives (11, 12) pour connecter la série desdits crochets de la même marche (5).

3. Dispositif de planche selon la revendication 1 ou 2, où la distance entre lesdites deux séries de crochets (4) et/ou la longueur desdites traverses (11, 12) sont réglables afin de permettre l'installation du dispositif de planche (1) lui-même dans des escaliers de tailles différentes.

4. Dispositif de planche selon l'une des revendications précédentes, où lesdits crochets (4) sont munis de broches anti-dévissage (18).

5. Dispositif de planche selon la revendication 4, où lesdites broches anti-dévissage(18) sont disposées pour être montées à une distance réglable d'une traverse transversale (21) desdits crochets (4), afin de fermer toute marche (5) de tailles différentes à l'intérieur dudit crochet (4).

6. Dispositif de planche selon l'une des revendications précédentes, où lesdits crochets (4) sont munis d'au moins une vis de pression (24) destinée à être vissée, par compression, contre ladite marche (5) pour augmenter la stabilité du support du dispositif de planche (1) vers ledit escalier (2).

7. Dispositif de planche selon la revendication 5, où la profondeur desdits crochets (4), mesurée dans une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction de développement desdits montants (10), ou la longueur de ladite traverse transversale (21), est réglable pour s'adapter au crochet (4) avec des marches de tailles différentes.

8. Dispositif de planche selon l'une des revendications précédentes, où lesdites planches (6) sont munies d'une partie rigide (16) et d'une partie d'entraînement mobile (17), ladite partie d'entraînement mobile (17) étant articulée par rapport à ladite partie rigide (16) autour d'un axe (25), afin de faciliter l'insertion d'un pied de l'opérateur pendant la montée et le support du pied sur ladite marche (5), dans ladite configuration fermée.

9. Dispositif de planche selon la revendication 8, où lesdits montants (10) sont munis d'encoches (22) afin de loger l'excès de largeur desdites broches (14) desdites planches (6).

10. Dispositif de planche selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il est constitué d'une feuille métallique pliée et soudée.

Drawing