TELESCOPIC PROP AND PROCEDURE FOR REALIZING A TELESCOPIC PROP

Abstract

 A telescopic prop (1) and relative realization procedure thereof, in which the prop (1) comprises: a fixed portion (2) having a substantially tubular shape and defining a supporting lower end (2a) and an upper end (2b) bearing an access opening; a movable portion (3) having a substantially tubular shape and defining a supporting upper end (3a) of a structure to be sustained, said movable portion (3) being at least partially inserted inside the fixed portion (2) through said access opening; reversible coupling means (5) between the fixed portion (2) and the movable portion (6) to define a stable constraint position of the movable portion (3) with respect to the fixed portion (2); and a reinforcing tubular body (6) arranged around a stress area of the fixed portion (2); said tubular body (6) being fitted on the fixed portion (2) and having respective opposite ends (6a) crushed on the outer surface of the fixed portion (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a telescopic prop and a procedure for realizing such a prop.

[0002] In particular, the present invention finds application in the support systems (props) which are adjustable in length, mostly used in the building sector. Even more particularly, the present invention relates to a telescopic prop provided with a reinforcing element configured to increase the structural seal of the prop, especially in areas of greater stress.

[0003] As known, telescopic props generally consist of a fixed portion having a substantially tubular shape with a circular cross-section.

[0004] The fixed portion has a lower end provided with a floor support, or other similar support element, which defines the support base of the prop and configured to be placed on a reference plane.

[0005] On the opposite side of the lower end, an open upper end extends, adapted to receive a respective movable portion within the fixed portion. The movable portion also has a substantially tubular shape with a circular cross-section and is slidably inserted inside the fixed portion to be moved axially with respect to the fixed portion itself.

[0006] In this way, by means of the sliding of the movable portion, the length of the entire prop is determined according to the various needs of use and in particular to the distance between the support base and an upper structure to be supported.

[0007] In this context, it should also be specified that the movable portion has an upper end opposite the lower end of the fixed portion, and configured to be supported on a respective structure to be sustained, such as, for example, a ceiling, a wall of a formwork, or in general any structure to be supported by the prop.

[0008] For this purpose, the upper end of the movable portion is also provided with a floor support welded to the movable portion which defines a support surface of the structure to be sustained.

[0009] In order to constrain the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion in position, reversible hooking systems are also provided, such as, for example, pins configured in the form of hooks which can be inserted in special coinciding holes formed on both portions.

[0010] For this purpose, the movable portion has a series of through holes, appropriately spaced apart and arranged linearly along the longitudinal extension of the movable portion.

[0011] The fixed portion in turn has an opening, generally a slot, formed at the respective upper end, close to the movable portion.

[0012] In this way, once the height of the prop is adjusted by sliding the movable portion, it is locked by inserting the pin through the slot and the respective hole of the movable portion.

[0013] Advantageously, the prop positioned at the structure to be sustained allows to support such a structure, avoiding the collapse thereof during the relative construction operations.

[0014] In the case of particularly large structures, the use of a series of props is included, suitably spaced and capable of supporting the entire structure. Therefore, the ability of the prop to sustain very high weights is determined by the dimensional ratios of the prop itself in order to withstand stresses within predetermined loads.

[0015] For this purpose, props of different sizes and thicknesses are included, each of which is used for the support within a predefined load value. However, the presence of props of different sizes entails a considerable disadvantage in terms of ease of use since the operator must provide props with specific features as a function of the load to be sustained. Therefore, for each construction site, the operator must prepare different types of props, resulting in drawbacks in terms of overall dimensions and storage volumes.

[0016] In order to overcome such drawbacks, props are further included in which the fixed portion has a bulge at the lower area which is normally the area most subject to stresses.

[0017] Such a bulge forms a reinforcement in order to make the prop more versatile, as it can be used for higher loads and to withstand high stresses. However, this known solution also has significant drawbacks and limitations in application.

[0018] Firstly, the operations of realizing the props provided with the above-described bulge are complicated, as they require a section variation of the profile which constitutes the fixed body.

[0019] In other words, the forming of the tubular profile of the fixed body is more complex by virtue of such a section change with the consequent drawbacks in terms of timing and therefore construction costs for each individual tubular body and therefore for each individual prop. Furthermore, props of this type, although capable of reinforcing the stresses at the base of the prop itself, are nevertheless limited in their load-bearing to direct stresses in other areas of the prop. In other words, the reinforcement of the prop is only implemented at the increased cross-sectional area.

[0020] Further, it should be noted that although reinforced, the props still have a limit in the load values which they can sustain.

[0021] In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a telescopic prop and a method for realizing such a prop capable of overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

[0022] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for realizing props capable of simplifying and significantly reducing the production times of each prop, in particular in the step of realizing the reinforcing structure of the fixed portion.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic prop provided with a reinforcing structure which is versatile in that it is able to be positioned at any point of the fixed portion and as a function of the areas of greatest stress.

[0024] Finally, another object of the present invention is to propose a telescopic prop provided with a reinforced area improved in terms of resistance to high values of loads and mechanical stresses.

[0025] The mentioned technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a telescopic prop and a procedure for realizing the telescopic prop comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims.

[0026] According to the present invention, a telescopic prop is described comprising:

• a fixed portion having a substantially tubular shape and defining a supporting lower end and an upper end having an access opening and
• a movable portion having a substantially tubular shape and defining a supporting upper end of a structure to be supported.

[0027] The movable portion is at least partially inserted inside the fixed portion through the access opening and reversible coupling means between the fixed portion and the movable portion define a stable constraining position of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion.

[0028] Advantageously, the prop further comprises a reinforcing tubular body arranged around a stress area of the fixed portion. The tubular body is fitted on the fixed portion and has respective opposite ends crushed on the outer surface of the fixed portion itself.

[0029] According to the present invention, a procedure for realizing a telescopic prop is further described, comprising the steps of:

• arranging a fixed portion having a substantially tubular shape; arranging a movable portion having a substantially tubular shape; and
• inserting the movable portion at least partially inside the fixed portion through an access opening of the fixed portion itself. Reversible coupling means are also provided between the fixed portion and the movable portion configured to define a stable constraint position of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion. Advantageously, the procedure further comprises the steps of fitting a reinforcing tubular body around a stress area of the fixed portion and constraining respective opposite ends of the tubular body on the outer surface of the fixed portion.

[0030] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a telescopic prop and a relative realization procedure, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

• figure 1 is an interrupted schematic view of a telescopic prop according to the present invention;
• figure 2 is a sectional and enlarged view of a construction detail of the prop of figure 1.

[0031] With reference to the attached figures, reference number 1 globally indicates a telescopic prop according to the present invention.

[0032] It should be specified that the term prop 1 means an element mostly used in the building sector, which is provided with a fixed portion 2 and a movable portion 3 having a tubular configuration and telescopically coupled to slide axially and define the height of the entire prop 1.

[0033] In this context, the present invention finds particular application for the realization of props in which the fixed portion 2 which can be rested on a support plane is provided with a reinforcement to mechanical stresses.

[0034] In particular, with reference to figure 1, the prop 1 is provided with a fixed portion 2 having a tubular structure, and a movable portion 3 which is axially slidable with respect to the fixed portion 2 to define the length of the prop 1.

[0035] Both the portions 2, 3 have a substantially cylindrical shape with a circular cross-section.

[0036] Furthermore, the fixed portion 2 has a supporting lower end 2a provided with a flat support 4, for example a floor support, configured to be supported on a base plane.

[0037] On the opposite side of the lower end 2a, an upper end 2b extends defining an access opening inside the fixed portion 2.

[0038] Similarly, the movable portion 3 has an upper end 3a also provided with a flat support 4, for example a floor support, defining a supporting surface to a structure to be sustained.

[0039] The movable portion 3 is slidably inserted inside the fixed portion 2 through the access opening so as to keep the respective upper end 3a always outside the fixed portion 2.

[0040] The length of the prop 1 can therefore be variable according to the various needs of use and is determined by the sliding of the movable portion 3. For this purpose, the prop 1 also comprises reversible coupling means 5 between the fixed portion 2 and the movable portion 3 to define a stable constraint position between the respective portions 2, 3.

[0041] Preferably, the means 5 consist of a series of through holes formed on the portions 2, 3 and coinciding to allow a pin configured as a hook to pass through.

[0042] By inserting the pin, the constraint of the two portions 2, 3 previously aligned with the through holes is thus defined.

[0043] In accordance with a fundamental feature of the present invention, the prop 1 further comprises a reinforcing tubular body 6 arranged around a stress area of the fixed portion 2.

[0044] The tubular body 6 is realized in the form of a cylindrical, internally hollow sleeve to be fitted around the fixed portion 2.

[0045] For this purpose, the reinforcing tubular body 6 has a cross-sectional dimension (inner diameter) greater than the cross-sectional dimension (outer diameter) of the fixed portion 2.

[0046] Further, the tubular body 6 preferably has a length along the longitudinal extension which is less than the entire length of the fixed portion 2.

[0047] The tubular body 6 also has opposite ends 6a open to allow the insertion of the fixed portion 2 inside the body 6 itself.

[0048] The opposite ends 6a define respective annular edges 7 defining the access opening to the tubular body 6.

[0049] As better illustrated in figure 2, the tubular body 6 is therefore fitted on the fixed portion 2 with the respective opposite ends 6a crushed on the outer surface of the fixed portion 2.

[0050] Advantageously, by virtue of the dimensions of the tubular body 6, it should be noted that the tubular body 6 itself has a cylindrical inner surface 6b facing and spaced apart from the cylindrical outer surface of the fixed portion 2.

[0051] In this situation, each annular edge 7 is constrained (by crushing) to the outer surface of the fixed portion, defining a mechanical interference between the tubular body 6 and the fixed portion 2.

[0052] With reference to the accompanying figures, given solely by way of non-limiting example, the reinforcing tubular body 6 is close to the lower end 2a of the fixed portion 2 (and of the entire prop), this area being considered the one most subject to mechanical stresses. In this case, it should be noted that the tubular body 6 is spaced apart from the lower end 2a supporting the fixed portion 2 and therefore from the flat support 4. However, it should be specified that the position of the tubular portion 6 may be any as a function of the various usage requirements of the prop 1. For example, it may be included to position the tubular body 6 at a median area of the fixed portion 2 or upper area near the upper end 2b.

[0053] The choice of the position of the tubular portion 6 is therefore defined as a function of the area of the fixed portion which is expected to be more subject to stresses and which therefore requires a relative reinforcement. The prop 1, described above in purely structural terms, is obtained by a procedure for realizing a telescopic prop 1 which is also an object of the present invention.

[0054] The procedure comprises the steps of:

• arranging the fixed portion 2 having a substantially tubular shape;
• arranging the movable portion 3 also having a substantially tubular shape;
• inserting the movable portion 3 at least partially inside the fixed portion 2 through the aforementioned access opening; and
• arranging means of reversible coupling means between the fixed portion and the movable portion configured to define a stable constraint position of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion.

[0055] In accordance with an essential feature of the present invention, the step of arranging the fixed portion 2 is implemented by fitting the reinforcing tubular body 6 around a stress area of the fixed portion 2.

[0056] This step of fitting the tubular body 6 on the fixed portion 2 is preferably carried out prior to the step of inserting the movable portion 3 in the fixed portion 2.

[0057] The step of fitting the tubular body 6 is advantageously carried out by positioning the tubular body 6 itself near the lower end 2a of the fixed portion 2 and spacing the body 6 apart from the flat support 4.

[0058] That is, the body 6 is positioned at the base of the prop but not coinciding with the lower end 2a.

[0059] However, as specified above, the tubular body 6 can be positioned along any area of the longitudinal extension of the fixed portion 2, as a function of the specific usage requirements.

[0060] Subsequently, the respective opposite ends 6a of the tubular body 6 are constrained on the outer surface of the fixed portion 2.

[0061] In greater detail, the step of constraining the ends 6a of the tubular body 6 on the outer surface of the fixed portion 2 is carried out by crushing the ends 6b of the body 6 on the outer surface to define a stable, mechanical-interference coupling between the tubular body 6 itself and the fixed portion 2.

[0062] Advantageously, the annular edges 7 of the tubular body 6 are pressed on the fixed portion 2 and constrained by chamfering to the portion 2 itself. In this situation, it should be noted that crushing the edges 7 does not alter the shape and dimensions of the fixed portion 2.

[0063] Additionally or alternatively, once the annular edges 7 are crushed on the fixed portion 2, they can also be welded to ensure a greater seal.

[0064] It should also be noted that the step of fitting and constraining the tubular body 6 on the fixed portion is carried out by keeping the cylindrical inner surface 6b of the tubular body 6 spaced apart from the outer surface of the fixed portion 2.

[0065] The present invention overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art and provides significant advantages.

[0066] In particular, the procedure described above is particularly simple, and therefore of low costs, as it includes the simple positioning of the tubular body 6 around the fixed portion 2 and the subsequent crushing of the annular edges 7.

[0067] No structural modification is therefore implemented in the step of realizing the fixed portion 2 which is maintained with a constant section.

[0068] Such a procedure significantly reduces the production times of each prop 1, in particular in the step of realizing the reinforcing structure of the fixed portion 2.

[0069] Furthermore, the tubular body 6 which defines a reinforcement of the inner prop 1 is very versatile, as it can be positioned anywhere in the fixed portion 2 as a function of the areas of greater stress.

[0070] Finally, it should be noted that the presence of the tubular body 6 fitted on the fixed portion 2 defines a much more efficient reinforcement with respect to the props of the prior art in terms of sealing capacity for high load values and consistent mechanical stresses.

Claims

1. Telescopic prop, comprising:

- a fixed portion (2) having a substantially tubular shape and defining a supporting lower end (2a) and an upper end (2b) having an access opening;

- a movable portion (3) having a substantially tubular shape and defining an upper end (3a) for supporting a structure to be sustained, said movable portion (3) being at least partially inserted inside the fixed portion (2) through said access opening; and

- reversible coupling means (5) between the fixed portion (2) and the movable portion (6) to define a stable constraint position of the movable portion (3) with respect to the fixed portion (2);

characterized in that it further comprises a reinforcing tubular body (6) arranged around a stress area of the fixed portion (2); said tubular body (6) being fitted on the fixed portion (2) and having respective opposite ends (6a) crushed on the outer surface of the fixed portion (2).

2. Prop according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said reinforcing tubular body (6) has a cylindrical inner surface (6b) facing and spaced apart from the cylindrical outer surface of the fixed portion (2).

3. Prop according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each end (6a) of the reinforcing tubular body (6) has an annular edge (7) constrained to the outer surface of the fixed portion (2).

4. Prop according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reinforcing tubular body (6) comprises a greater cross-sectional dimension than the cross-sectional dimension of the fixed portion (2) and a length along the longitudinal extension which is less than the length of the fixed portion (2).

5. Prop according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said reinforcing tubular body (6) is near and spaced apart from said supporting lower end (2a) of the fixed portion (2).

6. Procedure for realizing a telescopic prop, comprising the steps of:

- arranging a fixed portion (2) having a substantially tubular shape;

- arranging a movable portion (3) having a substantially tubular shape;

- inserting said movable portion (3) at least partially inside the fixed portion (2);

- arranging means of reversible coupling means between the fixed portion (2) and the movable portion (3) configured to define a stable constraint position of the movable portion with respect to the fixed portion; characterized in that it further comprises the steps of fitting a reinforcing tubular body (6) around a stress area of the fixed portion (2) and constraining respective opposite ends (6a) of the tubular body (6) on the outer surface of the fixed portion (2).

7. Procedure according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said step of constraining the ends (6a) of the tubular body (6) on the outer surface of the fixed portion (2) is implemented by crushing said ends (6a) on the outer surface to define a stable, mechanical-interference coupling between the tubular body (6) and the fixed portion (2).

8. Procedure according to claim 6, characterized in that said step of constraining the ends (6a) of the tubular body (6) is carried out by spacing apart a cylindrical inner surface (6b) of the tubular body (6) from the outer surface of the fixed portion (2).

Drawing