Compensating element for extending a modular set of stairs, modular set of stairs and method for extending a modular set of stairs

FIELD

[0001]The invention relates to a compensating element for extending a modular set of stairs, in particular a scaffold stair. Furthermore, the invention relates to a modular set of stairs, in particular a scaffold stair, with a compensating element according to the present invention, as well as a method for extending a modular set of stairs, in particular a scaffold stair, using a compensating element according to the present invention.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Modular sets of stairs can usually be easily dismantled and reassembled at a different location. The height differences at the other location may require a height adjustment by adding one or more steps to the stairs. The number of steps of a modular set of stairs should therefore be variable in order to be able to adapt the stairs to the respective local conditions.

[0003]DE 20 2011 002 694 U1 describes a modular set of stairs comprising a starting module, an end module and at least one extension module that can be screwed together. Each module forms one step. For each additional step, another extension module is placed between the start module and the end module. In this way, sets of stairs with any number of steps can be realized, so that height compensation is possible. However, to assemble the further extension module, the start or end module must first be dismantled, which is time-consuming and costly.

SUMMARY

[0004]On the basis of the prior art mentioned above, the object of the present invention is to simplify the extension of a modular set of stairs by any number of steps. This is intended to save time and money. At the same time, the number of components, in particular the special components, required for an extension or height compensation is to be reduced. The same components for extension or height compensation should be used at both the top and bottom of a set of stairs.

[0005]The compensating element, the modular set of stairs and the method are proposed for the solution of the object. Advantageous further developments of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims.

[0010]The proposed compensating element thus simultaneously forms a stringer and a railing. To add a step to a modular set of stairs, all that is needed are two such compensating elements and a step element that is placed on the brackets of the compensating elements. To add two steps to a set of stairs, four compensating elements and two step elements are needed, along with a vertical stringer element. The vertical stringer element is an element of a conventional vertical stringer, so no special component is required. The vertical stringer element makes it possible to assemble a compensating element where there is no vertical stringer. This is usually the case when the set of stairs is extended by several steps, so that the vertical post element replaces the missing vertical post. If a vertical post is present, the compensating element can be connected to it using the connecting elements provided. This means that only one type of connecting element is required to connect a compensating element to a vertical post and/or a vertical post element.

[0011]If a conventional step element is used, such as those already used in modular sets of stairs, the compensating element is the only special component needed to extend the stairs. This saves costs, as fewer special components need to be kept in stock. Another advantage in this context is that the compensating element can be mounted on both the left and right side of the stairway.

[0012]According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a handrail piece is detachably or permanently connected, preferably welded, to the tube in the area of the first end section. The handrail piece has a longitudinal axis that is at an angle, for example oblique or perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis of the tube. In this case, the proposed compensating element simultaneously forms a stringer and a railing with a handrail.

[0013]According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the tube of the compensating element has at least three, preferably four, bracket-like holders with connecting means. The number of connection options increases with the number of bracket-like holders. At least two bracket-like holders are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the tube and/or offset in height relative to one another. The arrangement of at least two bracket-like holders on opposite sides of the pipe allows the compensating element to be connected to a vertical stem on the one hand and to a vertical stem element on the other. Any number of further compensating elements can thus be attached to a compensating element, in each case with the help of a vertical stem element. Two bracket-like holders with connecting means are preferably arranged on each side of the pipe. In this case, the compensating element can be connected on both sides at two points each to a vertical post and/or a vertical post element, both in the area of the first end section and in the area of the second end section of the pipe. The proposed height offset between two bracket-like holders arranged on opposite sides of the pipe preferably corresponds to a step height, so that the necessary height compensation can be realized. This has the advantage that the same compensating element can be used to assemble a set of stairs both downwards and upwards.

[0014]Furthermore, the connecting means provided for connecting the compensating element to a vertical post and/or a vertical post element preferably each comprise a locking element and a wedge element, which can be brought into engagement with a recess of a rosette-like connector element of a vertical post and/or vertical post element. In this respect, the latch element is hooked into the recess and fixed within the recess by means of the wedge element. The advantage of the connection is that it can be produced without the use of any tools. It may be necessary to strike the wedge element from above in order to secure its position. However, any hard subject matter that is available on site can be used for striking. To dismantle the compensating element and/or a vertical post element connected to the compensating element, all that is required is to loosen the wedge element, remove the wedge element and take the bolt element out of the recess. Such connector elements, as well as the rosette-like connector elements provided on the vertical posts and/or vertical post elements for the reception of the connector elements, are standard, so that no special components are required.

[0015]The handrail piece connected to the tube of the compensating element is preferably made from a piece of tubing so that it can be easily connected to an existing handrail, for example by inserting a connecting piece. This way, a continuous handrail can be created that increases safety when using the stairs. This is particularly important for a set of stairs that is located in a public space and accessible to everyone. The pipe piece preferably has a circular cross-section so that it can be produced easily and inexpensively and does not pose a risk of injury when walking up or down the stairs.

[0016]In the floor plan projection, the handrail piece is preferably arranged in the center of the tube, and furthermore preferably not only in the transverse direction but also in the longitudinal direction of the handrail piece. The advantage of the central arrangement in the transverse direction is that the position of the handrail is always the same, regardless of whether the compensating element is mounted to the left or right of a stairway. The central arrangement in the longitudinal direction reduces the distance between the handrail piece and an existing handrail and/or another handrail piece of a further compensating element. In addition, the same connecting pieces can be used to bridge the distances. Due to the preferred central arrangement in the longitudinal direction, the handrail piece in the floor plan projection extends beyond the tube on both sides, preferably in line with the bracket and/or the bracket-like holders. If the handrail, bracket and/or bracket-type holders are aligned, the bracket and/or bracket-type holders are also arranged in the horizontal projection in the center of the compensating element tube so that it can be mounted on both the left and right side of a stairway.

[0017]Furthermore, it is proposed that the bracket for the reception of the step element is made of a piece of pipe, preferably a rectangular pipe, and that a crossbar element with a flat bearing surface is arranged on the piece of pipe, preferably projecting beyond the piece of pipe on both sides, with a flat bearing surface. The use of a simple piece of pipe, preferably a rectangular pipe, to make the bracket reduces manufacturing costs. The provision of a crossbar element that extends beyond the pipe piece on both sides helps to ensure that the compensating element can be arranged both to the right and to the left of a stairway, since a support for the step element is created on both sides of the bracket. Furthermore, it is easy to create multi-flight staircases, i.e. staircases with adjacent stairways, since a step element can be placed on the bracket on both sides of the compensating element. This is particularly advantageous for very wide staircases in public spaces, since the width of the staircase is usually limited for safety reasons and intermediate handrails must be provided. For the first flight, two compensating elements and one step element must then be mounted for each step. Each additional flight then only requires one additional compensating element and one additional step element.

[0018]Furthermore, it is proposed that the bracket-like holders be made from a piece of tubing, preferably a rectangular tube, so that they can be produced easily and inexpensively. Preferably, the piece of tubing has the same cross-section as the piece of tubing of the bracket, so that the same tubing material can be used. This can further reduce manufacturing costs.

[0019]In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that an eyelet for attaching a diagonal brace is arranged on the tube of the compensating element. With the help of the diagonal brace, the construction can be additionally stiffened if necessary, for example if a modular set of stairs is to be extended not just by one but by several steps. In this respect, the diagonal brace attached to a compensating element by means of the eyelet is connected at the other end to a further compensating element, preferably the compensating element of the next, next-but-one or next-but-two step. The eyelet is preferably arranged in the area of the first end section of the tube.

[0020]Furthermore, a recess for fastening a diagonal brace is preferably formed in the tube of the compensating element. The other end of a diagonal brace can be fastened via the recess. The recess is therefore preferably arranged in the area of the second end section of the tube. In this case, a diagonal brace extends from the first end section of a first compensating element to the second end section of a further compensating element.

[0021]The modular set of stairs, in particular scaffold stairs, proposed in addition for solving the object stated at the beginning, comprises at least two compensating elements according to the present invention as well as at least one step element arranged between two compensating elements, wherein the compensating elements are each detachably connected via connecting means to a vertical post and/or a vertical post element. The number of compensating elements and step elements depends on the required number of steps, wherein two compensating elements and one step element are required for each step if the set of stairs is a single-flight staircase. For multiple-flight staircases, a further compensating element and a further step element are added for each step, since the compensating element offers connection options on both sides, so that a step element can be placed on both sides.

[0022]Preferably, the vertical posts and/or the vertical post elements have rosette-like connector elements, each with at least one recess for the reception of the connecting means of the compensating elements. The connecting means of the compensating elements can thus be brought into engagement with the recesses of the rosette-like connector elements in a simple manner, in particular without the use of tools. This facilitates the assembly and disassembly of compensating elements.

[0023]Since vertical posts are usually composed of several elements, the vertical post elements can be such an element in particular. This means that no separate vertical post elements have to be provided, thus reducing the number of components. Furthermore, it is ensured that vertical posts and vertical post elements are equipped with the same rosette-like connector elements in order to attach a compensating element to them.

[0024]According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compensating elements of a first step extension are each attached to a vertical post. On the side facing away from the vertical post, the respective compensating element can then be connected to a vertical post element via the connecting means provided there, in order to then attach the next compensating element to it. In this way, steps can be added step by step.

[0025]As a further development measure, it is proposed that a horizontal ledger is arranged between two vertical stem elements and is detachably connected to the vertical stem elements by means of connecting means arranged at the ends. The horizontal ledger contributes to an additional stiffening of the construction. In addition, an additional support of at least one step element can be realized by means of the horizontal ledger. The connecting means of the horizontal ledger arranged at the end preferably engage in recesses of the rosette-like connector elements of the vertical post elements. Ideally, the connecting means are designed the same as the connecting means of the compensating elements. This means that the connecting means preferably comprise a ledger element and a wedge element for fixing the ledger element within a recess of a rosette-like connector element. Since these connector elements are standard, a conventional horizontal ledger can be used with corresponding connecting means, so that no special component needs to be provided for the horizontal ledger either.

[0026]The step element is preferably designed in an angular shape and/or forms a stepping step as well as a setting step. The angular shape makes the step element more dimensionally stable and thus more resilient. Provided that the step element forms a setting step, the space between two stepping steps can be closed at least partially by means of the setting step, so that safety when using the stairs is increased. Furthermore, the setting step reduces the risk of subjects falling through between two stepping steps. This is particularly advantageous for stairs located in public spaces.

[0027]The free end of the setting step is advantageously folded at one or more angles. The setting step can be placed on a horizontal ledger via the fold. In this way, an additional support of the step element can be realized. If the fold of the setting step is angled several times, it can even wrap around the horizontal ledger, so that an additional position lock is provided.

[0028]Furthermore, a method for extending a modular set of stairs, in particular a scaffold stair, in the area of its top and/or bottom step, using at least one compensating element according to the present invention and at least one step element, is proposed, wherein the compensating element is detachably connected to a vertical post of the stairs by means of the connecting means.

[0029]The fact that the compensating element can be detachably connected to a vertical post of the set of stairs means that the extension created with the aid of the compensating element can also be reversed. In this way, it is still possible to vary the number of steps and thus to compensate for differences in height. The detachable connection is preferably established by means of connecting means which can be brought into engagement with a recess in a rosette-like connector element of the vertical post. For example, the connecting means can each comprise a locking element and a wedge element, so that the detachable connection can be made without tools. Such connecting means are standard. The same applies to the rosette-like connector elements of the vertical posts, so that standard components can be used in this regard.

[0030]During assembly, the step element is preferably placed on the bracket of the compensating element. In order to support both ends of the step element, it is further proposed that a second compensating element be detachably connected to a second vertical post by means of the connecting means, and that the step element be placed in between on the brackets of the compensating elements.

[0031]If the set of stairs is to be extended by more than just one step, the compensating elements can be detachably connected to a vertical post element by means of further connector elements, which are preferably arranged on the side facing away from the vertical post, which has rosette-like connector elements. The detachable connection to the vertical post elements can then be made in the same way as the detachable connection to the vertical posts. In this respect, the compensating elements advantageously have corresponding connector elements on opposite sides.

[0032]Further compensating elements can then be connected via the rosette-like connector elements of the vertical stringer elements. Another step element can then be arranged between these, so that the number of steps in the set of stairs can be increased as desired.

[0033]Accordingly, the compensating elements are preferably detachably connected to a further compensating element via the vertical stem elements. Alternatively or in addition, it is proposed that the compensating elements be detachably connected to a horizontal ledger via the vertical stem elements. The horizontal ledger provides additional bracing. Furthermore, depending on the design of the step element, additional support and, if necessary, positional securing of the step element can be provided. In this respect, the step element is preferably designed in an angular shape, so that a stepping step and a setting step are formed. The setting step can be angled one or more times at its free end, so that it can be supported on the horizontal ledger.

[0034]The step element can also be a conventional step element or standard component, so that ultimately the compensating element is the only special component. Since this can be arranged both to the left and to the right of the stairway, only a single additional component needs to be provided in order to achieve height compensation when assembling a modular set of stairs.

[0035]The connecting means provided on both sides of the compensating element also allow the stairs to be extended either at their top or bottom, thus providing maximum flexibility. Furthermore, the compensating element can be used to create multi-flight staircases.

[0036]It is also suggested that several compensating elements be connected by at least one diagonal brace. This is particularly advantageous when adding a multi-step extension to a set of stairs, as the diagonal brace provides additional rigidity to the construction. In this respect, the diagonal brace is connected at one end to a first compensating element and at the other end to another compensating element, wherein it may in particular be the next, the next but one or the next but two compensating element arranged on the same side of the stairway as the first compensating element.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037]A preferred embodiment of the invention is described in more detail in the following on the basis of FIG. 1 a perspective view of a compensating element according to the present invention,

[0038]FIG. 2 an enlarged section of FIG. 1 in the area of the upper end,

[0039]FIG. 3 an enlarged section of FIG. 1 in the area of the lower end,

[0040]FIG. 4 a perspective view of the compensating element of FIG. 1 in its final installed position with the step element in place (seen from the outside),

[0041]FIG. 5: a perspective view of the compensating element of FIG. 1 in its final installed position with the step element placed on it (seen from the inside, i.e. from the stairway),

[0042]FIG. 6: a perspective view of a modular set of stairs with several compensating elements according to the present invention (seen from below),

[0043]FIG. 7 a perspective view of a compensating element according to the present invention with a diagonal brace screwed on,

[0044]FIG. 8 a perspective view of a modular set of stairs (seen from the outside),

[0045]FIG. 9 a perspective view of the modular set of stairs of FIG. 8 (seen from the inside) and

[0046]FIG. 10 a perspective view of a further modular set of stairs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047]The compensating element 100 according to the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, is used to extend a modular set of stairs 10, in particular a scaffold stair.

[0048]The compensating element 100 has a tube 110, which in the present case is designed as a rectangular tube. The tube 110 has a first end section 111 (see FIG. 2) and a second end section 112 (see FIG. 3). A handrail piece 120 is arranged on the first end section 111 and is firmly connected, preferably welded, to the tube 110. The handrail piece 120 is formed from a round tube so that the handrail piece 120 can be easily connected to a handrail of the set of stairs 10, which is usually also made from a round tube. The handrail piece 120 has a longitudinal axis A1 that runs at an angle to the longitudinal axis A2 of the tube 110. The angle is preferably adapted to the pitch of the set of stairs 10.

[0049]As can be seen in particular from FIG. 2, connecting means 150 for connecting the compensating element 100 to a vertical post 200 and/or a vertical post element 210 are arranged on two opposite sides of the tube 110 below the handrail piece 120 (see also FIGS. 4 and 5). The connecting means 150 are connected to the tube 110 via bracket-like holders 151, preferably welded. The connecting means 150 each comprise a locking element 152 and a wedge element 153, which can be brought into engagement with a recess of a rosette-like connector element 220 of the vertical post 200 and/or of the vertical post element 210 (see also FIGS. 4 and 5). In this respect, no tools are required, so that the compensating element 100 is easy to assemble and disassemble. The height offset between the two bracket-like holders 151 corresponds to a step height.

[0050]As can be seen from FIG. 3, two bracket-like holders 151 with connecting means 150 are also arranged on two opposite sides in the area of the second end section 112 of the pipe 110. The height offset is chosen to be the same. In addition, the pipe 110 has a bracket 130 in the area of the second end section 112. A step element 140 can be placed on this (see also FIGS. 4 and 5). The bracket 130 has a rectangular tube 131 that is connected, preferably welded, to the other side of the tube 110 in the extension of a bracket-like holder 151 on the tube. A crossbar element 132 rests on the tubular piece 131 with a flat bearing surface 113, so that the crossbar element 132 projects beyond the tubular piece 131 on both sides. The step element 140 can thus be placed on the bracket 130 from the left and/or from the right. The compensating element 100 can therefore be mounted to the left or right of the stairway. In addition, multiple stairways 10 can be realized.

[0051]If necessary, the compensating element 100 can be connected to at least one diagonal brace 400 in a detachable manner to achieve additional bracing (see also FIG. 8). To fasten the diagonal brace 400, an eyelet 113 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the area of the first end section 111 and a recess 114 (see FIG. 3) is provided in the area of the second end section 112. Fastening is preferably done with screws, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0052]A modular set of stairs 10, in particular a scaffold stairway, is often arranged in a scaffold bay that is spanned by four vertical posts 200. In this case, two vertical posts 200 are available both at the top and bottom of the stairs, to each of which a compensating element 100 can be attached to extend the set of stairs 10. If the set of stairs 10 is to be extended by more than one step, an auxiliary construction is required, which—as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 by way of example—can be realized with the help of vertical post elements 210. In this respect, the compensating element 100 is first connected to the vertical post 200 in a detachable manner by means of its connecting elements 150. The further connecting means 150, which are arranged on the side facing away from the vertical post 200, can then be used to create a detachable connection between the compensating element 100 and a vertical post element 210. This then allows-analogous to the vertical post 200—the connection of a further compensating element 100.

[0053]As can also be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, the compensating element 100 can be combined particularly advantageously with a step element 140, which is designed in an angular manner so that it forms a stepping step 141 and a setting step 142. The step element 140 is thus more dimensionally stable and thus more resilient. Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the setting step 142 can be angled one or more times at its free end 143. This gives the step element 140 an even greater stiffness. In addition, the step element 140 can be placed on a horizontal ledger 300, which provides additional support for the step element 140. In this respect, the horizontal ledger 300 is detachably connected to the vertical stem element 210 by connecting means 310 arranged at the end, which are designed in a similar way to the connecting means 150 of the compensating element 100. The connecting means 310 of the horizontal ledger 300 are brought into engagement with a further recess of the rosette-like connector element 220 of the vertical stem element 210. First, a ledger element 311 of the connecting means 310 is inserted into the recess and then fixed within the recess with the aid of a wedge element 312 (see also FIG. 6).

[0054]FIG. 6 shows a multi-stage extension of a set of stairs 10. In this respect, a first compensating element 100 connected to a vertical post 200 is indirectly connected to a second compensating element 100 via a vertical post element 210. The second compensating element 100 could be connected in the same way to a third compensating element 100, so that any number of stages can be strung together. The angular step elements 140, which rest on the brackets 130 of the compensating elements 100 and on horizontal ledgers 300, can also be clearly seen.

[0055]A set of stairs 10 with three mounted step elements 140 can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9. These clearly show the indirect connection of two compensating elements 300 via vertical post elements 210, since not every compensating element 100 can be attached to a vertical post 200. To reinforce the structure, the compensating elements 100 are additionally connected by means of diagonal braces 400. Not shown are connector tubes for connecting the handrail pieces 120 of the compensating elements 100, so that a continuous handrail is created.

[0056]FIG. 10 shows a further modular set of stairs (10), which in the present case has been extended by two steps. In this respect, a first compensating element (100) is connected, on the one hand, to a vertical post (200) and, on the other hand, to a vertical post element (210). A further compensating element 100 is connected to the first compensating element 100 via the vertical stem element 210. Since the further compensating element 100 is also connected to a vertical stem element 210, at least one further step can be added. In contrast to the preceding examples, the overlying step elements 140 are not angled but are instead flat, so that only stepping steps 141 are formed. This has the advantage that conventional scaffold platforms with end-side fastening straps 144 can be used as step elements 140. The step elements 140 can be connected to the brackets 130 and to the bracket-like holders 151 via the fastening straps 144, so that they rest on two points at each of their two ends. The use of conventional scaffold platforms can further reduce the number of components required for the extension, in particular special components.

REFERENCE LIST