LATTICE SUPPORT STRUCTURE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having mutually connected lattice bars, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them directly or indirectly, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure, wherein at least one of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction is arranged stationary such that it is in a fixed position on the folding and unfolding of the lattice support structure; and in that at least one further of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction is arranged movable so that it undergoes a movement on the folding and on the unfolding of the lattice support structure.

Description

The present invention relates to a lattice support structure having lattice bars connected to one another, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well a lattice bars directly or indirectly connecting them, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and can be increased on the outward folding of the lattice support structure.

Such lattice support structures are known from the prior art.

They can be used, for example, as stable structural elements which can be exposed to high mechanical strains in their outwardly folded state. An advantage of such lattice support structures substantially consists of the fact that they can be folded inwardly, for example for the purpose of transport, and are thus substantially easier to handle than a rigid structure.

It is the underlying object of the present invention to further develop a lattice support structure of the initially named kind in an advantageous manner.

This object is solved by a lattice support structure having the features of claim 1.

Provision is accordingly made for at least one of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction to be arranged in a stationary manner such that it is fixed in place on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure and for at least a further one of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction to be arranged movably such that it undergoes a movement on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure.

Provision is thus made in accordance with the invention for at least one, preferably a plurality, of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure to remain in situ on the inward and outward folding, that is, for it not to undergo any movement, whereas further lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction are moved thereto. Such an embodiment of the invention makes it possible to arrange the lattice support structure in a fixed manner via the stationary lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction and to fold them outwardly or to fold them inwardly as required.

The invention furthermore relates to a lattice support structure having mutually connected lattice bars, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars connecting them directly or indirectly, wherein the connecting lattice bars are connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure. Provision is furthermore made that at least two of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction are arranged such that they carry out a relative movement to one another extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure on the folding and on the unfolding of the lattice support structure.

The lattice bars connecting the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction are connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction such that the relative movement in accordance with the invention is possible.

It is conceivable that a plurality of lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure are moved in parallel, and indeed relative to a plurality of lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure. It is thus conceivable, for example, that four lattice bare are provided which extend in the longitudinal direction and of which two respective lattice bars move synchronously and that two lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction carry out a movement relative to two further lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction on the folding and/or unfolding of the lattice support structure. The invention is naturally not restricted to lattice support structures having four lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction. A smaller or larger number is also conceivable and is covered by the invention.

The lattice support structure in accordance with claim 2 can be characterized in that it is configured in accordance with the characterizing portion of claim 1, in that therefore fixed lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction are provided.

Provision can be made that the fixed lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction and the movable lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction or the lattice bars movable relative to one another and extending in the longitudinal direction follow one another alternately.

Provision is made in a further embodiment of the invention for the movable lattice bars to undergo a movement on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure by which movement the spacing and the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure of movable lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction are changed with respect to the stationary lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction. It is therefore conceivable that the movable lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction are moved toward or away from the stationary lattice bars on the inward folding or outward folding and that, in addition to this change of spacing, a relative movement of the stationary and movable lattice bars takes place in the axial direction, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure.

The connecting lattice bars can be connected to the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure in a pivotable and/or displaceable manner. It is conceivable that the displaceable connection is achieved in that the lattice bars are preferably pivotably connectable using sliding sleeves which run on the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction.

The connecting lattice bars can preferably be disposed in the outer surface of the lattice support structure.

The lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can form the outer edges of the lattice support structure.

The shape of the lattice support structure is not restricted. It is thus conceivable to provide lattice support structures triangular, square, rectangular or polygonal in cross-section.

In this respect, the corner points of these lattice support structures are preferably formed by the bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure.

The lattice support structure preferably has a structure repeating in the longitudinal direction made of lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction and of connecting lattice bars.

Provision is made in a further embodiment of the invention for at least some of the connecting lattice bars to be formed by connection struts which extend in the outwardly folded state of the lattice support structure perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure from one to another of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure.

These connection struts can have at least one joint by means of which they can be adjusted between an inwardly folded state and an outwardly folded state.

Provision is made in a further embodiment of the invention for the connecting lattice bars to be connected to one another at least in part. It is conceivable that connecting lattice bars spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure are connected to one another, for example, via a linkage or via a mechanism by means of which the spacing of the connecting lattice bars with respect to one another can be varied. This mechanism can be used to effect the inward folding or outward folding of the total lattice support structure.

To ensure that the outwardly folded lattice support structure does not collapse in an undesirable manner, provision can be made for the lattice support structure to have locking means by means of which the connecting lattice bars can be fixed in at least one position.

As stated above, means can be provided which act on at least two of the connecting lattice bars such that the spacing of the connecting lattice bars with respect to one another can be increased or decreased, whereby the lattice support structure folds inwardly or folds outwardly.

These means can, for example, be formed by a linkage which is operated by a motor, pneumatically, hydraulically or another manner and acts on the connecting lattice bars. It is generally naturally equally conceivable for means to be provided which act on the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure, and indeed such that their spacing from one another is increased or decreased such that the lattice support structure is folded outwardly or folded inwardly.

Provision is made in another embodiment of the invention for at least two of the connecting lattice bars to extend cross-ways and to be connected at their intersection point to a further of the connecting lattice bars.

Provision can furthermore be made for at least two of the connecting lattice bars to extend cross-ways and to be connected at their intersection point with a further of the connecting lattice bars and for the intersection point to be connected to the joint of the further connecting lattice bar.

The invention furthermore relates to a lattice support structure with structures which can be spread apart, in particular to a lattice support structure in accordance with one of the claims 1 to 16, wherein the lattice support structure has pivotably arranged lattice bars, wherein the pivotable connection is made such that one of the parts pivotably connected to one another has a projection; and in that the other one of the pivotably connected parts has a groove which is bounded on three sides by walls and in which the projection of the other part is pivotably received. The base of the groove thus serves as a boundary so that a pivoting of the lattice bar is only possible for so far until the one of the named parts lies on the groove base. In this position, the lattice bar is thus blocked or a further pivoting is not possible. Such a pivotable connection can be provided where two segments of a lattice bar are pivotably connected to one another and/or where a lattice bar is pivotally connected to another part of the lattice support structure.

The lattice bar can have the projection at its one end region and the named groove at its other end region. It is possible in this manner to connect a plurality of lattice bars to one another or to provide lattice bars of different length. It is also generally conceivable to make both ends of the lattice bar with grooves or with the named projections.

It is particularly advantageous for a braking device or a fixing device to be provided which fixes the lattice bars in a specific pivot position. It can, for example, be a drum brake, a disk brake or a shoe brake. The brake can e.g. be actuated hydraulically or mechanically. The brake can have brake shoes which have two projections, said brake simultaneously coming into contact with the respective adjacent part, for example with the named projection, and thus developing an ideal braking effect, on actuation of the brake.

Further details and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing. There are shown:

FIG. 1 a perspective representation of a lattice support structure in the form of a lattice support segment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2: a perspective representation of a lattice support structure in the form of a lattice support structure segment in accordance with the present invention in a further embodiment;

FIG. 3: two assembled lattice support structure segments in accordance with FIG. 2 in a perspective representation;

FIG. 4: further perspective and schematic side views and plan view of the lattice support structure in accordance with FIG. 2;

FIG. 5: a perspective representation of a lattice support structure in the form of a lattice support structure segment in accordance with the present invention in a further embodiment;

FIG. 6: a perspective representation of a lattice support structure in the form of a lattice support structure segment in accordance with the present invention in a further embodiment;

FIG. 7: a perspective representation of a lattice support structure in the form of a lattice support structure segment in accordance with the present invention in a further embodiment;

FIG. 8: a perspective representation of a lattice support structure in the form of a lattice support structure segment in accordance with the present invention with a triangular cross-section; and

FIG. 9: different representations of the lattice support structure segment in accordance with FIG. 8.

FIG. 1 shows, in a perspective representation, a lattice support structure or a lattice support structure segment in a first embodiment of the present invention. The lattice support structure comprises lattice bars 10, 10′ which extend in the longitudinal direction and which are connected to one another by connecting lattice bars 20, 30, 50. In this respect, the connecting lattice bars 20, 30, 50 are arranged in the outer surfaces of the outwardly folded lattice support structure, whereas the lattice bars 10, 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction form the edges or, in cross-section, the corners of the lattice support structure.

In accordance with FIG. 1, the lattice bars 10 form stationary lattice bars, that is, lattice bars which remain in situ, that is do not move, on the inward and outward folding of the lattice support structure. On the inward and outward folding, the lattice bars 10′ are movable relative thereto.

The connecting lattice bars 20, 30 are each made such that they are arranged pivotably, but in a stationary manner, in their one end region to a respective one of the lattice bars 10, 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction and are arranged in their other end region via a sliding sleeve 20′, 30′ displaceably relative to the other lattice bar 10, 10′, preferably to a lattice bar extending adjacently in the longitudinal direction. The connecting lattice bars 20, 30 are preferably arranged pivotably at these sliding sleeves 20′, 30′.

As can further be seen from FIG. 1, further lattice bars 50 exist which connect the lattice bars 10, 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction and which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure in the outwardly folded state of the lattice support structure. These connecting lattice bars 50 or connection struts have a joint via which they are outwardly pivoted into the position shown or are also inwardly pivoted relative thereto so that the limbs of the lattice bars 50 extend at an angle to one another.

As can finally further be seen from FIG. 1, rods 60 are provided which connect connecting lattice bars 50 to one another which are spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction. It is possible in this way to effect an inward folding or an outward folding of the lattice support structure by actuating these rods 60. These rods 60 can be driven by a motor, pneumatically, hydraulically or in another manner, for example also manually.

A connection strut is marked by reference numeral 70 which is likewise hingedly pivotable and has the task of securing the lattice support structure in the outwardly folded state. This strut 70 extends diagonally between two lattice struts 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction, as can be seen from FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows a lattice support structure or lattice support structure segment which differs from the lattice support structure shown in FIG. 1 in that it is polygonal in cross-section. In this case, it is a hexagonal structure whose edges are formed by lattice bars 10, 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction. As also in FIG. 1, stationary lattice bars 10 extending in the longitudinal direction alternate with lattice bars 10′ movable in the longitudinal direction.

As can further be seen from FIG. 2, connecting lattice bars 80, 90 are provided in an end region of the lattice support structure and connect a respective three of the lattice bars 10 or 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction. In this respect, the linkage 80 connects the three stationary lattice bars 10 and the linkage 90 connects the three movable lattice bars 10′.

FIG. 3 shows a lattice support structure comprising two of the lattice support structure segments in accordance with FIG. 2. They are connected to one another in their end regions via the lattice bars 10, 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction.

Further perspective views and side views of the lattice support structure in accordance with FIG. 2 can be seen from FIG. 4. FIGS. 4a and 4b show the lattice support structure in side views. Perspective views of the lattice support structure in accordance with FIG. 2 result from FIGS. 4c and 4d and FIG. 4d shows a cross-sectional view or a plan view of the lattice support structure from which the polygonal structure of the lattice support structure results.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the lattice support structure in accordance with the present invention. A difference to the embodiment in accordance with FIG. 1 in particular lies in the fact that the connecting lattice bars 20, 30 extend cross-ways, as can be seen from FIG. 5. The cross-ways extending lattice bars 20, 30 are each arranged pivotably in their one region at one of the lattice bars 10, or 10′ and are arranged pivotably in their other end region at a sliding sleeve 20′, 30′ which extends displaceably on one of the lattice bars 10, 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the present invention in which the intersection point of the connecting lattice bars 20, 30 is not disposed in the region of one of the lattice bars extending in the longitudinal direction, as can be seen from FIG. 5, but approximately centrally on the outer surface of the lattice support structure.

A linkage can furthermore be seen from FIG. 6 which consists of rods 120 which each engage at one of the lattice bars 10, 10′ extending in the longitudinal direction and converge to a common linking point 130. The rods 120 thus have the structure of a truncated pyramid, with two such truncated pyramids being adjacent to one another offset to one another, as can furthermore be seen from FIG. 6. These linkages 120 serve to effect an inward folding or outward folding of the lattice support structure by actuation of the linking point.

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a lattice support structure in accordance with the present invention. As can be seen in detail from FIG. 7, the connecting lattice bars 20, 30 are connected among one another as well as hingedly to the further connecting lattice bars 50, for example, via a bolt connection. On the inward folding or outward folding of the lattice support structure, the connecting lattice bars 20, 30 are pivoted around the intersection point 150 and, at the same time, the connecting lattice bars 50 are pivoted around their joint which is flush with the intersection point 150 and is connected thereto in a suitable manner.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of a lattice support structure which has a triangular structure in cross-section.

FIG. 9 shows further views of this lattice support structure. In this respect, FIGS. 9a and 9b show side views and FIGS. 9c and 9d perspective views of the lattice support structure or lattice support structure segment.

The lattice support structures or lattice support structure segments in accordance with the present invention serve as structural elements for the most varied application purposes, for example, as scaffolding, carrying structures, components of cranes, etc.

Claims

1. A lattice support structure having lattice bars (10, 10′, 20, 30, 50) connected to one another, wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars (20, 30, 50) connecting them directly or indirectly, the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) are connected to the lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be decreased on the inward folding of the lattice support structure and can be increased on the outward folding of the lattice support structure, at least one of the lattice bars (10) extending in the longitudinal direction is arranged in a stationary manner such that it is fixed in place on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure; and at least a further one of the lattice bars (10′) extending in the longitudinal direction is arranged movably such that it undergoes a movement on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure.

2. A lattice support structure having mutually connected lattice bars (10, 10′, 20, 30, 50), wherein the lattice support structure has lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure as well as lattice bars (20, 30, 50) connecting them directly or indirectly, the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) are connected to the lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure can be reduced on the folding in of the lattice support structure and can be enlarged on the unfolding of the lattice support structure, and at least two of the lattice bares (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction are arranged such that they carry out a relative movement to one another extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure on the folding and on the unfolding of the lattice support structure.

3. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 2, wherein the lattice support structure is configured in accordance with at least one of the lattice bars (10) extending in the longitudinal direction being arranged in a stationary manner such that it is fixed in place on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure; and at least a further one of the lattice bars (10′) extending in the longitudinal direction being arranged movably such that it undergoes a movement on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure.

4. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the stationary lattice bars (10) extending in the longitudinal direction and the movable lattice bars (10′) extending in the longitudinal direction follow one another alternately in the peripheral direction of the lattice support structure.

5. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the movable lattice bars (10′) extending in the longitudinal direction undergo a movement on the inward folding and on the outward folding of the lattice support structure by which the spacing and the relative position in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure of the movable lattice bars (10′) extending in the longitudinal direction is changed with respect to the stationary lattice bars (10) extending in the longitudinal direction.

6. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) are connected pivotably and/or displaceably to the lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure.

7. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) are disposed in the outer surface or outer surfaces of the lattice support structure.

8. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure form the outer edges of the lattice support structure.

9. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lattice support structure has a structure of lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction which repeats in the longitudinal direction as well as connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50).

10. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least some of the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) are formed by connection struts (50) which extend in the outwardly folded state of the lattice support structure perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure from one to another of the lattice bars (10) extending in the longitudinal direction of the lattice support structure.

11. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection struts (50) have at least one joint by which they can be adjusted between an inwardly folded state and an outwardly folded state.

12. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) are at least partly connected to one another.

13. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein locking means are provided by which the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) can be fixed in at least one position.

14. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein means are provided which act on at least two of the connecting lattice bars (20, 30, 50) or of the lattice bars (10, 10′) extending in the longitudinal direction such that the spacing of the lattice bars (10,10′, 20, 30, 50) can be increased or decreased relative to one another, whereby the lattice support structure folds outwardly or folds inwardly.

15. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least two of the connecting lattice bars (20, 30) extend cross-ways and are connected at their intersection point to a further one of the connecting lattice bars (50).

16. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein at least two of the connecting lattice bars (20, 30) extend cross-ways and are connected at their intersection point to a further one of the connecting lattice bars (50); and the intersection point is connected to the joint of the further connecting lattice bar (50).

17. A lattice support structure with structures which can be spread apart, in particular a lattice support structure in accordance with claim 1, wherein the lattice support structure has pivotably arranged lattice bars, the pivotable connection is made such that one of the parts pivotably connected to one another has a projection; and the other one of the pivotably connected parts has a groove which is bounded on three sides by walls and in which the projection of the other part is pivotably received.

18. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 17, wherein the lattice bars have the projection at their one end region and the groove at their other end; or the lattice bars have grooves or projections at their two end regions.

19. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 17, wherein a braking device is provided which the lattice bars fix in a specific pivot position.

20. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 19, wherein the braking device is made as a drum brake or as a shoe brake.

21. A lattice support structure in accordance with claim 20, wherein the shoe brake is arranged at one of the parts pivotably connected to one another and has two projections which, on the actuation of the brake, simultaneous come into contact with the other of the parts pivotably connected with one another.