Patent Application
20250109595
The present application claims the priority of the German patent application No. 10 2022 101 643.9, filed on Jan. 25, 2022, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference into the present document.
The invention relates to a stairway for a set of stairs, in particular for a modular set of stairs. Such sets of stairs are usually only erected and used temporarily, so that the focus is on quick assembly and disassembly of the set of stairs. Furthermore, they must be safe to walk on. This applies in particular to sets of stairs installed in public spaces.
The invention also relates to a set of stairs, in particular a modular set of stairs, with at least one stairway according to the present invention. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a set of stairs, in particular a modular set of stairs, is proposed.
WO 2006/136251 A1 describes a scaffolding staircase comprising two side walls or struts and a plurality of staircase step elements. The staircase steps can be releasably coupled both to one another and to the side walls or struts. In this respect, holding devices are provided on the side walls or struts. In order to improve the manageability and to enable assembly and disassembly by a single person, the holding devices each have at least one hook-or mushroom-shaped projection which engages in a lateral recess or a lateral opening of a stair step element when the scaffolding staircase is assembled. The stair step elements can thus be assembled without further connecting means, in particular without screws or the like. The hook or mushroom shape of the projections on the holding devices also ensures a form fit that prevents the stairway elements from being accidentally lifted off the struts. The individual parts of the scaffolding staircase are also sufficiently light to be lifted and assembled by a single person.
Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the assembly and disassembly of a set of stairs, in particular a modular set of stairs, is to be further simplified. In addition, the set of stairs is to be as easy and inexpensive to manufacture as possible. Furthermore, the same parts are to enable different stair configurations.
For the solution of the object, the stairway and the set of stairs are proposed. In addition, a method for the production of a set of stairs is proposed. Advantageous further improvements of the invention are to be taken from the respective dependent claims.
The stairway proposed for a set of stairs, in particular for a modular staircase, comprises two stringers running parallel to each other at a distance from each other, as well as step elements arranged between the stringers and detachably connected to the stringers, each of which forms a stepping step and a setting step. The step elements rest on first and second consoles, which are arranged on the facing inner sides of the stringers.
The intermediate step elements ensure that the stringers are real stringers and not just crossbars. This has the advantage that the step elements are positioned and held in place by the lateral stringers. The step elements can therefore be connected to the stringers in a detachable manner by simply placing them on the consoles provided on the inside of the stringers. This simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the stairway. At the same time, there is no need for holding devices on the stringers and/or step elements, which are expensive to produce, so that these can be produced simply and cost-effectively.
The stringers and step elements can be manufactured and stored in different dimensions, in particular lengths, so that the stairway is scalable. Furthermore, several stairways can be combined to form single or multi-flight staircases, with or without a landing, so that different staircase configurations can be realized.
The first brackets are preferably arranged at regular intervals from one another in an upper edge area of the inner sides of the stringers in the installation position. Each of the first brackets can be connected to a step element by placing the step element on the bracket. The first brackets of the two stringers are preferably arranged exactly opposite one another so that the step element is held on both sides by a first bracket of a stringer.
Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the second brackets are arranged at regular intervals from one another in a lower edge area of the inner sides of the stringers in the installation position. The step elements, which preferably rest on the first brackets, can be additionally supported by the second brackets. The second brackets thus increase the stability of the stairway.
The first brackets preferably form a bearing surface and at least one contact surface arranged at an angle to the bearing surface. A step element can thus be placed on the bracket and also placed against the bracket. This means that the step element is even better secured in its position. In the installed position, the bearing surface is preferably aligned horizontally so that a step element can be placed on it. The contact surface, of which there is at least one and which is arranged at an angle in this respect, can be aligned vertically in particular in the installed position. If the bracket forms a further contact surface, this preferably runs parallel to the first contact surface so that the support surface connects the two contact surfaces. The supporting surface and the two contact surfaces can in particular form a U-shaped contact area for the placement or positioning of a step element, so that a step element resting over the entire U-shaped contact area is optimally secured against displacement. In order to simultaneously secure the step element against lifting, the invention is further developed by the suggestion that the front contact surface in the installed position is undercut. The undercut area can be gripped by a step element, thereby preventing it from being lifted off unintentionally.
The setting steps of the step elements are preferably angled at their free ends, either once or several times. A step element can be easily connected to a first stringer of a stringer beam via the angled end section. If the end section is simply angled, it can be placed on a support surface of a first stringer and placed against a contact surface of the same stringer. If the end section is angled several times, in particular twice, it can be placed on a first console in such a way that it grips around it in a U-shape and rests on three sides of the console. The step element is thus optimally secured against displacement.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the setting steps of the step elements have openings for the detachable connection to a further step element lying above it in the installation position. In this case, the detachable connection can be made by interlocking two step elements. In this way, a form closure is achieved that secures the position of the two step elements relative to each other. In this respect, the stepping steps of the step elements can have connecting means that can be inserted, plugged in and/or hooked into the openings.
Preferably, each setting step has several openings, for example slot-like openings, which are aligned horizontally and/or at the same height in the installed position. Both measures—either alone or in combination—make it easier to create a detachable connection between the step element with the setting step and another step element. For example, the detachable connection can be made by inserting, plugging and/or hanging the stepping step of the further step element lying above it. According to the insertion, plugging and/or hanging, the further step element can then be brought into its final position by swiveling. The openings of a setting step arranged at one height are preferably distributed over the entire length of the setting step. If a connecting means of a stepping step of a further step element lying above is inserted, inserted and/or hooked into each opening, the interlocking step elements brace each other over their entire length.
Furthermore, the stepping steps of the step elements preferably have tabs at their free ends for detachable connection to a further step element lying below them in the installed position. The tabs can in particular be brought into engagement with the openings of the setting step of the step element lying below them. The number of tabs therefore preferably corresponds to the number of openings.
Furthermore, each stepping step preferably has several lugs, which are each aligned at an angle to the stepping step and/or are angled. The angular alignment and/or angled design of the lugs makes it easier to insert, plug in and/or hook the lugs into the slot-shaped openings of the setting step of a step element below. Furthermore, according to the insertion, insertion and/or hanging, the step element above the step element with the lugs can be brought into its final position by swiveling. The lugs then not only engage in the openings of the setting step of the step element below, but also engage behind them. At the same time, the two outer tabs of a stepping step of a step element can be engaged with a first bracket of a stringer if it has a front contact surface that is undercut. In this way, the step element can be secured against lifting.
The second consoles preferably form a support surface for placing a step element on. Since the second consoles only serve to further support the step elements, contact surfaces analogous to the first consoles are unnecessary. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the second consoles are each formed in an angular shape, preferably from an angle plate. The angular shape increases the rigidity and thus the load-bearing capacity of the consoles. The production from a sheet metal angle is particularly simple and cost-effective.
In the further development of the invention, it is proposed that the stringers each have first and second brackets on the inside and outside. This means that each stringer can be used as either a left or right stringer. The stringers can therefore be used in a more versatile manner, and in particular only one type of stringer needs to be kept in stock. Furthermore, the stringers can be used as center stringers in multi-flight staircases with adjacent stairways. In this way, one stringer can be saved, since two adjacent stairways share one stringer. In this way, wide open staircases can be built. Advantageously, the stringers are each designed to be mirror-symmetrical about their longitudinal axis, so that the step elements arranged on both sides of the stringer are at the same height.
Furthermore, the stringers preferably have connecting means in at least one area, preferably on at least one end face, for detachable connection to a rosette-like connector element of a vertical post. The connecting means can, for example, comprise a wedge and/or locking element that can be inserted into a receiving opening of the rosette-like connector element. In this way, a detachable connection of a stringer to a vertical post can be made by simply hanging it in place.
Alternatively or additionally, the stringers may have extension arms, at the ends of which are arranged connector elements for releasable connection to a rosette-like connector element of a vertical post. In the installed position, the extension arms extend horizontally away from the underside of a stringer. The height of the connecting means can thus be adapted to the height of the rosette-like connector element of a vertical post, so that a detachable connection of the stringer to another vertical post can be achieved independently of the length of the stringer. Ideally, a stringer therefore has first connecting means, which are arranged on one end face of the stringer, and second connecting means, which are connected to the stringer via an extension arm. The first and second connecting means can be of the same design, in particular comprising a wedge and/or locking element. The stringer can then be easily suspended between two vertical posts when installing a set of stairs.
The step elements of the proposed stairway are preferably made from a metal sheet by punching and bending. The step elements can be produced cost-effectively as punched and bent parts. The production from a metal sheet increases the robustness of the step elements. By forming the step elements with a stepping step and a setting step that together enclose an angle, a higher form stiffness of the step elements can be achieved. Preferably, the stepping step and the setting step enclose an angle that is smaller than 90°. This means that the setting step is not exactly vertically aligned, but tilts slightly forward. In this way, a step-under is created, which improves the accessibility of the stairs. This is particularly important for stairs that are built in public areas, as accessibility serves traffic safety.
To increase safety, it is also proposed that the stepping steps-at least in some areas—have a structure and/or embossing. The structure and/or embossing has an anti-slip effect. If the stairway or the set of stairs is located outdoors, so that the stepping steps are exposed to rain, the structure and/or embossing can prevent dangerous falls. The structure and/or embossing can also include round and/or slit-like recesses so that rainwater cannot collect on the stepping steps.
Furthermore, it is proposed that the setting steps of the step elements each have at least one grip opening. The grip openings facilitate the handling of the step elements and thus the assembly of the stairway or staircase.
In order to solve the object mentioned at the beginning, a staircase, in particular a staircase with a modular structure, is also proposed, which comprises at least four vertical posts and a stairway according to the present invention. The stairway according to the present invention simplifies the assembly and disassembly of the staircase. In addition, different staircase configurations, for example multi-flight and/or very wide staircases, can be realized with the help of the stairway according to the present invention.
The stringers of the stairway are preferably releasably connected to the vertical posts. When assembling the set of stairs, the vertical posts are therefore first erected so that they form a rectangle in plan view. The stringers are then releasably connected to the vertical posts so that they run parallel to one another. The step elements can then be placed on top, which together with the stringers form the stairway.
The detachable connection between the stringers and the vertical posts is preferably made using connectors that each comprise a wedge and/or locking element and engage in a rosette-like connector element of a vertical post. The stringers can then simply be hooked between two vertical posts when the set of stairs is being assembled. The wedge and/or locking element can be used to lock the stringer in place, but it can be released again to dismantle the set of stairs. Since vertical posts usually have several rosette-type connector elements arranged at regular intervals, the height of the connector elements is predetermined. The connectors arranged on the stringers are therefore preferably arranged at one end on one face of the stringer and at the other end on an extension arm on the underside of the stringer, so that the connectors are always at the correct height for connection to a connector element of a vertical post.
Furthermore, horizontal ledgers are preferably arranged between the vertical posts, which are detachably connected to the vertical posts via connecting means arranged at the end, which each comprise a wedge and/or locking element and engage in a rosette-like connector element of a vertical post. The horizontal ledgers can thus also be hooked in between two vertical posts and locked in this position. A horizontal ledger arranged at the level of a stringer can also be releasably connected to the stringer instead of to a vertical post. This is particularly advantageous if the stringer and the horizontal ledger are to be connected to a vertical post via the same rosette-like connector element of the vertical post. The connection of the horizontal ledger to the rosette-like connector element can then be made indirectly via the stringer. To connect the horizontal ledger to the stringer, an extension arm with a connector element can be arranged on the underside of the stringer, which has a reception opening corresponding to the rosette-like connector element for receiving the connection by means of the horizontal ledger. In this case, the stringer and the horizontal ledger can be arranged in a vertical plane.
The method for producing a set of stairs, in particular a modular set of stairs, which is also proposed for solving the object mentioned at the beginning, comprises the following steps:
The method is particularly suitable for producing a set of stairs according to the present invention, so that the same advantages can be achieved. In particular, a set of stairs produced using the method can be easily and quickly dismantled and reassembled in a different location. This is because the connections between the stringers and the horizontal ledgers and the vertical posts can all be detached. The step elements are simply laid or pivoted into place.
In a further development of the method, at least one of the tabs arranged on the stepping step of a step element is brought into engagement with an undercut area of a stringer bracket when the step element is pivoted in. In this way, a form fit is achieved when the step element is pivoted in, which prevents the step elements from being unintentionally lifted off the stringers or the stringer brackets of the stringers.
When the step elements are installed, a free end of the setting steps that is angled once or several times is preferably placed on the first stringers of the stringers so that the setting steps rest on a contact surface and on at least one contact surface of the first stringers that is arranged at an angle to the contact surface. In this way, the step elements are secured against displacement. If the free end of the setting steps is angled several times, it can also grip around the bracket so that it rests on the support surface and on two support surfaces arranged at an angle to it. The bracket grip ensures that the position of the step element is even better secured, as it can be pushed neither backwards nor forwards. The lateral stringers also prevent the step elements from being pushed to the sides. In this respect, the brackets on which the step elements rest are arranged on the facing inner sides of the stringers.
The invention and its advantages are described in more detail in the following, based on the attached figures. These show:
The stairway 10 according to the present invention, as shown in
The step elements 200 are detachably connected to the stringers 100 and to each other. The stringers 100, in turn, are detachably connected to vertical posts 20, so that the stairway 10 can be easily dismantled and reassembled elsewhere. The stairway 10 can therefore be used in particular for erecting temporary sets of stairs 1, for example scaffolding stairs or other modularly constructed stairs.
The stringer 100 shown in
For the reception of the step elements 200, which each form a stepping step 210 and a setting step 220, the stringer 100 shown has two types of brackets 110, 120 on an inner side 101. In an upper edge area, that is, near an upper side 103 of the stringer 100, the first brackets 110 are arranged at regular intervals, on which a multiply angled end of the setting steps 220 of the step elements 200 is placed in each case, so that the setting step 220 engages around the bracket 110. In a lower edge area, i.e. near the underside 104 of the stringer 100, second consoles 120 are arranged, on which the stepping steps 210 of the step elements 200 are placed.
A step element 200 is shown in
The step elements 200 of a stairway 10 according to the present invention are mounted one after the other from bottom to top. During assembly, a first step element 200 is placed on the brackets 110, 120 of the two side stringers 100 so that the angled end of the setting step 220 engages around a first bracket 110 of the two stringers 100. The next step element 200 can then be mounted. In this respect, the tabs 211 of the stepping step 210 are first inserted into the slot-like openings 221 of the setting step 220 of the already mounted step element 200 (see
The process of swiveling in a step element 200 during assembly is also shown in
A set of stairs 1 made with the help of a stairway 10 according to the present invention is shown in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2022 101 643.9 | Jan 2022 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/084081 | 12/1/2022 | WO |
