Patent Publication Number: US-11649637-B2

Title: Handrail for scaffolding structures

Description:
The present invention relates to a handrail, which can be attached to scaffolding elements of scaffolding structures to increase the security of scaffolding structures, such as stairway scaffolding structures. 
     In scaffolding structures, especially stairway scaffolding structures, due to legal requirements there may be a need, for example, to provide handrails on stair railings or other scaffolding elements. Since there is a high variability in the construction design of such scaffolding structures, it is necessary to be able to make the handrails to be provided on the scaffolding structures accordingly variable and easy to mount. 
     The subsequently published German patent application DE 10 2015 109 767 discloses a handrail attachable to a scaffold structure. Successive handrail segments in the longitudinal direction of the handrail are connected to one another by connection units which comprise two connection elements which in each case are/can be connected to one of the two handrail segments and can pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis that is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the handrail segments to be connected to one another. 
     It is the object of the present invention to provide a handrail, in particular for scaffolding structures, as well as a method for mounting such handrail, which allow easy mounting with high variability in construction. 
     According to a first aspect, this object is achieved by a handrail, in particular for scaffolding structures, for example stairway scaffolding structures comprising at least two handrail segments, for example tubular handrail segments, connected to one another by a connection unit to provide a continuous handrail, wherein at least one handrail securing element for securing the handrail segment to a scaffolding element is secured to at least one of the handrail segments, wherein the connection unit comprises two connection elements that can pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis, wherein at least one, preferably every connection element is/can be connected to one of the handrail segments connected to one another via the connection unit such that it can rotate about an axis of rotation that is not parallel and not orthogonal in relation to the pivot axis. 
     By the inventive pivotability of the two connection elements of a connection unit relative to one another and the rotatability with respect to at least one of the handrail segments, it is possible to connect to one another the handrail segments to be connected to one another therewith in corner or bend sections of the handrail to provide a continuous handrail adapted to the structure of the scaffold structure. 
     For an easy to implement, yet stable construction, it is proposed that at least one, preferably every handrail securing element is preferably secured to a handrail segment by riveting or screwing. 
     To enable the connection of a handrail segment with a connection element, that can be rotated relative to one another, it can be provided that the at least one, preferably every connection element has a handrail segment receiving opening that is open at a first axial end section of the connection element in the direction of the axis of rotation for receiving a handrail segment that can be rotated about the axis of rotation. In an alternative embodiment it can be provided that at least one, preferably every connection element has a plug-in portion for receiving that can be rotated about the axis of rotation in a handrail segment which is particularly possible in a simple manner when the handrail segment is formed as a pipe providing an inner opening 
     The adaptability of a connection unit to different angles between handrails segments to be positioned successively can be realized, for example, in that every connection element has, in a second axial end section of the connection element, an end face that is angled in relation to the axis of rotation, wherein the two connection elements face each other with their angled end faces and can pivot relative to one another about the pivot axis that is substantially orthogonal in relation to the two angled end faces. 
     In this case, a fixed bracket of the two connection elements nevertheless permitting the defined pivotability thereof to one another can be achieved in that the two connection elements are connected to one another such that they can rotate about the axis of rotations, by a connecting element that at least in relation to one of the connection elements can rotate about the pivot axis. 
     The connecting element in association with at least one of the connection elements can comprise a group of latching projections arranged in ring-like configuration about the pivot axis, wherein an opening receiving the group of latching projections is provided in the connection element such that the group of latching projections can rotate about the pivot axis. 
     The pivot axis is preferably arranged at an angle of 45° in relation to the axis of rotation. 
     According to a further aspect, the object specified at the outset is achieved by a method for mounting a handrail according to the invention on a scaffolding structure, in particular a stairway scaffolding structure, comprising the measures of
     a) securing at least one handrail securing element to a scaffolding element;   b) before or after measure a), attaching a handrail segment to at least one handrail securing element mounted or to be mounted to a scaffold element in measure a);   c) before or after measure b), attaching a connection element of a connection unit to at least one end section of the handrail segment attached or to be attached in measure b);   d) before or after measure c), attaching a further handrail segment to the other connection element of the connection unit;
 
and preferably:
   e) attaching the further handrail segment to at least one handrail securing element secured to a scaffolding element.   

     With this procedure, a continuous handrail can be constructed successively and with high variability, for which purpose the measures indicated above can be performed repeatedly. 
     In order to obtain a stable construction, it is proposed that measure b) or/and e) comprises securing a handrail segment to at least one handrail securing element by riveting or screwing. 
     According to the invention, provision may further be made for measure b) to comprise the securing of the handrail segment before measure c) is performed. Alternatively, it is possible to first provisionally fix one or more of the handrail segments, for example by clamping elements, and then to firmly connect them to the associated handrail securing elements when the continuous handrail or at least a portion thereof is provided by repeated repetition of the above-indicated measures. 
     In order to enable the connection of the handrail segments to be connected to one another in the respectively provided mounting position for them, it is proposed that in measure c) or d) the one connection element of the connection unit is brought in such a rotational position in relation to the handrail segment attached to a scaffold element in measure b) or/and the two connection elements of the connection unit are brought into such a pivoting position relative to one another, that in measure e) the further handrail segment can be attached to at least one handrail securing element that is secured to a scaffold element. 
     The invention further relates to a scaffolding structure, in particular a stairway scaffolding structure, comprising a handrail according to the invention, preferably mounted with a method according to the invention. 
    
    
     
       The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG.  1    shows a portion of a scaffolding structure with a handrail attached thereto, viewed obliquely from above in the direction of view I in  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  2    shows the proportion of a scaffolding structure shown in  FIG.  1   , viewed obliquely from below in the direction of view II in  FIG.  1     
         FIG.  3    shows a schematic diagram of a connection unit used in the handrail of  FIGS.  1  and  2   ; 
         FIG.  4    shows a handrail securing element with a screwing clamping element 
     
    
    
       FIGS.  1  and  2    show a portion of a scaffolding structure  10 , for example a stairway scaffolding tower, on which in association with stairway portions or landing sections banister elements  12 ,  14 ,  16  are attached to vertical stems  18 ,  20 ,  22 , for example. Each of the banister elements  12 ,  14 ,  16  may have a plurality of rods  24  extending substantially vertical and parallel to one another. 
     A handrail  26  mounted on scaffolding  10  comprises a plurality of handrail segments  28 ,  30 ,  32 . Handrail segments  28 ,  30 ,  32  are preferably tube-like constructed of metal material. In corner or bend sections adjoining handrail segments  28 ,  30 ,  32  are connected to one another by connection units  34 ,  36  which are preferably identical to one another to provide a substantially uninterruptible continuous handrail  26 . 
     In the illustrated exemplary embodiment a plurality of handrail securing elements  38  are preferably fixed by riveting or screwing at each of handrail segments  28 ,  30 ,  32 . Handrail securing elements  38  made of sheet metal material are bent, for example, into the desired shape and are releasably secured by screw clamping elements  40  to the rods  24  of the banister elements  12 ,  14 ,  16 . 
       FIG.  3    shows a schematic representation of connection unit  34  interacting with the two handrail segments  28 ,  30 . Connection unit  34  comprises two connection elements  42 ,  44  which are preferably identical to one another and are constructed, for example, from plastic material. Substantially hollow connection elements  42 ,  44  each have a handrail segment receiving opening  48  which is open at an axial end section  46 . At their other axial end section  50 , the connection elements  42 ,  44  each have an angled end face  52  having a respective end surface  54 , preferably angled at an angle of 45° or a complementary angle of 135° with respect to a longitudinal extension direction of the handrail segment receiving openings  48  corresponding to a rotational axis D 1  or D 2 . 
     The connection elements  42 ,  44  are connected to one another by a connection element  56  interacting with the two connection elements  42 ,  44  in the section of angled end faces  52  or end faces  54 , and can pivot relative to one another about a pivot axis S which is substantially orthogonal to respective end faces  52  or their end surfaces  54 . Pivot axis S intersects the axis of rotation D 1 , D 2  and is inclined in relation to the two axes of rotation D 1 , D 2  at an angle of 45° or a complementary angle of 135°. 
     In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, connecting element  56  comprises a ring-like or disc-like body  58 , of which in each case in both axial directions in the direction of pivot axis S a group of engagement projections  60  projects in a ring-like configuration with circumferential spacing of the engagement projections  60  to one another. In association with each such group of engagement projections  60  arranged in a ring-like configuration, circle-like openings  62  are provided in the two end faces  52  of connection elements  42 ,  44 , through which engagement projections  60  of a respective group extend and engage from behind the associated end face  52  at the rear side facing away from the respective end surface  54 . Each of the two groups of engagement projections  60  can rotate about pivot axis S in associated opening  62 , so that the two connection elements  42 ,  44  adjoining to one another via body  58  of the connecting element  56  can pivot relative to one another about pivot axis S and are held together by the connecting element  56 . 
     Connecting element  56  may be constructed of plastic material, for example. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the connecting element may be integrated in one of the connection elements. On the end face of this connection element a group of engagement projections which are protruding from the end surface thereof in a ring-like configuration, may be provided. At the other connection element an opening is provided in association with these engagement projections, in which the engagement projections engage the end face of this other connection element from behind. In this embodiment, the connecting element is thus integrally formed with one of the connection elements. 
     Handrail segment receiving openings  48  provided in connection elements  42 ,  44  are adapted in their cross-sectional shape or dimensioning to the cross-sectional shape or dimensioning of the handrail segments  28 ,  30  to be accommodated therein, for example with circular geometry, so that handrail segments  28 ,  30  can be received in the handrail segment receiving openings  48  rotatably about the respective axis of rotation D 1 , D 2 . Thus, connection unit  34  can rotate in relation to each of handrail segments  28 ,  30  connected or to be connected thereto about a respective axis of rotation D 1 , D 2  which is inclined with respect to a pivot axis S at an angle of 45°. In an alternative embodiment, the connection elements could each have a plug-in portion which can be plugged into an end section of the handrail segment to be connected to this connection element, so that it can be rotated in the handrail segment. 
       FIG.  4    shows a handrail securing element  38  and a screw clamping element  40  provided for attachment thereof to a banister element  12 ,  14 ,  16 . The handrail securing element  38  which is bent for example of sheet metal, has a first securing portion  64  to be positioned fittingly to a handrail segment  28 ,  30 ,  32 , with openings  66  formed therein, through which securing means, such as screw bolts or rivet bolts, can be passed to secure handrail securing element  38  to a handrail segment  28 ,  30 ,  32 . A second securing section  68  extends at an angle to the first securing section  64  and is arranged so as to extend substantially downward in the constructed handrail  26  so that there is no obstruction on an upper side of the handrail. 
     The screw clamping element  40  comprises a substantially U-shaped first clamping plate  70  and two second clamping plates  76 ,  78  which in relation to the first clamping plate  70  can be braced by a screw bolt  74  which can be screwed into a connection bridge  72 . The two second clamping plates  76 ,  78  can be displaced along the first clamping plate  70  and can thus be brought into a position in which in each case a rod  24  of a banister element  12 ,  14 ,  16  is positioned between the U-shaped first clamping plate  70  and one of the approximately Z-shaped second clamping plates  76 ,  78 . Subsequently, the two second clamping plates  76 ,  78  are displaced away from one another along first clamping plate  70 , so that they each engage a rod  24  from behind. Subsequently, screw bolt  74  can be tightened, so that a rod  24  is held in a clamped manner between each second clamping plate  76 ,  78  and first clamping plate  70 . In the end section of connection bridge  72  facing away from the securing of clamping plates  70 ,  76 ,  78  by means of screw bolt  74 , the second securing section  68  of a handrail securing element  38  can be secured before or after the attachment of screw clamping element  40  to a banister element  12 ,  14 ,  16 , for example, also by a screw bolt which is not visible in  FIG.  4   , at connection bridge  72 . In this way, the angular position between the handrail securing element  38  and the screw clamping element  40  can be adjusted freely in adaptation to a respective slope of handrail  26 . 
     When mounting a handrail  26  constructed with such connection units  34 ,  36  to a scaffolding structure  10 , it is possible to proceed, for example, by securing first, in association with at least handrail segment  28 , handrail securing elements  38  provided for this handrail segment  28  by means of the screw clamping elements  40  interacting therewith to banister element  12  in the height positioning provided for this purpose and with the horizontal distance provided therefore. 
     Subsequently, handrail segment  28  can be attached to securing elements  38 . For this purpose, for example, a provisional fixing by clamping elements can be carried out. Alternatively, handrail segment  28  can preferably be secured by screwing or riveting to securing elements  38  associated therewith, for which purpose, for example, the holes required for receiving the securing means are still to be introduced into handrail segment  28 . 
     Before or after the provisional or final securing of handrail segment  28  on securing elements  38  associated therewith and already carried on banister element  12 , connection unit  34  is pushed on handrail segment  28  with its connection element  42 . In this state, the other connection element  44  of connection unit  34  may already be pushed onto one end of handrail segment  30 . By pivoting the two connection elements  42 ,  44  relative to one another and by rotating connection unit  34  or connection element  42  in relation to handrail segment  28  about axis of rotation D 1 , connection unit  34  can be brought into such a position that handrail segment  30  already provided thereon is substantially positioned so that it rests on securing elements  38  associated therewith and previously secured to railing element  14 , or that, if handrail  30  has not previously been pushed into connection element  44 , this connection element  44  is positioned substantially so that handrail segment  30  can be pushed into the same and, optionally, after a further rotation of connection element  42  about the axis of rotation D 1  or/and a further pivoting of the two connection elements  42 ,  44  relative to one another about pivot axis S, handrail  30  rests on securing elements  30  associated therewith and already secured to banister element  14 . Subsequently, handrail segment  30  can be provisionally secured to securing elements  38  associated therewith or can be secured thereto by screwing or riveting, for example. 
     In a next mounting step, connection unit  36  can then be pushed onto the other end of handrail segment  30 , wherein, in this state, connection unit  36  can already be connected to handrail segment  32 . The procedure described above is then repeated for handrail segment  32  for attaching it to the securing elements  38  associated therewith and previously secured to banister element  16 . 
     It should be noted that a plurality of handrail segments connected with one another in each case by connection units may be provided for providing a longer portion of the handrail and may be attached to securing elements associated therewith and already secured to banister elements or other scaffolding elements. In this case, the various connection units are brought into a configuration adapted to corner and bent sections of the handrail to be built by pivoting the connection elements of the same relative to one another and rotating the connection elements in relation to the handrail segments interacting with the same. 
     In the above-described mounting of the handrail, it is advantageous if for several, for example, all handrail segments the securing elements associated therewith are secured to the respectively intended position on the scaffolding structure before subsequently the handrail segments and the connection units interacting therewith are mounted successively, for example, starting from a lower end of a scaffolding structure. For this purpose, the handrail segments are preferably provided as portions already preconfigured with suitable length. If necessary, the handrail segments can also be cut to the appropriate length when they are mounted. 
     In principle, it is possible, to firmly connect one or more of the handrail segments already with the securing elements associated therewith, e.g., by riveting, and subsequently attach these securing elements to the screw clamping elements already secured to the scaffolding structure, or secure the screw clamping elements already attached thereto to the scaffolding structure. 
     Once a scaffolding structure has been completely equipped with a handrail, this handrail can be reused after dismantling and rebuilding the scaffolding structure. In this case the handrail segments of this handrail are already firmly connected to the securing elements associated therewith. When remounting the handrail, the connection units, which are basically not firmly connected to the or at least a part of the handrail segment(s) interacting therewith, can be brought in the appropriate position in the respective corner or bent sections of the handrail by pivoting and rotating to ensure that the securing elements already secured to the handrail segments in the handrail come to lie substantially at the bottom of the handrail segments. Again, the screw clamping elements interacting with the securing elements can be secured previously to the scaffolding structure, or can first be attached to the securing elements and then secured to the scaffolding structure together with these.