ES2218970T3 - DEVICE THAT CONSTITUTES A FOOT FOR A PIQUETE OR MASTIL, IN PARTICULAR FOR A FOOT OF PAVILION OR PANEL, AND ITS CLOSURE PROCEDURE. - Google Patents

Abstract

Weighted foot comprises two moulded hollow plastic blocks (3, 4) with their inner surfaces recessed to form a hole for the lower end of a post or mast (2) when they are fastened together on either side of it by elastic clamps (26, 27) engaging with toothed lugs (23, 24) on the blocks. An Independent claim is also included for production of the plastic blocks by blow moulding, injection moulding, roto-moulding or thermoforming, and then ballasting with water, sand or cement.

Description

Device constituting a foot for a picket or mast, in particular for a flag or panel foot, and its closing procedure

The present invention relates to a device which constitutes a foot for a picket or mast, in particular for a flag or panel foot, and a closing procedure for said device.

The pavilion or panel feet are generally consisting of metal tubes or masts of wood with a diameter between 18 and 50 mm. These feet they can be sunk into the ground to immobilize the structure that bear However, it is not always possible to sink these feet in the floor, for example, when the floor in question is a terrace, a paved road or a lawn that should not deteriorate.

For panels, some are sometimes used concrete sockets that are intended to receive the end bottom of panel feet. However, these sockets are heavy, therefore impractical to move, and do not allow receive feet or masts that are not exactly vertical. Now, it happens, in the case of pavilions, but also for some panels comprising several feet that form a structure in Pyramid shape, that some pickets to be immobilized are inclined with respect to the vertical, so that there is no device adapted to constitute the foot.

In addition, the pickets of such devices as the pavilions or the information panels have some variable diameters, including sections of varying shapes, circular, oval or polygonal, which can prevent use of some known sockets that are only compatible with circular diameter pickets of one diameter determined.

So, the document EP-A-0 380 272 discloses a device constituting a foot for a picket comprising two parts intended to be assembled by some lugs and grooves arranged around a central hole intended to receive essentially a vertical pole of small diameter. Assembly for lugs and grooves you need the handling of heavy parts to insert a pin in the corresponding slot, either side of the hole so formed.

It is these problems that he intends most particularly avoiding the invention by proposing a device susceptible to adapt to feet of varied sections, eventually inclined, and they don't need a painful maneuver of the elements that constitute it.

In this essentiality, the invention relates to a device that constitutes a foot for a picket or mast, in particular for a pavilion or panel foot, which comprises two coves, complementary shapes, intended to be assembled defining between them a reception cavity of this picket or mast, characterized in that the device further comprises less an elastic clamp, each cove comprising at least one serrated area suitable for cooperating with said elastic clamp.

Thanks to the invention, the coves can be placed on either side of a picket or mast by squeezing it on the cavity they form, without the need to raise them with respect to the soil on which they are deposited, and then locked together around this picket or mast thanks to the elastic clamp that cooperates with the jagged areas of each cove.

According to a first advantageous aspect of the invention, the coves are constituted by hollow envelopes obtained by blowing, injection molding, rotomolding, thermoforming or any other method of forming a plastic material. These hollow envelopes are easily transportable and manipulable, as long as they are not ballasted, while that its weight is sufficient to perform the function sought when They are ballasted.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the clamp is suitable to cooperate simultaneously with the toothed areas of the two coves, this clamp being formed to exert on these jagged areas a pinching effort that tends to approximate them. The elastic clamp thus closes the cavity around the picket or mast, which allows the interlocking of the coves in position.

It can also be provided that the toothed area of each cove is inclined with respect to an average plane of the mounted device. This aspect of the invention allows a progressivity of the clamping effort obtained thanks to the cove, which allows adapting the diameter of the reception cavity to the different diameters of the pickets or masts that you can to receive.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the teeth of the toothed area of each cove are inclined in a sense that facilitates the placement of the clamp according to one direction globally perpendicular to these teeth.

Each cove advantageously comprises two zones teeth arranged on either side of the cavity, in position device mounted. This arrangement allows balancing the efforts suffered by the coves.

According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the teeth of two toothed areas that cooperate with an elastic clamp they are globally parallel to each other in mounted position of device, which allows for quick and easy disassembly of the foot once formed.

According to some embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the elastic clip is obtained by molding of polyethylene, in particular high density polyethylene, or Make it metallic.

The invention also relates to a closing procedure of a device that forms a foot such as the one described above consisting of:

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apply the envelopes against the picket or mast forming the cavity around of this picket or mast and

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interlock these coves having an elastic clamp in support on jagged areas of these coves, so that this clamp exerts an effort of clamped on toothed areas.

Such a procedure can be easily done without raising the envelopes that they constitute the device, that is effortlessly too much important.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in the light of the following description of an embodiment of a device constituting a foot in accordance with its principle and its closing procedure, given
only by way of example and with reference to the attached plans, in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view exploded from a device that constitutes a foot according to the invention;

- Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device of figure 1 in mounted position;

- Figure 3 is a section according to the line III-III in Figure 2 and

- figure 4 is a section analogous to figure 3 when using the device with a mast of diameter more important than the picket shown in figures 1 to 3.

The device 1 is intended to be mounted at the lower end 2 a of a picket 2 constituted by a metal tube, such as a tent-type picket, which constitutes the foot of a canopy. The device 1 comprises two hollow envelopes 3 and 4 obtained by blowing a plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene.

Envelopes 3 and 4 can also be made by injection molding of a thermoplastic material, rotomolded or thermoformed and, if necessary, present a line of ultrasonic welding.

These envelopes 3 and 4 are each provided of an unrepresented filling hole intended to be sealed by a plug, which has not been represented either. Envelopes 3 and 4 they can thus be partially or completely filled with a material of ballast L, such as sand, water or cement.

Each envelope 3 or 4 defines a zone 13 or 14 for receiving the picket 2. As it stands out more particularly in Figure 1, the zone 13 of the envelope 3 is formed on a face 3 a , called an internal face, globally perpendicular to the surface S on which the device 1 is arranged and intended to be placed in front of a corresponding face 4 a , also called an internal face, of the envelope 4. The zone 14 of the envelope 4 is formed on the face 4 a . Zones 13 and 14 define together, between envelopes 3 and 4, a cavity 15 for receiving picket 2.

Zones 13 and 14 are slightly truncated, so that the picket 2 can be received in cavity 15 being substantially parallel to a normal Z-Z 'to the surface S, that is to say globally vertical when surface S it is horizontal, but also being inclined with respect to this normal Z-Z ', in particular due to the geometry of the set to which it belongs, such as a pavilion whose feet are generally inclined for better stability.

The envelope 3 comprises two tabs 23 and 23 'extending in a direction globally perpendicular to the cavity 15, at the level of the side edges 3 b , 3 c of the envelope 3. 23 a and 23' have been referenced to the faces internal of the tabs 23 and 23 'extending the face 3 a . The outer faces of the tabs 23 and 23 'opposite the inner faces 23 a and 23' a have been referenced 23 b and 23 ' b . In the same way, the envelope 4 is provided with two tabs 24 and 24 'of which 24 a and 24' have been referenced respectively to the inner faces directed towards the envelope 3 and 24 b and 24 ' b the outer faces opposite to The internal faces.

The outer faces 23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b and 24' b of the tongues are each provided with several inclined teeth, respectively referenced 23 c , 23 ' c , 24 c and 24' c .

As it stands out more particularly in Figures 3 and 4, these teeth are inclined in the direction of the main parts of the envelopes 3 and 4. More precisely, each tooth 23 c has a first face 23 d , inclined with respect to the inner face 23 a of the tongue 23, and a second face 23 e , globally perpendicular to the internal face 23 a . Teeth 23'c , 24c and 24'c are analogous.

A middle plane between surfaces 3 a and 4 a has been referenced P when the device is mounted in the position of Figures 2 and 3. The outer faces 23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b , 24' b of the tabs 23 , 23 ', 24 and 24' form as many jagged areas as it stands out from figures 3 and 4 that are inclined at an angle α with respect to the plane P. The toothed zones 23 b and equivalent remain globally perpendicular to the surface S, that is vertical when this surface is horizontal. Due to the inclination of the toothed areas 23 b and 24 b with respect to the P plane, the teeth 23 c and 24 c are increasingly further away from the P plane as they approach the cavity 15. The jagged zones 23 b and 24 b are oriented towards the opposite part of each other in the mounted position of the device 1. In other words, the zone 23 b is oriented towards the opposite part of the envelope 4 and the tongue 24. Also, the zone 24 b is oriented towards the opposite part of the tongue 23. Also, the toothed areas 23 ' b and 24' b are oriented towards the opposite parts of each other.

Two elastic clamps 26 and 27 are provided to be mounted, one on the toothed areas 23 b and 24 b , and the other on the toothed areas 23 ' b , and 24' b . Tweezers 26 and 27 are made by molding high density polyethylene. They can also be made of other plastic or metal materials.

When they are engaged on the toothed areas, 23 b and equivalent, the tweezers 26 and 27 exert on them a pinching effort F that tends to approximate the internal faces 3 a and 4 a of the envelopes 3 and 4 to the plane P, which has the effect of closing the cavity 15 around the picket 2.

Taking into account the elastic character of the tweezers 26 and 27, the stress F obtained is also elastic, so that it adapts to the variations in apparent diameter of the picket, in particular when it is subjected to a tilting effort that has a tendency to separate facing faces 3 a and 4 a from envelopes 3 and 4.

Due to the inclination, according to the angle α, of the surfaces 23 b and equivalent with respect to the plane P, a progressive tightening of the cavity 15 around the picket 2 or the mast 2 'is obtained. The tightening is all the more important the closer the tweezers 26 and 27 are to the cavity 15.

As it stands out from the comparison of Figures 3 and 4, the invention allows to automatically adjust the diameter of the cavity 15 to the section of the picket 2. In the configuration of Figure 4, the mast 2 'used is of relatively important diameter and the facing faces 3 a and 4 a of the envelopes 3 and 4 are separated by a distance d ' more important than the corresponding distance d in the configuration of figure 3. The clamps 26 and 27 are partially coupled on the toothed areas 23 b and equivalents, since the distance d ' is such that the tweezers 26 and 27 are open to the fullest when they cooperate with the teeth 23 c and outermost equivalents, that is, those farthest from the cavity 15.

The inclined character of the teeth 23 c and equivalents makes it possible to provide for the placement of the tweezers 26 and 27 on the tabs 23, 23 ', 24 and 24' by pressure parallel to the internal surfaces 23 a and 24 a or 23 ' a and 24 ' a in the direction of the cavity 15, riding on the external faces 23 b and 24 b or 23' b and 24 ' b . It is pushed in this direction as long as it is possible to advance the clamp 26 over the toothed areas 23 b and 24 b . The ends 26 a of the clip 26 jump between the teeth until reaching a maximum elastic opening position of the clip, or the position of figure 3, in which the progression of the clip 26 in the direction of the arrow F 'is blocked up. Due to the inclined character of the teeth 23 c and equivalents, the clamp 26 does not run the risk of reversing in the opposite direction to the arrow F ', so that the interlocking obtained is stable over time.

Proceed in the same way with the clamp 27.

When it is necessary to open the device, in particular to move the picket 2 or the mast 2 ', it is sufficient to exert an effort directed towards the surface S on the tweezers 26 and 27, such that these tweezers slide along the teeth 23 c and equivalents that are parallel, in the direction of the ground, which makes it possible to suppress the effort F represented in Figures 3 and 4.

Envelopes 3 and 4 are identical, which allows to make them with a unique mold. They are wider in the lower part than the upper part, which gives them a very good stability, even when they are partially full.

In the case where the picket is integral with a fabric that extends to the level of its lower end 2 a , in particular in the case of a flag foot, this fabric can be received between surfaces 3 a and 4 a of envelopes 3 and 4, on either side of the cavity 15. Indeed, the fabric can easily be taken "sandwich" between these surfaces, without risk of deterioration.

The invention has been described with coves or envelopes 3 and 4 each comprising two serrated zones 23 b , 23 b and 24 b , 24 ' b . It is, however, applicable with coves articulated together by one of its lateral edges while its other edge has a serrated area intended to cooperate with an elastic clamp. The closure of the device takes place by swinging at least one of the coves around its common articulation axis, so that the toothed areas are approximated, and then placing the elastic clip on the dentate areas, as indicated above.

In the described embodiment, the coves that they serve to lock the picket in position are envelopes hollow It is understood that these 3 or 4 coves can be pieces solid and more generally, any locking parts that have a geometry according to the invention. However, the use of hollow envelopes allows to obtain coves that they can be ballasted only in their place of use, even emptied after use, which presents an advantage considerable for transport and handling.

Claims (10)

1. Device (1) constituting a foot for a picket (2) or mast (2 '), in particular for a flag or panel foot, comprising two coves (3, 4), of complementary shapes, intended for be assembled defining between them a cavity (15) for receiving said picket or mast, characterized in that the device further comprises at least one elastic clamp (26, 27), each cove comprising at least one toothed area (23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b , 24' b ) suitable for cooperating with said elastic clamp (26, 27). 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that said coves are constituted by hollow envelopes (3, 4) obtained by blowing, injection molding, rotomolding or thermoforming of plastic material. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said clamp (26, 27) is capable of cooperating simultaneously with the toothed areas (23 b , 23 'b , 24 b , 24 ' b ) of said two coves ( 3, 4), said clamp being formed to exert a pinching effort (F) on said jagged areas that tends to approximate them. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said toothed area (23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b , 24' b ) of each cove (3, 4) is inclined (α) with respect to a median plane (P) of said mounted device (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the teeth (23 c , 23 ' c , 24 c , 24' c ) of said toothed area (23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b , 24' b ) of each Creek (3, 4) are inclined (23 d , 23 c ) in a direction that facilitates the placement of said clip (26, 27) in a direction globally perpendicular to said teeth. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each cove (3, 4) has two serrated areas (23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b , 24' b ) arranged on either side of said cavity (15) in the mounted position of the device (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the teeth (23 c , 23 ' c , 24 c , 24' c ) of two cogged zones (23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b , 24' b ) that cooperate with an elastic clamp (26, 27) they are globally parallel to each other, in the mounted position of the device (1). Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said elastic clamp (26, 27) is obtained by molding polyethylene, in particular high density polyethylene. 9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said elastic clamp (26, 27) is metallic. 10. Method of closing a device (1) that constitutes a foot for a picket (2) or mast (2 '), in particular for flag or panel foot, said device comprising two coves (3, 4), of complementary forms, which define among them a cavity (15) for receiving said picket or mast, characterized in that it consists of:

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apply these coves (3, 4) against said picket (2) or mast (2 ') forming said cavity (15) around said picket or mast and

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interlocking said cleats by arranging an elastic clamp (26, 27) in support on toothed areas (23 b , 23 ' b , 24 b , 24' b ) of said coves, such that this clamp exerts a clamping effort (F ) over said jagged areas.