Field of invention

The present invention relates to a tray assembly for both cables and tubes. The present invention relates to a method for temporarily providing both cable and tube management in construction sites.

Prior art

On constructions sites, a plurality or resources are required. Electrical power, water and gas (for welding) are just some of the resources that are needed in order to carry essential construction work in many construction sites. Today, electrical power cables, tubes for fluids such as water and gas are often arranged in a non-organised manner on the ground or support structure (on a scaffolding).

Slips, trips and falls over tubes or cables are some of the most commonplace workplace accidents that can leave the injured person suffering from quite serious injuries. Some of the most common tripping over cables or tubes accidents in a workplace occur when areas are not correctly set up or inadequately cordoned off when work is being carried out in a working environment. Any contractor is obligated to carry out any possible required precautionary measure in order to prevent injuries.

The working environment authority will typically check that the rules are complied with. However, in practice it is difficult to avoid that the cables and tubes are arranged in a non-organised manner on the ground or support structure (on a scaffolding).

US3692920A discloses a console comprising an elongated base plate adapted to be mounted on a wall, support means fixed to and projecting forwardly from said base plate for supporting pipes and electrical cables; first cover means forming with said base plate a first compartment housing said support means and cables and pipes thereon. The first cover means is mounted on said base plate movable between a closed position and an open position in which the elements mounted on said support means are freely accessible. The console comprises a second cover means mounted in front of said first cover means and forming with the latter a second compartment located forwardly of said first compartment. The second cover means comprises a front plate and at least said front plate being movable between a closed position and an open position in which the interior of said second compartment is freely accessible; and a plurality of output devices in said second compartment, respectively. This solution, however, is not modular and thus not suitable for temporal use. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a tray assembly that is intended for temporal and can be mounted in a fast and easy manner.

Thus, there is a need for a way to reduce or even eliminates the above- mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

Summary of the invention

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a tray assembly for cables and tubes as defined in claim 1 and by a method as defined in claim 12. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent subclaims, explained in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The tray assembly according to the invention is a tray assembly for cables and tubes, said tray assembly comprises two or more sections, wherein each section comprises a first end and a second end, wherein each section is provided with a plurality of cables and tubes extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the tray assembly comprises several spaced apart sections, wherein an outlet portion connects adjacent sections, wherein each outlet portion comprises a plurality of outlet connections, wherein each outlet connection is connected to a cable or a tube, wherein each outlet connection of the tubes is in fluid communication with a corresponding tube, wherein each outlet connection of the cables is electrically connected to a corresponding cable.

Hereby, it is possible to organise the cables and tubes in a safe and user-friendly manner. The invention makes it possible to organise the cables and tubes in a fast and safe manner. Moreover, the outlet connections of the outlet portion provide fast and safe access to the needed resources in the cables and tubes.

The tray assembly is intended for temporal use. Accordingly, it is essential that the tray assembly can be mounted in a fast and easy manner.

The tubes may be used to conduct any desired fluid (e.g. a gas or a liquid). In one embodiment, one or more tube is arranged and configured to conduct water. In one embodiment, one or more tube is arranged and configured to conduct gas.

In one embodiment, one or more tube is arranged and configured to conduct pressurized gas.

The gas may be ambient air, argon, helium, carbon dioxide and oxygen.

In one embodiment, one or more tube is arranged and configured to provide a low pressure. Accordingly, the tube can be used as a suction channel. The cables may be used to conduct electric power. The cables may comprise multi core wires.

In one embodiment, the sections are detachably attached to the outlet portion. Hereby, it is possible to transport and store the tray assembly in modules. The tray assembly can be assembled by attaching adjacent sections to an outlet portion.

The length of the sections can be selected according to any specific requirements. In one embodiment, the length of the sections is in the range 1-10 meters. In one embodiment, the length of the sections is 2- 4 meters. In one embodiment, the length of the sections is 4-6 meters. In one embodiment, the length of the sections is 6-8 meters. In one embodiment, the length of the sections is 8-10 meters.

In one embodiment, the length of the outlet portions is in the range 20- 100 cm. In one embodiment, the length of the outlet portions is in the range 40-60 cm. In one embodiment, the length of the outlet portions is in the range 60-80 cm.

In one embodiment, the outlet portion is integrated into a section. Hereby, the tray assembly only comprises a single type of module.

In one embodiment, each section comprises a housing that comprises:

- a front plate;

- a bottom plate;

- a rear plate;

- a top plate and

- two opposing end plates, wherein the housing comprises an inner guiding portion, through which the cables and tubes extend. The use of such housing makes it possible to protect the cables and tubes in an efficient and safe manner. The structures of the housing protect the cables and tubes from impact from falling objects and from precipitation (rain, hail and snow) as well as dust.

In one embodiment, the housing is box-shaped.

In one embodiment, the housing is box-shaped and has a rectangular cross-section.

In one embodiment, the outlet portion has a quadrangular cross section.

In one embodiment, each section comprises a plurality of handles protruding from the top plate. Hereby, the handles can be used to transporting the sections.

In one embodiment, a reinforcement member is arranged inside the housing of the sections, wherein the top plate and the bottom plate are attached to the reinforcement member, wherein the handles are attached to the reinforcement member.

The reinforcement member makes it possible to transfer the weight of the section to the handle. Without the reinforcement member, there would be a risk to experience that the handle would be pulled out off the top plate.

In one embodiment, the rear plate bears against the reinforcement member, wherein a plurality of hooks protrudes from the rear plate.

In one embodiment, the hooks are attached to the rear plate. In one embodiment, the hooks are attached to the reinforcement member.

In one embodiment, fixation structures are used to fix the hooks to the rear plate, wherein the fixation structures extend into the reinforcement member.

In one embodiment, the rear plate bears against the reinforcement member, wherein a plurality of hooks are attached to and protrudes from the rear plate, wherein the fixation structures used to fix the hooks to the rear plate extend into the reinforcement member.

Accordingly, the weight of the section is transferred from the reinforcement member to the structure to which the hooks engage with, via the hooks.

In one embodiment, the reinforcement member comprises a basically Z-shaped cross section.

In one embodiment, a guide structure is arranged in the inner guiding portion of the housing of each section, wherein the guide structure is attached to the reinforcement member, wherein the guide structure is arranged and configured to receive and support a plurality of the cables and/or the tubes.

Hereby, the weight of the cables and/or the tubes is transferred to the reinforcement member. The cables and/or the tubes are supported and relieved by the guide structure.

In one embodiment, the guide structure is formed as a pipe provided with an opening. In one embodiment, the guide structure has a basically rectangular cross-section.

In one embodiment, the outlet portion comprises a container comprising a front wall, a bottom portion, a top portion, a rear portion and two opposing end plates, wherein an opening is provided in each of the end plates.

Hereby, the tubes and cables can extend from the sections into the outlet portion through the openings.

In a preferred embodiment, the front wall is planar and extends vertically.

In one embodiment, an overhang is attached to the front portion of the top plate of each the section.

Hereby, the overhang can protect the front plate against impact from falling objects.

In one embodiment, a sealing structure is arranged between each end plate and the adjacent end plate of the adjacent section, wherein the sealing structure seals the opening against the adjacent end plate.

In one embodiment, the tubes are connected to the corresponding outlets outlet connections by means of quick couplings.

The quick couplings may be hydraulic quick connect couplings, pneumatic quick connect couplings, high-pressure thread-to-connect quick couplings, non-spill couplings or check valves.

The use of check valves (non-return valves) allows the fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through the valve in only one direction.

It may be an advantage to have a scaffolding with integrated tray assembly according to the invention.

The method according to the invention is a method for arranging a plurality of cables and tubes in an organised manner, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

- arranging the cables and tubes in several sections, wherein each section comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the cables and tubes extend from the first end to the second end,

- arranging an outlet portion between the adjacent end portions pf adjacent sections in such a manner that the outlet portion connects the adjacent sections, wherein the outlet portion comprises a plurality of outlet connections, wherein each outlet connection is connected to a cable or a tube, wherein each outlet connection of the tubes is in fluid communication with a corresponding tube, wherein each outlet connection of the cables is electrically connected to a corresponding cable.

It may be advantageous to use a tray assembly according to the invention for arranging a plurality of cables and tubes in an organised manner.

Description of the Drawings

The invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given by way of illustration only, and thus, they are not limitative of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1A shows a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. IB shows a close-up view of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 1A; Fig. 2A shows a section of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 2B shows a close-up view of the right end portion of the section shown in Fig. 2A;

Fig. 3A shows an end view of a portion of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 3B shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 3C shows a perspective view of the left end of a section of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 4A shows a portion of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 4B shows an end view of a portion of a section of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 4C shows a cross-sectional view of a section of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 5A shows a perspective view of a portion of a tray assembly according to the invention mounted on a scaffolding;

Fig. 5B shows a close-up view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 6A shows a top view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 5A;

Fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A;

Fig. 7A shows a front view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A;

Fig. 7B shows a top view of the portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 5B;

Fig. 8A shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A;

Fig. 8B shows a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A; Fig. 9A shows a tray assembly according to the invention attached to a scaffolding;

Fig. 9B shows a tray assembly according to the invention attached to a wall;

Fig. 9C shows a mounting base for mounting a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 9D shows a bracket for a bracket as the one shown in Fig. 9C;

Fig. 10A shows a schematic, cross-sectional view of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 10B shows a schematic view of a tube of a tray assembly according to the invention;

Fig. 10C shows another tube of a tray assembly according to the invention and

Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an outlet portion of a tray assembly according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, a tray assembly 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1A.

Fig. 1A illustrates a tray assembly 2 according to the invention. The tray assembly 2 is designed for at the same time guiding cables and tubes.

The tray assembly 2 comprises a first section 4 and a second section 4' and an outlet portion 10 sandwiched between the first section 4 and the second section 4'.

The first section 4 comprises a first end 42 and a second end 44 and a number of cables and tubes extending through the inner guiding portion of the first section 4. Likewise, the second section 4' comprises a first end 42' and a second end 44' and a number of cables and tubes extending through the guiding portion 6 of the second section 4'. Each section 4, 4' is provided with a plurality of cables and tubes extending from the first end 42, 42' to the second end 44, 44'.

The outlet portion 10 connects the cables and tubes of the first section 4 and the second section 4'. Each section 4, 4' comprises a housing comprising a front plate 50.

Fig. IB illustrates a close-up view of the tray assembly 2 shown in Fig. 1A. The tray assembly 2 comprises two spaced apart sections 4, 4'. The outlet portion 10 connects the two adjacent sections 4, 4'. The outlet portion 10 comprises a plurality of outlet connections 22, 22', 22", 24, 25, 26, 28. Each outlet connection 22, 22', 22", 24, 25, 26, 28 is connected to a corresponding cable 14, 14', 15, 15', 16, 16 or tube 12, 12', 18, 18'. Each outlet connection 22, 22', 22", 28 of the tubes 12, 12', 18, 18' is in fluid communication with the corresponding tube 12, 12', 18, 18'. Each outlet connection 24, 25, 26 of the cables 14, 14', 15, 15', 16, 16 is electrically connected to the corresponding cable 14, 14', 15, 15', 16, 16.

The first section 4 comprises a housing that comprises a front plate 50, a top plate 48 and an end plate 46. It can be seen that a plurality of cables 14, 15, 16 and tubes 12, 18 extend through the inner guiding portion of the first section 4 and protrudes from the end plate 46.

The second section 4' comprises a housing that comprises a front plate 50 that has been removed for illustrative purposes. A plurality of cables 14', 15', 16' and tubes 12', 18' extend through the inner guiding portion 8 of the first section 4 and protrudes from the end plate.

In practice, the cables from each section 4, 4' are electrically connected to an outlet that can be accessed from the outside by a user. The cables 14, 14' are electrically connected to an outlet 24 of the outlet portion 10. The cables 15, 15' are electrically connected to an outlet 25 of the outlet portion 10. The cables 16, 16' are electrically connected to an outlet 26 of the outlet portion 10. These outlets 24, 25, 26 protrude from the front wall 54 of the outlet portion 10. The cables 14, 14', 15, 15', 16, 16' are electrically connected to the corresponding outlets 24, 25, 26 of the outlet portion 10 by means of electric connectors.

Likewise, the tubes from each section 4, 4' are in fluid communication with an outlet that can be accessed from the outside by a user. The tubes 12, 12' are in fluid communication with outlets 22, 22', 22" of the outlet portion 10. The tubes 18, 18' are in fluid communication with outlets 28 of the outlet portion 10. These outlets 22, 22', 22", 28 protrude from the front wall 54 of the outlet portion 10. The tubes 12, 12', 18, 18' can be connected to the corresponding outlets 22, 22', 22", 28 by using quick couplings, such as hydraulic quick connect couplings, pneumatic quick connect couplings, high-pressure thread-to-connect quick couplings, non-spill couplings or check valves. The use of check valves will allow the fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through the valve in only one direction.

The outlet portion 10 comprises a side wall 54 provided with an opening 30. The outlet portion 10 comprises handles 34 for carrying the outlet portion 10.

The sections 4, 4' are provided with a plurality of handles 32. This is an advantage, when the sections 4, 4' are mounted and transported.

In one embodiment, the outlet portion 10 comprises one or more walls that are detachably attached. This will allow for an easy and user- friendly mounting of the tubes 12, 12', 18, 18' and cables 14, 14', 15, 15', 16, 16 from the adjacent sections 4, 4'.

Fig. 2A illustrates a section 4 of a tray assembly 2 according to the invention. The section 4 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1A. The section 4 comprises a housing having a front plate 50 and a top plate 48. In an embodiment, the front plate 50 and the top plate 48 are detachably attached to the remaining portion of the housing of the section 4. Detachably attachment can be accomplished by means of screws by way of example.

A plurality of handles 32 protrude from the top plate 48 of the housing of the section 4. The section 4 comprises a first end 42 and a second end 44. It can be seen that a plurality of tubes and cables protrude from each end 42, 44.

Fig. 2B illustrates a close-up view of the right end portion (the second end 44) of the section shown in Fig. 2A. A portion of the front wall 50 has been removed for illustration purposes. Accordingly, the cables and tubes extending along the length of the inner guiding portion 8 of the section are visible. It can be seen that the cables and tubes extend out through holes in the end plate 46 of the housing of the section. Therefore, the distal portion of each cable and tube can be connected to an outlet portion like the one shown in Fig. IB.

It can be seen that a handle 32 protrudes from the top plate 48. It can be seen that a tube 12 extends along the length of the inner guiding portion 8 and protrudes from the end plate 46.

Fig. 3A illustrates a portion of a tray assembly 2 according to the invention. Fig. 3B illustrates an (opposite) end view of a portion of a section of the tray assembly 2 shown in Fig. 4A.

The tray assembly 2 comprises an outlet portion 10 and a section 4' that is connected to the outlet portion 10. The outlet portion 10 and the section 4' correspond to the ones shown in and explained with reference to Fig. IB. The section 4' comprises an end plate 46. Hooks 38, 38' are provided at the rear portion 47 of the housing of the section 4'. The hooks 38, 38' are attached to the rear portion 47 and thus arranged and configured to detachably attach the section 4' to a structure (e.g. a wall). The hooks 38, 38' may be replaced by other types of mounting structures. In one embodiment, the section 4' may comprise a number of cavities/holes arranged and configured to receive hook structures mounted on a wall or another structure, on to which the section 4' must be mounted.

A plurality of cables and tubes protrude from the end plate 46 of the section 4'. An overhang 49 is attached to the top plate 48 of the section. A handle protrudes from the top plate 48 of the section 4'.

The outlet portion 10 comprises a bottom portion 36, a top portion 40 and a front wall 54 extending there between.

A plurality of outlets 22", 25, 26, 27, 28 protrude from the front wall 54 of the outlet portion 10. Accordingly, the user can access the required resources (e.g. electrical power, water, gas, air or suction) in an easy and user-friendly manner through the outlets 22", 25, 26, 27, 28. Even though it is not shown, sockets or other connection structures may be provided in the distal end of each of the outlets 22", 25, 26, 27, 28. For electricity, by way of example, any required type of electrical socket may be provided at the distal end of the relevant outlets 25, 26, 27 for providing an easy, user-friendly and safe access to the electrical resources.

Likewise, a quick coupling may be provided in the distal end of the outlets 22", 25, 26, 27, 28 in order to provide an easy, user-friendly and safe access to the resources of these outlets. An overhang 49 is attached to the front portion of the top plate 48 of the section 4'.

Fig. 3C illustrates a perspective view of the left end of a section of a tray assembly according to the invention. The section comprises a housing comprising an end plate 46', a front plate 50' and a top plate 48. The section comprises a hook 38 provided at the rear side of the housing. A plurality of cables and tubes protrude from the end plate 46. An overhang 49 is attached to the front portion of the top plate 48 of the section.

Fig. 4A illustrates a front view of a portion of a tray assembly 2 according to the invention. The tray assembly 2 corresponds to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. IB. The tray assembly 2comprises two spaced apart sections 4, 4'. The outlet portion 10 connects the two adjacent sections 4, 4'. The outlet portion 10 comprises a plurality of outlet connections 22, 22', 22", 24, 25, 26, 28 protruding from the front plate 54 of the outlet portion 10.

Each outlet connection 22, 22', 22", 24, 25, 26, 28 is connected to a corresponding cable or tube. Each outlet connection 22, 22', 22", 28 of the tubes is in fluid communication with the corresponding tube. Each outlet connection 24, 25, 26 of the cables is electrically connected to the corresponding cable.

The first section 4 comprises a housing that comprises a front plate, a top plate and an end plate. The end plate bears against the left side wall of the outlet portion 10. A plurality of cables (see Fig. IB) and tubes (see Fig. IB) extend through the inner guiding portion of the first section 4 and protrudes from the end plate of the housing of the first section 4 (see Fig. IB). The second section 4' comprises a housing that comprises a front plate, a top plate and an end plate. The end plate bears against the right side wall of the outlet portion 10. A plurality of cables (see Fig. IB) and tubes (see Fig. IB) extend through the inner guiding portion of the second section 4' and protrudes from the left end plate of the housing of the second section 4' (see Fig. IB).

The cables from each section 4, 4' are electrically connected to an outlet that can be accessed from the outside by a user. Electrical cables (see Fig. IB) are electrically connected to an outlet 24 of the outlet portion 10. Electrical cables (see Fig. IB) are electrically connected to an outlet 25 of the outlet portion 10. Other electrical cables (see Fig. IB) are electrically connected to an outlet 26 of the outlet portion 10. These outlets 24, 25, 26 protrude from the front wall 54 of the outlet portion 10. The cables are electrically connected to the corresponding outlets 24, 25, 26 of the outlet portion 10 by means of electric connectors (not shown).

Similarly, the tubes from each section 4, 4' are in fluid communication with an outlet that can be accessed from the outside by a user. Some of the tubes (see Fig. IB) are in fluid communication with outlets 22, 22', 22" of the outlet portion 10. Some of the tubes (see Fig. IB) are in fluid communication with outlets 28 of the outlet portion 10. These outlets 22, 22', 22", 28 protrude from the front wall 54 of the outlet portion 10. The tubes can be connected to the corresponding outlets 22, 22', 22", 28 by using quick couplings, such as hydraulic quick connect couplings, pneumatic quick connect couplings, high-pressure thread-to-connect quick couplings, non-spill couplings or check valves. The use of check valves will allow the fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through the valve in only one direction.

The outlet portion 10 comprises handles 34 for carrying the outlet portion 10. The sections 4, 4' are provided with handles 32 protruding from the top plate of the sections 4, 4'.

Fig. 4B illustrates an end view of a portion of a section 4 of a tray assembly according to the invention. Fig. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional (opposite) end view of a section of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 4B.

The section 4 comprises a housing having a front plate 50, a top plate 48, a bottom plate 51, a rear plate 53 and two an end plates 46. A plurality of cables 14, 14', 15, 15', 16 and tubes 12, 18 extend through the inner guiding portion of the section 4 and protrudes from the end plate 46. The cables 14', 15', 16' and tubes 12', 18' extend through the inner guiding portion of the section 4 and protrudes from the end plate 46.

A handle 32 is attached to a reinforcement member 58 arranged inside the housing of the section 4. The top plate 48 and the bottom plate 51 are attached to the reinforcement member 58. Moreover, the rear plate 53 bears against the reinforcement member 58. The reinforcement member 58 makes it possible to transfer the weight of the section 4 to the handle 32. Without the reinforcement member 58, there would be a risk to experience that the handle 32 would be pulled out off the top plate 48.

The cables 14, 14', 15, 15' are guide in a guide structure 56 arranged in the inner guiding portion 8 of the housing of the section 4. The guide structure 56 is attached to the reinforcement member 58. Hereby, the weight of the cables 14, 14', 15, 15' is transferred to the reinforcement member 58.

Hooks 38, 38' are attached to and protrudes from the rear plate 53. The fixation structures (e.g. screws) used to fix the hooks 38, 38' to the rear plate 53 extend further into the reinforcement member 58. Accordingly, the weight of the section 4 is transferred from the reinforcement member 58 to the structure to which the hooks 38, 38' engages with, via the hooks 38, 38'.

The hooks 38, 38' are arranged and configured to detachably attach the section 4' to a structure (e.g. a wall). The hooks 38, 38' may be replaced by other types of mounting structures. In one embodiment, the section 4' may comprise a number of cavities/holes arranged and configured to receive hook structures mounted on a wall or another structure, on to which the section 4' must be mounted. An overhang 49 is attached to the top plate 48 of the section.

Fig. 5A illustrates a schematic perspective view of a portion of a tray assembly 2 according to the invention mounted on a scaffolding 60. Fig. 5B illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the tray assembly 2 shown in Fig. 5A. The tray assembly 2 comprises a section 4 corresponding to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 1A, Fig. IB, Fig. 2A og Fig. 2B.

A construction worker 64 is placed on the scaffolding 60. Even though it is not shown in Fig. 5A, the section comprises an outlet portion. The outlet portion may be arranged in any desired position of the section 4. Accordingly, the construction worker 64 can access any of the resources available from the outlets of the outlet portion. The section 4 comprises handles 32 protruding from the top plate 48.

The scaffolding 60 is attached to a construction wall 62. The construction wall is made of a corrugated wall. The wall 62 comprises trapeze metal plates. The scaffolding 60 can be attached to other types of structures such as wall built of bricks, wood or concrete.

Fig. 6A illustrates a top view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 5A. Fig. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A. It can be seen that the tray assembly comprises a first section 4 attached to the rail side of the scaffolding 60 and a second section 4' attached to the rear side of the scaffolding 60. The scaffolding 60 is attached to a construction wall 62 made of trapeze metal plates.

A construction worker 64 stands on the floor of the scaffolding 60. Even though it is not shown in Fig. 6A and 6B, each of the sections 4, 4' comprises one or more outlet portions. Therefore, the construction worker 64 can access any of the resources available from the outlets of the outlet portion.

Fig. 7A illustrates a front view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A. The tray assembly comprises a section 4 attached to a scaffolding 60. The scaffolding 60 is attached to a construction wall 62. A construction worker 64 stands on the scaffolding 60.

Fig. 7B illustrates a top view of the portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 5B. It can be seen that the scaffolding 60 is attached to a construction wall 62 made of trapeze metal plates. It can be seen that the tray assembly comprises a first section 4 attached to the rail side of the scaffolding 60 and a second section 4' attached to the rear side of the scaffolding 60.

Fig. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A. Fig. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the tray assembly shown in Fig. 6A. It can be seen that the scaffolding 60 is attached to a construction wall 62. The tray assembly comprises a first section 4 attached to the rail side of the scaffolding 60 and a second section 4' attached to the rear side of the scaffolding 60. A construction worker 64 is placed on the scaffolding 60. Fig. 9A illustrates an end view of a tray assembly according to the invention attached to a scaffolding. The tray assembly comprises a section 4 corresponding to the one shown in and explained with reference to Fig. 5A, Fig. 5B, Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B, Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B. The section 4 is attached to a bracket 66 that is fixed to a scaffolding member 74. A handle 32 protrudes from the top plate of the housing of the section 4.

Fig. 9B illustrates a tray assembly according to the invention attached to a scaffolding member 74. The section 4' is attached to a bracket 66 that is attached to a mounting base 68 that is attached to a scaffolding member 74 (a rod of the scaffolding). A handle 32 protrudes from the top plate of the housing of the section 4'. Both in Fig. 9A and in Fig. 9B it can be seen that the section 4, 4' comprises hooks 38 that are attached to pivots 72 of the brackets 66.

Fig. 9C illustrates a mounting base 68 for mounting a tray assembly according to the invention. The mounting base 68 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 9A and in Fig. 9B. The mounting base 68 is plateshaped and provided with slots 78 for mounting the mounting base 68 to a to a bracket 66 as the one shown in Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B and Fig. 9D. The slots 78 makes it possible to adjust the position of the mounting base 68 relative to the bracket 66.

Fig. 9D illustrates a bracket 66 for a mounting base as the one shown in Fig. 9C. The bracket 66 corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 9A and in Fig. 9B. The bracket 66 comprises a plate-shaped body portion provided with openings 76 for mounting the bracket 66 to a mounting base (e.g. by means of bolts and nuts. Two parallel pipe-shaped pivots 72 are attached to the plate-shaped body portion. The length of the pivots 72 extends perpendicular to the plane of the body portion. Fig. 10A illustrates a schematic, cross-sectional view of a tray assembly according to the invention. The tray assembly comprises a first section 4 and a second section 4' and an outlet portion 10 sandwiched between the first section 4 and the second section 4'. A tube 12 and a cable 16 extend along the length of the first section 4. A connection structure 80 is provided in the distal end of the tube 12. A connection piece 86 is provided in the distal end of the cable 16. Likewise, a tube 12' and a cable 16' extend along the length of the second section 4'. A connection structure 80' is provided in the distal end of the tube 12'. A connection piece 86' is provided in the distal end of the cable 16'.

The connection structure 80 is connected to a corresponding connection member 82 attached to the first side wall of the outlet portion 10. Hereby, an airtight connection is established between the tube 12 and the tube 90 via the engagement of the connection structure 80 and the connection member 82.

The connection structure 80' is connected to a corresponding connection member 82' attached to the second side wall of the outlet portion 10. Hereby, an airtight connection is established between the tube 12' and the tube 90 via the engagement of the connection structure 80' and the connection member 82'. Either the connection structure 80 or the corresponding connection member 82 or the combination thereof may constitute a blow back valve.

The connection piece 86 is connected to a corresponding connection element 88 attached to the first side wall of the outlet portion 10. Hereby, an electrical connection is established between the cable 16 of the first section 4 and the cable 16 of the outlet portion 10. Either the connection structure 80' or the corresponding connection member 82' or the combination thereof may constitute a blow back valve. Likewise, the connection piece 86' is connected to a corresponding connection element 88' attached to the opposite (second) side wall of the outlet portion 10. Hereby, an electrical connection is established between the cable 16' of the second section 4' and the cable 16 of the outlet portion 10.

In a preferred embodiment, each section 4, 4' is airtight. Hereby, no leaking gas from the tubes 12, 12' can escape.

Inside the outlet portion 10, a cable 17 is electrically connected to a plurality of electrical outlets 24, 25 provided at the front wall of the outlet portion 10. Hereby, access to electrical power can be achieved through the electrical outlets 24, 25. The electrical outlets 24, 25 may be shaped as electrical sockets. In one embodiment, the electrical outlets are formed as standard electrical sockets.

Inside the outlet portion 10, the tube 90 is connected to several tube elements 92 extending from the tube 90 to an outlet 22, 22', 22" provided at the front wall of the outlet portion 10. Hereby, easy access is established to the fluid in the tube 90.

A gas sensor 84 is arranged in a position, in which the gas sensor can detect a gas leakage from the tubes 90, 92. Accordingly, the gas sensor 84 can generate an alert in case of gas leakage. A pressure sensor 85 is arranged in a position, in which the pressure sensor 85 can detect the pressure inside the outlet portion 10.

In one embodiment, the tubes 90, 92 are provided as double tubes as shown in Fig. 10B.

Fig. 10B illustrates a schematic view of a double tube 90 of a tray assembly according to the invention. The double tube 90 comprises a first tube member 94 and a second tube member 94'. The first tube member 94 is arranged and configured to guide a fluid in one direction, wherein the second tube member 94' is arranged and configured to guide a fluid in the opposite direction.

Fig. 10C illustrates another tube 90 of a tray assembly according to the invention. The tube 90 comprises an inner tube 96' arranged inside an outer tube 90. By using the inner tube 96' to transport a fluid, the outer tube 96 constitutes a safety barrier that prevent a leakage if the inner tube 96' breaks.

Fig. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an outlet portion 10 of a tray assembly according to the invention. The outlet portion 10 comprises first space 98 and a second space 99. A tube 90 extends along the length of the first space 98. The tube 90 is in fluid communication with an outlet 22 provided at the outside of the front wall of the outlet portion 10. Accordingly, there is access to the fluid in the tube 90 via the outlet 22.

A cable 16 extends along the length of the second space 99. The cable 16 is electrically connected to an outlet 24 (an electrical socket) provided at the outside of the front wall of the outlet portion 10. Accordingly, there is access to electrical power via the outlet 24.

The outlet portion 10 comprises a sealing member 100 that separates the first space 98 from the second space 99.

Accordingly, in case of leakage from the tube 90, the fluid from the tube 90 cannot enter the second space 99 due to the sealing. In one embodiment, the sealing 100 is a gastight sealing made from a rubber material. In one embodiment, a gas sensor is provided in the first space 98.

In one embodiment, a gas sensor is provided in the second space 99.

In one embodiment, a pressure sensor is provided in the first space 98.

In one embodiment, a pressure sensor is provided in the second space

99.

List of reference numerals

2 Tray assembly

4, 4' Section

6 Guiding portion

8 Inner guiding portion

10 Outlet portion

12, 12' Tube

14, 14', 15, 15' Cable

16, 16', 17 Cable

18, 18' Tube

22, 22', 22", 24 Outlet

25, 26, 27, 28 Outlet

30 Opening

32, 34 Handle

36, 36' Bottom portion

38, 38' Hook

40 Top portion

42, 42' First end

44, 44' Second end

46, 46' End plate

47 Rear portion

48, 48' Top plate

49 Overhang

50, 50' Front plate

51 Bottom plate

52 Side wall

53 Rear plate

54 Front wall

56 Guide structure

58 Reinforcement member 60 Scaffolding

62 Construction wall

64 Construction worker

66 Bracket

68 Mounting base

72 Pivot

74 Scaffolding member

76 Hole

78 Slot

80, 80' Connection structure

82, 82' Connection member

84 Sensor

86, 86' Connection piece

88, 88' Connection element

90 Tube

92 Tube element

94, 94' Tube member

96 Outer tube

96' Inner tube

98 First space

99 Second space

100 Sealing member