ANTI-FALL SAFETY DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a safety device, specifically a device for safeguarding the life of a user in the event of an accidental fall from a working area at height, even more specifically a fall prevention safety device for the field of means of transport.

BACKGROUND ART

[002] In the state of the art there are numerous solutions to avoid the fall of a worker from a predetermined work height.

[003] In particular, these solutions are designed for workers operating at heights between 2 and 5 meters above the ground.

[004] This range of heights includes the work carried out on the roofs of trains, trucks and buses.

[005] Among the known solutions there are a plurality of scaffoldings, such as building scaffolding, which make it possible to create fixed platforms capable of facilitating the user's ascent and descent to and from the workplace at height.

[006] These solutions are not transportable and are not adapt to various operating contexts, but are built and adapted according to the work to be performed.

[007] In the state of the art there is a structure described in the patent EP3478370 which comprises a mobile base, a landing platform on a working area at height and a rotating arm to which an individual fall arrest system is connected. This solution allows the user to freely move within an area identified by the rotating arm, i.e. substantially circular or semi-circular in shape. This solution therefore does not allow movement along a large and shallow working area, such as the roof of a train or a bus, and therefore it requires numerous movements of the structure to be able to cover an entire working area.

[008] A further solution is known from document US2002079163, which describes a trolley equipped with an extendable and tiltable ladder. The upper portion of the ladder comprises a landing platform and a safety rail that projects forward above the platform. This solution is suitable for works on working areas at a certain height from the ground, but does not allow the user to move too far from the ladder. In particular, this solution does not allow the user to laterally move away from the ladder, because the attachment point is fixed. Alternatively, the attachment point moves, but only longitudinally. The user cannot therefore move and walk away to the right or left from the ladder. To use this ladder on a long and shallow surface such as the roof of a train or an airplane, it is therefore necessary to position the ladder next to the vehicle or in a longitudinal direction with respect to the means of transport, as shown in figure 1 of document US2002079163. Alternatively, the user has to get off the ladder, to move it sideways and to get back on it numerous times, wasting a lot of time and making a lot of effort.

[009] It is also known the solution of the patent document LIS2010006375, which describes a fixed structure which has a raised track to which it is possible to slidably connect a user's safety cable. This track runs transversely to the structure. The structure can also be transported using a forklift as it has sleeves that can be forklifted by the forklift. This solution is fixed and does not allow easy transport, furthermore it does not allow reaching the working area in safety because it has no means for this purpose.

[0010] The devices known in the state of the art do not solve several problems, in particular they do not provide a device:

- operable by a single user,

- that it is economical,

- that it is movable,

- that is adjustable in height,

- which simplifies the ascent and descent of the user,

- that it is always safe when the user uses it,

- which prevents the user to fall on the ground from the working area at height,

- that maximizes the width of the working area in which the user can operate safely,

- which safeguards the user's safety in any type of fall. SUMMARY

[0011] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0012] The mentioned disadvantages are overcome by a safety device comprising: a base structure resting on the ground, a movable structure configured to slide up and down on the base structure, wherein the movable structure supports a landing platform and a rail within which an anchor element slides; and wherein said rail is cantilevered in a principal direction from the base structure and is disposed at a predetermined height above the landing platform. Furthermore, the moveable structure is cantilevered from the base structure. The safety device thus conceived allows to operate in complete safety on a work surface at height which is particularly large. The device thus conceived also allows it to be used by a single user, who can easily and safely reach the landing platform, from which he can hook up to the anchoring element and therefore safely access the working area at height. Since the user is hooked to the anchoring element, for example by means of a harness and a safety cable connected to a harness, the user's fall to the ground from the working area at height is prevented. The cantilevered connection of the moveable structure with respect to the base structure allows the landing platform to extend towards the working area at height, thus allowing an easier access to the working area at height, while maintaining a vertical development of the safety device and therefore a minimized footprint.

[0013] In particular, the landing platform and the rail are fixed to the movable structure and the rail extends in a transverse direction with respect to said main direction. The transversal development of the rail allows the user to move along a lifeline that follows the shape of the working area at height, especially when this is a train or bus. The fact that the landing platform and the rail are fixed on the moveable structure, allows to raise or lower the whole landing interface on the working area, without having to adjust the height of the rail or the height of the platform independently and with the risk that the user, by incorrectly adjusting the heights, could injure himself in the event of a fall. For example, if the relative height between the landing platform and the rail were lowered by one meter, even the safety cable would also need to be replaced, otherwise the user’s fall from the working area could be fatal. [0014] Advantageously, the landing platform can comprise a railing and a door for accessing a working area at height. Preferably said door can be configured to allow access to the working area according to said main direction. The landing platform so delimited allows the user to safely remain inside it and without the risk of falling.

[0015] In particular, the landing platform can be cantilevered according to said main direction with respect to the base structure. This arrangement makes it easier for the user to disembark on the working area.

[0016] Preferably, the base structure can comprise at least one leg configured to move between a rest position in which the at least one leg is folded and an operating position in which the at least one leg extends in the main direction. The leg structured in this way facilitates the transportation of the device when at least one leg is folded, and it allows an optimal discharge of the forces to the ground, in the event of the user falling.

[0017] Advantageously, the base structure can comprise wheels for horizontally moving the safety device. Preferably, the wheels can be motorized. The wheels allow to move the device from one working area to another one or from one point of the same to another point. In the case of motorized wheels, the handling of the device is facilitated.

[0018] Furthermore, the safety device can comprise two anchoring portions shaped to receive the forks of a forklift truck. This feature allows to hook up the entire device and to easily transport it wherever you want. This type of transport is useful both during the delivery operations of the device and during its operational phases. Said anchoring portions can be arranged at an intermediate height of the base structure, so as to make transport more stable when the device is forklifted by a forklift.

[0019] Advantageously, the safety device can comprise an actuator connected to the base structure and to the moveable structure for raising and lowering said moveable structure together with its landing platform and its rail. This feature allows to easily vary the height of the landing platform and the rail, without effort from the user. Preferably, the actuator can comprise a worm screw to make the ascent/descent of the moveable structure easier and to make its descent irreversible when the actuation is interrupted. [0020] Preferably the device can comprise a first ladder connected to the base structure and a second ladder connected to the movable structure. The two ladders, sliding in relation to each other, allow to adjust the overall length of the stairway.

[0021] Furthermore, the safety device can comprise a sensor electronically connected to the actuator to stop its stroke when a step of the second ladder reaches the same height from the ground as another step of the first ladder. This system allows the user to have a ladder with steps always spaced out in the same way and therefore an easier ascent/descent.

[0022] In particular, the first ladder can be arranged, at least in part, inside the base structure, to protect the user during the ascent towards the landing platform.

[0023] The base structure may comprise two legs arranged diagonally with respect to the main direction and the transverse direction. This leg arrangement makes the device more stable if the user falls and during normal use of the device.

[0024] The movable structure can comprise a vertical portion to which a support frame is constrained, which, in turn, is constrained at its distal end to the rail. This architecture of the moveable structure allows the vertical portion to slide with respect to the base structure and the support frame to remain spaced with respect to the base structure.

[0025] The landing platform can also be cantileverly connected to the vertical portion of the moveable structure. In this way, both the landing platform and the rail are moveable with respect to the base structure, facilitating their use and configuration. This configuration also allows an optimal distribution of forces on the base structure.

[0026] In particular, the length of the legs along the main direction may be less than the extension along the main direction of the support frame of the rail. The safety device thus conceived has relatively short legs which do not interfere with the means of transport on which it is necessary to work. For example, trains are practically closed in their lower part, so long legs would not be able to get under the train and the device would remain too far from the vehicle to be used. On the other hand, the legs thus conceived allow the safety device to approach the train and therefore to use the device fully and completely. [0027] Preferably, the base structure develops vertically with respect to the ground and the height of the base structure is at least three times its width and/or depth. This means that the footprint of the device is small compared to the useful height of the device.

[0028] In particular, the landing platform develops along the transverse direction and cantilevers on both sides with respect to the base structure. This configuration allows for a wider and easier access to the working area, even of two users at the same time.

[0029] These and other advantages will become apparent in more detail from the description, given hereinafter, of an embodiment given by way of example and not of limitation with reference to the attached drawings.

DRAWINGS DESCRIPTION

[0030] The technical characteristics of the present invention, as well as its advantages, will become clear from the following description purely by way of nonlimiting example, to be considered together with the drawings attached herein in which:

- Figure 1 shows a front isometric view of the anti-fall safety device according to the present invention;

- Figure 2 shows a rear isometric view of the anti-fall safety device according to the present invention;

- Figure 3A shows a side view of the anti-fall safety device according to the present invention in a first operating position;

- Figure 3B shows a side view of the anti-fall safety device according to the present invention in a second operating position;

- Figure 4 shows a top view of the anti-fall safety device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Both this description and these drawings are to be considered for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes only; therefore the present invention can be implemented according to other and different embodiments; moreover, it must be remembered that these figures are schematic and simplified. [0032] The same reference numbers in the drawings identify the same or similar elements. The object of the invention is defined by the attached claims.

[0033] The technical details, the structures or the characteristics of the solutions described below can be combined with each other in any way.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 1 , a safety device 1 is shown comprising a base structure 2 and a moveable structure 3.

[0035] The base structure 2 is shaped so as to develop vertically and comprises a base 22, which rests on the ground G, having a depth and width equal to less than % of the height of the base structure 2, to have a small footprint. This ground footprint of the base structure 2 leads to a highly maneuverable device which, for example in the railway sector, where the platforms are narrow, takes up little space.

[0036] The moveable structure 3 slides on one side of the base structure 2. The moveable structure 3 is shaped so as to engage the base structure 2. The moveable structure 3 faces the outside of the base structure 2 according to a main direction X.

[0037] The moveable structure 3 comprises a vertical portion 24 to which the landing platform 4 and, higher up, the rail 5 are connected.

[0038] The moveable structure 3 slides on guides arranged on the base structure 2, on the same side there is also the landing platform 4 and the rail 5.

[0039] Two anchor portions 10 are connected to the base structure 2. The anchor portions 10 preferably extend in the main direction X.

[0040] The rail 5 comprises a support frame 23 constrained to the vertical portion 24 of the moveable structure 3. This frame 23 extends overhanging with respect to the vertical portion 24 and, at its distal end with respect to the vertical portion 24, the rail 5 is constrained.

[0041] The rail 5 extends along a transversal direction Y which is perpendicular to the main direction X. Basically, rail 5 extends along the width of the safety device 1.

[0042] An anchoring element 15 slides inside the rail 5 and it is possible to hook a safety cable 25 or a reel to it. The safety cable 25 or reel, at the opposite end, is connected to the harness 26 of a user 27, as illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B. [0043] The anchoring element 15 can comprise a carriage (not shown) configured to slide within the rail 5. The anchoring element 15 can also comprise a ring rigidly connected to said carriage. To this ring of the anchoring element 15 it is possible to hook a carabiner of the safety cable 25, to constrain the user 27 and his harness 26 to the safety device 1. The user 27 can now descend in complete safety on the working area at height A, which in Figs. 1-4 is represented by the roof of a train/bus 30 and it is represented in a schematic manner by the lines of its profile.

[0044] The landing platform 4 is cantileverly connected to the vertical portion 24 of the moveable structure 3, according to the same main direction X in which the support frame 23 of the rail 5 is cantilevered with respect to the vertical portion 24. [0045] If observed from a side, the moveable structure 3 is substantially C-shaped, with the support frame 23 of the rail 5 and the landing platform 4 protruding from the same side with respect to the vertical portion 24. This structure allows for optimal unloading of the forces on the base structure 2.

[0046] The landing platform 4 extends transversally in a cantilevered manner with respect to the moveable structure 3.

[0047] The rail 5 is arranged at a predetermined height H above the landing platform 4. In particular, as illustrated in Fig. 2, said predetermined height H is calculated from the walking surface 28 of the platform 4 to the lower surface of the rail 5. Said predetermined height H is fixed and preferably corresponds to 330 cm or, alternatively, to a height H comprised between 250 and 350 cm.

[0048] The second ladder 13 is also connected to the vertical portion 24 of the moveable structure 3. The ladder is preferably a ladder comprising a sailor portion to protect the user 27 in the highest part of the second ladder 13. The second ladder 13 faces the opposite side of the vertical portion 24 with respect to the landing platform 4, so as to slide inside the base structure 2, as illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0049] A first ladder 12 is connected to the base structure 2. The first ladder 2 is preferably a stepladder. The first ladder 12 and the second ladder 13 run parallel to each other. Preferably the second ladder 13 is arranged behind the first ladder 12, i.e. between the first ladder 12 and the vertical portion 24. [0050] The first ladder 12 is arranged, at least in part, inside the base structure 2, so as to protect the user 27 during the ascent.

[0051] The landing platform 4 also comprises a railing 6 and a door 7 which allows access to the working area at height A, as illustrated in Figs. 3A, 3B and 4. The door 7 is oriented orthogonally with respect to the main direction X, as shown in Figs. 3A, 3B and 4.

[0052] The working area at height can be the roof of a train, as schematized in Figs. 1-4, or the roof of a bus or truck.

[0053] The base structure 2 further comprises two legs 8 which in Figs. 1-4 extend at least partially in the X direction. The legs 8 are arranged diagonally with respect to the X and Y directions, so as to discharge on the ground G any forces which, along the X direction or the Y direction, are applied to the anchoring element 15. The length of the legs 8 in the X direction is less than the extension in the X direction of the support frame 23 of the rail 5. Optionally, the legs 18 are also configured to fold, so as not to protrude during the transport of the safety device 1 . Alternatively, the legs 18 can be detachable from the base 22.

[0054] The legs 18 can include feet for fixing the base 22 to the ground G.

[0055] The base 22 can also comprise wheels 9, preferably four wheels, to facilitate the movement of the safety device 1 .

[0056] The base structure 2 also comprises handles 29 to be able to pull and push the safety device 1 more easily.

[0057] The two anchoring portions 10 are configured to be able to be forklifted by the forks 21 of a forklift 20. The anchoring portions 10 are structures with a "C" or "G" profile which develop longitudinally in the X direction. The forklift 20 can therefore fork the safety device 1 from behind to transport it where necessary. The anchoring portions 10 are arranged at an intermediate height of the base structure 2, preferably at about half the height of the base structure 2. This allows the safety device 1 to be put on and transported in a more stable manner. Given the height of the safety device 1 , if the anchoring portions 10 were arranged at the bottom of the base structure 2, the safety device 1 could swing during transport and tip over.

[0058] The base structure 2 also comprises an element which creates an end-of- stroke for the vertical downward movement of the moveable structure 3. [0059] The moveable structure 3 is mobile up and down with respect to the base structure 2 thanks to an actuator 11. The actuator 11 of Fig. 1 comprises a worm screw. By rotating the worm screw, the moveable structure 3 rises or falls with respect to the base structure 2. The drive of the actuator 11 is of the electric type. When the helix angle of the worm screw is lower than the friction angle, the screw is irreversible and the moveable structure 3 does not descend downwards by gravity if the actuator 11 is inactive.

[0060] Alternatively, the actuator 11 can be a hydraulic piston (not shown).

[0061] Preferably, the actuator 11 is electrically connected to a control unit (not shown) which controls its functionality.

[0062] The actuator 11 is also connected to a position sensor 14, either directly or through the control unit, that detects the relative position of the first ladder 12 with respect to the second ladder 13. The sensor 14 is configured to detect when a step 13' of the second ladder 13 is at the same height from the ground G with respect to another step 12' of the first ladder 12. Basically, the sensor 14 detects when the steps 12' and 13' of the two ladders 12,13 are aligned , thus allowing the user to perceive the first ladder 12 as continuous with respect to the second ladder 13.

[0063] To power the actuator 11 and the sensor 14, the safety device 1 comprises a battery (not shown).

[0064] The energy of the battery also makes it possible to power the wheels 9 when these are motorized, as well as any other electrical device installed on board the safety device 1 .

[0065] Legend of reference signs:

1 safety device

2 base structure

3 moveable structure

4 landing platform

5 rail

6 railing

7 door

8 legs

9 wheels 10 anchoring portion

11 actuator

12 first ladder

12' step of first ladder

13 second ladder

13' step of second ladder

14 sensor

15 anchoring element

20 forklift

21 forklift forks

22 base

23 support frame of rail

24 vertical portion of the moveable structure

25 safety cable

26 harness

27 user

28 walking surface

29 handles

30 train/bus

X main direction

Y transverse direction

H height of rail

G ground

A working area at height