EP2930082A1

EP2930082A1 - Apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP2930082A1
Application number: EP15162816.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Colin Chapman; George Nolan
Original assignee: Safe Media Ltd
Current assignee: Safe Media Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-08
Filing date: 2015-04-08
Publication date: 2015-10-14
Anticipated expiration: 2035-04-08
Also published as: GB2525172B; GB2525172A; EP2930082B1; GB201406323D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle and to a method of assembling an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a base structure and a plurality of elongate members having a first end mounted to the base structure and a second end opposite the first end, the apparatus arranged in use such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the elongate members are pressed together and the faces of the second ends form a supporting surface.

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle and to a method of assembling an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle.
Transport networks, including underground or metro services in large cities and overland train services, traditionally use stations with platforms formed at a convenient height to allow passengers to walk straight on to a stationary train, tram or other vehicle without having to contend with steps. This of course makes boarding safer and easier, and reduces the time that the vehicle must spend stationary at the platform.
One problem with the current system, however, is that there is often a large space between the edge of the platform and the entrance to the vehicle. This problem can be exacerbated if the platform follows a bend or if old stations are required to accommodate newer and differently designed trains. There are standards that outline maximum horizontal gap sizes for new trains at new platforms; however these are not applicable in the case of older vehicles and stations. The gap can be variable and thus unpredictable, leading to accidents as people navigate their way onto trains or try to push buggies and other wheeled devices from or onto the platform.
Measures have been taken to mitigate this problem by reminding passengers of the danger and encouraging them to take care. Attempted solutions vary from announcements such as the well-known "mind the gap" notice on the London underground to brightly painted warnings on the platforms themselves.
US-A-5,845,580 describes a mechanism for fitting to a platform edge in a station along a portion of its length. The mechanism comprises flexible sheet like members mounted onto the vertical edge of the platform by one side, also orientated vertically. These members extend perpendicularly to the platform edge when there is no train present, but are able to bend from side to side so as to allow a train to move alongside the platform whilst partly filling the gap between the two and providing a partially filled surface. US-A-2010/224,097 describes a very similar solution, this time employing, in some embodiments, a slot and key type mechanism in order to attach members to the platform.
It is fairly common to use ramps attached to train doors or small hinged sections of metal in order to provide a temporary ramp between the train and the platform (see US-A-2010/282,119 for example). Alternatively, the ramp may be a completely separate structure and able to be carried and placed next to the train door by station staff when required. Of course, deploying such a ramp structure takes time and the effort of the train staff and is only effective in the door area of a vehicle.
In New York several stations have "platform fillers" of the type produced by Manning & Lewis engineering fitted to the platform and aligned with the doors of a stationary train. Mechanical, extendable flaps move out from the platform edge after the train has come to a stop. These mechanisms are complicated to install and replace, will likely increase the time spent by a train at the station, and may even lead to more serious accidents if a passenger gets caught between the stationary train and extending platform.
Gap filling apparatus on platforms have not thus far been widely accepted. They tend, in general, to be complex and difficult to repair or replace and often need to be tailored to particular platform configurations.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a base structure and a plurality of elongate members having a first end mounted to the base structure and a second end opposite the first end, the apparatus arranged in use such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the elongate members are pressed together and the faces of the second ends form a supporting surface.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a plurality of elongate members having a first end mounted to the platform and a second end opposite the first end such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the elongate members are pressed together and the faces of the second ends form a supporting surface.
The present invention provides a novel solution to the safety issue of varied gaps between the edges of platforms and stationary vehicles. The gap filling apparatus of the present invention is easy to install and replace, cheap to produce, flexible enough to adapt to varying gap sizes and strong enough to support the weight of a passenger (and luggage) moving between a platform and vehicle.
In an embodiment, the supporting surface is substantially level with the platform floor. Providing a support surface at the level of the platform approximates a continuation of the platform surface and eliminates any stepped levels. This allows passengers to move from platform to vehicle and vice versa with reduced risk of tripping.
In an embodiment, the gap filling apparatus extends along substantially the entire length of the platform. Clearly, a gap filling apparatus is required next to the entrance to a vehicle in order to prevent passengers accidentally stepping into the gap when moving from and to the platform. However, eliminating the gap along the whole length of the platform means that when a vehicle stands at the station and passengers approach the edge of the platform the chance of dropping belongings onto the track is greatly reduced. Moreover, the vehicle is not limited to stopping at a particular point on the platform in order to align the apparatus with entrance points.
In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises supporting brackets attached to the platform edge. The use of brackets spaced at intervals along a platform means using only a fraction of the material that would be required to provide a continuous fixing.
Preferably, the bracket is sized for attachment at intervals at 1 meter along a platform.
Preferably, brackets are attached at intervals of between 0.5 and 2 meters along the platform. More preferably, brackets are attached at around 1 meter intervals along the platform. It is important to ensure that fixings can support the weight of the structure; however as will be appreciated it is also desired to use as little material as possible in order to save on manufacturing costs. Spacing the brackets at around 1 meter intervals should provide enough strength to support the main body of the apparatus.
In an embodiment, each bracket is attached to an arm. The arms allow the elongate members and the rest of the structure to be supported on the brackets whilst being held at the correct level for the supporting surface (or the end faces of the elongate members) to be flush with the platform.
In an embodiment, the attachment between each bracket and arm is hinged so that the arm can pivot towards and away from the platform edge. In this way the arms also provide a means by which to vary the angle of the elongate members whilst the apparatus is in use.
In an embodiment, the arms have a spigot joint along their length to allow a portion of the arm adjacent the bracket to be separable from a portion of the arm adjacent the elongate members and supporting structure. This spigot joint can be used to easily remove the upper portion of the apparatus including the elongate members and the supporting structure to which they are attached from the bracket portion. The upper portion can then be repaired or replaced with ease.
In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a damping member between each arm and the platform edge which biases movement of the arm in a direction away from the platform. It is beneficial if the structure is able to return to an equilibrium position when there is no vehicle adjacent to the platform at which time the elongate members are no longer being compressed. This will help to avoid a situation where elongate members tend to remain nearer to the platform edge after a vehicle has left the station, and ensures that the mechanism will be able to function well for subsequent vehicles which may allow for larger gaps.
In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a base structure such as a rail to which the first end of the plurality of elongate structures is attached.
Preferably, the base structure forms a channel, and more preferably, the base structure has one or more drainage holes formed therein.
Manufacturing the rail and attached members as separate from the mounting structure is simpler and allows this part of the apparatus to be removable from the mounts for replacement, repair or cleaning. The elongate members are likely to be the part of the apparatus most vulnerable to wear since it is these that will contact the sides of a vehicle as it moves into and out of a station and the feet of passengers, belongings being dragged etc. The rail provides a convenient way to transport a large number of small elongate members together and to orientate them relative to the platform.
In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a continuous channel in which the rail is slidably mounted. The rail and elongate members can thus be fixed onto the edge of the platform in a manner that will facilitate quick and easy removal when maintenance is needed. No further fixings are required and the shape of the rail and channel can be designed to prevent rotation of the elongate members relative to the channels or to allow a certain amount of rotation.
In an embodiment, the elongate members have different lengths so that the supporting surface slopes upwards away from the platform edge. The probability of objects being pushed along the platform and over the edge is reduced and because vehicle floors tend to be stepped up slightly from the platform a smoother transition from platform to vehicle is provided.
In an embodiment, the second ends of the elongate members are brightly coloured. A stark contrast between the edge of the platform itself and the visible surface of the gap filling apparatus will help to mark the platform edge much more clearly. It will also help to prevent passengers from stepping onto the elongate members when no train is stopped at the station at which point members may not be sufficiently densely packed (or remain sufficiently densely packed after a force is applied from above) to support the weight of a person.
In an embodiment, the second ends of the elongate members are differently coloured in order to form images and/or words on the supporting surface. Images can be designed to become clearer when elongate members are pressed together and may be used to advertise products for sponsors, generating some of the revenue required to maintain the apparatus.
In an embodiment, the elongate members have a wider portion adjacent their second end. A more continuous surface can be produced if members have thickened ends (which may take the form of a small nub or a slowly thickening portion with a flat end). Members do not need to be as densely packed in order to achieve a relatively continuous supporting surface.
In an embodiment, the elongate members are formed of a polyamide material. Synthetic polymers such as nylon would be particularly suitable. The particular properties could then be tailored for use to provide durable, non-flammable members with a high resistance to mould, mildew, rot, and chemicals.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the method comprising: mounting the first end of plurality of elongate members to the platform such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the elongate members are pressed together and the faces of a second end of the elongate members opposite the first end form a supporting surface.
In an embodiment, after mounting the first ends of elongate members to the platform, the elongate members are detached from the platform.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a compressible block of material having a first end for mounting to a platform and a second end opposite the first end such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the block is compressed along at least part of its length so as to form a supporting surface.
In contrast to the first or second aspects of the present invention wherein the supporting surface is formed by the ends of a plurality of elongate members, in this aspect the supporting surface is formed by the compressed end of a block of material such as a foam or sponge type material. Other features expressed above as being provided in an embodiment can also be provided with this third aspect, as appropriate. For example the details of the brackets and arms by which the compressible block or material can be mounted to a platform apply equally to this aspect.
Any features stated above as being provided in an embodiment can be provided in combination with one or more other such features together with any of the aspects of the present invention.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a gap filling apparatus mounted to a platform edge at a time when no train present;
Figure 2A shows a gap filling apparatus mounted to a platform edge in front projection;
Figure 2B shows a gap filling apparatus in plan view without (and with) a vehicle pulled up adjacent the platform;
Figure 3A shows a bracket viewed from the side;
Figure 3B shows a bracket in front projection;
Figure 4 shows the attachment of an arm to a bracket;
Figure 5 shows a section view of a gap filling apparatus;
Figure 6 shows a side view of a gap filling apparatus when a train is adjacent the platform;
Figure 7A shows elongate members having an oval cross section from above in uncompressed and compressed configurations;
Figure 7B shows elongate members having a hexagonal cross section from above in uncompressed and compressed configurations;
Figure 8 shows elongate members having wider end portions.

Figures 1 and 2A show a gap filling apparatus 1 mounted to the side of a train platform at a time when no train is pulled up. Figure 1 shows a side view of the apparatus and Figure 2A shows the apparatus in front projection. The gap filling apparatus includes a plurality of elongate members 15, which, as will be described below, serve in use to provide a surface 21 which can act as a bridge between a platform 3 and a vehicle such as train positioned at the platform, i.e. at rest within a station. The gap filling apparatus comprises a series of brackets 2 for attachment and in the example shown actually attached, to the edge of the platform 3 at approximately 1 meter intervals. Each bracket 2 is attached to a first arm 4, shown projecting vertically in the figure, which can pivot relative to the bracket in a direction towards or away from the platform.
A damper 5 (such as a spring or piece of elastic cushioning material) is located between the platform edge 6 and the pivotally mounted first arm 4 to prevent excess movement of the apparatus towards the platform which may then contact the platform and become worn or damaged. The first arm 4 is preferably mounted with a hinge to enable it to pivot as described herein. The spring or cushion 5 will also encourage the first arm 4 to return to an equilibrium position whenever the platform is empty which is useful to allow the mechanism to adapt to varying gap sizes.
The upper ends of each first arm 4 are joined to a base structure 7 orientated at right angles to the arms. In an embodiment, this base structure is a continuous channel having a flat base section and two walls. It may, however, simply comprise a flat or curved surface, or any suitable surface to which elongate members can be fixed at one end. The term "base structure" simply refers to the continuous or partly continuous surface to having fixed or arranged thereon (or attached thereto) the plurality of elongate members. The elongate members 15 are fixed at one of their ends to the base structure. Attachment may be by any means including use of adhesive, clamping or formation with the base surface. The base structure provides a convenient means for transporting and mounting the elongate members during manufacture or replacement and holds them at a desired separation (from each other and/or from the platform and a vehicle) during use.
The continuous channel may itself have arms 8, referred to herein as second arms 8, protruding for engagement with the hinged first arms 4 on the brackets 2. Preferably, the arms 8 protrude at right angles from the base structure and preferably they are spaced so that they align and can engage with the first arms 4 on the brackets 2. The end portion of each of the second arms 8 is shaped so as to fit snuggly inside open ends of the first arms 4. This provides an efficient and simple means by which the continuous channel 7 can be removably attached to the first arms 4 and held in place adjacent to the platform edge 6.
Of course, the means by which the mating is achieved can be selected and varied as desired. The connectors or mating sections on the ends of the first 4 and second 8 arms are interchangeable in that the second arms may be provided with hollow end portions and the first arms 4 which have corresponding solid end portions which fit inside the open portions on the second arms.
The joint may include compressible protrusions which press in as the hollow and solid portions are fitted together and then rebound through a hole or indent in order to prevent the two arms 8 and 4 from sliding apart during use. This type of arrangement is useful in that it allows the channel or base structure to be easily aligned and is reversible; however in an embodiment the second arms 8 can be completely dispensed with and first arms 4 joined to continuous channel 7 by some other means such as clamps or an adhesive substance. Preferably, the second arms 8 are shorter than the first arms 4.
In one example, the second arms are defined merely by sockets, say 3-10cm long, provided as an integrated part of the channel 7 and arranged to engage with the first arms 4 so as to enable the arms 4 to lockably engage with the continuous channel 7.
The channel or base structure may have a hole or a series of holes in the base in order to facilitate drainage. This way on an exposed platform the channel will not fill up with water causing the channel portion to become heavier and harder to move or to control. The danger of water splashing up at passengers as a train moves into a platform or the structure is disturbed in some other way is also avoided. Channel portions may alternatively be slightly sloped in order to allow water to drain from one end. The sloping can be achieved in any convenient way, e.g. by the connection to the arms or by providing a variable thickness for the base of the channel so as to cause water to run in a desired direction towards the drainage holes or towards some end of or point within the channels.
Brackets 2 are attached (e.g. bolted) to the edge of a platform by any suitable means including fasteners 9 which may be screws, plugs, nails, bolts or some other suitable mechanism. The fasteners 9 can be integral to the brackets 2 or they can be provided to extend through holes in a base portion 10 of the brackets 2. When the fasteners engage with the holes in the platform wall after insertion, they hold the brackets 2 fast to the platform edge 6.
The brackets 2 comprise a planar base portion 10 which is fixed to the platform edge (either directly or to a block that is fixed to the platform edge) and protruding planar portions 11 extending at 90 degrees to the base 10. Figures 3A and 3B provide a front and side view of a bracket respectively. Protruding portions in this case are substantially semi-circular but they may be any shape or size that hold bracket arms 4 in brackets 2 at a desired distance from the platform edge but will not contact a train or vehicle that is stopped next to the platform. The semi-circular shape shown in the figures is efficient in that allows a strong join to be formed between brackets and arms but uses minimal material (less, for example, than would a square shaped bracket).
First arms 4 may be held at their bottom end in a hinged cup in order further to support the bracket arms, base structure and elongate members. A single semi-circular protrusion may be enough to support a first arm 4 in which case material cost can be minimised.
Figure 4 shows the attachment of a first arm 4 to a bracket 2 in more detail. Semi-circular portions 11 each have a hole or detent 12 through or into which a protruding section 13 of first arm 4 can extend. Thus by interaction between the hole or detent 12 and the protruding section 13 the arm is able pivot relative to the semi-circular portions 11. In embodiments, the protruding section(s) and hole(s) or detent(s) can move relative to each other allowing some play of the first arm 4 in the direction of arrow 14. The fit between the protruding section 13 and holes 12 may be fairly tight in order to prevent excess movement. Alternatively, the hole and protrusion may be shaped so as to allow movement to a certain angle of the bracket arms only.
Some means is provided to prevent excess movement of the first arm 4 away from the platform in the absence of a vehicle. This may be in the form of a second spring or cushion biasing the arm in a direction towards the platform (against the action of spring 5). Again, this second biasing member acts to prevent excess movement of the first arm 4 away from the platform in the absence of a vehicle. A nut may be attached at the end of each protruding section to prevent sideways movement of the arms (along the length of the platform). The nut can then be tightened or loosened to prevent first arms 4 from pivoting too easily or to allow the arm to pivot with less force if desired.
Referring to Figure 5 which shows a section view of gap filling apparatus 1, gap filling is achieved byway of a plurality of elongate members 15 having one free end 16 and one end 17 fixed to a base structure 18 which comprises an additional portion that can be slidably mounted in the continuous channel 17 as a rail, and to which elongate members are attached. The rail need not necessarily be slidably mounted in the channel. For example, it can be mounted or fastened to the channel so that it can be removed in sections by lifting away from the channel.
The elongate members 15 are orientated substantially perpendicularly to the platform floor 19. Where the platform wall 6 is upright with respect to the floor or track on which the vehicle is positioned, the longitudinal length of the elongate members 15 runs substantially parallel to the platform edge 6 as shown in Figure 5. Elongate members 15 are fixed to rail 18 at end 17 in close proximity to one another. The elongate members 15 are sufficiently bendable or have enough give in them, such that by applying a force in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the elongate members 15 it is possible to compress the whole structure or elongate members as a group and press the elongate members closer together. Dividers (not shown) can be provided within the channel transverse to its length, at positions along the length of the channel, say, every meter, or every half meter (or at any desired interval), so that when a force is applied from one side, e.g. the right hand side in Figure 5 due to the presence of a vehicle, the individual members 15 do not simply splay out at the axial ends of the channel 17 but are forced together to form a solid surface on their uppermost ends.
Some parts of the individual members 15 may be designed to be smooth or rollable so that as a train pulls into the platform, friction in the direction of the train's movement is minimised and the members do not bend in this direction to such an extent. The members 15 may, for example be coated with PTFE (Teflon ®) or have a Teflon or Teflon coated end portion. Teflon has an extremely low coefficient of friction and thus would be well suited to sliding along the side surface of a train or tram without causing damage to the vehicle or deformation of the gap filling structure. In an embodiment, only the elongate members on the side furthest from the platform may be smoother, rollable or Teflon coated in order to save on manufacturing costs.
The width of the horizontal space between a train and platform when the latter is alongside a platform is generally smaller than the width of the (incomplete) surface formed by the end faces of the elongate members in their uncompressed state. Thus, when a train 20 pulls up alongside the platform elongate members 15 contact the side of the train 20 and are compressed together as illustrated in Figure 6. When this happens, the surface 21 formed by their ends becomes more continuous (less fragmented). Gap sizes may vary and clearly in the case of a wider gap, elongate members 15 will not be packed so closely together. The size, material and number of elongate members 15 as well as the packing density can be chosen so that when the members 15 are compressed in the widest gap they are still densely packed enough to be capable of supporting the weight of a passenger. The presence of the train or vehicle wall (optionally, together with the dividers when present) will prevent the elongate members from splaying out under pressure from the weight of a person or object. The required packing density will of course partly depend on the flexibility of the members.
Figure 2B shows a schematic view of the variation in width, as seen from above, of the support surface between its configuration when no vehicle is present at the platform and that when a vehicle is present. Typically, in plan view, the uncompressed width W₁ of the support surface is between 5 and 40cm and more preferably between 10 and 30cm. When compressed, the width W₂ is preferably between 4 and 35cm and preferably between about 8 and 25 or 8 and 15cm.
It is preferable for the elongate members 15 to be substantially incompressible longitudinally but bendable along their lengths in order to adapt to different gap sizes. Elongate members 15 may be formed of some type of polyamide or a similar material. The fact that the arm itself can rotate to an extent and can rotate independently of other arms mounted along the platform helps to angle the rail and attached elongate members and allows more compression in the case of a smaller gap.
The elongate members in one example are themselves each compressible in a transverse direction, i.e. not along their length, but across their widths or cross section. This enables them to give slightly when squashed together between a vehicle and the platform, which in turn ensures that the platform they provide on their upper surface will be substantially without gaps. In other words, both the block of elongate members and the individual members are compressible. This means that upon application of force due to the presence of a vehicle, a first compression occurs of the block, in which gaps between individual members are consumed or filled up, and then a further compression is achievable upon application of more force between the vehicle and platform.
Packing density, number and size/shape of members may be adapted to suit individual platforms and thus may vary along the length of the supporting rail.
Elongate members may be cylindrical in shape for ease of production, however if the member cross sections form interlinking shapes, such as hexagons or cuboids then it becomes possible to produce a nearly continuous upper surface 21 by pressing the elongate members together so that they are tightly packed. Figures 7A and 7B show ends 16 of elongate members 15 from above in a case where members 15 have a circular or elliptical cross section (7A) and in a case where their cross section is hexagonal (7B). Members 15 may also comprise a thicker section 22 at the top end 16 (see Figure 8) which should result in a more continuous surface when the members are compressed together.
The average diameter of each of the elongate members is typically between about 0.1 and 4mm. Preferably the elongate members are tapered along their length such that at the first end, where they are connected to the base structure, they have a smaller diameter than at the second end that forms the support surface. Typically, they have a diameter of about 0.1 to 1 mm at the first end and they have an average diameter of about 0.6 to 4mm at the second end that forms the support surface. Preferably, they have a diameter of about 0.2 to 0.4mm at the first end, and an average diameter of about 1.3 to 2.5mm at the second end that forms the support surface.
In terms of length, the elongate members may be anything from about 15cm to about 50cm long. Clearly if the surface that they are to provide is to slope upwards (between platform and vehicle), the length of the elongate members will not be the same within a single apparatus, but will vary as required to form the desired profile or contours. The shape and configuration of the base structure will also need to be taken into account to determine the contours of the support surface that will be formed in use.
In some embodiments, the length and positioning of the elongate members 15 is such that the surface 21 produced by their ends when tightly packed slopes upwards slightly away from the platform. This sloped surface helps to prevent litter or belongings from being kicked onto the track.
Elongate members 15 can be formed of a luminous material or painted so that at least their free end surfaces are brightly coloured. This helps to clearly mark the edge of the platform and will prevent passengers from stepping onto the gap filling apparatus when a train is not present (at which time they may not be densely packed enough to support a person's weight). Producing coloured elongate members also gives a provider the option of producing words or images on surface 21 which in embodiments may become clearer when the members are tightly packed (or when they are not) in order to advertise products and generate revenue or to provide warning signs.
In embodiments, the rail 18 and elongate members 15 are fixed to the continuous channel 7 by sliding the rail into the channel from one end. Either channel sections must be short enough that they can be mounted consecutively along a curved platform or they must be curved to match the camber of the platform. In the latter case, rails may be slightly bendable in order to allow them to be removed from channels. Channels themselves may also be bendable to some extent so that one need only produce a homogenised length of channel and curve it during mounting to suit different platform configurations. Curved channel and rail sections can also be formed as an individual solid piece to fit to a particular section of a platform. This will allow the use of a strong material such as steel which is extremely robust. Rails cannot be removed from a channel, however, which makes replacement and cleaning of the apparatus more difficult. It is preferable to have short rail and channel sections next to curved sections of the platform so that the material out of which rail and channel sections are formed may be cheap and robust (e.g. steel) and will still work when fitted to a curved platform. Standard sections of the apparatus can then be produced that do not need to be tailored to specific platforms. Similarly, where the base structure comprises only a channel or a surface this structure may be curved in order to follow the camber of the platform, or may be formed of a slightly flexible material that can be adapted to suit different platform shapes.
Channels and rails have corresponding (mating) shapes so that rails can be easily inserted and tightly fitted into channels (see Figure 5). It is preferable for the cross section of the rail to be non-circular so that protrusions may prevent turning of the rail within the channel. If some flexibility is desired a circular shape can be used or a partially circular shape so that the rail can turn to a point after which it is prevented from continuing to turn.
The rails 18 being slidably mounted within channels 7 in the manner described above as well as the fact that first and second arms can be detached from each other allows elongate members 15 to be dismounted from the platform for replacement and repair or for cleaning. The bracket hinge mechanism can also allow arms to be pulled to at least a 90° angle to shake out dirt or objects caught between the elongate members 15. It is desirable to prevent the arms 4 (and 8) from angling at 90° whilst the apparatus is in use and to prevent this from happening a locking pin or other mechanism may be included which will act to stop movement of the arms past a certain angle (e.g. 30°) during use and can be unfastened to angle the arms at 90° for cleaning. In one example, the first arms can be configured to pivot by up to 180° or more so that they can lie down flat against the platform when not in use or when ready for cleaning.
As mentioned above, in another aspect, there is provided an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a compressible block of material having a first end for mounting to a platform and a second end opposite the first end such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the block is compressed along at least part of its length so as to form a supporting surface.
In contrast to the first aspect the supporting surface is formed by the compressed end of a block of material such as a foam or sponge material. Referring to Figures 5 and 6 it can be understood that instead of the elongate members 1 being used as the material from which supporting surface 21 is formed a solid unitary block of compressible material can be used. In this case when reference is made to it being compressed along at least part of its length, its length is used to mean the dimension generally in line with the axial direction of the arms of the bracket and not its length in the direction of the platform or track upon which a vehicle may travel. Instead of its length this may also be referred to as its height, but in any event will be understood to mean in the general direction shown by arrow XX' in Figure 6.
Embodiments of the present invention have been described with particular reference to the examples illustrated. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made to the examples described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

An apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a base structure and a plurality of elongate members having a first end mounted to the base structure and a second end opposite the first end, the apparatus arranged in use such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the elongate members are pressed together and the faces of the second ends form a supporting surface.
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the supporting surface is arranged to provide a bridge between the edge of the platform and a vehicle when a vehicle is alongside the platform.
The apparatus of any of claims 1 and 2 wherein the gap filling apparatus is sized to extend along substantially the entire length of the platform.
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a bracket for attachment to a platform edge.
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein brackets are sized for attachment at intervals of between 0.5 and 2 meters along a said platform.
The apparatus of claims 4 or 5 wherein each bracket is attached to a first arm.
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the attachment between each bracket and first arm is hinged so that the first arm can pivot towards and away from the bracket.
The apparatus of any of claims 6 or 7 further comprising a damping member arranged in use to bias the first arm in a direction away from a said platform.
The apparatus of any of claims 6 to 8 wherein the first arms have a configurable joint along their length to allow them to be selectively separated or coupled to a second arm section, the base structure being fixed to the second arm section.
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the base structure comprises an elongate groove and a rail for slideably mounting therein.
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the elongate members have different lengths so that, in use, the supporting surface slopes upwards away from the platform edge.
The apparatus of any of claim 1 to 11 wherein at least some of the elongate members have a wider portion adjacent their second end, thereby defining a tapered profile along their length.
The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12 wherein the elongate members are formed of a polyamide material.
A method of assembling an apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the method comprising:
mounting the first end of a plurality of elongate members to a base structure, and

coupling the base structure to the platform such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the elongate members are pressed together and the faces of a second end of the elongate members opposite the first end form a supporting surface.
An apparatus for filling a gap between the edge of a platform and a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a compressible block of material having a first end for coupling to a platform and a second end opposite the first end such that when a vehicle is alongside the platform the block is compressed along at least part of its length so as to form a supporting surface.