EP3447212A1

EP3447212A1 - Platform apparatus and collection means therefor

Info

Publication number: EP3447212A1
Application number: EP18275133.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Harrison
Original assignee: Coverall (pvc & Canvas) Ltd
Current assignee: Coverall (pvc & Canvas) Ltd
Priority date: 2017-08-24
Filing date: 2018-08-24
Publication date: 2019-02-27

Abstract

The present invention provides a collection means suitable for use with a platform apparatus or structure. The collection means includes at least one arm member and a span or section of material wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is arranged to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure to collect and retain one or more tools, objects and the like dropped by a user.

Description

The invention to which this application relates is a platform apparatus and collection means therefor. Although the following description and drawings refer almost exclusively to workers platforms of the type comprising a scissor lift, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention could also be used in various other types of platforms, such as static, suspended or permanent platforms.
Workers' platforms are provided in a variety of different forms, depending on their intended use. They may be suspended from a roof of a building, to move up and down the walls thereof, provided simply as static platforms attached to a construction or forming part of a scaffolding unit, or they may be portable / mobile. A common platform of this type is the scissor lift platform, wherein the platform is provided on a mobile vehicular base which can be moved to a desired location. An extendable scissor arm is the provided between the floor of the platform and the base, which can raise the platform and a worker located thereon to a desired height for working. The platform itself usually consists of a floor portion and a plurality of frame members which define the walls or boundaries of the platform, and to which the users are harnessed / attached for safety reasons.
In some circumstances, in particular where the platform is located at a substantial height above the ground, safety catch-nets may be provided, which are usually affixed to the structure the platform is accessing, and extend outwardly therefrom underneath the platform. These are provided in the instances where a user may fall from the platform when not harnessed, or the harness fails, so as to prevent them from falling to the ground. However, while the user may be attached to the platform, and may also have a further safety net provided below, the tools and objects they use are not attached to anything; they are merely held by the user. It is not uncommon, therefore, for workers to inadvertently drop the tools they are using or knock them over the platform edge. In these instances, the tool will generally fall to the ground and potentially break or at least become inaccessible to the worker. In a worst-case scenario, the tools may drop and hit a person located underneath, causing serious injury.
It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.
It is another aim of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing an apparatus that overcomes the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art.
In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a collection means suitable for use with a platform apparatus or structure, said collection means including:

at least one arm member; and
a span or section of material wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is arranged to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure to collect and retain one or more tools, objects and the like dropped by a user.

In one embodiment, said collection means, in use, is provided to extend outwardly from at least one wall, edge or boundary of the platform apparatus.
Typically, said collection means is movable between a first, in use position, and a second, storage position.
In one embodiment, the span of material includes substantially flexible material. Typically the span of material is a net and/or the like.
Typically, the collection means includes at least one frame member. Further typically, the collection means includes at least one longitudinal frame member, which in use is located substantially parallel to an edge, wall or boundary of the platform apparatus or structure to which the collection means is attached.
Typically, the span or section of material is located substantially between at least part of the platform and an arm and/or frame member. Further typically, the section of material spans between at least one edge of the platform and the longitudinal frame member.
In one embodiment, said section of material forms a first wall portion having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which it is located.
Typically, said collection means includes at least two arm members, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion.
In one embodiment, the collection means further includes at least a second and typically third wall portions, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion, and intermediate the first wall portion and the wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which the collection means is located. Typically the wall portions are formed of, or include, flexible sheet material.
In one embodiment, the first wall portion of the collection means includes a proximal edge and a distal edge, with respect to the platform. Typically, said first wall portion is hinged or pivotable along the proximal edge, between first and second positions.
In one embodiment, a further wall portion may be provided, adjacent to or forming part of the wall, edge or boundary of the platform.
In one embodiment, the collection means is formed integrally with the platform apparatus. In another embodiment, said collection means is provided to be detachably attachable to the platform apparatus.
In one embodiment, said first wall portion is formed as a substantially rigid member. Typically, said member comprises a metal, metal alloy, or a plastics material. In one embodiment, said second and third wall members are formed as substantially rigid members. Typically, the wall portions comprise a metal, metal alloy, or a plastics material.
In one embodiment, in the second, storage position, the second and third wall portions may be provided to extend at least partially into the interior of the platform.
In one embodiment, the collection means, when in the first, in use position, forms a trough or gutter means, arranged to catch and retain one or more tools or objects dropped or spilled by a user located on the platform.
Thus, the present invention provides a collection means for an improved platform apparatus helping to prevent any objects dropped by a worker on the platform from falling to the ground. That the collection means of the present invention is provided attached or attachable to the platform also makes it relatively simple for the worker to retrieve the object / tool after dropping it, saving time and preventing potential damage to the tool and injury to a person under the platform. Providing the collection means to be movable between open, in use and closed, storage positions also makes it simple and convenient to move the platform without being hindered by the additional parts now provided thereon. The platform apparatus may be provided having a built-in or integrally formed collection means, or the collections means may be provided to be attachable to the platform and subsequently removed for storage. This also allows existing platforms to be retrofitted with an attachable collection means.
In one embodiment, at least a part of the collection means is formed from a flexible member or material. Typically, said first wall portion may be formed as a flexible member or from a flexible material. Additionally, said second and third wall portions and, where provided, further wall portions, may be formed as a flexible member or from a flexible material.
In one embodiment, said flexible member or flexible material forms a web, mesh netting and/or the like, arranged to collect and retain one or more objects falling and landing thereon.
In one embodiment, the collection means comprises at least a first wall portion, formed from a flexible member or material, and at least two arm members. Typically, said at least two arm members are located at opposing ends of the first wall portion. Preferably, said first wall portion is detachably attached to or removably located on said arm members.
In one embodiment, said arm members include distal and proximal ends. Typically, said arm members are attached to the platform, or a wall, edge or boundary thereof at their proximal end. Preferably, said arm members attached to the platform, or a wall, edge or boundary thereof via a hinged or pivoting attachment.
In one embodiment, said first wall portion includes one or more sleeve portions thereon. Typically, said sleeve portions are provided for location on or over the at least two arm members.
Preferably, said first wall portion is detachably attachable to the at least two arm members.
In one embodiment, said arm members may be formed integrally with the platform apparatus. In another embodiment, said arm members may be provided to be detachably attachable to the one or more frame members. Typically, said arm members include one or more clamping members permitting detachably attachable connection to the one or more frame members.
In one embodiment, said arm members may be movable along the one or more frame members, as determined by a user. Such features allow for the provision of different sized webs, meshes, nets and the like on the platform, as may be required by a user.
In one embodiment, said clamping members may be adjustable, thereby permitting attachment to frame members of differing sizes / widths.
In one embodiment, said arm members may be extendable. Typically, said arm members are extendable via the provision of a telescopic arrangement of the same. Thus, a specific length of the arm members may be chosen by a user according to the location and needs of the collection means.
In one embodiment, the collection means further includes retaining means. Typically, said retaining means are provided to retain the collection means in the second, storage position.
Preferably, said retaining means may comprise any or any combination of the following: hook and loop fasteners, clips, studs, buttons, clasp lockers, snap-fit locks and/or the like.
In one embodiment, said retaining means may be provided to extend from the one or more arm members. Typically, said retaining means extend from the one or more arm members and are detachably attachable to a frame member of the platform apparatus, thereby maintaining the collection means in the second, storage position.
In one embodiment, stopper means are provided, associated with said arm members. Typically, said stopper means are provided maintain the collection means in the first position, and preventing it from extending beyond the first, in use position when moving from the second, storage position.
In one embodiment, second and third wall portions are provided, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion and formed from a flexible member or material. Typically, said flexible member or material forms a web, mesh netting and/or the like, or a solid material.
Typically, said second and third wall portions are foldable as the collection means moves from the first, in use position to the second, storage position.
Typically, said flexible material is formed from a flexible plastics, vinyl or rubber-like material.
In one embodiment, the collection means includes a further, fourth wall portion, provided adjacent an edge or boundary of a frame member of the platform. Typically, said fourth wall portion has a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first wall portion.
In one embodiment, the fourth wall portion includes a lower edge and an upper edge. Typically, said lower edge attaches to and along a proximal edge of the first wall portion. Preferably, said second and third wall portions are located at opposing ends of and intermediate / between, the first and fourth wall portions, such that when in the first, in use position, the collection means forms a trough or gutter-like arrangement so as to catch and retain one or more tools or objects dropped or spilled by a user located on the platform.
In one embodiment, an upper portion of the collection means is attachable to an upper part or top portion of at least one edge, boundary and/or wall of the platform, along longitudinal axes thereof. Typically, an upper edge of the fourth wall portion is detachably attachable to an upper part or top portion of at least one edge, boundary and/or wall of the platform, along longitudinal axes thereof.
In one embodiment, an upper edge of the fourth wall portion includes engagement means, provided or extending along the longitudinal axis thereof to locate and support the fourth wall portion with the one or more frame members.
Typically, said engagement means may be formed from one or more loops depending outwardly from the upper edge of the fourth wall portion. In another embodiment, said engagement means may be formed as a sleeve portion extending along the upper edge of the fourth wall portion, or part thereof.
In one embodiment, the one or more loops, or sleeve portion, include fastening means thereon permitting detachable attachment with the one or more frame members. Typically, said fastening means may include hook and loop fasteners, clips, studs, buttons clasp lockers and/or the like.
In one embodiment, said engagement means may be formed from one or more hooks, harness clips, "D-rings", or adhesive.
In one embodiment, a plurality of collection means may be provided on the apparatus. Typically, said collection means may be provided to extend along lengths of two or more sides of the platform apparatus, as required by a user.
In one embodiment, corner portion collection means may be provided, located between and connecting collection means provided on adjacent sides of the platform. Typically, said corner portion collection means includes at least one arm member, movable between a first, in use position and a second, storage position, said second position being substantially diagonally outwardly of the platform; and a flexible material or member extending between collection means of adjacent sides.
In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing collection means suitable for use with a platform apparatus or structure, said method including the steps of:

forming at least one arm member; and
forming a span or section of material to be provided therewith wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is formed to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure to collect and retain one or more tools, objects and the like dropped by a user.

In one embodiment, said collection means is formed by providing: at least a first wall portion having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which it is to be located; and second and third wall portions, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion, and intermediate the first wall portion and the wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which the collection means is located.
In another aspect of the invention there is provided a platform apparatus for supporting one or more users, in use, said apparatus including:

one or more frame members defining one or more edges, boundaries and/or walls of the apparatus;
said one or more edges, boundaries and/or walls having interior and exterior sides, with respect to the apparatus, and
characterized in that along the exterior side of at least one edge, boundary and/or wall, or part thereof, there is located collection means, arranged to collect and retain one or more tools, object and the like dropped or spilled by a user.

Typically, the platform apparatus is a mobile / portable platform.
Preferably, the collection means includes at least one arm member and a span or section of material wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is arranged to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure.
In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a platform apparatus, said method including the steps of:

forming one or more frame members defining one or more edges, boundaries and/or walls of the apparatus;
said one or more edges, boundaries and/or walls having interior and exterior sides, with respect to the apparatus, and
characterized in that along the exterior side of at least one edge, boundary and/or wall, or part thereof, there is formed collection means, arranged to collect and retain one or more tools, object and the like dropped or spilled by a user.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided collection means for use with a platform apparatus, said collection means including:

a first wall portion having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which it is located; and
second and third wall portions, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion, and intermediate the first wall portion and the wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which the collection means is located.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a collection means and platform apparatus or structure combination, said collection means including:

at least one arm member; and
a span or section of material wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is arranged to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure to collect and retain one or more tools, objects and the like dropped by a user

Typically, said collection means is movable between a first, in use position, and a second, storage position.
In one embodiment, said collection means, in use, is provided to extend outwardly from the at least one wall, edge or boundary of the platform apparatus.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a platform apparatus including collection means in an in-use position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates a platform apparatus including collection means in a storage position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 illustrates a platform apparatus with arm members of a collection means, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a collection means attached to a platform apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 5 illustrates a close up view of engagement means for attachment of a collection means to a platform apparatus, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is provided a platform apparatus in the form of a scissor lift worker's platform 1, shown in a retracted, lower position. The platform itself comprises a floor or base 3, on which a worker will stand, and a number of frame members which are constructed so as to define the four sides / walls / boundaries of the platform 1. The frame members essentially comprise a series of vertical frame portions 5 located at the corners, and a number of horizontal frame portions 7 located between and connecting adjacent vertical frame portions 5. In other embodiment of the present invention, some or all of the sides / walls of the platform 1 may be provided as solid panels, depending on the type and purpose of the platform 1 that is to be used. Provided attached to the exterior of a first side of the platform 1, there is located collection means in the form of a debris net 9. A single net 9 is shown on one side of the platform 1 in the figures for illustrative purposes, however, it will be appreciated that multiple nets 9 may be provided as required by workers on the platform 9 and which can be located on multiple or all sides of the platform 1. The net 9 is provided so as to collect and retain any tools, objects and the like which may be dropped or spilled by a worker on the platform 1, and thus extends outwardly from the side of the platform 1.
The debris net 9 is formed to be movable between a first, in use position, as depicted in Figures 1 and 4, and a second, storage position, as shown in Figure 2. In the in use position, the net 9 extends outwardly from the side of the platform 1. This is achieved by providing the net 9 with a first wall portion 11 having a longitudinal axis extending parallel to the side of the platform on which it is located. Second and third wall portions 13 are provided at opposing ends of the first wall portion 11 and a located intermediate the first wall portion 11 and the side of the platform 1. The first wall portion 11 has two longitudinal edges - a proximal edge 15 and a distal edge 17, with respect to the platform 1. The first wall portion 11 is arranged to be hinged or pivotable along the proximal edge 15, enable the net 9 to move between the first and second positions. A further, fourth wall portion 19 may be provided, located adjacent to or forming part of the side of the platform 1 on which the net 9 is mounted. If the platform is provided of the form shown in the current figures, wherein each side comprises a number of frame portions and no "solid" wall is provided, the fourth wall 19 of the net 9 may be provided adjacent and in line with that side. In other embodiments, for example where the platform 1 comprises solid walls, the fourth wall portion may form part of that side of the platform, or may instead not be required if the proximal edge 15 of the first wall portion 11 is securely attached to the side of the platform 1. In such embodiments, the collections means may be formed integrally with the platform 1 and may be provided with, instead of a net 9, more solid walls formed from metal, metal alloy or plastics materials. In such arrangements, the second and third wall portions may be provided to extend inwardly of the platform 1 as the collection means is moved to the second, storage position.
In the embodiments shown in the figures, the collection means in the form of the net 9 is provided to be detachably attachable to the frame members of the platform 1, and when extended into the first, in use position, the net 9 essentially forms a trough or gutter arrangement, which catches and retains one or more tools or objects that may be dropped or spilled by a worker located on the platform 1. The net 9 can generally be formed from flexible plastics, vinyl or rubber-like materials. Thus, the present invention provides an improved platform 1 having a net 9 or other collection means by which to prevent any objects dropped by a worker on the platform 1 from falling to the ground. The provision of the net 9 or variations thereof, makes it relatively simple for a worker to retrieve a tool or object after dropping it, which saves time and prevents potential damage to the tool and injury to a person under the platform 1. Providing the net 9 to be movable between open, in use and closed, storage positions also makes it simple and convenient to move the platform 1 without being hindered by the additional parts now provided thereon. The platform 1 may be provided having a built-in or integrally formed collection means, as mentioned above, or the net 9 may be provided to be attachable to the platform and subsequently removed therefrom for maintenance, storage, replacement etc. This also allows existing platforms to be retrofitted with an attachable collection means of present invention.
The net 9 is provided to be formed of a flexible material. Thus, as an object drops on it, the force may be absorbed, preventing damage to the object. This also makes it far more convenient to roll or fold up and store if it is ever removed from the platform 1. As shown, the first 11 and fourth 19 wall portions form a netting, mesh, web or similar, which serves as the main body of the net 9 to catch, collect and retain any dropped objects. The side (second and third) wall portions 13 may be formed of the same material or may be provided to be more solid rather than being net or mesh-like. In order to support the netting 9 in place, the collection means further includes a pair of arm members 21, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion 11, in line with the side wall portions 13. The net 9 is therefore locatable on or over the arms 21 via sleeve portions 23 formed at opposing ends of the first wall portion 11. The sleeve portions 23 may be formed simply by providing an extended section at the ends of the first wall portion 11 and folding the same back on itself. The end of the section is subsequently sewn or attached via other fastening means along its length 25, and a further sewing line 27 is provided to seal off the sleeve 23. The net 9 is consequently easily attached and removed from the arms 21 and thus the platform 1, as required by a user. The sleeves 21 of the net 9 simply slide over the arms 21 at their distal end, moving down toward a proximal end, adjacent the side or frame members of the platform. Figure 3 illustrates a platform 1 having arms 21 attached thereto and before the net 9 is located thereon.
The arms 21 are attached to a frame member of the platform 1 at their proximal end via a clamping arrangement 29. As shown in the figures, the clamps 29 are provided attached to a horizontal frame portion 7, positioned a distance below the top horizontal frame portion 7'. In other embodiments, the clamps 29 may be attached to the vertical frame portions 5. The clamps 29 may be provided to be adjustable such that their grip on the frame portion 7 may be tightened and loosened with ease. This can aid in removal, if required, or altering their position in the frame portion 7, thereby allowing nets 9 of different lengths and sizes to be provided. This also allow the arms 21 to be attached to frame members of varying sizes and widths. The clamps 29 include a bracket portion 31 where the proximal end of the arm 21 is attached. The attachment of the arm 21 to the clamp 29 is hinged or forms a pivot point at the bracket portion 31. In this arrangement, the proximal end of the first wall portion 11 of the net 9, adjacent the side of the platform 1 does not need to be directly attached to the platform 1; the net 9 locates on the arms, which formed a hinged or pivoting attachment to the frame portion 7 of the platform 1. A side-on view of the net 9 and sleeve portions 23 located over the arms 21 is shown in Figure 4. With the arms 21 movable between open and closed positions, the net 9 is movable between the in use position and the storage position, as shown in Figure 2. In this configuration, the side wall portions 13 simply fold up conveniently, and extend as the net 9 is moved back to the first, in use position. The fourth wall portion 19 is attached to the first wall portion 11 along its lower edge. In practice, the first and fourth wall portions may be formed from the same sheet of material, meaning no attachment is required, and the boundary between the two portions is simply given to be the lowest point in the "V-shape" profile the net 9 forms when in the open position - the "V-shape" effectively forming a trough or gutter-like arrangement so as to catch and retain one or more tools or objects dropped or spilled by a user located on the platform.
The net 9 is movable between the first, in use position and the second, storage position, and when in the first position, it may rest in that position under the gravity and/or weight of the arms 21 holding it down and in place. When the user no longer has a need to use the net 9 and moves it back to the storage position, retaining members in the form of one or more Velcro® straps may be provided to maintain the net 9 in the storage position. The straps may be provided at the ends of the netting material at the sleeve portions 23 or on the associated arm members 21, or along longitudinal sleeve portion 33 and extending therefrom. The straps may then simply wrap around one or more of the frame portions 5, 7 to maintain the net 9 in the storage position. In other examples, the straps may instead include one or more clips, studs, buttons, clasp lockers, snap-fit locks and/or the like. In another embodiment of the invention, the retaining means may additionally or alternatively be provided as tightening screws located on the arms 21 or the bracket portion 31 attached thereto. As the net 9 is moved to the storage position, the screws are simply tightened to secure the arms 21 and thus the net 9 in the storage position, and can be loosened when the netting is required to be used again.
Along the length of an upper edge of the fourth wall portion 19, engagement means are provided so as to attach it to a top or upper frame portion 7'. The engagement means in the present embodiment is shown as a sleeve portion 33 extending along the upper edge. The sleeve portion 33 may be formed simply by providing an extended section along the upper edge of the fourth wall portion 19 and folding the same back on itself. Rather than providing a permanent fastening, detachable attachment 35 is provided, allowing convenient removal of the net 9 from the platform 1. The fastening attachment in the present embodiment is provided simply as two complementary strips of hook and loop fasteners, commonly sold under the registered trademark Velcro®, and a close-up view of this attachment 35 may be seen in Figure 5. In order to remove the net 9, a user simply pulls apart the Velcro® attachment 35 and unwraps the sleeve portion 33 from the top frame portion 7'. While a hook and loop fastening arrangement is shown in Figure 5, it will be appreciated that the sleeve can be formed using other attachment mechanisms, including providing a series of clips, studs, buttons, clasp lockers (zippers) and/or the like. In other embodiments of the present invention, the engagement means may be formed from a series of loops, which depend outwardly from the upper edge of the fourth wall portion 19. Again, the loops may be detachable using the various fastening mechanisms: hook and loop fastener, clips, studs, buttons, clasp lockers (zippers) and/or the like. The engagement means may in further embodiments be formed from one or more hooks, harness clips, "D-rings", or adhesive.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the arms 21 may be provided to be extendable, and can have a telescopic arrangement formed providing each arm 21 with two or more extending components. Thus, a specific length of the arms 21 may be chosen by a user according to the location and needs of the collection means. In other embodiments, to ensure the arms 21 move outward only as far as the first position, stopper means may be provided, and can be located with the bracket portion 31. Such stoppers can be beneficial as they will take the strain off the side wall portions 13 which otherwise would be constantly under tension when the net 9 is in the first position, which eventually could lead to tearing along the joins of the wall portions. As mentioned above, several nets 9 may be provided on multiple sides of the platform 1. Where needed therefore, and although not shown in the figures, a corner portion netting may be provided, which may be located between and connecting nets provided on adjacent sides of the platform 1. Typically, the corner portion netting includes at least one arm, movable between a first, in use position and a second, storage position, wherein the second position is diagonally outward from the platform; and netting may be provided extending between the nets of adjacent sides.

Claims

A collection means suitable for use with a platform apparatus or structure, said collection means including:
at least one arm member; and

a span or section of material wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is arranged to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure to collect and retain one or more tools, objects and the like dropped by a user.
A collection means according to claim 1, wherein said collection means, in use, is provided to extend outwardly from at least one wall, edge or boundary of the platform apparatus.
A collection means according to claim 1, wherein said collection means is movable between a first, in use position, and a second, storage position.
A collection means according to claim 1, wherein said span or section of material forms a first wall portion having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to a wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which it is located, in use.
A collection means according to claim 4, wherein said collection means includes at least two arm members, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion.
A collection means according to claim 4, wherein the collection means further includes at least a second and typically third wall portions, located at opposing ends of the first wall portion, and intermediate the first wall portion and a wall, edge or boundary of the platform on which the collection means is located, in use.
A collection means according to claim 4, wherein said first wall portion is hinged or pivotable along a proximal edge of the first wall portion with respect to a wall, edge or boundary of the platform apparatus, between first and second positions.
A collection means according to claim 1, wherein the collection means, when in the first, in use position, forms a trough or gutter means, arranged to catch and retain one or more tools or objects dropped or spilled by a user located on the platform.
A collection means according to claim 5, wherein said arm members include distal and proximal ends and are attached to the platform, or a wall, edge or boundary thereof at their proximal end via a hinged or pivoting attachment.
A collection means according to claim 5, wherein said first wall portion is detachably attachable to the at least two arm members.
A collection means according to claim 5, wherein said arm members are extendable.
A collection means according to claim 1, wherein the collection means further includes retaining means, provided to retain the collection means in the second, storage position.
A method of manufacturing collection means suitable for use with a platform apparatus or structure, said method including the steps of:
forming at least one arm member; and

forming a span or section of material to be provided therewith wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is formed to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure to collect and retain one or more tools, objects and the like dropped by a user.
A platform apparatus for supporting one or more users, in use, said apparatus including:
one or more frame members defining one or more edges, boundaries and/or walls of the apparatus;

said one or more edges, boundaries and/or walls having interior and exterior sides, with respect to the apparatus, and

characterized in that along the exterior side of at least one edge, boundary and/or wall, or part thereof, there is located collection means, arranged to collect and retain one or more tools, object and the like dropped or spilled by a user.
A platform apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the collection means includes at least one arm member and a span or section of material wherein, in use, at least part of the collection means is arranged to extend outwardly from the platform apparatus or structure.