GB2440207A - Energy absorbing platform for use with scaffolding - Google Patents

Abstract

An energy absorbing, fall or impact breaking structure may be comprised of a plurality of folding cardboard sections or partitions. Said sections may be joined together in a concertina fashion to allow the sections to be folded flat when not in use or extended when in use. Stiffening members 2 and 3 which may be of card or polystyrene, may be placed between the extendable members to provide more rigidity to the structure. A lid or working platform may be placed on top of the energy absorbing structure. Additional cleats or brackets 5 may be provided to add extra stiffening in the corners of the structure.

Description

<p>Improvement relating to safety in construction Falling accidents

account for most deaths and injuries in the construction industry.</p>

<p>Safety regulations stipulate safe working heights and safety harness, safety nets and, inside buildings, inflatable cushions and bean filled bags are utilized to prevent and break falls.</p>

<p>A pile of cardboard boxes or old mattresses have been employed -to the same effect in film stunts and the like.</p>

<p>The invention herein described and illustrated on Drawing No 1 envisages a simple, cheap and effective way of reducing the height of falls and to safely break any falls, in or around a construction.</p>

<p>The preferred embodiment and method of use of this invention is herein described.</p>

<p>A concertined pack of semi rigid material, corrigated, cardboard, plastic coated cardboard or similar is placed against one internal wall of the building or construction.</p>

<p>The concertined pack is pre-folded or creased so that when it is unconcertined or pulled out it takes up a w form or a v form with horizontal top or bottom connections or both as illustrated in Drawing No I figs 1,2,3,4 & 5.</p>

<p>Convenient and handleable size packs are placed against one wall and pulled out to meet the opposing wall as illustrated in fig 6 so that the entire room or construction area required is covered, the strips of unfolded material do not necessarily have to fit closely side by side, provided they are close enough together to engage and break a fall.</p>

<p>If required to hold the formation in shape, when unfolded, strips of strong tape 1, string or similar could be fixed horizontally along the top edges and bottom of the formation either pre assembled or applied on-site.</p>

<p>Alternatively or in addition wedges of firm material, cardboard, polystyrene or similar may be placed in the grooves to form a rigid spine 2, or staggered 3, to provide stiffening and support to the formation.</p>

<p>The aforementioned formation may in itself be sufficient to reduce the heigit of any fall and to break the impact of such a fall.</p>

<p>A. further improvenient, both to break the impact of such a fall and to provide a flat surface to be easily able to retrieve any dropped tools, materials etc and which may be strong enough to provide a working platform, would be to horizontally cover the formation, with flat boards of strong cardboard, particle board, hardboard, plywood or similar.</p>

<p>An alternative or complimentary way of holding the unfolded formation in a rigid position could be foldable ears 4 shown in Drawing No 1 fig 4 that fold down and out and slot into the contacting cardboard.</p>

<p>Another alternative to provide corner or angled stability to the unfolded formation could be slotted cleats or brackets 5 made from polystyrene or similar that are pressed over the corners and angles to provide rigidity.</p>

<p>Another preferred embodiment and method of use of this invention is herein described and illustrates on drawing No 2.</p>

<p>This embodiment may be preferable when a stronger working plafform is required as it embodies verticals box shaped support.</p>

<p>Half slotted intersecting cardboard partitions are commonly used in cardboard boxes for holding wine bottles etc. This embodiment envisages a similar arrangement which can be folded flat for transport and storage and for use in or around a building and can be opened out to its square formation to provide the support for a strong raised working platform 6 which reduces falling height and also provides a working platform.</p>

<p>It is envisage that the top platform over the box formation may have a lid or edge 7 to help hold the formation in place.</p>

Claims (1)

1. <p>Claims 1. A prefolded formation of cardboard or similar material that

   when unfolded produces a raised structure that reduces the fall height and safely breaks a fall in and around buildings and other structures.</p>

   <p>2. A formation as in claim I which can be covered with a flat material to provide a working platform whilst still acting as a fall break.</p>