GB2443487A

GB2443487A - Collapsible work stand

Info

Publication number: GB2443487A
Application number: GB0621923A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Smith; Philip Forrest Smith; Miles Wills
Original assignee: Birchwood Products Ltd
Current assignee: Birchwood Products Ltd
Priority date: 2006-11-03
Filing date: 2006-11-03
Publication date: 2008-05-07
Also published as: AU2007231762A1; GB0621923D0

Abstract

A collapsible work stand comprising a first tower frame (2) and a second tower frame (3) with a respective folding frame (6,7) extending between the first tower frame and the second tower frame at each side, wherein each folding frame is arranged to fold inwardly between the two tower frames and a platform (10) is arranged to extend, in use, between the tower frames to prevent substantial folding of the folding frames.

Description

1 2443487 A Stand The present invention relates to stands and more

particularly to stands utilised as podiums and platforms to provide access for building maintenance and other works.

It is often necessary to be able to work at height in order to reach and access areas for decorative or other building works. Thus, a stand in the form of a podium is typically used to perform building or decorative works. When working at height safety is of paramount importance and therefore it is necessary to provide a robust structure.

Previously it has been known to provide scaffolding and platforms in the form of planks across that scaffolding to allow access. It has also been known to provide separate frame sections which interlock with each other in order to create a tower across which a platform can be secured in order to provide a stand or podium. In such circumstances previous access stands have comprised a number of components which are generally separate from each other and may be cumbersome to transport and assemble.

In accordance with the aspects of the present invention there is provided a stand comprising a first tower frame and a second tower frame with a respective folding frame extending between the first tower frame and the second tower frame at each side, each folding frame is arranged to fold inwardly between the tower frames and a platform arranged to extend in use between the tower frames to prevent substantial folding of the folding frames.

Typically, the platform is secured to one or the tower frames.

Generally, the platform is secured by a hinge. Possibly, the platform is attachable to a tower frame through bridge ends.

Possibly, the platform can be presented substantially parallel to the tower frames and located between the tower frames when the folding frames are folded to define a gap between the tower frames.

Possibly, the folding frames comprise arms with a hinge between them to define a fold. Possibly, the fold is lockable. Possibly the folding frames incorporate uprights either side of the fold. Possibly, the uprights engage the platform to prevent substantial folding of the folding frames in use.

Typically, the tower frames comprise a ladder structure. Possibly, one of the tower frames incorporates an access gate. Possibly, ends of at least one tower frame incorporate wheels. Generally, the wheels are lockable.

Typically, the folding frames incorporate a lock mechanism to retain the folding frames in a folded state and/or with the folding frames substantially unfolded into a flat in use configuration. Possibly the lock mechanism comprises a latch or magnetic bias between parts of the folding frames, or a strap.

Possibly steps are secured to one of the tower frames. Possibly, the steps are secured to one of the tower frames by a pivot mounting and a slide bracket.

Possibly, one of the tower frames is associated with a stabiliser.

Possibly, the stabiliser is secured to the tower frame. Possibly the stabiliser is secured through a hinge.

Typically, the tower frames are formed from a metal such as aluminium. Generally, the folding frames are formed from a metal such as aluminium.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a stand in accordance with aspects of the present invention; *1 3 Fig. 2 is a side view of the stand depicted in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front view of the stand depicted in Figs. 1 and 2; S Fig. 4 is a plan view of the stand depicted in Figs. 1, 2 and 3; Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of the stand in accordance with aspects of the present invention in a folded state; Fig. 6 is a side view of the stand depicted in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a front view of the stand depicted in Figs. 5 and 6; and Fig. 8 is a plan view of the stand depicted in Figs. 5 to 7.

In order to operate at height it is necessary to provide a stand and in particular a podium stand. Alternatives such as ladders have been used along with ad hoc devices such as milk crates in order to gain the necessary elevation to perform maintenance and other building tasks. It will be appreciated that convenience is of particular importance as well as safety.

Clearly some activities to be performed at height will require manipulation of heavy weight tools and materials and therefore in order to meet acceptable* safety criteria generally a platform is necessary. Previously such platforms have been achieved through scaffolding and provision of intersecting ladder frame sections. Scaffolding is expensive to erect and transport, particularly if only a relatively small height gain in the order of one or two metres, is required. An alternative is a tower frame comprising intersecting frame sections. These require transportation of each individual tower frame and may be cumbersome to be secured together on site. Furthermore, there is the danger of incorrect assembly leading to collapse. Transportation of separate tower frame sections, which are relatively bulky, is also inconvenient. It will also be understood that these tower frames are generally specified for a long term arduous duty and therefore formed from heavy steel or similar materials.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, a reathly transportable stand is provided. The stand is generally formed from lightweight aluminium materials to enable ready transportation either by hand or within a van or on a roof rack secured to a vehicle. The stand is foldable and arranged to allow relatively rapid deployment on site. The stand will be advantageously configured so that it can only be used in a safe condition.

The figures illustrate a stand in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Figs. I to 4 illustrate a stand I in accordance with aspects of the present invention in a deployed, in use unfolded state. Thus, the stand 1 comprises a first tower frame 2 and a second tower frame 3. In the embodiment of the invention described in the attached figures, each tower frame 2, 3 comprises upstanding members with cross members extending between these upstanding members to form a ladder-like structure. As will be described later one or both of the tower frames 2, 3 may incorporate an access gate 4 and steps 5.

To each side of the tower frames 2, 3 a folding frame 6, 7 is secured through hinges 8 to enable the folding frame 6, 7 to fold inwardly in the direction of arrow heads A upon fold hinges 9. Generally the hinges 9 are configured such that ends of arms to form the frame 6, 7 abut one another in an unfolded deployed configuration of the stand 1 in order to create a substantially straight aspect and so define a side to the stand 1. It will also be appreciated that the hinges 8 may incorporate stops to prevent over movement of the arms forming the frames 6, 7. However, the main means for preventing the folding of the foldable frames 6, 7 in the deployed state as depicted in Figs. 1 to 4, is through use of a platform 10.

The platform 10 extends between the tower frames 2, 3 in use such that upstanding members 11 of the respective folding frames 6, 7 are engaged by the platform 10 to prevent inward folding in the direction of arrow heads A about the fold hinges 9. In such circumstances, in the deployed state as depicted in Figs. 1 to 4, a robust stand is created with the platform maintaining an appropriate stand tower formed by the tower frames 2, 3 and folding frames 6, 7 as deployed. The platform 10 also provides a base upon which an individual will stand in order to perform activities.

The platform 10 may be secured by a hinge to one of the crossbars 3a by a hinge to allow upward pivoting to lie adjacent and flat relative to the frame 3. Alternatively, the platform 10 may be secured simply through bridge hooks extending over the spars 2a, 3a. In such circumstances the platform will still be captured between the tower frames 3, in a folded state, as a result of hooking along at least one spar 2a, 3a and engagement by the gate 4 on one side and the spar 3b on the other. The platform is stowed parallel to the tower frames 2, 3. Configuration of the stand 1 in a folded or stowed state will be described below in relation to Figs. 5 to 8.

It will be understood that positioning of the platform 10 is important in terms of achieving provision of a podium upon which an individual can stand.

As can be seen in Figs. 1 to 4 the platform 10, if not secured by a hinge, can be positioned on a number of cross spars forming the respective tower frames 2, 3. In each position the platform will prevent inward folding of the folding frames 6, 7 and therefore in use achieve a robust tower structure and create a protective cradle essentially between the parts of the tower frames 2, 3 and folding frames 6, 7 above the platform such that an individual standing upon the platform 10 has some protection from falling off the platform 10. It will be noted additional platforms may also be provided between cross spars of the tower frames below the platform upon which a user stands in order to provide further stability. As indicated the platform 10 may be adjustable or rnoveable between a number of heights e.g. 700mm and 950mm generally defined by the tower frames and spur positions.

It would be appreciated that the platform 10 will generally be dimensioned to ensure that there is a close abutment with the upstanding members 11 of the folding frames 6, 7 such that any substantive folding of the frames is eliminated to maintain the robust tower nature of the stand 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In such circumstances, it is difficult to incorrectly deploy the stand in use.

It will be understood that access to the platform is important, so in order to avoid an individual needing to climb or scramble over the tower frames 2, 3, an access gate 4 is provided as described above, This access gate generally comprises a U-shaped member arranged to swivel and pivot about one upstanding element 2C of the tower frame 2 through swivel mountings 13. An opposite end of the gate 4 incorporates a lock 14 in io appropriate form. In such circumstances the gate 4 may swivel about the swivel mountings 13 in order to open one side of the tower frame 2 to allow an individual to access and stand upon the platform 10. As illustrated, particularly in Fig. 1, a stop plate 15 may be provided to limit outward movement of the gate 4 so again providing a safety feature in terms of creating a cradle within which an individual is protected. In general use the gate 4 will extend between the upstanding parts of the frame 2 and therefore again constitute part of the tower frame in a ladder configuration and also the gate will, as described above, act as a constraint between the tower frames in order to retain the platform when the stand I is in a folded and stowed state (Figs. 5 to 8).

Access to the platform 10 in the preferred embodiment as depicted in Figs. 1 to 4 is through steps 5. As can been seen the steps 5 are secured to the tower frame 2 through a hinge association 16 and a slide bracket 17.

Thus, the steps 5 may slide and pivot about the pivot mounting 16 and along the slide bracket 17 in order that the steps 5 extend away from the frame 2 and provide treads 18 upon which a user can climb for access to the platform 10. In the deployed state depicted in Figs. 1 to 4 as can be seen the steps extend outwardly at an appropriate angle with a bottom end 19 engaging a surface. It would also be understood that through use of the steps 5 at the effective ground engagement of the stand I is broadened and therefore stability is improved. Typically, the platform 10 will at one level at least be level with the top of the steps 5 or the steps 5 are adjustable to the height of the platform 10.

For safety reasons at least it is advisable for the steps 5 to be locked into position. Thus, a lock will be provided to secure the steps in the deployed position or positions and normally also the stored position. This lock may be an indexing plunger type device to enter apertures or engage with detents at the appropriate positions for the steps.

Stability of the stand I may be improved through brace members (not shown) secured to the upstanding parts of the tower frames 2, 3 which extend outwardly to engage a surface upon which the stand is presented. Such brace elements would again broaden the effective engagement area of the stand 1 with the surface and improve stability. These brace elements may be clamped or otherwise secured to the upstanding parts of the frames 2, 3 or may be secured through slide and pivot mountings for adjustment and locking in position as required.

As will be described later, the steps 5 can be stowed by pivot and slide such that the steps are substantially flat with the frame 2 in the folded stowed state as described later with regard to Figs. 5 to 8.

Convenience of transportation and movement is of importance with regard to aspects of the present invention. Thus as illustrated ends of the upstanding parts of the tower frames 2, 3 incorporate wheels 20, 21. Wheels generally allow manoeuvring of the stand 1 in the deployed configuration as depicted in Figs. 1 to 4. In such circumstances it would be understood with the steps in a stowed condition, the stand 1 can be tilted about the wheels 20 such that the other end, where wheels 21 are secured, is lifted from the ground and therefore the stand rolled on the wheels 20 as appropriate.

The wheels 21, as can be seen are secured, on a perpendicular bracket 22 such that they extend laterally from the end of the frame 3. In such circumstances an end 23 of the frame 3 is in engagement with the surface upon which the stand I is secured. This engagement will substantially prevent further rolling about the wheels 20 when the stand 1 is in use.

However, the wheels 20 may also be locked by an appropriate engagement mechanism or otherwise. More particularly the wheels 21 presented upon the brackets 22 are substantially to one side of the frame 3. In such circumstances in the folded stowed state as described later with regard to Figs. 5 to 8, it would be understood that again the stand 1 can be dragged upon these wheels 21. It will be noted that typically the wheels 21 are of a larger diameter than the wheels 20 as it will be understood that moving the folded stand I will typically occur over larger distances and therefore a larger diameter wheel is more convenient. l0

As indicated generally the platform 10 in accordance with aspects of the present invention wiI prevent inward folding of the folding frame 6, 7 by a simple blocking action whilst outward movement of the folding frame 6, 7 is inhibited by abutment between the ends of the arms of the frames 6, 7 and the nature of the hinges 9. In order to further secure this association a lock mechanism may be provided at the hinges 9. This lock mechanism may comprise a latch or potentially a slide sleeve which extends over the hinge between the junction of the arms forming the respective sides of the folding frame 6, 7. In the folded state this sleeve will be retained upon one of the arms and then when deployed as depicted in Figs. 1 to 4 the sleeve simply displaced across the junction between the arms to provide a further lock preventing substantial folding of the hinges 9 in use.

As indicated above convenience of transportation is particularly advantageous with regard to aspects of the present invention. Figs. 5 to 8 illustrate the stand I in a folded stowed configuration. In such circumstances as can be seen the tower frames 2, 3 are generally brought to a juxtapose position with the folding frames 6, 7 folded between them to define a gap between the tower frames 2, 3 within which the platform 10 is stowed. It will be noted that the platform 10 is also restrained by a crossbar 3b (not shown but illustrated in Figs. I to 4) on one side and the access gate 4 on the other.

The platform 10 is hooked by the members 12 at one end at least.

In terms of stowing the stand 1 in accordance with aspects of the present invention it wifl be appreciated that the steps 5 and any support braces are generally brought into a juxtaposed fiat relationship with the tower frames 2, 3 as depicted in Fig. 5 and the platform 10 lifted into its position as depicted in Fig. 5. In such circumstances the upstanding members 11 are no longer blocked by the platform 10 and the folding frames 6, 7 can then fold inwardly to bring the tower frames 2, 3 into a flat juxtaposed relationship.

In the folded stowed state depicted in Fig. 5 the stand is locked in association. This locking may be achieved through lock mechanisms associated with the folding frames 6, 7 such as the hinges 8, 9 of those frames 6, 7 or through straps arranged to fix the tower frames 2, 3 together. It will also be appreciated that further bias towards the folded state may be achieved through provision in the juxtaposed parts of the frames 6, 7 of a magnetic or latch association which must be overcome in order to deploy by separating the frames 2, 3 and so unfolding the frames 6, 7 into the in use state as depicted in Figs. 1 to 4.

As indicated previously in order to transport the folded stand I as depicted in Figs. 5 to 8 wheels 21 can be utilised. In such circumstances the stand I will be tilted in the direction of arrowheads B such that the stand I is supported upon the wheels 21 and so can be dragged appropriately. It will also be understood that the frames 2, 3, 6, 7 and where possible other parts of the stand 1 will be formed from relatively lightweight material such as aluminium or a plastics material provided sufficient strength and robustness is achieved in the stand 1 when deployed. In such circumstances the stand I can be readily moved and stowed in use.

Fig. 4 and Figs. 5 to 8 illustrate respective dimensions of a typical stand in a stowed or folded state in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Thus, the stand 1 will have a depth 30 including wheels 21 in the order of 457mm with a depth 31 excluding the wheels 21 if removed, but including the steps 5 in the order of 350mm. Thus, the stand I has a depth similar to a two or three part ladder and can be readily transported. Generally the stand I will have a width 32 in the order of 740mm across the tower frames 2, 3 and this will be substantially the same as the width of the stand 1 across the folding frames 6, 7 when unfolded and locked in position by the platform 10. Typically the stand I will have a height 33 in the order of 2 metres with a typical upper platform 10 positioned midway along the crossbars forming part of the tower frames 2, 3. For information, and as illustrated in Fig. 4, when the steps 5 are deployed the stand 1 will generally have a width 34 from the front of the steps 5 to the wheels 21 in the order of l4Ocms. In such circumstances a readily transportable stand to form a podium is provided in accordance with the present invention which can be deployed by unfolding foldable or folding frames 6, 7 as required in order to create a stable, robust assembly to meet desirable safety considerations.

Typically the frames 2, 3, 6, 7 will be formed from elongate members of a hollow nature in order to reduce weight with generally reinforcing ribbing or otherwise to provide structural strength. Other modifications and alterations to the embodiments of aspects of the present invention as described above will be understood by those skilled in the art. Thus, for example, the steps 5 may be detachable in order to further reduce transport weight and provide a less cumbersome folded stand for transportation. In such circumstances the crossbars forming part of the tower frames may be rendered sufficiently robust to enable an individual to step up them for access to the platform. The tower frames may incorporate mechanisms and hooks to allow the stand to be secured to a wall or as indicated incorporate brace elements to further stabilise the stand in use. Furthermore, it may be possible to stack stands one upon the other to increase the height of the stand with platforms on each stand still acting to prevent folding of the folding frames in the deployed state.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon. I,

Claims

II

Claims 1 A stand comprising a first tower frame and a second tower frame with a respective folding frame extending between the first tower frame and the second tower frame at each side, each folding frame is arranged to fold inwardly between the tower frames and a platform arranged to extend in use between the tower frames to prevent substantial folding of the folding frames.
2. A stand as claimed in claim 1 wherein the platform is secured to one of JO the tower frames.
3. A stand as claimed in claim 2 wherein the platform is secured by a hinge.
4. A stand as claimed in any of claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the platform is attachable to a tower frame through bridge ends.
5. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the platform can be presented substantially parallel to the tower frames and located between the tower frames when the folding frames are folded to define a gap between the tower frames.
6. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the folding frames comprise arms with a hinge between them to define a fold. * 25
7. A stand as claimed in claim 6 wherein the fold is lockable.

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8. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the folding frames incorporate uprights either side of a fold.
9. A stand as claimed in claim 8 wherein the uprights engage the platform to prevent substantial folding of the folding frames in use.
10. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tower frames comprise a ladder structure.
11. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one of the tower frames incorporates an access gate.
12. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein ends of at least one tower frame incorporate wheels. l0
13. A stand as claimed in claim 12 wherein the wheels are lockable.
14. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the folding frames incorporate a lock mechanism to retain the folding frames in a folded state and/or with the folding frames substantially unfolded into a flat in use configuration.
15. A stand as claimed in claim 14 wherein the lock mechanism comprises a latch or magnetic bias between parts of the folding frames, or a strap.
16. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein steps are secured to one of the tower frames.
17. A stand as claimed in claim 16 wherein the steps are secured to one of the tower frames by a pivot mounting and a slide bracket.
18. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein one of the tower frames is associated with a stabiliser.

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19. A stand as claimed in claim 18 wherein the stabiliser is secured to the tower frame.

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20. A stand as claimed in claim 18 or claim 19 wherein the stabiliser is secured through a hinge.
21. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the tower frames are formed from a metal such as aluminium.
22. A stand as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the folding frames are formed from a metal such as aluminium.
23. A stand substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
24. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims. e. i*. I..

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