GB2478568A

GB2478568A - Tower access system

Info

Publication number: GB2478568A
Application number: GB1003952A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Clubb
Original assignee: Youngman Group Ltd
Current assignee: Youngman Group Ltd
Priority date: 2010-03-10
Filing date: 2010-03-10
Publication date: 2011-09-14
Also published as: GB201003952D0

Abstract

A tower system 1 comprises two side frames 2, 3 and at least one bracing element 5 connectable between the side frames. The tower system includes a work platform 10 attachable between the side frames, where the work platform includes an access opening (11, Fig 3). The tower system further comprises a support structure (20, Fig 3) connectable to the tower above the work platform, where the support structure features a connection point (26, Fig 3) positioned above the access opening, in use. The tower system is characterised by a lifting mechanism attachable to the connection point and operable to raise a load to the work platform through the tower and access opening. Preferably, the support structure comprises a pair of L-shaped frames (21, Fig 4) removably attached, with a lifting bar (25, Fig 4) removably attached to the L-shaped frames. The tower is suitable for mounting camera or lighting apparatus.

Description

Title: A Tower System

Description of Invention

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a tower system and, more specifically, a tower system for use as a camera or lighting tower.

Tower systems comprising of scaffolding elements are known. It is common to erect such a tower structure next to a building or other permanent structure, to allow access to an otherwise inaccessible part of the building or structure. The tower is provided with at least one work platform upon which a worker can operate. To allow ease of transport, and for a number of different configurations and heights of towers to be created, the towers are assembled using individual interconnectable scaffolding elements which allow a tower to be erected and subsequently dismantled within a relatively short period of time.

As a consequence of using individual scaffolding elements, as opposed to a dedicated, purpose-made, ready-made, rigid, tower, the many temporary connections made between the individual scaffolding elements can cause such a tower as a whole to be relatively unstable or at least lack rigidity when compared to a purpose built camera or lighting tower. In the construction industry, this level of lack of rigidity is not enough to cause a problem. In the construction industry, any such instability is mitigated by anchoring the tower to the building or structure being worked on or constructed so there is no

problem perceived in the construction field.

Temporary scaffolding towers lend themselves to use in the broadcasting or events field, particularly as camera or lighting towers. However, it will be appreciated that especially when being used as a camera tower, it is important for the tower to be independently stable and rigid, to ensure that a good picture or steady lighting can be achieved.

Moreover, with the advent of increasingly stringent regulations when working at height, provisions must be made to safely lift heavy and valuable lighting and/or camera equipment to the top of the tower. Up to now, it has been known for the operator to either carry elements of the equipment on his back whilst scaling a ladder provided within the tower, or to pull the equipment up to the top of the tower on a rope hanging over the side of the tower. It will readily be appreciated that lifting heavy loads outside of the footprint of the tower can create a moment arm and cause instability and, at worst, cause the tower to topple.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a tower system comprising: two side frames; at least one bracing element connectable between the side frames to create a tower; a work platform attachable between the side frames, the work platform having an access opening; a support structure connectable to the tower above the work platform, and having a connection point positioned above the access opening, in use; a lifting mechanism attachable to the connection point and operable to raise a load to the work platform through the tower and access opening.

Preferably, the access opening is provided with a hatch which, when closed, defines a part of the work platform.

Conveniently, the support structure is removably attachable to the top of the tower.

Advantageously, the support structure comprises a pair of lifting support frames, each attachable to the top of a respective side frame.

Preferably, each lifting support frame is substantially L-shaped, and are both attachable to the side frames in the same configuration.

Conveniently, the support structure comprises a lifting bar removably attachable to the tower.

Advantageously, the tower system further comprises a lifting bar removably attachable at either end to the lifting support frames.

Preferably, at least one of the side frames comprises a plurality of horizontal rungs.

Conveniently, the rungs are vertically spaced to define an integral ladder.

Advantageously, at least one of the side frames comprises two outer vertical support members.

Preferably, at least one central vertical support member.

Conveniently, at least one bracing element is provided with a spigot at each end.

Advantageously, each spigot is provided with a resilient mounting pad.

Preferably, the tower system further comprising at least one stabilising leg, attachable to and extendable beyond the footprint of the tower.

The present invention further provides a support structure removably attachable to a tower having two side frames, the support structure comprising a pair of substantially L-shaped lifting support frames removably attachable to the top of the respective side frames of the tower, and a lifting bar removably attachable at either end to the respective lifting support frame, the lifting bar being provided with a connection point positionable, in use, over an access opening of the tower.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a tower structure embodying the present invention in a first configuration; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the tower structure of Figure 1 in a second configuration; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the top part of the tower structure of Figure 1; and FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the top part of another embodiment of a tower structure.

As shown in the figures, the present invention provides a tower system 1 comprising two side frames 2,3. Each side frame 2,3 comprises a plurality of interconnected side panels 4. Each side panel is of substantially the same size.

Any desired number of side panels 4 may be connected together to form a side frame 2,3 of a required height. The side panels may be stored and transported in a substantially flat configuration.

To erect the tower 1, two side panels 4 are positioned on the ground in an upright manner, facing one another, and at least one bracing element 5 is then connected between and to the side panels 4. Further side panels 4 may be connected to the top of a side panel 4, to create a side frame 2,3. As shown in the figures, a number of bracing elements 5 are connected between each of the side frames 2,3 to provide a rigid tower structure 1.

In the embodiment shown, the side panels 4 each comprise a plurality of horizontal rungs 6, which are vertically spaced across the side panel to define an integral ladder. Each side panel 4 comprises two outer vertical support members 7, to which each of the horizontal rungs are attached -in effect the stiles of the notional ladder. To increase their stability, the side panels 4 may comprise at least one intermediate vertical support member 8. In the embodiment shown, there are two outer vertical support members 7 and one central intermediate vertical support member 8 in each of the side panels 4.

Conveniently, this allows a user to use the central section of the side panel as a ladder, without the risk of the user's weight causing the centre of the horizontal rungs to deflect or bend by any substantial amount.

Each end of the bracing elements 5 is provided with a spigot 9, hook or clamp -herein described as a spigot. The bracing elements 5 may be connected between the side frames 2,3 either by connection of the spigots to the respective horizontal rungs 6 of each side panel and/or the vertical support members 7,8. Preferably, the spigots 9 at the end of each bracing element 5 are rotatable about an axis passing along the length of the bracing element 5.

In one embodiment, an articulated joint is provided between the bracing element and the spigot, to allow positioning of the spigot with respect to the bracing element. Preferably, the spigots are configured such that they rigidly, but removably, engage with the side panels 4. If the connection was loose, not only would the stability of the tower be affected, but a loose connection could also cause an unacceptable noise to be created by the tower in use, for example when subject to wind. This is of special concern when the tower is being as a camera tower, when any undesired noise could be picked up by any sound equipment associated with the camera. Accordingly, in one embodiment, each spigot 9 is provided with a resilient mounting pad, which prevents any metal-to-metal contact and therefore reduces any noise created by the parts of the tower. The resilient layer also offers a damping function and is useful to reduce vibration in the structure 1.

The tower system 1 further comprises at least one work platform 10 attachable between the side frames 2,3. As will be seen, the work platform is attachable to the horizontal rungs 6 of the side panels 4 defining the side frame 2,3. The work platform may be provided with a plurality of spigots 9 for connection to the horizontal rungs. Further, the work platform 10 has an access opening 11, as shown in the top work platform in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the access opening 11 is provided with a hatch 12 which, when closed, defines a part of the work platform 10. The hatch is open in Figures 1 and 3 and closed in Figure2.

When a user climbs the tower, steps onto the upper surface of the work platform, and closes the hatch 12, it will be appreciated that the work platform provides a safe support platform across its top surface, bounded by the two side frames 2,3 and bracing elements 5, which prevent the user from falling from the work platform and present a railing. The hatch opens upwards, to avoid inadvertent opening when the work platform is being used. More work platforms 10 may be provided below the top platform, to act an as intermediate work platform (e.g. for storage of equipment) and/or to add rigidity to the tower.

In one embodiment, the work platform has a length of 2.5 metres and a width of around 2 metres.

The tower system 1 further comprises a support structure 20 connectable to the tower above the work platform and having a connection point positioned above the access opening 11, in use. Preferably, the support structure 20 is removably attachable to the top of the tower.

As shown in the figures, the support structure 20 comprises a pair of lifting support frames 21,22, each being attachable to the top of a respective side frame 2,3. In one embodiment shown in Figure 4, each of the lifting support frames is substantially L-shaped. The main panel of the L-shaped lifting support frame is provided with a plurality of horizontal rungs 6 spaced in the same manner as those of the side panels. In this embodiment, the width of the main panel of the L-shaped lifting support frame is about a third of the width of the side panels.

The L-shaped lifting support frames 21,22 are attachable to the side frames of the tower system in substantially the same configuration, as shown.

Accordingly, the main panels of each lifting support frame are positioned opposite one another, adjacent one side of the tower. A base 23 (effectively the lowest rung) of the L-shaped support frame 21,22 spans the entirety of the side panel 4 allowing connection to an unmodified side panel and use of side panels 4 all of the same design. The base of the L-shaped support frame 21,22 is braced by a strut 24 extending from one end of the base 23 to the rung 6 immediately above the base 23 of the support frame. The L-shaped frame 21,22 is not intended to be used as a ladder.

The support frames 21,22 of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 differ from the L-shaped support frames of Figure 4. The support frames 21,22 of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 comprise the removable rungs and are fitted to a specifically configured top level side panel 4. The rungs provide the top of the L-shape and the bottom of the L-shape is provided by the top part of the side panel immediately below the support frame.

The support structure 20 further comprises a lifting bar 25 which is removably attachable to the tower. As shown in the figures, the lifting bar is removably attachable at either end to the lifting support frames. More specifically, the lifting bar is attachable to the main panel of each L-shaped lifting support frames 21,22. The lifting bar 25 has a connection point 26 which is positionable over the access opening 11, in use. Preferably, the connection point 26 is in the centre of the lifting bar.

The tower system 1 further comprises a lifting mechanism 30 attachable to the connection point 26 and operable to raise a load to the work platform through the tower and access opening. With reference to the figures, it will be appreciated that when a user climbs to the top of the tower system and onto the work platform, any equipment can be safely lifted through the centre of the tower and through the access opening 11, in a single action. There is thus a clear and vertical line of sight from the connection point 24, through the access opening 11 and down through the tower 1 to the ground below. In this respect it is important that a portion of the top part of the tower structure can support the lifting bar 25 over the access opening. Preferably, the support structure 20 is at the top of the tower. Conveniently, the support structure 20 tapers or is narrower than the base 23. The support structure is conveniently configured using L-shaped frames 21,22 which have a top which locates any lifting bar 25 over the access opening.

The lifting mechanism may comprise a gin wheel, pulley or block or an electrical or mechanical hoist or winch. The lifting mechanism may be operated by either a user on the work platform or on the ground below the tower. Any driven or powered parts of the lifting mechanism may be sited at ground level.

A particular advantage of the provision of a support structure having a connection point 24, is that the connection point is within the footprint of the tower and more particularly with in the footprint of the top level work platform 10. Accordingly, regardless of the weight of the load being lifted, it is not possible to create a moment arm outside the footprint of the tower so minimising any risk of toppling the tower by lifting the load.

When the equipment has been lifted up onto the work platform 10, the support structure 20 may be removed from the tower, or at least dismantled and stored on the work platform (or a work platform below) in a collapsed state. When the tower is being used as a camera tower, it will be appreciated that the removal of any non-structural scaffolding elements will prevent the vision of the camera being obstructed.

However, the L-shaped lifting support frames 21,22 are configured such that they may remain in place whilst allowing the camera still to have an unobstructed view. Preferably, the tower system is used with the camera facing away from the lifting bar of the support structure. The main panels of the lifting support frames do not therefore obstruct the view of the camera.

Conveniently, users may enter onto and exit from the platform whilst the camera equipment is operating, through the access opening.

To further improve stability of the tower, the tower system may further be provided with at least one stabilising leg which is attachable to the side frame(s). It will be appreciated from the figures that the stabilising leg contacts the ground beyond the footprint of the tower, thereby the overall support footprint of the tower system, thus increasing stability. Preferably, at least four stabilising legs are provided, protruding from a respective corner of the tower system.

Given the strength and stability offered by a tower system embodying the present invention, the outer surfaces of the tower system may be at least partially covered with sheeting or panels, provided with graphics or advertising material, to shield the structural elements of the tower system from view.

In one embodiment, the lifting mechanism includes a motor or winch sited at or near ground level and a lifting cable running to a pulley or block attached to the connection point over the access opening -the pulley or block forms part of the lifting mechanism.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tower system comprising: two side frames; at least one bracing element connectable between the side frames to create a tower; a work platform attachable between the side frames, the work platform having an access opening; a support structure connectable to the tower above the work platform, and having a connection point positioned above the access opening for attachment to, in use, a part of a lifting mechanism which is operable to raise a load to the work platform through the tower and access opening.
2. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein the access opening is provided with a hatch which, when closed, defines a part of the
3. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure is removably attachable to the top of the tower.
4. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a pair of lifting support frames, each attachable to the top of a respective side frame.
5. A tower system according to claim 4, wherein each lifting support frame is substantially L-shaped, and are both attachable to the side frames in the same configuration.
6. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a lifting bar removably attachable to the tower.
7. A tower system according to any of claims 4 to 5, further comprising a lifting bar removably attachable at either end to the lifting support frames.
8. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the side frames comprises a plurality of horizontal rungs.
9. A tower system according to claim 8, wherein the rungs are vertically spaced to define an integral ladder.
10. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the side frames comprises two outer vertical support members.
11. A tower system according to claim 10, further comprising at least one central vertical support member.
12. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one bracing element is provided with a spigot at each end.
13. A tower system according to claim 12, wherein each spigot is provided with a resilient mounting pad.
14. A tower system according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one stabilising leg, attachable to and extendable beyond the footprint of the tower.
15. A tower system according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises a lifting support frame having an L-shaped base that spans a respective side frame.
16. A camera or lighting tower according to any preceding claim.
17. A support structure removably attachable to a tower having two side frames, the support structure comprising a pair of substantially L-shaped lifting support frames removably attachable to the top of the respective side frames of the tower, and a lifting bar removably attachable at either end to the respective lifting support frame, the lifting bar being provided with a connection point positionable, in use, over an access opening of the tower.