GB2481398A

GB2481398A - Length adjustable platform system

Info

Publication number: GB2481398A
Application number: GB1010417.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark Taylor
Original assignee: Harsco Infrastructure Services Ltd
Current assignee: Harsco Infrastructure Services Ltd
Priority date: 2010-06-22
Filing date: 2010-06-22
Publication date: 2011-12-28
Anticipated expiration: 2030-06-22
Also published as: GB201010417D0; GB2481398B

Abstract

AÂ platform system 1 comprises a support structure 2 of variable length, a platform 3 mounted on the support structure; and a plurality of extension elements 6 slideably mounted on the support structure. The platform and at least one of the extension elements together define a work surface of the platform system. As shown in Figure 5, an extension element 6 may comprise a bracket 7 depending from a plate 8. The bracket may have an aperture 9 through which the support structure is received as shown in Figure 4. The plate may define a part of the work surface in use. The platform system may be used in conjunction with a climbing screen system.

Description

Title: A Platform System

Description of Invention

THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a platform system and, more particularly, to a platform system for use with a climbing screen.

When building a construction having a central structure formed by poured concrete, it is known to use a climbing screen system, which encloses the perimeter of at least a part of the construction. The climbing screen system provides a platform around the perimeter of the construction, to support formwork for use in forming the next level of the construction and to provide a useful work space for construction workers. The system includes a safety screen, to safeguard workers from adverse weather conditions and to ensure a safe working environment. As each floor of the construction is formed, the climbing screen moves up the construction, exposing the previously formed floors beneath.

When forming a construction having a substantially uniform cross-section, the climbing screen system and associated equipment may simply be moved vertically upwards without any reconfiguration. However, when forming a construction having a non-uniform cross-section, the configuration of the climbing screen system suitable for forming one floor may not be suitable for forming a subsequent floor. Having to reconfigure the components of the climbing screen system for each subsequent floor is time consuming.

It will be appreciated that, in forming a construction where the surface area of each respective floor progressively reduces (i.e. a generally pyramidal construction), the length of the sides will also reduce with each floor. There is a need for components for a climbing screen system which can be re-configured quickly and safely.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a platform system comprising: a support structure of variable length; a platform mounted on the support structure; and a plurality of extension elements slideably mounted on the support structure, wherein the platform and at least one of the extension elements together define a work surface of the platform system.

The present invention further provides a method of configuring a platform system, comprising providing a support structure of variable length and extending the support structure to a predetermined length; mounting a platform on the support structure; slideably mounting a plurality of extension elements on the support structure, distributing the extension elements on the support structure such that the platform and the extension elements together define a work surface of the platform system; and educing the length of the support structure such that at least one extension element nests with another, thereby reducing the length of work surface of the platform system.

The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates a platform system embodying the present invention; Figure 2 illustrates the platform system of Figure 1 but with the platform removed for clarity; Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of part of the support structure and extension elements of a platform system embodying the present invention; Figure 4 is a view of the underside of the platform system illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 5 illustrates an extension element of a platform system embodying the present invention; and Figures 6a) to 6c) illustrate the platform system in use.

Figure 1 shows a platform system 1 embodying the present invention. The platform system 1 comprises a support structure 2 of variable length. The support structure 2 is more clearly illustrated in Figures 2 to 4. In the embodiment shown, the support structure 2 comprises a pair of first support members 2A and a pair of second support members 2B. The second support member 2B is telescopically received within the first support member 2A. Only one of each of the first 2A and second 2B support members is shown in Figure 3 for clarity. The suport members may be releasably lockable in position relative to one another.

A platform 3 is mounted on the support structure 2. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the platform 3 is secured to the first support member 2A. The support structure 2 is provided with mounting brackets 4, for secure attachment of the first support members 2A to a part of a climbing screen. The platform 3 comprises cut-outs 5 to receive structural elements of the climbing screen. It will be appreciated that by rigidly connecting the respective first support members 2A to the climbing screen system which is, in turn, mounted on a building or structure, the second support members 2B are effectively cantilevered within the first support members 2A.

A plurality of extension elements 6 are slideably mounted on the support structure 2. As will be seen in Figures 2 and 4, the extension elements 6 are slideably mounted on the second support member 2B. The extension element 6E, furthest from the platform 3, is secured to the distal end of the second support member 2B.

The platform 3 and the extension elements 6 together define a work surface of the platform system, upon which a worker may operate. By virtue of the variable length of the support structure 2, and the slideably mounted extension elements 6, it will therefore be appreciated that the length of the work surface of the platform system 1 may be adjusted.

As shown in more detail in Figure 5, an extension element 6 comprises a bracket 7 depending from a plate 8. The top surface of the plate 8 defines a part of the work surface of the platform system 1 in use. The bracket 7 has a pair of apertures 9 which are sized so as to receive the support structure 2 therethrough. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the apertures 9 receive the second support member 2B. The extension element 6E furthest from the platform 3 is not provided with apertures 9, so as to enable the bracket 7 to be rigidly secured to the distal end of the second support member 2B.

In use, when the support structure 2 is extended to a predefined length, the plurality of extension elements 6 are distributed along the support structure 2.

In the embodiments shown, neighbouring extension elements 6 at least partially overlap one another. The extension elements 6 are provided with a plurality of apertures 10, to allow neighbouring extension elements 6 to be secured together by removable securing means (e.g. a nut and bolt). Although in Figure 5 the extension element is shown as being provided with only one set of apertures 10 on each side of the plate 8, further sets of apertures may be provided elsewhere on the plate 8, such that extension elements 6 may be secured together with differing extents of overlap.

Preferably, each of the extension elements 6 is configured such that, in use, the plate 8 of each extension element 6 is substantially parallel to the surface of the platform 3. As a result, the plate 8 of each extension element 6 is also substantially parallel to the support structure 2 as a whole. When the support structure 2 is mounted horizontally, each part of the work surface of the platform system 1 is also horizontal, albeit with steps in the surface owing to the thickness of the palte 8 of each extension element 6.

The extension elements 6 are configured so as to be nested together, as shown in Figures 6B and 60. The extension elements 6 are similar to one another but not identical. All the extension elements 6 may be neatly nested together such that the plate 6 of each respective extension element 6 is parallel with one another when nested. Each one of the extension elements 6A to 6E illustrated in Figure 6 is slightly different to one another, with the distance from the plate 8 to the aperture 9 of each extension element 6 being slightly different, so as to account for the thickness of the plate 8.

In another embodiment, the extension elements may be substantially identical to one another. In such an embodiment, the apertures are provided so as to be larger than the section of the support structure received therein. In the extended state of a platform system incorporating such an embodiment, each of the extension elements would be slightly pitched with respect to the plane of the support structure. Further, a relatively large difference between the size of the aperture 9 and the size of the second support member 2B will be needed so as to allow effective nesting of the extension elements.

The platform system 1 may be further provided with a pair of attachment members 11, each provided with an eye. A rope or cord may be attached to the eye of one or both attachment members 11, either for lifting the platform system 1 as a whole or for enabling a worker standing on the platform 3 to manually collapse the platform system 1. The other end of the platform system 1 or support structure 2 may be provided with a further attachment member 11 (not shown), such that the entire platform system 1 can be lifted in a substantially horizontal manner. The platform system 1 may include further attachment points for safety barriers, foot boards, other structural elements and equipment etc. As illustrated in Figure 6, a platform system 1 embodying the present invention is re-configurable such that the length of the work surface may be reduced/increased.

In Figure 6a), the platform system 1 is shown in the extended state, wherein the support structure 2 is extended to its maximum extent and each of the extension elements 6 is evenly distributed along the second support member 2B. The extension elements 6 are releasably secured to one another. Extension element 6A is releasably secured to the platform 3. Accordingly, the platform system 1 in its extended state defines the longest possible work surface.

When the length of the work surface of the platform system 1 needs to be reduced, extension element 6E is unsecured from extension element 6D. The support structure 2 is then shortened. A worker standing on the platform 3 may pull on a rope or line attached to the attachment member(s) 11 which causes the second support member 2B to telescope into the first support member 2A.

Since the extension element 6E is rigidly secured to the distal end of the support structure 2, this causes the extension element6E to move towards the platform 3, thereby nesting extension element 6D within extension element 6E.

When two extension elements 6 are nested together, their respective apertures may align so as to allow securing means to pass through the respective apertures 10 of two nested extension elements 6.

Next, extension element 6D is unsecured from extension element 60, and the length of the support structure 2 is again reduced such that extension element 60 nests within extension element 6D. See Figure 6B. Each of the extension elements 6 may be progressively unsecured and the support structure 2 shortened until all of the extension elements 6 are nested together.

Finally, the first extension element 6A may be unsecured from the platform 3, to reach the fully collapsed state shown in Figure 6C. The extension elements 6 may be nested in a different order to that described above.

It will be appreciated that even when the extension elements 6 are unsecured from one another, the underlying support structure 2 still provides support for the entire platform system, thereby ensuring safety throughout. Each of the extension elements 6 may be tethered to one another (and to the platform 3) so as to prevent the separation of neighbouring extension elements 6, which would otherwise allow a gap to form between the extension elements 6, through which equipment and/or workers may fall.

In another embodiment (not shown), the support structure may comprise only one of each of a first and second telescoping support member, being centrally positioned with respect to the longitudinal axis of the platform and extension elements. In yet another embodiment (not shown), the support structure may further comprise a third support member, wherein the second and third support members telecscope into a respective end of the first support member.

Extension elements are slidably mounted on both the second and third support members, such that the platform system may be selectively reduced/extended in length either side of the platform.

In the embodiments described above, the length of the support structure, and thus the platform system, is reduced by manual operation. It will be appreciated that the length of the support structure may instead be adjusted by providing a linear actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder, or other suitable means.

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

CLAIMS: 1. A platform system comprising: a support structure of variable length; a platform mounted on the support structure; and a plurality of extension elements slideably mounted on the support structure, wherein the platform and at least one of the extension elements together define a work surface of the platform system.
2. A platform system according to claim 1, wherein an extension element comprises a bracket depending from a plate, the bracket having an aperture through which the support structure is received, and wherein the plate defines a part of the work surface in use.
3. A platform system according to claim 2, wherein the extension elements are configured such that, in use, the plate of each extension element is substantially parallel to the surface of the platform.
4. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, neighbouring extension elements at least partially overlap one another.
5. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein an extension element is removably securable to at least one neighbouring extension element.
6. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension element furthest from the platform is secured to the distal end of the second support member.
7. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension elements are similar to one another but not identical.
8. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension elements are configured to be nested together.
9. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprising first and second support members translatably connected to one another such that the length of the support structure is adjustable
10. A platform system according to claim 9, wherein the second support member is telescopically received within the first support member.
11. A platform system according to any of claims 9 and 10, wherein the platform is secured to the first support member.
12. A platform system according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein, in use, the first support member is rigidly connected to a building or structure, such that the second support member is cantilevered by the first support member.
13. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective ends of the support structure are provided with attachment elements securable to a scaffolding structure.
14. A platform system according to any preceding claim, configured such that: in an extended state, the support structure is extended to a maximum predefined length and each of the extension elements are distributed there along, wherein each of the extension elements and the platform collectively define the work surface; and in a collapsed state, the support structure is collapsed to a predefined length and the extension elements are nested together, wherein only one of the extension elements and the platform define the work surface.
15. A climbing screen system incorporating a platform system according to any preceding claim.
16. A method of configuring a platform system, comprising: providing a support structure of variable length and extending the support structure to a predetermined length; mounting a platform on the support structure; slideably mounting a plurality of extension elements on the support structure, distributing the extension elements on the support structure such that the platform and the extension elements together define a work surface of the platform system; and reducing the length of the support structure such that at least one extension element nests with another, thereby reducing the length of work surface of the platform system.
17. A platform system or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures.
18. Any novel matter or combination therefore hereinbefore described.Amendments to the claims have been filed as followed CLAIMS: 1. A platform system comprising: a support structure of variable length; a platform mounted on the support structure; and a plurality of extension elements slideably mounted on the support structure such that they are slideable with respect to the support structure, wherein the platform and at least one of the extension elements together define a work surface of the platform system.2. A platform system according to claim 1, wherein an extension element comprises a bracket depending from a plate, the bracket having an aperture through which the support structure is received, and wherein the plate defines a part of the work surface in use.3. A platform system according to claim 2, wherein the extension elements are configured such that, in use, the plate of each extension element is substantially parallel to the surface of the platform.4. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, neighbouring extension elements at least partially overlap one another.5. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein an extension element is removably securable to at least one neighbouring extension element.6. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension element furthest from the platform is secured to the distal end of the second support member.7. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension elements are similar to one another but not identical.8. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the extension elements are configured to be nested together.9. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprising first and second support members translatably connected to one another such that the length of the support structure is adjustable 10. A platform system according to claim 9, wherein the second support member is telescopically received within the first support member.11. A platform system according to any of claims 9 and 10, wherein the platform is secured to the first support member.Q12. A platform system according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein, in use, the first support member is rigidly connected to a building or structure, such that the second support member is cantilevered by the first support member.13. A platform system according to any preceding claim, wherein the respective ends of the support structure are provided with attachment elements securable to a scaffolding structure.14. A platform system according to any preceding claim, configured such that: in an extended state, the support structure is extended to a first length and each of the extension elements are distributed there along, wherein each of the extension elements and the platform collectively define the work surface; and in a collapsed state, the support structure is collapsed to a second length and the extension elements are nested together, wherein only one of the extension elements and the platform define the work surface.15. A climbing screen system incorporating a platform system according to any preceding claim.16. A method of configuring a platform system, comprising: providing a support structure of variable length and extending the support structure to a first length; mounting a platform on the support structure; slideably mounting a plurality of extension elements on the support structure, distributing the extension elements on the support structure such that the platform and the extension elements together define a work surface of theQplatform system; and reducing the length of the support structure such that at least one extension element nests with another, thereby reducing the length of work surface of the platform system.17. A platform system or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the figures.INTELLECTUAL 15 . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No: GB 1010417.2 Examiner: Mrs Judith Peake Claims searched: 1-17 Date of search: 29 September 2011 Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17 Documents considered to be relevant: Category Relevant Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance to claims X 1, 4, 7-12, US2008/302605 Al 14, 15, 16 (ST-GERMAIN ANDRE) See figs 1 and 3-5 showing variable length support structure 52o, 53m, 52i and nesting extension elements 44o, 44m and platform 44i.X 1,7,9-11, EP2025832A1 13, 15 (ALPINE BAU DEUTSCHLAND AG) See Figure 1 showing extensible platform system specifically for climbing scaffolds X 1,9-11, FR2937356 Al 13, 15 (LOMBARD) See WPI Abstract Accession Number 2010-E39121 [29] and Figures 1 and 2 particularly showing movable planks as extension elements located upon a telescopic support structure A -CN201339310 Y (CHINA CONSTRUCTION FOURTH ENGI) See WPI Abstract Accession Number 2009-R23627 [77] and Figure 1 particularly, showing expansion platform for climbing screen A -GB2373538 A (PERI GMBH) Sliding platform decking members onto horizontal supports during construction process A -AU2005205836 (MASTA SCAFFOLD PTY LTD) Nesting platform extension elements in slideable configurations Categories: X Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive A Document indicating technological background and/or state step of the art.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step if P Document published on or after the declared priority date but combined with one or more other documents of before the filing date of this invention.same category.& Member of the same patent family E Patent document published on or after, but with priority date earlier than, the filing date of this application.Field of Search:Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKCX: Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC EO4G The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk :: INTELLECTUAL . ... PROPERTY OFFICE Online: WPI, EPODOC International Classification: Subclass Subgroup Valid From EO4G 0005/08 01/01/2006 EO4G 0001/15 01/01/2006 Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk