GB2515402A

GB2515402A - Portable station

Info

Publication number: GB2515402A
Application number: GB201410992A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Adam Costello
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-06-20
Filing date: 2014-06-20
Publication date: 2014-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-06-20
Also published as: GB2515402B; GB201310997D0; GB201410992D0

Abstract

A manually portable station 801 for use in a construction environment comprising a main body 802 and first and second support stand elements 812, 813. The main body comprises first and second box elements 803, 804 pivotably connected such that the main body is configurable between a closed storage condition and an open use condition. The first and second support stand elements are pivotably connected to the main body such that they are configurable between a transport condition in which they extend alongside the main body, and a supporting condition in which they extend outwardly from the main body. The station is provided with at least one engagement means (815 figure 2, 816, figure 3) and at least one of the first and second support stand elements is removably engagable with said engagement means. The support stand elements may respectively comprise a support leg and a brace means, each pivotably connected to a different one of the first and second box elements and further comprise engagement end (816 figure 3) and receiving slot (815 figure 2) for mutual engagement.

Description

PORTABLE STATION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a portable station, in particular to a manually portable safety station for use in a construction environment.

Background of the Invention

Health and safety regulations exist for the benefit of the wellbeing of persons working in or present at a construction environment. Health and safety regulations cover a wide range of possible occurrences, and aim to prevent injury or death and to ensure that useful information and apparatus is within convenient reach in the unfortunate event of an injury. Applicable health and safety regulations may relate to such aspects as: the type of risk assessment that should be carried out before a task is performed, how a particular task should be carried out, the type of equipment that should be used for a particular task, the qualifications a person should have to perform a particular task, the type of warnings that should be located within a particular area, how a particular emergency should be handled, the type of safety equipment that should be available. The particular health and safety regulations that should be followed at any one time can depend upon such factors as: the location of work to be performed, the number of people at that location, weather conditions, light conditions, the proximity of potential hazards.

It is known for a safety station to be erected within a construction environment, at which information and first aid equipment is located. A problem exists in that typically a construction site safety station is built as and when needed near where operatives will be working, broken down when no longer needed because the operatives have moved to another part of the construction site, and then a new one built near where the operatives have moved to. This approach is time consuming and the quality and stability of the safety station varies between builds. In addition, since the safety station is temporary and provided for a functional purpose only, the resultant structure is typically unsightly and unprofessional looking.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable station for use in a construction environment, said portable station comprising: a main body comprising a first box element and a second box element pivotably connected to said first box element such that said main body is configurable between: a storage condition in which the first and second box elements are in a closed condition and together define an internal storage compartment, and a use condition in which the first and second box elements are opened apart; and first and second support stand elements each pivotably connected to said main body such that said first and second support stand elements are configurable between: a transport condition in which the first and second support stand elements extend alongside the main body, and a supporting condition in which the first and second support stand elements extend outwardly from the main body, and said portable safety station being provided with at least one engagement means for the first and second support stand elements, at least one of said first and second support stand elements being removably engagable adjacent an end thereof with said at least one engagement means.

Preferably, when the main body is in the use condition, the first and second box elements extend in substantially the same plane.

Advantageously, when the main body is in the use condition, one of the first and second box elements is located above the other of the first and second box elements.

Preferably, the first and second support stand elements respectively comprise support leg means and brace means, each pivotably connected to a different one of the first and second box elements of the main body.

Advantageously, the first and second box elements each define a recessed region, the support leg means and the brace means each being stored within a different one of said recessed regions when in the transport condition.

Preferably, the at least one engagement means comprises at least one receiving slot defined by the support leg means.

Advantageously, the brace means is pivotably connected adjacent a first end to one the first and second box elements.

Preferably, a second end of the brace means, distal to the first, is configured to removably engage with the at least one receiving slot defined by the support leg means.

Advantageously, the brace means defines at least one securing aperture therethrough, the support leg means further defines at least one securing aperture therethrough, and said portable station further comprises at least one securing pin means, removably locatable through the respective securing apertures of the brace means and the support leg means, when the second end of the brace means is engaged with the at least one receiving slot defined by the support leg means.

Preferably, the portable station further comprises a foldable stabilising element configurable between a storage condition in which the stabilising element is folded and a use condition in which the stabilising element is unfolded and extends between one of the first and second box elements and the support leg means, when the support leg means is in the supporting condition, the stabilising element being configured to support additional weight.

The main body may comprise a pocket for storing the stabilising element.

The main body may comprise at least one handle for facilitating manual transportation of the portable station.

The main body may comprise a plurality of rotatable wheel elements for facilitating manual transportation of the portable station.

The first and second box elements of the main body may be fabricated from a fluid impermeable material.

The front edges of at least one of the first and second box elements of the main body may be provided with a fluid impermeable seal.

The portable station may comprise a releasable securing arrangement for releasably securing the first and second box elements in the storage condition.

The internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of the main body may define at least one recessed area.

The internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of the main body may support at least one transparent protective pocket.

The internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of the main body may support at least one of the hook part and the loop part of a hook and loop fastener.

The portable station may further comprise a battery-powered light.

The battery-powered light may be operable in at least one of a permanently on function and a flashing light function.

The portable station may further comprise a siren.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of erecting a portable station for use in a construction environment, comprising the steps of receiving a portable station as defined in the first aspect above; extending the leg support means outwardly from the main body into the supporting condition; opening apart the first and second box elements into the use condition; extending the brace means outwardly from the main body into the support condition; engaging the second end of the brace means with the at least one receiving slot defined by the support leg means, and locating the securing pin means through the respective securing apertures extending through the brace means and the support leg means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable station for use in a construction environment, said portable station comprising: a main body comprising a first box element and a second box element pivotably connected to said first box element such that said main body is configurable between: a storage condition in which the first and second box elements are in a closed condition and together define an internal storage compartment, and a use condition in which the first and second box elements are opened apart; and a support stand pivotably connected to said main body such that said support stand is configurable between a: a transport condition in which the support stand extends alongside the main body, and a supporting condition in which the support stand extends outwardly from the main body.

In an embodiment, when the main body is in the use condition, the first and second box elements extend in substantially the same plane.

In an embodiment, when the main body is in the use condition, one of the first and second box elements is located above the other of the first and second box elements.

In an embodiment, the support stand comprises first and second support stand elements, each pivotably connected to the same one of the first and second box elements of the main body, and configured to be opened apart from one another into the supporting condition and to be closed towards one another into the transport condition.

In an embodiment, the first and second box elements are located one above the other when the main body is in the use condition.

In an embodiment, the support stand comprises first and second support stand elements, each pivotably connected to the box element that is lowermost when the main body is in the use condition.

In an embodiment, the box element that is uppermost when the main body is in the use condition defines first and second apertures. The first and second support stand elements have upper ends that are removably locatable within the first and second apertures of the box element that is uppermost when the main body is in the use condition.

Preferably, the upper ends of the first and second support stand elements define an aperture therethrough and the portable station further comprises first and second securing pins that are removably locatable through the apertures of the upper ends of the said first and second support stand elements when located through the first and second apertures of the box element that is uppermost when the main body is in the use condition.

In an embodiment, the first and second support stand elements are configured such that when both are in the transport condition one of the first and second support stand elements overlaps the other of the first and second support stand elements.

In an embodiment, each of the first and second support stand elements has an upper end, the other of the first and second box elements defines first and second apertures therein, and the upper end of each of the first and second support stand elements is removably locatable within one of the first and second apertures defined in the said other of the first and second box elements.

In an embodiment, the upper end of each of the first and second support stand elements defines an aperture therethrough, the portable station further comprises first and second securing pins, and each of the first and second securing pins is removably locatable through the aperture of an upper end of one of said first and second support stand elements when that upper end is located through one of the first and second apertures defined in the said other of the first and second box elements.

In an embodiment, said portable station further comprises a work surface element pivotably connected to the internal wall of one of the first and second box elements of said main body, such that said work surface element is configurable between: a storage condition in which the work surface element is contained within said box element; and a use condition in which the work surface element extends outwardly from within said box element.

In an embodiment, said main body comprises at least one handle for facilitating manual transportation of said portable station.

In an embodiment, said main body comprising a plurality of rotatable wheel elements for facilitating manual transportation of said portable station.

In an embodiment, said portable station further comprises a foldable stabilising element configurable between: a storage condition in which said stabilising element is folded, and a use condition in which said stabilising element is unfolded and extends across said first and second support stand elements when said first and second support stand elements are in the supporting condition, said stabilising element configured to support additional weight.

In an embodiment, said main body comprises a pocket for storing said stabilising element.

In an embodiment, the first and second box elements of said main body are fabricated from a fluid impermeable material.

In an embodiment, the front edges of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body are provided with a fluid impermeable seal.

In an embodiment, said portable station comprises a releasable securing arrangement for releasably securing said first and second box elements in said storage condition.

In an embodiment, the internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body defines at least one recessed region.

In an embodiment, the internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body supports at least one transparent protective pocket.

In an embodiment, the internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body supports at least one of the hook part and the loop part of a hook and loop fastener.

In an embodiment, said portable station further comprising a battery-powered light.

In an embodiment, said battery-powered light is operable in at least one of: a permanently on function, a flashing light function.

In an embodiment, said portable station further comprises a siren.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first portable station in the use condition; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first side of the first portable station of Figure 1, in the storage or transport condition; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second side of the first portable station of Figure 1, in the storage or transport condition; Figure 4 is a side view of the first portable station of Figure 1, in the use condition; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear of the first portable station of Figure 1, in the use condition; Figure 6 shows a second portable station arranged for use; Figure 7 shows the second portable station of Figure 6 arranged for transport or storage; Figure 8 shows a further view of the second portable station of Figure 6 arranged for use; Figure 9 shows the support stand of the second portable station of Figure 6 in further detail; Figure 10 shows a further view of the second portable station of Figure 6arranged for transport or storage; Figure 11 shows features of the second portable station; and Figure 12 shows a stabilising element of the second portable station.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventor. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances well known methods and structures are not described in detail, so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

Figure 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first portable station (801) in the use condition, comprising a main body (802) comprising a first box element (803) and a second box element (804) connected by a hinge (811) to the first box element (803), so that the main body (802) is configurable between a storage condition, in which the first and second box elements (803, 804) are in a closed condition and together define an internal storage compartment, and a use condition, in which the first and second box elements (803, 804) are opened apart. The portable station (801) further comprises a support leg (812) and a brace (813), each hinged to the main body (802) such that the support leg (812) and the brace (813) are configurable between a transport condition in which the support leg (812) and the brace (813) each extend alongside the main body (802), and a supporting condition in which the support leg (812) and the brace (813) extend outwardly from the main body (802).

When in the use condition, the first and second box elements (803, 804) extend generally in the same plane, the first box element (803) being located above the second box element (804).

The support leg (812) is hinged at one end to the second box element (804), and the brace (813) is hinged at one end to the first box element (803).

The portable station (801) further comprises a shelf (806), which is hinged to an internal wall (807) of the first box element (803). The shelf (806) is configurable between a storage condition in which the shelf (806) is contained within the first box element (803) and a use condition in which the shelf (806) extends outwardly from the first box element (803). When in the use condition, the shelf (806) is substantially horizontal, making it suitable as a work surface for writing, or for storing and presenting items.

The portable station (801) comprises handles (809a, 809b) for facilitating manual transportation of the portable station (801). In this example, the handles (809a, 809b) are recesses defined in the first and second box elements (803, 804). In an alternative example, not shown here, the handles may extend outwardly from the first and second box elements (803, 804).

The portable station (801) is provided with rotatable wheels (808a, 808b, 808c, 808d) for facilitating manual transportation of the portable station. In this example, these wheels (808a, 808b, 808c, 808d) comprise castors.

Figure 2 Figure 2 is a perspective view of a first side of the first portable station (801) of Figure 1, in the storage or transport condition. The first and second box elements (803, 804) each define a recessed region (814a, 814b), and the support leg (812) and the brace (813) are each stored within a different recessed region (814a, 814b) when the support leg (812) and the brace (813) are in the transport condition. Each recessed region (814a, 814b) is provided with a support clip (not shown here) which holds the support leg (812) and brace (813) in the storage condition. The support leg (812) and brace (813) are therefore completely contained within the external profile of the main body (802). This enables a plurality of portable stations (801) to be easily stacked or otherwise stored together, since nothing extends beyond the outer edges of the main body (502) when in the storage condition.

In this example, first and second box elements (803, 804) are substantially identical.

The support leg (812) is hinged at one end to the second box element (804) and defines a receiving slot (815). The brace means (813, not shown here) is hinged at one end to the first box element (803).

Figure 3 Figure 3 is a perspective view of a second side of the first portable station (801) of Figure 1, in the storage or transport condition. Brace (813) is connected at one end by a hinge to an exterior of the first box element (803). A second end (816) of the brace (813) is configured to removably engage or slot into the receiving slot (815, see Figure 2) of the support leg (812).

The portable station (801) is further provided with a latch (810) for releasably securing the first and second box elements (803, 804) in the storage condition. The latch (810) may be further provided with a key or other locking means.

In the storage condition, the portable station (801) may be easily stored or stacked within a van, car or other means of transport, and may be pulled or pushed along the ground or other surface.

In this example, the first and second box elements (803, 804) are fabricated from a fluid impermeable material and are provided with a fluid impermeable seal to prevent ingress of rainwater, snow or other contaminants. When in the storage condition, the contents of the portable station (801) are therefore impervious to water and vermin, and will remain clean and hygienic.

Figure 4 Figure 4 is a side view of the first portable station (801) of Figure 1, in the use condition. The support leg (812) is in the support condition, extending outwardly from the main body (802). In this example, the support leg (812) is provided with a support stay (817). The brace (813) is hinged to the first box element (803) at one end and at a second end (816) it is removably engaged with the receiving slot (815, see Figure 2) of the support leg (812).

In this example, the internal wall (not shown here) of the portable station (801) comprises a recessed region and a transparent protective pocket. It also supports hook and loop fastenings, which can be used in various configurations to secure health and safety equipment and resources within the portable station (801).

In a further example (not shown here), the portable station (801) is provided with a battery-powered light, which may operate as permanently on or as a flashing light. The portable station (801) is also provided with a siren.

Figure 5 Figure 5 is a perspective view of the rear of the first portable station (801) of Figure 1, in the use condition. The brace (813) defines a securing aperture (not shown here) therethrough. The support leg (812) further defines a securing aperture (not shown here) therethrough. The portable station (801) further comprises a securing pin (not shown here), removably locatable through the respective securing apertures of the brace (813) and the support leg (814), when the second end (816) of the brace (813) is engaged with the receiving slot (815, see Figure 2) of the support leg (812). This prevents the brace (813) from being accidentally disengaged from the receiving slot of the support leg (812).

The portable station (801) further comprises a foldable stabilising element (not shown here), configurable between a storage condition in which it is folded and a use condition in which it is unfolded and extends between the second box element (804) and the support leg (812), when the support leg (812) is in the support condition. The stabilising element (not shown here) supports additional weight, such as sandbags, ballast or the like, which prevents the portable station (801) from moving or being blown over in adverse weather conditions. The portable station (801) comprises a pocket (not shown here) for storing the stabilizing element.

The portable safety station (801) shown in Figure 5 may be erected from the storage condition into the use condition by the following steps: extend the support leg (812) outwardly from the main body (802) into the supporting condition; open apart the first and second box elements (803, 804) into the use condition; extend the brace (813) outwardly from the main body (802) into the supporting condition; engage the second end (816) of the brace (813) into the receiving slot (815) defined by the support leg (812); and locating the securing pin through the respective securing apertures of the brace (813) and the support leg (814).

Figure 6 A second portable station 101 is shown in Figure 6. In this embodiment, the portable station 101 is a manually portable safety station for use in a construction environment.

In Figure 6, the portable station 101 is shown arranged for use. Portable station 101 comprises a main body 102 comprising a first box element 103 and a second box element 104 pivotably connected to the first box element 103 such that the main body 102 is configurable between a storage condition and a use condition. Portable station 101 also comprises a support stand 105 pivotably connected to the main body 102 such that the support stand 105 is configurable between a transport condition and a supporting condition.

As will be described in further detail, the main body 102 is configurable between a storage condition in which the first and second box elements 103, 104 are in a closed condition and together define an internal storage compartment, and a use condition in which the first and second box elements 103, 104 are opened apart. The first and second box elements 103, 104 are relatively pivotable in a direction as indicated by arrow A. As will also be described in further detail, the support stand 105 is configurable between a transport condition in which the support stand 105 extends alongside the main body 102, and a supporting condition in which the support stand 105 extends outwardly from the main body 102. When the portable station 101 is in use the main body 102 rests upon the support stand 105.

In Figure 6, portable station 101 is shown with the main body 102 in the use condition and the support stand 105 in the supporting condition. According to this illustrated embodiment, when the main body 102 is in the use condition the first and second box elements 103, 104 extend in substantially the same plane. As shown, when the main body 102 is in the use condition, one of the first and second box elements 103, 104 is located above the other of the first and second box elements 103, 104.

In use, the portable station 101 provides a central resource point for such information and apparatus as may be required at a particular location. The portable station 101 may be located at any suitable site, for example in an open space, an office, a pathway, a car park, a highway siding, a shopping centre, a housing estate.

Information displayed at the portable station 101 may be any appropriate information, for example, a method statement, a risk assessment notice, an emergency procedure, a working task brief, a message (for example, Sorry for the inconvenience', Please use other door', Please follow alternative route', Any comments, please contact...) or a warning. Similarly, equipment located at the portable station 101 may be any appropriate equipment for example, a fire extinguisher, an emergency chemical spill response kit, a first aid kit, an eye-wash station, a siren, a communications device. The information and/or equipment provided at the portable station 101 may vary between applications.

The portable station 101 is configured to be self-contained, in that the main body 102 is configured to support the provided information and equipment when the portable station 101 is arranged for use and is configured to store the provided information and equipment within the internal storage compartment when the portable station is arranged for transport or storage.

According to this illustrated embodiment, the portable station 101 further comprises a work surface element 106. The work surface element 106 is pivotably connected to the internal wall of one of the first and second box elements 103, 104 of the main body 102 such that the work surface element 106 is configurable between a storage condition and a use condition. In the shown arrangement, work surface element 106 is pivotably connected to the internal wall 107 of the first box element 103. The work surface element 106 is configurable between a storage condition in which the work surface element 106 is contained within the box element 103 and a use condition in which the work surface element 106 extends outwardly from within the box element 103. The work surface element 106 is pivotable in a direction indicated by arrow B. In use, the work surface element 106 may be used as a desk, for example as a signing-in and signing-out desk.

The portable station 101 comprises a plurality of rotatable wheel elements for facilitating manual transportation of the portable station 101. A plurality of rotatable wheel elements may be connected to at least one of the first and second box elements 103,104 of the main body 102. In this embodiment a pair of rotatable wheel elements 108, 109 is connected to the first box element 103, and a second pair of rotatable wheel elements 110, 111 is connected to the second box element 104. The rotatable wheel elements may be of any suitable type. In this example, the rotatable wheel elements 108, 109, 110, 111 are castors.

The main body 102 of the portable station 101 may comprise at least one handle for facilitating manual transportation of the portable station 101. In this illustrated embodiment, a handle 112 is provided on one side of the first box element 103 and a second handle 113 is provided on one side of the second box element 104. In the shown arrangement, the handles 112, 113 are located on the same side of the main body 102.

In this illustrated embodiment, the first box element 103 is provided with a locking shackle 114 on one side thereof and the second box element 104 is provided with a second locking shackle 115 on the corresponding side thereof.

Figure 7 Second portable station 101 is show in Figure 7 in the storage condition.

It is to be appreciated that the first and second box elements 103, 104 may have any suitable dimensions. In this example, the first and second box elements 103, 104 each have a width W of 800mm, a height H of 800mm, and a depth D of 100mm. With the main body 102 in the storage condition and the support stand 105 (not shown) in the transport condition, and with the information and equipment of the portable station contained within the internal storage compartment defined by the closed together first and second box elements 103, 104, the portable station 101 is suitably dimensioned to be put into the back of a vehicle, for example a small family hatchback car. The portable station 101 is thus easy and convenient to store and transport. In an embodiment, the size and weight of the portable station 101 is such that the portable station 101 may be maneuvered by one or two persons.

It can be seen in Figure 7 that when the main body 102 is in the storage condition, the pair of rotatable wheel elements 108, 109 of the first box element 103 and the second pair of rotatable wheel elements 110, 111 of the second box element 104 are aligned with each other so that the main body can be wheeled along a ground surface. It can also be seen that the handle 112 of the first box element 103 and the second handle 113 of the second box element 104 are also aligned so as to enable a hand to be located through both for pushing or pulling the main body 102. It can further be seen that the first locking shackle 114 of the first box element 113 and the second locking shackle 115 of the second box element 104 are also in alignment, to enable a padlock 201 to be fastened therethrough. This feature of the portable station 101 allows the unit to be locked in the storage condition, to prevent unauthorised or undesired removable of an item therefrom. This serves to prevent accidental falling of an item from within the main body 102, theft of an item stored in from the main body 102 and/or uncontrolled access to an item housed within the main body 102. The lockability of the main body 102 is advantageous if the portable station 101 is to contain equipment that is expensive or difficult to replace, for example a gas detector. In addition, one or both of the locking shackles 114, 115 can be utilised to secure the portable station 101 to an anchor point, for example by use of a chain or cable. An anchor point may be provided by a larger object or by a fixed structure.

It is thus to be appreciated that the first and second box elements 103, 104 of the main body 102 can be conveniently closed into the storage condition and locked, and then subsequently unlocked and easily opened into the use condition of the main body 102.

As shown in this Figure, the main body 102 is provided with at least one hinge 202 between the first and second box elements 103, 104. The first box element 103 is rotatable about the at least one hinge 202 in a direction indicated by arrow A, relative to the second box element 104. It is to be appreciated that a single elongate hinge may be provided or, as shown in this example, a plurality of hinges 202, 203, 204 may be provided.

Further features of the main body can also be seen in this Figure. The first box element 103, which is the upper box element when the main body 102 of the portable station 101 is in use, defines first and second openings 205, 206 within the rear wall R thereof. The purpose of these first and second openings 205, 206 of the first box element 103 will be described below.

Figure 8 Second portable station 101 is shown in Figure 8 with the main body 102 in the use condition and the support stand 105 in the supporting condition.

In the shown arrangement, each of the pair of rotatable wheel elements 110, 111 (only one shown) of the second box element 104 rests on the ground G. The support stand 105 has at least one foot 301 that also rests on the ground G. As shown, the front F of the main body 102 is angled from vertical at an angle X, with the rear R of the main body 102 leaning backwardly to rest on the support stand 105. In an example, when in use, the main body 102 of the portable station 101 is angled at an angle X of substantially 150 from vertical.

Figure 9 The second portable station 101 is shown in Figure 9 with the main body 102 in the use condition and the support stand 105 in the supporting position.

As can be seen in this Figure, the support stand 105 comprises a first support stand element 401 and a second support stand element 402. The first and second support stand element 401 each have a foot 403, 404 respectively, and each have an upper end 405, 406 respectively.

The first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are each pivotably connected to the same one of the first and second box elements 103, 104 of the main body 102. In the shown arrangement, the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are each pivotably connected to the second box element 104, which is the lower box element when the main body 102 of the portable station 101 is in use. The first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are each pivotably connected to the main body 102 by at least one hinge, such as hinges 407 and 408 connecting the first support stand element 401 to the second box element 104.

The first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are configured to be opened apart from one another into the shown supporting condition, and to be closed towards one another into the transport condition, as indicated by arrows C and D. In the shown arrangement, the first support stand element 401 is rotatable about the at least one hinge connecting the first support stand element 401 to the second box element 104 in a direction indicated by arrow C, between a storage condition in which the first support stand element 401 extends along the rear R of the second box element 104 and a supporting condition in which the first support stand element 401 extends substantially normally to the rear R of the second box element 104. Similarly, the second support stand element 402 is rotatable about the at least one hinge connecting the second support stand element 402 to the second box element 104 in a direction indicated by arrow D, between a storage condition in which the first support stand element 401 extends along the rear R of the second box element 104 and a supporting condition in which the second support stand element 402 extends substantially normally to the rear R of the second box element 104.

According to the present embodiment, when the main body 102 is in the use condition and the support stand 105 is in the supporting position, the upper end 405 of the first support stand element 401 is located within the first opening 205 of the first box element 103 and the upper end 406 of the second support stand element 402 is located within the second opening 206 of the first box element 103. The positioning of the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 within the openings 205, 206 of the first box element 103 serves to ensure that the first box element 103 is resting correctly on the support stand 105 and also functions to prevent the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 from folding into the storage condition when this is not desired.

According to the present embodiment, the portable station 101 comprises a releasable securing arrangement to releasably maintain the first and second box elements 103, 104 in the use configuration and to releasably maintain the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 in the supporting configuration.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 defines an aperture 409, 410 therethrough respectively. When the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are located in the openings 205, 205 of the first box element 103, the apertures 409, 410 of the upper ends 405, 405 are disposed within the first box element 103. The portable station 101 comprises a first securing pin 411 that is removably locatable through the aperture 409 of the upper end 405 of the first support stand element 401, to prevent undesired removal of the upper end 405 of the first support stand element 401 from the opening 205 of the first box element 103, and a second securing pin 412 removably locatable through the aperture 412 of the upper end 406 of the second support stand element 402, to prevent undesired removal of the upper end 406 of the second support stand element 402 from the opening 206 of the first box element 103. The first and second securing pins 411, 412 are each movable between a retaining condition, located through the aperture of the upper of a support stand element and a release condition, removed from within the aperture of the upper of a support stand element. With the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 secured to the main body 102 using the first and second securing pins 411, 412, the portable station 101 is stable and robust; the upper first box element 103 is prevented from dropping down and the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are maintained in the optimum supporting arrangement. In an example, the first and second securing pins 411, 412 are each tethered to the main body 102 of the portable station to allow use yet to prevent loss. In an example, at least one side wall extends inwardly into the first box element 103 from each of the first and second openings 205, 206. In such an example, each of the side walls also defines an aperture therein to allow a securing pin to pass through both the aperture of the upper end of the support stand element received within the pocket of With the present embodiment of portable station 101, to secure the main body 102 in the use condition and the support stand 105 in the supporting position, the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are located into the openings 205, 206 of the first box element 103 and the first and second securing pins 411, 412 inserted into the apertures 409, 410 of the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 respectively. To release the main body 102 from the use condition and the support stand 105 from the supporting position, the first and second securing pins 411, 412 are withdrawn from the apertures 409, 410 of the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 respectively; the first box element 103 may then be pivoted relative to the second box element 104 into the storage condition, and the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 may then be closed together into the transport condition.

In an alternative, lesser preferred embodiment, the first box element 103 does not define the first and second apertures 205, 206 and the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are arranged to abut against the rear wall R of the first box element 103, such that the rear wall R of the first box element 103 contacts the upper ends 405, 406 of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 to lean thereon.

Figure 10 Figure 10 shows the second portable station 101 in the fully collapsed condition, in which the portable station 101 is in the most compact arrangement.

According to the present embodiment, the portable station 101 comprises a releasable securing arrangement to releasably maintain the first and second box elements 103, 104 in the storage configuration. In an example, a press-release clasp is provided, with each part of the two-part releasable connector being connected to a different one of the first and second box elements 103, 104. In an alternative example, an automatically locking catch is provided that is movable between a retaining condition and a release condition.

It can be seen in Figure 10 that the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 each extend alongside the main body 102 when in the transport condition. In this illustrated embodiment, the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 each extend alongside the rear R of the second box element 104. In the shown arrangement, one of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 overlaps the other of first and second support elements 401, 402. The arrangement of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 may allow either one of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 to overlap the other, to allow either of the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 to be pivoted from the supporting condition into the transport condition before the other.

Figure 11 Second portable station 101 is shown in Figure 11 arranged for use.

Components of the portable station 101 may be fabricated from any suitable material or combination of materials, and may be manufactured using any suitable process or combination of processes.

Preferably, and in this embodiment, the first and second box elements 103, 104 of the main body 102 are fabricated from a fluid impermeable material. In an example, the first and second box elements 103, 104 are fabricated from a plastics material. In an alternative example, the first and second box elements 103, 104 are fabricated from a glass-fiber reinforced plastic material. The fluid impermeable material of the main body 102 advantageously allows the portable station to resist adverse weather conditions, in particular rainfall. The use of a plastics or fibreglass material construction also serves to reduce the weight of the portable station, to facilitate manual handling and transportation. In addition, this type of material is suitably robust to withstand knocks, scrapes and other types of impact that may be experienced during use, setting up, taking down, transporting, and in storage.

Preferably, and in this embodiment, the front edges of at least one of the first and second box elements 103, 104 are provided with a fluid impermeable seal. In this illustrated embodiment, the front edges of the first box element 103 are provided with a seal 601 and, similarly the front edges of the second box element 104 are provided with a second seal 602. When the first and second box elements 103, 104 are shut, the seals 601, 602 together provide a protective seal to prevent undesired ingress of fluid, dust or other substances into the internal storage compartment defined between the first and second box elements box 103, 104. In this example, the seals 601, 602 are fabricated from a rubber material.

Preferably, the first and second box elements 102, 103 are brightly coloured, so as to improve visibility of the portable station when in use. Any suitable colour may be used, for example orange.

Preferably, and in this illustrated example, the portable safety station 101 comprises a light 603. In this example, the light 603 is battery powered. The light 603 is operable in a permanently on function and/or a flashing light function, which may be a strobe function. The light 603 advantageously improves the ease of visual identification of the portable station 101 when located at a distance from operative. In an example, the light 603 is configured to be seen from a distance up to 300 metres away on substantially level ground. The emitted light may be any suitable colour, for example white or amber. In this example, the light 603 is configured to automatically switch on in response to detection of a predetermined low level of light.

The internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements 103, 104 of the main body 102 may define at least one recessed region. In this example, the internal wall 107 of the first box element 103 defines a recessed region 604. The recessed region 604 is configured to receive a notice therein.

The recessed region 604 may be provided with a transparent wallet for holding a notice therein. Preferably, the transparent wallet is waterproof, to protect a paper item therein from rain.

In an embodiment, the rear wall of the recessed region is coloured a different colour to the general colour of the internal wall of the box element. With this arrangement, the different colour of the rear wall of the recessed region is visible if a notice is not located within the recessed region. Therefore, the absence of a notice in the recessed region can then be quickly visually detected.

In an example the internal wall of the box element is white, yellow or orange, and the rear wall of the recessed region is red. This colourisation feature may be used at other locations over the displayed surfaces of the main body 102 when the portable station 101 is in use. This provides for visual auditing of information and equipment supplied by the portable station 101.

The internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements 103, 104 may also support at least one transparent wallet for a holding an item therein. In this example, the internal wall 107 of the first box element 103 supports a transparent wallet 605. Preferably, the transparent wallet 605 is waterproof, to protect a paper item therein from rain.

The internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements 103, 104 may support at least one of the hook part and the loop part of a hook and loop fastener, such as VelcroTM. In this example, the internal wall 606 of the second box element 104 supports a plurality of strips of a hook or loop tape. The hook or loop tape is configured to allow items, such as item 607, to be releasably secured within the second box element 104. Items may also be placed upon the lower internal surface of one or both of the first and second box elements 103, 104, such as item 608 shown located upon the lower internal surface 609 of the second box element 104.

It is to be understood that the first and second box elements 103, 104 may contain or carry any suitable type of fixing or any combination of fixings, for example clips, straps, brackets, pegs, karabiners.

Figure 12 As shown in Figure 12, the second portable station 101 may comprise a foldable stabilising element configurable between a storage condition and a use condition.

In this embodiment, the portable station 101 comprises a foldable stabilising element 701. The foldable stabilising element 701 is configurable between a storage condition in which the stabilising element 701 is folded, and a use condition in which the stabilising element 701 is unfolded and extends across the first and second support elements 401, 402 when the first and second support stand elements 401, 402 are in the supporting condition. The stabilising element in configured to support additional weight thereupon.

In Figure 12, the foldable stabilising element 701 is shown in the unfolded condition and extending between the first and second support stand element 401, 402. The stabilising element 701 may take the form of a bag. The additional weight may be provided by water, sandbags or by blocks of a solid material. The stabilising element 701 is useful in windy conditions, to maintain the portable station 101 in an upstanding condition.

The portable station 101 may comprise a pocket for storing the stabilising element 701. In this embodiment, the main body 102 comprises a pocket 702 for storing the folded stabilising element 701 therein. In the shown arrangement, the rear R of the second box element 104 supports a storage pocket 702. In this example, the storage pocket 702 is an elasticated netted storage pocket.

In an embodiment, the rear wall of the upper first box element 103 presents wording, for example SAFETY STATION' or equivalent in another language, to clearly display the purpose of the portable station 101. It is to be appreciated that text and/or graphical indications may be moulded, embossed or otherwise applied to the rear wall of the first box element by any suitable method.

It should be noted that all the internal features of the second portable station (101) may also be provided within the first portable station (801).

It is to be appreciated that a portable station as described herein is configured to be quick to erect and easy to use, without requiring the use of tools for setting up or taking down. This saves time in providing a resource station at a particular location. The constructional arrangement of the portable station minimises the use of separate parts, for example screws, nuts and bolts, to beneficially overcome the problem of lost part that may interfere with the stability or usability of the portable station. This serves to increase the working life of the

portable station.

The portable station is sufficiently robust for multiple uses. The portable station is sufficiently lightweight to be easily maneuvered for reuse at one or more other locations, and to be used upon soft ground. The portable station may beneficially be used at locations that are difficult for a vehicle, such as an ambulance or other medical response vehicle, to access. The portable station may be used upon uneven or sloping ground.

A portable station as described herein may be provided with any suitable collection of items for a particular site. When the portable station is in use, the items are readily accessible within a desired distance from a working zone. The portable station assists and encourages compliance with health and safety regulations and best practices. This is desirable for both reducing injury but also for reassuring all types of personnel involved in procuring, managing and carrying out project works that appropriate equipment and information is being provided as required.

The portable station may be provided for lone workers or a group of workers. The portable station may be located outdoors, under cover or indoors.

The portable station provides resources and can also act as a reference and/or refuge point.

The portable station may be used when works are expected to take a relatively short time, or when works are expected to move around a site relatively quickly. The portable station may be used to protect workers that are located remotely from a main site that is provided with more permanent facilities, and may be used to protect workers that would otherwise rely on the presence of a vehicle in which facilities are provided.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable station for use in a construction environment, said portable station comprising: a main body comprising a first box element and a second box element pivotably connected to said first box element such that said main body is configurable between: a storage condition in which the first and second box elements are in a closed condition and together define an internal storage compartment, and a use condition in which the first and second box elements are opened apart; and first and second support stand elements each pivotably connected to said main body such that said first and second support stand elements are configurable between: a transport condition in which the first and second support stand elements each extend alongside the main body, and a supporting condition in which the first and second support stand elements extend outwardly from the main body, and said portable station being provided with at least one engagement means for the first and second support stand elements, at least one of said first and second support stand elements being removably engagable adjacent an end thereof with said at least one engagement means.
2. A portable station as claimed in claim 1, wherein when said main body is in said use condition, said first and second box elements extend in substantially the same plane.
3. A portable station as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when said main body is in said use condition, one of the first and second box elements is located above the other of the first and second box elements.
4. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said first and second support stand elements respectively comprise support leg means and brace means, each pivotably connected to a different one of the first and second box elements of the main body.
5. A portable station as claimed in claim 4, wherein said first and second box elements each define a recessed region, said support leg means and said brace means each being stored within a different one of said recessed regions when in the transport condition.
6. A portable station as claimed in either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said at least one engagement means comprises at least one receiving slot defined by said support leg means.
7. A portable station as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said brace means is pivotably connected adjacent a first end to one of the first and second box elements.
8. A portable station as claimed in claim 7, wherein a second end of said brace means, distal to the first, is configured to removably engage with said at least one receiving slot defined by said support leg means.
9. A portable station as claimed in claim 8, wherein said brace means defines at least one securing aperture therethrough, said support leg means further defines at least one securing aperture therethrough, and said portable station further comprises at least one securing pin means, removably locatable through the respective securing apertures of the brace means and the support leg means, when the second end of the brace means is engaged with the at least one receiving slot defined by the support leg means.
10. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a foldable stabilising element configurable between: a storage condition in which said stabilising element is folded, and a use condition in which said stabilising element is unfolded and extends between one of the first and second box elements and the support leg means, when said support leg means is in the supporting condition, said stabilising element being configured to support additional weight.
11. A portable station as claimed in claim 10, wherein said main body comprises a pocket for storing said stabilising element.
12. A portable station as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said first and second support stand elements each pivotably connect to the same one of said first and second box elements and are configured to be opened apart from one another into said supporting condition and to be closed towards one another into said transport condition.
13. A portable station as claimed in claim 12, wherein each of said first and second support stand elements has an upper end, said at least one engagement means comprises first and second receiving apertures defined by the other of the first and second box elements, and the upper end of each of the first and second support stand elements is removably locatable within one of the first and second receiving apertures defined in said other of the first and second box elements.
14. A portable station as claimed in claim 13, wherein the upper end of each of the first and second support stand elements defines a securing aperture therethrough, the portable station further comprises first and second securing pin means, and each of the first and second securing pin means is removably locatable through the aperture of an upper end of one of said first and second support stand elements when that upper end is located through one of the first and second receiving apertures defined in said other of the first and second box elements.
15. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a work surface element pivotably connected to the internal wall of one of the first and second box elements of said main body, such that said work surface element is configurable between: a storage condition in which the work surface element is contained within said box element; and a use condition in which the work surface element extends outwardly from within said box element.
16. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said main body comprises at least one handle for facilitating manual transportation of said portable station.
17. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said main body comprises a plurality of rotatable wheel elements for facilitating manual transportation of said portable station.
18. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first and second box elements of said main body are fabricated from a fluid impermeable material.
19. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the front edges of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body are provided with a fluid impermeable seal.
20. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a releasable securing arrangement for releasably securing said first and second box elements in said storage condition.
21. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body defines at least one recessed region.
22. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body supports at least one transparent protective pocket.
23. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the internal wall of at least one of the first and second box elements of said main body supports at least one of the hook part and the loop pad of a hook and loop fastener.
24. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a battery-powered light.
25. A portable station as claimed in claim 24, wherein said battery-powered light is operable in at least one of: a permanently on function, a flashing light function.
26. A portable station as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a siren.
27. A method of erecting a portable station for use in a construction environment, comprising the steps of: a) receiving a portable station as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; b) extending support leg means outwardly from the main body into a supporting condition; c) opening apart first and second box elements into a use condition; d) extending brace means outwardly from said main body into a supporting condition; e) engaging a second end of said brace means with a receiving slot defined by said support leg means; and f) locating securing pin means through respective securing apertures of extending through the brace means and the support leg means.
28. A portable station substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings.
29. A method of erecting a portable station for use in a construction environment substantially as described herein with reference to the Figures of the accompanying drawings. :15