GB2518159A

GB2518159A - Platform apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: GB2518159A
Application number: GB1316179.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek Beales; Peter John Beales
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-09-11
Filing date: 2013-09-11
Publication date: 2015-03-18
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-11
Also published as: GB2518159B; GB201316179D0

Abstract

A platform apparatus 101, suitable for use in providing an elevated platform, comprises a platform element 102 presenting a support surface 104, and a plurality of platform support elements 103 (A-D) for supporting the platform element 102. Each of the platform support elements 103 (A-D) is configured to be mounted on an end of a respective scaffolding upright S (1-4), and the platform element 102 is configured to be supported by a plurality of mounted platform support elements 103 (A-D). Preferably, the platform support element 103 includes a lower mounting chamber and an upper mounting chamber configured to receive upper and lower scaffolding uprights S (1-4). The Platform element mounting member may comprise a male part complementary to a female part of the platform support element. Also included is a method 1201 of providing an elevated platform, as shown in Fig.12

Description

PLATFORM APPARATUS AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to platform apparatus for use in providing an elevated platform and a method of providing an elevated platform, in particular to apparatus for and a method of providing an elevated platform within a scaffold structure.

Background of the Invention

Scaffolding is a temporary framework for supporting operatives working at height on the construction or repair of buildings and other types of large structure.

A type of modular scaffolding system, known as a tube and filling' system, comprises tubes, couplers and boards as the main components. In the assembled scaffold framework, the arrangement of tubes comprises standards or uprights, which are oriented vertically, ledgers, which are oriented horizontally in a first direction and fixed between standards or uprights, and transoms, which are oriented horizontally in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction and are fixed on ledgers. The boards are fixed on transoms, and provide a working platform. The modular scaffolding system may comprise other components, such as braces and handrails.

It is desirable for an elevated platform of a scaffold structure to be able to withstand loading and endure impact events. It is further desirable for platform apparatus to be convenient to install within a scaffold structure. It is yet further desirable for an installed platform to be difficult to remove from a scaffold structure, to deter opportunistic theft and tampering.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided platform apparatus for use in providing an elevated platform, comprising: a platform element presenting a support surface, and a plurality of platform support elements for supporting said platform element; wherein each said platform support element is configured to be mounted on an end of a respective scaffolding upright, and said platform element is configured to be supported by a plurality of mounted platform support elements.

In an embodiment, each said platform support element comprises a lower mounting chamber and is configured to be located over the upper end of a scaffolding upright such that said platform support element is mounted upon said scaffolding upright with the upper end thereof received within said lower mounting chamber. In an embodiment, each said platform support elerrient further comprises an upper mounting chamber and is configured to receive the bottom end of a second scaffolding upright therein to allow said platform support element to be installed between a lower and an upper scaffolding upright. In an embodiment, said platform element comprises a plurality of platform element mounting members, and each said platform support element comprises at least one platform support element mounting member configured to co-operate with a respective platform element mounting member to locate said respective platform element mounting member in a supported position.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method of providing an elevated platform, said method comprising the steps of: a) receiving platform apparatus according to the first aspect, b) mounting each of a plurality of said platform support elements on an end of a respective scaffolding upright, and c) arranging said platform element to be supported by a plurality of installed platform support elements at an elevated height.

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 shows a schematic of platform apparatus so installed as to provide an elevated platform; * Figure 2 shows the platform element and a platform support element of the platform apparatus of Figure 1 in detail; Figures 3 & 4 each show the platform support element of Figure 2 in further detail; Figure 5 shows a schematic of the platform support element of Figure 2 installed between upper and lower scaffolding uprights; Figure 6 shows the platform support element of Figure 2 installed between upper and lower scaffolding uprights, and the platform element of Figure 2; Figure 7 shows platform apparatus comprising a platform element and four like platform support elements; Figure 8 shows a plan view of the platform apparatus of Figure 7 arranged such that that the platform element is supported by the four like platform support elements; Figure 9 shows a plan view of platform apparatus comprising four like platform elements and nine like platform support elements, arranged such that each platform element is supported at each corner thereof; Figure 10 shows optional features of the platform element and each at least one platform support element of the platform apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 11 shows a scaffold comprising the platform apparatus of Figure 7 installed to provide an elevated platform; and Figure 12 shows steps in a method of providing an elevated platform.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. 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 fle*

o unnecessarily obscure the description.

*:*::* 30 Figure 1 Platform apparatus 101 is shown in Figure 1, in an installed condition.

Platform apparatus 101 comprises a platform element 102 and a plurality of platform support elements 103 for supporting the platform element 102. The platform element 102 presents a support surface 104. As shown in Figure 1, the platform apparatus 101 is so supported by a plurality of scaffolding uprights S as to provide an elevated platform.

S In the shown arrangement, the scaffolding uprights S act as legs for the platform apparatus such that, in combination, a freestanding elevated platform is provided.

Figure 2 The platform element 102 and a platform support element 103 of platform apparatus 101 are shown in Figure 2 in detail.

As will be described in further detail, the platform support element 103 is configured to be mounted on an end of a scaffolding upright, and the platform element 102 is configured to be supported by a plurality of mounted platform support elements 103.

According to this illustrated embodiment, the platform element 102 comprises a plurality of platform element mounting members 201 and the platform support element 103 comprises at least one platform support element mounting member 202 configured to co-operate with a respective platform element mounting member 201 to locate the respective platform element mounting member 201 in a supported position.

In this. illustrated embodiment, one of the platform element mounting member 201 and the platform support element mounting member 202 comprises a male-part and the other comprises a complementary female-part.

p.". 25 In this embodiment, the platform element 102 has a substantially rectangular shape. In this example, the platform element has a substantially square shape. The platform element 102 is provided with four platform element : mounting members 201, arranged one at each corner thereof, and the platform support element 103 is provided with the same number of platform element mounting members 202. Each of the platform element mounting members 201 of the platform element 102 comprises a male-part locating wing that extends 0** .s.

downwardly and presents a free end 203 to the underside of the support surface 104 thereof. The platform support element 103 comprises a tubular body and each platform element mounting members 202 comprises a complementary female-part receiving wing that extends radially outwardly from the tubular body.

The four complementary female-part receiving wings of the platform support element 103 are shown arranged equidistantly around the tubular body thereof Figure 3 Features of platform support element 103 will now be described with reference to Figure 3.

The plétform support element 103 is configured to be releasably mounted on an end of a scaffolding upright. The platform support element 103 defines a lower mounting chamber and is configured to be located over the top end of a scaffolding upright such that the platform support element is mounted upon the scaffolding upright with the top end thereof received within the lower mounting chamber.

As illustrated at A, to mount the platform support element 103 to the scaffolding upright S, the platform support element 103 is lowered over the top end I of the scaffolding upright S, in the downward direction indicated by arrow 301. In this embodiment, the internal diameter of the lower mounting chamber of the platform support element 103 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the scaffolding upright S, to facilitate quick and easy location of the platform support element 103 onto the scaffolding upright S. As illustrated at B, when the platform support element 103 is mounted on the scaffolding upright S, the scaffolding upright S extends into the platform :*.** 25 support element 103 and the platform support element 102 sits on the received top end I of the scaffolding upright S. In this embodiment, the platform support element 103 is provided with 0* . : securing means usable to prevent relative movement between the platform support element 103 and a scaffolding upright extending into the lower mounting * *. 30 chamber. In this example, the securing means comprises a bolt 302 that extends through an aperture defined in the tubular body of the platform support element * 103 into the lower mounting chamber. The bolt 302 is rotatable to be brought into contact with a scaffolding upright received within the lower mounting chamber, to inhibit relative longitudinal and/or rotational movement between the platform support element 103 and the received scaffolding upright. The bolt 302 is subsequently rotatable in the opposite direction, to release grip on the received scaffolding upright.

Figure 4 Further features of platform support element 103 will now be described with reference to Figure 4.

In this embodiment, the platform support element 103 further defines an upper mounting chamber and is configured to receive the bottoim end of a scaffolding upright therein, to allow the platform support element 103 to be installed between upper and lower scaffolding uprights.

The platform support element 103 is shown at C mounted on a first, lower scaffolding upright Si, with the top end T of the scaffolding upright 81 received within the lower mounting chamber of the platform support element 1 03. As also illustrated at C, a second, upper scaffolding upright S2 is movable in the downward direction indicated by arrow 401 to insert the bottom end B thereof into the upper mounting chamber of the platform support element 103. In this embodiment, the internal diameter of the upper mounting chamber of the platform support element 103 is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the scaffolding upright 5, to facilitate quick and easy location of the scaffolding upright S within the platform support element 103.

The platform support element 103 is shown at D installed between the first, ", 25 lower scaffolding upright Si arid the second, upper scaffolding upright S2.

In this embodiment, the platform support element 103 is provided with securing means usable to prevent relative movement between the platform U..

support element 103 and a scaffolding upright extending into one or both of the lower and upper mounting chambers. In this example, the securing means comprises a second bolt 402 that extends through an aperture defined in the tubular body of the platform support element 103 into the upper mounting * chamber. The second bolt 402 is rotatable to be brought into contact with a scaffolding upright received within the upper mounting chamber, to inhibit relative longitudinal and/or rotational movement between the platform support element 103 and the received scaffolding upright. The bolts 302, 402 are in dependently operable. In this example, the bolts 302, 402 each have a hexagonal head to facilitate rotation thereof by use of a standard tool.

Figure 5 Figure 5 shows a schematic of platform support element 1 03 installed between lower and upper scaffolding uprights Si, 82 respectively.

As previously described, in this embodiment, the platform support element 103 has a tubular body 501. A divider 502 is provided within the tubular body 501 to define the lower mounting chamber beneath and the upper mounting chamber above. Thus, in the shown arrangement, the divider 502 of the platform support element 103 is in contact with the top end T of the lower scaffolding upright SI, with the divider 502 resting on the tower scaffolding upright Si, and is in contact with the bottom end B of the upper scaffolding upright 62, with the upper scaffolding upright S2 resting on the divider 502. The divider 502 may take any suitable form, for example a bar extending across the internal diameter of the tubular body of the platform support element 103.

It is to be appreciated that when the platfomi support element 103 is installed between lower and upper scaffolding uprights Si, 82 respectively of a scaffold structure, the platform support element 103 is effectively integrated into the framework of that scaffold structure. This feature advantageously inhibits removal of the platform support element 103 from the scaffold structure. " 25 * * S * S

Figure 6 Figure 6 shows the platform support element 103 installed between lower S...

and upper scaffolding uprights Si, S2 respectively and platform element 102.

The platform element 102 is configured to be releasably mounted on a *::: 30 plurality of platform support elements 103.

As illustrated at E, to position the platform element 102 so that it is supported by the platform support element 103 for use, the male-part locating wing 201 at corner X of the platform element 102 lowered into the slot Y of the female-part receiving wing 202 of the platform support element 103, in the downward direction indicated by arrow 601.

As illustrated at F, when the platform element 102 is mounted on the platform support element 103, with the male-part locating wing 201 at corner X of the platform element 102 received within the slot V of the platform support element 103, the platform support element 102 rests on platform sup port element 103. The platform element 102 is thus supported by the platform support element 103, which in turn is supported by the lower scaffolding upright Si.

Figure 7 Figure 7 shows platform apparatus 101 comprising a platform element 102 and four like platform support elements 103.

In an embodiment, the platform element 102 is fabricated from a metal material, such as steel, or a combination of metal materials. The construction and fabrication of the platform element 102 is such that it will withstand loading and impact events. In an example, the platform element 102 is configured to support a minimum panel load of 600kg. The platform element 102 may be manufactured using any suitable technique or techniques.

According to this illustrated embodiment, the platform element 102 comprises a frame 701 that supports a support layer 702 thereon. In this example, the support layer 702 is a mesh. In an alternative example, the support layer presents a continuous surface. The support layer 702 may be secured to the frame 701 by any suitable method, in this example by welding. The platform element mounting members 201 of the platform element 102 may have any suitable shape, dimensions and construction. In this example, the platform *0**.

* element mounting members 201 are formed from a substantially planar sheet.

The platform element mounting members 201 may be secured to the frame 701 by any suitable method, in this example by welding.

* * 30 It is to be appreciated that although in this illustrated embodiment, the platform element 102 provides a single-level panel, the platform element 102 * . may provide a multi-level panel, for example to provide a stepped support surface 104.

It is also to be appreciated that although in this illustrated embodiment, the platform element 102 has four platform element mounting members 201, the platform element 102 may be provided with a different number, for example to include one at each corner thereof and at least one other along at least one side thereof.

In an embodiment, each platform support element 103 is fabricated from a metal material, such as steel, or a combination of metal materials. Each platform support element 103 may have any suitable shape, dimensions and construction.

The platform support element 103 may be manufactured using any suitable technique ortechniques.

According to this illustrated embodiment, each platform support element mounting member 202 is formed from a substantially planar sheet that is folded to provide a pair of side walls with a gap between. Each platform support element mounting member 202 may be secured to the tubular body of the platform support element 103 by any suitable method, in this example by welding.

It is to be appreciated that although in this illustrated embodiment, the platform support elements 103 have four platform support elements mounting members 202, a platform support element 103 may have a different number, for example to define the maximum number of support elements 102 the platform support element 103 may be used with.

The platform element 102 and each platform support element 103 may have any surface finish and colouration. *. 25

FiQureS * Figure 8 shows a plan view of the platform apparatus 101 of Figure 7 *:Y: arranged such that that the platform element 102 is supported by the four like platform support elements 103. It can be seen in this Figure that the four like * 30 platform support elements 103 are arranged one at each corner of the platform *: element 102. In the shown arrangement, each of the platform support elements * 103 is supporting a single platform element 102.

Figure 9 Figure 9 shows a plan view of platform apparatus 101 comprising four like platform elements 102 and nine like platform support elements 103, arranged such that each platform element 102 is supported at each corner thereof.

In the shown arrangement, the four platform elements 102 are arranged in a 2 x 2 matrix, with the nine platform support elements 103 are arranged such that four platform support elements 103A (one at each corner of the matrix) are supporting a single platform element 102, four platform support elements 103B (one at the middle of each side of the matrix) are supporting two adjacent platform elements 102, and one platform support element 1 03C (at the centre of the matrix) is supporting all four platform elements 102.

In the arrangement shown in this Figure, the four like platform elements 102 each provide a single level panel, and the like platform elements 102 are arranged to provide a single level support area. In an alternative arrangement, the four like platform elements 102 each provide a single level panel, but the like platform elements 102 are arranged to provide a multi-level support area. It is to be appreciated that a plurality of platform elements 102 may be arranged to form a flight of steps.

It is to be appreciated that the platform element 102 may have any suitable shape and dimensions. In an example, in which the platform element 102 has a square shape, the platform element 102 provides a Im x Im support surface 104. In another example, in which the platform element 102 has an elongate rectangular shape, the platform element 102 provides a im x 2m support surface 104. The platform element 102 may alternatively have one of the following panel width and length dimensions: O.3m x im; 0.4m x im; 0.5m x im; O.6m x im; 5505*5 * 0.7mxlm;0.8mxlm;0.9mxlm. *55* * *5 *5 S

Figure 10 * * 30 Figure 10 shows optional features of the platform element 102 and each at least one platform support element 103 of the platform apparatus 101 of Figure *** so.

* * 2.

As shoWn at 0, each male-part locating wing 201 of the platform element 102 defines an aperture 1001 therethrough, and each female-part receiving wing 202 of the platform support element 103 defines a complementary aperture 1002 thereth rough.

As shown at H, the apertures 1001, 1002 of the platform element mounting member and the platform support element mounting member respectively are relatively positioned to correspond when said male-part locating wing 201 of the platform element 102 is located within said female-part receiving wing 202 of the of the platform support element 103 to allow a securing member 1003 to be inserted therethrough. The securing member 1003 may have any suitable form, such as a cord, wire or tie wrap having ends 1004, 1005 that can be secured together. This optional feature of the platform apparatus 101 advantageously allows the platform element 102 to be secured to a platform support element 103, which when installed between lower and upper scaffolding uprights Si, S2 respectively so as to be integrated into the framework of that scaffold structure, inhibits removal of the platform element 102 from the scaffold structure.

Figure 11 Figure ii shows a scaffold S comprising the platform apparatus 101 of Figure 7 installed to provide an elevated platform.

As shown, the plurality of platform support elements 103A, 1 03B, 1030, 1030 are supporting the platform element 102 at an elevated position at which the platform element 102 extends between a plurality of scaffolding uprights Si, S2, S3 and S4 of a scaffold structure S. Each platform support element 103A, 103B, 103C and 1030 is mounted on an end of a respective scaffolding upright Si, S2, S3 and 54, and the platform element 102 is supported by the plurality installed platform support elements, iO3A, 103B, 103C and 103D. The platform element 102 presents a support surface 104. In this Figure, an operative 1101 and materials 1102 are shown * * 30 being supported on the installed platform element 102.

It is to be appreciated that since the platform apparatus 101 can be used to *.**** * provide an elevated platform at any desired height; since the platform apparatus 101 is arranged to be supported on a set of scaffolding uprights, the platform apparatus 101 can be used to provide an elevated platform at a first height using a set of scaffolding uprights having a first length, and can be used to provide an elevated platform at a second height that is different from the first height using a set of scaffolding uprights having a second length that is different from the first length. The platform apparatus 101 therefore advantageously allows for an elevated platform to be provided any desired height.

It is to be understood that a plurality of platform elements may be relatively arranged to be supported on platform support elements at the same height as each other, to provide a single level platform, or may be relatively arranged to be supported on platform support elements at more than one height, to provide stairs.

Fipure.12 Figure 12 shows steps in a method 1201 of providing an elevated platform.

At step 1202, a platform element and a plurality of platform support elements are received. At step 1203, each of a plurality of platform support elements received at step 1202 are mounted on an end of a scaffolding upright.

At step 1204, the platform element received at step 1202 is arranged to be supported by a plurality of the platform support elements mounted on scaffolding uprights at step 1203. A platform is thus provided that is elevated by the scaffolding uprights, which act as legs for the platform element. It is to be understood that the platform support elements act as connectors between the platform element and the scaffolding uprights. The platform support elements are releasably mountable on the ends of the scaffolding uprights and the platform element is releasably mountable on the platform support elements. Thus, steps 1202 to 1204 of method 1201 may be performed to put up an elevated platform, . : and then steps 1202 to 1204 of method 1201 may be performed in reverse to take down an erected elevated platform. * * S * S* 0s..* 0 *

Claims

Claims 1. Platform apparatus for use in providing an elevated platform, comprising: a platform element presenting a support surface, and a plurality of platform support elements for supporting said platform element; wherein each said platform support element is configured to be mounted on an end of a respective scaffolding upright, and said platform element is configured to be supported by a plurality of mounted platform support elements.
2. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each said platform support element comprises a lower mounting chamber and is configured to be located over the upper end of a scaffolding upright such that said platform support element is mounted upon said scaffolding upright with the upper end thereof received within said lower mounting chamber.
3. Piatforrn apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each said platform support element further comprises an upper mounting chamber and is configured to receive the bottom end of a second scaffolding upright therein to allow said platform support element to be installed between a lower and an upper scaffolding upright.
4. Platform apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein: said platform element comprises a plurality of platform element mounting members, and * : each said platform support element comprises at least one platform support element mounting member configured to co-operate with a respective platform element mounting member to locate said respective platform element mounting member in a supported position. * *
5. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein: one of said platform element mounting member and said platform support element mounting member comprises a male-part, and the other of said platform element mounting member and said platform support element mounting member comprises a complementary female-part.
6. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein: said platform element has a rectangular shape and comprises a male-part locating wing at each comer thereof that extends downwardly and presents a free end to the underside of said support surface, and each said platform support element comprises a tubular body in which said lower mounting chamber is defined and from which at least one complementary female-part receiving wing extends radially outwardly.
7. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein said platform support elerlient comprises a plurality of complementary female-part receiving wings, arranged equidistantly around said tubular body.
8. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said platform support element comprises four complementary female-part receiving wings, arranged equidistantly around said tubular body.
9. Platform apparatus as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8, wherein: each said male-part locating wing defines a first aperture therethrough, ?.. 25 each said female-part receiving wing defines a second, complementary aperture therethrough, and said first and second apertures are relatively positioned to correspond when * *4 * said male-part locating wing is located within said female-part receiving wing, to allow a securing member to be inserted therethrough.

* *. 30 * * . * *
10. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein each said platform support element is provided with securing means usable to prevent relative movement between the platform support element and a scaffolding upright extending into said lower mounting chamber.
11. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein each said platform support element is provided with securing means usable to prevent relative movement between the platform support element and one or both of: a scaffolding upright extending into said lower mounting chamber, a scaffolding upright extending into said upper mounting chamber.
12. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said platform element has one of: an elongate rectangular shape, a square shape.
13. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said platform element comprises a frame that supports a support layer thereon.
14. Platform apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said support layer is provided by a mesh.
15. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said platform element is fabricated from a metal material.
16. Platform apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each said platform support element is fabricated from a metal material. * *
17. A method of providing an elevated platform, said method ** comprising the steps of: a) receiving platform apparatus as claimed in claim 1, b) mounting each of a plurality of said platform support elements on an end of a respective scaffolding upright, and c) arranging said platform element to be supported by a plurality of installed platform support elements at an elevated height.
18. A scaffold structure comprising platform apparatus as claimed in claim 1.
19. A platform element arranged to be used in the platform apparatus of claim 1.
20. A platform support element arranged to be used in the platform apparatus of claim 1.
21. Platform apparatus for use in providing an elevated platform, substantially as described herein and as shown in the accompanying Figures.
22. A method of providing an elevated platform, substantially as described hrein and as shown in the accompanying Figures. bø *. * . C * C * * fl * C ** S * C. * * *.C