GB2537440A

GB2537440A - A void safety system

Info

Publication number: GB2537440A
Application number: GB1518447.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lally Mark; Riley Kevin; Hodgson Martin; Werling Frank
Original assignee: Metsa Wood UK Ltd
Current assignee: Metsa Wood UK Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-17
Filing date: 2015-10-19
Publication date: 2016-10-19
Also published as: GB201506549D0; GB201518447D0

Abstract

A system 1 for at least partially covering an opening in a structure, such as a void in a stairwell, comprises a platform 10 formed from multiple elements 11 being configurable between a first, collapsed configuration and a second, deployed configuration. A length-adjustable support 20 extends over the opening and supports the platform along at least part of its length, the platform covering at least part of the opening. The platform elements may be connected together with slotted hinges or webbing strapping. The support may comprise a support member 21 and a beam member 24 that telescope with respect to each other, and may include a groove 22 for receiving a corresponding ridge 15 on the platform. The support member may comprise a securing mechanism for securing the support member to the beam, another support member or the structure. The securing mechanism may comprise a bolt and a split pin.

Description

Title: A void safety system 5 Background

During construction of intermediate floors, a void or opening is left that will eventually accommodate the stairwell. The void in the stairwell is a health and safety issue, as there is potential for the site workers, tools and/or materials to fall through.

In some situations, the void is filled by "sacrificial joists", which are installed at the same time as the floor joists and then removed when required. After completion of the stairwell, these joists are then discarded as waste.

The present invention provides a system for covering the void, but unlike the "sacrificial joists", this system can be re-used, reducing waste.

Brief description of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a system for at least partially covering an opening or void in a structure, comprising: a composite platform having multiple plafform elements, the platform being configurable between a first, collapsed configuration having a length and a second, deployed configuration providing a working platform having a longer length; and a length-adjustable platform support operable to extend over the opening or void and support the platform, wherein, in use, the composite platform is supported along at least part of its length by the support and the platform covers at least part of the opening or void.

Another aspect of the invention provides a length-adjustable platform support system for a platform, the system comprising a beam and a first support member, wherein: the beam is operable to telescope with respect to the first support 5 member; the first support member comprises i) a groove for receiving a corresponding ridge in the platform and/or ii) a shelf, for supporting the platform; and the first support member comprises a securing mechanism for securing 10 the first support member to another support member, or to the beam.

The present invention further provides a system as claimed.

The present invention has numerous benefits, including: * use of environmentally-friendly materials * reduced waste due to re-usability of components * compact in nature by being collapsible * length adjustability to accommodate varying void sizes * quick and easy installation, removal and storage 20 Brief description of the drawings In order that the present invention may be readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the 25 accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a system embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the platform sub-system of figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the platform support sub-system and the connectors of figure 1; Figure 4a shows side and section views of the system of figure 1 installed in a void; Figure 4b shows exploded side and section views of the system of figure 1 installed in a void; Figure 5 shows a side view of the platform of figure 2 in a collapsed configuration, with a connecting hinge; Figure 6 shows a side view of the platform of figure 2 in a deployed configuration, with a connecting hinge; Figure 7 shows the connecting hinge for the platform in more detail; Figure 8 shows a top-down view of an embodying platform with an alternative webbing hinge; Figure 9 shows a perspective render of the system of figure 1 installed in a void with the platform shown; Figure 10 shows a perspective render of the system of figure 1 installed in a void without the platform shown; Figure 11 shows a perspective render of a platform support embodying the present invention; Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a platform support beam and multiple platform support members; Figures 13 and 14 show perspective views of a securing mechanism for the platform support members of figure 12, in unsecured and secured configurations respectively.

Figure 15 shows an internal view of a platform support member having a webbing strap functioning as an extension limiter; Figure 16 shows a vertical supporting connector for use with the plafform system of figure 1; and Figures 17 to 19 show an embodying platform system with an access hatch.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 shows a system 1 embodying the present invention. Figure 2 shows the system of figure 1 in more detail. Figure 2 shows the platform sub-system 10 having multiple plafform elements 11. Here, the platform elements 11 are hinged with respect to one another using hinges 12. The hinges are shown in more detail in figures 5 to 8 and are discussed further later. The platform 10 further comprises a ridge or protrusion 15 and a recess 16, also discussed further later.

As shown in figure 3, the system 1 further comprises a platform support subsystem 20. The platform support sub-system 20 is length-adjustable. In the embodiment of figure 3, the platform support 20 comprises a platform support member 21 having two parts, 21a and 21b, where part 21a is shorter than part 21b. In this preferred embodiment, the support member 21 has a groove 22 for receiving the protrusion 15 of the platform 10 and a shelf 23 for supporting the underside of the platform 10. The shelf 23 is an extension of the uppermost surface of the support member 21. The shelf 23 may be integrally formed with the member 21 or secured thereto. In this embodiment, the shelf is a cantilever extension of the uppermost surface of the support member 21, but other supporting systems may be used. The platform support further comprises a beam 24 and the beam 24 telescopes within the member 21. The telescoping nature of the beam 24 within the member 21 (or, in other embodiments, vice-versa) provides length adjustability.

In the preferred embodiment of figure 3, part 21a is permanently fixed to the beam 24 and part 21b is movable with respect to the beam 24 and is securable along the length of the beam 24. In other embodiments, other length-adjustable arrangements are provided, e.g. the beam 24 has two parts 24a and 24b that telescope with respect to one another, each part 24a, 24b having a support member part 21a, 21b attached thereto, either adjustably or permanently. In preferred embodiments, the length adjustability is provided with a part of the support member 21 provided at each end, to support the platform 10 at its ends.

The system 1 optionally further comprises a platform supporting connector 30 for connecting the system 1 to the permanent structure surrounding the void. The connector 30 may be provided in various forms in different embodiments. In the embodiment of figure 3, the two connectors 30 are hanger brackets, suitable for securing to an edge of the structure. In the embodiment of figure 3, the connectors 30 are shaped to be securable to the length-ways ends of the platform support 21, so that the platform support member 21 is secured to the edges of the void structure in use. Ordinary fixing means, with which the skilled person would be familiar, are used. A particular benefit of the use of hanger connections 30 is that no connection to the lower floor level is required, as the system can be fully supported by the floor joists.

In other embodiments, the connector 30 instead or additionally comprises a vertical supporting connector 130, which is configured to secure to the lower floor joists. Such a vertical supporting connector 130 is illustrated in figure 16.

In some embodiments, the vertical supporting connector 130 comprises a groove 132 for receiving a corresponding ridge in the length-adjustable platform support member 21 or beam 24. In embodiments, any combinations of connectors 30 may be used. For example, long void platforms 10 may utilise both hanger bracket connectors 30 and vertical supporting connectors 130.

Figures 4a and 4b show the system 1 installed in the stairwell void. As can be seen from the section view in figure 4b, the protrusion 15 in the platform 10 and corresponding groove 22 in the platform support 20 are not essential and the platform may simply be received atop the support platform, preferably flush with the floor level adjacent to the void, to avoid providing a trip hazard.

Accordingly, some embodiments may provide a shelf 23 either side of the member 21. In some embodiments, no shelves are used and the platform 10 is simply supported on the top surface of the platform support 20, i.e. the member 21 or beam 24.

In the embodiments of figures 4a and 4b, the platform 10 sits flush with the floor level adjacent to the void. In other embodiments, the platform 10 is larger than the void opening and thus the edges overhang, increasing support over the void.

As shown in figure 5, the composite platform 10 comprises multiple platform elements 11. The composite platform 10 is configurable between a first, collapsed configuration having a length and a second, deployed configuration providing a working platform having a longer length than in the collapsed configuration. The collapsed configuration provides easy, compact storage and the deployed configuration is easily length-adjustable.

Preferably, the platform elements 11 are hinged with respect to one another using hinges 12. The preferred hinge system for the platform elements 11 is a slotted hinge. Preferably, the hinges 12 have one fixed connection and one slotted connection having a slot 13, allowing the platform elements 11 to be adjusted to the onsite requirements. In other embodiments, both hinges 12 comprise slots 13.

Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a first hinge arrangement, with closed hinges.

Platform elements 11 can be added or removed using the fixing mechanism shown. The slots provide additional lengthwise adjustment. Screws or other removable fixing elements are preferred, to allow easy adjustment and re-use of the platform elements 11 on multiple installations.

Preferably, each slot provides up to lOmm lengthways adjustment, allowing the platform elements 11 to collapse and deploy and provide lengthways adjustment when deployed to suit the void installation length. In other some embodiments, the slots 13 provide 20% length adjustment, (i.e. each platform has a 'length' L in the direction of the slot and the slot provides 0.2 x L adjustment) so that a platform comprising 5 (or more) elements 11 can be adjusted to suit any void longer than five times the length of a single platform element, because additional platform elements 11 can be added and each slot 13 provides 0-20% length adjustment.

In some embodiments, one or more of the hinge slots 13 is substantially L-shaped (or similar), with a larger diameter aperture offset from (but connected to) the length-ways adjustment. The larger diameter aperture is larger than the diameter of the fixing mechanism so that additional platform elements 11 can be added or removed singly to adjust the deployed length of the platform 10 quickly. Figure 7 illustrates examples of open and closed L-shaped hinges. In a preferred embodiment, L-shaped hinges 12 are provided at regular intervals along the length of the platform 10, e.g. every fifth hinge is an L-shaped hinge 12.

Figure 8 illustrates an alternative webbing hinge arrangement. As illustrated, the webbing hinge 12 may be fixed to the platform elements 11 on alternating faces for adjacent platform elements 11, (i.e. underside then overside etc.) so that the platform can be collapsed easily. Alternatively, the webbing may be located on the underside of the deck, to minimise any tripping hazard.

Preferably, the ends of the webbing strap are looped as shown, for transportation, hanging etc. The webbing strap arrangement may allow for some length-adjustment by providing small gaps between the platform elements 11, but this is not preferred. Preferably, length adjustment is instead made by a 'sacrificial' platform element 11 that is cut to length. In this way, only a single platform element 11 is cut for each installation -the other platform elements 11 can be reused.

In figures 5 to 7, the hinges 12 are connected to the platform elements 11 by screws. In figure 8, the webbing strap is connected by nails. In embodiments, any other fixing arrangement may be used.

As outlined above, the platform 10 may comprise a ridge or protrusion 15 for engaging with a corresponding recess 22 in the support member 21. In some embodiments, the ridge 15 is provided by a beam affixed to the platform elements 11 once the platform 10 is in the deployed configuration, fixing the extension. In other embodiments, each platform element 11 provides a section of the protrusion 15, the full length of the protrusion then being provided along the length of the platform 10 when in the deployed configuration. In yet further embodiments, only selected platform elements 11 comprise protrusions 15, e.g. only the single platform elements 11 at each end of the platform 10.

Figure 11 shows a cross-section of the platform support member 21 according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 shows the groove 22 and shelf 23 of figure 3 in more detail. The platform support member 21 comprises c-shaped openings/tracks, one substantially at each corner, for guiding the beam received therein.

Figure 12 shows the platform support members 21 and platform support beam 24 in more detail. Here, 4 platform support members 21 are shown, 3 of which can slide along the length of the platform beam 24, providing movable supports. This arrangement reduces weight compared to a single continuous support. The platform support members 21 may be located to connect to other parts of the structure, e.g. with vertical supporting connectors 130 (discussed below).

Figures 13 and 14 show an optional securing mechanism for the platform support members 21. Preferably, one or more of the platform support members 21 comprises a securing mechanism for securing the platform support member 21 to the platform support beam 24, another platform support member 21 or the structure. In figures 13 and 14, the securing mechanism comprises an extension connector in the form of a plate 25 extending from the side of platform support member 21 and is connectable to another platform support member 21 by way of a securing bolt 26 that is received by a hole in another platform support member 21. In figure 14, the securing bolt 26 is retained by split pin 27.

Preferably, the component being secured to the plate 25 comprises multiple securing holes for receiving the bolt 26 in various predetermined positions. Alternatively, the extension connector plate 25 may comprise multiple securing holes for securing to another element of the system in various predetermined positions.

Figure 15 shows a retaining element in the form of a webbing strap, restricting extension of the length-adjustable platform support 21 with respect to the beam 24. This mechanism prevents the beam 24 from being extended with respect to the platform support 21 beyond a safe limit. In figure 15, the webbing strap secures the bottom inner surface of the support 21 to the end of the beam 24. In other embodiments, other securing locations are used.

Figure 16 shows the optional vertical supporting connector 130. The vertical supporting connector 130 has a groove 132 for receiving a part of the platform support 20 and thus further supporting the platform 10.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate the system 1 with an access hatch, formed from platform elements 11 that are hinged to allow movement. The hatch comprises an aperture/recess 16 that allow for a ladder to be located beneath the hatch, for access to the floor below.

Figure 19 shows the system 1 of figures 17 and 18 with a width extension platform sub-system 110. The depicted extension platform 110 comprises multiple extension platform elements 111 that may be hinged with respect to one another using hinges 112 (not shown). Preferably, the extension platform elements 111 are hinged centrally (i.e. along the centre axis C-C), since these can then be cut to size (without affecting the hinges), to accommodate voids that are wider than the platform 10 (typically 1200 mm), but not sufficiently wide to suit multiple platforms 10. In other embodiments, other extension plafforms may be used, such as elongate planks.

The width extension platform sub-system 110 may be connected to the platform 10 using screws or any other fixing mechanism.

In the embodiments shown, two platform support sub-systems 20 are shown.

In other embodiments, other numbers of platform support sub-systems 20 are utilised.

In the embodiments shown, the support member 21 has two parts, 21a and 21b, where part 21a is shorter than part 21b. In other embodiments, the support member 21 has fewer or additional parts and these parts may or may not be equal in length.

In the embodiments shown, particularly figure 3, the hanger bracket connectors 30 are shown as supporting the platform support sub-system 20 at its length-ways ends. In use, the composite platform 10 is thereby supported along at least part of its length by the support sub-system 20 and the platform covers at least part of the opening or void. In other embodiments, the connectors are configured to secure to the platform support sub-system 20 along its length, e.g. connecting to the void structure along one or more edges.

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

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

Preferred materials * platform elements 11: wooden planks * platform element hinges 12: soft steel (S275) * platform support member 21: aluminium grade 6082 16 * connector 30: galvanised flat steel * webbing hinge/strap 12 and retaining strap 28: nylon Index to reference numerals 1. System 10. Platform sub-system 11. Platform elements 12. Platform hinge 13. Platform hinge slot 15. Platform ridge 16. Platform opening 10 20. Platform support sub-system 21 Platform support member 22 Platform support member groove 23 Platform support member shelf 24 Platform support beam 25 Extension plate 26 Securing bolt 27 Split pin 28. Retaining strap 30. Platform supporting connector 110. Extension platform sub-system 111. Extension platform elements 121. Extension platform hinge130. Vertical platform supporting connector 132. Vertical supporting connector groove

Claims

Claims 1. A system for at least partially covering an opening or void in a structure, comprising: a composite platform having multiple platform elements, the platform being configurable between a first, collapsed configuration having a length and a second, deployed configuration providing a working platform having a longer length; and a length-adjustable platform support operable to extend over the opening or void and support the platform, wherein, in use, the composite platform is supported along at least part of its length by the support and the platform covers at least part of the opening or void.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein one or more of the platform elements are hinged with respect to one another.
3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the hinged platform elements comprise slotted hinges.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the slots in the slotted hinges provide up to lOmm lengthways adjustment.
5. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more of the hinged platform 25 elements comprise a webbing strap.
6 The system of claim 5, wherein the webbing straps connect to adjacent platform elements on alternating faces.
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the length-adjustable platform support comprises a telescoping beam.
8. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the length-adjustable platform support comprises a groove for receiving a corresponding ridge in the platform.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein each platform element provides a portion of the ridge in the platform.
10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the length-adjustable platform support comprises a shelf for supporting the platform over the opening or void.
11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein: the length-adjustable platform support comprises a support member and a beam configured to telescope with respect to the support member; and the support member comprises a securing mechanism for securing the support member to the beam, another support member or the structure.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the securing mechanism comprises an extension connector extending from the support member.
13. The system of claim 11 or 12, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a bolt and a split pin for securing the bolt.
14. The system of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein the extension connector, the support member and/or the beam comprise multiple securing holes for use with the securing mechanism.
15. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a retaining element restricting extension of the support member with respect to the beam.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the retaining element comprises a webbing strap.
17. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a connector for connecting the system to the structure.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the connector comprises a vertical supporting member.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the vertical supporting member comprises a groove for receiving a corresponding ridge in the length-adjustable platform support.
20. The system of claim 8 or 19, wherein the groove is substantially u-shaped for receiving a corresponding ridge.
21. The system of claim 18, wherein the vertical supporting member is configured to be securable to floor joists.
22. The system of claim 18, wherein the connector comprises a bracket for securing to an edge of the structure.
23. The system of any of claims 17-22, wherein the connector is shaped or otherwise configured to secure to a non-end portion of the platform support.
24. The system of any of claims 17-22, wherein the connector is shaped or otherwise configured to secure to a lengthways-end portion of the platform support.
25. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the platform elements are substantially 250 mm long, 500 mm wide and 25-30 mm deep.
26. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the length-adjustable beam has a first, unextended length of up to 1000 mm and a second, extended length of 1500 mm or more.
27. The system of any preceding claim, wherein one or more of the platform elements comprise one or more notches or apertures for receiving ladder rails.
28. The system of claim 1, comprising a pair of length-adjustable platform supports, each platform support comprising a support member having a recess for receiving a corresponding ridge in the platform; and a shelf for supporting the platform, wherein: the hinged platform elements each comprise a slotted hinge allowing the platform to be collapsed; the collapsible platform and platform supports are movable between first, collapsed configurations and second, extended configurations for covering the opening or void; and the system further comprises a connector for connecting the system to the structure.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the platform supports further comprise 25 a beam telescoping with respect to the support member, thereby providing the length-adjustability.
30. A length-adjustable platform support system for a platform, the system comprising a beam and a first support member, wherein: the beam is operable to telescope with respect to the first support member; the first support member comprises a groove for receiving a corresponding ridge in the platform and/or a shelf, for supporting the platform; and the first support member comprises a securing mechanism for securing 5 the first support member to another support member, or to the beam.
31. The system of claim 30, comprising two support members, one for supporting the platform at each of its longitudinal ends.
32. The system of claim 30 or 31, wherein the securing mechanism comprises an extension connector extending from the support member.
33. The system of claim 30, 31 or 32, wherein the securing mechanism comprises a bolt and a split pin for securing the bolt.
34. The system of any of claims 30 to 33, wherein the extension connector, the support member and/or the beam comprise multiple securing holes for use with the securing mechanism.
35. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a retaining element, restricting extension of the beam with respect to the or each support member.
36. The system of claim 35, wherein the retaining element comprises a 25 webbing strap.
37. A system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 2 and 3.
38. A system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 13 and 14.
39. A system substantially as described herein with reference to figures 17 to 19.
40. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.