GB2552222A

GB2552222A - Mobile suspended platform apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2552222A
Application number: GB1612344.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Herbert Kevan
Original assignee: APOLLO CRADLES Ltd
Current assignee: APOLLO CRADLES Ltd
Priority date: 2016-07-15
Filing date: 2016-07-15
Publication date: 2018-01-17
Anticipated expiration: 2036-07-15
Also published as: GB201612344D0; GB2552222B

Abstract

A suspended platform kit has an elongate support 110 from which a platform is suspended and moved vertically using a winch, the support has a releasable bracket (fig.1,120) for attaching the support orthogonally to end of a lifting arm (fig.2,42,50), such as a crane (fig.2,40) or jib, which may be mounted on a vehicle (fig.2,10) so it is rotatable. Preferably, the support 110 is cylindrical and the releasable bracket is a trussed structure attached to the support 110 by a second bracket (fig.5,120A), which abuts a boom tip of the lifting arm, the releasable bracket may also have a pair of trusses 130A,130B attached using bolts 129B passing through holes 129A in the releasable bracket and the boom tip. Preferably, the winch has cable reels (fig.7,142A,142B) mounted on the support with pulleys between the cable reels and the ends of the support member, alternatively cable reels may be provided at the edges of the platform.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Apollo Cradles Limited (Incorporated in the United Kingdom)

428 Carlton Road, Carlton, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S71 3HX, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

EP 2900588 A1 JP 2014114634 A

JP 2006290483 A

HI TECH TECHNICAL SERVICE W.L.L, 2009, BMU Facade Access, hitech.com.qa, [online], Available from: http://www.hitech.com.qa/bmu-%E2%80%93-fa %C3%A7ade-access# [Accessed 20 December 2016].

(72) Inventor(s):

Kevan Herbert (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

(58) Field of Search:

INT CL A47L, B66C, B66F, E01D Other: WPI; EPODOC

Franks & Co Limited

Jessops Riverside, Brightside Lane, SHEFFIELD, S9 2RX, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: Mobile suspended platform apparatus

Abstract Title: A detachable suspended platform for use with a lifting arm on a vehicle (57) A suspended platform kit has an elongate support 110 from which a platform is suspended and moved vertically using a winch, the support has a releasable bracket (fig. 1,120) for attaching the support orthogonally to end of a lifting arm (fig.2,42,50), such as a crane (fig.2,40) or jib, which may be mounted on a vehicle (fig.2,10) so it is rotatable. Preferably, the support 110 is cylindrical and the releasable bracket is a trussed structure attached to the support 110 by a second bracket (fig.5,120A), which abuts a boom tip of the lifting arm, the releasable bracket may also have a pair of trusses 130A,130B attached using bolts 129B passing through holes 129Ain the releasable bracket and the boom tip. Preferably, the winch has cable reels (fig.7,142A,142B) mounted on the support with pulleys between the cable reels and the ends of the support member, alternatively cable reels may be provided at the edges of the platform.

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

10 17

132 Α. β₄ co

132B

-1MOBILE SUSPENDED PLATFORM APPARATUS

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to vehicle-mounted platforms. More particularly, the present invention relates to a suspended platform apparatus adaptable to vehicle-mounted cranes and the like.

Background ofthe Invention [0002] Permanent access work platforms, such as davit-mounted platforms installed on building roofs, and semi-permanent work platforms such as scaffolds, are unsuitable for providing worker access to many work sites due to physical and/or environmental conditions at, or surrounding, the relevant area, for instance a body of water like a river, or passing rail or road traffic, underneath an elevated work site. The lack of suitability of even semi-permanent work platforms may be attributable to the lack of flat and/or firm ground on which to elevate them adjacent the work site, rules and regulations about erection standards conflicting with rules and regulations about operational safety of rail or road traffic, and all manner of other technical and nontechnical impediments.

[0003] For such situations, it is known to provide mobile access platforms ad hoc, which typically consist of a man-sized basket or fenced platform attached to a vehicle- or trailer-mounted telescopic arm, commonly known as a cherry-picker crane, or to a pantograph arrangement. For instance, US 6,199,707 B1 discloses a telescopic boom comprising a proximal boom, an intermediate boom and a distal boom assembled together in a telescopic fashion suitable for use with a vehicle.

[0004] A common characteristic of known mobile access platforms is that they are engineered to elevate a platform above the vehicle, within the design constraints and operating limits of the articulated telescopic arm. Moreover, such mobile access platforms are permanent fittings of purpose-built vehicles, with relatively slender and light crane components since they only need to support the weight of one or several workers with personal equipment. Accordingly, such vehicles are often difficult or incompatible to repurpose for other, typical crane-like activities such as lifting heavy goods, such that extended periods of non-use increases their operational cost.

-2[0005] It has previously been proposed to mount an apparatus attachable to a truck body or the like for use for hoisting or lifting, or as an elevated support. For instance, US 3,797,672 A discloses a unit formed of components which may be shipped in disassembled condition to occupy a minimum of space, yet may be readily assembled and attached to the truck body of a vehicle to provide a mobile unit having a main beam which may be moved from a horizontal transporting position to a substantially vertical or upright position so that said beam may be utilized to raise a load to a substantial height, or said beam may be used as a support whereby a person can stand thereon to perform certain operations requiring considerable height. When the unit is attached to the truck body it has the mobility of the truck and moves with the truck from one place to another and is always ready for instant use.

Summary of the Invention [0006] A suspended platform apparatus is required, of such simple construction as to be suitable for retrofitting to articulated lifting means of existing heavy lift vehicles, in order to provide both temporary work access to areas that are difficult to reach, and to maximise the functional usability of such vehicles beyond lifting merely goods.

[0007] According to a first aspect there of the present invention, there is provided a suspended platform apparatus for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising articulated lifting means having a main longitudinal axis, a first end proximate the vehicle and a second end opposed to and distal the first end, the apparatus comprising an elongate support member having a main longitudinal axis; a platform suspended from the elongate support member; winching means adapted to effect movement of the platform relative to the elongate support member along a vertical axis; and releasable bracket means for releasably mounting the elongate support member to the lifting means adjacent the second end, with the main longitudinal axis of the elongate support member substantially orthogonal to the main longitudinal axis of the lifting means.

[0008] The present invention thus provides a suspended platform apparatus comprising few components, including a bracket means which releasably connects the elongate support member, being the main boom of the apparatus, to a crane mounted to a vehicle, whereby the platform is then located nearby a work area by the vehicle and/or

-3crane and translated up and down relative to the elongate support member for proximity to the work area.

[0009] In an embodiment, a cross section of the elongate support member may be substantially cylindrical. This configuration advantageously facilitates rotation of the support member about its main axis and thus maintains the geometrical attitude of the suspended platform apparatus, as the articulated lifting means is operated by a user and the second end thereof rotates and/or translates within a substantially fixed vertical plane, without impeding or otherwise causing a cable or the like of the winching means, extending substantially vertically between the support member and the suspended platform, to wind about a planar or corner surface of the support member.

[0010] In an embodiment, the winching means comprises at least one cable reel mounted intermediate each extremity of the elongate support member. This configuration advantageously minimizes the number and power requirements of winching components to effect vertical translation of the platform.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the winching means comprises a cable reel mounted at, or adjacent, each extremity of the elongate support member. This configuration may be required for a longer and/or heavier type of platform, and advantageously balances the load constituted by the suspended platform apparatus evenly on either side of the crane.

[0012] In a further alternative, the winching means may further comprise a pulley mounted intermediate the, or each, cable reel and the elongate support member ends. This configuration advantageously relieves at least partially the, or each, cable reel from the forces and load exerted thereon by the combination of the platform and the lengths of cable extending therefrom, particularly during descent and descent braking of the platform. This configuration is considered particularly advantageous when an amount of cabling is wound several times about the pulley, wherein the pulley effectively acts as a force de-multiplying gear for the cable reel adjacent thereto.

[0013] In yet another alternative embodiment, the winching means comprises a cable reel mounted at, or adjacent, each extremity of the platform. This configuration may be required when the mechanical, material and/or design characteristics of the

-4elongate support member preclude the mounting of cable reel(s) thereto, or when the vehicle is unable to supply powered cable reel(s), whereby batteries or a power generator located on the platform may supply the powered cable reel(s) instead.

[0014] In an embodiment, the articulated lifting means is a crane having a boom defining the main longitudinal axis thereof, and the second end is a boom tip. The articulated lifting means may also be rotatably mounted to the vehicle. These embodiments advantageously correspond to substantially most vehicles mounting hydraulic and telescopic cranes, be they of the cherry-picker type, HIAB type or another, and whether rotatable independently of the vehicle, or through steering of the vehicle.

[0015] In an embodiment, the releasable bracket means is a trussed structure fixed to the elongate support member and releasably fixed to the boom tip. In a further alternative, the trussed structure comprises a bracket member abutting the elongate support member to the boom tip substantially centrally of the elongate support member. In yet another alternative, the trussed structure further comprises a pair of truss members, each extending between the elongate support member and the boom tip with an end located intermediate the bracket member and a respective end of the elongate support member. In still another alternative embodiment, the trussed structure is releasably fixed to the boom tip with bolts engaging apertures in the boom tip. In a further alternative, the bolts are through bolts extending across opposed apertures of the boom tip.

[0016] These embodiments all advantageously provide a relatively simple craneengaging structure through which the aggregate weight of the suspended platform apparatus is distributed symmetrically relative to the crane main axis, across a plurality of distinct anchoring points, using fasteners that are easy, and therefore quick, to tighten and release.

[0017] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit of parts for a suspended platform apparatus for use with a vehicle comprising articulated lifting means having a main longitudinal axis, a first end proximate the vehicle and a second end opposed to and distal the first end, the kit of parts comprising an elongate support member having a main longitudinal axis; a platform suspended from the elongate support member; winching means adapted to effect

-5movement of the platform relative to the elongate support member along a vertical axis; and releasable bracket means for releasably mounting the elongate support member to the lifting means adjacent the second end, with the main longitudinal axis of the elongate support member substantially orthogonal to the main longitudinal axis of the lifting means.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a vehicle comprising articulated lifting means, further mounting an embodiment of the suspended platform apparatus according to the invention, or retrofitted with the kit of parts for same.

[0019] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0020] 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 an embodiment of a suspended platform apparatus mounted to a vehicle comprising a telescopic crane having a main longitudinal axis, with the apparatus including an elongate support member, releasable bracket means, winching means and a platform.

Figure 2 is a reverse perspective view of the suspended platform apparatus shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a top view of the elongate support member and the releasable bracket means shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Figure 4 is a rear view of the elongate support member and the releasable bracket means shown in Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a lateral view of the elongate support member and the releasable bracket means shown in Figure 3.

-6Figure 6 is a perspective view of the elongate support member and the releasable bracket means shown in Figure 3.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the vehicle-mounted suspended platform apparatus shown in Figure 1 to 6 and in which, relative to Figures 1 and 2, the articulated lifting means has been rotated and the platform has been winched relative to the elongate support member.

Figure 8 is a reverse perspective view of the suspended platform apparatus shown in Figure 7.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments [0021] 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 have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0022] With reference to Figure 1, 2, 7 and 8 herein, there is shown a vehicle 10, in the example a flatbed truck, which is parked and stationary on a road surface 20 above a tunnel 30. The truck 10 comprises articulated lifting means 40, in the example a hydraulic crane 40 mounted rotatably on a main flatbed section 12 behind the truck cabin 14. The flatbed section 12 bears the crane 40, an upstanding support member 16 located proximate the rear wheel assembly of the truck for resting the crane boom 50 thereon during travel, and a flatbed extension section 18 located rearward of the upstanding support member 16 and the rear wheel assembly for resting the platform 150 of the suspended platform apparatus 100 thereon during travel.

[0023] The crane 40 includes a hoist arm 42 hingedly connected, at a lower end 44, to a turntable member 46 operably connected to a mounting base member 48 fixed to the flatbed section 12. The crane 40 also includes a telescopic boom 50 hingedly connected to an upper end 52 of the hoist arm 42 and articulated about the hinged connection relative to the hoist arm 42 by a pair of lift cylinders 54. The telescopic boom

-750 comprises a foot section 54 and at least one telescopic section 56 sleeved within the foot section, wherein both sections are substantially co-axial with one another and collectively define a main longitudinal axis of the crane 40. An end of the telescopic section 56 distal the hinged connection with the hoist arm 42 is a boom tip 58.

[0024] It will also be readily understood by the skilled person that, with the exception of the flatbed extension section 18 and without the suspended platform apparatus described 100 hereafter, the combination of the truck 10 and crane assembly 40 is conventional and commonly referred to by skilled users as a “HIAB” truck.

[0025] An embodiment of a suspended platform apparatus 100 is mounted to the vehicle 10, specifically to the crane 40 thereof and comprises an elongate support member 110, first and second releasable bracket means 120, 130 for releasably mounting the elongate support member 110 to and adjacent the boom tip 58 of the crane, winching means 140 and a platform 150 suspended from the elongate support member 110, wherein the winching means 140 is adapted to effect movement of the platform 150 relative to the elongate support member 110 along a vertical axis V.

[0026] With reference to Figure 3 to 6 particularly, the elongate support member 110 is a rectilinear length of steel tube having a substantially tubular cross section, the main longitudinal axis of which is substantially perpendicular to the main longitudinal axis of the crane 40 in use. Each end portion of the tube 110 includes an identical pair of diametrically-aligned through-apertures 112, suitable for threading an elongate bolt across the tube therethrough and therebetween for securing, depending on the embodiment, a cable anchor, a pulley or a cable reel adjacent the extremity of the tube 110.

[0027] The first releasable bracket means 120 comprises a bracket member 120 having a first portion 120_A welded to the elongate support member 110 and a second portion 120_B opposed to the first which defines a boom tip-abutting jaw.

[0028] The first portion 120_A of the first releasable bracket means 120 comprises a length of steel beam 122, having a substantially C-shaped face with a web height and a transversal length between its opposed flanges 123_AB apt to accommodate at least half of the circular outer cross-section of the elongate support member 110 between its

-8opposed flanges 123_A,_B. and a flat face 124 opposed to the C-shaped face 122. The elongate support member 110 is welded to the first portion 120_A centrally thereof, so that the tube 110 and the beam 122 are transversally co-axial and opposed sections 114, 116 of the elongate support member 110 of substantially equal length project beyond the longitudinal extremities 125_A,_B of the beam 122.

[0029] The second portion 120_B of first releasable bracket means 120 comprises a pair of substantially C-shaped steel beams 126_AB welded to the flat face 124 of the beam 122 in symmetrical opposition to one another, i.e. with respective top and bottom flanges 127_{A B} extending towards the longitudinal extremities 125_{A B} of the beam 122 and the opposed sections 114, 116 of the elongate support member 110 and respective flat faces 128 opposed to the C-shaped sides facing one another. Each flange is shaped as a right angle, with the right angle abutting the flat face 124 of the first portion 120_A, so that the flange is widest adjacent the flat face 124 and tapers to a point proximate the extremity of the web that is both most distal the flat face 124 and proximate the boom tip 58 in use, wherein each flange accordingly defines a bracing strut of the boom tipabutting jaw 123.

[0030] The pair of substantially C-shaped steel beams 126_{A B} is centered relative to a transversal main axis of the first portion 120, and the opposed flat faces 128 thereof are separated by a distance between the respective flat faces 128 corresponding substantially to a maximum width of the boom tip 58, thus the mouth of the boom tipabutting jaw is located between the opposed flat faces 128. Each flat face 128 of the pair further includes an identical pair of through-apertures 129_A of a diameter suitable to thread a bolt 129_B therethrough. Each bolt 129_B is sufficiently long to span the distance between the opposed flat faces 128 and engage respective and opposed throughapertures 129_Aof two flat faces128.

[0031] A boom tip 58 may therefore be releasably secured by the first releasable bracket means 120, by abutting a portion of the boom tip to the flat face 124 of the first portion 120_A between the opposed and respective flat faces 128 of the pair of substantially C-shaped steel beams 126_AB, co-locating respective through-apertures of the boom tip 58 with the jaw’s through-apertures 129_A and threading the collocated through-apertures with the bolts 129_B.

-9[0032] The second releasable bracket means 130 comprises a pair of truss members 130_a,b, in the example lengths of steel tubing with opposed beveled extremities. A first extremity of each truss member 130 is welded to the flat face 124 of the first portion 120_A. Due to the bevelled end abutted to the flat face 124, each truss member 130 forms a non-orthogonal angle, respectively relative to the first portion 120_Aand relative to the parallel main longitudinal axes of the pair of substantially C-shaped steel beams 126_AB, and the truss members 130_A,_B are welded to the flat face 124 in symmetrical opposition 130 such that there is a greater distance between the respective extremities of the truss members proximate the elongate support member 110 than between the respective opposite extremities of the truss members distal the elongate support member 110.

[0033] Accordingly, the pair of truss members 130_AB and the elongate support member 110 define an trapezoidal shape extending from, and with an open narrow side parallel to, the elongate support member 110, which is not coplanar with the plane defined by the pair of substantially C-shaped steel beams 1 26_AjB likewise extending from the elongate support member 110.

[0034] A substantially planar mounting plate 132 is welded to the second extremity of each truss member 130. The bevelled end of each second extremity is oriented so that each mounting plate 132_AB is itself oriented parallel to the other and to the opposed flat faces 128 of the first releasable bracket means 120. The pair of truss members 130_{A B} is centered relative to the transversal main axis of the first portion 120_A, and the opposed flat faces 134 of the mounting plates 1 32_AjB thereof are separated by a same distance as between the flat faces 128 of the first releasable bracket means 120, corresponding again substantially to a maximum width of the boom tip 58, thus a portion of the boom tip body is located between the opposed flat faces 128 of the second releasable bracket means 130 in use.

[0035] Each flat face 134 of the truss pair further includes an identical pair of through-apertures 139_A of a diameter suitable to thread a bolt 129_B therethrough. Each bolt 129_b is again sufficiently long to span the distance between the opposed flat faces 134 and engage respective and opposed through-apertures 139_Aof two flat faces134 of the second releasable bracket means 130.

-10[0036] A boom tip 58 may therefore be releasably secured by the second releasable bracket means 130, by sliding a portion of the boom tip body between the opposed and respective flat faces 134_a,b of the pair of truss members 130, co-locating respective through-apertures of the boom tip body with the mounting plate’s throughapertures 139_a and threading the collocated through-apertures with bolts 129_B.The releasable bracket means is therefore a trussed structure 120, 130 fixed to the elongate support member 110 and releasably fixed to the boom tip 58.

[0037] In this embodiment, the winching means 140 comprises a pair of synchronized cable reels 142_AB, one mounted adjacent each extremity 152_AB of the platform 150. Accordingly, a pair of cable anchors 144_A,_B are secured to the elongate support member 110, one at each extremity thereof with suitable bolts 129_B engaging the apertures 112 of the tube 110. The platform 150 comprises a rectangular floor surrounded on four sides by security railings of a height suitable to prevent accidental fall from users thereon during use, typically to at least midriff level. As noted, each extremity of the extremity 1 52_AjB of the platform 150 mounts a respective cable reel 1 42_AjB atop the railing, with each cable extending substantially vertically between the reel 142 and the anchor 144 through the force gravity.

[0038] It will be readily understood by the skilled person that the winching means 140 may instead mount a single cable reel 142 centrally of the elongate member 110, at or adjacent the trussed bracket structure 120, 130, with a pair of cables extending either side thereof, routed through respective pulleys at each extremity of the elongate member 110 and anchored by a pair of cable anchors 144_A,_B secured to the platform 150, one at each extremity 152_AB thereof. Likewise the winching means 140 may instead mount the cable reels 142_A,_B at each extremity of the elongate member 110, the respective cables of which can again be anchored by a pair of cable anchors 144_{A B} secured to the platform 150, one at each extremity 152_A,_B thereof. The releasable character of the bolting of winching components to apertures 112 of the elongate member 110 is considered to provide a corresponding degree of modularity to the embodiment described herein.

[0039] Likewise, it will be readily understood by the skilled person that although the suspended platform apparatus 100 of the invention has been shown and described in relation to a truck 10 equipped with an hydraulic telescopic crane 40, the relatively simple construction of the trussed structure 120, 130 renders the apparatus suitable for use with

-11any other articulated lifting means, rotatable or otherwise, the elevating the apparatus from a rest position and with an extremity, such as boom tip or otherwise, suitable for supporting the elongate member 110 and being releasably secured to the trussed structure 120, 130.

[0040] During transport between locations of use, the crane 40 is lowered with a portion of its boom resting atop the upstanding support member 16 and with the platform 150 resting atop the flatbed extension section 18, oriented parallel to the elongate support member 110 and transverse to the truck’s main longitudinal axis.

[0041] In use, the crane 40 is partially elevated to free the boom 50 from the upstanding support member 16 and the platform 150 from the flatbed extension section 18, and may be rotated and/or telescopically extended to locate the platform 150 above free ground, onto which it may then be lowered so that operators 700 can safely climb into the platform 150. The flatbed extension section 18 may be retracted underneath the main flatbed section 12, to minimise the volume of floorspace occupied by the truck during crane and platform use and constitute a lesser obstacle to any passing traffic.

[0042] It will be readily understood by the skilled person from the foregoing that the truck 10 may further comprises extendable outriggers and/or spreader plates which, for purposes of increased operational safety, could be extended and chocked as needed before operating the crane 50 and the suspended platform apparatus 100 of the present invention, but which are not shown in the Figures for the sake of simplicity.

[0043] When one or more users 700 are loaded onto the platform 150, conventional operation of the crane 40 is effected to locate the platform 150 above and adjacent a required work area, for instance the parapet section 710 directly above the entrance to the tunnel 130, through a suitable combination of rotation, elevation and/or lowering of the crane 40, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The cable reels 142_A,Bare then operated to adjust vertical positioning of the platform 150 relative to the parapet section 710 for the users 700 to perform the work. Upon completing the work, the above sequence of steps is reversed, stowing and readying the mobile suspended platform apparatus 100 for travel.

-12[0044] Accordingly, the present invention provides a suspended platform apparatus 100 of relatively simple construction and inherent modularity, capable of installation on, or retrofitting to, a very wide variety of vehicles equipped with cranes and similar heavy-lifting equipment, from cherry pickers to large mobile cranes; which conveniently obviates the requirement to erect scaffolds or to commission permanent or semi-permanent suspended platform arrangements; and which provides a fast and safe temporary work access solution for difficult, cumbersome or expensive to reach areas such as railway, motorway and river bridges in particular.

[0045] The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail. For example, it will be readily understood by skilled persons that the inventive principle disclosed herein may be permanently integrated into the base configuration of a mobile crane through relevant manufacturing techniques, rather than manufacturing the attachment device separately from the item to be secured thereto.

[0046] In the specification the terms comprise, comprises, comprised and comprising or any variation thereof and the terms include, includes, included and including or any variation thereof are considered to be totally interchangeable and they

0 should all be afforded the widest possible interpretation and vice versa.

Claims

1. A suspended platform apparatus for a vehicle, the vehicle comprising articulated lifting means having a main longitudinal axis, a first end proximate the vehicle and a second end opposed to and distal the first end, the apparatus comprising :

an elongate support member having a main longitudinal axis;

a platform suspended from the elongate support member;

winching means adapted to effect movement of the platform relative to the elongate support member along a vertical axis; and releasable bracket means for releasably mounting the elongate support member to the lifting means adjacent the second end, with the main longitudinal axis of the elongate support member substantially orthogonal to the main longitudinal axis of the lifting means.

2. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a cross section of the elongate support member is substantially cylindrical.

3. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the winching means comprises at least one cable reel mounted intermediate each extremity of the elongate support member.

4. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the winching means comprises a cable reel mounted at or adjacent each extremity of the elongate support member.

5. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the winching further comprising a pulley mounted intermediate the or each cable reel and the elongate support member end.

-146. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the winching means comprises a cable reel mounted at or adjacent each extremity of the platform.

7. A suspended platform apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the articulated lifting means is a crane having a boom defining the main longitudinal axis thereof, and the second end is a boom tip.

8. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the releasable bracket means is a trussed structure fixed to the elongate support member and releasably fixed to the boom tip.

9. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the trussed structure comprises a bracket member abutting the elongate support member to the boom tip substantially centrally of the elongate support member

10. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the trussed structure further comprises a pair of truss members, each extending between the elongate support member and the boom tip with an end located intermediate the bracket member and a respective end of the elongate support member.

11. A suspended platform apparatus according to any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the trussed structure is releasably fixed to the boom tip with bolts engaging apertures in the boom tip

12. A suspended platform apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the bolts are through bolts extending across opposed apertures of the boom tip.

13. A suspended platform apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the articulated lifting means is rotatably mounted to the vehicle.

14. A kit of parts for a suspended platform apparatus for use with a vehicle comprising articulated lifting means having a main longitudinal axis, a first end proximate the vehicle and a second end opposed to and distal the first end, the kit of parts comprising:

-15an elongate support member having a main longitudinal axis;

a platform suspended from the elongate support member;

winching means adapted to effect movement of the platform relative to the elongate support member along a vertical axis; and releasable bracket means for releasably mounting the elongate support member to 10 the lifting means adjacent the second end, with the main longitudinal axis of the elongate support member substantially orthogonal to the main longitudinal axis of the lifting means.

15. A vehicle comprising articulated lifting means having a main longitudinal 15 axis, a first end proximate the vehicle and a second end opposed to and distal the first end, the vehicle further comprising a suspended platform apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13.

16. A vehicle comprising articulated lifting means having a main longitudinal 2 0 axis, a first end proximate the vehicle and a second end opposed to and distal the first end, the vehicle further comprising a kit of parts according to claim 14.

17. A suspended platform apparatus substantially as described herein, with reference to, and as shown, in the accompanying drawings.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1612344.0

1-17