GB2568302A

GB2568302A - Apparatus for provision of a transportable workstation

Info

Publication number: GB2568302A
Application number: GB1718718.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Riley Scott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-11-13
Filing date: 2017-11-13
Publication date: 2019-05-15
Also published as: GB201718718D0

Abstract

A transportable work station or office comprising a frame arranged with at least a floor and walls, defining an internal space; wherein the internal space comprises at least one work surface, one or more parts arranged for electrical equipment, and one or more sections for securable object storage, the frame providing a hitch capable of use for moving the apparatus with independent lifting equipment. The storage may be provided by drawers. The unit may have reconfigurable or displaceable framing, in the walls and in an upper frame section. The hitch may be a forklift hitch or crane hook. A generator may supply power through electrical outlets which may have a hinged lid. The floor may be perforated and stabilizing legs or feet may be provided.

Description

The present invention relates to apparatus for provision of a transportable workstation, for example for use on construction sites.

Background

Increasing electrification and specialisation of tools and materials is a feature in many trades, as higher quality work is expected and required.

Often on sites where work or construction is continuing, for example in an agricultural setting, there may not be access to electricity or other facilities.

Prior Art

WO 2015 112 035 (LOPES) discloses an evolving mobile unit for controlled product storage and dispensing, with modular construction and multiple upgrade possibilities. The unit is transported by crane or forklift using pick up points and pockets, either in standard or heavy duty/all- weather form. The unit can be autonomous, with an integrated power unit and internal climate control. Products are stored inside, within Unit Loads (UL) that can hold any kind of materials, either solid or liquid, at ambient or controlled temperature and humidity.

The ULs are stored in a modular shelving system, adjustable to accommodate mixes of UL sizes. Access control is provided by lock, drawer and software systems together with a picking/replenishment method. The software controls the ULs multiple locations, and manages the picking method, either in manual, manual assisted, Basic Semi- Automatic, Semi-automatic or Fully-automatic versions.

US 5 921 034 (TOBIN) discloses a self-contained, enclosed, portable security compartment, the compartment comprising a frame including a top, a front wall, a back wall, side walls, and an interior, the walls welded together, the front wall having a door therein for providing access to the interior of the compartment, the compartment including vertical lifting plates attached at the top of the compartment, each of the lifting plates having a slot forming a hook at an upper portion and the lifting plates being substantially parallel to one another in a common horizontal plane. Each slot is capable of receiving a rigid member such as a rigid bottom element of a bucket of a digging machine, engageable with the hooks for lifting and transporting the compartment, whereby the compartment can be completely supported by the bucket preventing the compartment from swinging.

US 5 493 817 (SPEER) discloses a mobile workshop system, comprising: a structure configurable from a first closed container (with the container having sidewalls, a top and a floor) to a second open configuration as a workshop; and machinery elements mounted on at least one sidewall of the structure which sidewall is foldable from a first vertical position when the structure is configured as a closed container to a second position where the structure is configured as a workshop.

The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for provision of a transportable workstation, the apparatus comprising: a frame arranged with at least a floor and walls, defining an internal space; wherein the internal space includes at least one work surface; one or more parts arranged for electrical equipment, and one or more sections for securable object storage, the frame provides a hitch capable of use for moving the apparatus with independent lifting equipment.

In this way the apparatus may provide a mobile workstation that can be used in a variety of environments such as agriculture and construction, whereby available lifting equipment may be utilised to position, move or place the apparatus.

In some embodiments the electrical parts may comprise electrical equipment, wherein electrical equipment may be integrated into the apparatus, for example the frame. In some embodiments the parts may comprise electrical outlets, wherein the outlets may in use be connected to, and powered by, an external electrical source. In other embodiments the apparatus may comprise an integral electrical energy source, for example a liquid fuel generator. In this way the apparatus may provide a portable electrical energy and electrical equipment provider.

In some embodiments the hitch may be for lifting the apparatus. In some embodiments the hitch may be a part of a displaceable part of the frame, for example a top, lid or cap.

In some embodiments the hitch may comprise a crane arm hitch, and may be located on the frame top or adjacent. In other embodiments in addition or the alternative a hitch may comprise slots for forklift truck tines and so may be located at the frame bottom or adjacent.

In this way the apparatus provides a mobile workstation that can be used in a number of environments and can be attached to and moved by a number of different vehicles including tractors, forklifts and cranes.

In some embodiments the majority of the apparatus is made from metal or alloy such as extruded or pressed aluminium, with the frame featuring a variety of holes for attachments using nuts and bolts.

In some embodiments the apparatus may be arranged to be reconfigurable so as to allow a user to adapt their workstation for the task at hand, for example wherein the work surface may be raised or lowered in height or arranged on different sides or similar.

The apparatus may comprise a number of modular parts, which allow configuration according to user preference and according to location. For example the apparatus may comprise the following parts:

A liquid fuel electricity generator, one or more electrical outlets (linked to the generator where present and/or provided with electrical hook-up); worktop surface(s), secure storage drawers for objects such as tools or parts; a three-point linkage hitch; a gas tank or tank space (removable in some embodiments).

In addition to the foregoing there may be provided drainage holes for prevention of accumulation of rainwater; skirting around the floor to prevent small objects from sliding off and being lost; slots for forklift tines; a gate for closure and side protection for working at height; a grab rail; a crane hook which could be bolted to grab rail. It is understood that one or more of these parts, as well as others, may be provided on an embodiment at manufacture, retail or under variation in use.

Some embodiments of the apparatus may further comprise a reconfigurable frame, which frame comprises a plurality of moveable portions, and may comprise some permanently arranged portions defining the internal space, for example the floor, four walls and a top. This frame may be reconfigured according to location, usage or parts. Other portions, such as a gate or door, sides, shelves, cupboards and/or drawers, and work surface(s) may be reconfigured according to user preference. In some embodiments this may be achieved using plural holes on frame parts and pins or bolts on other parts.

In some embodiments the reconfiguration or reconfigurable nature of the apparatus may enable the user to add external portions or parts. For example in some embodiments the apparatus may comprise bracing, for example external legs. In other embodiments the top may be displaced for greater head height within the space.

In some embodiments parts may be removed or displaced for maintenance or cleaning purposes. For example parts of the floor, or beneath the floor may comprise drip trays or similar.

In some embodiments the internal space is permanently bounded by three walls, and a fourth wall may comprise a door or gate. This door or gate may be lockable or provide a closure or locking mechanism.

In this way the internal space may be maintained secure. Preferably the walls may be envisaged to be non-continuous or perforated, so as to allow for more effective usage of the internal space, for example to pass through long work objects. In some embodiments of the apparatus the walls may be displaceable, for example comprising sliding or folding shutters.

It may be envisaged that other shapes of apparatus than square are encompassed with the scope of the disclosure.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, with a brace extended;

Figure 2 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 3 show isometric views of the frame top and hitch in a non-use position, of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figures 4 show isometric views of the frame top and hitch in a usage position, of the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 5 shows an isometric view of a gate portion for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a reverse isometric view of a gate portion for the embodiment shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the top and gate removed;

Figure 8 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the top and gate removed;

Figure 9 shows an isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 with the gate opened; and

Figure 10 shows a detail side view of the bottom fork lift hitch of the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

Detailed Description of Figures

With reference to the Figures there is shown an embodiment of the apparatus 99 comprising a frame 1 arranged with a floor 25 and four walls provided by four corner posts 52 and cross-bracing 51, the walls defining an internal space 2; with a work surface 4, electrical outlets 26 in the walls, arranged for electrical equipment, and a unit 10 for securable object storage 3. The frame 1 provides two hitches 6, 13 capable of use for moving the apparatus with independent lifting equipment, namely a forklift and a crane respectively.

The embodiment is envisaged to be 1.5m high by 1.5m wide, by 1.5m depth, but such dimensions may be envisaged to be adapted for differing requirements.

The workstation includes the different hitches for attachment to a variety of vehicle transportation.

Use of beams with patterned holes as frame elements gives the user the freedom to adapt the workstation to suit their needs. The pictured embodiment comprises the following parts:

Lacquer Worktop 4

Outdoor plug sockets 26 with closure lids

Power generator 24 with supply tank 11

Extendable support bracing legs 8

Plate and bracket for tank 15

Lockable storage unit 10

Frame top arranged for lifting 105

Crane hook 13

The work surface 4 easily attaches to the frame 1 and can be adjusted in height to suit the user’s requirements.

The floor 25 is provided by aluminium checkerboard plate on a skeleton base, having skirting at the back and sides of the floor, providing lips to stop objects from falling off the edge.

This lipped floor 25 contains tiny holes that allow for any liquid to drain out. The holes are discreetly hidden with patterned bumps which offer friction and stability to the user.

Underneath the drainage holes are trays 5 which pull out from the side as shown in Figure 10. Any hazardous substances collected, such as oil, can then be disposed of properly.

Under the work surface 4 is space for a displaceable generator 24 and lockable drawer unit 10.

Two outdoor plug sockets 28 are connected to the generator 24 using outdoor cabling 27. These allow the use of power tools with the apparatus.

The generator 24 will connect to the available plugs and any other appliances that are necessary to the user.

In the compact internal space, the drawer storage sections 3 offer storage for tools and objects, and can be locked for safety during transportation or whilst not in use.

A plate 15 and support brackets are included to provide space for a displaceable gas tank 11. The tank 11 can be chained to support brackets 28 to secure it safely.

The frame 1 comprises four tubular corners 52 extending upwards and the displaceable hitch top 105 comprises a cap for the corners, having indented ends 19 that may be inserted into and bolted to the four corners 52, and comprises four legs and an overarching triangular-section roof formed by bars with a topmost overhead bar 14, which has an indented notch 12 into which the hitch hook 13 is inserted to prevent sliding when used by a grapple claw or crane to lift the whole apparatus on the hook 13. The hook slides and rotates along the top bar 14 freely otherwise.

The indented notch 12 in the bar allows for a crane hook to be attached to lift the apparatus through the centre. In this way a grapple claw can latch onto the bar for lifting. On the rear of the frame is a 3-point linkage 81 for transporting the apparatus across agriculture and construction settings.

Tine slots 16 through the base of the frame allow for a forklift truck to lift the apparatus.

Additional panels or vertical bars are attached to provide safety whilst working at height, being bolted into the basic frame corners 52, providing rigidity and preventing anything from falling out.

Such an additional panel may comprise a locking gate 7 which allows the user to access the inside space, whilst leaving the panel attached, and comprises a first fixed half 23 and a second gate half 21, on hinges 20, with a bolt closure 22.

Extending support legs 8 may be attached to any of the horizontal or vertical bars of the frame and are shown on the corners 52. These bracing legs 8 are arranged on pivots 18 and are telescopic, and provide stability should the apparatus be placed on uneven ground. When there is no need for the extra support they fold up neatly, parallel to the frame, and alternatively, the support legs can be wholly detached from the frame and stored away.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims, in particular but not solely combination of features of described embodiments.

Claims

1. Apparatus for provision of a transportable workstation, the apparatus comprising a frame arranged with at least a floor and walls, defining an internal space; wherein the internal space comprises at least one work surface, one or more parts arranged for electrical equipment, and one or more sections for securable object storage, the frame providing a hitch capable of use for moving the apparatus with independent lifting equipment.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 comprising an electricity generator.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein an electrical part comprises an electrical outlet.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the outlet comprises a hinged lid.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a perforated floor.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the hitch comprises a forklift hitch.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the hitch comprises a crane hook.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a displaceable top frame.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the crane hook is located on a displaceable top frame.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising displaceable wall portions.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10 comprising a displaceable gate wall portion.

12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising extendable bracing legs.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising a drawer unit for providing the securable storage sections.