GB2580291A

GB2580291A - A platform

Info

Publication number: GB2580291A
Application number: GB1817705.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ewers Simon
Original assignee: Werner UK Sales and Distribution Ltd
Current assignee: Werner UK Sales and Distribution Ltd
Priority date: 2018-10-30
Filing date: 2018-10-30
Publication date: 2020-07-22
Anticipated expiration: 2038-10-30
Also published as: GB2580291B; GB201817705D0

Abstract

A platform 1 comprising a pair of elongate stiles 2a, 2b, at least one cross bar 30 arranged between the stiles and a connector 20 provided at an end of the cross bar. One of the connector or a stile comprises at least one protrusion 25a, receivable in a groove 9a in the other of the stile and connector. Further provided is a locking member 40 to secure the cross bar to the stile and a deck panel (50, fig 5) arranged on the cross bars. The connector may comprise two rails 25a, 25b, and the stile may comprise two grooves 9a, 9b. Preferably provided is a lip 10, with the locking member being a rivet securable through the lip, deck panel, the cross bar and the connector. Further disclosed is a method of assembling the platform.

Description

Title: A platform

Description of Invention

The present invention relates to a platform, particularly to a platform for use in lightweight staging.

Background to the invention

Platforms, in the form of staging boards, are widely used by workers to provide a work platform at an elevated height. A platform may be supported by a trestle or other support structure (e.g. a wall or step) at either or both ends (and optionally at intermediate location(s)), to provide an elevated work platform. Staging boards are also used to create an access ramp, for example from the ground level to the lip of a skip. Staging boards may otherwise be used to provide an even surface when laid on uneven ground.

Staging boards generally take the form of a conventional ladder on which a deck panel is placed or secured along the length of the ladder. The ladder comprises a pair of stiles and a plurality of rungs spaced between and secured to the stiles. The deck panel is then arranged on top of the rungs and/or stiles.

The deck panel may be secured to the stiles and/or cross bars, or simply placed within a recess between the stiles.

Staging boards may be seen as a commodity item, so there is a need to 30 reduce the cost of manufacture as much as possible.

Traditionally, staging boards have been manufactured by retro-fitting a deck panel to a conventional ladder. However, the application of forces to a staging board in use are nevertheless different to those applied to a conventional ladder.

Known staging boards have a complicated arrangement to secure the rungs to the stiles. It is known to provide timber rungs having a substantially rectangular/square cross-section. The ends of the rungs must be turned so as to receive round hollow aluminium ferrules. In turn, those ferrules are then received in an aperture in an aluminium stile. A steel tie-rod is then passed through both stiles and the rung, and the whole assembly is clamped together using a nut on one or both end(s) of the tie-rod.

There is a need to provide an alternative arrangement.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a platform comprising: a pair of elongate stiles; at least one cross-bar arranged between the stiles; at least one connector provided at an end of the cross-bar, wherein one of the connector and a stile comprises at least one protrusion which is receivable in a groove in the other of the stile and connector; a locking member to secure the cross-bar to the stile; and a deck panel arranged on the cross-bars.

In one embodiment, the cross-bar comprises an opening to receive the connector therein.

In one embodiment, the opening of the end of the cross-bar is sized to substantially correspond to the outer surface of the connector.

In one embodiment, the protrusion is a rail which is slidably receivable in the groove.

In one embodiment, the connector comprises two elongate rails spaced apart 5 from one another, and the stile comprises two grooves correspondingly spaced apart from one another.

In one embodiment, the locking member is securable through the cross-bar and the connector.

In one embodiment, at least one stile further comprises an elongate lip extending at least partially along the stile.

In one embodiment, the distance between the lip and the cross-bars is substantially equal to the thickness of the deck panel.

In one embodiment, the locking member is securable through the lip, the cross-bar and the connector.

In one embodiment, the locking member is securable through the lip, the deck panel, the cross-bar and the connector.

In one embodiment, the locking member comprises a rivet.

In one embodiment, at least one of the stile, cross-bar and connector has/have a substantially constant cross-section along their length.

In one embodiment, at least one of the stile, cross-bar and connector is an extruded component.

In one embodiment, there is a plurality of cross-bars arranged between the stiles and spaced apart from one another, wherein each end of each cross-bar is provided with a connector and secured to a respective stile by a locking member.

The present invention further provides a method of assembling a platform, comprising: providing: a pair of elongate stiles; at least one cross-bar; a connector wherein one of the connector and a stile comprises at least one protrusion and the other of the stile and connector comprises a groove; a locking member; and a deck panel; arranging the at least one cross-bar between the stiles; providing the connector at an end of the cross-bar; receiving the at least one protrusion of the connector or stile in the groove of the other of the stile and connector; using the locking member to secure the cross bar to the stile; and arranging the deck panel on the at least one cross-bar.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of part of a platform embodying the present invention; Figure 2 shows the same exploded view of the platform shown in figure 1, from another angle; Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the platform of figures 1 and 2 when 5 assembled; Figure 4 is an isometric view of part of a platform embodying the present invention when assembled; Figure 5 is an isometric view of the upper surface of a platform embodying the present invention; Figure 6 is an isometric view of the underside of a platform embodying the present invention; and Figure 7 is an isometric view of part of a platform embodying the present invention, with the deck panel removed.

Detailed description

The figures illustrate a platform 1 comprising a pair of elongate stiles 2a, 2b. Figures 5 and 6 show both stiles 2a, 2b whereas the other figures focus on a single stile, to aid clarity. The stiles 2a, 2b are substantially rectangular in cross-section, as may best be seen from figure 3. The stiles 2a, 2b may be substantially hollow. The wall of the stiles 2a, 2b may be substantially uniform in thickness. The height of the stiles 2a, 2b is preferably greater than the width. The second moment of area of the stiles 2a, 2b is preferably such that, in use, the stiles substantially resist or limit any significant bending along their length (preferably to within any tolerances required by industry regulation(s)).

The stiles 2a, 2b preferably comprise an upper surface 3, a lower surface 4, an outer face 5 and an inner face 6. Preferably, the upper surface 3 is substantially parallel to the lower surface 4. Preferably, the outer face 5 is substantially parallel to the inner face 6. Preferably, the upper surface 3, lower surface 4 and outer face 5 are substantially planar and smooth.

A boss 7 extends from the inner face 6. The boss 7 presents a bearing face 8 in which a pair of grooves 9a, 9b are provided. Preferably, the grooves, 9a, 9b extend substantially along the length of the stiles 2a, 2b. In cross-section, the grooves 9a, 9b may be said to be "C-shaped" or substantially circular.

The stiles 2a, 2b preferably further include a lip 10, as will be described below.

The lip 10 is preferably an angle section, which comprises an extension plate 12 protruding upwardly from the side of the boss 7, and a lip plate 13 which is substantially coplanar with the upper surface 3. The lip plate 13 is substantially perpendicular to the extension plate 12. This arrangement provides a channel between the extension plate 12 and the inner face 6, which may receive a handrail post or other accessory in use.

The boss 7 is not essential. The grooves 9a, 9b may otherwise be provided on the inner face 6. The lip 10 may protrude directly from the upper surface 3.

The shape of the grooves 9a, 9b is also not essential.

The platform 1 further comprises at least one cross-bar 30. A plurality of cross-bars 30 are shown in figure 6. There may be more or fewer cross-bars 30 than those illustrated. The spacing may also be different to that illustrated in figure 6.

The cross-bar 30 illustrated is substantially hollow and formed by extrusion. The cross-bar 30 has an opening 31, seen in figure 1.

The platform 1 further comprises a connector 20. The connector 20 has an upper surface 21, a lower surface 22, an inner face 24 and a bearing face 23.

As illustrated in the exploded view of figure 1, the connector 20 is received in the aperture 31 of the cross-bar 30. Preferably, the width and height of the inner face 24 of the connector 20 are substantially equal to those of the opening 31 of the cross-bar 30, such that the connector 20 is receivable in the opening 31 of the cross-bar 30 with a substantially sliding fit. In another embodiment, there may substantially be an interference fit. Rigid attachment between the connector 20 and the cross-bar 30 is not essential, as will be explained below.

Although the opening 31 of the cross-bar 30 and the connector 20 are substantially square in the illustrated embodiments, they may take other forms.

On the bearing face 23 of the connector 20 are provided a pair of elongate rails 25a, 25b. The rails 25a, 25b are spaced apart from one another, by a distance equal to the spacing between the grooves 9a, 9b of the stile 2a, 2b.

The cross-section of the rails 25a, 25b is substantially the same as that of the grooves 9a, 9b and the rails 25a, 25b are preferably slideably received in the grooves 9a, 9b of the stiles 2a, 2b. In use, there may be a sliding interaction between the bearing faces 23, 8, but this is not essential.

The use of a pair of rails 25a, 25b and corresponding grooves 9a, 9b serve to substantially constrain the connector 20 to linear movement along the longitudinal axis of the stile 2a, 2b. The arrangement otherwise substantially prevents any other degrees of freedom of the connector 20 with respect to the stiles 2a, 2b.

The platform 1 further comprises a locking member to secure the cross-bar 30 to the stile 2a, 2b. In the embodiment shown, the locking member comprises a rivet 40. The rivet 40 comprises a head 41 and a tail 42. The head 41 and tail 30 42 are provided on opposing ends of a shaft 43. Both the head 41 and tail 42 are enlarged with respect to the diameter of the shaft 43. The rivet 40 may be entirely conventional.

The platform 1 further comprises a deck panel 50, having an upper surface 51 5 and a lower surface 52.

The platform 1 may further comprise at least one end cap 60 for placing in the distal ends of the stiles 2a, 2b. The end cap 60 may comprise a protrusion 61 which is sized so as to correspond to the internal dimensions of the stile 2a, 2b, such that the end cap 60 is held within the end of the stiles 2a, 2b with a substantially interference fit. Not only does the end cap 60 provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, but also prevents or limits the ingress of any foreign matter into the stiles 2a, 2b and/or grooves 9a, 9b.

The upper surface of the cross-bar 30 may comprise an aperture 32. The upper surface 21 of the connector 20 may also comprise an aperture 26. When the connector 20 is inserted into the opening 31 of the cross-bar 30, such that the bearing face 23 of the connector 20 is substantially flush with the end of the cross-bar 30, the aperture 32 of the cross-bar 30 is preferably substantially aligned with the aperture 26 of the upper surface 21 of the connector 20.

When the connector 20 is received in the opening 31 of the cross-bar 30, the rails 25a, 25b of the connector 20 may be engaged with the end of the grooves 9a, 9b of the stile 2a, 2b. The cross-bar 30 and connector 20 may then be translated along the length of the grooves 9a, 9b to a predetermined and/or desired location. At a predetermined/desired location, the rivet 40 may be secured through the lip 10, deck panel 50, cross-bar 30 and connector 20. Preferably, the deck panel 50 comprises an aperture 53, and the lip 10 comprises an aperture 11. The apertures 11, 53, 26 and 32 may all be substantially aligned with one another so as to receive the rivet 40 therethrough.

As will be seen from the figure 3, the deck panel 50 is retained between the lip 10 and the cross-bar 30. Preferably, the distance between the lip plate 13 of the lip 10 and the top of the cross-bar 30 is substantially equal to the thickness of the deck panel 50.

As will best be appreciated from figure 7 (in which the deck panel has been removed), when the rivet 40 is in place, movement of the connector 20 longitudinally along the stile, 2a, 2b is substantially prevented. This is because passing the rivet 40 through the lip holds the cross-bar 30 at a predetermined axial position of the stile 2a, 2b. Provision of "pre-drilled" apertures in the lip 10, deck panel 50, connector 20 and/or cross-bar 30 is not essential. The rivet 40 or other locking member may be "self-tapping" to form its own apertures through the various components. The lip 10 may be provided with a plurality of apertures 11, to allow a user to select a desired location.

The rivet 40 may provide a tensioning force between the head 51 and tail 42 such that the connector 20 is urged upwardly (with reference to figure 3) so as to engage the upper surface of the rails 25a, 25b with the grooves 9a, 9b, to increase friction. However, this is not essential.

In the embodiment shown, the grooves, 9a, 9b are illustrated as extending along the entire axial length of the stiles 3a, 3b. This is not essential.

In another embodiment, the grooves 9a, 9b do not extend along the whole axial length. The grooves 9a, 9b may be in sections, such that the rails 25a, 25b of a connector 20 may be fed into and retained within the grooves 9a, 9b at predetermined points along the axial length of the stiles 2a, 2b.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that other physical forms of protrusion/rail 25a, 25b and aperture/groove 9a, 9b are possible. Moreover, although in the embodiment illustrated the stile comprises a groove and the connector comprises a rail, the opposite arrangement may be provided.

During assembly of the platform 1, the deck panel 50 is arranged between the lip 10 of first and second opposing stiles 2a, 2b. When the deck panel 50 is in place, the positioning of the plurality of cross-bars 30, along the axes or the stiles 2a, 2b, may be adjusted so that they are equally spaced along the axial length of the stiles 2a, 2b, before being secured in place. When the locking members 40 are deployed to secure the cross-bar 30 to the stile 2a, 2b, a substantially rigid and stable platform 1 is created. Receiving the edge of the deck panel 50 beneath the lip plate 13 may provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, reduces or prevents a trip hazard and also prevents or reduces the ingress of foreign matter into the arrangement.

The present invention provides a platform 1, which is relatively straightforward to manufacture and assemble. The overall appearance of the stiles 2a, 2b and cross-bars 30 of the platform 1 is substantially the same as a conventional ladder. However, there are significant differences to the structure. In use, most forces are applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar surface of the deck panel 50. The use of a robust interlocking arrangement of the rails 25a and 25b and grooves 9a, 9b serve to provide a substantially strong and rigid structure which resists those forces. In use, the platform 1 experiences no, or only small, forces in a direction along the length of the stiles (unlike a ladder).

A benefit of a platform 1 embodying the present invention is that the positioning and relative spacing of the cross-bars 30 may be configured according to the user's requirements. When using a conventional ladder as the foundation for a platform, the spacing (the "pitch") between the rungs is usually set at a predetermined distance. Accordingly, the overall length of a ladder (and thus a platform incorporating that ladder) may be limited to be a multiple of the rung pitch. A benefit of a platform embodying the present invention is that the positioning and spacing of the cross-bars 30 may be adjusted along the length of the stile (by virtue of the slideable rails and grooves), allowing a platform of any desired length to be manufactured. It will be appreciated that the number and spacing of the cross-bars 30 may also be configured according to the forces experienced by the platform 1 in use. For example, for heavier applications, a large number of cross-bars 30 may be provided spaced closed to one another. For lighter applications, fewer cross-bars 30 may be deployed. The number and/or spacing of the cross-bars may be determined by industry regulation(s).

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.

Although certain example embodiments of the invention have been described, the scope of the appended claims is not intended to be limited solely to these embodiments. The claims are to be construed literally, purposively, and/or to encompass equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A platform comprising: a pair of elongate stiles; at least one cross-bar arranged between the stiles; at least one connector provided at an end of the cross-bar, wherein one of the connector and a stile comprises at least one protrusion which is receivable in a groove in the other of the stile and connector; a locking member to secure the cross-bar to the stile; and a deck panel arranged on the cross-bars.
2. A platform according to claim 1, wherein the end of the cross-bar comprises an opening to receive the connector therein.
3. A platform according to claim 2, wherein the opening of the end of the cross-bar is sized to substantially correspond to the outer surface of the connector.
4. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the protrusion is a rail which is slidably receivable in the groove.
5. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector comprises two elongate rails spaced apart from one another, and the stile comprises two grooves correspondingly spaced apart from one another.
6. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking member is securable through the cross-bar and the connector.
7. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one stile further comprises an elongate lip extending at least partially along the stile.
8. A platform according to claim 7, wherein the distance between the lip and the cross-bars is substantially equal to the thickness of the deck panel.
9. A platform according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the locking member is securable through the lip, the cross-bar and the connector.
10. A platform according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the locking member is securable through the lip, the deck panel, the cross-bar and the connector.
11. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein the locking member comprises a rivet.
12. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the stile, cross-bar and connector has/have a substantially constant cross-section along their length.
13. A platform according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the stile, cross-bar and connector is an extruded component.
14. A platform according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of cross-bars arranged between the stiles and spaced apart from one another, wherein each end of each cross-bar is provided with a connector and secured to a respective stile by a locking member.
15. A method of assembling a platform, comprising: providing: a pair of elongate stiles; at least one cross-bar; at least one connector wherein one of the connector and a stile comprises at least one protrusion and the other of the stile and connector comprises a groove; a locking member; and a deck panel; arranging the at least one cross-bar between the stiles; providing the connector at an end of the cross-bar; receiving the at least one protrusion of the connector or stile in the groove of the other of the stile and connector; using the locking member to secure the cross bar to the stile; and arranging the deck panel on the at least one cross-bar.