GB2584880A

GB2584880A - Support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2584880A
Application number: GB1908778.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Alexander Black John; David Black Robert
Original assignee: Oxford Safety Components Ltd
Current assignee: Oxford Safety Components Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-19
Filing date: 2019-06-19
Publication date: 2020-12-23
Also published as: GB201908778D0; WO2020254779A1

Abstract

A support apparatus 201 for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface G comprises a frame 260 for supporting a floor portion 220 of the support apparatus and a railing assembly 280. The floor portion is to be spaced from the ground surface in use. The railing assembly comprises a gate 282 configured to be moveable between a closed position and an open position. The closed position is configured to close an opening defined by one or more adjacent portions 284, 286 of the railing assembly. The open position is to allow passage of the user through the opening. In the open position, the gate is arranged to extend outwardly from the opening. The support apparatus is configured to selectively retain the gate in the open position via retaining member 294 and to provide a hand support for the user. Also defined is a support apparatus in which a gate may be releasably mounted from the railing assembly, release of the gate effected by movement of the gate in a fist direction.

Description

SUPPORT APPARATUS

[0001] This invention relates to a support apparatus, in particular a safety platform. BACKGROUND [0002] Our patent applications WO 2016/151307, GB2536629 and W02019073255 Al variously disclose an adjustable scaffold and/or a support apparatus. The present invention, at least in preferred embodiments, seeks to develop the adjustable scaffold and/or the support apparatus described therein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided a support apparatus for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface. The support apparatus comprises a frame for supporting a floor portion of the support apparatus, the frame having a length and a width; and a plurality of leg members mounted to the frame for supporting the frame above the ground surface, each leg member having a foot portion for engaging the ground surface. Each leg member is rotatably mounted to the frame for rotation about a rotational axis which is substantially perpendicular to the width and the length of the frame, and each leg member extends from the frame in a radial direction of the rotational axis, whereby the foot portion is offset from the rotational axis.

[0004] Thus, rotation of the leg members about the rotational axis allows the foot portion of each leg member to be positioned to provide maximum stability with the flexibility to position the support apparatus as close to working surfaces, such as walls, as is required.

In addition, the leg members can be rotated to minimise the total width of the support apparatus, so that the support apparatus can be moved through doors and the like.

[0005] At least a portion of each leg member may extend from the frame at an acute angle to the rotational axis. That portion of the leg member may be telescopically extensible. In this way, telescopic extension of the leg member increases both the height of the frame above the ground surface and the offset of the foot portion from the rotational axis. This is advantageous in that as the support apparatus is used at increasing height the effective footprint of the support apparatus increases to increase overall stability.

[0006] Each leg member may be pivotally mounted to the frame about a pivot axis transverse to the rotational axis. This allows the leg members to be folded against the frame for transport. A locking mechanism, for example comprising complementary holes and a locking pin, may be provided to lock the leg member in a working position.

[0007] The foot portion of each leg member may comprise a wheel member, for example a castor. The wheel member may be spring mounted within the foot portion, whereby the weight of a user on the frame causes the foot portion to engage the ground surface in preference to engagement of the ground surface by the wheel member. Alternatively, a locking mechanism may be provided for the wheel member. The wheel members allow easy transportation of the support apparatus from one working location to another.

[0008] Each leg member may be rotatably mounted to the frame by the leg member being received within a collar. A locking mechanism, for example comprising complementary holes and a locking pin, may be provided to lock the leg member in a working position. The leg members may be removably received within the collars. In this way the leg members may be replaced optionally with alternative leg members. For example, straight leg members may be used to convert the support apparatus into a stairwell platform. The collar may be pivotally mounted to the frame about a pivot axis transverse to the rotational axis. The frame may be provided with a lip portion at an end thereof for engagement with a stair.

[0009] The frame may be telescopically extensible to increase the length thereof. The frame may be provided with a railing assembly. The railing assembly may be telescopically extensible to increase the length thereof with the extension of the frame.

[0010] Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure provides a support apparatus for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface. The support apparatus comprises: a frame for supporting a floor portion of the support apparatus to be spaced from a ground surface in use; and a railing assembly to prevent a fall of the user off the floor portion from the elevated working position. The railing assembly comprises a gate configured to be moveable between: a closed position configured to close an opening, defined by one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly, to substantially prevent passage of the user through the opening; and an open position to allow passage of the user through the opening and in which the gate is arranged to extend away from the opening, substantially outwardly from a footprint of the frame. The support apparatus is configured to selectively retain the gate in the open position to provide a hand support for the user when accessing the support apparatus through the opening.

[0011] Thus, the gate can be used both as a hand support for a person moving onto the support apparatus and as a barrier to prevent the person falling off the support apparatus. By ensuring that the gate can be retained in the open position, the hand support can be stable for use by the person.

[0012] In the open position, the gate may be arranged to extend away from a first side of the opening, at a first adjacent portion of the railing assembly. The support apparatus may further comprise a retaining member provided at the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly and configured to retain the gate in the open position.

[0013] The retaining member may be pivotably mounted to the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly to move between a disengaged position in which the gate is free to move away from the open position and an engaged position in which the gate is retained in the open position. Thus, the retaining member can be easily engaged and disengaged by pivoting. The pivot axis may be substantially transverse to a direction in which the gate extends away from the opening in the open position. The pivot axis may be substantially parallel to a plane of the ground surface.

[0014] The retaining member may be mounted to an upper portion of the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly.

[0015] The gate may be pivotably mounted to a or the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly via a first pivotable connection. Thus, the gate can pivot, for example swing, between the open position and the closed position. The support apparatus may be configured to: retain the gate in the closed position via a retaining mechanism; release the gate from the retaining mechanism upon movement of the gate in a first direction, whilst the gate remains pivotably mounted via the first pivotable connection; and release the gate from the first pivotable connection for complete removal of the gate from the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly upon further movement of the gate in the first direction.

[0016] This in itself is believed to be novel and so, in accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a support apparatus for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface. The support apparatus comprises: a frame for supporting a floor portion of the support apparatus to be spaced from a ground surface in use; and a railing assembly to prevent a fall of the user off the floor portion from the elevated working position. The railing assembly comprises a gate configured to be pivotably moveable between: a closed position configured to close an opening, defined by one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly, to substantially prevent passage of the user through the opening; and an open position to allow passage of the user through the opening. The gate is pivotably mounted to a first adjacent portion of the railing assembly via a first pivotable connection. The support apparatus is configured to: retain the gate in the closed position via a retaining mechanism; release the gate from the retaining mechanism upon movement of the gate in a first direction, whilst the gate remains pivotably mounted via the first pivotable connection; and release the gate from the first pivotable connection for complete removal of the gate from the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly upon further movement of the gate in the first direction.

[0017] Thus, the gate can be easily removed from the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly, for example for disassembly, such as for transport. A movement of a lesser extent, but still nevertheless in the same direction, can be used to disengage the gate from a retaining of the gate in the closed position, without full remove of the gate form the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly.

[0018] The first direction may be substantially upward, in use. In other words, the gate can be lifted by different amounts to separately allow the gate to move between the closed position and the open position and also for removal of the gate. In this way, it will be understood that a pivot axis of the first pivotable connection between the gate and the first adjacent portion is substantially vertical (i.e. normal to the ground surface in use).

[0019] The first pivotable connection may comprise a pivot pin and a pivot receiving portion, provided one each on the gate and the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the pivot pin of the first pivotable connection may be provided on the gate and the pivot receiving portion may be provided on the first adjacent portion. In other embodiments, the pivot pin of the first pivotable connection may be provided on the first adjacent portion and the pivot receiving portion may be provided on the gate. The retaining mechanism may comprise a retaining pin and a retaining receiving portion, provided one each on the gate and the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the retaining pin may be provided on the gate and the retaining receiving portion may be provided on the one or more adjacent portions. In other embodiments, the retaining pin may be provided on the one or more adjacent portions and the retaining receiving portion may be provided on the gate. A length of the pivot pin may be greater than a length of the retaining pin. Thus, the first pivotable connection and the retaining mechanism are each simple and easy to operate and manufacture.

[0020] The pivot pin and the retaining pin may each be provided on the gate. Thus, the pins, which may be sharp, can point downwards and not upwards (which they would do if they were provided on the one or more adjacent portions), improving the safety of the device during use and assembly.

[0021] The support apparatus may further comprise one or more steps arranged proximal to the opening to provide a pathway for access to the elevated working position when the gate is in the open position. Thus, a person can safely access the elevated working position, and also safely exit therefrom.

[0022] The steps may be removably mounted to the frame. Thus, the steps can be 35 removed when not needed.

[0023] The support apparatus may further comprise one or more legs to support the frame off the ground surface. The legs may be telescopically extendable. The legs may be as described hereinbefore.

[0024] Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure extends to a railing assembly for use with the support apparatus described herein, the railing assembly as described herein.

[0025] Viewed from another aspect, the present disclosure extends to a kit of parts for forming a support apparatus as described herein. The kit of parts comprises: a frame for supporting a floor portion of the support apparatus; a gate for a railing assembly; and one or more adjacent portions for the railing assembly. The frame, the gate and the one or more adjacent portions are substantially as described herein.

[0026] The invention extends to a kit of parts for forming the support apparatus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0027] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an illustration of a support apparatus according to the present disclosure, shown in a first configuration; Figure 2 is a further illustration of the support apparatus of Figure 1, shown with a person supported thereon; Figure 3 is a yet further illustration of the support apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 4 is another illustration of the support apparatus of Figure 1, shown in a further configuration; Figure 5 is an illustration of the support apparatus as shown in Figure 4, in the absence of a railing assembly; Figure 6 is an illustration of the support apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, shown in an extended configuration; Figure 7 is an illustration of a further support apparatus according to the present disclosure; Figure 8 is a further illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 7; Figure 9 shows a detail view of a leg bracket for use with the support apparatus as shown in any of Figures 1 to 6 or the further support apparatus as shown in Figures 7 and 8; Figure 10 is an illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 7, shown with a railing assembly provided thereon; Figure 11 is an illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 10, shown with a floor member provided thereon; Figure 12 is another illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 11; Figure 13 is a further illustration of the further support apparatus of Figures 11 and 12; Figures 14 and 15 are illustrations of a yet further support apparatus; Figure 16 is an illustration of a gate for use with the support apparatus shown previously; and Figure 17 is an illustration of a removable set of steps for use with the support apparatus shown previously.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 is an illustration of a support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in a first configuration. The support apparatus 1 comprises a floor portion 20 configured to be supported off a ground surface G by a plurality of leg members 40a, 40b. In this example, a frame 60 is provided between the floor portion 20 and the plurality of leg members 40a, 40b. A safety barrier in the form of a railing assembly 80 extends upwardly from the floor portion 20 to substantially prevent inadvertent access or egress of a user of the support apparatus respectively to or from the floor portion 20.

[0029] The floor portion 20 provides a working surface for supporting the user and/or one or more tools of the user above the ground surface G. In this example, the working surface of the floor portion 20 is provided by a solid floor portion. The working surface is substantially horizontal in use. The operation and configuration of the floor portion 20 will be explained further with reference to Figure 5 hereinafter.

[0030] The support apparatus 1 comprises four leg members 40a, 40b. The plurality of leg members 40a, 40b are each pivotably mounted relative to the floor portion 20, each about an axis of rotation in a direction away from the working surface of the floor portion 20. In this example, the axis of rotation about which the plurality of leg members 40a, 40b are pivotably mounted relative to the floor portion 20 is substantially transverse to the working surface. In other words, the axis of rotation is substantially vertical in use. The leg members 40a, 40b each comprise a foot portion 42 at a lower end of the leg member 40a, 40b, opposite an upper end of the floor portion 20. For each leg member 40a, 40b, the foot portion 42 is radially spaced from the axis of rotation of the leg member 40a, 40b. Thus, when one of the leg members 40a, 40b is rotated about the axis of rotation, the foot portion 42 moves along an arcuate path to a different position relative to the axis of rotation. In this example, a first pair of leg members 40a are each rotated such that they align with a length of the support apparatus 1. That is, the foot portion 42 of each of the first pair of leg members 40a extend substantially lengthways away from the frame 60. A second pair of leg members 40b are each rotated such that they align with a width of the support apparatus 1. That is, the foot portion 42 of each of the second pair of leg members 40b extend substantially widthways away from the frame 60. In this example, the leg members 40a, 40b are formed from steel for strength. In this example, the leg members 40a, 40b are also extendable to adjustably separate the foot portion 42 of the leg member 40a, 40b from the floor portion at the upper end of the leg member 40a, 40b.

[0031] The foot portion 42 may comprise a wheel member, for example a caster (not shown) for movement of the support apparatus 1 over the ground surface G. Other examples of a wheel member maybe a wheel, a roller, a ball or the like. In examples, the caster may be adjustably mounted within the foot portion 42 such that the caster can be raised or lowered whereby to allow or substantially prevent movement of the support apparatus 1 over the ground surface G in dependence on the protrusion of the caster out of the foot portion 42. In this example, the caster is connected to the foot portion via a spring, such that a sufficient load on the support apparatus 1 causes the foot portion 42 to engage with the ground surface G to substantially prevent free movement of the support apparatus 1 over the ground surface G. The spring in this example is configured to be operable by any load indicative of the weight of a user on the support apparatus 1. In this way, the support apparatus 1 cannot be easily moved whilst a user is on the floor portion 20. The leg members 40a, 40b will be explained further with reference to Figures 3 to 5 hereinafter.

[0032] The frame 60 is formed as an open frame defining a length and a width of the support apparatus 1. The frame 60 has each of the leg members 40a, 40b mounted thereto. The frame 60 is movable from a first configuration in which the frame 60 is provided in an unextended configuration (as shown in Figure 1) into a second configuration in which the frame 60 is provided in an extended configuration. In the second configuration, it will be understood that the length of the frame 60 is greater than in the first configuration. In this example, the frame 60 is configured to be extensible by telescopic extension of a first portion of the frame 60 relative to a second portion of the frame 60. The floor portion 20 is directly supported on the frame 60. Thus, the weight of a user on the floor portion 20 is passed from the floor portion 20 to the frame 60, from the frame 60 to the upper end of the leg members 40a, 40b and through the leg members 40a, 40b to the foot portion 42 at the lower end of the leg members 40, and to the ground surface G. The frame 60 will be explained further with reference to Figure 8 hereinafter.

[0033] The railing assembly 80 is mounted to the frame 60 and extensible therewith during movement of the frame 60 from the first configuration to the second configuration.

The railing assembly 80 will be explained further with reference to Figure 6 hereinafter.

[0034] In this example, the support apparatus 1 is arranged to provide the working surface of the floor portion 20 at a height of between 550 millimetres and 650 millimetres above the ground surface G. [0035] Figure 2 is a further illustration of the support apparatus 1 of Figure 1, shown with a user 100 supported thereon. The support apparatus 1 allows the user 100 to reach a task at height without unsafe reaching. The support apparatus 1 is substantially as described with reference to Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 3 is a yet further illustration of the support apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 3 illustrates the leg members 40a, 40b in more detail. In particular, further detail regarding one of the second pair of leg members 40b will be described. It will be understood that the description of the features and functionality of the one of the second pair of leg members 40b can apply equally to either of the first pair of leg members 40a. In particular, the leg member 40b comprises a first portion 44 which extends in a first direction. The leg member 40b further comprises a second portion 46 extending from the first portion 44 in a second direction, different from the first direction. The foot portion 42 is connected to the first portion 44 of the leg member 40b via the second portion 46. In this example, the foot portion 42 is connected to the second portion 46 via a third portion 50. The third portion 50 extends in substantially the first direction. Thus, both the first portion 44 and the third portion 50 extend in substantially the same direction.

[0037] The foot portion 42 comprises a fixed foot 48 having an engaging surface to contact the ground surface G when sufficient force is applied to the support apparatus 1 as described hereinbefore. The foot portion 42 further comprises a wheel member (not shown) for selective engagement with the ground surface G for easy movement of the support apparatus on the ground surface G when a user is not present on the support apparatus 1 (for safety). In this example, the fixed foot 48 is in the form of a shell structure to substantially enclose the movement means. Thus, a user is protected from injury caused by trapping by the wheel member.

[0038] The first portion 44 is arranged to be received within a collar member 62 extending from the support frame 60. The first portion 44 and the collar member 62 are together provided with securing means in the form of a pin-connector 54 to secure the leg member 40b to the support frame 60 via the first portion 44 and the collar member 62 at one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions. The axis of rotation of the leg member 40b extends through the collar member 62 and through the first portion 44. The first direction is substantially aligned with the axis of rotation. In this example, the second direction makes an angle of approximately 30 degrees with the first direction. Thus, the second portion 46 extends away from the first portion 44 at an angle of approximately 30 degrees from the first direction.

[0039] The first portion 44, the second portion 46, the third portion 50 and the fixed foot 48 are substantially formed from metal. In this example, the first portion 44, the second portion 46 and the third portion 50 are formed from tubular section. The second portion 46 provides an extensible member, such that a radial offset between the first portion 44 and the foot portion 42 can be adjusted by extension or retraction of the second portion 46. In examples where the second direction is different from 90 degrees from the first direction, extension or retraction of the second portion 46 also results in adjustment of a height of the working surface of the floor portion 20 relative to the ground surface G. In this example, a first component 47a of the second portion 46 is provided with a plurality of holes 53 defined therein for selective engagement by a protruding element 52 of a second component (not shown in Figure 3) of the second portion 46. In this example, there are three holes 53, providing three different extension positions of the second portion 46 of the leg member 40b. The first component 47a of the second portion 46 is an elongate member arranged to have slidably received therein the second component of the second portion 46, the second component being a further elongate member having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the first component 47a. Thus, the leg member 40b is telescopically extensible.

[0040] Figure 4 is another illustration of the support apparatus of Figure 1, shown in a further configuration. In particular, Figure 4 shows each of the leg members 40a, 40b in an extended configuration with the second component 47b of the second portion 46 secured in an extended position relative to the first component 47a of the second portion 46. It will be understood that the support apparatus 1 is both higher and more stable in the extended configuration since the foot portion 42 of the leg members 40a, 40b are separated from the frame 60 by a greater distance in both the direction of the axis of rotation and a direction transverse to the axis of rotation and substantially away from the frame 60. Further, it will be seen in the configuration shown in Figure 4 that the first pair of leg members 40a have been rotated about their respective axes of rotation such that there are now in a corresponding configuration to the second pair of leg members 40b. That is, the first pair of leg members 40a are rotated such that they align with a width of the support apparatus 1. That is, the foot portion 42 of each of the first pair of leg members 40a extend substantially widthways away from the frame 60. Compared to the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 3, the configuration of the leg members 40a in Figure 4 provides greater stability of the support apparatus. However, it will be noted that in the configuration of Figures 1 to 3, with the leg members 40a extending lengthways, rather than widthways from the frame 60, the support apparatus can be located close to a wall to allow the user to work on the wall without having to reach over from the support apparatus 1.

[0041] Figure 5 is an illustration of the support apparatus 1 as shown in Figure 4, in the absence of a railing assembly 80. The frame 60 comprises a first portion 61a and a second portion 61b. The first portion 61a is movably mounted to the second portion 61b. In particular, the length of the frame 60 can be changed by movement of the first portion 61a relative to the second portion 61b. The first portion 61a is in the form of a first pair of side arms 61a, each for receiving therein one each of a second pair of side arms 61b providing the second portion 61b. One leg member 40a, 40b is mounted to each of the side arms 61a, 61b. The leg members 40a, 40b are mounted to the side arms 61a. 61b via the collar 62 for rotation about a pivot axis through a pivot pin 66. The pivot axis is parallel to the width of the frame 60. Thus, the leg members 40a, 40b, when pivoted about the pivot pin 66 can fold to lie flat against the frame 60. This is advantageous for the transportation of the support apparatus, for example in a van. To collar 62 comprises a flange plate 64 having a hole defined therein for passage of the pivot pin 66 therethrough. The flange plate 64 has further defined therein a further hole for passage therethrough of a locking pin 68. The leg members 40a, 40b can be secured in a deployed configuration where the leg members 40a, 40b extend downwards by engagement of the locking pin 68 through the further hole in the flange plate 64.

[0042] The frame 60 has supported thereon the floor portion 20. In particular, the floor portion 20 is provided by a first floor board 22 supported on the first portion 61a of the frame 60 and a second floor board 24 supported on the second portion 61b of the frame 60. In this example, the first floor board 22 is mounted for sliding under the second floor board 24 when the frame 60 is moved between the extended configuration and the unextended configuration. In this example, the floor board 22, 24 are formed from a wooden board. However, it will be understood that in other examples, the floor portion 20 may be provided by an openwork construction, for example an openwork lattice.

[0043] Figure 6 is an illustration of the support apparatus of Figures 1 and 2, shown in an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the first portion 61a of the frame 60 is spaced from the second portion 61b of the frame 60. Furthermore, as will be appreciated from Figure 6, the railing apparatus 80 is also in an extended configuration and continues to substantially prevent inadvertent access or egress of a user of the support apparatus 1 respectively to or from the floor portion 20, which is also extended. Thus, the support apparatus 1 can be easily resized to fit the available space, or for easy manoeuvring through the available space.

[0044] Figure 7 is an illustration of a further support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the leg members 40a, 40b of the support apparatus 1 shown in the preceding Figures have all been removed from the frame 60 to be replaced by a different set of legs. In this particular example, the first portion 61a of the frame 60 of the support apparatus 1 has mounted thereto a pair of stairwell platform legs 110. The support apparatus 1 is thus transformed into a stairwell platform 101. The stairwell platform legs 110 are long enough to extend upwards from a set of stairs with the other end of the frame 60 supported on an upper step, for example at a top of the set of stairs S. In this example, the stairwell platform legs 110 are at least two metres in length. Thus, a level working platform can be provided above a set of stairs S. The open region defined by the frame 60 allows a user to assemble the stairwell platform 101, in particular the stairwell platform legs 110 whilst at a bottom of the set of stairs S, and then walk through the open region to install the floor portion 20 and the railing assembly from a top of the set of stairs S. As can be seen, further features of the frame 60 are of use when the support apparatus is configured as the stairwell platform 101. The frame 60 further comprises a support member in the form of lateral prop 70 which is extendably mounted at a lateral side of the frame 60. In this example, the frame 60 comprises a pair of lateral props 70. Each lateral prop 70 can be extended to stabilise the stairwell platform 101 away from a wall of the set of stairs S. When not required, the lateral props 70 can be slidably received within the frame 60 so as to reduce a size of the frame 60 and the support apparatus 1, 101 during manoeuvring.

[0045] The frame 60 further comprises a lip portion 72. In this example, the frame 60 comprises a lip portion 72 at each end thereof. Thus, either end of the frame 60 can be supported directly on a step, typically a top step, of the set of stairs S via the lip portion 72. In some examples, the lip portion has defined therein a plurality of holes 73 for mounting the lip portion 72 to the set of stairs S. Thus, the lip portion 72 can be secured to the set of stairs S for safety and stability, for example with screws. It will be understood that although the pair of stairwell platform legs 110 are mounted at one end of the frame 60, there need be no legs mounted at the other end of the frame 60 because the other end of the frame 60 can be supported on the top step via the lip portion 72.

[0046] Figure 8 is a further illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 7, viewed from the top of the set of stairs S. Figure 8 clearly shows the holes 73 defined within the lip portion 72 for mounting the lip portion 72 of the frame 60 to the set of stairs S, for example using a screw fastening.

[0047] Figure 9 shows a detail view of a flange plate for use with the support apparatus as shown in any of Figures 1 to 6 or the further support apparatus as shown in Figures 7 or 8. The flange plate 64 and the collar 62 are substantially as described with reference to Figure 5 hereinbefore. As can be seen, the locking pin 68 for securing the flange plate 64 and the collar 62 in place against the first portion 61a of the frame 60 is a drop-nose pin for easy insertion and securement of the locking pin 68. As can be seen in detail in Figure 9, the collar 62 has defined therein a plurality of holes 74, such that a leg locking pin 75 can be inserted through a pair of opposing holes 74 and through holes defined in an upper end of the legs, in this case the stairwell platform legs 110 to secure the legs 110, 40a, 40b in place at the collar 62. The leg locking pin 75 is also used similarly to the pin connector 54 in order to set a rotational angle of the legs 110, 40a, 40b. It will be understood that in this example, the angle of the stairwell platform legs 110 makes no difference to the operation of the stairwell platform 101.

[0048] Figure 10 is an illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 7, shown with a railing assembly provided thereon. Figure 11 is an illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 10, shown with a floor member provided thereon. Figure 12 is another illustration of the further support apparatus of Figure 11. Figure 13 is a further illustration of the further support apparatus of Figures 11 and 12. Corresponding reference numerals are used to show corresponding components. Figures 14 and 15 are illustrations of a yet further support apparatus. The support apparatus shown in Figures 14 and 15 is substantially the same as the support apparatus shown described previously apart from the hereinafter noted differences. The support apparatus 201 comprises a frame 260 and a railing assembly 280. The frame 260 is for supporting a floor portion 220 of the support apparatus 201 spaced from a ground surface G in use. The railing assembly 280 comprises a gate 282 and one or more adjacent portions 284, 286 of the railing assembly 280. The one or more adjacent portions 284, 286 define an opening at a first end thereof Together, the members of the railing assembly 280 can be arranged to substantially prevent a fall of a person off the elevated working position. The opening can be selectively closed by the gate 282 provided in a closed position, as shown in Figure 14, for preventing an inadvertent fall of a person off the elevated working position. Alternatively, the gate 282 can be moved to an open position as shown in Figure 15 to permit access to the elevated working position through the opening. The gate 282 is pivotably mounted to the one or more adjacent portions 284, 286 via a first pivotable connection 288. In this example, the first pivotable connection comprises an upper pivot connection 289 and a lower pivot connection 290. The gate 282 is retained in the closed position by a retaining mechanism 292. As shown in Figure 15, the retaining mechanism 292 is comprised of a first portion 292a and a second portion 292b. By engaging the first portion 292a with the second portion 292b, the gate 282 can be retained in the closed position. The support apparatus 201 further comprises a retaining member 294 usable to retain the gate 282 in the open position, as shown in Figure 15. The retaining member 294 is movable between a disengaged position as shown in Figure 14 and an engaged position as shown in Figure 15. The retaining member 294 is pivotably mounted to a first adjacent portion 284 of the railing assembly 280 about which the gate 282 is arranged to pivotably move between the closed position and the open position. When the retaining member 294 is in the engaged position with the gate 282 in the open position, as shown in Figure 15, the gate 282 is substantially prevented from pivoting or otherwise moving away from the open position by the retaining member 294. As shown in Figure 15, the gate 282 is, in this example, arranged to pivot through approximately 90 degrees between the closed position and the open position. The retaining member 294 comprises an upper member and two facing side members for engaging around a top and two opposing sides of an upper member of the gate 282, whereby to substantially prevent movement of the gate 282 away from the open position. The gate 282 is described further with reference to Figure 16 hereinafter. The support apparatus 201 further comprises one or more steps in the form of a set of steps 230 for attachment to the frame 260 and usable to access the floor portion 220 of the support apparatus 201 via the opening when the gate 282 is in the open position. Optionally, the steps 230 can be removable from the frame 260 when not required, for example when a user is in place on the floor portion 220 and when the gate 282 is in the closed position, and retained therein by the retaining mechanism 292. As can be seen, each of the frame 260 and the steps 230 of the support apparatus 201 is provided with leg members (not labelled) having movement means, in the form of wheels such as casters, provided thereon to facilitate movement of the support apparatus 201 around the ground surface. One or more, or even all of the wheels can be locked as necessary when the support apparatus 201 is in a desired position to substantially immobilise the support apparatus 201 in position.

[0049] Figure 16 is an illustration of a gate for use with the support apparatus shown previously. The gate 282 is for selectively closing an opening defined by one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly 280 described hereinbefore. The gate comprises one or more first parts 288a, in this example an upper first part 289a and a lower first part 290a of a pivotable connection 288. The upper first part 289a and the lower first part 290a are each in the form of a pivot pin to extend substantially downwards when the gate 282 is to be mounted to the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly 280, and are each for engaging with a respective upper second part (not labelled) and a lower second part (not labelled) provided on the first adjacent portion 284 of the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly 280. In this example, the upper second part and the lower second part are each in the form of a pivot receiving portion to accommodate the pivot pins therein to pivotably mount the gate 282 to the first adjacent portion 284. In this way, the gate 282 can be removed from the rest of the railing assembly 280 by an upward lifting movement. The length of upward movement required to remove the gate 282 is determined by a length of the pivot pin. In this example, each of the pivot pins forming the respective upper first part 289a and the lower first part 290a have a length of greater than 5 centimetres, for example approximately 7 centimetres. The gate 282 further comprises the first portion 292a of the retaining mechanism 292 described hereinbefore. As with the pivotable connection 288, the first portion 292a of the retaining mechanism 292 is in the form of a pin, referred to as a retaining pin 292a to extend substantially downwards when the gate 282 is mounted to the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly 280, and for engagement with a retaining receiving portion 292b provided on the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly 280, such as on a second adjacent portion 286 of the railing assembly 280. The gate 282 is disengaged from the retaining mechanism 292 by upward movement of the gate 282 to release the retaining pin 292a from the retaining receiving portion 292b, allowing the gate 282 to pivot away from the closed position. The retaining pin 292a has a length less than the length of either, for example both, of the pivot pins forming the upper first part 289a and the lower first part 290a. The length of the retaining pin 292a is less than 5 centimetres, for example approximately 3 centimetres. In this way, the gate can be engaged and disengaged by the retaining mechanism 292 whilst still remaining connected to the one or more adjacent portions 284, 286 of the railing assembly 280.

[0050] Although it has been described that the pivot pin of the pivotable connection 288 is provided on the gate 282, and that the pivot receiving portion is provided off the gate 282, such as on the first adjacent portion 284 of the railing assembly 280, it will be understood that the pivot pin may instead be provided off the gate 282, such as on the first adjacent portion 284 of the railing assembly 280 and the pivot receiving portion can be provided on the gate 282. Similarly, the retaining pin 292a can alternatively be provided on the second adjacent portion 286 of the railing assembly 280 and the retaining receiving portion 292b can be provided on the gate 282.

[0051] The railing assembly 280 can comprise more than one gate 282 in some examples, as necessary for safe access to the elevated working position. Although the gate 282 is shown in a certain position on the support apparatus 201, it will be understood that the gate 282 may be configured to be provided in substantially any location in the railing assembly 280 of the support apparatus 201.

[0052] The gate 282, and indeed any portions of the railing assembly 280 may be of any suitable design, including an openwork design as shown in the Figures, for substantially preventing inadvertent falls of users from the elevated working platform.

[0053] Figure 17 is an illustration of a removable set of steps for use with the support apparatus shown previously. The set of steps 230 can be removably mounted to the frame 260, for example by mounting members 232, 234 arranged to be receivable within mounting openings 262, 264 defined within the frame 260 (shown in Figure 15). Mounting members 232, 234 can be in the form of elongate members to be slidably received in the mounting openings 262, 264 and secure the steps relative thereto over a plurality of different heights of the elevated working platform over the ground surface. The steps 230 are arranged to be provided adjacent the opening, such that a user can climb the steps 230 to access the elevated working platform through the opening when the gate 282 is in the open position. It will be understood that substantially any design of steps 230 may be used, or even no steps in some examples.

[0054] Although the support apparatus 201 described with reference to Figures 14 to 17 is shown on a flat surface, it will be understood that the support apparatus 201 can equally function as a stairwell platform, as with other support apparatuses disclosed herein, for example by changing the legs of the support apparatus 201.

[0055] In summary, a support apparatus 1 for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface G comprises a frame 60 for supporting a floor portion 20 of the support apparatus and a plurality of leg members 40a, 40b mounted to the frame 60 for supporting the frame above the ground surface G. Each leg member has a foot portion 42 for engaging the ground surface G. Each leg member is rotatably mounted to the frame for rotation about a rotational axis which is substantially perpendicular to the width and the length of the frame and each leg member extends from the frame in a radial direction of the rotational axis, whereby the foot portion is offset from the rotational axis.

[0056] Further in summary, a support apparatus (201) for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface (G) comprises a frame (260) for supporting a floor portion (220) of the support apparatus and a railing assembly (280) to prevent a fall of the user off the floor portion from the elevated working position. The floor portion is to be spaced from the ground surface in use. The railing assembly comprises a gate (282) configured to be moveable between a closed position and an open position.

The closed position is configured to close an opening, defined by one or more adjacent portions (284, 286) of the railing assembly, to substantially prevent passage of the user through the opening. The open position is to allow passage of the user through the opening. In the open position, the gate is arranged to extend away from the opening, substantially outwardly from a footprint of the frame. The support apparatus is configured to selectively retain the gate in the open position to provide a hand support for the user when accessing the support apparatus through the opening.

[0057] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0058] Features, integers, characteristics or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A support apparatus for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface, the support apparatus comprising: a frame for supporting a floor portion of the support apparatus to be spaced from a ground surface in use; and a railing assembly to prevent a fall of the user off the floor portion from the elevated working position, the railing assembly comprising a gate configured to be moveable between: a closed position configured to close an opening, defined by one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly, to substantially prevent passage of the user through the opening; and an open position to allow passage of the user through the opening and in which the gate is arranged to extend away from the opening, substantially outwardly from a footprint of the frame, wherein the support apparatus is configured to selectively retain the gate in the open position to provide a hand support for the user when accessing the support apparatus through the opening.
2. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in the open position, the gate is arranged to extend away from a first side of the opening, at a first adjacent portion of the railing assembly, and wherein the support apparatus further comprises a retaining member provided at the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly and configured to retain the gate in the open position.
3. The support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the retaining member is pivotably mounted to the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly to move between a disengaged position in which the gate is free to move away from the open position and an engaged position in which the gate is retained in the open position.
4. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the gate is pivotably mounted to a or the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly via a first pivotable connection, wherein the support apparatus is configured to: retain the gate in the closed position via a retaining mechanism; release the gate from the retaining mechanism upon movement of the gate in a first direction, whilst the gate remains pivotably mounted via the first pivotable connection; and release the gate from the first pivotable connection for complete removal of the gate from the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly upon further movement of the gate in the first direction.
5. A support apparatus for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface, the support apparatus comprising: a frame for supporting a floor portion of the support apparatus to be spaced from a ground surface in use; and a railing assembly to prevent a fall of the user off the floor portion from the elevated working position, the railing assembly comprising a gate configured to be pivotably moveable between: a closed position configured to close an opening, defined by one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly, to substantially prevent passage of the user through the opening; and an open position to allow passage of the user through the opening, wherein the gate is pivotably mounted to a first adjacent portion of the railing assembly via a first pivotable connection, wherein the support apparatus is configured to: retain the gate in the closed position via a retaining mechanism; release the gate from the retaining mechanism upon movement of the gate in a first direction, whilst the gate remains pivotably mounted via the first pivotable connection; and release the gate from the first pivotable connection for complete removal of the gate from the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly upon further movement of the gate in the first direction.
6. The support apparatus of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the first direction is substantially upward, in use.
7. The support apparatus of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first pivotable connection comprises a pivot pin and a pivot receiving portion, provided one each on the gate and the first adjacent portion of the railing assembly, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises a retaining pin and a retaining receiving portion, provided one each on the gate and the one or more adjacent portions of the railing assembly, and wherein a length of the pivot pin is greater than a length of the retaining pin.
8. The support apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pivot pin and the retaining pin are each provided on the gate.
9. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more steps arranged proximal to the opening to provide a pathway for access to the elevated working position when the gate is in the open position.
10. The support apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising one or more legs to support the frame off the ground surface.
11. A railing assembly for use with the support apparatus of any preceding claim, the railing assembly as described in any preceding claim.
12. A kit of parts for forming a support apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, the kit of parts comprising: a frame for supporting a floor portion of the support apparatus; a gate for a railing assembly; and one or more adjacent portions for the railing assembly, wherein the frame, the gate and the one or more adjacent portions are as defined in any preceding claim.