GB2623286A

GB2623286A - Work platform catcher arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2623286A
Application number: GB2210364.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Brown Michael
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-07-14
Filing date: 2022-07-14
Publication date: 2024-04-17
Also published as: GB202210364D0

Abstract

A catcher arrangement 2 for mounting to an aerial work platform 4 which includes a floor and a railing 10 which extends along one or more edge of the work platform. The catcher arrangement is for catching debris, tools or workpieces falling from the work platform. The catcher arrangement is formed of a sheet member formed into a panel 22 and mounted to the platform by a rotatable connector, wherein the panel is pivotable between an extended, in use position and a retracted position. The sheet member lies against the railing of the platform in the retracted position and in the extended position the sheet member is obliquely angled away from the railing. The sheet member preferably takes the form of a mesh or net. An aerial work platform comprising the catcher arrangement is also defined.

Description

Work Platform Catcher Arrangement The present invention relates to a catcher arrangement, particularly to a cage or similar safety arrangement for an elevated work platform.

Background of the invention

Aerial work platforms are well-known in the art. Electrically-powered scissor lifts and the like are used to elevate a platform on which a worker can stand to access or inspect areas above ground level. However, such access platforms carry various health and safety risks and require specific training in order to be used safely.

More recently, manually-controlled work platforms have been devised, which avoid the need for specific health and safety training due to the avoidance of electrical power for raising/lowering the platform. This can result in untrained operators using the platforms. Such platforms may be used on worksites, within warehouses or for ad-hoc use in a variety of factory or retail settings.

One specific problem that has been identified by the inventor is that an operator may drop a tool, fasteners or other workpiece from the elevated platform. This creates a hazard for other users in the aera. Additionally, it has been found that operators may climb onto the railing surrounding the platform, for example, to increase their reach or height whilst on the platform. This may increase the likelihood of the operator falling out of the railings and suffering injury, or dropping a workpiece whilst their attention is taken in trying to regain their balance.

Furthermore, when the platform is raised, the centre of gravity of the device raised.

This may pose issues in windy environments, or where the ground is uneven

and/or unstable.

The safety of the operator and/or other workers is paramount industry. Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the above problems, e.g. to provide a height adjustable platform offering increased safety features.

Statements of Invention

According to the invention, there is provided a catcher arrangement for mounting to a height-adjustable aerial work platform in use comprising: at one least sheet member where the sheet member comprises a rotatable connecter for mounting to the platform that such that the sheet member is movable between an extended position and a retracted position in use, and in the extended position the sheet member is obliquely angled away from the platform.

The sheet member may define a convex shape. The sheet member may comprise a plurality of panels. The panels may collectively define a convex shape. The convex shape may surround the platform, e.g. with a wider portion of the convex shape being towards an upper end of a railing of the platform.

The connector may resist angular adjustment, e.g. holding an angular orientation of the connector/sheet member until being actuated upon by an external force.

The connector may comprise a friction joint.

Limiting means may be provided to limit the freedom of angular movement of the sheet member and/or connector. Angular limiting means may be provided around a periphery of the sheet member, e.g. at an upper or lower edge of the sheet member or part-way therebetween. The angular limiting means may comprise an elongate member such as a cable or cord of fixed length to limit the length of the periphery of the sheet member and/or the extent to which the sheet member can move away from the platform.

First and second limiting means may be provided.

Limiting means may be provided at: a lower end of the sheet material; at the connector; and/or, where the sheet material joins the platform. Additionally or alternatively, limiting means may be provided at or towards an upper edge of the sheet material.

The sheet material may be supported by one or more post of the catcher arrangement. Limiting means may be provided at a top and/or bottom end of the post. Where first and second limiting means are provided, they may be provided at opposing ends of the one or more post.

One or more post may support the sheet member, e.g. providing a rigid support element for supporting the sheet member. The sheet member may extend between two or more spaced posts. A plurality of posts may be arranged in a substantially parallel arrangement. One or more post may be angularly offset with one or more further post in the extended position.

A lower edge of the sheet member may be connected to the platform, e.g. being fastened to the platform and or tightly held against the platform. The lower edge of the sheet member may be at the level of the platform floor. The lower edge may remain in this arrangement in both the extended and retracted positions. This may be in contrast to the upper edge of the sheet member which is spaced from the platform in the extended position.

Altering the angular orientation of the sheet member means that it can taper towards the platform from an open upper edge towards a constrained lower edge. Thus the sheet member can constrain any objects falling from the platform and guide them towards the lower edge against the platform instead of allowing them to fall freely to the ground below.

The wider perimeter of the catcher at its upper end means it can catch objects that are dropped from within a normal working distance of the platform, i.e. any distance within an arm's length or reach of a person working on the platform whilst being constrained by the railing.

The platform may be quadrilateral in plan. The catcher arrangement may extend around three sides of the platform, e.g. leaving a fourth side open to allow access to/from the platform.

According to a further aspect, there is provided an adjustable-height work platform comprising the catcher arrangement of the first aspect.

Any of the optional features described in relation to the first aspect may be applied to the second aspect.

Detailed description of the invention

Practicable embodiments of the invention are described in further detail below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 shows a side view of an aerial work platform; Figure 2 shows a first perspective view of a net arrangement mounted to a platform; Figure 3 shows a second perspective view of the net arrangement; Figure 4 shows a third perspective view of the net arrangement; Figure 5 shows a close-up perspective view of a mounting arrangement of the net arrangement; A catcher arrangement 2 is shown in figures 2-4, which may be referred to herein 25 as a cage or net arrangement. The catcher arrangement 2 is mounted to a platform 4. As shown in figure 1, the platform 4 is generally provided in an elevated position. For example, the platform 4 may be provided on any of: ladder; scaffolding; tower lift; teleporter; cherry picker; scissor lift; suspended platform or cradle (e.g. for window washing); or other aerial work platforms. Typically, the platform 4 may be movable in a vertical direction (i.e. height adjustable) and/or portable. The platform may be movable manually or via a powered arrangement. It can be appreciated the exact form the of the platform 4 is not pertinent to the invention as hand and the platform of figure 1 is an illustrative example only.

The platform 4 comprises a base portion 6 on which an operator 8 typically stands in use. Referring to figure 2, a railing 10 is mounted to the base portion 6 to at least partially enclose the operator 8. The railing 10 extends around the perimeter of the base 6. The railing 10 comprises a gate 12 to allow movement in/out of the platform 4 area. A handle 14 is provided adjacent the gate 12. Again, it can be appreciated the specific details of the railing arrangement 10 may or may not be provided in some embodiments, and the exact configuration will depend on the specific platform configuration, e.g. whether the railing surrounds the platform on two or three or four sides, etc. The railing 10 comprise a top rail 16, e.g. a hand rail, provided at an uppermost edge of the platform. A plurality of intermediate railings 18 extend between the platform 4 the top railing 16. The intermediate railings 18 are provided in a substantially vertical orientation, thereby preventing the operator from standing thereon. The platform 4 therefore does not comprise any horizontal railings on which the user can stand.

In this respect, it has been found that users attempt to gain additional elevation on conventional platforms, i.e. which do not quite achieve a desired elevated height, by climbing on the railings. This causes significant health and safety concerns. It has been found that, provided the intermediate railings 18 are all generally upright, e.g. forming an angle of greater than 70°, 80° or 85° with respect to the platform, then a user will typically not attempt to climb on them. Furthermore, it has been found that a user will be dissuaded from trying to stand on a top rail alone since there is not higher rail that a user can grip by hand whilst climbing.

For example, provided the top rail 16 is at or above 0.9m, 1.0m, 1.1m or 1.2m in height, e.g. being at or above waist height of the user, then a user will not typically attempt to climb thereon without any additional supporting handrail or foot rail available that is spaced from the top rail.

The cage arrangement 2 comprises a plurality of support posts 20. The support posts 20 are mounted adjacent the base portion 6. The post 20 comprise elongate beams or the like. A plurality of cage portions 22 are mounted between the respective posts. The cage portions 22 therefore provide respective panels. The panels 22 comprise a netting. The netting may comprise any suitable form, for example, woven, non-woven, webbing etc. The netting may comprise a nylon material. The netting may comprise a metallic material (e.g. metal wire/rope). In some embodiments, the panels 22 may comprise a sheet-like arrangement.

The panels 22 are flexible, allowing collapsing/folding of the net arrangement, as will be described later. The panels 22 may comprise flexible string, rope, wires or threads etc. The edges 24 of panels 22 may comprise a seam or edging 26 to retain the shape of the panels 26 and/or provide structural integrity.

In some embodiments, the netting may comprise a rigid material (e.g. rigid wire or panel etc.). The net arrangement may therefore provide a cage/box like arrangement. The panel 22 may comprise one or more flexible joint or connector therein. For example, at least some of the panels 22 may comprise a plurality or rigid sub-panels connected by flexible joints. This allows folding/collapsing of the net arrangement.

The panel 22 comprises an open structure, thereby allowing air to pass therethrough. This prevents undesirable lateral forces from being exerted on the platform 4 in windy conditions and/or flapping of the net, which may cause irritation to the operator 8. Generally this is provided by the netting, however, in embodiments where the panel is rigid or sheet like, this may be provided by apertures/holes in the panel 22 and/or general porosity of the material. The panel 22 may provided grating or mesh etc. The apertures/holes the in the panels are less than or equal to 10cm in diameter; preferably, less than or equal to 5cm; preferably, less than or equal to 2cm. [are these values realistic?].

The panels 22 are secured along the edge 24 thereof at one or more location. In the present embodiment, the panels 22 comprises a plurality of eyelets 28. The eyelets 28 may spaced along the corresponding length of the supports 20. The eyelets are provided on the edging 26. The panels are connected to the posts 20 via linkage (not shown). The linkage may comprise any suitable form, for example, one or more of: clips; fasteners; wire; string; cables; cable ties or the like. The linkage may be detachable from the post 20/panels 22. The panels 22 may therefore be detachable from the post to allow replacement/removal thereof. The linkage is also flexible and/or provides flexibility between the panel 22 and the post 20. The linkage may therefore provide a pivot or hinge.

As shown in detail in figure 4, the posts 20 are pivotally mounted to the platform 4. The posts 20 are mounted at an end 30 thereof. The posts 20 are fixed to a bracket 32 provided on the platform. The bracket 32 may comprise a flange or the like. The post 20 comprises a corresponding flange or plate 34 configured to engage the bracket 32. A pin 36 is configured to pass through the bracket 32 and the flange 34 to provide a connection therebetween. The pin 36 is removable to allow disconnection of the posts 20 from the platform 4. The posts 20 are independently removable. The pin 36 may comprise a snap locking mechanism to retain the pin 36 in position. It can be appreciated any suitable locking mechanism may be used, for example: screw thread; indent/detent; rotatable portion; barbs; latches etc. The platform bracket 32 may be fixed to the platform 4 in a permanent fashion.

The pin arrangement 36 thus provides a quick release mechanism. The bracket 32 may be weld to and/or forms an integral part of the platform 4. In some embodiments, the bracket 32 may be attached to platform 4 via fastener or like, thus allowing retrofit of the net arrangement.

The pin 36 will generally provide a pivoting connection between the platform 4 and the posts 20. Additionally or alternatively, the pivoting action may be provided by a movable joint. The movable joint may be provided by any suitable mechanism, for example: a ball joint; pivoting joint; living hinge etc. In some embodiments, the posts 20 may be permanently/integrally attached to the platform 4.

As the posts 20 are pivotally mounted, the net arrangement is movable between an extended position (shown in figure 2) and a retracted position (not shown). In the extended position, the upper ends 38 of the posts 20 extend away from platform 4/railings 10. The net arrangement 2 is thus displaced away from the platform 4/railings 10. The net arrangement 2 defines a generally convex shape. For example, the net arrangement 2 provides a bowl/tray like arrangement. Such an arrangement may therefore catch any tools, debris or persons etc. falling from within the platform 4, thus preventing damage thereto or to persons below the platform 4.

The net arrangement may comprise at least one open side. For example, a panel 22 is not provided adjacent the gate 12. A gap is thus provided in the net arrangement 2 adjacent the gate 12. It can be appreciated that any number of gaps/open sides may be provided, depending the configuration of the platform 6 (e.g. where an operator may exit/enter the platform 8 and/or areas where the operator 8 is excluded).

In the extended position, the posts 20 are angled relative to the platform. Typically, the posts 20 are provided at an obtuse angle (i.e. between 90 and 180 degrees) relative to the platform 4 and/or at an acute angle (i.e. between 0 and 90 degrees) relative to the railings 10/vertical direction. The panels 22 are therefore obliquely angled relative to the platform4 and railings 10. The posts 20 are angled between and 160 degrees relative to the platform, preferably between 120 and 150 degrees.

In some embodiments, the posts 20 are attached using a "position joint". Such joints may retain the posts 20 at fixed position/angle until an external force is applied. Typically, the joint comprises a friction member configured to hold the join in a fixed position. A force greater than a predetermined friction force/torque may therefore be applied to overcome the friction and move the joint. Such joints may provide a torque/friction joint/hinge. Typically, the predetermined force/torque is such that the posts 20 do not move under the action of gravity alone. Such an arrangement allows the posts 20 to be placed at any desired angle.

In some embodiments, a fastener or clamp or like may be loosened/tightened to allow movement of the posts. The fastener/clamp may be received within an arcuate track/recess/aperture and securable thereagainst to fix the post 20 in position. In some embodiments, a ratchet and/or detent/indent arrangement to be used. This allows the posts 20 to be provided at a plurality of discrete positions. A rachet arrangement may allow the posts 20 to be moved inwards but prevent outward extension thereof. For example, this may prevent the post 22 being damaged in the event the post 22 engages an object (e.g. a wall).

The extension of the posts 20 (i.e. the angular extension thereof) is limited by a limiting element 40. The limiting element 40 extends between the respective posts 20 limiting extension thereof. The limiting element 40 comprises a flexible element, such as a wire, cable or rope etc. The limiting element 40 may be metallic.

The limiting element 40 may pass through a plurality of posts 20, thus providing a substantially continuous element. The limiting element 40 may pass through an aperture in the post 20 or a ring mounted to the post 20. The limiting element 40 may be freely moveable relative to the post 20, thereby allowing the posts 20 to be collapsed using a drawstring like arrangement. This allows the user to collapse the net arrangement 2 from a single position.

The limiting element 40 may be provided adjacent the upper ends 38 of the posts 20. A second limiting element 42 may be provided adjacent the lower ends 30 of the posts. The limiting element 40 may further provide an attachment for the panel 22. The second limiting element 42 is provided adjacent to or in engagement with the platform 6. This provides a seal or close fit between the panel 22 and the platform 6, thus preventing debris from passing therebetween.

In some embodiments, the one or both of the limiting elements 40,42 may extend only between adjacent posts 20. Thus, a plurality of elements 40,42 are provided on the system.

In the extended position, the catcher arrangement (i.e. the top end of the posts 20 and/or panels 22) extends at least 20cm horizontally away from the platform and/or the tops rail 16; preferably, at least 40cm; preferably, at least 60cm. This ensures the catch has a sufficient catchment arrangement. The catcher arrangements extends less than or equal to 200cm from platform and/or the top rail 16; preferably less than or equal to 150cm. This ensures the operator can manually retrieve the panels 22.

In a collapsed/retracted position, the posts 20 may be provided in a vertical position. For example, the post 20 may engage the railings 10. The posts 20 may be retained in position using a clip or latch etc. For example, the posts 20 may retained using a resilient C-shaped clip. In other embodiments, the post 20 may be held by the friction joint alone.

In the present embodiment, a panel 22A is provided adjacent the sides 44 of the platform 6. The panels 22A are generally rectangular. An intermediate panel 22B spans between the side panels (i.e. spans the corners of the platform 6). The intermediate panels are triangular. The intermediate panels therefore provided a web/gusset. This ensures the cage arrangement encloses multiple sides of the platform in a continuous (i.e. unbroken fashion). This prevents gaps in which debris etc. may fall through.

The present disclosure provides a net/cage to catch falling debris, tools, or persons etc. The net arrangement is removable and/or reconfigurable, thus allowing flexible usage thereof. The net arrangement may be retrofit to existing aerial work platforms thereby increasing the safety thereof. The angled/convex shape of the catcher draw items toward the platform, allowing for easier retrieval thereof.

Claims

Claims: 1. A catcher arrangement for mounting to an aerial work platform having a floor and a railing extending along one or more edge of the work platform, the catcher arrangement comprising: at least one sheet member where the sheet member comprises a rotatable connecter for mounting to the platform that such that the panel is movable between an extended position and a retracted position in use, such that the sheet member lies against the railing of the platform in the retracted position and in the extended position the sheet member is obliquely angled away from the railing and/or floor.
2. A catcher arrangement according to claim 1, where the sheet member comprises an open structure.
3. A catcher arrangement according to claim 2, where the sheet member comprises a netting, grating or mesh.
4. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the sheet member extends at least partially around the platform.
5. A catcher arrangement according to claim 4, where the sheet member has an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge being greater in length than the lower edge in the extended condition such that the extended sheet member defines a perimeter of the sheet member in plan that is wider and/or longer than a perimeter defined by the lower edge.
6. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the sheet member is flexible and/or foldable.
7. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the sheet member is mounted to one or more post, and the connector is provided on the post.
8. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the connector comprises a pivoting joint.
9. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the connector comprises a friction joint.
10. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the connector provides a detachable connection to the platform.
11. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the connector comprises a pin configured to be received through a portion of the platform and the sheet member to provide a connection therebetween.
12. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising angular limiting means or a limiting element configured to limit angular movement of the sheet member relative to the platform in use.
13. A catcher arrangement according to claim 12, where the limiting means comprises a cable or cord of fixed length to limit the extent to which an upper end of the sheet member can move away from the railing.
14. A catcher arrangement according to claim 13, comprising a further limiting element, the further limiting element provided at a lower end of the sheet member.
15. A catcher arrangement according to any one of claims 12-14, where the catcher arrangement comprises one or more post supporting the sheet member and the angular limiting means is provided on the post, e.g. at an end thereof.
16. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the catcher arrangement comprises at least one open face to provide access to the platform in use.
17. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the panels are connected to the post and/or one another via a flexible connection.
18. A catcher arrangement according to claim 17, where the flexible connection comprises a flexible cable or the like.
19. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, where the sheet member comprises a plurality of panels, the panels angled with respective to one another, and comprising a web or gusset therebetween.
20. A catcher arrangement according to any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of posts supporting the sheet member, and at least two of the posts being independently movable between the retracted and extended positions.
21. An aerial work platform having a floor and a railing extending along one or more edge of the work platform, the platform comprising the catcher arrangement of any preceding claim.
22. An aerial work platform according to claim 21, where the railing extends perpendicularly from the floor and extends around at least a portion of the perimeter of the platform.
23. An aerial work platform according to claim 21 or 22, where the catcher arrangement extends about a plurality of sides of the platform in a continuous fashion.
24. An aerial work platform according to any one of claims 21-23, where the railing comprises a gate on a side thereof and an open face of the catcher arrangement is provided on said side.
25. An aerial work platform according to any one of claims 21-24, where an edge of the sheet member engages or is proximal the platform such that debris falling into the catcher arrangement is prevented passing therebetween.