NZ755540A

NZ755540A - Platform assemblies and methods of installing platform assemblies

Info

Publication number: NZ755540A
Application number: NZ755540A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Quentin Suckling
Original assignee: Quentin Suckling
Priority date: 2018-07-18
Filing date: 2019-07-18

Abstract

A platform assembly comprising: a platform sized to fit within a shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein; and a support structure configured to be mounted to a landing adjacent the shaft, wherein the platform and the support structure are coupled to each other for conversion between: a) an operational configuration, in which the platform extends from the support structure along substantially the same plane as the support structure and into the shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein, the support structure providing cantilever support for the platform, and b) a retracted configuration. sion between: a) an operational configuration, in which the platform extends from the support structure along substantially the same plane as the support structure and into the shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein, the support structure providing cantilever support for the platform, and b) a retracted configuration.

Description

PLATFORM ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS OF INSTALLING PLATFORM ASSEMBLIES The invention relates to platform assemblies and methods of installing platform assemblies for use in building construction.

Elevator and stair shafts are generally constructed in advance of the floor structure using slip form or jump form mechanisms. If access is required within the elevator or stair shaft at elevated levels (eg for reinforcement work), this poses a significant safety issue for workers. Existing methods for providing a working platform during construction of a building outside of the slip form or jump form mechanism involve constructing scaffolding within the elevator shaft from the base of the building upwards. It will be appreciated that this is an expensive and time consuming process.

In this context, there is a need for improved working platforms and platform installation methods.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a platform assembly comprising: a platform sized to fit within a shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein; and a support structure configured to be mounted to a landing adjacent the shaft, wherein the platform and the support structure are coupled to each other for conversion between: a) an operational configuration, in which the platform extends from the support structure along substantially the same plane as the support structure and into the shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein, the support structure providing cantilever support for the platform, and b) a retracted configuration.

The platform and the support structure may be hingingly coupled to each other, such that the platform is pivotable relative to the support structure for conversion between the operational configuration and the retracted configuration.

In the retracted configuration, the platform may be folded onto the support structure.

The support structure may be hingingly coupled to the platform via at least one continuous hinge.

Edge portions of the support structure and the platform that bear against each other when the platform assembly is in the operational configuration may comprise reinforcing end plates.

The support structure may comprise two beams spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally substantially parallel to each other, each beam coupled to an edge of the platform via a hinge.

The platform may be slidably coupled to the support structure, so as to be slidably extendable away from and slidably retractable towards the support structure for conversion between the retracted configuration and the operational configuration.

In the retracted configuration, the platform may be overlaid over a substantial portion of the support structure.

The platform may be slidably coupled to the support structure via at least one wheel mounted to one of the platform or the support structure.

Extension of the platform may be restricted such that when the platform is fully extended in the operational configuration, a portion of platform remains overlaid on and supported by the support structure.

The support structure may comprise two beams spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally substantially parallel to each other, each beam slidably coupled to the platform.

The distance between the spaced-apart beams may be substantially a width of the platform.

The support structure may be configured to be mounted to the landing via at least one support prop extending between the support structure and a ceiling above the landing.

The support structure may be configured to be mounted to the landing via anchors engaged within the landing.

The platform assembly may further comprise at least one extension plate hingingly coupled to the platform and pivotable relative to the platform for conversion between: a) an extension plate operational configuration, in which the extension plate extends away from the platform to bridge a gap between the platform and a wall of the shaft and is arranged to be mounted to said wall to provide secondary support for the platform, and b) an extension plate retracted configuration.

In the extension plate retracted configuration, the extension plate may be folded onto the platform.

The extension plate may be coupled to the platform at an edge of the platform opposite to an edge of the platform coupled to the support structure.

The platform may comprise a main body coupled to the support structure and at least one platform extender hingingly coupled to the main body, the platform extender being pivotable relative to the main body for conversion between: a) a platform extender operational configuration, in which the platform extender extends away from the main body along substantially the same plane as the main body to provide an extension of the main body, and b) a platform extender retracted configuration.

In the platform extender retracted configuration, the platform extender may be folded onto the main body.

The platform assembly may further comprise at least one platform extender extension plate hingingly coupled to the platform extender and pivotable relative to the platform extender for conversion between: a) a platform extender extension plate operational configuration, in which the platform extender extension plate extends away from the platform extender to bridge a gap between the platform extender and a wall of the shaft and is arranged to be mounted to said wall when the platform extender is in the platform extender operational position, and b) a platform extender extension plate retracted configuration.

In the platform extender extension plate retracted configuration, the platform extender extension plate may be folded onto the platform extender.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a platform within a shaft, comprising: positioning a platform assembly described above, in the retracted configuration, on a landing adjacent the shaft; mounting the support structure to the landing; and converting the platform assembly to its operational configuration, in which the platform is positioned within the shaft and supported in a cantilever manner by the support structure.

The support structure may be mounted to the landing by extending at least one support prop between the support structure and a ceiling above the landing.

The support structure may be mounted to the landing by fastening with anchors engaged with the landing.

The method may further comprise: pivoting the extension plate to the extension plate operational configuration; and mounting the extension plate to a wall of the shaft.

The method may further comprise: pivoting the platform extender to the platform extender operational configuration, thereby expanding the platform within the shaft.

The method may further comprise: pivoting the platform extender extension plate to the platform extender extension plate operational configuration; and mounting the platform extender extension plate to a wall of the shaft.

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an example plan view of a building core, illustrating positioning of the platform assembly according to one embodiment; Figures 2a, 2b and 2c are schematic side views of the platform assembly, illustrating the sequence of installation of the platform according to one embodiment, Figures 3a and 3b are schematic plan views of the platform assembly, illustrating the sequence of installation of the platform according to one embodiment; Figures 4a to 4d are schematic end sectional views of the platform assembly, illustrating the sequence of installation of the platform according to one embodiment; Figure 5 is a detailed view of region A of Figures 2a and 10a; Figure 6 is detailed view of region B of Figure 2c; Figure 7 is a sectional view taken along line 1 of Figure 5; Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along line 2 of Figure 5; Figure 9 is a sectional view taken along line 3 of Figure 2c; Figures 10a, 10b and 10c are schematic side views of the platform assembly according to another embodiment, illustrating the sequence of installation of the platform according to one embodiment; Figures 11a to 11d are schematic end sectional views of the platform assembly of Figures 10a to 10c, illustrating the sequence of installation of the platform according to one embodiment; Figure 12 is a detailed view of region C of Figure 10a; Figure 13 is a detailed view of region D of Figure 10c; Figure 14 is a sectional view taken along line 4 of Figure 12 (for clarity, the platform beyond is not shown); and Figure 15 is a sectional view taken along line 5 of Figure 13 (for clarity, the platform beyond is not shown).

Figure 1 is an example plan view of a building core 200 illustrating the platform assembly 10 installed within an elevator shaft 100, according to one embodiment. As illustrated in the drawings, the platform assembly 10 comprises a platform 2, 202 sized to fit within the elevator shaft 100 to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein and a support structure 4, 204 configured to be mounted to a landing 102 adjacent the elevator shaft. The platform 2, 202 and the support structure 4, 204 are coupled to each other for converting the platform assembly 10 between: a) an operational configuration, in which the platform extends from the support structure along substantially the same plane as the support structure and into the elevator shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein, and b) a retracted configuration. When in the operational configuration, the support structure 4, 204, mounted to the landing 102, provides cantilever support for the platform 2, 202.

For brevity, the shaft structure 100 is referred to in the description as an "elevator shaft"; however, it should be understood that this could include shafts constructed for other purposes, eg services riser, stair shaft, etc. Further, the structure 102 that provides the support base for the platform 2 is referred to as a "landing"; however, it should be understood that this could include the lift lobby, floor slab or any similar type of support structure adjacent the shaft.

Figures 2 to 4 illustrates one embodiment of the platform assembly 10, in which the platform 2 and the support structure 4 are hingingly coupled to each other and pivotable relative to each other for conversion between the operational configuration and the retracted configuration. Figure 2a illustrates the platform assembly 10 being pivoted open from its retracted configuration. Preferably, the platform 2 is foldable onto the support structure 4 when in the retracted configuration, to provide a compact form factor suitable for storage, handling and transportation.

As illustrated more clearly in Figure 6, the support structure 4 is preferably hingingly coupled to the platform 2 via at least one continuous hinge 11. The hinges 11 are arranged at the upper surface of the connection between the support structure 4 and platform 2 in operation, such that when the platform assembly 10 is extended to its operational configuration, the lower edge portions of the support structure 4 and platform 2 bear against each other, providing a strong level surface, and enabling the platform 2 to be securely supported in a cantilevered manner by the support structure 4. Preferably, the edge portions that bear against each other are reinforced with reinforcing end plates 28.

Figures 10 to 12 illustrate another embodiment of the platform assembly 10, in which the platform 202 is slidably/telescopingly coupled to the support structure 204, so as to be slidably extendable away from (in the direction of arrow 205) and slidably retractable towards the support structure for conversion between the retracted configuration and the operational configuration. Preferably, the platform 202 is overlaid over a substantial portion of the support structure 204 when in the retracted configuration, to provide a compact form factor suitable for storage, handling and transportation.

As illustrated more clearly in Figures 12 to 15, the platform may be slidable relative to the support structure 204 via casters or wheels 218, 220, 212. The wheels are preferably positioned to support all corners of the platform 202, at least while the platform assembly 10 is in its retracted position. In this example, wheels 218, 220 are mounted to a first end 207 of the platform, and wheel 212 is mounted to a second end 212 of the beam 35 of support structure 204. More specifically, in this example, the axle 222 of wheel 218 and the axle of wheel 220 may be welded or otherwise fixed to beam 206 of platform 202, the beam 206 being adjacent to and extending parallel with beam 35, and the axle 224 of wheel 212 may be welded or otherwise fixed to beam 35. Beam 206 may be a parallel flange channel (having flanges 208a, 208b) mounted (eg welded at 214) to universal beam 210 of the platform 202, such that beams 206 and 210 together provide stable support for main body 20 of the platform 202. It will be appreciated that other slidable/telescoping arrangements may be provided, eg telescoping cylinders, telescopic rails (ie a rail within a hollow outer rail), etc.

Additional guiding structures such as rails, guide tracks, etc may be provided on one or both of the support structure 204 and the platform 202 to assist with alignment of the platform 202 on the support structure 204 while it is being slid away from and towards the support structure 204. In one example, fin 216 is provided along a bottom face of beam 210 of the platform 202, and extends downwards into contact with the beam 35 to function as a guide track.

In both example embodiments, the support structure 4, 204 provides cantilever support for platform 2, 202 when the platform is extended to its operational configuration. As illustrated in Figure 10b, the extension of the platform 202 is restricted such that in its fully extended state, at least a portion adjacent the first end 207 remains overlaid on and supported by support structure 204 to maintain the cantilever support. It is envisaged that at this stage, the platform 2, 202 would be able to safely support workers accessing the elevator shaft to perform reinforcement/maintenance work.

Support for the platform 2, 202 may be supplemented by secondary support provided by mounting of the platform to one or more walls of the elevator shaft 100 via extension plate 12, platform extenders 22a, 22b and/or platform extender extension plates 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c as discussed in more detail below. It is envisaged that with the secondary support, the platform 2, 202 would be able to safely support heavier loads such as the wet weight of a concrete propped slab.

The support structure 4, 204 may be mounted to the landing 102 via at least one support prop 6 extending between the support structure and a ceiling 104 above the landing.

The support prop 6 may comprise any suitable telescopic prop, such as an Acrow prop. The support structure 4, 204 may comprise mounting portions 7 configured to receive the support prop(s) 6. As illustrated in Figure 2a and 10a, the mounting portions 7 may extend outside of the overlap of platform 2, 204 when the platform assembly 10 is in its retracted configuration, to allow for installation of the support prop 6 while the platform assembly is in its retracted configuration.

Additionally or alternatively, the support structure is configured to be mounted to the landing via anchors 8 engaged within the landing 102. Anchors 8 may be any suitable chemical or mechanical fastener for engagement into the concrete structure of the landing 102.

As illustrated in Figures 2b and 10b, the platform assembly may further comprise at least one extension plate 12 hingingly coupled to the platform 2, 202 and pivotable relative to the platform for conversion between: a) an extension plate operational configuration, in which the extension plate 12 extends away from the platform to bridge a gap between the platform 2, 202 and a wall of the elevator shaft 106, and b) an extension plate retracted configuration. The extension plate 12 is coupled to the platform 2, 202 at the edge 16 of the platform that is opposite to the edge 18 of the platform coupled to the support structure 4, 204.

As illustrated in Figures 2c and 10c, when in the extension plate operational configuration, the extension plate 12 may be mounted to the wall 106 via one or more fasteners 14 received within mounting apertures 31, to provide secondary support for the platform 2, 202. For compactness, the extension plate 12 is foldable onto the platform in its retracted configuration. The hinging connection between the extension plate 12 and the platform 2, 202 preferably comprises a continuous hinge 13.

As illustrated in Figure 3b, the platform 2, 202 may comprise a main body 20 which is coupled to the support structure 4, 204, and at least one platform extender 22a, 22b hingingly coupled to the main body 20. The platform extenders 22a, 22b are pivotable relative to the main body 20 for conversion between: a) a platform extender operational configuration, in which the platform extender extends away from the main body along substantially the same plane as the main body to provide an extension of the main body within the elevator shaft, and b) a platform extender retracted configuration. For compactness, the platform extenders 22a, 22b are foldable onto the main body 20 in the platform extender retracted configuration. The hinging connections between the platform extenders 22a, 22b and the platform 2, 202 preferably comprise continuous hinges 23a, 23b respectively. The width of the main body 20 is selected to ensure the main body 20 fits through the entrance of the elevator shaft, and the platform extenders may be subsequently expanded within the elevator shaft to extend the width of the platform 2, 202 so that the platform 2, 202, comprising main body 20 and extenders 22a, 22b, spans the entire width of the elevator shaft, to safely address fall risks.

As illustrated in Figure 3b, Figures 4a to 4d and Figures 11a to 11d, the platform assembly 10 further comprises platform extender extension plates 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c hingingly coupled to each platform extender 22a, 22b. Each platform extender extension plate is pivotable relative to its respective platform extender for conversion between: a) a platform extender extension plate operational configuration, in which the platform extender extension plate extends away from the platform extender to bridge a gap between the platform extender and a wall of the elevator shaft, and b) a platform extender extension plate retracted configuration.

As illustrated in Figures 4d and 11d, when in the platform extender extension plate operational configuration, the platform extender extension plates 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c may each be mounted to its adjacent wall of the elevator shaft via one or more fasteners 26, to provide secondary support for the platform extenders 22a, 22b. For compactness, each platform extender extension plate 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c is foldable onto the platform extender 22a, 22b and/or onto the main body 20 of the platform, when in the platform extender extension plate retracted configuration. The hinging connections between the platform extender 22a, 22b and the platform extender extension plate 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c preferably comprise continuous hinges.

The support structure 4, 204 may comprise two support beams 34a, 34b spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally substantially parallel to each other. The distance between the spaced-apart beams 34a, 34b may be substantially the width of the platform 2, 202 or the main body 20 of the platform (if the platform comprises a main body and platform extenders as discussed above). Accordingly, the entire platform assembly including platform 2, 202, support structure 4, 204, extension plate(s) 12, platform extender(s) 22a, 22b, platform extender extension plate(s) 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c where applicable, may be retracted into a compact, retracted configuration which has a maximum width which is substantially the width of the platform 2, 202 or the main body 20 of the platform.

The support structure 4, 204 may further comprise one or more cross beams 36 extending between the support beams 34a, 34b to strengthen the support structure 4, 204. It will be appreciated that configuring the support structure to comprise beams instead of a solid structure reduces the weight of the platform assembly 10. However, the support structure 4, 204 may alternatively be in the form of another suitable structure, such as a solid plate.

With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the beams 34a, 34b may each comprise a universal beam 35 welded to a gusset plate 30 at an end portion of each beam. The gusset plate supports a cleat plate 9 that is welded to a bottom portion of the beam 34 and the gusset plate 30. The cleat plate 9 is configured to receive the support prop 6 and/or anchors 8 via bolt holes 32. Additional cleat plates 9 for mounting the support structure 4, 204 to the landing may be provided along the beams 34a, 34b as required, for example adjacent hinge 11. As illustrated in Figure 8, a plurality of elongate bolt holes 32 may be formed in the cleat plate 9 to provide for construction tolerances, for example to ensure that the anchors 8 may be installed in a position that does not interfere with any reinforcement within the concrete structure of the landing 102.

The platform assembly 10 may further comprise an actuator (not shown) for converting the platform assembly between its operational and retracted configurations. For example, the actuator may comprise electric winches or pulleys (particularly for hinging embodiments of the platform assembly), or hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders (particularly for sliding embodiments of the platform assembly), or other mechanisms for automated driving of the platform 2, 202 away from and/or towards the support structure 4, 204.

The present invention also relates to methods of installing a platform within an elevator shaft using the platform assembly described above. The method comprises positioning the platform assembly 10, in its retracted configuration, onto the landing 102 adjacent the elevator shaft. The support structure 4, 204 is then mounted to the landing, eg using support props 6 and/or anchors 8 as described above. The platform assembly 10 is then converted to its operational configuration, such that the platform 2, 202 is moved into the elevator shaft 100 and supported in a cantilever manner by the support structure 4, 204. This step is performed by an operator positioned on the landing 102. That is, for hinging embodiments of the platform assembly, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the platform 2 is pivoted into the elevator shaft 100. For sliding embodiments of the platform assembly, an example of which is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the platform 202 is slid out into the elevator shaft 100. This conversion may be performed manually by the operator, or if the platform assembly comprises an actuator for actuating the conversion, the operator may actuate the actuator to automatically extend the platform 2, 202 into the lift shaft.

Where the platform assembly further comprises extension plate 12, the extension plate is pivoted to the extension plate operational configuration to bridge the gap between the platform 2 and the adjacent wall 106 of the elevator shaft. The extension plate 12 may then be mounted to the wall 106 via fastener 14. This step may be performed by an operator positioned on the platform 2.

Where the platform 2 comprises a main body 20 and one or more platform extenders 22a, 22b, the platform extenders may be pivoted to the platform extender operational configuration, thereby expanding the platform within the elevator shaft. This step may be performed by an operator positioned on the main body 20 or on the landing 102.

Where the platform 2 comprises platform extender extension plates 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c, the platform extender extension plates may then be pivoted to the platform extender extension plate operational configuration, to bridge the gap between the relevant platform extender and the corresponding wall of the elevator shaft. The platform extender extension plates 24a, 24b, 24c, 25a, 25b, 25c may then be mounted to the corresponding walls via fasteners 26. This step may be performed by an operator standing on the platform 2 or on the landing 102.

When the platform assembly 10 is no longer required, it may be removed by reversing the installation steps described above. In this way, the platform assembly 10 may be conveniently and economically reused on a different floor level and/or at a different construction site.

It will be appreciated that in contrast to prior art methods for providing a working platform within an elevator shaft by constructing scaffolding from the base of the building, the present platform assembly and installation method enables the working platform to be installed directly from the floor/landing adjacent the elevator shaft, resulting in significant time, costs and materials savings.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavor to which this specification relates.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A platform assembly comprising: a platform sized to fit within a shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein; and a support structure configured to be mounted to a landing adjacent the shaft, wherein the platform and the support structure are coupled to each other for conversion between: a) an operational configuration, in which the platform extends from the support structure along substantially the same plane as the support structure and into the shaft to provide a substantially horizontal platform surface therein, the support structure providing cantilever support for the platform, and b) a retracted configuration.

2. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the platform and the support structure are hingingly coupled to each other, such that the platform is pivotable relative to the support structure for conversion between the operational configuration and the retracted configuration.

3. The platform assembly of claim 2, wherein in the retracted configuration, the platform is folded onto the support structure.

4. The platform assembly of claim 2 or 3, wherein the support structure is hingingly coupled to the platform via at least one continuous hinge.

5. The platform assembly of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein edge portions of the support structure and the platform that bear against each other when the platform assembly is in the operational configuration comprise reinforcing end plates.

6. The platform assembly of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the support structure comprises two beams spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally substantially parallel to each other, each beam coupled to an edge of the platform via a hinge.

7. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein the platform is slidably coupled to the support structure, so as to be slidably extendable away from and slidably retractable towards the support structure for conversion between the retracted configuration and the operational configuration.

8. The platform assembly of claim 7, wherein in the retracted configuration, the platform is overlaid over a substantial portion of the support structure.

9. The platform of claim 7 or 8, wherein the platform is slidably coupled to the support structure via at least one wheel mounted to one of the platform or the support structure.

10. The platform of any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein extension of the platform is restricted such that when the platform is fully extended in the operational configuration, a portion of platform remains overlaid on and supported by the support structure.

11. The platform of any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the support structure comprises two beams spaced apart from each other and extending longitudinally substantially parallel to each other, each beam slidably coupled to the platform.

12. The platform assembly of claim 6 or 11, wherein the distance between the spaced-apart beams is substantially a width of the platform.

13. The platform assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is configured to be mounted to the landing via at least one support prop extending between the support structure and a ceiling above the landing.

14. The platform assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is configured to be mounted to the landing via anchors engaged within the landing.

15. The platform assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one extension plate hingingly coupled to the platform and pivotable relative to the platform for conversion between: a) an extension plate operational configuration, in which the extension plate extends away from the platform to bridge a gap between the platform and a wall of the shaft and is arranged to be mounted to said wall to provide secondary support for the platform, and b) an extension plate retracted configuration.

16. The platform assembly of claim 6, wherein in the extension plate retracted configuration, the extension plate is folded onto the platform.

17. The platform assembly of claim 15 or 16, wherein the extension plate is coupled to the platform at an edge of the platform opposite to an edge of the platform coupled to the support structure.

18. The platform assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the platform comprises a main body coupled to the support structure and at least one platform extender hingingly coupled to the main body, the platform extender being pivotable relative to the main body for conversion between: a) a platform extender operational configuration, in which the platform extender extends away from the main body along substantially the same plane as the main body to provide an extension of the main body, and b) a platform extender retracted configuration.

19. The platform assembly of claim 18, wherein in the platform extender retracted configuration, the platform extender is folded onto the main body.

20. The platform assembly of claim 18 or 19, further comprising at least one platform extender extension plate hingingly coupled to the platform extender and pivotable relative to the platform extender for conversion between: a) a platform extender extension plate operational configuration, in which the platform extender extension plate extends away from the platform extender to bridge a gap between the platform extender and a wall of the shaft and is arranged to be mounted to said wall when the platform extender is in the platform extender operational position, and b) a platform extender extension plate retracted configuration.

21. The platform assembly of claim 20, wherein in the platform extender extension plate retracted configuration, the platform extender extension plate is folded onto the platform extender.

22. A method of installing a platform within a shaft, comprising: positioning a platform assembly of any one of claims 1 to 21, in the retracted configuration, on a landing adjacent the shaft; mounting the support structure to the landing; and converting the platform assembly to its operational configuration, in which the platform is positioned within the shaft and supported in a cantilever manner by the support structure.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the support structure is mounted to the landing by extending at least one support prop between the support structure and a ceiling above the landing.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the support structure is mounted to the landing by fastening with anchors engaged with the landing.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24 as dependent on claim 15 or 16, further comprising: pivoting the extension plate to the extension plate operational configuration; and mounting the extension plate to a wall of the shaft.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24 as dependent on claim 18 or 19, further comprising: pivoting the platform extender to the platform extender operational configuration, thereby expanding the platform within the shaft.

27. The method of claim 26 as dependent on claim 20, further comprising: pivoting the platform extender extension plate to the platform extender extension plate operational configuration; and mounting the platform extender extension plate to a wall of the shaft.