WO1996032553A1

WO1996032553A1 - Working platform assembly

Info

Publication number: WO1996032553A1
Application number: PCT/GB1996/000901
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clive Henry Stuart Rowlands; Stephen John Jordan
Original assignee: Joro Limited
Priority date: 1995-04-13
Filing date: 1996-04-15
Publication date: 1996-10-17
Also published as: AU5285296A; GB9507673D0

Abstract

A working platform assembly (50) for use adjacent the external surface of a wall comprises a platform element (58) and a supporting structure (52), the supporting structure comprising means for supporting the platform element from below, means for laterally spanning the wall and means for applying platform-supporting forces to the internal and external wall surfaces via the spanning means (51) to maintain the platform assembly spaced from the ground in use. The spanning means in use generally extends through a window aperture, thus enabling external work to be carried out on the window itself or on masonry close to the window.

Description

WORKING PLATFORM ASSEMBLY

This invention relates to a platform assembly suitable for supporting a workman. More particularly, the invention relates to a platform which allows a workman to be safely supported while working on an upright surface, for example a wall, in an elevated external location.

In building maintenance, situations often arise where external work has to be done on a wall or a window at a height which cannot be reached by the workman without the use of apparatus to raise him above ground level. Generally, the apparatus used is a ladder, particularly when the task can be completed quickly. Where the task is more prolonged, scaffolding can be used to provide a stable support for the workman. However, scaffolding is expensive, is time-consuming to erect and dismantle, requires planning permission from the local authorities and must remain in si tu until the task has been completed, thereby causing an obstruction, particularly in narrow streets or those without pavements. On some large, modern buildings, cradles are provided which can be suspended from permanently fixed, roof-mounted support members such that when needed the cradle is lowered over the side of the building.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a work platform which will allow a workman to work externally on a wall at height and which is easily erected and dismantled where needed without requiring any long-term installation and without requiring to be supported from the ground.

Accordingly, the invention provides in one aspect a working platform assembly for use adjacent the external surface of a wall, the assembly comprising a platform element and a supporting structure, the supporting structure comprising means for supporting the platform element from below, means for laterally spanning the wall and means for applying platform-supporting forces to the internal and external wall surfaces via the spanning means to maintain the platform assembly spaced from the ground in use.

The terms "external" and "internal" as used herein are intended to describe the opposing surfaces of a wall, for example the external and internal faces of the walls of a house or the external (for example roadside) and internal (for example gardenside) faces of a boundary wall.

Preferably, the means for applying platform-supporting forces to the wall comprise bracing members which in use span the wall and include pressure pads for application to the wall surfaces, the internal pressure pads being movable towards and away from the internal wall surface, thereby maintaining the platform-support means in a position extending substantially horizontally away from the external wall surface when the pressure pads are urged into a wall-gripping relationship.

The wall-spanning means will usually in use pass through a wall aperture such as a window aperture and the invention will now be described with particular reference to its use for facilitating the installation, repair or redecoration of a wooden, especially sash, window. It is to be understood, however, that its use is not limited thereto as the invention also finds utility in, for example, the repointing or re-rendering of a wall, the replacement of coping stones and the like. Preferably, the platform element and the bracing members are demountable or may be disassembled to enable them to be passed through the window aperture from within. The platform element may comprise two or more decking members to allow its assembled size to be varied according to need; the decking members may be hingeably connected together so that they can be passed through the aperture in a folded configuration and unfolded when outside the aperture. The wall-spanning means may be laterally adjustable to allow for selectable spacing therebetween and the platform element may include lockable engagement means with the supporting structure. The platform element may also include means for the attachment of safety railings, ropes or chains, toe boards and the like.

Preferably, the means for applying the platform- supporting forces comprise first and second members which bear respectively against the internal and external walls. The spanning means are preferably supported clear of the lower surface or sill of the window aperture so as not to impede the installation of a new sill where required, and so as not to damage the structure or the paintwork thereof.

The first members for applying platform-supporting forces may be attached to a transverse bar member which extends beyond the sides of the aperture and may include load- distributing feet in the form of plates or pads for bearing against the wall; the first members may be longitudinally adjustably carried on the bar member for varying their lateral spacing. Alternatively, the first members may bear directly against the wall, below or at the sides of the aperture, via load-distributing feet. The second members may be attachable at their proximal ends to the first members and may extend through the aperture and away from the wall, to provide the platform element support means integrally, the distal ends being formed as return portions to engage the external surface of the wall, preferably again via load-distributing feet. However, in a preferred arrangement, the spanning means comprise spanning elements which are integrally formed with the platform element support means, the first members for application of platform-supporting forces are attached via longitudinally-adjustable brackets to the spanning elements, and the second members are fixedly attached to the support means. Preferably, the first and second members are respectively opposite to each other, whereby the loads transmitted to the wall are directly opposing.

Reinforcing cross-members may be provided connecting the second members to each other to add further support to the platform element.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a partially exploded, perspective view of a first embodiment of a working platform according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows an alternative way of providing internal wall bracing in the apparatus of Figure 1 , and

Figure 3 is a partially sectioned perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.

With reference to Figure 1 , the working platform assembly, generally indicated 1, consists of a platform element 10 and first and second bracing members 20, 30. The first bracing member 20 includes a transverse bar 21 , end pieces 22, load-bearing feet 23 and cylindrical extensions 24, for connection to the second bracing members, slidably carried on the bar 21 via collars 25. The load-bearing feet 23 are adjustably connected to the end pieces 22 via screw bolts 26.

Each second bracing member 30 has a portion 31 for fitting within the cylindrical extensions 24 of the first bracing members, an integral platform support 32, a return portion 33 with a reinforcing member 34, and a load-bearing foot 35. Two bracing members 30 are provided, for connection via the portions 31 to respective extensions 24 of the first bracing member 20.

The platform element 10 includes inner decking member 11 and outer decking members 12 hingeably connected to one another. The inner decking member 11 is larger than the outer decking members 12. Channel members 13, provided on the lower surface of the inner decking member 11 , are connectible with the platform supports 32. In use, the first bracing member extends across a window aperture with the feet 23 in contact with the inner surface of the wall on either side of the aperture and the extensions 24 protruding through the aperture above the sill height.

With reference to Figure 2, where similar parts to those described in Figure 1 have the same reference numerals, the first bracing member 20 is shown in use with hook members 27 terminating in cylindrical extensions 24 extending through a window aperture 40. The hook members 27 allow the transverse member 21 to lie below the level of the sill 41 of the window aperture 40, the cylindrical extensions 24 remaining clear of the sill 41.

In preparation for use, the first and second bracing members are assembled together from the inside of a building, by inserting the portions 31 in the cylindrical extensions 24. The parts are secured together by for example a bayonet-type connection (not shown). The second bracing members are passed through the window aperture 40 and the collars 25 are positioned on the transverse bar 21 at a distance apart which matches the spacing of the channel members 13; the spacing may be selectable according to the dimensions of the window aperture and any functional requirements such as stability. The feet 35 are held in position against the outer wall surface while the bolts 26 are turned to cause the feet 23 to be advanced towards the inner wall surface until the first and second bracing members are under tension and the platform supports 32 thus provide a firm base for the platform element 10, which is passed through the window aperture 40 in the folded configuration and is attached via the channel members 13 to the platform supports 32. The decking members 12 are unfolded and stanchions for a safety rail may be erected to render the assembly ready for use.

Referring to Figure 3, a working platform assembly is shown generally at 50 and includes a pair of wall- spanning beams 51 each having a platform-supporting fabricated frame 52 integrally formed therewith at the outer end. The frames include plates 53 for bearing against the external surface of a wall in use. The inner end of each beam 51 carries a slidable box 54 from which depends a leg 55 the lower end of which carries a screw- threaded rod 56. Each rod 56 is axially in alignment with the centre of the plates 53 and carries a rotatably- mounted plate 57, whereby plates 53 and 57 are opposed. The plates 53 and 57 may be faced with wood or other material to minimize damage to the wall surfaces. The position of the boxes 54 on the beams 51 is selectively adjustable; the boxes may carry clamping bolts to secure the boxes at a desired position or the boxes may be provided with holes which can be aligned with a selected one of a series of holes formed in the beams and locked in the desired position with a pin.

The platform element shown generally at 58 includes an inner part 59 and outer side pieces 60 attached to the central section by hinges 61. Overall, the platform element has a rectangular box-section frame 62 and lower plates 63 forming the working surface. The underside of the central section 59 has channel sections 64 spaced and dimensioned to locate over the outer, platform-supporting ends of the beams 51. The, or at least one, of the channel sections 64 may be locked to the beam 51 by for example a biassed pin (not shown) which locates through mating holes in the channel section 64 and beam 51.

With the side pieces unfolded to the open position for use, the frame 62 acts as a toe-board surrounding the working surface and stanchions 65 for supporting safety cords or chains 66 may be located in holes formed in the frame 62.

In preparation for use, the rods 56 are actuated to retract the plates 57 and the boxes 54 are located on the beams 51 in a position such that the plates 53, 57 will span the wall against which the assembly is to be used; the plates are then located adjacent the inside and outside wall surfaces with the central region of the beams 51 spanning the wall through for example a window opening, and the rods 56 are actuated to cause the plates 57 to bear against the inner wall surface and tightened to exert a clamping and platform-supporting bracing force between opposed plates 53, 57. As clamping pressure on the wall increases, the rotational force exerted on the beam increases and adds to the locking pressure between it and the leg. The platform is then passed through the window opening as previously described, located in position on the outer portions of the beams 51 , and the side pieces 60 of the platform element are unfolded for use after erection of the stanchions 65 and cords or chains 66. On sliding the platform onto the beams 51, the locking pin automatically locates under spring pressure when it is in alignment with the hole formed in the beam.

The inner ends of the beams 51 may incorporate means to receive a laterally-extending restraint member, longer than the width of the window or other wall aperture, to prevent the entire assembly from passing through the aperture in the event of an accident in setting up or in use. Such means may comprise lugs 67 welded to the ends of the beams to receive for example a scaffolding pole; the lugs are preferably sized to fall within the cross sectional area of the beams so as not to impede the boxes 54 from being slid on or off the beams.

Claims

1. A working platform assembly for use adjacent the external surface of a wall, the assembly comprising a platform element and a supporting structure, the supporting structure comprising means for supporting the platform element from below, means for laterally spanning the wall and means for applying platform-supporting forces to the internal and external wall surfaces via the spanning means to maintain the platform assembly spaced from the ground in use.

2. An assembly according to Claim 1, including a plurality of bracing members connectible to one another across the width of the wall such that, in use, the platform is supported against the wall in a generally horizontal position and is braced against both sides of the wall by the bracing members.

3. An assembly according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which the wall-spanning means or bracing members include pressure pads for application to the wall surfaces, the internal pressure pads being movable towards and away from the internal wall surface.

4. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the platform element comprises two or more decking members.

5. An assembly according to Claim 4, in which the decking members are hingeably connected together.

6. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the wall-spanning means or bracing members are laterally adjustable to allow for selectable spacing therebetween.

7. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the platform element includes lockable engagement means with the supporting structure.

8. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the spanning means comprise spanning elements integrally formed with the platform element support means, first members for applying platform-supporting forces are attached via longitudinally-adjustable brackets to the spanning elements, and second members for applying platform-supporting forces are fixedly attached to the support means.

9. An assembly according to Claim 8, in which the first and second members are respectively opposite each other.

10. An assembly according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, in which the spanning elements include means to receive a laterally-extending restraint member.

11. An assembly according to any preceding claim, in which the platform element includes means for the attachment of stanchions for safety railings, ropes or chains.