[0001] THE PRESENT INVENTION relates to a platform and more particularly to an extending
platform.
[0002] When building a construction which has a central structure formed by poured concrete,
it is known to use a climbing screen system, which encloses the perimeter of at least
a part of the construction. The climbing screen system provides a platform around
the perimeter of the construction, to support formwork for use in forming the next
level of the construction and to provide a useful work space for construction workers.
The system includes a safety screen, to safeguard workers from adverse weather conditions
and to ensure a safe working environment. As each floor of the construction is formed,
the climbing screen moves up the construction, exposing the previously formed floors
beneath.
[0003] Before installing the climbing screen system, it is necessary first to transport
the climbing screen system, comprising climbing screen platforms and a climbing screen
support structure, to the site from a remote location. There are two methods for doing
this. The first method is to transport a pre-assembled climbing screen system to the
site. The second method is to transport the components of the climbing screen system
in a disassembled state, and then assembling the system on-site.
[0004] Transporting the climbing screen system pre-assembled means that the system can be
installed more quickly. However, a police escort is required if a load to be transported
by road is wider than 2.9 m. Given the size of conventional climbing screens, transportation
of a pre-assembled climbing screen therefore requires a police escort. Additionally,
if the site entrance has a height or width restriction, this may present further difficulties
in transporting the pre-assembled climbing screen system to the site.
[0005] Assembling the climbing screen system on-site means that it is easier to comply with
the transportation width restriction and thus avoid the need for an escort. However,
assembling on-site requires an assembly area and is also more time-consuming than
transporting a pre-assembled system, potentially delaying the construction process.
[0006] Accordingly, a reduction in the time taken to install and subsequently disassemble
a climbing screen system is required.
Brief Summary of the Invention
[0007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a platform providing a work surface,
the platform comprising: an extendable support structure; a deck mounted on the support
structure; a wing rotatably secured to an extending section of the support structure,
wherein: in a first configuration, the extending section is retracted and the wing
is inactive such that it does not define part of the work surface; and in a second
configuration, the support structure is extended and the wing is positioned to be
supported by the support structure such that the deck and wing together define the
work surface.
[0008] Preferably, the wing can be moved between the first configuration and the second
configuration by a user located on the work surface.
[0009] Conveniently, in the first configuration, the length of the platform is not greater
than 2.9 m.
[0010] Advantageously, in the second configuration, the length of the platform is greater
than approximately 3.5 m.
[0011] Preferably, in the second configuration, the length of the platform is less than
approximately 4.6 m.
[0012] Conveniently, the platform further comprises a guard rail.
[0013] Advantageously, the guard rail is extendable.
[0014] Preferably, the extendable guard rail is connected to the extending section of the
support structure such that when the platform is in the second configuration, the
guard rail is extended.
[0015] Conveniently, the guard rail is provided by a panel.
[0016] Advantageously, an extending section telescopes with respect to a main support member
of the support structure.
[0017] Preferably, the support structure comprises two elongate main support members each
provided with at least one extending section.
[0018] Conveniently, the platform is configured such that when the platform is in the second
configuration, the wing is rotatably secured to the extending section at a point which
is located at the distal end of the work surface.
[0019] Advantageously, the wing has a first end and a second end and wherein the extending
section is rotatably secured to the second end of the wing, such that:
in the first configuration, the second end of the wing is adjacent to the deck;and
in the second configuration, the first end of the wing is adjacent to the deck and
the second end defines a distal end of the work surface.
[0020] Preferably, the platform is configured such that when in the first configuration,
the first end of the wing is substantially above the second end of the wing.
[0021] Conveniently, when the platform is in the second configuration, a surface of the
wing is substantially flush with a surface of the deck, to define a substantially
planar work surface,
[0022] Advantageously, there are two extendable sections, one extending from each end of
the support structure, and a wing rotatably secured to each respective extending section.
[0023] Preferably, the platform further comprises a securing element to releasably secure
the wing to the support structure and/or the deck.
[0024] The invention further provides a climbing screen comprising at least one platform
as described.
[0025] Preferably, two platforms are connected to a climbing screen support structure.
[0026] In order that the present invention may be readily understood, embodiments thereof
will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings,
in which:
FIGURE 1 shows a perspective view of a climbing screen incorporating two platforms
embodying the present invention.
FIGURES 2a) to c) shows three perspective partial views of one platform of figure
in use.
Detailed Description of the invention
[0027] Figures 1 and 2a) to c) show a climbing screen system 1 with a platform 2a, 2b embodying
the present invention. The platform 2a, 2b, comprises an extendable support structure
3, a deck 4 (shown only in figure 1; removed in figures 2a) and b) for clarity purposes;
and ghosted in figure 2c)) mounted on the extendable support structure 3 and a wing
5 rotatably secured to an extending section 9 of the extendable support structure
3. In figure 1, the upper platform 2a in figure 1 is shown in a first, retracted,
configuration and the lower platform 2b is shown in a second, extended, configuration.
[0028] The climbing screen system 1 comprises a climbing screen support structure 6 having
four vertical support members 7 provided at each corner of the deck 4. In this embodiment,
these vertical support members 7 each comprise two channel sections, connected so
as to form an l-section. Other embodiments may use different forms of support member.
The climbing screen support structure 6 further comprises a plurality of inclined
bracing members connecting the deck 4 to the climbing screen support structure 6.
[0029] The extendable support structure 3 comprises two substantially horizontal elongate
main support members 8, on which the deck 4 is mounted. In this preferred embodiment,
the main support members 8 extend along the full length of the deck 4.
[0030] The extendable support structure 3 further comprises two elongate extending sections
9, one extending from each end of the extendable support structure 3 (only one extending
section 9 is illustrated in each of figures 2a) to c)). In this embodiment, an extending
section 9 comprises two extending members 10 retained against and running parallel
to the main support members 8. The extending members 10 are translatable with respect
to the main support members 8. In the embodiment shown, the extending members 10 are
received by a plurality of extending member support brackets 15. Other embodiments
may not comprise the extending member support brackets 15. For example, the extending
members 10 may be telescopically received in the main support members 8.
[0031] The main support members 8 are supported by a first reinforcing members 11 at the
distal end of the main support members 8, arranged perpendicular to the main support
members 8. The extending members 10 are connected by a second reinforcing member 12
at the distal end of the extending section 9, and the second reinforcing member 12
is perpendicular to the extending members 10. In the embodiment shown, the main support
members 8, the extending members 10, and the first and second reinforcing members
11,12 comprise channel sections. Other embodiments may use different forms of member.
[0032] The wing 5 is rotatably secured to each respective extending section 9. As shown
in figures 2a) to c), the wing 5 comprises a wing panel 13. A wing bracket 14 is secured
to the underside of the wing panel 13 and the wing bracket 14 is rotatably secured
to the extending members 10.
[0033] As shown in figure 1, the platform has two configurations. In the first configuration,
as shown in figure 2a), the extending section 9 is retracted and the wing 5 is rotated
generally upwards such that it is inactive and an upper surface 16 of the wing panel
13 does not define of the work surface. In the second configuration shown in figure
2c), the extending section 9 is extended and the wing 5 is positioned to be supported
by the extendable support structure 3 such that the deck 4 and the upper surface 16
together define a work surface, Figure 2b) shows a transitional state between the
first and second configurations, where the extending section 9 is extended but the
wing 9 is inactive.
[0034] The wing 5 has two wing support members 17 attached to the underside of the wing
panel 13, such that when the wing 5 is in the second configuration, the wing support
members 17 are operable to support the wing 5 on the first and second reinforcing
members 11, 12. At the same time, the wing 5 is supported by the extending section
9 and at least one part of the wing 5 is supported by the distal end of the main support
members 8. In other embodiments, the wing may be supported differently, for example
by only some of the members described above.
[0035] As shown in figure 1 when the platform is in the second configuration (2b), the upper
surface 16 is substantially flush with the upper surface of the deck 4, to define
a substantially planar work surface. In this second configuration, the platform 2b
is configured such that the wing 5 is rotatably secured to the extending section 9
at a point which is located at the distal end of the work surface.
[0036] As shown in figures 2a) to 2c), the wing 5 has a first end 18 and a second end 19.
In the first configuration, the first end 18 of the wing 5 is positioned substantially
above the second end 19 of the wing 5 and the second end 19 of the wing 5 is positioned
adjacent to the deck 4. When the platform is in the second configuration 2b, the first
end 18 is adjacent to the deck 4 and the second end 19 is arranged at the distal end
of the deck 4.
[0037] In the preferred embodiment shown in figure 1 the platform 2a, 2b further comprises
a guard rail 20. In this embodiment the guard rail 20 is extendable and is connected
to the extendable support structure 3 such that when the platform is in the first
configuration 2a, the guard rail is retracted and when in the second configuration
2b, the guard rail 20 is extended. In this embodiment, the guard rail is provided
by a guard panel 21 which extends with the guard rail 20 and acts as a safety screen
to provide a working environment and to safeguard workers from adverse weather conditions.
[0038] In order to move the platform between the first 2a and second 2b configurations,
the user can be located on the deck 4 and operate the wing 5 to extend or retract
the extending section 9 and rotate the wing 5 between the inactive (first) and active
(second) states. An advantage of the present invention is that the preferred embodiment
shown in figure 1 provides an easy transition between the first 2a and second 2b configurations.
The user may simply grasp and manoeuvre the wing 5 to simultaneously extend the extending
section 9 and rotate the wing 5 to reach the second configuration 2b, such that the
wing 5 then becomes active and the upper surface 16 forms a part of the work surface.
In other embodiments, the extension and rotation steps may be performed separately.
[0039] Although two wings 5 are shown in figure 1, the platform 2a, 2b may comprise only
one wing 5 and one corresponding extending section 9. In other embodiments, the main
support members 8 may extend along only a portion of the deck 4, or extend beyond
the length of the deck 4. In other embodiments, the platform 2a, 2b further comprises
a securing element to releasably secure the wing 5 to any one or any combination of:
the climbing screen support structure 6; the extendable support structure 3; the extending
section 9; and/or the deck 4 when in either configuration. The securing element may
be tethered or otherwise connected to the platform 2.
[0040] in the embodiment shown in figure 1, the extending members 10, the extending section
of the guard rail and the wing panel 13, are no longer than half the length of the
deck 4. In other embodiments, they may be longer, In such an embodiment, the extending
members 10 of each respective extending section 9 may be retained against different
sides of the main support members 8.
[0041] In the preferred embodiment shown in figure 1 the total length of the entire platform
in the first configuration 2a, i.e. the length of the deck 4 plus the thickness of
two wings 5, is not greater than 2.9 m. One benefit of this first configuration 2a
is that a police escort is not required to transport the load by road. Once at the
construction site, the platform can be moved in to the second configuration 2b, wherein
the combined length of the deck 4 and the two wings 5 is greater than 2.9 m. In a
preferred embodiment, the combined length is greater than 3.5 m. In another preferred
embodiment, the combined length is no greater than 4.6 m. This means that the space
required on site for reconfiguration is minimized - the climbing screen system 1 can
be craned directly onto the construction and reconfigured in situ - as is the amount
of time required to assemble the system. Further, this provides a safe transition
between the two configurations (2a, 2b) with the user standing on the deck 4.
[0042] Another advantage of the present invention is that since the extending section 9
is rotatably secured to the wing 5, the wing 5 cannot accidentally be removed from
the extending section 9 when in operation. This means that the wing 5 cannot fall
off the extending section 9 when the platform 2 is in either configuration. With known
climbing screen systems, particularly when the assembly (lay-down) area is small or
unusable, the system may have to be assembled at height by craning the main platform
section onto the building, and subsequently attaching the separate wings. Not only
is it more difficult to connect the main platform section to the wings at height,
there is also the risk that the extensions pieces - being separate, loose items -
could fall off and cause injury. The present invention allows for the wings to be
deployed safety at any height.
[0043] When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising"
and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included.
The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps
or components.
[0044] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or
the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means
for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed
result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be
utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
1. A platform providing a work surface, the platform comprising:
an extendable support structure;
a deck mounted on the support structure;
a wing rotatably secured to an extending section of the support structure, wherein:
in a first configuration, the extending section is retracted and the wing is inactive
such that it does not define part of the work surface; and
in a second configuration, the support structure is extended and the wing is positioned
to be supported by the support structure such that the deck and wing together define
the work surface.
2. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein the wing can be moved between the first
configuration and the second configuration by a user located on the work surface.
3. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein in the first configuration, the length
of the platform is not greater than 2.9 m.
4. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein in the second configuration, the length
of the platform is greater than approximately 3.5 m and preferably less than approximately
4.6 m.
5. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein the platform further comprises a guard
rail, preferably extendable and/or preferably provided by a panel
6. The platform of claim 5, wherein the extendable guard rail is connected to the extending
section of the support structure such that when the platform is in the second configuration,
the guard rail is extended.
7. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein an extending section telescopes with
respect to a main support member of the support structure.
8. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein the support structure comprises two elongate
main support members each provided with at least one extending section.
9. The platform of any preceding claim, configured such that when the platform is in
the second configuration, the wing is rotatably secured to the extending section at
a point which is located at the distal end of the work surface.
10. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein the wing has a first end and a second
end and wherein the extending section is rotatably secured to the second end of the
wing, such that:
in the first configuration, the second end of the wing is adjacent to the deck;and
in the second configuration, the first end of the wing is adjacent to the deck and
the second end defines a distal end of the work surface.
11. The platform of claim 10, configured such that when in the first configuration, the
first end of the wing is substantially above the second end of the wing.
12. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein when the platform is in the second configuration,
a surface of the wing is substantially flush with a surface of the deck, to define
a substantial planar work surface.
13. The platform of any preceding claim, wherein there are two expendable sections, one
extending from each end of the support structure, and a wing rotatably secured to
each respective extending section.
14. The platform of any preceding claim, further comprising a securing element to releasably
secure the wing to the support structure and/or the deck.
15. A climbing screen comprising at least one platform according to any preceding claim,
preferably wherein two platforms are connected to a climbing screen support structure.