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(11) | EP 4 495 354 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | NON-SLIP PLATFORM |
| (57) The present invention relates to a platform comprising a rigid panel provided with
a rough surface that provides a non-slip texture, and a foam layer adhered to the
bottom of the panel.
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OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a platform comprising a rigid panel provided with a rough surface that provides a non-slip texture, and a foam layer adhered to the bottom of the panel.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Traditionally, in situations where workers need to access work areas on roofs or other sloped locations, the prior installation of scaffolding, handrails, safety nets or the use of harnesses with corresponding lifelines is required. However, the lack of a stable solid platform on which tasks are to be performed is a complication that results in increased work time in risky situations.
[0003] Furthermore, relying on personal protective equipment, such as harnesses and lifelines, without a stable platform presents challenges and limitations. Workers may feel less safe and comfortable when carrying out their tasks, thus affecting their overall efficiency and productivity. The constant reliance on harnesses and lifelines also adds complexity to the work process, requiring constant adjustments and careful adherence to safety protocols.
[0004] The development of a stable safe platform designed specifically for work at heights addresses these challenges and optimises the workflow. By providing a solid surface with proper grip and stability, workers can perform their tasks with greater confidence and reduce risks. Furthermore, the developed platform allows for smoother access to work areas, thus making it easier for workers to focus on their tasks and improve overall efficiency. In particular, this platform represents an effective solution to the challenge of moving on roofs without the constant risk of damaging the shingles due to inappropriate treading. As a result, a notable reduction in the stress felt by workers is achieved, while significantly increasing the efficiency and speed of movement on the roof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention has been developed in order to provide operators working on uneven surfaces with a stable firm surface, but it is also useful when the surfaces are wet and slippery or simply very steep. The device of the invention is also very practical for masons who have to perform roof repairs, antenna technicians, solar panel installers or chimney installers, among others.
[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a non-slip platform of the invention intended to provide firm support to operators when the work surface is uneven or slippery, for example, roofs. The non-slip platform (1) of the invention comprises:
- a) a rigid panel (2) provided with a rough top surface (3), and
- b) a foam layer (4) adhered to the bottom of the panel (2).
[0007] Thanks to this specific arrangement of the different materials that make up the non-slip platform, it is provided with a stable platform having excellent non-slip properties that adapts to the unevenness of the surface on which work will be performed. Additionally, the platform has significant advantages when used on roofs since the foam layer adhered to the bottom of the panel adapts to the contour of the shingles, allowing a uniform distribution of the operator's weight, which prevents the shingles from breaking at the same time that it provides a stable surface for the operator to work on.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the non-slip platform object of the present invention will become apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the attached drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009]
Figure 1. Side view of the non-slip platform (1) consisting of a rigid panel (2) provided with a rough top surface (3) and with a foam layer (4) adhered to the bottom of the panel.
Figure 2. A) View of the joint between platforms and B) joint between platform and the lifeline (6) using joining means (5), metal plates in this case.
Figure 3. View of the non-slip platform (1) provided with joining means (5), metal plates in this case, and tool holding means (7), neodymium magnets in this case.
Figure 4. Side view of the non-slip platform (1) consisting of a rigid panel (2) provided with a rough upper surface (3), with a foam layer (4) attached to the bottom of the panel and two metal bars (8) as reinforcement.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0010] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, one may observe therein a preferred exemplary embodiment of the invention, which comprises the parts and elements indicated and described in detail below.
[0011] Figure 1 shows a non-slip platform (1) comprising a rigid panel (2) provided with a rough top surface (3) that provides a non-slip texture, and a foam layer (4) adhered to the bottom of the panel (2). The foam layer enables the platform to adapt to uneven, wet or slippery terrain or work surfaces while evenly distributing the weight of the operator. The top surface of the rigid panel provides the platform with sufficient roughness to prevent slipping when operators work on the same.
[0012] With particular reference to the rigid panel (2) of the non-slip platform (1), it can be made up of a lightweight material, for example, wood or plastic, where wood is the preferred material.
[0013] Preferably, the rough top surface (3) is a layer of paint mixed with silica or corundum. Alternatively, the rough top surface (3) may comprise an engraving or a non-slip finish according to German standard DIN 51130, for example, Treadtex®.
[0014] The non-slip platform (1) comprises a foam layer (4) adhered to the bottom of the panel with a density of at least 25 kg/m3. The thickness of the foam layer (4) adhered to the bottom of the panel is at least 50 mm in order to adapt to the unevenness of the surfaces.
[0015] Additionally, as shown in figure 2, the non-slip platform (1) comprises joining means (5) that allow for the joining of multiple non-slip platforms, the joining to a lifeline (6) and/or to an anchor on the work surface. In this way, the platforms can be firmly joined to move on larger surfaces while being secured by a lifeline or an anchor.
[0016] Preferably, the joining means (5) consist of perforated plates. These perforated plates are attached at one end of the platform by screws, thus allowing joining with another platform by means of the plates, which makes it possible to connect several platforms in a chain or series. The platforms are linked together by joining the end of a platform that has plates with the end of another platform that only has screws. This arrangement allows the non-slip platforms (1) to be joined together in different orientations, either in series or forming a T-shaped structure, adapting to the characteristics of the work area.
[0017] Alternatively, the plates can also be used to attach a lifeline to the non-slip platform or to join the non-slip platform to an anchor point. In the most preferred embodiment, the plates are permanently attached to the end of the platform by locking nuts, which allows for solid and resistant joining of the plate to the platform, while allowing the movement of the plates. Furthermore, the plates can be stored on the platform when not in use. At the other end of the platform, the joining means consists of an attaching plate for nuts.
[0018] Additionally, the non-slip platform (1) has holding means (7) for holding tools or containers, as shown in figure 3. These means (7) allow tools to be held individually to the platform or a container or receptacle to be held. In a preferred version, the tool holding means consist of ring-shaped neodymium magnets, which are anchored to the board of the non-slip platform. These magnets allow for firm but non-permanent holding of metal parts or tools, as well as of containers with a metal bottom, such as a tool box.
[0019] Furthermore, the non-slip platform (1) may comprise at least one metal bar (8) as reinforcement, which extends longitudinally along the top part of the platform, as illustrated in Figure 4. These metal reinforcements are preferably made of aluminum or steel. These metal bars (8) are fixed to the top part of the non-slip platform (1) by means of screws.
1. A non-slip platform (1), characterised in that it comprises:
a) a rigid panel (2) provided with a rough top surface (3), and
b) a foam layer (4) adhered to the bottom of the panel (2).
2. The non-slip platform (1), according to the preceding claim, additionally comprising
joining means (5) that allow for the joining of multiple non-slip platforms and/or
the joining of the platform to a lifeline or to an anchor.
3. The non-slip platform (1), according to the preceding claim, wherein the joining means
(4) are perforated plates attached to the platform by screws.
4. The non-slip platform (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rigid panel
(2) is made of wood or plastic.
5. The non-slip platform (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the rigid panel
(2) is made of wood.
6. The non-slip platform (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the foam layer
(4) adhered to the bottom of the panel has a density of at least 25 kg/m3.
7. The non-slip platform (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the thickness
of the foam layer (4) adhered to the bottom of the panel is at least 50 mm.
8. The non-slip platform (1), according to any preceding claim, wherein the rough top
surface (3) is a layer of paint mixed with corundum.
9. The non-slip platform (1), according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform
further comprises holding means (7) for holding tools or containers.
10. The non-slip platform (1), according to the preceding claim, wherein the holding means
(7) are at least one neodymium magnet anchored to the board of the non-slip platform
(1).
11. The non-slip platform (1), according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-slip
platform (1) comprises at least a metallic at least one metal bar (8) longitudinally
arranged along the top part of the non-slip platform (1).