U.S. patent application number 10/104874 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-25 for portable aircraft maintenance platform.
Invention is credited to Morris, John W., Riker, Mark W., Tatge, Robert J., Washichek, Richard J..
Application Number | 20030178253 10/104874 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 28040725 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030178253 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tatge, Robert J. ; et
al. |
September 25, 2003 |
Portable aircraft maintenance platform
Abstract
A maintenance platform (10) comprises a main frame (12) with
base frames (12,14) releasably interconnected by split clamps (50)
and load transfer couplers (52). Upper extension frames (62,64) are
mounted on the base frames (12,14). A balcony (82) and stabilizers
(100) are also provided. The platform (10) is of modular
construction and can be assembled and disassembled manually without
tools for use on either improved or unimproved surfaces.
Inventors: |
Tatge, Robert J.; (Polos
Verdes Estates, CA) ; Morris, John W.; (Apple Valley,
MN) ; Riker, Mark W.; (Diamond Bar, CA) ;
Washichek, Richard J.; (Redondo Beach, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John W. Bunch
One Corporate Center
Suite 300
7300 Metro Blvd.
Minneapolis
MN
55439
US
|
Family ID: |
28040725 |
Appl. No.: |
10/104874 |
Filed: |
March 21, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
182/132 ;
182/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 1/14 20130101; E04G
5/10 20130101; E04G 7/301 20130101; E04G 1/154 20130101; E04G 5/06
20130101; E04G 2001/155 20130101; E04G 5/00 20130101; E04G 5/004
20130101; E04G 7/08 20130101; E04G 7/22 20130101; E04G 2001/242
20130101; E04G 5/061 20130101; E04G 1/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/132 ;
182/17 |
International
Class: |
E04G 003/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A modular maintenance platform, comprising: a pair of rigid base
frames, each base frame including a pair of opposing ends; the ends
of each base frame including laterally spaced-apart uprights
secured together by a plurality of vertically spaced-apart rungs,
each upright having upper and lower ends; means for releasably
interconnecting the opposing ends of each base frame in
predetermined longitudinally spaced-apart relationship; means
connected to the lower ends each upright for adjustably supporting
the scaffold; at least one walkway releasably secured between the
rungs of the opposing uprights thereof; and clamp means for
releasably securing said base frames in side-by-side relationship
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to scaffolds and
work platforms. More particularly, this invention relates to a new
and unique aircraft maintenance platform of modular construction
for knockdown and portability.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A variety of scaffolds have been available heretofore. Such
scaffolds generally include rigid frames that can be stacked and
interconnected together to form an elevated work platform of the
desired height, such as for working on walls, ceilings, chimneys or
windows of a building, for example. Such scaffolds are generally
transported by truck in pieces to the work site for assembly. When
assembled, they are generally free-standing, but tend to be rather
heavy for adequate strength, rigidity and stability. Such scaffolds
usually have adjustable feet for leveling purposes, and may have
lockable casters to facilitate location and relocation as
desired.
[0003] While the scaffolds of the prior art generally provide
elevated work platforms, they do not accommodate much lateral
extension during use. They become more top heavy with height and
particularly with workers on them in use. The scaffolds of the
prior art can become unstable and even tip over if a worker leans
out too far. Sometimes they can be temporarily attached to the
adjacent structure for safety, such as in a building construction
project, but are most often used to access areas directly overhead
or immediately next to the scaffold.
[0004] Various specialized scaffolds have also been available
heretofore. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,447 shows a movable
pedestal scaffold. U.S. Pat. No. 4,194,591 shows a mobile scaffold
with fixed-use-position outriggers. U.S. Pat. No. 4,155,424 shows a
mobile scaffold with a main frame and pivotal outer frames so that
it can be rolled through narrows doors or aisles. U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,454,131, 2,665,950 and 2,438,173 also show scaffolds
representative of the prior art.
[0005] Aircraft maintenance requires the use of specialized
scaffolds in order to access areas that cannot otherwise be
reached. For example, there may be certain access doors or other
areas that cannot be reached without specialized scaffolding due to
the aircraft's configuration. Little or no maintenance work can or
should be done while standing on the aircraft itself. The
scaffolding cannot be temporarily attached to the aircraft as is
typical in building construction. As a result, such specialized
scaffolds or work platforms must be free-standing, and thus tend to
be rather cumbersome and heavy in order to achieve the stability
necessary for working in an elevated position over part of the
aircraft. Further, different scaffolds or work platforms are
usually required for maintaining different types of aircraft,
particularly with helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, whose
configurations are quite different.
[0006] Such scaffolds or work platforms have not been adapted for
use on different aircraft types as needed, and are not readily
transportable. They have thus tended to be limited for use in
hangars where they are stored. This in turn means that the aircraft
must be flown to a facility where the hangar is located for all but
the most basic maintenance, resulting in unnecessary downtime and
expense. Such logistics problems are severe in military
applications due to the variety of aircraft types in service, and
the fact that some aircraft, such as helicopters, typically operate
in the field. This has been compounded by the fact that aircraft
systems today are more complex and require more frequent
maintenance for readiness.
[0007] Heretofore there has not been available a portable aircraft
maintenance platform that is readily adapted for use on different
aircraft types, either on a prepared surface such as in a hangar or
on an unimproved surface, such as in the field at a forward base as
in military applications.
[0008] A need has thus arisen for a portable aircraft maintenance
platform that is readily adapted for use on different aircraft
types, either on a prepared surface such as in a hangar, or on an
unimproved surface, such as in the field, and which is of modular
construction for knockdown and portability so that more maintenance
can be done in the field at the point of need.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] The present invention comprises a portable aircraft
maintenance platform that overcomes the foregoing and other
difficulties associated with the prior art. In accordance with the
invention, there is provided an aircraft maintenance platform of
lightweight, modular construction so that it can be assembled,
disassembled, and packaged for air, vehicle or manportability by
one or two persons. The maintenance platform herein includes a
basic main frame to which other modules can be added as desired to
enhance overall versatility and function. The main frame includes
two lower sections and two upper extensions interconnected by
various braces, couplers and clips. An adjustable balcony and a
lower stabilizer can be mounted on one side of the main frame, if
desired, depending upon the type of aircraft to be maintained. The
modules are interconnected by various releasable connectors, all of
which can be done manually without tools, so that the platform can
be configured as desired and yet still be capable of knockdown and
repacking for transport to another site as needed. The present
invention is particularly adapted for use in commercial and
military applications conducted in remote or unimproved locations
where packaging for transportation is critical, and is capable of
rapid assembly into multi-functional structural combinations to
suite site-specific and configuration-specific needs meeting
aircraft and vehicle requirements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
[0010] A better understanding of the invention can be had by
reference to the following Detailed Description in conjunction with
the accompanying Drawing, wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the portable aircraft
maintenance platform of the invention, one positioned in front of
and another positioned next to a helicopter;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the portable aircraft
maintenance platform and balcony module herein;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the portable aircraft
maintenance platform and balcony module herein;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded perspective view of the
portable aircraft maintenance platform and balcony module
herein;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a fully exploded perspective view of the portable
aircraft maintenance platform herein;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an exploded, detail view of an adjustable leg;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of one end of a brace
connected to a frame section;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged side view of one end of a walkway
connected to a frame section;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of a frame clamp;
[0020] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a load transfer
coupler;
[0021] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the connection
between the upper and lower base frames;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the inner balcony
frame;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the outer balcony
frame;
[0024] FIGS. 14 and 15 are exploded perspective views of the
stabilizer;
[0025] FIG. 16 is an perspective view showing an alternate
clamp;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the portable aircraft
maintenance platform herein with outriggers;
[0027] FIG. 18 is an illustration of the portable aircraft
maintenance platform herein disassembled and ready for packing in
cases as a kit for transportation; and
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view, partially cutaway, showing
details of the large transport case for then platform.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] Referring now to the Drawing, wherein like reference
numerals designate like or corresponding elements throughout the
views, and particularly referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a
portable aircraft maintenance platform 10 incorporating the
invention. The platform 10 is of modular construction, and is
adapted primarily for use with aircraft, such as a helicopter as
shown, but can also be used with fixed wing aircraft or other types
of vehicles. As will be explained more fully hereinafter, the
platform 10 can be arranged in various configurations for maximum
versatility, while also being adapted for portability and manual
assembly/disassembly without tools.
[0030] Referring primarily to FIGS. 1-6, the platform 10 includes a
main frame 12 comprising two base frames 14 and 16 which are
clamped together to form a rigid assembly. The main frame 12 is
preferably comprised primarily of lightweight tubing, such as
6062T6aircraft grade aluminum of about two inch diameter and 0.025
in wall thickness, although any suitable material could be
used.
[0031] Each rigid base frame 14 and 16 includes two ladder-like
ends 18, each of which includes two laterally spaced uprights 20
interconnected by vertically spaced-apart rungs 22. As shown five
rungs 22 are provided, although any suitable number could be used.
In the preferred embodiment, each end 18 is about 26 inches wide
and about 78 inches tall. A gusset or flat crosspiece 24 is
preferably provided beneath the upper rung 22 for carrying assembly
instructions.
[0032] Vertically adjustable legs 26 are provided in the lower ends
of uprights 20 for leveling attachment, to which are attached
lockable swivel casters 28 for use on a hard surface. Swivel
platforms 30 can be substituted for casters 28 if platform 10 is to
be used in the field on an unimproved surface.
[0033] The ladder-like frame ends 18 are interconnected by diagonal
and horizontal cross braces 32 and 34 coupled between rungs 22. In
the preferred embodiment, the ends are spaced apart about 98
inches. The ends of each brace 32,34 are curved with spring clips
36 therein so as to positively snap onto the adjacent rung 22, as
best seen in FIG. 7.
[0034] Base frame 14 also includes a walkway 38 connected between
the rungs 22. Walkway 38 preferably includes a wooden surface 42
secured to the tops of rails 42, the ends of which are notched to
fit over rungs 22, as best seen in FIG. 8. In the preferred
embodiment, slidable keepers 44 are also provided in the notched
ends of rails 42 for positive, releasable attachment to rungs 22.
The walkway 38 can thus be connected between any two opposite rungs
22 at the desired height.
[0035] Walkway 38 preferably includes a hinged access door 46, with
a ladder 48 also preferably being provided for facilitating
movement of personnel between the upper and lower walkways in
platform 10. The upper ends of ladder 48 are preferably configured
like the ends of braces 32 and 34 for releasable snap engagement
with a rung 22 on one of the ends 18.
[0036] The base frames 14 and 16 are releasably secured together at
each end by clamps 50 and load transfer couplers 52, the details of
which are shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. In the preferred embodiment, two
clamps 50 and one coupler 52 are used on each end of subframes 14
and 16. Each split clamp 50 includes mating halves 50a and 50b
secured together over opposite sides of the adjacent uprights 20 of
the subframes by bolts 54 and wing nuts 56 extending therebetween,
as best seen in FIG. 9. The inside surfaces of split clamps 50 are
configured for snug receipt of the uprights 20 therein, in parallel
arrangement.
[0037] Each split load transfer coupler 52 includes mating halves
52a and 52b secured together over opposite sides of the adjacent
uprights 20, as well as opposite rungs 22 of subframes 14 and 16 by
bolts 58 and wingnuts 60, as best seen in FIG. 10. The inside
surfaces of split couplers 50 are configured for snug receipt of
the uprights 20 and their respective rung 22 therein, in
perpendicular arrangement.
[0038] The use of inline clamps 50 and crisscross load transfer
couplers 52 provides for proper load transfer and distribution
between base frames 14 and 16 within main frame 12. This comprises
a significant feature of the invention.
[0039] Upper frames 62 and 64 are mounted on the base frames 14 and
16, respectively for vertical extension as desired. Again, each
upper frame 62, 64 includes two ladder-like ends 66, each having
two laterally spaced uprights 68 interconnected by vertically
spaced-apart rungs 70. As shown four rungs 70 are provided,
although any suitable number could be used. In the preferred
embodiment, each frame 62, 64 is about 26 inches wide and about 65
inches tall. Again, the ends 66 are interconnected by diagonal and
horizontal cross braces 32 and 34 coupled between rungs 70 as
desired to serve as guard rails. Again, clamps 50 are used to
secure the upper frames together, two of which are preferably used
on each end.
[0040] The upper ends of base frames 14,16 and the lower ends of
upper frames 62,64 are adapted for telescoping, releasable locked
engagement, as best seen in FIG. 11. In particular, the reduced
lower ends of uprights 68 fit into the upper ends of uprights 20,
to be interlocked by clips 72 extending through aligned holes 74
and 76 therein. As shown, each interlock clip 72 includes a collar
72a with an pin 72b therein. A second hole 78 is preferably
provided below each hole 76 for storing clips 72 in unlocked
position when not in use.
[0041] It will thus be appreciated that platform 10 can be
assembled with or without the upper frames 62,64 as desired when
more working height is needed. The braces 32,34 can be positioned
as desired, as can the walkways 38 and ladder 48. The walkways 38
in upper frames 62 and 54 can be positioned at the same or
different levels. If positioned at the same level, an extension 80
of generally T-shaped cross-section can be used to close the gap
therebetween for better safety.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment, the upper ends of uprights 68
in each end 66 similarly include locking clips 72 and holes 74,76
so that additional upper frames 62,64 can be added, if desired.
Additional clamps 50 and load transfer couplers 52 can also be used
for additional rigidity.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 2-5 in conjunction with FIG. 12, platform
10 preferably includes an adjustable balcony 82 for added
versatility and lateral extension as desired. Balcony 82 is mounted
on one side of mainframe 12, and includes inner frame 84 and outer
frame 86. Inner frame 84 includes two rigid ladder-like ends 88,
each of which includes two laterally spaced uprights 90
interconnected at their upper ends by vertically spaced-apart rungs
92, with a brace 93 secured between the lower rung and the
relatively longer inner upright, as best seen in FIG. 12. As shown
five, rungs 92 are provided, although any suitable number could be
used. In the preferred embodiment, each end 88 is about 26 inches
wide and about 100 inches tall overall.
[0044] The ends 88 of inner balcony frame 84 are each similarly
connected to frames 16 and 64 by split clamps 50 and load transfer
couplers 52, as shown. Two clamps 50 and one coupler 52 are
preferably used on each inner balcony frame 84, although any
suitable number could be used. In the preferred embodiment, one
mating half 52b of each clamp 50 is welded or otherwise secured to
the inner upright 90 in the desired position to facilitate
assembly. The ends 88 are also interconnected by at least one
horizontal brace 34, with a walkway 38 being connected between
rungs 92 as desired.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 2-5 in conjunction with FIG. 13, the
outer balcony frame 86 similarly includes two rigid ladder-like
ends 94, each of which includes two laterally spaced uprights 96
interconnected by vertically spaced-apart rungs 98 The outer
balcony frame 86 is relatively narrower and shorter than the inner
balcony frame 84. As shown four rungs 98 are provided, although any
suitable number could be used. In the preferred embodiment, each
end 94 is about 11 inches wide and about 46 inches tall.
[0046] Similarly, the ends 94 of outer balcony frame 86 are
connected to the respective inner balcony frames 84 by split clamp
50 and couplers 52, as best seen in FIG. 13. Again, half of the
clamp 50 is preferably welded or otherwise secured to the inner
upright 96 in the desired position to facilitate assembly. The ends
94 are also interconnected by at least one horizontal brace 34,
with a walkway 38 being connected between rungs 92 as desired, to
provide a step. Since the outer balcony frame 88 is relatively
narrower than the inner frame 84, the walkway 38 is connected and
supported between rungs 92 and 98.
[0047] If the outer balcony frame 86 is not needed, then it can be
omitted from balcony 82, along with the second walkway 38, in which
case the brace 34 would be connected between ends 88.
[0048] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, when using balcony 82, or
additional upper extension frames 62 and 64, a stabilizer 100 is
also provided, which should be connected to the base frames 14 and
16 beforehand. The stabilizer 100 similarly includes two relatively
long, but narrow ladder-like ends 102, each preferably including
two vertically spaced-apart rungs 104 interconnected by five
laterally spaced-apart uprights 106, although any suitable number
could be used. In the preferred embodiment, each end 94 is about
104 inches long and about 4.5 inches tall. The inner balcony ends
102 are each preferably connected to frames 14 and 16 by two clamps
50, although any suitable number could be used. Adjustable legs 26
and swivel platforms 30 are provided at the outer ends 102 for
leveling, with another cross brace 32 connected therebetween.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown an alternate clamp 110
which can be used instead of clamps 50 and couplers 52 to secure
balcony 82 to the mainframe 12. Clamp 110 includes mating halves
110a and 110b connected at one side by a hinge 112. Each clamp half
110a is secured directly to the inner uprights 92. such as by
welding, to facilitate assembly. The pivotal clamp half 110b is
secured by means of a bolt 114, one end of which is pivoted to the
other side of clamp half 110a and the outer threaded end of which
is fits into a notch on the pivotal half 110b and is tightened by a
wingnut 116.
[0050] Referring again to FIG. 17, corner outriggers 118 may used
10 under some conditions for additional stability, such when upper
extension frames 62,64 are installed or when platform 10 is used in
the field on a soft unimproved surface. Each outrigger 118
comprises a leg 120, the upper end of which is coupled to an
upright of the respective end frame 18 similar to braces 32 and 34,
with a pivotal foot 122 being provided on the lower end. A brace
124 is also similarly connected between each leg 120 and the
respective upright 20, the inner end of which is preferably pivoted
to the leg at 126 so that the outrigger 118 can be folded together
when stowed and not in use.
[0051] FIGS. 18 and 19 show the aircraft maintenance platform 10 in
knocked-down condition ready for transportation in collapsible bags
or cases 130, 132 and 134. Cases 130, 132 and 134 are preferably
constructed of woven plastic, such as cordura nylon, for durability
and light weight, although canvas or any suitable material could be
used. The relatively smaller cases 130 and 132, which are of the
same size, are adapted to carry the smaller components of platform
10, such the clamps 50, couplers 52, etc. In the preferred
embodiment, cases 130 and 132 are each about 18 inches long by 18
inches wide by 6 inches deep, closable about three sides by a
zipper 136 with a carrying handle 138 sewn to the top as shown. The
cases 130 and 132 are dimensioned to fit between the rungs of the
main frame 12 when packed into case 134, which is adapted to carry
the larger/longer components of platform 10.
[0052] The details of the larger case 134 are best seen in FIG. 19.
In the preferred embodiment, case 134 is about 110 inches long by
30 inches wide by 16 inches deep, closable about three sides by a
zipper 140 with carrying handles 142 sewn to the sides and ends as
shown. Internal inserts 144 are provided in the ends for puncture
resistance. The inserts 144 can be formed of wood or other suitable
material. Case 134 includes two longitudinal straps 146, which are
preferably sewn along substantially the entire length of the case,
the ends of which are secured by double D-rings near the zipper 140
as shown. Similarly, case 134 also includes two circumferential
straps 148, which are preferably sewn about substantially the
entire girth of the case, the ends of which are also secured by
double D-rings near the zipper 140 as shown. Straps 142 and 144 can
be formed from nylon webbing or other suitable material. A
nameplate 150 and clear window inserts 152 are provided on the top
of case 134 for identification and documentation as desired. Metal
feet 154 are preferably riveted to the bottom of case 134 near the
corners for durability.
[0053] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the present
invention comprises a portable aircraft maintenance platform having
several advantages over the prior art. The platform herein is of
modular construction for ease of assembly, disassembly and
transportation. The platform herein incorporates several common
and/or interchangeable components to simplify assembly/disassembly
quickly by hand without tools, in a variety of configurations
depending on the particular aircraft or vehicle to be maintained.
When disassembled, the platform herein can be readily stowed in
compact shipping cases as a kit for portability. The platform
herein can be configured or reconfigured as desired, for use on
either improved or unimproved surfaces in the field. Other
advantages will be evident to those skilled in the art.
[0054] Although particular embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying Drawing and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited only to the embodiments disclosed, but is
intended to embrace any equivalents, modifications and/or
rearrangements of elements falling within the scope of the
invention as defined by the following Claims.
* * * * *