U.S. patent application number 12/279234 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for working platform.
Invention is credited to Steve McCarthy.
Application Number | 20090159369 12/279234 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38371097 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090159369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCarthy; Steve |
June 25, 2009 |
WORKING PLATFORM
Abstract
A platform (11) for use as a temporary support structure, said
platform comprising an expanse of netting (13) having a border rope
(15) fitted thereto around the outer periphery thereof, and at
least one inner rope (19, 21, 23) fitted to the netting (13),
extending around, inside and spaced from the border rope (15), and
spaced from any other at least one inner rope (19, 21, 23).
Inventors: |
McCarthy; Steve; (Perth,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOTTLIEB RACKMAN & REISMAN PC
270 MADISON AVENUE, 8TH FLOOR
NEW YORK
NY
10016-0601
US
|
Family ID: |
38371097 |
Appl. No.: |
12/279234 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
February 13, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AU2006/000189 |
371 Date: |
November 10, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
182/222 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 3/20 20130101; E04G
21/3261 20130101; E04G 21/3266 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
182/222 |
International
Class: |
E04G 3/00 20060101
E04G003/00 |
Claims
1. A platform for use as a temporary support structure, said
platform comprising an expanse of netting having a border rope
fitted thereto around the outer periphery thereof, and at least one
inner rope fitted to said netting, extending around, inside and
spaced from said border rope, and spaced from any other said at
least one inner rope.
2. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one inner
rope is spaced evenly from said border rope, in concentric
manner.
3. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein said at least one inner
rope is spaced evenly from any other said at least one inner
periphery rope, in concentric manner.
4. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein said border rope is
woven through the mesh of said net.
5. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein said border rope is
attached to said netting.
6. A platform as claimed in claim 5 wherein said border rope is
attached to said netting by being stitched thereto, at least where
said border rope intersects said netting.
7. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said at least one
inner rope is woven through the mesh of said net.
8. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said at least one
inner rope is attached to said netting.
9. A platform as claimed in claim 8 wherein each said at least one
inner rope is attached to said netting by being stitched thereto,
at least where any said at least one inner rope intersects said
netting.
10. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein the border rope has
its ends spliced together.
11. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein each said at least one
inner rope has its ends spliced together.
12. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein said net has a square
mesh.
13. A platform as claimed in claim 12 wherein said border rope is
woven through the mesh of said net passing over or under two
strands of said net at a time.
14. A platform as claimed in claim 12 wherein each said at least
one inner rope is woven through the mesh of said net passing over
two strands of said net at a time.
15. A platform as claimed in claim 12 wherein the mesh of said net
is knotted.
16. A platform as claimed in claim 1 wherein said platform includes
at least one additional rope fitted to said netting, extending
across said netting, intersecting said inner rope(s) and said
border rope.
17. A platform as claimed in claim 16 wherein each said additional
rope is woven through said netting.
18. A platform as claimed in claim 16 wherein each said additional
rope is attached to said netting.
19. A platform as claimed in claim 16 wherein said additional ropes
are attached to said inner rope(s) and said border rope.
20. A platform as claimed in claim 19 wherein said additional ropes
are attached to said netting by being stitched thereto, at least
where said additional ropes intersects said netting.
21. A method of providing a work platform, said method including
supporting a platform as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims
from support ropes extending from said border rope at the edge of
said platform and/or said inner ropes, to convenient anchor points
of a structure.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein said support ropes
comprise two peripheral ropes extending along opposite edges of
said platform, and secured to said platform in positions located in
spaced relation.
23. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein said support ropes
include individual ropes extending from positions spaced apart from
each other, along edges of said platform.
24. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein said support ropes are
secured to said border rope.
25. A method as claimed in claim 21 claim wherein said support
ropes are secured under tension.
26. A method as claimed in claim 21 wherein said support ropes
include further support ropes secured to a said at least one inner
rope.
27. A method as claimed in claim 21 further including the provision
of additional support ropes, strung underneath the platform.
28. A method as claimed in claim 21 further including the provision
of support webbing is located under the platform.
29. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to the field of temporary structures
for providing work platforms, and to a method of providing a work
platform.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Temporary work platforms have traditionally been provided in
various manners, most commonly through static methods such as use
of scaffolding which is erected around structures, and through
mobile means such hydraulically controlled platforms such as those
commonly known as cherry-pickers. A difficulty with scaffolding is
that it is time-consuming to erect. It is not always possible to
easily erect scaffolding in some situations. Similarly, it is not
always possible to use cherry-pickers, particularly where access to
locate a cherry-picker is problematic.
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
alternative work platform arrangement, that obviates some of the
aforementioned problems.
[0004] Throughout the specification, unless the context requires
otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated
integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other
integer or group of integers.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is provided a platform for use as a temporary support structure,
said platform comprising an expanse of netting having a border rope
fitted thereto around the outer periphery thereof, and at least one
inner rope fitted to said netting, extending around, inside and
spaced from said border rope, and spaced from any other said at
least one inner rope.
[0006] Preferably said at least one inner rope is spaced evenly
from said border rope, in concentric manner.
[0007] Preferably said at least one inner rope is spaced evenly
from any other said at least one inner periphery rope, in
concentric manner.
[0008] Preferably said border rope is woven through the mesh of
said net.
[0009] Preferably said border rope is attached to said netting.
[0010] Preferably said border rope is attached to said netting by
being stitched thereto, at least where said border rope intersects
said netting.
[0011] Preferably each said at least one inner rope is woven
through the mesh of said net.
[0012] Preferably each said at least one inner rope is attached to
said netting.
[0013] Preferably each said at least one inner rope is attached to
said netting by being stitched thereto, at least where any said at
least one inner rope intersects said netting.
[0014] Preferably the border rope has its ends spliced
together.
[0015] Preferably each said at least one inner rope has its ends
spliced together. Splicing provides for increased strength.
[0016] Preferably the border rope is a three strand twisted
rope.
[0017] Preferably the border rope has a minimum diameter 8 mm.
[0018] Preferably the border rope has a minimum diameter of 10
mm.
[0019] Preferably the border rope has a diameter of from 12 mm to
22 mm.
[0020] Preferably the border rope has a diameter of from 14 mm to
20 mm.
[0021] Preferably the border rope has a diameter of from 15 mm to
18 mm.
[0022] Preferably the border rope has a diameter of about 16
mm.
[0023] Preferably the each said at least one inner rope is a three
strand twisted rope.
[0024] Preferably each said at least one inner rope has a minimum
diameter 8 mm.
[0025] Preferably each said at least one inner rope has a minimum
diameter of 10 mm.
[0026] Preferably each said at least one inner rope has a diameter
of from 12 mm to 22 mm.
[0027] Preferably each said at least one inner rope has a diameter
of from 14 mm to 20 mm.
[0028] Preferably each said at least one inner rope has a diameter
of from 15 mm to 18 mm.
[0029] Preferably each said at least one inner rope has a diameter
of about 16 mm.
[0030] Preferably said border rope is formed of polypropylene.
[0031] Preferably each said at least one inner rope are formed of
polypropylene.
[0032] Preferably said net is formed of thread having a diameter of
from 2.0 mm to 6.0 mm.
[0033] Preferably said net is formed of thread having a diameter of
from 2.0 mm to 4.0 mm.
[0034] Preferably said net is formed of thread having a diameter of
from 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm. A three ply thread is preferred, most
preferably of polyethylene.
[0035] Preferably said net has a square mesh.
[0036] Alternatively said net has a rhomboid shaped mesh.
[0037] Preferably said border rope is woven through the mesh of
said net passing over two strands of said net at a time. This may
occur where two strands intersect (as in strands that equate to a
warp and a weft).
[0038] Preferably each said at least one inner rope is woven
through the mesh of said net passing over two strands of said net
at a time. This may occur where two strands intersect (as in
strands that equate to a warp and a weft).
[0039] Preferably the mesh of said net is knotted. This provides
increased strength, and provides for ease of repair.
[0040] Preferably said mesh has apertures of from 25 mm to 60 mm
wide and high, in each direction.
[0041] Preferably said mesh has apertures of from 30 mm to 50 mm
wide and high, in each direction.
[0042] Preferably said mesh has apertures of from 35 mm to 45 mm
wide and high, in each direction.
[0043] Preferably said mesh has apertures of from 38 mm to 40 mm
wide and high, in each direction.
[0044] Preferably said platform includes at least one additional
rope fitted to said netting, extending across said netting,
intersecting said inner rope(s) and said border rope.
[0045] Preferably said additional ropes are woven through said
netting.
[0046] Preferably said additional ropes are attached to said
netting.
[0047] Preferably said additional ropes are attached to said inner
rope(s) and said border rope.
[0048] Preferably said additional ropes are attached to said
netting by being stitched thereto, at least where said additional
ropes intersects said netting.
[0049] The additional ropes may be of the same type as the border
and inner ropes.
[0050] Also in accordance with the invention, there is provided a
method of providing a work platform, said method including
supporting a platform as described above from support ropes
extending from said border rope at the edge of said platform and/or
said inner ropes to convenient anchor points of a structure.
[0051] Preferably said support ropes comprise two peripheral ropes
extending along opposite edges of said platform, and secured to
said platform in positions located in spaced relation.
[0052] Preferably said support ropes include individual ropes
extending from positions spaced apart from each other, along edges
of said platform. Preferably said support ropes are secured to said
border rope.
[0053] Preferably said support ropes are secured under tension.
Tensioning may be provided using winches.
[0054] Preferably said support ropes include further support ropes
secured to a said at least one inner rope. Such securing may be by
way of hooks. The use of further support ropes in this manner
allows predetermined portions of the platform to be tensioned, for
supporting of extra load, such as where equipment is to be
supported, or where two or more personnel need to work
together.
[0055] The method may further include provision of additional
support ropes, strung underneath the platform. In addition or
alternatively to this the method may include the provision of
support webbing which is located under the platform. Support
webbing can provide additional rigidity to the platform. The
support webbing is preferably formed of 50 mm wide nylon or Kevlar
strapping, woven in a weave spaced 100 mm apart to form 100
mm.times.100 mm apertures, and stitched at each cross-over. Either
additional features provide additional support so that rigid planks
or aluminium sections can be placed on platform to provide a rigid
surface for supporting equipment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0056] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described in the following description made with reference to the
drawings in which:
[0057] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a work platform according to the
embodiment, showing attachment of the work platform to two
structures in the form of two opposed walls;
[0058] FIG. 2 is a part view of a longitudinal edge of the work
platform of FIG. 1;
[0059] FIG. 3 is a part view of a tensioning arrangement for the
work platform; and
[0060] FIG. 4 is a plan view of webbing which may be optionally
utilised underneath the work platform of the embodiment.
BEST MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0061] The embodiment is a platform 11 for use as a temporary
support structure for supporting workers and equipment. The
platform 11 comprises a rectangular expanse of square shaped
netting 13 and has a border rope 15 woven through adjacent holes of
the netting 13, alternating to opposite sides of the netting 13.
The border rope 15 extends around the periphery of the netting 13,
and forms a primary support through which the platform 11 may be
attached to an external structure 17. The ends of the border rope
15 are joined by splicing together, so that a join of good strength
is formed. In addition to this, the border rope 15 is secured to
the netting by being sewn thereto. It should be noted that while
the netting 13 appears rhomboid in FIG. 1, this is due to the
platform being distorted when tensioned.
[0062] The platform 11 includes three inner ropes 19, 21, 23
extending located spaced from each other and from the border rope
15 in concentric manner. Each inner rope 19, 21, 23 is also woven
through adjacent holes of the netting 13, alternating to opposite
sides of the netting 13. The ends of each inner rope 19, 21, 23,
are joined by splicing together, so that joins of good strength are
formed. In addition to this, the inner ropes 19, 21, 23 are secured
to the netting by being sewn thereto. The platform 11 also includes
two diagonally extending ropes 24 which extend across the netting
13, from opposed corners. These diagonally extending ropes 24 are
located underneath the netting, and need not be woven through the
netting, although they can be woven if required. Similarly, these
diagonal ropes may be sewn to the other ropes and the netting,
where they intersect.
[0063] The border rope 15, each inner rope 19, 21, 23, and each
diagonally extending rope 24 is a three strand twisted rope formed
of polypropylene, and having an overall diameter of about 16
mm.
[0064] The netting 13 is formed of three ply polyethylene thread
having a diameter of from 2.5 mm to 3.0 mm, and has a mesh of
square shape as stated above. The mesh size is about 38 mm wide and
high (distance measured from side to side and not point to point).
The mesh of the netting 13 is knotted for increased strength, and
to minimise damage to the netting should any of its thread break.
This also assists in maintenance, should the net be damaged.
[0065] Both the border rope 15 and each inner rope 19, 21, 23 are
woven so that they pass over two strands of said net at a time.
This tends to occur where two strands intersect (as in strands that
equate to a warp and a weft).
[0066] The platform 11 is supported from the structure 17 by
support ropes in the form of two peripheral ropes 25 extending
along opposite longitudinal edges 27 and 29 of the platform 11. The
peripheral ropes 25 are secured to the platform 11 by clips in the
form of carabinas 31, which are positioned in spaced relation,
secured around the border ropes 15. The peripheral ropes 25 are
tensioned by TIRFOR.TM. hand winches 32. The peripheral ropes 25
are free to move within the carabinas 31, which aids in deploying
and dismantling the platform.
[0067] Additional security for the platform 11 is provided by
further support ropes in the form of individual ropes 33, which
comprise ratchet tensioning strap with hooks to secure to the
border rope 15. The ratchet tensioning is provided by a ratchet
winch 35 in each individual rope 33. The individual ropes 33 extend
to convenient anchor points 37 of the structure 17. The individual
ropes 33 extend from positions located spaced apart from each
other, along edges of the platform 11.
[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 3, further support ropes in the form
of ratchet tensioning strap 39 can be provided to secure to any of
the inner ropes to the structure. In FIG. 3 the ratchet tensioning
strap 39 is secured to the inner rope 19 by way of a hook 41. The
use of further support ropes in this manner allows predetermined
portions of the platform to be tensioned, for supporting of extra
load, such as where equipment is to be supported, or where two or
more personnel need to work together.
[0069] Referring to FIG. 4, additional support webbing 43 is
illustrated. The support webbing 43 is in use, located under the
platform 11, and secured under tension to suitable mounting points,
which may be shared with the mounting points for the platform 11,
or separate therefrom. In use, the support webbing 43 can provide
additional rigidity to the platform 11. The support webbing 43 is
formed of 50 mm wide nylon strapping 45, woven in a weave spaced
100 mm apart to form 100 mm.times.100 mm apertures 47, and stitched
at each cross-over 49.
[0070] The method may further include provision of additional
support ropes, strung under tension, underneath the platform.
[0071] The additional support provided by the support webbing 43,
or by additional ropes allows the weight of rigid planks or
aluminium sections to be carried. This may be desirable where a
rigid surface is required for supporting equipment.
[0072] Outwardly the platform of the invention may appear similar
to a safety net. The use of safety nets is well known and wide
spread among many industries. Safety nets that are designed to
catch a person or object from falling a great distance are very
effective if used in this capacity. However, safety nets cannot be
used as effective working surfaces, even when tension is applied
around the edges, due to the excessive sag under load that the
netting exhibits, which makes the netting difficult and unsuitable
to move around and work on. This is because the middle of the
safety net tends to `sag` under load, therefore pushing the person
on the safety net downwards and towards the centre of the safety
net, often away from their desired work area. The problem is due to
the fact that traditional safety netting is designed for dynamic
loading, which is a short sharp bust of energy such as a person or
heavy object falling from height. Safety nets used are not
specifically designed for a person and especially not more than one
person to conduct work on. If work is conducted upon these nets it
is necessary for the worker to remain still and to maintain a low
centre of gravity which in most cases means sitting down in the
net.
[0073] In contrast to the problems associated with attempting to
use safety nets as a work surface, the work platform of the
invention is able to carry the load of a worker or workers, and
their equipment for sustained periods of time. The work platform of
the invention can withstand continuous static loading, which means
it can hold heavy loads for long periods of time. The platform of
the invention can also be slackened off by partially releasing the
winches 32 and 33, allowing the platform 11 to be used in a dynamic
loading capacity as a fall arrest netting system.
[0074] The platform of the invention provides stability and ease of
operation for those conducting work upon the netting itself. This
is achieved by providing the inner ropes 19, 21, 23, which achieve
the same function as the border rope, to create multiple zones
within the broad area of the netting. These inner perimeter ropes
can be used to apply tension to the surface of the net, as
illustrated in FIG. 3, which makes the platform 11 easier to work
on. These extra leverage points reduce the tendency of the netting
as a whole to sag when a load is applied. The inner perimeter ropes
also allow certain areas of the netting system to be tensioned to
individual workers requirements. One worker may have a different
preference to another as to what they consider a comfortable and
suitable working platform.
[0075] The border rope 15 can also be used to adjust the span of
the netting, and the inner ropes can be used in locations in place
of the border rope 15, allowing the edge of the platform to conform
around obstructions.
[0076] The use of high density polyethylene provides resistance to
water, acid, alkaline and most chemical solvents, and provides high
tensile strength meaning it can withstand extreme tension and
lateral loading. The high density polyethylene provides fire
resistance up to 200.degree. C. Small mesh and high resistance to
fire and heat mean jobs such as welding can be conducted without
fear of `slag` damaging the net as the majority of it falls through
without ever touching the netting itself.
[0077] Other advantages of polyethylene are that it is capable of
being stretched, and therefore greater tension can be applied to
the net if it is polyethylene than if it were some other
substance.
[0078] The platform 11 in this embodiment is rectangular, and is
shown extended between external structures 17 comprising more or
less parallel walls. It should be appreciated that the platform
need not be rectangular, and may be of any desired shape depending
upon the situation where it is to be employed. For example, the
platform may be constructed in a circular configuration, where it
is desired to use it within a cylindrical tank of circular
cross-section.
[0079] In addition, which the rectangular platform is described as
secured along peripheral ropes, it will be appreciated that there
may be situations where due to proximity of other structures, it is
not necessary to use perimeter ropes extending along the
longitudinal edges of the platform, and one or both longitudinal
edges of the platform may be secured to a structure in similar
manner to the ends of the platform, as described above.
[0080] It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is
not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed herein, and that
changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention. While throughout the specification and claims that
follow, the term "rope" is used, it should be understood that this
is not limited to natural or synthetic fibre based material, and
may include monofilamentateous materials, metal cables, non-round
cross-section profile material such as strapping.
* * * * *