U.S. patent application number 13/139336 was filed with the patent office on 2012-06-14 for mobile training unit.
Invention is credited to Hugh Anderson, Darren Eatock, Fraser Gilmour, Kenneth Shaw.
Application Number | 20120144762 13/139336 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40343891 |
Filed Date | 2012-06-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120144762 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eatock; Darren ; et
al. |
June 14, 2012 |
MOBILE TRAINING UNIT
Abstract
A mobile training unit including a transportable cargo container
having a transport position and at least one training position, the
cargo container including: (a) at least one confined working
compartment wholly or substantially within the cargo container
dimensions; (b) at least one cargo container wall portion movable
between a closed transport position and an open training position;
(c) at least one door for entry into and exit from the cargo
container; and (d) a tower movable between a transport position
within the cargo container dimensions, and a training position
extending beyond the cargo container. The mobile training unit in
its transport position provides a very convenient unit for easy
transportation to different locations where training is necessary
or desired. This mobile training unit can at least supply
facilities to provide training in relation to confined /enclosed
spaces, working at height, fall potential and rescue
situations.
Inventors: |
Eatock; Darren; (Manchester,
GB) ; Gilmour; Fraser; (Aberdeenshire, GB) ;
Shaw; Kenneth; (Aberdeenshire, GB) ; Anderson;
Hugh; (Aberdeenshire, GB) |
Family ID: |
40343891 |
Appl. No.: |
13/139336 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
November 19, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB2009/051571 |
371 Date: |
December 29, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/79.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 19/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/79.5 |
International
Class: |
E04H 1/00 20060101
E04H001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 19, 2008 |
GB |
0823183.9 |
Claims
1. A mobile training unit comprising a transportable cargo
container having a transport position and at least one training
position, the cargo container comprising: (a) at least one confined
working compartment wholly or substantially within the cargo
container dimensions; (b) at least one cargo container wall portion
movable between a closed transport position and an open training
position; (c) at least one door for entry into and exit from the
cargo container; and (d) a tower movable between a transport
position within the cargo container dimensions, and a training
position extending beyond the cargo container.
2. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cargo
container in its transport position is a wholly or substantially
cuboid shape.
3. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cargo
container has the dimensions of an ISO 40 ft (12.2 m)
container.
4. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cargo
container has an ISO 40 ft (12.2 m) container design.
5. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the cargo
container is adapted from an ISO 40 ft (12.2 m) container
design.
6. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the or
each confined working compartment includes one or more internal
obstacles.
7. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein one
confined working compartment extends at least partly across the
bottom of the cargo container, preferably across its width and
substantially along its length.
8. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, comprising a
horizontal confined working compartment and a vertical confined
working compartment.
9. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cargo
container comprises a cuboid shape having two parallel elongate
sidewalls and a top surface, at least a portion of each elongate
sidewall being movable between parallel closed transport positions
and aligned open training positions, preferably being aligned on
either side of the top surface of the cargo container.
10. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the
portions of each elongate sidewall in their aligned open training
positions on either side of the top surface of the cargo container
together form a raised platform able to provide a moonpool
effect.
11. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cargo
container comprises one or more manholes, windows or other viewing
portals.
12. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tower
extends wholly or substantially perpendicular to its transport
position within the cargo container.
13. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tower
extends in its training position from or through a top surface of
the cargo container.
14. A mobile training unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tower
has one or more climbing facilities therealong useable in its
training position.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile training unit,
particularly but not exclusively based on an ISO `40 foot` cargo
container and able to provide training in relation to
confined/enclosed spaces, working at height, fall potential and
rescue situations.
[0002] Training of operatives to work in particular situations such
as confined spaces, heights, and the like, can be carried out at
dedicated training centres. However, such training facilities
generally only provide one sort of training, and are usually
provided by costly third party vendors within their own premises.
Furthermore, there is the additional cost of bringing personnel to
each and every type of facility required. Such costs increase where
training is related to water-based, sea or off-shore situations,
especially training in relation to working on sea-going vessels and
off-shore facilities like oil rigs and platforms.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 7,244,123 B1 shows a self-contained training
device for simulated personnel entry, exit and rescue in confined
space scenarios. The training device features an enclosed tank
mounted on a truck trailer. However, the training device of U.S.
Pat. No. 7,244,123 B1 is only based on (and fixed to) a truck
trailer, with facilities designed for confined space scenarios
only.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide an
improved multi-purpose mobile training unit.
[0005] Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a mobile training unit comprising a transportable
cargo container having a transport position and at least one
training position, the cargo container comprising:
[0006] (a) at least one confined working compartment wholly or
substantially within the cargo container dimensions;
[0007] (b) at least one cargo container wall portion movable
between a closed transport position and an open training
position;
[0008] (c) at least one door for entry into and exit from the cargo
container; and
[0009] (d) a tower movable between a transport position within the
cargo container dimensions, and a training position extending
beyond the cargo container.
[0010] The mobile training unit of the present invention in its
transport position provides a very convenient unit for easy
transportation to different locations where training is necessary
or desired. This mobile training unit can at least supply
facilities to provide training in relation to confined/enclosed
spaces, working at height, fall potential and rescue situations
[0011] The cargo container could have a multitude or plurality of
training positions. The or each training position could be based on
static and/or dedicated areas in the cargo container, and/or the
movement of one or more portions of the mobile training unit and/or
one or more portions of the cargo container between a transport
position and one or more training positions. This can include
movement of one or more portions of a surface of the cargo
container, such as one or more portions of any side walls. This can
also include movement of one or more portions of the mobile
training unit within the cargo container, including but not limited
to the tower and/or one or more other additional apparatus of the
mobile training units such as guard rails and the like, as well as
the movement of one or more internal surfaces such as internal
dividers, walls, partitions, etc.
[0012] The or each portion of the mobile training unit and/or cargo
container moveable between a transport position and a training
position may be moveable to one or more different training
positions.
[0013] Two or more portions of the mobile training unit and/or
cargo container moveable between a transport position and a
training position may be moveable in conjunction or association
with each other.
[0014] The cargo container may be of any suitable size, shape or
design. The cargo container is preferably a regular shape in its
transport position, increasing its ability to be conveniently
transported and/or located in use.
[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cargo
container in its transport position is a wholly or substantially a
right cuboid or a rectangular cuboid shape, i.e. a rectangular
cross-section box, at least in its transport position.
[0016] The cargo container may comprise: at least two sidewalls, a
top or top surface, a base, and at least one, usually two, end
portions, able together to create an enclosure, preferably a
securable enclosure, in its transport position.
[0017] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the
cargo container is based on an ISO standard container design, such
as the known standard 40 ft container being approximately 12.2 m
long. Thus, the cargo container may have the dimensions of an ISO
standard (e.g. 40 ft (12.2 m)) container, and/or be formed from an
ISO standard (e.g. 40 ft (12.2 m) container), so as to have the ISO
standard container design.
[0018] Table 1 below provides typical dimensions of a 40 ft (12.2
m) container suitable for the present invention.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 40' Container Imperial Metric External
Length 40' 0'' 12.192 m dimensions Width 8' 0'' 2.438 m Height 8'
6'' 2.591 m Internal Length 39' 5 45/64'' 12.032 m Dimensions Width
7' 8 19/32'' 2.352 m Height 7' 9 57/64'' 2.385 m Door Width 7'
81/8'' 2.343 m Aperture Height 7' 53/4'' 2.280 m
[0019] Conventional ISO 40 ft (12.2 m) containers are used for
shipping and handling goods in many situations, including road and
sea haulage.
[0020] The mobile training unit comprises a cargo container having
at least one confined working compartment wholly or substantially
within the cargo container dimensions. The or each confined working
compartment preferably comprises a portion having dimensions
smaller than the usual or expected non-constricted working
conditions of an adult human, such as having a height or ceiling
less than 1.5 m high, such as a height or ceiling of only 1 m in
height.
[0021] Preferably, one confined working compartment extends at
least partly across the bottom of the cargo container, optionally
across its width and substantially/wholly along its length.
[0022] The or each confined working compartment may include one or
more internal obstacles designed to hinder the path or passage of a
human therethrough from one or more entries to one or more
exits.
[0023] The or each confined working compartment can provide a
confined/enclosed space training situation that provides training
for and/or involves one or more of the following features and
obstacles;
[0024] 1 m.times.1 m passageways
[0025] At least 1.times.vertical obstacle
[0026] At least 1.times.right angle obstacle
[0027] At least 1.times.horizontal obstacle
[0028] Multiple vessel entry points
[0029] Internal baffles
[0030] Offset vertical vessel entry points
[0031] Identifying Confined Spaces
[0032] Recognising Potential Hazards
[0033] Gas Testing and Atmosphere Monitoring
[0034] Access and Egress
[0035] Isolations
[0036] Entry Attendant
[0037] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
[0038] Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
[0039] Tripod/Winch/Pulley Systems
[0040] Rescue--Horizontal and Vertical
[0041] Medical and Casualty Management
[0042] Risk Assessment and DRA
[0043] Permit to work (PTW)
[0044] Safe System of Work (SSOW)
[0045] Duties of Rescue Team and Standby Man
[0046] Breathing Apparatus, Universally, Full Duration, Airline,
Escape Set
[0047] Preferably, the cargo container comprises a horizontal
confined working compartment and a vertical confined working
compartment.
[0048] The mobile training unit of the present invention comprises
a cargo container having at least one cargo container wall portion
movable between a closed transport position and an open training
position. Preferably, the wall portion in its closed transport
position is complementary with the remaining portion of the cargo
container to create a regular shape, such as a cuboid, to maintain
ease of transport.
[0049] The or each wall portion may be movable to the same or
different open training positions.
[0050] Preferably, the or each wall portion is movable to an open
training position being parallel to, optionally aligned or in line
with, one or more other walls, top, bottom or end portions or
surfaces of the cargo container.
[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, one or more
portions of the cargo container liaise with one or more of the wall
portions in its open training position to provide a combined
training area or location.
[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cargo
container comprises a cuboid shape having two parallel elongate
sidewalls and a top surface, at least a portion of each elongate
sidewall being movable between parallel closed transport positions
and aligned open training positions, more preferably being aligned
on either side of the top surface of the cargo container. In their
aligned positions, the sidewall portions and the top surface
preferably form a raised platform able to provide, possibly
depending on the tower position, a large raised working surface or
moonpool effect, for further training situations.
[0053] The mobile training unit of the present invention comprises
a cargo container having at least one door for entry into and exit
from the cargo container. Preferably, the cargo container comprises
at least two doors. Optionally, each door comprises one or more
door parts.
[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cargo
container has a cuboid shape comprising two end portions, and at
least one end portion, preferably both end portions, comprising at
least one door, preferably two oppositely hinged doors able to at
least partly, optionally substantially, or wholly, to fully open or
access the rectangular cross-section of the cargo container.
[0055] The cargo container may also comprise one or more other
doors, man holes or portals, including but not limited to
hatchways, in one or more of its walls, top, base, end portions or
other surfaces. By one of example only, the cargo container may
comprise at least one, preferably two or more hatchways along its
top surface.
[0056] One or more such additional door and/or portals may provide
entry into and exit from at least one of the confined working
compartments in the cargo container.
[0057] The cargo container may also comprise one or more windows or
other viewing portals. Such windows or viewing portals can allow
vision by personnel from outside the cargo container during
training.
[0058] The mobile training unit of the present invention comprises
a cargo container having a tower movable from a transport position
within the cargo container dimensions and a training position
extending beyond the cargo container. The tower may comprise any
shape, size or dimensions preferably able to fit within the cargo
container during its transportation.
[0059] The tower may extend from any part or portion of the cargo
container in one or more directions or in one or more changing
directions.
[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tower
extends wholly or substantially perpendicularly to its transport
position within its cargo container.
[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the tower
extends in its training position from or through the top or top
surface of the cargo container.
[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the tower
has a length of at least 1 m, preferably at least 2-4 m.
[0063] The tower may have an irregular shape. Preferably, the tower
has a regular shape, such as having a square, triangular or
circular cross-section, and has one or more climbing facilities
therealong useable in its training position. Suitable climbing
facilities include ladders or other height-changing passageways,
optionally located within the tower, outside the tower, or
both.
[0064] The tower can provide a working at height situation that
provides height and rescue training for and/or involves one or more
of the following features and obstacles;
[0065] Climbing Tower for fall arrest, work positioning, rope
access and emergency evacuation
[0066] Height changing passageways and ladder access penetrating
hatchways onto walkway
[0067] Ladder access with back scratcher stepping onto walkway
Stairway
[0068] Collective fall protection (i.e. handrails, toe boards)--to
specification Step off points
[0069] Moonpool type scenario
[0070] Open hatchway on deck scenario
[0071] Anchor points (to withstand 12 and 22 kn)
[0072] Fall arrest demonstration rig (Hydraulic A frame to carry
out drop weight tests
[0073] Anchor davit for emergency evacuation device
[0074] Work restraint, work positioning and fall arrest, emergency
evacuation situations, inertia reels.
[0075] The mobile training unit may comprise one or more further
apparatus or devices or attachments movable between a transport
position and one or more training positions, and be able,
singularly or in combination with one or more other embodiments
described herein, to provide one or more further training
scenarios. Such further apparatus, devices or attachments may be
separable from the cargo container between the transport position
and the training position(s), and/or extend from the cargo
container or a portion thereof to increase the similarity of the
training scenario with the real working locations.
[0076] In another embodiment of the present invention, all
equipment, apparatus, devices and/or other facilities or functions
of the mobile training unit can be locatable within the cargo
container dimensions for transportation thereof. In this way, the
cargo container, especially when it is a regular shape such as a 40
ft (12.2 m) ISO container, is as efficiently transportable as
existing 40 ft (12.2 m) ISO containers used for transportation of
goods.
[0077] The present invention encompasses all combinations of
various embodiments or aspects of the invention described herein.
It is understood that any and all embodiments of the present
invention may be taken in conjunction with any other embodiment to
described additional embodiments of the present invention.
Furthermore, any elements of an embodiment may be combined with any
and all other elements of any of the embodiments to describe
additional embodiments.
[0078] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described
by example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0079] FIG. 1 comprises a series of six views of a mobile training
unit in a transport position according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0080] FIG. 2 comprises a series of six similar views of the mobile
training unit of FIG. 1 in a first possible training position;
[0081] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mobile training unit of
FIG. 1;
[0082] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mobile training unit of
FIG. 1 with the addition of removable guard rails, taken from
storage within the cargo container during transportation to the
training positions shown;
[0083] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the mobile training unit of
FIG. 1, showing two moveable wall portions in training positions to
provide a working platform; and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the
mobile training unit of FIG. 1 showing the tower in its vertical
training position.
[0084] The mobile training unit of the present invention can
provide an economical and mobile unit that is reliable, durable,
and flexible enough to provide both working at height, advanced
rescue, and confined space training.
[0085] The mobile training unit is easy and convenient to use, and
its mobility means it can be deployed to various locations. The
mobile training unit can therefore bring the training to the user
or client, rather than the client to the training thus
significantly saving man-hours, and as a result of this, the unit
provides a more cost effective solution to training that also
reduces the impact on personnel utilisation and leave time.
[0086] The mobile training unit is able to supply a safe and
controlled environment for providing trainees with the knowledge
and skills required to work safely at height, and/or in and around
confined and enclosed spaces. With input from experienced
instructors, the unit can be designed or adapted to accurately
replicate or duplicate the challenges and problems found around
many types of workplaces and workplace situations whilst working at
height or in confined/enclosed spaces. This includes but is not
limited to those work situations found on sea-going vessels.
[0087] The mobile training unit can incorporate performance based
learning techniques. Constant instructor supervision can allow
mistakes by users to be immediately corrected when necessary. The
training unit and the exercises that it facilitates can be
standardised to achieve a high level of effectiveness.
Standardisation means the training can be consistent. This provides
continuity for personnel and teams when working in or on differing
or different workplace situations and sites.
[0088] The mobile training unit is preferably housed within and
fabricated around an ISO standard 40 ft (12.2 m) container. The use
of a cargo container as the base structure can greatly reduce the
cost of providing such a training unit, as such containers are
readily available and can possibly be purchased and then modified.
Efficiencies that come with established manufacturing procedures
result in cargo containers being relatively inexpensive. The mobile
training unit preferably abides by all necessary specifications for
Shipping and Road Transportation.
[0089] The mobile training unit preferably has one or more of the
following criteria: [0090] Mobility Such a training unit should be
completely mobile, meaning training can be done at any site,
eliminating the need for trainees to travel. Housing the training
unit in an ISO standard-type container allows easy and convenient
transportation by sea and road. [0091] Realism Such a training unit
should be able to carefully replicate many of the problems
encountered regularly by workers and rescuers in confined spaces
and when working at height. [0092] Safety Such a unit should
provide a safe and controllable learning environment that allows
constant instructor supervision where trainee mistakes can be
immediately detected and corrected. This can include multiple
access and egress points for quick rescue. [0093] Professionalism
Such a training unit should to provide all the necessary equipment
for trainees to be trained, tested and certified to the necessary
levels of professional competence. [0094] Cost Such a unit should
seriously reduce the costs of training by removing the need for
travel. Although training is on site it remains out with critical
paths, so there is no disruption to operations. Training may be
scheduled to work around employee availability and shift schedules.
[0095] Efficiency Training and the unit should be designed to
optimise the number of trainees taking part at any one time, i.e.
the possibility of simultaneous working at height, and advanced
rescue training. [0096] Independence Set-up of such a unit from the
transported container should happen with minimum input from
equipment that is not part of the container unit. This reduces the
need for crane time, forklifts, and other machinery.
[0097] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows left, end, right,
left iso, top and right iso views of a mobile training unit in a
transport position, according to one embodiment of the present
invention. The mobile training unit 2 comprises a cargo container 4
having the dimensions of an ISO 40 ft (12.2 m) cargo container,
being based on and/or adapted from a known ISO 40 ft cargo
container design.
[0098] The cargo container 4 has a cuboid shape having two elongate
sidewalls 6, 8, a top 10, a base (not shown) and two end portions
12, which together form a securable enclosure for easy
transportation. Each end portion 12 has two doors 13.
[0099] Each sidewall 6, 8 comprises an upper wall portion 14 and a
lower wall portion 16. Each lower wall portion 16 includes three
man holes 18 spaced therealong.
[0100] The top 10 shows an arrangement for the division of at least
the upper space within the cargo container 4 into three portions,
comprising a first area that could define a first confined working
compartment 20 having a first hatchway 22, a second area that could
define a second confined working compartment 24 at the opposite end
of the cargo container 4 to the first compartment 20, and having a
second hatchway 26, and a middle portion 28 further described
hereinafter.
[0101] FIG. 1 shows the cargo container 4 in its transport or
transportable position or set-up. The regular shape of this set-up
means that transportation is made easy, be it on the back of a
lorry, trailer or on a rail-carriage for land transportation, as
well as easily transportable on a seagoing vessel, in the same
manner as conventional ISO 40 ft (12.2 m) containers.
[0102] FIG. 2 shows the same left, end, right, left iso, top and
right iso views of the cargo container 4 shown in FIG. 1, now in a
first training position. In this first training position, the upper
wall portions 14 of the two longitudinal side walls 6, 8 have been
moved from their transport position as shown in FIG. 1 (being in
alignment with the lower wall portions 18 of the sidewalls 6, 8 so
as to form flat sidewall surfaces), to perpendicular raised open
training positions 30, being parallel with the top 10, and wholly
or substantially in alignment with the top 10, so as to form
overall a raised platform area 32 that spans across the top of the
cargo container 4. Any suitable means of adjustment, such as one or
more hydraulic rams (not shown), for example two rams per upper
wall portion 14, can be used to provide movement of the upper wall
portions 14 in this way.
[0103] The raised platform area 32 creates a training scenario
realistic to sea-going vessels. The raised platform area 32 also
provides shade under the open training positions 30 of the upper
wall portions 14, which could be useful when the mobile training
unit 2 is located in warmer climates.
[0104] Confined/enclosed space training in the mobile training unit
2 can be provided in a 1 m high area 34 along at least part of,
optionally along substantially or all of, the bottom of the cargo
container 4 in line with the lower wall portions 16 of the side
walls 6,8. This confined space area 34 may also be connected to
and/or utilise a 6'.times.8'.times.8'6'' (1.8 m.times.2.4
m.times.2.6 m) section in the cargo container 4 for vertical
confined space training.
[0105] The confined space area 34 may extend across the entire
width of the container's floor, and have within it features and
obstacles to provide confined working training as herein described
above. This area 34 can provide a horizontal element of the
confined space training. This can involve users, trainees or other
personnel travelling from one end of the container 4 to the other
while overcoming obstacles. Obstacles encountered in this area 34
can include vessel hatch entry, horizontal passageways, right angle
obstacles and internal baffles.
[0106] A vertical element of confined space training can be
provided by the use of a split level 6'.times.8'.times.8'6'' (1.8
m.times.2.4 m.times.2.6 m) area, for example in the first confined
compartment 20 at one end of the container 4. This first
compartment 20 can include two levels with offset vessel hatchways
22 leading to a platform on top of the container 4. The platform
can provide a location for situating a portable tripod (not shown)
for performing vertical rescues.
[0107] Moveable and replaceable features, such as
moveable/replaceable walls and drop down hatches can bring
variation to the training scenarios. For example, wall panels in
different sizes and dimensions can be provided so that the interior
of the container 4 may be configured or partitioned into a
multitude of spaces, compartments, rooms or areas of different
sizes and shapes to assist in training.
[0108] Access to the confined space area 34 may be possible from
multiple locations, such as through a 6'.times.4'.times.8'6'' (1.8
m.times.1.2 m.times.2.6 m) storage area, the vessel hatch entries
22, 26, and/or through the double doors 13 located at each end 12
of the container 12, or optionally just at the split level vertical
confined space.
[0109] Ventilation to the confined space area 34 can be provided by
man holes 18, windows, or other viewing ports, and/or access doors
in the sidewalls 6, 8, and/or sections of grillage across the upper
surface or top 10. The ports and hatches, etc. may be selectively
opened to provide the desired amount of ventilation.
[0110] In addition to viewing windows, one or more ventilation
hatches could be provided in the or an upper surface of the
container.
[0111] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a mobile training unit 2
being a cargo container 4 as shown in the left iso view of FIG.
1.
[0112] FIG. 4 shows an option of providing one or more guide rails,
such as two sets of guide rails 40, from a storage location within
the cargo container 4 to be located on the sides of the cargo
container 4, preferably extending around three sides of each upper
wall portion 14 of each sidewall 6, 8 in a transverse direction as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0113] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the upper wall portions
14 of the sidewalls 6, 8 in their open training positions 30 as
shown in FIG. 2, in combination with the guide rails 40
therearound. This provides a raised platform area with guide rail
safety.
[0114] FIG. 6 shows the cargo container having a tower 44, movable
from a transport position within the cargo container dimensions, as
shown in FIGS. 1-5, to a training position as shown in FIG. 6
extending beyond the cargo container 4. The tower 44 is attached to
a panel 46, which can equate to the middle portion 28 of the top 10
of the container 4 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0115] Any suitable means of adjustment, such as one or hydraulic
rams, permit movement of the tower 44 from its stored transport
position to its vertical training position. Such hydraulic rams or
the like can be positioned in the available space of a 6' storage
and power compartments.
[0116] The tower 44 provides for the working at height training.
The moveable tower section can be 12 ft (3.7 m) in height, and when
combined with the existing 8 ft container height, provides a 20 ft
(6.6 m) overall height. The width of the tower 44 can be 5 ft (1.5
m), and length 4 ft (1.2 m), so that the tower 44 can fit within
the overall container dimensions of a known ISO 40 ft (12.2 m)
container.
[0117] The tower's structure can be constructed of 40 mm.times.40
mm box steel, which provides adequate strength and size for
training routines.
[0118] Incorporated in the tower 44 is an internal ladder to
provide access to a platform 48 situated on top of the tower 44 via
a hatchway in the platform flooring. This internal ladder can be
located on the inside of the tower's aft face, being the panel
46.
[0119] A backscratcher ladder 50 or ladder with safety-cage is
mounted on the outside of the tower's side to run the full length
of the tower 44. A removable/extendable ladder portion can be added
to the backscratcher ladder 50 or ladder with safety-cage to extend
it to a lower platform within the container 4. The platform 48
situated on top of the tower 44 is accessible from the
backscratcher ladder 50 or ladder with safety-cage through a secure
gate (not shown).
[0120] Located on top of the tower 44 could also be a removable
davit for inertia reel and emergency evacuation.
[0121] The tower 44 and its environs provide training in relation
to working at height situations.
[0122] Various modifications and variations to the described
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in
the art without departing from the scope of the invention as
defined herein. Although the invention has been described in
connection with specific preferred embodiments it should be
understood that the invention as defined herein should not be
unduly limited to such specific embodiments.
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