Patent Application
20180135315
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an adjustable platform system including at least one support platform that is configured to be adjusted between a plurality of levels.
Ladders are used to allow individuals to reach different heights for various reasons. In manufacturing environments, ladders are typically used so that individuals may work on components that are at elevated heights. For example, ladders may be used so that individuals may work on various portions of a wing of an aircraft that are otherwise unreachable without a ladder.
Once on a ladder, a range of motion of motion of an individual is generally limited. For example, the ladder needs to be moved to different locations of a particular component in order for an individual to gain access thereto. Further, support rungs or surfaces on ladders are relatively small, and often do not allow an individual to freely and safely maneuver with respect to different orientations and positions.
Also, many ladders are relatively unstable. If an individual leans to a side, back, or forward, many ladders may be susceptible to tipping over, which may cause injuries to an individual on the ladder.
Further, ladder rungs or other such support surfaces are fixed in position. Typically, adjacent ladder rungs are separated by a distance of approximately 12 inches. As such, an individual may step up or down on the ladder in such fixed increments. However, by stepping up to a higher rung, the individual may be positioned over a desired position. Further, by remaining on a lower rung, the individual may not be tall enough to safely reach the desired position.
A need exists for a stable, portable, and maneuverable standing platform. A need exists for a standing platform that allows individuals to safely and freely maneuver thereon. A need exists for an adjustable and adaptable standing platform.
With those needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a platform system that is configured to allow an individual to be supported at a plurality of different heights. The platform system includes a frame defining a plurality of platform adjustment levels, and an upper support platform that is configured to be selectively moved between the plurality of platform adjustment levels to provide the plurality of different heights. In at least one embodiment, the upper support frame is configured to be completely removed from a first platform adjustment level of the frame and inserted into a second platform adjustment level of the frame. The first platform adjustment level may be spaced from the second platform adjustment level a distance of two inches.
In at least one embodiment, a base step is moveably coupled to the frame. The base step is below the upper support frame. The base step is configured to be outwardly moved between a fully retracted position and a fully extended position. The base step may include a handle that is configured to be grasped.
In at least one embodiment, a moveable intermediate transition step is underneath the upper support platform. The intermediate transition step is moveably coupled to the base step through at least one pivotal link. The intermediate transition step upwardly extends when the base step is in the fully extended position.
The frame may include a plurality of rails. The plurality of platform adjustment levels may be defined between the plurality of rails.
Casters may be connected to the frame. The casters are configured to allow the platform system to be moved to different locations. Handles may extend from the frame. The handles are configured to be grasped to tilt the platform system onto the casters.
The frame may include a plurality of beams that provide barriers that restrain movement of the individual. At least one of the plurality of beams may include a moveable safety beam that is configured to be moved between closed and open positions.
A support tray may be moveably coupled to the frame. The support tray may be configured to be adjusted to different heights and locked in place by at least one bracing lock. In at least one embodiment, the support tray defines an open channel that is configured to receive a container.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and preceded by the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not necessarily excluding the plural of the elements or steps. Further, references to “one embodiment” are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular condition may include additional elements not having that condition.
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable, adjustable, and adaptable platform system. The platform system includes an upper support platform that is configured to be adjustably positioned between a plurality of different levels. In at least one embodiment, the upper support platform is adjustable in 2 inch increments. The platform system also includes an extendable base step. A transition step is moveably coupled to the base step. The base step and the transition step cooperate to allow an individual to safely and easily step up to the upper support platform.
Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a portable elevated platform system. The elevation of an upper platform is adjustable. Rails keep an operator within the platform area. The rails may include a moveable element that is latchable in a closed position to contain the platform surface all around a perimeter of the platform system. The platform system may include one or more retractably movable steps to enable access to the elevated platform surface. The platform system may also include a retractably movable storage element to support objects distinct from the platform structure, such as tools or parts. The support platform is adjustably positionable within one or more pairs of slots located on opposing sides of the platform structure. The platform system may also include wheels to enable rolling movement of the elevated platform assembly when the platform assembly is angled to at least a predetermined angle.
The frame 102 includes parallel front posts 106 and 108 and parallel rear posts 110 and 112, which are also parallel to the front posts 106 and 108. Bottom ends of the posts 106, 108, 110, and 112 are connected together by lateral base step covering walls 114 and a rear cross beam 116. Casters 118 outwardly extend from rear surfaces of the posts 110 and 112 proximate to the rear cross beam 116. Each of the casters 118 includes coupling bearings 120 (such as lugs, brackets, or the like) that extend from the posts 110 and 112. The bearings 120 rotatably retain wheels 122. As shown, when the frame 102 is tilted back a predetermined angle, the wheels 122 contact a floor 124, thereby allowing the platform system 100 to be maneuvered and moved.
A plurality of lateral support rails 126 extend between the posts 106 and 110 and the posts 108 and 112 above the base step covering walls 114. Platform adjustment slots 128 are positioned between neighboring (that is, adjacent or otherwise immediately closest) rails 126 between the posts 106 and 110 and the posts 108 and 112. Opposed, aligned platform adjustment slots 128 provide a plurality of platform adjustment levels 130 at which the upper support platform 104 may be adjustably positioned.
Neighboring (that is, those that are vertically closest to one another) platform adjustment levels 130 may be separated a distance of two inches. The platform system 100 may include twelve platform adjustment levels 130. As such, the upper support platform 104 may be adjusted over a twenty-four inch range in increments of two inches. Unlike ladders that have fixed rungs separated by a distance of twelve inches, for example, the platform system 100 allows the upper support platform 104 to be adjusted over a wide range of heights at incremental distances, such as two inch increments. Optionally, neighboring platform adjustment levels 130 may be separated by distances of greater or less than two inches. Further, the platform system 100 may include more or less than twelve platform adjustment levels 130.
The frame 102 may also include lateral bracing beams 132 and 134 extending between the posts 106 and 110 and the posts 108 and 112, respectively. The bracing beams 132 and 134 may be fixed in position, and are located at a height that provides a safety barrier for an individual standing on the upper support platform 104. A rear bracing beam may also extend between the posts 110 and 112. The rear bracing beam may be at the same level as the restraining beams 132 and 134. Optionally, the frame 102 may not include the lateral bracing beams 132, 134, and/or the rear bracing beam.
A support tray 136 may be pivotally coupled between the posts 110 and 112. The support tray 136 may include a pivot bracket 138 pivotally coupled to interior portions of the posts 110 and 112 through one or more pivot pins 139. Lateral beams 140 and 142 extend from the pivot bracket 138. Distal ends of the lateral beams 140 and 142 connect to an outer cross beam 144. The support tray 136 may define an open channel 146 between the pivot bracket 138, the lateral beams 140, 142, and the outer cross beam 144. The support tray 136 is configured to receive a separate container, such as a bucket, tray, and/or the like, so that the container may be securely retained between the pivot bracket 138, the lateral beams 140, 142, and the outer cross beam 144. In at least one other embodiment, the support tray 136 may provide a contiguous, flat, planar support surface between the pivot bracket 138, the lateral beams 140, 142, and the outer cross beam 144 (instead of defining a channel 146 therebetween).
The frame 102 may also include rearwardly canted beams 150 and 152 that extend upwardly and rearwardly from upper ends of the posts 106 and 108, respectively. The canted beams 150 and 152 connect to lateral restraining beams 154 and 156, respectively, which connect to upper ends of the posts 110 and 112, respectively. The restraining beams 154 and 156 are located at a height that provides a safety barrier for an individual standing on the upper support platform 104. A rear restraining cross beam may extend between the upper ends of the posts 110 and 112, such as at the same level as the restraining beams 154 and 156.
Handles 158 may outwardly extend from the upper ends of the posts 110 and 112. The handles 158 are configured to be grasped by an individual so that the platform system 102 may be pivoted back in order for the wheels 122 of the casters 118 to engage the floor 124, and allow an individual to maneuver the platform system 102 to a different location.
A safety beam 160 may be moveably secured between upper ends of the posts 106 and 108. The safety beam 160 is moveable between a restraining position (as shown in
As shown in
The base step 172 includes a lower base beam 174 coupled to upstanding lateral columns 176 that are perpendicular to the beam 174. Lateral slide rails 178 extend within tracks, such as between rails 126, within the frame 102. A support surface 182 is supported over upper slide rails 178 and the columns 176. The base step 172 is configured to be pulled out of and into the frame 102, such as through the slide rails 178 and 180 slidably engaging lower rails 126. The support surface 182 may include a handle 192 (such as a hole formed therethrough) that allows an individual to grasp and pull the base step 172.
The intermediary transition step 170 is moveably coupled to the base step 172, such as through pivotal links 190. In order for the intermediary transition step 170 to move into an extended support position, the base step 172 is pulled out away from the frame 102 in the direction of arrow A a distance in which restraining couplers, such as restraining pins 192, latches, clasps, or the like extending inwardly from the frame 102, decouple from the links 190. In at least one other embodiment, the links 190 may include outwardly extending restraining couplers that extend into channels formed in the rails 126, for example, and decouple therefrom as the base step 172 is fully extended outwardly from the frame 102. For example, the restraining pins 192 may abut against the rails 126 to retract the intermediary transition step 170 within the frame 102. As the base step 172 is pulled outwardly away from the frame in the direction of arrow A, the pins 192 disengage from the rails 126, and the intermediary transition step 170 moves into an extended position.
Additionally, if the upper support platform 104 is positioned at a particular platform adjustment level 130 that is too low (for example, two, three or four platform adjustment levels 130 above the intermediary transition step 170), a bottom surface of the intermediary transition step 170 may interfere with an upper surface of the intermediary transition step 170. In this manner, the upper support platform 104 at a particular low level prevents the intermediary transition step 170 from extending into a support position.
Referring to
As shown in
In order for the individual 200 to exit the platform system 100, the individual grasps an end of the safety beam 160 and decouples it from one or both of the posts 106 and 108. For example, ends of the safety beam 160 may be latchably coupled to the posts 106 and/or 108. In at least one embodiment, one end of the safety beam 160 is pivotally coupled to one of the posts 106 or 108. As such, when one end of the safety beam 160 is decoupled from a post 106 or 108, the safety beam 160 pivots down to an open position (as shown in
The individual 100 then steps down from the platform system 100 via the extended intermediary transition step 170 and the base step 172. The individual 200 may then push the base step 172 back into the frame in the direction of arrow B (which is opposite from the direction denoted by arrow A). As the base step 172 is urged back into the frame 102, the base step 172 forces the links 190 to pivot downwardly until the restraining pins 192 securely couple (for example, latch) the links 190 to the frame 102. With continued urging, the base step 172 and the intermediary transition step 170 recede back into the frame 102 such that front edges 195 of the base step 172 are retained within the frame 102 (or flush with an outer surface of the frame 102), thereby providing a compact system for storage.
As shown in
Each link 190 includes a slide bracket 204 slidably coupled to an interior portion of the lower slide rail 180. The slide bracket 204 pivotally couples to front and rear coupling beams 206 and 208. A first portion 210 of each coupling beam 206 and 208 connects to an angled second portion 212. The first portion 210 connects to the slide bracket 204, while the second portion 212 connects to a linear extension beam 214 and 216 that pivotally couples to the intermediate transition step 170. In at least one embodiment, the second portions 212 may be integrally formed with the extension beams 214 and 216.
As shown in
In order to retract the intermediary transition step 170, the base step 172 is urged inwardly. As such, the rear edge of the support surface forces the extension beam 214 to pivot down, and the rear end 215 of the base step 172 to disengage from the protuberance 220. Motion of the base step 172 and the intermediary transition step 170 is reversed from the movement into the extended position, such that the links 190 pivot the intermediary transition step 170 back down to a retracted position, and the restraining pins 192 securely couple the intermediary transition step 170 to the frame 102 in a retracted position.
Referring to
While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical (or various other angles or orientations), and the like.
As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is “configured to” perform a task or operation is particularly structurally formed, constructed, or adapted in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For purposes of clarity and the avoidance of doubt, an object that is merely capable of being modified to perform the task or operation is not “configured to” perform the task or operation as used herein.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the various embodiments of the disclosure without departing from their scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the various embodiments of the disclosure, the embodiments are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f), unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
