Work Platform and Method

Abstract

A work platform includes a plank which telescopes to a desired width. The work platform includes a first leg assembly rotatably attached adjacent to a first end of the plank. The work platform includes a second leg assembly rotatably attached adjacent to a second end of the plank. The plank is in an open position when the plank is supported by the first leg assembly and second leg assembly and the first leg assembly and second leg assembly form an angle greater than 25 degrees with the plank. The plank is in a closed position when the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are adjacent to and in parallel with the plank. A method for using a work platform. A method for producing a work platform.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to an extendable work platform which, in a closed position, can be used as a scaffold. (As used herein, references to the “present invention” or “invention” relate to exemplary embodiments and not necessarily to every embodiment encompassed by the appended claims.) More specifically, the present invention is related to an extendable work platform, which in a closed position, can be used as a scaffold having a linkage which engages support structures to securely and stably hold the work platform in the closed position as a scaffold.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be related to various aspects of the present invention. The following discussion is intended to provide information to facilitate a better understanding of the present invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that statements in the following discussion are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

A user commonly must adapt to the needs of the work environment. It is typically desirable to have a single product serve more than one function rather than to have multiple separate products having to serve multiple functions. In certain instances, a user requires a work platform and separately, a scaffold. It would be advantageous to have a single apparatus which serves as a work platform and also serves as a scaffold.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to a work platform. The work platform comprises a plank which telescopes to a desired width. The work platform comprises a first leg assembly rotatably attached adjacent to a first end of the plank. The work platform comprises a second leg assembly rotatably attached adjacent to a second end of the plank. The platform is in an open position when the plank is supported by the first leg assembly and second leg assembly and the first leg assembly and second leg assembly form an angle greater than 25 degrees with the plank. The platform is in a closed position when the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are adjacent to and in parallel with the plank.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a work platform. The method comprises the steps of extending a plank which telescopes of the work platform to a desired width determined by a distance between a first support structure and a second support structure separate and apart from the first support structure. There is the step of moving a first leg assembly of the work platform which is rotatably attached adjacent to a first end of the plank and a second leg assembly of the work platform which is rotatably attached adjacent to a second end of the plank from an open position, where the plank is supported by the first leg assembly and second leg assembly on ground and the first leg assembly and second leg assembly each form an angle greater than 25 degrees with the plank, to a closed position, where the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are adjacent to and in parallel with the plank. There is the step of placing the first end of the plank on the first support structure and the second end of the plank on the second support structure when the plank and the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are in a closed position.

The present invention pertains to a method for producing a work platform. The method comprises the steps of placing first supports of a first portion into hollow deck supports of a deck, the first supports able to move in and out of the deck supports. There is the step of placing a hook into one first supports of the first supports, the hook able to move in and out of the one first support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the plankform with the legs folded and the deck in the shortest retracted condition.

FIG. 2 shows the plankform with the legs extended.

FIG. 3 shows the plankform in the work platform mode and the deck 38 extended to its maximum length.

FIG. 4 shows the plankform when used as a plank in its retracted condition.

FIG. 5 shows the plankform when used as a plank in its extended condition.

FIG. 6 shows an additional feature of this invention. Hooks are mounted in the plankform at both ends which can be moved to a stowed position.

FIG. 6A is a sectional view of A of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 shows the hooks mounted in the plankform at both ends which can are moved to a deployed position.

FIG. 7A is a sectional view of A of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 shows how the hooks engage with the steps of stepladders when the plankform is in the retracted position.

FIG. 8A is a sectional view of A of FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows how the hooks engage with the steps of stepladders when the plankform is in the extended position.

FIG. 10 shows a further embodiment in which springs tend to cause the hooks to retract and a handle with its own hooks connects the ends of the hooks.

FIG. 10A is a bottom perspective view of the first portion with the handle and hooks in a retracted position.

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11A is an overhead perspective view of the first portion with the handle and hooks in an extended position

FIG. 12 shows the plankform of FIG. 10 laid onto its supports.

FIG. 13 shows how recesses are formed in the legs which are positioned to engage the plankform support surfaces when the legs are in the folded position.

FIG. 13A is a side view of a leg with a recess in a closed position.

FIG. 14 shows how recesses are formed in the legs which are positioned to engage the plankform support surfaces when the legs are in the open position.

FIG. 14A is a side view of a leg with a recess in the open position.

FIG. 15 shows the plankform supported by a ladder with the recesses engaged with the ladder steps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical parts throughout the several views, and more specifically to FIGS. 1-5 thereof, there is shown a work platform 10. The work platform 10 comprises a plank 12 which telescopes to a desired width. The work platform 10 comprises a first leg assembly 14 rotatably attached adjacent to a first end 16 of the plank 12. The work platform 10 comprises a second leg assembly 18 rotatably attached adjacent to a second end 20 of the plank 12. The platform is in an open position when the plank 12 is supported by the first leg assembly 14 and second leg assembly 18 and the first leg assembly 14 and second leg assembly 18 form an angle greater than 25 degrees with the plank 12, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The platform is in a closed position when the first leg assembly 14 and second leg assembly 18 are adjacent to and in parallel with the plank 12, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5.

The platform may include a first linkage 22 which extends from adjacent the first end 16 of the plank 12 adapted to engage a first support structure 24 to securely and stably hold the plank 12 to the first support structure 24, as shown in FIGS. 6, 6A, 7 and 7A, 8 and 9. The first linkage 22 may be a first hook 26 which extends from the first end 16 of the plank 12. The first hook 26 may be part of a handle 28 which extends from the first end 16 of the plank 12, as shown in FIGS. 10, 10A, 11, 11A and 12. The platform may include a spring 30 which biases the handle 28 to a closed position with the plank 12 when the first hook 26 is apart from the first support structure 24. Alternatively, first leg assembly 14 may include a first leg 32 having a first recess 34 which is adapted to fit onto an engage the first support structure 24, as shown in FIGS. 13, 13A, 14, 14A and 15.

The first leg assembly 14 may include a second leg 35 in parallel with and in spaced relation with the first leg 32, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. There may be a step 70 extending between and attached to the first leg and the second leg. The second leg assembly 18 may include a first leg and a second leg in parallel with and in spaced relation with the first leg of the second leg assembly 18, and may have a step extending between and attached to the first leg and the second leg of the second leg assembly 18.

The present invention pertains to a method for using a work platform 10. The method comprises the steps of extending a plank 12 which telescopes of the work platform 10 to a desired width determined by a distance between a first support structure 24 and a second support structure 36 separate and apart from the first support structure 24. There is the step of moving a first leg assembly 14 of the work platform 10 which is rotatably attached adjacent to a first end 16 of the plank 12 and a second leg assembly 18 of the work platform 10 which is rotatably attached adjacent to a second end 20 of the plank 12 from an open position, where the plank 12 is supported by the first leg assembly 14 and second leg assembly 18 on ground and the first leg assembly 14 and second leg assembly 18 each form an angle greater than 25 degrees with the plank 12, to a closed position, where the first leg assembly 14 and second leg assembly 18 are adjacent to and in parallel with the plank 12. There is the step of placing the first end 16 of the plank 12 on the first support structure 24 and the second end 20 of the plank 12 on the second support structure 36 when the plank 12 and the first leg assembly 14 and second leg assembly 18 are in a closed position.

The placing step may include the steps of engaging a first linkage 22 from adjacent the first end 16 of the plank 12 with the first support structure 24, and engaging a second linkage 23 from adjacent the second end 20 of the plank 12 with the second support structure 36 so the plank 12 is securely and stably held to the first and second support structures 24, 36. The engaging the first linkage 22 step may include the step of moving a first hook 26 outwards from the first end 16 of the plank 12. The engaging the second linkage 23 step may include the step of moving a second hook 27 outwards from the first end 16 of the plank 12. Alternatively, the placing step may include the step of engaging a first recess 34 of a first leg of the first leg assembly 14 and a second recess 33 of a second leg of the first leg assembly 14 with the first support structure 24 so the plank 12 is securely and stably held with the first and second port structures. The first support structure 24 may be a rung of a ladder.

The present invention pertains to a method for producing a work platform. The method comprises the steps of placing first supports of a first portion into hollow deck supports of a deck, the first supports able to move in and out of the deck supports. There is the step of placing a hook into one first supports of the first supports, the hook able to move in and out of the one first support.

This invention is an extendable work platform 10 with folding legs which can also be used as a telescoping plank 12 between supporting structures when the legs are folded, as shown in FIGS. 1-5. The width of the plank 12 enables it to be placed between the rails of conventional ladders. The invention is a combination of an extendable plank 12 with leg assemblies which can be used as a work platform 10, or as a scaffold placed between two support structures, such as to ladders on their steps 65, with the leg assemblies folded up, and is called a plankform 10. The plankform 10 supports at least 250 pounds of load in the open extended position, and even more than 500 pounds of load without failing when it is in the open extended position or being used as a scaffold in the extended position and supported on either side, as described herein, preferably by a step 65 of a first ladder and a step 65 of a second ladder.

In one embodiment, retractable hooks extend from the end of the plank 12 which fit over the rungs, steps, etc., which the plank 12 will rest on, as shown in FIGS. 6-9.

In another embodiment, the hooks are spring-loaded which draw the plank 12 into snug engagement with its supports, as shown in FIG. 10-12, with or without a handle 28.

In another embodiment, recesses are formed in the plankform 10 legs which are used to engage the support, as shown in FIGS. 13-15.

This invention enables the user to adapt to the needs of the work environment without needing two separate products. Its length in either mode of use is adjustable between 4′ and 8′ which enables the user to work in a large area without having to relocate his or her plank 12/work platform 10.

Additionally, the embodiment of extendable hooks permits 100% of the plank 12 standing area to be used, and the hooks provide very solid engagement with the plank 12 support surface.

FIG. 1 shows the plankform 10 in the closed position with the legs folded and the plank 12 in the shortest retracted position. In this state, the plankform 10 can be easily transported or stored. The plank 12 is preferably comprised of a deck 38, a first portion 40 which extends and retracts from a first side 41 of the deck 38, and a second portion 42 which extends and retracts from a second side 43 of the deck 38, as shown in FIG. 3. The deck 38 itself is comprised of a plurality of hollow deck supports 44 of the same dimensions, having either a rectangular or C shaped cross-section, which are in parallel and adjacent with each other and fixed together. Here, there are four deck supports 44 attached together, with two interior deck supports 44 and two exterior deck supports 44. On either side of the outside of both exterior deck supports 44 is a side bracket 46 which extends the length of the exterior deck support it is alongside. Extending perpendicular from and attached adjacent each end of the side brackets 46 is a top deck bracket 48. The top deck bracket 48 fits over the deck supports 44 and does not block any portion of the hollow interior of the deck supports 44. Adjacent one end of each side bracket 46 is fixed a lock 50 to lock the first portion 40 and the second portion 42 at a desired position relative to the deck 38. An example of a type of lock that can be used as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,067,589, incorporated by reference herein. A flat serrated metal plate 52 may be positioned atop the deck supports 44 and attached to both side brackets 46.

The first portion 40 is comprised of four first supports 54 which are attached together like the deck supports 44, although each of the first supports 54 has a cross-section which is smaller than the cross-section of the deck supports 44 so the first supports 54 can fit into and slide in and out of the deck supports 44. One first support fits into one deck support. The first supports 54 are aligned and fitted into the deck supports 44 at the first side 41 of the deck 38. There may be one or more top first brackets 56 fitting over the first supports 54 and attached to the first supports 54 between the two external first supports 54 to fix the first supports 54 together.

There are locking holes 58 present at regular intervals on the outside of the external first support which is adjacent the lock 50 on the side bracket 46. The lock 50 fits into the desired locking hole to lock the first portion 40 at a desired position relative to the deck 38. The second portion 42 is comprised of four second supports 60 and are configured and operate in the same way as the first portion 40 and with respect to the deck 38. There may be one or more top second brackets 57 fitting over the second supports 60 and attached to the second supports 60 between the two external second supports 60 to fix the second supports 60 together.

The first leg assembly 14 is rotatably attached adjacent to the outer end 62 of the first portion 40 and the second leg assembly 18 is rotatably attached adjacent to the outer end 64 of the second portion 42. The length of the first supports 54 and the length of the second supports 60 are generally slightly less than half the length of the deck supports 44 so when the first and second supports 54, 60 are moved into the retracted position, the first and second supports 54, 60 do not block each other from fitting all the way into the deck supports 44. The top first bracket also may act as a stop when it abuts the top deck bracket 48 at the first side 41 of the deck 38 when the first portion 40 is moved into the deck 38. In the same way the top second bracket may also act as a stop when it abuts the top deck bracket 48 at the second side 43 of the deck 38 when the second portion 42 is moved into the deck 38.

FIG. 2 shows the plankform 10 with the legs extended and the plank 12 in a retracted position. In this mode, the plankform 10 can be used as a conventional work platform 10.

FIG. 3 shows the plankform 10 in the work platform 10 mode and the plank 12 in an extended position where it is extended to its maximum length.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show the plankform 10 when used as a scaffold with the plank 12 in its retracted and extended conditions, respectively. It is shown resting on the steps 65 of stepladders but could also be used with roof jacks, scaffolds, etc., in the manner which conventional planks are used.

FIGS. 6, 6A, 7 and 7A show an additional feature of this invention. Hooks are mounted in the plankform 10 at both ends which can be moved to a stowed position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, or a deployed position, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A. Notice that the hooks have overhanging ends 66, as shown in FIG. 7A. In this embodiment, there are four separate hooks, each independent from the other. There are two hooks which extend from the outer end 62 of the first portion 40 and two hooks which extend from the outer end 64 of the second portion 42. Each hook of the first portion 40 fits in and is able to slide back and forth in an external first support, and each hook of the second portion 42 fits in and is able to slide back and forth in an external second support. Each hook is formed of a stem 68 which fits into the respective external first or second support, and an overhanging end 66, which is a flat rectangular plate attached to the stem 68 which extends below the bottom of the stem 68. In a stowed position, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 6A, the stem 68 of each hook fits completely within the respective first or second support, and the overhanging end 66 fits on the surface of the respective outer end of the first or second portion. The overhanging end 66 acts as a stop, preventing the hook from going too far into the respective external first or second support, catching on the outer end of the respective portion. Extending up from the base 71 of the outer end 62, in the path of the hook, is a screw against which the inner end 87 of the stem 68 contacts, which acts as a stop that prevents the stem 68 from coming out of the first or second portion when the hook is pulled out and deployed, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 7A. Extending through the base 71 of the outer end 62 are the levers 73 of the hinge release mechanism, as shown in FIG. 10, which withdraw locking bars from the hinges of the leg assemblies, as is well known in the art.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show how the hooks engage with the steps 65 of stepladders. When used this way, the full length of the plankform 10 can be used by the user and the plankform 10 is securely held in place by the overhanging ends of the hooks. FIG. 8 shows the plankform 10 in the retracted position with the hooks deployed from the first portion 40 positioned on a step 65 at a desired height of a first ladder, and with the hooks deployed from the second portion 42 positioned on a step 65 at the same height of a second ladder. As shown in FIG. 8A, the stems 68 of the hooks rest flat on the top surface 74 of the steps 65 and the overhanging ends extend down from the top surface 74 of the steps 65 and ideally contact the interior sides 75 of the steps 65. In this way, the plankform 10 stably and securely is positioned at a desired height with the support of the first and second ladders so users may climb on top of the plankform 10. In the same way, the plankform 10 in an extended position is supported by the first and second ladders, as shown in FIG. 9. The hooks will also permit the plankform 10 to engage ladder jacks, roof jacks, scaffolds, etc.

FIGS. 10, 10A, 11 and 11A show a further embodiment in which springs 30 tend to cause the hooks to retract and a handle 28 with its own hooks connects the ends of the hooks. In the further embodiment, both hooks on the same portion of the plankform 10 are attached to a handle 28 at their overhanging ends. The handle 28 is preferably one piece with a base 77 that is flat and is welded to the overhanging ends and extends between the two hooks and preferably not beyond them. At the bottom of the base and extending below the overhanging ends in the first and second portions are arcs 79 which curve downwards and inwards from the base 77. At the top of the base, preferably extending along the length of the base 77 is a handle flange 81 which angles outwards and downwards, between 10° and 70° and preferably about 30° from the base 77.

The stems 68 of the hooks engage with and fit into the supports in the same way as they do in the embodiment described above where the hooks are separate and apart from each other. However, in this embodiment, the internal end 83 of each stem 68 is fixed to the outer end 85 of a handle spring, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11. The inner end 87 of the handle spring is fixed to a spring bracket 89 extending down from the inner surface of the respective support of the first or second portions. In use, the user pulls the handle 28 outward, extending the hooks against spring force. When the plankform 10 has been laid onto its supports as seen in FIG. 12, the handle 28 is released which allows the hooks to retract by the force of the springs 30 and the arcs 79 to positively engage the step 65 of the ladder. The arcs 79 of the handle 28 fit under and contact the bottom surface 91 of the step 65, with the base 77 contacting the interior side 75 of the step 65 to securely and stably hold the plankform 10 in the desired position. The springs 30 act as stops preventing the hooks from being pulled out of the first supports 54, or second supports 60. FIG. 10 shows a bottom view of the first portion 40 with the handle 28 and hooks in a retracted position. FIG. 11 shows a bottom view of the first portion 40 with the handle 28 and hooks in an extended position. FIG. 10A is a bottom perspective view of the first portion 40 with the handle 28 and hooks in a retracted position. FIG. 11A is an overhead perspective view of the first portion 40 with the handle 28 and hooks in an extended position. FIG. 12 is a bottom perspective view of the first portion 40 with the handle 28 extended and engaged with the step 65.

FIGS. 13, 13A, 14 and 14A show yet another embodiment with recesses formed in the legs which are positioned to engage the plankform 10 support surfaces when the legs are in the closed position. FIG. 15 shows the plankform 10 supported by a ladder with the recesses engaged with the ladder steps 65.

In this embodiment, there are no hooks in the plank 12. Instead, recesses adjacent the top of each leg serve to stabilize the plank 12 on the steps 65 of the support ladders. Each recess has a shape which conforms with the top and interior and exterior sides of the step 65. Each recess has a long portion 90 which is straight and rests on the top surface of the step 65. At each end of the long portion 90, a side portion 92 extends perpendicularly from the long portion 90. The side portion 92 adjacent the top of the leg fits over the interior side 75 of the step 65 and the other side portion 92 fits over the exterior side 94 of the step 65 when the plankform 10 is placed on the steps 65, as shown in FIG. 15. The side portion 92 adjacent the top of the leg hooks with the interior side 75 of the step 65, preventing the plank 12 from being pulled away from the step 65, and the other side portion 92 hooks with the exterior side 94 of the step 65, which prevents the plank 12 from moving toward the interior of the ladder, thus preventing plank 12 from moving forward or back relative to the step 65.

A hinge portion 96 positioned opposite the recess adjacent the side portion 92 at the top of the leg, has a bolt 98 extending through it which rotatably attaches the leg to the plank 12 and serves as a pivot axis. The leg itself has an upper part 100 from about the top step of the respective leg assembly and has a width about half the width of the lower part 102 of the leg so the leg does not block the step 65 from receiving the recess. The recess itself with the hinge portion is part of a leg plate 104 which has a lower portion 106 that extends down from the lower side portion 92 and which conforms with the outer circumference of the flange and webs of the lower part 102 of the leg. The outer circumference of the flange and the webs of the leg plate 104 essentially form a C shape which matches the C shape of the outer circumference of the lower part 102 of the leg. The lower portion 106 is riveted to the lower part 102 of the leg adjacent where the top step is attached to the leg. A central portion 108 of the leg plate 104 which extends upwards from the lower portion 106 in between the recess and the hinge portion 96, is riveted to the upper part 100 of the leg. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the legs with recesses in the closed position. FIG. 13A is a side view of a leg with a recess in a closed position. FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the legs with recesses in an open position. FIG. 14A is a side view of a leg with a recess in the open position.

Although the invention has been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments for the purpose of illustration, it is to be understood that such detail is solely for that purpose and that variations can be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention except as it may be described by the following claims.

Claims

1. A work platform comprising: a plank which telescopes to a desired width;a first leg assembly rotatably attached adjacent to a first end of the plank; anda second leg assembly rotatably attached adjacent to a second end of the plank, the platform is in an open position when the plank is supported by the first leg assembly and second leg assembly and the first leg assembly and second leg assembly form an angle greater than 25 degrees with the plank, the platform is in a closed position when the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are adjacent to and in parallel with the plank.

2. The platform of claim 1 wherein the plank has a deck, a first portion which extends and retracts from a first side of the deck, and a second portion which extends and retracts from a second side of the deck, the first leg assembly is rotatably attached adjacent to an outer end of the first portion and the second leg assembly is rotatably attached adjacent to an outer end of the second portion.

3. The platform of claim 2 wherein the deck is comprised of a plurality of hollow deck supports, which are in parallel and adjacent with each other and fixed together, the first portion is comprised of four first supports which are attached together and fit into and slide in and out of the deck supports, the first supports are aligned and fitted into the deck supports at the first side of the deck.

4. The platform of claim 3 wherein the deck includes a lock to lock the first portion and the second portion at a desired position relative to the deck.

5. The platform of claim 4 including a linkage which extends from adjacent the first end of the plank adapted to engage a first support structure to securely and stably hold the plank to the first support structure.

6. The platform of claim 2 wherein the linkage includes a hook which extends from the first end of the plank.

7. The platform of claim 6 wherein the hook is mounted in the first portion which moves between a stowed position and a deployed position, the hook has an overhanging end and a stem, the stem fits into one of the first supports.

8. The platform of claim 7 wherein the hook is part of a handle which extends from the first end of the plank, and including a spring which biases the handle to a closed position with the plank when the hook is apart from the first support structure.

9. The platform of claim 8 wherein an inner end of the spring is fixed to a spring bracket extending down from an inner surface of the one of the first supports, when the handle is pulled outward and the hook has been laid onto the first support, the handle is released which allows the hook to retract by the force of the spring and positively engage the first support.

10. The platform of claim 9 wherein the first support structure includes a step of a ladder.

11. The platform of claim 4 wherein the first leg assembly includes a first leg having a first recess which is adapted to fit onto and engage the first support structure.

12. The platform of claim 11 wherein the recess has a shape which conforms with the top and interior and exterior sides of a step of the first support structure.

13. The platform of claim 12 wherein the recess has a long portion which is straight and rests on a top surface of the step, and at each end of the long portion, a side portion extends perpendicularly from the long portion, the side portion adjacent a top of the leg fits over an interior side of the step and the other side portion fits over an exterior side of the step when the recess is placed on the step, the side portion adjacent the top of the leg hooks with the interior side of the step, preventing the plank from being pulled away from the step, and the other side portion hooks with the exterior side of the step, which prevents the plank from moving toward an interior of the ladder, thus preventing the plank from moving forward or back relative to the step.

14. The platform of claim 13 wherein the first leg has an upper part from about a top step of the first leg assembly and has a width about half a width of a lower part of the first leg so the leg does not block the step from receiving the recess.

15. The platform of claim 14 wherein the recess is part of a leg plate which has a lower portion that extends down from the lower side portion and which conforms with an outer circumference of flanges and a web of the lower part of the leg.

16. A method for using a work platform comprising the steps of: extending a plank which telescopes of the work platform to a desired width determined by a distance between a first support structure and a second support structure separate and apart from the first support structure;moving a first leg assembly of the work platform which is rotatably attached adjacent to a first end of the plank and a second leg assembly of the work platform which is rotatably attached adjacent to a second end of the plank from an open position, where the plank is supported by the first leg assembly and second leg assembly on ground and the first leg assembly and second leg assembly each form an angle greater than 25 degrees with the plank, to a closed position, where the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are adjacent to and in parallel with the plank; andplacing the first end of the plank on the first support structure and the second end of the plank on the second support structure when the plank and the first leg assembly and second leg assembly are in a closed position.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the placing step includes the steps of engaging a first linkage from adjacent the first end of the plank with the first support structure, and engaging a second linkage from adjacent the second end of the plank with the second support structure so the plank is securely and stably held to the first and second support structures.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the engaging the first linkage step includes the step of moving a first hook outwards from the first end of the plank.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein the placing step includes the step of engaging a first recess of a first leg of the first leg assembly and a second recess of a second leg of the first leg assembly with the first support structure so the plank is securely and stably held with the first and second port structures.

20. A method for producing a work platform comprising the steps of: placing first supports of a first portion into hollow deck supports of a deck, the first supports able to move in and out of the deck supports; andplacing a hook into one first supports of the first supports, the hook able to move in and out of the one first support.