Field of the Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a safety device for aerial lifts, an aerial lift comprising the same, use of a safety device to prevent dropped objects falling from an aerial lift.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Aerial lifts are frequently employed for lifting operatives to elevated working sites, for example to install overhead pipe work during building construction. A typical aerial lift may comprise a mobile elevated work platform (MEWP) having an extendable boom which has an elevator basket or cage for housing operatives securely to the end of the boom. Alternative aerial lifts may comprise a MEWP having an extendable scissor lift which has an elevator basket or cage for housing operatives securely to the end of the scissor lift.

[0003] The basket or cage generally contains a control panel which permits an operative standing in the basket or cage to manoeuvre the work platform as desired. The aerial lift may be powered using hydraulics powered by the MEWP's engine.

[0004] One of the biggest dangers of working from an elevated MEWP is to people on the ground who can be struck by items falling from the platform. Even a small item, such as a screw or a bolt, can penetrate a hard hat when dropped from a height and do even more significant damage to those not wearing a hard hat. Thus it is important that people working from the elevated MEWP take all precautions to avoid dropping items.

[0005] One way this is achieved is to tether tools and other equipment to the basket or cage of the MEWP. However, this is not possible for small items, such as screws, which may be dropped during the installation process. It is inevitable that, occasionally, these items will be dropped. Often, they will drop to the floor of the basket or cage but they may also them bounce over the side of the cage or not fall into the cage at all, instead falling in a trajectory that means that they pass through the rails of the cage and over the side, to the ground.

[0006] Therefore, it is desirable to find a means of preventing dropped items from falling through the sides of the basket or cage of a MEWP.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect there is provided a safety device for preventing dropped objects falling from the basket or cage of an aerial lift comprising one or more modular fabric skirts comprising: top rail fastenings arranged to be removably attached to a top rail of the basket or cage, such that the modular fabric skirts are wide enough to extend to at least touch a kick plate of the basket or cage and wherein the modular fabric skirts form a perimeter around the basket or cage.

[0008] Advantageously, the safety device prevents dropped objects from exiting the basket either via the gaps in the rails when dropped directly or by bouncing from the floor of the basket and over the kick plate.

[0009] In a further aspect there is provided an aerial lift comprising a safety device according to the disclosure.

[0010] Advantageously, the safety of people of the ground is improved because objects are less likely to fall from the aerial lift and hit them.

[0011] In a further aspect there is provided use of a safety device according to the disclosure to prevent dropped objects falling from the basket or cage of an aerial lift. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0013] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a basket or cage with the safety device in situ. [0014] Figure 2 shows a 3 modular skirt safety device.

[0015] Figure 3A shows a control panel fastening and figure 3B shows an upright fastening. [0016] Figure 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a modular fabric skirt in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description

[0017] There will now be described, by way of example, a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. Figure 1

[0018] In figure 1 is shown a basket or cage 2 featuring a control panel 4, top rail 6, mid rail 8, kick plate 10 and floor 12 featuring holes as described below. Attached to the basket or cage is a safety device according to the present disclosure.

[0019] The safety device comprises three modular fabric skirts: A right side skirt 14, a left side skirt 16 and an entry skirt 18. Each of the skirts is attached to the top rail using top rail fastenings 20 and to the kick plate using kick plate fastenings (not shown). The fabric of the skirts in figure 1 passes on the outside of the rails and tucks inside the kick plate. The left and right side skirts are also attached to the mid rail using mid rail fastenings. [0020] In order to enter the basket or cage when the safety device is fitted, the operator lifts the mid rail bar of the entry/exit (known as the drop bar) and detaches the kick rail fastenings whilst moving the entry skirt out of the way. The operator then enters the basket, allows the drop bar to drop back into position and the entry skirt to fall back into place ensuring the kick plate fastenings are engaged and that there are no gaps in the safety device.

Figure 2

[0021] In figure 2 is shown a safety device of the present disclosure featuring three modular fabric skirts, a right side skirt 14, a left side skirt 16 and an entry skirt 18. The skirts each feature top rail fastenings 20 and kick plate fastenings 30. The left and right side skirt also feature mid rail fastenings 22 and side fastenings 32. The side fastenings can be used to attach adjoining skirts or to attach the free edge of each skirt to an upright (or to the control panel). [0022] In order to attach the safety device each skirt is attached to the top rail using the top rail fastenings, the fabric is passed either inside or outside of the mid rail and then passed inside of the kick plate. The kick plate fastenings are then attached so that the fabric is taut and any additional fastenings (mid rail, upright or control panel) are fastened ensuring no gaps are present in the safety device.

Figure 3A

[0023] In figure 3A is shown a control panel fastening 40. Typically the control panel has a rail that can be used to attach the skirt to.

Figure 3B

[0024] In figure 3B is shown and upright fastening 42. Typically the skirt is attached to an upright that forms the edge of the entry/exit gate. Figure 4

[0025] In figure 4 is shown an alternative embodiment of an entry skirt 1 18. The entry skirt 1 18 differs from the embodiment shown in figure 2 in that it includes mid rail fastenings 122. While two mid rail fastenings 122 are shown in the embodiment of figure 4, it would be understood that the entry skirt 1 18 may have one or more than two mid rail fastenings.

[0026] The terms basket and cage are used interchangeably throughout.

[0027] A typical MEWP basket, be it a boom type aerial lift or a scissor lift, is primarily manufactured from metal and has the following features:

[0028] A floor on which the operator stands. Typically the floor will have holes in it, often approximately 5mm in diameter. The holes serve three purposes - to allow rain etc to drain through the floor, to lighten the weight of the basket or cage and to improve visibility for the operator.

[0029] A kick plate surrounding the floor. The kick plate is generally a solid sheet of metal standing upright from the floor of the basket and is approximately 100 to 250 mm tall. Their purpose is to prevent feet stepping off the floor and outside of the basket, particularly in slippery conditions. The kick plate also prevents items rolling off the floor and falling from the basket. [0030] Two rails, a mid rail and a top rail, surrounding the basket at a height of at least 1 100 mm from the floor to the top rail with the mid rail being located below the top rail. In Europe, the height of the top rail is dictated by European Regulation EN280. The rails are supported by upright rails positioned around the basket. Together the rails form a perimeter to prevent operators and larger materials falling from the basket.

[0031] A gate in the rails to permit entry and exit from the basket. The gate typically is formed from moveable sections of the mid and top rail and is 600 mm wide. The gate is generally found on the "back" of the cage. By the back of the cage is meant the opposite side to the control panel. In some cases, the gate is located on the side of the basket. [0032] A control panel at which the operator stands to control movement of the basket or cage. In addition to the control panel there is typically a foot switch or a dead man's switch which must be held in an operative state to permit the basket to move. [0033] As employed herein, diameter means the largest dimension of a hole, it is not intended to limit the hole to being circular in shape.

[0034] Modular fabric skirt as employed herein means a piece of fabric which may entirely comprise the safety device or may be intended to be used with other pieces to comprise the safety device. Typically the fabric skirt is arranged to hang from the top rail of the basket or cage and tuck inside of the kick plate of the basket. Generally there will be more than one fabric skirt making up the safety device although in some embodiments one skirt comprises the entire device. [0035] Fabric as employed herein means any type of sheet material. In the context of the present disclosure fabric refers to any type of woven or non-woven material including knitted and netted materials. Including, but not limited to fabrics made of natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool and silk and fabrics made of non-natural fibres such as nylon, polyester, acrylic and including non-woven and woven plastics.

[0036] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts are made of a mesh fabric. [0037] Mesh as employed herein means a fabric which is interwoven such that is has an open structure with threads defining holes or spaces. Typically the holes are large enough to be visible. In one embodiment the mesh has holes approximately 2 to 10 mm in diameter Such as approximately 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 mm diameter. For example approximately 5 mm diameter.

[0038] In one embodiment the holes in the mesh are no bigger than the holes in the floor of the MEWP basket.

[0039] In one embodiment the holes in the mesh are no smaller than the holes in the floor of the MEWP basket. [0040] Beneficially, having the holes in the mesh be approximately the same size as the holes in the floor of the MEWP means that the floor is the weakest point of the basket in respect of items that may fall from the basket. Furthermore, having the holes no smaller than the floor holes means that the fabric of the safety device has less wind resistance. Further beneficially a mesh is transparent or translucent therefore does not hinder visibility for the operator.

[0041] Wind resistance or drag as employed herein refers to the additional force imparted on the fabric by wind of a known speed. In respect of the safety device, any resistance to wind provided by the fabric increases the weight load on the basket or cage, therefore it is preferable to have as low wind resistance as possible imparted by the fabric. One way to achieve this is by having as open a weave as possible such that wind can easily pass through the fabric. Another way is to vary the weave such that the holes create less drag. [0042] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts have a wind resistance lower than about 90%. Such as 50, 51 , 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 , 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71 , 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88 or 89%. For example, in the range 75 to 85%. [0043] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts are fire retardant.

[0044] Fire retardant as employed herein means a substance that reduces flammability of fuels (in the present case the fabric is considered to be a fuel) or delays their combustion. Fire retardants include chemical and cooling retardants and can be either integral to the fabric or applied to the fabric later. In the context of the present disclosure fire retardants are important because the MEWP may be used as a platform from which to perform acts which may lead to the generation of heat, sparks or fire, such as welding.

[0045] "Wide enough to extend to at least touch a kick plate" as employed herein means that the dimensions of the modular fabric skirt are sufficient to attach to the top rail of the basket and at least touch the kick plate that extends from the floor of the basket. Advantageously, providing this width of skirt means that there is no gap between the bottom of the skirt and the top of the kick plate through which a dropped object may fall from the basket. Typically the skirt is wide enough to sit inside of the kick plate. [0046] In one embodiment the width of the fabric skirt is at least 950 mm such that it spans the gap between the bottom of the top rail and the top of the kick plate. Such as approximately 950 to 1 125 mm, 955, 960, 965, 970, 975, 980, 985, 990, 995, 1000, 1005, 1010, 1015, 1020, 1025, 1030, 1035, 1040, 1045, 1050, 1055, 1060, 1065, 1070, 1075, 1080, 1085, 1090, 1095, 1 1 10, 1 1 15 or 1 120 mm. For example, approximately 1000 mm.

[0047] It is important that, in use, the skirt does not trail on the floor of the basket or cage as this will create a trip hazard and may hinder the ability to fit the skirt tautly.

[0048] Width as employed herein is intended to mean the dimension that spans the distance between the top rail and the kick plate in use. Typically this is the smaller dimension although in certain cases, for example the entry skirt, this may be the longer dimension.

[0049] Form a perimeter as employed herein means together the modular fabric skirts entirely cover the parts of the basket or cage than have rails. That is, the skirt may or may not wrap around the outside of the control panel. Typically the perimeter is free of gaps between the modular skirts. Thus in one embodiment adjacent skirts are attached to each other or arranged to overlap sufficiently to prevent a gap in the perimeter. [0050] The safety device comprises one or more modular fabric skirts, each of which is fastened to the top rail of the basket in use. It is beneficial that the safety device and be fitted and removed from the basket according to the operator's preference. Thus, in one embodiment the safety device is reusable. [0051] Top rail fastening as employed herein means a fastening or attachment means arranged to attach the modular fabric skirt the top rail of the basket.

[0052] Suitable top rail fastenings include, but are not limited to, hook and loop type fastenings (e.g. Velcro RTM), adhesive including permanent and repositionable adhesive, cable ties, rope, wires, clips, press studs, buttons and button holes, magnets, nuts and bolts, security tags.

[0053] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirt loops over the top rail and is fastened to itself.

[0054] Mid rail fastenings as employed herein means a fastening or attachment means arranged to attach the modular fabric skirt the mid rail of the basket.

[0055] Suitable mid rail fastenings include, but are not limited to, hook and loop type fastenings (e.g. Velcro RTM), adhesive including permanent and repositionable adhesive, cable ties, rope, wires, clips, press studs, buttons and button holes, magnets, nuts and bolts, security tags.

[0056] In one embodiment the mid rail fastening comprises a tube of fabric that loops around the mid rail. [0057] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirt sits on the inside of the mid rail relative to the basket in use. That is, the side of the rail on which the operator stands. [0058] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirt sits on the outside of the mid rail relative to the basket in use. That is, the side of the rail furthest from the operator when he is inside the basket.

[0059] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts further comprise mid rail fastenings arranged to be removably attachable to a mid rail of the basket or cage.

[0060] Removably attachable as employed herein means that the fastenings are arranged to be removed after use. In one embodiment the fastenings are single use. In one embodiment the fastenings are reusable.

[0061] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts top rail fastenings and/or the mid rail fastenings are hook and loop fastenings. [0062] Hook and loop as employed herein refers to hook-and-loop fasteners, hook-and-pile fasteners, or touch fasteners (colloquially known as Velcro RTM) which consist of two components: typically, two fabric pieces which are attached to the opposing surfaces to be fastened. The first component features tiny hooks and the second features even smaller and "hairier" loops. When the two components are pressed together, the hooks catch in the loops and the two pieces fasten or bind temporarily during the time that they are pressed together. When separated, by pulling or peeling the two surfaces apart, the pieces make a distinctive "ripping" sound. Touch fasteners are available in several strengths and constructions by several manufacturers.

[0063] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts are held in contact with the kick plate of the basket or cage such that each skirt is positioned inside of the basket or cage. [0064] Held in contact as employed herein means that the skirt is touching the kick plate, typically lying against it on the inside of the basket. [0065] Positioned inside of the basket or cage as employed herein means that the skirt rests inside of the basket, against the kick plate. Generally the skirt does not rest on the floor of the cage.

[0066] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts are held in contact with the kick plate of the basket or cage using kick plate fastenings.

[0067] Kick plate fastening as employed herein means a fastening or attachment means arranged to attach the modular fabric skirt to the kick plate. [0068] Suitable kick plate fastenings include, but are not limited to, adhesive, clips, weights, magnets.

[0069] In one embodiment the kick plate fastenings are magnets. [0070] Magnet as employed herein means a material or object that creates a magnetic field. Types of magnet suitable for the present application include, but are not limited to, ferromagnetic and rare-earth magnets such as neodymium-iron- boron (NIB) magnets. [0071] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts are held taut by their top rail fastenings and kick plate fastenings.

[0072] Held taut as employed herein means that the skirt is pulled tight across the gap between the top rail and the kick plate. Advantageously, taut fabric is more likely to deflect a dropped item into the basket rather than the object getting caught in the fabric. [0073] In an alternative embodiment, the modular fabric skirts are held taut by one or more poles (not shown in drawings) embedded in the fabric skirts proximate the side fastenings 32 to aid shape retention and tautness of the fabric skirts. The poles are preferably made from a composite material such as fibreglass or PVC.

[0074] In order to aid shape retention, a horizontal pole 150 may be embedded in the entry skirt proximate the kick plate fastenings 30 (see Figure 4). The horizontal pole additionally provides for a constant fall pattern following ingress or egress from the basket.

[0075] In one embodiment the safety device is light weight. That is, the modular skirts combined weigh less than 20kg such as less than 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 1 1 , 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 kg. For example approximately 5 kg for a three module device suitable for a typical 6ft basket of the type made by Genie (RTM).

[0076] In one embodiment the safety device can be rolled for storage. In one embodiment the safety device is stored in a bag.

[0077] In one embodiment the safety device is reusable.

[0078] In one embodiment the perimeter has no gaps. [0079] In one embodiment adjacent modular fabric skirts are attached to each other by side fastenings.

[0080] Side fastenings as employed herein means a fastening or attachment means arranged to attach adjacent skirts by their free edge. Suitable fastenings include, but are not limited to, adhesive, hook and loop fastenings, zips, press studs, hook and eye fastenings, magnets, nuts and bolts and security tags. [0081] In one embodiment adjacent skirts overlap to prevent gaps.

[0082] In one embodiment the modular fabric skirts comprise upright fastenings. That is, fastening or attachment means arranged to attach skirts by their free edge to an upright rail. Suitable fastenings include, but are not limited to, adhesive, cable ties, hook and loop fastenings, zips, press studs, hook and eye fastenings, magnets, nuts and bolts and security tags.

[0083] In one embodiment the left and right side skirts each comprise control panel fastenings. That is, fastening or attachment means arranged to attach the skirt to the control panel. Suitable fastenings include, but are not limited to, adhesive, cable ties, hook and loop fastenings. In one embodiment the control panel fastening is a hook and loop fastening. [0084] In one embodiment the safety device comprises more than one modular fabric skirt, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 skirts. For example 3 skirts.

[0085] In one embodiment there are three modular fabric skirts. [0086] In one embodiment the three modular fabric skirts consist of an entry skirt, a left side skirt and a right side skirt.

[0087] Entry skirt as employed herein means the modular fabric skirt that, in use, is placed over the entry/exit gate of the basket.

[0088] In one embodiment the entry skirt does not have mid rail fastenings.

[0089] Left side skirt as employed herein means the modular fabric skirt that, in use, is placed to the left of the basket relative to the operator when standing at the control panel. [0090] Right side skirt as employed herein means the modular fabric skirt that, in use, is placed to the right of the basket relative to the operator when standing at the control panel. [0091] In the context of this specification "comprising" is to be interpreted as "including".

[0092] Aspects of the disclosure comprising certain elements are also intended to extend to alternative embodiments "consisting" or "consisting essentially" of the relevant elements.

[0093] Where technically appropriate, embodiments of the invention may be combined. [0094] Embodiments are described herein as comprising certain features/elements. The disclosure also extends to separate embodiments consisting or consisting essentially of said features/elements.

[0095] Technical references such as patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0096] Any embodiments specifically and explicitly recited herein may form the basis of a disclaimer either alone or in combination with one or more further embodiments.