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Title:
ADAPTIVE MOVABLE WORK PLATFORM SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2022/261656
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present disclosure describes an adaptive movable work platform system comprising at least two work platform structures, at least one movable suspension structure, and a plurality of translatable elongate members that, when translated inwardly, abut a corresponding elongate beam on an opposing work platform. The elongate beams can be incrementally translated outwardly when the movable work platform system approaches and encounters an obstruction, such as a bridge pier. Once the elongate beams traverse the width of the obstruction, they can be translated inwardly to again abut the corresponding elongate beam or the opposing work platform so as to form a substantially continuous work surface on which craftsmen may work. A method of traversing a structure having an obstruction using the adaptive movable work platform system is also described.

Inventors:
GRUMBERG MATHIEU (US)
LABERGE RYAN (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2022/072841
Publication Date:
December 15, 2022
Filing Date:
June 09, 2022
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
BRANDSAFWAY SERVICES LLC (US)
International Classes:
E04G3/28; E04G1/15; E04G1/34; E04G3/22; E04G3/30; E04G5/14; E04G7/02; E04G7/26; E04B5/10; E04B5/14; E04C3/08; E04C5/16
Foreign References:
JP2004150228A2004-05-27
JP2007113348A2007-05-10
US4848516A1989-07-18
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
DILL, Stanley Myers (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A work platform system movable along a structure having an obstruction, the work platform system comprising: two or more work platforms positionable at a distance from one another and opposing each other; and two or more elongate beams coupled to at least one of the work platforms, wherein the elongate beams are configured to translate inwardly and outwardly, such that when the elongate beams are translated inwardly, the elongate beams abut another of the two or more work platforms; wherein the elongate beams are positionable in at least three positions comprising: i) a first position wherein each of the elongate beams are translated inwardly on a first side of the obstruction; ii) a second position wherein one of the elongate beams is translated inwardly on a first side of the obstruction and another of the elongate beams is translated outwardly along a width of the obstruction; and iii) a third position wherein each of the elongate beams are translated inwardly on a second side of the obstruction.

2. The work platform system of claim 1, wherein the two or more work platforms are positionable on opposing sides of the structure transverse to a longitudinal axis of the structure.

3. The work platform system of claim 1, wherein the structure comprises a bridge and the obstruction comprises a bridge pier.

4. The work platform system of claim 1 wherein two or more elongate beams are coupled to a first work platform and two or more elongate beams are coupled to a second work platform, wherein the first work platform opposes the second work platform such that when the elongate beams are translated inwardly, the elongate beams from the opposing first and second work platforms form pairs that abut one another.

5. The work platform system of claim 4, wherein the opposing and abutting elongate beam pairs are securable to one another.

6. The work platform system of claim 4, wherein the opposing and abutting elongate beams abut one another at or near a center line of the work platform system.

7. The work platform system of claim 4, wherein the opposing and abutting elongate beams are generally of the same length.

8. The work platform system of claim 1, wherein the two or more work platforms define an interior volume and the elongate beams are translatable through the interior volume of the work platforms.

9. The work platform system of claim 1, further comprising a movable suspension structure coupled to the two or more work platforms and configured to move the work platforms along a longitudinal axis of the structure.

10. The work platform system of claim 1, further comprising three or more elongate beam pairs coupled to each of the two or more work platforms.

11. The work platform system of claim 10, further comprising a fourth position wherein at least one of the elongate beam pairs are translated inwardly and abutting one another on a first side of the obstruction, one or more of the elongate beam pairs are translated outwardly along a width of the obstruction, and one or more elongate beam pairs are translated inwardly and abutting one another on a second side of the obstruction.

12. The work platform system of claim 1, wherein the two or more work platforms = have a width larger than a width of the obstruction.

13. The work platform system of claim 1, wherein the elongate beams have a generally rectangular cross-section .

14. A method of traversing an obstruction on a structure, the method comprising: suspending a work platform system from the structure, the work platform system comprising: two or more work platforms positionable at a distance from one another and opposing each other; two or more elongate beams coupled to at least one of the work platforms, wherein the elongate beams are configured to translate inwardly and outwardly; and a movable work suspension structure coupled to the two or more work platforms; moving the work platform system adjacent the obstruction; translating a first elongate beam outwardly; moving the work platform system so that the outwardly translated first elongate beam is along a width of the obstruction.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: moving the work platform system so that a second elongate beam is adjacent the obstruction and the outwardly translated first elongate beam has passed the obstruction; and translating the second elongate beam outwardly.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising translating the first elongate beam inwardly.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein: the two or more elongate beams are coupled to a first work platform and two or more elongate beams are coupled to a second work platform, the first work platform opposes the second work platform such that when the elongate beams are translated inwardly, the elongate beams from the opposing first and second work platforms form pairs that abut one another; and the translating outwardly step comprises translating a first pair of elongate beams outwardly.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the opposing and abutting elongate beams are securable to one another and the method further comprises disconnecting the first pair of elongate beams, then translating the first pair of elongate beams outwardly.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the method further comprises moving the work platform structure so that the outwardly translated first pair of elongate beams has traversed the width of the obstruction; and translating the first pair of elongate beams inwardly.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the method further comprises re-securing the first pair of elongate beams.

Description:
ADAPTIVE MOVABLE WORK PLATFORM SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.

63/209,023, filed on June 10, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a work platform system, and, in particular, a work platform system configured to move around stationary obstacles, such as bridge supports, piers, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0003] Typically, fixed or movable work platforms are used to access the sides and under surfaces of bridges during work by craftsmen. Fixed work platforms have a low cost per unit area. However, each time a new or different portion of a bridge needs to be accessed, a new fixed work platform must be provided, or the existing fixed work platform must be disassembled, relocated to the new position, and reassembled.

[0004] Movable work platforms have a higher cost per unit area but can have a lower total cost per project due to their ability to move along a bridge and provide continuous access between obstructions. However, movable work platforms become costly and inefficient when confronted with an obstruction, such as a bridge pier. In this situation, the movable work platform must be disconnected and reassembled, and a separate access solution must be provided to access the bridge pier and areas surrounding the bridge pier. [0005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a more efficient bridge access system having a movable platform.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure relates generally to an adaptive movable work platform system. The work platform system includes at least one work platform suspended from each side of a structure, such as a bridge. The work platforms include a plurality of elongate beams that, when translated inwardly, abut a corresponding elongate beam on the opposing work platform, or in some embodiments, abut the opposing work platform itself. The elongate beams can be incrementally translated outwardly when the movable work platform system approaches and encounters an obstruction, such as a bridge pier. Once the elongate beams traverse the width of the obstruction, they can be translated inwardly to again abut the corresponding elongate beam or the opposing work platform so as to form a substantially continuous work surface on which craftsmen may work.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. l is a lower perspective view of the adaptive movable work platform system of the present disclosure suspended from a bridge in a first position.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIG. 1 in the first position.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a second position. [0010] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-3 in a third position.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-4 in a fourth position.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-5 in a fifth position.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-6 in a sixth position.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-7 in a seventh position.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-8 in an eighth position.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-9 in a ninth position.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the adaptive movable work system of FIGS. 1-10 in a tenth position.

[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, the adaptive movable work platform system of the present disclosure is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The work platform system can be composed of two or more movable work platform structures (platforms) 15, one or more movable suspension structures 20, and two or more translatable elongate beams 25. Although the work platform system 10 can be used for bridgework, and is described below in conjunction with bridges in particular, the skilled person will understand that the system 10 can be used for any type of elevated work on a large structure.

[0020] A bridge B has a longitudinal axis al that is generally co-axial with the flow of bridge traffic. When the bridge B is curved, it is understood that the longitudinal axis refers to the tangent line of the curved bridge B at a given point.

[0021] The work platform structures 15 can be truss frame work platform structures or suspended work platform structures. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, when the platform structures 15 are suspended work platform structures, one platform structure 15 is suspended from one side of the bridge, and another platform structure 15 is suspended from the opposing side of the bridge, such that a longitudinal axis a2 of the platform system 10 is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis al of the bridge B. In some embodiments, the platform structures 15 can comprise scaffolding that defines an interior volume.

[0022] The movable suspension structures 20 can be C-frame rollers or other structures or assemblies used to support and suspend a work platform structure 15 and move along the longitudinal axis al of the bridge B. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the suspension structure 20 can provide for the longitudinal movement of the platforms 15 as well as vertical movement (i.e., movement toward/away from the ground) of the platforms 15.

[0023] The work platform structures 15 comprise two or more translatable elongate beams

25 adjacently abutted to one another in a horizontal plane defined by the a2 axis. The elongate beams 25 are translatable inwardly (toward the al axis) and outwardly (away from the al axis) along the a2 axis of the platform system 10. The beams can be translatable through any means known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, the beams 25 are slidable in and out of the internal volume defined by the platform structure 15. In other embodiments, the beams 25 can comprise a fixed portion and a telescoping portion. The fixed portion of the beams 25 can be coupled to the platform structures 15 by any acceptable means known in the art, for example, through fasteners. When translated outwardly, the telescoping portion of the beams 25 can be received within the fixed portion. Other arrangements of translatable beams 25 are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Turning now to FIG. 2, the beams 25 have an inner end 30 and an outer end 35. It is understood that the inner end 30 of the beam is the portion of the beam nearest the opposing platform structure 15. The outer end 35 of the beam 25 is the end of the beam opposing the inner end 30.

[0025] When the beams 25 are translated inwardly, they may abut a corresponding inner end 30 of a beam 25 of the opposing platform structure 15 or the opposing platform structure 15 itself (typically when only one platform structure 15 contains elongate beams 25). In this way, the at least two platform structures 15 can be joined together to create a continuous access platform under the bridge. In some embodiments, the inner ends of the beams 25 may be secured to one another by any means known in the art, for example, through friction fit, fasteners, and the like. [0026] The elongate beams 25 can be individually translated inwardly or outwardly. In this way, when an obstacle is reached, or when the system 10 is approaching an obstacle, such as a bridge pier P, the elongate beam 25 (or pair of elongate beams 25 from each opposing platform 15) adjacent the bridge pier P can be translated outwardly. Because the platform structure 15 does not extend inward past the bridge pier P, once translated outwardly, the platform structures 15 can be incrementally moved around the bridge pier P and along the al axis by way of the suspension structure 20 such that the opposing platform structures 15 are adj acent to opposing transverse sides of the bridge pier P. Once the next elongate beam 25 (or pair of elongate beams) is adjacent the bridge pier P, it can also be translated outwardly.

[0027] This same process can be repeated until the first elongate beam 25 (or pair of elongate beams 25) traverses the width of the bridge pier P such that it is on the other longitudinal side of the bridge pier P. Once an elongate beam 25 traverses the width of the bridge pier P, the beam 25 can be translated outwardly. In embodiments having pairs of elongate beams 25, the beams 25 can be translated outwardly so that the inner ends abut one another and again form a continuous platform. This process can berepeated until all elongate beams 25 have traversed the width of the bridge pier P and have been translated inwardly and optionally rejoined, where applicable, on the other side of the bridge pier P.

[0028] Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, in a first position (sometimes referred to as a starting position), the elongate beams 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e, 25f are translated inwardly on a first side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. The illustrated embodiment thus includes six elongate beams 25a-25f. The number of elongate beams 25 can vary. For example, in various embodiments, the system 10 can include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more elongate beams 25. In embodiments including elongate beam pairs, the system 10 can include two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more elongate beam pairs.

[0029] Turning now to FIG. 3, in a second position (sometimes referred to as first intermediate position), a first elongate beam 25a can be translated outwardly around the bridge pier P or other obstruction, and the remaining elongate beams 25b-25f can be (or remain) translated inwardly on the first side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. A craftsman is now able to access the sides of the bridge pier P transverse to the a2 axis. These sides are not conventionally reachable in this manner using traditional platform systems. Once this position is achieved, the platform system 10 can be translated farther along the al axis of the bridge B.

[0030] With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in third and fourth positions, the system 10 is translated farther along the al axis and around the pier. The first and second elongate beams 25a, 25b in the third position, and first, second, and third elongate beams 25a-25c in the fourth position can be translated outwardly around the bridge pier P or other obstruction and the remaining elongate beams (25c-25f in the third position and 25d-25f in the fourth position) can be (or remain) translated inwardly on the first side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction.

[0031] Turning now to FIG. 6, in a fifth position (sometimes referred to as a second intermediate position) reflecting additional longitudinal movement of the system 10 along the al axis, the first elongate beam 25a has traversed the width of the bridge pier P or other obstruction and can be thus translated inwardly on a second side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. The second, third, and fourth elongate beams 25b-25d can be translated outwardly around the bridge pier P or other obstruction and the remaining elongate beams 25e, 25f can be (or remain) translated inwardly on the first side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. This position allows a craftsman to access all sides of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. Once this position is achieved, the platform system 10 can be translated farther along the al axis of the bridge B.

[0032] Turning now to FIG. 7, in a sixth position, once the first and second elongate beams

25a, 25b have traversed the width of the bridge pier P or other obstruction, they can be translated inwardly on the second side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. The third, fourth, and fifth elongate beams 25c-25e are translated outwardly around the bridge pier P or other obstruction, and the remaining elongate beam 25f can be (or remain) translated inwardly on the first side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. [0033] Turning now to FIGS. 8-11, the system 10 continues movement along the al axis.

Once the remaining elongate beams 25c-25f have traversed the width of the bridge pier P or other obstruction, they can be translated inwardly on the second side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction. Once this process is complete, all elongate beams 25a-25f are translated inwardly on the second side of the bridge pier P or other obstruction, and the platform system 10 can be freely translated along the al axis of the bridge until another traversable obstruction is reached. At this point, the same process can be repeated.

[0034] Depending on the number of elongate beams 25, their relative width, and the width of the pier P or other obstruction, the system 10 may or may not have all described positions or may include additional positions.

[0035] The translation of the elongate beams 25 can be completed manually or using a motorized device. In some embodiments, the work platform structures 15 and/or beams 25 can include friction-reducing structures or assemblies and/or alignment structures or assemblies to ensure the elongate members 25 move smoothly and/or remain in proper alignment with one another.

[0036] The illustrated embodiment shows each work platform structure 15 as having a plurality of elongate members 25 that extend toward one another, with the continuous access platform 10 being generally divided at or near a center line thereof. Other embodiments may include elongate beams 25 of differing lengths, thereby providing a continuous access platform 10 that is divided at a place other than the center line, or a discontinuous division, such as when one work platform structure has elongate beams of differing lengths.

[0037] Because a portion of the continuous access platform 10 may be disassembled as the work platform system traverses an obstruction (i.e., by disconnecting the elongate beams 25 from one another or from the opposing platform 15), the remaining secured portions of the work platform system should generally be of sufficient strength and structural integrity to maintain adequate support for users situated thereon. In this way, the width of the work platform structures may vary based on the width of the traversed obstruction. For example, in some embodiments, the work platform structures 15 should generally be wider than the obstruction to be traversed so that at least one elongate beam 25 can be coupled to another elongate beam 25 or the opposing work platform 15 on one side of the obstruction during the traverse.

[0038] In some embodiments, and in particular in those embodiments in which the work platform structures 15 are made of a truss frame structure, the elongate beams 25 may be smaller versions of the truss frame. In other embodiments, the elongate beams 25 can be I-beams, triangular beams, or any other suitable structure. In various embodiments, the elongate beams 25 can have a rectangular or triangular cross-section. Typically, the upper surface of the elongate beams 25 can be generally flat in order to provide safer access to users of the platform system 10. [0039] Because the platform system 10 does not need to be dismantled, hoisted, lifted, or otherwise removed from the structure being accessed, the overall time, effort, cost, and skill required to access the structure is reduced. Furthermore, when the system 10 is in an intermediate position where at least one elongate beam is retracted, access around and underneath bridge piers or other obstructions is allowed. These areas are otherwise very difficult to access.

[0040] Having described the invention in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims.

[0041] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0042] As various changes could be made in the above products and processes without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.