PRIORITY DOCUMENTS

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2022901717 titled “A PORTABLE PLATFORM FOR USE IN PILING AND COLUMN WORKS” and filed on 22 June 2022, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a portable platform assembly. The portable platform assembly was conceived for use in piling and column construction works, but is not necessarily so limited in application.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A pile or piling is a type of structural foundation that transfers building loads deep into the ground. Typically, the taller or more load bearing the structure, the deeper the piles of the foundation which support it.

[0004] Cast-in-situ piles are formed by drilling a borehole, placing purpose built structural reinforcement into the borehole, and then filling the borehole with concrete so that this sets around the structural reinforcement to form the pile. The structural reinforcement is typically a framework of steel bars (rebars) and ties referred to as a pile cage.

[0005] At the top, each of the rebars is bent outwardly to form a pile cap. A column cage can be positioned to extend upward from one or more pile caps, and the bottom of the column cage and each of the pile caps are encased in concrete along with additional reinforcement to give a solid foundation for the column.

[0006] Prior to pouring the concrete, the large borehole and the pile cage with its upstanding rebars present a safety hazard for those working with them.

[0007] It is against this background that the present disclosure has been developed. SUMMARY

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided a portable platform assembly comprising a base frame bounding an opening and comprising at least one support on which the portable platform assembly will stand, and at least one deck assembly supported by the base frame within the opening.

[0009] In one form, the or each deck assembly comprises a first deck extending into the opening from the base frame, and a second deck movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first deck, wherein in the extended position the second deck extends further into the opening than the first deck.

[0010] In one form, the first deck is fixed with respect to the base frame.

[0011] In one form, in an alternative, the first deck is movable with respect to the base frame.

[0012] In one form, the base frame comprises at least a pair of parallel side frame members and a pair of parallel end frame members.

[0013] In one form, the second deck extends in a plane above a plane of the first deck.

[0014] In one form, when in its retracted position the second deck is positioned above the first deck.

[0015] In one form, in an alternative, the second deck extends in a plane below a plane of the first deck.

[0016] In one form, when in its retracted position the second deck is positioned below the first deck.

[0017] In one form, the first deck is suspended from and below the side frame members.

[0018] In one form, the second deck runs along the side frame members.

[0019] In one form, the second deck comprises wheels or rollers which support it as it runs along the side frame members.

[0020] In one form, the second deck comprises a handrail.

[0021] In one form, the portable platform assembly comprises a pair of the above-described deck assemblies arranged in an opposing manner.

[0022] In one form, the second deck from each deck assembly will extend towards the other. [0023] In one form, the second deck from each deck assembly will retract away from the other.

[0024] In one form, the or each support comprises a leg.

[0025] In one form, the or each support comprises a wheel.

[0026] In one form, the or each support comprises a leg assembly which is length adjustable.

[0027] In one form, each leg assembly is at or near to each corner of the base frame.

[0028] In one form, each of the leg assemblies comprises a foot.

[0029] In one form, each foot is pivotally connected with respect to its respective leg.

[0030] In one form, each of the leg assemblies comprises at least first and second leg portions, where the second and successive leg portions telescope with respect to the first leg portion.

[0031] In one form, in an alternative, the support comprises a rigid skirt element.

[0032] In one form, in an alternative, the support comprises a stand.

[0033] According to a second aspect, there is provided a portable platform assembly comprising a base frame bounding an opening and comprising at least one support on which the portable platform assembly will stand, and at least one deck assembly supported by the base frame within the opening, wherein the or each deck assembly comprises a fixed first deck extending into the opening from the base frame, and a second deck extending in a plane above a plane of the first deck and movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first deck, wherein in the extended position the second deck extends further into the opening than the first deck, and when in its retracted position the second deck is positioned above the first deck.

[0034] According to a further aspect, there is provided a portable platform assembly comprising a base frame bounding an opening and comprising at least one support on which the portable platform assembly will stand, and a pair of deck assemblies supported by the base frame within the opening in an opposing manner, wherein each deck assembly comprises a fixed first deck extending into the opening from the base frame, and a second deck extending in a plane above a plane of the first deck and movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first deck, wherein in the extended position each second deck extends further into the opening than the first deck, and when in its retracted position each second deck is positioned above the first deck. [0035] According to a further aspect, there is provided a portable platform assembly comprising a base frame bounding an opening, the base frame comprising at least a pair of parallel side frame members and a pair of parallel end frame members, at least one support on which the portable platform assembly will stand, and at least one deck assembly supported by the base frame within the opening, wherein the or each deck assembly comprises a fixed first deck suspended from and below the side frame members and extending into the opening, and a second deck comprising wheels or rollers which support it as it runs along the side frame members, and extending in a plane above a plane of the first deck and movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first deck, wherein in the extended position the second deck extends further into the opening than the first deck, and when in its retracted position the second deck is positioned above the first deck.

[0036] According to a further aspect, there is provided a portable platform assembly comprising a base frame bounding an opening, the base frame comprising at least a pair of parallel side frame members and a pair of parallel end frame members, at least one support on which the portable platform assembly will stand, and a pair of deck assemblies supported by the base frame within the opening in an opposing manner, wherein each deck assembly comprises a fixed first deck suspended from and below the side frame members and extending into the opening, and a second deck comprising wheels or rollers which support it as it runs along the side frame members, and extending in a plane above a plane of the first deck and movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first deck, wherein in the extended position each second deck extends further into the opening than the first deck, and when in its retracted position each second deck is positioned above the first deck.

[0037] For ease of description, a platform assembly embodying the present features is described below in its usual assembled position as shown in the accompanying drawings and terms such as front, rear, upper, lower, horizontal, longitudinal etc., may be used with reference to this usual position. However, the platform assembly may be manufactured, transported, sold, or used in orientations other than that described and shown here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0039] Figures 1A and IB are isometric views of a portable platform assembly with second decks in an extended position;

[0040] Figure 1C is an isometric view of the portable platform assembly with second decks in a retracted position; [0041] Figure 2 is a side view of the portable platform assembly;

[0042] Figure 3 is an end view of the portable platform assembly;

[0043] Figure 4 is a top view of the portable platform assembly;

[0044] Figure 5 is a side view of a first deck;

[0045] Figure 6 is an end view of the first deck;

[0046] Figure 7 is a side view of a second deck; and

[0047] Figure 8 is an end view of the second deck.

[0048] In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0049] Referring now to Figures 1A through 1C, there is provided a portable platform assembly 1 comprising a base frame 2 bounding an opening and comprising a support on which the portable platform assembly 1 will stand. In this illustrated form, the support comprises a plurality of leg assemblies 10. The leg assemblies could include wheels (not illustrated), or wheels may be employed in place of leg assemblies 10 to provide the support.

[0050] The base frame 2 comprises at least a pair of parallel side frame members 4 and a pair of parallel end frame members 6 bounding the opening. There is a corner post member 8 at each corner of the base frame 2. The side frame members 4 and the end frame members 6 extend between these corner post members 8.

[0051] The side frame members 4 extend between upper ends of the corner post members 8, and the end frame members 6 extend between lower ends of the corner post members 8. One of the leg assemblies 10 is secured with respect to each of the corner post members 8.

[0052] There is at least one deck assembly 20 supported by the base frame 2 within the opening.

[0053] Each deck assembly comprises a first deck 30 extending into the opening from the base frame 2, and a second deck 40 movable between a retracted and an extended position relative to the first deck 30, wherein in the extended position the second deck 40 extends further into the opening than the first deck 30.

[0054] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first deck 30 comprises a platform 32 supported by a platform frame 34 that is suspended from the side frame members 4 of the base frame 2 by side post members 36. The platform 32 comprises a flooring material 33 such as metal mesh, plywood or a composite material.

The platform 32 is rectangular, and comprises a pair of parallel side edges, upward from which the side post members 36 extend until these meet an underside of one of the side frame members 4. The upper ends of the side post members 36 are fixed with respect to the underside of one of the side frame members 4 by way of welding and/or fasteners. In this way, the first deck 30 is below the side frame members 4, and the side post members 36 and side frame members 4 cooperate to form a safety railing for users of the first deck 30 to guard against falls therefrom.

[0055] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second deck 40 comprises rollers 48 which run along the side frame members 4 and which depend from side post members 46. From which side post members 46 a platform 42 supported by a platform frame 44 is suspended. One each of the rollers 48 is connected with respect to one each of the side post members 46 at or near a midpoint thereof. The effect of this is that a significant portion of the second deck 40 remains between or below the side rail members 4, with only the portion extending above the rollers 48 extending above the side rail members 4.

[0056] The second deck 40 further comprises a safety railing 49 extending atop the side post members 46. This provides users with a guard against falls from the second deck 40.

[0057] The platform 42 of the second deck 40 extends in a plane above a plane of the platform 32 of the first deck 30. The platform 42 comprises a flooring material 43 such as metal mesh, plywood or a composite material.

[0058] When in its retracted position the second deck 40 is positioned above the first deck 30, and between the side post members 36 of the first deck 30. The second deck 40 can be rolled into and out of this retracted position.

[0059] Each deck assembly 20 incorporates a travel stop for limiting the amount of extension of the second deck 40. It is undesirable for the second deck 40 to travel so far as to leave a gap between itself and the first deck 30, so a travel stop prevents this. The travel stop could depend from either of the first deck 30 or base frame 2. [0060] For each deck assembly 20 there might be provided a position lock 22 for securing the second deck 40 in a desired portion between and including fully retracted and fully extended. This might employ a screw pin that can be tightened to effect position locking or loosened to effect unlocking. Alternatively, the position lock might employ a spring-loaded pin.

[0061] Optionally, the portable platform assembly 1 comprises a pair of the above-described deck assemblies 20 arranged in an opposing manner. That is to say, the portable platform assembly 1 comprises one of the above-described deck assemblies 20 at each end. In this way, the two second decks 40 can extend towards each other, and more particularly a work site located between them. The two second decks 40 also retract away from each other.

[0062] Each of the base frame 2 and the decks 30 and 40 is constructed of commercially available steel sections which are either welded or bolted together. Other construction materials and techniques could be employed however.

[0063] Each of the leg assemblies 10 is length adjustable, and comprises a foot 12 that is pivotally connected with respect to its respective leg. This allows the feet 12 to accommodate any unevenness in the ground or floor on which they are set.

[0064] Each of the leg assemblies 10 comprises at least first and second telescoping leg portions, and might employ a handle operated winding mechanism 14 for extending and retracting the leg assembly 10. Such a mechanism allows the platform assembly 1 to be raised and lowered by the operation of the leg assemblies 10, while also providing for fine adjustment of leg length.

[0065] Advantageously the platform assembly 1 is of such sturdy construction that it can support loads additional to the workers.

[0066] Accordingly, the portable platform assembly 1 might further comprise a load beam 60, as illustrated in Figure 2. This load beam 60 sits atop and extends between the side frame members 4. The load beam 60 can be positioned as required along the side frame members 4. To assist positioning the load beam 60 might be configured to slide along the side frame members 4, or they could comprise wheels or rollers that permit them to roll along the side frame members 4. The load beam 60 might comprise load attachment points from which a load can be suspended such as by a chain hoist or winch, or the chain hoist or winch can be disposed to slide along the load beam 60, so that the combination forms a gantry crane providing fine positional adjustment of the load in three-dimensions.

[0067] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, in use, the portable platform assembly 1 can be positioned (such as by a crane) with its base frame 2 surrounding a work site 200, represented schematically in the figures by a column cage for a pile positioned in a borehole. That is to say, the work site 200 is positioned within the opening bounded by the base frame 2. The leg assemblies 10 can then be adjusted as required to level the platform assembly 1.

[0068] The two second decks 40 can then be moved toward their extended positions as far as is required to give workers the required, close, convenient, guarded access to the work site 200. The two second decks 40 can also be secured in a desired position using position lock 22 so as to prevent unwanted movement while work is being carried out.

[0069] One or more load beams 60 can be employed to suspend loads into the work site 200. These loads might be pile cages or other formwork in the case of pile works. Where the load beams 60 form part of a gantry crane arrangement as described above, one or more can be employed to achieve fine positional accuracy of the load, which is generally desirable, but especially so where the load is a pile cage.

[0070] Of further advantage is the fact that loads are supported low within the opening bounded by the base frame 2. This keeps the centre of gravity low, reducing any likelihood of the platform assembly 1 tipping over.

[0071] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a safe and useful working platform for workers working with a hazard of the type comprising an open borehole, such as, but not limited to, piling and column works.

[0072] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[0073] It will be understood that the terms “comprise” and “include” and any of their derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising, includes, including) as used in this specification, and the claims that follow, is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which the term refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0074] In some cases, a single embodiment may, for succinctness and/or to assist in understanding the scope of the disclosure, combine multiple features. It is to be understood that in such a case, these multiple features may be provided separately (in separate embodiments), or in any other suitable combination. Alternatively, where separate features are described in separate embodiments, these separate features may be combined into a single embodiment unless otherwise stated or implied. This also applies to the claims which can be recombined in any combination. That is a claim may be amended to include a feature defined in any other claim. Further a phrase referring to “at least one of’ a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c.

[0075] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosure is not restricted in its use to the particular application or applications described. Neither is the present disclosure restricted in its preferred embodiment with regard to the particular elements and/or features described or depicted herein. It will be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope as set forth and defined by the following claims.