Patent Publication Number: US-2011056765-A1

Title: Window Platform And Method For Using Same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/269,507 titled “WINDOW WIZARD,” filed Jun. 25, 2009. This related application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Embodiments of the inventive subject matter relate to the field of window scaffolding, and more particularly, to window-mountable platforms. 
     A variety of devices have been designed and constructed to assist a person in gaining access to an exterior of a building in order to repair, maintain, or clean the building. One such device includes scaffolding, which typically comprises numerous interlocking rods constructed piece by piece. The scaffolding extends from the ground upward such that a person would climb the structure in order to gain access to a working area. Another type of scaffolding device is supported from a plurality of ropes or cables such that a working platform is suspended from the roof of a building by such ropes or cables. These types of scaffolding systems are typically complex and time consuming to deploy and are often subject to movements due to wind and other forces. Both of the above-mentioned scaffolding devices provide a disadvantage in that they can be very expensive due to their complex nature and construction. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present embodiments may be better understood, and numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform coupled to a window ledge, according to one embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 1B  depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded rear perspective view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1C  depicts a diagram illustrating a front top view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1D  depicts a diagram illustrating a front bottom view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1E  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear bottom view of hanging elements of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform having lateral wall members, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3A  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform having adjustable hanging elements, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3B  depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3C  depicts a diagram illustrating across sectional view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform having adjustable hanging elements, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear exploded view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a diagram illustrating a front exploded view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4D  depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a container member, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5C  depicts a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a diagram illustrating a side perspective view of a window platform having a safety support rail, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear top exploded view of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6C  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear bottom exploded view of a portion of a window platform, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6D  depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of a window platform having a safety support rail, according to one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) 
     The description that follows includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody techniques of the present inventive subject matter. However, it is understood that the described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. 
     Embodiments described herein comprise an apparatus and method for mounting a window platform to a window ledge. In some embodiments, the window platform may be coupled to a window ledge by a plurality of hanging elements attached to the window platform. The window platform can be slipped through an open window and suspended by the hanging elements from the window ledge. The hanging elements may be adjustable so that can adapt to various window and window ledge widths. The window platform may be positioned on the exterior of a window. A person may then step through the window and stand on the platform. A wide variety of tasks including painting, window installing, window washing, brick laying, and the like, could be effectively performed at an elevated height. 
     Turning now to the figures in detail,  FIG. 1A  is an illustration of a rear perspective view of a window platform  100  in accordance with the present disclosure.  FIG. 1B  illustrates an exploded view of the of window platform  100  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1C  illustrates a top front view of the exemplary window platform  100  of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 1D  illustrates a bottom front view of the exemplary window platform  100  of  FIG. 1A . These figures will be described in conjunction with each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B , the window platform  100  may include an upper support rail  102 , a plurality of support members  104 , and a lower support rail  106 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , the upper support rail  102  may have two parallel sides  108  and two perpendicular sides  110 . The parallel sides  108  may be configured to be substantially parallel to that of the length (L) of the window ledge  101  coupled to the window platform  100 . Thus, the parallel sides  108  may be parallel with the side of the building. The perpendicular sides  110  may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the length (L) of the window ledge  101  coupled to the window platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , the upper support rail  102  has a top face  116  and, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the upper support rail  102  has a bottom face  118 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the lower support rail  106  may have two parallel sides  112  and two perpendicular sides  114 . The parallel sides  112  may be configured to be substantially parallel to that of the length (L) of the window ledge  101  coupled to window platform  100 . The perpendicular sides  114  may be configured to be substantially perpendicular to the length (L) of the window ledge coupled to the window platform  100 . As shown in  FIG. 1C , the lower support rail  106  has a top face  120  and, as shown in  FIG. 1D , the lower support rail  106  also has a bottom face  122 . 
     The upper support rail  102  and the lower support rail  106  may be frame to each other by the plurality of support members  104 . As shown in  FIG. 1B , each of the support members  104  may have a top face  109  and a bottom face  111 . Each of the top faces  109  of the support members  104  may be attached to the bottom face  118  of the upper support rail  102 . Each of the bottom faces  111  of the support members  104  may be attached to a top face  120  of the lower support rail  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the window platform  100  formed by coupling the upper support rail  102  to the lower support rail  106  with the plurality of support members  104  may be substantially rectangular in shape when looking in a plan and/or elevation view. However, it should be appreciated that the window platform  100  may be any suitable shape including, but not limited to, square, octagonal, hexagonal, circular, oval shaped, and any combinational thereof, and the like. 
     The window platform  100  may also include a platform  124 . The platform  124  may have a top face  126 , as shown in  FIG. 1C , and a bottom face  128 , as shown in  FIG. 1D . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , the top face  126  of the platform  124  may be attached, or integral with to the bottom face  122  of the lower support rail  106 . In another embodiment, the bottom face  128  of the platform  124  may be attached, or integral with to an upper face  120  of the lower support rail  106 . In another embodiment, the platform  124  may be attached, or integral with a location between the upper face  120  and the bottom face  122  of the lower support rail  106 . In a further embodiment, the top face  126  of the platform  124  may have a textured surface. The textured surface may prevent a user, or worker from slipping on the platform during use. The platform  124  may be textured by placing grooves on the platform  124  in an embodiment. Further the platform  124  may be textured by any suitable method including, but not limited to, covering the platform  124  with a paint mixed with a non-slip admixture, placing a non-slip tape on the platform  124 , providing a grating, and the like. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the window platform  100  may also include a plurality of brace members  128 . The brace members  128  may be adapted to contact an exterior of a building housing the window. The brace members  128  may have a first end  130 , as shown in  FIG. 1B , and a second end  132 , as shown in  FIG. 1C . In one embodiment, the first end  130  of the brace members  128  may be attached to a front face  133  of the lower support rail  106  and/or support member  104 . The second ends  132  of the brace members  128  are oriented so that they come into contact with an exterior of the building. 
     While it is illustrated that the window platform  100  has a plurality of brace members  128 , it may be appreciated that in another embodiment, a single brace member  128  may be attached to the front face  133  of the lower support frame  106 . For example, the first end  130  of the brace member  128  may be attached so that it is substantially centered along the length of the front face  133  of the lower support frame  106 . Further, there may be any number of brace members  128  attached to the lower support frame  106  and/or the support members  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , the window platform  100  may also include at least one hanging element  134 . The hanging element  134  may be adapted to secure the window platform  100  to a window ledge  101  of a building. As shown in  FIG. 1B , the hanging element  134  may have a first end  136  and a second end  138 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1C , the first end  136  of the hanging element  134  may be attached to a front face  135  of the upper support frame  102 . The second end  138  of the hanging element  134  may be adapted to hook onto, or couple to, a window ledge  101  of a window. Although, the hanging element  134  is described as being attached to the front face  135  of the upper support frame  102 , it should be appreciated that the hanging element  134  may couple to the window platform  100  at any suitable location including, but not limited to the top face  116  of the upper support frame  102 , the bottom face  118  of the uppers support frame  102 , and support frame  104 . 
     While it is illustrated that the window platform  100  may include a plurality of hanging elements  134 , it is appreciated that in another embodiment, a single hanging element  134  may be attached to the front face  135  of the upper support frame  102 . For example, the first end  136  of the hanging element may be attached so that it is substantially centered along the length of the front face  135  of the upper support frame  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1C , the hanging element  134  may be configured to have an L-shaped design having a vertical member  140  and a horizontal member  142 . The horizontal member  142  may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the window ledge. The vertical member  140  may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the interior wall of the building housing the window. While the hanging element  134  is described as having an L-shaped design, it is appreciated that the vertical member  140  and the horizontal member  142  may be substantially the same in length, or the horizontal member  142  may be longer than the vertical member  140 , or the vertical member  140  may be longer than the horizontal member  142 . 
     In one embodiment, the hanging element  132  may include an additional horizontal member. The additional horizontal member may be attached to the second end  138  of the vertical member  140 , thereby forming a T-shaped configuration. The additional horizontal member may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the interior wall of the building housing the window. In one embodiment, the vertical member  140  and the additional horizontal member may be substantially the same in length, or the additional horizontal member may be longer than the vertical member  140 , or the vertical member  140  may be longer than the additional horizontal member. 
     In another embodiment, an additional horizontal member may attached to the second ends  138  of each of the vertical members  140 , thereby forming a U-shaped configuration. 
     In one embodiment, the hanging elements  134  may include one or more pad members  129 , which may prevent damage to a window ledge and/or the interior of a building to which the window platform  100  is attached. Accordingly,  FIG. 1E  illustrates a rear bottom view of the hanging elements  134  having pad members  129 , according to one embodiment of the invention. The pad members  129  may be attached to a bottom face  150  of the horizontal member  142  of the hanging elements  134  and to a back face  152  of the vertical member  140  of the hanging element  129 . The pad members  129  may cover at least a portion of bottom face  150  of the horizontal member  142  and the back face  152  of the vertical member  140  of the hanging elements  134 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , the brace members  128  may also include pad members  131 . The pad members  131  may be attached to the brace members  128  to prevent damage to an exterior of a building to which the window platform  100  is attached. The pad members  131  may be attached to the second end  132  of the brace members  128 . The pad members  131  may cover at least a portion of the second end  132  of the brace members  128 . 
     The pad members  129  of the hanging elements  134  and the pad members  131  of the brace members  128  may be made out of any suitable substance for preventing damage to the exterior of the building including, but not limited to, foam, rubber, an elastomer, a plastic, a combination of materials and/or the like. As illustrated, the pad members  129 ,  131  may be substantially circular in shape. However, it is appreciated that the pad members  129 ,  131  may also be other shapes, including but not limited to, substantially triangular, rectangular and/or polygonal shapes. Further, the pad members  129 ,  134  may be a continuous member that covers the entire portion of the window platform that comes into contact with the building. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear perspective view of a window platform  100  having lateral wall members  202 A- 202 D, according to one embodiment of the invention. Each of the lateral wall members  202  may have an interior face  204  and an oppositely oriented exterior face  206 . Each of the lateral wall members  202  may be attached to two adjacently placed support members  104 . For example, lateral wall member  202 A may be attached to support members  104 A and  104 D. Lateral wall member  202 B may be attached to support members  104 A and  104 B. Lateral wall member  202 C may be attached to support members  104 B and  104 C, and lateral wall member  202 D may be attached to support members  104 C and  104 D. 
     As shown, in one embodiment, the lateral wall members  202  may act as a wall that partially extends vertically along the support members  104 . In this case, a gap may be present between the lateral wall members  202  and the upper support rail  102 . In another embodiment, the lateral wall members  202  may fully extend vertically along the support members  104 . In an embodiment, the lateral wall members  202  may have a solid surface, for example a sheet metal, or wood surface. The lateral wall members  202  may be configured to prevent items and/or personnel from falling between the support members  104 . Although lateral wall members  202  are described as having a solid surface, it should be appreciated that the lateral wall members  202  may have any suitable surface for preventing items from passing beyond the support members  104  including, but not limited to a grated surface, meshed surface, a netting, a screening, and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the window platform  100  may have hanging elements  134  that are adjustable to fit the width of a window. Accordingly,  FIG. 3A  illustrates a view of a window platform  100  having hanging elements  302  that are adjustable to fit the width of a window.  FIG. 3B  depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of a portion of the hanging elements illustrated in  FIG. 3A .  FIG. 3C  depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of the window platform  100  illustrated in  FIG. 3A . These figures will be described in conjunction with each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , a user may change the position of each of the hanging elements  302  along the length of the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102  to be substantially the same as the width of a window. The position of the hanging elements  302  may be changed by securing the hanging elements  302  to different positions along the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the first end  304  of the hanging elements  302  may, include an aperture  306  (as shown in  FIG. 3B ), and the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102  may include a plurality of apertures  310 . The apertures  306 ,  310  may be configured to receive a fastening device  312 . The fastening device  312  may secure the hanging elements  302  to the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102 . As shown in  FIG. 3C , the first end  304  of the hanging elements  302  may also include a recess  314 , and the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102  may include a recess  315 . 
     The recesses  314 ,  315  may be configured to house at least a portion of the fastening device  312 . The fastening device  312  may be any device suitable for securing the hanging elements  302  to the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the fastening device is a screw which screws into a nut  316  located in the recess  314  of the hanging element  302 . It should be appreciated that the screw may screw directly into any of the apertures  310  of the parallel side  108  and/or the aperture  306  of the hanging elements  302 . The recess  314  may be configured to secure the nut  316  of the fastening device  312  within the recess  314 . With the nut  316  secured in the recess  314 , the user may turn the screw while the recess  314  prevents the nut from rotating. Further, it should be appreciated that the fastening device  312  may be any suitable device for securing the hanging elements  302  to the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102  together including, but not limited to, a press fitting, a weld, and adhesive, nail, a rivet, a pin connection and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the window platform may have hanging elements that are adjustable to adapt to the length (L) of a window ledge of a window. Accordingly,  FIG. 4A  illustrates a rear perspective view of a window platform  100  having hanging elements  402  that are adaptable to adapt to the length of a window ledge.  FIG. 4B  depicts a diagram illustrating a rear exploded view of the window platform  100  illustrated in  FIG. 4A .  FIG. 4C  depicts a diagram illustrating a front exploded view of a portion of the window platform  100 .  FIG. 4D  depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of a window platform  100  illustrated in  FIG. 4A . These figures will be described in conjunction with each other. 
     A user may adjust the length of each of the hanging elements  402  to be substantially the same as the length of a window ledge. As shown in  FIG. 4A , the length of the hanging elements  402  may be changed by securing the hanging elements  402  to different positions along a hanging element receptacle  404 , which is attached, or integral with the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the parallel side  108  may have a hanging element receptacle  404  adapted to hold at least a portion of the horizontal member  410  of the hanging elements  402 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the hanging element receptacle  404  may be shaped and/or sized to fit the horizontal member  410  of the hanging element  402  within the receptacle  404 . The hanging element receptacle  404  may have a first end  412 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4B  and a second end  414 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4C . The first end  412  may be attached, or be integral with the parallel side  108  of the upper support rail  102 . The second end  414  may be open-ended and have a recess  416  to hold the at least portion of the horizontal member  410  of the hanging element  402 . The parallel side  108  may include an aperture having a similar shape to the recess  416 , thereby allowing a portion of the hanging element to pass through a portion of the parallel side  108 . Further, it should be appreciated that the parallel side  108  may not have an aperture and act as a stop at the end of the recess  416 . The top face  416  of the horizontal member  404  of the hanging elements  402  may include a plurality of apertures  418 , and the top face  420  of the hanging element receptacle  404  may have one or more apertures  422 . The apertures  418 ,  422  may be configured to receive a fastening device  426 . As shown in  FIG. 4D , the fastening device  426  may secure the horizontal member  410  of the hanging elements  402  to the hanging element receptacle  404 . 
     The horizontal member  410  of the hanging elements  402  may also have a recess  428 . The recess  428  may be configured to house at least a portion of the fastening device  426 . The fastening device  426  may be any device suitable for securing the hanging elements  402  to the hanging element receptacle  404 . As shown in  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B, and  6 D, the fastening device  426  is a screw which screws into a separate nut  430  located in the recess  428 . It should be appreciated that the screw may screw directly into any of the aperture  422  of the hanging element receptacles  404  and/or the apertures  418  of the hanging elements  402 . The recess  428  may be configured to secure the nut  430  of the fastening device  426  within the recess  428 . With the nut  430  secured in the recess  428 , the user may turn the screw  426  while the recess  428  prevents the nut from rotating. Further, it should be appreciated that the fastening device  426  may be any suitable device for securing the hanging elements  402  to hanging element receptacles  404  together including, but not limited to, a nail, a rivet, a pin, a carver pin, a bolt, a rod with a carver pin on the top and bottom, a button secured to the hanging element which may engage the one or more apertures  422 , and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the window platform may include a container member. Accordingly,  FIG. 5A  illustrates a window platform  100  including a container member  502 .  FIG. 5B  depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the container member  502  illustrated in  FIG. 5A .  FIG. 5C  depicts a diagram illustrating a front perspective view of the window platform  100  illustrated in  FIG. 5A . These figures will be described in conjunction with each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the container member  502  may have a container  503 , and one or more of container hanging elements  504 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the one or more of container hanging elements  504  may be configured to have a U-shaped configuration, each having a first vertical member  506 , a second vertical member  508  and a horizontal member  510 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , the first vertical member  506  may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the front face  512  of the upper support rail  102 . The horizontal member  510  may be adapted to contact the top face  514  of the upper support rail  102 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the second vertical member  508  may be adapted to contact at least a portion of the back face  518  of the upper support rail  102 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the plurality of hanging elements  504  may be attached to a front face  516  of the container  503 . The second vertical member  508  may have an aperture  518  and the front face  516  of the container  503  may have an aperture  520 . The apertures  518 ,  520  may be configured to receive a fastening device  522 . The fastening device  522  may secure the hanging elements  502  to the front face  516  of the container  503 . The fastening device  522  may be any device suitable for securing the hanging elements  504  to the front face  516  of the container  503 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the fastening device  522  is a screw which screws into a separate nut  524  situated on an interior face  526  (as shown in  FIG. 5A ) of the front face  516  of the container  503 . It should be appreciated that the screw may screw directly into the apertures  518  of the hanging elements  506  and/or the aperture  520  of the front face  516  of the container  503 . The user may turn the screw  522 , while the nut  524  secures the screw  522  to the hanging element  506  and the container  503 . Further, it should be appreciated that the fastening device  522  may be any suitable device for securing the hanging elements  506  to the container  503  together including, any of the fastening devices described herein. The container member  502  allows a worker/user to place work and/or personal items in the container  503  while working on or around the window platform  100 . The container  503  may include pockets, specifically sized for work and/or personal items. For example, the container  503  may include specific pockets for items including, but not limited to paint, paint brushes, towels for cleaning, window cleaner, window wipers, squeegee, keys, mp3 player, cell phone, radio, communication devices, personal digital assistants and the like. 
     In one embodiment, the window platform may include a safety support rail. Accordingly,  FIG. 6A  illustrates a window platform  100  including a safety support rail  602 .  FIG. 6B  depicts a diagram illustrating an exploded view of the window platform  100  having the safety support rail  602  illustrated in  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6C  depicts a diagram illustrating another exploded view of the window platform  100  having the safety support rail  602  illustrated in  FIG. 6A .  FIG. 6D  depicts a diagram illustrating a cross sectional view of a portion of the window platform  100  and the safety support rail  602 . These figures will be described in conjunction with each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 6A , in one embodiment, the window platform  100  may also include a safety support rail  602 . The safety support rail  602  may be fixedly attached to a top face  116  (as illustrated in  FIG. 6B ) of the upper support rail  102 . In one embodiment, the safety support rail  602  may be attached to parallel side  108 . However, it is appreciated that the safety support rail  602  or an additional safety support rail may be attached to any of the other sides of the upper support rail  102 . The safety support rail  602  may have a first vertical member  604 , a second vertical member  606 , and a horizontal member  608 . Each of the bottom faces  610 ,  612  (as shown in  FIG. 6C ) of the vertical members  604 ,  606  may be attached to the top face  116  of the upper support rail  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the top face  116  of the upper support rail  102  may have a first aperture  614  and a second aperture  616 , as shown in  FIG. 6B . The bottom face  118  of the upper support rail  102  may have a third aperture  618  and a fourth aperture  620 , as shown in  FIG. 6C . As shown in  FIG. 6D , the first aperture  614  and the third aperture  618  may be substantially aligned vertically with each other, and the second aperture  616  and the fourth aperture  620  may be substantially aligned vertically with each other. 
     The bottom faces  610 ,  612  of the vertical members  604 ,  606  may also each have an aperture  622 ,  624 , as shown in  FIGS. 6C and 6D . Apertures  614 ,  618  and  622  may be configured to receive a first fastening device  626 . Apertures  616 ,  620  and  624  may be configured to receive a second fastening device  628 , as shown in  FIGS. 6B ,  6 C and  6 D. The first fastening device  626  may secure the first vertical member  604  of the safety support rail  602  to the upper support rail  102 . The second fastening device  628  may secure the second vertical member  606  to the upper support rail  102 . 
     The upper support rail  102  may also include a first recess  630  and a second recess  632 , as shown in  FIG. 6D . The first recess  630  may be configured to house at least a portion of the first fastening device  626 . The second recess  632  may be configured to house at least a portion of the second fastening device  628 . 
     The first vertical member  604  may have a recess  634 . The second vertical member  606  may have a recess  636 . Recess  634  may be configured to house at least a portion of the first fastening device  626 . Recess  646  may be configured to house at least a portion of the second fastening device  628 . 
     The first fastening device  626  and the second fastening device  628  may be any devices suitable for securing the safety support rail  602  to the upper support rail  102 . As shown in  FIGS. 6B ,  6 C and  6 D, the first fastening device  626  and the second fastening device  628  may be screws. The first fastening device  626  may screw into a first nut  638  located in the recess  634  of the first vertical member  604 . The second fastening device  628  may screw into a second nut  640  located in the recess  636  of the second vertical member  606 . The recess  634  may be configured to secure the first nut  638  of the first fastening device  626  within the recess  634  of the first vertical member  604  and the first recess  630  of the upper support rail  102 . The recess  636  may be configured to secure the second nut  640  of the second fastening device  628  within the recess  636  of the second vertical member  606  and the second recess  632  of the upper support rail  102 . With the nut  316  secured in the recess  314 , the user may turn the screw while the recess  314  prevents the nut from rotating. Further, it should be appreciated that the first fastening device  626  and the second fastening device  628  may be any suitable device for securing the safety secure rail  602  to the upper support rail  102  together including any fastening devices described herein. 
     In one embodiment, the upper support rail  102  may have at least one or more apertures, each adapted to hold at least a portion of the first vertical member  602  or the second vertical member  604 . The at least one or more apertures may be shaped and/or sized to fit the first vertical member  604  and the second vertical member  606  of the safety support rail  602 . 
     As described, embodiments of the invention described herein provide an apparatus and method for mounting a window platform to a window ledge. For example, a worker may carry the window platform into a building where work, for example window cleaning is to be performed. The worker may then carry the window platform to a window, and secure the window platform to a window ledge. The window platform may be coupled to the window ledge by a plurality of hanging elements attached to the window platform. The window platform can be slipped through an open window and suspended by the hanging elements from the window ledge. The hanging elements may be adjustable so that can adapt to various window and window ledge widths. The window platform may be positioned on the exterior of a window. A person may then step through the window and stand on the window platform and perform the work. The window platform may also contain a container member, which allows the worker to place work and/or personal items in the container while working on or around the window platform. In addition, as a safety feature, the window platform may also include a safety support rail, which prevents a worker from falling from the window platform. 
     While the embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. 
     Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter.