Patent Abstract:
Work platforms are generally discussed herein for providing expanded work space for their users with specific discussions extended to portable work platforms that are mountable on vertical or horizontal poles and the like, such as utility poles, for expanding useful work space. The portable work platform has a deck attached to a base by a beam, which is made from a non-conducting material. A strap assembly having a webbing is connected to the base and configured for use with a ratchet mechanism to tension the webbing around a pole to mount to the platform. The beam enhances electrical isolation between the deck and the base.

Full Description:
FIELD OF ART 
       [0001]    Work platforms are generally discussed herein for providing expanded useful work space with specific discussions extended to portable work platforms that are mountable on vertical or horizontal poles and the like, such as utility poles, for expanding useful work space. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Workers that work on elevated projects, such as tree climbers, utility workers, cable workers, journeymen, etc., will often find themselves dangling by straps to a vertical pole when performing work. Typically, the worker is supported by two opposing pole steps that project from the pole with a safety strap wrapped around the pole and attached at both ends to the worker, such as to a safety belt worn about the waist. 
         [0003]    Poles and pole steps come in several sizes and types. For example, there are wooden poles, composite poles, and metal poles, such as galvanized steel poles, and poles for specific applications, such as joint poles (for electric power, cable television, and telephone); power poles; telephone poles; cable poles; and railroad poles. Pole steps can include bent rods and plates and made from fiberglass or metal. Regardless of the poles or pole steps in question, a worker working on a pole is typically confined to two pole steps and secured in place by a safety strap. Due to the size of the pole steps, slippage is a concern and maneuverability is greatly limited. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    An aspect of the present device and assembly includes a portable work platform comprising a deck attached to a base by a beam, which is made from a non-conducting material. In exemplary embodiments, the base comprises two channels defined by two sets of flanges wherein a strap assembly comprising a webbing is disposed, at least in part, inside the two channels and wherein the beam defines an operating gap between the deck and the base. 
         [0005]    A further feature of the portable work platform includes a round beam made from a fiberglass material to electrically isolate the base from the deck. 
         [0006]    A still further feature of the portable work platform includes providing the webbing with two ends and wherein one of the ends comprises a loop having a rod extended therethrough. 
         [0007]    A still further feature of the portable work platform is a webbing comprising a high temperature resistance material that has a high melting point than that of polyester. 
         [0008]    A still yet further feature of the present portable work platform includes providing the beam from fiberglass with a wall thickness of at least ½-inch. 
         [0009]    In a specific embodiment, the portable work platform is provided with a mounting frame comprising a receiving bore for receiving the beam. 
         [0010]    To facilitate mounting, the portable work platform is provided with a base plate comprising an arcuate surface for closely fitting to a pole having an arcuate contour. 
         [0011]    In still yet another embodiment, the work platform is provided with a deck rail that is configured as a barrier for preventing slippage. 
         [0012]    Another aspect of the present device and assembly comprises a portable work platform comprising a deck attached to a base by a beam, which is made from a non-conducting material. Wherein the base comprises two channels defined by two sets of flanges and wherein a strap assembly comprising a Kevlar webbing is disposed, at least in part, inside the two channels. 
         [0013]    A still further aspect of the present disclosure is a method for mounting a portable work platform onto a pole. The method comprising placing an arcuate surface on a base plate against an arcuate surface on a pole; the base plate being located on a base, which is attached to a beam that is connected to a deck. The method can further include the step of anchoring a first end of a webbing to the base and wrapping the webbing around the pole so that a second end of the webbing is anchored to the base. The method can further include tensioning the webbing by activating a ratchet mechanism and isolating the deck from the base from electrical arcing by providing an operating gap between the base and the deck and wherein the beam is made from a non-conducting material. 
         [0014]    A still further feature of the present method is the provision for forming the beam from a fiberglass material. 
         [0015]    A still further feature of the present method is the provision for forming the beam from a carbon fiber material. 
         [0016]    A still yet further feature of the present method comprises the step of adjusting the deck for alignment by rotating the deck relative to the beam. 
         [0017]    The method can further include the step of changing the arcuate surface to an arcuate surface having a different curvature. 
         [0018]    Another aspect of the present method includes forming the deck from fiberglass for providing electrical isolation. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    These and other features and advantages of the present device, system, and method will become appreciated as the same becomes better understood with reference to the specification, claims and appended drawings wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a work platform provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method mounted on a pole. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the work platform of  FIG. 1  from a different angle showing the underside of the work platform and not mounted to any pole. Replacement or add-on base plates and decks are also shown. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a side elevation view of the work platform of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a bottom plan view of the work platform of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an alternative work platform provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method mounted on a pole. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]    The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of the presently preferred embodiments of portable work platforms provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present device, system, and method may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the features and the steps for constructing and using the embodiments of the present device, system, and method in connection with the illustrated embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent functions and structures may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As denoted elsewhere herein, like element numbers are intended to indicate like or similar elements or features. 
         [0026]    Refer now to  FIG. 1 , a schematic perspective view of a portable work platform provided in accordance with aspects of the present device, system, and method is shown, which is generally designated  10 . In one exemplary embodiment, the platform  10  comprises deck  12 , also referred to as a stand plate or top, attached to a pole bracket or base  14  via a beam or arm  16 . As further discussed below, the base or pole bracket  14  functions as an anchor when used with a mounting strap assembly  18  to removably fix the platform  10  to a pole  20 . In one example, the pole is a galvanized steel utility pole. In another embodiment, the pole is a composite pole or a wooden pole. The pole may be used for a specific function, such as a cable pole or a telephone pole, or as a joint pole, such as for electric power, cable television, and telephone. 
         [0027]    With reference now to  FIGS. 2 and 3  in addition to  FIG. 1 , the deck  12  includes a generally planar working surface  22  defining a working area of about 1.5 Ft 2  to about 4 Ft 2 . In some embodiments, the working area is less than 1.5 Ft 2  while in other embodiments the surface area is greater than 4 Ft 2 . The deck  12  can be constructed from a metal material, such as from an aluminum material. In other embodiments, the deck  12  is made from a non-metallic material, such as from an engineered plastic, from fiberglass, from a composite, or combinations thereof For example, the deck may be made from polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or similar engineered plastics. Carbon fiber is also a viable material option for the deck  12 . The material and size, such as thickness, length and width, should be selected to provide sufficient support for an average worker with appropriate safety factors. Alternatively, the deck may be selected and sized to meet any industry, field, or engineering standards, such as ASTM standards. In some embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the deck  12  includes at least one side flange  24  (two side flanges are shown) to further reinforce the working surface  22 . The working surface has an upper surface  30  and a lower surface  32 , which may be referred to as first surface and second surface, respectively. The side flange  24  can extend the width of the working surface  22  and is selected with its own width of sufficient dimension to reinforce the working surface  22 . The side flange  24  preferably includes corners  26  with radiuses that prevent chipping or sharp edges. 
         [0028]    The working surface  22  may include bumps, channels and/or protrusions (not shown), generally referred to as surface features, on its upper surface  30  to increase friction or surface contacts. The surface features may be machined, formed, or molded onto the upper surface  30 . Alternatively or in addition thereto, heavy duty adhesive backed sandpaper may be attached to the upper surface  30  to provide increased surface friction. The adhesive backed sandpaper may be attached in spaced apart strips or as a single large friction surface. 
         [0029]    With reference again to  FIGS. 2-4 , a mounting frame  28  is provided on the lower surface  32  of the deck  12 . In one exemplary embodiment, the mounting frame  28  includes a mounting block  34 , which has a receiving bore  36  for receiving the beam  16 . The receiving bore  36  may be round, square, oval or other configuration and preferably matches the outer contour or configuration of the beam  16 . A top block surface  38  is provided and includes one or more threaded bosses  40  for receiving one or more set screws (not shown) to secure against the outer surface of the beam  16 . In other embodiments, the beam  16  is secured to the mounting block  34  through other means, such as by welding or bonding. In one example, the beam  16  is secured to the deck  12  but is removable or rotatable therefrom to enable replacement, maintenance, and/or angular alignment. Alternatively, the beam  16  may be rotatable relative to the base  14  for alignment purposes by adjusting the base screw  69  ( FIG. 1 ). The mounting block  34  may be separately formed and subsequently attached to the lower surface  32  of the working surface  22 , such as by welding, gluing, mechanical engagement (for example, detents, fasteners), and co-molding or insert-molding, depending on the material selection of the deck  12 . 
         [0030]    In one example, two or more trusses  42  are incorporated on the lower surface  32  of the deck  12 . The trusses  42  reinforce the deck from contorting or bending and preferably embody the shape of a triangle with a right angle. While the trusses  42  can attach only to the deck  12 , such as to the lower surface  32  and to one or both side flanges  24 , the trusses are shown attached to both the deck  12  and the mounting block  34  through conventional means, such as through mechanical engagement, welding, or bonding. In one example, the deck  12  is made from an aluminum material, the mounting block  34  is machined from an aluminum billet, the trusses  42  are cast or machined, and the components are welded together. In a specific example, four trusses are incorporated and are attached to four corners of the mounting block. The trusses can extend to the ends or edges  46  of the working surface  22  or not as far, as shown in  FIGS. 2  and  4 . The height of the mounting block  34  and the trusses  42  may be greater than the height of the side flanges  24  so that the mounting frame  28  extends higher than the side flanges  24 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . In another embodiment, the side flanges  24  have a greater height than the mounting frame  28 . 
         [0031]    In one example, the arm or beam  16  is made from fiberglass with a 3-inch diameter and a wall thickness of about ½-inch with other diameters and thicknesses contemplated. In another example, the beam  16  is made from carbon fiber. Preferably, the beam  16  is made from a non-conductive material to electrically isolate the deck  12  from the base  14 , as further discussed below. Less preferably, the beam  16  is made from a metallic material and has an outer non-conductive cover or layer. The length of the beam  16 , from end-to-end, may be selected as desired and/or to comply with industry or engineering standards. The overall length of the beam  16  controls, at least in part, the operating gap  44  ( FIG. 4 ) of the portable platform  10 , which is the distance or space between one of the side flanges  24  closes to the base  14  and the base. In one example, the operating gap  44  is greater than three inches, such as six inches or more, for example, sixteen inches. In another example, the operating gap  44  is selected to ensure appropriate electrical isolation between the pole bracket  14  and the deck  12 . 
         [0032]    The base  14  is preferably made from the same material as the deck  12  but optionally can differ. In one example, the base  14  comprises a base plate  48 , a receiving socket  50  having an opening  56  for receiving the beam  16 , a first set of flanges or fins  52 , and a second set of flanges or fins  54 . The various base components may be unitarily formed, such as by casting. Alternatively, the components are separately formed and subsequently assembled to form the base, such as by welding, mechanical engagement, or both. As shown, the base plate  48  has an arcuate surface  58  for form fitting against the curvature of a pole  20  and an optional opening  49  for inspection, such as to verify that the beam is properly placed into the receiving socket  50 . The arcuate surface  58  may approximate the curvature of the pole or an average curvature of several different poles. Still alternatively, the arcuate surface  58  may approximate the average curvature taken at a certain height along the pole, such as for a pole that tapers inwardly from bottom to top. In yet another embodiment, different bases  14  with different shaped arcuate surfaces  58  are interchangeable so that a particular deck  12  may be used with different bases  14  depending on the pole to be attached therewith. In still yet another embodiment, different base plates  48 . 1  with different arcuate surfaces  58 . 1  are interchangeable with the base plate  48  located on the base  14 . For example, the base plate  48  shown in  FIG. 2  may be removed from the base  14  and a different base plate  48 . 1  having a different arcuate surface  58 . 1  fitted to the base  14  to replace the removed base plate. Similarly, the deck  12  from a portable work platform  10  may be interchangeable with a different deck  12 . 1  to provide different work surface area. In one example, the deck  12  may be removable and the replacement deck  12 . 1  mounted in its place. In another example, the replacement deck  12 . 1  may be mounted on top of the deck  12  and secured in place, such as by straps, fasteners, or other prior art mechanical engagement mechanisms. 
         [0033]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2  in addition to  FIG. 1 , a pliable insert  71  is provided for added compliance when the portable work platform  10  is mounted on a pole  20 . In one example, the pliable insert  71  is a rubber sheet or gasket. In another example, the pliable insert is multi-layer woven material and with an inner rubber material, such as that use in a fire hose. The pliable insert  71  is configured to be placed between the arcuate surface  58  of the base plate  48  and the pole  20  to provide added gripping or friction. The use of the pliable insert is preferred when the pole is a metal or galvanized pole and helps to reduce scraping or scarring the pole. In another example, a plastic or rubber coating is applied directly onto or over the base plate  48 . 
         [0034]    With reference again to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first set of flanges  52  comprises at least two individual flanges that are generally triangular in shape. The two flanges  52  are attached directly to the base plate  48  and to the receiving socket  50 , which may be an aluminum pipe or machined from a solid billet. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the two flanges  52  from the first set of flanges are angled inwardly towards a longitudinal centerline of the beam  16 . 
         [0035]    In one example, the second set of flanges  54  comprises four individual flanges. The four flanges  54  are mounted generally horizontally and have surfaces that are co-planar or parallel with the upper surface  30  of the deck  12 . The four flanges  54  are mounted in sets of two with each set located on either side of the longitudinal axis of the beam  14  and each including a boss  62 . In the example shown, each set of two flanges  54  are mounted in a spaced apart relationship to define a mounting channel  60  therebetween. As mounted, the bosses  62  from two adjacent flanges  54  align to form receiving slots  63  for an anchor pin or bolt, as further discussed below. Accordingly, the described base  14  comprises four flanges  54  mounted in two sets of two to define two mounting channels  60 . The base is also understood to include four aligned bosses  62  that form two receiving slots  63  for receiving two sets of anchor pins or bolts. 
         [0036]    Refer again to  FIGS. 1-3 , two anchor bolts  64  are configured to each slide into a slot  63  defined by two aligned bosses  62 . The anchor bolts  64  are configured for use as anchor points for a mounting strap assembly  18 , which has a flat and elongated strap  67 , also known as a webbing, having a loop  66  at one end for receiving one of the anchor bolts  64 , and a free end  68  for wrapping around the other anchor bolt  64  and then wound into a ratcheting mechanism  70  to take up the slack and to tension the webbing  67  around the pole  20 . As understood, the portable work platform  10  is to be placed along a desired elevation on a pole  20  before the webbing is tensioned around the pole. 
         [0037]    Webbing materials usable with the disclosed portable work platform  10  include those made from Nylon and Kevlar or composites thereof. TABLE 1 shows exemplary webbing specifications that are usable with the present device, system, and method. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Webbing #1 
                 Webbing #2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Material 
                 100% Nylon 
                 83% Kevlar/17% Polyester 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Picks (per inch) 
                 26 
                 min 
                 24 
                 min 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Weave 
                 Tubular twill 
                 Double plain 
               
               
                 Width (mm) 
                  48.2-63.18 
                 44.5 
               
               
                 Thickness (mm) 
                 1.778-2.032 
                 2.1 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Tensile strength Min (lbs) 
                 7,500 
                 min 
                 9,000 
                 min 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Weight, oz. per yard 
                 2.4-2.6 
                 2.01 
               
               
                 Melting Point(° C.) 
                 260 
                 500/260 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0038]    The webbing material is preferably selected from a material with a high melting point. The high melting point enables the disclosed device, system, and method to withstand short bursts of arc flashing that can produce short but relatively high temperatures. In one example, the webbing material is made from 100% nylon. In another example, the webbing material is made from 100% Kevlar. In another example, the webbing material is a composite, such as from 70% to 90% Kevlar with the balance from polyester or nylon. In a specific example, the webbing material is made from 83% Kevlar and 17% polyester. The disclosed webbing materials are believed to have superior wear resistance from tightening and loosening around poles and superior temperature resistance from arc flashing that can produce relatively high temperatures. As set forth, the webbing comprises a high temperature resistance material that is higher than that of polyester. 
         [0039]    With reference again to  FIG. 1 , as clearly shown, the deck  12  is spaced apart from the pole  20  and the base  14  by an operating gap  44  ( FIG. 4 ) provided by the beam  16 . As the beam is preferably non-conducting, a worker standing on the deck  12  is isolated from any electrical current provided by the gap. In other embodiments, the deck  12  is also made from a non-conducting material, such as from fiberglass or carbon fiber, and adds to the overall electrical isolation capability of the platform from potential electrical arcing, such as when used in connection with a utility pole. Thus, an aspect of the present device and assembly is a portable work platform  10  comprising a deck  12  attached to a beam  16  made from a non-conducting material, which is attached to a base  14  comprising a base plate  48 . In one example, the base plate has an arcuate surface having a contour for mating contact with a round pole. In another example, the beam is sized with a length to provide an operating gap between the deck and the base that is sufficient to isolate the deck from electrical arcing. 
         [0040]    A further feature of the present device and assembly is a mounting strap assembly comprising a webbing comprising a first end having a loop and a second end and wherein a rod is placed through the loop of the webbing and through a slot defined by two aligned openings on the base. The webbing can be understood to be made from a non-conducting material. In one example, the webbing material is made from a high temperature resistance material. In specific examples, the webbing is made from woven nylon or from Kevlar, with or without woven polyester. 
         [0041]    A further feature is a method for manufacturing the described portable work platform and for mounting the portable work platform onto a pole using a mounting strap assembly. In one example, the mounting strap assembly comprises a combination Kevlar and polyester webbing and a ratcheting mechanism for tensioning the webbing around a pole. To provide added flexibility, the present method further includes a provision for using a pliable insert between the arcuate surface of the base plate and the pole, such as when mounting the portable work platform on a metal pole to increase gripping. 
         [0042]    In a further aspect of the present device and assembly, the base plate  48  of the portable work platform is an add-on base plate  48 . 1  having an arcuate surface  58 . 1  with a different contour than the arcuate surface  58  of the original base plate  48 . The add-on base plate  48 . 1  may be used to replace an existing base plate  48  located on a base  14 , such as first removing the existing base plate and mounting the replacement base plate  48 . 1 , or for mounting on top of or onto the existing base plate. The different arcuate surface  58 . 1  of the add-on base plate  48 . 1  allows the portable work platform  10  to be used and attached to a pole  20  having a different circumference or diameter by providing a different arcuate surface that can better match. In other words, provisions are provided in the disclosed device and assembly to better approximate the arcuate surface of the base plate with the diameter of the pole. 
         [0043]    In a further feature of the present device and assembly, an add-on deck  12 . 1  is provided with a different working surface area  22 . 1  to either increase or decrease the working surface area of the existing deck  12  of a given portable work platform  10 . The add-on deck  12 . 1  may be used to replace an existing deck  12  of a portable work platform, such as first removing the existing deck and mounting the replacement deck  12 . 1 , or for mounting on top of or onto the existing deck  12 . 
         [0044]    With reference now to  FIG. 5 , a perspective view of an alternative work platform is shown, which is generally designated  76 . The work platform  76  shares many features with the work platform  10  of  FIG. 1 , such as having a similar deck  12 , beam  16 , base  14 , and mounting strap assembly  18 . In the present example, the deck  12  further incorporates a deck rail or backstop  78 , which extends upwardly or radially from the planar working surface  22 . The deck rail  78  may generally be located at end edge of the working surface  22  and aligns with one of the side flanges  24 . In another embodiment, the deck rail  78  is placed inwardly of the end edge along a section of the working surface  22 . In yet another embodiment, the deck rail  78  is placed outwardly beyond the end edge, such as with an extension or L-type bracket. The deck rail  78  may have a width that is the same as the deck, less than the width of the deck, or greater than the width of the deck. 
         [0045]    The deck rail  78  may be unitarily formed with the deck  12 , such as by casting or molding. In another embodiment, the deck rail  78  is separately formed and subsequently secured to the deck  12  using mechanical means, such as using fasteners, detents, and the like. The deck rail  78  can extend outwardly or radially of the planar working surface  22  about one inch or more, such as three inches or higher. The deck rail  78  is configured as a barrier to prevent slippage when a worker is standing on the deck and leaning. 
         [0046]    Although limited embodiments of work platform assemblies and their components have been specifically described and illustrated herein, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the various platform components may be made from different materials than described, painted or highlighted with colors, include hooks and pockets for storage, and be mounted on a horizontal pole, etc. Furthermore, it is understood and contemplated that features specifically discussed for one work platform embodiment may be adopted for inclusion with another work platform embodiment, provided the functions are compatible. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the work platform assemblies and their components constructed according to principles of the disclosed device, system, and method may be embodied other than as specifically described herein. The disclosure is also defined in the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4