Patent Description:
There is a general problem with existing installations of the above kind, e.g. as known from <CIT> and <CIT>. One of the main problems is that they are relatively expensive and also relatively space requiring. Hence, in order to handle the loads that may be applied there is a need of a relatively large number of uprights and such uprights do take space from areas where it is inconvenient from many aspects to not have free open space.

Moreover, there is a disadvantage in that staff when using such an installation when moving from one side to the other need to first climb down to the floor and pass over to the other side and there again climb upwards to the platform on the other side.

From <CIT> and <CIT>, which discloses the preamble of claim <NUM>, there are know installations that partly solves the above problems, but that suffers from other disadvantages, e.g. space requiring and relatively limited functionality.

It is an object of the invention to minimize the problems mentioned above which is achieved thanks to an installation in accordance with the independent claim.

Thanks to the invention there is provided an installation which provides significantly much more open space than conventional installations, better adaptation to enable efficient use and which also may be produced to lower cost than most traditional installations.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention there is also arranged at least one laterally extending platform/"bridge", which enables staff to easily move from a longitudinal platform arranged along one side of a vehicle to the other side of the vehicle without the need to first move down to the ground floor. Furthermore, such an installation provides the possibility to merely use one stair way application instead of two as is needed with conventional installations.

According to further preferred aspects of the invention:.

Further advantages will become apparent from the detailed description below.

In the following the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the enclosed figures wherein:.

In <FIG> there is shown a perspective view of a bus service workshop <NUM> proved with two installations <NUM>, <NUM>' in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The two installations <NUM>, <NUM>' have the same design and are arranged parallelly in order to provide for the possibility to service two vehicles B at the same time. The installations <NUM>, <NUM>' are arranged with movable platforms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>', which are shown to be positioned on different heights in the figure, to clearly show that the platforms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>' are adjustably positioned on any desired height within a given range provided by the installation <NUM>, <NUM>'.

In the following merely one of the installations <NUM> will be described more in detail. The installation <NUM> includes a fixed frame structure <NUM>. The fixed frame structure <NUM> comprises four uprights <NUM> positioned at each end of a rectangular area that is created by the frame structure of the installation <NUM>, when seen from above. At the top of the uprights <NUM> there are arranged two parallel longitudinal frame works <NUM> and also two parallel lateral frame works <NUM>. Accordingly, the frame works <NUM>, <NUM> are interconnected via the uprights <NUM> to form a rectangle at the top of the uprights <NUM>. The height h of the uprights are sufficiently high to provide for entry of a vehicle to easily pass underneath the platforms <NUM>, <NUM> when the platforms <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned in their uppermost position. Preferably the top end of the uprights <NUM> are positioned at a level within the range of <NUM>-<NUM> above the ground floor GF, i.e. the ground floor for a vehicle to drive into and out of the installation along a line of passage C.

The width W of the installation <NUM> is defined by the outer sides of the uprights <NUM>, which preferably positioned such that the width W is in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> which provides for sufficient space for vehicles to enter into the installation <NUM>. Further, thanks to the use of frame works <NUM>, <NUM> the length L of the installation between two longitudinally uprights <NUM> may be relatively large, which provides for the advantage that there will be provided an open space between each pair of the longitudinal uprights. Preferably the distance L between two longitudinally uprights is at least <NUM>, preferably in the range of <NUM>-<NUM>. The clearance width between a pair of uprights is preferably at least <NUM>,<NUM>, more preferred <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>. Maximal clearance width between the two longitudinal platforms <NUM> is at least <NUM>, preferably in the range of <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>. Adjustable clearance height below the platforms <NUM>, <NUM> is preferably within the range of <NUM>-<NUM>, more preferred within <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM>.

The movable support structure <NUM> includes two horizontally extending support beams <NUM>. Each support beam <NUM> extends transversally in relation to the line of passage C, between a pair of uprights <NUM>. An anchoring device <NUM> is arranged at each end 40A of the support beams <NUM> that provides for the ability to move the support beams <NUM> vertically along the uprights <NUM> and that fixates the support beams <NUM> in any other direction, i.e. provides a stable guidance to merely provide vertical movement.

Supported by the support beams <NUM> there are positioned two longitudinal platforms <NUM>, which may be moved transversally on the support beams <NUM>. Each platform <NUM> is arranged with flooring <NUM> for staff to move on longitudinally along the installation <NUM>. Further there are arranged support fences <NUM> to safeguard staff moving on the platform <NUM>, to not fall down. Also, there are cushioning members <NUM>, <NUM> positioned at the inner edges of the longitudinal platforms <NUM> that enable the platforms to be positioned in contact with a vehicle B without damaging the vehicle and also closing the space between the platform and the vehicle B so that there exists no gap.

Each anchoring mechanism <NUM> interacts with guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>) within each upright <NUM>, such that vertical movement is facilitated at the same time as the anchoring mechanism <NUM> is fixed in other directions. Furthermore, preferably the anchoring mechanism <NUM> includes a cardanic joint <NUM>, such that bending forces from the support beams <NUM> onto the anchoring mechanism 41will not transfer any bending forces into the guiding members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the anchoring mechanism <NUM>.

Moreover, as seen in <FIG> there may also be arranged upper transversal support beams <NUM> provided at an angle, forming V-shapes along the upper top side of the fixed support structure <NUM>. These additional support members <NUM> are preferably provided in connection with having a crane beam <NUM> arranged within the installation <NUM>. On the crane beam <NUM> there may be provided a hoist (not shown) that is movably arranged along the crane beam <NUM> such that the hoist may be moved from one side to the other within the installation <NUM>. Furthermore, the crane beam <NUM>, may be provided with low friction members <NUM> (e.g. rollers) at each end to be movably arranged along the longitudinal frame works <NUM>, such that the crane beam <NUM> may be moved and positioned at any desired location in the longitudinal direction within the installation <NUM>.

In <FIG> there is shown alternatively arranged installations <NUM>, <NUM>' in a service workshop <NUM> basically providing the same function as described in connection with <FIG>. The difference compared to <FIG> is that the two installations <NUM>, <NUM>' shown in <FIG> may be provided with a crane beam (not shown) that extends across both installations <NUM>, <NUM>'. This may be achieved by not using any longitudinal frame work members <NUM> at the central part of the joint installations <NUM>, <NUM>', such that a hoist not shown may be moved in between the outer two longitudinal frame work member <NUM>, <NUM>' of the two installations <NUM>, <NUM>'. In order to arrange for the needed strength of the fixed support structure <NUM> there is arranged extended uprights <NUM> that extend all the way up to the roof (not shown) of the workshop <NUM>, such that it will be the roof support structure of the building that provides the strength that corresponds to the strength provided by the central longitudinal frame work members <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Hence, the installations <NUM> shown in <FIG> are self-supported, i.e. need no connections to support structures of a building, whereas the alternative in <FIG> uses connection to support structures of the building.

In this regard it is evident for the skilled person that indeed all uprights may be supported by the support structures (not shown) integrated in the roof of the workshop <NUM> and in such an installation it will be possible to eliminate any of the frame works <NUM>, <NUM> shown in <FIG>. However, longitudinal frame works are needed if crane beam/s <NUM> is desired. Moreover, it is foreseen that the uprights <NUM> may be positioned on support shelves protruding from support pillars (not shown). The advantage of using support shelves at a level above men's height is that there is thereby provided walkable space underneath the support shelves such that more free space may be available within and near the installation <NUM>. Hence, in such an installation the lower ends of the upright <NUM> and cylinder <NUM> will be positioned well above ground floor level GF.

Further <FIG> shown perspective views of stairways <NUM> that may form a part of the concept according to the invention. It is how that the stairway comprises a lower static part 7A and an upper adjustable part 7B. At the top of the upper part 7B there is a platform <NUM>. The platform <NUM> may be adjustably positioned on different vertical heights by means of a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> (see <FIG>). The stairway <NUM> includes two stairway uprights <NUM> that include guiding members for controlled guided movement of the upper part 7B of the stairway <NUM>. There is a fixed stairway part <NUM> leading to an intermediate platform <NUM>. At the intermediate platform <NUM> there is arranged support legs <NUM>, e.g. in the form of an up and down turned U.

In <FIG> there is shown a front view of an installation according to the invention as shown in <FIG>. There is shown a preferred structure of the frame work, which includes an upper frame work beam <NUM>, a lower frame work beam <NUM> and intermediate frame work members <NUM>, <NUM> interconnecting the upper and lower frame work beams <NUM>, <NUM>. According to a preferred embodiment the height h3 of each frame work <NUM> is in the range of <NUM>,<NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM> and each frame work beam preferably has a hollow cross- sectional shape, preferably square tube, having a maximum outer cross-sectional width within the range of <NUM> to <NUM> (i.e. sides of a square tube within <NUM>-<NUM>). There is shown that each upright <NUM> is arranged with longitudinal holes <NUM>, which provide for the ability to securely attach guide members <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>) within the uprights <NUM>.

At each end of the longitudinal platforms <NUM> there are arranged hollow, carrying members <NUM>, which provide for support and transversal movement of each platform <NUM> along the support beam <NUM> of the movable support structure <NUM>. Each carrying member <NUM> is arranged with an attachment member <NUM> that provides attachment of one end of a hydraulic cylinder <NUM>. The other end of the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> is attached to a first fixing member <NUM> that is fixed onto support beam <NUM>. Hence, the actuating device <NUM> (here hydraulic cylinder) has one fixed part <NUM> and one movable part <NUM>. (see <FIG>).

The transversal platform <NUM> comprises two parts 6A, 6B, which are telescopically arranged such that when transversal movement of a longitudinal platform <NUM> is performed, the size of the transversal platform <NUM> will adapt to the transversal distance between the two platforms <NUM>. To achieve this there is a central part <NUM> that is telescopically interacting with outer parts <NUM>, <NUM>, preferably by means of wheel/rollers (not shown) to minimize friction. Above the level of the floor <NUM> of the transversal platform <NUM> there are arranged upwardly protruding walls <NUM>, <NUM> that also act telescopically, as does also the safety fence 61A, 61B.

Each longitudinal platform <NUM>, at its outer side, is arranged with a supporting longitudinal wall <NUM>, which fulfil more than one function. A first function is that it will provide sufficient strength to make the platform <NUM> self-supporting, resulting in the advantage that no external support is needed at any intermediate position between the two support beams <NUM> for the platform <NUM>. To achieve this, the longitudinal wall <NUM> is provided with sufficient height h5 (see <FIG>), at least <NUM>,<NUM>. Preferably the height is at least <NUM>,<NUM>, more preferred in the range of <NUM>,<NUM> - <NUM> and the thickness is preferably less than <NUM>% in relation to the height h5, e.g. in the range of <NUM>-<NUM> for steel plate. More preferred the height h5 of the side plate <NUM> is larger adjacent the middle of the platform <NUM> than adjacent the ends, which provides the advantage that sufficient strength may be achieved at a lower total weight than if a straight upper edge 53A is used. A second function of the height of the side plate <NUM> is that it hinders objects to fall down from the platform <NUM> out over the edge, which otherwise may cause injury, by having its lower end 53B at or below the level of the floor <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. A similar function is achieved by the transversal side plates <NUM> arranged at the end of each platform <NUM>, which also protrude above the floor area <NUM> of the platform <NUM>.

In <FIG> there is shown a front view of an installation <NUM> according to the invention where one side of each upright <NUM> has been removed. There is shown that the vertical movement of the movable platform <NUM> is achieved by a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> positioned centrally within the open space of each tube shaped upright <NUM>. The hydraulic cylinder <NUM> has a fixed cylinder part <NUM>, which is fixedly attached in relation to the fixed frame <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> this may be achieved by positioning the lower end <NUM> of the cylinder <NUM> to form the fixed part, e.g. to be positioned onto ground floor GF. The hydraulic cylinder <NUM> has a movable part, i.e. a piston <NUM> that in a known manner may move up and down to position the movable platform <NUM> at a desired level. Preferably the cylinders are synchronized by a master and slave system (not shown) or by a sensor (e.g. laser) bases system (not shown) and a control unit (not shown) to achieve the same exact movement of all cylinders in real time. The hydraulic pump/s and other hard ware od such a system may preferably be placed under neath a fixed part (e.g. the fixed platform <NUM> of the stairs <NUM>.

In the shown view the platforms <NUM>, <NUM> have been positioned at a top level within the installation <NUM>. As shown, there is an attachment arrangement <NUM> for a first actuating device <NUM>, e.g. in the form a piston <NUM>, that connects with the anchoring device <NUM> to transmit vertical movement. Preferably there is a hydraulic piston <NUM>, which at the top has an attachment arrangement <NUM> that fixates the upper end of the piston <NUM> to the anchoring device <NUM>, which movably supports the movable support beams <NUM>. The anchoring device <NUM> preferably provides both guidance for vertical movement of the support beams <NUM> and anchoring of the ends 40A in other directions, i.e. anchoring in all horizontal directions. Preferably the anchoring device <NUM> includes an anchoring frame <NUM>, that preferably is detachably attached to each end 40A of the support beams <NUM>. The anchoring frame <NUM> is suitably positioned within the hollow space of each upright <NUM>. Preferably. the anchoring frame <NUM> has a substantial vertical extension, e.g. about <NUM>,<NUM> -<NUM>, to provide for rigidity. Preferably, the attachment arrangement <NUM> for the piston <NUM> is arranged at the top of the anchoring frame <NUM>. More preferred, the movable support beam <NUM> is attached at the lower end of the anchoring frame <NUM>. Preferably movable support beam <NUM> is attached to the anchoring frame <NUM> via a separate joint <NUM>, preferably a cardan joint <NUM> (see <FIG>). Suitably there are passages <NUM>, <NUM> in the sides of the uprights <NUM>, to provide space for interconnecting the separate joint <NUM> within the anchoring mechanism <NUM>. Hence, the connection between the support beam <NUM> and the anchoring frame <NUM> may be arranged for via a vertically extending passage/slot <NUM> in each upright <NUM>. Accordingly, the anchoring device <NUM> guides the support beams <NUM> in a controlled manner along the uprights <NUM>. Control signals and power may be supplied via a cable arrangement <NUM>.

In <FIG> there is shown a partial view of what is shown in <FIG>. It is shown that the platforms <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned in the uppermost position within the fixed frame <NUM> showing merely one of the uprights <NUM>. The view presents in more detail that there may be rollers <NUM> arranged to enable easy telescopic action of the two parts 6A, 6B of the transversal platform <NUM>. Moreover, it is shown a gripping member <NUM> which when activated activates a brake mechanism that locks the transversal platform <NUM> in a fixed longitudinal position such that movement of the transversal platform <NUM> is then not possible, which otherwise would cause a safety problem.

Further, it is shown that at the end sides of the transversal platform <NUM> there are arranged low friction devices <NUM>, preferably in the form of a pair of wheel members 630A, 630B on each side of a gap to enable easy, low friction movement in a longitudinal direction of each transversal platform <NUM>. The gap in between the wheels 630A, 630B is used to guide the transversal platform <NUM> along a guide rail <NUM> attached to the longitudinal platform <NUM>. The guide rail <NUM> preferably comprises a horizontal support part <NUM> attached to an inner wall of the longitudinal platform <NUM> which has a upwardly protruding rail member <NUM> extending parallelly with the direction of the longitudinal platform <NUM>, fitting into the gap and providing support for the low friction devices <NUM>.

In <FIG> there is shown partly a cross-sectional horizontal view from above of a corner of an installation according to the invention, wherein one upright <NUM> is shown, such that there is also shown a part of the longitudinal frame work <NUM>, a part of one longitudinal platform <NUM> with bumper <NUM> and a part of one transversal platform <NUM>. Here the hydraulic piston <NUM>, for movement of the longitudinal platform in a transversal direction, is shown in more detail clearly presenting the two attachment members <NUM>, <NUM>. It is also shown a cross-section of the hollow carrying member <NUM>, which exposes the positioning of the support beam <NUM> within the hollow space of the hollow carrying member <NUM>. At the end of the support beam <NUM> it is connected to an anchoring mechanism <NUM>, as mentioned above.

The anchoring frame <NUM> has connected thereto a lower (not shown) and an upper shaft <NUM>. At each end of each shaft there are arranged rollers <NUM>, <NUM> that are guided within U-shaped guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> attached on each inner side of the upright <NUM>. Accordingly, there are arranged two U-shaped guide rails <NUM>, <NUM> opposing each other within the upright <NUM>. The rollers <NUM>, <NUM> fit into the U-shaped guide rails to more or less without friction guide each end of the support beam <NUM> vertically along a desired path. Preferably, the connection between the end of the support beam and the anchoring mechanism <NUM> includes a cardan joint <NUM> such that bending forces will not be transmitted from the support beams <NUM> platform to the anchoring mechanism <NUM>, as is explained in more detail in connection with <FIG>.

In <FIG> there is shown in more detail a perspective view of a exemplary arrangement of the anchoring mechanism <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, as shown, it includes a cardan joint <NUM>, between the end of each support beam <NUM> and the guide frame member <NUM>. The cardan joint <NUM> comprises an inner attachment body <NUM> that is fixated within the hollow support beam <NUM>. A first pivot shaft <NUM> is mounted with an inner end in the inner attachment body <NUM> and an outer end in a first pivot member <NUM>. Hence, this facilitates pivoting of the support beam <NUM> about the axis of the first pivot shaft <NUM>. Further, the first pivot member <NUM> is pivotally arranged about a second pivot shaft <NUM>. Hence, this facilitates pivoting of the support beam <NUM> about the axis of the second pivot shaft <NUM>, i.e. providing a cardan joint <NUM>. The second pivot shaft <NUM> Is attached to lugs <NUM> that are fixated to the anchoring frame <NUM>. Further <FIG> shows that preferably there is arranged a limit stop switch <NUM>, that may assist in controlling that the movable structure <NUM> does not pass by a set end position and also that a bracket <NUM> for a cable guide <NUM> may be arranged below the support beam <NUM>.

In <FIG> there is shown a perspective view of an end part of a longitudinal platform. It is shown that the hollow carrying member <NUM> is fixedly attached to an end face plate <NUM>. The end face plate <NUM> protrudes a distance above the actual platform floor <NUM>. Also the rear wall <NUM> of the longitudinal platform <NUM> extends a distance h5 above the floor of the platform <NUM>, as has been described above to both eliminate the risk of tools falling down from the platform and to provide sufficient strength to make the longitudinal platform self-supporting.

In <FIG> there is shown a perspective view of a transversal platform <NUM>. It is shown that the transversal platform <NUM> is arranged with a pair of wheel members <NUM> at each outer end, which provides for precise guiding of the platform in a longitudinal direction along the rails <NUM> on the longitudinal platforms <NUM>. Further, it is shown in more detail that there is an intermediate part <NUM> that may telescopically move into the fixed parts <NUM>, <NUM> arranged with space for occupying the intermediate part <NUM> when the transversal platform <NUM> is telescoping to be shorter. To provide for extra guidance and also eliminate objects to fall down from the floor surface <NUM> of the platform there are arranged upwardly protruding telescoping wall parts <NUM>, <NUM>. Preferably a first wall part <NUM> presents a flat plate shape and the other part <NUM> presenting a bent plate <NUM> with a U-shaped upper portion that may ride on top of the first wall part <NUM>.

In <FIG> there is shown a view from above of a transversal platform <NUM> according to the invention, wherein the brake mechanism <NUM>, is shown in more detail. It is shown that there is arranged a long telescopic pivot rod <NUM> that extends along the whole back side of the platform <NUM> that is pivotally supported by brackets <NUM>. The brake gripping member <NUM> is fixedly attached to the pivot rod <NUM>. At each end of the pivot rod <NUM> it connects with a movable brake part <NUM>, which at its outer end is arranged with a brake member <NUM>. The movable brake part <NUM> is arranged with a radially protruding shaft device (e.g. screw) <NUM>, that fits into an angled groove <NUM> in a fixed tube formed body <NUM> that is attached to the outer side of the platform <NUM>. Hence, when the brake gripping member <NUM> is actuated/pivoted, from a release position to a braking position the, the pivot rod <NUM> will pivot/rotate and the shaft device <NUM> move along the groove <NUM>, which will make the movable brake part <NUM> move outwards to finally get in clamping contact with a wall part of the longitudinal platform <NUM>, such that the transversal platform <NUM> is locked in that position and cannot be moved from that position until the brake mechanism <NUM> is again actuated in the other direction.

In <FIG> there is shown a perspective view of a stairway <NUM> that may form a part of the concept according to the invention. It is how that the stairway comprises a lower static part 7A and an upper adjustable part 7B. At the top of the upper part 7B there is a platform <NUM>. The platform <NUM> may be adjustably positioned on different vertical heights by means of a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> that can move the upper part 7B from the lowermost position to the uppermost position. The stairway <NUM> includes two stairway uprights <NUM> that include guiding members for controlled guided movement of the upper part 7B of the stairway <NUM>. The upper part includes a stairway portion <NUM> that includes two parallel attachment members <NUM>, <NUM> for adapted positioning of each step <NUM> in the stairway <NUM> to be positioned horizontally in every position. At the top of the fixed stairway part 7A there is an intermediate platform 74A. Fixed stairway part <NUM> lead to the intermediate platform <NUM>. There are safety fences <NUM>, <NUM> arranged to provide for safe climbing of the stairway, (in <FIG> the safety fence part along the upper stairway portion <NUM> is not shown but merely in <FIG>). The piston <NUM> is arranged centrally between the uprights <NUM> of the stairway <NUM>. At the intermediate platform <NUM> there is arranged support legs <NUM>, preferably in the form of an up and down turned U. There is a guiding arrangement <NUM> attached to the platform and extending along a side support <NUM> that is attached underneath the upper platform <NUM>. There may be arranged a separate platform (not shown) to have the hydraulic pump/machinery for the stairway positioned at a level above the ground floor GF to provide sufficient space to enable walking underneath it or it may also be positioned together with the other hydraulic devices, e.g. under the fixed platform <NUM>.

In <FIG> there are shown side views of a stairway shown in <FIG> wherein it is shown in an upper position in <FIG> and in a lower position in <FIG>.

In <FIG> there is a perspective view from above showing a part of a workshop <NUM> in between two installations <NUM>, <NUM>' with focus on the upper part of a stairway <NUM> according to the invention. There is shown that the upper platform <NUM> of the stairway is in level with a platform <NUM> of the closest installation <NUM> and also a platform <NUM>' of an installation <NUM>' further away. As can be seen in the figure there are telescopic side platforms <NUM>, <NUM> that may be extended to be in contact with each one of the longitudinal platforms <NUM>, <NUM>'. Accordingly, a person may move from the platform <NUM> via a side platform <NUM>, <NUM> to enter onto any of the platforms <NUM>, <NUM>'. In accordance herewith the safety fence <NUM> around the platform <NUM> is arranged with two doors 77A, 77B, each one providing opening to one of the side platforms <NUM>, <NUM>. It should be noted that in the shown figure the framework parts <NUM> have been omitted, such that there is shown a gap in between the upper angled lateral support beams <NUM> and the rest of the structure.

In <FIG> there is shown a cross-sectional view from below of an upper part of a stairway <NUM> according to the invention. Centrally there is shown a piston part <NUM> of the hydraulic cylinder that may move the upper platform <NUM> up and down. Further it is shown that the side platforms <NUM>, <NUM> have been extended sideways and that there may be rollers <NUM> arranged to provide for low friction movement of the side platforms <NUM>, <NUM>. Moreover, it is shown that each stairway upright <NUM> is arranged with protruding ruler <NUM> that acts as a guide element for the upper platform <NUM>, by means of having gripping members <NUM> that guide along the rulers <NUM> on both sides. There is also shown that the platform may be equipped with a flexible cable support <NUM>. Finally, it is shown that there may be arranged chains <NUM> on each side at the top of the upper the safety fence <NUM> of the upper platform <NUM> which chains will extend and form safety fences when the stairway is in its upper position, and which chains in the lower position of the upper platform <NUM> will merely flex and hang down along each side.

In <FIG> there is shown a further possible embodiment of a part of a workshop <NUM> having two installations <NUM>, <NUM>', arranged in series, i.e. along the same path of passage C, where two vehicles B, B' may be serviced simultaneously according to the invention. It is shown that the installation <NUM> may advantagely be used in connection with lifters <NUM>, that may lift the vehicle B up into a higher level, such that service may be performed from the underside of the vehicle B. At the same time, service may also be performed on the roof by means of positioning the platforms <NUM>, <NUM> at an appropriate level for simultaneous service at that level. As is evident, this also indicates, that the invention may be combined with using equipment installed below the ground floor level GF , e.g. lifters <NUM>, service pits, etc. Moreover, the figure shows that in some workshops <NUM> it may be an advantage to use two installations of different length, e.g. a longer one <NUM>' followed by a shorter one <NUM>, such that simultaneously a first vehicle of a first size may be serviced in the front installation and a second vehicle of a shorter kind may be serviced in the rear installation. In other regards the installation is basically similar to what has been described above.

Claim 1:
Installation (<NUM>) for secure access to an upper part of a vehicle (B), said installation comprising:
a fixed frame (<NUM>) arranged along a line (C) of passage for said vehicle (B),
said fixed frame (<NUM>) including at least four, preferably merely four, uprights (<NUM>) interconnected at their top ends by longitudinally and transversally extending support structures (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
a vertically movable support structure (<NUM>), movable relative to the fixed frame (<NUM>), and by said vertically movable support structure (<NUM>) including a pair of transversal support beams (<NUM>) extending transversally between a pair of said uprights (<NUM>) positioned on each side of said line of passage (C),
at least one longitudinal platform (<NUM>) supported by said movable support structure (<NUM>),
a first actuating device (<NUM>) having one fixed part (<NUM>) fixed relative to the fixed frame (<NUM>) and a movable part (<NUM>) attached to said movable support structure (<NUM>), to arrange for vertical movement, of the movable support structure (<NUM>), wherein
adjacent each end of said transversal support beams (<NUM>) there is arranged a movable anchoring device (<NUM>) guided by said uprights (<NUM>) to enable vertical movement but fixed positioning in other directions,
characterized by a second actuating device (<NUM>) having one part (<NUM>) attached to a first fixing member (<NUM>) fixated to said movable support structure (<NUM>) and another part (<NUM>) attached to a second fixing member (<NUM>) attached to said longitudinal platform (<NUM>), to arrange for horizontal movement of the longitudinal platform (<NUM>) on the support beams (<NUM>).