Patent Description:
In an effort to provide more secure, safe and stable access to elevated locations, users often employ various accessories. For example, planks or other structures are sometimes combined with two or more ladders to act as a platform or scaffolding. In one particular example, so-called ladder jacks are often utilized in conjunction with a pair of ladders to provide a support for one or more wooden planks (e.g., <NUM> (<NUM> inch) X <NUM> (<NUM> inch) planks or <NUM> (<NUM> inch) X <NUM> (<NUM> inch) planks). Such a configuration enables a user to work on an elevated surface that exhibits a larger support surface area than that of the rung of a ladder and, thus, enables the user to work in a larger area without having to move a ladder multiple times. In another example, an attachment - sometimes referred to as a work platform - may be coupled to one or more rungs of a ladder in an effort to provide more surface area for the user to stand on, improving both their stability and comfort. However, breaking down or disassembling such a configuration, moving all of the components and then setting them up again can be time consuming and require considerable effort. Additionally, there are often no safety constraints used in such a configuration, making the use of planks a potential safety concern.

It is becoming increasingly common to require users to "tie off' or otherwise secure themselves when using a ladder or other elevating apparatus on a job site. Such a requirement may be instituted by a property owner, by an employer, or by a governmental body such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to reduce the risk of injury from a fall. However, users of ladders (or other elevated support structures) sometimes find such requirements to be a nuisance and some may even try to avoid such requirements. At a minimum, users of a ladder will typically find that such requirements take additional time, making the worker less efficient at completing their task, even if they are safer while working.

It is also known that many users will often climb higher on a ladder than is recommended for the specific ladder - sometimes to the highest rung of a stepladder or even on the top cap of a stepladder - even though explicit warnings are provided by the manufacturer of the ladder against such behavior. Climbing beyond the highest recommended rung can make the ladder unstable. Additionally, the user may become unstable when climbing beyond a recommended height because, for example, they may not have any additional structure to lean against or grasp with a free hand while standing at or near the very top of the ladder.

Further, while there have been some attempts to provide solutions to the issues and concerns noted above, some proposed solutions have resulted in large apparatuses that are difficult to maneuver and pose issues in storing, transporting and shipping such apparatuses.

As such, the industry is continually looking for ways to improve the experience of using ladders and elevated platforms and to provide the users of such apparatuses with more efficient, effective, safe and comfortable experiences.

<CIT> discloses an elevated platform apparatus in accordance with the pre-characterising portion of claim <NUM>.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an elevated platform apparatus as defined in claim <NUM>. Embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

The elevated platform may provide a relatively large surface area for a user to stand on while working at an elevated height while also providing a safe working environment without the need to continually tie-off or wear a harness during the use of the apparatus.

In one embodiment the platform includes a deck and a toe-kick structure. In one embodiment, the toe-kick structure includes at least one wall configured to be displaced between a first position, wherein the at least one wall extends outward from a working surface of the deck at a substantially perpendicular angle, and a second position, wherein the at least one wall is positioned substantially flat against the working surface of the deck.

The first assembly and the second assembly are configured to pivot between a deployed state and a collapsed state, wherein when the first and second assemblies are in the deployed state, the platform extends from the first assembly and engages a portion of the second assembly.

In one embodiment, the at least one gate is configured to swing in a first direction upon a user stepping on to the platform from the first rail assembly, and swing back to a closed position after the user is standing on the working surface of the platform, the at least one gate also being limited from being displaced in a second direction, opposite the first direction, beyond the closed position.

In one particular embodiment, the at least one gate includes a pair of gates adjacent one another.

In one embodiment, each gate of the pair includes a pivoting coupling member having an inclined engagement surface, wherein the inclined engagement surface, in conjunction with the weight of the gate, biases the gate to the closed position.

In one embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one pair of wheels coupled with the apparatus. In certain embodiments, each wheel of the at least one pair of wheels is coupled with a separate rail of the pair of rails of the second assembly.

In one embodiment, the at least one pair of wheels are pivotally coupled with the pair of rails of the second assembly such that each wheel is selectively positionable between a first position relative to the pair of rails of the second assembly and a second position relative to the pair of rails of the second assembly, wherein, when in the second position, the at least one pair of wheels are positioned substantially within a volumetric envelope defined by the pair of rails of the second assembly.

In one embodiment, the first bar is an upper bar and the cage further includes a lower bar pivotally coupled with the pair of rails of the second assembly.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes at least one first link member having a first end pivotally coupled with the first assembly and a second end pivotally coupled with the platform.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes at least one second link member having a first end pivotally coupled with the lower bar and a second end pivotally coupled with the platform.

In one embodiment, the second end of the at least one first link member and the second end of the at least one second link member share a common point of pivotal connection with the platform.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a latch member associated with the at least one wall and configured to engage the at least one second link member to maintain the at least one side wall in the first position.

The at least one gate is pivotally coupled with one of the pair of extension members by way of a bracket.

In one embodiment, the at least one wall of the toe-kick structure includes a first side wall, a second side wall and an end wall.

In one embodiment, the first side wall and the second side wall are formed of a substantially rigid material and are pivotally coupled with the deck.

In one embodiment, the end wall comprises a substantially collapsible material.

In one embodiment, the end wall comprises a nylon material.

In one embodiment, the end wall comprises a flexible strap.

In one embodiment, each of the extension members includes a first portion telescopingly coupled with a second portion.

In one embodiment the elevated platform apparatus further comprises: a second bar directly pivotally coupled with the pair of rails of the second assembly; at least one first link member having a first end directly pivotally coupled with a portion of the first assembly and a second end directly pivotally coupled with the platform; and at least one second link member having a first end directly pivotally coupled with the second bar and a second end directly pivotally coupled with the platform.

Features, aspects and acts of any of the various embodiments described herein may be combined, without limitation, with other described embodiments.

The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:.

Referring generally to <FIG>, an elevated platform apparatus <NUM> is shown (referred to herein as the "apparatus" for purposes of convenience). The apparatus <NUM> includes a first assembly <NUM> having a pair of spaced apart rails <NUM> with a plurality of rungs <NUM> extending between, and coupled to, the rails <NUM>. The rungs <NUM> are substantially evenly spaced, parallel to one another, and are configured to be substantially level when the apparatus <NUM> is in an orientation for intended use, so that they may be used as "steps" for a user to ascend (or descend) the apparatus <NUM>. While the apparatus <NUM> shown in drawings depicts a certain number of rungs <NUM> rungs, it is noted that the present apparatus <NUM> may be configured at a variety of heights, with any number of rungs.

Additionally, while the apparatus is shown in the drawings as a "fixed height" apparatus, in other embodiments the first assembly <NUM> may include "outer" and "inner" assemblies that enable the height of the apparatus <NUM> to be selectively adjusted. For example, such an assembly is described in U. Patent Publication No. <CIT>.

The apparatus <NUM> also includes a second assembly <NUM> having a pair of spaced apart rails <NUM> with a plurality of cross-braces <NUM> extending between, and coupled to, the spaced apart rails <NUM>. In some embodiments, the cross-braces <NUM> may be configured as rungs such that rungs are accessible on both sides of the apparatus <NUM>. Additionally, in other embodiments, the second assembly <NUM> may include "outer" and "inner" assemblies that enable the height of the apparatus <NUM> to be selectively adjusted such as noted above with respect to the first assembly <NUM>. Additionally, it is noted that, in such embodiments, the first and second assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be independently adjustable such that they each may extend to varying elevations enabling the overall height of the apparatus to be selectively adjusted. In addition to the examples set forth in the previously referenced document, such assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be constructed, for example, as described in <CIT>, entitled COMBINATION EXTENSIONS AND STEP LADDER RUNGS THEREFOR. Further, examples of adjustment mechanisms for the selective elevation or height adjustment of such assemblies are described in the aforementioned <CIT>, or it may be of a different configuration. Additional examples of adjustment mechanisms and adjustable assemblies are described in <CIT>.

The first and second assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of a variety of materials and using a variety of manufacturing techniques. For example, in one embodiment, the rails <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of a composite material, such as fiberglass, while the rungs and other structural components may be formed of aluminum or an aluminum alloy. In other embodiments, the assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> (and their various components) may be formed of other materials including other composite materials, plastics, polymers, metals, metal alloys or combinations of such materials. Additionally, in various embodiments, the rungs may be coupled with their associated rails in a manner such as described in <CIT> entitled LIGHT WEIGHT LADDER SYSTEMS AND METHODS. Of course, other manners of joining or coupling the rungs with the rails (and assembling of other described components) may be used as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

The assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to one another by way of pivot brackets <NUM> or hinge members enabling them to extend into a deployed condition (<FIG> and <FIG>) where they are positioned such that their lower ends are spaced apart from one another (creating a stable base for the apparatus <NUM>), and collapse into a stowed condition where their lower ends are positioned relatively close to one another (see <FIG> and <FIG> - with <FIG> and <FIG> showing a transition between the deployed and collapsed states or conditions). The stowed state of the apparatus, and the transition between stowed and deployed states, will be discussed in further detail below. Further, a pair of spreaders <NUM> extend between the rails <NUM> and <NUM> of the two assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. The spreaders include individual members 118A and 118B that are pivotally coupled with each other and also each having ends that are coupled with an associated rail (e.g. one with a rail <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM> and one with a rail <NUM> of the second assembly). As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the spreaders <NUM> enable the first and second assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> to be locked in a deployed condition.

A platform <NUM> is associated with the rail assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. The platform <NUM> is pivotally coupled with the first assembly <NUM> (e.g., with the rails <NUM> of the first assembly) and may rest on cross-bracing <NUM> or other structural members of the second assembly <NUM> when the apparatus <NUM> is in a deployed condition (see <FIG>). In one embodiment, the platform <NUM> may simply rest on, and be supported by, a cross-brace <NUM> of the second assembly <NUM>. In other embodiments, a latch or locking mechanism may be used to selectively lock the platform <NUM> in a deployed state (e.g., such as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). When in the working or deployed state, the platform <NUM> provides an enlarged area or support surface for a worker to stand on comfortably and safely so that they can work at the highest support position of the apparatus <NUM>. The platform includes a deck <NUM> having a working surface (i.e., the surface on which a user stands during use of the apparatus <NUM>) and a toe-kick structure <NUM> which shall be discussed in further detail below.

A safety enclosure, referred to herein as a cage <NUM>, may be spatially formed about the platform to encompass a worker while standing on the platform <NUM>. When designed appropriately, the provision of a cage <NUM> may preclude the necessity of a worker needing to wear a harness and "tie off' while working on the apparatus <NUM>. The cage <NUM> may include a first bar <NUM> positioned at a first elevation that extends around most (e.g., three sides) of the perimeter of the work space situated above, and generally defined by the, platform <NUM>. The cage <NUM> may also include a second bar <NUM> positioned at a second (higher) elevation that extends around most of the perimeter of the work space situated above and defined by the platform <NUM>. One or more gates <NUM> may be located on one side of the cage <NUM> and configured to enable a user to climb the first assembly <NUM> and pass through the gates <NUM> with the gates <NUM> closing behind the user as he or she stands on the platform <NUM>. A number of components of the cage <NUM> may be coupled together using hinges or pivoting joints enabling them to be deployed, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and collapsed as indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>. For example, the upper bar <NUM> may be pivotally or hingedly coupled with extension members <NUM> that are, in turn, pivotally coupled with the first assembly <NUM> (e.g., with the rails <NUM>). The upper bar <NUM> may additionally be pivotally coupled with rails <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM> (e.g., coupled with the upper portions of the rails <NUM>).

In the embodiment shown, the lower bar <NUM> is pivotally coupled to the same pivot brackets <NUM> to which the second assembly <NUM> is pivotally coupled. Additionally, the gates <NUM> are hingedly or pivotally coupled to the extension members <NUM> by way of a bracket <NUM> that is configured for to enable the apparatus to be compactly stowed or collapsed as will be discussed further below.

The gates <NUM> may be configured, for example, to swing or pivot inwardly as the user passes through them and steps from the rungs <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM> to the platform <NUM>, automatically swing back to the position shown in <FIG> (e.g., through the use of springs or other biasing mechanisms or actuators), and then resist any force applied to it in an outward direction to prevent a user from inadvertently stepping back through the gates <NUM> and falling from the platform <NUM>. To exit the cage <NUM>, a user may pull the gates <NUM> inwardly and pass through them from the platform <NUM> to the rungs <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM> and then descend from the platform <NUM>. Examples of self-returning gates are described in the previously mentioned U. Patent Publication No. <CIT>. Of course other mechanisms, including various springs or spring biased hinges, may be used in association with the gates as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Still referring to <FIG>, the upper bar <NUM> may be positioned at a height, for example, that is between the waist height and the chest height of an average user (e.g., between approximately <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> feet and <NUM> feet) above the platform <NUM>). In one embodiment, the height of the upper bar <NUM> (as well as the lower bar(s) <NUM>) may be adjustable to accommodate users of varying heights. In such a case, a minimum height may be defined per relevant safety standards or in accordance with appropriate design considerations. Additionally, in one embodiment, either or both of the bars <NUM> and <NUM> may provide an enlarged spatial perimeter as compared to the perimeter of the platform <NUM> such that the volume defined by the cage <NUM> is larger than just the volume that would be defined by the perimeter of the platform <NUM> extended vertically upwards. In other words, while a user may be able to stand on a relatively small surface area, the rest of the user's body may need more space to move about, especially if the user is wearing a tool belt or carrying other equipment needed to accomplish their task.

Stated another way, the perimeter of the upper portion of the cage <NUM> (such as may be defined by tracing a path starting at a first end <NUM> of the upper bar <NUM>, following the upper bar <NUM> around to its second end <NUM>, and then across the gates <NUM> back to the first end <NUM> of the upper bar <NUM>) is larger than the perimeter of the platform <NUM>. Similarly, the area bound by the perimeter of the upper portion of the cage <NUM> in such an embodiment is larger than the area that is bound by the perimeter of the platform <NUM>.

While not specifically shown in the drawings, the cage <NUM> may include netting or other components to further confine a user within the cage <NUM>. For example, a flexible barrier may include netting extending generally between the platform <NUM> and the lower bar <NUM> and may extend about the sides of the cage <NUM> while not impeding the entrance through the gates <NUM>. The flexible barrier may provide additional security in preventing a user from placing a foot or leg through the space defined between the platform <NUM> and the lower bar <NUM>. If desired, such a flexible barrier <NUM> may be extended further, for example, up to the upper bar <NUM>.

The apparatus <NUM> may further include wheels <NUM> associated with either or both of the assemblies <NUM> and <NUM>. In one embodiment, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, a first set of wheels <NUM> may be coupled with the second assembly <NUM> at a fixed location and be configured such that they do not touch the ground when the apparatus <NUM> is in a deployed condition as shown in <FIG>. Further, as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the wheels <NUM> may be pivotally coupled to the rails <NUM> of the second assembly <NUM> and pivot between a first, deployed position (as seen in <FIG>) and a stowed or non-deployed state (as seen in <FIG> as well as <FIG> and <FIG>). When the apparatus <NUM> is in a deployed condition, the wheels <NUM> do not contact the ground or supporting surface regardless of which position the wheels are in as can be seen in both <FIG> and <FIG>. However, when in the wheels <NUM> are in the deployed state (<FIG>), the wheels <NUM> may engage the ground when the apparatus <NUM> is collapsed (<FIG> and <FIG>) and then tilted beyond a given angle. This enables the wheels <NUM> to be used to roll the apparatus (e.g., such as by being dragged or pushed by a user) when the apparatus <NUM> is in a collapsed state, while preventing the apparatus <NUM> from rolling on the wheels <NUM> when it is in a deployed condition. The wheels may further be configured to be locked in the deployed state (<FIG>), the stowed or retracted state (<FIG>), or both. For example, in one embodiment, a spring biased button may be associated with a shaft which engages one of the openings <NUM> of a collar <NUM> or tube disposed about the shaft. Thus, as the wheel <NUM> and collar <NUM> turn relative to the shaft, the push button will extend through the opening <NUM> in the collar when aligned therewith, preventing the wheel <NUM> and collar <NUM> from further rotation. Of course other types of locks may also be used as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Further, the ability to move the wheels <NUM> to the stowed position (<FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) enable the wheels <NUM> to be placed substantially within a volumetric envelope defined by the outer surfaces of the rails <NUM> of the second assembly <NUM>. The ability to position the wheels <NUM> within this envelope provides a variety of advantages. For example, keeping the wheels <NUM> within the defined envelope makes the apparatus smaller for purposes of transportation and storage. Additionally, keeping the wheels <NUM> within the defined envelope helps to protect the wheels from inadvertent damage (e.g., during transportation) when the wheels are not needed by the user to roll the apparatus from location to another.

In other embodiments, other wheel arrangements may be used including those described in the previously mentioned U. Patent Publication No. <CIT>. For example, wheels may be coupled the apparatus with one wheel coupled to, or located adjacent, the lower end of each rail. In one particular embodiment, the wheels may be constructed with a biasing element that, when subjected to only the weight of the apparatus <NUM>, enables the wheels to be deployed such that the apparatus may be rolled from one position to another, while, when a user climbs onto the apparatus <NUM>, the additional weight of the user causes the wheels to retract so that the feet (or lowermost portions of the rails) of the apparatus <NUM> engage the ground and stabilize the apparatus <NUM>.

As seen in the drawings, the apparatus may further include feet <NUM> coupled to the bottom of the rails (<NUM> and <NUM>) that have appropriate engagement surfaces associated therewith to provide the apparatus <NUM> with the desired friction and stability when placed on a supporting surface. In one embodiment, the feet <NUM> may be configured to "snap-on" to the associated rail. For example, the feet <NUM> may be manufactured and assembled as described in <CIT>. In one embodiment, wheels may be combined with the feet in a manner such as described in <CIT>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the platform <NUM> has a first end pivotally coupled with the first assembly <NUM> (e.g., directly pivotally coupled with the rails <NUM>). It is noted that "directly coupled" as used herein contemplates the use of appropriate hardware, such as a bracket.

A first set of link members <NUM> have one end pivotally coupled with the second assembly <NUM> (e.g., directly pivotally coupled with the cross members <NUM> or the rails <NUM>) and a second end directly pivotally coupled with the platform <NUM>. A second set of link members <NUM> have a first end directly pivotally coupled with the lower bar <NUM> and have a second end directly pivotally coupled with the platform <NUM>. As seen, for example, in <FIG>, the second ends of the first link members <NUM> and the second ends of the second link members <NUM> may be pivotally coupled with the platform at common pivot points (e.g., they may share a common pivot member). Thus, when the apparatus <NUM> is transitioning between states (e.g., from a deployed state to a stowed or collapsed state), as the second assembly <NUM> pivots towards first assembly <NUM>, the first link members <NUM> push the platform <NUM> upwards such that it pivots relative to the first assembly <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>). In response to the first link members <NUM> pushing upwards, the second link members <NUM> similarly push upwards on the lower bar <NUM>, causing the lower bar <NUM> to also pivot upwards relative to the first assembly <NUM> (see, e.g., <FIG>).

When the apparatus <NUM> is placed in the stowed or collapsed state, the lower bar <NUM> pivots such that it becomes positioned adjacent to, and extends substantially parallel to, the rails <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM> as seen in <FIG> and <FIG>. Further, when the apparatus <NUM> is in the stowed or collapsed state, the platform <NUM> is substantially positioned within a volumetric envelope that is defined by both the side rails <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM> and the side rails <NUM> of the second assembly <NUM>.

In addition to pivoting the first and second assemblies <NUM> and <NUM> relative to each other in transitioning the apparatus <NUM> from a deployed state to a stowed state, the extension members <NUM> may be retracted causing the upper bar <NUM> to pivot relative to the first assembly <NUM>. For example, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the extension members <NUM> may include a locking member <NUM> such as a spring biased button (similar to that described above with respect to the wheels), a detent mechanism or other appropriate locking mechanism that holds the extension members in the deployed state (see <FIG>) until actuated. When the locking member <NUM> is actuated by a user (i.e., placed in a released or non-locked state), the extension members may collapse in a telescoping fashion (e.g., an upper portion 132A may slide over and collapse relative to a lower portion 132B) until in a stowed or collapsed state (<FIG>). If desired, a locking member may also be associated with the extension members to keep them in the collapsed state as well. When the extension members <NUM> collapse, their pivotal connection with the upper bar <NUM> causes the upper bar <NUM> to pivot relative to the first assembly <NUM> such that the upper bar <NUM> extends generally in a direction that is substantially parallel to the rails <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM> when in the collapsed or stowed state.

Referring briefly to <FIG>, it is noted that the brackets <NUM> that couple the gates <NUM> to the extension members <NUM> are each configured with a recess <NUM> to conformally receive portions of the rails <NUM> of the first assembly with the extension members <NUM> and upper bar <NUM> are placed in a collapsed state. This configuration spaces the pivot axis <NUM> of the gates <NUM> laterally inwardly from extension members <NUM>. The recess <NUM> formed in the bracket <NUM> enables the extension members <NUM> and the sides of the upper bar <NUM> to be positioned along the outer sides of the rails <NUM> of the first assembly when in a collapsed state. Further, the recessed brackets <NUM> enable the gates <NUM> to be positioned substantially within a volumetric envelope defined by the rails <NUM> of the first assembly <NUM>. Thus, such an arrangement provides for a substantially reduced volumetric profile of the apparatus <NUM> when in a collapsed or stowed state (see, e.g., <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>).

Referring now to <FIG>, with additional reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the platform <NUM> also includes a toe-kick structure <NUM> along three sides thereof and extending upwards from the working surface or deck <NUM> of the platform <NUM>. The toe-kick structure <NUM> includes a first side wall <NUM>, a second side wall <NUM> and an end wall <NUM>. In one embodiment, the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> may be formed of a relatively rigid material such as aluminum (or other metals or metal alloys), a plastic material, or composite material (e.g., fiberglass). Additionally, in one embodiment, the end wall <NUM> may be formed of a relatively non-rigid material such as a flexible plastic sheet, mesh, nylon, or a fabric type material which is easily collapsible (e.g., the material exhibits little if any strength in compression while exhibiting good strength in tension).

As seen in <FIG>, the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> may be coupled with the platform <NUM> by way of one or more hinges <NUM>. When the side walls are positioned such as shown in <FIG>, a lock or latch member <NUM> may cooperate with another member, such as the second link member <NUM>, to maintain the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> in the deployed, upright state. Additionally, when the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> are in the deployed state such as shown in <FIG>, the end wall <NUM> is pulled taut between the two side walls <NUM> and <NUM> to place the end wall in a deployed state.

The side walls <NUM> and <NUM> may be unlatched and pivoted to a collapsed or stowed state such as shown in <FIG>, placing the side walls substantially flat against the working surface of the platform <NUM>. When the side walls <NUM> and <NUM> are collapsed, the end wall <NUM> also collapses or folds down (due to the nature of the material used to form the end wall <NUM>) such that the toe-kick structure <NUM> takes up very little space when the apparatus <NUM> is in a collapsed state. In one embodiment, the collapse of the toe-kick structure <NUM> enables the whole platform <NUM> to remain positioned substantially within the volumetric envelope defined by the rails <NUM> of the first assembly when the apparatus <NUM> is in the stowed or collapsed state.

It is noted that, in other embodiments, the end wall <NUM> may be formed of a material similar to the end walls (e.g., an aluminum material). In such an embodiment, the end wall <NUM> may be hingedly coupled with the platform <NUM>, in a manner similar to the side walls <NUM> and <NUM>, still providing the toe-kick structure with the ability to collapse on top of the working surface of the platform <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An elevated platform apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a first assembly (<NUM>) having a first pair of rails (<NUM>) coupled with a plurality of rungs (<NUM>);
a second assembly (<NUM>) having a second pair of rails (<NUM>), the second assembly (<NUM>) being hingedly coupled with the first assembly (<NUM>);
wherein the first assembly (<NUM>) and the second assembly (<NUM>) are configured to pivot between a deployed state and a collapsed state;
a platform (<NUM>) pivotally coupled to at least the first assembly (<NUM>);
a pair of extension members (<NUM>) directly pivotally coupled with respective rails of the first pair of rails (<NUM>); and
a cage (<NUM>) associated with the platform (<NUM>), the cage (<NUM>) including a first bar (<NUM>) directly pivotally coupled with each of the extension members and directly pivotally coupled with each of the first pair of rails (<NUM>), at least one gate (<NUM>), and at least one bracket (<NUM>) pivotally coupling the at least one gate (<NUM>) to one extension member of the pair of extension members (<NUM>);
characterised in that:
the at least one bracket (<NUM>) comprises a recess (<NUM>) sized and shaped to receive a portion of a rail of the first pair of rails (<NUM>) of the first assembly (<NUM>) and a pivot axis (<NUM>) of the at least one gate (<NUM>) is spaced laterally inward from the extension member (<NUM>), wherein when the first and second assemblies (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in the collapsed state, the recess (<NUM>) receives the portion of the rail of the pair of rails (<NUM>) of the first assembly (<NUM>).