Patent Description:
A control box for a work platform is provided in accordance with Claim <NUM>.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be recited herein.

Referring to the figures generally, the various exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to systems, apparatuses, and methods for operating, monitoring, and controlling a work platform using a control box. The control box has a housing that supports a panel display that readily presents information in a graphical user interface (GUI), including output received from sensors monitoring various operational parameters of a lift system and a lift, more generally. A user can interact with the GUI to execute a wide variety of different functions, including adjusting a position of the platform (e.g., vertically or horizontally), leveling a base of the lift, entering maintenance activities, reviewing past maintenance logs, presenting maintenance instructions, verifying proper safety protocols have been followed, and performing diagnostic tests on vehicle systems. The control box further includes a platform positioning system (e.g., a joystick) that can be used to adjust a horizontal and/or vertical position of the work platform. The control box can be mounted to the work platform so that a single worker can conveniently control and monitor the work platform while actively performing tasks on the work platform.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a scissor lift <NUM> and boom lift <NUM> are depicted. Each of the scissor lift <NUM> and boom lift <NUM> are designed to help a worker perform tasks at different heights and positions relative to the ground below. The scissor lift <NUM> and boom lift <NUM> have several common components that operate in similar manners. Each lift <NUM>, <NUM> has a base <NUM>, <NUM> supporting a vehicle chassis <NUM>, <NUM> and a plurality of wheels <NUM>, <NUM>. The wheels <NUM>, <NUM> can be supplied with rotational power from a motor <NUM>, <NUM> supported by the base <NUM>, <NUM>. The motor <NUM>, <NUM> can be a combustion engine, for example, which runs on gasoline or another suitable fuel source (e.g., compressed natural gas). Alternatively, the motor <NUM>, <NUM> can be an electric motor (e.g., an induction motor, brushed or brushless DC motor) or hybrid motor that operates using an onboard battery (not shown). The onboard battery can be a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, for example.

The scissor lift <NUM> and boom lift <NUM> each have a movable work platform <NUM>, <NUM>, shown in additional detail in <FIG>. Each work platform <NUM>, <NUM> has a generally flat platform surface <NUM>, <NUM> at least partially surrounded by guard railing <NUM>, <NUM>. The guard railing <NUM>, <NUM> provides a barrier around the platform surface <NUM>, <NUM> to help protect a worker on the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. Additionally, the guard railing <NUM>, <NUM> can provide several possible safety clip or harness attachment locations for workers on the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the guard railing <NUM>, <NUM> includes a gate <NUM>, <NUM> that selectively permits access onto the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. The gate <NUM>, <NUM> can be movably coupled (e.g., rotatably coupled or slidably coupled) to a portion of the guard railing <NUM>, <NUM> between an "open" position permitting access into the work platform <NUM>, <NUM> and a "closed" position prohibiting access onto the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. A lock (not shown) can be incorporated into the gate <NUM>, <NUM> and guard rail <NUM>, <NUM> assembly that automatically locks the gate <NUM>, <NUM> in the closed position whenever the work platform <NUM>, <NUM> is elevated. Alternatively, the lifts <NUM>, <NUM> can each be configured so that the platform <NUM>, <NUM> cannot be elevated unless the gate lock is in a locked position.

The work platform <NUM>, <NUM> is coupled to a lift system <NUM>, <NUM> that can adjust the position of the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the scissor lift <NUM> can include a hydraulic cylinder <NUM> (or electric linear actuator) and a series of crisscrossing, foldable support links <NUM> movable between a stowed position (not shown) and a deployed position, as shown in <FIG>. Each foldable support link <NUM> is rotatably coupled to another foldable support link <NUM> in the lift system <NUM> so that extension (or retraction) of a piston of the hydraulic cylinder <NUM> causes each support link <NUM> to unfold (or fold) simultaneously. The folding and unfolding of support links <NUM> raises or lowers the work platform <NUM> positioned atop the support links <NUM>. In the stowed position, the work platform <NUM> is positioned proximate the base <NUM>. With the work platform <NUM> positioned proximate the base <NUM>, a worker may be able to access the work platform <NUM> (e.g., step onto the platform surface <NUM>) from the ground below the lift <NUM>. Once on the work platform <NUM>, the worker can activate the lift system <NUM> to raise the foldable support links <NUM> and work platform <NUM> away from the base <NUM> to a desired working height, where a task can be performed by the worker.

The lift system <NUM> on the boom lift <NUM> can move the work platform <NUM> vertically, as well as horizontally. A counterweight housing <NUM> is swivel-connected to the base <NUM> of the boom lift <NUM>, and can rotate angularly relative to the base <NUM>. The work platform <NUM> and boom assembly <NUM> are coupled to the counterweight housing <NUM> and rotate in unison with the counterweight housing <NUM>. The boom assembly <NUM> includes a boom riser <NUM> coupled to and extending outward from the counterweight housing <NUM>. A boom mast <NUM> is rotatably coupled to and supported by the boom riser <NUM>. A hydraulic cylinder <NUM> (or electric linear actuator) is positioned between the boom riser <NUM> and the boom mast <NUM> to rotate the boom mast <NUM> outwardly away from the boom riser <NUM>, which in turn raises the work platform <NUM>. A telescoping arm <NUM> can be received within and supported by the boom mast <NUM>. The telescoping arm <NUM> supports the work platform <NUM> and can slide relative to the boom mast <NUM> in response to a second hydraulic cylinder or linear actuator (not shown) to extend the work platform <NUM> away from or retract the work platform <NUM> toward the base <NUM>.

In the stowed position (not shown), the telescoping arm <NUM> is retracted within the boom mast <NUM> and the boom mast <NUM> sits upon the boom riser <NUM>. The work platform <NUM> can be positioned upon or just off of the ground below the boom lift <NUM>, forward from the base <NUM>, so that a worker can readily access the work platform <NUM> from the ground. The position of the work platform <NUM> can be adjusted away from the stowed position to one of many deployed positions by rotating the counterweight housing <NUM>, rotating the boom mast <NUM> relative to the boom riser <NUM>, extending or retracting the telescoping arm <NUM> from the boom mast, or any combination of these movements.

The position of the work platform <NUM>, <NUM> can be adjusted by a worker present on the work platform <NUM>, <NUM> using a control box <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the control box <NUM> can be positioned within the platform <NUM>, <NUM> proximate one of the guard rails <NUM>, <NUM> or gates <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, the control box <NUM> is mounted to the guard rails <NUM>, <NUM>, and extends inward, from a perimeter of the guard rails <NUM>, <NUM> into the area above the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. The control box <NUM> communicates with various systems on the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, including the lift system <NUM>, <NUM>, which controls the position the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>.

In addition to controlling the lift system <NUM>, <NUM>, the control box <NUM> acts as a command center for a worker on the platform <NUM>, <NUM> that provides valuable information to a worker while promoting efficient and effective lift <NUM>, <NUM> usage. The control box <NUM> can be placed in communication with various systems on the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, including the motor <NUM>, <NUM>, the chassis <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., the steering system), the battery or fuel source, the lift system <NUM>, <NUM>, sensors placed about the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, as well as external sources including a network, an external computing system, Wi-Fi, or cloud-based memory. A worker on the platform <NUM>, <NUM> can readily interact with and view the control box <NUM> to perform a variety of lift-based tasks as well as routine lift <NUM>, <NUM> maintenance.

<FIG> depict the control box <NUM> in additional detail. The control box <NUM> includes a housing formed of two opposing side panels <NUM>, <NUM> that partially surround and support a lower enclosure <NUM> and an upper enclosure <NUM> spaced apart from the lower enclosure. The side panels <NUM>, <NUM> can each have a uniform shape formed from a polymer-based material. In some embodiments, the side panels <NUM>, <NUM> are formed of a high strength fiberglass reinforced resin. The lower and upper enclosures <NUM>, <NUM> of the housing can be formed from extruded aluminum or other suitable lightweight materials. In the claimed embodiment the side panels <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled together by a roof <NUM> that extends between the two side panels <NUM>, <NUM>. A protective cover <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the roof <NUM> and suspended downward from the roof <NUM>, forward of a display <NUM>. The protective cover <NUM> can be formed of a UV and scratch resistant polycarbonate, for example, to prevent damage to the upper enclosure <NUM>.

The upper and lower enclosures <NUM>, <NUM> can each support and contain interactive electronics that can be readily manipulated by a worker on the platform <NUM>, <NUM> to effect different vehicle functions or display different vehicle characteristics. For example, the lower enclosure <NUM> supports a first control panel <NUM> displaying several selectable inputs <NUM>. The inputs <NUM> can vary in purpose. For example, one of the inputs <NUM> can be a boom <NUM>, <NUM> ignition switch. Toggling the boom ignition switch can issue a command to the battery to provide power to the motor <NUM>, <NUM>, and in turn, the lift system <NUM>, <NUM>, so that the platform <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved. To avoid using battery power from the main battery when the boom <NUM>, <NUM> is not running for extended periods of time, a secondary battery (not shown) can be positioned within the lower enclosure <NUM> to power the first control panel <NUM> and ensure that the ignition switch will still function. In some examples, the secondary battery can supply power to a spark plug to help initiate combustion within the motor <NUM>, <NUM> if the main battery has malfunctioned or is depleted. Accordingly, the secondary battery can be used to execute a backup ignition sequence. Another input can be used to control a horn (not shown) on the boom <NUM>, <NUM>.

The selectable inputs <NUM> on the first control panel <NUM> can also be used to position the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, two inputs <NUM> on the first control panel <NUM> can be provided to communicate with the motor <NUM>, <NUM> to move the base <NUM>, <NUM> of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. Both a forward, or "drive" button as well as a backward, or "reverse" button can be present on the control panel <NUM>. Pushing either of these inputs can send a signal to the motor <NUM>, <NUM>, which in turn transmits rotational power to the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> to move the base <NUM>, <NUM> of the lift <NUM>, <NUM> and horizontal the position of the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. The inputs <NUM> can also be placed in communication with the lift system <NUM>, <NUM> to adjust or control the position of the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the array of inputs <NUM> can include both an "up" and a "down" button to control the lift system <NUM>, <NUM> and vertical position of the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. Each input <NUM> can be labeled according to its function.

System overrides may also be incorporated into the control panel <NUM>. For example, an emergency stop button <NUM> can be positioned on one end of the first control panel <NUM>. The large emergency stop button <NUM> can be provided with a distinct, larger shape and different color than the other inputs <NUM> so that a worker can readily identify the location of the stop button <NUM>. The emergency stop button <NUM> can be used to discontinue power supply from the battery to the motor <NUM>, <NUM>, and can be used to slowly transition the lift system <NUM>, <NUM> to move the work platform <NUM>, <NUM> downward, toward the stowed position.

In addition to the inputs <NUM> and the emergency stop button <NUM>, the lower enclosure <NUM> can support a platform positioning mechanism. The platform positioning mechanism can include a joystick <NUM> or a steering wheel, for example, which can be used to perform more advanced driving maneuvers with the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. In some embodiments, the platform positioning mechanism is adapted to communicate with and issue control commands to one or more of the motor <NUM>, <NUM>, the chassis <NUM>, <NUM> (i.e., to a steering system supported by the chassis), and the lift system <NUM>, <NUM> simultaneously. The joystick <NUM> extends away from a top surface of the lower enclosure <NUM>, and is pivotable relative to the lower enclosure <NUM>. The orientation of the joystick <NUM> relative to the lower enclosure <NUM> can be provided to a processor, which then issues commands to one or more of the motor <NUM>, <NUM>, chassis <NUM>, <NUM>, and lift system <NUM>, <NUM> to adjust operational parameters of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, moving the joystick <NUM> forward and to the right will issue commands that urge the motor <NUM>, <NUM> to drive the vehicle forward, while simultaneously issuing a command to the vehicle chassis <NUM>, <NUM> to adjust the orientation of the wheels <NUM>, <NUM> right. The lift <NUM>, <NUM> then travels in the direction inputted. In some embodiments, the joystick <NUM> can include additional inputs <NUM> to control the lift system <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, two separate buttons <NUM> can be positioned on top of the joystick <NUM> that can be controlled by the thumb of a user who is simultaneously driving the lift <NUM>, <NUM>.

In some embodiments, operation of the lift mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> is disabled and overridden when the motor <NUM>, <NUM> is driving the lift <NUM>, <NUM> or the steering of the chassis <NUM>, <NUM> is being adjusted. Similarly, when the lift mechanism <NUM>, <NUM> is being used to adjust a vertical position of the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>, the motor <NUM>, <NUM> and steering of the chassis <NUM>, <NUM> can be maintained in a constant state, regardless of the orientation of the joystick <NUM>. In some embodiments, the platform positioning mechanism <NUM> includes two joysticks. Because the platform <NUM> of the boom <NUM> can be adjusted both vertically and horizontally using the lifting mechanism <NUM> only, a first joystick may be used to rotate and elevate the work platform, while a second joystick can be used to drive and steer the base <NUM> of the lift <NUM>.

The lower enclosure <NUM> can also support a variety of user-friendly functions. In some embodiments, the lower enclosure <NUM> includes one or more USB charge ports (not shown) in electrical communication with the main battery or other power source (e.g., the secondary battery within the lower enclosure <NUM>). The USB charge ports can then supply power to various electronic equipment that may need charging upon the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>, including cell phones, power tools, and radios. A phone holder (not shown) can be positioned on top of the lower enclosure <NUM> to help secure and orient a cell phone in a readable position.

The upper enclosure <NUM> of the housing includes a second control panel <NUM> and a display <NUM>. The display <NUM> can be a light emitting diode (LED) or a color liquid crystal display (LCD), for example, that is configured to present a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI can provide valuable information to a worker to promote efficient and effective use of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. The display <NUM> can operate at a high brightness (e.g., greater than <NUM> nits, or between about <NUM>-<NUM>,<NUM> nits) to help ensure that a worker on the platform <NUM>, <NUM> can view the information presented. The display <NUM> can be relatively small (e.g., less than <NUM> inches, diagonally, or about <NUM> inches) and can be coupled to a real-time clock that includes another backup battery. The display <NUM> can draw electrical power from the main lift battery or from a separate battery contained within the upper enclosure <NUM>, and can operate at a 12V or a 24V nominal operating voltage.

The second control panel includes a plurality of inputs <NUM> that are in communication with the display <NUM>. For example, an array of buttons <NUM> can be spaced apart from one another beneath the display <NUM>. A GUI can then display a menu of different selectable items that correspond with the location of each button <NUM>, as explained in additional detail below. Alternatively, the display <NUM> can be a touch screen, such that each input <NUM> is presented virtually on the display <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts another control box <NUM> suitable for use in either lift <NUM>, <NUM>. The control box <NUM> has a simplified input structure and display that can still present various operational characteristics about the lift <NUM>, <NUM> at a lower cost. The control box <NUM> once again is defined by a housing formed of two side panels <NUM>, <NUM>, a lower enclosure <NUM>, and an upper enclosure <NUM>. The lower enclosure <NUM> once again includes an array of inputs <NUM> that correspond to various lift functions <NUM>, <NUM>, including motor ignition, lift system actuation, and vehicle driving that can be executed by the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. A platform positioning mechanism <NUM> in the form of a joystick is once again supported by the lower enclosure <NUM> to provide multi-dimensional movement of the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>, as explained above with respect to the platform positioning mechanism <NUM>. An upper control panel <NUM> can support a simplified LED display <NUM>. The LED display <NUM> can include a plurality of inputs (not shown) or can serve as an indication device only.

In addition to controlling the operation of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, the control boxes <NUM>, <NUM> can support and present a GUI <NUM> on the display <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The GUI <NUM> provides information about the lift <NUM>, <NUM> that can help a worker successfully and efficiently perform a task on the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>.

When the display <NUM>, <NUM> is initially powered on (which may correspond with the ignition of the motor <NUM>, <NUM> or activation of a power on switch on the control box <NUM>, <NUM>), a start-up screen 302A, 302B can be presented on the display <NUM>, <NUM>. The start-up screen 302A, 302B can provide a manufacturer's logo or a lift owner's logo, for example, depending on the business type. Displaying the owner's logo may be advantageous for lift owners running rental businesses. After a certain amount of time has elapsed, the GUI <NUM> can advance through a sequence of screens that may require some interaction from a worker operating the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, screen <NUM> may prompt a worker to verify they have read the operational instructions associated with the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. Screen <NUM> may prompt a worker to verify that they have properly secured themselves to the work platform <NUM>, <NUM> by attaching a safety harness or clip to the guard rail <NUM>, <NUM>. In some examples, a user must verify that they have secured themselves to the work platform <NUM>, <NUM> with a safety harness or suitable restraint (e.g., by actuating one of the inputs <NUM>) before the motor <NUM>, <NUM> or lift system <NUM>, <NUM> can be controlled from the work platform <NUM>, <NUM>. Once a worker has verified that safety protocol has been followed, the GUI <NUM> can advance to the home screen <NUM>, which displays various operational parameters of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate each visual indicator present on the home screen <NUM>. The display <NUM>, <NUM> can visualize and present current side-to-side tilt of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, fore-aft tilt of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, a load capacity of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, and a current and maximum allowable height of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. The display <NUM>, <NUM> can update each quantity in real time using output obtained from a plurality of sensors positioned about the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, an accelerometer can be used to measure the tilt of the lift <NUM>, <NUM>, while a load pin sensor can be used to measure the current platform <NUM>, <NUM> loading. An elevation sensor can be used to determine the current platform <NUM>, <NUM> height. Maximum allowable height may vary, and is calculated using the degree of vehicle tilt currently sensed. Other visual indicators can include a status code, a generator status indicator, and a current drive mode. Fuel or battery level can be indicated on the home screen <NUM> as well to allow a worker to adequately gauge the amount of operating time remaining for the lift <NUM>, <NUM>.

A ribbon <NUM> below each indicator provides different selectable inputs <NUM> on the GUI that can be accessed, for example, using the inputs <NUM> on the upper enclosure <NUM> of the control box <NUM>. The inputs <NUM> can each be assigned different functions, with one being a "select" button, another being a "go back" button, arrows to select different options on the GUI <NUM>, and a "main menu" button. Using the inputs <NUM>, a worker can toggle through various screens on the GUI <NUM> to obtain information about several different lift <NUM>, <NUM> operational parameters.

Selecting the "main menu" button on the GUI <NUM> advances the GUI <NUM> to the menu screen <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The available selections can include access level, diagnostics, display settings, error messages, and maintenance, for example. Once again using the inputs <NUM>, a worker can toggle through the menu to select the desired sub-menu on the menu screen <NUM>. If "error message" is selected, the GUI <NUM> will advance to the screen <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The screen <NUM> can display and provide additional information about an error code that may be present on the home screen <NUM>, including troubleshooting or maintenance options. If "diagnostics" is selected, the GUI <NUM> will instead advance to the screen <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. Various system parameters can be displayed, including information relating to the hydraulic fluid, ambient temperature, battery power parameters, or engine-related data. Data presented in the diagnostic screen <NUM> could be updated in real-time, periodically (e.g., every <NUM> minutes), or on-demand using sensors positioned throughout the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. Selecting "settings" would advance the GUI <NUM> to the screen <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The settings screen <NUM> can allow user customization of different display <NUM>, <NUM> characteristics, like brightness or contrast, as well as information presentation styles, like language, units, and time.

Selecting "maintenance" from the menu screen <NUM> advances the GUI <NUM> to the maintenance screen <NUM>, shown in <FIG>. The maintenance screen <NUM> can include information about maintenance that is currently necessary, maintenance that has been previously performed, proper lubrication charts, or downloadable materials associated with vehicle maintenance that can then be presented on the display <NUM>, <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, a user can select and set maintenance intervals to ensure proper system upkeep is performed. As depicted in <FIG>, a user can enter or review maintenance logs that detail maintenance performed on the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> shows a lubrication chart illustrates the various locations and time intervals where lubrication should be applied to the lift <NUM>, <NUM>. Finally, <FIG> illustrates downloadable maintenance logs that can be reviewed on the display <NUM>, <NUM>. The maintenance logs can be stored in an on-board memory (e.g., random access memory or other types of programmable memory) or an external memory (e.g., a cloud-based memory or off-site data storage network) that is accessible by a processor in communication with the display <NUM>, <NUM>. Alternatively, the maintenance logs can be downloaded from the display <NUM>, <NUM> using a USB drive plugged into one of the USB ports on the control box <NUM>, <NUM>. In addition to maintenance logs, maintenance or work instructions (e.g., archived standard operating procedure bulletins) can be accessed using the processor, and then subsequently presented on the display <NUM>, <NUM>.

Selecting "access" will advance to screen <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, that allows for a service technician to bypass certain security measures in place to perform maintenance or review additional information about the lift <NUM>, <NUM> that may not normally be accessible to a user. The technician may be provided with a handheld analyzer that can pair with the GUI <NUM> to download information from the GUI <NUM> or otherwise interact with the GUI to allow other types of maintenance to be performed. In some embodiments, an app-based analyzer can be used to extract information from the GUI <NUM>.

Different security measures can be put in place to prevent unwanted lift <NUM>, <NUM> operation, as depicted in <FIG>. For example, a lock screen <NUM> can prompt a user to enter a security passcode before the GUI <NUM> will advance to the home screen <NUM>. Using the inputs <NUM>, a user can enter in a sequence of digits into the GUI <NUM>, which will then determine and allow access to the instructions screen <NUM>, verification screen <NUM>, or home screen <NUM> if the entered sequence of digits is correct.

Using the described control box <NUM>, <NUM> and lifts <NUM>, <NUM>, workers on the work platforms <NUM>, <NUM> can have a better understanding of the machine functionality, which results in reduced service calls and improved troubleshooting that may otherwise lead to extended machine downtime. The control boxes <NUM>, <NUM> and displays <NUM>, <NUM> are cross-compatible with different types of lifts (e.g., scissor lifts, telescopic boom lifts, articulating boom lifts) and different types of power sources (e.g., battery powered or gasoline powered) without significant modification. Operators on the platform <NUM>, <NUM> will better understand the operating conditions and capabilities of the lifts <NUM>, <NUM> being operated, which further promotes efficient and effective operation.

Although this description may discuss a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from what is outlined. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

As utilized herein, the terms "approximately", "about", "substantially", and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.

The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like, as used herein, mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, etc.) or moveable (e.g., removable, releasable, etc.). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.

References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," "between," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the figures.

Claim 1:
A control box (<NUM>, <NUM>) for a work platform (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a housing (<NUM>) defined by a first side panel (<NUM>) and a second side panel (<NUM>) opposing the first side panel (<NUM>), the first side panel (<NUM>) and second side panel (<NUM>) partially surrounding and extending from a lower enclosure (<NUM>) to an upper enclosure (<NUM>) spaced apart from the lower enclosure (<NUM>), at least one of the upper enclosure (<NUM>) and the lower enclosure (<NUM>) supporting a control panel (<NUM>) having a plurality of inputs (<NUM>), at least one of the inputs being a platform positioning mechanism in communication with a lift system (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to move the work platform (<NUM>, <NUM>) vertically between a stowed position and a deployed position; characterised in that, the control box further comprises:
a display (<NUM>) supported by the housing (<NUM>) and in communication with at least one of the plurality of inputs, the display (<NUM>) being configured to receive and present output obtained by a sensor monitoring a parameter of the work platform (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a roof extending between the first side panel (<NUM>) and the second side panel (<NUM>) and above the upper enclosure (<NUM>), wherein a protective cover is rotatably coupled to the roof and suspended downward from the roof, forward of the display (<NUM>);
wherein the sensor is one of a platform load measuring sensor, a platform tilt measuring sensor, and a platform elevation sensor; and
wherein the control panel (<NUM>) is a first control panel supported by the lower enclosure (<NUM>), at least one of the inputs on the first control panel being an ignition switch configured to communicate with a main battery positioned externally from the work platform (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
wherein the control box further comprises a second control panel supported by the upper enclosure (<NUM>), the second enclosure supporting a second plurality of inputs and the display (<NUM>), at least one of the second plurality of inputs being configured to interact with the display (<NUM>).