Patent ID: 12187588

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a rib for an elevating platform, comprising: at least two rib components, wherein the at least two rib components include an internal rib component and an external rib component; wherein the internal rib component and the external rib component are both L-shaped and both include an arm and a stem; wherein the external rib component is positioned completely on the external side of a sidewall; wherein the arm of the internal rib component contacts an internal surface of the sidewall, and wherein the arm of the external rib component contacts an external surface of the sidewall; wherein the stem of the internal rib component extends through a sidewall cutout to an external side of the sidewall; wherein the stem of the internal rib component is in contact with the stem of the external rib component; and wherein the mated stems of the internal rib component and the external rib component are configured to attach to and support at least one load.

In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a rib for an elevating platform, comprising: at least two rib components, wherein the at least two rib components include an internal rib component and an external rib component; wherein the internal rib component and the external rib component each include at least one arm and at least one stem; wherein the at least one arm of the internal rib component contacts an internal surface of a sidewall, and wherein the at least one arm of the external rib component contacts an external surface of the sidewall; wherein the at least one stem of the internal rib component extends through a sidewall cutout in a sidewall to an external side of the sidewall; wherein the at least one stem of the internal rib component and the at least one stem of the external rib component are mated; and wherein the mated at least one stem of the internal rib component and the mated at least one stem of the external rib component are operable to attach to at least one load bearing apparatus.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a rib for an elevating platform, comprising: at least two rib components, wherein the at least two rib components include an internal rib component and an external rib component; wherein the internal rib component and the external rib component each include at least one arm and at least one stem; wherein the at least one arm of the internal rib component contacts an internal surface of a sidewall, and wherein the at least one arm of the external rib component contacts an external surface of a sidewall; and wherein the internal rib component and the external rib component each include at least one mounting location.

Clear Platform

Typical prior art platforms are opaque and an operator cannot see through them. If the platform is being used in a tight space or the operator needs to see what is just outside the platform, the clear platform increases the operator's visibility of his surroundings. When a platform is opaque there is an increased probability of the operator striking an object with the platform because of reduced visibility.

Referring now to the drawings in general, the illustrations are for the purpose of describing a preferred embodiment of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention thereto.

The invention is directed to elevating platforms with walls, panels, knee spaces, floors, doors and combinations thereof made of clear or transparent and/or translucent materials to provide high visibility to the operator. The platform is constructed using optically clear or translucent materials, either in strategic locations or having an entirely clear platform, thereby giving the operator enhanced visibility around the platform, resulting in better performance. The present invention also increases operator safety and extends the life of platforms by making it easier for the operator to avoid running the platform into objects.

The present invention provides for different combinations of materials to achieve the enhanced visibility. Some example configurations are as follows: Using a standard, opaque fiberglass platform, generally described as100inFIG.1, sections of one or more walls are cut out and a clear, transparent panel110or panels are attached. The clear replacement section is a planar shape or an outwardly bulbous shape120which provides space for the knees of a squatting operator. In another configuration, the platform door is constructed of clear material. In yet another configuration, the platform is constructed in the typical fashion, but a resin system with a reflectance and refractive index similar to glass is used, yielding an entirely clear platform with similar image displacement as glass (FIG.2).

The clear materials are attached to a typical fiberglass platform by adhesive bonding, mechanical fastening, and combinations thereof. If the fiberglass platform is made to be clear, a resin is chosen to match the reflectance and refractive index of the glass, resulting in a composite laminate that is optically clear and with similar image displacement as glass. The clear material has a refractive index of between about 1.3 and 1.7, a reflectance between about 70 and 100, negligible scattering and negligible absorbance.

For translucent designs, the translucent material is preferably between about 30% and about 70% light transmission. More preferably, the % light transmission is about 40-60%. In another embodiment, the % light transmission is about 50%. An example preferred embodiment is white polycarbonate with a % light transmission of between about 30% and about 70%. The make and model of an example preferred white translucent polycarbonate is Sabic Lexan XL102UV.

Alternatively, a fiber reinforced thermoset resin with a clear gel coat may be used to produce an entirely translucent platform structure. Translucent components such as panels, knee spaces, and doors could then be attached to the translucent platform structure. These translucent components may be made from Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Nylon, Polypropylene, fiber reinforced thermosets, and unreinforced thermosets.

Alternatively, polycarbonate, acrylic, nylon, polypropylene, fiber-reinforced thermosets, and unreinforced thermosets may be used to produce an entirely translucent platform.

In another alternative embodiment, a platform structure is made with fiberglass, an optically clear thermoset resin, and a translucent gel coat to allow light transmission but maintain privacy.

Alternatively, a reinforced thermoplastic such as Vectorply EPP-W 1500 or Vectorply EPP-W 2200 may be used to create an entire platform or platform components such as a panel, knee space, door, rib, mini-rib, or any other component recited in the present specification. The Vectorply products are a fiberglass reinforced polypropylene and they become translucent after they are processed during manufacturing of platforms and platform components.

In a preferred embodiment, the resins are acrylic-modified resins such as POLYLITE 32030-00 and 32030-10, manufactured by REICHHOLD, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA. In one embodiment, the acrylic-modified resins include polyester resins. Preferably, the acrylic-modified resins are low-viscosity resins, low-reactivity resins, and UV-stabilized resins. Any clear or translucent thermoplastic or thermoset, impact-resistant polymer, such as polycarbonate, can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The invention is thus directed to an elevating platform with at least one wall; and further including at least one panel, at least one knee space, and/or at least one door. The at least one wall, the at least one panel, the at least one knee space, and/or the at least one door is formed of a clear or translucent material, thereby providing an elevating platform which provides for greater visibility to an operator. In another embodiment, the elevating platform includes at least one clear or translucent section in the at least one wall, wherein the remainder of the at least one wall is constructed out of a different material than the at least one clear or translucent section. The at least one clear or translucent section is attached to the elevating platform by adhesive bonding and/or mechanical fastening. The at least one clear or translucent section is a planar shape or a knee space formed by an outwardly bulbous shape using clear or translucent material. The knee space provides space for at least one knee of a squatting operator. In another embodiment, the entire elevating platform is constructed using fiberglass and a clear or translucent resin system such that the elevating platform is entirely clear or translucent. The clear resin system has a refractive index between about 1.3 and about 1.7. The translucent resin system has a % light transmission of between about 30% and about 70%. The clear or translucent material is fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics. The translucent resin system is preferably white polycarbonate. In general, the platform is preferably formed with fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

Platform Step

The present invention is further directed to a step for use in elevating platforms. Steps are located on the sidewall of a platform, and the operator uses them as an aid to get into and out of the platform. Typical prior art steps have a flange all around the step that is bonded to the outside of the platform wall (FIG.3A). When a load is applied to the step (e.g. an operator stands on it), the bondline on the upper portion of the step flange is in tension (step is trying to pull away from the platform wall). The bondline on the lower portion of the step flange is in compression (trying to push into the platform wall). Failures typically initiate on the portion of the bondline that is in tension, and not on the portion of the bondline in compression.

In an alternative prior art embodiment (FIG.3B), a cutout is made in the platform wall, and a step is inserted through it from the inside. The flange of the step is bonded to the inside of the platform wall. In this embodiment, the top bondline is in compression and the bottom bondline is in tension (the step is being pushed into the platform).

Both of these embodiments rely on the strength of the adhesive, rather than on the structural strength of the components.

The present invention eliminates the weakness of the prior art by having both the top and bottom bondlines in compression. As shown inFIG.4, the present invention provides for a specifically designed platform cutout220in the sidewall215of the platform that the step fits into. The system, generally shown as200inFIG.4, includes a step210that is specifically designed and configured to lock into the cutout220(FIG.5). The step includes at least one transition230(FIG.6) and at least one notch240(FIG.7). The notch and opposite margin are designed such that when the step is inserted into the cutout with the bottom of the notch touching the sidewall, the opposite top flange250(FIG.8) clears the cutout and is moved into the platform by pivoting the step around the notch. The step transition230is designed and configured such that the top and bottom flanges fully contact the inner and outer sidewall, respectively. This contact serves to provide more surface contact area between the step and the sidewall. This design provides that the upper portion of the flange compresses against the inside of the platform wall and the lower portion of the flange compresses against the outside of the platform wall, thus causing both portions to be under compression, rather than tension. Thus, all loads on the step are compressive loads.

Preferably, a second notch260is provided on the margin opposite the first notch, such that when the step is centered, a portion of the second side margin extends over the sidewall, covering it. This coverage provides for a seal of the cutout. Some platform assemblies that include a platform step are used with insulating liners and other platform assemblies that include a platform step are not used with insulating liners. According to ANSI A92.2-2015 Section 4.9.5.1, platforms for use with insulating liners shall not have drain holes or access openings. Therefore the platform step cutout must be sealed if the platform is going to be used with an insulating liner. The platform step is fixed to platforms the same way if the platform is or is not going to be used with an insulating liner, therefore the step cutout must always be sealed.

To mount the step in the cutout (FIGS.9A-E), the step is first moved into place (FIG.9A). A step notch is inserted into the cutout notch (FIG.9B). The step is then rotated to completely insert the top flange into the cutout (FIG.9C). The step is centered in the cutout opening (FIG.9D). The step is then lowered until it locks into place (FIG.9E).

Different designs and configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

In another embodiment, the invention is thus directed to a step for an elevating platform with a sidewall, the step includes a top flange, a bottom flange, and a transition. The top flange and the bottom flange are joined by the transition; and the step is configured to insert into a cutout in the platform sidewall. The bottom flange is configured to contact an outer surface of the platform sidewall when the top flange contacts an inner surface of the sidewall. In one embodiment, the step includes a first step notch in a first side of the transition, configured such that when the first step notch is inserted into a first cutout notch of the cutout in the platform sidewall, the top flange of the platform step is operable to be inserted into the cutout of the sidewall and the platform step is operable to be pivoted via the first step notch in the first cutout notch such that the top flange contacts the inner surface of the sidewall. Another embodiment includes a second step notch in a second side of the transition; the platform step operable to lock into the elevating platform by positioning the top flange such that the top flange contacts the inner surface of the sidewall, positioning the first step notch in the first cutout notch, and positioning the second step notch in a second cutout notch. The top flange is configured such that when the platform step is locked into the platform sidewall and adhered to the elevating platform with adhesive, the top flange of the platform step covers the cutout, thereby sealing it. The platform step is also configured such that when the platform step is locked into the platform sidewall, the top flange of the platform step compresses the inner surface of the sidewall and the bottom flange of the platform step compresses the outer surface of the sidewall, thus providing compressive bonds between the platform step and the sidewall.

In yet another embodiment, the invention is also directed to an elevating platform with a cutout to receive the top flange of the step as previously described. The elevating platform includes a first cutout notch configured such that when the first step notch is inserted into a first cutout notch of the cutout, the top flange of the platform step is operable to be inserted into the cutout of the sidewall and the platform step is operable to be pivoted via the first step notch in the cutout notch such that the top flange contacts an inner surface of the sidewall. The elevating platform and step are operable to lock together by positioning the top flange such that the top flange contacts the inner surface of the sidewall, positioning the step notch in the cutout notch, and positioning a second step notch in a second cutout notch. The top flange and the cutout are configured such that when the platform step is locked into the elevating platform and adhered to the elevating platform with adhesive, the top flange of the platform covers the cutout, thereby sealing it. The platform cutout and platform step are configured such that when the platform step is locked into the elevating platform, the top flange of the platform step compresses the inner surface of the sidewall and the bottom flange of the platform step compresses an outer surface of the sidewall, thus providing compressive bonds between the platform step and the sidewall. In one embodiment, the cutout includes a top cutout portion and a bottom cutout portion, wherein the top cutout portion is wider than the bottom cutout portion; and the platform step includes a first side notch and a second side notch. The top flange and the cutout are configured such that when the first side notch is in contact with the first sidewall at the bottom cutout portion, the top cutout portion is operable to receive the top flange. Then, the first side notch and the second side notch are operable to lock into the bottom cutout portion of the cutout, thereby locking the platform step into the elevating platform. The top flange and the cutout are configured such that when the platform step is locked into the elevating platform and adhered to the elevating platform with adhesive, the top flange of the platform step covers the cutout, thereby sealing it.

The step is preferably formed with fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

Platform Rib

Currently multiple platform sizes and shapes are manufactured via Light Resin Transfer Molding (LRTM) with molded-in ribs or via hand layup with molded-in ribs. There are several disadvantages associated with this construction. The molded-in ribs necessary to provide structural support are thick, which adds unnecessary weight to the platform. Quality issues related to molded-in ribs occur because this design is difficult to manufacture. For example, it is difficult to spray gel coat in a uniform thickness in the mold rib cavity. It is also difficult to consistently place fiberglass in the mold rib cavity. Some molded-in ribs have foam cores, and gel coat cracking can occur more easily in ribs with foam cores when compressive forces are applied such as when platform mounting studs are tightened.

Furthermore, platforms can't be stacked during shipping due to the molded-in ribs. The rib cavities in the platform mold suffer damage faster than other areas of the mold. The molded-in ribs are also required to have a slight draft so the platform can be de-molded. It is preferable if the ribs don't have a draft for mounting purposes.

A minimum of three large objects; plug, master tool, and tool are required to manufacture a platform with a single style of molded-in ribs. For example, the five different styles of 1-man platforms currently offered by Altec, Inc. require eight different plugs, master tools, and tools for a total of 24 large objects. These items take up a lot of storage space. They are also more likely to be neglected because there are so many of them to keep track of. If the 1-man platform was made with pultruded ribs according to the present invention and if it were consolidated to one platform height then it would only require 1 plug, 1 master tool, and 1 tool to produce all of the platform rib styles currently offered.

The present invention provides for a new elevating platform support system that does not use molded-in ribs, but rather uses externally-applied reinforcement ribs that address the problems described previously. The support system is inherently safer than existing external rib designs because it uses a mechanical interlock that prevents the ribs from separating from the platform if the adhesive between the platform and ribs fails. A critical feature of the mechanical interlock is that part of the rib is inside of the platform and part of the rib is outside of the platform, thus locking the rib into the platform.

The platform support system, generally described as300inFIG.10, includes reinforcement ribs310that are fitted into slots320in the platform basket sidewall215. In a preferred embodiment, the ribs are T-shaped and include a T-shaped component312(FIGS.11A-D).FIG.11Ashows a cross-sectional view of a T-shaped rib according to the present invention.

The example embodiment shown inFIGS.11A-Dwas constructed as follows: A 8″×4″×⅜″ Series 500 I-beam manufactured by Strongwell (Bristol, Virginia, USA) was cut in half so two “T” shapes existed. The portion of the rib on the interior of the platform was approximately 26″ long. The rib was cut so about 4″ near the bottom of the rib would “hook” onto the outside of the platform. Two 0.75″ wide slots about 26″ long were cut in the platform sidewall and the T-shapes were bonded to the inside of the platform. The rib portion on the exterior of the platform was approximately 30″ long.

In another preferred embodiment, the ribs are an off-set double-L configuration that include L-shaped components314, shown in cross-sectional view inFIGS.12A-D. This latter configuration is formed by bonding two L-shaped components314(FIG.12A, units in inches), or by pultrusion or a similar method (FIGS.12Band C), whereby the thickness of each of the rib sections is varied to give a lighter rib with adequate strength.FIG.12Dshows a double-L rib installed in a platform. Perspective views of the ribs ofFIG.12A-Dare shown inFIGS.13Aand B.

FIGS.14A-Cshow another double-L design rib according to the present invention.FIGS.14Aand B show perspective views of the rib only.FIG.14Cshows the rib in a transparent platform; the rib on the right is partially installed and the rib on the left is fully installed. The exterior “L” shape preferably extends between about 1 and about 13 inches beyond the bottom of the slot to provide extra support.

In a preferred embodiment (FIGS.15and16), a rib is formed from a T-shaped component312combined with an L-shaped component314. T-shape and L-shape cross-sections are described as each having an arm and a stem. Herein an arm of a letter is defined as a horizontal stroke not connected on one or both ends and a stem is defined as a primary vertical stroke (see http://typedia.com/learn/only/anatomy-of-a-typeface/for a description of typeface anatomy).

The T-shaped component312is inserted through a slot in the platform wall from the interior of the platform, such that it is extending outward, whereupon the stem of the L-shaped component314is bonded to it on the exterior of the platform.

In another embodiment (FIGS.17A-I), the L-shaped component314bonded on the exterior of the platform extends below the cutout in the platform wall that accepts the T-shaped component312from the inside of the platform. This extension316allows the platform to more effectively transfer compressive stress to the L-shaped component near the outside bottom of the platform.FIGS.17A-Ishow various stages of construction of the embodiment.FIGS.17A, C, E and G show views wherein the platform is solid.FIGS.17B, D, F, H and I show views wherein the platform is transparent.

The example embodiment shown inFIGS.17A-I,18A-C and19A-C is constructed as follows:

An 8″×4″×⅜″ Series 1500 SuperStructural I-beam manufactured by Creative Pultrusions (Alum Bank, Pennsylvania, USA) is cut in half so two “T” shapes existed. Two 0.88″ wide slots are cut in the platform sidewall and the T shapes are bonded to the inside of the platform with a portion of the “T” protruding through the slots in the platform wall. The T-shaped component is 28″ long and the portion that protrudes through the platform wall is 26.25″ long. This design allows the top and bottom of the “T” to completely cover the slot cut in the platform wall to ensure a seal of the cutout. A 3″×3″×0.375″ Series 1500 SuperStructural equal leg angle manufactured by Creative Pultrusions (Alum Bank, Pennsylvania, USA) is bonded to the exterior of the platform and to a portion of the T-shaped component that protrudes through the platform wall. The “L” shape is initially 36.5″ long and is cut to taper near the bottom of the platform. The “L” shape preferably extends between about 1 and about 13 inches beyond the bottom of the slot. The “L” is further trimmed so that the portion in contact with the platform is only 2″ wide instead of 3″ wide as it is manufactured. In one embodiment, the portion of the “L” that contacts the platform is trimmed even further when required, such as when the rib is close to the side of the platform and there isn't enough area to bond a 2″ wide portion. The reduced width provides adequate strength while reducing weight and the amount of adhesive required for bonding it to the platform wall. Additionally, a notch317is cut into the top of the stem of the T at the top of the T-shaped rib component for the following reasons:

Whenever material is removed from a component, for example by cutting a slot in it, the physical strength of that component is decreased by some amount. In an effort to minimize the strength reduction caused by the slots in the platform wall there was a desire to maintain as large of a distance as possible between the top of the slot and the platform flange.

It is desirable for the top of the “T” inside of the platform to completely cover the slot cut in the platform wall. In order to achieve this, the portion of the “T” inside of the platform must extend up past the slot cut in the platform wall. It is important that the upper portion of the “T” inside of the platform, that covers the top of the slot, doesn't extend up past the beginning of the radius where the platform wall transitions to the platform flange. This is important to minimize the interference of the portion of the rib inside of the platform with a platform liner that is inserted into the platform. Some platforms have mounting holes drilled in their ribs near the top of the rib only a few inches below the platform flange. Therefore, it is necessary for the top of the “T” rib on the outside of the platform to be no more than approximately 1.5″ from the bottom of the platform flange.

FIGS.18A-Cshow the “T” shape utilized inFIG.17. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness of the various flat parts of the “T” shape are ⅜ inch.FIGS.19A-Cshow the “L” shape utilized inFIG.17. In a preferred embodiment, the “L” shape flat parts are ⅜ inch thick.

Another example embodiment, shown inFIGS.20A-C, is similar to the previous embodiment, with the addition that the rib portion on the exterior of the platform also extends above the interior rib portion at both ends. In other words, the stem of the “T” extends beyond the arm of the “T” at both ends of the rib. In this manner the rib “hooks” onto both the top and the bottom exterior of the platform. The dimensions of the slot and rib are adjusted so that the exterior portion of the rib fits through the slot when the longer extension end is inserted through the slot and moved to its limit.

Another example embodiment has the arm extending vertically beyond the stem of the T at both ends of the rib. One benefit of this design is that the arm completely covers the slot in the platform wall.

In another embodiment, the T stem is notched at the top of the rib so that the stem extends vertically beyond the arm while the arm still covers the slot near the top of the platform.

Yet another embodiment is for a rib that has a stem that extends above the arm at the top of the rib and the arm extends below the stem at the bottom of the rib. This design allows the arm to completely cover the slot in the platform wall while reducing the tendency of the arm to separate from the platform wall near the top of the rib during loading scenarios such as “side push” which occurs when the side of a platform is accidentally pushed into a tree.

When the stem of the T-shaped portion extends vertically beyond the arm of the T at the top of the rib, this is beneficial during scenarios when a load is being applied to the bottom of the platform (like when the platform is accidentally slammed into the ground). In this scenario, the stem of the T above the arm of the T on the inside of the platform is in compressive contact with the platform wall and this prevents the arm of the T from separating from the inside wall of the platform due to a tension force (i.e., the rib being pushed into the platform near the top of the platform).

When the stem of the T-shaped portion extends vertically beyond the arm of the T at the bottom of the rib, this is beneficial during scenarios when a vertical load is being applied to the inside of the platform (like when an operator is standing in the platform). In this scenario, the stem of the T below the arm of the T on the inside of the platform is in compressive contact with the platform wall and this prevents the arm of the T from separating from the inside wall of the platform due to a tension force (i.e., the rib being pushed into the platform near the bottom of the platform).

In general, when the stem of the T on the outside of the platform extends above or below the arm of the T on the inside of the platform, the stem is allowed to support more force than would otherwise be supported by the arm or by the adhesive. This occurs because the stem has a greater section modulus than the arm.

FIGS.21A-Dillustrate another mounting rib embodiment according to the present invention that is designed for greater load-bearing. In this embodiment, the rib is composed of a T-shape and two L-shapes.FIG.21Ais a cross-sectional view of the rib installed in a platform.FIG.21Bis a cross-sectional view of a platform with two ribs installed.FIG.21Cis a front perspective view showing a rib partially installed (left) and fully installed (right).FIG.21Dis a front perspective view showing two ribs installed.

The second L-shape provides additional reinforcement to the rib because the arm of the L-shape provides more contact area between the platform and the rib and the stem of the L-shape provides a stronger attachment point for the boom. This embodiment is thus designed and configured for heavier loads, such as platforms used with aerial units that extend upwards of 170 ft. which can operate with a total gross weight up to about 1300 lbs in the platform.

The mounting rib is mounted on the platform sidewall, as shown inFIGS.21B-D, or alternatively on the platform sidewall corners, as shown inFIGS.21A-29B. In the corner-mounted embodiments, the ribs are mounted on the sidewall corners and are curved to fit against the corner. In one embodiment, the rib only goes part-way around the corner, forming a partial-corner mounting rib313, as shown inFIGS.22and23A&B.FIG.22is a cross-sectional view of a platform with partial-corner ribs according to the present invention.FIG.23Ais a transparent top view of a platform with partial-corner ribs according to the present invention.FIG.23Bis transparent top perspective view of a platform with partial-corner ribs according to the present invention.

The T-shaped portion of the rib, shown in detail inFIGS.24A&B, includes a curved arm315. One of the L-shaped portions, shown inFIGS.25A&B, also includes a curved arm315. These arms are curved such that they match the curvature of the corner to maximize the contact area between them and the platform corner.FIG.24Ais a transparent top view of a T-rib portion with single curved arm according to the present invention.FIG.24Bis a transparent side perspective view of a T-rib portion with single curved arm according to the present invention.FIG.25Ais a transparent top view of an L-rib portion with curved arm according to the present invention.FIG.25Bis a transparent side perspective view of an L-rib portion with curved arm according to the present invention.

In another embodiment, the rib is positioned farther into the corner, forming a full-corner mounting rib321, as shown inFIGS.26and27A&B.FIG.26is a cross-sectional view of a platform with full-corner ribs according to the present invention.FIG.27Ais a transparent top view of a platform with full-corner ribs according to the present invention.FIG.27Bis transparent top perspective view of a platform with full-corner ribs according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, both arms of the T-shaped portion are curved (FIGS.28A&B) and the arms of both L-shaped portions (FIGS.29A&B) are curved to match the curvature of the corner.FIG.28Ais a transparent top view of a T-rib portion with double curved arms according to the present invention.FIG.28Bis a transparent side perspective view of a T-rib portion with single curved arm according to the present invention.FIG.29Ais a transparent top view of an L-rib portion with curved arm according to the present invention.FIG.29Bis a transparent side perspective view of an L-rib portion with curved arm according to the present invention.

The corner-mounted ribs advantageously decrease the deflection of the platform sidewall with respect to the side-mounted ribs when under load for several reasons. The curved design of both the platform corner and of the ribs provides greater resistance to deflection. Also, the structural fiber reinforcement within the platform is normally overlapped in the corners, thereby providing double fiber reinforcement in the platform where the mounting ribs attach without increasing the weight or changing the design of the platform. This is beneficial because the extra reinforcement within the platform corners allows less deflection when the platform is loaded. When mounting ribs join with the platform in the flat wall section an oil-can-effect is more likely to occur during platform loading. Thus, the use of curved mounting ribs in the corners reduces the deflection of the platform when under load, making the users feel more secure. Ribs mounted on the flat area of the platform sidewall may not prevent bending of the platform below the rib when a load is applied to the platform. By mounting the ribs in the corners, this bending is eliminated or reduced. Consequently, for a similar load rating, the corner ribs are smaller and/or shorter as compared to ribs mounted on the flat portion of the sidewall, thereby reducing the weight of the finished platform.

Because the full-corner ribs provide more curved surface contact area than the partial-corner ribs, they provide more support than the partial-corner ribs The overlap of the structural fiber reinforcement in the horizontal and vertical platform corners combined with extra structural fiber reinforcement in the platform flange effectively creates a cage structure that is connected by thinner structural wall portions. The cage structure of the platform is so much stronger than the thinner wall portions that it's possible, in some cases, to remove an entire wall section while still meeting structural requirements. Therefore, tying the ribs into the corners creates a more robust interface between the platform and the mounting ribs.

In other embodiments, the dimensions of the T and L-shapes are configured to accommodate more weight. For example, the thickness of the T and L rib components is increased. Also, the length of the arms and stems is increased to provide more support.

The ribs are preferably formed of fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

The rib includes at least a first rib zone and a second rib zone, each with a sidewall contact portion. The sidewall contact portion of the first rib zone is positioned inside of the elevating platform and contacts an inner surface of the sidewall to provide sidewall contact area. The sidewall contact portion of the second rib zone is positioned outside of the elevating platform and contacts an outer surface of the sidewall to provide sidewall contact area. The first rib zone extends through the at least one sidewall cutout in the sidewall and joins with the second rib zone on the outside of the sidewall. The first rib zone is at least one T-shaped component with an arm and a stem and the second rib zone is at least two L-shaped components with arms and stems.

The T-shaped component and the at least two L-shaped components are permanently joined via chemical bonding, physical bonding, and/or mechanical attachment.

The mounting rib and the at least one sidewall cutout are configured such that when the mounting rib is positioned in the elevating platform, the mounting rib completely closes or seals the at least one sidewall cutout in the sidewall.

In a preferred embodiment, the top of the mounting rib includes a notch in the stem of the at least one T-shaped component at the junction of the stem and the arm, configured such that the arm and the stem of the at least one T-shaped component slide over the sidewall via the notch.

FIGS.30-35show the assembly steps of the embodiment ofFIG.17. Slots are cut into the platform (FIG.30), whereupon the inner ribs are inserted through the slots (FIG.31). The inner rib is glued to the platform (FIG.32, exterior view;FIG.33, interior view). The outer rib is next glued in place (FIG.34).FIG.35shows the compression forces acting on the rib.

In another embodiment, a lanyard anchor bracket reinforcement section325is attached to the rib (FIGS.36A-CandFIGS.37A-B). In one embodiment, the lanyard anchor bracket reinforcement section325is constructed out of an unreinforced thermoplastic. In exemplary embodiments, the lanyard anchor bracket reinforcement section is constructed of nylon and/or urethane. However, other materials including reinforced thermoplastics and thermoset are also used for the lanyard bracket. The lanyard anchor bracket reinforcement section ensures connection between the platform mounting bracket and the lanyard anchor bracket even if the platform rib breaks between these two structures.FIG.38shows the embodiment ofFIG.36further including a brace330to reinforce the lanyard anchor bracket.FIGS.39A-Eshow various views of the brace.

FIG.40shows a 0.75″ thick urethane bar335affixed as a lanyard bracket support.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed a T-and- L-shaped rib including a T-shaped portion that has a T-shaped cross-section with an arm and a stem and an L-shaped portion that has an L-shaped cross-section with an arm and a stem; the arm of the T-shaped portion is positioned inside the elevating platform and contacts an inner surface of the sidewall of the platform; the arm of the L-shaped portion is positioned outside the elevating platform and contacts an outer surface of the sidewall; the stem of the T-shaped portion extends through the sidewall slot and the stem of the L-shaped portion is external to the sidewall and extends beyond the top and bottom of the sidewall slot; and the stems of the T-shaped and L-shape portions are adhered to each other. In one embodiment, this rib further including a notch in the top of the rib in the stem of the T-shape portion at the conjunction of the stem and the arm; the notch configured such that the arm and the stem of the T-shape slide over the sidewall via the notch. Preferably, the arm of the T-shaped portion extends vertically beyond the sidewall slot at both ends when installed in the elevating platform and the L-shaped portion extends between about 1 and about 13 inches beyond the bottom of the slot. The rib is preferably formed of fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

Another rib according to the present invention is a double-L-shaped rib including a first L-shaped portion and a second L-shaped portion, both portions having an L-shaped cross-section with an arm and a stem; the arm of the first L-shaped portion contacts an outer surface of the sidewall of the platform and the arm of the second L-shaped portion contacts an inner surface of the sidewall; the arm of the second L-shaped portion extends vertically beyond the sidewall slot at both ends; the stem of the second L-shaped portion extends through the sidewall slot and the stem of the second portion is external to the sidewall; and the stems of the portions are adhered to each other or the rib is pultruded. In one embodiment, the arm of the second L-shaped portion extends vertically beyond the sidewall slot at both ends when installed in the elevating platform. The rib preferably includes a notch in the top of the rib in the stem of the second L-shaped portion at the conjunction of the stem and the arm; the notch is configured such that the second L-shape portion slides over the sidewall via the notch. In another embodiment, the stem of the second L-shape portion at the top of the rib extends above the sidewall slot. The first L-shaped portion extends between about 1 and about 13 inches beyond the bottom of the slot. The rib is preferably formed of fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

Mount System

The present invention further provides for a mounting plate, system and method. Current mounting plates (FIG.41) consist of flat fiberglass plates that have metal reinforcement encapsulated inside of the fiberglass with studs protruding from the fiberglass plate. These mounting plates are typically bonded to the exterior of platforms. When a load is applied to the mounting plate the adhesive at the top is in tension and the adhesive at the bottom is in compression. There is a greater potential for a traditional mounting plate to separate from a platform near the top of the plate where the adhesive is in tension. Other reasons why relying on adhesive as a primary joining mechanism is not preferred pertain to quality risks such as improper adhesive application, improper adhesive mixing, and improper adhesive mix ratios.

The present invention is directed to a system and method to mount components to a platform wall utilizing a joining mechanism that relies on the structural strength of the platform and the component instead of adhesive or other fasteners. The attachment method is applicable to any component that needs to be attached to a platform. An example embodiment is a valve mounting plate. The purpose of a valve mounting plate is to provide a mounting location on a platform wall for a controller assembly. The controller assembly is used by the operator to direct the movement of the platform while the operator is inside of the platform.

A common feature among the mounting systems of the present invention is that some portion of the mounting system is located inside and another portion is located outside of the platform via an opening in the platform wall. This is the design feature that allows the mounting system to be mechanically locked into a platform wall without adhesive.

Another benefit of the new mounting systems are their reduced size and weight. The reduced size also allows less adhesive to be used due to the reduced bonding surface area that is now allowed due to the redirection of stress into the platform wall and mounting plate.

Thus the present invention relies on the structural strength of the platform wall and the mounting plate to hold the two together. Adhesive is not the primary joining mechanism in this invention.

A first mounting plate example, generally described as400, is shown inFIG.42. This embodiment includes four studs410that protrude perpendicularly through the platform wall. These four studs are used to secure the controller mounting bracket to the mounting plate. The embodiment includes external reinforcement415, which is wider at the bottom in order to spread out the compression load. Preferably, the bottom of the external reinforcement is between about 50% and about 100% wider than the top and the ratio of the height to the width of the wide end between about 1.4 and 2.33. Internal reinforcement420, shown inFIG.43, is wider at the top and the ratio of the height to the width of the wide end between about 1.4 and 2.33, also to spread out the compression load. Preferably, the top of the internal reinforcement is between about 50% and about 100% wider than the bottom.FIGS.44Aand B show cross-sectional views of the embodiment.FIG.44Bis a magnification of section A inFIG.44A. The figures include the studs410, the internal reinforcement420, the external reinforcement415, platform sidewall215. Additionally, a spacer430and a dielectric cover435are included. The spacer is preferably silicone and the dielectric cover is preferably a non-conductive thermoplastic, such as polycarbonate.

FIGS.45-52show an alternative embodiment of the present mounting system. In this embodiment, one or more slots440are created in the platform sidewall (FIGS.45Aand B). External reinforcement415is attached (FIGS.46Aand B) and a mounting plate445is inserted through the slots (FIGS.47A-O, with transparent platform) and rotated into position. The mounting plate445includes a top section446, a bottom section447and a transition448(FIGS.48A-O).

FIG.48Ais a front view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48Bis a side view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48Cis a rear view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48Dis a front view of the plate ofFIGS.47Cand D.

FIG.48Eis a rear view of the plate ofFIGS.47Cand D.

FIG.48Fis a front perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48Gis a rear perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48His a front perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Cand D.

FIG.48Iis a rear perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Cand D.

FIG.48Jis a rear bottom perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48Kis a bottom view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48Lis a front bottom perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Aand B.

FIG.48Mis a rear bottom perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Cand D.

FIG.48Nis a bottom view of the plate ofFIGS.47Cand D.

FIG.48Ois a front bottom perspective view of the plate ofFIGS.47Cand D.

The bottom section447includes recesses449for stud heads (FIGS.48C,48E,48G,48I,48J,48M and49A-C). In a preferred embodiment, the studs410are stud fasteners with large, flat heads (large-and-flat-headed stud fastener), such as stud anchor studs (FIGS.50A-C). Preferably, the stud is formed from a bolt inserted through a large washer and welded to the washer to form the stud. Designs where the stud is formed by welding a threaded rod to a flat head, although acceptable, did not provide as much strength. The flat sides of the head help to prevent the stud from twisting. The heads are preferable perforated and non-circular so that when embedded in composite resin they do not turn when a nut or other fastener is being applied and tightened. The studs410are inserted through the holes in the bottom section447(FIGS.51A-C) and the mounting plate is rotated into position (FIGS.52A-F).FIGS.52Aand B show a transparent platform with the double- and single-mounting plates, respectively, in position.FIGS.52Cand D show an opaque platform with the single and double-mounting plate, respectively, in position.FIGS.52Eand F are interior views of the platform with double and single-mounting plates, respectively.

FIG.53A-Kshows a design that consists of vertically elongated rectangular reinforcement pieces450with rounded corners (the shape is also called stadium, discorectangle, or obround) on the inside and outside of the platform wall. Big head studs penetrate the reinforcement pieces and platform wall and affix the reinforcement pieces to the wall. The elongated rectangular reinforcement pieces are oval in an alternative embodiment.

The reinforcement pieces450are bonded to the platform wall with an adhesive. The big head stud is inserted through a reinforcement piece on the inside of the platform, through the platform wall, and through a reinforcement on the outside of the platform. A non-conductive insulating cap455is placed over the stud heads on the inside of the platform to prevent any current from leaking through the platform wall. The insulating cap455is adhesively bonded in place or is connect via mechanical means. For example, the insulating cap is designed so it “snaps” into place over the stud heads when pressure is applied. The top and bottom of the reinforcement sections are rounded to reduce stress concentrations that is produced by sharp corners. The reinforcement sections on the inside of the platform extend up, past the reinforcement sections on the outside of the platform, by an inch or so. This further reduces stress concentrations by transferring more stress into the flange of the platform. All of the same materials proposed for previous designs are also used with this design.

The reinforcement sections preferably have a height-to-width ratio between about 3 and about 6. Whereas most prior art mounting plates have a height-to-width ratio between approximately 1 and 2, it was discovered that a greater height-to-width ratio was needed to prevent separation over time of the plate from the sidewall along the top and/or bottom edges.

In an example embodiment, the width of the reinforcement piece450inFIG.53Ais about 3.5 inches wide and about 20 inches tall (area=70 square inches). The bolt head shown inFIG.50is 2 inches in diameter and the mounting stud is centered in the 3.5-inch-wide portion shown inFIG.53A. Two plates with an approximately 8-inch margin above and below the top and bottom bolts do not separate when under a 175 lbs on a 6.5-inch moment arm. Thus, the example embodiment was able to support about 95 ft-lbs with two of the plates, with a combined area of 140 square inches, without separation, giving a separation support factor of about 0.68 ft-lbs/square inch. In contrast, a prior art mounting plate that was rated to support 40 lbs with an 8″ moment arm (26.66 ft-lbs) had dimensions of about 11.5×16 inches (area=184 square inches), giving a separation support factor of 0.144 ft-lbs/square inch. By increasing the height to width ratio, the plate is able to several times more load without separation along the top or bottom edges.

FIG.53Ais a front view of the design.FIG.53Bis a transparent front view showing the reinforcement sections and the studs.FIG.53Cis a front perspective, transparent view.FIG.53Dis a rear perspective transparent view.FIG.53Eis a rear perspective solid view.FIG.53Fis a top rear perspective transparent view.FIG.53Gis a top rear solid perspective view.FIG.53His a side transparent view.FIG.53Iis a cross sectional view.FIG.53Jis a side, cut-away detailed view of the design.FIG.53Kis a closer detailed ofFIG.53J.

Yet another mounting system example embodiment is shown inFIGS.54-58. In this system, slots505are created in the platform sidewall (FIG.54). A plate510, with at least one upper section515and a lower section520is provided (FIGS.55Aand B). The lower section has a horizontal dimension that is greater than the length of the slot, such that the platform cannot slide beyond the transition area525. The lower section includes holes for studs410. The plate is shown being inserted into a slot505in a transparent platform.

On the inside of the platform, two inner reinforcement components530are positioned between the upper section515and the platform. The reinforcement components are slotted535to receive the transition area525(FIGS.56A-D), so that the two reinforcement components contact one another when slid together and provide a reinforcement for the entire area of the upper section.FIGS.57Aand B show an exterior perspective view of the plate rotated into position in a transparent platform.FIGS.58Aand B show interior views, respectively, for a plate installed in an opaque platform.FIGS.58Cand D show exterior views, respectively, for a plate installed in an opaque platform.

Advantageously, these valve mounting systems eliminate the risk associated with using adhesives to mount the mounting plate to the platform. In particular, a tension force that is created at the top of the plate when the plate is loaded has the potential to separate the mounting plate from a platform wall. Mechanically interlocking the platform wall via a slot or cutout in the platform wall eliminates the risk of separation of the mounting plate from the platform wall. However, in some scenarios it is undesirable to cut slots or holes in the wall of the platform and/or for the platform to include interior components because a platform liner, used for dielectric insulation, may not fit in a platform that has extra mounting plate components taking up space inside of the platform. In these scenarios, it is desirable for the entirety of the mounting plate to remain on the outside of the platform.

Such a mounting system according to the present invention includes a mounting plate that wraps around the sides of the platform and around the underside of the platform flange.FIGS.59-61show a valve mounting plate design, generally described as600, with side tabs605that wrap around the sides of the platform, a top tab610that wraps against the underside of the platform flange, and a main support component615that substantially or matingly contacts and is adhered to the planar side of the platform. The tabs are non-parallel to the main support component. They are orthogonal to the main support component or at another angle and substantially or matingly contact the sidewall of the platform and/or the top flange of the sidewall. These tabs allow tension stress, which could induce peeling at the outer edges of the mounting plate, to be transformed into shear stresses. In the preferred embodiment, the top and side edges are tabbed. In an alternative embodiment, only the top edge is tabbed. Surprisingly, this mounting system configuration supports about four times the load of prior art mounting plates when a similar moment arm is used. Studs410(seeFIG.41) are inserted through the plate and other components affixed to the platform with them.FIGS.60A-Dshow detailed views of the embedded big-head studs.FIGS.61A-Dshow this embodiment mounted on a platform.FIG.61Ais a front view;FIG.61Bis a side view,FIGS.61C&D are top and bottom perspective views, respectively

The plate is made out of fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, or unreinforced thermoplastics. The studs are adhesively or mechanically joined with the mounting plate. Alternatively, the studs are embedded in the mounting plate when it is manufactured.

FIGS.62A-Cshow another embodiment that utilizes edge modifications to change the tension stress at the edges into shear stress. In this embodiment the vertical sides are tapered or stepped620in order to transition the load to the platform wall more gradually and reduce stress concentrations. This design is lighter than the previous design due to its smaller size and reduced bonding area. This design uses the same materials and joining techniques as previously described.FIGS.63A-Cshow the embodiment ofFIGS.62A-Cmounted on a platform.

The present invention is thus directed to a mounting plate for an elevating platform. The mounting plate includes an interior reinforcement piece, an exterior reinforcement piece, and at least one fastener. The interior and exterior reinforcement pieces are vertically elongated with rounded corners, and positioned on the interior and exterior of the platform sidewall, respectively. The at least one fastener is inserted through the interior reinforcement piece on the inside of the platform, through the sidewall, and through the exterior reinforcement piece on the outside of the platform. The height-to-width ratio of the reinforcement pieces is between about 3 and about 6. The fastener is a mounting stud embedded in the interior reinforcement piece. In one embodiment, the interior reinforcement piece extends above the exterior reinforcement piece. In another embodiment, the exterior reinforcement piece is wider at the bottom than the top; and the interior reinforcement piece is wider at the top than the bottom. The bottom of the exterior reinforcement piece is between about 50% and about 100% wider than the top and the top of the interior reinforcement piece is between about 50% and about 100% wider than the bottom. The plate preferably includes a spacer positioned between the exterior reinforcement piece and the sidewall and a dielectric cover positioned over the interior reinforcement piece and a head of the at least one fastener; the spacer is silicone and the dielectric cover is a non-conductive thermoplastic. The mounting plate is made from fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

Another mounting plate according to the present invention includes a wide planar section, narrow planar section and a transition. The wide and narrow planar sections are in parallel planes and not coplanar and the connects the wide and narrow planar sections. The narrow planar section is inserted through a slot in the sidewall. The wide planar section has a horizontal dimension that is greater than the length of the slot, such that the plate cannot slide through the slot beyond the transition area. The wide and narrow planar sections are parallel with and juxtaposed to the sidewall, providing a top planar section and a bottom planar section. At least one of the planar sections including at least one hole and at least one fastener, preferably a mounting stud, inserted through the hole to the platform exterior. In one embodiment, the mounting plate includes two inner reinforcement components positioned between the top planar section and the platform. The reinforcement components are slotted to receive the transition, such that the two reinforcement components contact one another when in position and seal the slot. The mounting plate is made from fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

The present invention is also directed to a support for mounting components to a container. The support has a front, a back, a bottom edge, at least two side edges, a main support component, a top edge with a tab, and means for attaching components to the main support component, preferably mounting studs embedded in the main support component. The main support component is substantially parallel to the main planar surface of a first wall of the container and configured to substantially contact the main planar surface of the first wall of the container. The tab on the top edge is configured to substantially contact the projection of the container, thereby transforming the tension stress along the top edge of the mounting plate into shear stress. Preferably, at least one side edge and/or the bottom edge is tapered or stepped. In one embodiment, the support includes a first side tab along a first side edge of the support; the first side tab is configured to substantially contact the exterior of a second wall of the container that is non-coplanar with the first wall, thereby transforming the tension stress to shear stress along the at least one side edge of the support. Another embodiment includes a second side tab along a second side edge of the support, wherein the second side tab is configured to substantially contact the exterior of a third wall of the container that is non-coplanar with the first and/or second walls; thereby transforming the tension stress to shear stress along the second side edge of the support. In one embodiment, the support is a mounting plate, the container is an elevating platform with sidewalls, a top flange and a bottom, and the projection is the top flange. The support is preferably made from fiber-reinforced thermosets, unreinforced thermosets, fiber-reinforced thermoplastics, and/or unreinforced thermoplastics.

The present invention further includes, in one embodiment, mini-ribs. Similar to the full-length ribs illustrated inFIGS.10-40and described above, the mini-ribs also provide external attachment functionality for a platform. However, while the full-length ribs are constructed for attaching a platform to a supporting mechanism, the mini-ribs provide support to apparatuses attached to an outside or inside of the platform. For example, in one embodiment, the mini-ribs are operable to support a mounted control assembly for controlling a boom mechanism. In another embodiment, the mini-ribs are constructed to hold a bucket, basket, or tool tray for securing tools or providing a work area. In another embodiment, the mini-ribs are attached to a platform in a reversed orientation from the full-size rib such that stems of the ribs extend into the platform and at least one arm is positioned on an outside of the platform wall. The mini-ribs provide several advantages over traditional mounting mechanisms that are, in some embodiments, analogous to the advantages discussed above that are provided by the full-length ribs over traditional boom attachment mechanisms. Specifically, the modular design of the mini-ribs allows for external apparatuses to be removed and reattached between several sets of mini-ribs without the need for attaching the apparatuses to a supporting wall directly via bolting or similar means. The mini-ribs allow much more flexibility than elements that were bolted in, as the mini-ribs are operable to be paired with any necessary adapters or hardware to secure external apparatuses. Further, the rib-based construction eliminates the need for elements with low dielectric properties to be positioned through a mounting wall (e.g., metallic bolts), allowing for the elimination of potential electrical safety and hazard conditions in electrical power-based applications. In one embodiment, a platform sidewall with mini-ribs does not include any metallic components or other highly conductive materials embedded within, extending through, or otherwise connecting external and internal sides of the platform.

Notably, as described herein, mini-ribs are references in the plural, however one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a mini-rib is operable to attach to external apparatuses in a standalone, singular embodiment, and provide each of the structures and functionality disclosed. In another embodiment, a mini-rib is operable to be used in combination with any number of other mini-ribs, which each of the mini-ribs function independently or collectively to provide the disclosed structures and functionality.

In one embodiment, one or more mini-ribs are positioned to positioned on wall of a platform such that the ribs are operable to attach to a boom or boom connecting mechanism. For example, multiple mini-ribs are combined and positioned in place of a full-height rib (disclosed above) and attached to a boom or boom connecting mechanism in order to reduce the amount of material and weight required by the full-height rib. In another embodiment, ribs are positioned such that the stems of the ribs extend inward through a wall, wherein the rib is operable to attach to and support apparatuses within a platform.

FIG.64Aillustrates one embodiment of a mini-rib6401constructed from an external L-shaped component and an internal L-shaped component. Preferably, the internal L-shaped component extends from inside a platform wall, through a slot, and attaches to the external L-shaped component on an outside of the platform wall. The mini-ribs include, in one embodiment, a pair of mini-ribs, wherein each mini-rib is aligned with a corresponding mini-rib on the same surface, and wherein the mini-ribs are constructed to be attached to and hold an apparatus between the pair. Pairs of mini-ribs are preferably constructed with mirrored components, wherein an apparatus secured between the mini-rib pair is in contact with or in nearest proximity to the same mirrored components of the mini-rib (for example, stems of internal L-shaped components). In one embodiment, external L-shaped components are positioned on distal sides of mini-rib pairs such that an apparatus secured between the pair is in contact with or in nearest proximity to a surface of a stem of the internal component.FIG.64Afurther illustrates a slot6403, which is constructed to receive a mini-rib to be paired with the mini-rib6401illustrated. Notably, the slot6403is similar to the slot through which the mini-rib6401illustrated passes through (not visible).FIG.64Billustrates another perspective view of a platform with an installed mini-rib6401, wherein the stem of the internal component of the mini-rib6401is visible.

In one embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.64A and64B, the mini-ribs do not overlap with any element on the sidewall, including a knee space, a panel, a step, or any other element attached to the sidewall. In another embodiment, a platform wall includes drain tubes and/or toe pods, wherein the mini-ribs overlap a part or a whole of the drain tubes and/or toe pods.

In another embodiment, mini-rib pairs include a bracket or other similar structure that connects each of the mini-ribs in a pair. The bracket provides a further mounting location for an apparatus to be attached, such as a bucket, basket, control mechanism, or table, while also adding additional structure and support to the mini-ribs.

FIG.65Aillustrates a right-side view of one embodiment of a mini-rib. The mini-rib in one embodiment includes an internal L-shaped component6501and an external L-shaped component6503. The internal L-shaped component6501includes at least one arm6505and at least one stem6507. The arm6505is, in one embodiment, positioned on and in contact with an inside surface of a sidewall, such that the visible surface of the arm6505contacts the internal surface of the wall. The stem6507extends through a slot in the sidewall. In one embodiment, the arm6505is attached to the sidewall via one or more physical, chemical, and/or mechanical means (e.g., bonding via an adhesive, welding, or tape and/or mechanical fastening via a low-conductivity bolt and/or nut). In another embodiment, the arm6505is not attached to the wall but instead relies on mechanical, physical, and/or chemical attachment to the external L-shaped component6503to remain secured in place.

FIG.65Billustrates a left-side view of one embodiment of the mini-rib, wherein the external L-shaped component6503includes an arm6509and a stem6511. The arm6509is, in one embodiment, positioned on and in contact with an outside surface of a sidewall, such that the surface of the arm6509opposite to the illustrated surface contacts an external surface of the wall. The stem6511is in mating contact with the stem6507of the internal L-shaped component6501. In one embodiment, the arm6509is attached to the sidewall via one or more physical, chemical, and/or mechanical means (e.g., bonding via an adhesive, welding, or tape and/or mechanical fastening via a low-conductivity bolt and/or nut). In another embodiment, the arm6509is not attached to the wall but instead relies on mechanical, physical, and/or chemical attachment to the internal L-shaped component6501to remain in place. In one embodiment, the internal L-shaped component6501and the external L-shaped component6503are attached via a mechanical fastener (e.g., a bolt, screw, pin, latch, or other mechanism) extending through holes6513. In another embodiment, the holes6513are further used to secure both the mini-rib and an external apparatus, such as a control mechanism, a bucket, or an intermediate fastening mechanism, such as a bracket. Though the mini-rib is illustrated with two holes, in further embodiments, the mini-rib is constructed with any number of holes, including a no-hole embodiment, a single-hole embodiment, a three-hole embodiment, a five-hole embodiment, or any other number of holes that allow for attachment of the external apparatuses without diminishing structural integrity of the mini-rib. In one embodiment, apparatuses are attached to the rib at mounting locations (for example, holes) via adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnets, or other mechanical attachment means. In yet another embodiment, apparatuses are attached via snap fit, wherein the snap fit includes a snap fit between two ribs with mirrored blind holes or depressions, or wherein the material and/or construction of the apparatus is such that it is operable to snap fit to a single rib with at least one hole or depression. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes3513are horizontally offset, wherein a lower hole is positioned further from the arms of the stems than at top hole. Advantageously, the offset provides improved stress and strain distribution throughout the material by directing forces applied by an attached apparatus to the arms of the mini-rib and ensuring load bearing is distributed between each hole6513. In another embodiment, the holes are vertically offset.

FIGS.65C and65Dillustrate a mirrored embodiment of the mini-rib illustrated inFIGS.65A and65B. The mirrored embodiments are structurally analogous to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.65A and65Band are operable to be used in mini-rib pairs or as a standalone structure.

In one embodiment, one or both of the stems (6507,6511) have heights that extend past the heights of one or both of the arms (6505,6509). In another embodiment, one or both of the arms (6505,6509) have heights that extend past the heights of one or both of the stems (6507,6511).

FIG.66is a top view of the mini-rib embodiment illustrated inFIGS.65A and65B, illustrating the relative lengths of the stem6507of the internal L-shaped component6501and the stem6511of the external L-shaped component6503. Notably, the length of the stem6507of the internal L-shaped component6501is preferably longer than the stem6511of the external L-shaped component6503, as the stem6507extends through a slot in a sidewall and contacts an internal surface of the sidewall.

FIG.67illustrates a T-shaped embodiment of the present invention, wherein the internal component6501includes a second arm and is T-shaped. Similar to the full-sized ribs described above, by providing more surface area that is in contact with the sidewall, the T-shaped mini-rib provides additional structural security during use while sealing a cutout and providing improved dielectric properties to a platform. Notably, in further embodiments, any of the L-shaped internal components illustrated and described herein are constructed with an additional arm to form a T-shaped component.

In one embodiment, the internal component and/or the external component are constructed to completely cover and/or seal the sidewall cutout either through the T-shape construction or the L-shaped construction.

FIG.68Aillustrates one embodiment of a mini-rib with L-shaped components with dimensions according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the thickness of each of the components are approximately as illustrated, wherein a thickness of the internal L-shaped component is approximately 0.38 inches, a length of the arm of the internal L-shaped component is approximately 2.00 inches, and a length of the stem of the internal L-shaped component is approximately 3.10 inches; a thickness of the external L-shaped component is approximately 0.25 inches, a length of the arm of the external L-shaped component is approximately 1.48 inches, and a length of the stem of the external L-shaped component is approximately 2.89 inches. In another embodiment, the thicknesses of each of the components are any thickness between approximately 0.060 inches and 1.0 inches, the stems of the components each have a length of any measurement between approximately 0.5 inches and 10.0 inches long, and the arms of the components each have a length of any measurement between approximately 0.25 inches and 10.0 inches in length. In yet another embodiment, the stems of the component have a length of any measurement between approximately 1.0 inch and 5.0 inches, and the arms of the component each have a length of any measurement between approximately 1.0 inch and 5.0 inches in length.

FIG.68Billustrates a side view of the external rib component6503, wherein the external rib component is between approximately 6.75 inches in height (when positioned vertically) and has an upwardly angled bottom edge6801with an angle of approximately 12.35 degrees from the horizontal. In another embodiment, the height of the external rib component6503is between approximately 3 inches and 15 inches. In yet another embodiment, the height of the external rib component6503is between approximately 4 inches and 12 inches. The bottom edge6801has, in one embodiment, an angle of between 5 degrees and 70 degrees. In another embodiment, the bottom edge6801has an angle of between 7 degrees and 35 degrees.

FIG.68Cillustrates a side view of the internal rib component6501, wherein the internal rib component6501is approximately 7.25 inches in height (when positioned vertically) and has an upwardly angled bottom edge6803, wherein the angle of the bottom edge6803matches the upwardly angled bottom edge6801of the external rib component6503. In one embodiment, the internal rib component6501includes a notch6805to allow the inserting the internal rib component6501through a sidewall slot. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal rib component6501includes an extension portion6807that provides additional seal and structural security to the internal rib component6501. In one embodiment, the height of the external rib component6503is equal to the height of the internal rib component6501less the height of the extension portion6807.

FIGS.69A-69Billustrate perspective views of the mini-rib components.FIG.69Cillustrates a left rib embodiment of a mini-rib pair, andFIG.69Dillustrates a right rib embodiment of a mini-rib pair.

FIGS.70A-70Dillustrate perspective views of the internal rib component and further highlight a notch7001included in the mini-rib component. The notch advantageously provides a method for securing the component within a slot of a sidewall. In one embodiment, a slot has a height that is less than the height of the stem of the component, which ensures that the component is secured in place once inserted through the slot. The method of inserting the internal mini-rib component through the slot is illustrated inFIGS.72A and72Band described below.

FIGS.71A and71Billustrate side views of the internal L-shaped component of the mini-rib, andFIG.71Cillustrates a top view of the L-shaped component of the mini-rib.

FIGS.72A and72Billustrate the mechanism by which the internal L-shaped component6501is inserted through a slot7201in a sidewall. This is an analogous mechanism to that illustrated inFIG.31and described above. The component6501is hooked through the slot7201, and the arm of the component6501is brought into contact with the internal surface of the sidewall.FIG.72Billustrates a front view of the component6501secured in place.FIG.72Cillustrates an internal view of the arm of the component6501in contact with the sidewall. This shape and enabled attachment mechanism allows for the ribs to be securely positioned while ensuring rib components are securely mated with and/or attached together and/or to the sidewall.

FIGS.73A-73Dillustrate front perspective views of internal L-shaped components6501secured in place on platform sidewalls.FIGS.73B and73Dillustrate translucent platforms with the internal L-shaped components6501secured in place. The mini-ribs illustrated in FIGS.73A-73D depict the mini-ribs in a preferred embodiment, wherein the ribs are positioned near a top of the sidewall platform. In one embodiment, the slot in the sidewall extends at any measurement between approximately 0.5 inches and 12 inches. In another embodiment, the slot in the sidewall extends at any measurement between approximately 1 inches and 6 inches. In another embodiment, the ribs are positioned anywhere on the sidewall. For example,FIG.73Eillustrates a mini-rib7301positioned in the central area of a sidewall. In a further embodiment, arms and stems of the mini-ribs are positioned and/or contoured to a corner analogously to the full-size ribs described and illustrated with respect toFIGS.22-29B. In yet another embodiment, the mini-ribs are positioned between full-sized ribs on a sidewall.

FIGS.74A and74Billustrate rear perspective views of internal L-shaped components6501secured in place on platform sidewalls.FIG.74Billustrates a translucent platform with the internal L-shaped component6501secured in place.

FIGS.75A,75B, and75Cillustrate perspective views of an external L-shaped component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS.76A and76Billustrate side views of the external L-shaped component, andFIG.76Cillustrates a top view of the internal L-shaped component.FIG.76Aillustrates an angled bottom7601of the component, wherein the angled bottom of the component serves to provide clearance for the stem to be placed in the cutout in the platform wall without interference via a “hooking” or “swinging” motion.

FIGS.77A and77Billustrate a front view and a side view, respectively of the external L-shaped component according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS.78A and78Billustrate rear views of the external L-shaped component6503positioned in place. In one embodiment, the arm of the external L-shaped component6503is secured in place on a platform sidewall via a chemical and/or physical attachment mechanism, including via adhesive.FIG.78Billustrates the external L-shaped component6503positioned on a translucent platform sidewall.

FIG.78Cillustrates a side view of the external L-shaped component6503positioned in place on a platform sidewall.FIG.78Dillustrates a perspective view of the external L-shaped component6503positioned in place with the internal L-shaped component6501also positioned in place.

Notably, as analogs to the full-length ribs disclosed herein, the mini-ribs disclosed and illustrated are, in some embodiments, operable to be modified or adjusted according to any of the shapes, sizes, positions, materials, or other described or illustrated features of the full-length ribs. Accordingly, the full-length ribs are, in other embodiments, operable to be modified or adjusted according to any of the shapes, sizes, positions, materials, or other described or illustrated features of the mini-ribs.

Notably, the components recited in the present invention, including but not limited to the ribs, mini-ribs, and any other component which is attachable to any part of a vehicle, elevating platforms or splicer platforms including platform doors, platform walls, platform floors, knee spaces, and/or any other component recited in the present specification are operable to be constructed out of reinforced and/or unreinforced thermoplastics and/or thermosets, including filled and/or unfilled thermoplastics and/or thermosets. These materials include any specific materials recited in the present application such as fiber reinforced or unreinforced Polycarbonate, fiber reinforced or unreinforced Acrylic, fiber reinforced or unreinforced Nylon, fiber reinforced or unreinforced Polypropylene, Vectorply EPP-W 1500, Vectorply EPP-W, fiber reinforced or unreinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), fiber reinforced or unreinforced Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G), and/or fiber reinforced or unreinforced polyester.

Alternatively, these components are operable to be manufactured out of nylon and/or fiberglass, including pultruded fiberglass. The components are operable to include any core including a honeycomb core, an aramid honeycomb core, a thermoplastic honeycomb core, a metal honeycomb core, a wood core, a balsa core, a glass fabric core including a 3D woven sandwich glass fabric core, a fiberglass core, a fabric core including laminate bulkers, a carbon core, a thermoplastic foam core, a polyurethane foam core, a syntactic foam core, a polymethacrylimide (PMI) foam core, a Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) foam core, a Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G) foam core, a cross linked polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foam core, a linear PVC foam core, and/or a polyester foam core. Additionally, the components are operable to be manufactured via any of the techniques recited herein, including any type of thermoforming process or other thermoplastic manufacturing process, such as injection molding, rotational molding, compression molding, compression molding using unidirectional tape, compression molding using sheet molding compound, compression molding using bulk molding compound, compression molding using thick molding, compression molding using wet molding, chop spray, gravity fed casting, low pressure casting, high pressure casting, resin transfer molding including light resin transfer molding, 3D printing, extrusion, Digital Light Synthesis (DLS) including Continuous Light Interface Production (CLIP), vacuum forming, infusion including vacuum infusion, hand layup, flex molding, lamination, squish molding, etc. Furthermore, the components of the present invention are operable to be manufactured integrally (i.e. manufactured at the same time or around the same time such that the components are integrally formed) or manufactured separately and then attached to other components or identical components via physical bonding, chemical bonding, mechanical attachment, mechanical interlocking, magnetism, reversible adhesive, irreversible adhesive, welding including plastic welding, and/or vacuum attachment. In particular, unreinforced thermosets, reinforced thermosets, unfilled thermosets, and/or filled thermosets are operable to be manufactured via injection molding, rotational molding, compression molding, compression molding using sheet molding compound, compression molding using fiber reinforced thermoset, compression molding using bulk molding compound, compression molding using thick molding, compression molding using wet molding, gravity fed casting, low pressure casting, high pressure casting, resin transfer molding, light resin transfer molding, 3D printing, extrusion, Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), Continuous Light Interface Production (CLIP), vacuum forming, infusion, vacuum infusion, hand layup, flex molding, lamination, squish molding, chop spray, and/or pultrusion. Unreinforced thermoplastics, reinforced thermoplastics, unfilled thermoplastics, and/or filled thermoplastics are operable to be manufactured via injection molding, rotational molding, compression molding, compression molding using fiber reinforced thermoplastic, compression molding using bulk molding compound, compression molding using thick molding, compression molding using wet molding, gravity fed casting, low pressure casting, high pressure casting, resin transfer molding, light resin transfer molding, 3D printing, extrusion, Digital Light Synthesis (DLS), Continuous Light Interface Production (CLIP), vacuum forming, infusion, vacuum infusion, hand layup, flex molding, lamination, squish molding, chop spray, and/or pultrusion.

Alternatively, the mini-ribs and/or other components are translucent and are constructed from a translucent or opaque material that is either fiber-reinforced or non-fiber-reinforced, such as Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Nylon, Polypropylene, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PET-G), and/or polyester, and is further operable to support a load of an attached apparatus.

FIGS.79A-83Cillustrate top views of multiple combinations, components, and constructions for mini-ribs, wherein each of the illustrated mini-ribs retain each of the functional aspects described above. The mini-ribs are each illustrated without a visible wall or slot; however, each of the stems of the internal components are operable to extend from an inside of a wall to an outside of a wall through a slot, wherein each of the external components are operable to be positioned on an exterior of the wall and connect with the stem on the outside of the wall.

FIGS.79A-79Dillustrate mini-ribs with L-shaped internal rib components and L-shaped external rib components.FIGS.79A and79Billustrate left and right embodiments, respectively, of an internal L-shaped component (7903,7907) and an external L-shaped component (7901,7905).FIGS.79C and79Dillustrate left and right embodiments, respectively, of an internal L-shaped component (7913,7919) with two external L-shaped components (7909and7911,7915and7917). Right and left embodiments in these illustrations refer to the direction arms of the internal component extends once positioned within the slot in the sidewall when viewed from the top.

FIGS.80A-80Cillustrate mini-ribs with a T-shaped internal rib component and L-shaped external rib components.FIGS.80A and80Billustrate left and right embodiments, respectively, of an internal T-shaped component (8003,8007) with an external L-shaped component (8001,8005).FIG.80Cillustrates a T-shaped component with an internal T-shaped component8013and both left and right external L-shaped components (8009,8011). Right and left embodiments in these illustrations refer to the direction of arms of the external L-shaped components when attached to the stem of the T-shaped component when viewed from the top.

FIGS.81A-81Dillustrate mini-ribs with a Y-shaped internal rib component.FIG.81Aillustrates an internal Y-shaped component8103with an external L-shaped component8101, wherein the stem of the Y-shaped component8103extends perpendicular to a wall and through a slot in the wall, wherein one arm of the Y-shaped component8103curves around an inside of a curved wall, and wherein one arm of the Y-shaped component8103extends along a flat surface of a flat wall.FIG.81Billustrates an internal Y-shaped component8109with a right L-shaped component8107and a left L-shaped component8105.FIG.81Cillustrates an internal Y-shaped component8115with an external L-shaped component8111and a curved corner component8113, wherein the curved corner component8113includes a stem and an arm, and wherein the arm of the curved corner component8113wraps around an outside of a curved wall.FIG.81Dillustrates an internal Y-shaped component8119with an external curved corner component8117.

FIGS.82A and82Billustrate mini-ribs with an internal L-shaped component and an external corner component.FIG.82Aillustrates an internal L-shaped component8205with a single external curved corner component8203.FIG.82Billustrates an internal L-shaped component8211with an external curved corner component8209and an external L-shaped component8207.

FIGS.83A-83Cillustrate mini-ribs with an internal Y-shaped component and external corner components positioned on a corner of a wall.FIG.83Aillustrates an internal Y-shaped component8303with a left external corner component8301, wherein the stem of the internal Y-shaped component8303extends through a slot in a curved wall (i.e., a corner), wherein the external corner component8301includes a stem and an arm, and wherein the arm of the external corner component8301wraps around an outside of a curved wall.FIG.83Billustrates an internal Y-shaped component8307with a right external corner component8305.FIG.83Cillustrates an internal Y-shaped component8313with two external corner components (8309,8311).

FIGS.84A-85Cillustrate perspective views of external components attached to an outside of a platform.FIG.84Aillustrates two slots, each with a single, external L-shaped component8401attached to a stem of an internal component8403.FIG.84Billustrates two slots, each with two external L-shaped components8405attached to a stem of an internal component8407.FIG.85Aillustrates two slots, each with a single, external corner component8501, wherein the corner components8501are attached to a stem8503that extends perpendicular to a flat wall through a slot in the wall.FIG.85Billustrates two slots, each with an external corner component8509and an external L-shaped component8505, wherein each of the external components (8505,8509) are attached to a stem of an internal component8507.FIG.85Cillustrates two slots, each with two corner components8511, wherein the corner components8511are attached to a stem8513that extends through slot in the wall, and wherein the slot is positioned on a curved portion (i.e., a corner) of the platform.

FIGS.86A-86Dillustrate rear views of internal components in a platform.FIG.86Aillustrates two slots, each with a single, internal L-shaped component8601.FIG.86Billustrates two slots, each with an internal, T-shaped component8603.FIG.86Cillustrates two slots, each with an internal Y-shaped component8605, wherein each internal Y-shaped component8605includes a stem that extends perpendicular to a flat wall of the platform, one curved arm, and one flat arm.FIG.86Dillustrates two slots, each with an internal Y-shaped component8605, wherein the internal Y-shaped component8605includes two curved arms as well as a stem that extends through a corner of the platform wall.

In one embodiment, the present invention includes mini-ribs that extend into a platform. The mini-ribs that extend into a platform, in some embodiments, are constructed with longer stems than external mini-ribs.FIGS.87A-87Cillustrate top views of internal mini-ribs. Internal mini-ribs are constructed with internal and external components, but in contrast to the external mini-ribs, the external components extend through a slot in the wall, and the internal components attach to a stem of the external component.FIG.87Aillustrates two internal L-shaped components8701attached to a stem of a left, external L-shaped component8703.FIG.87Billustrates two internal L-shaped components8705attached to a right, external L-shaped component8707.FIG.87Cillustrates two internal L-shaped components8709attached to a stem of an external T-shaped component8711. Right and left embodiments in these illustrations refer to the direction the arm of the external L-shaped component (8703,8707) extends when viewed from the top.

FIGS.88A and88Billustrate exterior perspective views internal mini-ribs.FIG.88Aillustrates two slots, each with an external L-shaped component8801.FIG.88Billustrates two slots, each with an external T-shaped component8803.

FIG.89illustrates an interior perspective view of internal mini-ribs.FIG.89illustrates two internal L-shaped components8901attached to a stem of an external component8903.

Notably, both external mini-ribs and internal mini-ribs are operable to be constructed and positioned with any shapes, sizes, or number of components, including with a combination of Y-shaped components, T-shaped components, and L-shaped components, wherein one or more of the components are either positioned on a flat surface or on a curved surface. For example, in one embodiment, an external mini-rib includes a curved internal component with two external L-shaped components. Further, each of the components are operable to be constructed in a mirrored embodiment with left or right constructions such that the components are operable to be attached to any corner or flat surface of a wall.

An internal and/or external mini-rib is further operable to be positioned on a wall with one or more additional ribs, wherein the one or more additional ribs are identical to the internal and/or external mini-rib, wherein the one or more additional ribs include mirrored components to the internal and/or external mini-rib, or wherein the ribs do not have any structural correlation (e.g., one corner mini-rib with one internal mini-rib on a flat surface).

FIGS.90A-90Fillustrate example symmetrical positions for external mini-ribs.FIG.90Aillustrates two internal L-shaped components9001, wherein arms of the internal components9001extend in the same direction along the wall.FIG.90Billustrates two internal L-shaped components9003, wherein arms of the internal components9003extend in opposite directions away from the two ribs.FIG.90Cillustrates two internal L-shaped components9005, wherein arms of the internal components9005extend in opposite directions toward an area between the two ribs.FIG.90Dillustrates two external L-shaped components9007, wherein arms of external components9007extend in the same direction along the wall.FIG.90Eillustrates two external L-shaped components9009, wherein arms of the external components9009extend in opposite directions away from the two ribs.FIG.90Fillustrates two external L-shaped components9011, wherein arms of the external components9011extend in opposite directions toward an area between the two ribs. Notably, ribs are operable to have arms that point in the same direction for both right and left embodiments.

FIGS.91A and91Billustrate rib components with and without holes. Notably, any of the stems of the rib components illustrated and described herein are operable to be constructed without holes or with any number of holes. For example,FIG.91Aillustrates one embodiment wherein the none of the components include holes.FIG.91Billustrates another embodiment, wherein the stems of the internal and external components include two holes9101each.

Certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the foregoing description. All modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.