AU2018100076B4

AU2018100076B4 - A lift assembly and method of use thereof

Info

Publication number: AU2018100076B4
Application number: AU2018100076A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Eric NEILSEN; Kodey Charles Neilsen; Daniel SAELMAN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Neilsen Eric; Neilsen Kodey; Saelman Daniel
Priority date: 2018-01-17
Filing date: 2018-01-17
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-17
Also published as: AU2018100076A4

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention relates to a lift assembly for use with an elevated work platform. The lift assembly includes one or more rails extending between a support surface and the elevated work platform, a lift platform for supporting and moving a load between a lowered and elevated position, said lift platform configured to be slidably mounted to the one or more rails and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the lift platform between the lowered and elevated positions, said drive mechanism including a winch having a drive spool or drive wheel and a drive line extending from the drive spool or drive wheel and coupled to one of the lift platform and a base of the elevated work platform, wherein said drive spool or drive wheel is pneumatically powered and configured to wind in and out the drive line to move the lift platform between the lowered and the elevated positions.

Description

A LIFT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to an elevated work platform and methods of use thereof. In particular, the present invention concerns a lift assembly for use with an elevated work platform and to methods of use thereof.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Elevated work platforms are devices used to provide temporary access for people or equipment to elevated structures, equipment, machinery, vehicles and the like. Generally, such platforms include a base atop of which a work platform is supported. The platform may typically be accessed by a ladder or stairway.

[0003] For example, in the mining and commercial building industries, elevated work platforms are commonly used by workers completing work at a height, such as, e.g., on a large mining vehicle or an upper level or roof of a building structure.

[0004] A problem with elevated work platforms is that workers will often need to carry their tools and/or work parts with them up to the work platform. In some instances, the tools and/or parts may be heavy, large and/or awkwardly shaped, which can make carrying the tools and/or parts up to the work platform difficult and possibly dangerous.

[0005] The applicant has previously developed a lift platform for raising and lowering a load relative to a work platform. The applicant's earlier lift platform was raised and lowered by a drill powered drive mechanism. However, the applicant found their earlier lift platform to be overly complicated and expensive to build and install due to numerous parts. Moreover, the earlier lift platform was prone to failure due to cable issues and a wandering detachable drill - the latter rendering the drive mechanism and thus the lift platform inoperable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention provide a lift assembly, an elevated work platform including the lift assembly and methods of use thereof, which may at least partially minimise or overcome at least one of the problems mentioned above, or which may provide the public or a consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lift assembly for use with an elevated work platform having a base and a work platform supported above a support surface by the base, said lift assembly including: one or more rails extending at least partially along a height of the base between the support surface and the work platform; a lift platform for supporting and moving a load between a lowered position adjacent the support surface and an elevated position adjacent the work platform, said lift platform configured to be slidably mounted to the one or more rails; and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the lift platform between the lowered and elevated positions, said drive mechanism including a winch having a drive spool or drive wheel mounted to one of the lift platform and the base and a drive line extending between the drive spool or drive wheel and the other of the lift platform and the base, wherein said drive spool or drive wheel is pneumatically powered and configured to wind in and out the drive line to move the lift platform between the lowered and elevated positions.

[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elevated work platform having the lift assembly as defined in the first aspect.

[0009] Advantageously, the present invention provides a lift assembly that is less complicated, less expensive to build and install and most importantly more reliable than the applicant's earlier lift platform. By using a pneumatically powered drive mechanism, the risk of the drive mechanism and the lift platform becoming inoperable due to a missing drill has been obviated. Moreover, a pneumatically powered drive mechanism is more reliable than a drill powered drive mechanism due to less parts, particularly less moving parts. Lastly, use of the pneumatically powered drive mechanism enables embodiments of the present invention to use a chain drive line, which provides numerous advantages over a cable drive line, including that the chain drive line is stronger and thus can lift a greater load and is easier to store.

[0010] The load may include at least one article or at least one person. If at least one article, the load may be a tool or work part, for example. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the load may ultimately be any article or articles.

[0011] The elevated work platform may be of any suitable size, shape and construction for providing access to an elevated work site. The elevated work platform may typically include a base and a work platform mounted atop the base. Generally, the base and the work platform may be formed from metal, preferably steel.

[0012] The base may preferably be in the form of a frame and may include at least one support post for supporting the work platform above a support surface. The support post may be of any suitable length to support the work platform at any desired height above the support surface.

[0013] The at least one support post may preferably be in the form of a frame member extending longitudinally between the support surface and the work platform, typically in a substantially vertical direction.

[0014] In preferred embodiments, the base may include more than one support post. For example, the base may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine or even at least 10 support posts. Typically, the posts, in the form of vertically extending frame members, may be joined together by a plurality of transversely extending cross frame members.

[0015] The various frame members may be of tubular construction, solid construction, plate construction or any combination thereof. If tubular, the frame members may have a substantially rectangular-shaped cross-section.

[0016] The various frame members and the work platform may be joined together using conventional welding techniques and/or with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0017] The base may be of any suitable height to elevate the work platform to any desired height. For example, the base may have a height, extending between a lower end and an upper end, of about 1.5m, about 2.0m, about 2.5m, about 3.0m, about 3.5m, about 4.0m, about 4.5m, about 5.0m, about 5.5m, about 6.0m, about 6.5m, about 7.0m, about 7.5m, about 8.0m, about 8.5m, about 9.0m, about 9.5m or even at least about 1On.

[0018] Likewise, the work platform may be of any size, shape and construction suitably adapted to provide a safe work platform for workers.

[0019] In some embodiments, the work platform may be circular or oval-shaped.

[0020] In other embodiments, the work platform may have a polygonal shape. For example, the platform may be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon.

[0021] Generally, the work platform may include an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. The opposed surfaces may extend substantially parallel to one another and be interconnected by opposing edges including opposed end edges and opposed side edges. The work platform may include corners extending between adjacent edges, preferably rounded corners.

[0022] In some embodiments, the work platform may be formed from a solid metal panel. In other embodiments, the work platform may be formed from mesh, preferably steel mesh.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least the upper surface of the work platform may include a liner or coating to at least partially provide grip. The liner or coating may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material.

[0024] Typically, the liner or coating may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials.

[0025] In other embodiments, the work platform may include a pad extending at least partially across the upper surface of the work platform to at least partially provide grip. The pad may typically be formed of a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials.

[0026] In some embodiments, the platform may include a safety rail extending upwardly from and along at least one of the side edges and/or end edges. The safety rail may be of any suitable construction known in the art.

[0027] In embodiments in which the platform includes a safety rail, the platform may further include a safety access gate defined in the safety rail adjacent the location at which the lift platform moves adjacent the platform. The safety access gate may typically be pivotable, preferably inwards, between an open and closed position to control access to the lift platform from the platform. The safety access gate may include a latch or locking mechanism. The latch or locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the safety access gate from being opened unless or until the lift platform is in the elevated position adjacent the work platform.

[0028] In some embodiments, the elevated work platform may include access means enabling a person to gain access to the work platform. The access means may include a ladder or stairway extending along or from one of the edges, for example.

[0029] In some embodiments, the elevated work platform may be capable of being moved. In such embodiments, the elevated work platform may include wheels or caterpillar tracks for moving the base and the work platform along a surface. The wheels or caterpillar tracks may be located on or mounted to an underside of the base. The wheels or caterpillar tracks may be mounted directly or indirectly to the base.

[0030] Generally, the wheels may be rotatably mounted to the base such that each wheel is able to swivel about a vertical axis. Each wheel may also typically include a brake so that the base and thus the elevated work platform may be parked in a desired location. Preferably, the wheels may be swivel casters.

[0031] In some embodiments, the elevated work platform may include one or more stabilizer feet configured to extend downwards relative to the base and engage a support surface to stabilize the elevated work platform in a desired location. Typically, the elevated work platform may include at least two stabilizer feet, preferably at least four stabilizer feet. The feet may generally be arranged in opposed pairs around the base.

[0032] Each foot may be in the form of a vertically extendable member having a foot located at, or coupled to, a lower end. Each foot may be capable of being moved between a stowage position in which the foot is held clear of the support surface and an engaged position in which the foot engages with the support surface to at least partially stabilize the elevated work platform.

[0033] In preferred embodiments, each foot may include a linear actuator mounted to the base and having a foot located at, or coupled to, the lower end of the linear actuator. The linear actuator may be a hydraulic or pneumatic ram, a screw jack or a rigid chain actuator, for example.

[0034] The lift assembly of the present invention may include a lift platform of any size, shape and construction and formed from any material or materials suitably adapted for supporting and moving a load between the lowered and elevated positions.

[0035] Generally, the lift platform may be vertically moveable in a linear direction between the lowered position in which the lift platform rests atop or adjacent a support surface and an elevated position in which the lift platform rest adjacent the work platform of the elevated work platform, preferably in an edge-to-edge manner.

[0036] In some embodiments, the lift platform may be circular or oval-shaped.

[0037] In other embodiments, the lift platform may have a polygonal shape. For example, the platform may be in the shape of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon or octagon.

[0038] Typically, the lift platform may have a rectangular shape. The lift platform may include opposed surfaces extending substantially parallel to one another and interconnected by opposing edges.

[0039] The opposed surfaces may include an upper surface and an opposed lower surface.

[0040] The opposing edges may include a work platform facing edge, an opposed outer edge and opposed side edges.

[0041] The lift platform may include corners extending between adjacent edges, preferably rounded corners.

[0042] Typically, like the work platform, the lift platform may be formed of metal, preferably steel.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lift platform may be formed from a solid metal panel. In other embodiments, the lift platform may be formed from mesh, preferably steel mesh.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least the upper surface of the lift platform may include a liner or coating to at least partially provide grip to a load being supported and moved. The liner or coating may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material. Typically, the liner or coating may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials.

[0045] In other embodiments, the lift platform may include a pad extending at least partially across the upper surface of the lift platform to at least partially provide grip to the load being supported and moved. The pad may typically be formed of a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic material or materials.

[0046] In some embodiments, the lift platform may include a side rail extending upwardly from and along at least one of the edges, preferably at least along the outer edge and the opposed side edges. The side rail may be of any suitable construction configured to at least partially prevent a load from falling off the lift platform when being moved between the support surface and the work platform.

[0047] In other embodiments, the lift platform may include at least one sidewall extending upwardly from and along at least one of the edges, preferably at least along the outer edge and the opposed side edges. The at least one sidewall may extend upwards to any suitable height above the lift platform to at least partially prevent a load from slipping or sliding off the lift platform when being moved between the support surface and the work platform.

[0048] In yet other embodiments, the lift platform may include a cage. In one such embodiment, the cage may include an opening for loading and unloading a load from the lift platform. In another such embodiment, the cage may be detachably connected to the lift platform such that the cage may be detached to load or unload the lift platform. In a preferred such embodiment, the cage may be pivotally coupled to the lift platform along an edge such that the cage may be pivoted away from the lift platform to load and unload the lift platform.

[0049] As indicated above, the lift platform may be slidably mounted to one or more rails extending between the support surface and the work platform of the elevated work platform so that the lift platform may slide therebetween.

[0050] The lift platform may be slidably mounted to the one or more rails in any suitable way, preferably detachably. In preferred embodiments, the lift platform may be slidably mounted to two rails, preferably two parallel rails.

[0051] For example, in some embodiments the lift platform and the one or more rails may be connected by a connecting mechanism or part of a connecting mechanism. A first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the lifting platform may mate or engage with a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the one or more rails.

[0052] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, including interference (snap fit) connections or threaded connections, for example. In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a male formation associated with the lift platform configured to be inserted into or coupled with a female formation associated with the one or more rails. Conversely, in other embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a female formation associated with the lift platform configured to at least partially receive or be coupled with a male formation associated with the one or more rails.

[0053] The one or more rails may extend longitudinally between the support surface and the work platform of the elevated work platform for movement of the lift platform therealong. Typically, the rails may extend down an outer surface of the base of the elevated work platform, preferably in a substantially vertical orientation and substantially parallel to one another.

[0054] The rails may include may include any form of guided or directional conveyance. For example, the rails may each include a track. The one or more rails may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials. Preferably, the rails may be of a size, shape and construction to at least partially prevent lateral movement or separation of the lift platform away from the rails.

[0055] In preferred embodiments, each rail may be in the form of a linear frame member extending in a substantially vertical orientation at least partially along a height of the base of the elevated work platform, preferably entirely along a height of the base of the elevated work platform.

[0056] Typically, each rail may be of tubular or solid construction, preferably tubular, and may have a substantially rectangular cross-section. Each rail may extend linearly between opposed ends, including a lower end and an opposed upper end. Each rail may include an inner surface, an opposed outer surface and opposed side surfaces.

[0057] Like with the various frame members forming the base of the elevated work platform, the rails may be joined to the base using conventional welding techniques and/or with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0058] Generally, the lift platform may be slidably mounted to each rail by a slide mounting portion. The slide mounting portion may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to slidably mount the lift platform to a rail.

[0059] Typically, the slide mounting portion may include a bracket or pair of brackets configured to be mounted or coupled to the lift platform. The bracket or brackets may be sized and shaped to extend outwardly past a corresponding rail, when the lift platform is slidably mounted.

[0060] Each slide mounting portion may include one or more rollers, wheels, plain bearing pads, slide blocks or the like configured to engage and move along the rail.

[0061] Preferably, each slide mounting portion may include one or more rollers, wheels, plain bearing pads, slide blocks or the like that may hook around a side surface of the rail for moving along an inner surface of the rail and at least partially preventing separation of the lift platform away from the rails. Each slide mounting portion may further include one or more rollers, wheels, plain bearing pads, slide blocks or the like configured to move along an outer surface of the rails.

[0062] In some embodiments, at least one of the rollers, wheels, plain bearing pads, slide blocks or the like may be detachable or hingedly connected to enable a slide mounting portion associated with the lift platform to be hooked on and off of a respective rail.

[0063] In preferred embodiments, the slide mounting portion may include a U-shaped bracket configured to fit around each rail. The bracket may include a base and a pair of opposed side wings extending outwardly from opposed sides of the base. The bracket may include a first roller, wheel, plain bearing pad, sliding block or the like associated with the base and configured to move along an outer surface of a rail and a second detachable roller, wheel, plain bearing pad, sliding block or the like extending between distal ends of the opposed side wings and configured to move along an inner surface of the rail.

[0064] Each slide mounting portion may be joined to a lower surface or side edge of the lift platform using conventional welding techniques and/or with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0065] As indicated above, the lift assembly includes a drive mechanism for driving movement of the lift platform between the lowered and elevated positions. The drive mechanism includes a winch having a drive spool or drive wheel and a drive line coupled to the drive spool or drive wheel and configured to be wound in and out to move the lift platform. The drive spool or drive wheel is preferably pneumatically powered to wind in and out the drive line.

[0066] Advantageously, by being pneumatically powered, the drive mechanism of the present invention eliminates the need for a detachable drill, which the applicant has found have a tendency to wander leaving the drive mechanism and thus the lift platform inoperable.

[0067] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism may include a source of compressed or pressurised gas, typically pressurised air, for powering the drive spool or drive wheel.

[0068] In other embodiments, the drive mechanism may include an air compressor for providing pressurised air for powering the drive spool or drive wheel. The air compressor may be electrically powered or petrol/diesel powered.

[0069] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism may include a storage container for storing drive line that has been wound in by the drive spool or drive wheel.

[0070] The drive line may be a cable or chain, preferably a chain. Advantageously, the applicant has found that a chain drive line is stronger and easier to store than a cable drive line.

[0071] In some embodiments, the drive line may typically be coupled to the drive spool or drive wheel at one end and may be coupled at the other end to the lift platform or a lower end of the base of the elevated work platform via at least one fixed pulley coupled to an upper end of the base or an underside of the work platform.

[0072] For example, in one such embodiment, the drive mechanism, including the drive spool or drive wheel, may be mounted to an underside of the lift platform and the drive line may extend from the drive spool or drive wheel and be coupled to a fixed location at or near the lower end of the base of the elevated work platform via at least one fixed pulley coupled to an upper end of the base or an underside of the work platform.

[0073] In another such embodiment, the drive mechanism including the drive spool or drive wheel may be mounted to the base of the elevated work platform and the drive line may extend from the drive spool or drive wheel and be coupled to the lift platform via at least one fixed pulley coupled to an upper end of the base or an underside of the work platform.

[0074] In preferred embodiments, the drive mechanism, including the drive spool or drive wheel, may be mounted to an underside of the work platform and the drive line may extend from the drive spool or drive wheel and be coupled to the lift platform, preferably at or near the work platform facing edge.

[0075] In all the embodiments described above, the drive spool or drive wheel may be pneumatically driven to wind in the drive line and raise the lift platform at least partially towards the elevated position. Conversely, the drive spool or drive wheel may wind out the drive line to lower the lift platform at least partially towards the lowered position.

[0076] In some embodiments, the lift platform may be pivotally coupled to the slide mounting portions such that the lift platform may pivot away from the rails when in the lowered position to facilitate loading and unloading. The lift platform may be pivotally coupled to the slide mounting portions in any suitable way known in the art.

[0077] Typically, the lift platform may be pivotally coupled to the slide mounting portions by a pivoting or hinged arrangement that enables the lift platform to be pivoted away when in the lowered position.

[0078] In some embodiments, the lift platform may further include a lift access gate located above an outer edge of the lift platform. Like the safety access gate described above for the work platform, the lift access gate may be pivotable between an open and closed position to control external access to the lift platform when not in the lowered position. Preferably, the lift access gate may include a latch or locking mechanism. The latch or locking mechanism may be configured to prevent the lift access gate from being opened unless or until the lift platform is in the lowered position.

[0079] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of moving a load between a support surface and an elevated platform of an elevated work platform having a lift assembly as defined in the first aspect, said method including: loading the load to be moved atop the lift platform; and slidably moving the lift platform to a desired position selected from a lowered position adjacent the support surface and an elevated position adjacent the work platform.

[0080] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the lift assembly and elevated work platform as hereinbefore described.

[0081] In some embodiments, the loading may include opening an access gate to provide access to the lift platform for loading. Once loaded, the loading may include closing the access gate.

[0082] In other embodiments and when in the lowered position, the loading may include pivoting the lift platform away from the rails to provide access for loading. Once loaded, the loading may include pivoting the lift platform back towards the rails.

[0083] The slidably moving may include winding in or out the drive line to respectively raise or lower the lift platform relative to the work platform.

[0084] For example, to raise the lift platform to the elevated position adjacent the work platform, the moving may include activating the source of compressed air to drive the drive spool or drive wheel to wind in the drive line and raise the lift platform.

[0085] Likewise, to lower the lift platform, the drive spool or drive wheel may be used to wind out the drive line and lower the lift platform.

[0086] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0087] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0088] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0089] Figure 1 is a line drawing showing an upper perspective view of an elevated work platform having a lift assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0090] Figure 2 is a photograph showing part of a front view of the lift assembly as shown in Figure 1; and

[0091] Figures 3A and 3B are photographs respectively showing a drive mechanism and a rear view of the lift platform of the lift assembly as shown in Figures 1 and 2; and

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 shows an elevated work platform (900) with a lift assembly (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The lift assembly (100) includes two parallel rails (110) extending along a height of a base (910) of an elevated work platform (900); a lift platform (120) for supporting and moving a load between a lowered position in which the lift platform (120) is positioned adjacent a support surface and an elevated position in which the lift platform (120) is positioned adjacent the work platform (920) of the elevated work platform (900), the lift platform (120) being slidably mounted to the two parallel rails (110); and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the lift platform (120) between the lowered and elevated positions.

[0094] The drive mechanism is mounted to an underside of the work platform (920) and includes a winch (130; shown only in Figure 3B) having a drive wheel and a drive chain (132; i.e., a drive line) extending between the drive wheel and the lift platform (120). The winch (130; shown only in Figure 3B) is pneumatically powered and configured to wind in and out the drive chain (132) with the drive wheel to respectively raise and lower the lift platform (120) between the lowered and elevated positions.

[0095] Referring to Figure 1, the elevated work platform (900) includes the work platform (920) and the base (910) for supporting the work platform (920) above a support surface, such as, e.g., a ground surface. The base (910) and the work platform (920) are formed of steel and joined together using conventional welding techniques and/or with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0096] The base (910) includes a frame for supporting the work platform (920) formed from a plurality of vertically-extending support posts (912) joined together by a plurality of transversely extending cross frame members (914).

[0097] The various frame members (912, 914) are generally of tubular construction having a substantially rectangular-shaped cross-section. Again, the various frame members (912, 914) are joined together using conventional welding techniques and/or with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[0098] The work platform (920) generally has a polygonal shape. The work platform (920) includes an upper surface and an opposed lower surface interconnected by opposing edges.

[0099] As shown, the work platform (920) is formed from steel mesh and includes a safety rail (922) extending upwardly from and along the edges of the platform (920).

[00100] The safety rail (922) includes a safety access gate (924) adjacent the location at which the lift assembly (100) is located. The safety access gate (924) is pivotable between open and closed position to control access to the lift platform (120) from the platform (920). The safety access gate (924) includes a latch or locking mechanism to prevent the gate (924) from being opened unless or until the lift platform (120) is in the elevated position adjacent the work platform

(920).

[00101] The elevated work platform (900) further includes a stairway (930) extending from an edge of the work platform (920) enabling a person access to the work platform (920) from the support surface.

[00102] As shown, the elevated work platform (900) is capable of being moved. In particular, the elevated work platform (900) includes swivel casters (940) mounted to an underside of the base (910). Each swivel caster (940) includes a brake so that the base (910) and thus the elevated work platform (900) can be parked in a desired location.

[00103] As also shown, the elevated work platform (900) includes four stabilizer feet (950) configured to extend downwards relative to the base (910) and engage a support surface to stabilize the elevated work platform (900) in a desired location.

[00104] Each of the stabilizerfeet (950) includes a screwjack mounted to the base (910) and a foot coupled to the lower end of the screw jack.

[00105] The lift platform (120) of the lift assembly (100) is vertically moveable along the parallel rails (110) in a linear direction between the lowered position and the elevated position. In the elevated position, the lift platform (120) rests adjacent the work platform (920) of the elevated work platform (900) in an edge-to-edge manner.

[00106] The lift platform (120) has a rectangular shape and includes an upper surface, an opposed lower surface, a work platform facing edge, an opposed outer edge and opposed side edges.

[00107] The lift platform (120) is formed of a solid steel panel.

[00108] Referring briefly to Figure 2, the lift platform (120) includes a sidewall (240) extending upwardly from each of the edges. Moreover, the lift platform (120) includes a side rail (250) extending upwardly from and along an outer surface of the sidewall (240). The side rail (250) extends about and above the opposed side edges of the lift platform (120) and together with the sidewall (240) assists in preventing a load from falling off the lift platform (120) when moving between the lowered and elevated positions.

[00109] As shown, the side rail (250) includes a lift access gate (252) located above the outer edge of the lift platform (120). Like the safety access gate (924; shown in Figure 1), the lift access gate (252) is pivotable between open and closed position to control external access to the lift platform (120), particularly when the lift platform (120) is not in the lowered position. The lift access gate (252) includes a latch or locking mechanism (254) to prevent the gate (252) from being inadvertently opened.

[00110] Referring back to Figure 1, the lift platform (120) is slidably mounted to the two parallel rails (110) extending along a height of the base (910) of the elevated work platform (900) so that the lift platform (120) can slide between the lowered and elevated positions.

[00111] As indicated, the rails (110) extend longitudinally along the height of the base (910). Each rail (110) is of tubular construction and has a rectangular cross-section. Each rail (110) includes an inner surface (112), an opposed outer surface (114) and opposed side surfaces (116). The rails (110) are joined to the base (910) of the elevated work platform (900) using conventional welding techniques and/or with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[00112] The lift platform (120) is slidably mounted to each rail (110) by a slide mounting portion (310).

[00113] Referring to Figure 3A, each slide mounting portion (310) includes a U-shaped bracket coupled to the lift platform (120) and sized and shaped to extend outwardly past a corresponding rail (110) to which it is slidably mounted.

[00114] The U-shaped bracket is configured to fit around a corresponding rail (110). The bracket includes a base and a pair of opposed side wings which extend outwardly from opposed sides of the base. The bracket includes a first roller (312; not visible) associated with the base of the bracket and configured to roll along an outer surface (114) of the corresponding rail (110) and a second roller (312) extending between distal ends of the opposed side wings and configured to roll along an inner surface (112) of the corresponding rail (110). The second roller (312) is detachable to enable the slide mounting portion (310) associated with the lift platform (120) to be hooked on and off a respective rail (110).

[00115] Each slide mounting portion (310) is joined to lower surface and/or a side edge of the lift platform (120) using conventional welding techniques and/or with one or more mechanical fasteners.

[00116] Referring to Figure 3B, the lift assembly (100) includes a drive mechanism for driving the lift platform (120; not shown) between the lowered and elevated positions. As shown and indicated above, the drive mechanism is mounted to an underside of the work platform (920) and includes the winch (130) having a drive wheel and a drive chain (132) extending between the drive wheel and the lift platform (120; not shown).

[00117] The drive mechanism includes an air compressor for providing pressurised air for powering the winch (130). The air compressor is electrically powered.

[00118] As shown, the drive mechanism further includes a storage container (134) for storing portions of the drive chain (132) that have been wound in by the drive wheel of the winch (130).

[00119] Referring again to Figure 3A, the drive chain (132) is coupled to the lift platform (120) at or near the work platform facing edge.

[00120] A method of using the lift assembly (100) to raise a load up to the work platform (920) of an elevated work platform (900) will now be described with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3A and 3B.

[00121] Referring to Figure 1, the method includes an initial step of applying the brakes on one or more of the swivel casters (940) to park the elevated work platform (900) including the lift assembly (100) in a desired location.

[00122] Once parked, the stabilizer feet (950) are then extended downwards relative to the base (910) to engage the support surface and stabilize the elevated work platform (900) in the desired location.

[00123] Referring to Figure 2, a user can then unlatch the latch or locking mechanism (254) and open the lift access gate (252) so that the lift platform (120) can be loaded.

[00124] Once loaded, the lift access gate (252) can again be closed and latched or locked with the latch or locking mechanism (254).

[00125] Referring to Figure 3B, the drive mechanism and air compressor are then activated to power the winch (130) and drive wheel so that the drive chain (132) is wound in by the drive wheel and the lift platform (120) is raised to the elevated position.

[00126] Referring again to Figure 1, once the lift platform (120) has been raised to the elevated position, the safety access gate (924) is unlatched or unlocked to provide access to the lift platform (120) from the work platform (920) so that the load can be unloaded.

[00127] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises'and 'comprise'include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00128] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00129] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A lift assembly when used with an elevated work platform having a base and a work platform supported above a support surface by the base, said lift assembly including: one or more rails extending at least partially along a height of the base between the support surface and the work platform; a lift platform for supporting and moving a load between a lowered position adjacent the support surface and an elevated position adjacent the work platform, said lift platform configured to be slidably mounted to the one or more rails; and a drive mechanism for driving movement of the lift platform between the lowered and elevated positions, said drive mechanism including a winch having a drive spool or drive wheel mounted to one of the lift platform and the base and a drive line extending between the drive spool or drive wheel and the other of the lift platform and the base, wherein said drive spool or drive wheel is pneumatically powered and configured to wind in and out the drive line to move the lift platform between the lowered and elevated positions.

2. The lift assembly of claim 1, wherein the drive line is a chain.

3. The lift assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the drive mechanism includes an air compressor for powering the winch and drive spool or drive wheel.

4. An elevated work platform having the lift assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method of moving a load between a support surface and an elevated platform of an elevated work platform having the lift assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, said method including: loading the load to be moved atop the lift platform; and slidably moving the lift platform to a desired position selected from a lowered position adjacent the support surface and an elevated position adjacent the work platform.