TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to work platforms. In particular, the present invention relates to adjustable work platforms for use in roof (ceiling) spaces.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It is common for services, such as wiring and plumbing, to be run in ceiling cavities of a building. In short, the ceiling cavity provides a convenient place for providing services from one part of the building to another. As such, there is a need to access these ceiling cavities to work on these services. Furthermore, there is a need access these ceiling cavities for a variety of other reasons, from performing inspections and repairs, to removing wildlife, such as snakes and possums.

[0003] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary ceiling arrangement 100, according to the prior art. The ceiling arrangement 100 includes a plasterboard ceiling panel 105 supported from above by parallel joists 110. In order to move around in the ceiling space, a person must be careful to step only on the joists 110, as the plasterboard panel 105 is unable to support any significant weight.

[0004] This can be dangerous, particularly if the person loses balance, as they may fall through the plasterboard 105. Furthermore, working in the ceiling space is uncomfortable, as the person is limited in where they may place their feet, and kneeling on the joists is difficult and uncomfortable.

[0005] Several attempts have been made to simplify access to the ceiling space, including through installation of floor panels above the joists in the ceiling space. While such floor panels greatly simplify the process of working in the ceiling space, they are costly and time consuming to install.

[0006] Timber panels may be taken temporarily into a ceiling space, to assist working therein. These panels may be placed across adjacent joists to provide additional footholds in the ceiling space. A problem with such panels is that they are relatively small, as they must fit through a manhole. Furthermore, the use of such panels can be dangerous, as they may move around and slide from the joists.

[0007] As such, there is clearly a need for improved work platforms for working in ceiling spaces. [0008] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to telescopic roof work platforms, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a telescopic roof platform comprising: a first joist retainer, for engaging with a first joist; a second joist retainer, for engaging with a second joist that is adjacent to the first joist; and at least one platform coupled to the first and second joist retainers, for supporting a person between the first and second joists; wherein the first joist retainer is slidable relative to second joist retainer to adjust a spacing between the first and second joist retainers to accommodate different joist spacings.

[0011] Advantageously, the telescopic roof platform provides a safe and convenient to use platform for working in ceilings. Being adjustable, the platform may be adjusted to a specific joist spacing when in the ceiling space. Furthermore, the first and second joist retainers, which engage with the joists, provide a sturdy platform that is less likely to slide off the joists.

[0012] The at least one platform may comprise first and second platform members. The at least one platform may comprise a plurality of platform members.

[0013] Preferably, the telescopic roof platform includes one or more telescoping members.

[0014] Preferably, the telescoping members comprise tubular members, wherein a tubular member from one of the telescoping members is received in a tubular member of the other of the telescoping members.

[0015] Preferably, the first and second joist retainers are configured to engage with outsides of the respective joists. The first and second joist retainers may be configured to engage with outside corners of the respective joists.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second joist retainers comprise lips, configure to engage with the outsides of the respective joists. Preferably, the lips extend in a direction perpendicular to the at least one platform.

[0017] The telescopic roof platform may include at least one locking member, configured to releasably lock the one or more telescoping members in a fixed arrangement.

[0018] Preferably, the platform members engage with the one or more telescoping members.

[0019] Preferably, the one or more telescoping members are configured to receive different numbers of platform members in different configurations.

[0020] The at least one locking member may comprising a locking button.

[0021 ] The platform members may be configured to at least partly lock the telescoping members.

[0022] The platform members may include strengthening formations.

[0023] The one or more telescoping members may comprise first and second platform members. The first and second platform members may be configured to slide relative to each other.

[0024] The first and second platforms may be provided on the first and second platform members, respectively.

[0025] The first and second joist retainers may be provided on the first and second platform members respectively.

[0026] The platform may be slidable between a retracted configuration for transport and storage, and an extended configuration, for use in the ceiling space. Advantageously, the platform is lightweight and compact when in a retracted configuration, making is easy to take in and out of ceiling spaces, e.g. through a manhole.

[0027] The first and second platforms may each comprise planar platforms, configured to support a worker.

[0028] The first and second platform members may include guide members, configured such that guide members of the first platform member engage with guide members of the second platform member, in a sliding arrangement.

[0029] Preferably, the guide members include channels, extending along an axis which the first and second platform members may slide. [0030] Preferably, the lips extend downwardly from ends of the first and second platforms. The lips may extend across a width of the first and second platforms.

[0031 ] The telescopic roof platform may include at least one locking member, configured to releasably lock the first and second platform members in a fixed arrangement. The locking member may be configured to lock the first and second platform members in one of a plurality of predefined configurations.

[0032] The telescopic roof platform may include a container, for containing tools or fasteners. The container may include a magnetic base, for further retaining the tools or fasteners.

[0033] The telescopic roof platform may include a thermometer, for measuring a temperature of an environment of the telescopic roof platform. The telescopic roof platform may be configured to issue an alarm if a pre-defined temperature is exceeded for longer than a predefined time.

[0034] The telescopic roof platform may include a light, configure to illuminate an environment of the telescopic platform.

[0035] The telescopic roof platform may be formed of metal. The telescopic roof platform may include a non-conductive layer on an underside thereof.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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

[0038] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary ceiling arrangement, according to the prior art.

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a telescopic roof platform, in a retracted configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0041] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 2, in an extended configuration.

[0042] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 2, in an extended configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 2 installed between adjacent joists in a ceiling space.

[0044] Figure 6a illustrates a top view of a first member of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 2.

[0045] Figure 6c illustrates a top view of a second member of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 2.

[0046] Figure 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the first member through A-A of Figure 6a.

[0047] Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the second member through B-B of Figure 6c.

[0048] Figure 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of tubular guides of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 2 when installed in a sliding/telescopic arrangement.

[0049] Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a telescopic roof platform, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 11 illustrates a top view of a telescopic roof platform, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051 ] Figure 12 illustrates an upper perspective view of a telescopic roof platform, in a first configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 13 illustrates a top view of the of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 12 in the first configuration.

[0053] Figure 14 illustrates a side view of the of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 12 in the first configuration.

[0054] Figure 15 illustrates an end view of the of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 12 in the first configuration. [0055] Figure 16 illustrates a lower perspective view of the of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 12 in the first configuration.

[0056] Figure 17 illustrates an upper perspective view of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 12 in a second configuration.

[0057] Figure 18 illustrates a top view of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 12 in the second configuration.

[0058] Figure 19 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the telescopic roof platform of Figure 12 in the second configuration.

[0059] 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 the Invention in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a telescopic roof platform 200, in a retracted configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the telescopic roof platform 200, in an extended configuration, and Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the telescopic roof platform 200, in an extended configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Advantageously, the telescopic roof platform 200 is lightweight and portable, and is configured to be taken into a ceiling space when working therein, to provide a stable and safe platform on which to work. As outlined in further detail below, the telescopic roof platform 200 is adjustable to adapt to different ceiling spacings.

[0062] The telescopic roof platform 200 comprises first and second members 205, 210, configured to slide relative to each other. Each of the first and second members 205, 210 comprises a platform 215, 220, on which a worker may stand or kneel. The platforms 215, 220 are planar, and comprise parallel planes, meaning that they may function together to define a single extended platform when the telescopic roof platform 200 is extended.

[0063] As best illustrated in Figure 4, each of the first and second platform members 205, 210 comprises a retaining lip 225, which extends down from opposing ends thereof, to engage with joists between which the telescopic roof platform 200 extends. [0064] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the telescopic roof platform 200 installed between adjacent joists 1 10 in a ceiling space. As can be seen, the retaining lips 225 engage with opposite (outer) sides of the respective joists 110, and thereby prevent the respective members 205, 210 from slipping off the joists 1 10.

[0065] As outlined above, each of the first and second members 205, 210 comprise a platform 215, 220. Tubular guides 230, 235 extend along each side of the platforms 215, 220 and engage with each other in a sliding/telescopic arrangement.

[0066] Figure 6a illustrates a top view of the first member 205, Figure 6c illustrates a top view of the second member 210, Figure 7 illustrates a cross sectional view of the first member 205 through A-A of Figure 6a, and Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the second member 210 through B-B of Figure 6c.

[0067] As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the platform 215 is attached to the top of the tubular member 230 in the first member 205, and the platform 220 is attached to the (in)sides of the tubular member 235 in the second member 210. Furthermore, the tubular members 230 of the first member 205 includes an open channel 240 along its inner length, to enable the platform 220 to extend therethrough.

[0068] This configuration enables the first and second members 205, 210 to engage with each other in a sliding/telescopic arrangement, without the respective platforms 215, 220 hitting each other.

[0069] Figure 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of the tubular guides 230, 240 when installed in a sliding/telescopic arrangement. As can be seen therefrom, the platform 220 extends out through the open channel 240, under the platform 215.

[0070] While the platform 225 is shown spaced below the platform 215 for the sake of clarity, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the platforms 215, 220 will generally be much closer to each other, and as such, the channel 240 may be much closer to the platform 215.

[0071 ] In use, the tubular guides 230, 235 and thereby the first and second members 205, 210 are held in a relative arrangement by friction between an outer surface of the tubular guide 235 and an inner surface of the tubular guide 230. This friction is increased as weight is applied to either or both of the platforms 215, 220, resulting in a stable platform 200 when used.

[0072] In other embodiments, the tubular guides may include friction or locking members, configured to releasably lock the first and second members 205, 210 in a fixed relative arrangement. [0073] Figure 10 illustrates a side view of a telescopic roof platform 1000, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The telescopic roof platform 1000 is identical to the platform 200, but including a locking member 1005 engageable with one of a plurality of apertures 1010, to lock the telescopic roof platform 1000 in one of a plurality of pre-defined spacings.

[0074] The locking member 1005 is spring-loaded, and may be depressed to allow the telescopic roof platform 1000 to expand or retract. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that any suitable form of locking may be used.

[0075] In alternative embodiments, the locking member may comprise a clamping member, configured to clamp the first and second members 205, 210 in a fixed arrangement. Any suitable locking member or combination of locking members may, however, be used to lock the first and second members 205, 210 to each other.

[0076] The telescopic roof platforms are adapted for working in a ceiling space, e.g. to perform repairs or the like. As such, various accessories or tools may be incorporated into the telescopic roof platforms to assist workers.

[0077] Figure 11 illustrates a top view of a telescopic roof platform 1 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The telescopic roof platform 1 100 is identical to the platform 200, but including a variety of accessories.

[0078] The telescopic roof platform 1 100 includes a magnetic tray 1 105, for receiving and retaining screws, tools and the like. While not shown, the tray 1 105 may include a removable lid, to more permanently retain the screws or tools.

[0079] A digital thermometer 1 110 is provided on a surface of the telescopic roof platform 1100 for measuring and displaying a temperature of an environment of the telescopic roof platform 1100. The telescopic roof platform 110 may be configured to issue an alarm (e.g. an audible alarm) if a pre-defined temperature is exceeded for longer than a pre-defined time. Such configuration is particularly useful in preventing heatstroke, and ensuring that workers take appropriate rests in cooler areas.

[0080] Finally, the telescopic roof platform 1 100 includes a light 1115, configure to illuminate an environment of the telescopic platform 11 10. The light 11 15 may comprise a low-energy LED light, powered by one or more batteries embedded therein. The light 1 115 provides illumination to the otherwise typically dark ceiling space.

[0081 ] The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any of the accessories may be used without the others, or in any combination.

[0082] Figure 12 illustrates an upper perspective view of a telescopic roof platform 1200, in a first configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 illustrates a top view, Figure 14 illustrates a side view, Figure 15 illustrates an end view, and Figure 16 illustrates a lower perspective view of the of the telescopic roof platform 1200.

[0083] The telescopic roof platform 1200 is similar to the platform 200, but includes first and second telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b, between which platform members 1210 may be placed. Different numbers and/or sizes of platform members 1210 may be placed between the first and second telescoping portions to provide a platform of different size, and therefore adapt to different ceiling spacings. Each of the platform members 1210 comprises a platform, on which a worker may stand or kneel.

[0084] The first and second telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b are configured to slide relative to each other. Similar to the platform 200, the first and second telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b include tubular guides 1230, 1235 that engage with each other in a sliding/telescopic arrangement, and provide support to the platform members 1210.

[0085] The tubular guides 1230, 1235 are rectangular in cross section, and the guides 1235 comprise a pair of side-by-side members each having a square cross section. The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that any suitable shape can be used.

[0086] Each of the first and second telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b comprises a retaining lip 1225, which extends down from opposing ends thereof, to engage with joists between which the telescopic roof platform 1200 extends, in a similar manner to the platform 200.

[0087] The platform members 1210 each include a locking member in the form of a locking button 1240, which is configured to engage with and lock with an adjacent platform member 1210 or one of the first and second telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b. In particular, the locking button 1240 is resilient, and engages with either an underside of the adjacent platform member 1210 or a correspondingly sized aperture of the telescoping portion 1205a, 1205b.

[0088] Such configuration enables the button 1240 to be depressed, such that it disengages with the aperture of the telescoping portion 1205a, 1205b, thereby enabling the telescoping portion 1205a, 1205b to disengage from the platform member 1210 and expand telescopically.

[0089] Figure 17 illustrates an upper perspective view of a telescopic roof platform 1200 in a second configuration, where the first and second telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b are expanded, making space for a third platform member 1210’.

[0090] The third platform member 1210’ is similar to the first and second platform members 1210, but includes rail engagement members 1700, configured to engage with the tubular guides 1235 of the telescoping portion 1205b.

[0091 ] The third platform member 1210’ is pressed down onto the tubular guides 1235 of the telescoping portion 1205b such that an underside of the third platform member 1210’ engages with the button 1240 of the adjacent platform member 1210 (preventing the third platform member 1210’ from sliding along the tubular guides 1235 of the telescoping portion 1205b) and the rail engagement members 1700 engage with the tubular guides 1235 of the telescoping portion 1205b to prevent the third platform member 1210 from inadvertently lifting from the tubular guides 1235.

[0092] Figure 18 illustrates a top view of such configuration, and Figure 19 illustrates a bottom perspective view of such configuration.

[0093] The telescoping portion 1205b is then slid (in a closing direction) until the aperture thereof engages with the button 1240 of the third platform member 1210’, thereby locking the telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b in position, and the platform members 1210, 1210’ therebetween.

[0094] As best illustrated in Figures 16 and 19, the platform members 1210, 1210’ include honeycomb (hexagonal) shaped backing formations 1245, which provides rigidity to the platform members 1210, 1210’, while remaining lightweight. This is particularly relevant when the platform members are formed of plastic.

[0095] Finally, handle cut-outs 1250 are provided in each of the telescoping portions 1205a, 1205b, to simplify handling and manipulation of the platform 1200.

[0096] While the above embodiments describe lips 225, 1225 that extend down over adjacent joists to retain the platform 200, 1200, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that other type of joist retainer may be used. In some embodiments, the joist retainers engage with inside corners of the respective joists, outside corners of the respective joists, or an entire upper of the respective joists. In fact, retainers may be provided that engage with the joists in any suitable way, including by friction.

[0097] In some embodiments of the invention, the planar platforms are not fixedly attached to the telescopic rails or guides. As an illustrative example, in some embodiments, rails or guides may telescopically extend between opposing joists, upon which one or more planar members is folded down onto the rails or guides. Similarly, the planar platforms may be configured to fold between extended and retracted configurations, to further reduce the size in the retracted configuration.

[0098] The telescopic roof platforms described above may be formed of any suitable material, such as metal (e.g. aluminium), plastic or composite material. In case the platform is formed of metal, the telescopic roof platform may include a non-conductive layer on an underside thereof, to prevent the platform from becoming conductive if coming in contact with faulty wiring.

[0099] Advantageously, the telescopic roof platforms described above are lightweight and portable, and is configured to be taken into a ceiling space when working therein, to provide a stable and safe platform on which to work.

[00100] The telescopic roof platforms are adjustable to adapt to different ceiling joist spacings, which makes the device universal to different buildings of different ages.

[00101] As the platform engages with the joists through lips (retainers), the platform us more stable that those that simply sit on the joists, which may slide off.

[00102] 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.

[00103] 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.

[00104] 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.