WO2001012920A1

WO2001012920A1 - Access platform

Info

Publication number: WO2001012920A1
Application number: PCT/GB2000/003129
Authority: WO
Inventors: Neil Ernest Baglin
Original assignee: Neil Ernest Baglin
Priority date: 1999-08-18
Filing date: 2000-08-17
Publication date: 2001-02-22
Also published as: GB2354793A; GB9919432D0; AU6582600A; GB2354793B; GB0020176D0; EP1276942A1

Abstract

An access platform assembly (1) capable of being assembled, dismantled, and positioned into a required working position by a single operator. The assembly includes as separate storable components, an access platform unit (2), two lengthways adjustable support leg assemblies (3A, 3B) each including bracing means (44A, 44B, 45) for maintaining the leg assemblies in side by side relationship when supporting the access platform unit (2), a stay arrangement (4A, 4B) for each support leg assembly and a safety frame (5, 6) with an entrance gate (7; 60, 61) for the platform unit when in use. The assembly of the access platform assembly includes the steps of connecting the upper ends of the leg assemblies and the platform stays (49, 49B) to the access platform unit (2), setting the leg assemblies bracing means (44A, 44B, 45) into their operative positions, positioning the so far assembled assembly to a leaning position against an upright surface (W), adjusting the overall height of the platform assembly (1), and mounting a safety frame (5, 6, 7) (5, 6, 61, 62) to the support platform unit (2).

Description

ACCESS PLATFORM

This invention relates to access platforms and more particularly to access platforms that are intended to provide temporary support for use by work persons requiring to perform a task at a position above ground level.

Many forms of elevated access platform are known.

One such well known form of access platform involves constructing the platform from a considerable number, in excess of twenty, of modular elements that are connected together as and when required to establish a required working height.

It will be appreciated that the erection and dismantling of such access platform arrangements are a multi-person task as well as being time consuming in view of the high component count involved. In practice, such a construction has to remain at the place at which it is constructed even though a work person may need, at least temporarily, to move to an elevated location spaced from the platform structure. In other words a second access platform of modular structure would require to be built if the work requirement is, even for a short time longer than that which may be regarded as being comfortable and acceptable for a person to work when standing upon a ladder.

It is also known to provide access platforms that are formed by stacking a plurality of rectangular frameworks one above the other until the uppermost framework is located at a level that would allow a person standing thereupon to reach a location at which he requires to operate.

In practice, these known access platforms are difficult and cumbersome to erect in view of the high component count involved and in consequence provide a task which cannot be achieved by a pςrson single-handed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an access platform assembly which can be readily manually handled between a stowed position and a working position..

Broadly, according to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an access platform assembly capable of being assembled, transportable between working positions, removed and dismantled by a single operator.

In a preferred construction the access platform assembly includes, an access platform unit mountable to two lengthways adjustable support leg assemblies including bracing and support stays for maintaining the leg assemblies in side by side braced relationship when in use, and means for facilitating the displacement of the assembly for the purposes of setting the platform assembly to an elevated position against a wall or other upright structure

Broadly, according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an access platform assembly, including two support leg assemblies arranged so that the lower ends of the leg assemblies are set further apart as compared with the upper ends thereof, and an access platform unit which is of a trapezoidal form supported by the leg assemblies..

Conveniently, each support leg assembly is lengthways adjustable and retainable in a desired relative position by pins/bolts and retaining element for t he pins bolts

Preferably, the portion of the access platform unit that is intended, when the assembly is in use, to be closest to a region with which the platform cooperates is wider than that portion that is remote from such region Conveniently, the access platform assembly includes means for facilitating the displacement of the assembly for the purposes of setting the access platform assembly into an elevated position against a wall or other upright structure

Conveniently, the support leg assembly includes a horizontal bracing bar for bracing the support leg assemblies with respect to each other is so located as to be useable during height adjustment of the access platform assembly and/or transportation of the assembly to a position of use

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how to carry the same into effect reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which -

Figure l , schematically illustrates a support platform assembly when assembled and located in a position of use, the Figure additionally illustrating a ladder for enabling access to the platform of the assembly,

Figure 2, is a side view of a support leg assembly when arranged for stowage,

Figure 3 is a plan view of the leg assembly shown in higure 2,

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a detail of t he leg assembly of Figures 2 and 3 to an enlarged scale,

Figure 5 illustrates the access platform assembly of Figures 1 to 4, at an early stage of the assembly thereof,

Figures 6 to 9, illustrate subsequent successive stages of assembling and locating the assembly at a required position of use,

Figure 10 schematically illustrates the handling of the assembly tor the purposes of moving the assembly from one working position to another, and Figure 1 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment which has been modified to reduce the number of separate components to be assembled.

For the purposes of description of a first embodiment of an access platform assembly 1 of the invention can be regarded as comprising eight main components as follows; a support platform unit 2, two support leg assemblies 3A and 3B, two stabilising stay units 4A and 4B for the leg support assemblies, two fixed side frames 5 and 6 for the support platform and a moveable front safety frame 7 for affording protection to a user after having mounted onto the support platform.

For the purposes of the description that part of the support platform unit that is o located adjacent to a wall or the like surface W when the support platform is in the setting shown in Figure 1 will be regarded as the front of the support platform unit and the part thereof remote from such surface W the rear of the unit. In the Figure the surface W is shown as part of a building.

As shown in Figures 1 and 5 the support platform unit 2 includes a base frame 8 1 5 comprising front and rear rails 9 and 10 of which the rail front rail 9 is longer than the rear rail 10, and two end rails 1 1 and 12. As will particularly be noted from Figure 5 the overall outline of the frame defines a trapezoidal shape which it tapers in the direction front to rear of the unit. In addition, the frame includes four inner rails 13,14,15 and 16, (Figures 1 and 5) extending perpendicularly to the pg front and rear rails 9 and 10. It is intended that the leg assemblies 3 A and 3B should be connected to the ends of the rails 13 and 16 at the end regions thereof adjacent to the front rail 9 ( Figures 1 and 5).

This base frame 16 is covered by a floor 17 upon which a user of the platform assembly is intended to stand when the platform unit is in use. This floor can 25 conveniently be formed from separate planks of wood or a single board of adequate structural strength and js firmly secured to the rails 9,10, 1 1 ,12.13.14.15 and 16 forming the base frame 8. The side rails 11 and 12 extend forwardly of the front rail and thus the remainder of the platform unit to provide projecting parts 18. These parts 18 serve to space the remainder of the access platform unit slightly rearwardly away from any vertical surface W against which is required to cooperate. A rotatable wheel or roll 19 is mounted to each such projecting part 17. With this arrangement the it will be appreciated that during any upward or downward movement of the platform unit relative to a supporting surface W the movements will be facilitated by the rolling action of the wheels or rolls 19. Alternatively, a full width single roll (not shown) bridging the projecting parts 18 could be used.

At each corner of the frame portion defined by the front, rear and side rails there is provided a socket 20 for receiving and locating the above mentioned fixed side frames The side frames 5 and 6 each comprise front and rear vertical posts 21. The lower end of each such post 21 is engageable in a socket 20 in such manner as to provide a wobble free fit. The vertical posts are maintained at the required spacing by upper and lower rails 22 and 23 which are perpendicular to the posts, the spacing being such that for each frame one post 21 can engage with a rear socket 20 and one with a front socket 20.

Each frame 5 and 6 includes an upstanding end board 24 secured to the lower parts of the associated posts 21. These boards serving effectively to close in the lowermost part of the ends of the platform unit to prevent inter alia accidental dislodgement of tools, debris etc. from the platform unit when the frames are fitted to the platform unit. In addition if desired similar boards 24A can be provided for bridging the rear of the platform floor 17.

The uppermost ends of the posts 21 project above the level of the associated upper rail 22 to form upstanding ends 25 that provide means for supporting the removable safety frame 7. The safety frame 7 includes an upper cross rail 27 each of whose ends connects wit!) a short length of tube 28. These tubes 28 are a sliding fit over the upstanding ends 25. This upper cross rail 27 supports adjacent to each end thereof a hanging bar 29 so carried as to be swingable about the cross rail 27 The lower ends of the bars 29 are secured to a horizontal rail 30 whose length is such that it is able to bridge the spacing between the posts 21 with the ends thereof 31 projecting outwardly of the posts When the safety frame 27 is fitted to the rear posts of the support platform unit as shown in the Figures the projecting ends 31 are located to the front of the supporting posts 21 With this arrangement when the safety frame 7 is mounted to the associated upper ends of the rear side posts 21 the frame is able to swing forwardly towards the front of the unit but is prevented from moving rearwards by the engagement of the projecting ends 31 of the lower rail 30 with the rear side posts 23 This ensures that an operator is not able to step rearwardly off the platform unit 2 whilst still being able to mount the platform unit by passing under the hanging lower rail 30

With this construction it will be appreciated that once the safety frame 7 has been mounted to the upper ends 25 of the posts 21 the lower rail 30 has to be swung upwards and forwardly to facilitate entry to the platform unit 3

In a modified structure to be discussed hereinafter the safety frame 7 can re replaced by a pair of gates pivotally supported from the side rails 5 and 6

The support leg assemblies 3A and 3B will now be considered The two leg assemblies which are lengthways adjustable are basically of a similar construction

The assembly 3A comprises two leg sections, namely an upper leg section 32A, and a lower section 33A with each section each comprising a rectangular cross section hollow aluminium tube

The upper and lower sections are connected together as indicated in Figures 2 and 3, such that in the side view the upper section 32A rests upon the lower section 33A by straps 34A and 35A The strap 34A is connected to the upper section 32A adjacent to the lower end thereof and is of such shape that the lower section 33 A is slidable therein, The strap 35A is connected to the upper end region of the lower section 33A and is of such shape that the upper section 32A is slidable therein Thus the straps serve as guides which allow the upper and lower sections to be lengthways displaceable relative to each other whilst being firmly held in contact one with the other

The upper and lower sections 32A and 33A can thus be lengthwise relatively positionally set by relative longitudinal displacement thereof The sections are retained in a desired relative setting by the insertion of captive pin 36A having a 1 o shank 37 and a head 38 into selected ones of a series of spaced apart though bores 39 provided lengthways of the lower section 33A The pin 36A is maintained in place by a so-called safety 'R' clip 40A The arrangement of the pin 36A and clip 40A is illustrated in Figure 4

The lower end 41A of the lower leg section 32A is provided with a non-slip foot 1 5 42A located at the end of a bar 43A that is telescopically engageable with its associated leg section end 41 A The bar is held in place by a pin and R-clip arrangement as shown in Figure 4 This arrangement enables the fine adjustment of the overall length of the lower leg section 33A during the installation of the access platform assembly 1 with a view to at least reducing any risk of sideways 20 tilting movement of the access support platform assembly when in the position of use as shown in the Figure 1

Since as has been mentioned above the construction of the other leg forming assembly 3B is similar to the construction ot the leg assembly 3A a detailed description of the assembly 3B is not thought necessary except to note that 25 corresponding components of the leg assembly 3B are identified in the following description by the addition of the letter B in place of the letter A In use the assemblies 3A and 3B are intended to be braced in side-by-side relationship as is indicated, for example, in Figures 1 and 5 so as to ensure that the two leg assemblies are firmly set to their operational positions with respect to each other

This bracing is effected by a pair of crossing bars 44A and 44B and additionally at the lower regions of the lower leg sections 33Λ and 33B by a cross bar 45A that additionally plays an important function during the positioning, adjustment and portability of the access platform assembly as will be discussed later

One end of the bar 44A is pivotally mounted to the upper surface (as seen in Figures 2 and 3) of the upper leg section 32A by means of an upstanding pin or bolt 46A such that the bar 44A has a stowed position in which it lies lengthways of the upper section 32A as is indicated in Figures 2 and 3 The bar is held in its stowed position by means of engagement with an upstanding fixed pin 46A and associated R-Clip Figure 2 schematically illustrates in dashed lines the positioning of the bar after release from the stowed position The bar 45B is similarly mounted to the upper section 32B of the assembly 3B

The cross bar 45 is pivotally coupled by one end thereof to one of the leg assemblies For purposes of description it will be presumed that it is mounted to the leg assembly 3A In practice the crossbar 45 is connected to the pin 46B and 's located beneath the stowed associated bracing bar 44 A

Since the purpose of the leg assemblies is to the support platform unit 2 the uppermost ends of the upper leg sections 32A and 32B are adapted for connection to the frame of the support platform unit One such adaptation is to provide the ends of the leg sections with outwardly extending plate 48 A, 48B the plates are intended to engage the sides of the frame rails 13 and 16 These plates are apertured, as is the region of the frame rail to which the upper leg section is to be connected. The upper leg section upper ends is intended to be connected to the rails 13 and 16 by a pin and R-clip arrangements as shown in Figure 4. In an alternative construction the plates 48A and 48B can be provided on the rails 13 and 16.

5 In addition to the facilities for the connections between the uppermost ends of the upper leg sections and the platform 3 each upper section 32A, 32B is provided with a pair of stays 49A, 49B respectively which are pivotally mounted to the free end regions of the associated upper leg sections in such manner as to lie along the sides of the upper leg sections when not in use(as indicated in Figure 2) and

1 0 which are pivotable to extended positions as shown for example in Figures 1 and 5. These stays are held in the stowed position by pins and R-clip arrangements as shown in Figure 4.

As will be discussed hereinafter the function of these stays is to position the support platform frame 2 into a horizontal position when the support unit 2 has 1 5 been erected to the position shown in the Figure.

The stays 48!,48Bare coupled to the rear end regions of the frame rails 13 and 16 by pin and R-clip arrangements as shown in Figure 4.

As has been mentioned above a stabiliser stay unit 4A, 4B is provided for each leg assembly 3Λ, 3B. Each stay unit includes as the actual stay 51 an aluminium

20 hollow bar of rectangular cross section and second rectangular cross section bar 52 pivotally connected intermediate the ends of the bar 51. An adjustable non-slip foot unit 53 including a non-slip floor engaging base 54 and a leg 55 engageable telescopically within the lower end of t he stay 1. As with the support leg assembly feet 42A and 42B the leg 55 includes through bores (not

?⁵ shown) into which may be inserted a pin and associated R-clip arrangement similar to that shown in Figure 4 (not shown) . The stay bars 51 and 52 are - 1 Q-

mtended to be connected to the associated lower leg section as indicated in the Figures by means of a pin and R-clip arrangements (not shown) similar to that shown in Figure 4

A pair of ladder ties or straps 56 are connected with the platfirm unit to provide a means of anchoring a ladder 57 (shown in dashed lines) against slippage relative to the platform unit 2

The access support assembly as so far described can be regarded as breaking down into comprising eight main components for the purposes of stowage and transportation The first and second of such components are the leg assemblies and their associated various stays and the cross bar, the third component comprising the access platform unit, whilst the remaining five components respectively comprise the two side rails 25 and, associated side boards 22 permanently attached thereto, the swingable rear safety rail formation 7 and the two stabiliser stay units 4A and 4B

The a possible sequence of steps required to assemble the access support assembly and to position same against a wall or like surface will now be considered

As indicated in Figure 5Inιtιally the leg assemblies 3A, 3B are placed upon the ground with the upper leg sections 32A and 32B positioned above their associated lower sections 33 A and 33B The upper ends of the upper leg sections 32A and 32b are attached to the rails 5,6 of the access platform unit frame 8 by the pin and R-clip combinations This has a consequential effect of positionally locating the upper ends of the leg assemblies with respect to the platform unit

The bracing bar 45 is then moved from its stowed position and engaged with a dedicated pin on the lower leg section 31A of the assembly 3 A This has the effect of correctly spacing apart the lower leg sections 31A and 3 IB The cross braces 44A and 44B are released from their stowed positions on the upper leg sections and in each case the free end thereof is coupled to the appropriate location of the upper leg section of the other leg assembly With this arrangement as will be seen from the Figures these braces cross over In each case the thus positioned crossing and horizontal braces are held in place by one of the aforesaid pin and safety 'R'chp combinations It will be appreciated that the lengths of the cross braces and the cross bar are such the when fitted in the positions shown in the Figures 1 and 5 the support leg assemblies are adequately stiffened with respect to each other The assembly state as so far described is as shown in Figure 5 It should also be noted that the upper and lower leg with the fitting of the braces the two legs of the assembly are splayed apart

The platform unit 2 is then positionally set relative to the upper leg sections 32A and 32B by securing the associated pairs of stays 48A and 48B to the rear (as defined in this specification) of the platform unit 2 by the pin and safety 'R'c p combinations

On the completion of this stage the access support assembly is sufficiently assembled for it to be movable At this stage the operator illustrated in outline in Figures 6 to 10 moves to a position located in front of the assembly and lifts the assembly upwardly using the braes 44A and 44B as shown in Figure 6 During this activity the operator advances the assembly 1 towards the wall or othersurface W until the rolls 19 contact the surface W This can be regarded achieving as an initial leaning position

When the assembly is in this position the operator moves as is indicated in Figure 7 to the rear of the support assembly 1 and adjusts the height of the platform unit 2 above ground by supporting the upper leg sections 32A and 32B and the platform unit 2, removing the retaining pins and associated R-clips and lifts the upper leg sections by lifting action utilising the cross brace 45 to set the platform unit to the height required During this lifting movement the rolls 19 will be running over the adjacent wall surface W whereby the platform unit 2 will move easily relative to the wall surface W When the desired height has been obtained the operator replaces the pins and locks them in position by the associated R-chps Once the pins have been fitted the upper leg sections will settle under gravity onto the lower straps 34A and 34B secured to the lower leg sections 33A and 33B

The stabiliser stay units 4A and 4B are then fitted These are held in place by aforesaid pin and safety 'R' clip combinations This stage of the assembly is shown in Figure 8

Once the stabilisers brackets have been fitted final adjustments can be made with respect to the setting of the two sets of non-slip feet 42A, 42B and 54A, 54B In practice, this is easily achieved by merely testing the assembly for lateral shake or other undesired movement and accordingly setting the feet as required with respect the their associated leg units and stay units

The two side frames 5 and 6 are fitted by placing a ladder L adjacent the elevated support assembly, mounting the latter carrying a side frame 5 or 6 and engaging the selected side frame 5 or 6 into the locating sockets 20 provided on the platform unit 2 This is repeated for the other side frame

Finally, the ladder 57 (shown in dashed lines) is placed against the central region of the platform unit 2 In practice the upper end of the ladder is secured to the platform unit by the securing straps 55 the latter being conventionally provided in view of the fact the legal requirements require that the upper ends of ladders must be secured in a position of use Finally the operator mounts the ladder carrying the safety rail frame 7, mounts onto the platform unit 2 and secures the safety rail frame 7 in place by engaging the rail ends tubes 28 with the upper ends 25 of the posts 23 ensuring that the frame can only pivot forwardly towards the wall surface - 1 ^*5-

Figure 10 schematically illustrates a mode of moving the assemble access platform assembly from one location to another It will be noted that the operator has chosen to remove the safety frame 1 7 and the support stay units 4A, 4B to reduce weight and to avoid the stay units 4A, 4B and a swinging safety frame encumbering the carrying of the assembly Once the assembly has been set to its new position the stays and safety rail are replaced into their operational positions

Dismantling of the access support assembly, involves a seπes of operations essentially in reverse of those involved in the erection

Briefly, this dismantling involves removing the safety frame 7 and the side frames and then removing the ladder L Following removal of the ladder the stabiliser stay units 50 are removed The pins supporting the upper leg sections are removed and the leg sections and then allowed to telescope so as to reduce to a minimum the overall length of the support assembly The lower ends of the legs are the moved away from the wall surface and as the platform lowers, this usually being unimpeded movement by reason of the rolls 19 engaging with the wall surface At a lowering position convenient to the operator, the operator transfers to a position at which he can comfortably lower the platform unit fully to the ground

The stays 49A and 49B connecting with the rear region of the platform unit 2 are released together with the release of the lower ends (as indicated in the Figure) of the crossed braces 44A and 44B together with one end of the hoπzontal brace 45 The free ends of all of these elements 44A, and 44B, 45, and 49A and 49B are moved to and retained lengthways of the associated upper leg section by use of the aforesaid pin and safety 'R' clip combinations

As with be appreciated at this stage the support assembly has been reduced to its eight components It will be appreciated that the swinging frame 7 effectively forms an entrance gate at that region (the rear) of the support platform unit by which an operator mounts the platform unit The function of the entrance gate is to prevent an operator from stepping backwards off the installed platform unit

In a modified construction the overall number of separate components to be assembled is reduced by one by replacing the swinging frame 7 by a gate formation 60 including two gates sections 61, 62 respectively hinged to the posts 21 of the side frames 5 an 6 Each gate section can includes a rectangular frame which includes at the non-hinged part of the frame an upright 63 When the gate sections are in the positions shown in Figure 1 1 the two uprights 63 are located side-by-side at the centre of the rear of the platform unit 2 The gate sections are held in their closed position by any convenient locking arrangement 64

The direction of the pivotal swing of the two gate sections is such that the sections can fold to a stored position against the associated side frame, and can be opened to provide a safety barrier to prevent an operator from stepping backwards off the platform unit whilst providing for easy access onto the platform unit

It will be appreciated that the construction of the gates can differ from that shown in the Figure I , the actual construction being as thought convenient For example the uprights immediately adjacent to the posts 21 could be omitted

It will be noted from the above that the assembly ol the support assembly im olves the fitting of some six separable pin and associated R-clips together with the use of some four fixed pins and associated R-chps

In a practical installation the totaj weight was some 33 kilos and required some five minutes for an experienced operator to assemble the load support assembly

Claims

1. An access platfoπn assembly capable of being assembled, dismantled, and positioned into a required working position by a single operator.

2. An access platform assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the access platform assembly includes as separate storable components, an access platform unit, two lengthways adjustable support leg assemblies each including bracing means for maintaining the leg assemblies in side by side relationship when supporting the access platform unit, a stay arrangements for each support leg assembly and a safety frame with an entrance gate for the platform unit when in use.

3. An access platform assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the safety frame includes two side frames adapted for engagement with the support platform unit and an entrance gate mountable from the side frames.

4. An access platform assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the safety frame includes two side frames adapted for engagement with the support platform unit and wherein each side frame includes an entrance gate section pivotable between a position in which it lies against the associated side frame, and a closed position in which it cooperates with the gate section of the other side frame to close off the region of the support platform unit by which an operator mounts the platform unit.

5. An access platform assembly as claimed in any on e of claims 1 to 4, wherein the platform unit includes means for facilitating the displacement of the assembly relative to a wall or other upright structure against which it is required to position the access platform assembly at an elevated position against the wall or other upright structure. 6 An access platform assembly as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein following lengthways relative adjustment of the lower and upper leg sections, the adjustment is maintained by the upper section load wise resting upon a pin provided for setting the two leg sections in a required setting relative to each other

7 An access platform assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein when the leg assemblies are connected with the support platform unit the bracing means associated therewith set the lower ends of the leg assemblies further apart as compared with the upper ends thereof that are connected to the access platform unit to be supported by the leg assemblies

8 An access platform assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein each leg assembly incorporates includes at least one pivotally mounted bar intended for connection to the other leg assembly for the purposes of bracing the leg assemblies in side by side splayed apart relationship the arrangement being such that the bars crossover when in their bracing positions, and wherein one of the leg assemblies additionally includes a pivotally mounted second bracing bar which is intended to brace the assemblies at the region where the lower ends of the first mentioned bars connect with the leg assemblies

9 An access platform assembly as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the upper ends of the upper leg sections are adapted for pivotal connection to that portion of the access platform unit that is intended, when the assembly is in use, to be closest to a surface with which the platform cooperates, and wherein each leg assembly is provided with at least one pivotally mounted stay whose free end is adapted for connection to that region of the platfoπn unit that is remote from a surface with which the platform cooperates 10 An access platform assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the portion of the access platform unit that is intended, when the assembly is in use, to be closest to the surface with which the platform cooperates is wider than the portion that is remote from such surface

1 1 An access platform assembly as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the second bracing bar is so located as tp be useable during height adjustment of the access platform assembly and/or transportation of the assembly to a position of use

12 An access platform assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and wherein the separate components forming the access platform assembly are adapted for coupling together by pins and associated retaining means

13 An access support assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the pins and associated pin retaining means comprise so-called pin and R-clips

14 An access support platform assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access support assembly includes seven separately storable components adapted for coupling together solely by pins and associated retaining means to form an erected assembly

15 An access support platform assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the seven components include the support platform unit, two leg forming assemblies, two support stays one for each leg assembly and two safety frame side frames each incorporating a part of an entrance gate formation 16 An access support platform assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims 1 to 11, wherein the support assembly includes eight separately storable components adapted for coupling together solely by pins and associated retaining means to form an erected assembly

17 An access support platform assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the seven components include the support platform unit, two leg forming assemblies, two support stays one for each leg assembly, two safety frame side frames and an entrance gate formation pivotally mountable from the side frames

18 A method of assembling an access support platform as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, and including the steps of connecting the upper ends of the leg assemblies and the platform stays to the access platform unit, setting the leg assemblies bracing means into their operative positions, positioning the so far assembled assembly to a leaning position against an upright surface, adjusting the overall height of the platform assembly, and mounting a safety frame to the support platform unit