HK1160497B - Mobile cantilever platforms and methods of installation thereof - Google Patents

Description

Mobile cantilever platform and installation method thereof

Technical Field

The invention relates to a mobile cantilever platform and a mounting method thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a mobile cantilever platform for installation in an elevator riser, such as an elevator shaft in a building, and a method of installing the same.

Background

Existing practices for installing elevators typically result in lengthy and complex processes, such as those involving the logistics, health and safety of workers working at heights from time to time in these instances of elevator hoists for buildings. For example, one such practice is the current practice for constructing a machine roomless elevator that operates at inspection speeds. Referring to fig. 1, an elevator shaft 2 is provided in a building 4. The building has a total of n floors and has elevator gates 6a, 6b, … …, 6n-1 and 6n branching off from the elevator shaft 2. During elevator installation, a cantilever platform 8 with corresponding guardrails and fencing side panels (not shown) is installed in the uppermost region 10 of the elevator shaft 2. The uppermost area 10 of the elevator shaft 2 becomes a machine space 10 for accommodating equipment as described below. After inspection by a professional engineer, the cantilever platform is ready for use by the elevator installer 16. The installer 16 begins to measure a reference line (not shown) from the cantilever platform 8 to ensure straightness of the permanent elevator installation when installed.

An elevator machine 14 (drive motor) and its associated equipment are located in the machine space region 10. The related apparatus includes: such as machine beams (not shown), deflection sheaves 16, as well as controls, governors, etc.

The worker 16 moves to the pit area 17 to install the elevator car 18, the first set of guardrails 20, and other pit equipment such as safety buffers (not shown). After this, a winch and chain wheel (also not shown) are installed into the machine space region 10 in order to lift the counterweight frame 22 to the top of the elevator shaft 2. Then, the ropes 24 connecting the elevator car 18 and the counterweight frame 22 are installed. Governor ropes (not shown) are then installed to the governor and safety devices of the elevator car 18 to provide a backup measure of safety.

Then, on the cantilever platform 10, the installer 16 carries and loads filler weights into the counterweight frame 22 to bring the counterweight 22 to the static weight required for the elevator system to balance, typically each filler weight being between 25 kg and 30 kg.

The wiring and moving cables are connected to the elevator system so that the elevator system operates at inspection speed, typically 0.25 meters/second.

The installer 16a then continues to work on the top 18a of the elevator car 18 to manipulate movement of the car using a test box (not shown) located at the car top 18 a. From here, the remaining guard rails 20 are stacked on top of one another and their brackets are welded together. As the worker 16 mounts one guardrail atop another, new guardrails 20a are shown in outline as the elevator car 18 is raised through the elevator shaft 2 to show their future positions. The counterweight is guided into the guardrail at a level about halfway up the elevator shaft 2, i.e. where the counterweight 22 meets the counterweight guardrail 20.

While the elevator car 18 is moving up through the elevator shaft 2, an entrance is provided into the boarding area 6 to complete the installation of the elevator.

Disclosure of Invention

A first aspect of the invention relates to a mobile cantilever platform for mounting in an elevator riser. The mobile cantilever platform includes a first portion including a support frame and arranged to extend into the elevator riser from a work area adjacent the elevator riser. An elongate restraint member is pivotally mounted on the first portion for mounting in a non-vertical orientation and has an engagement member for engaging a surface of the work area to restrain rotation of the mobile cantilever platform about a fulcrum. The mobile cantilever platform further comprises a sliding carriage to support the support frame and engage the elongated restraint during extension of the support frame from the work area into the elevator riser. A restraining strut for securing the non-vertical orientation of the elongate restraining member, the restraining strut pivotally secured to the first portion and pivotally secured to the elongate restraining member.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of installing a mobile cantilever platform in an elevator riser. The method comprises the following steps: moving a first portion of the mobile cantilever platform from a work area adjacent to the elevator riser into the elevator riser; and pivotally mounting an elongate restraining member in a non-vertical orientation on the first portion and engaging an engagement member of the elongate restraining member with a surface of the work area to thereby restrain rotation of the mobile cantilever platform about a fulcrum; wherein the first portion comprises a support frame. Moving the first portion from the work area into the elevator riser by moving the support frame via a sliding bracket of the mobile cantilever platform and engaging the elongated restraint member with the sliding bracket. The method further comprises the following steps: the non-vertical orientation of the elongate restraining member is fixed using a restraining strut pivotally secured to the first portion and pivotally secured to the elongate restraining member.

A third aspect of the invention relates to a method for construction or maintenance in an elevator riser. The method comprises the following steps: installing a mobile cantilever platform into the elevator riser from a first work area adjacent the elevator riser; in the elevator riser, a temporary support structure is mounted on the mobile cantilever platform. The method further comprises the following steps: supporting the temporary support structure; removing the temporary support structure from the mobile cantilever platform extending from the first work area. Displacing the temporary support structure into alignment with the second work area, displacing the temporary support structure in the elevator riser. The method further comprises the following steps: installing the or another mobile cantilever platform into the elevator riser from a second work area; and installing the temporary support structure in the elevator riser on the mobile cantilever platform or another mobile cantilever platform extending from the second work area.

The mobile cantilever platform and method of installation thereof may achieve a number of advantages. For example, in use to enter an elevator/hoistway for repair, maintenance and installation of new and existing elevators, the mobile cantilever platform provides a mobile, compact and stable working platform that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Such a mobile cantilever platform can be easily assembled by two or more people at the location in the building where the lift is or is to be installed. The mobile cantilever platform has a work surface to allow repairs, maintenance and installation to be done without requiring the user to bend over or reach dangerously.

In addition, the mobile cantilever platform allows for elevator service, maintenance, and installation without the need to install connector devices (e.g., bolts or other fixtures) on the building at the elevator doorway boarding location 6, and thereby avoids permanent damage to existing floors and walls at the elevator doorway boarding location 6. The mobile cantilever platform can be installed at any landing lobby location up to the elevator lobby landing location of the uppermost floor to allow installation of the elevator counterweight frame and counterweight filler weight. This mounting method improves the method and safety aspects for filling the counterweight filler weight into the counterweight frame. In addition, the mobile cantilever platform can be installed on any porch boarding location, which allows existing elevator repair and maintenance work to be performed in a very convenient manner at any desired building elevator porch boarding location.

In one approach, the mobile cantilever platform can be mounted at the uppermost elevator lobby boarding location, allowing for replacement of traditional scaffold installations, which are quite time consuming and laborious to install. Furthermore, the mobile cantilever platform may be installed at a specific location in an elevator shaft involving a machine room free elevator.

Drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which,

FIG. 1 is a layout diagram showing prior practice for constructing a machineroom-less elevator operating using inspection speeds;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a first mobile cantilever platform;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of components of a second mobile cantilever platform;

FIG. 4 is an assembly view of the second mobile cantilever platform of FIG. 3;

fig. 5 is a front view of the second mobile cantilever platform of fig. 3 and 4, illustrating the mechanical forces in operation when installing the mobile cantilever platform; and

fig. 6 is a layout diagram illustrating a method for construction or maintenance in an elevator riser.

Detailed Description

Referring now to fig. 2, a mobile cantilever platform, generally designated 200, includes: a first portion 202 defining a work platform in the elevator riser 256 for a worker to work on the work platform. The mobile cantilever platform 200 has an elongate restraining member 204 extending from the first portion 202. Elongate restraint member 204 is pivotally hinged to first portion 202 at point 210. The elongate restraint member 204 also includes an engagement member 206 to be discussed in detail below. In the example of fig. 2, mobile cantilever platform 200 has a compression steel strut 208, compression steel strut 208 being pivotally hinged at 214 to first portion 202 and pivotally hinged at 216 to elongate limiting member 204. The compression steel strut 208 will also be discussed in detail below.

In the position shown in fig. 2, the mobile cantilever platform 200 rests on the floor 252 of the work area (gate) 254 of the building. The work area 254 is an elevator landing adjacent to an elevator riser 256. In the example of fig. 2, the elevator riser 256 is a partially illustrated elevator shaft, the elevator riser 256 being defined by a distal (end distal from the work area 254) wall 256a and a line 256b separating the elevator shaft 256 and the gate 254. It will be appreciated that the mobile cantilever platform 200 may be used with other elevator hoists, such as those used to inspect elevators used on, for example, an exterior facade of a building or in an open patio inside a building as is commonly found in larger hotels and the like.

The first portion 202 extends from the floor 252 into the elevator riser 256 and defines a surface in the elevator riser 256 on which a worker (not shown) may work. Elongate restraint member 204 is secured to first portion 202 and, as described above, elongate restraint member 204 is pivotally secured at point 210, i.e., elongate restraint member 204 and first portion 202 are movable relative to one another about pivot point 210. In a direction having a vertical component d1 and a horizontal component d2, elongate restraint member 204 extends in a non-vertical direction from point 210 of the first portion in working area 254 toward elevator lift 256 to contact surface 258 in working area 254. In the example of fig. 2, the surface 258 of the working area 254 is a structural component of a working area soffit 260 that projects from a top plate 262. As shown, the elongate restraining member 204 extends in a non-vertical direction at an angle θ to the vertical. The angle θ may be any suitable angle, but an effective angle is between 20 ° and 40 °, 25 ° and 35 °, or 25 ° and 30 °. Essentially any non-zero value of the angle theta (i.e. the elongate limiting member is disposed in a non-vertical orientation) may be effective. At the distal end of elongate restraint member 204 (the end distal from first portion 202), engagement member 206 is arranged to engage surface 258, i.e., the underside of soffit 260. In the example of fig. 2, the engagement member 206 includes: corner members 206a, 206b arranged with surfaces complementary to the outer right-angled surfaces of soffit 260 at 90 ° angles to each other to restrain the mobile cantilever platform in the position shown in fig. 2, as will be explained in detail below. Other arrangements may be used to match the geometry of the inner surface 258, but the salient features of the engagement member 206 are: its corner pieces 206a, 206b are arranged to apply pressure to the surface 258/soffit 260 to limit the movement of the mobile cantilever platform in the direction components d1, d 2. As will be discussed in detail below.

As an alternative to engaging members 206 engaging the structural surface of the building in work area 254, engaging members 206 may be provided (possibly temporarily disposed at boarding area 254) with brackets (not shown) having contact surfaces to engage the structural surface to restrain mobile cantilever platform 200 in the position shown in fig. 2.

The engagement member 206 is movable in the axial direction 224 of the elongate restraint member 204 by means of the extendable and retractable overhang 222. The telescoping overhang portion 222 is configured for length adjustment of the elongate restraint member 204 to accommodate the geometry of the top plate 262 and/or contact surface of different heights in the working area 254, including the size of the soffit 260 in the example of fig. 2.

As already discussed, elongate restraint member 204 is pivotally mounted to first portion 202 at 210. During installation, the elongate restraining member 204 may be restrained in the correct position (e.g., at the angle θ shown in fig. 2) by any suitable method. For example, a fixture may be provided at point 210 to limit movement of elongate restraining member 204 in direction 212. Optionally, in the example of fig. 2, mobile boom platform 200 includes a restraint strut 208, restraint strut 208 being pivotally secured to first portion 202 at point 214 and pivotally secured to elongate restraint member 205 at point 216. Additionally, the length of the restraining strut 208 in the direction 220 may be adjusted by the telescoping overhang 218. The pivotable arrangement at points 214, 216 allows the strut to be restrained from moving relative to the first portion 202 and elongate restraining member 204 about these pivot points 214, 216, respectively, during installation of the mobile boom platform 200 in position in the work zone 254. When the field worker determines that first portion 202 is in the correct position on floor 252 and that elongate restraining component 204 is oriented at the preferred angle, the length of restraining strut 208 is fixed to ensure that the elongate restraining component is in the direction of angle θ and is fixed at pivot points 214, 216 to limit pivotal movement.

Rotation of the first portion 202 of the mobile boom platform 200 is limited in a downward direction 264 about the pivot point F in the elevator riser 256 by securing the elongate limiting member 204 with the engagement member 206 engaging the surface 258 of the soffit 260. First portion 202 will naturally tend to rotate in direction 264 about pivot point F, particularly if a worker (not shown) or any other weight is located on first portion 202. The engagement position of elongate restraining member 204 and engagement member 206 with abutment 260 provides a restraining action and also restrains the portion of mobile boom platform 200 in working area 254 from rotating about pivot point F in direction 266 (with directional components d1, d2 as described above).

Thus, mobile cantilever platform 200 is securely fixed in place and the load can be safely located on first portion 202, including workers, who can safely stand or work without elevator riser 256 while on first portion 202.

It will be appreciated that alternatively, the elongate restraining components 204, the engagement components 206, and the restraining struts 208 may be provided in pairs (in the view of fig. 2, the mating components are located just "behind" the components shown in fig. 2), with the mating components being secured to the first portion 202 at the lateral edges of the first portion 202.

Referring now to fig. 3, a second mobile cantilever platform is shown in an exploded view with details of the components. The mobile cantilever platform 300 mainly comprises the following parts which will be discussed in detail below:

-a platform sliding carriage 320;

a platform first portion 302 comprising a platform support frame;

-an elongate limiting member 304;

-a platform deck 340;

a platform brake 360.

Looking first at the sliding bracket 320, it includes a pair of channel supports 322 having an inner surface 326. The tunnel supports 322 are secured in parallel and spaced apart relationship by means of a retaining portion 324 having an upper side surface 328 and oriented perpendicular to the tunnel supports 322. The function of the retention portion 328 will be discussed in detail below. Each channel portion 322 includes an eye plate 310a for aligning (i.e., registering) with a corresponding eye plate on elongate restraining member 304. In addition, each channel member 322 includes a bolt hole 366 for receiving a bolt 364, the bolt 364 passing through the bolt hole 362 of the platform stop 360, as will be discussed in detail below. In addition, each channel member 322 includes an eye plate 310 for alignment with a corresponding bracket 314 on the restraining strut 308 that allows the restraining strut 308 to pivotally move about a point 310/314 relative to the channel member 322.

The support frame 302 essentially comprises: a ladder structure made of channel members welded together has stiles 330 and rails 332. At the end of the support frame 302 remote from the sliding carriage 320, the support frame 302 includes an eyelet 334 for receiving an optional tension hanger 358 (e.g., a chain tension hanger), the tension hanger 358 being secured via the eyelet 334 and held in place by a wing 359.

The platform deck 340 comprises three platform decks 342, each platform deck piece 342 being provided with a leading edge 344 for insertion into a trailing slot 346. The plates 348 help align the platform deck pieces 342 with one another. The platform deck 340 includes one or more fixtures 350 for securing scaffolding legs (not shown) thereto, although these fixtures 350 may also be secured to the mobile cantilever platform for positioning in the elevator riser. In this alternative arrangement, the securing device 350 may be located on the first portion of the platform, namely the stile 330. In this way, when the platform deck 340 is arranged on the support frame 302, a scaffold frame can be constructed on the platform deck 340 in the elevator riser, the scaffold frame having a stable base provided by the fixing means 350.

In the example of fig. 3, the platform deck 340 has a width W1 that is greater than the width W2 of the support frame 302. In this way, the support frame 302 may extend through a narrow elevator doorway and the width W1 of the platform deck 304 is not limited by the width of the elevator doorway, if necessary. Each individual platform deck 342 can be transferred from the elevator gate into the elevator riser via the elevator doorway and assembled on the support frame 302 in the elevator riser to construct a platform 340 having a width W1 greater than the width W2 of the support frame 302, and if desired, the width W1 of the platform 340 is greater than the width of the doorway/work area to the elevator riser (not shown).

Each elongate restraint member 304 includes an engagement member 306 disposed on a telescoping support 322. In the example of fig. 3, the engagement member 306 is the same as the engagement member 206 of fig. 2. In addition, each elongated restraint member 304 includes a support bracket 356, discussed in detail below, for supporting the tension hanger support frame 352. As discussed above with reference to fig. 2, the engagement member 306 may be adjusted to a position for engagement with the surface inside the elevator lobby area at the correct angle θ. The restraining strut 308 operates in the same manner as the restraining strut 208 of fig. 2. That is, each restraint strut 308 is pivotally secured to channel support 322 at point 314 and to elongate restraint member 304 at point 316. As described above, the length of the restraining strut 308 is adjustable by means of the telescoping adjustment mechanism 318.

The tension hanger support frame 352 includes an eyelet 354 for receiving a tension hanger 358, which tension hanger 358 may be secured to the eyelet 354 by a wing collar 357, as will be discussed in detail below.

Finally, angle brake 360 is an angled channel member, and angle brake 360 is secured to support frame 320 by means of bolts 364 that pass through bolt holes 362 to align with bolt holes 366 in channel member 322. During installation, angle brake 360 limits movement of support frame 302 in a direction toward the work area/elevator doorway.

In an alternative arrangement (not shown), the components of the mobile cantilever platform 300 are provided integrally with one another. For example, in an alternative arrangement, the angle detent 360 is integrally provided with the platform slide bracket 322, such as by welding. Additionally, or as a further alternative, the sliding bracket 320 and platform support frame 302 may be provided in a unitary arrangement, such as using a telescoping arrangement, such that the stiles 330 of the platform support frame 302 extend telescopically from the platform sliding bracket 322. In this arrangement, it will therefore be appreciated that the mobile cantilever platform is arranged such that the first portion extends into the elevator riser from a work area adjacent the elevator riser in a telescopic arrangement. In one such embodiment, the stiles, and components of platform slide bracket 322, have circular cross-sections, the stiles extend telescopically from the components of platform slide bracket 322, stiles 330 have a smaller cross-section than the components of platform support frame 302, stiles 330 extend from the components of platform support frame 302. In addition, stiles 330 can have multiple telescoping sections that progressively decrease the size of the cross-section, allowing a smaller cross-section to be telescoped into an adjacent larger cross-section telescoping section.

Turning now to fig. 4, an assembled mobile cantilever platform 300 is shown. During installation at an elevator riser, a typical installation process is as follows. Before beginning installation of the mobile cantilever platform 300, a worker (not shown) ensures that an entry barrier is properly placed at the elevator doorway (the entrance to the elevator riser). An anchor point for installing a lifeline is installed for each individual worker. Each worker is equipped with a safety line and a line grasping device. The area around the entrance to the elevator lobby is blocked before work begins to prevent other trade subcontractors from improperly entering the work area. As a first point of construction, the sliding bracket 320 is placed on the elevator lobby floor (not shown). The retention portion 324 is aligned with an edge of the elevator doorway floor. That is, the retaining portion 324 depends from an edge of the elevator hoistway floor into the elevator riser and is placed in contact with the edge of the floor. Such positioning limits the axial movement of the mobile cantilever platform 300 in direction D2. Next, the support frame 300 is placed on the upper surface 328 of the sliding bracket 320 and slid into the elevator riser in the direction D1. The width W2 of the support frame 300 is selected to be slightly less than the width W3 of the inner surface 326 of the channel member 322 to provide a secure mounting.

Instead of placing the skid brackets 320 on the elevator lobby floor in front of the elevator doorway as a first step, the assembly of the skid brackets 320 and the support frame 302 can now be placed on the floor in front of the elevator doorway as an alternative.

Elongated restraint member 304 is then assembled with engagement member 306, which in the example of fig. 3, engagement member 306 includes a socket-like base. The tension hanger support frame 352 is then placed on (or secured to) the support bracket 356 of the elongated restraint member 304. The restraint struts 308, including the steel struts under pressure, are then introduced into the assembly by securing the restraint struts 308 at points 314, 316. The engagement members 306 are then aligned with the surface of the work area (not shown), which is typically the soffit or other beam structure of the elevator doorway, and the engagement members 306 are adjusted to the correct height by adjustment of the telescoping members 342. At the same time, the restraining strut 308 is adjusted to the correct length and secured.

A 1-ton or higher grade tie down device is used to suspend a sprocket (e.g., a single 1-ton rated sprocket) (not shown for clarity) at the central eyelet 355 of the tension hanger support frame 352. The other end of the sprocket is lowered so that it is long enough to wrap around the rung 332a at the distal end of the platform support frame 302.

The tension hangers 358 are attached to the respective lower eyelets 334 of the support frame 302 and the eyelets 354 of the tension hanger support frame 352. Each tension hanger, which in this example comprises a length of chain, is held in a relaxed state until the platform support frame has reached its intended extended length.

Next, the platform support frame 302 extends outwardly from the platform slide carriage while the chain of sprockets extends. Gradually, the platform deck pieces 342 of the platform deck 340 are laid down onto the platform sliding frame until all of the platform deck pieces 342 are in place on the support frame 302. The leading edge 344 of the rightmost deck plate 342 shown in fig. 3 is inserted into the plate 335 of the eyelet 334 (or adjacent to the eyelet 334) for securement. Further, brackets (not shown) welded to the underside of each platform deck piece 342 are provided for securing the platform deck 342 to the support frame 302. In the example of fig. 3 and 4, the maximum extension length corresponding to the maximum extension length of the support frame 302 into the elevator riser is 2.2 meters. Next, the platform stopper 360 is fixed to the sliding bracket 320 by bolts 364 through the bolt holes 362 and 366 to restrict the sliding of the support frame in the direction opposite to the direction D1.

The tension hangers 358 are tightened using wing nuts 356, 359 until the correct tension is achieved between the upper eyelet 356 and lower eyelet 359 of the lifting eyelets.

The assembled mobile boom platform is shown in fig. 4, with the major components of the mobile boom platform 300 identified. The scaffold frame can now be mounted to the platform deck 340 using the fixtures 350 and up to a maximum height such as 4 meters, 10 meters or any other suitable/safe height, except for the handrail and its supports of the scaffold at the uppermost part of the lift. It is understood that other parameters may be specified by national health and safety regulations.

The center sprocket can now be removed from the center eyelet 355 of the tension hanger support frame 352 and the constructed mobile cantilever work platform completed. National health and safety regulations may require limiting the safe working load to 220 kg/m²For example, a "safe use" identification is provided on the scaffold.

Referring now to fig. 5, the mechanical forces on a mobile cantilever platform in operation will be discussed. Arrows 550, 552 and 554 illustrate the forces exerted by the building structure on the mobile cantilever platform 530.

Arrow 504 indicates the mechanical force exerted by the platform brake on the sliding bracket 320. Arrow 506 indicates the mechanical force exerted on the holding portion 324 by the rest of the mobile cantilever platform 300. For example, this force is related to the force indicated by arrow 264 in FIG. 2. Arrow 508 indicates the downward force exerted by elongate restraint member 304 on sliding bracket 320. Arrows 510 and 512 indicate the forces exerted by restraining strut 308 on sliding bracket 320 and elongate restraining member 304, respectively. Arrow 516 indicates the force exerted by the tension hanger 358 on the elongate restraining member 304. Arrow 518 indicates the force exerted by elongate restraining member 304 on engaging member 306. Arrow 520 indicates the force exerted by the tension hanger 358 on the support frame 330 and arrow 522 indicates the restraining force exerted by the tension hanger 358 on the cantilever platform 300.

Referring now to fig. 6, a method for construction or maintenance in an elevator riser will be discussed. The building 600 includes an elevator riser 602, in this example the elevator shaft is empty. Building 600 has multiple floor levels, two of which are labeled as first level 610 and second level 612. A pulley 608 is mounted at the uppermost point of the elevator riser 602 and a line 609 is mounted to the pulley 608, as will be discussed below. The first mobile cantilever platform 604 is installed into the elevator riser 602 from a first work area 610 adjacent the elevator riser 602. Temporary support structure 606 is mounted on mobile cantilever platform 604 in elevator riser 602, in this example temporary support structure 606 is a scaffold frame. The cantilevered platform 604a is installed into the elevator riser 602 from the second work area 612. The mobile cantilever platform 604a may be a second mounting point for the mobile cantilever platform 604 or other mobile cantilever platform. Starting from the location where the first work area 610 mounts the mobile cantilever platform 604 (with the scaffolding frame 606 mounted thereon), the method for construction or maintenance includes: the weight of the scaffold frame 606 is supported by pulleys 608 and wires 609. The entire scaffold frame is lifted off the mobile cantilever platform 604 and moved a safe distance away from the mobile cantilever platform 604 to a position, for example, above the second work area 612. The mobile boom platform 604 is then unloaded from a position extending from the first work area 610. As described above with reference to fig. 3 and 4, mobile cantilever platform 604 may be moved to second work area 612 and mounted in a position extending from area 612. A scaffold frame 606 (now labeled 606a) is loaded onto a mobile cantilever platform, now labeled 604a, extending from an area 612. In this manner, significant time savings may be realized by avoiding the multiple assembly and disassembly of the scaffold frame 606 required when working at or near the elevator lobby areas 610, 612, 614, 616, 618 and 620 while moving the scaffold frame 606 up through the elevator shaft from the bottom of the building.

It will be appreciated that the invention has been described by way of example only, and that numerous variations to the techniques described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. A mobile cantilever platform for installation in an elevator riser, the mobile cantilever platform comprising:

a first portion comprising a support frame and arranged to extend into the elevator riser from a work area adjacent the elevator riser; and

an elongate restraining member pivotally mounted on the first portion for mounting in a non-vertical orientation and having an engagement member for engaging a surface of the work area to restrain rotation of the mobile cantilever platform about a fulcrum;

a sliding carriage to:

supporting the support frame during its extension from the working area into the elevator riser, and

engaging the elongate restraining member; and

a restraint brace for securing the non-vertical orientation of the elongate restraining member, the restraint brace being pivotally secured to the first portion and pivotally secured to the elongate restraining member.

2. The mobile cantilever platform of claim 1,

the engagement member is configured for engagement with a structural member of the workspace.

3. The mobile cantilever platform of claim 1,

the sliding carriage includes a retaining portion for engaging an edge of a floor surface of the work area.

4. The mobile cantilever platform of any one of the preceding claims,

the mobile cantilever platform further comprises a platform deck to be secured to the first portion.

5. The mobile cantilever platform of claim 4,

the platform deck has a width greater than a width of the first portion.

6. The mobile cantilever platform of claim 1, further comprising:

a fixing device to which a scaffold bar is fixed in the elevator lifter.

7. The mobile cantilever platform of any one of claims 1 to 3,

the mobile cantilever platform further comprises a tension hanger having: a first end for securing to a distal end of the first portion; and a second end for securing in the workspace.

8. The mobile cantilever platform of claim 7,

the second end of the tension hanger is for securing to the elongate restraint member.

9. The mobile cantilever platform of any one of claims 1 to 3,

the mobile cantilever platform further comprises: a platform brake to limit sliding of the support frame toward the workspace via the sliding bracket.

10. A method of installing a mobile cantilever platform in an elevator riser, the method comprising:

moving a first portion of the mobile cantilever platform from a work area adjacent to the elevator riser into the elevator riser; and

pivotally mounting an elongate restraining member in a non-vertical orientation on the first portion and engaging an engagement member of the elongate restraining member with a surface of the work area to thereby restrain rotation of the mobile cantilever platform about a fulcrum;

wherein the first portion comprises a support frame and the method comprises: moving the first portion from the work area into the elevator riser by moving the support frame via a sliding bracket of the mobile cantilever platform and engaging the elongated restraint member with the sliding bracket; and is

The method comprises the following steps: the non-vertical orientation of the elongate restraining member is fixed using a restraining strut pivotally secured to the first portion and pivotally secured to the elongate restraining member.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising:

engaging the engagement member with a structural member of the work area.

12. The method of claim 10, comprising:

engaging the retaining portion of the sliding bracket with an edge of a floor surface of the work area.

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising:

securing a platform deck to the first portion.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising:

securing a platform deck to the first portion, the platform deck having a width greater than a width of the first portion.

15. The method of claim 13, comprising:

a securing device securing a scaffold bar to the platform deck.

16. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising:

securing a first end of a tension hanger to a distal end of the first portion; and

securing a second end of the tension hanger in the workspace.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising:

securing the second end of the tension hanger to the elongated restraint member.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, comprising:

securing a platform brake to the mobile cantilever platform to limit movement of the support frame via the sliding carriage to the workspace.