CA1206187A

CA1206187A - Portable work platform

Info

Publication number: CA1206187A
Application number: CA000436668A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Les Mckelvey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1983-09-14
Filing date: 1983-09-14
Publication date: 1986-06-17

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE

A lightweight, portable work platform for use by auto mechanics when working on motor vehicle engines includes a frame defined by a ladder inclined to define an acute angle with respect to the floor, a pair of generally L-shaped legs extending outwardly and downwardly from the sides of the ladder on the acute angle side thereof, and a pair of generally L-shaped arms slidably mounted in the top ends of the sides of the ladder on the same side as the legs for supporting a support panel on which the mechanic can work in the prone position. The legs are slid under a vehicle and the support panel is adjusted vertically to the desired work height.

Description

~2S~ 7 This invention relates to a portable work platform, and in particular to a work platform for use by auto mechanics.
Auto mechanics spend many hours perched awkwardly and precariously over motor vehicle engines while working under the hood of the vehicle. Usually, the mechanic stands on some form of support such as a chair or bench which may slip, possibly causing injury to the mechanic and damage to the vehicle. There is a large number of different motor vehicles available. The engines of such vehicles vary in terms of height and accessibility.
Thus, there exists a need for a work platform for use by auto mechanics which provides security and which is comfortable.
The object of the present invention is to meet such need by providing a relatively simple, portable work platform, which is safe and comfortable to use. An additional important feature of the present invention is the protection of the motor vehicle, since a falling mechanic may damage a vehicle.
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a portable work platform comprising frame means, said frame means including ladder means, leg means supporting said ladder means, and substantially horizontal arm means on said ladder means for carrying a support panel, whereby a user can climb onto the support panel for work in an elevated, prone position.
The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawing, which illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention, and wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view from one side and slightly above of a work platform in accordance with the invention;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the work platform of Fig.
l; and Figure 3 is a second perspective view of the work platform of Figs. 1 and 2.
~ ith reference to the drawiny, the work platform of this invention includes a frame generally indicated at 1 defined by a ladder 2, a pair of legs 3 and a pair of arms 4, which carry a support panel 5.
The ladder 2 is defined by a pair of tubular sides 6, which are interconnected by rungs 7. The ladder 2 is maintained in a slightly inclined position by means of the legs 3. The legs 3 include tubular central sections 8, connected at one end to the ladder sides 6 by short rods 9~ Generally ~-shaped feet 10 e~tend out of the other ends of the sections 8 for supporting the frame with the ladder in the inclined position.
A diagonal bracell extends between each ladder side 6 and the tubular section 8 of a leg 3. The legs 3 are sufficiently low that they can readily be slid under most motor vehicles.
An arm 4 extends upwardly from the top end of each ladder side 6. The arms 4 are interconnected near their bottom ends by a crossbar 12, which ensures simultaneous movement of the arms 4. The arms 4 are slidable in the sides 6, so that the height of the work platform can be varied. Threaded holes (not shown) or nuts are provided in the sides 6 for receiving bolts 13. A plurality of aligned dimples (not shown) are provided on the bottom ends of the arms 4 for receiving the inner ends of the bolts 13. A row of holes in each arm and pins will perform the same function.
The bottom ends of the arms 4 have the same inclination as the ladder 2. Top ends 14 of the arms 4 are horizontal and parallel to each other for carrying a support surface defined by a canvas panel 15. The ends of the panel 15 are looped over on themselves to form sleeves 16 for mounting the panel 15 ~2~ 87 on the arms 4. Of course, the panel 15 can be flat with cord (not shown) connected to the ends for tying the panel on the arms 14.
The use of the platform is obvious. However, for the sake of com~leteness,a brief description of such use follows.
In use, the platform is slid into position adjacent to a motor vehicle (not shown). The height of the panel 15 is adjusted b~ loosening the bolts 13, moving the legs into or out of the ladder sides 6 and tightening the bolts 13. The legs 3 are slid beneath the motor vehicle, so that the support panel 15 is positioned above and adjacent to the area of the engine on which work is to be done. The mechanic climbs onto the panel 15, and can work in relative comfor-t in the prone or semi-prone position.
Because the support panel 15 is cantilevered with respect to the ladder 2 on the same side of the ladder as the legs 3, the platform is quite stable. By sim le adjustments, the platform can be adapted to vehicles having different heights.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A lightweight portable work platform comprising frame means, said frame means including:

(a) a pair of inclined parallel, tubular sides;
(b) hollow rung means extending between said sides for defining a ladder therewith;
(c) rod means extending horizontally inwardly from said sides near the bottom thereof, (d) leg means supported in a horizontal position by said rod means, said leg means including (i) tubular centre sections on said rod means and, (ii) generally L-shaped, tubular feet extending outwardly and downwardly from the outer free end of said centre sections;
(e) tubular diagonal brace means extending between each said side and each said centre section of said leg means;
(f) tubular arm means mounted in and extending upwardly and horizontally inwardly from an open top end of each of said tubular sides for carrying a support panel, and (g) tubular crossbar means extending between said tubular arm means near the bottom end thereof, said crossbar means defining a top step above said ladder.

2. A work platform according to claim 1, including bolt means releasably connecting said arm means to said sides, whereby the height of the support panel can be adjusted.