Modular platform system

Abstract

A platform module suspendable from a structure for supporting a dynamic load with respect to a support surface of the structure including a first framing member suspended with respect to the structure. A second framing member is suspended with respect to the structure and mounted with respect to the first framing member. A deck panel is positioned between the first framing member and the second framing member and suspended with respect to the structure. At least one adjustable suspension member is attached to each of the first framing member and the second framing member, and removably mounted with respect to the structure. Also disclosed is a modular platform system including a plurality of platform modules and a method for suspending a modular platform system with respect to the structure.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 400,827, filed 02 Aug. 2002.[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] This invention relates to a modular platform system and a method of installing the modular platform system, wherein a plurality of operatively connected platform modules can be quickly and efficiently suspended with respect to a working location. More specifically, this invention relates to a modular platform system and method of installing the system wherein a plurality of platform modules can be installed and suspended with respect to a bottom or underside support surface of a bridge structure or other structure, for example.[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art[0005] Many deck structures are supported by an angle bracket having one leg structurally welded to an edge portion or an underside of a horizontal flange of a steel stringer, a steel plate, a girder, or another suitable steel primary structural member. Deck pans or other suitable...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] It is another object of this invention to provide a modular platform system that is easily suspended from a structure in order to access areas of the structure for maintenance and / or repair.

[0014] It is another object of this invention to provide a modular platform system that can be easily removed from the structure after scheduled maintenance and / or repair.

[0017] The modular platform system includes a second platform module that is movably connected to the first platform module so that it is movable between a first position operatively connected to the first platform module and a second or extended position wherein the second platform module is linearly aligned with the first platform module and suspended with respect to the structure. For example, at least one and preferably a plurality of channel trolleys are mounted to each framing member of the first platform module. The channel trolleys include rotatable wheels that can be positioned within a channel formed by the corresponding framing member of the second platform module to allow the second platform module to move with respect to the first platform module suspended from the structure.

[0020] The modular platform system can be easily installed to suspend from a structure, such as a support structure of a bridge construction. The suspended modular platform system of the present invention preferably comprises a plurality of operatively connected platform modules stacked or otherwise configured in a compact or efficient manner. Alternatively, independent platform modules may be connected together to form the suspended modular platform system. The platform modules can be raised from a ground surface or can be lowered from a surface of the bridge structure to position the suspended modular platform system with respect to the underside support surface of the bridge construction.

Problems solved by technology

With these deck framing systems, each vertical height adjustment to vary the elevation of the top of the deck pan requires labor-intensive field adjustments, of ten accomplished with welded connections.

Further, many of these deck framing systems have welded connections or metal fasteners exposed beneath the deck structure.

Thus, a problem associated with deck framing systems and methods therefor that precede the present invention is that they do not facilitate quick installation of the deck panels by permitting pre-placement of the securement means prior to installation of the deck panels, and movement of the securement means as the deck panels are installed.

Still a further problem associated with deck framing systems and methods therefor that precede the present invention is that they do not facilitate efficient transportation to a job site in a manner that saves shipping space and thereby saves time, energy and money.

Yet an additional problem associated with deck framing systems and methods therefor that precede the present invention is that they do not enable efficient assembly and erection of the deck framing system.

Still a further problem associated with deck framing systems and methods therefor that precede the present invention is that the vertical height of each deck panel structure cannot be quickly adjusted using simple mechanical elements to accommodate the varying dimensional characteristics of the prefabricated deck panel structures.

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