Method for extending elevator system in hoistway

Abstract

Extending an elevator system in a hoistway of a building includes: parking an elevator car at or below a first floor, the elevator car between a first track system extending along a first wall of the hoistway and a second track system extending along a second wall of the hoistway opposite the first wall; raising the second track system to a second floor; supporting an elevator machine with a deck; the elevator machine operably connected to a machine end of a tensioning system; and the tensioning system operably connected to the elevator car; engaging a first safety block operably connected to the deck to release the second track system; and raising the deck to the second floor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments relate to elevator systems, and more particularly, to methods of extending an elevator system in a hoistway. Background Art

[0002] The modular building construction design limits the use of traditional external material elevators. As floors are added, elevators should be able to serve new floors relatively quickly without disrupting the modular building construction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A method for extending an elevator system in a hoistway of a building is disclosed, comprising: parking an elevator car at or below a first floor, the elevator car between a first track system extending along a first wall of the hoistway and a second track system extending along a second wall of the hoistway opposite the first wall, wherein the first track system extends to a first top end of a second floor located above the first floor, and the second track system extends to a second top end below the second floor; raising the second track system to the second floor; supporting an elevator machine with a deck; the elevator machine being operably connected to a machine end of a tensioning system; and the tensioning system being operably connected to the elevator car; engaging a first safety block operably connected to the deck to release the second track system, whereby the deck is configured to move against the second track system; and raising the deck to the second floor.

[0004] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, the method further includes raising the deck to the second level via a winch, securing the deck to the second level, and disconnecting the winch, wherein, before raising the second rail system to the second level, the method includes: disconnecting a reel operably connected to a reel end of the tensioning system from the first wall and connecting the reel to the ceiling of the elevator car, wherein raising the deck to the second level pulls out an additional length of the tensioning system from the reel; and after releasing the deck from the winch, the method includes: raising the elevator car to the second level and parking the elevator car at the second level; disconnecting the reel from the elevator car, and reconnecting the reel to the first wall.

[0005] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, securing the deck to the second level includes engaging the first safety block to secure the deck against the second rail system.

[0006] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, raising the second rail system to the second level includes connecting a bottom end of a first rail extension member to a top end of a first rail of the second rail system.

[0007] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, a bottom end of the first rail extension member is connected to a top end of the first rail of the second rail system via a first rail bracket.

[0008] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, after raising the deck to the second level, the method includes trimming a top of the first rail extension so that it is level with the top of the deck; and attaching a rail cover to the deck to cover a top end of the first rail.

[0009] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, the deck is leveled against the top end of the first rail using a leveling feature.

[0010] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, after attaching the track cover to the deck, the method includes engaging a first retaining clip operably connected to the deck against the second track system; and removing the first safety block from the deck.

[0011] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, the second rail system includes a plurality of rails, including a first rail, the plurality of rails respectively extending via a plurality of rail extension members including a first rail extension member, the plurality of rail extension members respectively connected to each other via a plurality of rail brackets including a first rail bracket; and the deck defines a plurality of through-holes for respectively accommodating the plurality of rails.

[0012] In addition to one or more aspects of the method, each of the plurality of through-holes defines a top boundary edge on the top surface of the deck, the top boundary edge being chamfered to guide a corresponding one of the plurality of rail brackets into the plurality of through-holes.

[0013] An elevator system in a hoistway of a building is disclosed, formed by a process comprising the following steps: parking an elevator car at or below a first floor, the elevator car between a first rail system extending along a first wall of the hoistway and a second rail system extending along a second wall of the hoistway opposite the first wall, wherein the first rail system extends to a first top end of a second floor located above the first floor and the second rail system extends to a second top end below the second floor; raising the second rail system to the second floor; supporting an elevator machine with a deck; the elevator machine being operably connected to a machine end of a tensioning system; and the tensioning system being operably connected to the elevator car; engaging a first safety block operably connected to the deck to release the second guide rail system, whereby the deck is configured to move against the second guide rail system; and raising the deck to the second floor.

[0014] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, the process further includes raising the deck to the second level via a winch, securing the deck to the second level, and disconnecting the winch, wherein, before raising the second rail system to the second level, the method includes: disconnecting a reel operably connected to a reel end of the tensioning system from the first wall and connecting the reel to the ceiling of the elevator car, wherein raising the deck to the second level pulls out an additional length of the tensioning system from the reel; and after releasing the deck from the winch, the method includes: raising the elevator car to the second level and parking the elevator car at the second level; disconnecting the reel from the elevator car, and reconnecting the reel to the first wall.

[0015] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, securing the deck to the second level includes engaging the first safety block to secure the deck against the second rail system.

[0016] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, raising the second rail system to the second level includes connecting a bottom end of a first rail extension member to a top end of a first rail of the second rail system.

[0017] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, a bottom end of a first rail extension member is connected to a top end of a first rail of a second rail system via a first rail bracket.

[0018] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, after raising the deck to the second level, the method includes: trimming the top of the first rail extension member so that it is level with the top of the deck; and attaching a rail cover to the deck to cover the top of the first rail.

[0019] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, the process includes leveling the deck against the top end of the first rail using a leveling feature.

[0020] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, after attaching the track cover to the deck, the method includes engaging a first retaining clip operably connected to the deck against the second track system; and removing the first safety block from the deck.

[0021] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, the second rail system includes a plurality of rails, including a first rail, wherein the plurality of rails are respectively extended via a plurality of rail extension members including a first rail extension member, and the plurality of rail extension members are respectively connected to each other via a plurality of rail brackets including a first rail bracket; and the table defines a plurality of through-holes for respectively accommodating the plurality of rails.

[0022] In addition to one or more aspects of the process of forming the system, each of the plurality of through-holes defines a top boundary edge on the top surface of the deck that is chamfered to guide a corresponding one of the plurality of rail brackets into the plurality of through-holes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example, and not limitation, in the accompanying figures in which like references indicate similar elements.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an elevator system in which various embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed;

[0025] Figure 2 Components of an elevator system prepared for expansion to a second hoistway level are shown according to one embodiment;

[0026] Figure 3 shows an expanded stage of the elevator system, wherein the reel is connected to the ceiling of the elevator car;

[0027] Figure 4 shows an expansion phase of the elevator system, wherein the track is extended;

[0028] Figure 5 shows an extended stage of the elevator system, in which several tracks are extended;

[0029] FIG6 shows an extended stage of the elevator system, wherein the deck is connected to the winch;

[0030] Figure 6A The features of the security block are shown;

[0031] Figure 7 shows an extended phase of the elevator system, wherein the deck is raised;

[0032] Figure 8 shows the features of the deck;

[0033] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the tabletop in FIG8;

[0034] Figure 10 shows an extended stage of the elevator system, with the deck substantially fully raised when connected to the winch;

[0035] Figure 11 shows an extended stage of the elevator system with the winch disconnected from the deck;

[0036] Figure 12 An expansion phase of the elevator system is shown, wherein the elevator car is raised to a newly defined floor;

[0037] Figure 13shows an extended stage of the elevator system, wherein the reel is attached to the hoistway wall;

[0038] Figure 14 shows the extension phase of the elevator system, where the extension terminates at the highest floor in the building and the track extension members terminate above the deck;

[0039] Figure 15 shows an expansion phase of the elevator system, wherein the track extension members are trimmed back to the deck;

[0040] Figure 16 shows an extended stage of the elevator system, wherein the track extension member is covered;

[0041] Figure 17 for Figure 16 Cross-section of the deck;

[0042] Figure 18 shows an expanded stage of the elevator system with the safety block removed;

[0043] Figure 19 is a flow chart illustrating a method of expanding an elevator system;

[0044] Figure 20 for Figure 19 a flow chart of additional aspects of the illustrated method, wherein the extension terminates at the highest level of the building; and

[0045] Figure 21 is another flow chart illustrating a method of expanding an elevator system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of an elevator system 101 including an elevator car 103, a counterweight 105, tension members 107, guide rails 109, a machine 111, a position reference system 113, and a controller 115. Elevator car 103 and counterweight 105 are connected to each other via tension members 107. Tension members 107 may include or be configured as, for example, ropes, steel cables, and / or coated steel belts. Counterweight 105 is configured to balance the load of elevator car 103 and to cause elevator car 103 to move simultaneously and in opposite directions relative to counterweight 105 within elevator hoistway 117 and along guide rails 109.

[0047] Tension member 107 is coupled to machine 111, which is part of the overhead structure of elevator system 101. Machine 111 is configured to control movement between elevator car 103 and counterweight 105. Position reference system 113 may be mounted on a fixed portion of the top of elevator shaft 117, such as on supports or guide rails, and may be configured to provide position signals related to the position of elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117. In other embodiments, position reference system 113 may be mounted directly to a moving component of machine 111, or may be located in other locations and / or configurations known in the art. Position reference system 113 may be any device or mechanism known in the art for monitoring the position of an elevator car and / or counterweight. For example, but not limited to, position reference system 113 may be an encoder, sensor, or other system, and may include velocity sensing, absolute position sensing, etc., as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0048] As shown, controller 115 is located in controller room 121 within elevator shaft 117 and is configured to control the operation of elevator system 101, and in particular, elevator car 103. For example, controller 115 may provide drive signals to machine 111 to control acceleration, deceleration, leveling, stopping, etc. of elevator car 103. Controller 115 may also be configured to receive position signals from position reference system 113 or any other desired position reference device. As elevator car 103 moves upward or downward along guide rails 109 within elevator shaft 117, it may stop at one or more landings 125 as controlled by controller 115. Although shown in controller room 121, those skilled in the art will appreciate that controller 115 may be located and / or configured elsewhere or at other locations within elevator system 101. In one embodiment, the controller may be located remotely or in the cloud.

[0049] Machine 111 may include a motor or similar drive mechanism. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, machine 111 is configured to include an electric drive motor. The power supply to the motor may be any power source, including the electrical grid, which, in combination with other components, supplies the motor. Machine 111 may include a traction sheave that transmits force to tension member 107 to move elevator car 103 within elevator shaft 117.

[0050] Although shown and described using a roping system including tension members 107, embodiments of the present disclosure may be employed in elevator systems employing other methods and mechanisms for moving an elevator car within an elevator shaft. For example, embodiments may be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use linear motors to impart motion to the elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use hydraulic lifts to impart motion to the elevator car. Embodiments may also be employed in ropeless elevator systems that use self-propelled elevator cars (e.g., elevator cars equipped with friction wheels, pinch wheels, or traction wheels). Figure 1 These are non-limiting examples presented for purposes of illustration and explanation only.

[0051] As indicated, in modular building construction designs, as floors are added, elevators should be able to serve new landings relatively quickly without disrupting the construction of the modular building. With this goal in mind, the disclosed embodiments provide an installation method for the rise of the elevator system 101 in the expansion hoistway 117, which can be referred to as a jump process. Figure 2-18 The elevator system 101 is shown in the hoistway 117 during various stages of expansion between levels 125A, 125B, and Figure 19-21 is a flow chart illustrating a method of extending the elevator system 101 between floors 125A, 125B.

[0052] refer to Figure 2 , the elevator system 101 includes an elevator car 103 parked at or below the first floor 125A of the building 200. Figure 2 As shown, the elevator car 103 is parked at the first floor 125A. In the hoistway 117, the elevator car 103 is supported between a first rail system 109A extending along a first wall 117A of the hoistway 117 and a second rail system 109B extending along a second wall 117B of the hoistway 117 opposite the first wall 117A. Figure 2 In the extended phase, first track system 109A extends to second level 125B above first level 125A, and second track system 109B terminates below second level 125B, for example, at or slightly above first level 125A. Reel 210 of tension system 107 is attached to first wall 117A near first top end 109A1 of first track system 109A and is operably connected to reel end 107A of tension system 107. Tension system 107 is operably connected to elevator car 103. Deck 220 is secured to and supported by second track system 109B near second top end 109B1 of second track system 109B. Deck 220 supports elevator machine 111. Elevator machine 111 is operably connected to machine end 107B of tension system 107.

[0053] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 19 As indicated, the method of expanding the elevator system 100 includes parking the elevator car 103 at or below the first floor 125A of the building 200. Figure 3-5At block 105, the method includes disconnecting a reel 210 operatively connected to a reel end 107A of the tensioning system 107 from the first wall 117A and connecting the reel 210 to the ceiling 103A of the elevator car 103. This results in sufficient slack in the tensioning system to enable the deck 220 to be raised (discussed below).

[0054] refer to Figure 4-5 As shown in block 110, the method includes raising the second rail system 109B to the second level 125B. As shown in block 110A, raising the second rail system 109B to the second level 125B is accomplished by connecting the bottom end 230A of a first rail extension member 2301 (generally designated 230) to the top end 240A of a first rail 2401 (generally designated 240) of the second rail system 109B. The bottom end 230A of the first rail extension member 2301 can be connected to the top end 240A of the first rail 2401 of the second rail system 109B via a first rail bracket 2501 (generally designated 250), otherwise known as a fishplate. In one embodiment, the second rail system 109B includes a plurality of rails 2401, 2402, 2403, such as first, second, and third rails. Multiple rails 2401, 2402, and 2403 extend via multiple rail extension members 2301, 2302, and 2303 (e.g., first, second, and third rail extension members, respectively), respectively. This connection is accomplished via multiple rail brackets 2501, 2502, and 2503 (e.g., first, second, and third rail brackets). Once second rail system 109B is raised, the height of second top end 109B1 of second rail system 109B is substantially level with or close to that of first top end 109A1 of first rail system 109A.

[0055] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 19 As shown in block 120, the method includes connecting the table 220 to the capstan 260. As shown in block 130, the method includes engaging a first safety block 2701 (generally designated 270). The first safety block 270 is operably connected to the table 220. From this engagement, the second rail system 109B is released from the table 220. As a result, the table 220 is configured to move against the second rail system 109B. The first safety block 2701 is normally engaged with the first rail 2401 to prevent relative movement between the first safety block 2701 and the first rail 2401, thereby preventing movement of the table 220.

[0056] The first safety block 2701 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a rail-facing surface 270A formed with a wedge-shaped central groove 270B extending from a top edge 270C to a bottom edge 270D of the safety block 270. In operation, the top edge 270C abuts the bottom surface of the deck 270, and the groove 270B abuts the rail, causing the rail to protrude into the block 220. The wedge-shaped groove is shaped like a right triangle, with side surfaces 270B1 extending perpendicular to the top edge 270C and the bottom edge 270D. Within the groove 270B, adjacent to the bottom edge 270C, is a cylindrical pivot 270E extending from the rear surface 270F of the block 270 toward the rail-facing surface 270A. At bottom edge 270C, the wide end of groove 270B includes a protrusion or shelf 270G extending parallel to bottom edge 270D, narrowing groove 270B so that the bottom opening of groove 270H, which defines an opening in the bottom edge of block 220, is substantially as narrow as the top opening 270I, which defines an opening in the top edge of block 220. A cylindrical pivot 270E is positioned partially within the generally rectangular path defined between bottom opening 270H and top opening 270I. Due to the weight of deck 220, the safety block pivots about cylindrical pivot 270E to lock the safety block against the protrusion (e.g., via friction against the rail or insertion into a rail hole), preventing downward movement of deck 220 in its normal position. Engaging the block by pivoting about cylindrical pivot 270E releases the clamp between the block's protrusion 270C and the rail.

[0057] In one embodiment, a plurality of safety blocks 2701, 2702, 2703 (e.g., first, second, and third safety blocks) engage the plurality of rails 2401, 2402, 2403, respectively, to prevent movement of the platen 220. While a plurality of safety blocks 270 are mentioned herein, utilizing a single safety block 2701 is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 19, as shown in block 140, the method includes raising the tabletop 220 to the second level 125B via the winch 260. As shown in Figures 8-9, in one embodiment, the tabletop 220 defines a plurality of through-holes 2801, 2802, 2803, such as first, second, and third through-holes, generally designated 280. The through-holes 280 extend from the top surface 220A of the tabletop 220, through the body 220C of the tabletop 220, and to the bottom surface 220B of the tabletop 220. The through-holes 2801, 2802, 2803 respectively accommodate the plurality of rails 2401, 2402, 2403 and corresponding rail extension members 2301, 2302, 2303. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of through-holes 2801, 2802, 2803 defines a chamfered top boundary edge, such as edge 290, on the top surface of the tabletop 220. This configuration guides the corresponding ones of the rail brackets 2501 , 2502 , 2503 into the through holes 2801 , 2802 , 2803 when the deck 220 is raised.

[0059] like Figure 10 As shown, in the raised position, the height of the platen 220 is substantially level with or close to the first top end 109A1 of the first track system 109A. Raising the platen 220 to the second level 125B will pull a length of the tensioning system 107 from the reel 210, which is obtained by repositioning the reel 210 as indicated. Figure 11 and 19 The method includes securing the deck 220 to the second level 125B, as shown in block 150. According to one embodiment, securing the deck 220 to the second level 125B is accomplished by engaging a safety block 270 to secure the deck 220 against the second rail system 109B.

[0060] refer to Figure 11 and 19 As shown in block 160, the method includes releasing the platen 220 from the winch 260. Figure 12 and 19 , as shown in block 170, the method includes raising the elevator car 103 to the second floor 125B and parking the elevator car 103 there. Figure 13 and 19 The method includes disconnecting the reel 210 from the elevator car 103 and reconnecting it to the first wall 117A at the second floor 125B, as shown in block 180. The tension system 107 is lengthened or replaced as needed so that the elevator car 103 can travel between the first floor 125A and the second floor 125B.

[0061] refer to Figure 14-17In one embodiment, the jump to the second floor 125B as discussed above is a jump to the highest floor of the building 200. At the end of such a jump, after securing the platform 220 against the second rail system 109B (block 150), and before releasing the platform from the winch (block 160), the top end 109B1 of the second rail system 109B is trimmed and capped. Specifically, with further reference to Figure 14-15 and 20, as shown in block 190, the method includes trimming the tops 230B of the track extension members 230 so that each is level with the top surface 220A of the deck 220. Figure 16-17 20, as shown in block 200, the method includes attaching a track cover 300 to the deck 220. This covers the tops 230B of the track extension members 230. As shown in block 210, a leveling feature 310 can be utilized in conjunction with the track cover 300 to level the deck 220 against the tops 230B of one or more of the track extension members 230. For example, a screw can engage the top 230B of a first track extension member 230 to raise one side of the deck 220 relative to the other side by a first distance D1, such that the deck 220 is leveled.

[0062] like Figure 18 and 20 As shown, as shown in block 210, securing the deck 220 to the second level 125B (block 150) further includes engaging a first retaining clip 3201 (generally designated 320) operably connected to the deck 220 against the second rail system 109B. As shown in block 220, the method includes removing the safety block 270 from the deck 220. In one embodiment, a plurality of retaining clips 3201, 3202, 3203, such as first, second, and third retaining clips, are operably connected to the deck 220 and engage the first rail 2401, second rail 2402, and third rail 2403, respectively, to secure the deck 220 to the second rail system 109B at the second level 125B. Although multiple retaining clips 320 are mentioned herein, utilizing a single retaining clip 3201 is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] Go to Figure 21 In alternative embodiments, the disclosed method may be accomplished using a subset of the steps identified above. In such an embodiment, the method includes parking the elevator car 103 at or below the first floor 125A of the building 200 at block 100. As shown in block 110, the method includes raising the second rail system 109B to the second floor 125B. As shown in block 1201, the method includes supporting the elevator machine 111 with the deck 220. As shown in block 130, the method includes engaging the first safety block 2701 (or safety block 270) to release the deck 220. As shown in block 1401, the method includes raising the deck 220 to the second floor 125B.

[0064] The above configuration enables the deck 220 to be positioned anywhere along the track through the use of the safety block 270. This enables the elevator system to be expanded more efficiently in the hoistway.

[0065] For the electronic implementations identified above, embodiments may be in the form of processor-implemented processes and apparatus for practicing those processes (such as a processor). Embodiments may also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in a tangible medium, such as a network cloud storage, an SD card, a flash drive, a floppy disk, a CD ROM, a hard drive, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. Embodiments may also be in the form of, for example, computer program code, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and / or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium (such as by wire or cable, by optical fiber, or via electromagnetic radiation), wherein when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes an apparatus for practicing the embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specialized logic circuits.

[0066] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that the term "comprising," when used in this specification, specifies the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0067] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various example embodiments are shown and described herein, each having certain features in a particular embodiment, but the present disclosure is therefore limited. On the contrary, the present disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions, combinations, sub-combinations, or equivalent arrangements not previously described but commensurate with the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that various aspects of the present disclosure may include only some of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present disclosure is not to be considered limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of extending an elevator system in a hoistway of a building, the method comprising: parking an elevator car at or below a first floor, the elevator car between a first track system extending along a first wall of the hoistway and a second track system extending along a second wall of the hoistway opposite the first wall, wherein the first track system extends to a first top end of a second floor above the first floor and the second track system extends to a second top end below the second floor; raising the second rail system to the second level; Support the elevator machine with a table; The elevator machine is operatively connected to a machine end of a tensioning system; and the tensioning system is operatively connected to the elevator car; engaging a first safety block operably connected to the deck to release the second track system, whereby the deck is configured to move against the second track system; as well as Raising the platen to the second level, The method further comprises: Before raising the second rail system to the second floor, disconnecting a reel operatively connected to a reel end of the tensioning system from the first wall and connecting the reel to a ceiling of the elevator car; and While the reel is connected to the ceiling of the elevator car, the deck is raised to the second level to pull additional length of the tensioning system from the reel.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein Raising the platen to the second level comprises: raising the deck to the second floor via a winch, securing the deck to the second floor, and disconnecting the winch; after releasing the deck from the winch, raising the elevator car to the second floor and parking the elevator car at the second floor; and The reel is disconnected from the elevator car and reconnected to the first wall.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein: Securing the deck to the second level includes engaging the first safety block to secure the deck against the second rail system.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein: Raising the second track system to the second level includes connecting a bottom end of a first track extension member to a top end of a first track of the second track system.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein: The bottom end of the first rail extension member is connected to the top end of the first rail of the second rail system via a first rail bracket.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein: After raising the platen to the second level, the method includes: trimming the top of the first track extension so that it is level with the top of the deck; and A rail cover is attached to the deck, covering the top end of the first rail.

7. The method of claim 6, comprising: The deck is leveled against the top end of the first rail using a leveling feature.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein: After attaching the track cover to the deck, the method includes: engaging a first retaining clip operably connected to the deck against the second rail system; and The first safety block is removed from the deck.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein: the second track system comprising a plurality of tracks including the first track, The plurality of rails are respectively extended via a plurality of rail extending members including the first rail extending member, and the plurality of rail extending members are respectively connected to each other via a plurality of rail brackets including the first rail bracket; as well as The deck defines a plurality of through holes for respectively accommodating the plurality of rails.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein: Each of the plurality of through holes defines a top boundary edge on the top surface of the deck, the top boundary edge being chamfered to guide a corresponding one of the plurality of rail brackets into the plurality of through holes.

11. An elevator system in a hoistway of a building, formed by a process comprising the steps of: parking an elevator car at or below a first floor, the elevator car between a first track system extending along a first wall of the hoistway and a second track system extending along a second wall of the hoistway opposite the first wall, wherein the first track system extends to a first top end of a second floor above the first floor and the second track system extends to a second top end below the second floor; raising the second rail system to the second level; Support the elevator machine with a table; The elevator machine is operatively connected to a machine end of a tensioning system; and the tensioning system is operatively connected to the elevator car; engaging a first safety block operably connected to the deck to release the second track system, whereby the deck is configured to move against the second track system; as well as Raising the platen to the second level, The process further includes: Before raising the second rail system to the second floor, disconnecting a reel operatively connected to a reel end of the tensioning system from the first wall and connecting the reel to a ceiling of the elevator car; and While the reel is connected to the ceiling of the elevator car, the deck is raised to the second level to pull additional length of the tensioning system from the reel.

12. The elevator system according to claim 11, wherein Raising the platen to the second level comprises: raising the deck to the second level via a winch, securing the deck to the second level, and disconnecting the winch; After releasing the landing from the winch, raising the elevator car to the second floor and parking the elevator car at the second floor; and The reel is disconnected from the elevator car and reconnected to the first wall.

13. The elevator system of claim 12, wherein: Securing the deck to the second level includes engaging the first safety block to secure the deck against the second rail system.

14. The elevator system of claim 13, wherein: Raising the second track system to the second level includes connecting a bottom end of a first track extension member to a top end of a first track of the second track system.

15. The elevator system of claim 14, wherein: The bottom end of the first rail extension member is connected to the top end of the first rail of the second rail system via a first rail bracket.

16. The elevator system of claim 15, wherein: After raising the platen to the second level, the method includes: trimming the top of the first track extension so that it is level with the top of the deck; and A rail cover is attached to the deck, covering the top end of the first rail.

17. The elevator system of claim 16, wherein: The process includes leveling the deck against the top end of the first rail using a leveling feature.

18. The elevator system of claim 17, wherein: After attaching the track cover to the deck, the method includes: engaging a first retaining clip operably connected to the deck against the second rail system; and The first safety block is removed from the deck.

19. The elevator system of claim 15, wherein: The second track system comprises a plurality of tracks including the first track, The plurality of rails are respectively extended via a plurality of rail extending members including the first rail extending member, and the plurality of rail extending members are respectively connected to each other via a plurality of rail brackets including the first rail bracket; as well as The deck defines a plurality of through holes for respectively accommodating the plurality of rails.

20. The elevator system of claim 19, wherein: Each of the plurality of through holes defines a top boundary edge on the top surface of the deck, the top boundary edge being chamfered to guide a corresponding one of the plurality of rail brackets into the plurality of through holes.

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