Installing construction materials

Abstract

An apparatus 201 for installing construction materials (107, Figure 1), such as pipework, in a substantially vertical orientation comprises an elongate mounting post 202 configured to be attached to a

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This is the first application for a patent directed towards the invention and the subject matter. TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an apparatus for installing construction materials, such as pipework, in a substantially vertical orientation, and a mobile elevated working platform comprising such an apparatus. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Mobile elevated working platforms (MEWPs) are commonly used to allow operatives to access required areas in construction and warehouse environments. Suitable MEWPs include cherry pickers and scissor lifts, which typically comprise a powered machine and a platform, usually a basket in which an operative stands. The MEWP is configured to be moved to different heights or areas by means of the powered machine. When using MEWPs, it is often necessary to include material handling equipment thereby allowing operatives to transport or place building or working materials to the required area on the worksite. In the field of siphonic drainage systems, MEWPs are used to allow operatives to fit drainage pipes at both horizontal and vertical angles within a siphonic drainage system. Material handling equipment is sometimes provided for mounting materials horizontally, and this provides a support mounted within the basket of the MEWP. In contrast, when fixing drainage pipes or other materials in a substantially vertical orientation, an operative may fix a drainage pipe for fitting to the side of the basket of the MEWP, usually using a temporary strap or rope to hold the pipe in place. This arrangement means that pipes of lengths of over one metre are raised using the MEWP with a makeshift temporary strap. Consequently, the pipes are not always completely secure and move around. In particular, when raising pipes at height, the pipe pulls on the basket due to wind resistance on the basket and the trailing pipe. There remains a need for a safer system and appropriate material handling equipment that assists the operative in fitting materials and securely attaches any supported materials without unnecessary additional risk. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for installing construction materials, such as pipework, in a substantially vertical orientation, comprising: an elongate mounting post configured to be attached to a mobile elevated work platform; and a head bracket configured to support said construction material; wherein said head bracket is attached to said elongate mounting post and comprises a rotating mechanism configured to rotate said head bracket from a first position, in which said construction material is held in a substantially horizontal position for loading and a second position, in which said construction material is held in a substantially vertical position for installation; and said apparatus further comprising a locking pin configured to lock said head bracket into said first position or said second position. Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed embodiments show the best mode known to the inventor and provide support for the invention as claimed. However, they are only exemplary and should not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims. Their purpose is to provide a teaching to those skilled in the art. Components and processes distinguished by ordinal phrases such as “first” and “second” do not necessarily define an order or ranking of any sort. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows an operative in a mobile elevated work platform handling pipework; Figure 2 shows an apparatus for installing construction materials; Figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus of Figure 2; Figure 4 shows a rotating mechanism of the apparatus of Figures 2 and 3 in isolation; Figure 5 shows a securing mechanism for securing the rotating mechanism to the elongate mounting post; Figure 6 shows the apparatus for installing construction materials fitted to a basket of a mobile elevated work platform in a storage position; Figure 7 shows the apparatus for installing construction materials in a first, loading, position; Figure 8 shows a schematic view of the apparatus in a loading position including a pipe; Figure 9 shows the apparatus for installing construction materials raising a pipe; and Figure 10 shows a schematic view of the apparatus in a second, installation, position including a pipe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Figure 1 A typical scenario in which an operative utilises a mobile elevated working platform (MEWP) to install a construction material is shown in Figure 1. Mobile elevated work platform 101 is shown in this embodiment in the form of a cherry picker. Cherry picker 101 comprises a machine 102 and a boom 103 attached to a basket 104 which is configured to support an operative 105 during installation procedures. In the embodiment, operative 105 is tasked with installing pipework 106 which, for example, may form part of a siphonic drainage system. As shown, pipe 107 is ready to be fitted as part of the drainage system and is attached to basket 104 by means of an apparatus 108. In conventional systems, pipe 107 may be attached by a piece of rope which does not securely attach pipe 107 and which correspondingly can cause safety issues for operative 105 as well as any further operatives in the area who may suffer harm should pipe 107 become unattached from basket 104. As noted, the mobile elevated work platform in this embodiment is shown as a cherry picker. It is appreciated however that any other alternative mobile elevated working platform may be utilised such as, for example, a scissor lift including those which are static and those which are dynamic. In the embodiment shown, operative 105 is shown handling construction material in the form of a pipe 108. It is further appreciated that, the construction material utilised with apparatus 108 may be any suitable construction material conventionally used with a mobile elevated work platform and may comprise drainage pipework; siphonic pipework; ducting; cable trays; sprinkler bends or any other construction material mounted in a substantially similar manner. Figure 2 An example apparatus for installing construction materials in accordance with the present invention is shown in perspective view in Figure 2. It is appreciated that the apparatus which will now be described is suitable for use in the scenario described in Figure 1 and may be utilised for installing pipe 107 by means of a mobile elevated work platform 101 in a substantially similar manner to that described previously. Apparatus 201 comprises an elongate mounting post 202 and a head bracket 203. Head bracket 203 is attached to elongate mounting post 202 by means of an attachment mechanism 204. Attachment brackets 205 are provided on elongate mounting post 202 such that elongate mounting post 202 is configured to be attached to a mobile elevated work platform such as those described previously. In the embodiment, head bracket 203 comprises a rotating mechanism 206 which is configured to rotate head bracket 203. In an embodiment, rotating mechanism 206 is rotatable up to six degrees of freedom, that is, the rotating mechanism may be configured to allow head bracket 203 to surge, sway, heave, roll, pitch or yaw. In a specific embodiment, head bracket 203 is permitted to move by rotating mechanism 206 by means of roll rotation (pivoting side to side) and pitch rotation (tilting forwards and backwards). As will be shown further with respect to Figures 6 to 10 this enables head bracket 203 to move from a loading position to an installing position and is further able to move to a storage position for when apparatus 201 is no longer in use. In the embodiment, head bracket 203 is comprised of a substantially metallic material. In an embodiment, the metallic material comprises mild steel and, in an alternative embodiment, head bracket 203 comprises aluminium. It is appreciated that any other suitable metallic material may be utilised, examples of which include titanium. In the embodiment, head bracket 203 comprises a pair of jaws 207. In the embodiment, each jaw comprises a serrated edge 208. This provides additional friction such that any pipe or construction material is more securely retained within the jaws of the head bracket in use. In the embodiment, elongate mounting post 202 comprises a substantially similar metallic material to that of head bracket 203. Thus, elongate mounting post 202 comprises mild steel or aluminium but may comprise any further suitable material as necessary. In alternative embodiments, head bracket 203 and elongate mounting post 202 comprise different metallic materials. In a further embodiment, it is appreciated that the whole of apparatus 201 comprises a substantially similar metallic material, and this may be any suitable material including aluminium or mild steel, for example. It is noted that the choice of materials however should be maintained as light as possible given that these will add to the weight of the load within the basket of the mobile elevated work platform. Elongate mounting post 202 comprises a plurality of holes 209 which are configured to receive rotating mechanism 206. Plurality of holes 209 permit the mounting of rotating mechanism 206 to be at variable heights depending on working requirements, such as, for example, the length of construction material being used or the size of the basket in the mobile elevated work platform. In the embodiment, elongate mounting post 202 comprises a substantially square shaped cross-section. This enables alignment and a secure fit against a corresponding flat surface on the basket of the mobile elevated work platform. It is appreciated however that alternative cross sections may be utilised for elongate mounting post 202. Thus, in alternative embodiments, the cross-sectional area of elongate mounting post 202 may be substantially rectangular shaped or substantially circular shaped. Apparatus 201 further comprises a base support plate 210 positioned at an end of elongate mounting post 202. This can assist in providing support to the apparatus when fitting the apparatus to an elevated work platform. Figure 3 An alternative side view of apparatus 201 is shown in Figure 3. In the embodiment, head bracket 203 comprises a substantially u-shaped receiving portion 301 which is configured to receive construction material for installation. In the embodiment, head bracket 203 is formed from a laser cutting process, which enables the shape of the receiving portion of the head bracket 203 to be cut accurately. The shape as illustrated is consistent with use with siphonic pipework however, it is appreciated that in alternative embodiments when alternative construction materials are utilised, the shape of the receiving portion of head bracket 203 may be any further suitable shape to ensure adequate support of the construction material in question. The substantially u-shaped receiving portion 301 again comprises a pair of jaws 207 comprising a serrated edge 208. This adds further to the support of the construction material in question. In the embodiment, attachment brackets 205 comprise a support portion 302 and a looped portion 303. Support portion 302 is fitted to elongate mounting post 202 while, in use, looped portion 303 is configured to be attached to a tube forming part of the basket of the mobile elevated work platform. In this illustrated embodiment, looped portion 303 extends away from the elongate mounting post in a substantially opposite direction to head bracket 203, however, it is appreciated that each attachment bracket 205 could be mounted in a different direction depending on requirements of the elevated work platform. For example, looped portion 303 may be configured to extend perpendicularly to that shown in Figure 3 to assist in attaching to the elevated work platform if necessary. Alternatively, the loop portion may extend away from the elongate mounting post in a substantially similar direction to head bracket 203. In the embodiment, attachment brackets 205 are configured to be attachable to alternative various forms of elevated work platform. In particular, the attachment brackets can be utilised with elevated work platforms comprising brackets with either square cross-sectional tubing or round cross-sectional tubing. In this illustrated embodiment, apparatus 201 comprises two attachment brackets 205, however, it is appreciated that in alternative embodiments one attachment bracket may be utilised or a further plurality of attachment brackets may be utilised depending on the particular platform used and its corresponding size. In the embodiment, apparatus 201 further comprises a securing mechanism 304. Securing mechanism 304 is configured to secure rotating mechanism 206 to elongate mounting post 202. Securing mechanism 304 comprises a locking pin 305 which is configured to co-operate with any one of the plurality of holes 209 along elongate mounting post 202. This allows for the height of rotating mechanism and head bracket to be securely adjusted and held in place at the most appropriate height or position. In the embodiment, locking pin 305 comprises a safety chain 306 which ensures locking pin 305 is not displaced. This can be particularly advantageous if adjustment is made when working at height. Figure 4 Rotating mechanism 206 of apparatus 201 is shown in Figure 4. Rotating mechanism 206 comprises a rotating portion 401, connecting portion 402 and locking mechanism 403. In the embodiment, rotating portion 401 is configured to rotate with up to six degrees of freedom. At a first end 404 rotating portion 401 is attached to head bracket 203. This allows head bracket 203 to be rotatable by means of rotating mechanism 206. At the opposite end of rotating portion 401 is locking mechanism 403. Locking mechanism 403 comprises a locking pin 405 which is configured to lock head bracket 203 into a desired position and is utilised to prevent rotating portion 401 from moving when in use. Thus, the locking mechanism can secure the head bracket into a first position in which a construction material is held in a substantially horizontal position, or into a second position in which a construction material is held in a substantially vertical position for installation. This also ensures that any construction materials do not move around while the mobile elevated work platform is raised and further ensures that once the construction material is in a desired position, it can be removed safely by the operative. Locking mechanism 403 is supported by connecting portion 402 which is suitably attached to elongate mounting post 202. In the embodiment, rotating mechanism is mechanically and manually operated by means of the locking pin 405. Thus, when rotation of head bracket 203 is required, locking pin 405 can be removed from any one of the plurality of holes 406 of locking mechanism 403 and returned to one of the plurality of holes 406 to secure the head bracket 203 in place. Alternative mechanical methods of locking mechanisms have been utilised such as lever mechanisms, however, the inventors have determined that these are unsuitable in the application of elevated work platforms as they slip at height and can consequently be dangerous. However, it is appreciated that, in alternative embodiments the rotating mechanism comprises a motor configured to power and operate the rotating mechanism such that an operative may activate rotating mechanism by means of a control device. Such a control device may be configured in line with the operations of the mobile elevated work platform thereby reducing the need for an operative to be working outside the basket of the mobile elevated work platform. Figure 5 A further view of the securing mechanism 304 for securing rotating mechanism 206 to elongate mounting post 202 is shown in Figure 5. In the embodiment, securing mechanism 304 comprises a securing bracket 501 which is attached to connecting portion 402 of the locking mechanism 403. Securing bracket 501 is configured to fit around and slide along elongate mounting post 202. Securing bracket 501 further comprises a plurality of apertures 502 configured to receive locking pin 305. The plurality of holes 209 in elongate mounting post 202 are further configured to receive locking pin 305. Figure 5 shows the securing mechanism 304 in a locked position in which the head bracket is secured by means of the securing mechanism 304 at a given height to elongate mounting post 202. When the height of head bracket 203 needs to be adjusted, an operative can remove locking pin 305 which allows securing bracket 501 to move along elongate mounting post 202 in the direction of arrow 503. Once a desired height has been achieved, locking pin 305 can be inserted into an aperture 502 and one of the plurality of holes 209 to secure in position. When removing locking pin 304, safety chain 306 ensures locking pin 305 is retained in close proximity as the operative focuses on positioning the securing bracket 501 at the most appropriate height and position. This therefore further allows an operative to focus on the adjustment rather than concerning themselves about keeping hold of the locking pin. Figure 6 Apparatus 201 is shown in Figure 6 fitted to a basket 601 of a mobile elevated work platform 101. In the embodiment, apparatus 201 is shown in a storage position which is suitable for when the mobile elevated work platform is being utilised for alternative construction scenarios that do not require construction materials to be mounted in a substantially vertical orientation. In the embodiment therefore, rotating mechanism 206 holds head bracket 203 in a position in which it is aligned against elongate mounting post 202. In this embodiment, elongate mounting post 202 is fixed to basket 601 by means of attachment bracket 205. In the illustrated embodiment, it is appreciated that apparatus 201 has been fixed to the inside working area of basket 601. In alternative embodiments, it is possible that apparatus 201 may be fitted externally to basket 601 should a requirement be needed for increased working space within basket 601 or, for example, should head bracket 203 be required to be closer to the installation area. In the embodiment, head bracket 203 and, consequently, apparatus 201 is provided with a strap 602 for securing any construction material within head bracket 203. In the embodiment, strap 602 comprises a ratchet strap which can be effectively tightened around the construction material when mobile elevated work platform is being raised and / or lowered. It is appreciated that alternative securing mechanisms may be utilised to secure construction material within head bracket 203 and, this may further include a metal support or bracket which is configured to lock into place around head bracket 203. Figure 7 Apparatus 201 is shown as part of mobile elevated work platform 701 and attached to basket 601 in Figure 7 in a first, loading, position. In this position, construction material is intended to be held within head bracket 203 and supported in a substantially horizontal position for loading. Thus, in this orientation, an operative may load a construction material while at ground level before raising basket 601 such that the construction material can be mounted in a substantially vertical orientation. Thus, rotating mechanism 206 is configured to rotate head bracket 203 from the position shown in Figure 7 to that shown in Figure 9 and subsequently Figure 10. Figure 8 A schematic view of apparatus 201 shown in the first, loading, position previously shown in Figure 7 is shown in Figure 8. In the embodiment, pipe 801 is secured in head bracket 203 by means of strap 602. In this embodiment therefore, pipe 801 is in a substantially horizontal position relative to the ground. Typically, an operative positions pipe 801 within head bracket 203 in an offset orientation. For example, for a pipe having a length of six metres (6m), the pipe may extend in one direction from head bracket 203 by around one metre (1m) and, extend in the opposite direction by around five metres (5m). This ensures that once the mobile elevated work platform is raised, pipe 801 orientates into a substantially vertical position and is suitable for installation while minimising the physical efforts of the operative in manoeuvring pipe 801. Figure 9 Once secured by means of strap 602, pipe 801 may be rotated by raising mobile elevated work platform 701 in a conventional manner. In this way, pipe 801 rotates along with head bracket 203 due to rotating mechanism 206. It is appreciated that locking mechanism 403 is arranged to permit movement at this point. In this way, pipe 801, or an alternative construction material, rotates on raising of mobile elevated work platform 701 and is moved from a substantially horizontal position, such as that previously shown in Figure 8 towards a substantially vertical position which will be shown in Figure 10. Figure 10 Pipe 801 is shown in Figure 10 in a schematic view with apparatus 201 in a second, installation, position in which pipe 801 is held in a substantially vertical position. In this way, head bracket 203 has rotated by means of rotating mechanism 206 to bring pipe 801 in a corresponding horizontal vertical position. Assuming that pipe 801 is in a correct position for installation, such as aligned with any required connecting pipes of the drainage system, an operative may activate locking pin 405 of locking mechanism 403 to ensure that head bracket 203 does not further rotate pipe 801. At this point, pipe 801 can then be removed by detaching strap 602 once pipe 801 is successfully installed. The mobile elevated work platform can then be moved in a conventional manner such that head bracket 203 is removed from pipe 801. The process and attachment mechanism provides a safer and more effective way of material handling in construction environments and ensures that operatives are not utilising makeshift arrangements, particularly in the case of large construction materials which, if they become detached from a mobile elevated work platform can lead to serious injury or fatalities.

Claims

The invention claimed is:

1. Apparatus for installing construction materials, such as pipework, in a substantially vertical orientation, comprising:an elongate mounting post configured to be attached to a mobile elevated work platform; anda head bracket configured to support said construction material; whereinsaid head bracket is attached to said elongate mounting post and comprises a rotating mechanism configured to rotate said head bracket from a first position, in which said construction material is held in a substantially horizontal position for loading and a second position, in which said construction material is held in a substantially vertical position for installation; andsaid apparatus further comprising a locking pin configured to lock said head bracket into said first position or said second position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate mounting post comprises a plurality of holes configured to receive said rotating mechanism to enable height adjustment of said head bracket.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a securing mechanism configured to secure said rotating mechanism to said elongate mounting post.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said securing mechanism comprises a second locking pin configured to co-operate with each said plurality of holes.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second locking pin comprises a safety chain.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said construction material is any one of the following:drainage pipework; siphonic pipework; ducting; cable trays; sprinkler bends.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said rotating mechanism is rotatable up to six degrees of freedom.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising a strap for securing said construction material in said head bracket.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said rotating mechanism is configured to move said head bracket into a storage position in which said head bracket is aligned against said elongate mounting post.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said head bracket comprises a pair of jaws configured to receive said construction material.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each said pair of jaws comprises a serrated edge.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, further comprising at least one attachment bracket configured to connect said apparatus to a mobile elevated work platform.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a support plate at an end of said elongate mounting post.

14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein said apparatus is comprised of a substantially metallic material, comprising at least one of the following:mild steel; aluminium; titanium.

15. A mobile elevated working platform comprising the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14.

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