Balcony manipulator and method for manipulating balcony

Abstract

Various embodiments provide methods of lifting and manipulating a balcony for attachment to a building. The balcony comprises a framework structure for supporting decking and a balustrade, the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, wherein a rear of the balcony is for location adjacent the building and a front of the balcony projects from the building, and wherein the balcony includes at least one side surface extending between the rear and the front of the balcony, the side surface being oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building. Methods proposed include the steps: attaching a balcony lifting manipulator to the framework structure of the balcony, lifting the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator, and rotating the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator, while lifted, between a substantially vertical configuration, in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially horizontally, and a substantially horizontal configuration in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially vertically. Also provided are apparatus for lifting a balcony for attachment to a building, and methods for lifting a balcony for attachment to a building using said apparatus.

Description

[0001] Balcony Manipulator and Method for Manipulating Balcony

[0002] This application claims priority from GB2310975.4 filed 18 July 2023, the contents and elements of which are herein incorporated by reference for all purposes.

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to a balcony manipulator and to a method for manipulating a balcony. The invention has particular, although not exclusive, application to lifting and rotating a balcony, for example for the purposes of transportation and / or installation of the balcony.

[0005] Background

[0006] It is known to attach balconies to buildings, particularly residential buildings, in order to provide the occupants of the building above ground floor level an outdoor space. Suitable balconies may comprise a balcony cassette with a balustrade fitted at the sides of the balcony. In a typical building project, the building is first constructed, leaving balcony attachment stubs or beams protruding from the exterior of the building. Subsequently, such balconies known as glide-on balconies, manufactured off-site, are lifted into position, supported on and secured to the attachment beams. The balcony cassettes typically have an arrangement of beams, joists or rafters which attach to the attachment beams and provide support for the balustrade, decking, fascia panels and soffits, and other components of the balcony. The balustrade, facia panels, soffits and decking provide the balcony with its external appearance.

[0007] During attachment of such balconies to buildings, lifting hooks may be attached to the beams, joists or rafters of the balcony to provide lifting points for a crane or a counterbalance lifter or the like. It is known that suitably dimensioned lifting hooks may be inserted through gaps in the decking to hook around suitable anchor locations within the cassette. This removes the need to remove and re-fit the decking during the process. Once the lifting hooks are attached, chains may be connected between the lifting hooks and the crane or the like to lift the balcony into position.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is considered by the inventors that it would be advantageous to reduce the amount of assembly operations needed for the balcony at the building site. In turn this suggests that, as far as possible, necessary assembly operations should be carried out away from the building site, for example at a factory, and the balcony should be transported from the factory to the building site in a state in which it can be readily attached to the building.

[0010] However, one issue with this approach is that such pre-assembled balconies occupy a significant volume. This makes efficient transportation of the pre-assembled balconies relatively inefficient. The present inventors have considered this issue and have realised that it is possible to increase the efficiency of transporting balconies by orienting the balconies in a spatially efficient manner. However, this orientation is not necessarily the same orientation as used for installing the balconies. Accordingly, in a general aspect, the present invention allows for ease of orienting a balcony between different orientations, such as a transport orientation and an installation orientation.

[0011] In a first aspect, the present invention provides method of lifting and manipulating a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50), the balcony comprising: a framework structure (20) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, wherein a rear of the balcony is for location adjacent the building and a front of the balcony projects from the building, and wherein the balcony includes at least one side surface (48) extending between the rear and the front of the balcony, the side surface being oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the method including the steps: attaching a balcony lifting manipulator (1) to the framework structure of the balcony; lifting the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator; and rotating the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator, while lifted, between a substantially vertical configuration, in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially horizontally, and a substantially horizontal configuration in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially vertically.

[0012] In a second aspect, the present invention provides apparatus for lifting and manipulating a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50), the balcony comprising: a framework structure (200) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, wherein a rear of the balcony is for location adjacent the building and a front of the balcony projects from the building, and wherein the balcony includes at least one side surface (48) extending between the rear and the front of the balcony, the side surface being oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the apparatus being configured to attach to the framework structure of the balcony and lift the balcony and further being configured to rotate the balcony, while lifted, between a substantially vertical configuration, in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially horizontally, and a substantially horizontal configuration in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially vertically.

[0013] The present inventors have realised that it is advantageous for the balcony to be reorientated between the transportation and installation orientation in particular to increase the efficiency of transportation. This is achievable using apparatus, such as the balcony lifting manipulator discussed below, suitable for attaching to the framework structure of the balcony that can then lift and rotate the balcony between a horizontal configuration for installation and a substantially vertical configuration for efficient transport.

[0014] In a third aspect, the present invention provides apparatus (1) for lifting a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50), the balcony comprising a framework structure (20) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the decking providing a decking surface (36) facing upwardly when the balcony is attached to the building, the framework structure including at least three anchor elements (25) spaced apart from each other and disposed below the decking surface when the balcony is attached to the building, the apparatus comprising: at least three engagement elements (250) for engagement with respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure; a lock actuator (270) for locking engagement of the engagement elements to the anchor elements; a lift coupling (300) for attachment to a lifting mechanism for lifting the balcony; and at least one attitude actuator (280, 290), operatively disposed between the lift coupling and the engagement elements, configured to adjust the attitude of the balcony during lifting of the balcony.

[0015] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of lifting a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50) using apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 26, the balcony comprising a framework structure (20) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the decking providing a decking surface (36) facing upwardly when the balcony is attached to the building, the framework structure including at least three anchor elements (25) spaced apart from each other and disposed below the decking surface when the balcony is attached to the building, the method includes the steps: attaching the lifting mechanism to the lift coupling (300) of the apparatus; moving the apparatus, using the lifting mechanism, to dispose the engagement elements (250) of the apparatus below the decking surface of the balcony and adjacent to the respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure; actuating the lock actuator (270) to engage and lock the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure; lifting the balcony, using the lifting mechanism, for attachment to the building; and actuating the at least one attitude actuator (280, 290), while lifted, to adjust the attitude of the balcony and to align the balcony with the building for attachment.

[0016] Accordingly, using embodiments of the present invention allows the balcony to be lifted using the framework structure disposed below the decking surface (i.e. concealed by the decking) by safely locking at least three engagement elements to respective anchor elements of the framework structure. This enables the balconies to be lifted without the need to add additional lifting anchors to the balcony structure at the construction site.

[0017] Moreover, by having at least one attitude actuator operatively disposed between the lift coupling and the engagement elements, the attitude of the balcony may be adjusted during lifting of the balcony to aid installation to attachment beams pre-installed to the building. This can for example be achieved by moving the centre of mass of the balcony in relation to the suspension point. The at least one attitude actuator may enable adjustment of the attitude in the left / right direction or front / back direction relative to the balcony, for example.

[0018] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and optional features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0019] As indicated above, the balcony may be lifted and rotated using the balcony lifting manipulator. The method may further include the step of placing and resting the balcony in the substantially vertical configuration. For example the balcony may be rested on the at least one side surface. In this way, the balcony may be placed on a supporting surface. This provides a convenient storage and / or transport configuration for the balcony. As will be understood, where the side surface is provided in part by a balustrade, there may be additional protection provided for the balustrade against scratching or denting, such as a cushioning layer.

[0020] The balcony lifting manipulator may comprise a counterbalance unit (100) configured to accommodate the balustrade of the balcony when the balcony is in the substantially vertical configuration and when the balcony is rotated from the substantially horizontal configuration to the substantially vertical configuration. The counterbalance unit (100) may comprise an elbow-shaped arm (110). The elbow-shaped arm may provide clearance for the balustrade. The counterbalance unit may be configured to extend along the width direction of the balcony. This may be advantageous to prevent the counterbalance unit protruding rearward of the balcony when the apparatus is attached to the balcony. The balcony lifting manipulator may be configured to adjust an attitude of the balcony while the balcony is lifted by the balcony lifting manipulator. There may be further included the step of adjusting an attitude of the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator.

[0021] The method(s) of the invention may further comprise the step of attaching the balcony to the face of the building.

[0022] There may be provided a safety mechanism (260) to prevent detachment of the apparatus from the framework structure of the balcony. In some embodiments, the safety mechanism comprises a pin (266). The apparatus may be configured to prevent detachment of the apparatus from the framework of the balcony when the pin is in a first position and configured to enable detachment of the apparatus from the framework structure of the balcony when the pin is in a second position. The safety mechanism may further comprise a sensor (253) configured to determine whether the pin is in the first position or the second position. The safety mechanism may enable rotation of the balcony when the pin is in the first position and may prevent rotation of the balcony when the pin is in the second position.

[0023] The apparatus may be further configured to attach to the framework structure of the balcony below a decking surface (36) of the decking. For example, the apparatus may be configured to attach to the framework structure through gaps (34) in the decking.

[0024] The engagement elements may be configured to extend through one or more gaps (34) in the decking for engagement with respective ones of the anchor elements. The anchor elements may for example be apertures in one or more joists of the framework structure.

[0025] The locking actuator may be configured to move at least one of the engagement elements towards the respective anchor elements for locking engagement of the engagement elements with the respective anchor elements. The engagement elements may be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the balcony and the depth direction of the balcony. This may apply both to when the engagement elements are engaged with the anchor elements and when the engagement elements are not engaged with the anchor elements.

[0026] Each of the engagement elements may be a tine (250) of a respective series of tines (252, 254, 256).

[0027] The apparatus may further comprise a safety mechanism (260) to prevent disengagement of the engagement elements from the anchor elements during lifting of the balcony. The safety mechanism (260) may comprise a pin (266), the apparatus configured to prevent disengagement of the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the apparatus from the framework of the balcony when the pin is in a first position and configured to enable disengagement of the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the apparatus from the framework of the balcony. In use, the pin may be actuated to the second position. While the pin is in the second position, actuation of the lock actuator may take place to engage and lock the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure.

[0028] The apparatus may have at least two attitude actuators. These may be respectively configured to adjust the attitude of the balcony about the width direction of the balcony and about the depth direction of the balcony. In some embodiments, one attitude actuator may be configured to adjust the attitude of the balcony about the depth direction of the balcony and to rotate the balcony between a substantially horizontal configuration and a substantially horizontal configuration.

[0029] Summary of the Figures

[0030] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a balcony lifting manipulator according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a building with a series of balconies attached to the building. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a balcony for use with the balcony lifting manipulator, where the balcony is in the horizontal configuration.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the balcony of Figure 3 in the vertical configuration.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic rear view of the balcony of Figure 3 lifted by the balcony lifting manipulator, where the balcony is in the horizontal configuration.

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic rear view of the balcony of Figure 4 lifted by the balcony lifting manipulator, where the balcony is in the vertical configuration. In other words, Figure 6 illustrates the balcony of Figure 5 having been rotated 90-degrees anti-clockwise using the balcony lifting manipulator, Figure 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary balcony for use with the balcony lifting manipulator. Figure 8 is an orthographic view of a central region of the exemplary balcony of Figure 7 to show the decking of the balcony as viewed from the rear of the balcony.

[0036] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the exemplary balcony of Figure 7 without decking to show the framework structure of the balcony.

[0037] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a central region of the exemplary balcony of Figure 9 to show apertures of the framework structure for engagement with the balcony lifting manipulator.

[0038] Figure 11 is a front view of the balcony lifting manipulator.

[0039] Figure 12 is a side view of the balcony lifting manipulator.

[0040] Figure 13 is a top view of the balcony lifting manipulator.

[0041] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the head unit of the balcony lifting manipulator.

[0042] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the chassis of the head unit of Figure 14.

[0043] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the chassis of Figure 15, viewed from one end of the chassis.

[0044] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the chassis of Figure 16, viewed from the other end of the chassis, to show the locking and attitude carriages of the head unit sliding within the chassis and showing the actuatable series of tines of the head unit.

[0045] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the head unit of Figure 14, with components removed to show the locking carriage (comprising a safety mechanism) located within the chassis. Figure 19 is a perspective view of the head unit of Figure 18, further showing the actuatable series of tines of the locking carriage.

[0046] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the locking carriage shown in Figure 18, without the safety mechanism. Figure 21 is another perspective view of the locking carriage shown in Figure 18, without the safety mechanism.

[0047] Figure 22 is another perspective view of the locking carriage shown in Figure 18, without the safety mechanism and with components removed to show how the actuatable series of tines are fixed to the locking carriage.

[0048] Figure 23 is a perspective view to show how the central series of tines of the head unit is fixed to the chassis.

[0049] Figure 24 is a perspective view to show how the front series of tines of the head unit is fixed to the chassis.

[0050] Figure 25 is a perspective view of the actuatable series of tines of Figure 22.

[0051] Figure 26 is a perspective view of the actuatable series of tines of Figure 25 with components removed to show how rotation of the tines of the actuatable series of tines is prevented.

[0052] Figure 27 is a perspective view of Figure 26 with further components removed to show how the tines are spaced apart.

[0053] Figure 28 is a perspective view of the safety mechanism shown of Figure 18.

[0054] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the safety mechanism of Figure 18 with components removed.

[0055] Figure 30 is a perspective view of the balcony lifting manipulator with components removed to show the attitude carriage of the head unit positioned in the chassis and connected to the counterbalance unit of the balcony lifting manipulator.

[0056] Figure 31 is a perspective view of the attitude carriage shown of Figure 30.

[0057] Figure 32 is a perspective view of Figure 31 with components removed to show further details of the attitude carriage.

[0058] Figure 33 is another perspective view of Figure 31 with components removed to show further details of the attitude carriage.

[0059] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0060] As explained briefly above, it would be advantageous to reduce the amount of assembly operations needed for preparing a balcony for attachment to a building at the building site. Accordingly, assembly operations should be carried out away from the building site, when possible, for example at a factory, and the balcony should be transported from the factory to the building site in a state in which it can be readily attached to the building.

[0061] However, one issue with this approach is that such pre-assembled balconies occupy a significant volume. This makes efficient transportation of the pre-assembled balconies relatively inefficient.

[0062] The present inventors have considered this issue and have realised that it is possible to increase the efficiency of transporting balconies by orienting the balconies in a spatially efficient manner. However, this orientation is not necessarily the same orientation as used for installing the balconies. Accordingly, in a general aspect, the present invention allows for ease of orienting a balcony between different orientations, such as a transport orientation and an installation orientation.

[0063] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a building 50 with a series of balconies 10 attached to a face 55 of the building 50. As will be understood, in practice the building 50 may have a more complex configuration than shown and there may be more balconies attached and balconies may be attached to more than one side of the building.

[0064] As shown in Figure 2, the building 50 has a height direction Hbuiiding, which is the vertical direction. Each balcony 10 also has a height direction H, which is also the vertical direction. Each balcony 10 has a depth direction D perpendicular to the face 55 of the building 50. Each balcony 10 has a width direction W perpendicular to the depth direction D and parallel to the face 55 of the building 50. The height direction H of each balcony 10 is perpendicular to the depth direction D and width direction W and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony 10 is attached to the building 50. A rear of each balcony 10 is for location adjacent the building 50 and a front of each balcony 10 projects from the building 50.

[0065] Figure 3 shows one balcony 10. This is oriented differently to the balconies shown in Figure 2 in that the rear of the balcony is directed towards the viewer. The balcony 10 has a framework structure for supporting decking and a balustrade 40. The framework structure is covered by the decking and by fascia panels 46 and also on the underside by soffits (not shown in Figure 3). In this example, the balustrades 40 are shown as glass balustrades but different format balustrades are known, such as railing balustrades.

[0066] In Figure 3, the balcony is shown not attached to the building and is in its normal, horizontal configuration. Figure 4 shows the same balcony but oriented in a vertical configuration. The effect of this is that a side surface 48 of the balcony of Figure 3 (i.e. one of the surfaces extending between the rear and the front of the balcony and oriented substantially vertically in Figure 3) becomes the bottom-most surface of the balcony in Figure 4 (i.e. one of the surfaces extending between the rear and the front of the balcony and oriented substantially horizontally), and the balcony 10 can be placed into the vertical configuration and rested on the side surface 48 on a supporting surface (not shown) such as a load bed of a transport vehicle.

[0067] Figure 7 shows a more detailed view of balcony 10 with a railing balustrade, oriented in a similar way to the balcony 10 in Figure 3. The railing balustrade is formed of vertical bars 42 supporting a handrail 44. In this example, a portion of the railing balustrade defines the side surface on which the balcony can be rested in the vertical configuration.

[0068] Decking 30 of the balcony 10 seen in Figure 7 is shown in more detail in Figure 8. In Figure 8, the balcony 10 is viewed from a slightly different viewpoint to that used for Figure 7, with the view being more from the rear of the balcony 10. It can be seen that the decking 30 is made of a plurality of decking boards 32 orientated along the depth direction D of the balcony 10. The decking boards 32 define both a decking surface 36 facing upwards in the vertical direction and gaps 34 between adjacent boards 32.

[0069] The gaps 34 allow rainwater on the decking surface 36 to flow down through the gaps 34 into the framework structure and into the soffits 49 (see Figure 7) to drain out of the bottom of the balcony 10 and further provide access, through the decking 30, to the framework structure (not shown in Figures 7 and 8, but see Figure 9).

[0070] Figure 9 shows the same balcony 10 as in Figure 7 but without decking 30. Here, the framework structure 20 of the balcony is shown to comprise several joists 22 that span the balcony along the width direction W of the balcony and several noggins 23 that connect and space apart the joists 22 along the depth direction D of the balcony 10. The framework structure 20 is, via the joists 22, secured to a pair of balcony beams 26 using clamps 27 near the front and rear of the balcony 10. As shown in Figure 9, each balcony beam 26 is secured to attachment beams 52 pre-installed within the building 50. The balcony 10 seen in Figure 9 is thereby attached to a building (not shown).

[0071] A central area of the framework structure 20 of the balcony 10 is shown in detail in Figure 10. Here, apertures 25 in the framework structure 20 are seen. Each aperture 25 is aligned with, and located below, a gap 34 in the decking 30 (shown in Figure 8). Each aperture defines an anchor element that is disposed below the decking surface in the vertical direction and that is accessible through a corresponding gap 34 in the decking 30.

[0072] Compatible with the balcony illustrated, the inventors have devised a balcony lifting manipulator 1 that can reach through the gaps 34 of the decking 30 to engage with the apertures 25 of the framework structure 20 below the decking surface 36. As such, the decking 30 can be pre-assembled to the balcony 10 to reduce the amount of assembly operations needed for preparing a balcony for attachment to a building at the building site while providing anchor elements with which to lift the balcony.

[0073] A schematic view of the balcony lifting manipulator 1 is shown in Figure 5, where the balcony lifting manipulator 1 is attached to the balcony 10, through the decking, and is capable of lifting the balcony 10 in the normal, horizontal, configuration for attachment to the building. The balcony lifting manipulator 1 comprises a counterbalance unit 100 coupled to a head unit 200 at a first end. The head unit 200 is attached to the balcony 10 close to or coincident with a centre of gravity of the balcony 10.

[0074] The counterbalance unit 100 defines a lift coupling 300 for attachment to a lifting mechanism (such as a crane or the like) and is coupled to a mass 101 at an end opposing the first end. The mass 101 positions a centre of gravity of the balcony lifting manipulator 1 below the lift coupling 300 in the vertical direction and in alignment with the centre of gravity of the balcony 1. As a result, tilting of the balcony 10 is reduced when the balcony 10 is lifted.

[0075] Moreover, when the balcony 10 is lifted by the lift coupling 300, the counterbalance unit 100 remains balanced (i.e. approximately stationary), and the head unit 200 may be pivoted by exactly or approximately 90 degrees with respect to the counterbalance unit to rotate the balcony to the vertical configuration as illustrated in Figure 6. The balcony 10 may subsequently be disposed and rested on the supporting surface for efficient transportation.

[0076] In this disclosure, the same reference numbers are used for similar or identical features between different drawings and certain features may be indicated and described with reference to one drawing only, for the sake of efficiency.

[0077] The balcony lifting manipulator 1 is shown in detail in Figures 1 and 11 to 13. In Figure 1 , the mass 101 is for coupling to a first beam 130 of the counterbalance unit 100 via a coupling (not shown), wherein the first beam 130 defines the opposing end of the counterbalance unit 100 discussed above. More specifically, the mass 101 is coupled to an aperture 125 of a plate 120 fixed (e.g. welded) to a first end 132 of the first beam which is a box beam. From hereinafter, any reference to a beam is to a box beam unless stated or illustrated otherwise. Due to the mass 101 aligning the centre of masses with the lift coupling 300, the first beam 130 is intended to be substantially horizontal when the balcony lifting manipulator 100 is suspended by the crane or the like.

[0078] The first beam 130 defines the lift coupling 300 discussed above. More specifically, an aperture 135 of a plate 136 fixed (e.g. welded) normal to an upright surface 138 of the first beam 130 defines the lift coupling 300 for the lift mechanism (e.g. the crane or the like).

[0079] A second beam 140 is fixed to the first beam 130 at a second, opposing end 138 of the first beam 130. This is done by sandwiching and mechanically fastening the opposing end of first beam 130 and an upper end 142 second beam 140 between a pair of opposing and spaced apart cross-braces 150.

[0080] A third beam 160 is fixed to a lower, opposing end 144 of the second beam 140. Once again, this is done by sandwiching and mechanically fastening the opposing end 144 of the second beam 140 to an upper end 161 of the third beam 160 between a pair of opposing and spaced apart cross-braces 170.

[0081] The second beam 140 extending at 90 degrees relative to the first beam 130 (which lies horizontal to the vertical direction when in use), and the third beam 160 extending at 135 degrees relative to the second beam 140, results in an elbow-shaped arm that provides clearance space for the balcony 10 to rotate without the balustrade 40 hitting the counterbalance unit 100 or the mass 101 , as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

[0082] The third beam 160 defines a pivotable coupling 166 with the head unit 200 at a lower, opposing end 169. It is the pivotable coupling 166 that allows the head unit 200 to rotate with respect to the third beam 160, and thus the balcony lifting manipulator 100 to rotate the balcony 10 attached to the head unit 200 between the horizontal configuration and the vertical configuration as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The relative position of the head unit 200 and the elbow-shaped arm is adjusted and maintained by an electric linear actuator 400 connected between the head unit 200 and the third beam 160. The electric linear actuator 400 is pivotably attached using a pin 165 to a pair of opposing and spaced apart plates 163 fixed (e.g. welded) normal to an upper facing surface 164 of the third beam 160. The electric linear actuator 400 is controlled (i.e. extended and retracted) using buttons 402 connected to a controller 404, which is powered by a battery based power source 406. The same power source 406 is used by the other actuators discussed below, and the buttons 402 are housed in a remote control 401 wired to the controller using connector 403 (shown in Figure 14).

[0083] Referring to Figure 14, which shows an enlarged view of the head unit 200, the electric linear actuator 400 shown in Figure 1 is also pivotably attached to the head unit 200 using a pin 248 at an opposing end. Thus, when the electric linear actuator 140 is in an extend position (as illustrated in the Figures) the balcony 10 may be held and lifted in the horizontal configuration using the balcony lifting manipulator 1as illustrated in Figure 5. When the electric linear actuator 140 is in a retracted position (not shown) then, as illustrated in Figure 6, the balcony 10 is held and lifted in the vertical configuration using the balcony lifting manipulator 1 . Due to the electric linear actuator 400 being controlled using buttons 402, the head unit 200 be rotated and maintained at any position between the horizontal and vertical configurations. This rotational motion of the head unit 200 is illustrated by arrow © in Figure 11 .

[0084] Referring to Figures 14 to 33, the head unit 200 of the balcony lifting manipulator 1 will be discussed in detail.

[0085] As seen in Figure 14, the head unit 200 comprises a chassis 210 that supports the controller 404 and the power source 406 of the balcony lifting manipulator 1. While the remote control 401 with the buttons 402 for operation of the electric linear actuator 400 (not shown) is shown adjacent the chassis 210 in Figure 14, it is understood that this is wired to the controller 404 and not restricted to the illustrated position. Moreover, as it is known how to connect the remote control 401 , the controller 404, the power source 406 and the actuators, the details of the electrical connections are omitted.

[0086] Multiple views of the chassis 210 is isolated from the head unit 200 is shown in Figures 15 and 16. As will become apparent, the chassis 210 is configured to house and control the movement of an actuatable series 252 of tines 250 along the depth direction D of the balcony (shown by arrow E in Figures 12 to 14) to engage and lock the actuatable series 252 of tines 250 with respective apertures 25 below the decking surface 36 of the balcony 10. The head unit 200 allows the balcony 10 to be lifted and rotated using the balcony lifting manipulator 1 once the head unit 200 is attached to the balcony 10. Moreover, the chassis 210 is configured to house and control the position of the pivotable coupling 166 formed with the counterbalance unit 100 (not shown) to adjust the attitude of the balcony 10 when lifted by the balcony lifting manipulator 1 .

[0087] As seen in Figure 16, this is realised by the chassis 210 defining a primary rail 220 along the depth direction D of the balcony 10 for housing a locking carriage 230 and an attitude carriage 240 slidable along the length of the primary rail 220. The primary rail 220 comprises six spacers 221 mechanically fastened to walls of the chassis 210 on which the locking carriage 230 and the attitude carriage 240 slide. This interaction between the attitude carriage 240 and the primary rail 220 is seen in Figure 17. The chassis 210 further comprises slots 217, 218, 219 to accommodate the portions of the locking carriage 230 and the attitude carriage 240 extending out of the chassis 210 (including the actuatable series of tines 250) during movement along the primary rail 220.

[0088] The locking carriage 230, slidable along the primary rail 220 in the depth direction D, is shown in Figure 18 to 22. The position of the locking carriage 230 is controlled and maintained by a pair of lock actuators 270 operatively fixed to the locking carriage 240 and a respective bracket 214 fixed to the chassis 210. The lock actuators 270 are powered by the same power source 406 and controlled by the same controller 404 as the electric linear actuator 400.

[0089] Referring to Figure 20, the locking carriage 230 comprises a primary member 232 with side members 234 attached at either end by four brackets 236. The side members 234 are consequently spaced apart and sized to slide along the spacers 221 , i.e. the primary rail 220. An actuator bracket 237, fixed to an outer surface of each side member 234, extends through slots 217 in the chassis 210 and provides a fixing for an opposing end of a lock actuator 270 fixed to the chassis 210 at the respective bracket 214 (as best seen in Figures 18 and 19).

[0090] A pair of inductive proximity sensor assemblies 238 are fixed to the primary member 232. Sensor assemblies 238 provide over-travel protection for actuators 270, and detect the end of slots 218 and reduce the risk of the actuators 270 from burning out due to hitting their mechanical end stops.

[0091] Referring to Figure 21 , while individual tines are identified with reference number 250, the actuatable series of tines is referred to as series 252 and is fixed to the locking carriage 230 with a pair of spacers 239 disposed between the actuatable series 252 of tines and the primary member 232. Each spacer 239 protrudes through a slot 218 in the chassis 210 to dispose the actuatable series 252 of tines beneath the chassis 210 as best illustrated in Figure 19.

[0092] The actuatable series 252 of tines oppose, and are parallel to, a central series 254 of tines and a front series 256 of tines fixed to the chassis 210 (best seen in Figure 14).

[0093] Referring to Figure 23, the central series 254 of tines is fixed to a bottom of the chassis 210 with pair of spacers 239 disposed between the central series of tines 254 and the chassis 210 to dispose the central series 254 of tines in alignment, along the height direction H, with the respective apertures 25 of the balcony 10 and the actuatable series 252 of tines.

[0094] With reference to the claims, the present invention is defined in part by referring to at least three engagement elements. It is intended that this can be understood in the context of the exemplary embodiment by selecting three tines 250 in a triangular array amongst the plurality of tines 250 illustrated. With the balcony frame engaged at three positions in a triangle, it will be understood that tilting of the balcony is possible and that attitude control of the balcony is also possible.

[0095] Referring to Figure 24, the front series 256 of tines is secured to a pair of brackets 257 fixed to the chassis 210. The pair of brackets 257 are however adjustable with apertures 216 in the chassis 210 to ensure the distance between the central series 254 of tines and the front series 256 of tines matches the separation between the adjacent joists 22 (and as such between the apertures 25 on adjacent joists) shown in Figure 10. The pair of brackets 257 ensure that the front series 256 of tines is aligned, along the height direction H, with the respective apertures 25 of the balcony 10, and with the actuatable series 252 of tines and the central series 254 of tines.

[0096] Referring to Figures 25 to 27, each series 252, 254, 256 of tines is identical and comprise four tines 250 (i.e. engagement elements) disposed and fixed along a rod 251 and arranged parallel to one another such that the four tines 250 face the same direction (along the depth direction D of the balcony) so as to engage with the respective apertures 25 of the balcony 10. For each tine 250, the position along the rod 251 is fixed using nuts secured either side. This fixed spacing ensures that each tine 250 of the series 252, 254, 256 aligns with the respective aperture 25 of the balcony 10 along the width direction W of the balcony. Narrow U-shaped brackets 253 span a gap between adjacent tines 250 and extend from the end tines outwards along the direction of the rod 251 to prevent rotation of the tines 250 about the rod 251 . The narrow U-shaped brackets 253 are enveloped by and mechanically fastened to a single C- shaped bracket 255 spanning the length of the plurality of small U-shaped brackets 253 to provide a fixed unit - by clamping the tines 250 within the C-shaped bracket. A plurality of apertures 259 are provided through the C-shaped bracket, and the U-shaped brackets, to allow the single unit to be attached to the head unit 200 in the configurations discussed above.

[0097] In use, the lower flanges of the C-shaped brackets of each series 252, 254, 256 of tines is configured to rest on the decking surface 36 of the balcony 10. As the tines 250 are disposed through the gaps 34 in the decking 30, the tines 30 are aligned with the apertures 25 disposed below. As seen in Figure 14, because the actuatable series 252 of tines faces both the central series 254 of tines and the front series 256of tines, the lock actuators 270 can be retracted to move the actuatable series 252 of tines towards the central series 254 of tines to lock and engage the tines 250 with the respective apertures 25. The balcony lifting manipulator 1 is therefore attached to the balcony 10. By having at least three tines 250 spaced apart in this way (i.e. spaced from each other in the width direction W and the depth direction D of the balcony 10), it is possible to control the attitude of the balcony 10 about multiple axes.

[0098] Referring to Figures 28 and 29, the locking carriage 230 comprises a safety mechanism 260 to control movement of the locking carriage 230 and, as such, the actuatable series 252 of tines. Unwanted detachment from the framework structure of the balcony can be prevented and unwanted adjustment of the balcony attitude can be prevented. The safety mechanism 260 comprises a plate 262 secured to the primary member 232 of the locking carriage 230 (as seen in Figure 14). A pair of door switches 263 are fixed to an upper surface of the plate 262 to be disposed above the chassis 210 that detect the presence of a pin 267 to prevent actuation of the lock actuators 270 when the pin 267 is detected by the switch 263. Each pin 267 is fixed to a hand operable pad 265 that must be squeezed towards the other pad 265 before a pair of buttons 269 (see Figure 18) may be used to actuate the lock actuators 270 to engage or disengage the tines 250 with or from the respective apertures 25 of the balcony 10.

[0099] A portion protruding from one surface of each pad 265 provides a stopping surface, against the same portion of the other pad, to prevent further movement of the operable pads 265 towards one another once the pins 267 have been removed from the respective switches 263. A portion protruding from the other surface provides a safety pin 266 that engages with a bracket 268 of the chassis 210 (best seen in Figure 18) to physically prevent the locking carriage 230 from moving along the depth direction D of the balcony 10. The attitude of the balcony may only be adjusted when the safety pins 266 are engaged with the respective bracket 268 of the chassis.

[0100] By squeezing hand operatable pads 265 towards each other, and thereby pins 267, this allows the tines to be opened or closed and also prevents all other controls from being operated. It can be therefore seen that the locking pins 266 must be in the locking position preventing tine movement in order for any other functions to be operable, such other functions to include attitude adjustment and / or balcony rotation. In this way, this provides a safety function in that the tines cannot be moved (and the balcony cannot therefore be released) while rotation or attitude adjustment is in process. In effect, the pads 265 operate as a dead man’s handle, ensuring that unless the pads are squeezed together, the tines cannot be moved from their locked configuration.

[0101] Referring to Figures 30 to 33, the attitude carriage 240 defines the pivotable coupling 166 with the counterbalance unit 100 and is slidable along the depth direction D of the balcony 10 using the primary rail 220. The position of the attitude carriage 240 along the primary rail 220 is controlled and maintained by a attitude actuator 280 operatively disposed between the attitude actuator 280 and a bracket 212 fixed to the chassis 210 (best shown in Figures 16 and 17). The attitude actuator 280 is powered by the same power source 406, operated using buttons 402 on the same remote control 401 , and controlled by the same controller 404 as the electric linear actuator 400.

[0102] Actuation of the attitude actuator 280 adjusts the position of the attitude carriage (and the pivotable coupling 166) along the primary rail 220 (i.e. along the depth direction D of the balcony 10).

[0103] Consequently, when the attitude actuator 280 is retracted, the centre of gravity of the balcony 10 is shifted and the balcony 10 is tilted. When for example the balcony is held near its horizontal configuration adjacent the building to which it will be attached, the retraction of the attitude actuator 280 causes tilting of the balcony towards the face of the building. When the attitude actuator 280 is extended, the centre of gravity of the balcony 10 is shifted in the opposite direction and the balcony 10 is tilted away from the face of the building. As seen in Figure 33, the attitude carriage 240 further defines a secondary rail 242 along the width direction W of the balcony 10, and perpendicular to the primary rail 220, for housing a bracket 244 inside the attitude carriage 240 that is slidable along the length of the secondary rail 242. It is this bracket 244 that defines the pivotable coupling 166 for coupling with the elbow-shaped arm 110 of the counterbalance unit 100. The position of the bracket 244 along the secondary rail 242 is controlled and maintained by an attitude actuator 290 operatively disposed along the width direction W of the balcony 10. Consequently, when for example the balcony is held near its horizontal configuration adjacent the building to which it will be attached, and when the attitude actuator 290 is retracted, the balcony 10 is shifted to tilt left relative to the face of the building and, when the attitude actuator 290 is extended, the balcony 10 is shifted to tilt right relative to the face of the building. The attitude actuator 290 is powered by the same power source 406, operated using buttons 402 on the same remote control 401 , and controlled by the same controller 404 as the electric linear actuator 400. and the attitude actuator 280.

[0104] The attitude of the balcony can therefore be adjusted by moving attitude carriage 240 along the directions indicated by arrows A in Figure 13. This is advantageous for balconies that may be attached to the building using known connections, including but not limited to the glide-on mechanism (as seen in Figures 7 to 10, in which the beams 52 attached to the building are inserted into apertures in the balcony), a bolt- on mechanism, and a clip-on mechanism, that require several components (such as the attachment beams 52) to be pre-attached to the building 50 during construction. This is advantageous in order to provide fine adjustments of the attitude of the balcony during the lifting and attachment procedure. Furthermore, the attitude of each balcony required to attach each balcony to the building may vary, and the apparatus as described can be used to remotely adjust the attitude of the balcony to secure the balcony to the building. The attitude of the balcony may be fine-tune adjusted by tilting the balcony upwards-and-downwards relative to the building and moving the balcony left-to-right relative to the building.

[0105] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the electric linear actuator 400 may be replaced with any known actuator suitable for pivoting the head unit 200 and the counterbalance unit 100 between the transport position and the installation position. This includes an alternative linear actuator or a rotary actuator using an electric, a hydraulic or a pneumatic system. An additional or alternative power source 406 may be required for the actuator 400 and / or the controller 404 depending on the system used by the actuator.

[0106] In alternative embodiments of the present invention comprising a linear actuator (such as the electric linear actuator 400 of the exemplary embodiment) may be operatively disposed between the counterbalance unit 100 and the head unit 200 such that a balcony is held in the vertical configuration (i.e. the transport orientation) when the actuator is in an extended position, and held in the horizontal configuration (i.e. the installation orientation) when the actuator is in a retracted position, when the apparatus is attached to the balcony. For example, if the linear actuator was disposed across the acute angle between the counterbalance unit 100 and the head unit 200 rather than the obtuse angle. In alternative embodiments of the present invention comprising a rotary actuator operatively disposed between the counterbalance unit 100 and the head unit 200, a balcony attached to the apparatus may be held in a substantially vertical configuration (i.e. the transport orientation) in a first position and held in a substantially horizontal configuration (i.e. the installation orientation) in a second position wherein the rotary actuator is rotated approximately 90-degrees from the first position.

[0107] *****

[0108] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0109] While the invention has been described in conjunction with an exemplary embodiment described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiment of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiment may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0110] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0111] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0112] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0113] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%.

Claims

Claims:1 . A method of lifting and manipulating a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50), the balcony comprising: a framework structure (20) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, wherein a rear of the balcony is for location adjacent the building and a front of the balcony projects from the building, and wherein the balcony includes at least one side surface (48) extending between the rear and the front of the balcony, the side surface being oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the method including the steps: attaching a balcony lifting manipulator (1) to the framework structure of the balcony; lifting the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator; and rotating the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator, while lifted, between a substantially vertical configuration, in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially horizontally, and a substantially horizontal configuration in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially vertically.

2. The method of claim 1 , further including the step: placing and resting the balcony in the substantially vertical configuration.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the balcony rests on the at least one side surface.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the balcony lifting manipulator comprises a counterbalance unit (100) configured to accommodate the balustrade of the balcony when the balcony is in the substantially vertical configuration and when the balcony is rotated from the substantially horizontal configuration to the substantially vertical configuration.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the counterbalance unit (100) comprises an elbow-shaped arm (110).

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the balcony lifting manipulator is configured to adjust an attitude of the balcony while the balcony is lifted by the balcony lifting manipulator, and wherein the method further includes the step: adjusting an attitude of the balcony using the balcony lifting manipulator.7 The method of any preceding claim, further including the step: attaching the balcony to the face of the building.

8. Apparatus (1) for lifting and manipulating a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50), the balcony comprising: a framework structure (200) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, wherein a rear of the balcony is for location adjacent the building and a front of the balcony projects from the building, and wherein the balcony includes at least one side surface (48) extending between the rear and the front of the balcony, the side surface being oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the apparatus being configured to attach to the framework structure of the balcony and lift the balcony and further being configured to rotate the balcony, while lifted, between a substantially vertical configuration, in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially horizontally, and a substantially horizontal configuration in which the side surface of the balcony is oriented substantially vertically.

9. Apparatus of claim 8 further configured to place the balcony on a supporting surface, the balcony being disposed in the substantially vertical configuration with the balcony resting on the at least one side surface.

10. Apparatus of claim 8 or 9 comprising a safety mechanism (260) to prevent detachment from the framework structure of the balcony.11 . Apparatus of claim 10 wherein the safety mechanism comprises a pin (266), and the apparatus is configured to prevent detachment of the apparatus from the framework of the balcony when the pin is in a first position and configured to enable detachment of the apparatus from the framework structure of the balcony when the pin is in a second position.

12. Apparatus of claim 11 the safety mechanism further comprises a sensor (253) configured to determine whether the pin is in the first position or the second position.

13. Apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the safety mechanism enables rotation of the balcony when the pin is in the first position and prevents rotation of the balcony when the pin is in the second position.

14. Apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 13, further comprising a counterbalance unit (100) comprising an elbow-shaped arm (110) configured to accommodate the balustrade of the balcony when the balcony is lifted in the substantially vertical configuration and when the balcony is rotated from the substantially horizontal configuration to the substantially vertical configuration.

15. Apparatus of claim 14 wherein the counterbalance unit is configured to extend along the width direction of the balcony to prevent the counterbalance unit protruding rearward of the balcony when the apparatus is attached to the balcony.

16. Apparatus of any one of claims 8 to 15 further configured to attach to the framework structure of the balcony below a decking surface (36) of the decking.

17. Apparatus of claim 16 wherein the apparatus is configured to attach to the framework structure through gaps (34) in the decking.

18. Apparatus (1) for lifting a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50), the balcony comprising a framework structure (20) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the decking providing a decking surface (36) facing upwardly when the balcony is attached to the building, the framework structure including at least three anchor elements (25) spaced apart from each other and disposed below the decking surface when the balcony is attached to the building, the apparatus comprising: at least three engagement elements (250) for engagement with respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure; a lock actuator (270) for locking engagement of the engagement elements to the anchor elements; a lift coupling (300) for attachment to a lifting mechanism for lifting the balcony; and at least one attitude actuator (280, 290), operatively disposed between the lift coupling and the engagement elements, configured to adjust the attitude of the balcony during lifting of the balcony.

19. Apparatus of claim 18 wherein when the at least three engagement elements are configured to extend through one or more gaps (34) in the decking for engagement with respective ones of the anchor elements.

20. Apparatus of claim 19, wherein the at least three anchor elements are apertures in one or more joists of the framework structure.21 . Apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the locking actuator is configured to move at least one of the at least three engagement elements towards the respective anchor elements for locking engagement of the engagement elements with the respective anchor elements.

22. Apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 21 , wherein the at least three engagement elements are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the balcony and the depth direction of the balcony.

23. Apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein each of the at least three engagement elements is a tine (250) of a respective series of tines (252, 254, 256).

24. Apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 23, further comprising a safety mechanism (260) to prevent disengagement of the engagement elements with the anchor elements during lifting of the balcony.25 Apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 23, having at least two attitude actuators, configured to adjust the attitude of the balcony about the width direction of the balcony and about the depth direction of the balcony.

26. Apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein the at least one attitude actuator is configured to adjust the attitude of the balcony about the depth direction of the balcony and rotate the balcony between a substantially horizontal configuration and a substantially horizontal configuration.

27. A method of lifting a balcony (10) for attachment to a building (50) using apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 18 to 26, the balcony comprising a framework structure (20) for supporting decking (30) and a balustrade (40), the balcony having a depth direction (D) perpendicular to a face (55) of the building to which the balcony is to be attached, a width direction (W) perpendicular to the depth direction and parallel to the face of the building, and a height direction (H) perpendicular to the depth direction and width direction and oriented substantially vertically when the balcony is attached to the building, the decking providing a decking surface (36) facing upwardly when the balcony is attached to the building, the framework structure including at least three anchor elements (25) spaced apart from each other and disposed below the decking surface when the balcony is attached to the building, the method includes the steps: attaching the lifting mechanism to the lift coupling (300) of the apparatus; moving the apparatus, using the lifting mechanism, to dispose the engagement elements (250) of the apparatus below the decking surface of the balcony and adjacent to the respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure; actuating the lock actuator (270) to engage and lock the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure; lifting the balcony, using the lifting mechanism, for attachment to the building; and actuating the at least one attitude actuator (280, 290), while lifted, to adjust the attitude of the balcony and to align the balcony with the building for attachment.

28. The method of claim 27 further including the step: actuating the at least one actuator to rotationally adjust the attitude of the balcony about the width direction of the balcony.

29. The method of claim 27 or 28, further including the step: actuating the at least one actuator to translationally adjust the attitude of the balcony along the width direction of the balcony.

30. The method of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the apparatus further comprises a safety mechanism (260) having a pin (266), the apparatus configured to prevent disengagement of the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the apparatus from the framework of the balcony when the pin is in a first position and configured to enable disengagement of the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the apparatus from the framework of the balcony, the method further including the steps of: actuating the pin of the safety pin to the second position; and while the pin is in the second position, actuating the lock actuator to engage and lock the engagement elements with respective ones of the anchor elements of the framework structure.

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