Set of platforms with lateral extension

Abstract

The present invention relates to a set of platforms comprising at least one platform with a lateral extension that makes it possible to widen access for a worker to the area for loading / unloading cargo, such as cellulose bales and sacks, into and from transport vehicles. The present invention provides greater efficiency in the work of loading / unloading and greater safety for the workers involved.

Description

SET OF PLATFORMS WITH LATERAL EXTENSION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a set of platforms with lateral extension comprising at least one platform with lateral extension that allows expanding the worker's access in the area for loading / unloading cargo, such as cellulose bales and sacks, in transport vehicles.

[0002] The present invention provides greater ease of access to the mechanism for attaching the unitized load to the hooks of the load spreader devices for loading / unloading unitized loads, generating efficiency in the work and greater safety for the workers involved. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The loading or unloading of unitized cargoes in transport vehicles, such as, for example, the loading / unloading of cellulose bales in a port area, from their storage location to the side of the ship, requires that the worker have access to the upper part of the unitized cargo, to engage the hooks of the spreader device, in order to allow its movement and lifting by the crane.

[0004] State-of-the-art platforms do not have a fall protection system for workers, despite the constant high risk of these workers falling due to working at different levels and the platforms tipping over after a collision with trucks or cranes.

[0005] US 2022 / 0135353 describes a fall arrest device, in particular a walkway that rotates between a raised (closed) and lowered (in operation) position. The present invention differs from this prior art device not only because it is not specifically a walkway, but rather a platform, and also because the platform extends linearly, in the same plane as the platform, and does not rotate. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the present invention a set of platforms with lateral extension comprising at least one platform with lateral extension of the work area that provides a safer and more efficient loading / unloading.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the platform has protective devices or barriers to prevent damage to the bags and the upper platform expansion system to facilitate access to unitized loads.

[0008] With this invention, access to the load from above and the presence of workers on the platform during load handling are no longer necessary. Workers access the platforms only when the load is being hitched and unhitched and after the trailers are positioned. Workers still need to access the top of the unitized load to perform hitching, only and exclusively when the spreader chains / hooks are caught in the middle of the slings. However, the risk exposure factor was significantly reduced by approximately 85% (eighty-five percent). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0009] Figures 1 and 2 show perspective views of the platform (1) and its components.

[0010] Figure 3 shows a photograph of two platforms ready to be used in a loading / unloading process.

[0011] Figure 4 shows a photograph of workers using platforms to load bales of pulp onto the vehicle.

[0012] Figure 5 shows details of the means for adjusting the platform height.

[0013] Figures 6 and 7 show the retractable extended area (12) in the retracted (Figure 6) and extended (Figure 7) position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following description is intended only to illustrate some of the numerous ways in which the invention can be carried out, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0015] The set of platforms of the present invention comprises at least one platform (1) having: a) Upper base (10); access (11) to the upper base (10); retractable extended area (12); guardrail (13) b) Means for extending the extended area (12); and c) Means for adjusting the height of the platform (1).

[0016] The platform (1) is built with a steel structure, in “L”, “I” or “U” profiles, and has a finish with corrosion protection through cold galvanizing and / or epoxy paint.

[0017] The platform (1) was designed to be mobile, allowing its transportation and positioning to the operating and / or storage locations, depending on the operation characteristics (Figures 3 and 4). Its transportation to the dock can be carried out using trailers or by moving it using forklifts equipped with forks. The platform (1) can be equipped with wheels or even be moved by a medium-sized forklift, having specific points (40) for the attachment of the forklift outriggers, allowing safe lifting and transportation.

[0018] Once positioned, each platform is supported by 14 support points (shoes), joined together longitudinally using metal profiles, allowing for good balance and stability of the equipment.

[0019] The platform (1) also has means for adjusting its height. The height of the platform base can be adjusted to various positions to best suit operating conditions, depending on its characteristics. The means for adjusting the height can be any means known in the prior art, such as hydraulic and / or pneumatic mechanisms, or even with the aid of equipment, such as a forklift.

[0020] If the height is adjusted with the help of a forklift (Figure 5), the platform (1) will have specific points (50) for fitting the forklift outriggers, locking holes (51) and locks (52).

[0021] Access (11) to the base of the platform (1) is via a staircase with a guardrail and handrail sized in accordance with current technical standards. The access (11) also has an access complement (110), to be used when the height of the access (11) from the ground is such that the worker has difficulty climbing onto the platform (1) (Figure 2).

[0022] The upper base (10) has a retractable extended area (12), to be used according to the characteristics of the operation to allow the worker to have better approach (reach) to the load lashing straps. The means for extending the retractable extended area (12) include any means commonly known in the prior art, such as hydraulic and pneumatic sliding systems. The means for extension can also be manual, with a pulley system, allowing the workers involved in the operation to extend and retract the retractable extended area (12) whenever necessary (Figures 6 and 7).

[0023] The means for extension further comprise limiters of the extension of the retractable extended area (12).

[0024] The platform (1) also has rounded profiles installed on the side of the structure to protect the structure against impacts and / or protect the bags against damage when the truck moves to park between the platforms.

[0025] The entire perimeter of the upper base (10), including the retractable extended area (12) of the platform (1) is protected by a guardrail (13), preferably with a structure of tubular metal profiles. In a preferred embodiment, the guardrail (13) has a total height of 1.20 m and a maximum span of 15 cm between the intermediate crossbars (profiles). The guardrail (13) may have a protection (130) to eliminate the risk of the spreader hooks engaging the platforms.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the set of platforms comprises two platforms (1), positioned on each side of the loading / unloading vehicle.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the calculated dimensions of the platforms (1) (1.90 x 9m) were successfully tested, enabling coupling of the load by workers, making work at heights less likely and eliminating the risk of workers being placed under suspended equipment.

[0028] In loading / shipping operations, 2 platforms (1) are used per “operating team”, or per operating crane device, positioned in a mirrored manner, allowing the positioning of the truck with the load (bales of pulp and / or bags) between the platforms and, allowing safe access for workers responsible for coupling bales or slinging bags to the spreader of the ship's crane equipment.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Set of platforms characterized by comprising at least one platform with lateral extension comprising: a) Upper base (10); access (11) to the upper base (10); retractable extended area (12); guardrail (13) b) Means for extending the extended area (12); and c) Means for adjusting the height of the platform (1).

2. Assembly, according to claim 1, characterized by the platform comprising wheels or specific points (40) for fitting the forklift outriggers.

3. Assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for adjusting the height are hydraulic and / or pneumatic mechanisms and / or with the aid of a forklift.

4. Assembly, according to claim 3, characterized by comprising specific points (50) for fitting the forklift outriggers, locking holes (51) and locks (52).

5. Assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the platform comprises an access complement (110).

6. Assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for extending the retractable extended area (12) include hydraulic, pneumatic, or manual sliding systems, with pulley systems.

7. Assembly, according to claim 1, characterized in that the guardrail (13) has a protection (130).

8. Assembly, according to claim 1, characterized by comprising two platforms (1), positioned on each side of the loading / unloading vehicle.

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