Collapsible cantilevered loading platform for construction sites

Abstract

The present construction loading platform is designed to facilitate efficient material handling at construction sites, particularly for high-rise buildings. It features cantilever arms that can be adjusted from a retracted to an extended position, allowing for compact road transportation and the ability to extend over the edge of floor slabs for crane loading. The platform incorporates a foldable loading tray section composed of multiple sections that pivot at fold points, enabling it to transform into a cantilevered loading deck. Shoring props, such as screw jacks, provide stability by bracing the extended arms. This design ensures ease of transport without requiring special permits for oversized loads and simplifies on-site assembly. Anchors and a locking mechanism may maintain the platform's balance and secure positioning, whether in transit or operational mode, allowing it to support significant loads safely and efficiently.

Description

Collapsible Cantilevered Loading Platform for Construction SitesField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to materials handling equipment for construction applications. More particularly, it relates to a collapsible cantilevered loading platform configured for temporary installation on building structures, especially in multi-storey construction, to facilitate the transfer of materials between ground level and elevated work areas using cranes or similar lifting equipment.Background of the Invention

[0002] A construction loading platform, often referred to as a crane loading platform or loading bay, is a crucial element in the logistics of construction sites, especially in the construction of high-rise buildings.

[0003] This temporary structure is cantilevered from the side of the building and designed to facilitate the safe and efficient transfer of materials, equipment, and goods directly from cranes to the various floors of the building under construction.

[0004] The primary reason for its necessity arises from the need to move large and heavy loads in a controlled manner, ensuring that materials are readily available at the point of use, thereby optimising workflow and enhancing safety on site.

[0005] These platforms are strategically positioned at the edges of flooring slabs, providing a direct pathway for goods to be moved in and out of the building structure without impeding the construction process.

[0006] By enabling the high-capacity and high-frequency loading and unloading of materials, construction loading platforms significantly reduce the reliance on internal lift systems, which may not be operational in the early stages of construction. Moreover, they play a vital role in maintaining site safety by reducing the risk of overloading at the slab edges and by offering a secure area for storing materials before they are needed, thus minimising potential hazards associated with groundlevel operations and improving the overall efficiency of construction projects.

[0007] The size of construction loading platforms can pose significant challenges for road transportation, primarily due to their large dimensions and heavy weight. Theseplatforms are designed to be robust and capable of supporting substantial loads, which inherently means they are often bulky and difficult to manoeuvre. Transporting such large items requires specialised vehicles and careful planning to navigate roads, bridges, and urban infrastructure safely.

[0008] Additionally, their size may necessitate road closures or detours, traffic management measures, and sometimes even special permits from local authorities to accommodate the wide or heavy loads. These logistical considerations can lead to increased transportation costs, potential delays in delivery schedules, and the need for additional safety precautions during transit, all of which complicate the process of getting these essential components to construction sites.

[0009] The present invention seeks to provide a way to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[0010] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.Summary of the Disclosure

[0011] The present construction loading platform comprises cantilever arms that can switch between retracted and extended positions. This functionality allows the platform to be compact enough for standard road transportation when retracted, while extending the arms provides the necessary leverage to support a loading deck that extends beyond the edge of a construction floor slab for efficient crane loading.

[0012] The platform also comprises a foldable loading tray section made up of several tray sections that fold at pivot points, enabling it to transition between folded and unfolded configurations to form a cantilevered loading deck.

[0013] The design incorporates hinges that connect the cantilever arms to the loading bay section, allowing for smooth transition between configurations. Shoring props, such as screw jacks, are used to brace the arms for stability.

[0014] This system not only simplifies transportation by avoiding abnormal load requirements but also facilitates on-site assembly. Once at the construction site, theplatform can be quickly prepared for use by unfolding the loading bay section and extending the arms while still on the truck bed, followed by crane hoisting to the required position. Anchors strategically placed along the platform may ensure balance, considering the centre of gravity, during hoisting.

[0015] According to one aspect, there is provided a construction loading platform comprising a foldable loading bay section made up of a series of tray sections which fold relative to one another between folded and unfolded configurations, wherein, in the unfolded configuration, the tray sections define a loading deck. The platform further comprises a pair of cantilever arms that are hingedly connected to respective sides of the loading bay section and configured to swing between extended and retracted configurations. This arrangement enables compact transportability while allowing effective deployment for cantilevered material support on-site.

[0016] In some embodiments, when in the extended configuration, the arms are substantially parallel, spaced apart from one another, and project outwardly from the loading bay section. In contrast, in the retracted configuration, the arms are preferably parallel and rest closely against one another, and may also lie flush with an adjacent side of the loading bay section. To facilitate this compact nesting, one of the hinges may be offset from the adjacent side, allowing both arms to align closely and parallel in the stowed state. Each arm may be configured to pivot through approximately 90 degrees between the retracted and extended configurations.

[0017] To provide secure support during use, each cantilever arm may include at least one shoring post engagement. In some forms, the shoring post engagements are located at the proximal or distal ends of the arms, or both. In a preferred arrangement, the distal end of each arm includes a pair of shoring post engagements for redundancy, and a proximal engagement may be provided to counteract leverage forces. The shoring post engagement may take the form of a peg projecting from an upper surface of the arm, the peg optionally including a through aperture for insertion of a locking pin, enhancing structural integrity during use.

[0018] Each cantilever arm may comprise a structural profile including top and bottom flanges with an intervening web, such that the arm resists vertical-plane bendingthrough tension and compression in the respective flanges. The hinges connecting the arms to the loading bay section may be defined between vertically spaced pairs of overlapping flanges which accommodate a central pin or barrel, configured to resist high vertical shear forces, enabling the platform to bear substantial loads in excess of 2500 kg in some embodiments.

[0019] For secure deployment, the platform may include a locking mechanism that fixes the arms in the extended configuration. In this arrangement, an arm portion located on the outer side of the hinge may abut a corresponding portion of the loading bay section, with collocating apertures through which a bolt may be inserted to prevent movement. A similar locking mechanism may also be provided for the retracted configuration, wherein a tab-and-slot arrangement between locking portions on opposing arms may receive a pin, padlock or similar fastener to hold the arms together during transport.

[0020] In certain preferred arrangements, the platform has a total length of less than 2.4 metres when the arms are retracted, and more than 2.4 metres when the arms are extended. This provides the advantage of compatibility with standard road transport constraints while allowing sufficient reach for cantilevered loading operations on site.

[0021] The platform may further include crane cable anchors to enable hoisting during deployment. Preferably, a pair of crane cable anchors are arranged to coincide with the platform’s centre of gravity when the loading bay section is unfolded and the arms are extended, thereby ensuring balanced lifting. Alternatively, a different pair of anchors may be provided for use when the arms are retracted and the tray is folded, likewise aligned with the centre of gravity to ensure safe hoisting in the compact configuration.

[0022] A corresponding method of use is also disclosed. The method involves transporting the platform with the tray folded and the arms retracted, deploying the arms on-site into the extended configuration, and bracing the arms between floor slabs using shoring props to cantilever the loading deck beyond the slab edge. Insome versions of the method, the platform is hoisted to a slab edge with the tray unfolded and arms extended, ready for use upon placement.

[0023] In an integrated construction system, the platform is used in conjunction with floor slabs, wherein shoring props span between floors to support the cantilever arms and thereby project the loading bay section outward beyond the slab perimeter. This system enables efficient material handling in high-rise construction environments, reducing reliance on internal lifts and enhancing on-site logistics.

[0024] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a construction loading platform comprising a foldable loading bay section and a pair of cantilever arms and wherein the cantilever arms are in a retracted configuration;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the construction loading platform wherein the cantilever arms are transitioning to an extended configuration;

[0028] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the construction loading platform wherein the cantilever arms are in the extended configuration;

[0029] Figure 4 shows detail of a hinge connecting a side of the foldable loading bay section and a respective cantilever arm;

[0030] Figure 5 shows a side view of floor slabs having the present construction loading platforms installed respectively thereon in both folded and unfolded configurations;

[0031] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the construction loading platform which is sideways expandable in one embodiment;

[0032] Figure 7 shows a side view of floor slabs having the present construction loading platforms installed thereon in unfolded configurations; and

[0033] Figure 8 shows a side view of floor slabs having the present construction loading platforms installed thereon in folded configurations.Description of Embodiments

[0034] Figure 1 shows a construction loading platform 100 with cantilever arms 108 in a retracted configuration, and Figure 3 shows the same construction loading platform 100 with the arms 108 in an extended configuration. With reference to Figure 3, the loading platform 100 comprises a foldable loading tray section 101 which, with further reference to Figure 5, comprises a series of tray sections 102 that fold relative to each other at respective pivot points 103, allowing transition between a folded configuration 104A and an unfolded configuration 104B. In the unfolded configuration 104B, the construction loading platform 100 defines a loading deck 105 that cantilevers beyond the edge 106 of a floor slab 107 to facilitate crane loading of goods thereon.

[0035] The cantilever arms 108 are connected by hinges 109 to respective sides of the loading bay section 101 and are configured to swing, as shown in Figure 2, between the retracted configuration (Figure 1 ) and the extended configuration (Figure 3). As illustrated in Figure 5, the arms 108 are braced by inter-slab shoring props 1 10, such as screw jacks or similar supports.

[0036] This arrangement preferably enables the loading platform 100 to assume a length of less than 2.4 metres when the arms 108 are in the retracted configuration, allowing for truck bed road transportation without abnormal load requirements. When extended, the arms 108 provide sufficient cantilever leverage to support the loading deck 105 beyond the slab edge 106, reaching a total platform length of more than 2.4 metres.

[0037] The platform 100 may be transported in the compact configuration shown in Figure 1 , with the foldable loading bay section 101 in the folded state and the arms 108 retracted. This configuration supports standard road transport without the need for special permits.

[0038] At the construction site, the foldable loading bay section 101 can be unfolded and the arms 108 extended while the platform 100 remains on the truck bed. As shown in Figure 5, crane hoisting cables 1 1 1 can then be attached to respective pairs of anchors 1 12 to lift the platform 100 to the slab edge 106. The arms 108 may beinserted into the floor structure and braced using the shoring props 1 10, thereby enabling the unfolded tray sections 102 to cantilever from the slab edge 106. The hoisting cables 1 1 1 may then be disconnected.

[0039] Preferably, the pairs of anchors 1 12 are strategically located along the length of the platform 100 such that the platform remains balanced during hoisting. Figure 5 illustrates the centre of gravity 1 13 located between the pairs of anchors 1 12 along the length of the platform 100.

[0040] In alternative embodiments, the platform 100 may be hoisted with the foldable loading bay section 101 in the folded configuration, to be unfolded only after the arms 108 have been braced using the props 1 10.

[0041] With reference to Figure 1 , the platform 100 may further comprise crane cable anchors 1 12 for lifting the platform while the foldable loading bay section 101 is in the folded configuration. These anchors 1 12 may be positioned to align with the centre of gravity of the platform 100 when the arms 108 are in the extended configuration, ensuring balance during hoisting to a slab 107. Alternatively, the anchors 1 12 may be aligned with the centre of gravity when the arms 108 are in the retracted configuration, allowing for balanced hoisting with the platform fully folded and retracted.

[0042] With reference to Figure 3, in the extended configuration, the arms 108 are preferably parallel, spaced apart from each other, and project outward from an adjacent side 1 14 of the loading bay section 101 . In the retracted configuration shown in Figure 1 , the arms 108 preferably lie against each other and parallel to the adjacent side 1 14 of the loading bay section 101 . As shown in Figure 3, one of the hinges 109 may be offset from the adjacent side 1 14 relative to the other hinge 109, enabling the arms 108 to lie parallel to each other and to the adjacent side 1 14 in the retracted configuration.

[0043] Preferably, each arm 108 pivots through 90° between the extended and retracted configurations.

[0044] The arms 108 may comprise shoring post engagements 1 15. As shown in Figure 4, each shoring post engagement 1 15 may take the form of a peg extendingfrom the upper surface of the respective arm 108, which can be inserted into the lower end of a shoring post 1 10. Each peg 1 15 may further comprise a through -aperture for a split locking pin or equivalent.

[0045] Figure 3 shows that the shoring post engagements 1 15 may be located at the distal ends of each arm 108. The same figure further illustrates that each distal end may comprise a pair of shoring post engagements 1 15 for engagement with a pair of shoring posts 1 10, providing redundancy. Additionally, each arm 108 may further comprise a proximal shoring post engagement 1 15 (see Figure 8) to accommodate an additional shoring post 1 10, which may be used to counteract leverage forces (e.g., forces tending to lift the outer edge of the platform 100).

[0046] The hinges 109 may be specifically designed to withstand the substantial bending forces between the arms 108 and the loading bay section 101 . For example, the platform 100 may be rated for loads in excess of 2500 kg and up to 5000 kg in some embodiments. With reference to Figure 4, each hinge 109 may comprise spaced-apart pairs of overlapping flanges 1 16. Each pair of flanges 1 16 closely surrounds a respective end of a vertical central pin or barrel 1 17, while being sufficiently spaced to provide resilience against bending forces acting in a vertical plane through the hinge 109.

[0047] The arms 108 may also be designed to resist significant bending forces along their length. As shown in Figure 3, each arm 108 may include top and bottom flanges 125 separated by an intervening web 126. These flanges 125 help resist vertical plane bending forces by operating in tension and compression.

[0048] The platform 100 may include a locking mechanism for securing the arms 108 in the extended configuration. As shown in Figure 4, this mechanism may comprise an arm portion 1 18 located on the outer side of the hinge 109, which moves against a loading bay portion 1 19. These portions 1 18 and 1 19 include collocating apertures 120 through which a bolt may be inserted to prevent the apertures from moving apart.

[0049] The platform 100 may also include a locking mechanism for securing the arms 108 in the retracted configuration. As further shown in Figure 4, this mechanism may comprise a locking portion 122 on the outer side of one of the arms 108, whichengages a corresponding locking portion 123 of the other arm 108. The locking portions 122 and 123 may form a tab-and-slot arrangement, through which a pin, padlock, or similar element may be inserted for retention.

[0050] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment in which the loading platform 100 is expandable to increase the effective width of the deck. In this embodiment, the tray sections 102 may include sideways-expanding telescopic beams 124 that allow lateral extension. Additional spacing plates (not shown) may be laid atop the loading deck 105 to cover these telescopic beams 124.

[0051] In some embodiments, the unfolding of the loading bay section 101 and the deployment of the cantilever arms 108 may be facilitated by mechanical actuators. These actuators may take the form of hydraulic rams, pneumatic cylinders, screw drives, or electric linear actuators operatively coupled to the tray sections 102 and / or the arms 108. The actuators may be configured to pivot the tray sections 102 about their respective pivot points 103 and to swing the cantilever arms 108 between the retracted and extended configurations.

[0052] The use of actuators may reduce manual labour, enhance safety, and enable more precise control during deployment, particularly in environments where rapid or repetitive setup is required. In certain configurations, the actuators may be operably connected to a central control unit, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC) or other computer-based system. This control unit may be programmed to sequence the unfolding of the tray sections 102 and the extension of the arms 108 in a staged manner, ensuring that each deployment step is performed in a safe and coordinated fashion. For example, the control system may prevent the tray sections 102 from unfolding until the cantilever arms 108 are fully extended and secured, thereby maintaining structural integrity during transition.

[0053] Sensors may be incorporated to detect the position or angular displacement of each component, allowing feedback to the control system to confirm successful completion of each stage before initiating the next. This staged, computer-controlled deployment may be particularly advantageous when the platform 100 is deployed inconstrained or elevated environments, or when operated by relatively unskilled personnel under guided supervision.

[0054] An exemplary method of use of the construction loading platform 100 according to one embodiment will now be described with reference to the figures. In preparation for transport to a construction site, the loading platform 100 is first configured into a compact form by folding the loading bay section 101 into the folded configuration 104A and swinging the cantilever arms 108 into the retracted configuration shown in Figure 1. In this compact state, the platform 100 assumes a length of less than 2.4 metres, which enables it to be loaded onto a standard truck bed and transported without the need for abnormal load permits.

[0055] Upon arrival at the construction site, the platform 100 may remain on the truck bed for initial deployment. The cantilever arms 108 are first swung outward to the extended configuration shown in Figure 3, pivoting approximately 90° from their retracted position. Two alternative procedures may then be followed, depending on site preferences or operational constraints.

[0056] In one approach, the loading bay section 101 is unfolded while the platform100 is still on the truck bed. In this configuration, the tray sections 102 are pivoted about their respective pivot points 103 into the unfolded configuration 104B, thereby forming the cantilevered loading deck 105. Crane hoisting cables 1 1 1 are then attached to the crane cable anchors 1 12, which are positioned to coincide with the centre of gravity of the platform 100 in this fully deployed state. The crane lifts the platform 100 from the truck bed and positions it adjacent to the desired floor slab 107 of the building under construction. Once in position, the cantilever arms 108 are inserted into corresponding recesses in the floor and secured using shoring props 1 10 to stabilise the platform.

[0057] Alternatively, the platform 100 may be hoisted while the loading bay section101 remains in the folded configuration. In this case, once the cantilever arms 108 are swung into the extended position and secured, the crane cables 1 1 1 are connected to a separate set of crane cable anchors 1 12 aligned with the centre of gravity of the folded platform. The compact form facilitates easier handling and maybe advantageous in sites with restricted hoisting clearance or where assembly time at height is limited. After the platform 100 is hoisted into position and the arms 108 braced between slabs using the shoring props 1 10, the loading bay section 101 is unfolded into the operational configuration 104B to form the cantilevered loading deck 105.

[0058] Both deployment options provide flexibility in site logistics, ensuring safe and efficient installation of the loading platform 100 under varying conditions.

[0059] As the platform 100 is manoeuvred into position, the cantilever arms 108 are inserted into corresponding recesses or openings formed in the floor structure, and inter-slab shoring props 1 10 — such as screw jacks — are then installed between the arms 108 and the lower floor slab to provide vertical bracing and stability. Each shoring prop 1 10 is engaged with the shoring post engagements 1 15, located at distal and optionally proximal ends of the arms 108, by inserting the pegs into the lower ends of the props. Locking pins may be inserted through the apertures of the pegs to secure the props in place.

[0060] With the platform 100 securely supported in the extended configuration and braced by the shoring props 1 10, the crane hoisting cables 1 1 1 may be detached. The platform 100 is now ready for operational use and can receive materials delivered by crane directly onto the loading deck 105, which cantilevers from the edge 106 of the slab 107. This configuration allows safe and efficient handling of goods directly onto the working level without reliance on internal lifts or temporary stairwells.

[0061] Once the loading operations are complete or if relocation is required, the above method can be reversed. The hoisting cables 1 1 1 are reattached to the anchors 1 12, the shoring props 1 10 are removed, and the platform 100 is returned to its compact, transportable configuration by folding the tray sections 102 and swinging the arms 108 into the retracted configuration. The platform 100 may then be relocated to another slab or returned to ground level for transport to a different site.

[0062] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order topractise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1. A construction loading platform comprising: a foldable loading bay section comprising a series of tray sections which fold with respect to each other between folded and unfolded configurations and wherein, in the unfolded configuration, the tray sections cooperate to define a loading deck; and a pair of cantilever arms, wherein the pair of cantilever arms are connected by hinges at respective sides of the loading bay section to swing between extended and retracted configurations.

2. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, in the extended configuration, the arms are parallel, spaced apart from each other and project away from the loading bay section.

3. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, in the retracted configuration, the arms are parallel and against each other.

4. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 3, wherein, in the retracted configuration, the arms lie parallel with an adjacent side of the loading bay section.

5. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 4, wherein one of the hinges is offset away from the side of the loading bay section so that, in the retracted configurations, the arms can lie parallel with an adjacent side of the loading bay section.

6. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each arm pivots through 90° between the extended and retracted configurations.

7. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each arm comprises a shoring post engagement.

8. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 7, wherein a proximal end of each arm comprises the shoring post engagement.

9. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 7, wherein a distal end of each arm comprises the shoring post engagement.

10. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 9, wherein distal ends of each arm comprise a pair of shoring post engagements.1 1 . The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shoring post engagement takes the form of a peg extending from an upper surface of the respective arm.

12. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the peg comprises a through aperture for a locking pin.

13. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each arm comprises top and bottom flanges and a web therebetween.

14. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each hinge is defined between vertically spaced apart pairs of overlapping flanges.

15. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the arms in the extended configuration.

16. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 15, wherein the locking mechanism comprises an arm portion located on an outer side of a respective hinge, the arm portion configured to moves against a loading bay portion and wherein the portions have apertures which collocate when each arm is in the extended configuration.

17. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 16, wherein a bolt is inserted through the collocating apertures to secure the arm in the extended configuration.

18. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the arms in the retracted configuration.

19. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 18, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking portion on an outer side of one of the arms which engages another locking portion of the other arm.

20. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a tab and slot.21 . The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, when the arms are in the retracted configuration, the platform has a length of less than 2.4 mand, when the arms are in the extended configuration, the platform has a length of more than 2.4 m.

22. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the platform comprises pairs of crane cable anchors configured for attaching the platform when the foldable loading bay section is in the unfolded configuration and wherein a centre of gravity of the platform lies between the pairs of crane cable anchors along the length of the platform.

23. The construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the platform comprises a pair of crane cable anchors, which align with the centre of gravity of the platform when the arms are in the retracted configuration, for attaching the platform when the foldable loading bay section is in the folded configuration .

24. A method involving the construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , the method comprising: transporting the platform with the foldable loading bay section in the folded configuration and the arms in the retracted configuration; and on site: swinging out the arms to the extended configuration; and propping the arms between floor slabs to cantilever the foldable loading bay section beyond an edge of the floor slabs.

25. The method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the method comprises hoisting the construction loading platform up to a floor slab with the foldable loading bay section in the unfolded configuration and the arms in the extended configuration.

26. A construction system comprising: floor slabs; the construction loading platform as claimed in claim 1 , wherein shoring props support the arms between the floor slabs to cantilever the foldable loading bay section of the construction loading platform beyond an edge of the floor slabs.

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