Access apparatus

Abstract

An access apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising a suspension structure, a support structure adapted to suspend said suspension structure through an access opening, and a platform assembly, the platform assembly comprising a platform structure moveable between a stowed position substantially adjacent said suspension structure and a working position extending outwardly from said suspension structure, to facilitate suspension and deployment of the access apparatus in a covered cavity or reservoir through a restricted access opening.

1 . An access apparatus comprising a suspension structure, a support structure adapted to suspend said suspension structure through an access opening, and a platform assembly, the platform assembly comprising a platform structure moveable between a stowed position substantially adjacent said suspension structure and a working position extending outwardly from said suspension structure. 
   
   
       2 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said moveable platform structure comprises a first platform pivotally mounted on said suspension structure for pivotal movement between said stowed and working positions. 
   
   
       3 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the platform assembly further comprises a fixed platform on the suspension structure substantially planar with said platform structure when in the working position. 
   
   
       4 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said moveable platform structure further comprises one or more second platforms each pivotable with respect to both the first platform and the suspension structure for movement between the stowed and working positions. 
   
   
       5 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the access apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism, whereby the moveable platform structure may be locked in place in the working position to prevent the platform structure pivoting inadvertently. 
   
   
       6 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the first platform has a width substantially equal to that of the suspension structure, thereby minimising overhang in the stowed position. 
   
   
       7 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the or each second platform has a width substantially equal to or less than that of the corresponding adjacent sides of said suspension structure when in the stowed position, thereby minimising overhang in the stowed position. 
   
   
       8 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said platform structure is supported by at least one propping means, said propping means being sufficient to support the weight of at least one human upon the platform assembly when in its working position. 
   
   
       9 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said propping means comprises one or more extensible telescopic rods movably mounted to said suspension structure and to said platform structure at opposing ends such that the platform structure is permitted to move between the stowed and working positions. 
   
   
       10 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the or each telescopic rod is mounted to said suspension structure and said platform structure by way of coupling with fulcrums protruding therefrom to the extent that said platform structure is permitted to pivot through an angle substantially equal to 90°. 
   
   
       11 . An access apparatus as claimed  claim 1  wherein said platform structure is supported by four telescopic rods coupled to the suspension structure by way of two protruding suspension fulcrums provided on adjacent corners of said suspension structure, each fulcrum being provided with two couplings, at least one coupling permitting movement of the corresponding rod in three dimensions, and coupled to the platform structure by way of four protruding platform fulcrums, two of said platform fulcrums being provided on the outer corners of the first platform, and one platform fulcrum permitting movement of the corresponding rod in three dimensions being provided on each of the second platforms, whereby said first platform is pivotable upwardly relative to said suspension structure, and said second platforms are pivotable about two axes between the working and stowed positions. 
   
   
       12 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the platform assembly comprises at least one grating panel adapted to provide a substantially planar surface when said platform is in the working position. 
   
   
       13 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the suspension structure comprises a framework including a plurality of spaced-apart substantially horizontal rungs at fixed intervals on at least one side of the suspension structure, thereby forming a ladder to provide human access between the first and second ends of the suspension structure when substantially vertical. 
   
   
       14 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said rungs are provided on two opposing sides of said suspension structure. 
   
   
       15 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the framework further comprises bracing members on at least one side of the suspension structure to improve torsional rigidity of the suspension structure. 
   
   
       16 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said framework further comprises a base frame member provided at or adjacent an end of said suspension structure. 
   
   
       17 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein said framework comprises two opposing ladders secured together by said bracing and said base frame member. 
   
   
       18 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the framework permits a human to climb the ladder internally with respect to said framework. 
   
   
       19 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of one side of the suspension structure is substantially open, said side being adjacent said platform assembly when in the stowed position. 
   
   
       20 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the support structure comprises a plurality of stabiliser arms extending substantially radially from said suspension structure. 
   
   
       21 . An access apparatus as claimed  claim 20  wherein said stabiliser arms are provided with adjustable feet at their distal ends, whereby the suspension apparatus may be adapted for use on an uneven surface. 
   
   
       22 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the support structure comprises a collar adapted to be provided about said suspension structure, thereby providing an opening for access through the collar and suspension structure, and further adapted to engage with said plurality of stabiliser arms and said suspension structure. 
   
   
       23 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the collar is adapted to engage with said suspension structure in any one of two or more positions along the length of the suspension structure, thereby providing for suspension of the platform assembly at multiple depths. 
   
   
       24 . An access apparatus as claimed in  claim 22  wherein the collar is adapted to engage with said suspension structure via a bolt or pin inserted through a pair of opposing rungs of said suspension structure.