Work over platform apparatus and method

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a work over platform apparatus and method for use with trenches and cellars. The apparatus includes two platform portions joined at the center by a set of hinges. The set of hinges is divided to allow for cutouts in each of the platform portions. When deployed the cutout portions are aligned to form an opening that allows work personnel to access the cellar through the work over platform. The work over platform may be collapsed along its hinges for compact transport to and from a work site. The method includes deploying, using, and collapsing the apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A work over platform apparatus for installation over a trench, comprising:
 a platform comprising
 a first portion having a first cutout; 
 a second portion having a second cutout; and 
 a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion;
 wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface. 
 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the hinge system comprises:
 a first hinge disposed on one side of the opening; and   a second hinge disposed on the other side of the opening.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is collapsible along the hinge system. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a cover disposed over the hinges and configured to allow movement of the first portion relative to the second portion.   
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the first portion and second portion are polygonal in shape when the first portion and the second portion form a planar surface. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , further comprising:
 one or more attachment plates attached to at least one of the polygonal sides of the platform; and an outrigger attached to the one or more attachment plates.   
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening forms a rectangular opening. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the opening has a center that is offset from a center of the platform. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first door disposed on the first portion to cover the first cutout; and   a second door disposed on the second portion to cover the second cutout.   
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the platform can be transported on a commercial flatbed trailer when the platform is in a closed position. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , where the trench comprises an oil field cellar. 
     
     
         12 . A method of using a work over platform on a trench, the work over platform comprising:
 a first portion having a first cutout;   a second portion having a second cutout; and   a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion;   wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface;   the method comprising moving the hinge system to an open position to form the opening;
 locking the hinge system into the open position; 
 positioning the opening over a well head in the trench; 
 unlocking the hinge system; and 
 moving the hinge system into a closed position. 
   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , the method further comprising:
 transporting the platform to a work site in the closed position;   positioning the work platform over the trench; and   lifting the platform in the closed position onto a transport vehicle.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , the method further comprising:
 inserting safety rails around part of a perimeter of the platform;   removing the safety rails from around the part of a perimeter of the platform; and   transporting the platform off of the work site.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , the method further comprising:
 connecting an outrigger to the platform; and   disconnecting the outrigger from the platform.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , the method further comprising:
 conducting work over operations on the well head.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the first portion and the second portion are parallel to one another when the platform is in the closed position. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein locking the hinge system comprises inserting a locking pin into a locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system, and wherein unlocking the hinge system comprises removing a locking pin from the locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , prior to the unlocking the hinge system, further comprising:
 repositioning the opening over another well head in the trench.