GB2604094A

GB2604094A - Improved fall arrest apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: GB2604094A
Application number: GB2101457.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Ridell Andrew; Michael Sutton Richard
Original assignee: Arcangels Trailer Safe Ltd
Current assignee: Arcangels Trailer Safe Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-03
Filing date: 2021-02-03
Publication date: 2022-08-31
Also published as: GB202101457D0

Abstract

A fall arrest apparatus for supporting a worker comprises a track 1301 and a carriage movably mounted on said track, the carriage having an upright post 1302. The upright post has a laterally extending arm or boom 1303, which can swing over an adjacent road or rail vehicle 1304 to be loaded or unloaded, e.g. a lorry, trailer or freight train parked alongside the track. A worker’s safety harness can be secured to a safety line extending from the boom 1303. As the worker moves on the vehicle or load, the carriage moves backwards and forwards along the track, and the overhead boom swings in an arc, following the worker. Preferably, two parallel rails 1301 form the track, with the carriage mounted by three wheels to each rail. The track may be mounted on an access platform with walkway (202, fig.2) or directly to the ground. Preferably, the boom can be raised, lowered and even folded down.

Description

IMPROVED FALL ARREST APPARATUS AND METHOD

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to an improved fall arrest apparatus and method, and particularly although not exclusively to an improved fall arrest apparatus and method for loading and unloading road and/or rail vehicles.

Background of the Invention

[0002] When loading or unloading vehicles, such as road or rail vehicles, articulated lorries or trailers drawn by tractor units, workers have to climb on top of the trailer to remove hatches, covers or tarpaulins and may also have to climb on top of the load. As vehicles may be unloaded outdoors, surfaces can become slippery when wet, and in some cases there are trip hazards on the roof of the trailer or rail car.

[0003] It is known to provide a platform or gantry which is positioned next to a vehicle to be unloaded, so that personnel can step off the platform or gantry to access the roof of the trailer. It is also known to use a full body safety harness, and an inertia reel/fall arrest block in conjunction with an overhead gantry to protect the personnel working on the vehicle. Limitations of this system are that the personnel cannot reach the full area of the vehicle using one anchor point of the gantry. This results in the personnel having to take time to change between anchor points of the overhead gantry, unclipping and clipping their safety harness which is inconvenient and involves a time on top of the trailer or load when the person is not secured to a safety point.

[0004] In one known system, there is provided a concrete block having a mast to which a worker can attach a lanyard which connects to a harness which the worker wears. However, the worker is limited to working in an area restricted by the position of the mast, and to work their way along a trailer, the whole block must be moved, which can involve using a forklift truck or other mechanical handling equipment.

[0005] Another known system implements an automatic system for loading and unloading the vehicle. However, this is limited to only a specific set of tasks and in many cases does not provide the required versatility or function of a 5 manual system.

[0006] A problem with the current method of providing an overhead block to which the personnel may attach a safety harness positioned next to the vehicle to be unloaded is that the full extent of the vehicle cannot be accessed from one anchor point.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect there is provided a fall arrest apparatus for supporting a worker, said fall arrest apparatus comprising: a laterally extending track; a carriage which is moveable along said laterally extending track; and an upright post mounted on said carriage.

[0008] Preferably said laterally extending track comprises a pair of spaced apart beams, which in use are arranged one above the other.

[0009] Preferably said pair of beams are rigidly held parallel to each other.

[0010] Preferably at least one said beam comprises a substantially circular cylindrical beam; an L; an I shaped beam, a C shaped beam or an L shaped beam. Preferably both beams are of a same cross-sectional shape as each other.

[0011] There may be provided one or more carriages per track and one or more posts per track. In a preferred embodiment, there will be two carriages to enable two workers to work on the trailer at the same time, each on their own carriage, but all the same track and the same pair of beams.

[0012] Preferably said carriage comprises a plurality of rotatable wheels or rollers which rotate as said carriage travels along a said beam.

[0013] Preferably said plurality of rotatable wheels are arranged around said beam as viewed in a direction along a main length axis of said beam.

[0014] Preferably there is provided an electric or hydraulic motor for transporting said carriage in first and second opposite directions along said track.

[0015] Preferably said carriage is operable to travel substantially along a full length of said track.

[0016] Preferably said upright post comprises: a lower post member and an upper post member; wherein said upper post member is extendable and retractable with respect to said lower post member, so in use, to allow raising and lowering of an upper end of said upper post member.

[0017] Said post member may be connected to said lower post member by a hydraulic or electric ram, said ram having a first end connected to said lower post member and a second end connected to said upper post member such that extension of said ram acts to extend said upper post member relative to said lower post member, thereby increasing a height of said post; and contraction of said ram operates to contract said post member relative to said lower post member, thereby reducing the height of said post.

[0018] Preferably said upright post comprises an upright member and a laterally extending member.

[0019] Preferably said laterally extending member comprises a first end connected in use to an upper end of said upright post, and a second end which extends into free space.

[0020] Said laterally extending member may be supported to a post by a hydraulic and/or electric ram, such that said laterally extending member is pivotable about its first end, wherein in use, extension of said ram operates to raise said second end; contraction of said ramp operates to lower said second end.

[0021] The invention may further comprise an access platform for loading and unloading a vehicle, said access platform comprising a fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims. The access platform is in general independent of the fall arrest system, and the fall arrest system may or may not be used in conjunction with an access platform.

[0022] According to a second aspect there is provided an access platform for loading and unloading a vehicle, said access platform comprising: a frame, a walkway platform extending along a length of said frame; a track extending along a length of said frame; a carriage, said carriage mounted to said track; and and an upright support structure mounted to said carriage; said upright support structure comprising an upright post and a laterally extending beam located at an upper end of said upright post; wherein said upright support structure is mounted to said carriage so that said upright support structure can travel along a length of said track.

[0023] Preferably said upright support structure is rotatable about an upright axis such that a distal end of said laterally extending beam may swing in an arc of movement about said upright axis.

[0024] Preferably said laterally extending beam has a proximal end which is movably attached to said upright post and a distal end which extends into free space, such that said distal end may raise or lower relative to said proximal end.

[0025] Preferably there is provided a hydraulic or electric ram connected between said upright post and said laterally extending arm; wherein extension of said ram operates to raise said distal end of said laterally extending arm, and contraction of said ram operates to lower said distal end of said laterally extending arm.

[0026] Preferably said track is mounted on one side of said frame, such that said carriage and said upright post may travel along said one side of said frame; and said laterally extending arm may swing over said platform such that a distal end of said laterally extending arm is movable over a horizontal area extending along a length of said platform and beyond an opposite side of said frame.

[0027] Preferably said walkway platform extends substantially along a full length of said frame.

[0028] Preferably said track extends substantially along a full length of said frame.

[0029] Preferably said carriage is operable to travel substantially along a full length of said track.

[0030] Preferably there is provided a motor for urging said carriage along said track. The motor may be an electric motor or a hydraulic motor. In other embodiments, the carriage may be pushed or pulled along the track manually by one or more persons, and preferably by a single operator or user.

[0031] A set of wheels may be provided to allow said access platform to be towed by a vehicle. The wheels are preferably suitable for moving the access platform around a site.

[0032] The access platform may comprise attachment means for attaching said access platform to another access platform, to create an extended continuous access platform.

[0033] Preferably said frame comprises engagement means for engaging said frame with an adjacent frame of another access platform.

[0034] Said engagement means may comprise a female connector member for accepting a male connector member; and a male engagement 30 member being a female connector member.

[0035] The female connector member may comprise first and second spaced apart plates, said first and second spaced apart plates located opposite each other; each of said first and second spaced apart plates connected to each other via a base plate.

[0036] A plurality of access platforms may be connectable is connectable to each other and to end, to create a continuous extended platform having a single continuous walkway, where one or a plurality of upright posts or beams, each mounted on a corresponding respective cradle may traverse along an extended track, comprising a plurality of individual tracks arranged into end, to give one or a plurality of mounting points for one or a plurality of safety harnesses at any position above a load area having an area footprint adjacent the track and/or adjacent the continuous walkway.

[0037] According to a third aspect there is provided a method of loading or unloading a vehicle, using a fall arrest apparatus comprising a cradle having an upright post and an overhead beam; a track; and a carriage which supports said cradle, and which is movable along said track; said method comprising: locating said vehicle adjacent said fall arrest apparatus; connecting a worker safety harness to said over head beam of said cradle; swinging said overhead over a work area corresponding to an area footprint of said vehicle; and moving said cradle along said track such that said overhead arm may extend along a main length of said work area, as said worker moves along said main length of said work area.

[0038] A movement of the carriage along the track may be controlled in response to a detected position of a worker in the work area, underneath the overhead safety arm, so that as a worker moves around the work area underneath the overhead arm, the carriages control to automatically follow the worker which alleviates the need for the worker to be continually clipping and unclipping their safety harness onto the overhead safety arm.

[0039] Other aspects are as set out in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0040] For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, there will now be described by way of example only, specific embodiments, methods and processes according to the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 herein illustrates schematically an example of an access platform or gantry used to enable personnel to reach the top of the trailer of a vehicle, such as a lorry, during the loading or unloading process.

Figure 2 herein illustrates schematically one embodiment of the present invention, in which the main structure of the invention is attached to at least one beam, which in turn is attached to the access platform to provide access to the top of the trailer of the vehicle.

Figure 3 herein illustrates schematically the possible ways in which the carriage, upright post and laterally extending member can move.

Figure 4 herein illustrates schematically the way in which the carriage moves along the substantially circular cylindrical beams using a plurality of rotatable wheels or rollers.

Figure 5 herein illustrates schematically the large lever-clips to enable solid locking between two access plafforms.

Figure 6 herein illustrates schematically the ramped guide pins to join access platform sections together.

Figure 7 herein illustrates schematically the pin-hinged front side of the access platform.

Figure 8 herein illustrates schematically the movable stairs, the access platform and the substantially circular cylindrical beams.

Figure 9 herein illustrates schematically the movement of a person attached to the laterally extending member by a harness and rope system.

Figure 10 herein illustrates schematically proximity sensors which are fitted to the laterally extending member, the upright post and the carriage to prevent and/or warn of collision with another object.

Figure 11 herein illustrates schematically a second embodiment of the present invention in which the carriage is attached to a substantially circular cylindrical beam, which in turn is fixed to the ground using a metal support structure as opposed to the access platform as shown in the first embodiment of the present invention in Figure 2. Further features of the invention remain substantially the same or equivalent as described above in Figures 3 to 10.

Figure 12 herein illustrates schematically the second embodiment of the present invention in which the second laterally extending member and upright member and carriage is illustrated in a second position along the tubular rail, to represent one possible motion of the system.

Figure 13 herein illustrates schematically a second view of the second embodiment of the present.

Figure 14 herein illustrates schematically the second embodiment of the present invention. Represented herein, the second laterally extending member and upright member are illustrated in a folded down position Figure 15 herein illustrates schematically the second embodiment of the present invention and the ways in which the laterally extending member and upright member can move.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0041] There will now be described by way of example a specific mode contemplated by the inventors. In the following description numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding. It will be apparent however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, well known methods and structures have not been described in detail so as not to

unnecessarily obscure the description.

[0042] In this specification the terms 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components of groups thereof [0043] Referring to Figure 1 herein there is illustrated schematically an example of an access platform or gantry used to enable personnel to reach the top of the trailer of a vehicle, such as a lorry during the loading or unloading process [0044] Said access platform comprises wheels 100; a metal base support structure 101; a metal platform 102 resting on the metal base support structure 101, upon which the personnel stand to access the top of the trailer of a vehicle; metal handrails 103 encompassing three of the four vertical sides of the platform 102; metal stairs 104 leading up to the metal platform 102 from the ground; metal handrails or banisters 105 for said metal stairs. The material used in this embodiment of a platform or gantry is purely for illustrative purposes and said gantry may be constructed from metal; wood; plastics; concrete and the like.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2 herein there is illustrated schematically one embodiment of the present invention, in which the main structure of the invention 200, comprising a laterally extending member 204 and an upright member 205 attached to a carriage 206, which is attached to a substantially circular cylindrical beam 201, which in turn is attached to an access platform frame 202 to provide access to the top of the trailer of the vehicle 203. Extending substantially along the full length of the elongate access platform frame 202 is a horizontally extending walkway platform 207 along which the human worker may walk.

[0046] Referring to Figure 3 herein there is illustrated schematically the possible ways in which the upright member 304 and laterally extending member 305 can move. According to movement 300, the whole upright member 304, laterally extending member 305 and carriage 307 system can move horizontally along the horizontal substantially circular cylindrical beams. Said carriage 307 comprises an electric or hydraulic motor for transporting said carriage 307 in first and second opposite directions substantially along a full length of said beams.

Said upright member comprises a lower post member 308 and an upper post member 309.

[0047] According to movement 301, the laterally extending member 305 can pivot around the connection 306 between the upright member 304 and the laterally extending member 305 by a hydraulic or electric ram, said ram having a first end connected to the proximal end of said laterally extending member 305 and a second end connected to the upper end of said upright member 304. In use, extension of said ram operates to raise said distal end of the laterally extending member and contraction of said ram operates to lower said distal end of the laterally extending member.

[0048] According to movement 302, the beam 304 can be extended and contracted by a telescopic system. The lower post member 308 is connected to the upper post member 309 by a hydraulic or electric ram, said ram having a first end connected to said lower post member 308 and a second end connected to said upper post member 309 such that extension of said ram acts to extend said upper post member 309 relative to said lower post member 308, thereby increasing the height of the upright member 304.

[0049] According to movement 303, the upright member can be raised or lowered by a folding system via manual or automatic hydraulic rams.

[0050] Referring to Figure 4 herein there is illustrated schematically the way in which the carriage 405 runs on the tubular rail 401 using a rubber-wheel system 402 comprising three wheels spaced at 120 degrees around the tubular rail. A first plurality of wheels 402 are mounted in an upper substantially "C" shaped cross-sectional wheel mounting casing 403, wherein the upper rail 404 is located substantially centrally between the first plurality of wheels, so that the upper casing may travel in a direction axially along the main axial length of said upper rail. The upper and lower rails 404, 406 form an elongate track which extends along a length of the frame 202. Similarly, a lower wheel-mount casing 405 has a plurality of wheel mounting points arranged in a circle at angles of 120° around the main central length axis which coincides with the main central axis of 406. The upper and lower wheel mounting casings 403, 405 are rigidly connected together by an upright plate or member 407, so that the pair of wheel mounting casings move in parallel with each other backwards and forwards along the main axial direction of the pair of parallel rails 401, 406 of the elongate track.

[0051] Mounted to the carriage is lower section 408 of upright post or beam 400, which is mounted to the upright plate or member 407 of the carriage by upper and lower mounting brackets 410, 411.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the movable carriage comprises a motor housing 412 which contains an electric motor for urging the carriage backwards and forwards along a direction of the track. The carriage may be driven along the track by any suitable means, such as a rack and pinion drive arrangement, having a rack which runs along the length of the track, or in other embodiments, the electric motor may be drive a drive wheel which urges against the lower rail 406 to move the carriage along the lower rail in either direction along a main axial length of the lower rail.

[0053] Referring to Figure 5 herein there is illustrated schematically the large lever-clips 500 to enable solid locking between two accessed platforms 501.

[0054] Referring to Figure 6 herein there is illustrated schematically the ramped guide pins to join access platform sections together. Said ramp guide pins comprise a male T-shaped pin 600, and a female ramped guide pin-receiver 601. The female guide pin receiver 601 engages with the male guide pin 600 so that first and second frames of the gantry can engage each other end to end. According to movement 602, the pins 600 can be pushed into the ramped guide pin-receiver 601, as illustrated.

[0055] Female guide pin receiver 601, seen in Figure 6 in plan view, comprises first and second spaced apart plates 603, 604 connected to each other at their respective first ends by a base plate 605. Each of the plates 603, 604 comprises a first plate portion (606,607 respectively) and a second plate portion (608, 609 respectively) wherein the second plate portion extends in a plane which crosses the main plane occupied by said first portion, so that the first and second plate portions are angled with respect to each other to form a splayed or open mouth for accepting mail engagement pin 600 into an elongate slot or cavity formed between the first and second plates and the base plate 605.

[0056] Referring to Figure 7 herein there is illustrated schematically the pin-hinged front side of the access platform 700.

[0057] Referring to Figure 8 herein there is illustrated schematically in view from one side the movable stairs 800; the access platform 801 and the substantially circular cylindrical beams 802. The movable stairs 800 can be connected to either end of the frame of the access platform, allowing access to the access platform from either end.

[0058] Referring to Figure 9 herein there is illustrated schematically a person 900 attached to the laterally extending member by a harness and rope system 902. Typically, when the person 900 moves along the trailer top, such as in the direction 901, the laterally extending member, upright member and carriage system 903 will move along the substantially circular cylindrical beam 904 smoothly in the same direction 901. In the present invention there is a set of trigger sensors, allowing safety cut-outs to stop the cradle movement if the personnel 900 attached to an anchor point moves outside the acceptable range of speeds, as can be encountered if a worker moves too fast (runs) or falls too far behind the cradle as carriage is moving along the track.

[0059] The trigger system may operate in the manner of an upside down joystick control, which is attached to the underside of the top horizontal beam and holds the anchor point. As the worker moves, their safety line moves with them which in turn 'pulls' the anchor point at a slight angle (moves the joystick). The trigger sensors then detects the pulling force, and can activate the gantry in the direction of the 'pull' until the angle of the safety line is reduced enough to un-trip the switch. Similarly, if it is pulled too far, the gantry will move faster in order to catch up (or lock out, depending on the customer's requirements.

[0060] Referring to Figure 10 herein there is illustrated schematically the positioning of a plurality of proximity sensors 1000 which are fitted to the overhead arm 1001 and the upright beam or post 1002 to prevent collision of the laterally extending member and/or upright member with another object, such as a person, load, crane hoist rope, and the like, reducing the risk of injury and damage. The proximity sensor produces audio and visual warnings before any automatic movement starts.

[0061] The one or plurality of proximity sensors mounted on the upright beam or post 1002 are connected to a control module which stops the electric motor in the carriage, when the proximity sensor detects an object in the path of the cradle.

[0062] One or a plurality of proximity sensors 1000 mounted on the overhead laterally extending member 1001 may detect the presence of a worker and/or direction of movement of the worker and may be connected to a control module which detects the location, speed of movement and/or direction of movement of the worker over an area adjacent to the side of the platform. As the worker moves in a particular length direction along the main length of the platform, the control module may automatically move the cradle in the direction of movement of the worker, so that as the worker moves along the work area adjacent the platform, the carriage may automatically follow the worker so that the position of the overhead arm 1001 tracks the position of the worker automatically, allowing the worker full range of movement both lengthways and width ways over the work area adjacent the side of the platform whilst at the same time providing automatic safety support for the worker over substantially the whole of the work area.

[0063] A second embodiment fall arrest apparatus will now be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15 herein.

[0064] Referring to Figure 11 herein there is illustrated schematically a second embodiment of the present invention in which the main structure of the invention, comprising an overhead laterally extending member 1103 and an upright member or post 1102, is attached to a substantially circular cylindrical beam 1101, which in turn is fixed to the ground using a metal support structure 1100 instead of the access platform structure as shown in the first embodiment of the present invention in Figure 2 to provide access to the top of the trailer of the vehicle 1104. Further features of the invention remain the same as described above in Figures 3 to 10.

[0065] The second embodiment fall arrest apparatus comprises an elongate substantially straight elongate track 1100 comprising an upper rail and a lower rail, the upper rail being located above the lower rail; the upper and lower rails being rigidly spaced apart and held in fixed spatial relationship from each other by a plurality of mounting blocks 1110. The mounting blocks support the track on a substantially flat horizontal surface, for example a concrete floor or a loading bay floor. Each of the mounting blocks may be secured to the floor by one or a plurality of bolts. Preferably each rail comprises a substantially circular cylindrical elongate bar having a smooth outer surface.

[0066] In the embodiment shown, there are two separate cradles, each of 15 which can be moved over most of the length of the track, so that the two separate cradles together can provide coverage for two workers working independently of each other on the same work area adjacent the track.

[0067] Each cradle comprises a carriage which runs along the track; and an upright mast, the upright mast comprising an upright post or beam 1102, and a laterally extending overhead arm 1103. A proximal end of each overhead arm is attached to an upper end of the upright post or beam 1102 and a distal end of the overhead arrn extends over a work area, being the flatbed of a trailer as shown in Figures 11 to 14, which may be loaded or unloaded with goods, or in the absence of a trailer, where there is no trailer in the work area, is the region adjacent the track, over which the worker can operate whilst having their safety harness connected to the harness connection point on the distal end of an overhead arm. Since the extent of movement of the worker is determined by the position of the cradle along the track, and the extent to which the worker can move in a circle around the suspension point from which the safety harness is suspended, when drawn on the flat surface, for example a warehouse floor, adjacent the track, one side of the work area will be bounded on one side by the track itself, and the other side of the work area will be bounded by a straight line extending substantially parallel to the track. The ends of the work area will each have a substantially semicircular shape determined by the amount of movement available by the worker allowed by the suspension line from the suspension point on the distal end of the overhead arm. The work area permitted by the fall arrest apparatus overlaps the upper surface of the trailer which is located within the work area.

[0068] In the embodiment shown in Figures 11 to 15, there are shown two carriages and two masts running along a single length of track. In the general case, there may be one or a plurality of masts and carriages running along a single length of track. Where there are two masts as shown in Figures 11 to 15, as the two carriages can adopt a position side-by-side with each other this enables two workers to join together side-by-side or adjacent each other to lift or move items together, each supported independently by their own overhead safety arm, and at the same time enabling one worker to be able to walk to the other end of the work area independently of the other worker, with their own support mast moving along the work area and following them, without the need for either worker to disconnect their safety harness when the workers are moving towards each other or away from each other.

[0069] An upper surface of the flatbed trailer 1104,1204, 1304, 1404 constitutes a work area where one or more workers may load or unload the flatbed trailer. When moving around on the trailer, or on a load positioned on the flatbed trailer in the work area, one or more workers attach their safety harnesses to one of the suspension points at the distal ends of the arms 1303, 1203, 1303, 1403. As the workers move around the work area, the carriages roll along the track 1100,1200, 1300, 1400. The carriages may be free-running along the track in which case they can be pulled along the track easily by the workers using only normal muscle power, in which case there is no need for any electric or hydraulic motor to move the carriages along the track. In this embodiment, it is important that the carriages are free running along the tracks so that the support must send carriages can be moved along the track easily without unduly large physical effort on the part of the worker.

[0070] In an alternative embodiment, there may be provided proximity sensors mounted on the upright posts or beams 1102, 1202, 1302, 1402 and the carriages may be motorized, controlled by an electronic control unit which detects the position of a worker in the work area, tracks any movements of the worker within the work area, and moves the position of the upright beam on the carriage to match the position of the worker along the length of the work area, so that effectively, the upright mast overhead safety arm follows the worker up and down the length of the work area as the worker loads or unloads the vehicle, so that the worker does not have to manually pull the mast and carriage along the track.

[0071] Referring to Figure 12 herein there is illustrated schematically said second embodiment of the present invention in which the main structure of the invention, comprising an overhead laterally extending member 1203, an upright member or post 1202 and a carriage, is attached to at least one substantially circular cylindrical beam 1201, which in turn is fixed to the ground using a metal support structure 1200 instead of the access platform as shown in the first embodiment of the present invention in Figure 2 to provide access to the top of the trailer of the vehicle 1204. Further features of the invention remain the same as described above in Figures 3 to 10.

[0072] Referring to Figure 13 herein there is illustrated schematically a second view of said second embodiment of the present invention in which the main structure of the invention, comprising an overhead laterally extending member 1303, an upright member or post 1302 and a carriage, is attached to a substantially circular cylindrical beam 1301, which in turn is fixed to the ground using a metal support structure 1300 instead of the access platform as shown in the first embodiment of the present invention in Figure 2 to provide access to the top of the trailer of the vehicle 1304. Further features of the invention remain the same as described above in Figures 3 to 10.

[0073] Referring to Figure 14 herein there is illustrated schematically said second embodiment of the present invention in which the main structure of the invention, comprising an overhead laterally extending member 1403, an upright member 1402 and a carriage, is attached to a substantially circular cylindrical beam 1401, which in turn is fixed to the ground using a metal support structure 1400 instead of the access platform as shown in the first embodiment of the present invention in Figure 2 to provide access to the top of the trailer of the vehicle 1404. In Figure 14, the second laterally extending member and upright member system 1405 are illustrated in a folded down position. The primary reason for the beam to fall down is to allow for loads to be moved onto the trailer by means of overhead cranes or similar mechanical handling equipment. The fold ability of the extending member and upright member also makes maintenance and access to the anchor easier. When not in use, folding the beammay take up less space when the fall arrest apparatus is not in use. Further features of the invention remain the same or equivalent as described above in Figures 3 to 10.

[0074] The upright post or beam 1405 may be mounted on the movable carriage via a pivotal connection at the base of the mast which allows the mast to pivot about a substantially horizontal pivotal axis allowing the mast to swing down to a height which can be reached by the worker when standing on the flat floor surface adjacent the fall arrest apparatus, in the storage position as shown in Figure 14 herein.

[0075] Referring to Figure 15 herein there is illustrated schematically said second embodiment of the present invention and the ways in which the overhead laterally extending member 1507 and upright member 1508 can move. According to movement 1503, said overhead laterally extending member 1507, upright member 1508 and carriage 1510 system can move horizontally along the horizontal substantially circular cylindrical beams 1501, which are fixed to the ground using a metal support structure 1500. Said carriage 1510 may comprise an electric motor for transporting said carriage 1510 in first and second opposite directions substantially along a full length of said beams. The upright beam or post member comprises a lower post member and an upper post member which are telescopically movable with respect to each other, to adjust the height of the mast, as described herein before with reference to the first embodiment.

[0076] According to movement 1504, the upright post member and laterally extending mast structure can pivot in the horizontal plane around the pivot point 1509 at which the beam attaches to the carriage 1510. This allows a worker a full reach over the whole of the effective load area of a trailer whilst still being attached to the overhead safety arm. The mast may pivot about the pivot point freely, using only the force applied by the worker, which remains within forces within health and safety legislation above which workers are not permitted to exert themselves.

[0077] According to movement 1505, the upright member 1508 and overhead laterally extending member 1507 can pivot around the point 1509 at which the upright member attaches to the carriage 1510 in the plane perpendicular to the length of the substantially circular cylindrical beam 1501 towards and away from the trailer top 1502.

[0078] According to movement 1506, the overhead laterally extending arm member 1507 can pivot around the point 1511 at which said laterally extending member 1507 attaches to the upright member 1508 in the plane perpendicular to the length of the substantially circular cylindrical beam 1501 towards and away from the ground.

[0079] Currently, the 3-wheel version as shown in Figure 4 herein having cylindrical beams is the preferred embodiment, and most likely for production. However depending upon further engineering calculations, testing and development, the track may be fabricated to use a wheel system that runs along a C' shaped section of metal tube, or an T shaped beam. However the fundamental principle of operation will remain the same.

Claims

Claims 1. A fall arrest apparatus for supporting a worker, said fall arrest apparatus comprising: a laterally extending track; a carriage which is moveable along said laterally extending track; and an upright post mounted on said carriage.
2. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said laterally extending track comprises a pair of spaced apart beams, which in use are arranged one above the other.
3. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any claim 2, wherein said pair of beams are rigidly held parallel to each other.
4. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one said beam comprises a substantially circular cylindrical beam, an I shaped beam, a C shaped beam or an L shaped beam.
5. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said carriage comprises a plurality of rotatable wheels or rollers which rotate as said carriage travels along a said beam.
6. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein a said plurality of rotatable wheels are arranged around said beam as viewed in a direction along a main length axis of said beam.
7. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said carriage comprises an electric or hydraulic motor for transporting said carriage in first and second opposite directions along said track.
8. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said carriage is operable to travel substantially along a full length of said track.
9. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said upright post comprises: a lower post member and an upper post member; wherein said upper post member is extendable and retractable with respect to said lower post member, so in use, to allow raising and lowering of an upper end of said upper post member.
10. The fall arrest system as claimed in claim 9, wherein said post member is connected to said lower post member by a hydraulic or electric ram, said ram having a first end connected to said lower post member and a second end connected to said upper post member such that extension of said ram acts to extend said upper post member relative to said lower post member, thereby increasing a height of said post; and contraction of said ram operates to contract said post member relative to said lower post member, thereby reducing the height of said post.
11. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said upright post comprises an upright member and a laterally extending member.
12. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said laterally extending member comprises a first end connected in use to an upper end of said upright post, and a second end which extends into free space.
13. The fall arrest apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said laterally extending member is supported to said upright post by a hydraulic and/or electric ram, such that said laterally extending member is pivotable about its first end, wherein in use, extension of said ram operates to raise said second end; contraction of said ramp operates to lower said second end
14. An access platform for loading and unloading a vehicle, said access platform comprising a fall arrest apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
15. An access platform for loading and unloading a vehicle, said access platform comprising: a frame; a walkway platform extending along a length of said frame; a track extending along a length of said frame; a carriage, said carriage mounted to said track; and an upright support structure mounted to said carriage; and ] 5 said upright support structure comprising an upright post and a laterally extending beam located at an upper end of said upright post; wherein said upright support structure is mounted to said carriage so that said upright support structure can travel along a length of said track.
16. The access platform as claimed in claim 15, wherein said upright support structure is rotatable about an upright axis such that a distal end of said laterally extending beam may swing in an arc of movement about said upright axis.
17. The access platform as claimed in claim 15 or 16, wherein said laterally extending beam has a proximal end which is movably attached to said upright post and a distal end which extends into free space, such that said distal end may raise or lower relative to said proximal end.
18. The access platform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising a hydraulic or electric ram connected between said upright post and said laterally extending arm; wherein extension of said ram operates to raise said distal end of said laterally extending arm; and contraction of said ram operates to lower said distal end of said laterally extending arm.
19. The access platform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said track is mounted on one side of said frame, such that said carriage and said upright post may travel along said one side of said frame; and said laterally extending arm may swing over said platform such that a distal end of said laterally extending arm is movable over a horizontal area extending along a length of said platform and beyond an opposite side of said frame.
20. The access plafform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein said walkway platform extends substantially along a full length of said frame.
21. The access platform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein said track extends substantially along a full length of said frame.
22. The access platform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 21, further comprising a motor for urging said carriage along said track.
23. The access platform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 22, comprising a set of road wheels to allow said access platform to be towed by a vehicle.
24. The access platform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 23, comprising attachment means for attaching said access platform to another access platform, to create an extended continuous access platform.
25. The access platform as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein said frame comprises engagement means for engaging said frame with an adjacent frame of another access platform.
26. The access platform as claimed in claim 25, wherein said engagement means comprises a connector selected from the set: a female connector member for accepting a male connector member, and a male engagement member being a female connector member.
27. The access platform as claimed in claim 26, wherein said female connector member comprises first and second spaced apart plates, said first and second spaced apart plates located opposite each other; each of said first and second spaced apart plates connected to each other via a base plate.
28. A plurality of access platforms, each as claimed in any one of claims to 23, wherein each said access platform is connectable to each other said access platform of said plurality to create a continuous extended platform.
29. A method of loading or unloading a vehicle, using a fall arrest apparatus comprising a cradle having an upright post and an overhead beam; a track; and a carriage which supports said cradle, and which is movable along said track; said method comprising: locating said vehicle adjacent said fall arrest apparatus; connecting a worker safety harness to said over head beam of said cradle; swinging said overhead over a work area corresponding to an area footprint of said vehicle; and moving said cradle along said track such that said overhead arm may extend along a main length of said work area, as said worker moves along said main length of said work area.
30. The method as claimed in claim 29, further comprising: controlling movement of said carriage along said track in response to a detected position of said worker in said work area.