Size adjustable platform for scaffolding

Abstract

A size-adjustable platform for scaffolding comprises a plurality of overlapping sections extending from a central core, the sections including separate panels reciprocable with respect to the central core whereby the extent of the platform from the central core may be varied in size upon actuation of a ram or equivalent to cater for variable dimensions.

1 . A size-adjustable platform for scaffolding comprising a non-expandable portion securable to a moveable part of the scaffolding, an expandable section releasably mounted on the non-expandable portion, and an actuating mechanism adapted selectively to move the said expandable section relative to the non-expandable portion thereby to adjust the size of the platform. 
   
   
       2 . A size-adjustable platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the platform is of annular shape for surrounding scaffolding erected at the centre of the platform. 
   
   
       3 . A size-adjustable platform according to  claim 1 , wherein the platform is of rectilinear shape extending orthogonally from scaffolding erected at the margin of the platform. 
   
   
       4 . A size-adjustable platform for scaffolding comprising at least a fixed first panel and a movable second panel mounted adjacent one another, and an actuating mechanism connected to the first and second panels adapted to selectively reciprocate the second panel with respect to the first panel thereby to expand or reduce a size of the platform. 
   
   
       5 . A platform according to  claim 4 , wherein the platform includes a third panel movably mounted on the second panel opposite the first panel, and a synchronizing mechanism connected to the first, second and third panels to synchronize displacement of the third panel relative to the second panel with the displacement of the second panel relative to the first panel. 
   
   
       6 . A platform according to  claim 5 , wherein the platform is of annular shape and each panel is of segmental shape with the second panel overlying the first panel and the third panel overlying the second panel. 
   
   
       7 . A platform according to  claim 5 , wherein the third panel is an outer circumferential panel and the outer circumferential panels of the platform are arranged in paired sections with each pair comprising an upper circumferential section and a lower circumferential section secured one to the other side-by-side. 
   
   
       8 . A platform according to  claim 7 , wherein each circumferential section comprises a plurality of radially and telescopically expandable sections, each adjacent pair being independently expandable one from the other. 
   
   
       9 . A platform according to  claim 7 , wherein adjacent pairs of outer circumferential panels overlap one another in alternating manner with each upper circumferential section being adjacent two lower circumferential sections and vice-versa, the arrangement being such that in both extended and retracted mode a continuity of platform surface is achieved. 
   
   
       10 . A platform according to  claim 5 , wherein the actuating mechanism is hydraulically powered and comprises an actuating ram extending between the first panel and the second panel. 
   
   
       11 . A platform according to  claim 10 , wherein each panel is provided therebeneath with a hollow beam, the ram extending between the first panel beam and the second panel beam and the synchronizing mechanism includes chains interconnecting the first and third panel beams and engaging sprockets mounted on the second panel beam, thereby allowing simultaneous radial displacements of the first, second and third panels with the beams telescoping relative to each other. 
   
   
       12 . A platform according to  claim 1 , wherein a controller for the actuating mechanism is provided on the non-extendable portion of the platform.