Deck for use in construction

Abstract

A deck for use in construction, the deck comprising: one or more stationary support structure modules including at least a first box tube, a second box tube disposed parallel to the first box tube, and one or more support cross-beams, the one or more stationary support structure modules being configured to removably couple to each other to create a combined support structure being positionable entirely within an edge of a floor of a building: a hoist mounted on the combined support structure such that the hoist is operable to project from inside the edge of the floor to a point beyond the edge of the floor for lifting one or more loads.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A deck for use in construction, the deck comprising:
 a stationary support structure comprising at least a connector extending between a first box tube and a second box tube; the first box tube and the second box tube positioned parallel to the first box tube, the stationary support structure being positionable entirely within an edge of a floor of a building;
 wherein the first box tube is further comprised of a first wheel catch where the first wheel catch is positioned at a first end of a top face of the first box tube, and 
 wherein the second box tube is further comprised of a second wheel catch where the second wheel catch is positioned at a first end of a top face of the second box tube; and 
   a first extension member disposed within the first box tube and being operable to retractably extend from the first box tube;   a second extension member disposed within the second box tube and being operable to retractably extend from the second box tube; and   a platform connected to the first extension member and second extension member having at least two wheels wherein at least one wheel is positioned on a first side of the platform and is configured to roll along the top face of the first box tube, and at least one wheel is positioned parallel to the first wheel on a second side of the platform and is configured to roll along the top face of the second box tube;   and wherein the platform is operable to retractably extend at least partly beyond the edge of the floor in conjunction with the first extension member and the second extension member.   
     
     
         2 . The deck of  claim 1 , wherein the platform is further comprised of a guardrail positioned perpendicular to a face of the platform wherein the barrier is affixed to the first side of the platform, the second side of the platform, and a distal end of the platform. 
     
     
         3 . The deck of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a drive mechanism operable to extend and retract at least one of the first extension member and second extension member.   
     
     
         4 . The deck of  claim 3 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises at least one of: a hydraulic cylinder, a chain, or a self-propelled wheel. 
     
     
         5 . The deck of  claim 1 , wherein the first box tube is comprised of a third wheel catch positioned at a second end of a top face of the first box tube, and the second box tube is further comprised of a fourth wheel catch positioned at a second end of a top face of the second box tube. 
     
     
         6 . The deck of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one counterweight receptacle coupled to the stationary support structure that is operable to removably receive one or more counterweights.   
     
     
         7 . The deck of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 one or more removable counterweights.   
     
     
         8 . The deck of  claim 2 , further comprising:
 a ramp removably coupled to one of the stationary support structure or platform that is operable to facilitate transfer of one or more loads with respect to the platform.   
     
     
         9 . The deck of  claim 2 , wherein the portion of the barrier affixed to the distal end of the platform is divided into two pieces and such pieces are configured to swivel to create an opening. 
     
     
         10 . The deck of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a hoist mounted on the stationary support structure such that the hoist is operable to project from inside the edge of the floor to a point beyond the edge of the floor for lifting one or more loads.   
     
     
         11 . The deck of  claim 10 , wherein the hoist operable to project from inside the edge of the floor to a point beyond the edge of the floor comprises:
 a mast mounted on the stationary support structure; and   at least one boom that projects from the mast or the stationary support structure.   
     
     
         12 . The deck of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a luffing hydraulic cylinder that extends from the mast to the at least one boom for adjusting pitch or angle of the at least one boom.   
     
     
         13 . The deck of  claim 10 , wherein the hoist further comprises:
 a winch;   a sheave;   a cable that extends from the winch over the sheave; and   an overhaul ball coupled to the cable.   
     
     
         14 . The deck of  claim 10 , wherein the hoist is height adjustable relative to the stationary support structure. 
     
     
         15 . The deck of  claim 10 , wherein the hoist is position adjustable along a length of the stationary support structure. 
     
     
         16 . The deck of  claim 10 , wherein the hoist is removably mounted on the stationary support structure. 
     
     
         17 . A hoist for use in construction, the deck comprising:
 one or more stationary support structure modules including at least a first box tube, a second box tube disposed parallel to the first box tube, and one or more support cross-beams, the one or more stationary support structure modules being configured to removably couple to each other to create a combined support structure being positionable entirely within an edge of a floor of a building;   a hoist mounted on the combined support structure such that the hoist is operable to project from inside the edge of the floor to a point beyond the edge of the floor for lifting one or more loads.   
     
     
         18 . The deck of  claim 17 , wherein the hoist further comprises:
 a winch;   a sheave;   a cable that extends from the winch over the sheave; and   an overhaul ball coupled to the cable.   
     
     
         19 . The deck of  claim 17 , wherein the one or more stationary support structure modules are comprised of a front support beam connecting a front end of the first box tube and a front end of the second box tube. 
     
     
         20 . The deck of  claim 19 , wherein the stationary support structure is further comprised of a connector extending between said first box tube and said second box tube.