EP-4737213-A2 - GANGWAY ASSEMBLY

EP4737213A2EP 4737213 A2EP4737213 A2EP 4737213A2EP-4737213-A2

Abstract

A gangway for use with a container to be accessed is provided. The gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. An end platform is pivotally connected at the distal end of the support structure, the end platform defining an upper walking surface and a bottom surface that engages the top of the container, the height between the bottom surface and the walking surface being no greater than one inch.

Inventors

HONEYCUTT, Robert

Assignees

Safe Rack, LLC

Dates

Publication Date: 20260506
Application Date: 20210119

Claims (13)

A gangway for use with a container to be accessed, said gangway comprising: a fixed platform; a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position; and an end platform pivotally connected at the distal end of the support structure, said end platform defining an upper walking surface and a bottom surface that engages the top of the container, the end platform having a main platform structure formed of a bottom piece and a separate top piece assembled together.
A gangway as set forth in claim 1, wherein each of the bottom piece and the top piece are formed of a single piece of sheet metal.
A gangway as set forth in claim 2, wherein the top piece defines a pair of opposed lateral flanges on respective lateral sides of the walking surface.
A gangway as set forth in claim 3, wherein the end platform further comprises first and second side structures attached to respective outside surfaces of said lateral flanges, said side structures each having first and second uprights.
A gangway as set forth in claim 2, wherein the top piece further comprises an end channel in which a front edge of the bottom piece is seated.
A gangway as set forth in claim 3, wherein the bottom piece includes a pair of opposed side plates defining aligned side plate holes for passage of an axle.
A gangway as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a self-raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position.
A gangway for use with a container to be accessed, said gangway comprising: a fixed platform; a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position; and first and second proximal uprights located on lateral sides of the support structure; first and second distal uprights located on lateral sides of the support structure; a first handrail pivotally connected to said first proximal upright and said first distal upright; a second handrail pivotally connected to said second proximal upright and said second distal upright; and each of said first and second handrails having a main tube portion from which unitary tabs extend, the uprights being connected at the tabs.
A gangway as set forth in claim 8, wherein the main tube portion and fins comprise a section of a continuous aluminum extrusion.
A gangway as set forth in claim 8, wherein each of the first and second handrails comprise a separate hand grip attached to the main tube portion.
A gangway as set forth in claim 10, wherein each of the first and second handrails comprise a pair of end caps connected to respective ends of the main tube portion.
A gangway as set forth in claim 8, further comprising: a first midrail pivotally connected to said first proximal upright and said first distal upright; and a second midrail pivotally connected to said second proximal upright and said second distal upright.
A gangway as set forth in claim 12, wherein at least one of the midrails comprises an end cap having indicia of a manufacturer thereon.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to fall restraint equipment, and more particularly, to a gangway that is operative to move between a raised (stowed) position and a lowered (deployed) position. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Gangways may be used to provide access from a platform to an area such as the top of a storage container, vehicle, or ship. For example, a semi-trailer truck or a railroad carriage transporting dry goods may need to be inspected, loaded, or unloaded from the container's top. A gangway is used to span the distance between a stationary platform and the top of the container. In this regard, the proximal end of the gangway is pivotally connected to the stationary platform so as to be stowed in a raised position. Typically, a foot lock is provided to maintain the gangway in the raised position. Once the container is in position, the foot lock is released by the operator, allowing the gangway to move into its lowered position. Once fully lowered, a platform at the distal end of the gangway will be adjacent the top of the container. When access to the top of the container is no longer needed (e.g., due to completion of the unloading process), the gangway is manually raised back to the stowed position until the foot lock is engaged. In a common arrangement, heavy-duty chains are attached on each side of the gangway near its distal end. The chains can be locked with respect to platform uprights to prevent further lowering of the gangway when the desired location is reached. In addition, the chains are pulled to raise the gangway to its raised position. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing considerations, and others, of prior art construction and methods. One aspect of the present invention provides a gangway for use with a container to be accessed. The gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. An end platform is pivotally connected at the distal end of the support structure, the end platform defining an upper walking surface and a bottom surface that engages the top of the container, the height between the bottom surface and the walking surface being no greater than one inch. In some exemplary embodiments, the end platform comprises a main platform structure formed of a bottom piece and a separate top piece assembled together. For example, each of the bottom piece and the top piece may be formed of a single piece of sheet metal. The top piece may define a pair of opposed lateral flanges on respective lateral sides of the walking surface. In addition, first and second side structures may be attached to respective outside surfaces of the lateral flanges. Each of the side structures may comprise first and second uprights. The top piece may further comprise an end channel in which a front edge of the bottom piece is seated. In some exemplary embodiments, the bottom piece may include a pair of opposed side plates defining aligned side plate holes for passage of an axle. The side structures in such embodiments may define respective depending flanges defining flange holes aligned with the side plate holes. A portion of the support structure may interpose each of the side plates and a respective one of the depending flanges of the respective side structures. Embodiments are contemplated in which the end platform comprises a main platform structure formed of a unitary piece of sheet metal configured to provide the walking surface, the bottom surface, opposed lateral flanges and opposed side pieces. According to some embodiments, a distal end of the end platform defines a channel in which a resilient bumper is seated. The gangway may also include a self-raising assembly operative to rotate the support structure from the deployed position to the stowed position. Other aspects of the present invention provide a gangway for use with a container to be accessed. The gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a lowered deployed position. An end platform is pivotally connected at the distal end of the support structure. The end platform defines an upper walking surface and a bottom surface that engages the top of the container. The end platform has a main platform structure formed of a bottom piece and a separate top piece assembled together. A still further aspect of the present invention provides a gangway for use with a container to be accessed. The gangway comprises a fixed platform and a support structure connected to the fixed platform in a manner that allows the support structure to rotate with respect to the fixed platform between a raised stowed position and a low