US-12624558-B2 - Modular dozer platform

US12624558B2US 12624558 B2US12624558 B2US 12624558B2US-12624558-B2

Abstract

The disclosed modular dozer platform provides systems and methods for safely accessing a platform for mounting a mobile piece of mining equipment. The disclosed systems and methods comprise a platform with modular frame, a plurality of ground engaging members supporting the frame and one or more sets of stairs providing access to the modular frame. In practice, the mobile piece of mining equipment is positioned in a central location and the modular frame sections are positioned around the mobile piece of mining equipment.

Inventors

John A. D'Amico
Zachary A. D'Amico

Assignees

MINE RITE TECHNOLOGIES, LLC

Dates

Publication Date: 20260512
Application Date: 20210816

Claims (19)

1 . A modular platform system for accessing a mobile piece of mining equipment comprising: a modular frame; one or more sets of stairs providing access to the modular frame, wherein the modular frame comprises: a modular front deck section with at least one front access location that provides access to the front of the mobile piece of mining equipment; a first modular side deck section comprising a first side deck with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the first modular side deck section is separately movable from the front deck section and mechanically couplable to the front deck section; a second modular side deck section with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the second modular side deck section is separately movable from the first side deck section and mechanically couplable to the first side deck section; a third modular side deck section with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the third modular side deck section is separately movable from the second side deck section and mechanically couplable to the second side deck section; a fourth modular side deck section that is separately movable from the third side deck section and a rear modular deck section and provides a side walkway portion connectable to the third side deck section and the rear deck section; and the rear deck section with at least one rear access location that provides access to the rear of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the rear deck section is separately movable from and mechanically couplable to the fourth side deck section; and a plurality of ground engaging members supporting the frame, wherein the plurality of ground engaging members further comprise a plurality of wheels with a plurality of locking mechanisms, such that each of the modular front deck section, the first modular side deck section, the second modular side deck section, the fourth modular side deck section, and the rear deck section are separately movable on the plurality of wheels.
2 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein when the plurality of locking mechanisms on the plurality of wheels are unlocked, the front, first side, second side, third side, fourth side, and rear sections of the modular frame can be manually moved.
3 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein when the plurality of locking mechanisms on the plurality of wheels are locked, the modular frame becomes stationary.
4 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein the front deck section of the modular frame is substantially rectangularly shaped and further comprises: a front end that is mechanically coupled to a plurality of safety barriers; two side ends both mechanically coupled to a plurality of safety barriers; and a back end that provides at least one front access location to the front of the mobile piece mining equipment.
5 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein the rear deck section of the modular frame is substantially rectangularly shaped and further comprises: a back end that is mechanically coupled to a plurality of safety barriers; two side ends that provide access to the walkway portion of the fourth side deck; and a front end that provides at least one front access location to the back of the mobile piece mining equipment.
6 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein the two side deck sections further comprise a plurality of safety barriers that are permanently affixed.
7 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein the two side deck sections further comprise a plurality of safety barriers that may be removeable by a user.
8 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein the rear deck section further comprises one or more escape ladders.
9 . The modular platform system of claim 1 , wherein the modular frame is made from galvanized steel.
10 . A method of accessing a mobile piece of mining equipment comprising: positioning the mobile piece of mining equipment centrally within a substantially level location; assembling a modular access platform around the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the modular access platform comprises: a modular frame comprising: a modular front deck section with at least one front access location that provides access to the front of the mobile piece of mining equipment; a first modular side deck section comprising a first side deck with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the first modular side deck section is separately movable from the front deck section and mechanically couplable to the front deck section; a second modular side deck section with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the second modular side deck section is separately movable from the first side deck section and mechanically couplable to the first side deck section; a third modular side deck section with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the third modular side deck section is separately movable from the second side deck section and mechanically couplable to the second side deck section; a fourth side deck section that is separately movable from the third side deck section and a rear modular deck section and provides a side walkway portion connectable to the third side deck section and the rear deck section; and the rear deck section with at least one rear access location that provides access to the rear of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the rear deck section is separately movable from and mechanically couplable to the fourth side deck section; a plurality of ground engaging members supporting the frame; and a plurality of wheels affixed to the distal end of the plurality of ground engaging members, wherein the plurality of wheels comprises a plurality of locking mechanisms, such that each of the modular front deck section, the first modular side deck section, the second modular side deck section, the fourth modular side deck section, and the rear deck section are separately movable on the plurality of wheels; locking the plurality of locking mechanisms on the plurality of wheels; mechanically coupling the first side deck sections to the front deck section; mechanically coupling the second side deck sections to the first side deck sections; mechanically coupling the third side deck section to the second side deck sections; mechanically coupling the fourth side deck sections to the third side deck sections; mechanically coupling the rear deck sections to the fourth side deck sections; positioning two sets of stairs to both sides of the front deck section; and mechanically coupling the two sets of stairs to the first side sections and the front deck section, thereby providing access to the modular frame by a user.
11 . The method of accessing a mobile piece of mining equipment of claim 10 , wherein the accessing is performed to provide maintenance on the mobile piece of mining equipment.
12 . The method of accessing a mobile piece of mining equipment of claim 10 , wherein the accessing is performed to clean the mobile piece of mining equipment.
13 . The method of accessing a mobile piece of mining equipment of claim 10 , wherein the accessing is performed to physically inspect the mobile piece of mining equipment.
14 . A modular platform system for mounting onto a mobile piece of mining equipment comprising: a modular frame; a plurality of ground engaging members supporting the frame, wherein the plurality of ground engaging members further comprises a plurality of wheels with a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanisms, such that each of a modular front deck section, a first modular side deck section, a second modular side deck section, a third modular side deck section, a fourth modular side deck section, and a rear deck section are separately movable on the plurality of wheels; and one or more sets of stairs providing access to the modular frame, wherein the modular frame comprises the modular front deck section with at least one front access location that provides access to the front of the mobile piece of mining equipment; the first modular side deck section comprising a first side deck with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the first modular side deck section is separately movable from the front deck section and mechanically couplable to the front deck section; the second modular side deck section with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the second modular side deck section is separately movable from the first side deck section and mechanically couplable to the first side deck section; the third modular side deck section with at least one side access location that provides access to the side of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the third modular side deck section is separately movable from the second side deck section and mechanically e couplable to the second side deck section; the fourth side deck section that is separately movable from the third side deck section and a rear modular deck section and provides a side walkway portion connectable to the third side deck section and the rear deck section; and the rear deck section with at least one rear access location that provides access to the rear of the mobile piece of mining equipment, wherein the rear deck section is separately movable from and mechanically couplable to the fourth side deck section.
15 . The modular platform system of claim 14 , wherein the front deck section of the modular frame is substantially rectangularly shaped and further comprises a front end that is mechanically coupled to a plurality of safety barriers, two side ends both mechanically coupled to a plurality of safety barriers, and a back end that provides at least one front access location to the front of the mobile piece mining equipment.
16 . The modular platform system of claim 14 , wherein the rear deck section of the modular frame is substantially rectangularly shaped and further comprises a back end that is mechanically coupled to a plurality of safety barriers, two side ends both mechanically coupled to a plurality of safety barriers, and a front end that provides at least one front access location to the back of the mobile piece mining equipment.
17 . The modular platform system of claim 14 , wherein the two side deck sections further comprise a plurality of safety barriers that are permanently affixed.
18 . The modular platform system of claim 14 , wherein the two side deck sections further comprise a plurality of safety barriers that may be removeable by a user.
19 . The modular platform system of claim 14 , wherein the two side deck sections further comprise one or more escape ladders.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to modular platform systems and methods for accessing a mobile piece of mining equipment, and more particularly to systems and methods for safely maintaining mobile pieces of mining equipment via modular platforms. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Those skilled in the art of mining, and more specifically those familiar with using and maintaining mining equipment, will appreciate that many existing mining machines do not include an easy way to access on board componentry, such as, for example, the engine or other operating systems. At best, many machines only include a step or ladder, commonly associated with a hand rail or grip, as the only method of access for operators to the engine/control station of the machine. Some operating systems contain no easy way of access at all. Moreover, in many instances, the engine/control station may be elevated many feet from ground level. Also, before operation of such machines, it is sometimes necessary for operators to check the position or status of certain components of the machine, such as drive wheels, earth-working implements or other machine sub-systems, relative to geographical features or man-made obstacles that the machine may encounter during operation. This is especially the case when the extremities of such components are not clearly visible from the control station. Accessing componentry on these machines may expose operators to the risk of a fall. Accordingly, there is a risk of injury to the operator should he/she slip or fall when climbing to a control station or standing in a precarious position elevated on the machine. This risk is multiplied where the machine includes earth working implements with sharp edges or teeth, such as excavator buckets, grader blades or earth ripping tines, in the path of a potential fall. Machine operators have previously suffered serious injuries, including debilitating and potentially fatal head injuries, during falls of this nature. Maintenance personnel and operators face similar risks when access to the engine or other operating systems, such as hydraulic lines or bearings, is required for inspection, cleaning or lubrication purposes. It is with these known deficiencies in the art that the present invention was conceived. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, one object of the present invention discloses a system and method that allows for safe access to key maintenance points on a dozer or another piece of mobile mining equipment. The present invention eliminates the need to tie off, i.e. use of safety belts and lines in order to prevent falls and/or other accidents. The present invention is designed for any type of dozer or other piece of mobile mining equipment and is complete with a full PE (professional engineer) certification. The present invention allows direct access to key maintenance components. Rather than having to crawl on the dozer and awkwardly position yourself to work (i.e. on track), the present invention allows for safe work platforms that are located in direct conjunction with the primary areas where work is performed. This not only is much safer than the present options available in the art, but it also allows the technicians to be more efficient in their job performance. The present invention also eliminates the “Fall Protection” requirements, (i.e. Mine Safety and Health Administration (“MSHA”) standards at 30 C.F.R. §§ 56/57 require that safety belts and lines be worn when persons work where there is a danger of falling. A second person must also tend the lifeline when bins, tanks or other dangerous areas are entered. Furthermore, each employee on a walking/working surface (horizontal and vertical surface) with an unprotected side or edge which is 6 feet or more above a lower level shall be protected from falling by the use of guardrail systems, safety systems, or personal fall arrest systems). Typically performing maintenance tasks on dozers at a mine site requires significant fall protection requirements due to the constraints of the areas available to work. The present invention allows direct and handrailed access to key maintenance areas thus eliminating (most) fall protection requirements. Fall protection is an item that is a high priority for mine sites to eliminate whenever possible. The present invention also allows complete access to the dozer. The present invention encircles the dozer completely, allowing technicians to complete all work from the platforms and without having to leave the platforms. Consequently, this increases safe work practices as well as increases efficiency of work. For example, to get from one side of the dozer to the other, a user simply may walk around the joined platforms rather than mount/dismount a ladder positioned to a specific area. The modular design of the present invention also allows for the various platforms to be easily and compactly stored and allows for use in multiple shop work areas, when applicable. This