Safety device for mobile work platforms
A land vehicle assembly is provided with a platform for an operator workspace. A control panel is supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the land vehicle. A caution switch is supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the control panel to provide a signal to the control panel indicative of a caution event. A cable is connected to the caution switch to extend across the control panel. The cable is spaced apart from the control panel so that a predetermined force upon the flexible member actuates the caution switch without significantly obstructing the control panel. A manual force upon the flexible member expands the operator workspace. The control panel is programmed to control a mobile operation of the land vehicle, and discontinue the mobile operation of the land vehicle in response to receipt of the caution event signal.
1. A mobile work platform assembly comprising:
a platform adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, sized to receive an operator thereupon;
a control panel supported upon the platform;
a caution switch supported upon the platform;
a flexible member associated with the caution switch to extend across the control panel and spaced apart from the control panel so that a predetermined force upon the flexible member actuates the caution switch; and
a magnet connected to one of an end of the flexible member and the platform to attach the flexible member to the platform.
2. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 1 wherein the platform provides an operator workspace; and
wherein a manual force upon the flexible member expands the operator workspace.
3. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 1 wherein the caution switch cooperates with the magnet to detect a presence and removal of the magnet from the platform.
4. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 1 wherein the magnet is connected to the end of the flexible member, and the platform is formed from a ferrous material to attach the magnet to the platform.
5. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 4 wherein a receptacle is formed into the platform, sized to receive the magnet.
6. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 5 wherein the caution switch comprises an inductive sensor oriented in the receptacle adjacent to a mounting surface of the magnet to detect a presence and removal of the magnet.
7. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 1 wherein the flexible member comprises a cable to minimize visual obstruction of the control panel.
8. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 7 wherein the cable is pretensioned to permit limited flexibility of the cable upon receipt of a force that is less than the predetermined force.
9. A land vehicle assembly comprising:
a land vehicle; and
a mobile work platform assembly according to claim 1 ; and
wherein the land vehicle supports the platform and is in electrical communication with the control panel, wherein the control panel is programmed to:
control at least one mobile operation of the land vehicle, and
discontinue the at least one mobile operation of the land vehicle in response to receipt of a caution event signal from the caution switch.
10. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 1 further comprising an alarm supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the control panel, wherein the control panel is programmed to initiate the alarm in response to receipt of a caution event signal from the caution switch.
11. A mobile work platform assembly comprising:
a platform adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, sized to receive an operator thereupon;
a control panel supported upon the platform;
a caution switch supported upon the platform in electrical communication with the control panel;
a flexible barrier member associated with the caution switch, the flexible barrier member extending across the control panel and spaced apart from the control panel so that a predetermined force upon the flexible barrier member actuates the caution switch to indicate a caution event; and
a magnet connected to one of an end of the flexible barrier member and the platform to attach the flexible barrier member to the platform.
12. A mobile work platform assembly comprising:
a platform adapted to be mounted to a vehicle, sized to receive an operator thereupon;
a control panel supported upon the platform;
a caution switch supported upon the platform; and
a barrier member removably connected to the caution switch and the platform to extend across the control panel and spaced apart from the control panel so that a predetermined force upon the barrier member disconnects the barrier member from the platform and actuates the caution switch; further comprising a magnet connected to one of an end of the barrier member and the platform to attach the barrier member to the platform.