WORK PLATFORM WITH EXTENSION DECK AND WORK STEP, AND RELATED METHODS
A self-propelled aerial work platform apparatus includes a chassis and elevating work platform with operator controls thereon. The work platform includes a main deck, an extension deck and a storable work step at one end of the extension deck to allow a worker to access utilities through openings in drop ceilings. The step and attached legs are moveable together from a horizontal work position of the step to a vertically extending storage position with step and legs alongside the step close to guardrails at the end of the extension deck.
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17 . A method of operating a work platform of a self-propelled aerial work platform apparatus, comprising:
a. laterally extending an extension deck from a main deck, said extension deck having a floor with a floor cutout adjacent to the main deck and a guardrail frame;
b. vertically extending a retractable upper frame from a lowered storage position nested in said guardrail frame to an elevated safety positions to create a vertically extended safety frame extending above said guardrail frame, wherein said retractable upper frame has three sides with an open side open to the main deck; and
c. lowering a work step from a nested storage position in said guardrail frame to a horizontally oriented work position at least one hinge supportably connecting said step to a guardrail on a side of said extension deck, wherein said retractable upper frame surrounds an area above said work step.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising lifting said work platform from a vehicle base toward said ceiling access.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein said lifting said work platform from a vehicle base comprises extending a collapsible mechanical linkage.
20 . The method of claim 17 , wherein said laterally extending said extension deck comprises an operator standing on the main deck through said floor cutout and manually extending the extension deck.
21 . The method of claim 17 , comprising lowering at least two step support legs from said step to a step support position and positioning distal ends of said at least two support legs into depressions in said extension deck that each have a shape operable to receive a distal end of one of said at least two step support legs, wherein said at least two support leges are pivotally connected to said step.
22 . The method of claim 17 , wherein said step does not protrude from said guardrail frame in said nested position.
23 . The method of claim 17 , wherein said guardrail frame and said vertically extending safety frame together form a continuous frame around said lowered work step on said three sides.
24 . The method of claim 17 , wherein said upper retractable upper frame includes portions operable to nest in the guardrail frame when said retractable upper frame is retracted.
25 . The method of claim 17 , wherein said step being moveable from a work position in which it is horizontally oriented above said floor to a vertically oriented storage position when not in use and at least one hinge supportably connecting said step to a guardrail on a side of said extension deck.
26 . A method of operating a work platform of a self-propelled aerial work platform apparatus, comprising:
a. vertically extending a retractable upper frame from a lowered storage position nested in said guardrail frame to an elevated safety positions to create a vertically extended safety frame extending above said guardrail frame, wherein said retractable upper frame has three sides with an open side open to a main deck of said self-propelled aerial work platform apparatus;
b. lowering a work step from a nested storage position in said guardrail frame to a horizontally oriented work position at least one hinge supportably connecting said step to a guardrail on a side of said extension deck, wherein a user may stand on said work step and be surrounded by said vertically extended safety frame.
27 . The method of claim 26 , further comprising lifting said work platform from a vehicle base toward said ceiling access.
28 . The method of claim 27 , wherein said lifting said work platform from a vehicle base comprises extending a collapsible mechanical linkage.
29 . The method of claim 26 , wherein said laterally extending said extension deck comprises an operator standing on the main deck through said floor cutout and manually extending the extension deck.
30 . The method of claim 26 , comprising lowering at least two step support legs from said step to a step support position and positioning distal ends of said at least two support legs into depressions in said extension deck that each have a shape operable to receive a distal end of one of said at least two step support legs, wherein said at least two support leges are pivotally connected to said step.
31 . The method of claim 26 , wherein said guardrail frame and said vertically extending safety frame together form a continuous frame around said lowered work step.
32 . The method of claim 26 , wherein said retractable upper frame has a width of less than about 24 inches.
33 . The method of claim 26 , wherein said upper retractable upper frame includes portions operable to nest in the guardrail frame when said retractable upper frame is retracted.
34 . The method of claim 26 , wherein said step being moveable from a work position in which it is horizontally oriented above said floor to a vertically oriented storage position when not in use and at least one hinge supportably connecting said step to a guardrail on a side of said extension deck.
35 . The method of claim 26 , further comprising laterally extending an extension deck from a main deck, said extension deck having a floor with a floor cutout adjacent to the main deck and a guardrail frame.