Void Platforms

Abstract

A panel is disclosed which is suitable for installation to form a platform or part of a platform in a void of a building structure. The panel is operable to extend between a first support member and a second support member both of which extend across at least a portion of the void. The panel has: a deck component with: a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a pair of opposed, substantially straight sides each extending from the first end to the second end; and a substantially planar surface portion which extends: between the opposed sides at the first end, and from the first end at least part of the way, but not necessarily all the way, to the second end; and one or more first engaging formations at the first end of the deck component and operable to engage with the first support member to support the deck component relative to the first support member, and one or more second engaging formations at the second end of the deck component and operable to engage with the second support member to support the deck component relative to the second support member. At least one out of the first and second engaging formation(s) is/are configured to support the relevant end of the deck component relative to the relevant support member from approximately directly vertically beneath, and/or from approximately within vertical planes containing, each of the straight sides of the deck component.

Claims

1. A panel suitable for installation to form a platform or part of a platform in a void of a building structure, the panel being operable to extend between a first support member and a second support member where both support members extend across at least a portion of the void, the panel comprising: a deck component with: a first end and a second end opposite the first end; a pair of opposed, substantially straight sides each extending from the first end to the second end; and a substantially planar surface portion which extends: between the opposed sides at the first end, and from the first end at least part of the way, but not necessarily all the way, to the second end; and one or more first engaging formations at the first end of the deck component operable to engage with the first support member to support the deck component relative to the first support member, and one or more second engaging formations at the second end of the deck component operable to engage with the second support member to support the deck component relative to the second support member, wherein at least one out of the first and second engaging formation(s) is/are configured to support the relevant end of the deck component relative to the relevant support member from approximately directly vertically beneath, and/or from approximately within vertical planes containing, each of the straight sides of the deck component.

2. A panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deck component further includes a side portion, the side portion extending at least partly along one of the sides of the deck component.

3. A panel as claimed in claim 2, wherein there is a single side portion on each side of the deck component, and on each side of the deck component the side portion extends substantially along the whole side from the first end to the second end.

4. A panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein the surface portion and the side portions of the deck component are formed as a single, unitary component from a single piece of material.

5. A panel as claimed in claim 4, wherein the deck component is roll formed and/or folded from sheet metal.

6. A panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface portion of the deck component has a number of relatively larger holes and also a number of relatively smaller holes formed therein, wherein the larger holes and the smaller holes are interspersed evenly, or in a consistent or repeating arrangement with one another, over at least a portion of the area of the surface portion.

7. A panel as claimed in claim 3, wherein: the first engaging formation(s) include a pair of hook members, each hook member has a mounting portion and a support member engaging portion, the mounting portion of one of the hook members is mounted to an inside surface of the side portion on one side of the deck component, such that the support member engaging portion of this hook member projects out beyond the first end of the deck component, and the mounting portion of the other of the hook member is mounted to an inside surface of the side portion on the other side of the deck component, such that the support member engaging portion of that hook member also projects out beyond the first end of the deck component. and wherein: the second engaging formation(s) also include a pair of hook members, each hook member has a mounting portion and a support member engaging portion, the mounting portion of one of the hook members is mounted to an inside surface of the side portion on one side of the deck component, such that the support member engaging portion of this hook member projects out beyond the second end of the deck component, and the mounting portion of the other of the hook member is mounted to an inside surface of the side portion on the other side of the deck component, such that the support member engaging portion of that hook member also projects out beyond the second end of the deck component.

8. A panel as claimed in claim 7, wherein: at one of the ends of the deck component, the support member engaging portions of the two hook members are horizontally offset (i.e. horizontally inwards or horizontally outwards) relative to the mounting portions, and at the other end of the deck component, the support member engaging portions of the two hook members are not horizontally offset relative to the mounting portions.

9. A panel as claimed in claim 1, wherein the deck component includes an access opening.

10. A panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein the panel also has a hatch door which can be closed to cover the access opening and opened to allow access through the access opening.

11. A panel as claimed in claim 10, wherein the hatch door is hingedly connected to (or near) one of the sides of the deck component and pivots about the hinged connection when it is moved from open to closed and closed to open.

12. A panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein the deck component includes a ladder top receiving opening.

13. A panel as claimed in claim 12, wherein in the deck component: the surface portion extends: in a width direction of the panel, between the opposed sides at the first end, and in a length direction of the panel, from the first end towards the second end before reaching an edge of the access opening closest to the first end; the access opening extends: in the width direction of the panel, between the opposed sides, and in the length direction of the panel, from the edge of the access opening closest to the first end towards the second end before reaching an edge of the ladder top receiving opening closest to the first end; and the ladder top receiving opening in the width direction of the panel, between the opposed side, and in the length direction of the panel, towards the second end from the edge of the ladder top receiving opening closest to the first end and for at least part of the way, but not necessarily all of the way, to the second end.

14. A panel as claimed in claim 9, wherein in the deck component: the surface portion extends: in a width direction of the panel, between the opposed sides at the first end, and in a length direction of the panel, from the first end towards the second end before reaching an edge of the access opening closest to the first end; and in a width direction of the panel, between the opposed sides at the second end, and in a length direction of the panel, from the second end back towards the first end before reaching an edge of the access opening closest to the second end; and the access opening extends: in the width direction of the panel, between the opposed sides, and in the length direction of the panel, between the edge of the access opening closest to the first end and the edge of the access opening closest to the second end.

15. A panel as claimed in claim 14, further including means for securing a ladder relative to the panel.

16. A panel as claimed in claim 15, wherein the means for securing a ladder relative to the panel is operable: to secure the ladder against sideways movement relative to the panel, and/or to secure the ladder against movement relative to the panel in a length direction of the panel, and/or to secure the ladder against sliding vertically/down relative to the panel and out of engagement with the panel.

17. A panel as claimed in any one of claim 15, wherein the means for securing a ladder relative to the panel includes a pair of slots or openings which extend from the access opening into the surface portion, each of the slots being spaced from the other in the panel's width direction by a distance suitable to receive siderails of a ladder, and the means for securing a ladder relative to the panel further includes a securing member, the securing member being operable to be disengaged relative to the surface portion to allow installation of the ladder with the siderails of the ladder being received in the slots, and the securing member also being operable to be engaged relative to the surface portion to secure the siderails of the ladder in the slots.

18. A panel as claimed in claim 17, wherein the surface portion of the deck component has a part which extends in between the slots, and when a ladder is secured relative to the panel with the siderails of the ladder secured in the slots, the ladder is prevented from sliding vertically out of engagement with the panel provided at least one rung of the ladder is installed above the surface portion.

19. A panel suitable for installation to form a platform or part of a platform in a void of a building structure, the panel comprising: a deck component with a substantially planar surface portion; an access opening in the surface portion, optionally, a cover for covering/closing and uncovering/opening the access opening in the surface portion; and means for securing a ladder relative to the panel.

20. A panel as claimed in claim 19, wherein the means for securing a ladder relative to the panel includes a pair of slots or openings which extend from the access opening into the surface portion, each of the slots being spaced from the other in a sideways (width) direction of the panel by a distance suitable to receive siderails of a ladder and, the means for securing a ladder relative to the panel further includes a securing member, the securing member being operable to be disengaged relative to the surface portion to allow installation of a ladder with the siderails of the ladder being received in the slots, and the securing member also being operable to be engaged relative to the surface portion to secure the siderails of the ladder in the slots.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0107] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description section which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description section is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention section in any way. The Detailed Description section, and the Background section above, make reference to a number of Figures as follows:

[0108] FIG. 1 is an illustration, which is identical to the illustration that forms FIG. 4 of the above-mentioned 444 application, and it shows, from above, two support struts mounted in position extending across a void in a building.

[0109] FIG. 2 is an illustration, which is identical to the illustration that forms FIG. 6 in the 444 application, and it shows the support struts in FIG. 1 with two panels mounted thereon and extending across the void to form a void platform (or part of a void platform).

[0110] FIG. 3 is another illustration showing, from above, a void in a building which is spanned in one direction by support struts, and also shown are a number of panels which are supported by and extend between the support struts (perpendicular to the support struts) to form a void platform (or part of a void platform).

[0111] FIG. 4 shows the void, support struts and panels of FIG. 3, but from underneath.

[0112] FIG. 5 is an illustration of the underside of one of the kinds of panels used to form the void platform in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0113] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the upper surface of a panel which is similar to the one in FIG. 5 except that the panel in FIG. 6 is shorter than the panel in FIG. 5 and it incorporates a hatch door (the panel in FIG. 5 does not incorporate a hatch door). The panel in FIG. 6 is therefore an access panel whereas the panel in FIG. 5 is a decking panel.

[0114] FIG. 7 is a schematic end-on cross-sectional illustration of a panel of the general kind shown in FIGS. 2-6.

[0115] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of the way the shape of a panel like the ones shown in FIGS. 2-6 can be deformed in the (not uncommon) event of the panel being subjected to extreme impact loading at or near a corner, such as e.g. by dropping the panel onto one corner (or onto the hook extending from near one corner of the panel).

[0116] FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view from one end of a decking panel in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention.

[0117] FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of the panel in FIG. 9 but from the other end (i.e. the end of the panel which appears closest in FIG. 10 is the opposite end of the panel to the end that appears closest in FIG. 9).

[0118] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the underside of the panel in FIG. 9.

[0119] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the underside of the panel in FIG. 9.

[0120] FIG. 13 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 9 from above.

[0121] FIG. 14 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 9 from underneath.

[0122] FIG. 15 is a side view of the panel in FIG. 9.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a view of one end of the panel in FIG. 9.

[0124] FIG. 17 is a view of the other end of the panel in FIG. 9 (i.e. the end of the panel which appears closest in FIG. 17 is the opposite end of the panel to the end that appears closest in FIG. 16).

[0125] FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 9 from above.

[0126] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 9 from underneath.

[0127] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 9 from slightly off to the side of one end.

[0128] FIG. 21 is an upper perspective view of a decking panel in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention. The decking panel in this embodiment is very similar to the decking panel in the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20 except that its shape is longer and narrower.

[0129] FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 21 from above.

[0130] FIG. 23 is a side view of the panel in FIG. 21.

[0131] FIG. 24 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 21 from underneath.

[0132] FIG. 24A is a close-up view of Detail A in FIG. 24.

[0133] FIG. 25 is an end view of the panel in FIG. 21.

[0134] FIG. 26 is an upper perspective view from one end of an access panel in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention.

[0135] FIG. 27 is an upper perspective view of the panel in FIG. 26 but from the other end (i.e. the end of the panel which appears closest in FIG. 27 is the opposite end of the panel to the end that appears closest in FIG. 26).

[0136] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the underside of the panel in FIG. 26.

[0137] FIG. 29 is another perspective view of the underside of the panel in FIG. 26.

[0138] FIG. 30 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 26 from above.

[0139] FIG. 31 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 26 from underneath.

[0140] FIG. 32 is a side view of the panel in FIG. 26.

[0141] FIG. 33 is a view of one end of the panel in FIG. 26.

[0142] FIG. 34 is a view of the other end of the panel in FIG. 26 (i.e. the end of the panel which appears closest in FIG. 34 is the opposite end of the panel to the end that appears closest in FIG. 33).

[0143] FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 26 from above.

[0144] FIG. 36 is a further (and even more) exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 26 from above.

[0145] FIG. 37 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 26 from below. In FIG. 37, the parts of the panel are shown exploded relative to one another in the same way, and to the same extent, as in FIG. 36.

[0146] FIG. 37A is an upper perspective view of the panel in FIG. 26 but with the hatch door shown pivoted open (this is how the hatch door would normally open in use, by pivoting about a hinged connection to one side of the deck component).

[0147] FIG. 38 is an upper perspective view from one end of yet another panel, again an access panel, in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention. The access panel in this embodiment is very similar to the access panel in the embodiment in FIGS. 26-37 except that it is longer.

[0148] FIG. 39 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 38 from above.

[0149] FIG. 40 is a side-on cross-sectional view of the panel in FIG. 38 taken in the plane 40-40 shown in FIG. 39.

[0150] FIG. 40D1 contains several close-up detail images showing, respectively, Details D, E, F, G, H and I in FIG. 40.

[0151] FIG. 41 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 38 from underneath.

[0152] FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view the panel in FIG. 38 from above.

[0153] FIG. 43 is a plan view of a variant of the hatch door used in the embodiments relating to access panels.

[0154] FIG. 44 is a side view of the hatch door in FIG. 43.

[0155] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of the hatch door in FIG. 43 from above.

[0156] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a plug which may be used, for example, to secure a link panel between a pair of adjacent panels, e.g. between a pair of adjacent decking panels.

[0157] FIG. 47 is a side view of the plug in FIG. 46.

[0158] FIG. 48 is also a side view of the plug in FIG. 46, but from a side which is approximately 90° further around the plug compared to the side view in FIG. 47.

[0159] FIG. 49 is a top view of the plug (i.e. from the cap end of the plug).

[0160] FIG. 50 is a side-on cross-sectional view of the plug in the plane indicated A-A in FIG. 49.

[0161] FIG. 51 is an upper perspective view from one end of an access panel in accordance with yet another possible embodiment of the invention.

[0162] FIG. 52 is an upper perspective view of the panel in FIG. 51 but from the other end (i.e. the end of the panel which appears closest in FIG. 52 is the opposite end of the panel to the end that appears closest in FIG. 51).

[0163] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the underside of the panel in FIG. 51.

[0164] FIG. 54 is another perspective view of the underside of the panel in FIG. 51.

[0165] FIG. 55 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 51 from above.

[0166] FIG. 56 is a plan view of the panel in FIG. 51 from underneath.

[0167] FIG. 57 is a side view of the panel in FIG. 51.

[0168] FIG. 58 is a view of one end of the panel in FIG. 51.

[0169] FIG. 59 is a view of the other end of the panel in FIG. 51 (i.e. the end of the panel which appears closest in FIG. 59 is the opposite end of the panel to the end that appears closest in FIG. 58).

[0170] FIG. 60 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 51 from above.

[0171] FIG. 61 is a further (and even more) exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 51 from above.

[0172] FIG. 62 is an exploded perspective view of the panel in FIG. 51 from below. In FIG. 62, the parts of the panel are shown exploded relative to one another in the same way, and to the same extent, as in FIG. 61.

[0173] FIG. 63 is an upper perspective view of the panel in FIG. 51 but with the hatch door shown pivoted open (this is how the hatch door would normally open in use, by pivoting about a hinged connection to one side of the deck component).

[0174] FIG. 64 is a close-up perspective view of the panel in FIG. 51, and with the hatch door shown pivoted open as in FIG. 63, and with the ladder clamp used in this embodiment shown in the configuration which would enable installation or removal of a ladder relative to the panel.

[0175] FIG. 65 is similar to Forget 64 in that it is a close-up perspective view of the panel in FIG. 51, with the hatch door open as in FIG. 63, but unlike FIG. 64, FIG. 65 shows the ladder clamp in the configuration in which it would secure a ladder in position relative to the panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0176] Referring first to FIGS. 9-20, these figures contain various views of a panel 100 in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention. The panel 100 in the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20 is a kind of panel that may be described as a decking panel. The panel 100 may be described as a decking panel because its purpose is to provide an area of decking, i.e. a surface on which building workers can work and walk, etc, when the panel is installed forming an elevated platform (or part of such a platform) in a void in a building. Decking panels should, however, be distinguished from another kind of panel that may be described as access panels. Access panels may also provide an area of decking (i.e. they may also provide a surface on which building workers can walk and work, etc, when the panel is installed forming an elevated platform or part of a platform); however access panels differ from decking panels in that access panels also incorporate an access opening. The access opening allows a building worker to gain access to the elevated platform through the area of decking (i.e. so that the building worker can climb up through the through the surface of the elevated platform, through the access opening, to gain access to the platform, or climb down through the access opening to leave the platform and return to the floor or level below). Access panels generally have a hatch door (or other cover) to open and close the access opening. Decking panels do not incorporate an access opening. As mentioned above, the panel 100 in FIGS. 9-20 is a decking panel. However, the present invention can also be embodied in the form of an access panel, and a number of such embodiments are described further below and shown in later figures.

[0177] Referring to the decking panel 100 in FIGS. 9-20, this is suitable for installation to form a platform or part of a platform in a void of a building structure. Whilst not shown in FIGS. 9-20, it will be appreciated that the decking panel 100 is operable to extend between (and span the space between) a first support member (e.g. like one of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) and a second support member (e.g. like the other of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) where both of the support members extend across at least a portion of the void.

[0178] The various parts that make up the decking panel 100 in the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20 are perhaps best shown in the exploded view in FIGS. 18 and 19. As can be seen from these figures, and from FIGS. 9-20 generally, the decking panel 100 includes a deck component 110. The deck component has opposed ends, one of which will be referred to as the first end 112f and the other of which will be referred to as the second end 112s. Note that, in relation to this embodiment (and other similar decking panel embodiments), the reference to one of the ends as the first end and to the other end as the second end is simply to distinguish between two, and to allow one end or the other to be easily referred to herein. The particular end which has been chosen to be referred to as the first end is therefore arbitrary, and the other end could equally have been chosen to be the first end. Similarly, in the embodiment shown, the straight hook components 150 (discussed below) are connected to the first end 112f and the offset hook components 160 (discussed below) are connected to the second end 112s. However, the straight hook components 150 could instead be connected to the second end 112s and the offset hook components 160 could instead be connected to the first end 112f.

[0179] In addition to having the opposed first and second ends 112f and 112s, the deck component 110 also has a pair of opposed, substantially straight sides 114. The sides 114 both extend from the first end 112f to the second end 112s. The deck component 110 further includes a substantially planar surface portion 116. The surface portion 116 (or the upper surface thereof which is upwardly-facing when the panel 100 is installed and in use) is what forms the working surface of the panel 100, and hence this is what forms the working surface (or deck area) of the platform or part of the platform formed by the panel in this embodiment. The surface portion 116 in this embodiment extends between the opposed sides 114 in the panel's width direction, and it extends from the first end 112f all the way to the second end 112s in the panel's length direction.

[0180] The decking panel 100 also includes first engaging formations, which in this embodiment take the form of a pair of straight hook components 150. (Note that, in other embodiments, the first engaging formations could take a wide range of other forms or configurations.) The straight hook components 150 are operable to engage with a first support member (e.g. like one of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) to support the deck component 110 relative to that first support member. The decking panel 100 also includes second engaging formations, which in this embodiment take the form of a pair of offset hook components 160. (Note that, in other embodiments, the second engaging formations could also take a wide range of other forms or configurations.) The offset hook components 160 are operable to engage with a second support member (e.g. like the other of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) to support the deck component 110 relative to that second support member.

[0181] Each hook component, i.e. each of the straight hook components 150 and also each of the offset hook components 160, has a mounting portion and a support member engaging portion. On all of the hook components (i.e. on both of the straight hook components 150 and also on both of the offset hook components 160), the mounting portion is a flat plate-like portion located towards the rear/inward of the hook component, and the shape of the mounting portion allows it to be mounted to the inside of one of the side portions 117 of the deck component (but with the support member engaging portion still projecting out from the relevant end of the deck component). The mounting portion of each straight hook component is designated 152, and the mounting portion of each offset hook component 160 is designated 162.

[0182] Also, on all of the hook components 150 and 160, the support member engaging portion is a portion which protrudes forward/outward from the flat, plate-like mounting portion 152,162. The support member engaging portion of each straight hook member 150 is labelled 154, and the support member engaging portion of each offset hook component 160 is labelled 164. The support member engaging portions 154, 164 all have a downwardly-facing, curved (substantially semicircular) cut-out or indentation 153, 163 configured to slot over (or to receive) the round outer shape of a support member like those shown in FIG. 1. Note, however, that if the support member(s) with which the hook components on one or both ends of the panel are required to engage has/have some outer shape other than round, the shape of the downward-facing cut-out or indentation 153 and/or 163 in the support member engaging portion of the relevant hook components may also have an equivalent shape configured to slot over (or to receive) that alternative outer shape of the support member.

[0183] The offset hook members 160 have a slightly different configuration to the straight hook members 150. The difference is that, whereas the support member engaging portions 154 of the straight hook members 150 lie in the same plane as the mounting portion 152 (i.e. such that the support member engaging portions 154 on the straight hook components 150 are really just an extension of the mounting portions 152), in contrast to this, on each offset hook component 160, the support member engaging portion 164 is horizontally offset relative to the mounting portion 162, and the support member engaging portion 164 is connected to the mounting portion 162 via an intermediate diagonal segment 161. In other words, on the offset hook components 160, the support member engaging portions 164 are in a plane which is slightly horizontally offset from the plane of the mounting portions 162. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-20 (and in fact in all embodiments described herein), the two offset hook components 160 are arranged and mounted to the deck component 110 so that their support member engaging portions 164 are offset horizontally inwards relative to their mounting portions 162. It would also be possible, however, to mount the offset hook components 160 to the deck component 110 in such a way that the support member engaging portions 164 would be offset horizontally outwardly relative to the mounting portions 162. However, a disadvantage of that might be that it may cause the support member engaging portions 164 to become located even further horizontally outward than the sides 114 of the deck component (and further outward than the outer faces of the side portions 117—see below). That may, in turn, be undesirable as it may result in an unavoidable (if still small) gap being created between adjacent panels 100 which are installed side-by-side one another to create (or as part of) a void platform. By connecting the offset hook components 160 to the deck component 110 such that the support member engaging portions 164 are offset horizontally inward, the support member engaging portions 164 do not prevent panels from being installed side-by-side one another and pressed together such that the side portion 117 of one of the panels contacts or presses against the adjoining side portion 117 of the adjacent panel (i.e. such that there is substantially no undesirable space left between the panels).

[0184] It is important to note that, unlike the hooks used on the prior art panels discussed in the Background section above, which are made from cast aluminium and therefore often cannot be bent back into shape (in the event of an impact or the like that bends the hook) and which therefore often need to be completely replaced if damaged, the hook components 150, 160 just described are made from a tougher and more robust material, such as e.g. steel, meaning that (in the event of an impact or the like or the like that bends the hook) it is sometimes possible (depending on how badly bent it is) to simply bend the hook back into shape without needing to completely replace it. It is envisaged that the hook components 150, 160 may often be made from nickel coated mild steel.

[0185] As alluded to above, the deck component 110 of the panel also has a planar side portion 117 on both sides. The side portions 117 both extend (or depend) vertically downward from the respective sides 114 of the deck component 110 (in this embodiment the sides 114 of the deck component are effectively equivalent to the sides of the surface portion 116), both of the side portions 117 extend for the full length of the deck component 110 (i.e. from the first end 112f to the second end 112s) and both of the side portions 117 are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the surface portion 116.

[0186] In the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20 (and in fact in all of the embodiments shown in the figures of this specification) the entire deck component 110 (i.e. including the surface portion 116 and the two side portions 117) is formed as a single piece, unitary component. More specifically, the entire deck component 110 is formed by roll forming and/or folding a single piece (or a single section or a single length) of aluminium alloy sheet into the shape of the deck component 110 shown. (Note that the holes that are formed in and extend across the majority of the area of the surface portion 116 (this is discussed further below) are formed as a separate step or operation from the roll forming and/or folding operation that gives the deck component 110 its overall shape. Typically the formation of the holes will be performed before the roll forming and/or folding operation; however it could also be done after. The thickness of the aluminium alloy sheet from which the deck component 110 is made may be varied according to the different strength and/or rigidity requirements that may exist in different applications. However, in the embodiment shown, the aluminium sheet has a thickness of 3 mm, and this is sufficient to provide the required strength and rigidity. Note also that, whilst the material used to form the deck component 110 in this embodiment is aluminium alloy sheet, sheet of other kinds of metal (e.g. different grades of steel or the like) may also be used.

[0187] It was mentioned above that the deck component is formed such that the planar side portions 117 on either side of the surface portion 116 extend down from the sides 114 perpendicular to the plane of the surface portion 116. This configuration, together with the material properties and the thickness of the material (aluminium alloy) from which it is made, help to give the deck component 110 strength and rigidity.

[0188] Also, as perhaps best shown in FIG. 20, the lower long side edge of each of the side portions 117 is “folded under” inwards so as to form a small, upwardly-opening channel 118 extending along on the inside at the bottom of each of the side portions 117. This channel 118 on the bottom of each of the side portions 117 serves a number of purposes. Firstly, it contributes or adds to the overall strength and rigidity of the deck component 110. Also, the width between the inside parallel vertical surfaces of each channel 118 is approximately the same as (or slightly greater than) the thickness of the mounting portions 152, 162 of the respective hook components 150, 160. The distance between the inside base of each channel 118 and the underside of the surface portion 116 is also approximately the same (or slightly greater than) the height of the mounting portions 152, 162 of the respective hook components 150, 160. Accordingly, when the hook components 150, 160 are being mounted to the deck component 110 on the insides of the side portions 117 (at their respective ends), the mounting portions 152, 162 are slid into the channels 118 at either end and the close fit of the mounting portions 152, 162 within the ends of the channels 118 and between the bases of the channels 118 and the underside of the surface portion 116, helps to hold the mounting portions 152, 162 in place until fasteners (rivets, nuts and bolts, or the like) can be inserted through the apertures 115 at either end in each of the side portions 117, and also through the apertures 155, 165 in the respective mounting portions 152, 162 which become aligned with the apertures 115 when the mounting portions are slid into the channels, to thereby finally secure the mounting portions to the deck component 110.

[0189] It should be noted that the channels 118 on the bottoms of the respective side portions 117 do not extend all the way between the first end 112f and the second end 112s. Rather, the channel 118 on either side of the deck component extends all the way to the first end 112f (as can be seen in FIG. 20). However, the channels 118 on either side terminate slightly before reaching the second end 112s (this can be seen in FIG. 19). The reason why the respective channels 118 terminate slightly before reaching the second end 112s is because (in this embodiment) this is required in order to allow the diagonal portions 161 and the support member engaging portions 164 of the respective offset hook components 160 to extend inwardly (which they must do to be offset inwards). Also note though that, if the offset hook components 160 where instead connected to the first end 112f, then the channels 118 would need to terminate slightly before the first end 112f instead, but in that case, the channels 118 could extend all the way to the second end 112s.

[0190] Importantly, when the mounting portions 152, 162 of the respective hook components 150, 160 are attached to the inside surfaces of the side portions 117 at their respective ends, as described in the previous paragraph above, the result of this is that these hook components 150, 160 (which are the panel's first and second engaging formations in this embodiment) consequently engage with the deck component 110, and when the panel is installed, the hook components also engage with the relevant supporting members (support struts) from almost (or as close as possible to) directly beneath, and almost (or as close as possible to) within the same vertical plane as, each of the very outside straight sides 114 of the deck component. Because the hook components 150, 160 (the first and second engaging formations) support the deck component 110 at either end relative to their associated support member (struts) from approximately directly vertically beneath each of the straight sides 114 of the deck component, consequently even if a significant vertical impact or load is imposed on one of the very outside edges or sides of the panel 100, the line of action of such force would effectively extend through (or at least very close to) the location (in the horizontal/width direction of the panel) where the hook components 150, 160 support the deck component. Therefore, there would be no (or substantially no) space or distance in the horizontal/width direction of the panel between the location where the force is applied (on the very outer side 114) and the location where the support member(s) support the deck component 110. Consequently, it may be that no (or substantially no) lever arm is created that would cause the panel to tip or tilt.

[0191] It is also important to note that the decking panel 100 in this embodiment may be much more resistant to the kind of canting deformation (caused by impact loading on or near one corner of the panel, as described above with reference to FIG. 8) than the previously used panels described above, because the deck component 110 in the present decking panel 100 is made as a single piece, unitary part. Specifically, in the present embodiment the deck component 110 is made from a single sheet of aluminium. As a result of this, even if the decking panel 100 receives an end-on blow on one corner due to being dropped on one corner (or the like), and even if this is sufficient to damage the hook component 150/160 on that corner, nevertheless all that should be required is removal of the damaged hook component and replacement thereof. This should not cause the kind of canting deformation of the rest of the panel, as was the case for the previously used panels described above, because, unlike the previously used panels which had a frame-like substructure supporting the surface component(s) SC, in the panel 100 in the present embodiment, the component 110 is made from a single sheet of material and is therefore inherently much more resistant to this kind of canting deformation.

[0192] Furthermore, despite the advantages in terms of the robustness just described, panels made in accordance with embodiments of the present invention like the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-20 may also be lighter than an equivalently dimensioned panel formed in the manner of the previously used panels described above.

[0193] As mentioned above, in the decking panel 100 in FIGS. 9-20, there are holes that are formed in/through, and which extend across, the majority of the area of the surface portion 116. More specifically, in this particular embodiment (and also in other embodiments shown in other figures below), there are two sets of holes, namely a set of larger holes and a set of smaller holes. Both sets of holes (i.e. both the larger holes and the smaller holes) are evenly distributed across the surface portion 116. More specifically, both sets of holes are arranged in a pattern of straight rows extending across the width dimension and straight columns extending along the length dimension (i.e. in a grid pattern). The smaller holes are offset from the larger holes (i.e. the grid pattern of small holes is offset from the grid pattern of larger holes), and the (grid of) smaller holes is interspersed between and amongst the (grid of) larger holes.

[0194] The holes in the surface portion 116 serve a number of purposes. For one thing, they help to reduce the amount of material in the deck component 110, thereby reducing the weight of the deck component (and reducing the weight of the panel 100 overall). The holes may also contribute to the rigidity of the deck component, or at least the inclusion of the holes (and their size and relative arrangement) may be such that they do not significantly affect or reduce the strength and rigidity of the deck component 110. The holes also help to provide gip. The fact that the holes in this embodiment are all round/circular means that the respective holes all have portions of their edges facing in all horizontal directions, and this in turn means that across the surface portion 116 there are portions of the respective hole edges oriented in all horizontal directions. Accordingly, the shape of the holes (round/circular in this embodiment) may help to provide grip in all horizontal directions. It should be noted, however, that holes of other shapes and sizes could also be used. The holes in the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20 are laser cut. However, the holes may also be formed in other ways, such as by drilling or punching or the like, and in fact explanation will be given below for a situation in which some (at least) of the holes are punched.

[0195] The panel 100 in the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20 also includes a number of cross bracing members 130. As shown in Figures in 11, 12 and 14, there happen to be three cross bracing members 130 in this embodiment. All three extend across the space between the side portions 117 beneath the surface portion 116, and all three are attached by rivets (or other mechanical fasteners such as nuts, bolts, screws or the like) which are inserted through the surface portion and through the upper flange of the cross bracing member 130 to secure cross bracing member 130 in place on the underside of the deck component 110. In this embodiment there is one cross bracing member 130 at either end of the panel, i.e. there is one cross spacing member 130 at the first end 112f and another cross bracing member 130 at the second end 112s—this will generally (if not always) be the case for decking panels regardless of the length and width of the decking panel. For decking panels, whether or not there are any further or additional cross bracing members as well (i.e. any spanning the space between the side portions 117 at some location(s) along the length of the panel between the ends) will depend on the length and width of the panel and the amount of additional cross bracing required. In the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20, the length and width of the panel is such that a single additional (i.e. a third) cross bracing member 130, which extends across between the sides 117 half way between the ends of the panel, is sufficient. However, in other embodiments, a greater number of cross bracing members may be required along the length of the panel (generally if the panel is longer), or fewer (or even no) additional cross bracing members (i.e. other than those at the two end) may be required if the panel is sufficiently strong and rigid without them.

[0196] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that decking panels which are generally similar to the decking panel in the embodiment in FIGS. 9-20 can be made but where the length and width varies. For example, the decking panel in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-25 is essentially the same as the decking panel in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9-20. The main difference is that the decking panel in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 21-25 is longer and thinner (i.e. the deck component 210 is much longer in its horizontal length dimension and much narrower in its horizontal width dimension) than in FIGS. 9-20. There are also a few other small differences that flow as a result of this different shape of the deck component. For example, the number of the smaller and larger holes in the grid arrangements (i.e. in each row and column) of holes is consequently different (the size of the individual large and small holes are the same, however). Also, the width of the cross bracing members 230 is much shorter in the embodiment in FIGS. 21-25 (because the distance between the sides 217 is much smaller), but because the deck component 210 is much longer, a greater number of cross bracing members 230 is provided (i.e. there are four cross bracing members rather than three—one at each end and two in between rather than one at each end and one in between). Aside from this, the decking panels in the embodiments in FIGS. 9-20 and 21-25 are made and operate the generally the same way.

[0197] The size (particularly the horizontal length and width) of the decking panel may therefore be varied to suit. As an indication, it is contemplated that decking panels of the above general kind may be produced in sizes combining one of the lengths listed below with one of the widths listed below:

TABLE-US-00001 Length (mm) Width (mm) 600 250 900 300 1200 600 1500 1800 2400

[0198] However, it will of course be appreciated that decking panels having a length or width not necessarily corresponding to any of the specific lengths and widths listed above may also be made.

[0199] Turning now to FIGS. 26-37A, these figures contain various views of a panel 300 in accordance with one possible embodiment of the invention. The panel 300 in the embodiment in FIGS. 26-37A is an access panel. The distinction between decking panels and access panels is explained above.

[0200] The access panel 300 is suitable for installation to form a platform or part of a platform in a void of a building structure. Whilst not shown in FIGS. 26-37A, it will be appreciated that the panel 300 is operable to extend between (and span the space between) a first support member (e.g. like one of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) and a second support member (e.g. like the other of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) where both of the support members extend across at least a portion of the void.

[0201] The various parts that make up the panel 300 in the embodiment in FIGS. 26-37A are perhaps best shown in the exploded view in FIGS. 35-37. As can be seen from these figures, and from FIGS. 26-37A generally, the access panel 300 includes a deck component 310. The deck component has opposed ends, one of which will be referred to as the first end 312f and the other of which will be referred to as the second end 312s.

[0202] In addition to having the opposed first and second ends 312f and 312s, the deck component 310 also has a pair of opposed, substantially straight sides 314. The sides 314 both extend from the first end 312f to the second end 312s. The deck component 310 further includes a substantially planar surface portion 316. The surface portion 316 (or the upper surface thereof which is upwardly-facing when the panel 300 is installed and in use) forms part of the working surface of the panel 300, and hence part of the working surface of the platform or part of the platform formed by the panel in this embodiment. At the first end 312f, the surface portion 316 in this embodiment extends between the opposed sides 314 in the panel's width direction, and in the panel's length direction the surface portion 316 extends from the first end 312f towards the second end 312s until it reaches (and terminates at) an access opening 319. Specifically, in the panel's length direction the surface portion 316 extends from the first end 312f towards the second end 312s until it reaches (and terminates at) the (transverse) edge of the access opening 319 which is closest to the first end and which extends between the sides of the deck component 310. There is also a hatch door 320 which can be closed to cover, and opened to uncover, the access opening 319. This will be discussed further below. The panel's ladder top receiving opening 319a, which is located directly adjacent the access opening 319 (in fact the ladder top receiving opening 319a is only separated from the access opening 319 by one of the cross bracing members 330), will also be discussed further below.

[0203] The panel 300 also includes first engaging formations, which in this embodiment take the form of a pair of offset hook components 360. (Note that, in other embodiments, the first engaging formations could take a wide range of other forms or configurations.) The offset hook components 360 are operable to engage with a first support member (e.g. like one of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) to support the deck component 310 relative to that first support member. The panel 300 also includes second engaging formations, which in this embodiment take the form of a pair of straight hook components 350. (Note that, in other embodiments, the second engaging formations could also take a wide range of other forms or configurations.) The straight hook components 350 are operable to engage with a second support member (e.g. like the other of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) to support the deck component 310 relative to that second support member. The offset hook components 360 (which are the first engaging formations in this embodiment), and the straight hook components 350 (which are the second engaging formations in this embodiment), are the same as the offset hook components 160 and straight hook components 150 described above. The way in which, and the location at which, these connect to the deck component 310 is also the same as above.

[0204] The deck component 310 of the panel also has a planar side portion 317 on both sides. The side portions 317 both extend (or depend) vertically downward from the respective sides 314 of the deck component 310. (Note that, in this embodiment, the sides 314 of the deck component 310 are not simply equivalent to the sides of the surface portion 316, because the surface portion 316 does not extend all the way from the first end 312f to the second end 312s but the sides 314 do). Both of the side portions 317 extend for the full length of the deck component 310 (i.e. from the first end 312f to the second end 312s) and both of the side portions 317 are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the surface portion 316.

[0205] The entire deck component 310 (i.e. including the surface portion 316 and the two side portions 317) is formed as a single piece, unitary component. More specifically, the entire deck component 310 is formed by roll forming and/or folding a single piece (or a single section or a single length) of aluminium alloy sheet. (Note that the holes that are formed in and extend across the majority of the area of the surface portion 316 are formed as a separate step or operation from the roll forming and/or folding operation that gives the deck component 310 its overall shape. Likewise, the step of removing material from the deck component 310 to create the space for the access opening 319 and the ladder top receiving opening 319a (for example by laser cutting or other form of material removal technique) is also separate from the operation of roll forming and/or folding that gives the deck component 310 its overall shape.) The thickness of the aluminium alloy sheet from which the deck component is made may be varied according to the different strength and/or rigidity requirements that may exist in different applications. However, in the embodiment shown, the aluminium sheet has a thickness of 3 mm, and this is sufficient to provide the required strength and rigidity. Note also that, whilst the material used to form the deck component in this embodiment is aluminium alloy sheet, sheet of other kinds of metal (e.g. different grades of steel or the like) may also be used.

[0206] Also, as in the decking panel embodiments above, the lower long side edge of each of the side portions 317 is “folded under” inwards so as to form a small, upwardly-opening channel 318 extending along on the inside at the bottom of each of the side portions 317. These channels 318 serves the same purposes as described above.

[0207] Therefore, as in the decking panel embodiments above, when the mounting portions 352, 362 of the respective hook components 350, 360 are attached to the inside surfaces of the side portions 317 at their respective ends, the result of this is that these hook components 350, 360 (which are the panel's second and first engaging formations in this embodiment) consequently engage with the deck component 310 and also (when the panel 300 is in use) with the relevant supporting members (support struts) from almost (or as close as possible to) directly beneath, and almost (or as close as possible to) within the same vertical plane as, each of the very outside straight sides 314 of the deck component. Because the hook components 350, 360 (the second and first engaging formations) support the deck component 310 at either end relative to their associated support member (struts) from approximately directly vertically beneath each of the straight sides 314 of the deck component, consequently even if a significant vertical impact or load is imposed on one of very outside edges or sides of the panel 300, the line of action of such force would effectively extend through (or at least very close to) the location (in the horizontal/width direction of the panel) where the hook components 350, 360 support the deck component. Therefore, there would be no (or substantially no) space or distance in the horizontal/width direction of the panel between the location where the force is applied (on the very outer side 314) and the location where the support member(s) support the deck component 310. Consequently, it may be that no (or substantially no) lever arm is created that would cause the panel to tip or tilt.

[0208] As mentioned above, in the access panel 300, there are holes that are formed in/through, and which extend across, the majority of the area of the surface portion 316 and also the hatch door 320. More specifically, in both the surface portion 316 and the hatch door 320, there are two sets of holes, namely a set of larger holes and a set of smaller holes. Both sets of holes (i.e. both the larger holes and the smaller holes) are evenly distributed across the surface portion 316 and the hatch door 320. Both sets of holes are arranged in a pattern of straight rows extending across the width dimension and straight columns extending along the length dimension (i.e. in a grid pattern). The smaller holes are offset from the larger holes (i.e. the grid pattern of small holes is offset from the grid pattern of larger holes), and the (grid of) smaller holes is interspersed between and amongst the (grid of) larger holes. The holes in the surface portion 316 and the hatch door 320 serve the same purposes as described above.

[0209] The panel 300 also includes a number of cross bracing members 330. As shown in FIG. 35, there happen to be four cross bracing members 330 in this embodiment. All four extend across the space between the side portions 317 beneath the surface portion 316, and all four are attached by rivets (or other mechanical fasteners such as nuts, bolts, screws or the like) which are inserted through the surface portion and through the upper flange of the cross bracing member 330 to secure cross bracing member 330 in place on the underside of the deck component 310. In this embodiment, there is one cross bracing member 330 at or near either end of the panel, i.e. there is one cross spacing member 330 at the first end 312f and another cross bracing member 330 which is near (if a bit back from and not right at) the second end 312s. There are also two cross bracing members 330 associated with the access opening and hatch door. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 35, there is a cross bracing member 330 which is attached directly below (or below and very close to) the edge where the surface portion 316 terminates at the access opening 319. There is also another cross bracing member 330 which extends across between the side portions 317 at a longitudinal location beneath where the opposed edge of the hatch door 320 is when the hatch door is closed to cover the access opening 319. The space between this cross bracing member 330, and the cross bracing member 330 closest to the second end 312s (and the gap/opening above and between these two cross bracing members 330), forms the ladder top receiving opening 319a. Further, there are a pair of longitudinal bracing members 380 which extend between the middle two cross bracing members 330. These longitudinal bracing members 380 are associated with the edges of the access opening 319 and hatch door 320. Together, the two middle cross bracing members 330 associated with the edges of the access opening 319 and hatch door 320, and the two longitudinal bracing members 380 that extend between them, provide additional rigidity to support the hatch door when it is in the closed position (flush with the surface portion 316, as shown in FIGS. 26-34) to cover the access opening 319. These two middle cross bracing members 330 associated with the edges of the access opening 319 and hatch door 320, and the two longitudinal bracing members 380 that extend between them, also provide additional rigidity for the decking component 310 when the hatch door is removed/opened.

[0210] Next, note that although the exploded views in FIGS. 35-37 appear to suggest that that the hatch door 320 is completely separable from the deck component 310 to open the access opening 319 (i.e. these figures appear to suggest that the hatch door 320 is removable in the manner of a manhole cover or the like), although this is possible, this is not usually the way in which the hatch door 320 cover will be opened to allow access to the access opening 319. Rather, the hatch door 320 cover will normally be opened in the manner depicted in FIG. 37A. As FIG. 37A shows, the hatch door 320 will normally be hingedly connected to one of the sides of the deck component 310 so that the hatch door can be opened and closed relative to the access opening 319 by pivoting about the hinge(s). It will be noted from several of the Figures that hatch door 320 has two pairs of holes 321 on one side. These holes are intended to allow a pair of hinges to be connected to that side of the hatch door 320. However, it will also be noted that there are four pairs of holes 311 on the deck component, or more accurately, two pairs of holes 311 on one side of the deck component 310 and two pairs of holes 311 on the other side of the deck component 310. By providing two pairs of holes on each side of the deck component 310, it will be appreciated that the hinges connected to hatch door 320 can be attached to either one side, or the other side, of the deck component 310. Accordingly, the hatch door 320 can be hingedly connected to one side of the deck component 310, or rotated 180° and hingedly connected to the other side of the deck component, depending on which way that hatch door 320 is required (or preferred) to swing open in a particular situation. It should also be noted that one or more holes 322 are provided on the opposite side of the hatch door 320 from the hinge connection holes 321. The hole(s) 322 are to facilitate the connection of a handle or the like which can be grasped to raise and lower the hatch door to open and close it.

[0211] For access panels, whether or not there are any further or additional cross bracing members 330 (i.e. any other than those mentioned above and shown in FIGS. 26-37A) will depend on the length and width of the panel and the amount of additional cross bracing required. In the embodiment in FIGS. 26-37A, the length and width of the panel is such that no further cross bracing members 330 (i.e. other than those mentioned above) are needed. However, in other embodiments, a greater number of cross bracing members may be required along the length of the panel (generally if the panel is longer).

[0212] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that access panels which are generally similar to the access panel in the embodiment in FIGS. 26-37A can be made but where the length (and possibly also the width) varies. For example, the access panel in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 38-42 is essentially the same as the access panel in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 26-37A. The main difference is that the access panel in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 38-42 is longer (i.e. the deck component 410 is much longer in its horizontal length dimension) than in FIGS. 26-37A. There are also a few other small differences that flow as a result of this different length of the deck component. For example, the number of the smaller and larger holes in the grid arrangements (i.e. in each column) of holes is consequently different (the size of the individual large and small holes are the same, however). Also, because the deck component 410 is much longer, a greater number of cross bracing members 430 is provided (i.e. there are six cross bracing members rather than four). Aside from this, the access panels in the embodiments in FIGS. 26-37A and 38-42 are made and operate generally the same way.

[0213] Turning to FIGS. 43-45, these show a variant of the hatch door, i.e. a slightly different hatch door to the ones shown on the access panels in the embodiments in FIGS. 26 and 38. The difference between the hatch door shown in FIGS. 43-45 and the hatch doors shown in the embodiments in FIGS. 26 and 38 above is that, in the hatch doors 320/420 in those earlier access panel embodiments, the holes therein were all formed by laser cutting (or perhaps by drilling), and as a result no portions or edges of the holes were raised relative to the upper surface of the hatch door. In contrast, in the variant hatch door shown in FIGS. 43-45, the small holes are still later cut (or perhaps drilled) and do not have any raised portions, but the larger holes are formed by punching from below. As a consequence, for each of the larger holes, a raised rim is formed which projects vertically upwards from the upper surface of the hatch door. These raised rims may help to increase the rigidity of the surface, and also improve grip. Creating these raised holes using a method other than punching from below is also contemplated.

[0214] It should also be noted that whilst FIGS. 43-45 depict larger holes in a hatch door which have been formed so as to be raised, the same could also be done in the surface portion of the deck component in any embodiments of the (decking or access) panels described above or below.

[0215] FIGS. 46-50 show a plug which may be used, for example, to secure a link panel between a pair of adjacent panels, e.g. between a pair of adjacent panels. By way of further explanation, when a platform is created in a void in a building using two or more panels, both of which extends between a pair of support members spanning the void, there may sometimes be a space between the two panels (e.g. if for some reason the two panels cannot be pushed directly together or installed directly side-by-side in contact with one another). In such cases, the space between the two panels may be spanned (i.e. covered so as to extend the platform surface over the gap between the two panels) by a link panel. The link panel may have holes, for example, an arrangement of holes similar to the arrangement holes in the surface portions of the panels themselves. In order to secure such a link panel across the space between the other two panels, the link panel may be positioned so that portions of it extend over the top of the surface portion of each of the other two panels, and so that at least some of the holes in the link panel are aligned with correspondingly sized holes in each of the other panel. Once the link panel has been positioned on top of the other two panels (and spanning the gap between them) as described above, plugs like the one shown in FIGS. 46-50 may be inserted into one or more (or all) of the holes in the link panel which are aligned with holes in the first panel and through into the aligned holes in the first panel, and plugs may also be inserted into one or more (or all) of the holes in the link panel which are aligned with the holes in the second panel and through into the aligned holes in the second panel. Thus, the plugs may secure the link panel to, and between, the first and second panels.

[0216] Plugs like the one shown in FIGS. 46-50 may also be used for other purposes. For example, in some embodiments it may be possible for hinges attached to the hatch door of an access panel to be secured to one side or other of the panel's deck component using the plugs (although such plugs used for this purpose may need to be smaller than plugs that are size to be used to connect a link panel between a pair of adjacent panels as described above—this is because the holes by which the hinges are connected will typically be smaller). Because the plugs are made from injection moulded plastic, they may be comparatively easily removed, which may enable the side of the panel's deck component to which the hatch door is hinges the connected to be switched if needed.

[0217] Turning now to FIGS. 51-65, these figures contain various views of a panel 500 in accordance with another possible embodiment of the invention. The panel 500 in FIGS. 51-65 is again an access panel. The distinction between decking panels and access panels is explained above.

[0218] Like the access panel 300 above, access panel 500 is suitable for installation to form a platform or part of a platform in a void of a building structure. Whilst not shown in FIGS. 51-65, the panel 500 (like the access panel 300 above) is operable to extend between (and span the space between) a first support member (e.g. like one of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) and a second support member (e.g. like the other of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) where both of the support members extend across at least a portion of the void.

[0219] The various parts that make up the panel 500 are perhaps best shown in the exploded view in FIGS. 60-62. As can be seen from these figures, and from FIGS. 51-65 generally, the access panel 500 includes a deck component 510. The deck component has opposed ends, one of which will be referred to as the first end 512f and the other of which will be referred to as the second end 512s.

[0220] In addition to having the opposed first and second ends 512f and 512s, the deck component 510 also has a pair of opposed, substantially straight sides 514. The sides 514 both extend from the first end 512f to the second end 512s. The deck component 510 in this embodiment further includes two substantially planar surface portions, namely 516f (which is a planar surface portion of the deck component located generally at the first end 5120 and 516s (which is a planar surface portion of the deck component located generally at the second end 512s). The surface portions 516f and 516s (or the upper surfaces thereof which are upwardly-facing when the panel 500 is installed and in use) form part of the working surface of the panel 500, and hence part of the working surface of the platform or part of the platform formed by the panel 500. At the first end 512f, the surface portion 516f in this embodiment extends between the opposed sides 514 in the panel's width direction, and in the panel's length direction the surface portion 516f extends from the first end 512f towards the second end 512s until it reaches (and terminates at) an access opening 519. Specifically, in the panel's length direction, the surface portion 516f extends from the first end 512f towards the second end 512s until it reaches (and terminates at) the transverse edge of the access opening 519 which is closest to the first end and which extends between the sides of the deck component 510. At the second end 512s, the surface portion 516s in this embodiment also extends between the opposed sides 514 in the panel's width direction, and in the panel's length direction, the surface portion 516s extends from the second end 512s back towards the first end 512f until it reaches (and terminates at) the transverse edge of the access opening 519 which is closest to the second end 512s and which extends between the sides of the deck component 510. There is also a hatch door 520 which can be closed to cover, and opened to uncover, the access opening 519.

[0221] The panel 500 also includes first engaging formations, which in this embodiment take the form of a pair of offset hook components 560. (Note that, in other embodiments, the first engaging formations could take a wide range of other forms or configurations.) The offset hook components 560 are operable to engage with a first support member (e.g. like one of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) to support the deck component 510 relative to that first support member. The panel 500 also includes second engaging formations, which in this embodiment take the form of a pair of straight hook components 550. (Note that, in other embodiments, the second engaging formations could also take a wide range of other forms or configurations.) The straight hook components 550 are operable to engage with a second support member (e.g. like the other of the support struts 20 in FIG. 1) to support the deck component 510 relative to that second support member. The offset hook components 560 (which are the first engaging formations in this embodiment), and the straight hook components 550 (which are the second engaging formations in this embodiment), are the same as the offset hook components 160 and straight hook components 150 described above. The way in which, and the location at which, these connect to the deck component 510 is also the same as above.

[0222] The deck component 510 of the panel also has a planar side portion 517 on both sides. The side portions 517 both extend (or depend) vertically downward from the respective sides 514 of the deck component 510. (Note that, in this embodiment, the sides 514 of the deck component 510 are not simply equivalent to the sides of the surface portions 516f and 516s, because neither of the surface portions 516f and 516s extend all the way from the first end 512f to the second end 512s, but the sides 514 of the deck component do). Both of the side portions 517 extend for the full length of the deck component 510 (i.e. from the first end 512f to the second end 512s) and both of the side portions 517 are oriented perpendicular to the plane of the surface portions 516f and 516s (which are coplanar).

[0223] The entire deck component 510 (i.e. including the surface portions 516f and 516s and the two side portions 517) is formed as a single piece, unitary component. More specifically, the entire deck component 510 is formed by roll forming and/or folding a single piece (or a single section or a single length) of aluminium alloy sheet. (Note that the holes that are formed in and extend across the majority of the area of both of the surface portions 516f and 516s are formed as a separate step or operation from the roll forming and/or folding operation that gives the deck component 510 its overall shape. Likewise, the step of removing material from the deck component 510 to allow for the formation of the access opening 519 (for example by laser cutting or other form of material removal technique) is also separate from the operation of roll forming and/or folding that gives the deck component 510 its overall shape.) The thickness of the aluminium alloy sheet from which the deck component is made may be varied according to the different strength and/or rigidity requirements that may exist in different applications. However, in the embodiment shown, the aluminium sheet has a thickness of 3 mm, and this is sufficient to provide the required strength and rigidity. Note also that, whilst the material used to form the deck component in this embodiment is aluminium alloy sheet, sheet of other kinds of metal (e.g. different grades of steel or the like) may also be used.

[0224] Also, as in the other decking panel and access panel embodiments above, the lower long side edge of each of the side portions 517 is “folded under” inwards so as to form a small, upwardly-opening channel 518 extending along on the inside at the bottom of each of the side portions 517. These channels 518 serves the same purposes as described above.

[0225] Therefore, as in the other decking panel and access panel embodiments above, when the mounting portions 552, 562 of the respective hook components 550, 560 are attached to the inside surfaces of the side portions 517 at their respective ends, the result of this is that these hook components 550, 560 (which are the panel's second and first engaging formations in this embodiment) consequently engage with the deck component 510, and when the panel 500 is in use, the hook components 550, 560 also engage with the relevant supporting members (support struts) from almost (or as close as possible to) directly beneath, and almost (or as close as possible to) within the same vertical plane as, each of the very outside straight sides 514 of the deck component. Because the hook components 550, 560 (the second and first engaging formations) support the deck component 510 at either end relative to their associated support member (struts) from approximately directly vertically beneath each of the straight sides 514 of the deck component, consequently even if a significant vertical impact or load is imposed on one of the very outside edges or sides of the panel 500, the line of action of such force would effectively extend through (or at least very close to) the location (in the horizontal/width direction of the panel) where the hook components 550, 560 support the deck component. Therefore, there would be no (or substantially no) space or distance in the horizontal/width direction of the panel between the location where the force is applied (on the very outer side 514) and the location where the support member(s) support the deck component 510. Consequently, it may be that no (or substantially no) lever arm is created that would cause the panel to tip or tilt.

[0226] As above, in the access panel 500, there are holes that are formed in/through, and which extend across, the majority of the area of the surface portions 516f and 516s. More specifically, there are two sets of holes, namely a set of larger holes and a set of smaller holes. Both sets of holes (i.e. both the larger holes and the smaller holes) are evenly distributed across both of the surface portions 516f and 516s. Both sets of holes are arranged in a pattern of straight rows extending across the width dimension and straight columns extending along the length dimension (i.e. in a grid pattern). The smaller holes are offset from the larger holes (i.e. the grid pattern of small holes is offset from the grid pattern of larger holes), and the grid of smaller holes is interspersed between and amongst the grid of larger holes. The holes in the surface portions serve the same purposes as described above.

[0227] The panel 500 also includes a pair of cross bracing members 530, which are the same as the cross bracing members 330 described above. The panel 500 further includes a ladder bracing member 535 which is different to any of the cross bracing members described above. The two cross bracing members 530 extend across the space between the side portions 517 beneath the surface portion 516f. The ladder bracing member 535 extend across the space between the side portions 517 beneath the surface portion 516s. The two cross bracing members 530, and also the ladder bracing member 535, are attached by rivets (or other mechanical fasteners such as nuts, bolts, screws or the like) which are inserted through the relevant surface portion and through an upper flange of the cross bracing member 530 or ladder bracing member 535 to secure cross bracing member 530 or ladder bracing member 535 in place on the underside of the deck component 510.

[0228] In this embodiment, one of the cross bracing members 530 is at the first end 512f. The other cross bracing member 530 is associated with the access opening and hatch door. More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 54 and 56, the second of the cross bracing members 530 is attached directly below (or below and very close to) the edge where the surface portion 516f terminates at the access opening 519. On the opposite side of the access opening 519, the ladder bracing member 535 extends across between the side portions 517 at a longitudinal location beneath where the surface portion 516s terminates at the access opening 519. Thus, the second of the cross bracing members 530, and the ladder bracing member 535, which are associated with the respective opposed transverse edges of the access opening 519, and the two longitudinal bracing members 580 that extend longitudinal between them, provide additional rigidity to support the hatch door when it is in the closed position (flush with the surface portions 516f and 516s) to cover the access opening 519.

[0229] It should be noted that there are a number of differences between the cross bracing members 530 and the ladder bracing member 535. As mentioned above, the cross bracing members 530 are the same as the cross bracing members 330 and 130 used in other embodiments above. However, the ladder bracing member 535 is different in a number of respects. One difference is that there are two slots 536 formed in the upper flange portion of the ladder bracing member 535. As can be seen from e.g. FIGS. 54, 60 and 64-65, when the access panel 500 is assembled with the ladder bracing member 535 located beneath the transverse edge of the access opening 519 which is closest to the second end 512s, the two slots 536 in the upper flange of the ladder bracing member 535 are aligned with a pair of correspondingly sized and shaped slots 513 formed into the surface portion 516s. The slots 513 are effectively extensions of the access opening 519 which are indented or extend in the longitudinal direction into the surface portion 516s. Another difference between the ladder bracing member 535 and the cross bracing members 530/330/130 is that, whereas each of the cross bracing members 530 (and 330 and 130) have an upper/horizontal flange portion that joins to a lower/vertical web portion at a right angle, in comparison with this, the ladder bracing member 535 has an upper/horizontal flange portion (with the slots 536 therein) which joins to a lower web portion at an angle slightly off 90°. As a result, when the panel 500 is assembled and installed in a void (in a horizontal orientation), the lower web portion of the ladder bracing member 535 is orientated at an angle slightly off vertical. The reason for this will be described below.

[0230] FIGS. 64 and 65 further show that there is a ladder clamping member 537 which can be detached from (see FIG. 64) and attached to (see FIG. 65) the ladder bracing member 535. As shown in FIGS. 64 and 65, the ladder clamping member 537 has a pair of holes therein, and when the ladder clamping member 537 is attached to the ladder bracing member 535 (as shown in FIG. 65), a pair of threaded rods associated with the ladder bracing member 535 (or the threaded shaft of a pair of bolts extending through the ladder bracing member 535) also extend through the pair of holes in the ladder clamping member 537. Therefore, nuts can be screwed onto each of these threaded shafts in order to firmly secure the ladder clamping member 537 to the ladder bracing member 535. The ladder clamping member 537 helps to secure a ladder relative to the panel 500 in a manner that will now be described.

[0231] Recall that the access panel 500 will be used to form part of the working surface of a platform installed in a void in a building at an elevated height. Therefore, there will often be a need for workers to gain access to the elevated platform from below. In the previous embodiment of the access panel 300 above, a worker could position a ladder so that the upper end of the ladder extended through the ladder top receiving opening 319a and leaned against the cross bracing member 330 closest to the second end 312s (and with the bottom end of the ladder resting on the ground or floor below). The worker could then ascend the ladder, open the access door 320 from below (once they have climbed far enough up the ladder to do so), and then climb through the access opening 319 to gain access to the platform before closing the hatch door 320. Whilst this is a workable means for enabling a worker to gain access to the elevated platform from below, there are still a number of potential hazards associated with this. For one thing, the upper end of the ladder simply extends through the ladder top receiving opening 319a in the access platform 300, and the ladder simply rests against the cross bracing member 330 which is closest to the second end 312s. However, with the ladder simply resting against this cross bracing member 300, there would be nothing to stop the top of the ladder from sliding from side to side in the transverse direction (i.e. in a direction across the width of the panel). Therefore, with the arrangement used in the access panel 300, there is a possibility that the ladder could wobble from side to side. Also, with the arrangement used in the access panel 300, if (for example) the bottom of the ladder were to slip on the floor below, there would be nothing to prevent the ladder from simply sliding down and out of the ladder top receiving opening 319a, and if a worker is on the ladder when this happens, this could lead to serious injury (as the ladder (with the worker on it) crashes to the floor below). Another issue associated with the configuration of the access panel 300 is that, upon reaching the top of the ladder (and after opening the access door 320), in order to gain the elevated platform through the access opening 319, the worker needs to reach/step/climb over the cross bracing member 330 that separates the access opening 319 from the ladder top receiving opening 319a. This may add somewhat to the difficulty of ascending the ladder and gaining the platform, which may add to the potential danger, particularly if the worker is carrying or burdened with tools, building materials, or like, while trying to ascend the ladder and gain the platform.

[0232] The configuration of the access panel 500 may help to reduce some of the dangers associated with the access panel 300 just described. For instance, with the access panel 500, when it is required to install a ladder to facilitate access to the platform from below, the first step is to detach the ladder clamping member 537, as shown in FIG. 64. Then, the upper end of the ladder can be extended into and through the access opening 519. After that, the ladder can be leaned against the transverse edge of the access opening 519 that is supported by the ladder bracing member 535. When this is done, the longitudinal siderails of the ladder insert snugly into the respective slots 513 in the surface portion 516s (and also into the respective slots 536 in the ladder bracing member 535). Once the ladder is correctly positioned with its siderails fitted into the slots 513 (and 536) and also with the bottom end of the ladder in contact with the ground/floor below, the ladder clamping ember 537 can be reattached to the ladder bracing member 535. FIG. 65 shows the ladder clamping member 537 attached to the ladder bracing member 535. However, FIG. 65 does not show a ladder in position when the clamping member 537 is secured to the ladder bracing member 535. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated from FIG. 65 that, when a ladder is installed with its side rails received in the slots 513 (and 536), reinstalling the clamping member 537 thereafter and securing the clamping member 537 in place (by way of nuts (or wing nuts of the like) screwed onto the threaded bolts) will secure the ladder relative to the panel 500, thus securing the ladder in position (i.e. securing it against sideways or longitudinal movement). Securing the ladder in this way also helps to alleviate the danger of the ladder sliding down and out of the access opening 519 and falling away from below the platform while the hatch door is open (as was a danger with the access panel 300 described above). This is because, with the clamping member 537 securing the ladder in place, the ladder also cannot slide vertically out of engagement with the panel 500. At worst, the ladder may slide a short distance, but only until the first rung of the ladder which is located above the level of the platform (i.e. above the level of the surface portion 516s) collides with the part of the surface portion 516s which extends between the slots 513. However, once that rung of the ladder hits the part of the surface portion 516s that extends between the slots 513, the rung cannot then pass through or around this part of the surface portion 516s (because of the way the siderails of the ladder are clamped into the slots 513 by the clamping member 537), so this prevents the ladder from sliding any further downward. Therefore, perhaps the worst a worker might experience is a jolt if the ladder slides downward by this small amount while the worker is ascending the ladder. The ladder will, however, be prevented from sliding down and out of engagement with the panel/platform and crashing to the ground with the worker on it.

[0233] It should also be noted that, as mentioned above, the angle of the lower web portion of the ladder bracing member 535 is oriented slightly off vertical. In fact, the angle of the lower web portion of the ladder bracing member 535 (when the access panel 500 is fully assembled and installed horizontally as part of a platform in a void) is oriented at an angle which corresponds to a safe angle for a ladder to be installed at, and for workers to ascend and descend the ladder safely. Therefore, when the ladder is secured firmly relative to (clamped against) the ladder bracing member 535, the siderails of the ladder are pressed firmly against the (slightly off vertical) web portion of the bracing member 535. This causes the ladder to be forced into an orientation (i.e. the ladder assumes an angle) which is the same as the angle of orientation of the (slightly off vertical) web portion of the bracing member 535. And, because the angle of the web portion of the bracing member 535 is an angle at which a ladder can be installed in order to be safely ascended and descended by workers, the configuration of the bracing member 535 consequently helps to ensure that the ladder is installed (and secured) at a safe angle of inclination for use.

[0234] It should also be noted that, when the ladder is installed and secured relative to the panel 500, as described above, the fact that the siderails of the ladder are secured within the slots 513 (and 536) ensures that the latter is prevented from wobbling in the sideways of transverse direction.

[0235] Another thing to note is that the shape of the hatch door 520 (and consequently the size of the access opening 519) in the access panel 500 is slightly different to the shape of the access door 320 (and access opening 319) in the access panel 300. More specifically, the hatch door 520 (and access opening 519) in the access panel 500 extends further (i.e. is larger) in the panel's longitudinal direction than the hatch door 320 (and access opening 319) of the access panel 300. This slightly larger hatch door 520/access opening 519 has the benefit of providing a larger opening for workers to pass through as they climb up or down through the access opening 519. This may be useful, for example if the worker is carrying or burdened with tools, or carrying or burdened with building materials, or the like, as the larger size of the of the opening may make it easier for the worker to pass up or down through the opening, or prevent any tools or materials (et cetera) being carried by the worker from catching on the edges of the opening.

[0236] Next, note that although the exploded views in FIGS. 60-62 appear to suggest that that the hatch door 520 is completely separable from the deck component 510 to open the access opening 519 (i.e. these figures appear to suggest that the hatch door 520 is removable in the manner of a manhole cover or the like), although this is possible, this is not usually the way in which the hath door 520 will be opened to allow access through the access opening 319. Rather, the hatch door 520 will normally be opened in the manner depicted in FIG. 63. As FIG. 63 shows, the hatch door 520 will normally be hingedly connected to one of the sides of the deck component 510 so that the hatch door can be opened and closed relative to the access opening 519 by pivoting about the hinge(s). It will be noted from several of the Figures that hatch door 520 has two pairs of holes 521 on one side. These holes are intended to allow a pair of hinges (not shown) to be connected to that side of the hatch door 520. However, it will also be noted that there are four holes 511 on the deck component, or more accurately two holes 511 on one side of the deck component 510 and two holes 511 on the other side of the deck component 510. By providing two holes on either side of the deck component 510, it will be appreciated that the hinges connected to hatch door 520 can be attached to either one side, or the other side, of the deck component 510. Accordingly, the hatch door 520 can be hingedly connected to one side of the deck component 510, or rotated 180° and hingedly connected to the other side of the deck component, depending on which way that hatch door 520 is required (or preferred) to swing open in a particular situation. It should also be noted that one or more holes 522 are provided on the opposite side of the hatch door 520 from the hinge connection holes 521. The hole(s) 522 are to facilitate the connection of a handle or the like which can be grasped to raise and lower the hatch door to open and close it.

[0237] For access panels, whether or not there are any further or additional cross bracing members 330 (i.e. any other than those mentioned above) will depend on the length and width of the panel and the amount of additional cross bracing required. In the embodiment in FIGS. 51-65, the length and width of the panel is such no further cross bracing members 530 (i.e. other than those mentioned above) are needed. However, in other embodiments, a greater number of cross bracing members may be required along the length of the panel (generally if the panel is longer).

[0238] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0239] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0240] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.