WO2018160940A1

WO2018160940A1 - Obstruction proximity sensing system for a mobile work platform assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018160940A1
Application number: PCT/US2018/020615
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lajesh NAND; Adam J. Hailey; Jeremy A. RIFE; Michael J. Quiring; Dax B. Wells; Greg R. HIERONYMUS; Chad R. HISLOP; Chad E. WICKLUND
Original assignee: Terex South Dakota Inc
Current assignee: Terex South Dakota Inc
Priority date: 2017-03-02
Filing date: 2018-03-02
Publication date: 2018-09-07
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-02

Abstract

A mobile work platform assembly is provided for use with a support assembly that is configured to move the mobile work platform assembly. The mobile work platform assembly comprises a work platform sized to receive an operator, a control arrangement associated with the work platform for controlling movement of the work platform, and an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the work platform. The obstruction proximity sensing system may include one or more sensors for sensing potential obstructions proximate the work platform, and an indicator for indicating to the operator presence of an obstruction proximate the work platform as the work platform is moved. The control arrangement may be configured to allow continued movement of the work platform when an obstruction is sensed.

Description

OBSTRUCTION PROXIMITY SENSING SYSTEM FOR A MOBILE WORK PLATFORM

ASSEMBLY

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Serial No.

62/466,041 filed March 2, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The disclosure relates to safety devices for mobile work platforms.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Safety devices for mobile work platforms are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application

Publication Number 2013/0233645 Al and U.S. Patent Application Publication Number 2015/0008073 Al.

SUMMARY

[0004] A vehicle according to the disclosure may comprise a vehicle body, a support assembly connected to the vehicle body, and a mobile work platform assembly supported by the support assembly so that the work platform assembly is movable with respect to the vehicle body. The work platform assembly may include a platform, a control arrangement associated with platform for controlling movement of the platform, an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the platform, and an enabling element associated with the work platform. The obstruction proximity sensing system may include one or more sensors for sensing potential obstructions proximate the platform, and one or more indicators for indicating to an operator of the work platform assembly presence of an obstruction proximate the platform. The enabling element is activatable in order to allow operation of the obstruction proximity sensing system, and the control arrangement is configured to allow continued operation of the work platform assembly when an obstruction is sensed.

[0005] According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a mobile work platform assembly is provided for use with a support assembly that is configured to move the mobile work platform assembly. The mobile work platform assembly may comprise a work platform sized to receive an operator, a control arrangement associated with the work platform for controlling movement of the work platform, an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the work platform, and an enabling element associated with the work platform. The obstruction proximity sensing system may include one or more sensors configured to sense potential obstructions proximate the work platform, and one or more indicators configured to indicate to the operator presence of an obstruction proximate the work platform as the work platform is moved. The enabling element is activatable in order to allow operation of the obstruction proximity sensing system. Furthermore, the control arrangement may be configured to allow continued movement of the work platform when an obstruction is sensed.

[0006] Still further, a vehicle according to the disclosure may include a vehicle body, a support assembly connected to the vehicle body, and a mobile work platform assembly supported by the support assembly so that the work platform assembly is movable with respect to the vehicle body. The work platform assembly may include a platform, a control arrangement associated with platform for controlling movement of the platform, an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the platform, and a foot-switch mounted on the platform. The obstruction proximity sensing system may include one or more sensors configured to sense potential obstructions proximate the platform, and one or more indicators configured to indicate to an operator of the work platform assembly presence of an obstruction proximate the platform. At least one of the one or more indicators may comprise a haptic indicator. Furthermore, the foot-switch may be activatable in order to allow operation of the obstruction proximity sensing system. In addition, the control arrangement may be configured to allow continued operation of the work platform assembly when an obstruction is sensed.

[0007] While exemplary embodiments are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle including a mobile work platform assembly according to the present disclosure; [0009] FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the work platform assembly shown in

Figure 1 wherein the work platform assembly includes an obstruction proximity sensing system according to the disclosure;

[0010] FIGURE 3A is a perspective view of the work platform assembly showing example sensing zones of the obstruction proximity sensing system; and

[0011] FIGURE 3B is a side view of the work platform assembly showing the sensing zones of the obstruction proximity sensing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and that various and alternative forms may be employed. The figures are not necessarily to scale. Some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art.

[0013] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10, according to the present disclosure, including a vehicle body 12, a support assembly 14 (e.g., lift arm, boom assembly, etc.) connected to the vehicle body 12, and a mobile work platform assembly 16 supported by the support assembly 14 so that the work platform assembly 16 is movable with respect to the vehicle body 12. Referring to Figure 2, the work platform assembly 16 is provided with an obstruction proximity sensing system 18, according to the disclosure, for sensing potential obstructions to the work platform assembly 16 during operation of the work platform assembly 16, as explained below in detail.

[0014] Returning to Figure 1, the vehicle 10 may be any suitable vehicle, such as a boom lift, scissor lift, or any other suitable aerial lift. Furthermore, the vehicle body 12 may be supported on any suitable support members 20, such as one or more tires, tracks, outriggers, etc. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the vehicle body 12 is supported on multiple tires, two or more of which may be steerable. [0015] The support assembly 14 likewise may be any suitable support assembly, such as a lift arm, vertical mast, an articulating boom assembly, telescopic boom assembly, scissor lift assembly, etc. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the support assembly 14 comprises a telescopic boom assembly 22 having multiple boom sections 24, wherein at least one boom section is received in, and movable relative to, another boom section.

[0016] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the work platform assembly 16 includes a base or work platform 26 and a control arrangement 28 associated with the platform 26 for controlling movement of the platform 26. In addition, the work platform assembly 16 includes the above mentioned obstruction proximity sensing system 18, which is also associated with the platform 26.

[0017] The platform 26 of the work platform assembly 16 is sized to receive an operator thereon. A frame assembly 30 is provided on the platform 26, and the frame assembly 30 includes one or more guard rails that extend around a perimeter of the platform 26 to contain the operator within the frame assembly 30. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the frame assembly 30 includes a bottom rail 32, a toe board 33, a middle rail 34 and a top rail 36. The frame assembly 30 further includes a movable (e.g., pivotable) door 38 to allow or permit operator ingress to, and egress from, the frame assembly 30.

[0018] The control arrangement 28 may include any suitable controls for controlling operation of the platform 26 (e.g., movement of the platform 26). For example, the control arrangement 28 may include a control unit 40 (e.g., electronic control unit, control box or control panel) having one or more controls 42, such as buttons, switches, levers (e.g., joysticks), etc., for inputting control commands.

[0019] The above-mentioned obstruction proximity sensing system 18 is associated with the platform 26 and includes one or more proximity sensing units or sensors 44, such as infrared sensors, RADAR sensors, LIDAR sensors, photoelectric sensors, capacitive sensors, etc., for sensing potential obstructions proximate the platform 26 (e.g., proximate a portion of the work platform assembly 16). While the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may include any suitable number of sensors for sensing in any direction (e.g, forward, backward, upward, downward, etc.) relative to the platform 26, in the illustrated embodiment, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 is provided with a first sensor 44a for sensing in a direction away from the control unit 40 (e.g., laterally away from the control unit 40 in a rearward direction as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B), and a second sensor 44b for sensing in an upward direction. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the first sensor 44a is mounted on a rear portion of the work platform assembly 16 (e.g., on the frame assembly 30), and the second sensor 44b is mounted on a front portion of the work platform assembly 16 (e.g., on support structure above the control unit 40). In another embodiment, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may include multiple sensors 44a that are configured to sense in the rearward direction and/or multiple sensors 44b that are configured to sense in the upward direction. As overhead and rear obstructions may provide the greatest risk of contact to the operator during operation of the work platform assembly 16, sensing areas or zones directed behind and above the work platform assembly 16 may provide the best opportunity to warn an operator of potential obstructions. In yet another embodiment, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may include one or more sensors 44 that are each configured to sense in multiple directions (e.g., rearward and upward).

[0020] Referring to Figures 3 A and 3B, each sensor 44a, 44b may be configured to sense any suitable size and shape sensing area or zone 45, such as a conical or cylindrical zone having a 6 to 10 foot length. In the embodiment shown in Figures 3A and 3B, each sensor 44a, 44b is configured to sense a sensing zone 45 having a generally rectangular cross-section. In another embodiment, each sensing zone may have a width that approximates the width of the platform 26 proximate the platform 26 (e.g., within 2 to 4 feet of the platform 26). Furthermore, each sensor 44a, 44b may be configured to sense from a maximum distance (e.g., 10 to 20 feet) away from the platform 26 all the way to the platform 26 (e.g., to the sensor 44a, 44b itself), but each sensor 44a, 44b may have a "non-reporting" area. For example, referring to Figures 3 A and 3B, the sensor 44b may have a non-reporting area from the second sensor 44b to about 1.5 to 2 feet above the sensor 44b. As a result, movement of the operator in the sensing zone 45 of the second sensor 44b may be detected by the second sensor 44b, but not reported by the second sensor 44b, or other component of the obstruction proximity sensing system 18, to a controller of the obstruction proximity sensing system 18, for example.

[0021] Each sensor 44a, 44b, or a controller or controllers associated with the obstruction proximity sensing system 18, may also be configured to automatically change size and/or shape of the associated sensing zone 45 based on vehicle configuration or position of the work platform assembly

16. For example, when the support assembly 14 of the vehicle 10 is in a lowered or stowed position or configuration (e.g., telescopic booms are retracted and lowered, and jib boom is folded on top of the telescopic booms so that the work platform assembly 16 is positioned at or near the vehicle body 12), the sensing zone of each sensor 44a, 44b may be increased in size compared to the sensing zone for each sensor 44a, 44b when the support assembly 14 is in a raised or extended configuration and the work platform assembly 16 is positioned away from the vehicle body 12. In addition, the sensing zone 45 of each sensor 44a, 44b may be generally decreased in size the further away the work platform assembly 16 is moved from the vehicle body 12. Generally then, each sensor 44a, 44b may have, or be configured to provide, a first sensing zone when the vehicle 10 is in a first configuration (e.g., the support assembly 14 is in a stowed configuration), and each sensor 44a, 44b may have, or be configured to provide, a second sensing zone different than the first sensing zone when the vehicle 10 is in a second configuration (e.g., the support assembly 14 is raised or extended). Likewise, the sensing zones 45 may be adjustable at any time (e.g., using controls of the obstruction proximity sensing system 18) so that the size and shape of each sensing zone may be adjusted as needed based on a particular application.

[0022] The obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may also include one or more indicators

46 (audible alarm/signal, visual alarm/signal, tactile or haptic indicator) for indicating to the operator of the work platform assembly 16 presence of an obstruction proximate the platform 26. For example, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may include an audible alarm 46a for generating or otherwise providing an audible signal, a visual alarm 46b for generating or otherwise providing a visible signal, and/or a tactile or haptic indicator 46c for generating or otherwise providing a signal that can be felt by the operator to warn the operator of a sensed obstruction.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the indicators 46a, 46b, 46c are associated with the control unit 40. In that regard, the audible alarm 46a may include a speaker mounted on or near the control unit 40 for generating and/or transmitting an audible alarm signal, such as a beep, and the visual alarm 46b may include a display mounted on or near the control unit 40 for displaying a visible alarm signal, such as one or more lights (e.g., LED's) or a flashing red or any other color image. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the audible alarm 46a and the visual alarm 46b are both incorporated into a display module (e.g., Pre View Display) that is mounted on or near the control unit 40, such as on support structure adjacent the control unit 40 (e.g., above or on a side of the control unit 40). [0024] As another example, the haptic indicator 46c may include a device or mechanism (e.g, a vibration motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, or a vibration lever, etc.) in the control unit 40 that is configured to vibrate one of the one or more controls 42 (e.g., levers or joysticks) of the control unit 40, or another portion of the control unit 40, or the entire control unit 40, when an obstruction is sensed. As a more specific example, the haptic indicator 46c may vibrate a particular control 42 that is currently being used by the operator to move the work platform assembly 16. As yet another example, the haptic indicator 46c may include a device or mechanism (e.g, a vibration motor, such as an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor, or a vibration lever, etc.) associated with (e.g., connected to) the platform 26 for vibrating the platform 26.

[0025] The obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may be configured to activate the one or more indicators 46a, 46b, 46c only if contact between the work platform assembly 16 and a sensed obstruction is possible or likely based on a current trajectory of the work platform assembly 16. For example, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may communicate with the control unit 40 and/or a geo-positional system (not shown) to determine a current trajectory of the work platform assembly 16, and the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may be further configured to determine whether contact between the work platform assembly 16 and a sensed obstruction is possible or likely based on the current trajectory. As a result, nuisance indications to the operator may be avoided. Furthermore, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may require acknowledgment by the operator that the one or more indicators 46a, 46b, 46c may be activated before doing so and/or the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may include a mute or off function that enables the operator to disable one or more of the activated indicators 46a, 46b, 46c. The obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may further include suitable controls (e.g., buttons, levers, switches, etc.) for such acknowledgment and off functions, and those controls may be provided on the control unit 40 or elsewhere on the work platform assembly 16, for example.

[0026] The obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may also be configured to increase frequency and/or intensity of the signals provided by the one or more indicators 46, and/or change some other aspect of the signals provided by the one or more indicators 46, as the platform 26 moves closer to a sensed obstruction. For example, the audible alarm 46a may increase volume and/or frequency of beeps as the platform 26 moves closer to a sensed obstruction. As another example, the visual alarm 46b may be configured to increase number or brightness of lights that are activated. As another example, the visual alarm 46b may change color of a light or lights that are activated. As yet another example, the haptic indicator 46c may be configured to increase intensity and/or frequency of vibrations of the one or more controls 42 or other portion of the control unit 40 as the platform 26 moves closer to the sensed obstruction.

[0027] The obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may also include one or more controllers for controlling operation of the one or more sensors 44 and the one or more indicators 46. For example, each sensor 44 may be provided with a built-in controller and/or each indicator 46 may be provided with a built-in controller. As another example, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may include a controller that is incorporated into the control unit 40.

[0028] The one or more controllers of the obstruction proximity sensing system 18, the control unit 40, and any other system, unit, or device described herein may individually, collectively, or in any combination comprise any suitable hardware, such as one or more processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers and/or programmable digital signal processors), in communication with, or configured to communicate with, one or more storage devices or media including computer readable program instructions that are executable by the one or more processors so that the obstruction proximity sensing system 18, control unit 40, and any other system, unit, or device described herein may perform particular algorithms represented by the functions and/or operations described herein. The one or more controllers of the obstruction proximity sensing system 18, the control unit 40, and any other system, unit, or device described herein may individually, collectively, or in any combination also, or instead, include one or more application specific integrated circuits, programmable gate arrays or programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or digital signal processors.

[0029] Referring to Figures 1-3B, operation of the work platform assembly 16 will now be described in further detail. When the vehicle 10 is located in a desired position and suitably supported or otherwise braced, the operator may enter the work platform assembly 16 through the door 38. The operator may then move the work platform assembly 16 using the control unit 40. The work platform assembly 16 may first require that the operator activate an enabling element, so that the control unit 40 may be operated to move the work platform assembly 16 and in order to activate the obstruction proximity sensing system 18. For example, the work platform assembly 16 may include a foot-switch 48 that the operator may step on in order to allow operation of the control unit 40 and the obstruction proximity sensing system 18. The foot-switch 48 may be spaced away from the control unit 40, as shown in Figure 2, but may be connected (e.g., through a wireless connection or wired connection) to the control unit 40 and/or obstruction proximity sensing system 18.

[0030] The operator may move the work platform assembly 16 as desired using the controls

42 of the control unit 40. For example, the controls 42 may be used to control movement of the support assembly 14 and/or movement of the work platform assembly 16 with respect to the support assembly 14. While the work platform assembly 16 is in motion, the sensors 44 of the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may sense surrounding areas or zones for the presence of obstructions. If an obstruction is detected that may come into contact with the work platform assembly 16 and/or the operator, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may generate one or more suitable signals to activate the one or more indicators 46 so that the one or more indicators 46 may provide operator detectable signals to alert the operator of the presence of the obstruction. In addition to, or as an alternative to, the indicator examples provided above, the one or more indicators 46 may include a haptic indicator configured to vibrate the foot-switch 48, or other enabling element, if an obstruction is detected that may come into contact with the work platform assembly 16 and/or the operator. The obstruction proximity sensing system 18 and the control unit 40 may, however, be configured to allow continued operation (e.g., continued movement) of the work platform assembly 16 when an obstruction is sensed. In other words, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may be configured to operate without changing or interfering with normal functionality of the work platform assembly 16. Nonetheless, upon activation of the one or more indicators 46, the operator may determine whether to discontinue movement of the work platform assembly 16 so that the operator may visually scan the surrounding area.

[0031] As explained above, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may be configured to increase frequency and/or intensity of the signals provided by the indicators 46, and/or change some other aspect of the signals provided by the one or more indicators 46, as the platform 26 moves closer to a sensed obstruction. As a result, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 may inform the operator about increased likelihood of the work platform assembly 16 contacting the obstruction. [0032] Furthermore, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 and/or the control unit 40 may be configured to automatically stop movement of the work platform assembly 16 if the work platform assembly 16 is moved to within a predetermined distance (e.g., 100 to 200 centimeters, or 100 centimeters or less, or 50 centimeters or less) of an obstruction. In such a case, the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 and/or the control unit 40 may also be configured to allow further movement of the work platform assembly 16 if the operator reactivates one or more of the controls 42, with the foot-switch 48 or other enabling element depressed or engaged.

[0033] Once the operator moves the work platform assembly 16 to a desired location, the operator may disengage the foot-switch 48 or other enabling element in order to deactivate the obstruction proximity sensing system 18. The operator may then move about the work platform 26 in order to perform work operations, for example. Activating the obstruction proximity sensing system 18 only when the work platform assembly 16 is enabled to move allows the operator to perform his or her work without nuisance from audible, visual, or other signals or alarms when the work platform assembly 16 is not in motion.

[0034] In other embodiments according to the disclosure, the work platform assembly 16 may be configured for use with a trailer mounted support assembly, or a support assembly having a stationary base.

[0035] The below paragraphs describe general aspects that may be included in embodiments according to the disclosure.

[0036] According to at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a mobile work platform assembly is provided for use with a support assembly that is configured to move the mobile work platform assembly. The mobile work platform assembly comprises a work platform sized to receive an operator, a control arrangement associated with the work platform for controlling movement of the work platform, and an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the work platform. The obstruction proximity sensing system may include one or more sensors for sensing potential obstructions proximate the work platform, and an indicator for indicating to the operator presence of an obstruction proximate the work platform as the work platform is moved. The control arrangement may be configured to allow continued movement of the work platform when an obstruction is sensed. [0037] The one or more sensors of the above mobile work platform assembly may include a first sensor for sensing in a direction away from the control arrangement, and a second sensor for sensing in an upward direction.

[0038] The control arrangement of the above mobile work platform assembly may comprise a control unit including one or more controls for controlling movement of the platform, and the indicator may be associated with the control panel.

[0039] The indicator of the above mobile work platform assembly may comprise a mechanism for vibrating one of the one or more controls of the control panel, or the entire control panel, when an obstruction is sensed. As another example, the indicator may comprise a mechanism for vibrating the enabling element (e.g. foot- switch).

[0040] The above mechanism for vibrating the one control may be configured to increase intensity and/or frequency of vibrations as the platform moves closer to the sensed obstruction.

[0041] A vehicle according to the disclosure may include a vehicle body, a support assembly connected to the vehicle body, and a mobile work platform assembly supported by the support assembly so that the work platform assembly is movable with respect to the vehicle body. The work platform assembly may include a platform, a control arrangement associated with platform for controlling movement of the platform, and an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the platform. The obstruction proximity sensing system may include one or more sensors for sensing potential obstructions proximate the platform, and an indicator for indicating to an operator of the work platform assembly presence of an obstruction proximate the platform. The control arrangement may be configured to allow continued operation of the work platform assembly when an obstruction is sensed.

[0042] The one or more sensors of the mobile work platform assembly of the above vehicle may include a first sensor for sensing in a direction away from the control arrangement, and a second sensor for sensing in an upward direction. [0043] The control arrangement of the above vehicle may comprise a control unit including one or more controls for controlling movement of the platform, and the indicator may be associated with the control panel.

[0044] The indicator of the above vehicle may comprise a mechanism for vibrating one of the one or more controls of the control panel when an obstruction is sensed.

[0045] The above mechanism for vibrating the one control may be configured to increase intensity and/or frequency of vibrations as the platform moves closer to the sensed obstruction.

[0046] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms according to the disclosure. In that regard, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body;

a support assembly connected to the vehicle body; and

a mobile work platform assembly supported by the support assembly so that the work platform assembly is movable with respect to the vehicle body, the work platform assembly including a platform, a control arrangement associated with platform for controlling movement of the platform, an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the platform, and an enabling element associated with the work platform, wherein the obstruction proximity sensing system includes one or more sensors for sensing potential obstructions proximate the platform, and one or more indicators for indicating to an operator of the work platform assembly presence of an obstruction proximate the platform, wherein the enabling element is activatable in order to allow operation of the obstruction proximity sensing system, and wherein the control arrangement is configured to allow continued operation of the work platform assembly when an obstruction is sensed.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the one or more sensors include a first sensor for sensing in a direction extending laterally away from the control arrangement, and a second sensor for sensing in an upward direction.

3. The vehicle of claim one wherein the one or more sensors include a first sensor configured to sense in a direction extending laterally away from the control arrangement, and further configured to sense in an upward direction.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the control arrangement comprises a control unit including one or more controls for controlling movement of the platform, and wherein at least one of the one or more indicators is associated with the control unit.

5. The vehicle of claim 4 wherein the at least one indicator comprises a mechanism for vibrating one of the one or more controls of the control unit, or the entire control unit, when an obstruction is sensed.

6. The vehicle of claim 5 wherein the mechanism for vibrating the one control or the control unit is configured to increase intensity and/or frequency of vibrations as the platform moves closer to the sensed obstruction.

7. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the one or more indicators comprise a haptic indicator.

8. The vehicle of claim 7 wherein the one or more indicators further comprise an audible indicator or a visual indicator.

9. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the control arrangement comprises a control panel, and wherein the enabling element is spaced away from the control panel.

10. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the enabling element comprises a foot-switch.

11. The vehicle of claim 10 wherein the one or more indicators comprise a haptic indicator configured to vibrate the foot-switch.

12. The vehicle of claim 1 wherein the one or more indicators comprise a haptic indicator associated with the platform and configured to vibrate the platform.

13. A mobile work platform assembly for use with a movable support assembly that is configured to move the mobile work platform assembly, the mobile work platform assembly comprising:

a work platform sized to receive an operator;

a control arrangement associated with the work platform for controlling movement of the work platform;

an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the work platform, the obstruction proximity sensing system including one or more sensors configured to sense potential obstructions proximate the work platform, and one or more indicators configured to indicate to the operator presence of an obstruction proximate the work platform as the work platform is moved; and an enabling element associated with the work platform, wherein the enabling element is activatable in order to allow operation of the obstruction proximity sensing system;

wherein the control arrangement is configured to allow continued movement of the work platform when an obstruction is sensed.

14. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 13 wherein the one or more sensors include a first sensor arranged to sense in a direction extending laterally away from the control arrangement, and a second sensor arranged to sense in an upward direction.

15. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 13 wherein the control arrangement comprises a control panel including one or more controls for controlling movement of the platform, and wherein at least one of the one or more indicators is associated with the control panel.

16. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 15 wherein the at least one indicator comprises a mechanism configured to vibrate a portion of the control panel when an obstruction is sensed.

17. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 16 wherein the mechanism configured to vibrate the portion of the control panel is configured to increase intensity and/or frequency of vibrations as the platform moves closer to the sensed obstruction.

18. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 13 wherein the one or more indicators comprise a haptic indicator.

19. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 18 wherein the one or more indicators further comprise an audible indicator or a visual indicator.

20. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 13 wherein the control arrangement comprises a control panel, and wherein the enabling element is spaced away from the control panel.

21. The mobile work platform assembly of claim 20 wherein the enabling element comprises a foot-switch.

22. A vehicle comprising:

a vehicle body;

a support assembly connected to the vehicle body; and

a mobile work platform assembly supported by the support assembly so that the work platform assembly is movable with respect to the vehicle body, the work platform assembly including a platform, a control arrangement associated with platform for controlling movement of the platform, an obstruction proximity sensing system associated with the platform, and a foot-switch mounted on the platform, wherein the obstruction proximity sensing system includes one or more sensors configured to sense potential obstructions proximate the platform, and one or more indicators configured to indicate to an operator of the work platform assembly presence of an obstruction proximate the platform, wherein at least one of the one or more indicators comprises a haptic indicator, wherein the foot-switch is activatable in order to allow operation of the obstruction proximity sensing system, and wherein the control arrangement is configured to allow continued operation of the work platform assembly when an obstruction is sensed.