Self-climbing platform and method

A self-climbing platform assembly adapted to movably attach to a substantially cylindrical and vertical structure, the self-climbing platform assembly comprising:

• a frame;
• a platform attached to the frame forming a surface for supporting a load, the platform being adapted to hang from the vertical structure above ground
• an upper locking support comprising:
• a retaining member configured to surround at least an outer portion of the vertical structure and to frictionally engage with the outer portion of the vertical structure;
• a bracket configured to receive first and second ends of the retaining member;
• a first locking mechanism for alternatively tensioning and releasing tension in the retaining member to the vertical structure;
• and
• wherein the upper locking support is configured to prevent downward movement of the platform along the structure when tension is applied by the first mechanism;
• a lower self-locking support system attached to the frame, the lower self-locking support comprising a friction member pivotally attached to the frame, the friction member being resiliently biased toward the vertical structure to automatically engage with the vertical structure and to support the vertical load of the platform and to automatically disengage with the vertical structure to allow an upward movement of the platform along the vertical structure;
• and
• at least one sliding system to allow the platform to slide along the vertical structure.