AU1947400A - Demountable structure - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(ORIGINAL)

Application Number: Class Int. Class Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: Applicant: SMARDI ENTERPRISES PTY LIMITED 3 FARRAN STREET, LANE COVE NSW 2066, AUSTRALIA Address for service in Australia: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK 367 Collins Street MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000 Tel: (03)9614 1944 Fax: (03)96141867 Attorney Code: PO Complete Specification for the invention entitled: "DEMOUNTABLE STRUCTURE" Our Ref: IRN 609873 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant: -1foarms\ptformcapforms.doc DEMOUNTABLE STRUCTURE The present invention relates to a demountable structure. The invention has been developed especially, but not exclusively, as a platform for use in outdoor events or the like and the invention is herein described in that context.

However, it is appreciated that the invention has broader application and is not limited to that particular use.

Outdoor events such as street parades, concerts, sporting events and rallies can attract vast crowds. To cater for these crowds, temporary infrastructure such as portable toilets, information booths, barricades and the like are commonly constructed. While this infrastructure can aid in crowd control and providing essential amenities, spectators often do not have adequate vantage points to enable them to view the event clearly.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a demountable structure which ameliorates this problem. In its broadest terms, the invention relates to a 15 demountable structure which is of lightweight construction to provide a raised platform designed to support a standing person and is arranged to be able to adopt a collapsed configuration where it can be easily transported.

In one form, the structure is made from cardboard or similar easily

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disposable material. Such an arrangement makes it ideal for use in outdoor events where the structure can be designed for single or limited use. By making the structure from cardboard, it can be light-weight and inexpensive to "-"manufacture and fully recyclable, thereby making it suitable to be sold or distributed free, on site at the event. Further, the cardboard may include a S: water resistant surface to provide structural integrity in wet conditions. In another form, the structure is designed for multiple use and is formed from a more robust material such as plastic, timber or metal or combinations thereof.

In one preferred form, the demountable structure includes a platform including a planar surface, and a platform support. The platform support is configured to be able to adopt an erected configuration where it supports the platform in spaced relationship above an underlying structure, and a collapsed configuration where the structure is in compact form for transporting.

In one form, the platform support is formed from two cells including an IRN609-1DOC 25102/99 outer cell including a plurality of interconnected side panels and a base panel and which form a generally box construction when in its erected configuration, and an inner cell including a plurality of interconnected panels which is locatable within the outer cell and provides additional support to the platform.

This configuration is ideally suited to manufacture the structure from cardboard or similar disposable material where the outer cell alone would not be able to support the expected loading on the structure.

In one form, the panels of the inner cell in the erected configuration are arranged to upstand so that their upper edges are aligned with upper edges of the sides of the outer cell. In this way the platform is supported on the exposed edges of the inner and outer cells.

The advantage of using two cells is that the cells can be oriented relative to each other to provide additional strength or bracing to the individual cells thereby increasing the overall strength of the structure.

15 A demountable structure of this type has the advantage that in its

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5ooo collapsed configuration, the structure may have external dimensions which are no greater than the platform surface and is relatively thin with the structure thickness being only the sum of the thickness of the individual panels.

0*50 o00S In a preferred form, the collapsed configuration, the inner support cell fits oomo inside the outer support cell. In one form, the platform includes a peripheral lip and the collapsed support is configured to locate within the lip of the platform

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and is preferably held in place by an interference fit.

o. To facilitate the use of the structure, it is important that it is easily able to o be erected and dismounted. In the preferred form, the side panels of the outer cell incorporate fold lines which enable the side panels to collapse adjacent the base. Preferably the fold lines are spaced from the base so that on collapsing of the outer cell a space is provided between the side panels and the base in which the collapsed inner cell can locate. Preferably the planar surfaces of the inner cell are interconnected and also have fold lines which allow them to be easily folded into the collapsed configuration within the outer cell. This arrangement allows the structure to move from its collapsed to its erected configuration merely by unfolding the panels and arranging the inner cell within IRN609-1.DOC 25102/99 the outer.

Preferably the structure includes a handle which in one form, is provided on the platform and which allows the collapsed structure to be easily carried. In another form, the structure may have a loop of rope or similar material which allows the collapsed structure to be carried over a person's shoulder.

In a preferred form, the demountable structure is adapted to carry advertising material or other information. In the arrangement where the structure is formed from cardboard, this information may be applied by directly printing on to the structure surface such as on the platform top or support panels. In another form, the structure may include a pocket in which the material may be inserted. For example, a plastic sleeve may be provided across a support planar surface in which material such as an event schedule or the like may be inserted.

•go• It will be convenient to hereinafter describe an embodiment of the 15 present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The particularity of these drawings is to be understood as not superseding the generality of the preceding broad description of the invention.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a demountable structure in the 20 collapsed configuration; S• Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the various stages of assembly of the structure S: of figure 1 from the collapsed configuration to an erected configuration; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the demountable structure in the erected configuration.

As illustrated, a demountable structure 10 is disclosed which includes a platform 11 and support structure 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the structure 10 is entirely made from cardboard so as to be fully recyclable.

The structure 10 is arranged to be able to adopt a collapsed configuration as illustrated in Figure 1 so as to be easily transportable and can be assembled to a erected configuration as illustrated in Figure 4. In the erected configuration, the structure is designed to support a person standing on the platform 11 and has dimensions approximating a common milk crate. It is IRN609-1.DOC 25/02/99 to be appreciated however that the structure 10 may be formed in other sizes depending on it's intended use.

The platform 11 has the general appearance of a box lid and includes a planar top 13 and a peripheral lip 14. A flap 15 is integrally formed with the lip 14 and extends outwardly therefrom and includes an aperture 16 to form a handle of the structure The support structure 12 includes an outer cell 17 and an inner cell 18.

The outer cell is formed from interconnected side panels 19, 20, 21, and 22 and base panel 23 which when in the erected configuration form a box like construction. The inner cell 18 is formed of a plurality of interconnecting panels 24, 25, 26 and 27 which are disposed in pairs of perpendicular arrays when in the erected configuration as best illustrated in Figure 3. The panels are typically interconnected through slots which penetrate half the height of the o respective panels.

15 The inner cell is arranged to be disposed within the outer cell such that the panels of the inner cells extend generally in a vertical direction. With this arrangement, the inner cell is able to accommodate vertical loading and therefore assists the outer cell in being able to support a person standing on the platform 11 when the structure 10 is fully assembled.

The support structure 11 is arranged to collapse so as to be able to fit substantially within the spaced defined by the platform lid as illustrated in Figure 1.

To enable the inner cell 18 to be able to collapse, fold lines 28, 29 are incorporated on panels 26, 27. These fold lines enable the panels 26 and 27 to rotate relative to panels 25 and 26 so that the inner cell can assume a collapsed configuration where the panels of the inner cell can lie flat against each other.

Once the inner cell is collapsed, it then can be rotated through approximately 90' and placed within the outer cell so as to be laid flat against the base panel 23.

The outer cell is arranged to be able to collapse with the side panels 19, 21 and 22 being arranged to collapse onto the base panel 23. To effect this IRN609-1 DOC 25/02/99 collapsing action, each side panel incorporates a horizontal fold line 30 which is spaced from the base panel. The side panels 20 and 22 also incorporate diagonal fold lines 31 which enable the side panels of the outer cell 17 to collapse onto itself. This is best illustrated in Figure 2.

Once the support structure 12 is fully collapsed, it can then be moved into engagement with the platform 11 wherein it fully locates within the space defined by the peripheral lip 14 and is held in place by an interference fit due to the dimensions of the components.

In use, the demountable structure is typically sold or distributed in it's collapsed configuration as illustrated in Figure 1. In this arrangement, the structure can be easily transported and typically has a major surface approximating the size of a milk crate and side thickness in the order of Figure 2 illustrates the first stage of assembling the demountable S° structure. The platform 11 is removed from the collapsed support 12. The support outer cell 17 is then unfolded whereby the side walls 19, 20, 21 and 22 are unfolded around fold lines 30 and 31 so as to assume a vertical orientation thereby giving the outer cell it's box like construction.

Figure 3 illustrates the second stage whereby the inner cell 18 is lifted out of the base of the outer cell and moved to it's erected configuration whereby the panels 24, 25, 26 and 27 are moved from a substantially parallel arrangement to an arrangement wherein they are aligned in perpendicular arrays. This is achieved by merely pulling panels 26 and 27 apart at the fold lines 28 and 29.

Figure4 illustrates the structure in it's erected configuration. The platform 11 is fitted over the top of the support 12. Once in position, a person is able to stand on the surface 13 of the platform and it is supported by the combined effects of the inner and outer cells 17, 18 of the support 12.

The advantage of the structure of the present invention is that it provides an easily transportable platform which is ideal for use in outdoor events or the like. The structure is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, easy to assemble and water resistant. Furthermore, because of its construction, the platform can be made from cardboard of similar recyclable material making it IRN609-1 .DOC 25/02199 ideal for sale or free distribution at the event. Furthermore the panel surfaces of the structure provide suitable space for displaying advertising material or information relating to the event if desired.

It is to be appreciated that modifications and/or additions may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

*e* IRN609-1.DOC 25/02/99

Claims (12)

1. A lightweight demountable structure operative to support the weight of a man, the structure including a platform and a platform support, the platform support being formed substantially of a plurality of sheet members which are configured to be able to adopt an erect configuration where the platform is supported in spaced relationship to an underlying structure by said platform support, and a collapsed configuration where the structure is in a compact form for transporting.

2. A demountable structure according to claim 1, wherein in the collapsed configuration, the sheet members of the platform support overlay one another so that said platform support is in a generally flattened state.

3. A demountable structure according to either claim 1 or 2, wherein the ooo° platform support includes an outer support cell including a plurality of interconnected side panels and a base panel, and an inner support cell which includes a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein when in its erect configuration, the outer support cell forms a box construction defining an interior space and the inner support cell is located within said interior space defined by said outer support cell.

4. A demountable structure according to claim 3, wherein when the platform support is in its erect configuration, the panels of the inner support cell upstand within the outer support cell so that their upper edges are aligned with upper edges of the sides of the outer support cell, and wherein said platform is arranged to be supported on said aligned upper edges of said inner and outer support cells.

A demountable structure according to either claim 3 or 4, wherein the side panels of the outer support cell incorporate fold lines which enable the side panels to collapse, the fold lines of the outer support cell being spaced from the base so that on collapsing of the outer cell, a space is provided between the side panels and the base in which the inner cell can locate when in a collapsed condition.

6. A demountable structure according to claim 5, wherein the panels of the inner support cell include fold lines which allow them to be easily folded into said IRN609-I.DOC:212400 collapsed condition wherein the panels of said inner support cell are in overlying and abutting relationship.

7. A demountable structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform includes a generally planar surface having a peripheral lip and wherein the dimensions of the outer perimeter of the platform support in its collapsed configuration is less than the dimensions of the peripheral lip so that said collapsed platform support is able to be located within the space defined by said peripheral lip.

8. A demountable structure according to claim 7, wherein said platform 10 support is held in place within said space defined by said lip of said platform by a %oo tight fit engagement between said platform and said collapsed platform support.

9. A demountable structure according to any preceding claim, wherein said platform includes a carry-handle to facilitate carrying of the demountable structure.

A demountable structure according to any preceding claim, wherein the platform and platform support are formed from cardboard.

11. A demountable structure according to any preceding claim, wherein printed matter is applied to at least one of either said platform or some of the sheet o members of said platform support.

12. A demountable structure substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 25 February 2000 PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Attorneys for SMARDI ENTERPRISES PTY LIMITED IRN609-1.DC:2240