CA2244220A1 - Modular seating and staging assembly - Google Patents
Modular seating and staging assembly Download PDFInfo
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- CA2244220A1 CA2244220A1 CA 2244220 CA2244220A CA2244220A1 CA 2244220 A1 CA2244220 A1 CA 2244220A1 CA 2244220 CA2244220 CA 2244220 CA 2244220 A CA2244220 A CA 2244220A CA 2244220 A1 CA2244220 A1 CA 2244220A1
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Abstract
A modular staging and seating assembly which can be configured into a variety of staging or seating platform arrangements. The modular staging and seating assembly has at least one transport assembly, spacer frame, deck platform assembly and deck panel.
The transport assembly has wheels. The spacer frame is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly.
The deck platform assembly is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly or the spacer frame, and to receive at least one deck panel which is constructed to be stackable on the deck platform assembly.
The transport assembly has wheels. The spacer frame is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly.
The deck platform assembly is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly or the spacer frame, and to receive at least one deck panel which is constructed to be stackable on the deck platform assembly.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field Of The Invention The present invention generally relates to portable staging and seating equipment, and more particularly to a modular staging and seating assembly for forming staging or seating platforms of various configurations. The modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention includes a combination of at least one transport assembly, spacer frame, deck platform assembly and deck panel.
Discussion of the Prior Art Portable staging and seating platform assemblies are commonly used in auditoriums, gymnasiums, and event halls to accommodate performers or spectators. Depending on the desired use, an organization may need a flat elevated stage, a seating riser arrangement, or any one of many seating and staging combinations. Heretofore, manufacturers have provided many folding or collapsible platform structures to satisfy non-permanent staging and seating needs. An example of one such structure can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,050,353. This prior art staging system uses a series of folding frames having given heights which fold and store within close proximity to one another. The preset folding frame heights of this structure limit the variety of different staging and seating arrangements that can be achieved with the same folding frame assemblies. Another prior art structure can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,349,789. This prior 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 1 art system uses a more cumbersome folding structure that changes the position of the platform surfaces from horizontal to substantially vertical when folding the staging assembly for storage.
In addition, this prior art system utilizes telescoping legs which limit stability and require coordinated individual adjustment to alter the overall staging assembly height. The system further employs a grouping of numerous panel supporting assemblies which must be assembled in various configurations to alter the surface of the platform from a seating riser configuration to a flat staging configuration. Both of these prior art structures require some structure, whether it be a platform panel or other dedicated locking linkage, to prevent the staging systems from inadvertently folding during use.
Because of the temporary nature of the staging and seating used by some organizations, it is desirable to have an easily transportable modular staging and seating assembly that accommodates more than one platform height and permits attachment to additional modular staging and seating assemblies to achieve a variety of staging or seating configurations.
It is further desirable that the grouping of such modular staging and seating assemblies be capable of accepting deck bridging panels. It is also desirable to have a stable modular staging and seating assembly which does not require a locking mechanism to prevent folding or collapsing of the structure when in use. It is still further advantageous to have a modular staging and seating structure which consists of simple, stackable subassemblies that can be assembled and disassembled by unskilled persons, without special tools, and which can readily achieve a simplified, space efficient storage configuration. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, while providing the above mentioned desirable features of a modular staging and seating structure.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description and drawings that follow, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention.
The present invention is generally embodied in an improved modular staging and seating assembly which can be configured into a variety of staging or seating platform arrangements. The modular staging and seating assembly comprises at least one transport assembly, spacer frame, deck platform assembly and deck panel. The transport assembly has a plurality of wheels. The spacer frame is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly.
The deck platform assembly is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly or the spacer frame, and to receive at least one deck panel which is constructed to be stackable on the deck platform assembly.
In a further aspect of the invention, the transport assembly has wheels which may be extended to facilitate moving the assembly or retracted to park the assembly for use as a foundation unit. The transport assembly also provides a carriage for storing deck panels when not in use.
In another aspect of the invention, the transport assembly, spacer frame and deck platform assembly employ vertical members with locator nodes at the upper ends of the vertical members and node receptacles at the lower ends to facilitate various modular stacking arrangements. The deck panels are provided with node receptacles in their surface for stacking engagement with the locator nodes on the deck platform assembly.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 In another aspect of the invention, the deck panel platform assembly is adjustable into at least two deck panel supporting positions. The first position supports deck panels in a seating riser configuration, and the second position supports deck panels in a flat staging configuration. The deck platform assemblies are adapted to provide support for deck bridging panels between two spaced apart modular staging and seating assemblies.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the modular staging and seating assembly further comprises a hand rail assembly that has an attachment connector which can be used in a first position for attaching the hand rail to the rear of a deck platform assembly in a seating riser configuration or can be used in an inverted second position for attaching the hand rail to the rear of a deck platform assembly in a flat staging configuration.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and provided for purposes of explanation only, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Further features and objects of the present invention will become more fully apparent in the following description of the preferred embodiment of this invention and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In describing the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like parts have like reference numerals, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention, illustrating a stacked transport assembly, spacer frame and deck 6261923.1 7249812450 98461577 -4_ platform assembly, with the deck platform assembly in a seating riser configuration and with the deck panels removed.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention, illustrating a seating configuration with side and rear hand rails installed, and with the transport assembly wheels in the retracted position.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention, illustrating a staging configuration with some side and rear hand rails installed, and with the transport assembly wheels in the extended position.
FIG. 4 is a series of side views (FIGS. 4a through 4c) illustrating the conversion of a deck platform assembly from a seating riser configuration to a staging configuration.
FIG. 5 is a pair of perspective views (FIGS. Sa and Sb) of deck panels, FIG.
Sa illustrating the bottom of a standard deck panel, and FIG. Sb illustrating the bottom of a deck bridging panel.
FIG. 6 is a pair of side views (FIGS. 6a and 6b) of a hand rail assembly, FIG.
6a illustrating a front view, and FIG. 6b illustrating an end view.
FIG. 7 is a series of side views (FIGS. 7a through 7c) illustrating a few of the many seating and staging configurations achievable with interconnected modular staging and seating assemblies of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a series of diagrammatic perspective views (FIGS. 8a through 8c) further illustrating a few of the marry seating and staging configurations achievable with interconnected modular staging and seating assemblies of the present invention.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale and that certain aspects are illustrated in phantom views. While considerable mechanical details of a modular staging and seating assembly, including details of fastening means and other plan and section views of the particular embodiment depicting the invention have been omitted, such detail is not per se part of the present invention and is considered well within the comprehension of those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Refernng generally to FIGS. 1-8, it will be appreciated that the present invention generally may be embodied in numerous configurations of a modular staging and seating assembly.
Refernng now to FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention is generally embodied in a modular staging and seating assembly 10. The modular assembly 10 includes a transport assembly 12, a spacer frame 14, a deck platform assembly 16 and deck panels 18 (not shown in FIG. 1 ). It will be appreciated that the transport assembly 12, spacer frame 14 and deck platform assembly 16 are modular, stackable units that can be mixed and matched to create the framing for various staging and seating platform arrangements, a few examples of which are depicted diagrammatically in FIGS. 8a through 8c. The flexibility to create a multitude of staging and seating arrangements is enhanced if, as shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the transporter assembly 12, spacer frame 14 and highest possible rise of the deck platform assembly 16 are all of similar height.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 -6-The transport assembly 12 has a frame 20 and wheels 22. The frame 20 is constructed preferably of thin wall tubing of suitable material such as steel or aluminum. The wheels 22 are preferably of the swivel caster type. Each wheel 22 is mounted to a wheel height adjuster system 24 for movement between a retracted position, as shown in FIG.
Field Of The Invention The present invention generally relates to portable staging and seating equipment, and more particularly to a modular staging and seating assembly for forming staging or seating platforms of various configurations. The modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention includes a combination of at least one transport assembly, spacer frame, deck platform assembly and deck panel.
Discussion of the Prior Art Portable staging and seating platform assemblies are commonly used in auditoriums, gymnasiums, and event halls to accommodate performers or spectators. Depending on the desired use, an organization may need a flat elevated stage, a seating riser arrangement, or any one of many seating and staging combinations. Heretofore, manufacturers have provided many folding or collapsible platform structures to satisfy non-permanent staging and seating needs. An example of one such structure can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,050,353. This prior art staging system uses a series of folding frames having given heights which fold and store within close proximity to one another. The preset folding frame heights of this structure limit the variety of different staging and seating arrangements that can be achieved with the same folding frame assemblies. Another prior art structure can be seen in U.S. Pat. No.
5,349,789. This prior 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 1 art system uses a more cumbersome folding structure that changes the position of the platform surfaces from horizontal to substantially vertical when folding the staging assembly for storage.
In addition, this prior art system utilizes telescoping legs which limit stability and require coordinated individual adjustment to alter the overall staging assembly height. The system further employs a grouping of numerous panel supporting assemblies which must be assembled in various configurations to alter the surface of the platform from a seating riser configuration to a flat staging configuration. Both of these prior art structures require some structure, whether it be a platform panel or other dedicated locking linkage, to prevent the staging systems from inadvertently folding during use.
Because of the temporary nature of the staging and seating used by some organizations, it is desirable to have an easily transportable modular staging and seating assembly that accommodates more than one platform height and permits attachment to additional modular staging and seating assemblies to achieve a variety of staging or seating configurations.
It is further desirable that the grouping of such modular staging and seating assemblies be capable of accepting deck bridging panels. It is also desirable to have a stable modular staging and seating assembly which does not require a locking mechanism to prevent folding or collapsing of the structure when in use. It is still further advantageous to have a modular staging and seating structure which consists of simple, stackable subassemblies that can be assembled and disassembled by unskilled persons, without special tools, and which can readily achieve a simplified, space efficient storage configuration. The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, while providing the above mentioned desirable features of a modular staging and seating structure.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The purpose and advantages of the invention will be set forth in and apparent from the description and drawings that follow, as well as will be learned by practice of the invention.
The present invention is generally embodied in an improved modular staging and seating assembly which can be configured into a variety of staging or seating platform arrangements. The modular staging and seating assembly comprises at least one transport assembly, spacer frame, deck platform assembly and deck panel. The transport assembly has a plurality of wheels. The spacer frame is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly.
The deck platform assembly is constructed to be stackable on the transport assembly or the spacer frame, and to receive at least one deck panel which is constructed to be stackable on the deck platform assembly.
In a further aspect of the invention, the transport assembly has wheels which may be extended to facilitate moving the assembly or retracted to park the assembly for use as a foundation unit. The transport assembly also provides a carriage for storing deck panels when not in use.
In another aspect of the invention, the transport assembly, spacer frame and deck platform assembly employ vertical members with locator nodes at the upper ends of the vertical members and node receptacles at the lower ends to facilitate various modular stacking arrangements. The deck panels are provided with node receptacles in their surface for stacking engagement with the locator nodes on the deck platform assembly.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 In another aspect of the invention, the deck panel platform assembly is adjustable into at least two deck panel supporting positions. The first position supports deck panels in a seating riser configuration, and the second position supports deck panels in a flat staging configuration. The deck platform assemblies are adapted to provide support for deck bridging panels between two spaced apart modular staging and seating assemblies.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the modular staging and seating assembly further comprises a hand rail assembly that has an attachment connector which can be used in a first position for attaching the hand rail to the rear of a deck platform assembly in a seating riser configuration or can be used in an inverted second position for attaching the hand rail to the rear of a deck platform assembly in a flat staging configuration.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and provided for purposes of explanation only, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. Further features and objects of the present invention will become more fully apparent in the following description of the preferred embodiment of this invention and from the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In describing the preferred embodiment, reference is made to the accompanying drawings wherein like parts have like reference numerals, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention, illustrating a stacked transport assembly, spacer frame and deck 6261923.1 7249812450 98461577 -4_ platform assembly, with the deck platform assembly in a seating riser configuration and with the deck panels removed.
FIG. 2 is a side view of a modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention, illustrating a seating configuration with side and rear hand rails installed, and with the transport assembly wheels in the retracted position.
FIG. 3 is a side view of a modular staging and seating assembly of the present invention, illustrating a staging configuration with some side and rear hand rails installed, and with the transport assembly wheels in the extended position.
FIG. 4 is a series of side views (FIGS. 4a through 4c) illustrating the conversion of a deck platform assembly from a seating riser configuration to a staging configuration.
FIG. 5 is a pair of perspective views (FIGS. Sa and Sb) of deck panels, FIG.
Sa illustrating the bottom of a standard deck panel, and FIG. Sb illustrating the bottom of a deck bridging panel.
FIG. 6 is a pair of side views (FIGS. 6a and 6b) of a hand rail assembly, FIG.
6a illustrating a front view, and FIG. 6b illustrating an end view.
FIG. 7 is a series of side views (FIGS. 7a through 7c) illustrating a few of the many seating and staging configurations achievable with interconnected modular staging and seating assemblies of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a series of diagrammatic perspective views (FIGS. 8a through 8c) further illustrating a few of the marry seating and staging configurations achievable with interconnected modular staging and seating assemblies of the present invention.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 It should be understood that the drawings are not to scale and that certain aspects are illustrated in phantom views. While considerable mechanical details of a modular staging and seating assembly, including details of fastening means and other plan and section views of the particular embodiment depicting the invention have been omitted, such detail is not per se part of the present invention and is considered well within the comprehension of those skilled in the art in light of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Refernng generally to FIGS. 1-8, it will be appreciated that the present invention generally may be embodied in numerous configurations of a modular staging and seating assembly.
Refernng now to FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention is generally embodied in a modular staging and seating assembly 10. The modular assembly 10 includes a transport assembly 12, a spacer frame 14, a deck platform assembly 16 and deck panels 18 (not shown in FIG. 1 ). It will be appreciated that the transport assembly 12, spacer frame 14 and deck platform assembly 16 are modular, stackable units that can be mixed and matched to create the framing for various staging and seating platform arrangements, a few examples of which are depicted diagrammatically in FIGS. 8a through 8c. The flexibility to create a multitude of staging and seating arrangements is enhanced if, as shown in the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the transporter assembly 12, spacer frame 14 and highest possible rise of the deck platform assembly 16 are all of similar height.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 -6-The transport assembly 12 has a frame 20 and wheels 22. The frame 20 is constructed preferably of thin wall tubing of suitable material such as steel or aluminum. The wheels 22 are preferably of the swivel caster type. Each wheel 22 is mounted to a wheel height adjuster system 24 for movement between a retracted position, as shown in FIG.
2, and an extended position, as shown in FIG. 3. The wheel height adjuster system 24 includes pivot arms 26. One end of each pivot arm 26 is pivotally mounted to the transport assembly frame 20 at pivot 28. The other end of each pivot arm 26 is pivotally mounted to plates 30 which are attached to a height adjuster rod 32. Height adjuster rod 32 is rotatably mounted to the frame 20 and preferably includes a drive head at each end, such as of square or hexagonal shape, to receive a wrench. It will be appreciated that height adjuster rod 32 may be rotated to move the wheel height adjuster system 24 from the wheel retracted position to the wheel extended position.
With wheels 22 in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 2, the frame 20 of transport assembly 12 rests on the floor. With the frame 20 engaging the floor, transport assembly 12 can serve as a foundation unit on which space frames 14 and/or deck platform assemblies 16 may be stacked to build a staging or seating platform arrangement. It will be appreciated that transport assembly 12 is a load bearing structure and therefore frame 20 should be suitably constructed; one example of such construction would include vertical support members 34 as shown. Transport assembly 12 includes locator nodes 36 on the top surface of frame 20, preferably proximate the corners of transport assembly 12.
In the extended position, as shown in FIG. 3, wheels 20 of transport assembly engage the floor surface and permit the transport assembly 12 to be moved for use or storage.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 ,7 The frame 20 of transport assembly 12 has a carriage structure 38 for convenient, space efficient storage of deck panels 18. The frame 20 also can be interconnected to additional transport assemblies 12 by attaching means such as connectors 40.
The spacer frame 14 is constructed preferably of similar thin wall tubing. The frame 14 also is a load bearing structure and preferably includes vertical members 42 and connecting members 44 for holding the vertical members 42 parallel and at a fixed distance apart. The vertical members 42 of the spacer frame 14 have locator nodes 46 at their upper end, and node receptacles 48 at their lower end. The node receptacles 48 simply may be formed by the walls of the tubing and engage the nodes 36 of transport assembly 12 to secure the position of the spacer frame 14 when in a stacked position. It will be understood that, as shown in FIG.
7c, a plurality of spacer frames 14 may be stacked on top of a single transport assembly 12, and alternatively may be placed directly on a floor surface.
Deck platform assembly 16 is constructed of similar thin wall tubing preferably in the form of vertical members 50 and connecting members 52 to hold the vertical members 50 parallel and at a fixed distance apart. Deck platform assembly 16 further comprises extension members 54 to enable the user to alter the platform height in sections.
Locator nodes 56 are provided at the upper end of each vertical member 50 and extension member 54.
The bottom of each vertical member 50 has a node receptacle 58 for stable, stacking engagement with locator nodes 46 on spacer frame 14.
Deck platform assembly 16 preferably has two rows of vertical members 50. The nodes 56 on the inner most rows of vertical members 50 and extension members 54 engage the node receptacles 60 in the deck panels 18, as shown in FIG. Sa. The nodes 56 on the outer most 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 rows of vertical members 50 and extension members 54 engage the node receptacles 60 in the deck bridging panels 62, as shown in FIG. Sb, when bridging panels 62 are used between two spaced apart modular staging and seating assemblies 10, such as shown in FIGS.
8a through 8c.
If deck bridging panels 62 are not used, the locator nodes 56 on the outer row of vertical members 50 may be removed to permit the installation of a hand rail assembly 64, shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. The hand rail assembly 64 comprises a hand rail 66 and a safety closure channel 68.
Extension members 54 permit the deck platform assembly 16 to assume a seating riser configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or a staging configuration, as shown in FIG. 3.
The conversion of the deck platform assembly 16 from a seating riser configuration to a staging configuration is shown in the series of FIGS. 4a through 4c. As shown, the deck panels 18 must be temporarily removed to permit removal of panel safety closures 70 which may be used as an accessory to close the space between deck panels. Removal of deck panels 18 also permits the extension members 54 from the taller end of the assembly to be interchanged with the locator nodes 56 from the shorter end of the assembly. In the reconfigured position, the deck panels 18 may again be stacked on the nodes 56 to form the staging configuration.
For added stability of modular staging and seating arrangements, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, deck platform assembly 16 also has attachment connectors 72 to interconnect additional deck platform assemblies 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment connectors 72 may alternatively be used to install a hand rail assembly 64 at the rear of the deck platform assembly 16. Hand rail mounting couplings 74 may be used in a first position to connect a hand rail 64 to the attachment connectors 72 when the deck platform assembly 16 is in a seating riser 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 _9_ configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. The couplings 74 may be inverted to achieve a second position to connect a hand rail assembly 64 to the attachment connectors 72 when the deck platform assembly is in a staging configuration, as shown in FIG. 3.
Referring now to FIG. 7, collectively FIGS. 7a through 7c show a few of the multitude of various staging and seating configurations that can be obtained by connecting a plurality of modular staging and seating assemblies. FIG. 7a shows a fifteen row seating riser configuration, with stacking arrangements ranging from a deck platform assembly 16 directly on the floor surface up to a deck platform 16, three spacer frames 14 and a transport assembly 12.
FIG. 7b shows a cabaret riser configuration prior to linking the five separate staging sections.
FIG. 7c further illustrates a flat stage configuration constructed of five staging assemblies of the same height, wherein an additional spacer frame 14 is substituted for a transport assembly 12 in the first section.
Referring now to FIG. 8, collectively FIGS. 8a through 8c provide diagrammatic illustrations of a few of the many staging and seating configurations that can be obtained with spaced apart rows of connected modular staging and seating assemblies 10. For instance, in FIG.
8a, a seating riser configuration is constructed with seven spaced apart rows of five connected modular assemblies 10 having deck panels 18. Six rows of deck bridging panels 62 span the gaps between rows of connected modular assemblies. FIG. 8b alternatively shows a cabaret riser configuration, utilizing deck bridging panels 62 and seating riser sections of deck panels 18 between staging sections. FIG. 8c further illustrates a specialized staging configuration easily constructed of modular staging and seating assemblies 10. This configuration utilizes deck 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 - l 0_ panels 18 and deck bridging panels 62 in a combination of a flat staging configuration and a seating riser configuration used as a staircase.
Although reference has been made to the use of the present invention to provide alternative staging and seating configurations, for the purpose of explanation, it is understood that alternative benefits can be achieved through use of the invention.
Additionally it should be understood that any of a variety of fastening means and suitable materials of construction and dimensions may be used to satisfy the particular needs and requirements of the end user. It also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the design and construction of the modular staging and seating assembly without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 -1 1-
With wheels 22 in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 2, the frame 20 of transport assembly 12 rests on the floor. With the frame 20 engaging the floor, transport assembly 12 can serve as a foundation unit on which space frames 14 and/or deck platform assemblies 16 may be stacked to build a staging or seating platform arrangement. It will be appreciated that transport assembly 12 is a load bearing structure and therefore frame 20 should be suitably constructed; one example of such construction would include vertical support members 34 as shown. Transport assembly 12 includes locator nodes 36 on the top surface of frame 20, preferably proximate the corners of transport assembly 12.
In the extended position, as shown in FIG. 3, wheels 20 of transport assembly engage the floor surface and permit the transport assembly 12 to be moved for use or storage.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 ,7 The frame 20 of transport assembly 12 has a carriage structure 38 for convenient, space efficient storage of deck panels 18. The frame 20 also can be interconnected to additional transport assemblies 12 by attaching means such as connectors 40.
The spacer frame 14 is constructed preferably of similar thin wall tubing. The frame 14 also is a load bearing structure and preferably includes vertical members 42 and connecting members 44 for holding the vertical members 42 parallel and at a fixed distance apart. The vertical members 42 of the spacer frame 14 have locator nodes 46 at their upper end, and node receptacles 48 at their lower end. The node receptacles 48 simply may be formed by the walls of the tubing and engage the nodes 36 of transport assembly 12 to secure the position of the spacer frame 14 when in a stacked position. It will be understood that, as shown in FIG.
7c, a plurality of spacer frames 14 may be stacked on top of a single transport assembly 12, and alternatively may be placed directly on a floor surface.
Deck platform assembly 16 is constructed of similar thin wall tubing preferably in the form of vertical members 50 and connecting members 52 to hold the vertical members 50 parallel and at a fixed distance apart. Deck platform assembly 16 further comprises extension members 54 to enable the user to alter the platform height in sections.
Locator nodes 56 are provided at the upper end of each vertical member 50 and extension member 54.
The bottom of each vertical member 50 has a node receptacle 58 for stable, stacking engagement with locator nodes 46 on spacer frame 14.
Deck platform assembly 16 preferably has two rows of vertical members 50. The nodes 56 on the inner most rows of vertical members 50 and extension members 54 engage the node receptacles 60 in the deck panels 18, as shown in FIG. Sa. The nodes 56 on the outer most 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 rows of vertical members 50 and extension members 54 engage the node receptacles 60 in the deck bridging panels 62, as shown in FIG. Sb, when bridging panels 62 are used between two spaced apart modular staging and seating assemblies 10, such as shown in FIGS.
8a through 8c.
If deck bridging panels 62 are not used, the locator nodes 56 on the outer row of vertical members 50 may be removed to permit the installation of a hand rail assembly 64, shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. The hand rail assembly 64 comprises a hand rail 66 and a safety closure channel 68.
Extension members 54 permit the deck platform assembly 16 to assume a seating riser configuration, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, or a staging configuration, as shown in FIG. 3.
The conversion of the deck platform assembly 16 from a seating riser configuration to a staging configuration is shown in the series of FIGS. 4a through 4c. As shown, the deck panels 18 must be temporarily removed to permit removal of panel safety closures 70 which may be used as an accessory to close the space between deck panels. Removal of deck panels 18 also permits the extension members 54 from the taller end of the assembly to be interchanged with the locator nodes 56 from the shorter end of the assembly. In the reconfigured position, the deck panels 18 may again be stacked on the nodes 56 to form the staging configuration.
For added stability of modular staging and seating arrangements, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, deck platform assembly 16 also has attachment connectors 72 to interconnect additional deck platform assemblies 16. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the attachment connectors 72 may alternatively be used to install a hand rail assembly 64 at the rear of the deck platform assembly 16. Hand rail mounting couplings 74 may be used in a first position to connect a hand rail 64 to the attachment connectors 72 when the deck platform assembly 16 is in a seating riser 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 _9_ configuration, as shown in FIG. 2. The couplings 74 may be inverted to achieve a second position to connect a hand rail assembly 64 to the attachment connectors 72 when the deck platform assembly is in a staging configuration, as shown in FIG. 3.
Referring now to FIG. 7, collectively FIGS. 7a through 7c show a few of the multitude of various staging and seating configurations that can be obtained by connecting a plurality of modular staging and seating assemblies. FIG. 7a shows a fifteen row seating riser configuration, with stacking arrangements ranging from a deck platform assembly 16 directly on the floor surface up to a deck platform 16, three spacer frames 14 and a transport assembly 12.
FIG. 7b shows a cabaret riser configuration prior to linking the five separate staging sections.
FIG. 7c further illustrates a flat stage configuration constructed of five staging assemblies of the same height, wherein an additional spacer frame 14 is substituted for a transport assembly 12 in the first section.
Referring now to FIG. 8, collectively FIGS. 8a through 8c provide diagrammatic illustrations of a few of the many staging and seating configurations that can be obtained with spaced apart rows of connected modular staging and seating assemblies 10. For instance, in FIG.
8a, a seating riser configuration is constructed with seven spaced apart rows of five connected modular assemblies 10 having deck panels 18. Six rows of deck bridging panels 62 span the gaps between rows of connected modular assemblies. FIG. 8b alternatively shows a cabaret riser configuration, utilizing deck bridging panels 62 and seating riser sections of deck panels 18 between staging sections. FIG. 8c further illustrates a specialized staging configuration easily constructed of modular staging and seating assemblies 10. This configuration utilizes deck 6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 - l 0_ panels 18 and deck bridging panels 62 in a combination of a flat staging configuration and a seating riser configuration used as a staircase.
Although reference has been made to the use of the present invention to provide alternative staging and seating configurations, for the purpose of explanation, it is understood that alternative benefits can be achieved through use of the invention.
Additionally it should be understood that any of a variety of fastening means and suitable materials of construction and dimensions may be used to satisfy the particular needs and requirements of the end user. It also will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the design and construction of the modular staging and seating assembly without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.
6261923.1 72498 1245C 98461577 -1 1-
Claims (20)
1. A modular staging and seating assembly comprising:
at least one transport assembly having a plurality of wheels;
at least one spacer frame stackable on said transport assembly;
at least one deck platform assembly stackable on said transport assembly or said spacer frame; and at least one deck panel stackable on said deck platform assembly.
at least one transport assembly having a plurality of wheels;
at least one spacer frame stackable on said transport assembly;
at least one deck platform assembly stackable on said transport assembly or said spacer frame; and at least one deck panel stackable on said deck platform assembly.
2. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said transport assembly wheels are adjustable into an extended transport position and into a retracted position.
3. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said transport assembly further comprises a deck panel storage carriage.
4. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said deck platform assembly further comprises locator nodes and said deck panels further comprise locator node receptacles that engage said locator nodes.
5. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said transport assembly and said spacer frame are of substantially similar height.
6. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said transport assembly and said deck platform assembly further comprise connectors whereby two or more modular staging and seating assemblies may be interconnected.
7. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a hand rail assembly.
8. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said deck panel platform assembly is adjustable into at least two deck panel supporting positions, said first position supporting said deck panels in a seating riser configuration, and said second position supporting said deck panels in a flat staging configuration.
9. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 8 further comprising a hand rail assembly and hand rail assembly attachment coupling, said coupling having a first position for attachment of said hand rail to said deck platform assembly in said seating riser configuration and said coupling having an inverted second position for attachment of said hand rail to said deck platform assembly in said flat staging configuration.
10. A modular staging and seating assembly comprising:
at least one transport assembly having a plurality of wheels and a plurality of vertical support members;
at least one spacer frame having a plurality of vertical support members stackable on said transport assembly;
at least one deck platform assembly having a plurality of vertical support members, said deck platform vertical support members stackable on said transport assembly or said spacer frame; and a plurality of deck panels stackable on said deck platform assembly.
at least one transport assembly having a plurality of wheels and a plurality of vertical support members;
at least one spacer frame having a plurality of vertical support members stackable on said transport assembly;
at least one deck platform assembly having a plurality of vertical support members, said deck platform vertical support members stackable on said transport assembly or said spacer frame; and a plurality of deck panels stackable on said deck platform assembly.
11. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 10, wherein said deck platform assembly is adjustable into two deck panel supporting positions, said first position supporting said deck panels in a seating riser configuration, and said second position supporting said deck panels in a flat staging configuration.
12. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 11, wherein said deck platform assembly further comprises extension tube assemblies.
13. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 10, wherein each of said vertical support members of said spacer frame and said deck platform assembly further comprises a locator node.
14. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 10, wherein each of said deck panels further comprises a plurality of locator node engaging receptacles.
15. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 10, wherein each of said vertical support members of said spacer frame and said deck platform assembly have upper and lower ends, each of said upper ends adapted to receive a locator node, and each of said lower ends having a locator node engaging receptacle.
16. At least a pair of spaced apart modular staging and seating assemblies in accordance with claim 10, wherein said assemblies engage and support at least one deck bridging panel therebetween.
17. A modular staging and seating assembly comprising:
at least one transport assembly having a plurality of wheels;
at least one spacer frame stackable on said transport assembly;
at least one deck platform assembly stackable on said transport assembly or said spacer frame;
at least one deck panel stackable on said deck platform; and a plurality of connectors for interconnecting two or more modular staging and seating assemblies.
at least one transport assembly having a plurality of wheels;
at least one spacer frame stackable on said transport assembly;
at least one deck platform assembly stackable on said transport assembly or said spacer frame;
at least one deck panel stackable on said deck platform; and a plurality of connectors for interconnecting two or more modular staging and seating assemblies.
18. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 17, wherein said modular staging and seating assembly connectors further comprise a plurality of transport assembly connectors and a plurality of deck platform assembly connectors.
19. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 17, wherein said deck platform assembly is adjustable into two deck panel supporting positions, said first position supporting said deck panels in a seating riser configuration, and said second position supporting said deck panels in a flat staging configuration.
20. A modular staging and seating assembly in accordance with claim 17, wherein said deck platform assembly further comprises extension tube assemblies.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US15147798A | 1998-07-24 | 1998-07-24 | |
| US09/151,477 | 1998-07-24 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2244220A1 true CA2244220A1 (en) | 2000-01-24 |
Family
ID=29419437
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2244220 Abandoned CA2244220A1 (en) | 1998-07-24 | 1998-07-29 | Modular seating and staging assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2244220A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104110144A (en) * | 2013-04-16 | 2014-10-22 | 广东新会中集特种运输设备有限公司 | Modular stand unit, combined stand and construction method of combined stand |
-
1998
- 1998-07-29 CA CA 2244220 patent/CA2244220A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104110144A (en) * | 2013-04-16 | 2014-10-22 | 广东新会中集特种运输设备有限公司 | Modular stand unit, combined stand and construction method of combined stand |
| CN104110144B (en) * | 2013-04-16 | 2017-12-08 | 广东新会中集特种运输设备有限公司 | Modularization grandstand unit, combined type grandstand and its construction method |
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