GB2220851A - Platform apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Platform apparatus comprises a plurality of modular units (6) which are connected together in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction, the modular units (6) each comprising a platform member (10), support means (12) for supporting the platform member (10) above ground level, hook means (14) which are provided along a pair of opposite sides of the modular units (6) and which connect together in order to connect the modular units (6) side by side in the transverse direction such that they cannot move apart in the transverse direction, and fastener means (88) for fastening the connected modular units (6) together such that they cannot move apart in the longitudinal direction. The fastener means preferably comprise bolts and bolt holes. <IMAGE>

Description

PLArIlORM APPARATUS This invention reatt-s to platform apparatus.

Platform apparatus such for example as platform apparatus for forming concert stages, theatre stages, exhibition platforms and tables is well known. The known platform apparatus is often awkward to erect and/or insufficiently stable under heavy loads, and/or there is difficultly in preventing relative movement of component units after location.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide platform apparatus which is simple to erect and which is stable under heavy loads Accordingly, this invention provides platform apparatus comprising a plurality of modular units which are connected together in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction, -the modular units each comprising a platform member, support means for supporting the platform member above ground level, hook means which are provided along a pair of opposite sides of the modular units and which connect together in order to connect the modular units side by side in the transverse direction such that they cannot move apart in the transverse direction, and fastener means for fastening the connected modular units together such that they cannot move apart in the longitudinal direction.

The platform apparatus of the present invention may be used for providing substantially any structure where a raised flat surface is required. Thus, for example, the platform apparatus may be used to form tables or stages for concerts, theatre productions, exhibitions or shows.

PreSerably, the platform apparatus is one in which the modular units extend longitudinally in rows with the modular units in one row being offset from the modular units in the next row.

The hook means may comprise at least one upwardly extending hook and at least one downwardly extending hook on each one of the opposite sides.

The upwardly and the downwardly extending hooks may each comprise a flat support portion and a hook portion which extends from the flat support portion, the flat support portion and the hook portion having tapering sides which form lead-in portions for facilitating the sliding together of the upwardly and the downwardly extending hooks on transversely adjacent modular units.

Preferably, the hook are extruded hooks. If desired, the hooks may be made by other methods so that, for example, the hooks may be cast hooks.

Preferably, the fastener means comprise bolts and bolt holes.

The platform apparatus will usually be such that there is at least one bolt and at least one bolt hole on each one of the opposite sides.

Preferably the bolts are spring loaded bolts.

The platform apparatus may include retainer means for retaining the bolts in their withdrawn spring loaded conditions.

The retainer means may comprise a finger-grip member which projects outwardly from the bolt, and a single or pair of slots into which the finger-grip member can be located.

With fastener means such as the spring loaded bolts and the bolt holes, the platform apparatus can be such that there are no loose parts on the platform apparatus that could be lost during erection and dismantling of the platform apparatus. This saves the problem of attempting to erect the platform apparatus on various sites and finding at the last moment that a part has been lost during a previous use of the platform apparatus.

Usually, the platform member will be mounted on a frame.

Also usually, the support means will be legs.

Preferably the legs are foldable legs.

The modular units are advantageously such that some of the modular units are twice the length of some of the other modular units. This enables the formation of the platform apparatus into large rectangular units which have straight sides, whilst at the same time having modular units in one row which are offset from the modular units in the next row.

Preferably, the modular units are such that some of the modular units are two metres long and some of the modular units are one metre long.

The platform apparatus can be made from any desired and suitable materials. Usually, the support means such for example as the above mentioned foldable legs will be made from aluminium. Similarly, any framework members will also usually preferably be made from aluminium.

The support means may conveniently be made from plywood.

Other materials can however be employed.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of assembled platform apparatus showing the position of bolts and bolt holes; Figure 2 is a plan view of a first modular unit showing the position of bolts, bolt holes and hook means; Figure 3 is a plan view of a second modular unit showing the position of bolts, bolt holes and hook means in the form of upwardly and downwardly facing hooks; Figure 4 is a side view of a downwardly facing hook; Figure 5 is a front view of the hook shown in Figure 4; Figure 6 is a front view of a downwardly facing hook and an upwardly facing hook as positioned on a stile part of the platform apparatus; Figure 7 is a side view of the part of the platform apparatus shown in Figure 6;; Figure 8 illustrates how an upwardly facing hook and a downwardly facing hook on two different stiles can be connected together; Figure 9 shows the two hooks of Figure 8 actually connected together; Figure 10 shows fastener means in the form of a spring loaded bolt; Figure 11 is a top plan view of the spring loaded bolt as shown in Figure 10, with the spring being omitted for the sake of clarity; Figure 12 is an end view of the spring loaded bolt as shown in Figure 10; Figure 13 is a plan view of the modular unit shown in Figure 2; Figure 14 is a side view of the modular unit as shown in Figure 13, the side view being shown in Figure 14 illustrating sides A and C and further illustrating the folding of support means in the form of a leg; Figure 15 is a side view similar to that shown in Figure 14 but it illustrates sides B and D in Figure 13;; Figure 16 is an enlarged view of the two circled parts shown in Figure 15; Figure 17 is an underneath plan view of part of the first modular unit shown in Figures 2 and 13; Figure 18 is a section on the line A - A shown in Figure 17; Figure 19 is an end view of the part of the first modular unit shown in Figure 17; Figure 20 is an enlarged end view of a bearer member as shown in Figure 17; Figure 21 is an underneath plan view of part of the second modular unit shown in Figure 3; Figure 22 is a section on the line A - A shown in Figure 21; Figure 23 is an end view of the part of the second modular unit shown in Figure 21; Figure 24 is an enlarged end view of one of the bearer members as shown in Figure 22; Figure 25 is an enlarged side view of one of the bearer members as shown in Figures 20 or 24; ; Figure 26 is a further enlarged end view of the bearer member as shown in Figure 25; Figure 27 is an enlarged front view of a stile as shown in Figure 6; Figure 28 is an enlarged end view of the stile as shown in Figure 27; Figure 29 is a perspective view of a modular unit forming part of platform apparatus; Figure 30 is an enlarged perspective view of the top right hand corner of the modular unit shown in Figure 29; Figure 31 is a top plan view of the modular unit shown in Figure 1, this top plan view being enlarged and the platform meniber being removed for ease of illustration; Figure 32 shows a first method of connecting modular units as shown in Figure29 together to form platform apparatus; and Figure 33 shows additional steps to the first method shown in Figure 32, the additional steps giving additional integrity from the locking mechanisms.

Referring to Figures 1 to 28, there is shown platform apparatus 2 comprising a plurality of modular units in the form of two modular units 4 which are one metre long and one metre wide, and eleven modular units 6 which are two metres long and one metre wide.

The modular units 4, 6 each comprise a platform member. In Figures 17 to 20, there is shown a platform member 8 for the modular units 4. In Figures 21 to 24 there is shown a platform member 10 for the modular units 6.

The modular units 4, 6 also each comprise support means in the form of legs for supporting the platform members 8,10 above ground level. In Figures 13 to 16, the modular units 4 are shown having folding legs 12. The folding legs 12 fold as shown in Figures 13 to 16 because the legs are nearly the same length as the length and width of the modular units 4 so that the folding legs 12 have to fold such that they extend one after each other around the periphery of the platform member 8. Because the modular units 6 are longer, they can have legs which just fold inwardly and there is no need for special constructions since folding legs inwardly along the length of the modular units 6 will not cause the legs to touch one another, even when fitted with extension legs.

Hook means in the form of at least one upwardly extending hook 14 and at least one downwardly extending hook 16 are provided along a pair of opposite sides of the modular units 4, 6. The hooks 14, 16 are shown in Figures 4 to 7. The way in which the hooks 14, 16 connect together is shown in Figures 8 and 9. As will be appreciated from a consideration of Figures 1, 8 and 9, the hooks 14, 16 connect together in order to connect the modular units 4, 6 side by side in the transverse direction such that the modular units 4, 6 cannot move apart in the transverse direction.

The platform apparatus 2 is also provided with fastener means in the form of sprung loaded bolts 18, one of which is shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12. The bolts 18 are for fastening the connected modular units 4, 6 together such that the modular units 4, 6 cannot move apart in the longitudinal direction. The fastener means also comprise holes into which the bolts 18 locate.

Figure 1 shows the position of bolts 16 and holes in the illustrated platform apparatus 2. As can be seen from Figure 1, the modular units 4, 6 extend longitudinally in rows with the modular units in one row being offset from the modular units in the next row.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate how the modular units 4, 6 comprise at least one hook 14 and at least one hook 16 on each one of the opposite sides 20,22 of the modular units 4, 6. Figures 2 and 3 also show the position of the bolts 18 and the bolt holes.

As shown in Figures 4 to 7, the hooks 14, 16 each comprise a flat support portion 24 and a hook portion 26 which extends from the flat support portion 24.

The flat support portion 24 and the hook portion 26 have tapering sides 28 as shown and these tapering sides form lead-in portions for facilitating the sliding together of the hooks 14,16 on transversely adjacent modular units 4,6.

The hooks 14,16 are extruded hooks and they are such that the flat support portions 24 locate in grooves 30 in an extruded stile 32 as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

The flat support portions 24 are each provided with an aperture 34 for enabling the hooks 4,6 to be secured by a screw or rivet to the stile 32.

As can be seen from Figures 1 to 3, the bolts 18 and the bolt holes are such that there is at least one bolt 18 and at least one bolt hole on each of the opposite sides 20,22 of the modular units 4, 6. Not all of the bolts 18 and the bolt holes may need to be fastened together in order to secure the platform apparatus 2 as shown in Figure 1.

By having the illustrated bolts 18 and the bolt holes, the modular units 4, 6 can be of any hand so that they can be slid together from any end and then superfluous bolts 18 and bolt holes are just not utilised. The facility of having the modular units such that they are of any hand and they can be slid together from any end provides a quick and easy method of connecting the modular units 4, 6 together when the platform apparatus 2 is being erected on site.

As was mentioned above, the bolts 18 are spring loaded bolts. As can be seen from Figures 10, 11 and 12, the bolts 18 comprise a bolt portion 36 and a spring 38.

One end of the spring 38 abuts against the bolt portion 36 and the other end of the spring 38 abuts against a pin 40.

The bolts 18 also each comprise retainer means in the form of a finger-grip member 42 which projects outwardly from the bolt portion 36 as shown. The retainer means also comprises a pair of slots 44,46 which extend at an angle as shown in Figure 11 from a central slot 48. The finger-grip member 42 can be pulled back and then it can be rotated clockwise or anticlockwise to locate in one of the slots 44,46. In this position, the bolt portion 36 will be withdrawn into a bolt housing 50 and the spring 38 will be compressed.

In order to connect the modular units 4,6 together during the erection of the platform apparatus 2, it is only necessary to move the finger-grip member 42 out of its slot 44 or 46, whereupon the spring 38 will force the bolt portion 36 out of the bolt housing 50 and into its appropriate bolt hole. The bolt housing 50 is provided with flanges 52 which are each provided with an aperture 54 so that the bolt housing 50 can be located by screws or rivets to the modular units 4, 6.

Figures 13 to 16 illustrate how the folding legs 12 have to fold in order to be accommodated around the periphery of the platform member 8. Each leg 12 has associated with it a pair of pivotal folding arms 56,58.

The folding legs 12 and the arms 56 are pivotally connected as shown to the underside of the platform member 8.

Figure 16 shows how the arms 56,58 are connected together. More specifically, the arms 56,58 pivot with respect to each other about a pivot 60. In the non-folded condition, a locking guard 62 operates to keep the arms 56,58 in a straight condition and prevent the arms 56,58 from accidentally folding. When it is desired to fold the arms 56,58, the locking guard 52 is moved against pressure Qf a biasing spring 64, which then allows the arms 56,58 to fold with the arm 56 running along the inclined lead-in edge 66, and the locking guard 62 pivoting about a pivot 68. In the folded condition, the locking guard 62 operates to secure the folded legs 12 in the tray formed by the modular units 4. Thus carrying and stacking of the modular units 4 is facilitated.

Referring now in detail to Figures 14, 15 and 17 to 20, it will be seen that the platform member 8 comprises a sheet member 70 which is preferably made of plywood and which is supported on bearer members 72. The bearer members are shaped as shown in Figure 20 so that they can be screwed to the stiles 32, with the screws passing through the stiles 32 and into screw channels 76 formed in the bearer members 72. The bearer members 72 are extruded so that the screw channels 76 are integrally formed with the bearer members 72.

As will be seen from Figures 21 to 24, the platform members 10 are similarly constructed as the platform members 8 so that similar parts have been given the same reference numbers and their precise construction and operation will not again be given. In Figures 21 to 24, it will be seen that the platform members 10 are twice as long as the platform members 8, the platform members 10 being one metre wide and two metres long whilst the platform members 8 are one metre wide and one metre long.

Figures 25 and 26 show in more detail the precise constructional shape of the bearer members 72. As can be jnost clearly seen from Figure 26, the upper screw channel 76 is supported on webs 78 which extend as shown from the side walls 80 of the bearer members 72.

Figures 27 and 28 show in more detail the exact shape of the stiles 32. The grooves 30 can clearly be seen for receiving the hooks 14,16 which are secured in position by screws or rivets 82 passing through the apertures 74.

The upper portion of each one of the stiles 32 is provided with holes 84 for receiving the screws for securing the stiles 32 to the bearer members 72. As can be seen most clearly from Figure 28, the holes 84 are larger at their front area than at their rear.

The smaller rear holes 84 provide access to the screw channels 76 so that the bearer members 72 can be connected to the stiles 32. The larger holes 84 are for accommodating the head of a screwdriver for tightening the screws. When the screws have been tightened, the larger holes can be blanked off with plastics plugs (not shown).

As can be seen from Figures 6 to 9, 18, 19, 27 and 28, the stiles 32 have upstanding flanges 86.

These flanges 86 upstand in the longitudinal direction of the platform apparatus 2, and the sheet members 70 lie level with the top of the flanges 86 as shown in Figures 14 and 15.

Referring now to Figures 29 to 33, similar parts as in Figures 1 to 28 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding and the precise construction and operation of the similar parts will not again be given.

Figures 29, 30 and 31 show how the modular unit 6 employs a pair of retractable spigots 88, which are positioned in opposite corners of the modular unit 6.

These spigots 88 are associated with the bolts 18A as shown. In the other two opposite corners of the modular units 6, bolts 18B are employed but without the spigots 88. The spigots 88 slide in the top channel part 90 of the stiles 32.

The spigots 88 each have a pair of apertures 92, 94. With the bolt portion 36 in the aperture 92, the spigot 88 is in the retracted position shown in Figure 31. With the bolt portion 36 in the aperture 94, the spigot 88 is in the extended position shown in Figures 29 and 30. The bolt portion 36 slides between the apertures 92, 94 in a slide groove 96 which is present in the inside face 98 of each spigot 88 and which connects the two apertures 92, 94.

The spigots 88 are spring biased to their extended position by a spring 100. The spring 100 is secured to the spigot 88 and it may abut against an abutment member 102.

The modular unit 6 shown in Figures 29, 30 and 31 can be assembled and connected together to form the platform apparatus 2 shown in Figure 32. More specifically, to release one pair of the legs 12, the pair of locking guards 62 is depressed and the pair of legs 12 is pulled from the .folded position shown in Figure 29. The locking guard 62 is then moved to its locking position which is shown in Figure 29 and in which the pair of legs 12 are locked in their vertical position. The other pair of legs 12-is then also locked in the vertical position. All spring loaded bolt portions 36 that need to be operated may be operated by a person assembling the platform apparatus from a standing position.

The modular unit 6 will normally be transported and stored with the spigots 88 retracted. Thus, during assembly, appropriate spigots need to be extended as each modular unit 6 is positioned. Care should be taken to ensure that the boltsl8Aassociated with the spigots 88 are in the bolt position "B" which is shown in Figure 31. Where spigots 88 would otherwise project at the edge of the completed platform assembly 2, these spigots 88 should be left in their retracted position.

Normally the bolts 18B that are not directly associated with the spigots 88 are left in their fully retracted position, which is shown as position "B" in Figure 31. The bolts 18B not usually associated with the spigots 88 will usually only be used when constructing catwalks, for example one metre wide catwalks, or when absolute integrity is required from the locking mechanisms in the platform apparatus 2.

In order to form the platform apparatus 2 shown in Figure 2, the modular unit 1 is positioned as shown in Figure 32, with the appropriate spigot 88 in the top right hand corner extended. The further modular units 2 - 4 as shown in Figure 32, with appropriate spigots 88 extended, are then positioned end to end as shown in Figure 32.

When the last modular unit in the row is reached, any outwardly extending spigot 88 is retracted. The next row of modular units 6 is then started, by starting to position the modular unit 5 shown in Figure 32, with the appropriate spigot 88 extended. The assembly of the modular unit 5 is long side to long side against the modular unit 1 as shown in Figure 32, but initially biased three inches out of alignment to the right before sliding the modular unit 5 into its correct alignment with the modular unit 1. This is illustrated schematically in Figure 32 with the initially biased out of alignment position being shown by the numbers in circles and the final aligned position being shown by the same numbers but without the circles. This sliding movement ensures that the four opposing semi-countersunk hooks 14, 16 engage each other.

Before operating the boltl8A as at position 6 in Figure 32, it is necessary to check that adjacent ends of the modular units 1 and 2 shown in Figure 32 are abuting each other, and that the modular units 1 and 5 shown in Figure 32 are aligned correctly side by side. The boltl8A is then operated and this bolt 18then locks the modular unit 1 to the modular unit 5, and it also locks through the aperture 92 in the spigot 88 of the modular unit 2 shown in Figure 32 thereby to unite the modular units 1 and 2 together.

The above sequence of operation may be repeated in order to form the platform assembly 2 shown in Figure 1. The platform assembly 2 may be dismantled by reversing the above described procedure.

If it is desired to form a one metre wide catwalk assembly, then it is first necessary to assemble the required number of modular units 6 and to then ensure that the appropriate spigots 88 are extended.

The modular units 6 are then located end to end, whereafter appropriate bolts 18Bare operated to move from position "B" to position "C" as shown in Figure 31 to lock both spigots where the modular units 6 abut.

Also, bolts 18A are actuated as shown.

Referring to the platform apparatus 2 shown in Figure 32, if one side dimension of the proposed platform apparatus is an odd figure in metres, then right handed persons assembling the platform apparatus 2 will generally find it preferable to commence the formation of the platform apparatus 2 in the left hand corner of the proposed assembly site with the narrow end of the modular unit 1 being positioned as shown in Figure 32 against the "odd metre" side.

Referring now to Figure 33, if absolute integrity is required from the locking mechanisms, the bolts 18B shown in Figure 33 can be activated. These bolts 18B as shown in Figure 33 will not normally need to be activated. Thus, the bolts 18A associated with the spigots 88 may be regarded as essential, whereas the bolts 18B not usually associated with the spigots 88 may be regarded as optional. Any two metre wide catwalk formed may be of any desired shape so that it may be, for example,an L-shape or a T-shape.

Reference has been made above to various bolt positions shown in Figure 31. More specifically, the boltsl8A associated with the spigots 88 may each have - the illustrated three positions. Position "A" for the finger-grip member 42 is with the bolt portion 36 retracted, allowing automatic spring loaded partial release of the spigot 88. Position "B" is with the bolt portion 36 in the half thrown position, which allows the spigot 88 to be held in either its fully retracted or its fully extended position. Position "C" is with the bolt member 36 in its fully thrown position which allows the spigot 88 to be held either fully retracted or fully extended and which also locks adjacent side by side modular units 6 together with the spigot of the adjacent end to end modular unit.

With regard to the bolts 18B not associated with the spigots 88, then position "B" is with the bolt portion 36 in its retracted position. Position "C" is with the bolt member 36 being in its fully thrown position which locks the spigot of an adjacent end to end modular unit 6.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the platform apparatus 2 can be constructed in shapes other than those shown in Figure 1. In Figures 29 to 33 the position of the bolts 18A and 18B may be juxtaposed. Also, support means other than the illustrated folding legs 12 may be employed for the modular units 4. Hook means other than the hooks 14, 1G may also be employed, as may other types of fastener means. If desired, only one of the slots 44, 46 may be provided.Whilst the various structural parts of the platform apparatus 2 such as the hooks 14, 16, the stiles 32, and the bearer members 72 are preferably formed from aluminium, other materials such for example as other metals can be employed if desired. Further, the modular slits 4, 6 can be made in sizes other than those illustrated so that the length and/or the width of the illustrated modular units 4, 6 can be varied.

It will be appreciated from the above description that the present invention provides platform apparatus which can be made to be light enough to be easily portable yet of a robust nature able to withstand constant erection and dismantling together with heavy loads during use. When erected, the platform apparatus will provide a very substantial platform of any desired and appropriate size siz.lply by connecting the appropriate number of modular units together. When the platform apparatus has been dismantled, the support means of the modular units can be folded up so that each modular unit can then easily be carried away to appropriate transport and then stored ready.

for reuse. In instances where the platform apparatus is required to be higher than would be afforded by the normally employed support means, then extension leg members may be employed. Thus, for example, support means in the form of normal legs may give modular units in which the platform members are approximately thirty inches above ground level. Extension members may afford infinite adjustment to provide up to an extra twenty inches of height if required without loss of stability.

The support means in the form of the legs that will usually be employed for the longer modular units 6 are preferably such that each pair of legs at either end of each modular unit 6 are connected together so that the legs can be folded and unfolded as pairs. This again facilitates erection and dismantling although of course other types of legs and support means may be employed if desired.

Where extension leg members are employed, they may be arranged to be adjustable so that the platform apparatus can be provided at very precise heights that may be required by different users. With the folding legs on the connected pair of legs on the longer modular units 6, plastics washers may be employed as friction discs to ensure smooth operation of the pivot points.

Claims (14)

1. Platform apparatus comprising a plurality of modular units which are connected together in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction, the modular units each comprising a platform member, support means for supporting the platform member above ground level, hook means which are provided along a pair of opposite sides of the modular units and which connect together in order to connect the modular units side by side in the transverse direction such that they cannot move apart in the transverse direction, and fastener means for fastening the connected modular units together such that they cannot move apart in the longitudinal direction.

2. Platform apparatus according to claim 1 in which the modular units extend longitudinally in rows with the modular units in one row being offset from the modular units in the next row.

3. Platform apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the hook means comprise at least one upwardly extending hook and at least one downwardly extending hook on each one of the opposite sides.

4. Platform apparatus according to claim 3 in which the upwardly and the downwardly extending hooks each comprise a flat support portion and a hook portion which extends from the flat support portion, the flat support portion and the hook portion having tapering sides which form lead-in portions for facilitating the sliding together of the upwardly and the downwardly extending hooks on transversely adjacent modular units.

5. Platform apparatus according to claim 4 in which the hooks are extruded hooks.

6. Platform apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the fastener means comprise bolts and bolt holes.

7. Platform apparatus according to claim 6 in which there is at least one bolt and at least one bolt hole on each one of the opposite sides.

8. Platform apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 in which the bolts are spring loaded bolts.

9. Platform apparatus according to claim 8 and including retainer means for retaining the bolts in the withdrawn spring loaded conditions.

10. Platform apparatus according to claim 9 in which the retainer means comprises a finger-grip member which projects outwardly from the bolt, and a single or pair of slots into which the finger-grip member can be located.

11. Platform apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the platform member is mounted on a frame.

12. Platform apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the support means are legs.

13. Platform apparatus according to claim 12 in which the legs are foldable legs.

14. Platform apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.