GB2428433A

GB2428433A - Surface assembly formed from moveable modules

Info

Publication number: GB2428433A
Application number: GB0515032A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rachael Ann Carrington
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-22
Filing date: 2005-07-22
Publication date: 2007-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-22
Also published as: GB0515032D0; GB2428433B

Abstract

A module for a modular surface assembly comprises a surface element and means for moving the surface element from a first position to a second position. A modular surface assembly has a plurality of such modules and when the modules are in the first position the surface elements of a plurality of the modules are aligned and when the modules are in the second position the surface elements of adjacent modules are out of alignment. The surface assembly may be a horizontal surface such as a floor and the movement may be perpendicular to the surface. Alternatively the surface assembly may be a vertical surface such as a wall. A housing may extend from the surface element of a module when it is in its second position to the position occupied by the surface element in its first position. The housing may comprise a plurality of telescopic elements.

Description

S.. I S I S

SURFACE ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to an apparatus for providing a variable surface, in particular an apparatus for providing a variable flooring surface. The assembly find particular use, but not limited to, displays for exhibitions, conventions and the like.

In conventional manners of construction, structural components, such as walls, ceilings and floors, are provided with surfaces that are substantially flat. In this respect, the term flat' is a reference to a surface that extends in just two dimensions.

However, needs arise in which surfaces, such as ceilings, walls and floors, are required or desired to have surfaces with a shape and configuration extending in three dimensions. Such situations arise in the case of sets in studios for the recording of films and television programmes, and sets for theatre productions. Further examples of such situations include displays and stands at conventions and exhibitions, and in shops, in particular department stores and the like with relatively large display areas.

To meet the needs for display surfaces of varying shapes and heights, it is known to provide rigid, permanent or semi-permanent structures on which objects may be placed and supported, for example in the case of display stands at exhibitions and conventions. Similar structures are used to provide temporary display stands in museums and the like. Theatres and studio sets use a variety of different structures and assemblies to provide support for props and scenery and to provide a range of surfaces on which actors and performers may work.

There is a need for a means for providing a surface with shape and configurations in three dimensions that is readily adaptable to a variety of situations and locations. In addition, there is a need for such a means that allows a given space or area to be readily modified or altered, to cater for changes in the overall use of the space or area, or to allow the specific form and function of the space or area to be changed or altered.

* S.. Ste * . I S * S * SS * S S S IS * S 545 5 * * 5 4 S & t S.. S S * * According to the present invention there is provided in a first aspect a modular surface assembly comprising a plurality of surface modules, each module comprising a surface element having an exterior face; each module further comprising a means for moving the surface element from a first position to a second position; in the first position the surface elements of a plurality of the modules being aligned such that the exterior faces of the modules lie in substantially the same plane; and in the second position the surface elements of adjacent modules being out of alignment.

The surface assembly of the present invention is modular. That is, the assembly comprises a plurality of individual surface units or modules, which may be combined to form an extensive surface of the desired proportions. It is a significant advantage of the present invention that each module is substantially self contained, thus providing total flexibility in the manner in which the modules can be combined to accommodate the needs and constraints of a given situation.

The modular assembly of the present invention may be used to provide a floor or a ceiling, in which case the modules are arranged with the exterior faces of the surface elements substantially horizontal. When the modular assembly is used to provide a floor, the modules with the surface element in the second position will be raised above those in the first position. Modules in either the first or second position may be used to support objects.

The modular assembly may also be used to provide a vertical surface, such as a wall or partition.

In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the surface element is substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the exterior faces when in the first position. Thus, taking a substantially horizontal floor assembly as an example, movement of the surface element of each module will be substantially vertical.

* II. tts ft * S S S S * * S IS S I I * IS * S III S * I I S S*S S S S * In one preferred embodiment, the surface elements of modules in the second position are oriented such that the exterior face is parallel to the plane occupied by the exterior face when the module is in the first position. Thus, again taking a substantially horizontal floor assembly as an example, the modules in the first and second positions will provide an assembly characterized by a series of parallel, horizontal surfaces of varying heights.

In a give assembly, the modules may all have a second position at the same distance from the first position. However, it is also possible to provide the assembly with a variety of different modules, in which different modules have second positions at different distances from the first position. Accordingly, when used to provide a floor assembly, for example, the invention is characterized by a plurality of modules with surface elements at different heights.

It is preferred that each module of the assembly of this invention includes a means for locking the surface element in the second position. In addition, the module may include a means for locking or supporting the surface element in the first position. Each module may simply allow the surface element to be locked in a single second position. Alternatively, the module may provide means whereby the surface element may be locked in a plurality of discrete locations between the first and second positions. In this way, the assembly may provide greater flexibility in the position of the various modules such that, when used as a floor assembly, for example, the modules may be arranged at different heights to accommodate different objects for display, or the like. In a preferred arrangement, the surface element of each module may be arranged to be moveable to and locked in any position between the first and second positions, thus providing an infinite variety of arrangements. In such a case, the first and second positions represent the extremes of movement of the surface element of the given module.

The surface element of each module may be moved manually, by hand.

However, it is preferred to provide each module with a drive means for moving the * Ii I * t * S S S * * * I 85 S S 8 I II * S *** S I 8 * * S S I S S

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surface element between the first and second positions. Examples of suitable means include electric motors, linear actuators and/or hydraulic systems. Such drive means may also provide the means for locking the surface element in position.

Each module may be provided with a control panel for operation of the drive means to position the surface element of the module where required. However, in one preferred embodiment, the assembly is provided with a control system allowing the modules to be operated remotely.

In a simple form, each module comprises a surface element, a support for the surface element in the first position and a means for supporting and retaining the surface element in the second position. Examples of such means include one or more telescopic legs and a collapsible support frame. In a preferred embodiment, a module may comprise a housing extending from the surface element, such that when the surface element is in the second position, the housing extends between the surface element and the position occupied by the surface element when in the first position.

A particularly preferred housing comprises a plurality of housing elements arranged telescopically, so as to allow the housing to extend as the surface element is moved from the first to the second position.

The modules may be provided with a range of light assemblies and projectors, allowing particular lighting effects to be achieved. This may be of particular use for display and advertising purposes. In one preferred arrangement, each module has key components, such as the surface element and the housing, if present, of a transparent or translucent material, allowing light emitted from the light assembly within the module to radiate outwards.

The space occupied by the module when the surface element is in the second position between the surface element and the first position may be adapted for use as storage.

* I.. ill p * . S S I S I II S e * S III S S S * I I * S S I 5** S I p Each module preferably comprises a base structure, with the surface element being supported on the base structure when in the first position. In such a case, the assembly may provide a form of false floor, for example, with the individual modules resting on the actual floor of the room or location. The base structure may house the drive means and/or lighting assemblies, if present in the module. The base structure advantageously includes members extending between the surface elements of adjacent modules, to thereby provide a substantially continuous surface.

The modular assembly of the present invention may be employed as a stage, a display stand or arrangement, or in any location where a variable support and display surface is desirable, for example a shop, library, gallery, museum, showroom, or the like.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising a plurality of modules as hereinbefore described. The kit preferably also comprises a means for remotely adjusting the position of individual modules. The means for remote control may comprise a computer or control panel, connected to the individual modules by way of cables or by infrared. A particular advantageous kit includes software for allowing the user to experiment with arrangements and visualize the module orientations, before adjustment of the assembly takes place.

The present invention also provides a module for use in a modular assembly as hereinbefore described.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a module of one embodiment of the modular assembly of the present invention for use in a floor assembly, with the module shown in the second or raised position; p * * * , - S P P P 4 I.. SI 4 * * P.4 4 5 b P psi 4 Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the module of Figure 1 in the first or lowered position; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a modular floor assembly comprising five modules of Figures 1 and 2, all in the second or raised position; Figures 4a to 4d are a series of perspective views of the module of Figures 1 and 2 with the surface element in a variety of positions; and Figure 5 is a perspective view of a floor assembly comprising approximately 240 modules of Figures 1 and 2 arranged in a rectangular array, with several modules in a variety of positions.

The present invention will be further described and illustrated by the accompanying drawings relating to specific embodiments that provide a floor assembly. It will be understood that this is merely for illustration purposes only and that the present invention is not limited in its application to floors, as discussed hereinbefore and hereafter.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a single floor module, generally indicated as 2. The module 2 comprises a base structure 4, having legs 6, arranged in a square pattern. Support members 8 extend between adjacent legs 6. A surface element 10 extends parallel to the support members 8 and substantially horizontally.

The major portion of the upper surface of the module 2 is provided by the upper face 12 of the surface element 10. The surface element 10 is supported by a plurality of support struts 14, which cooperate to provide a support structure for the surface element 10. A housing, generally indicated as 16, extends downwardly from the surface element 10 and comprises three housing portions 1 8a, I 8b and 18 c, arranged telescopically, such that housing portions 1 8b and I 8c may be accommodated wholly within the housing portion 1 8a.

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r r 1 * * S 1,5 I S a 5 An electric motor 20 provides drive to raise and lower the surface element 10 by way of the support struts 14.

The module in Figure 1 is shown with the surface element 10 in the raised or second position for clarity. In normal operation, it is likely that the module will have the surface element 10 in the lowered or first position, as shown in Figure 2. The module shown in Figure 2 is that of Figure 1, with elements such as the support struts 14 and motor 20 omitted for clarity. In this position, the surface element 10 rests upon the support members 8 and is supported by the legs 6. As can be seen, the housing portions 1 8a, 1 8b and 1 8c are accommodated within the confines of the base structure 4.

In use, the module 2 may be operated so as to move the surface element 10 from the lowered or first position shown in Figure 2 to any position between the first position and the raised position shown in Figure 1. A means for locking the surface element in place at the desired height is provided (not shown).

As an alternative to the arrangement of support struts 14 shown in Figure 1, the surface element 10 may be supported and moved by way of one or more hydraulic lifts of known configuration. Again, such a mechanism includes a means for locking the surface element 10 as the desired height.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a floor assembly comprising five modules 50a, SOb, 50c, SOd and 50e of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2. All five modules are shown with the surface elements I 2a to 1 2e in the raised position. From Figure 3, it can be seen that in an array of modules such as that shown, adjacent modules share the legs of the base structures. Thus, the leg 66 is shared by the adjacent modules SOc and SOd.

* S.. *SS I *S* * I I S S * S * I. S * S S SI * . ISS I S I * * I S S I S S III S S * As can be seen in Figure 3, the surface elements 12a to 12e are contiguous and cooperate to provide a substantially flat and unbroken surface. This surface can be used to support items for show or display. Alternative uses of the surface include use as a table or seating, depending upon the height to which the surface elements are set.

In this respect, reference is made to Figures 4a to 4d, which show a single module of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2 in perspective view in a range of positions, with the surface element 12 arranged and locked at a variety of different heights. It will be appreciated that the different heights lend themselves to different applications. Thus, the orientation of the module as shown in Figure 4a is useful as a floor upon which people may walk or items, such as items of furniture, may be supported. The module shown in Figure 4b may be used, for example, to provide seating. Similarly, the module shown in Figure 4c may be employed as a table or bench. Finally, the module shown in Figure 4d may serve as a display for items, such as sculptures or ornaments.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown an entire floor assembly in perspective view, generally indicated as 100, comprising modules of the type shown in Figures 1 and 2. As discussed above in relation to Figure 3, adjacent modules share portions of the base structure, in particular the legs. As before, the surface elements of adjacent modules are contiguous and combine to form a substantially continuous floor surface.

As shown in Figure 5, groups of modules, indicated as 110, 112 and 114, are in the raised positions, with the surface elements arranged at different heights to provide a variety of different support surfaces.

In a preferred arrangement, the base structure may comprise extendable members that can be extended from the floor assembly for use, for example, as the legs of additional tables or as support members for other structures, such as shelving, display units, lighting, and the like. In one arrangement, the extendable members may be housed within and extend from the legs of the base structure. Alternatively, the base structure may be provided with slots or recesses to accommodate support members for the aforementioned uses. Again, the slots andlor recesses may be provided in the upper portions of the legs of the base structure. The components to be * **. .*. . I..

* * I S * * I S IS * S S S ** * * **. I S * * * * S S I * S 555 S S * S connected to the support members andlor the support members themselves may conveniently be stored within the modules, when not in use.

It is preferred that an assembly, such as that shown in Figure 5, consists entirely of modules as hereinbefore described. However, it may be desired to employ one or more modules that comprise a base structure and a surface element that is not moveable between the first and second positions. If a large portion of the assembly surface is required to remain in a given plane, such as to provide a floor on which people will stand and walk, it is possible to employ just some of the hereinbefore described modules in key locations within the assembly.

Claims

* .*. I** I *** * S S S * * S S IS * I * I II * I 555 S I * S * . I S I S *SI e I S * CLAIMS

1. A modular surface assembly comprising a plurality of surface modules, each module comprising a surface element having an exterior face; each module further comprising a means for moving the surface element from a first position to a second position; in the first position the surface elements of a plurality of the modules being aligned such that the exterior faces of the modules lie in substantially the same plane; and in the second position the surface elements of adjacent modules being out of alignment.

2. The modular surface assembly according to claim 1, wherein the modules are arranged such that the exterior face of each module is substantially horizontal.

3. The modular surface assembly according to claim 2, wherein the modules are arranged such that the exterior face is uppermost, so as to provide a floor surface or a surface upon which objects may be supported.

4. The modular surface assembly according to claim 1, wherein the modules are arranged such that the exterior face of each module is substantially vertical.

5. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the movement of the surface elements is substantially perpendicular to the plane occupied by the exterior faces when in the first position.

6. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the surface elements of modules in the second position are oriented such that the exterior face is in a plane substantially parallel to the plane occupied by the exterior faces when in the first position.

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7. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises a means for locking the surface element in the second position.

8. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises a means for moving the surface element between the first and second positions.

9. The modular surface assembly according to claim 8, wherein the means for moving the surface element is operable remotely.

10. The modular surface assembly according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the means for moving the surface element comprises a hydraulic system or an electric motor.

11. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises a housing extending from the surface element when in the second position, the housing extending between the surface element and the position occupies by the surface element when in the first position.

12. The modular surface assembly according to claim 11, wherein the housing comprises a plurality of elements arranged telescopically.

13. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the modules comprises one or more light assemblies.

14. The modular surface assembly according to claim 13, wherein the light one or more light assemblies directs light through the surface element.

15. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the space between the surface element of one or more modules when in the second position and the first position is useable for storage.

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16. The modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein each module comprises a base structure, the surface element being supported on the base structure when in the first position.

17. The modular surface assembly according to claim 16, wherein adjacent modules in the assembly have common base structure components.

18. The modular surface assembly according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the base structure comprises members extending between the surface elements of adjacent modules, so as to provide a substantially continuous surface.

19. A stage comprising a modular surface assembly according to any preceding claim.

20. A display comprising a modular surface assembly according to any of claims 1 to 18.

21. A kit comprising a plurality of modules as defined in any of claims ito 18.

22. The kit according to claim 21, further comprising a means for remotely adjusting the position of individual modules.

23. The kit according to claim 22, further comprising software for visualizing the arrangement of modules, prior to adjusting the position of individual modules.

24. A module for use in a modular surface assembly as defined in any of claims 1 to 18.

25. A modular surface assembly substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying figures.

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26. A module substantially as hereinbefore described having reference to the accompanying figures.