GB2544084A

GB2544084A - Method and apparatus for moving deck units

Info

Publication number: GB2544084A
Application number: GB1519579.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: john smith Dennis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-11-05
Filing date: 2015-11-05
Publication date: 2017-05-10
Anticipated expiration: 2035-11-05
Also published as: GB201519579D0; GB2544084B

Abstract

A method of transporting a vertically arranged deck unit 103 of a modular staging system, the deck unit having a frame 107 defining two lower corners, each having a corner recess. The method includes the following steps: providing a kit of parts comprising a first dolly 105a and a second dolly 105b, each dolly including: a support structure (113a, figure 2); an arm (117a); and one or more wheels (127a); inserting the arm of the first dolly into the corner recess of one of the two lower corners; inserting the arm of the second dolly into the corner recess of the other of the two lower corners; arranging the first and second dollies such that the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structure of the first dolly and the support structure of the second dolly, such that the deck unit may be moved along the ground by means of the wheels of the first and second dollies; and applying a lateral force that causes the deck unit to move on the wheels of the dollies relative to the ground. The dolly, and a kit of parts including the dolly, is also claimed.

Description

Method and apparatus for moving deck units Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a method for transporting a deck unit of a modular staging system.

The invention also concerns an apparatus for use in such a method.

Background of the Invention

Staging systems are frequently used in the entertainment industry for constructing platforms, staging and tiered seating for theatre, film, television and music events. Staging systems may also be used for staging business conferences and other events. Such systems may be modular in form. Constructing staging may involve joining multiple individual deck units to form a horizontal platform. Such deck units are provided in various standard sizes and typically comprise a metal frame, being generally cuboidal in shape, having a flat platform (or structure for receiving such a platform).

The frame thus defines four corners. The frame is often made from steel and such units are often simply referred to as "steel deck".

To withstand heavy loads, steel deck must be durable and have a high strength to weight ratio. Due to the scale of construction, deck must also be economical to produce .

The industry standard steel deck unit comprises a 2 x 1 metre (or alternatively an 8 x 4 foot) rectangular plywood platform surface supported by a steel truss frame. Steel deck is however supplied in a variety of lengths and widths. The plywood surface may be felt lined for noise reduction and coated in black powder. The truss frame is typically supported by four legs. The frame may include a recess at each corner into which a support leg (for example a scaffolding pole) can be inserted. The structure which defines such a recess may be referred to as a corner post, although it will be appreciated that such corner posts need not be positioned exactly at the corners of the deck unit. Certain deck units have corner posts which are in the form of 60 mm square sections.

Due to the considerable size and weight of steel deck units, they are cumbersome to move.

Usually, steel deck platforms are constructed temporarily, to be disassembled after a few hours, days or weeks. Individual steel deck units are transported over both hard surfaces (such as indoors), and rough surfaces such as grass or gravel (such as outdoors).

In industry-adopted practice, steel deck units are typically manually transported off- and on-site by carrying (for example, requiring two or three people). This practice is slow and physically tiring. Health and safety considerations typically limit the maximum loads that a single person can be expected to lift.

In busy theatres or other venues, the available free open space for moving steel deck may be limited. Manoeuvring steel deck in such a small space by carrying is difficult. Moving steel deck from one location to another location in a venue separated by one or more steps or separated by a surface which is not flat, horizontal and smooth can be especially difficult.

There is a need to provide a method and/or an apparatus for more efficient, more convenient and/or safer transportation of steel deck over a variety of surfaces and in confined as well as open spaces.

The present invention seeks to mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems. The present invention additionally or alternatively seeks to provide an improved method and/or apparatus for the transportation of steel deck. The present invention additionally or alternatively seeks to provide improved safety in transportation of steel deck.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention provides, according to a first aspect, a method of transporting a vertically arranged deck unit of a modular staging system. The deck unit will typically comprise a frame defining corners (e.g. four corners in the case of a rectangular deck unit).

The deck unit may comprise a corner post at the lower two corners at least (and usually at all four corners).

Such corner posts, if present, extend horizontally when the deck unit is vertically arranged. The deck unit includes a recess at each of at least the two lower corners, when vertically arranged. For example, each corner post, if present, of the deck unit may include a recess. The method includes a step of providing a first dolly and a second dolly, which together form at least part of a kit of parts. Each dolly (which may differ from each other) comprises (i) a support structure, (ii) an arm, and (iii) one or more wheels. The method includes a step of inserting the arm of the first dolly into a corner recess, for example of one of the two lower corner posts. The method includes a step of inserting the arm of the second dolly into a corner recess, for example of the other of the two lower corner posts. The method also includes a step of arranging the first and second dollies such that the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structure of the first dolly and the support structure of the second dolly. The deck unit may then be moved along the ground, floor or other surface by means of the wheels of the first and second dollies, for example by means of applying a lateral force which causes the deck unit to move on the wheels of the dollies relative to the surface.

In embodiments of the invention, the use of two distinct dollies that removably attach to the corner recesses that are in any case provided in standard steel deck in a way that facilitates easy transportation of a deck unit in a vertical configuration provides an easy and safe means of manually moving items of heavy steel deck along the ground from one location to another.

Each dolly may comprise a stop for preventing lateral movement of the deck unit relative to the dolly when the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structure of the dolly. There may be two stops, positioned so as to accommodate the width of the deck unit therebetween. The lateral position of the stop (or each stop) relative to the dolly may be adjustable. The provision of one or more adjustable stops may enable the dolly to be used with differently sized deck units. The stop (or each stop) may be in the form of a vertically extending plate. Such a vertically extending plate may be inclined at an acute angle to the vertical to assist with the proper location of the dolly relative to the deck unit.

It may be that immediately after the step of inserting the arm of a dolly into a corner recess, the dolly is in a disengaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration the support structure of the dolly is not in contact with the steel deck. It may be that the step of arranging the first and second dollies such that the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structures of the first and second dollies includes moving each dolly from such a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration. In the engaged configuration the deck unit is in contact with the support structure of each dolly. In the case where the dolly includes one or more stops, it may be that the act of moving the dolly from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration moves a stop from a position in which it does not restrict lateral movement of the arm out from the corner recess to a position in which it does restrict lateral movement of the arm out from the corner recess. The or each stop may include a surface that is inclined at an acute angle to the vertical to assist with the proper location of the dolly relative to the deck unit, as the dolly moves from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration.

It may be that in the disengaged configuration, the wheel or wheels of the dolly are positioned above the support structure. It may be that by moving the dolly from the disengaged configuration to the engaged configuration the dolly is effectively inverted (turned upside down). It may be that in the disengaged configuration, the wheel or wheels of the dolly are spaced apart from the deck unit in the direction along its length. It may be that in the engaged configuration, the wheel or wheels of the dolly are positioned inwardly from the ends of the deck unit as viewed in the direction along the length of the deck unit.

It may be that the method includes (for example as part of the step of arranging the dollies such that the deck unit is supported by them) causing rotation of the arm of a dolly within a corner recess. As a result there may be rotation of the dolly relative to the deck unit until the support structure of the dolly is brought into engagement with the deck unit, thus resulting in the dolly being positioned in an engaged configuration. Such rotation of the dolly may be caused by means of lifting the deck unit. The lifting of the deck unit may be performed such that the dolly rotates as a pendulum under the force of gravity towards its engaged configuration.

In one embodiment of the invention, a single person is able to install a dolly in its engaged configuration on the deck unit by means of effecting such rotation. That method may require the single person quickly lifting the deck unit, giving the dolly sufficient momentum that it swings round (about the rotational axis provided by the arm in the corner recess) to its engaged position; and then allowing the dolly to support the weight of the deck unit by means of lowering the deck unit in good time (i.e. very soon after the lifting movement), so that the dolly does not swing back to a position in which the wheel(s) and support structure are not suitably aligned/positioned for receiving the weight of the deck unit. The lifting movement required of the single person in order to achieve such a result may be described as a snatching motion.

There may be a step of detachably fastening one or both of the first and second dollies in the engaged configuration, for example with a latch mechanism that is provided as part of the dolly and/or with a bolt that is provided as a part of the deck unit. The step of detachably fastening a dolly in the engaged configuration may prevent the dolly from moving from the engaged to the disengaged configurations when the deck unit is lifted. The dolly may include means, for example a latch or other mechanism, for holding the dolly in position relative to the steel deck when the steel deck is lifted. Other means, for example a bungee, a clip or the like, could be provided for holding the dolly in position relative to the deck unit, when the steel deck is lifted. For example, the corner posts of the deck unit may each include a bolt that is provided to secure items within the recess of the corner post. Such a bolt when tightened against the arm of the dolly may be sufficient in itself to prevent rotational movement of the dolly away from the engaged configuration when the deck unit is subsequently lifted when transporting it.

The deck unit may have a mass of greater than 25Kg.

The deck unit may be in the form of a unit of steel deck.

The frame that forms the deck unit may comprise multiple support sections (e.g. steel supports) which provide load-bearing support between the top and bottom of the deck unit when horizontally arranged. Such sections can extend substantially vertically between the top and bottom of the deck unit. In certain deck units, support sections extend at an angle to form a diagonally trussed support structure. The frame may be open. There may be a platform integrated with the frame, the platform being vertical when the deck unit is vertically arranged, but being configured to form part of the staging platform when the deck unit is installed, for example with other like deck units, in its horizontal configuration. The deck unit, when arranged vertically, may have a length of greater than lm. The deck unit, when arranged vertically, may have a height of greater than lm. The deck unit, when arranged vertically, may have a width of greater than 0.1m. The width will typically be less than 0.6m, and may be less than 0.3m.

The arm of a dolly may form part of a larger L-shaped structure extending from the support structure of the dolly.

One of the first and second dollies may have one wheel only. One of the first and second dollies may have at least two wheels. In the case where one of the first and second dollies has one wheel only, whereas the other of the first and second dollies has at least two wheels, it may be preferred to attach the dolly having two wheels first and the dolly having one wheel after, in view of the possibly better stability offered by two wheels during the process of attaching the dollies to the deck unit.

One of the first and second dollies may have a steerable wheel. One of the first and second dollies may have a fixed non-steerable wheel. The wheel or wheels of a dolly may be in the form of castors, for example swivel castor wheels.

The support structure of the dolly may comprise one or more cross members which when the dolly is in an engaged configuration extend transverse to the length of the deck unit. Additionally or alternatively, the support structure of the dolly may comprise a plate member for supporting the deck unit.

The method may include a step of detaching a dolly from the deck unit. The step of detaching the dolly from the deck unit may include moving the dolly from an engaged configuration in which the deck unit is in contact with the support structure of each dolly to a disengaged configuration in which the support structure of the dolly is not in contact with the steel deck. The arm of the dolly may then be withdrawn from the corner recess. The step of moving the dolly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration may include causing rotation of the arm within the corner recess and therefore rotation of the dolly relative to the deck unit. The step of moving the dolly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration may be caused by means of lifting the deck unit. There may be a step of unfastening the dolly from the steel deck, for example by loosening a bolt and/or releasing a latch, before the dolly may be moved from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration.

As mentioned above, the corner recesses of the deck unit may be defined by corner posts of the deck unit.

The corner posts of the deck unit are preferably integral to the deck unit. There may be embodiments of the invention, however, in which the corner posts are detachable.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for transporting a vertically arranged deck unit. The apparatus may be in the form of a kit of parts, for example, being configured for use in the method of the first aspect of the present invention as claimed or described herein, including any optional features relating thereto. Such a kit may comprise two dollies. Each dolly has (i) a support structure for supporting the weight of the deck unit when arranged vertically; (ii) an arm connected to the support structure for inserting in a corner recess of the deck unit, and (iii) one or more wheels connected to the support structure. Each dolly may comprise an L-shaped structure extending from the support structure, the free end of the L-shaped structure defining the dolly arm.

The L-shaped structure may have the shape of a crank-arm. The dolly arm and support structure may be integrally formed and of one-piece constructions. Alternatively the dolly arm and support structure may be (directly or indirectly) connected to each other by means of welded steel structure.

Each dolly may be so arranged that when in an engaged configuration in which the deck unit is in contact with the support structure of the dolly, the arm is laterally spaced apart from the support structure.

Each dolly may be so arranged that, when in an engaged configuration, the arm is positioned vertically above the level of support structure.

In the case where the dolly comprises an L-shaped structure, the free end of which defining the dolly arm, the other part of the L-shaped structure may be in the form of a elongate section that extends in a direction that, in use (when each dolly is arranged in its engaged configuration and the deck unit is supported on flat, level ground), is between 5 and 30 degrees to the horizontal. The angle may in certain embodiments be about 10 degrees.

The arm may comprise a cylindrical tube.

The support structure of the dolly may comprise a substantially rectangular metal frame.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a dolly for use as part of the apparatus of the second aspect of the invention as claimed or described herein, including any optional features relating thereto. Such a dolly may have at least two wheels. Such a dolly may have only one wheel. Such a dolly may have one or more wheels which are mounted so that in use they are permitted to swivel about a substantially vertical axis as the deck unit is moved along the ground.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the apparatus of the invention and vice versa .

Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 shows an apparatus comprising a unit of steel deck, a single-wheel swivel castor dolly and a dual-wheel swivel castor dolly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a side view of the single-wheel dolly of the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the single-wheel dolly of Figure 2;

Figure 4 shows a top view of a single-wheel dolly of Figure 2;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the dual-wheel dolly of the first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a front view of the dual-wheel dolly of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a top view of the dual-wheel dolly of Figure 5;

Figure 8 shows an apparatus comprising a unit of steel deck and two dual-wheel swivel castor dollies according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 shows an apparatus comprising a unit of steel deck and two dual-wheel pneumatic tyre dollies according to a third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 shows a rear view of the dual-wheel pneumatic tyre dolly of the third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 shows a top view of the dual-wheel pneumatic tyre dolly of Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows a section view of the dual-wheel pneumatic tyre dolly of Figure 10; and

Figure 13 illustrates the various steps of a method of attaching two dual-wheel swivel castor dollies to a unit of steel deck in accordance with a method according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Figure 1 shows a steel deck transportation apparatus 101 having a steel deck unit 103 supported by two dollies (105a, 105b) in a first embodiment of the invention. The steel deck 103 comprises a truss frame 107 and platform 109 and may form part of a modular staging system, in which similar decks are connected together to form a stage, for example for use in a live performance. Such stages are typically used in theatres, schools, conference centres, and arenas for example. The steel deck 103 is positioned on its side, so that both the truss frame 107 and platform 109 are upright and extending vertically. In this position, the steel deck unit 103 has a height of about 1.2m and a length of about 2.4m. Its width is about 180mm. The truss frame 107 has four corner posts 111, one at each corner of the frame 107. Each corner post 111 is in the form of a square-section tube including a 60 mm square recess for accommodating support legs, scaffolding poles, or the like, in situ. Each corner post has a bolt, which in this embodiment has an integrated handle that allows the bolt to be screwed towards or away from the centre-line of the corner post. Such bolts are typically provided such that scaffolding poles may be inserted into the corner posts and then secured in the corner post by means of tightening the bolt. Each dolly (105a, 105b) is attached to the truss frame 107 at a bottom corner recess of the truss frame 107 and the dollies (105a, 105b) support the weight of the steel deck 103 (they are engaged). One dolly is a single-wheel swivel castor dolly 105a as shown in Figures 2-4. The other dolly is a dualwheel swivel castor dolly 105b as shown in Figures 5 to 7 .

Figures 2, 3 and 4 show respective side, front and top views of a single-wheel swivel castor dolly 105a for use in the first embodiment of the invention. The dolly 105a is made predominantly from steel. The dolly 105a comprises a support structure 113a welded to an L-shaped member 115a. The L-shaped member 115a includes an arm 117a, which defines a free end of the L-shaped member 115a, and a strut 119 that connects the arm 117a to the support structure 113a of the dolly 105a. The arm is tubular in shape and has a diameter of about 48mm. As shown in Figure 2, the strut 119 extends at an angle of about 10 degrees to the vertical so that the arm 117a is both laterally spaced apart from the support structure 113a and positioned vertically above the level of support structure 113a. The arm 117a is in the form of a cylindrical tube which inserts into the recess of a corner post 111 of the steel deck frame 107 to form a snug fit (but permitting free rotation). The support structure 113a is a rectangular frame 121a with a central plate 123 resting on a single swivel castor wheel 127a. The frame 121a has an upright plate stop 125a. The frame 121a of the support structure 113a provides a suitable space between the upright plate stop 125a and the arm 117a for holding one side of a steel deck unit 103 to prevent excessive movement of the steel deck relative to the dolly when engaged. The wheel 127a is permitted to freely swivel 360 degrees about a vertical axis. The wheel 127a has a diameter of about 100 mm. Having a single swivelling wheel dolly provides for excellent manoeuvrability of the deck when supported by the dollies .

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show respective side, front and top views of a dual-wheel swivel castor dolly 105b for use in the first embodiment of the invention. The dolly 105b is made predominantly from steel. Similarly to the single-wheel dolly 105a, the dual-wheel dolly 105b comprises a support structure 113b welded to an L-shaped member 115b including an arm 117b, with an incline of about 10 degrees. The arm 117b, again being in the form of a cylindrical tube, snugly fits (permitting free rotation) into the recess of the corner post 111. The support structure 113b of the dual-wheel dolly comprises a low-weight rectangular frame 121b with a central opening 134 and two side plates (129, 131), each plate being associated with and supported on a single swivel castor wheel 127b. The frame 121b has an upright plate stop 125b. The frame 121b provides a suitable space between the upright plate stop 125b and the arm 117b for holding the side of the steel deck unit 103 at the end of the deck unit opposite the single-wheel dolly 105a. The wheel 127b is permitted to freely swivel 360 degrees about a vertical axis. The wheels 127b have a diameter of about 100 mm.

Figure 8 shows a steel deck transportation apparatus 201 having a steel deck unit 203 supported by two dollies 205b in a second embodiment of the invention. The steel deck 203 comprises a truss frame 207 and platform 209 and is identical in shape, size and construction to that of the first embodiment. Each dolly 205b is attached to the truss frame 207 at a bottom corner recess 211 of the truss frame 207 and the dollies 205b support the weight of the steel deck 203 (they are engaged). Each dolly 205b is a dual-wheel swivel castor dolly 205b as shown in Figures 5-7. The dollies 205b have reflective symmetry. Using two sets of dual wheel dollies 205b provides better stability.

Figure 9 shows a steel deck transportation apparatus 301 having a steel deck unit 303 supported by two dollies 305 in a third embodiment of the invention. The steel deck 303 is identical to that of the first and second embodiments. Each dolly 305 is attached to the truss frame 307 at a bottom corner recess 311 of the truss frame 307 and the dollies 305 support the weight of the steel deck 303 (they are engaged). Each dolly 305 is a dual-wheel pneumatic tyre dolly 305 as shown in Figures 10-12. The dollies 305 have reflective symmetry. The wheels 327 each have a diameter of about 260 mm. The larger diameter pneumatic tyre dolly 305 is bulkier but provides for easier transportation of the steel deck on uneven and/or soft ground. Such dollies may be of benefit when transporting decking outside for example over gravel or grass.

Figures 10, 11 and 12 show respective rear, top and section schematic views of a dual-wheel pneumatic tyre dolly 305 for use in the third embodiment of the invention. The dolly 305 comprises a support structure 313 welded to an L-shaped member 350 including an arm 317. The support structure 313 comprises an axle 352, attached at each end to a single pneumatic tyre wheel 327. The support structure 313 includes an upright plate stop 325. The support structure 313 provides a suitable space between the upright plate stop 325 and the arm 317 for holding one side of a steel deck unit 303. The wheels 327 have fixed orientation.

The dollies shown in Figures 1 to 12 all detach and attach to the steel deck unit in a similar manner. By way of example, a method of attaching dollies to a steel deck will now be described with reference to Figure 13, which shows side schematic views of a steel deck transportation apparatus during performance of a method according to a fourth embodiment. Figure 13 shows six views, A to F, of a steel deck unit to be supported by two dollies in various stages of assembly. The first stage of assembly denoted 'A', shows a deck unit of a staging system in a vertical position (it is positioned on its side). The platform defined by the deck unit that would in use form part of a horizontal stage is thus positioned vertically. The deck unit has a frame defining four corners, there being a horizontally extending corner post at each corner. Each corner post has a square cross-section of 60 x 60 mm (outside dimensions) and defines an internal square-profiled recess. Two of the four corner posts are next to the ground and are referred to as the lower corner posts, whereas the two uppermost corner posts can be considered as forming two upper corner posts. The dollies used in this method may be dual-wheel dollies as shown in Figures 5 to 7. Each dolly thus comprises a support structure, an L-shaped member including an arm, a stop plate, and two wheels.

During the first stage ("A"), the arm of a first dolly is inserted into the corner recess of one of the two lower corner posts. The wheels of the first dolly are uppermost, the support structure faces the ground and is not in contact with the deck unit. The dolly is thus in a disengaged configuration. It will be seen that the wheels of the dolly are spaced apart from the deck unit in the direction along the length of the deck unit.

The second stage of assembly denoted 'B' shows the steel deck lifted at one side and the dolly swinging underneath the steel deck via pendulum-like motion about its arm inserted in one of the corner recesses of the steel deck. In order to cause such a pendulum-like motion, the steel deck needs to be lifted in a relatively rapid and quick motion (e.g. snatched) so that the dolly can freely rotate with the arm rotating within the recess, without the dolly catching or dragging on the ground. As the dolly swings from the disengaged configuration towards the engaged configuration and passes beyond the centre position (during the transition from stage 'B' to stage 'C'), the lifting action manually applied to the deck unit is relaxed so that the deck unit begins to move towards the ground. The wheel of the dolly contacts the ground before the dolly has the opportunity to swing back past the centre position. (It will therefore be appreciated that the pendulum motion does not normally include the dolly repeatedly swinging freely to and fro beneath the deck unit. If the support structure is not already in contact with the deck unit, the deck unit is then lowered onto the dolly, so as to bring the apparatus into the position shown in stage 'C' of Figure 13. The first dolly is, at this stage, in an engaged configuration in which part of the weight of the steel deck is supported by the dolly. The support structure of the dolly is now in contact with the deck unit and the wheels of the dolly are on the ground. The stop plate prevents the arm from being withdrawn from the recess by means of engaging against the side of the deck unit if the dolly starts to move laterally in a direction that might otherwise move the arm out from the recess in the corner post. The first dolly is now in an engaged configuration. The bolt (see bolt 102 in Figure 1 for an example) in the corner post is tightened so as to secure the arm of the dolly within the recess in the corner post. This ensures that if the deck unit is temporarily lifted when being moved along the ground (for example to negotiate a bump or step on the ground) the dolly does not drop down from its engaged configuration.

The fourth to sixth stages of assembly, denoted 'D', Έ' and 'F', in which the second dual-wheel swivel castor dolly is attached are substantially the same as the first to third stages. Thus, to summarise, the arm of the second dolly is inserted into the recess of the other lower corner post, the steel deck is quickly and briefly lifted so that the second dolly is caused to swing underneath via pendulum motion from its disengaged configuration (stage "D") to its engaged configuration (stage "F"). After completion of the assembly of the dollies and deck unit (stage 'F') the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structure of the first dolly and the support structure of the second dolly. The deck unit may then be moved along the ground by means of the wheels of the first and second dollies by means of applying a lateral force to the steel deck relative to the ground.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described. A latch mechanism may be provided on each dolly so that it can be manually (releasably) attached to the deck unit to prevent the dolly from dropping down from its engaged configuration. Such a latch mechanism may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the bolts in the corner posts mentioned above. Alternatively or additionally, the dollies may be secured with other means. A separately provided bungee cord with a hook at each end may be used for example.

In another embodiment of the invention (not shown) the dolly is adapted to hold two units of steel deck.

The two units may each have a height and width of about 1.2m (referred to as 4' x 4' units) that are bolted or otherwise secured together end to end to form a combined deck unit having a height of about 1.2m and a length of about 2.4m. The combined deck unit may be transported in much the same manner as a single deck unit of the same dimensions. It will therefore be appreciated that it is within the scope of the present invention for the deck unit that is being transported to be formed of separate sub-units, which may each be in the form of an independently useable unit of decking.

The arm of the dolly need not fit snugly with the corner recess and may instead be a loose fit. It is preferred of course that the arm of the dolly can freely rotate within the corner recess when the dolly is being moved between the engaged and disengaged configurations and that there is not too much free play of the arm of the dolly within the corner recess when the deck unit is being moved along the ground/floor. If the arm of the dolly is loosely fitting in the corner recess it may be preferred that a bolt associated with the corner post is used to secure the arm of the dolly in the corner recess.

Rather than the dollies having integrated latches which releasably secure the dollies to the deck unit, the dollies may be secured with other means instead. A separately provided bungee cord with a hook at each end may be used for example.

In a case where a single deck unit is supported by a one-wheel dolly at one end and a two-wheel dolly at the other end (like in the embodiment shown in Figure 1) it is important for stability and/or safety considerations that the two-wheel dolly is attached to the deck unit first (before attempting to attach one-wheel dolly), particularly if only one person is using the dolly system of that embodiment.

Whilst many deck units are provided with integrated corner posts, some deck units may not have such corner posts fitted on or integrated with the deck unit. In such cases, the dollies of the embodiments of the present invention may still be used to transport the deck unit, but it may be necessary first to fit one or more corner posts to the deck unit. The corner posts so fitted may be clamped or bolted to the deck unit. Appropriate adaptors and/or corner post fittings may be provided to convert a deck unit without appropriately configured corner posts for use with the present embodiments so that the present invention may be applied.

Some deck units may be provided with a structure that provides the function of a corner post (i.e. providing a recess for receiving the arm of the dolly) without defining a square-section tube like that described above. For example, the corner post structure may be in the form of a length of steel angle (i.e. a length of steel having an L-shaped cross-section).

It will be appreciated that dollies of the embodiments of the present invention may be used to transport deck units having an upper surface (i.e. the stage surface) that is not rectangular. For example, dollies may be used at the two lower corners of a vertically arranged triangular deck unit or at the two lower corners of a vertically arranged quadrant-shaped (quarter of a circle) deck unit.

In a modification of the illustrated embodiments, the location of the stop plate may be adjustable to enable the dolly to be used with deck units having a width different from 180mm. There may be a step of setting the position of the stop plate on the dolly prior to inserting the arm of the dolly in the lower corner recess. This step of setting-up may include inserting the arm of the dolly in an upper corner recess, rotating the dolly to bring the support structure of the dolly into contact with the deck unit, adjusting the position of the support plate to suit the width of the deck unit, and then fixing the support plate in that position. Once the adjustable stop plate of the dolly is set-up in respect of a deck unit of a given width, the position of the stop plate need not be altered again unless or until the dolly is used in respect of a deck unit having a different width. The stop plate, whether adjustable or not, may be inclined to the vertical (by an angle of between 10 and 20 degrees for example) so as to assist with locating the dolly relative to the deck unit when moving the dolly from the disengaged position to the engaged position. There may be two such stop plates, one or both of which being adjustable, so as to restrict lateral movement, in either direction, of the deck unit relative to the dolly when in the engaged configuration.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A method of transporting a vertically arranged deck unit of a modular staging system, the deck unit having a frame defining two lower corners, each having a corner recess, wherein the method includes the following steps: providing a kit of parts comprising a first dolly and a second dolly, each dolly including: (i) a support structure, (ii) an arm, and (iii) one or more wheels; inserting the arm of the first dolly into the corner recess of one of the two lower corners; inserting the arm of the second dolly into the corner recess of the other of the two lower corners; arranging the first and second dollies such that the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structure of the first dolly and the support structure of the second dolly, such that the deck unit may be moved along the ground by means of the wheels of the first and second dollies; and applying a lateral force that causes the deck unit to move on the wheels of the dollies relative to the ground.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein each dolly comprises a stop for preventing lateral movement of the deck unit relative to the dolly when the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structure of the dolly.

3. A method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein immediately after the step of inserting the arm of a dolly into a corner recess, the dolly is in a disengaged configuration in which the support structure of the dolly is not in contact with the steel deck, and the step of arranging the first and second dollies such that the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structures of the first and second dollies includes moving each dolly from such a disengaged configuration to an engaged configuration in which the deck unit is in contact with the support structure of each dolly.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the step of arranging one or both of the first and second dollies such that the deck unit rests on, and is supported by, the support structure of the first dolly includes causing rotation of the arm within the corner recess and therefore rotation of the dolly relative to the deck unit until the support structure of the dolly is brought into engagement with the deck unit resulting in the dolly being positioned in an engaged configuration.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the rotation of the dolly relative to the deck unit is caused by means of lifting the deck unit.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the lifting of the deck unit is performed such that the dolly rotates as a pendulum under the force of gravity towards its engaged configuration.

7. A method according to any of claims 3 to 6 including an additional step of detachably fastening one or both of the first and second dollies in the engaged configuration.

8. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the deck unit has a mass of greater than 25Kg.

9. A method according to any preceding claim wherein the deck unit, when arranged vertically, has a length of greater than lm, a height of greater than lm and a width of greater than 0.1m.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second dollies has one wheel only, whereas the other of the first and second dollies has at least two wheels.

11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first and second dollies has a steerable wheel.

12. A method according to any preceding claim further including a step of detaching a dolly from the deck unit by means of moving the dolly from an engaged configuration in which the deck unit is in contact with the support structure of the dolly to a disengaged configuration in which the support structure of the dolly is not in contact with the steel deck, and then withdrawing the arm of the dolly from the corner recess.

13. A method according to claim 12 in which the step of moving the dolly from the engaged configuration to the disengaged configuration includes causing rotation of the arm within the corner recess and therefore rotation of the dolly relative to the deck unit by means of lifting the deck unit.

14. A kit of parts for use in a method of transporting a deck unit according to any preceding claim, wherein the kit comprises two dollies, each dolly having: (i) a support structure for supporting the weight of the deck unit when arranged vertically; and (ii) an arm connected to the support structure for inserting in one of the corner recesses of the deck unit; and (iii) one or more wheels connected to the support structure .

15. A kit of parts according to claim 14, wherein each dolly comprises an L-shaped structure extending from the support structure, the free end of the L-shaped structure defining the dolly arm.

16. A kit of parts according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein each dolly is so arranged that when in an engaged configuration in which the deck unit is in contact with the support structure of the dolly, the arm is both laterally spaced apart from the support structure and positioned vertically above the level of support structure .

17. A kit of parts according to any of claims 14 to 16, wherein the arm comprises a substantially cylindrical tube .

18. A kit of parts according to any of claims 14 to 17, wherein the support structure comprises a substantially rectangular metal frame.

19. A dolly of the kit of parts according to any of claims 14 to 18.

20. A dolly according to claim 19 having at least two wheels .

21. A dolly according to claim 19, having only one wheel.

22. A dolly according to any of claims 19 to 21 wherein the one or more wheels are mounted so that in use they are permitted to swivel about a substantially vertical axis as the deck unit is moved along the ground.

23. A method of transporting steel deck substantially as herein described with reference to any of the Figures of the accompanying drawings.

24. A dolly substantially as herein described with reference to any of the Figures of the accompanying drawings .