MXPA00001066A - Deck connector - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding stage (20) includes deck connectors (50) that are configured for engaging a bore (34) formed in the decks (24). The connectors (50) may extend outward to support bridging decks (26) adjacent the stage (20). Pin-type connectors (50) are rotatable into a retaining position below the decks (24). The connectors (50) may also be turned to extend beyond the edge of the stage decks (24) or be retracted to a position below the stage deck (24) when not used for bridging. A deck retainer (38) includes a retaining tab portion (46) at one end for retaining bridging decks (26) against the stage decks (24) as well as the lifting surface at the other end which may engage the bottom of the decks (24) to lift the decks (24) so that the connectors (50) may be turned.

Description

CONNECTOR OF PLATFORMS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with an apparatus for retaining platforms in a collapsible stage and for retaining and supporting platforms between the stages.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE The elevational adjustable folding stages are well known in the art. Such scenarios can join additional platforms between the scenarios to create an extensive stage area. Rectangular platforms of such scenarios are commonly separable and invertible. Some scenarios are retained at each corner by a retaining bolt. An example of such a scenario is shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,325,640 issued to Luedke and assigned to Sico Incorporated, the assignee of the present invention. An example of connectors for platforms is shown in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08 / 487,710 to Luedke also assigned to Sico Incorporated. The Luedke patents show a collapsible scenario having a pin connector that is rotated to compress downwardly and expand a central annular element REF .: 32547 radially outwards. The annular element engages with the perforation of the platform and retains the platform against the frame. In addition, the Luedke patents show insertable attachment elements that support other pin connectors beyond a platform edge. The additional external connectors allow the support of connection platforms between the scenarios on the frames. Luedke patents also show seals for storing joint platforms on stage platforms and retaining platforms in the folded storage position. Although the connectors and bonding systems shown in the Luedke patents provide a secure, strong and reliable system for retaining platforms and supporting joint platforms between. the scenarios, additional improvements are still possible. The Luedke patents require separation of the bonding bracket and replacement with a non-bonding support when a joint platform is not supported. In addition, when a joining platform is added, the joint support elements must be mounted to the stage before supporting the joining platforms. In order to carry out this operation, the stage platforms must be separated to access the frame by joining and separating the joint supports. Since the platforms can be relatively heavy, the removal of the platform and the replacement can be annoying, as well as an operation that takes a long time. In addition, for the construction or integration of an extended stage surface that requires multiple stages and joining platforms, the overall time and effort employed can be substantial. Also, in the corner of the stage, different connectors must be used if one or three other platforms are attached to the stage. The Luedke patents teach a double or quad link support element but do not provide elements that can each be adaptable to support either one or three attachment platforms. It can be seen that a new folding platform apparatus and platform connector is needed. There is a need for a scenario that is capable of supporting joining platforms and that has a single joint support element at each corner that can support either one or the other or three attachment platforms. In addition, such a system should provide an easy change between a configuration that supports one or three attachment platforms and to eliminate the need to separate the platforms of each scenario for such adjustments. The present invention addresses these as well as other problems associated with collapsible scenarios and tie-platform support systems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a platform support and in particular with a platform connector for a folding stage that provides support for the platforms between the scenarios. The platform supports of the present invention include a bolt-type connector element for extending into a bore in the stage platforms. The bolt-type connector includes a compressible annular member that is axially compressible and expands radially outwardly to engage with the perforation wall and retain the stage platforms. further, the present invention provides support binding platforms between the scenarios. Union connectors include pin-type connectors that extend beyond the edge of the stage platforms to engage and support the joint platforms. The union connectors are rotatably mounted at the corners and center of the stage to align the connectors with the perforations in the supported joint platforms. The corner connector can support up to three union type connectors to support a platform diagonally also off center from each edge of the stage. In this way, - an extensive stage area can be formed using a smaller number of scenarios. The connectors are rotatably mounted on a base and can be rotated upward for the stand or flipped down to rotate the base below the stage platform in a non-union configuration or to rotate only to support a platform separate from the stage. It can be appreciated that to activate the base of the connector, it is necessary either to separate or lift the platforms from the stage. The present invention also provides a tie-down platform retaining element that stores tie-down platforms on the stage platforms even in the folded storage position. In addition, retaining elements at the stage edge include a mating surface to engage with the bottom of the stage platform and lift it upward to separate the stage platform from the base of the connector. This provides a free rotation of the attachment brackets to a desired position. These characteristics of novelty and several other advantages that characterize the invention are indicated with particularity in the appended claims thereto and which form a part of the present. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and the objects obtained through its use, reference should be made to the drawings forming an additional part of the present and to the attached descriptive matter in which an illustrated and described preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a foldable scenario that is adjustable in a raised position in a folded position that retains additional platforms; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the adjustable folding stage elevationally shown in Figure 1 in a deployed position of use; Figure 3 shows a side elevation view of the stage shown in Figure 1 and a platform retention element in a retention position; Figure 4 shows a side elevational view of the stage and platform retention elements shown in Figure 3 with the platform retention element in a storage position; Fig. 5 shows a side elevational view of the stage and platform retaining elements shown in Fig. 3 with the platform retaining element in a lifting position of the platforms; Figure 6 shows a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a joint platform connector for the scenario shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a connector platform connector for the scenario shown in Figure 1 in a retracted non-union position; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the joint platform shown in Figure 7 that supports a joint platform; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the joint platform connector shown in Figure 7 which supports three joint platforms, shown in dashed line at one corner and Figure 10 shows an external plane view of the joint platform connector shown in figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding structures in all the various lists and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an elevationally adjustable folding stage, generally designated as the number 20. The scenario 20 shown is an elevationally adjustable folding scenario, however, other scenarios that use joining platforms to create an extended stage surface are also contemplated. The stage 20 supports separable and invertible platforms 24 in a structure or frame 22. The structure or frame 22 is a collapsible frame that is folded with a folding link mechanism 28. The stage 20 is supported in its folded position on slides or wheels 30 that can be coupled or uncoupled in the position of use. Socket legs 32 provide for the raising and lowering of the height of the stage 20 in its position of use and are commonly always coupled in the folded storage position. In the position of use shown in Figure 2, the stages 20 can be joined to form an extensive stage surface or the joint platforms can be held between the stages 20 to form a large elevated stage surface. In the folded position, as shown in Figure 1, additional platforms 26 can be stored on top of stage platforms 24. Retention elements 38 along the bottom and sides of the platforms ensure that the joining platforms 26 are securely retained against the stage platforms 24, still in the folded position where the platforms 24 are not horizontal. As the platforms are folded to a narrower profile that requires less storage space, additional space is not required to store the additional joining platforms 26. U.S. Patent No. 5,325,640 to Luedke et al., Shows a scenario with storage of attachment platforms and is incorporated herein by reference. As shown in Figures 3-5, the detents 38 rotate from the frame 22 around a horizontal axis on the sides of the stage platforms 24. Each retaining element 38 has a main elongate body 40. A pivoting portion 44 around which the retainer 38 pivots extends transversely to the body 40 by retaining members. The pivot portion 44 is slidably or slidably mounted to the frame 22, in such a way that the retaining element 38 can be slid towards and away from the stage 20. A spring-loaded bolt 42 fixes the retaining element 38 in several positions when engaging with one of a plurality of holes formed in the portion 44 of the corresponding pivot with the desired angular and axial positions of the retaining element 38. The retaining element 38 also includes a tongue 46 of the end at the extended end furthest from the body 40. The tongue 46 extends inward toward the platforms 24. From Stage. At an opposite end of the body 40 is a storage surface 48. As explained later herein, the retaining element 38 is used to retain the platforms 24 and 26, also as to lift the platform 24 to change the position of the joint supports. When the stage is in its use position, the retaining elements 38 are stored below the stage platforms 24 as shown in Figure 4. Referring now to Figures 6-10, attachment supports 36 are shown. The support 36 has two configurations, a double support shown in figure 6 and a four-way support shown in figure 7-10. The double supports have two platform connectors, a rotary connector 50 and a non-rotating connector 68 and are used along the central fold line of the stage 20. The quad supports have four platform connectors, which include three rotary connectors 50 and a non-rotating connector 68 and are used in each of the four corners of the stage 20. Referring again to Figure 6 each of the platform connectors 50 is configured to be inserted into a bore 34 formed through one of the joining platforms 26. The inner platform connector 68 is inserted into a perforation 34 in platform 24 of the stage. The platform connectors include a central element with an enlarged inner portion 56. An expandable annular ring 58 is mounted on an intermediate portion of each platform connector 50 or 68. An upper element 60 extends outwardly on the expandable annular ring 58. The upper element 60 is threadably connected to the center or core, such that the rotation of the upper part 60 causes the upper part to move vertically up and down depending on the direction of rotation. The upper portion 60 preferably has a top surface 62 driven by a tool, such as to receive a screwdriver, hex key or other tool. As the upper portion 60 is rotated to press down against the expandable annular ring 68, the ring 68 is compressed downward and is forced to expand outwardly. The ring 68 engages the inner wall of the bore 34 which extends through the platforms 24 or 26 and holds the platforms in place. In accordance with the present invention, each of the platform connectors 50 is rotatably mounted on a base 72 or 74. The connectors 50 rotate about a mounting bolt 64, as shown more clearly in Figure 10. The bases 72 and 74 include portions of hands 76. A quad support base 72 has three hands 76 while a double support base 74 includes a single handle 76. The hands 76 include sides 80 extending from a post connector 82. ring configured to be mounted on a tube element in the corner of frame 22 of the stage. A fixing bolt of the structure or frame is inserted through the pole connector 82 and the frame 22 to fix the supports 36 in one of four predetermined positions. The round post connector 82 provides for the rotation of the supports 36 around the frame 22 without removing the supports 36, such that the supports 36 of the platform can be moved between one of the predetermined positions. The inner platform connector 68 is axially aligned with the pole connector 82 such that the supports 36 can be rotated without dislodging the connector 68 or requiring the removal of the platform 24 from the stage of the inner platform connector 68. The bases 72 of the quad connector include three hands 76 that include a pair of hands that extend at right angles to each other and a central hand that extends 45 degrees intermediate to the other two hands. The platform connectors 50 are positioned in such a manner that they align with a perforation 34 through the joining platforms 26 which are connected to the stage platforms 24. With this configuration, the joining connectors 36 not only support but also-align the joining platforms 26. As shown in Figure 10, each hand 76 includes sides 80 with a recess 78 formed between the sides 80. A fastening system 84 is mounted to the sides 80 of each hand 76 to secure the rotary platform connectors 50 in position . The fastening system includes a spring 88 and a release button 86. A detent 90 engages a lower position 92 of the platform connector 50 in an engaged position or separates the connector 50 in a released position. The lower portion 92 includes an angular tab 94 that urges the detent 90 inward to allow rotation. The platform connectors 50 rotate between a substantially vertical position to engage with the attachment platforms 26 and a storage position wherein the bolt portions are rotated downwardly below the bottom surface of the platforms 26, as shown in - Figure 7. When the connectors 50 are turned downwards, the supports 26 can be rotated under the platforms 24 of the stage to one of several positions. To create an extended scenario, the platform supports 36 must be turned outward in such a way that the required number of hands 76, corresponding to the desired joint arrangement, extends from the sides of the stage 20. It can be seen that if the stage 20 is not used to support attachment platforms 26, quadruple and double supports 36 have the turn connectors 50 rotated downwardly out of the path below the upper surfaces of the base 72 and 74 and the platform connectors 50 are rotated under the platforms 24 in such a way that none of the hands 76 extend beyond the edge of the platforms of the stage 24, as shown in figure 7. However, if one or more joint platforms are to be supported, the supports 36 must be turned from outside to a support position. In order to do this, the inner platform connector 68 must be loosened in such a manner that it does not strongly engage the perforation 34 of the stage platforms 24. This allows the inner platform connector 68 to rotate freely relative to the perforation 34. However, the weight of the platforms 24 is not large enough to prevent easy rotation of the platform supports 36 between the various positions. Accordingly, the platforms 24 must be lifted to separate from the bases 72 and 74. In order to lift the platforms, the retaining elements 38 must be moved to the position shown in Figure 5, wherein the retaining element 38 it is below the corresponding stage platform 24. Then, the retaining element 38 is rotated in such a manner that the lifting surface 48 of the end engages with the lower face of the platform 24 and lifts the platform upwards to separate the upper part of the bases 72 and 74, as shown in FIG. shown in Figure 5. When the retaining elements 38 are in this position, the platform 24 is substantially lifted from the frame 22. The perforation 34 is free to rotate around the inner platform connector 68. Then the frame fixing bolt is removed and the supports 36 can be rotated around the annular post connector 82. If only one joining platform 26 is supported from the side of the stage 20, the base 74 of the quad connector is moved to the position shown in Figure 8 or to a similar position at the other edge of the stage. In this position, although two hands 76 extend beyond the edge of the platform, only the connector 50 corresponding to the perforation 34 in the joint platform 26 is turned upwards while the platform connector 50 in the handle that is extends at 45 ° is concealed below the joint platform 26 and is retained in its collapsed position. If the platforms 26 are extended from the sides instead of the ends, the bases 72 of the double supports 36 are also rotated outwardly and the platform connector 50 is raised to its engaging position, as shown in Figure 6. Then, the joining platforms 26 can be placed inside the perforations. 34 aligning with the platform connectors 50. Once the platform supports 36 are in their required location, the retention elements 38 can be folded down to their storage position as shown in Figure 4. Then, the inner platform connector 68 can be coupled to fix the platform 24 against the frame 22 of the stage and the joint platform connectors 50 are tightened to engage with the perforations 34 of the joining platforms 26 and to join and support the joining platforms 26. If the platforms 26 are supported from the end, side and diagonally separated from the corner of the stage 20, the four-way connectors 36 of joins must be moved to the position shown in Figure 9 and the platform connectors 50 must be rotated to its upward coupling position. Then, the joining platforms 26 can be attached to the bolt-type platform connectors 50 and supported on each of the hands 76 of the four-way brackets. The frame fixing bolt is reinserted to retain the supports 36 in their desired rotational orientation. In order to rotate the connecting platform connectors 50 upwards, the fixing system 84 is decoupled. The button 86 is urged up against the force of the spring 88 in such a way that the retainer 90 is separated from a hole in the lower portion 92 of the joint platform connector 50. The joint platform connector 50 may be rotated to its hidden or engaging position and the button 86 is released such that the retainer engages and secures the platform connector 50. Once the joining platforms 26 have been removed and it is desired to either store the stage 20 or return to a non-union configuration, the detents 38 must be coupled with the lifting surface 48 by lifting the underside of the platforms 24 / The inner platform connector 68 must first be loosened in such a manner that the perforation 34 is decoupled. The platform connectors 50 are rotated downwards and then the supports 36 are turned inwards to the position shown in figure 7 or the double supports are rotated in such a way that the handle 76 extends below the platform 24. Then, the retaining elements 38 are turned down and moved to the storage position as shown in Figure 4 and. the inner platform connectors 68 can be squeezed to engage with the perforations 34 in the stage platforms 24.

The retaining elements 38 provide a mechanical advantage in such a way that the lifting of the platforms 24 is easily carried out by one person. However, it can be seen that the retaining elements 38 must slide inwardly and outwardly since the lifting surface 48 of the end must be below the platform 24 of the stage in the lifting position shown in Figure 5. retaining element 38 is also slid inward to be stored out of the way and under the platforms 24 in the storage position shown in Figure 4. However, in the position of the retaining element as shown in Figure 3 and to retain the joining platforms 26 against the platforms 24, the retaining element 38 is slid outwardly away from the stage 20, such that the end retaining tab 46 retains the sides of the platforms 24 and 26. retaining member 38 is slid inwardly when end tongue 46 is located above the uppermost platform 26 and is moved inwardly from such ma The tongue 48 engages with the upper surface of the upper platform 26. The surface 48 of the end lift is at a distance A from the axis of. rotation through the pivot portion 44 in that the tongue 46 is at a distance B from the axis and rotation through the pivot portion 44. In order to provide storage and retention lift, the distance B must be greater than the distance A to accommodate the height of the platforms 24 and 26. It will be understood however that although numerous features and advantages of the present invention have been summarized in the above description together with details of the structure and function, the disclosure is illustrative only and changes can be made in detail, especially in matters of form, size and arrangement of parts is on the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. It is noted that, in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A scenario comprising: a frame or frame; a removable stage platform having a perforation formed therein; a support base mounted to the frame or frame; a pin-type connector rotatably mounted to the base of the support, wherein the pin-type connector rotates between a raised vertical position and a lowered position beneath an outer surface of the support base; characterized by a platform retaining element, wherein the retaining element is rotatably mounted to the frame or frame below the stage platform and wherein the retainer rotates between a first position where the retainer is located above of the stage platform and a second position where the retaining element engages and lifts a lower side of the stage platform.
2. 2. A stage according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining element rotates to a third storage position in which the retaining element is located below the platform of the stage and separated from the platform of the stage.
3. A stage according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining element is slidably mounted and slides substantially horizontally between a position below the platform and a position behind the platform.
4. 4. A scenario according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the retaining element further comprises a tongue at the first end extending above the platform of the stage in the first position.
5. 5. A scenario according to any of claims 1-4, characterized in that it further comprises a fixing element for fixing the retaining element in its position.
6. 6. A scenario according to any of claims 1-5, characterized in that a second end of the retaining element comprises a lifting surface.
7. 7. A scenario according to any of claims 1-6, characterized in that the base of the support rotates on the frame about a vertical axis, rotating between a first position where no pin-type connector extends beyond a edge of the frame and a second position wherein at least one pin-type connector extends beyond the edge of the frame.
8. 8. A scenario according to claim 7, characterized in that it further comprises a pin-type connector mounted to the support base aligned with the vertical axis.
9. 9. A scenario according to any of claims 1-8, characterized in that it further comprises a removable bolt fastening element movable between a first position wherein the bolt fastening element engages the bolt and a second position where the bolt fastener is separated from the bolt, wherein the bolt fastener is driven towards the first position.
10. 10. A stage according to claim 9, characterized in that the bolt fastening element engages with the bolt under an upper surface of the base.