MXPA00001071A - Folding stage - Google Patents

Abstract

A folding stage (20) includes a folding linkage (30) with cross members (62, 64) at clear a center lock (40). The center lock (40) has a handle below the cross members (62, 64) and off to the side of the cross members (62, 64) to prevent pinching of operators'hands and fingers. The folding linkage (30) folds from a use position wherein stage decks (24) are horizontal to form a stage surface to a storage position wherein the bottom of the stage decks (24) oppose one another. In the fully folded position, stage support legs (28) are angled inward slightly. Casters (90) mount at an oblique angle to the telescoping legs (28) and are moved closer to the telescoping legs (28) to decrease the moment of inertia about the legs (28) while maintaining sufficient contact with the floor. Torsion bars (78) mount at the pivoting access of the frame (22) and the telescoping legs (28) to control folding speed. The folding portions ofthe frame (22) and decks (24) have a center of gravity which is aligned with the pivoting access to decrease the moment of inertia about the pivoting axis.

Description

FOLDING SCENARIO BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a collapsible scenario and in particular with an elevating adjustable mobile folding stage.

PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE Folding scenarios are used for a variety of purposes to provide a temporary elevated platform for use in schools, hotels, convention centers and other multi-use facilities or facilities that require the ability to use temporary scenarios. Such scenarios can be positioned adjacent to each other to form one. Extended stage surface or positioned to support platforms linking between the stages to form an extended stage surface. When not in use, the stages have a structure that folds "to compact dimensions and are stored together with the joining platforms." The scenarios commonly have two stage platforms articulated together to provide a folding action and have legs that remain vertical when the stage platforms are folded in. An example of such a foldable scenario is shown in the North American patent REF .: 32546 No. 5,325,640 issued to Luedke et al., On July 5, 1994 and assigned to Sico Incorporated, the assignee of the present invention. Although the patent of Luedke et al. It is very successful to provide efficient and useful collapsible scenarios, further improvements are still possible, particularly with respect to the scenarios that fold from the use position to the storage position with the lower side of the scenarios substantially opposite each other in the position of folded storage. The supporting structure and legs of the stage should provide a broad stable base to support the stage to prevent warping or tilting. It can be seen that stability is important when it is in a position of use, also as in the folded storage position. Although the scenario of Luedke et al., Provides a stable base, in the storage position when the stage is suspended on wheels or slices, the distance between the legs and plug and the wheels or slices provides a relatively large moment strength around the frame and causes stress on the mounting structure of the wheel or slice. However, the movement of the slots or wheels closest to the support legs decreases the width of the base of the support and the stability of the stage in the folded position.

The folding movement from the folded position to the unfolded position, also as from the unfolded position to the folded position, should require substantially little effort. To accomplish this, the platforms and frames must rotate at a substantially centrally balanced point in the center of gravity in such a way that undue force is not necessary. In addition, unbalance at any point in the range of motion can cause undue folding speed, such that the platforms can fall into place at either end of the range of motion. This can lead to accidents where the hands and fingers can be pressed between the link elements or platform elements. In addition, a spacing or separation link mechanism must provide a locking movement and a handle for coupling and uncoupling from a locking position. Such a handle should provide assistance to the folding movement of the stage. Although the Luedke et al. Patent has a central locking link mechanism with a handle, it is in a position where the hands and arms can be pressed between the collapsible links as they move towards the folded position. This can lead to safety concerns and reduced operational efficiency.

It can be seen that there is a need for a collapsible stage that provides a stable base without undue stress on the wheels and stores support in a folded position. Furthermore, it can be seen that further improvements are possible with respect to the folding, balancing and torque mechanisms and access of the spacing or separation link mechanisms and associated handles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a folding stage and in particular with a folding stage that provides for easy folding and storage. The elevationally adjustable folding stage includes a frame or structure that folds along a center line and two supporting stage platforms that form a horizontal stage surface. The plug-in legs are rotatably attached to the frame and provide support to the frame or structure in the folded position as well as in the non-folded position. The frame or structure includes a link mechanism that folds the stage between the position of use and the storage position where the lower sides of the stage platforms substantially oppose each other. The legs are attached to the plug to provide an elevation adjustment of the stage surface.

The folding link mechanism includes transverse links that are joined between a leg and plug and an opposing frame member under a stage platform. The link mechanisms are generally crossed in an angular configuration. The links include a first section, a second central section and a third section. The first section is angular in relation to the second central section at an obtuse angle while the third section is angular in the opposite direction to an obtuse angle to the second central section. One of the links also bends inward toward the stage in such a way that it can be mounted from the outside of the frame member to the socket leg, which is positioned inwardly from the edge of the frame. The stage also includes an overcentral fastener that helps maintain the stage in the unfolded position. The central locking link mechanism includes a retainer between the links and floats freely on the pivot. The retainer includes a tongue that engages one of the spacing links and an opposingly extending tongue that engages the other of the spacing links and acts as a handle to move the central locking link between the folded position and not folded The configuration of the cross links and the unfolded link mechanism also allows interference with the restriction element and interference to access the mango feed to be prevented. In the folded position, the retainer is spaced apart on one side of the folding link mechanism such that it is not located between the folding links and does not press the operator's hands or fingers. The present invention also provides plug-to-socket elements that extend slightly outward in the folded position rather than extending vertically. The wheels or slices are moved closer to the plug legs in such a way that the moment around the wheel support assembly is decreased while the width of the support points does not narrow. This configuration causes less stress and provides improved durability. . Since the plug legs are angled slightly outward in the folded position, the wheels are angled slightly inward to maintain substantial contact with the floor and provide a more solid support base in a folded position. To ensure that the folding operation does not occur too quickly or requires too much effort, the frame and platform are balanced in such a way that less effort is required for folding and unfolding. However, it can be seen that as the link mechanism and the frame and platforms pass from the folded to the unfolded position, there may be minor displacements at the center of gravity. Accordingly, the present scenario uses torsion bars placed along the axis of rotation of the platforms and frame relative to the legs which is also aligned with the center of gravity of the pivoting or pivoting portion. Torsion bars prevent the closure of the stage as it is folded and unfolded. To accomplish this, the torsion bars are urged towards a first angular direction and a second opposite angular direction. The neutral position is in a slightly unfolded position about one third of the way through the range of motion. These features of novelty and various other advantages which characterize the invention are indicated with particularity in the claims appended hereto and which form a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings forming an additional part thereof and to the attached descriptive matter in which a modality is illustrated and described. preferred of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring now to the drawings, wherein the like letters and numbers indicate corresponding structures in all the various views: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an elevationally adjustable folding stage according to the principle of the present invention in a position of folded storage; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the elevationally adjustable folding stage of Figure 1 in an unfolded use position; Figure 3 shows an elevational view of the end of the foldable stage of Figure 1 in a folded storage position; Figures 4A and Figure 4B show a perspective view of the collapsible stage. of figure 1 in a partially unfolded position; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the folding linking mechanism and the separation spacing mechanism "for the collapsible stage of Figure 1 in an unfolded position; Figure 6 shows an elevational view of the end of a plugged leg; and assembly of wheel or slice for the folding stage of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown an adjustable folding stage elevationally designated generally with the number 20. The stage 20 is folded between a position of use shown in Figure 2 and a position of folded storage shown in Figure 1. In the use position, a pair of stage platforms 24 form a substantially planar upper stage surface. The platforms 24 are supported on a frame or frame 22 and legs 28 to plug. A link mechanism 30 facilitates movement between the folded and unfolded positions. The stage platforms 24 are connected to support 36 which can also be configured to support additional joining platforms 26 between the stages to form. an extended stage surface. In the storage position, the joining platforms 26 can be positioned on top of the stage platforms 24. The detents 34 rotate outwards and retain the attachment platforms 26 against the stage platforms 24 still in the folded position. As shown in Figures 1-5, the link mechanism 30 includes a hinge or joint 60 of the frame, which extends between the frame or frame members 22 also as a first link 62 and a second link 64 that extend between the frame or frame elements 22 and the opposingly arranged plug 28. In the embodiment shown, the first link 62 includes a first section 66 that joins a second central section 68 and a third section 70. The second link 64 includes spaced apart sections similarly but for identification purposes, reference will be made only to a link. The first and second sections 66 and 68 are joined at an obtuse angle to each other, such that in the position of use shown in Figures 2 and 5, the central section 68 is substantially horizontal while the first section 66 is angular. upwards. The third section 70 joins an opposite end of the center section 68 and extends at an obtuse angle in a downwardly extending direction, as shown in Figures 2 and 5 in the position of use. As shown in Figure 1, in the folded position, the links intersect in the second sections 68. As explained hereinafter, this provides a narrower profile in that portion of an unfolded link mechanism 30 and for the positioning of a fixing retainer 48 on filtering to be positioned outside the interior of the crossing configuration of the links 62 and 64. As shown in Figure 2, the links 62 and 64 are spaced above the retainer 48. overcentral fixation and the link mechanism 30 does not interfere with access to the overcenter fastener 48. It can also be seen that the links 62 and 64 must be connected to the frame or frame 22 as well as to the mounting arms 72 on the legs 28 to the socket. From an extreme perspective, it can be seen that the legs 28 are positioned inside the outer edge of the frame or frame elements 22. Although the second link 64 can extend in the same vertical plane as the pivot points, the first link 62 is mounted on the outer edge of the frame member 22 and must be mounted to an internal portion of the leg 28 to be plugged. The mounting arm 72 provides a pivot point for the lower portion of the links 62 through 64 of folding. Accordingly, the first link also includes inward angular bends along the third section 70 to provide the fit between the outer edge of the section 22 of the frame or frame and the mounting arm 72 on the leg 28 to opposite plug as it is shown more clearly in figure 5. The frame or frame sections 22 are also joined by a frame or beater hinge 60 along the centerline of the collapsible stage 20. As shown in figures 1 and 5, bolt 76 adjustable dividers extend into the frame or frame to engage with the opposing frame or frame and ensure proper alignment and alignment along the center line of the stage 20. To ensure that stage 20 does not accidentally fold from the position of use, a fastener 38 includes a retainer for engaging a bolt in the opposite frame member. The fastening element 38 is uncoupled before folding and unfolding and is engaged only in the fully deployed position. As shown more clearly in Figures 4A and 4B, the overcentral fastener 40 extends below the folding link mechanism 30. The over-centered fastener 48 includes an external link 42 and an internal link 44 extending between mounting arms 72 on the legs 28. A retainer 48 is mounted to a central pivot 46. The retainer 48 includes a flange 50 extending outwards and acting as a holding portion, also like a tongue 52 extending over the internal link 44. A mounting segment 54 extends vertically between the links 42 and 44 and is mounted to the pivot pin 46. The Over-centering fastener 40 passes through a pivot point to a fixing position by pushing the handle 48 downwards. When the handle 50 is lifted, the over-centered fastening element 48 can be separated and the folding of the stage can be carried out. As the handle floats on the pivot bolt 46 instead of being joined as an extension of one of the links 42 or 44, an upward pressure can be applied when pulling on the handle 50. It can also be seen that since the retaining element 48 can be maintained substantially horizontal, can be pulled or pushed up over the entire range of motion. The retaining element 48 extends on one side of the crossover configuration of the folding link mechanism 30 in the fully folded position as shown in Figure 3. This positioning avoids the compression that may occur if the retention element 48 it is among the links of the link mechanism 30 deployed. It can also be seen that the tongue 52 and the flange 50 push downwards on their respective links 44 and 42 to ensure the secure positioning of the over-centered fastening element 40. In the unfolded position, the links 62 and 64 separate from the handle 50 and do not interfere with their access. To facilitate folding and unfolding and to control the speed of the folding and unfolding operation to prevent closure and problems associated with edges that fold too fast, a torsion bar 78 extends along each axis of rotation for the frame or frame 22 that rotates around the legs 28 within the tubular frame member extending parallel to the center fold line along each half of the stage. Torsion bars 78 are well known in the art, however they have not been used to limit the folding speed. According to the present invention, the torsion bars 78 are urged in a first angular direction and a second opposite angular direction from a neutral position. In this way, with the platforms 24 and the frame 22 balanced around the axis of rotation, no greater torque or moment of inertia is created as the center of gravity is substantially aligned with the axis of rotation and moves little. during the range of folding movement. In addition, the movement around the shaft is counteracted by the forces of the torsion bars 78 that prevent undue acceleration through any portion of the unfolding movement. The neutral position for the torsion bars 78 are in a partially deployed position closer to the fully folded portion at about one third of the folding movement to provide additional strength in the deployed position. The neutral position occurs when the stage 20 is in an intermediate position to the positions shown in FIGS. 1 and 5. The internal plug legs 80 extend outward from the upper outer legs 82. Loaded height adjustment pins 84 by springs are attached in corresponding holes in the legs to maintain the stage at the desired height. A height adjusting lifting device 86 is raised on each side of the stage in relation to a cross bar 88 that extends between the internal jack legs on each side of the stage. Such a device is commonly operated by an electric drill or other device for easy operation and movement between different heights. It can be seen that according to the present invention, the legs 28 are vertical in the position of use shown in Figure 2. However, in the storage position as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the legs are slightly angular. outward, each leg 28 at an angle of about 5.5 degrees from the vertical widening from the base of the stand for stage 20 in the folded position. The mounting of wheels or slides 90 is mounted at a slight angle relative to the legs to plug 28. As more clearly shown in Figures 3 and 6, the wheels 90 are mounted on a bar 92 angularly inwardly toward the leg to plug. However, as the legs 28 extend slightly outward in the folded storage position, a substantial contact is maintained between the wheels 90 and the floor. The wheel mounting bar 90 is at an angle of 5 degrees in relation to the legs 28. In the unfolded position shown in Figure 6, the wheels are at an approximate angle of 3.5 degrees from the vertical due to tolerances in the assembly 90. In the folded position as shown in figure 3, the wheel 90 is found to a degree of 2.5 degrees from the vertical. The wheel assembly 32 also includes a lifting mechanism as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,615,451 and mounting links 96 that elevate and lower the stage relative to the wheels 90, such that the jack legs 28 can be adjusted. Dock with the floor or they can be separated from the floor for easy rolling of the stage 22 to the desired location. Since the wheels 90 are angled slightly inwardly and maintain contact, the legs 28 can be angled outwards. Accordingly, the distance between the wheels 90 and the legs 28 can be decreased. This configuration keeps the wheels 90 at the same distance apart and maintains the stability of the stage 20 when it is supported on the wheels 90 even in the folded position. However, as the distance decreases between the plug legs 28 and the wheel mounting bar 92, the moment around the wheel assembly 92 is decreased. ThereforeWith less torque, there is less effort and greater safety since there is less likelihood that the wheel assembly falls due to the moment force around the wheel assembly 32 and the folded position. It will be understood however that although numerous features and advantages of the present invention have been summarized in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure according to the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only and changes can be made in detail, especially in matters of form, size and arrangement of parts within 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 (11)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. An elevationally adjustable folding stage comprising: a frame or frame; a pair of stage platforms that have a top surface and a bottom surface; support legs mounted to the frame or frame; a link mechanism deployed to fold the stage between a use position wherein the stage platforms extend horizontally and a storage position wherein the lower surfaces of the stage platforms oppose each other and characterized in that it comprises a fixing element central having a linkage and separation mechanism extending between opposing support legs, wherein the separation linkage mechanism includes opposite links and central pivot pin and a retaining element shown to the separation linkage mechanism having a flange that it extends to mate with a first link.
2. 2. An elevationally adjustable foldable stage according to claim 1, characterized in that the flange is adapted to extend to the range of motion of the first link and engage with the first link and stop the separation link mechanism,
3. 3. An elevationally adjustable foldable stage according to claim 2, characterized in that the flange extends above the first link and engages with an upper face of the first link. A scenario according to claim 3, characterized in that the retaining element includes a handle extending above the links of the separation link mechanism and a retaining flange extends above the first link of the link mechanism from separation. 5. A scenario of. according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the transverse elements of the folding link mechanism includes a first section, a central section attached to a first end to the first section, wherein the first section extends at an oblique angle towards a first side of the central section and a third section joined to a second end of the central section and extending at an oblique angle to a second side of the central section. 6. A stage according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame or frame rotates around an axis proximate to an upper end of the jack legs under each platform and wherein the stage further comprises a torsion bar aligned to the length of the rotational axis. 7. A stage according to claim 1, characterized in that the unfolded link mechanism includes transverse elements extending between each support leg and the frame or frame and wherein the central fixing element includes a handle accessible from one end of the frame. external scenario to the space defined within the crossed links in the folded position. 8. A lift-adjustable adjustable stage comprising: a frame or frame; a pair of stage platforms that have an upper surface and a lower surface; feet to socket mounted to the frame; a folding link mechanism that has cross links to fold the stage from a position of use where the stage platforms are they extend horizontally and the legs to the plug extend vertically and a storage position in which the inner surfaces of the stage platforms oppose each other and the legs to plug are angular towards each other at an upper end and characterized in that they comprise wheels or Liftable and collapsible slices, angular and obliquely to the legs to plug in an elevated position and in a lowered position. 9. A scenario according to claim 8, characterized in that the mounting of the wheel support rotates between an elevated position where the stage is suspended on the legs to plug and a collapsed position where the stage is suspended on the wheels. 10. A scenario in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that the angle of the wheels relative to the floor decreases as the stage is folded from a deployed position to a folded position. 11. A scenario according to claim 9, characterized in that the wheel assembly maintains the oblique angle "with the legs in the raised and folded positions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A collapsible scenario (20) is described which includes a folding linking mechanism (30) with transverse elements (62, 64) for separating a central fixing element (40). The central fixing element (40) has a handle below each of the transverse elements (62, 64) displaced next to the transverse elements (62, 64) to prevent compression of the hands and fingers of the operators. The unfolded link mechanism (30) is folded from a position of use where the platforms (24) of the stage are horizontal to form a stage surface to a storage position where the bottom of the stage platforms (24) are opposite each other. In the fully folded position the support legs (28) of the stage are angled slightly inwards. Wheels (90) are mounted at an oblique angle to the legs to plug (28) and are moved closer to the legs to plug (28) -to decrease the moment of inertia around of the legs (28) while maintaining sufficient contact with the floor. The torsion bars (78) are mounted in the rotating access of the frame (22) and the legs to plug (28) to control the speed of folding. The collapsible portions of the frame (22) and the platforms (24) have a center of gravity that is aligned with the rotary access to decrease the moment of inertia about the pivot axis.