WO2006021238A1

WO2006021238A1 - A. modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general

Info

Publication number: WO2006021238A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/003100
Authority: WO
Inventors: Guido Capellari; Walter Fornale'; Massimo Meazza
Original assignee: F.C.M. Services S.R.L.
Priority date: 2004-08-26
Filing date: 2005-03-23
Publication date: 2006-03-02
Also published as: ITVR20040132A1

Abstract

A modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general, comprising at least a first module (2) and a second module (3) which can be connected to one another. The second module and the first module (2) having, respectively, engagement means (4) fixed to the second module (3), and a seat (5) for the engagement means (4). The first module (2) and the second module (3) can be connected to one another by inserting the engagement means (4) in the seat (5), at least partly by sliding. The first module (2) and the second module (3) can preferably be connected to one another by rotation of one relative to the other, which causes the engagement means (4) to slide in the seat (5).

Description

A modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general.

Background Art

The present invention is for making platforms for exhibition stands, stages for bands, catwalks for fashion shows, and for any other event, indoors or outdoors, but may also be advantageously applied to make any modular structure in the construction sector, such as walls, roofs, etc., taking the appropriate relative steps. For the sake of simplicity, the following description refers to use of said structure for making platforms and/or stages.

Two types of structures are currently mainly used to make platforms and stages. A first type involves the use of structures made by assembling wooden boards and beams with screws or nails.

However, the structure obtained must be covered with a covering material to give it an acceptable appearance.

The second type involves modular structures consisting of vertical and horizontal members connected together with screws or bolts.

The main disadvantage shared by both of the structures currently known is the considerable time required for their assembly and disassembly. In addition, the first type of structure described can only be used a few times, since the wooden parts of which it consists may easily be ruined both during assembly and disassembly.

Disclosure of the Invention In this situation the technical need which forms the basis of the present invention is to provide a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages. In particular, the technical need of the present invention is to provide a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general which requires the minimum possible assembly time.

Another technical need of the present invention is to provide a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general which can easily be used to make both raised stages and platforms .

Yet another technical need of the present invention is to provide a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general which guarantees a high level of stability and strength, as well as contained production costs.

The technical need specified and the aims indicated are substantially achieved by a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general as described in the claims herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Further features and the advantages of the present invention are more clearly illustrated in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several preferred embodiments of a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general, without limiting the scope of the inventive concept, in which:

Figure 1 is an axonometric three-quarter top view of a first module 2 of a structure made according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is an axonometric three-quarter top view of a second module of a structure made according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a side view of a detail of the structure illustrated in Figure 2; Figure 4 is an axonometric three-quarter top view of a third module of a structure made according to the present invention;

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate in sequence several steps in the assembly of a structure made according to the present invention; Figure 8 is a top view of a detail of the first module 2 illustrated in Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a side view, with some parts cut away and others transparent, of a portion of a structure made according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is a side view, with some parts cut away and others transparent, of a portion of another structure made according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral 1 denotes as a whole a modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general according to the present invention. Said structure 1 normally comprises at least a first module 2 and a second module 3 which can be connected to one another.

In the most simple embodiment, the second module 3 has engagement means 4 fixed to the second module 3, whilst the first module 2 has a seat designed to house said engagement means 4. Moreover, the first and the second modules 2, 3 may be connected to one another by insertion, at least partly by sliding, of the engagement means 4 in the seat 5.

The engagement means 4 are preferably inserted in the seat 5 at least partly during a relative rotation of the first and the second modules 2, 3, which causes the engagement means 4 to slide into the seat 5. Following said rotation, the engagement means 4 are connected to the seat 5.

Depending on the embodiments, both modules may have both the engagement means 4 and the seat 5. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the seat 5 comprises at least a first section 6 forming a first undercut 7 and the engagement means 4 comprise at least one engagement element 8 which in turn forms at least a second undercut 9.

The second undercut 9 is preferably substantially shaped to match the first undercut 7 so that it connects with it.

The seat 5 also comprises a second, wider section 10 which is a continuation of the first section 6. The second undercut 9 may therefore be inserted in the seat 5 at the second, wider section 10, whilst the second module 3 is connected to the first module by subsequent sliding of the second undercut 9 from the second section 10 to the first section 6 (see also below) .

In the embodiments illustrated, the first undercut 7 is formed by a recess made in a laminar portion of the first module 2.

In the accompanying drawings the second undercut 9 is formed by an engagement element 8 with axial symmetry and comprising a shank 11, projecting from the second module 3, and a head 12 fixed to an outer end of the shank 11 (Figure 3) .

To guide and facilitate the rotation of the two modules 2, 3, the engagement means 4 preferably also comprise at least one pivot element 13 distanced from the engagement element 8, whilst, in turn, the seat 5 also comprises a third section 14 distanced from the first section 6 and designed to house said pivot element 13.

The first section 6 of the seat 5 therefore extends along a circular arc whose centre lies on an axis passing through the third section 14, and which in the embodiments illustrated extends over approximately a quarter of a circle (that is to say, over a rotation of approximately 90°) .

As a result, rotation of the second module 3 relative to the first module 2 with the pivot element 13 housed in the third section 14 corresponds to the engagement element 8 sliding along the first section 6 of the seat 5 (that is to say, along said arc) .

Advantageously, generally speaking it is preferable that, once a lower part of the structure 1 has been identified, the engagement element 8 moves from the second section to the first section 6 of the seat 5 with at least one component of the movement being from top to bottom, to guarantee a more stable connection between the two modules.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the pivot element 13 has the same shape and size as the engagement element 8.

However, in general, the pivot element 13 forms at least a third undercut 15 and the third section 14 of the seat 5 forms a fourth undercut 16, and the third undercut 15 is substantially shaped to match the fourth undercut 16 so that it can connect with it. In particular, the third section 14 comprises a first portion

17 forming the fourth undercut 16 and a second portion 18, a continuation of the first portion 17 (Figure 4) . Said second portion

18 is sized to allow the pivot element 13 to pass through it so that the third undercut 15 can be inserted in the third section 14 at the second portion 18, and can slide in the first portion 17.

In the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the first module 2 comprises at least four first oblong bars 19 rigidly connected at the end 12 to form a frame 20 with a rectangular plan (Figure 1) . In any case the frame 20 preferably has a square plan. Each first bar 19 forms one side of the rectangle and has an upper face 21, a lower face 22, an inner side face 23 and an outer side face 24.

In the embodiment in Figure 1, the first module 2 also comprises stiffening bars 25 connected between the inner side faces of the first bars 19, and which, in the plan view, divide the rectangle (square) into four smaller rectangles (squares), preferably equal to one another.

In this embodiment, the first module 2 has a plurality of seats 5, in particular at least two seats 5 on each outer side face 24 of the first bars 19 of which it is constituted. Moreover, the seats 5 are close to the corners of the rectangular frame 20 and are shaped in such a way that once connected to a second module 3 (or a third modules, as described below) , the latter is aligned with the first bar 19 adjacent to that on which the seat 5 is made.

The first module 2 also comprises, on each outer side face 24, at least a third seat 5 in an intermediate position on the relative side, and preferably positioned so that a second module 3 (or a third module 26) connected to it is centred on said side. As illustrated in Figure 1, the seats 5 of the first module 2 extend from top to bottom. In particular, both the second section 10 and the second portion 18 of the third section 14 are higher than, respectively, the first section 6 and the first portion 17 of the third section 14. This prevents the modules 2, 3, 26 from becoming disconnected accidentally.

Although not illustrated, there are many other embodiments of the first module 2, and still more may be created according to requirements. For example, there is an embodiment in which the first module 2 is again a square, but does not have any stiffening bars 25 and intermediate seats 5 on the sides. Such a first module 2 (where the size of the square substantially corresponds to one of the inner squares of the first module 2 in Figure 1) can be used to make the same structure 1 as illustrated in Figure 7 using only first and second modules 3 2, 3 (as becomes clearer in the description which follows) .

The second module 3 (Figure 2) comprises a second oblong bar 27 with an upper face 21, a lower face 22, two side faces 28 and two end faces 29. Moreover, the second module 3 has engagement means 4 on both of the end faces 29.

The dimensions, and in particular the length, of the second module 3 depend on requirements. In the embodiment illustrated, where a third module 26 is also involved, the length of the second module 3 is approximately half the difference between the length and the width of the third module 26. This measurement allows structures 1 to be made which, in plan view, have a succession of squares substantially equal to one another (Figure 7) .

If, in contrast, the first module 2 is made according to the second embodiment described above (but not illustrated) , the length of the second bar 27 is preferably equal to approximately the distance between two non-consecutive first bars 19 of the first module 2. In this way, once again, structures 1 can be obtained which, in plan view, have a succession of squares substantially equal to one another.

As indicated several times, the embodiment illustrated also includes a third module 26 which in turn comprises a third bar 30 having an upper face 21, a lower face 22, two side faces 28 and two end faces 29.

On both of the end faces 29, the third module 26 also has engagement means 4 similar to those of the second module 3, and on each side face 28, in an intermediate position of the side face 28, it has a seat 5 similar to that of the first module 2.

Advantageously, the length of the third module 26 is approximately equal to the distance between two non-consecutive first bars 19 of the first module 2 in Figure 1. The modular structure 1 disclosed preferably comprises a plurality of first modules 2, a plurality of second modules 3 3, and a plurality of third modules 26 26.

Advantageously, all of the modules 2, 3, 26 may be obtained from a folded and welded plate, to which the engagement means 4 are applied, for example using a screw - nut connection 31 (Figure 3) . Moreover, the various modules 2, 3, 26 may have a plurality of through-holes 32 designed to allow electrical cables, pipes and the like to pass through the structure 1. In the preferred embodiment, the structure 1 obtained by joining the various modules 2, 3, 26, may also be completed with positioning feet 33, which can be applied under the modules 2, 3, 26

(Figure 9) , or with supporting legs 34 which can also be fixed under the modules 2, 3, 26 (Figure 10) . Both the feet 33 and the lower feet 35 of the legs 34 are preferably height-adjustable, for example by screwing in and out.

In the embodiments illustrated, both the feet 33 and the legs 34 can be fixed to the first modules 2 at drilled corner plates 36 (visible both in Figure 1 and, enlarged, in Figure 8) using suitable screw - nut connections 37 (Figures 8 - 10) .

However, to effectively make a platform or a stage, the structure 1 must be completed with covering panels 38, which may be fitted on the various modules to form a supporting surface. An example of such panels 38 is shown in Figure 10, which illustrates two panels 38 placed on a first module 2. Advantageously, the size of the panels 38 may match that of each of the four squares formed by the first module 2.

As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the structure 1 may also comprise a modular skirting board 39 which can be applied on the outer edge of the assembled structure 1.

Finally, it should be emphasised that there are also modules with shapes different to those illustrated (in particular with portions that are curved, angled, etc.), and other accessories such as railings, access stairs and ramps, to guarantee the possibility of making platforms and stages with any shape and for all requirements. As regards assembly of the structure 1, in particular relative to the connection between the various modules 2, 3, 26, an example is schematically illustrated in sequence in Figures 5 to 7.

As illustrated, to begin with the first modules 2 to be used, which may have feet 33 or supporting legs 34 are positioned at the appropriate distance (Figure 5) .

Then the third modules 26 (Figure 6) and the second modules 3 (Figure 7) are connected.

The structure 1 may be completed with the panels 38, the skirting board 39 and any other accessories required.

Looking in further detail at the individual connection of the engagement means 4 of a second or a third module 26 with the seat 5 of a first or a third module 26, it should be noticed that, in the embodiment illustrated, each seat 5 extends partly on the side face 24, 28 and partly on the upper face 21.

In particular, the second section 10 and the second portion 18 of the third section 14 extend on the upper face 21.

Consequently, the engagement element 8 and the pivot element 13 enter the seat 5 in a direction of insertion parallel with the side face 24, 28 of the seat 5 to which they must be connected, and perpendicular to their own direction of extension.

Therefore, to do this, the relative module 3, 26 must be rotated 90° relative to the position which it must assume at the end, and must be inserted in the seat 5 with its side face 28 parallel with the upper face 21 of the other module 2, 26.

Then, a further downward movement of the module 3, 26 causes the pivot element 13 to be inserted in the first portion 17 of the third section 14 and the engagement element 8 to engage in the first section 6. At this point the pivot element 13 locks in place and the engagement element 8 can slide, turning about the pivot element 13, inside the first section 6 until it returns to the upright position.

During construction of the structure 1, each second and third module 3, 26 is preferably simultaneously connected at both ends. The present invention brings important advantages.

Firstly, assembly and disassembly of the modular structure disclosed require a very much reduced time, significantly lower than that of conventional structures . Secondly, the structure guarantees a high level of stability and strength, as well as great versatility, given that it may be used, with minimal variations, to make platforms, stages, walls, roofs and any other similar construction structure. Moreover, the structure disclosed is easily stored, in particular in the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings .

In this case, the first modules may be stacked on top of one another (already fitted with feet if necessary) , whilst the second and third modules, the legs, the skirting board and any other accessories may be inserted vertically inside the stack of first modules .

Obviously, the panels are also easily stored on top of one another. It should also be noticed that the present invention is relatively easy to produce and that even the cost linked to implementation of the invention is not very high.

The invention described may be subject to modifications and variations without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted with technically equivalent elements and, in practice, all of the materials used, as well as the shapes and dimensions of the various components, may be any according to requirements.

Claims

1. A modular structure for making platforms, stages and construction elements in general, comprising at least a first module (2) and a second module (3) which can be connected to one another, characterised in that the second module and the first module (2) have, respectively, engagement means (4) fixed to the second module (3), and a seat (5) for said engagement means (4), it being possible to connect the first module (2) and the second module (3) to one another by inserting the engagement means (4), at least partly by sliding, in the seat (5) .

2. The modular structure according to claim 1, characterised in that the first module (2) and the second module (3) can be connected to one another by rotating one relative to the other.

3. The modular structure according to claim 2, characterised in that the rotation causes said sliding of the engagement means (4) in the seat (5) .

4. The modular structure according to claim 2 or 3, characterised in that said rotation causes the engagement means (4) to connect with the seat (5) .

5. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the seat (5) comprises at least a first section (6) forming a first undercut (7) and also characterised in that the engagement means (4) comprise at least one engagement element (8) forming at least a second undercut (9) .

6. The modular structure according to claim 5, characterised in that the second undercut (9) is substantially shaped to match the first undercut (7) so that it connects with it.

7. The modular structure according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the seat (5) also comprises a second, wider section (10) , a continuation of the first section (6), it being possible to insert the second undercut (9) in the seat (5) at the wider section, the second module (3) being connected to the first module by subsequent sliding of the second undercut (9) from the second section (10) to the first section (6) .

8. The modular structure according to claim 5, 6 or 7, characterised in that the first undercut (7) is formed by a recess made in a laminar portion of the first module (2) .

9. The modular structure according to claim 5, 6, 7 or 8, characterised in that the second undercut (9) is formed by an engagement element (8) comprising a shank (11) , projecting from the second module (3), and a head (12) fixed to an outer end of the shank (11) .

10. The modular structure according to any of the claims from 5 to

9, characterised in that the engagement means (4) also comprise at least one pivot element (13) distanced from the second undercut (9) and also characterised in that the seat (5) also comprises a third section (14) distanced from the first section (6) and designed to house the pivot element (13) .

11. The modular structure according to claim 10, characterised in that the first section (6) extends along a circular arc with its centre in the third section (14) .

12. The modular structure according to claim 11, characterised in that the arc extends over approximately 90°.

13. The modular structure according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterised in that a rotation of the second module (3) relative to the first module (2) with the pivot element (13) housed in the third section (14) corresponds to sliding of the engagement element (8) in the first section (6) of the seat (5) .

14. The modular structure according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterised in that the pivot element (13) forms at least a third undercut (15) and also characterised in that the third section (14) of the seat (5) forms a fourth undercut (16) .

15. The modular structure according to claim 14, characterised in that the third undercut (15) is substantially shaped to match the fourth undercut (16) so that it can connect with it.

16. The modular structure according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the third section (14) comprises a first portion (17) forming the fourth undercut (16) and a second portion (18), a continuation of the first portion (17), it being possible to insert the third undercut (15) in the third section (14) at the second portion (18), allowing it to then slide in the first portion (17) .

17. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the first module (2) comprises at least four first oblong bars (19) rigidly connected at the end (12) to form a frame (20) with a rectangular plan, each first bar (19) forming one side of the rectangle and having an upper face (21) , a lower face (22), an inner side face (23) and an outer side face (24) .

18. The modular structure according to claim 17, characterised in that the first module (2) has a plurality of seats (5) .

19. The modular structure according to claim 18, characterised in that the first module (2) has at least two seats (5) on each outer side face (24) of the first bars (19) of which it is constituted, said seats (5) being made close to the corners of the rectangular frame (20) .

20. The modular structure according to claim 19, characterised in that the first module (2) also comprises, on each outer side face (24), at least a third seat (5) in an intermediate position on said side.

21. The modular structure according to any of the claims from 17 to 20, characterised in that the first module (2) also comprises stiffening bars (25) connected between the inner faces (23) of the first bars (19) .

22. The modular structure according to any of the claims from 17 to 21, characterised in that the seats (5) of the first module (2) extend from top to bottom.

23. The modular structure according to any of the claims from 17 to 22, characterised in that the frame (20) has a square plan.

24. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the second module (3) comprises a second oblong bar (27) having an upper face (21), a lower face (22), two side faces (28) and two end faces (29) , said second module (3) having engagement means (4) on both of the end faces (29) .

25. The modular structure according to claims 23 and 24, characterised in that the length of the second bar (27) is approximately equal to the distance between two non-consecutive first bars (19) of the first module (2) .

26. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, also including a third module (26) , in turn comprising a third bar (30) having an upper face (21), a lower face (22), two side faces (28) and two end faces (29), said third module (26) having, on both end faces (29), engagement means (4) similar to those of the second module (3) and made according to any of the foregoing claims, and, on each side face (28), in an intermediate position of the side face (28), having a seat (5) similar to that of the first module (2) and made according to any of the foregoing claims.

27. The modular structure according to claims 23, 24 and 26, characterised in that the length of the third module (26) is approximately equal to the distance between two non-consecutive first bars (19) of the first module (2), and also characterised in that the length of the second module (3) is approximately equal to half the difference between the length and the width of the third module (26) .

28. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising a plurality of first modules (2) .

29. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising a plurality of second modules (3) .

30. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising a plurality of third modules (26) .

31. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, also comprising positioning feet (33) which can be applied under the modules (2), (3), (26).

32. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, also comprising supporting legs (34) which can be fixed under the modules (2), (3), (26) .

33. The modular structure according to claim 31 or 32, characterised in that the feet (33) and/or the legs (34) can be fixed to the first modules (2) .

34. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, also comprising covering panels (38) which can be fitted on the modules (2), (3), (26), forming a structure (1) supporting surface.

35. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, also comprising a modular skirting board (3)9 which can be applied on an outer edge of the structure (1) .

36. The modular structure according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the modules (2), (3), (26) have one or more through-holes (32), allowing cables, pipes and the like to pass through the structure (1) .