WO2008029122A1

WO2008029122A1 - Kit for assembly into a platform structure

Info

Publication number: WO2008029122A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/003334
Authority: WO
Inventors: Grant Edwards
Original assignee: Grant Edwards
Priority date: 2006-09-05
Filing date: 2007-09-05
Publication date: 2008-03-13
Also published as: GB2441538B; GB2441538A; GB0617486D0

Abstract

There is described a kit for assembly into a platform structure. The assembled platform structure substantially forms a rectangular parallelepiped having a length, a width and a height. The kit comprises a top part (12) and a base part (13) for defining a top and a base of the assembled platform structure respectively. The top part and the base part are each substantially planar with dimensions equal to the length and the width of the assembled platform structure. The top of the assembled platform structure defines a platform plane. The kit further comprises four substantially planar side parts (14) for defining sides of the assembled platform structure, and at least one substantially planar internal part adapted to extend between two side parts and perpendicular to the platform plane within the assembled platform structure. The base part and the top part are each connectable by push-fit connectors to each of the side parts and the at least one internal part, the push-fit connectors each comprising a connecting member and a respective complementary recess having a connection axis perpendicular to the platform plane. There is also described a kit for assembly into a workbench and a kit for assembly into an extended mobile platform structure.

Description

KIT FOR ASSEMBLY INTO A PLATFORM STRUCTURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a kit for assembly into a platform structure. The present invention further relates to a workbench kit and an extended mobile platform kit comprising at least two of the platform structure kits.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the building trade, when working inside a building, it is often necessary to be able to reach ceiling height in order to perform certain tasks, such as fitting coving or light fittings.

Previously, workers have stood on supports such as stools, benches or milk crates in order to achieve this elevated position. However, such supports can be bulky to transport from job to job in a builder's van or the like. Moreover, such supports can be unstable or unsteady in some circumstances. In addition, such supports may not be designed to take the large loads sometimes applied to them, which may lead to collapse in extreme circumstances.

Alternatively, workers have previously used taller structures, such as ladders, aluminium towers or scaffolding, in order to reach ceiling height. But these structures are difficult to transport from job to job due to their weight and dimensions, and are also difficult to move from room to room within a building. For example, scaffolding and aluminium towers would generally need to be constructed within a particular room, and would then need to be deconstructed before being moved to the next room. Such practices are time consuming and inefficient. The present invention aims to address these and other such problems with the art by providing an alternative support apparatus for use in the building trade, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for assembly into a platform structure, the assembled platform structure substantially forming a rectangular parallelepiped having a length, a width and a height, the kit comprising: a top part and a base part for defining a top and a base of the assembled platform structure respectively, the top part and the base part each being substantially planar with dimensions equal to the length and the width of the assembled platform structure, the top of the assembled platform structure defining a platform plane; four substantially planar side parts for defining sides of the assembled platform structure; and at least one substantially planar internal part adapted to extend between two side parts and perpendicular to the platform plane within the assembled platform structure; in which the base part and the top part are each connectable by push-fit connectors to each of the side parts and the at least one internal part, the push-fit connectors each comprising a connecting member and a respective complementary recess having a connection axis perpendicular to the platform plane.

The at least one internal part provides structural integrity and strength. The connection axis being perpendicular to the platform plane advantageously means that a weight resting on the top of the assembled platform structure will act to push the connecting members more firmly into the respective complementary recesses .

Advantageously, each side part is connectable by additional push-fit connectors to adjacent side parts of the assembled platform structure. Advantageously, each internal part is connectable by further push-fit connectors to the two respective side parts between which said internal part extends. All of these optional features provide further structural support and strength. Advantageously, the kit is adapted to be disassembled into flat-pack form (a volume of the kit in flat-pack form is less than a volume of the assembled platform structure) . Advantageously, the push- fit connectors are adapted to allow the kit to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly. Advantageously, at least one aperture or handle is provided to enable the assembled platform structure to be carried easily. Advantageously, at least one of the base part and the top part and the side parts and the at least one internal part comprises a latticework of rigid struts to reduce the overall weight of the kit. Advantageously, the kit is made of plastics to make it light and durable and strong. All of these optional features all make the kit more user-friendly by making it easier to move around.

Advantageously, the base part comprises rolling support means. Advantageously, the base part comprises height- adjustable feet for levelling the platform plane of the assembled platform structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for assembly into a workbench, the kit comprising: two platform structure kits (as defined above); an elongated bench part, the bench part being substantially planar with a bench width comparable to the width of the platform structure and a bench length at least twice the length of the assembled platform structure; and securing means for securing the bench part to the two assembled platform structures. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for assembly into an extended mobile platform structure, the kit comprising: a plurality of platform structure kits (as defined above) comprising rolling support means; and securing means for securing the plurality of assembled platform structures together.

Other preferred features of the present invention are set out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by, way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an assembled platform structure built from a kit according to an embodiment of the present invention: Figure Ia shows the entire assembled platform structure, and Figure Ib shows the assembled platform structure with a top part removed;

Figure 2 shows an end part of the kit of Figure 1 viewed as if from outside (Figure 2a) and inside (Figure 2b) the assembled platform structure;

Figure 3 shows a side part of the kit of Figure 1;

Figure 4 shows a top part of the kit of Figure 1 viewed as if from inside the assembled platform structure;

Figure 5 shows an assembled low workbench incorporating two of the platform structures depicted in Figure 1;

Figure 6 shows an assembled high workbench incorporating two of the kits depicted in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows an assembled extended mobile platform structure incorporating nine of the platform structures depicted in Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 shows one embodiment of push-fit connectors used to connect various parts of the kit together; and

Figure 9 shows another embodiment of a push-fit connector used to connect various parts of the kit together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Figure Ia shows an assembled platform structure 10 built from a kit according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembled platform structure 10 substantially forms a rectangular parallelepiped having a length L, a width W and a height H. The assembled platform structure 10 has six sides comprising a top part 12, a base part 13, two side parts 14 and two end parts 16.

Figure Ib shows the assembled platform structure 10 with the top part 12 removed. As can be seen, there are two internal parts 18 within the assembled platform structure 10. These internal parts 18 provide structural integrity and strength. In alternative embodiments, a different number of internal parts 18 may be provided (e.g. one or three or more) .

The top part 12, the base part 13, the side parts 14, the end parts 16 and the internal parts 18 each comprise two respective planar surfaces and four respective edge faces. In each case, the two respective planar surfaces are parallel to one another, and the four respective edge faces are perpendicular to the two respective planar surfaces. The top part 12, the base part 13, the side parts 14, the end parts 16 and the internal parts 18 will now be described in further detail with reference to Figures 2-4. In these Figures, the planar surfaces of the end part 16 are denoted by references 16a and 16b, and the edge faces of the end part 16 are denoted by references 16c, 16d, 16e and 16f . Corresponding references are used for the planar surfaces and edge faces of the other parts .

Figures 2a and 2b show an end part 16 of the kit used in Figure 1. In Figure 2a, the end part 16 is shown as if viewed from outside the assembled platform structure 10; whereas, in Figure 2b, the end part 16 is shown as if viewed from inside the assembled platform structure 10.

The end part 16 is substantially planar having an "exterior" planar surface 16a and an "interior" planar surface 16b. Both planar surfaces 16a and 16b have a first dimension equal to the width W of the platform structure 10 and a second dimension h that is both comparable to and less than the height H of the assembled platform structure 10. More specifically:

H = h + dtop + dfaase (1) where d_tOp is the thickness of the planar top part 12 and d_hase is the thickness of the planar base part 13 as shown in Figures Ia and Ib. Preferably, d_top is equal to di,_ase.

The end part 16 comprises an aperture 22 extending between the planar surfaces 16a and 16b. The aperture 22 acts as a handle to make the assembled platform structure 10 easy to carry. In alternative embodiments, no aperture is provided, and/or a handle (not shown) is provided on the "exterior" planar surface 16a. Handles and/or apertures may also be provided on the other parts of the kit.

Connecting members 20 are provided at spaced intervals along each of the edge faces 16c and 16e which span the width W of the assembled platform structure 10. The connecting members 20 protrude from the respective edge faces 16c and lβe. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the connecting members 20 are solid and cylindrical. However, alternative forms of connecting members 20 are envisaged within the scope of the invention (see, for example, Figures 8 and 9 and the accompanying text) .

Holes 24 are provided at spaced intervals on the "interior" planar surface 16b. The holes 24 are adapted to tightly receive corresponding connecting members 20 on the side parts 14 and the internal parts 18 (see Figure 3 and the accompanying text) .

Figure 3 shows a side part 14 of the kit of Figure 1. A first dimension 1 of the side part 14 is both comparable to and less than the length L of the assembled platform structure 10. More specifically: L = I + 2d_end (2) where d_end is the thickness of each of the planar end parts 12 as shown in Figure Ib. Preferably, d_end is equal to d_top and dbas_e- A second dimension h of the side part 14 is both comparable to and less than the height of the assembled platform structure 10. The second dimension h of the side part 14 is equal to the second dimension h of the end part 16.

Connecting members 20 are provided at spaced intervals along each of the edge faces 14c, 14d, 14e and 14f of the side part 14. The connecting members 20 protrude from the respective edge faces 14c, 14d, 14e and 14f. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the connecting members 20 are solid and cylindrical. However, alternative forms of connecting members 20 are envisaged within the scope of the invention (see, for example, Figures 8 and 9 and the accompanying text below) . The connecting members 20 _ Q _

on the side part 14 may or may not be the same as the connecting members 20 on the end part 16.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the side part 14 is not entirely solid but instead comprises a diamond latticework 25 of rigid struts. Alternatively, the latticework may be a square latticework, a hexagonal latticework, or a triangular latticework, etc. In alternative embodiments, no latticework is provided.

However, a latticework is preferred such that the side part 14 is lighter and is therefore easier to carry. The end parts 16, the top part 12, the base part 13 and/or the internal parts 18 may comprise a latticework.

The internal parts 18 are substantially the same as the side parts 16. In some embodiments, the internal parts 18 may be identical to the side parts 16, but this is not essential .

Figure 4 shows a top part 12 of the kit used in Figure

1. In Figure 4, the top part 12 is shown as if viewed from the inside of the assembled platform structure 10. The top part 12 is substantially planar with dimensions equal to the length L and the width W of the assembled platform structure

10.

Holes 24 are provided at spaced intervals around the edge of the "interior" planar surface 12b. The holes 24 are adapted to tightly receive corresponding connecting members

20 on the side parts 14 and the internal parts 18 and the end parts 16 when the platform structure 10 is assembled.

In particular, the holes 24 which are nearest edge face 12d of the top part 12 are adapted to tightly receive the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge face 16c of one end part 16, and the holes 24 which are nearest edge face 12f of the top part 12 are adapted to tightly receive W

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the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge face 16c of the other end part 16. The holes 24 which are nearest edge face 12c of the top part 12 are adapted to tightly receive the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge face 14c of one side part 14, and the holes 24 which are nearest edge face 12e of the top part 12 are adapted to tightly receive the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge face 14c of the other side part 14. The remaining holes 24 on the top part 12 form two lines extending across a central part of the planar surface 12b; the holes 24 in one of these lines are adapted to tightly receive the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge face 18c of one internal part 18, and the holes 24 in the other of these lines are adapted to tightly receive the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge face 18c of the other internal part 18.

In the embodiment of Figure 4, the top part 12 comprises a diamond latticework 25. The diamond latticework 25 does not extend across the entire planar surface 12b; instead, there are solid edges and solid strips in which the holes 24 are formed.

The base part 13 is substantially the same as the top part 12. In some embodiments, the base part 13 may be identical to the top part 12, but this is not essential.

In use, the side parts 14 and the internal parts 18 are firstly connected to one end part 16. This is done by pushing the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge faces 14d and 18d into the corresponding lines of holes 24 in the planar surface 16b of that one end part 16.

The other end part 16 is then connected to the side parts 14 and the internal parts 18. This is done by pushing the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge faces 14f and 18f into the corresponding lines of holes 24 in the planar surface 16b of that other end part 16.

The base part 13 is then connected to the end/side/internal part assembly. This is done by pushing the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge faces 14e, 16e and 18e into the corresponding lines of holes 24 in the planar surface 13b of the base part 13. At this stage, the end/side/internal/base part assembly looks as depicted in Figure Ib.

Finally, the top part 12 is then connected to the end/side/internal/base part assembly. This is done by pushing the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge faces 14c, 16c and 18c into the corresponding lines of holes 24 in the planar surface 12b of the top part 12. The kit is then completely assembled into the platform structure 10 shown in Figure Ia. The base part 13 and the top part 12 of the assembled platform structure 10 are substantially parallel. The top planar surface 12a of the top part 12 of the assembled platform structure defines a platform plane.

According to current Health and Standards Regulations in the UK, boxes for standing on in the building trade are expected to measure at least 600 mm in both length and width. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the length L and the width W of the assembled platform structure are both at least 600 mm. More preferably, the length L is about 800 mm and the width W is about 600mm. Other lengths and widths are also envisaged within the scope of the invention. In order for a man to be within easy reach of the ceiling by standing on an assembled platform structure made from a kit according to the present invention, the height H W

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of the assembled platform structure is about 450 mm. Other heights are also envisaged within the scope of the invention. Typically, such other heights may vary from 200 mm to 1 m. It is preferred that the height H be less than both the length L and the width W so as to provide a stable platform structure for standing on.

Preferably a thickness of each of the parts of the kit (dtop/ d_base, d_3ide/ d_end, d_±nternai) is approximately 20 mm.

The assembled platform structure 10 is strong enough and sturdy enough to be stood on by a man. The man's weight would act to more securely connect the component parts of the platform structure 10 together. For example, because the connection axis is perpendicular to the platform plane, the man's weight would act to push the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge faces 14c, 16c and 18c more firmly into the corresponding lines of holes 24 in the planar surface 12b of the top part 12. Similarly, the man's weight would act to push the connecting members 20 protruding from the edge faces 14e, 16e and 18e more firmly into the corresponding lines of holes 24 in the planar surface 13b of the base part 13.

The connectors are push-fit connectors which may be easily connected and unconnected. Therefore, a kit according to an embodiment of the present invention may be repeatedly assembled and disassembled into a platform structure 10 as necessary. The disassembled platform structure kit packs flat and takes up considerably less volume than the assembled platform structure 10, so the kit is easy to transport. Furthermore, since the kit is made of plastics and is provided with a latticework and handles/apertures, both the kit and the assembled platform structure 10 are easy for a man to carry. A number of kits according to the present invention may be assembled into corresponding number of platform structures and placed in a horizontal array on the floor of a room so as to provide a large low level platform. Such a platform would enable a man to easily reach ceiling height across the length and width of a room. This provides a far more portable and efficient solution to the problem of internal scaffolding than is available in the prior art. For additional stability, a number of assembled platform structures may be attached together by ratchet straps, for example. Alternatively, screws, bolts, clips, fasteners, clasps, push-fit connectors, and/or bolt-on metal plates may be used instead of or in addition to the ratchet straps for securing the platform structures together.

Two kits according to the present invention may be used in conjunction with an elongated bench part to provide a workbench according to a further aspect of the present invention. Examples of such workbenches are shown in

Figures 5 and 6.

Figure 5 shows an assembled low workbench 26 comprising two assembled platform structures 10a and 10b and an elongated bench part 28. The bench part 28 is substantially planar with a first dimension equal to the width W of the assembled platform structures 10a and 10b, and a second dimension of at least twice the length L of the assembled platform structures 10a and 10b. It will be appreciated that the first dimension of the bench part 28 need not be exactly equal to the width W of the assembled platform structures 10a and 10b, it could be somewhat smaller or larger. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the assembled platform structures 10a and 10b are placed a small distance apart and are similarly oriented resting on their base parts 13 or top parts 12. Thus, an end part 16 (having width W and height h) of the first platform structure 10a is parallel to and opposite an end part 16 of the second platform structure 10b. The bench part 28 is positioned substantially horizontally on top of the two assembled platform structures 10a and 10b. The side parts 14 of the two assembled platform structures 10a and 10b are oriented substantially vertically such that an edge 29 of each side part 14 abuts a respective edge section 27 of the bench part 28. The edge 29 of each side part 14 has a dimension 1. Each edge section 27 of the bench part 28 extends from a respective corner 23 of the bench part 28 along an adjacent longitudinal edge of the bench part 28.

Figure 6 shows an assembled high workbench 26, again comprising the two assembled platform structures 10a and 10b and the bench part 28. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the assembled platform structures 10a and 10b are placed a small distance apart and are similarly oriented resting on one of their respective end parts 16. Thus, a top part 12 (having width W and height H) of the first platform structure 10a is parallel to and opposite a base part 13 of the second platform structure 10b. The bench part 28 is positioned substantially horizontally on top of the two assembled platform structures 10a and 10b. The side parts 14 of the two assembled platform structures 10a and 10b are oriented substantially vertically such that an edge 31 of each side part 14 abuts a respective edge section 27 of the bench part 28. The edge 31 of each side part 14 has a dimension h. In both Figures 5 and 6, the bench part 28 is secured to the two assembled platform structures 10a and 10b using securing means (not shown) . The securing means preferably comprises at least one clip, but may also comprise one or more ratchet straps, screws, bolts, fasteners, clasps, push- fit connectors, or bolt-on metal plates.

Preferably, a thickness drench of the bench part 28 is approximately 40 mm.

Figure 7 shows an assembled extended mobile platform structure 40 incorporating a horizontal array of nine of the assembled platform structures 10 depicted in Figure 1. There are no gaps between adjacent assembled platform structures 10, and each of the assembled platform structures 10 is oriented in the same way. Rolling support means 42, such as wheels or casters, are provided on the base parts 13 of the platform structures 10. The platform structures 10 are held together by means of ratchet straps 44. Other securing means are also contemplated within the scope of the invention.

Figures 8 and 9 show alternative embodiments of push- fit connectors used to connect various parts of the kit together. In Figure 8, part of an end part 16 is shown. The end part 16 has two types of connecting members 20 protruding from the edge face 16c. The first type of connecting member 20 is a square peg 20a adapted to fit tightly into a corresponding square hole (not shown) . The second type of connecting member 20 comprises two flexible members 20b extending substantially perpendicularly from the edge face 16c. Each flexible member 20b has a flange at its free end. This second type of connecting member 20 is adapted to fit tightly into a corresponding square hole (not shown) having grooves or holes adapted to receive the flanges.

In Figures 9a, 9b and 9c, part of an end part 16 is again shown. The end part 16 has a third type of connecting member 20c protruding from the edge face 16c. The connecting member 22c is adapted to be tightly received within a hole in the planar face 12b of a top part 12. Figures 9a and 9b show different views of the end part 16 and the top part 12 before the connecting member 20c is inserted into the hole, and Figure 9c shows the same view as Figure 9b once the connecting member 22c has been inserted into the hole.

The connecting member comprises a planar part 50 and a flexible part 52, each extending substantially perpendicularly from the edge face 16c. The flexible part 52 comprises a substantially planar part 54 having a connecting button 56 protruding from a substantially planar surface. The planar part 54 is spaced from and parallel to the planar part 50, and the connecting button 56 extends in a direction away from the planar part 50.

As the connecting member 20c is inserted into the hole, the flexible part 52 bends towards the planar part 50 to allow the connecting button 56 to fit into the hole. The hole comprises a locating window 58 which is an aperture adapted to receive the connecting button 56 when the connecting member 20c is fully inserted into the hole.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that these are by way of example only and that various modifications may be contemplated.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A kit for assembly into a platform structure, the assembled platform structure substantially forming a rectangular parallelepiped having a length, a width and a height, the kit comprising: a top part and a base part for defining a top and a base of the assembled platform structure respectively, the top part and the base part each being substantially planar with dimensions equal to the length and the width of the assembled platform structure, the top of the assembled platform structure defining a platform plane; four substantially planar side parts for defining sides of the assembled platform structure; and at least one substantially planar internal part adapted to extend between two side parts and perpendicular to the platform plane within the assembled platform structure; in which the base part and the top part are each connectable by push-fit connectors to each of the side parts and the at least one internal part, the push- fit connectors each comprising a connecting member and a respective complementary recess having a connection axis perpendicular to the platform plane.

2. The platform structure kit of claim 1 in which each side part is connectable by additional push-fit connectors to adjacent side parts of the assembled platform structure.

3. The platform structure kit of claim 1 or claim 2 in which each internal part is connectable by further push-fit connectors to the two respective side parts between which said internal part extends.

4. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which the kit is adapted to be disassembled into flat-pack form, a volume of the kit in flat-pack form being less than a volume of the assembled platform structure.

5. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which the push-fit connectors are adapted to allow the kit to be assembled and disassembled repeatedly.

6. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which the base part comprises rolling support means.

7. The platform structure kit of any of claims 1 to 3 in which the base part comprises height-adjustable feet for levelling the platform plane of the assembled platform structure .

8. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which at least one of the base part and the top part and the side parts comprises an aperture or handle to enable the assembled platform structure to be carried easily.

9. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which at least one of the base part and the top part and the side parts and the at least one internal part comprises a latticework of rigid struts.

10. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which the kit is made of plastics.

11. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which the width is at least 600 mm and the length is at least 600 mm.

12. The platform structure kit of any preceding claim in which the width is approximately equal to 600 mm, the length is approximately equal to 800 mm, and the height is approximately equal to 450 mm.

13. A kit for assembly into a workbench, the kit comprising : two platform structure kits according to any preceding claim; an elongated bench part, the bench part being substantially planar with a bench width comparable to the width of the platform structure and a bench length at least twice the length of the assembled platform structure; and securing means for securing the bench part to the two assembled platform structures.

14. A kit for assembly into an extended mobile platform structure, the kit comprising: a plurality of platform structure kits according to claim 6 or any of claims 7 to 12 when dependent on claim 6; and securing means for securing the plurality of assembled platform structures together.

15. The kit of claim 13 or claim 14 in which the securing means comprises at least one of the group consisting of a ratchet strap, a screw, a bolt, a clip, a fastener, a clasp, and a push-fit connector.