Patent Grant
8844677
Periodically when performing repairs or maintenance on a structure, it becomes necessary to have a work surface raised above the ground, for example when an individual is working on a wall or ceiling of a house or a building. The present invention features an expandable and collapsible platform system for providing a portable elevated platform for a user.
The present invention features an expandable and collapsible platform system for providing a portable elevated platform for a user. In some embodiments, the system comprises a generally “A” shaped platform support member. In some embodiments, a first vertical leg is attached to a second vertical leg via a top base and a plurality of fixed horizontal rungs. In some embodiments, the top base is narrower than any of the fixed horizontal rungs. In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal rungs incrementally increase in width from top to bottom.
In some embodiments, the first vertical leg comprises a first vertical leg extension telescopically located on the first vertical leg second end and the second vertical leg comprises a second vertical leg extension telescopically located on the second vertical leg second end. In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung comprises a telescopically adjustable length. In some embodiments, an adjustable rung first end is located on the first vertical leg extension and an adjustable rung second end is located on the second vertical leg extension.
In some embodiments, the top base comprises generally U-shaped cradle located on a top base interior side. In some embodiments, the pivoting horizontal beam comprises a horizontal beam first end having an engagement component for interfacing with a stationary vertical support surface. In some embodiments, a horizontal beam second end comprises a hinge for connecting it to the top base. In some embodiments, the horizontal beam comprises a brace pivotally located on a brace mount. In some embodiments, a brace first end is slidably inserted into a hollow recess located on a horizontal beam bottom surface as the pivoting horizontal beam is moved to a second position.
In some embodiments, the system comprises a planar flooring member located on the top base top surface and the horizontal beam top surface. In some embodiments, the system comprises a stationary vertical support surface.
In some embodiments, for operation the platform support member is set into position close to a stationary vertical support surface. In some embodiments, the pivoting horizontal beam is rotationally pivoted from a first position into a second position. In some embodiments, the pivoting horizontal beam is set into the cradle and affixed into position via a beam pin located through a beam aperture and a cradle aperture. In some embodiments, the first vertical leg extension is affixed into place via a first pin located through the first vertical leg aperture and one of a plurality of sequentially located first vertical leg extension apertures. In some embodiments, the second vertical leg extension is affixed into place via a second pin located through a second vertical leg aperture and one of a plurality of sequentially located second vertical leg extension apertures to result in a specific length of the platform support member. In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rungs are affixed into position.
In some embodiments, the platform support member is located against the stationary vertical support surface. In some embodiments, the engagement component interfaces with the stationary vertical support surface. In some embodiments, the flooring member is located on a horizontal beam top surface and the top base top surface. In some embodiments, the flooring member is for providing a portable elevated platform for a user.
Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims.
Following is a list of elements corresponding to a particular element referred to herein:
Referring now to
In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal rung (500) comprises a fixed horizontal rung first end (502) and a fixed horizontal rung second end (504). In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal rung first end (502) is securely located on the first vertical leg (300). In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal rung second end (504) is securely located on the second vertical leg (400). In some embodiments, a plurality of fixed horizontal rungs (500) is incrementally located in a series on the first vertical leg (300) from the first vertical leg first end (302) to the first vertical leg second end (304) and the second vertical leg (400) from the second vertical leg first end (402) to the second vertical leg second end (404). In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal rungs (500) are incrementally spaced. In some embodiments, the fixed horizontal rungs (500) are located generally perpendicular to the first vertical leg (300) and the second vertical leg (400). In some embodiments, the first vertical leg (300) is attached to the second vertical leg (400) via the top base (600) and the plurality of fixed horizontal rungs (500). In some embodiments, the first vertical leg first end (302) is located on a top base first edge (602). In some embodiments, the second vertical leg first end (402) is located on a top base second edge (604). In some embodiments, the top base (600) comprises a width from the top base first edge (602) to the top base second edge (604) narrower than the narrowest fixed horizontal rung (500). In some embodiments, the plurality of fixed horizontal rungs (500) incrementally increase in width from the first vertical leg first end (302) and the second vertical leg first end (402) to the first vertical leg second end (304) and the second vertical leg second end (404) thereby affixing a first width between the first vertical leg first end (302) and the second vertical leg first end (402) to be narrower than a second width between the first vertical leg second end (304) and the second vertical leg second end (404).
In some embodiments, the first vertical leg (300) comprises the first vertical leg extension (350) telescopically located on and extending from the first vertical leg second end (304). In some embodiments, the second vertical leg (400) comprises the second vertical leg extension (450) telescopically located on and extending from the second vertical leg second end (404). In some embodiments, the first vertical leg extension (350) is affixed into a position via a first vertical leg pin (800) located through both a first vertical leg aperture (810) and one of a plurality of sequentially located first vertical leg extension apertures (820). In some embodiments, the second vertical leg extension (450) is affixed into a position via a second vertical leg pin (800) located through both a second vertical leg aperture (810) and one of a plurality of sequentially located second vertical leg extension apertures (820). In some embodiments, the first vertical leg extension (350) comprises a plurality of sequentially located receiving attachments (830) for attaching an adjustable horizontal rung first end (552). In some embodiments, the second vertical leg extension (450) comprises a plurality of sequentially located receiving attachments (830) for attaching an adjustable horizontal rung second end (554). In some embodiments, the first vertical leg extension (350) comprises a first vertical leg gripping component (840) located on a first vertical leg extension second end (354). In some embodiments, the first vertical leg extension (350) comprises a first vertical leg extension securing aperture (860) located on the first vertical leg extension second end (354) for receiving a first stake (850). In some embodiments, the second vertical leg extension (450) comprises a gripping component located on a second vertical leg extension second end (454). In some embodiments, the second vertical leg extension (450) comprises a second vertical leg extension securing aperture (860) located on the second vertical leg extension second end (454) for receiving a second stake (850). In some embodiments, the stake (850) is for inserting through the leg extension securing aperture (860) into a ground surface for securing the first vertical leg extension (350) or the second vertical leg extension (450) so equipped.
In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung (550) comprises an adjustable horizontal rung first end (552) and an adjustable horizontal rung second end (554). In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung (550) comprises a telescopically adjustable length. In some embodiments, the length is affixed via a set screw (870) located in an adjustable horizontal rung middle section (556). In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung first end (552) is attachably and detachably located on the first vertical leg extension (350) via the receiving attachment (830). In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung second end (554) is attachably and detachably located on the second vertical leg extension (450) via the receiving attachment (830). In some embodiments, the receiving attachment (830) comprises external threads. In some embodiments, the receiving attachment (830) comprises internal threads. In some embodiments, the receiving attachment (830) comprises a collar. In some embodiments, the receiving attachment (830) comprises a set screw. In some embodiments, the receiving attachment (830) comprises an aperture. In some embodiments, the receiving attachment (830) comprises a projection. In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung first end (552) and the adjustable horizontal rung second end (554) comprise internal threads for attaching to the receiving attachment (830). In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung first end (552) and the adjustable horizontal rung second end (554) comprise external threads for attaching to the receiving attachment (830). In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung first end (552) and the adjustable horizontal rung second end (554) comprise a projection for attaching to the receiving attachment (830). In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rung first end (552) and the adjustable horizontal rung second end (554) comprise a collar for attaching to the receiving attachment (830).
In some embodiments, a plurality of receiving attachments (830) are incrementally located in series on the first vertical leg extension (350) from a first vertical leg extension first end (352) to the first vertical leg extension second end (354) and the second vertical leg extension (450) from a second vertical leg extension first end (452) to the second vertical leg extension second end (454). In some embodiments, upon installation the adjustable horizontal rungs (550) are incrementally spaced. In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rungs (550) are located generally perpendicular to the first vertical leg extension (350) and the second vertical leg extension (450) via the receiving attachments (830).
In some embodiments, the top base (600) comprises a top base top surface (606), a top base interior surface (608), a top base exterior surface (610), the top base first edge (602), and the top base second edge (604). In some embodiments, a generally U-shaped cradle (620) is located on the top base interior surface (608). In some embodiments, a cradle bottom surface (624) is located at an angle, angle A (950), with respect to the top base interior surface (608). In some embodiments, angle A (950) is from about 90 degrees to about 180 degrees. In some embodiments, angle A (950) is adjustable. In some embodiments, the cradle (620) longitudinally projects out and away from the top base interior surface (608). In some embodiments, a cradle top edge (622) is generally flush with the top base top surface (606).
In some embodiments, the horizontal beam assembly (700) comprises a pivoting horizontal beam (710) having a horizontal beam first end (712), a horizontal beam second end (714), a horizontal beam top surface (716), and a horizontal beam hollow recess (720) located on a horizontal beam bottom surface (718). In some embodiments, the horizontal beam first end (712) comprises an engagement component (880) having an engagement aperture (882) and an engagement gripping surface (884) for interfacing with a stationary vertical support surface (910). In some embodiments, the horizontal beam second end (714) comprises a hinge (890) having a hinge first end (892) located thereon with a hinge second end (894) located on the top base exterior surface (610). In some embodiments, the hinge (890) pivotally rotates in an arc, arc B (960) from about 0 degrees to about 270 degrees. In some embodiments, for storage the pivoting horizontal beam (710) is located in a first position. In some embodiments, in the first position the horizontal beam top surface (716) rests against the fixed horizontal rungs (500). In some embodiments, for operation, the pivoting horizontal beam (710) is located in a second position. In some embodiments, for operation the beam is pivotally rotated about the hinge (890) to the second position. In some embodiments, in the second position, the horizontal beam bottom surface (718) rests in the cradle (620). In some embodiments, in the second position the horizontal beam second end (714) interfaces with and rests against or proximal to the top base interior surface (608). In some embodiments, in a second position the horizontal beam (710) is affixed into position via a beam pin (628) located through both a beam aperture (630) and a cradle aperture (626).
In some embodiments, the horizontal beam assembly (700) further comprises a brace (750) having a brace first end (752) and a brace second end (754). In some embodiments, the brace second end (754) is pivotally located on a brace mount (756). In some embodiments, the brace mount (756) is located on either the first vertical leg (300) and the second vertical leg (400) or the fixed horizontal rung (500). In some embodiments, for use, the brace (750) is pivoted into position. In some embodiments, the brace first end (752) is slidably and lockably inserted into the horizontal beam hollow recess (720) located on the horizontal beam bottom surface (718) as the horizontal beam (710) is moved to the second position. In some embodiments, the brace (750) is for supporting the pivoting horizontal beam (710). In some embodiments the brace (750) is held into position by the horizontal beam (710) via the horizontal beam hollow cavity (720).
In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a planar flooring member (900) located on the top base top surface (606) and the horizontal beam top surface (716). In some embodiments, the system (100) comprises a stationary vertical support surface (910), for example a wall of a house or other building.
In some embodiments, for operation the platform support member (200) is set into position close to a stationary vertical support surface (910). In some embodiments, the pivoting horizontal beam (710) is rotationally pivoted from a first position into a second position. In some embodiments, the pivoting horizontal beam (710) is set into the cradle (620) and affixed into position via the beam pin (628) located through both the beam aperture (630) and the cradle aperture (626). In some embodiments, the horizontal beam (710) harnesses the downward force from a user's weight when using the system (100). In some embodiments, the force from the user's weight is applied in the same direction as the force used to move the horizontal beam (710) into the second position. In some embodiments, the downward force from the user's weight securely holds the horizontal beam (710) into position. In some embodiments, the downward force from the user's weight securely holds the horizontal beam (710) into an engaged position with the brace (750). In some embodiments, the first vertical leg extension (350) is affixed into place via the first vertical leg pin (800) located through both the first vertical leg aperture (810) and one of the plurality of sequentially located first vertical leg extension apertures (820). In some embodiments, the second vertical leg extension is affixed into place via the second vertical leg pin (800) located through both the second vertical leg aperture (810) and one of the plurality of sequentially located second vertical leg extension apertures (820) resulting in a specific length of the platform support member (200). In some embodiments, the adjustable horizontal rungs (550) are affixed into position via the set screw (870) located in the adjustable horizontal rung middle section (556).
In some embodiments, the platform support member (200) is located against the stationary vertical support surface (910). In some embodiments, the engagement component (880) frictionally interfaces with the stationary vertical support surface (910). In some embodiments, the planar flooring member (900) is located on a horizontal beam top surface (716) and the top base top surface (606). In some embodiments, the planar flooring member (900) is for providing a portable elevated platform for a user.
In some embodiments, the top base (600) comprises a width from the top base first edge (602) to the top base second edge (604) at least equal to one half of a length of the pivoting horizontal beam (710) for providing a stable structure for supporting the planar flooring member (900).
In some embodiments, a plurality of platform support members (200) is used. In some embodiments, one or more planar flooring members (900) are located on the plurality of platform support members (200).
As used herein, the term “about” refers to plus or minus 10% of the referenced number. For example, an embodiment wherein the top base is about 10 inches in length includes a top base that is between 9 and 11 inches in length.
The disclosures of the following U.S. Patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 6,962,237; U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,182; U.S. Pat. No. 6,334,508; U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,127; U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,547; U.S. Pat. No. 2,966,957; U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0169535.
Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.
The reference numbers recited in the below claims are solely for ease of examination of this patent application, and are exemplary, and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the claims to the particular features having the corresponding reference numbers in the drawings.
This application claims priority to U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 12/541,047 filed Aug. 13, 2009 as a continuation-in-part, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
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