PLATFORM SYSTEM

• US 20190338592A1
• Filed: 06/28/2019
• Published: 11/07/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
• Original Assignee: Safe Rack LLC
• Inventors: Honeycutt, Robert W.
• Granted Patent: US 11,447,965 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 11/025 Stairways having stringers E04F11/035 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 11/112 of metal or with an upper layer of metal
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 11/181 Balustrades
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 2011/0209 mainly of metal
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 2011/1889 mainly of metal
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 1/14 Comprising essentially pre-assembled two-dimensional frame-like elements, e.g. of rods in L- or H-shape, with or without bracing E04G1/15 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 1/15 essentially comprising special means for supporting or forming platforms E04G1/20 takes precedence; Platforms boards or planks therefor E04G5/08 , clips or connections for securing boards E04G7/28
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 1/152 Platforms made of metal or with metal-supporting frame
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 1/17 Comprising essentially pre-assembled three-dimensional elements, e.g. cubic elements
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 2001/242 Scaffolds movable on wheels or tracks
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 5/14 Railings
• CPC Class Codes: E04G 7/02 with separate coupling elements
• CPC Class Codes: E06C 1/39 Ladders having platforms; Ladders changeable into platforms platforms for use on ladders E06C7/16
• CPC Class Codes: E06C 1/397 characterised by having wheels, rollers, or runners
• CPC Class Codes: E06C 7/081 Rungs or other treads comprising anti-slip features
• CPC Class Codes: E06C 7/182 situated at the top of the ladder
• CPC Class Codes: E06C 7/183 situated along the ladder

Abstract

A modular platform system utilizing a number of components including a platform. The platform is configured so that each of the components may interchangeably connect to any side of the platform. The components include, for example, handrails and stairways, as well as other platforms. The platform and most of the components are formed from single, continuous pieces of metal.

Claims

1. A platform system comprising:

a plurality of modular platforms each comprising a top surface and four side surfaces extending down from said top surface to a bottom edge, each of said side surfaces including a pair of horizontal connection apertures adjacent each end of said platform side surface;

each of said modular platforms further including four lips respectively extending horizontally inwardly from a bottom of the four side surfaces such that the lips are spaced apart from and parallel to the top surface, each said lip defining a plurality of vertical connection apertures therethrough;

said plurality of modular platforms having adjacent of said side surfaces secured together in an abutting relationship by horizontal fasteners extending through said horizontal connection apertures of adjacent modular platforms to form a horizontal platform structure configured to support a person above a ground surface, said horizontal platform structure having a first end and a second end;

at least one stand having an upper face engaging one of said lips of one of said modular platforms, said stand upper face having a plurality of vertical stand connection apertures, wherein said one of said modular platforms is secured to said stand by vertical fasteners extending through adjacent ones of said stand connection apertures and said lip vertical connection apertures, said stand providing support to said horizontal platform structure vertically above said ground surface; and

a stairway having a vertical face at its upper end above said ground surface secured to one of said side surfaces of one of said modular platforms, said stairway vertical face having horizontal connection apertures aligned with said modular platform side horizontal connection apertures, wherein said stairway and said one side surface of one of said modular platforms are secured together by horizontal fasteners extending through adjacent of said modular platform horizontal connection apertures and said stairway vertical face horizontal connection apertures.

2. The platform system of claim 1, wherein said stairway further comprises a gusset having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg, said gusset being secured:

to said stairway vertical face by said horizontal fasteners extending through at least one of said modular platform side surface horizontal connection apertures, and

to an adjacent one of said lips of said modular platform by vertical fasteners extending through vertical apertures defined in said gusset horizontal leg and said vertical connection apertures of said adjacent lip.

3. The platform system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of modular platforms comprises at least three of said modular platforms extending in an axial direction.

4. The platform system of claim 1, wherein said horizontal platform structure further has at least one modular platform connected to a side surface of one of said at least three of said modular platforms in a direction lateral to said axial direction.