ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT PLATFORM

Abstract

An adjustable height system that provides an automatic manner of height adjustment for a platform. The platform is supported by a frame including a scissor lift assembly which raises and lowers the platform to any desirable height. The height is adjusted by activating a portable drive device which is engaged with an adapter element that couples a gearbox to a threaded drive member that actuates the scissor lift assembly. Using the portable drive device in forward or reverse, the platform is respectively raised and lowered.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to staging systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to adjustable height platforms for use in staging systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Staging systems can be used for a variety of different performances. Different uses such as concert staging vs. theater staging may utilize different staging platform heights. Also, a staging system for a single performance may require platforms of differing heights. When installing the staging system, it is beneficial to be able to adjust the platform heights quickly, and with as few tools, as possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an automatic manner of height adjustment for a platform. The platform is supported by a frame including a scissor lift assembly which raises and lowers the platform to any desirable height. The height is adjusted by activating a portable drive device which is engaged with an adapter element that couples a gearbox to a threaded drive member that actuates the scissor lift assembly. Using the portable drive device in forward or reverse, the platform is respectively raised and lowered. In one embodiment, the height is adjusted by inserting a cordless drill into a drill adapter that couples a gearbox to the drill through an aperture in the platform.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable height platform system includes an adjustable height platform system. The adjustable height platform system includes a frame comprising an upper channel member and a lower channel member. The upper channel member includes a first channel along the length of a first side of the frame and the lower channel member comprising a second channel along the length of the first side. The system further includes a scissor lift assembly having an upper pivot support member pivotably attached to the upper channel member and a lower pivot support member attached to the lower channel member. The upper pivot support member and the lower pivot support member are rotatably connected to one another in a scissor arrangement. The system further includes a gearbox coupled to the frame that is operably connected to an adapter element. The adapter element is configured to be driven by a portable drive device. The gearbox is also operably connected to a threaded drive member rotatably coupled to the frame. The system further includes a driven member mounted on the threaded drive member and configured to translate along a linear direction in response to rotation of the threaded drive member. The driven member is attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member. The translation of the driven member along the linear direction moves the moveable support point along a surface of the upper channel member altering the angle between the lower pivot support member and the upper pivot support member and altering the distance between the upper channel member and the lower channel member.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the adjustable height platform system includes an adjustable height platform system having a frame comprising a first upper channel member, a second upper channel member, a first lower channel member and a second lower channel member. The first upper channel member includes a first upper channel along the length of a first side of the frame and the first lower channel member includes a first lower channel along the length of the first side. The second upper channel member includes a second upper channel along the length of a second side of the frame and the second lower channel member includes a second lower channel along the length of the first side. The system further includes a scissor lift assembly having four sets of support members. Each set of support members includes an upper pivot support member pivotably attached to either the first upper channel member or second upper support member. The lower pivot support member is attached to either the first lower channel member or the second lower channel member. The upper pivot support member and the lower pivot support member of each set are rotatably connected to one another in a scissor arrangement. The system further includes a gearbox coupled to the frame that is operably connected to an adapter element. The adapter element is configured to be driven by a portable drive device. The gearbox is also operably connected to a threaded drive member rotatably coupled to the frame. The system includes a first driven member and a second driven member, each of the first driven member and the second driven member are mounted on the threaded drive member and each are configured to translate along a linear direction in response to rotation of the threaded drive member. The first driven member is attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member of at least one set of support members. The second driven member is attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member of a different at least one set of support members. The translation of the driven member along the linear direction moves the moveable support point along a surface of the upper channel member altering the angle between the lower pivot support member and the upper pivot support member and altering the distance between the upper channel member and the lower channel member.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an adjustable height stage system includes a plurality of adjustable height platform systems. Each adjustable height platform system includes a frame comprising an upper channel member and a lower channel member. The upper channel member includes a first channel along the length of a first side of the frame and the lower channel member comprising a second channel along the length of the first side. The system further includes a scissor lift assembly having an upper pivot support member pivotably attached to the upper channel member and a lower pivot support member attached to the lower channel member. The upper pivot support member and the lower pivot support member are rotatably connected to one another in a scissor arrangement. The system further includes a gearbox coupled to the frame that is operably connected to an adapter element. The adapter element is configured to be driven by a portable drive device. The gearbox is also operably connected to a threaded drive member rotatably coupled to the frame. The system further includes a driven member mounted on the threaded drive member and configured to translate along a linear direction in response to rotation of the threaded drive member. The driven member is attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member. The translation of the driven member along the linear direction moves the moveable support point along a surface of the upper channel member altering the angle between the lower pivot support member and the upper pivot support member and altering the distance between the upper channel member and the lower channel member. At least two of the adjustable height platform systems are connected to form a continuous support surface.

These and various other advantages and features of novelty are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention and its advantages, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described representative examples of apparatuses, methods, and systems in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described in connection with embodiments illustrated in the following diagrams.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an adjustable height platform system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame of the adjustable platform system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a top-down view of the adjustable height platform system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of area 400 from FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of area 402 from FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area 700 from FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of area 702 from FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of area 704 from FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is a top-down view of the frame of the adjustable height platform system according to an embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of area 1100 from FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the adjustable platform system according to an embodiment in a retracted position;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the adjustable platform system according to an embodiment in a extended position; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of adjustable height stage system according to an embodiment.

Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, as structural and operational changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In accordance with various embodiments, a platform is continuously raised and/or lowered to any desirable height using only a portable drive device, such as cordless drill. The platform is supported by a frame further described below. The platform arrangement according to the present invention includes a simple and inexpensive arrangement utilizing a simple mechanical arrangement.

Turning to FIGS. 1 and 2, an adjustable height platform system 100 is shown. The platform 102 is supported by an adjustable height frame 104. The platform includes an aperture 103 through which an adapter element 201 can be coupled to a gearbox 203 (see, for example, FIG. 2). In one embodiment, the adapter element 201 is a ½ inch steel shaft coupler, a 3/16 inch steel key and a 7/16 inch hex bar, with the key and hex part being welded to the coupler, where the adapter element is configured to detachable engage an input shaft of the gearbox 203. By using a portable drive device (e.g., a cordless drill) in either forward or reverse modes, the platform can be respectively raised or lowered. The frame 104 may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as aluminum or steel. The various components of the frame 104 may be formed on the same material or different materials.

The frame 104 includes an upper channel member 205 and a lower channel member 207. The upper channel member 205 includes a first channel 209 along the length of a first side 210 of the frame 104 and the lower channel member 207 comprising a second channel 211 along the length of the first side. In one embodiment, the frame 104 includes a similar arrangement of upper channel member 205 and lower channel member 207 on a second side 213.

The frame 104 further includes a scissor lift assembly 107 having an upper pivot support member 116 pivotably attached to the upper channel member 205 and a lower pivot support member 118 attached to the lower channel member 207. The upper pivot support member 116 and the lower pivot support member 118 are rotatably connected to one another in a scissor arrangement. By scissor arrangement, as utilized herein, it is meant that the pivot support members are arranged such that the adjustment of the angle between the rotatably connected pivot support members results in an adjustment in distance between the upper channel member 205 and the lower channel member 207. In one embodiment, fixed bolts or pins through the upper channel member 205 and the lower channel member 207 permit the pivoting of the upper pivot support member 116 and the lower pivot support member 118. The distal end of the upper pivot support member 116 is permitted to move along a surface of the lower channel member 207 in lower channel 211. The distal end of the lower pivot support member 118 is permitted to move along a surface of the upper channel member 205 in upper channel 209.

The frame 104 includes a plurality of cross members 124 extending between lower pivot support members 118. The cross members 124 have an area configured to stabilize the adjustable height frame 104. Additional cross members 124 may be positioned near the platform 102 and remain substantially parallel to the platform surface during raising and lowering. In one embodiment, the cross member 124 may include a groove in a top surface to accept a screw when the adjustable height frame 104 is in a collapsed or retracted position.

The adjustable height platform system 100 further includes a gearbox 203 coupled to the frame that is operably connected to an adapter element 201. The adapter element 201 is configured to be driven by a portable drive device (not shown). In one embodiment, the adapter element 201 is removable. As shown in FIG. 2, the gearbox 203 is also operably connected to a threaded drive member 215 rotatably coupled to the frame 104. The gearbox 203 may be any suitable gearbox structure that permits translation of rotation from the adapter element to the threaded drive member 215. A particularly suitable gearbox arrangement includes a right angle gearbox. The threaded drive member 215 is preferably a screw or screw-like structure having one or more sets of the threads. A driven member 217 is mounted on the threaded drive member 215 and configured to translate along a linear direction in response to rotation of the threaded drive member 215. The driven member 217 is preferably a nut or nut-like structure. One particularly suitable driven member 217 is an ACME screw or a ball screw. The driven member 217 is attached to a moveable support point 219 of the lower pivot support member 118. The frame 104 includes a drive support 221 spanning between lower pivot support members 118 on opposite sides of frame 104, which moves with the driven member 217 and drives the motion of the moveable support point 219 of lower pivot support member 118. The translation of the driven member 217 along the linear direction moves the moveable support point 219 along a surface of the upper channel 209 of the upper channel member 205 altering the angle between the lower pivot support member 118 and the upper pivot support member 116 and altering the distance between the upper channel member 205 and the lower channel member 207. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the linear direction is parallel to the first side 210 and the second side 213. The distance between the upper channel member 205 and the lower channel member 207 correlates to the height of the platform.

In one embodiment, the rotational motion of the threaded drive member 215 is provided with a cordless drill and is transferred through gearbox 203 (e.g., a right angle gearbox) with a speed reducer and into a driven member 217 (e.g., an ACME screw). The threaded drive member 215 in this embodiment has left-handed threads on one portion (e.g., one half) and right-handed threads on another portion (e.g., the other half). The driven member 217 in this embodiment, includes a left hand nut that travels along the left hand threads and a right hand nut that travels along the right hand threads. Each nut is coupled to the scissor lift assembly 107 and permits actuation of scissor arrangement of the upper channel member 205 and the lower channel member 207.

While the platform 102 can comprise any material or shape, in certain embodiments the platform is a staging platform comprised of plywood and encased circumferentially in an extruded aluminum frame. The platform 102 can be attached to the adjustable height frame 104 is a variety of ways including fasteners such as by metal screws through mounting holes in the upper channels (e.g., seven holes per channel depending on the size of the platform 102 and adjustable height frame 104). Once the platform 102 is set at the desired height, the adapter element 106 may be removed and the aperture 103 can be filled with a cap and/or plug.

FIG. 3 shows a top view of an adjustable height platform system 100 having the arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3. As visible in FIG. 4, threaded drive member 215 is mounted within frame 104 and extends from gearbox 203 to rotatable mount 401. Two driven members 217 are mounted on the threaded member 215 and move in opposite directions in response to rotation of threaded drive member 215. FIG. 5 shows enlarged area 400 from FIG. 4 showing additional details of gearbox 203. Gearbox 203 includes an output shaft that is parallel to the threaded member 215. Gearbox 203 and threaded member 215 accept clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. The output speed from a gear reducer in gearbox 203 may be installed with different gear ratios and the speed at which the threaded members spins and moves the platform 102 up and down may vary. FIG. 6 shows enlarged area 402 from FIG. 4 showing additional details of the driven member 217 mounted on the threaded drive member 215. As shown in FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the driven member 217 is retained in a bolted arrangement to prevent rotation of the driven member 217. Likewise, the driven member 217 is coupled to a drive support 221 which moves with the driven member 217 and drives the motion of the moveable support point 219 of lower pivot support member 118.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3. As visible in FIG. 7, upper pivot support members 118 and lower pivot support members 116 are connected via a center bolt or pin and permitted to pivot with respect to each other. FIG. 8 shows enlarged area 700 from FIG. 7 showing additional details of the movable end of the upper pivot support member 116. The moveable end of the upper pivot support member 116 is permitted to move such as by sliding or rolling via a wheel or similar structure along the surface of the lower channel 211 of lower channel member 207. FIG. 9 shows enlarged area 702 from FIG. 7 showing additional details of the fixed end of the lower pivot support member 118. The fixed end of the lower pivot support member 118 is retained by a fastener 900, such as a bolt, pin or similar fastener, that permits pivoting about the axis of fastener 900. FIG. 10 shows enlarged area 704 from FIG. 7 showing additional details of the movable end of the lower pivot support member 118. The movable end of the lower pivot support member 118 includes moveable support point 219, which is permitted to move such as by sliding or rolling via a wheel or similar structure along the surface of the upper channel 209 the upper channel member 205.

FIG. 11 is a top-down view of the frame 104 of the adjustable height platform system 100. FIG. 12 shows enlarged area 1101 from FIG. 11 showing additional details of the rotatable mount 401 at one end of the threaded drive member 215. Rotatable mount 401 includes a housing 1201 and a ball-bearing or similar rotatable arrangement that permits and facilitates rotation of the threaded drive member 215. In addition, the rotatable mount 401 includes a spring member 1203 that provides a force against the driven member 217 when the driven member 217 is close to or at the maximum travel corresponding to the maximum height. The spring member 1203 is configured to provide sufficient resistance to indicate to an operator of the portable drive member that the adjustable height platform system 100 is nearing its maximum height. The spring member 1203 and arrangement of the rotatable mount 401 provides the operator a feel of when the maximum height is about to be reached to avoid a sudden stop at the maximum height.

FIG. 13 is a side view of the adjustable platform system according to an embodiment in a retracted position. As shown in FIG. 13, a portable drive device 1301, such as a cordless drill is connected to the adjustable height platform system 100 via adapter element 201. Activating the portable drive device 1301 provides rotation of the threaded drive member 215 and adjusts the height of the platform 102. FIG. 14 is a side view of the adjustable platform system according to an embodiment in an extended position. In one embodiment, in the lowest position, drive supports 221 meet in the middle of the frame 104 and stop motion of the portable drive device 1301.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of adjustable height stage system 1500 according to an embodiment. The adjustable height stage system 1500 includes a plurality of adjustable height platform systems 100, such as the adjustable height platform systems 100 shown and described in FIG. 1, connected together. The connected adjustable height platform systems 100 form a continuous support surface 1501. The adjustable height platform systems 100 may be connected using any suitable fastening system, such as a fastener, clip, coffin lock or other known fastening system. While FIG. 15 shows two adjustable height platform systems 100 connected together, any number of adjustable height platform systems 100 may be connected together. Likewise, the adjustable height platform systems 100 may be connected on the sides or the ends to form the continuous support surface 1501. In one embodiment, the adjustable height stage system 1500 may be formed by individually raising the platforms to a desired height and thereafter connecting the adjustable height platform systems 100 together.

The adjustable height frame can be used in connection with one or more additional adjustable height frames to form a system of adjustable staging platforms. In addition, various accessories can be attached to the platforms and/or frames. Such accessories can include guardrails, closure panels, skirting, wheeled transports, etc. The modular components can create any variety of sizes and shapes of staging/performance surfaces.

While the invention has been described with reference to one or more embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, all numerical values identified in the detailed description shall be interpreted as though the precise and approximate values are both expressly identified.

Claims

1. An adjustable height platform system comprising:

a frame comprising an upper channel member and a lower channel member, the upper channel member comprising a first channel along the length of a first side and a lower channel member comprising a second channel along the length of the first side of the frame;

a scissor lift assembly comprising an upper pivot support member pivotably attached to the upper channel member and a lower pivot support member attached to the lower channel member, the upper pivot support member and the lower pivot support member being rotatably connected to one another in a scissor arrangement;

a gearbox coupled to the frame and being operably connected to an adapter element, the adapter element being configured to be driven by a portable drive device, the gearbox also being operably connected to a threaded drive member rotatably coupled to the frame; and

a driven member mounted on the threaded drive member and configured to translate along a linear direction in response to rotation of the threaded drive member, the driven member being attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member;

wherein the translation of the driven member along the linear direction moves the moveable support point along a surface of the upper channel member altering the angle between the lower pivot support member and the upper pivot support member and altering the distance between the upper channel member and the lower channel member.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the portable drive device is a cordless drill.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the linear direction is parallel to the first side.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the threaded drive device includes a first portion comprising right-handed threads on a second portion comprising left-handed threads, wherein the first portion is threadably engaged with a first driven member and the second portion is threadably engaged with a second driven member.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the moveable support point includes a wheel.

6. The system of claim 1, comprising a platform coupled to the frame, wherein the platform is supported by the frame and forms a support surface.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising an aperture arranged and disposed to permit access to the adapter element through the platform.

8. The system of claim 6, further comprising an accessory structure coupled to the platform.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the accessory structure is a wheeled transport.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the scissor lift assembly comprising at least one cross piece oriented substantially parallel to the support surface and having a groove configured to receive the screw when the apparatus is in a collapsed position.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein the first and second support structures each include a cross member having an area configured to stabilize the apparatus.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the frame is comprised of aluminum.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the threaded drive member is an ACME screw.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the gearbox is a right angle gearbox.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the threaded drive member is rotatably mounted to the frame via the gearbox at one end and a rotatable mount at an opposite end.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the rotatable mount includes a ball bearing arrangement.

17. An adjustable height platform system comprising:

a frame comprising a first upper channel member, a second upper channel member, a first lower channel member and a second lower channel member, the first upper channel member comprising a first upper channel along the length of a first side of the frame and a first lower channel member comprising a first lower channel along the length of the first side, the second upper channel member comprising a second upper channel along the length of a second side of the frame and a second lower channel member comprising a second lower channel along the length of the second side;

a scissor lift assembly comprising four sets of support members, each set of support members comprising an upper pivot support member pivotably attached to either the first upper channel member or second upper support member and the lower pivot support member being attached to either the first lower channel member or the second lower channel member, the upper pivot support member and the lower pivot support member of each set being rotatably connected to one another in a scissor arrangement;

a gearbox coupled to the frame and being operably connected to an adapter element, the adapter element being configured to be driven by a portable drive device, the gearbox also being operably connected to a threaded drive member rotatably coupled to the frame; and

a first driven member and a second driven member, each of the first driven member and the second driven member being mounted on the threaded drive member and each being configured to translate along a linear direction in response to rotation of the threaded drive member, the first driven member being attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member of at least one set of support members, the second driven member being attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member of a different at least one set of support members;

wherein the translation of the driven member along the linear direction moves the moveable support point along a surface of the upper channel member altering the angle between the lower pivot support member and the upper pivot support member and altering the distance between the upper channel member and the lower channel member.

18. An adjustable height stage system comprising:

a plurality of adjustable height platform systems, each adjustable height platform system comprising: a frame comprising an upper channel member and a lower channel member, the upper channel member comprising a first channel along the length of a first side and a lower channel member comprising a second channel along the length of the first side; a scissor lift assembly comprising an upper pivot support member pivotably attached to the upper channel member and the lower pivot support member attached to the lower channel member, the upper pivot support member and the lower pivot support member being rotatably connected to one another in a scissor arrangement; a gearbox coupled to the frame and being operably connected to an adapter element, the adapter element being configured to be driven by a portable drive device, the gearbox also being operably connected to a threaded drive member rotatably coupled to the frame; and a driven member mounted on the threaded drive member and configured to translate along a linear direction in response to rotation of the threaded drive member, the driven member being attached to a moveable support point of the lower pivot support member; wherein the translation of the driven member along the linear direction moves the moveable support point along a surface of the upper channel member altering the angle between the lower pivot support member and the upper pivot support member and altering the distance between the upper channel member and the lower channel member;

wherein at least two of the adjustable height platform systems are connected to form a continuous support surface.