Portable Support Platform

Abstract

A portable support platform includes a top component coupled with a bottom component. The top component includes first and second end sections, and a first top surface extending therebetween. A top male section and a female top section extend downwardly from the first top surface. The top male section has a first bottom surface configured to engage a support surface. The bottom component includes first and second end sections, and a second bottom surface extending therebetween and configured to engage the support surface. A bottom male section and a bottom female section extend upwardly from the second bottom surface. The bottom male section includes a second top surface. The top female section is positioned within the bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/307,218 titled “Portable Tent Platform,” filed on Feb. 7, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to camping accessories and more specifically to a portable support platform for supporting a tent.

BACKGROUND

Different portable tent flooring systems are known in the prior art. They have attempted to address ground water accumulating in and under the tent shelter. During inclement weather, ground water tends to leak into the shelter and to accumulate on the shelter floor. Humidity can also build up within the shelter and cause condensation to accumulate on the shelter floor. Users will also benefit from being off the ground for other reasons.

The present invention substantially improves the prior art by avoiding the substantial amount of time which must be devoted at the camp site to assemble the structure. The present invention may very easily be assembled in only a few minutes. The present invention further avoids the relatively bulky and heavy components of the prior art. Additionally, the present invention substantially improves the ease of assembly while providing a firm surface without the use of narrower and less stable “legs” of a platform. The present invention further substantially improves the firmness of the flooring by avoiding the sheet system in the prior art. The present invention further substantially improves the mobility compared with the permanently installed tent platforms at campsites as another type of the prior art.

Portable support platforms in the prior art also include multiple components including hardware, resulting in a more complex manufacturing and assembly process. Therefore, a need exists for a simpler solution to a portable support platform with less components that is easier to manufacture and is more affordable for the consumer.

Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to provide an improved tent platform that is light-weight, portable, firm, very easy to manufacture and assemble, and having proper drainage. An object of the present invention is therefore to provide such an improved portable support platform or tent platform.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The portable tent platform of the present invention is an improvement of existing tent platforms. The tent platform of the present invention is light-weight, portable, very easy to assemble and has proper drainage to prevent moisture build-up on the tent floor and to ensure that the ground support surface remains stable.

In one aspect, the portable support platform of the present invention provides a support platform comprising: (a) an elongate top component comprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, each top component end section having opposing first top and first bottom portions, each of the first top portions having an outer end and an inner end, each of the first top portions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater height than said inner end, each of the first bottom portions configured to engage a support surface, a first top surface extending between the top component first and second end sections, at least one top male section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections, the at least one top male section having a first bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, the first bottom surface having at least one first aperture extending therethrough, and at least one top female section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections; (b) an elongate bottom component comprising: opposing bottom component first and second end sections, each bottom component end section having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second top portions having an outer end and an inner end, each of the second top portions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater height than said inner end, each of the second bottom portions configured to contact the support surface, a second bottom surface extending between the bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, the second bottom surface having at least one second aperture extending therethrough, at least one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections, the at least one bottom male section having a second top surface, and at least one bottom female section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections; and (c) a substantially flat floor component; wherein the at least one top female section is positioned within the at least one bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar; and wherein the floor component is positioned between the at least one top and bottom component first and second end sections.

In another aspect, the portable support platform of the present invention provides a support platform comprising: (a) a top component comprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, each top component end section having opposing first top and first bottom portions, a first top surface extending between the top component first and second end sections, at least one top male section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections, the at least one top male section having a first bottom surface configured to engage a support surface, the first bottom surface having at least one first aperture extending therethrough, and at least one top female section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections; (b) a bottom component comprising: opposing bottom component first and second end sections, each bottom component end section having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second bottom portions configured to engage the support surface, a second bottom surface extending between the bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, the second bottom surface having at least one second aperture extending therethrough, at least one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections, the at least one bottom male section having a second top surface, and at least one bottom female section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface between the bottom component first and second end sections; wherein the at least one top female section is positioned within the at least one bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.

In yet another aspect, the portable support platform of the present invention provides a support platform comprising: (a) a top component comprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, each top component end section having opposing first top and first bottom portions, a first top surface extending between the top component first and second end sections, at least one top male section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections, the at least one top male section having a first bottom surface configured to engage a support surface, and at least one top female section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections; (b) a bottom component comprising: opposing bottom component first and second end sections, each bottom component end section having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second bottom portions configured to engage the support surface, a second bottom surface extending between the bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, at least one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections, the at least one bottom male section having a second top surface, and at least one bottom female section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface between the bottom component first and second end sections; wherein the at least one top female section is positioned within the at least one bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tent platform of the present invention with the top and bottom components assembled;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the tent platform of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a bottom component of the tent platform of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a top component of the tent platform of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a hinge component of the tent platform of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is top view of an embodiment of a floor component of the tent platform of the present invention.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical reference numerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same or similar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless stated otherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale and are shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one or more items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” or similar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description of the present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower, front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe the accompanying figures. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.

Referring to the figures, the portable support platform or tent platform 1 of the present invention generally includes a plurality of top components 10, a plurality of bottom components 30 and a floor component 50. It is preferred that the floor component 50 be 4″ to 12″ above the ground level when assembled. In the embodiment shown, there are three top components 10 and three bottom components 30. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the top and bottom components 10, 30, could be constructed to include other combinations and numbers so long as they are sufficient to provide a stable support frame for varying tent structures and load requirements. For example, top and bottom components 10, 30, could be constructed in an “X” or “+” configuration as a base using just one top component 10 and one bottom component 30.

Referring to FIG. 2, the bottom component 30 includes opposing upwardly extending end sections 32a, 32b. Distal ends of each end section 32a, 32b are tapered inwardly, i.e., a free end 31 being elevated in height with respect to an inner end 33. The purpose of the tapered distal ends is to secure the floor component 50 to the top and bottom components 10, 30 and prevent the floor component 50 from displacement when installed, as will be described in more detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the bottom component 30 includes a pair of upwardly extending spaced apart male sections 34a, 34b, and three female sections 36a, 36b, 36c. Each female section 36a, 36b, 36c is positioned between the first end section 32a and first male section 34a, between the first male section 34a and second male section 34b, and between the second male section 34b and second end section 32b, respectively. As such, a plurality of opposing inner walls 71 are formed within each female section 36a, 36b, 36c. Each male section 34a, 34b extends upwardly to a height substantially the same as the height of a lowermost end 33 of the tapered portion of the end sections 32a, 32b. In this embodiment, each male section 34a, 34b can vary in length, width and depth to accommodate the tent structure.

Referring again to FIG. 2, the bottom component 30 also includes a flat bottom surface 38 extending uniformly between the end section 32a, 32b. As such, a plurality of opposing outer walls 73 are formed between the bottom surface 38 and each female section 36a, 36b, 36c. A plurality of apertures 40 extend laterally through the bottom component 30 along the bottom surface 38 to form channels for water to travel through when engaged with a support surface 41 such as a ground surface. Unlike in FIG. 1A, the support surface 41 is shown under the apertures 40 in FIG. 2 for the purpose of illustrating the position of the apertures 40 relative to the support surface 41 when the bottom component 30 is engaged with the support surface 41. In this embodiment, the bottom component 30 can vary in width to accommodate the tent structure while providing sufficient support without toppling when engaged with a ground surface. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the width of the bottom component 30 will vary, and the number of components 10 used could vary, so long as sufficient support is provided.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the bottom component 30 could be constructed either as a solid piece or two pieces coupled with a hinge 42, providing a more compact configuration when the bottom component 30 is folded, transported and stored. In this embodiment, the hinge 42 is a standard hinge such as a door hinge known in the art. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other hinges could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the top component 10 includes opposing end sections 12a, 12b, each extending vertically and having a top portion 14a, 14b and a bottom portion 16a, 16b. Similar to the bottom section end sections 32a, 32b, the top portions 14a, 14b are tapered inwardly, i.e., a free end 15 being elevated in height with respect to an inner end 17, to secure the floor component 50 to the top and bottom components 10, 30 and from preventing the floor component 50 from displacement when assembled, as will be described in more detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the top component 10 includes a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart male sections 18a, 18b, and three female sections 20a, 20b, 20c each positioned between the first end section 12a and first male section 18a, between the first male section 18a and second male section 18b, and between the second male section 18b and second end section 12b, respectively. As such, a plurality of opposing inner walls 81 are formed within each female section 20a, 20b, 20c extending between opposing side walls 83 located directly above each female section 20a, 20b, 20c.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the top component 10 includes a flat bottom surface 22 extending uniformly between the end sections 12a, 12b. That is, lowermost ends of each end section 12a, 12b and lowermost ends of each male section 18a, 18b are positioned on a common plane. The top component 10 also includes a top surface 24 extending uniformly between the lowermost area of the tapered top portions 14a, 14b.

As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of apertures 26 extend laterally through the top component 10 along the bottom surface 38 of the male sections 18a, 18b to form channels for water to travel through when engaged with a support surface 41 such as a ground surface. Unlike in FIG. 1A, the support surface 41 is shown under the apertures 26 in FIG. 3 for the purpose of illustrating the position of the apertures 26 relative to the support surface 41 when the top component 10 is engaged with the support surface 41. In this embodiment, the top component 10 can vary in width to accommodate the tent structure to provide sufficient support without toppling when engaged with a ground surface. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the width of the top component 10 could vary, and the number of components 10 used could vary, so long as sufficient support is provided. In this embodiment, each female section 20a, 20b, 20c will vary in length, width, depth and number to accommodate the tent structure, and are configured to engage the female sections 36a, 36b, 36c of the bottom component 30 by friction-fit.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the top component 10 could be constructed either as a solid piece or with two pieces coupled with a hinge 42, providing a more compact configuration when the top component 10 is folded, transported and stored. In this embodiment, the hinge 42 is a standard hinge such as a door hinge known in the art. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other hinges could be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this embodiment, the top and bottom components 10, 30 are constructed of environmentally friendly recycled blow-molded plastic. Moreover, to accomplish a light-weight construction, the top and bottom components 10, 30 are substantially hollow inside. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the density of the pieces could be manufactured to conform to the load requirements of a larger tent down to ultra-light-weight for backpacking. Furthermore, other materials such as injection molded plastic, wood and metal manufactured through other methods could be used as well.

Referring to FIG. 5, the portable tent platform 1 includes a floor component 50. The floor component is shaped and sized to fit within the end sections 14a, 14b, 32a, 32b of the top and bottom components 10, 30 when assembled. In this embodiment, the floor component 50 is integrally formed with 3 separate sections 52a, 52b, 52c. The sections may either each be a solid piece or two pieces coupled with a hinge 42, providing a more compact configuration when the floor component 50 is folded, transported and stored. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the number of sections could vary to accommodate the tent structure. Each section 52a, 52b, 52c could also be separate, and coupled together by friction fit, providing a more compact configuration when the floor component 50 is disassembled, transported and stored.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the floor component 50 includes a plurality of vertical apertures 56 extending therethrough. Additionally, the outer perimeter of the floor component 50 includes a narrow channel 56a with a plurality of apertures 56. The purpose of the apertures 56 is to provide a means for water to travel through to prevent accumulation of water or other precipitation thereon. As referenced below, the narrow channel 56a will discharge most of the water to the ground. In this embodiment, the floor component 50 is constructed of environmentally friendly recycled blow-molded plastic. Furthermore, other materials such as injection molded plastic, wood and metal manufactured through other methods could be used as well. The floor component 50 could also include internal padding on the interior side of the narrow channels 56a and, or a water-resistant material such as vinyl. However, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that other water-resistant materials could be used.

In this embodiment, the floor component 50 is square in shape, but the shape and size are not limited. For example, the floor component 50 could be circular or rectangular.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in operation, the portable tent platform 1 is quickly and easily assembled in a few minutes. If top and bottom component 10, 30 are hinged 42, they are unfolded. Bottom components 30 are spaced apart and aligned, with the bottom surface 38 engaging the ground surface. Female sections 20a, 20b, 20c of the top component 10 are positioned and secured on respective female sections 36a, 36b, 36c of the bottom components 30 by friction fit. That is, the respective female sections are configured to snugly fit together. More specifically, the top component inner walls 81 engage the bottom component outer walls 73 and/or the top component side walls 83 engage the bottom component inner walls 71. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the structure with the top and bottom components 10, 30 in an assembled state. As such, the bottom surface 22 of the top component 10 engages the ground surface. That is, the bottom surfaces 22, 38 of the top and bottom components 10, 30 form a common plane for engaging the ground surface to provide stability to the structure. As such, when fully assembled, apertures 26, 40 exist in the top and bottom components 10, 30, allowing proper horizontal drainage. It is noted that in some instances the bottom surfaces 22, 38 may not be perfectly co-planar due to, for example, the assembled portable tent platform 1 being set up on an uneven support surface. However, even so, the bottom surfaces 22, 38 would be substantially co-planar. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the apertures 26, 40 could vary in size without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As well, the tapered portions 14a, 14b, 32a, 32b of the top and bottom components 10, 30 are aligned on a common elevated horizontal plane, while the top surfaces 24, 35 of the top and bottom components 10, 30 form a common horizontal plane. It is noted that in some instances the top surfaces 24, 35 may not be perfectly co-planar due to, for example, the assembled portable tent platform 1 being set up on an uneven support surface. However, even so, the top surfaces 24, 35 would be substantially co-planar. In the assembled state, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, spaces 60 exist between the assembled top and bottom components 10, 30. The floor component 50 (consisting of sections 52a, 52b, 52c) are positioned on the top surface 24 of the top component 10, within the end sections 14a, 14b, 32a, 32b of the top and bottom components 10, 30, as illustrated in FIG. 5. That is, the floor component 50 is secured within a boundary formed by the end sections 14a, 14b, 32a, 32b and taper or incline of the end sections 14a, 14b, 32a, 32b prevents the floor component 50 from sliding off of the top surface 24, 35.

A tent or shelter is then positioned on top of the floor component 50. The width of the floor component 50 can allow the tent structure to fit thereon without overlapping the outer perimeter narrow channels 56a. Based on the design of existing tent structures, water is directed toward the outside perimeter of the tent structure. The present invention includes the narrow channel 56a at the outside perimeter of the floor component 50, which will closely align with the outside perimeter of the tent structure. Therefore, the apertures 56 within the narrow channel 56a will discharge most of the water landing on the tent structure to the ground.

In this embodiment, the spaces 60 serve multiple purposes. First, material cost is reduced. Second, the spaces 60 allow any water which avoids the narrow channel 56a and seeps under the tent structure to discharge through the apertures 56 and the space 60 to the ground, thereby providing proper drainage. Third, the spaces 60 provide a means for airflow to aid in keeping the floor component 50 dry.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, as described above, the engageable female sections 20a, 20b, 20c, 36a, 36b, 36c are similarly sized and shaped with varying length, width and depth to accommodate the tent structure.

However, the engageable female sections 20a, 20b, 20c, 36a, 36b, 36c could take on other sizes and shapes so long as a friction-fit engagement can be accomplished while providing sufficient support on the ground surface. For example, the engageable female sections 20a, 20b, 20c, 36a, 36b, 36c could be constructed with greater length and/or width and/or number to provide greater surface support area for the floor component 50.

The use or application of the support platform of the present invention is not limited to use for tents. For example, the support platform of the present invention could be used to as a stage. In another example, the support platform of the present invention could be used to store goods to protect the goods from water damage due to floods. In yet another example, the support platform of the present invention could be used as a base for a bed frame.

While the foregoing description and figures are directed toward the preferred design of the present invention, it should be appreciated that numerous modifications can be made to each of the components discussed above. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims, are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A support platform comprising:

(a) an elongate top component comprising:

opposing top component first and second end sections, each top component end section having opposing first top and first bottom portions, each of the first top portions having an outer end and an inner end, each of the first top portions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater height than said inner end, each of the first bottom portions configured to engage a support surface,

a first top surface extending between the top component first and second end sections,

at least one top male section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections, the at least one top male section having a first bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, the first bottom surface having at least one first aperture extending therethrough, and

at least one top female section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections;

(b) an elongate bottom component comprising:

opposing bottom component first and second end sections, each bottom component end section having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second top portions having an outer end and an inner end, each of the second top portions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater height than said inner end, each of the second bottom portions configured to contact the support surface,

a second bottom surface extending between the bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, the second bottom surface having at least one second aperture extending therethrough,

at least one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections, the at least one bottom male section having a second top surface, and

at least one bottom female section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections; and

(c) a substantially flat floor component;

wherein the at least one top female section is positioned within the at least one bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar; and

wherein the floor component is positioned between the at least one top and bottom component first and second end sections.

2. The support platform of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of top male and female sections and a plurality of bottom male and female sections.

3. The support platform of claim 1, wherein the at least one top and bottom female sections are openings.

4. The support platform of claim 1, wherein the at least one top and bottom components are coupled together by friction-fit.

5. The support platform of claim 1, wherein the at least one top female section is positioned directly adjacent to the at least one top male section, and the at least one bottom female section is positioned directly adjacent to the at least one bottom male section.

6. The support platform of claim 1, wherein the at least one top female section is positioned directly adjacent to one of the top component first and second end sections, and the at least one bottom female section is positioned directly adjacent to one of the bottom component first and second end sections.

7. The support platform of claim 1, wherein at least one of the top and bottom components comprises a hinge member for at least partially collapsing the at least one of the top and bottom components.

8. The support platform of claim 1, wherein the floor component comprises a plurality of third apertures extending therethrough.

9. A support platform comprising:

(a) a top component comprising:

opposing top component first and second end sections, each top component end section having opposing first top and first bottom portions,

a first top surface extending between the top component first and second end sections,

at least one top male section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections, the at least one top male section having a first bottom surface configured to engage a support surface, the first bottom surface having at least one first aperture extending therethrough, and

at least one top female section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections;

(b) a bottom component comprising:

opposing bottom component first and second end sections, each bottom component end section having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second bottom portions configured to engage the support surface,

a second bottom surface extending between the bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, the second bottom surface having at least one second aperture extending therethrough,

at least one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections, the at least one bottom male section having a second top surface, and

at least one bottom female section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface between the bottom component first and second end sections;

wherein the at least one top female section is positioned within the at least one bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.

10. The support platform of claim 9, wherein each of the first top portions comprises an outer end and an inner end, each of the first top portions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater height than said inner end.

11. The support platform of claim 10, wherein each of the second top portions comprises an outer end and an inner end, each of the second top portions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater height than said inner end.

12. The support platform of claim 9, further comprising a floor component.

13. The support platform of claim 12, wherein the floor component is positioned between the top and bottom component first and second end sections.

14. The support platform of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of top male and female sections and a plurality of bottom male and female sections.

15. A support platform comprising:

(a) a top component comprising:

opposing top component first and second end sections, each top component end section having opposing first top and first bottom portions,

a first top surface extending between the top component first and second end sections,

at least one top male section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections, the at least one top male section having a first bottom surface configured to engage a support surface, and

at least one top female section extending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the first and second end sections;

(b) a bottom component comprising:

opposing bottom component first and second end sections, each bottom component end section having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second bottom portions configured to engage the support surface,

a second bottom surface extending between the bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage the support surface,

at least one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component first and second end sections, the at least one bottom male section having a second top surface, and

at least one bottom female section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface between the bottom component first and second end sections;

wherein the at least one top female section is positioned within the at least one bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.

16. The support platform of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first and second bottom surfaces comprises at least one aperture extending therethrough.

17. The support platform of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first and second top portions comprises an outer end and an inner end, the outer end having a greater height than that the inner end.

18. The support platform of claim 15, further comprising a floor component positioned between the top and bottom component first and second end sections.

19. The support platform of claim 18, wherein the floor component comprises at least one aperture extending therethrough.

20. The support platform of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of top male and female sections and a plurality of bottom male and female sections.