Abstract:
The invention is a support platform for providing a stable and secure work surface when the existing surface is irregular, such as open ground, or when the existing surface is inconvenient, such as a staircase. The support platform is configured to be transported by a single person, deployed for use, and taken down and stowed as needed. The support platform can be used for directly supporting a person, or can be used for supporting a tool, such as a ladder in a manner that provides secure and slip-resistant support. In some cases, the platform is larger and/or heavier and is transportable by multiple persons or with assistance selected from the group consisting of mechanical assistance, power assistance, and automation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/452,565, filed Mar. 14, 2011, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to support platforms in general and particularly to a support platform that is portable by one person and that conforms to various surfaces that are not level. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Platforms that support ladders or ladders having adjustable legs are known in the art. For example, known in the prior art is Scala, U.S. Pat. No. 4,457,397, which is said to disclose improvements in a platform for stairs, and the principal object of the invention is to provide a device which may be effectively employed as a scaffold structure for stairs, or a step-up platform to reach portions of the ceiling and the walls of a room. 
         [0004]    Also known in the prior art is Armstrong, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0230455, which is said to disclose an integrated, non-articulated ladder leveler for leveling ladders and stackable ladders and a ladder or stackable ladder with at least one leveling device installed. The leveler includes a rectangular shaft that fits into the ladder rail, a ladder foot designed to match the other foot of the ladder, and a pin to hold the ladder leveler in place while in use or while closed. The leveler is designed to allow the user to use the ladder or stackable ladder on an uneven surface and without compromising the function of stackability. 
         [0005]    Also known in the prior art is Caldwell, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0092551, which is said to disclose a coupling member for securing a ladder base end positionable against an unstable or uneven supporting surface. The coupling member includes a pair of receiving members disposed parallel and spaced apart for positioning the ladder base end thereupon and proximal of the supporting surface. A stabilizing cross-member extends between inner walls of the receiving members and is slidably adjustable in a width dimension to span a variety of ladder base widths. Outboard of each receiving member is disposed a side sleeve having an axially oriented channel therethrough in which a fixation member is slidably inserted to extend a contacting end against the supporting surface. Each fixation member is adjustable in height relative to respective side sleeves, thereby allowing the coupling member to be adjusted in a level orientation proximal the supporting surface with stabilization of the ladder base ends restrained in respective receiving members during load-bearing activity on the ladder. 
         [0006]    Also known in the prior art is Tourtellotte et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0167552, which is said to disclose one or more support stand assemblies are utilized for mounting functional equipment or creating a barrier on variable surfaces or a surface which may be sloped. Each support stand preferably includes a support post configured to be release ably secured to a stabilizer member with the support post including a functional end adapted for attachment to a functional structure. The support stand further includes a base preferably including first and second legs being configurable in a set up operating configuration and alternately a collapsed stowed configuration. After use, the support post is removed from the stabilizer member and the locking faster is loosened to permit the first and second legs to be substantially aligned and stowed adjacent the support post in a compactable bundle for handling and shipping. 
         [0007]    Also known in the prior art is Lanzafame, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0269156, which is said to disclose a quick release ladder accessory attachment system. In one embodiment, a ladder system includes a rail having an end and a body, and a ladder-accessory mount operable to releasably attach a ladder accessory to the body of the rail with only one&#39;s hand. The ladder-accessory mount includes one or more slots disposed in the body of the rail and operable to receive a corresponding protrusion of a ladder accessory. When coupled, the slots and protrusions restrain movement of the ladder accessory relative to the rail. The slots allow one to quickly attach and release a corresponding protrusion of the ladder accessory, and thus allow quick attachment and release of the ladder accessory to the rail. In another embodiment, a ladder system includes a rail having an end and a body, and an attachment base mounted to the body and operable to releasably attach a ladder accessory to the rail with only one&#39;s hand. 
         [0008]    Also known in the prior art is Grinberg, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0295556, which is said to disclose an adjustable telescopic leg system that is adapted to fit on at least one of a plurality of supporting side members that are connected to each other and rest on a ground surface. The adjustable telescopic leg system comprises at least one longitudinally adjustable telescopic leg having a sawtooth-like structure facing towards a latch. The sawtooth-like structure may be formed by a plurality of depressions on the adjustable telescopic leg. The latch may be adapted to fit tightly between an upper edge and a lower edge of the depressions. The adjustable telescopic leg system may further comprise a fixation rod connecting the latch with a release handle for longitudinally adjusting the position of the adjustable leg. The release handle may have two positions: a locked position whereby the latch may be pressed against the depression when the release handle is in a straight position; and an unlocked position whereby the latch may be retracted from the depression when the release handle is in a tilted position. 
         [0009]    Also known in the prior art is Klocker, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0035424, which is said to disclose a portable stair platform that includes a planar member (i.e. a platform) having opposed sides and opposed ends. A first set of legs extends from a first end of the planar member and is movable between a first configuration generally perpendicular to the planar member (use configuration) and a second position generally parallel thereto (collapsed configuration). A second set of legs extends from an opposed end of the planar member. At least one set of legs is height adjustable. A wheel may be coupled to the planar member for easy transport of the device. The planar member includes a peripheral lip for holding items thereon. The stair platform may also include an extensible handle for operating the platform as a hand truck. 
         [0010]    Also known in the prior art is Harris, U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,134, which is said to disclose a ladder support and bracing apparatus that includes a panel that has a top side, a bottom side, a first end, a second end, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. Each of a pair of lips is attached to and extends upwardly from the top side and each is coextensive with one of the first and second lateral sides. A vertical support is hingedly coupled to the bottom side and is positioned adjacent to the first end. The panel is substantially horizontally orientated when the vertical support is vertically orientated. The bottom side of the panel adjacent to the second is positioned on a step and the vertical support adjusted to horizontally orientate the panel. A ladder is then positioned on and supported by the panel. 
         [0011]    There is a need for a support that can accommodate different surface conditions to provide a safe resting place for a ladder and that is conveniently portable. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In one aspect, the invention relates to a support platform comprising two structures hingedly connected together that when deployed are the surface upon which is placed an object to be supported, and that when stowed are configured as a case that can contain the remaining components of the support platform, including a plurality of adjustable legs. In some embodiments, the case can contain other accessories of the platform or tools. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment, the support platform is configured to conform to various surfaces that are not level. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment, the legs are extensible. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment, the support platform is transportable by a single person. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, the support platform is configured to be transportable by multiple persons. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the support platform is configured to be transportable with assistance selected from the group consisting of mechanical assistance, power assistance, and automation. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, the object to be supported is a person. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the object to be supported is a ladder. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, the object to be supported is a tool. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the support platform includes a secondary support configured to securely support a ladder. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the support platform is provided with a bubble level. 
         [0023]    The foregoing and other objects, aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following description and from the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The objects and features of the invention can be better understood with reference to the drawings described below. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the support platform of the invention in a partially stowed condition. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the support platform of the invention in a completely stowed condition. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the support platform of the invention in a partially stowed condition. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the support platform of the invention in a partially stowed condition as viewed in the direction of arrow A in  FIG. 3 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view from beneath the support platform of the invention in a deployed condition. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the support platform of the invention in a deployed condition, as on a staircase. 
           [0031]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C are perspective views from above the support platform of the invention in a deployed condition, showing various relative positions of a secondary support suitable for supporting a ladder placed on the support platform. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0032]    The present invention provides a support platform that makes it easier for people to perform work tasks requiring a stable horizontal (or level) surface when the existing surface is uneven or otherwise makes it difficult to have a suitable support surface. In some instances, a person may wish to stand on the support surface provided so as to obtain a horizontal support surface of suitable size. In other situations, it may be necessary or desirable to use a ladder to reach an elevated location relative to the existing surface. The support platform of the present invention is suitable for use in either situation. The support platform of the present invention is easily and quickly set up, is easily transported, and is easily and conveniently stored when not in use. 
         [0033]    The invention can be described in several variants: it is a support platform that is portable by one person in one embodiment; it is a support platform that is portable by multiple persons in other embodiments and with power assist or automation in still other embodiments. The support platform conforms to various surfaces that are not level, and can be used both indoors and outdoors. 
         [0034]    The present invention will be described in connection with the process of painting a structure, such as a wall or a ceiling in a building. However the description applies equally to performing any task other than painting which requires that one have proximate access to different locations that are elevated relative to a surface such as a floor, a stairway, or terrain such as ground or earth adjacent the location where work is intended to be performed. Examples of such other work include but are not limited to mechanical work or electrical work, such as installing or servicing equipment that is positioned in an elevated location. 
         [0035]    Returning to the description in terms of painting, it is often found that there is no convenient and safe manner to set up a ladder so as to reach all of the surfaces that are intended to be painted. This can happen when there are placement restrictions of the ladder because of the support surfaces that are present. The present invention provides a device that enables one to move a ladder so as to position it for convenient access to the surfaces or locations of interest. For example it can be difficult to position a ladder when working up and around a flight of stairs, but still maintain the ladder in a safe position against the side walls as one performs the work. 
         [0036]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , there is shown in perspective view of a support platform  10  of the invention in a partially stowed condition. The support platform  10  includes two structures  100  and  102  that when deployed are used as the surface upon which one stands or upon which one places an object to be supported, such as a ladder and/or equipment or tools. As shown in  FIG. 1 , structures  100  and  102  also provide a convenient location to store the remaining components of the support platform  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , there are provided a plurality of legs  104 ,  106 ,  108 , shown in pairs in  FIG. 1 . The legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  are adjustable in length, so that when deployed, each of the legs can be adjusted in length that so that the support platform provides a substantially horizontal surface even when the existing surface is irregular, such as the side of a hill (with or without outcroppings of rock or the like), or when the existing surface is too small in extent to provide a useful horizontal surface, such as a stairway having treads that are only a few inches wide in one dimension. A curved stairway is a particularly good example of such an inconvenient surface having horizontally disposed treads. In some instances, such as when a ladder or other object being supported is expected to exert a lateral force to the support platform, some of the legs  104 ,  106 ,  108 , or additional auxiliary legs (not shown) may be disposed at an angle close to the angle at which the lateral force is exerted, so as to counteract the exerted lateral force. 
         [0037]    The legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  are shown as being provided in pairs, but it will be understood that any plural number of legs  104 , any plural number of legs  106  and any plural number of legs  108  can be provided, if desired or if needed. As illustrated in the various drawings, it will be seen that when not in use, the legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  are configured to be stored in the interior of the case formed by structures  100  and  102 . The legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  can be connected to support points in or on structures  100  and  102  by hinges, or by insertion of an end of a leg into a support, such as a bracket. The legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  can be fastened using pins, such as cotter pins or other pins that limit the free movement of the legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  relative to the structures  100  and  102  once the legs are deployed. The bracketry for the legs can be welded, riveted, or otherwise held securely in place. In some instances, the bracketry can be removably attached to the structures  100  and  102 . 
         [0038]    The two structures  100  and  102  can be connected with a hinge  112 , either as a single hinge (such as a so-called piano hinge) or as a plurality of hinges having a common axis of rotation. In  FIG. 1  the hinge  112  is shown as three hinges having a common axis of rotation. 
         [0039]    Also shown in  FIG. 1  is a secondary support  110  suitable for supporting a ladder placed on the support platform. The secondary support  110  has one or more depressions defined therein, each depression having a rim. The depressions can be provided to define locations where the feet of a ladder may be placed so that the ladder is restricted in sliding motion when the feet are so located. The secondary support  110  is configured to be resistant to undesired motion, for example by being pinned, bolted or otherwise rigidly but removably attached to a surface of structures  100  and or  102 , or by being provided with a slip-resistant surface. The secondary support  110  is configured to be housed in the case form when structures  100  and  102  are in their closed configuration. Other accessories of the platform or other tools can optionally be housed in the case as room permits. 
         [0040]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the support platform of the invention in a completely stowed condition, showing the relative positions of structures  100  and  102  which provide a case for the remaining components. Structure  114  (two shown) is a handle provided for the convenient transportation of the support platform  10  when in the stowed condition, and which can also be used to tie down the support platform  10  when in the deployed condition. Clasps  116  (two shown) are provided for securely closing the support structure  10  when in the stowed condition.  FIG. 2  also illustrates a plurality of holes on the surface of structure  100  that when deployed is the “top” of the support platform  10 , which holes can serve as tie down points for secondary support  110 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of the support platform  10  of the invention in a partially stowed condition. In  FIG. 3  all of the parts stow and fit securely in place for storage and transport. In  FIG. 3  one sees the legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  and the secondary support  110  positioned in structures  100  and  102 . As can be seen, the distal ends of legs  104 ,  106 ,  108  can be provided with slip resistant surface materials, and can be provided with distal ends that can be extended (for example by using threaded rod as the connection between the slip resistant surface and the body of the leg), and/or that can be tilted to accommodate small irregularities in the existing surface upon which the support platform is to be deployed, for example by providing ball joints at the distal ends of the legs. In some instances, a threaded rod can be provided with a ball joint to allow both fine control of the length of a leg, and the ability to accommodate an uneven surface below the leg. For some uses, for example in outdoor use, the legs may be terminated in spikes to engage loose earth, or with structures similar to those used on ski poles (e.g., a spike and a supporting basket or planar support material) so as to provide support against sinking into loose earth, and to simultaneously provide support against lateral motion in loose earth. 
         [0042]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the support platform of the invention in a partially stowed condition as viewed in the direction of arrow A in  FIG. 3 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , some of the parts of the support platform can extend beyond the plane of the storage recess in either structure  100  or structure  102  but do not exceed the space available when the support platform  10  is closed like a suitcase. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view from beneath the support platform of the invention in a deployed condition. In  FIG. 5  the legs are shown as telescoping with incrementally adjustable positions, defined by holes and set using pins. As described in more detail below, the legs can additional include fine length adjustment mechanisms. In  FIG. 5 , bracing  120  is shown on the under-side of supporting surface. 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation view of the support platform of the invention in a deployed condition, as on a staircase. While the staircase is not part of the invention, it is shown to provide description of how the support platform  10  is deployed when a work surface is desired in a location where a staircase is present. The stability and the rigidity of the support platform  10  can be improved by resting a portion of the support platform  10  on one tread of the staircase. In the case of a curved staircase, the lengths of what would otherwise be pairs of legs may have to be set to different lengths, for example if one leg of the pair rests on a higher tread than the other leg of the pair. In a similar manner, if the support platform  10  is used on an uneven surface such as unimproved ground, it is possible that each leg might need to be extended to a length different than that of any other leg, so that the top surface of the support platform is in a desired orientation (e.g., horizontal) and each of the deployed legs is configured to provide support at its deployed location on the uneven surface of the unimproved ground. 
         [0045]      FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C are perspective views from above the support platform  10  of the invention in a deployed condition, showing various relative positions of a secondary support  110  suitable for supporting a ladder placed on the support platform  10 . As is seen in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C, the secondary support  110  can be disposed at any desired position or orientation relative to the top surface of the support platform  10 . As seen in  FIG. 3 , holes can be provided in secondary support  110 , so that secondary support  110  can be fastened to support platform  10 , for example with pins or with bolts. 
         [0046]    A bubble level may be included, for example on a visible surface or a visible edge of secondary support  110 , to allow leveling and verification of desired platform orientation. As shown in  FIG. 7A ,  FIG. 7B  and  FIG. 7C , the secondary support can be temporarily oriented so the bubble level is operated in at least two mutually perpendicular orientations in succession. 
         [0047]    The materials of construction of the support platform  10  can be any convenient material that provides adequate strength for the intended purpose. By way of illustration and not limitation, the materials of construction can include engineering plastics such as ABS, and carbon fiber or fiberglass reinforced resins and combinations of such materials when it is desired that the support platform by electrically non-conducting, or can be constructed using the previously mentioned kinds of materials and metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and/or aluminum-magnesium alloys when electrical properties are not of concern. In particular, if the structures  100  and  102  are fabricated from non-conducting materials, or are covered with non-conducting materials, the materials of construction of the other parts of the support platform may be of little concern as regards their electrical properties. Compatible materials such as steel for use in pins, hinges and threaded rod can also be used when weight considerations permit such use. 
         [0048]    As will be understood, support platforms  10  according to the invention can be provided with different support capacities. In a preferred embodiment, the support platform is intended to support a total weight of 350 pounds. In other embodiments, where additional capacity is desired or required, the support platform  10  may require two persons for transport because it may be large enough and of an inconvenient weight for one person to transport comfortably but be entirely suitable for a larger industrial application In other embodiments, the platform is provided with power assist or automation for transport, set-up, leveling and control when in use. 
         [0049]    In some instances, it may be advantageous to provide one or more of 
         [0050]    While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to the structure and methods disclosed herein and as illustrated in the drawings, it is not confined to the details set forth and this invention is intended to cover any modifications and changes as may come within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.