Abstract:
A portable work platform comprises a pair of length adjustable platforms, a lock assembly, and a plurality of storage compartments. The platforms comprise a flat surface constructed of a lightweight, durable material. The lock assembly comprises a lock mechanism to secure the platforms in a desired length. The lock mechanism allows a user to selectively extend the length of the platforms and securely lock them in place. The plurality of storage compartments comprises a plurality of recessed openings which are capable of housing small tools.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     Not Applicable. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to attics, and in particular, to a portable adjustable platform for traversing confined, floorless spaces such as attics. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Attic areas and similar building features are commonly utilized as a means of out of the way storage for infrequently used personal possessions. Such areas are rarely traversed and are generally not suitable as common living space. These features make them perfect for storage of bulky and infrequently utilized items. 
     While such areas provide a large amount of storage space, the same facets that make them unsuitable as living space also make it difficult to traverse and work in such spaces. Often, attic spaces and the like are constructed of various wooden joists and similarly narrow standing space. Moving about becomes precarious and uncomfortable. These factors are particularly aggravated during extended periods of work and movement in the confined space, such as during construction of these areas or other work projects undertaken in these areas. 
     One (1) common method of traversing these spaces includes laying a flat, long structure such as a plank of wood across the joints. While this provides a slightly wider strip of flat surface for standing and traversing the area, such structures are generally dangerous to adjust, unstable, of less-than-desirable dimensions, and only suitable for particular lengths, angles, and locations of use. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which to traverse floorless, confined areas such as attics without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to traverse floorless, confined areas such as attics in a safe, stable manner which is applicable to locations of varying size, spacing, shape, width, and orientation. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for a user to safely kneel, sit, or lie down during work in confined spaces such as an attic or crawl space. The apparatus comprises a portable work platform further comprising an inner platform and an outer platform. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a means to view the apparatus and surrounding area in low light conditions by comprising a phosphorescent additive integral to the inner and outer platforms. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a selectable length adjusting means to the apparatus. The inner platform comprises a solid body which is slidingly received by a hollow portion of the outer platform. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a means to secure the apparatus at a desired length with a lock assembly which allows the user to selectively fix the inner platform in place with respect to the outer platform. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a storage means for various objects. The apparatus comprises a plurality of recessed rectangular trays and a plurality of circular recesses suitable for receiving small objects such as tools, cups, and bolts. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to facilitate transport of the apparatus by comprising a pair of handles located on opposing side surfaces of the inner platform. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a means to stabilize the apparatus in a horizontal orientation while upon a ceiling joist. The apparatus further comprises a support assembly located on a bottom surface of the inner platform and a support assembly located on a bottom surface of the outer platform. Each support assembly comprises a stability bracket which is deployable downward from the apparatus in order to position against a ceiling joist and prohibit the apparatus from moving horizontal during use. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring an instance of the apparatus, transporting the apparatus to a desired work area, placing the apparatus across a plurality of ceiling joists or similar structures, selectively adjusting the length of the apparatus, utilizing the support assemblies to secure the apparatus in its position, storing a desired plurality of objects within the recessed rectangular trays and circular recesses, selectively releasing, moving, and adjusting the apparatus to a different location, position or orientation, and transporting the apparatus with the handles. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a portable work platform  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the portable work platform  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the portable work platform  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a section view of the portable work platform taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 2 )  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom view of the portable work platform  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a bottom perspective view of the portable work platform  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a close-up view of a support assembly  50  located on an outer platform  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded close-up view of the support assembly  50  located on the outer platform  30 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 10 
                 portable work platform 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 user 
               
               
                   
                 16 
                 ceiling joist 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 inner platform 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 handle 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 outer platform 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 outer platform interior portion 
               
               
                   
                 35 
                 first compartment 
               
               
                   
                 36 
                 second compartment 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 lock assembly 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 spring-loaded button 
               
               
                   
                 42 
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                 43 
                 spring 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 support assembly 
               
               
                   
                 51 
                 stability bracket 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 protrusion 
               
               
                   
                 53 
                 detent 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 recess 
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 securing feature 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 finger relief 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 8 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a portable work platform (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a means for a durable low-profile rectangular work stand for a user  15  to kneel, sit, or lie down on during work in confined spaces such as an attic or crawl space. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  is preferably positioned superjacent to a plurality of ceiling joist  16  to enable the user  15  to work safely and comfortably. The apparatus  10  comprises an inner platform  20  and an outer platform  30  which provide an area for the user to work upon. The apparatus  10  is adjustable via a lock assembly  40  which enables said apparatus  10  to be adjusted from twenty-four (24) inches to thirty-six (36) inches in length. The apparatus  10  is stabilized horizontally via a pair of stability brackets  50 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 3 , an exploded perspective view of the apparatus  10 , and  FIG. 4 , a section view of the apparatus  10  taken along line A-A (see  FIG. 2 ), according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a rectangular inner platform  20  and a rectangular outer platform  30  which are preferably fabricated from a heavy duty plastic material comprising enhanced features such as a phosphorescent additive introduced into the plastic material which provides a means to view said apparatus  10  in low lighting situations or areas. The inner platform  20  is preferably a solid body which provides stability to the apparatus  10  and the outer platform  30  is hollow so as to receive said inner platform  20  which provide additional structural stability to said apparatus  10 . The platforms  20 ,  30  also provide a selectable length adjusting means to said apparatus  10 . The inner platform  20  slidably engages an outer platform interior portion  32  and is locked into a desired position via a lock assembly  40  (see herein below). The outer platform  30  measures approximately ten (10) inches in width and three (3) inches in height and the inner platform  20  is slightly smaller than said outer platform  20  to enable positioning within. 
     Each platform  20 ,  30  comprise a plurality of first compartments  35  and a second compartment  36  which provide a storage means to the apparatus  10 . The first compartments  35  are located parallel to a perimeter edge of each platform  20 ,  30  in a linear pattern and comprise a recessed rectangular tray for placement of tools, nut and bolts, or other similar materials. The second compartment  36  is located parallel to the first compartments  35  and comprises a circular recess which provides a means to position cups or the like within. The compartments  35 ,  36  are preferably integrally molded into each platform  20 ,  30 . 
     The inner platform  20  comprises a pair of handles  21  which enable the user  15  to transport the apparatus  10  to a desired location. The handles  21  are located on opposing side surfaces of the inner platform  20 , yet other locations may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The handles  21  comprise an arcuate body which enables the user  15  to grasp said handles  21 . Each handle  21  is preferably integrally molded into the inner platform  20  and are fabricated from plastic, yet other materials such as nylon may be utilized without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . 
     The apparatus  10  also comprises a lock assembly  40  which enables the user  15  to selectively adjust the length of the apparatus  10 . The lock assembly  40  comprises a spring-loaded button  41 , a plurality of apertures  42 , and a pair of springs  43 . 
     Each lateral surface of the outer platform  30  comprises a plurality of apertures  42  located in a parallel orientation along a distal end which provide a receiving means to each spring-loaded button  41 . Each spring-loaded button  41  is located along opposing lateral surfaces of inner platform  20 . Each spring-loaded button  41  is attached to a common compression spring  43  which is attached to the inner platform  20 . The spring-loaded buttons  41  are depressed as the inner platform  20  engages the outer platform  30  and is released into a desired aperture  42  which adjusts the apparatus  10  to a desired length. The lock assembly  40  is depicted herein for illustration purposes only; it is known that other means of adjusting and locking the apparatus  10  may be utilized without limiting the scope of said apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a bottom view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 6 , a bottom perspective view of the of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 7 , is a close-up view of a support assembly  50 ,  FIG. 8 , an exploded close-up view of the support assembly  50  located on an outer platform  30 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  further comprises a pair of support assemblies  50  which provides a means to stabilize the apparatus  10  in a horizontal orientation while upon the ceiling joist  16 . The support assembly  50  is located on a bottom surface of each platform  20 ,  30  in an opposing orientation. Each support assembly  50  comprises a stability bracket  51 , a recess  54 , and a finger relief  56 . 
     The stability bracket  51  comprises a “T”-shape and is hingedly deployed from a “T”-shaped recess  54 . Each recess  54  is integrally molded into each platform  20 ,  30 . The stability bracket  51  comprises a pair of protrusions  52  located on opposing lower side surfaces which engage a detent  53  located on lower side surfaces of the recess  54  which enables the stability bracket  51  to pivot upwardly away from the recess  54  in an upright manner. The stability bracket  51  is then positioned against outer side surfaces of the ceiling joist  16 , thereby prohibiting the apparatus  10  from moving horizontally during use. 
     When not in use the stability bracket  51  is secured into the recess  54  via a pair of securing features  55 . The securing features  55  are integrally molded into the platform  20 ,  30  on upper portions of each recess  54  and comprise an arcuate form. The stability bracket  51  is depressed beyond each securing feature  55  and into the recess  54  via friction fitting means. The stability bracket  51  is removed from the recess  54  via a finger relief  56  which is integrally molded into each platform  20 ,  30  and located on an upper intermediate portion of each said recess  54 . The finger reliefs  56  take on an arcuate shape which enables the user  15  to digitally remove the stability bracket  51 . The user  15  inserts a finger within the finger relief  56  and applies an upward force against the stability bracket  51  which disengages said stability bracket  51  from the securing features  55  and recess  54 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; inserting the inner platform  20  into the outer platform interior portion  32  with each support assembly  50  oriented downwardly; depressing each spring-loaded button  41  and releasing said spring-loaded buttons  41  into a desired aperture  42 ; removing the stability brackets  51  from the recesses  54  via applying an upward force against said stability brackets  51  and disengaging from each securing feature  55  via accessing each finger relief  56 ; pivoting the stability bracket  51  to an upright position via enabling each protrusion  52  to rotate within each detent  53 ; positioning the stability brackets  51  against the ceiling joist  16 ; utilizing the compartments  35 ,  36  to store desired items; kneeling, sitting, or lying upon the upper surfaces of the platforms  20 ,  30 , utilizing the apparatus  10  as desired; utilizing the handles  21  to transport the apparatus  10  to a desired location; and, performing work in confined spaces upon a secure base in a manner that is quick, easy, and effective. 
     The method of alternately installing and utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; inserting the inner platform  20  into the outer platform interior portion  32  with each support assembly  50  oriented downwardly; depressing each spring-loaded button  41  and releasing said spring-loaded buttons  41  into a desired aperture  42 ; utilizing the compartments  35 ,  36  to store desired items; kneeling, sitting, or lying upon the upper surfaces of the platforms  20 ,  30 , utilizing the apparatus  10  as desired; utilizing the handles  21  to transport the apparatus  10  to a desired location; and, performing work in confined spaces upon a secure base in a manner that is quick, easy, and effective. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.