Gridlocked unfurlable platform and related methods

Disclosed is a rollable platform that may be unfurled in any orientation over exposed floor or ceiling joists. The platform may be constructed of a specific arrangement of support surface panels and underside joint panels to give the platform both (a) rigidity in a direction that is normal to the support surface via gridlock between the support surface panels and (b) foldability and/or rollability in a direction that is normal to the underside joint panels due to hinged interconnection.

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TOA JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO AN APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL ON THE COMPACT DISC

Not applicable.

Reserved for a later date, if necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of Invention

The disclosed subject matter is in the field of portable platforms that support objects over the space between two support structures, like beams or joists.

Background of the Invention

During construction and maintenance of homes, buildings, or other structures, a worker or other technician may be required to work over and across the spaces between exposed joists or beams. Such exposed beams or joists pose navigational challenges and safety threats to the worker. So, a need exists for platforms or other supports that may be positioned over the space between two beams/joists so that safety threats and navigational challenges can be reduced or eliminated.

Unitary platforms, like the JoistMate® (represented by U.S. Des. Pat. No. D731,080 (issued Jun. 2, 2015) for “Movable platform”) are simple constructs that somewhat meet the above identified need. In use, the unit is positioned to span two adjacent beams and is capable of supporting a worker or tool over the beams. While capable of providing a platform over adjacent beams or joists, unitary platforms have a few drawbacks. For example, the units can be bulky and hard to both (a) transport and (b) maneuver into position, particularly when space is tight a la an attic. So, a need still exists for compact, easily-transportable and easily-maneuverable platforms or other supports that may be positioned over the space between two beams/joists so that safety threats and navigational challenges can be reduced or eliminated.

SUMMARY OF THE PRIOR ART

The prior art known to the applicant is as follows:

JoistMate™ by William Frick Corp. (circa 2010) discloses a “non-metal work surface, namely, temporary movable floor support platforms for use over beams and floor joists in construction and repair of buildings.”

Residential hinge by Guden Custom Hinges (hinges.com) disclose the basic structure of a hinge, including Monroe hinges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an object of this specification is to disclose a rollable platform that may be unfurled in any orientation over exposed floor or ceiling joists. In particular, the platform may be unfurled perpendicular to, oblique to, or parallel to exposed floor or ceiling joists. In a preferred embodiment, the platform is constructed of a specific arrangement of support surface panels and underside joint panels to give the platform both (a) rigidity in a direction that is normal to the support surface via gridlock between the support surface panels and (b) foldability and/or rollability in a direction that is normal to the underside joint panels due to hinged interconnection. Preferably, this duality of rigidity and foldability or rollability enables rolling-up of the platform while at the same time enabling the platform to be unfurled over exposed joists or other spaced supports. In a preferred embodiment, support surface panels and joint panels are held together by a dowel or rod around which the panels pivot in one pivotal direction around the rod but gridlock in the other pivotal direction around the rod.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Disclosed is a rollable platform that may be unfurled in any orientation over exposed floor or ceiling joists. In particular, the platform may be unfurled perpendicular to, oblique to, or parallel to exposed floor or ceiling joists. In a preferred embodiment, the platform is constructed of a specific arrangement of support surface panels and underside joint panels to give the platform both (a) rigidity in a direction that is normal to the support surface via gridlock between the support surface panels and (b) foldability and/or rollability in a direction that is normal to the underside joint panels due to hinged interconnection. Preferably, this duality of rigidity and foldability or rollability enables rolling-up of the platform while at the same time enabling the platform to be unfurled over exposed joists or other spaced supports. In a preferred embodiment, support surface panels and joint panels are held together by a dowel or rod around which the panels pivot in one pivotal direction around the rod but gridlock in the other pivotal direction around the rod. The more specific aspects of the disclosed platform are described in connection with the figures.

FIG. 1is a top perspective view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000.FIG. 2is bottom perspective view of an unfurlable gridlocked platform1000.FIGS. 3 through 8are respectively a bottom view, a top view, a front view, a rear view, left-side view, and, a right-side view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000. As shown, the platform is preferably square or rectangular in form. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the platform are 54.00±0.050 inches in length, 18.50±0.50 inches in width, 0.75±0.050 inches in thickness. The preferred embodiment of the platform1000is suitably dimensioned to span between two exposed floor or ceiling joists. The load bearing surface of the platform1000is preferably defined by a plurality of support surface panels1100. The downside surface of the platform1000is suitably defined by a plurality of underside joint panels1200. In one embodiment, the joint and surface panels are pivotally coupled via a hinge pin1300.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of a support surface panel1100. As shown, the support surface panel1100is defined by an elongated slat or plank and comprises a blank side and an underside with a plurality of surface barrels1110separated by a surface barrel spaces1115. In a preferred embodiment the plank of the support surface panel1110is 18.50±0.50 inches in length, ⅝±⅛ inches in width, and ⅜±⅛ inches in thickness. Suitably, the surface barrels1110define a semicircular arch with a radius of 3/16±⅛ inches, a thickness of ⅜±⅛ inches, a length of ¾±⅛ inches, and a width of ⅜±⅛ inches. Suitably, the surface barrel spaces1115are 3.75±0.50 inches between adjacent barrels1110. In one embodiment, the surface barrels1110feature a surface barrel shaft1111for, as discussed in greater detail below, accepting hinge pin1300(not shown inFIG. 9). As such, the shaft1111should be dimensioned to pivotally accept the hinge pin1300(not shown inFIG. 9). In a preferred embodiment, the support surface panel is constructed of plastic and is three-dimensionally printed. However, the panel could be constructed of any material (like woods, plastics, or metals) and can be constructed by any technique or processes (like injection molding, carving, cutting casting, and the like) known to those of skill in the art.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of an underside joint panel1200. As shown, the underside joint panel1200is defined by an elongated slat or plank and comprises a barrel side1201and a knuckle side1202. The barrel side1201is defined by a plurality of joint barrels1210separated by either joint barrel gaps1212or joint barrel spaces1215. The knuckle side1202is defined by a plurality of joint knuckles1220separated by either joint knuckle gaps1222or joint knuckle spaces1225. In a preferred embodiment the plank of the underside joint panel1210is 17.50±0.50 inches in length, ¼±⅛ inches in width, and ⅜±⅛ inches in thickness. Suitably, the joint barrels1210and knuckles define a semicircular arch with a radius of 3/16±⅛ inches, a thickness of ⅜±⅛ inches, a length of ½±⅛ inches, and a width of ⅜±⅛ inches. Suitably, the joint barrel gaps1212are ½±⅛ inches between adjacent barrels1210and joint barrel spaces1215are 2.0±⅛ inches between adjacent barrels1210. Suitably, the joint knuckle gaps1222are ½±⅛ inches between adjacent knuckles1220and joint knuckle spaces1225are 1.0±⅛ inches between adjacent knuckles1220. In one embodiment, the joint barrels1210and joint knuckles1220feature respectively a joint barrel shaft1211and a joint knuckle shaft1221for, as discussed in greater detail below, accepting hinge pin1300(not shown inFIG. 10). As such, the shafts1211,1221should be dimensioned to pivotally accept the hinge pin1300(not shown inFIG. 10). In a preferred embodiment, the support surface panel1000is constructed of plastic and is three-dimensionally printed. However, the panel could be constructed of any material (like woods, plastics, or metals) and can be constructed by any technique or process (like injection molding, carving, cutting casting, and the like) known to those of skill in the art.

The pattern of knuckles1220and barrels1210of the joint panel is noteworthy. In a preferred embodiment, the panels1200are configured on one side with sets of three barrels1210wherein each barrel1210in a set of three barrels1210is separated by a barrel gap1212and each set of three barrels1210is separated by a joint barrel space1215. In the depicted embodiment, the panels are configured on one side with sets of five knuckles1220, wherein each knuckle1220in each set of five knuckles1220are separated by a knuckle gap1222and each set of five knuckles1220are separated by a knuckle space1225. Other patterns may be used without departing from the spirit and intent of this specification.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of a hinge pin1300. As shown, the hinge pin1300is an elongated cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pin1300is rigid and configured to be strung through the shafts1111,1211,1221of the support surface panel1100and the underside joint panel1200. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pin1300is constructed of plastic and is three-dimensionally printed. However, the pin1300could be constructed of any material (like woods, plastics, or metals) and can be constructed by any technique or process (like injection molding, carving, cutting casting, and the like) known to those of skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pin1300is 3/16 inches in diameter and 19.00 inches long.

FIG. 12is a flow chart for constructing the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000via assembling a plurality of support surface panels1100, underside joint panels1200, and hinge pins1300. The flow chart shows a left to right progression of assembling the platform1000using a support surface panel1100, an underside joint panel1200, and a hinge pin1300. The columns are ordered alphabetically between column A, the first column, and column n, where “n” signifies that the flow for constructing a panel1000can continue for any number of steps after those shown in the figure.

Starting on the left in column A, a support surface panel1100may be positioned so that the barrels1110are projected. Next, an underside joint panel1200may be positioned over the support surface panel1000so that the barrels1000are provided into corresponding joint knuckle spaces1225in a way that aligns the joint knuckle shafts1221with the barrel shafts1111. Third, a hinge pin1300may be provided through the shafts1221,1111to create an assembly of a support surface panel1100, an underside joint panel1200, and a hinge pin1300shown in column B.

Moving to column C, another set of components (including surface panel1100, underside joint panel1200, and hinge pin1300) is setup next to the assembly shown in column B. Specifically, the joint surface panel1200from the assembly of column B is first positioned so that its joint barrels1210are projected. Next, the new joint panel1200is set alongside the joint surface panel of the assembly of column B so that the joint barrels1210of the assembly of column B are interlocked with the joint knuckles1220of the new joint panel1200(e.g., so that each joint barrels1210of the assembly of column B are provided to the joint knuckle gaps1222of the new joint panel1200and the joint knuckles of the new joint panel1200are provided to the joint barrel gaps1212of the assembly of column B). Third, the new support surface panel1100is positioned so that its barrels1110are positioned both (a) in the joint knuckle space1225of the new joint panel1200and (b) in the join barrel space1215of the assembly of column B. Finally, the new hinge pin1300may be provided through the shafts1221,1111of the new joint panel1200and surface panel1100and the shaft1211of the assembly of column B to create an assembly of a support surface panels1100, an underside joint panels1200, and a hinge pins1300shown in column D.

Moving to column E, yet another set of components (including surface panel1100, underside joint panel1200, and hinge pin1300) may be setup next to the assembly shown in column D. Specifically, the joint surface panel1200from the assembly of column D is first positioned so that its joint barrels1210are projected. Next, the new joint panel1200is set alongside the joint surface panel of the assembly of column B so that the joint barrels1210of the assembly of column D are interlocked with the joint knuckles1220of the new joint panel1200(e.g., so that each joint barrels1210of the assembly of column D are provided to the joint knuckle gaps1222of the new joint panel1200and the joint knuckles of the new joint panel1200are provided to the joint barrel gaps1212of the assembly of column D). Third, the new support surface panel1100is positioned so that its barrels1110are positioned both (a) in the joint knuckle space1225of the new joint panel1200and (b) in the join barrel space1215of the assembly of column D. Finally, the new hinge pin1300may be provided through the shafts1221,1111of the new joint panel1200and surface panel1100and the shaft1211of the assembly of column D to create yet an assembly of a support surface panels1100, an underside joint panels1200, and a hinge pins1300(not shown). The process may repeated “n” number of times until a platform10000shown in column n is constructed. It should be noted that, even though the platform1000shown in column n is of constructed a definite number of panels1200,1100, a platform may be constructed of any number of panels1200,1100without departing from the spirit and intent of this specification.

FIG. 13is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that illustrates the gridlock of the support surface panels1100. As shown, the platform1000is unfurled so that the sides of each of the interstitial surface panels11000of the platform abut the sides of any adjacent surface panels11000. As shown in the figure, when a normal force2000is applied to the support surface of the platform1000the surface panels'1100gridlock as illustrated by the arrows shown in the zoom-in view ofFIG. 13. Although the force is depicted as a normal force, it should be understood that any force applied to the surface that has a normal component will be substantially supported by gridlocked panels1100up to the point of material failure of the panels1100,1200. Accordingly, the panels1100,1200should be constructed of materials (plastics, metals, woods, etc) that can withstand forces inherent to supporting human body weights plus technician tools. In a preferred embodiment, the platform should be capable of supporting 100 lbs to 500 lbs or more without material failure.

FIG. 14is another environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that illustrates a rolled-up configuration.FIG. 14illustrates a flow of a platform1000from an unfurled position to a rolled-up configuration. As shown in the figure, when a normal force2000is applied to the underside joint surface of the platform1000the joint panels1200rotate or pivot around the respective hinge pins1300. More specifically, adjacent joint panels1200rotate around a coupling hinge pin1300so that the platform may be rolled. Although the force is depicted as a normal force, it should be understood that any force applied to the surface that has a normal component will substantially result in a rolled platform1200as can be readily ascertained by one of skill in the art after reading this specification.

FIG. 14is another environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that illustrates a rolled-up configuration.FIG. 14illustrates a flow of a platform1000from an unfurled position to a rolled-up configuration. As shown in the figure, when a normal force2000is applied to the underside joint surface of the platform1000the joint panels1200rotate or pivot around the respective hinge pins1300. More specifically, adjacent joint panels1200rotate around a coupling hinge pin1300so that the platform may be rolled. Although the force is depicted as a normal force, it should be understood that any force applied to the surface that has a normal component will substantially result in a rolled platform1200as can be readily ascertained by one of skill in the art after reading this specification.

FIG. 14, in reverse, illustrates a flow of a platform1000from a rolled-up configuration position to an unfurled position. Typically, the platform1000may be unrolled and setup by placing the rolled-up platform1000, surface panel11000side down, and unrolling the platform1000. As can be apparent, the underside joint panel1200of the platform1000will be facing upward after unfurling and, as a result, the platform will need to be flipped over (support surface panel11000side up) before the platform1000is set in place. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the panels may feature a ripcord that can be strung through the support surface panels1100so that the ripcord may be pulled to unfurl the platform1000.

FIG. 15is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that is unfurled in a parallel orientation relative to exposed joists3000.FIG. 17is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that is unfurled in a oblique orientation relative to exposed joists3000.FIG. 18is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that is unfurled in a perpendicular orientation relative to exposed joists3000. The views in these figures are comparable and illustrate the versatility in operation of the platform1000. More specifically, the platform may be unfurled (as described above and shown in the figures) to span any two support structures, surface panel1100side up, and in any orientation provide a platform10000.

FIG. 18is an environmental view of a position locking device5000for the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that has been unfurled parallel with a joist3000.FIG. 19is a layout of several views of the device5000ofFIG. 18. In a preferred embodiment, the position locking device is configured to interlock with three hinge pins1300of the platform1000and then interact with the joists3000to hold the platform in place. In a preferred embodiment, the device5000may include one or more apertures so that a nail or screw may be provided through the device5000and joist to further lock the platform1000in place.

FIG. 20is an environmental view of a position locking device6000for the unfurlable gridlocked platform1000that has been unfurled perpendicular with a joist3000.FIG. 21is a layout of several views of the device6000ofFIG. 20. In a preferred embodiment, the position locking device is configured to interlock with three hinge pins1300of the platform1000and then interact with the joists3000to hold the platform in place. In a preferred embodiment, the device5000may include one or more apertures so that a nail or screw may be provided through the device5000and joist to further lock the platform1000in place.

All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.