Patent Publication Number: US-8534024-B2

Title: Modular stage, kit for same and method of assembling same

Description:
The present application claims priority from UK Request Application Serial Number 1002927.0 filed on Feb. 22, 2010 the contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to portable stages and, more particularly, to a modular portable stage that can be easily assembled and disassembled on site at public events such as, for example, sports events and the likes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Portable stage systems are known in the art and are useful for providing a stage platform that can be transported, assembled and disassembled on location at various indoor and outdoor show venues. 
     While prior art portable stage systems generally offer a stage platform that can be readily deployed or otherwise assembled and disassembled on site at public events, they also entail one or more of the following disadvantages. First, the manually assembled and disassembled stage platforms generally comprise a relatively high number of structural components and fastening means that are long, complex and exhausting to assemble and disassemble, which can become a costly disadvantage at public events presenting multiple show venues on a same day. 
     Also, some portable stage systems includes a readily deployable stage platform integrated to a trailer platform pulled by a tractor truck, or the like. However, these stage platforms cannot be entered on location of selected indoor show venues or outdoor parks. Furthermore, additionally to the fact that the trailer portion of the stage generally occupies a good percentage of the sometimes limited space area around the stage platform, some portions of the trailer often further need to be hidden from view for aesthetical reasons during shows. 
     In addition, both the manually assembled and readily deployable portable stage platforms generally require specially trained assembly personnel and they generally comprise complex components and articulated mechanical assemblies that are relatively expensive to manufacture. 
     Against this background, there exist a need for a new and improved portable stage. An object of the present invention is to provide such a stage. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In a broad aspect, the invention provides a stage, the stage comprising a support structure, a stage platform supported by the support structure and a fenced enclosure provided above the stage platform. The support structure includes a substantially upstanding central support column; a plurality of substantially upstanding outer support columns, the outer support columns being provided around the central support column, the outer support columns being substantially equidistant from the central support column and adjacent pairs of the support columns being all substantially equidistant; a plurality of radially extending main beam members each extending between the central support column and a respective one of the outer support columns; and a plurality of circumferentially extending transversal beam members each extending between a respective pair of adjacent ones of the outer support columns. Each of the outer support columns defines a pair of support channels each for receiving a respective end of one of the transversal beam members thereinto. The main beam members are fixedly anchored to the central and outer support columns and the transversal beam members are inserted in the support channels while remaining slidable relative thereto. 
     For the purpose of this document, the terminology “substantially” refers to dimensions, geometric relationships and orientations that may differ slightly from the word qualified by “substantially”, but not to an extent to which the structural integrity of the proposed stage is compromised. Slight variations from precise dimensions, geometric relationships and orientations are caused, among other possibilities by manufacturing tolerances and the inherent adaptability to slight imperfections in the assembly of the proposed design, among other possibilities. 
     The support structure is load-bearing and typically, a modular stage platform is removably anchored thereto. Also, typically, the fenced enclosure is provided with one or more access doors. 
     The structural components of the stage made of a suitably rigid material such as, for examples, rust-protected steel, aluminum, Teflon®, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), wood, or the like, or a combination of these. 
     In addition to the central support column and outer support columns, the stage includes typically a plurality of intermediate and outer support posts, for supporting respectively a plurality of intermediate and peripheral underside portions of the stage platform. The central and the outer support columns are characterized in that their upper ends are provided with suitably configured hub connectors adapted to support underside portions of the stage platform, as well as anchoring brackets for adjustably anchoring a lower portion of a plurality of fence panels that composes the fenced enclosure. 
     In some embodiments, the support structure further comprises a plurality of horizontal and angled reinforcement brace members for reinforcing the structural integrity between the plurality of support columns and posts, as well as between the latters and underside portions of the stage platform. 
     The stage platform is substantially planar and horizontally disposed, and has typically an equilateral polygon shape such as, for example, an equilateral octagon shape, as will be exemplified in the accompanying drawings, or any other suitable equilateral polygon shape. The stage platform generally comprises a central portion and an outer peripheral portion. The central portion is generally represented by a spider web-like structure supporting a multilayer covering, while the outer peripheral portion is generally represented by a relatively narrow catwalk circumscribing the central portion. The fenced enclosure is anchored in hub connectors of the outer support columns such that it substantially delineates the junction between the central and peripheral portions. 
     The spider web-like structure generally comprises a plurality of elongated main beam members disposed in a substantially horizontal and radially outwardly extending configuration, or wagon-wheel configuration, about a central hub connector provided at the top end of the central support column. The spider web-like structure further comprises a plurality of transversal beam members, with each beam members having a suitable length for being disposed in a substantially equidistant parallel fashion transversally between two adjacent main beam members. The spider web-like structure further comprises a plurality of relatively smaller and radially oriented intermediate beam members disposed perpendicularly between selected parallel transversal beam members. 
     An important aspect of the modular portable stage system of the present invention is characterized in that the equilateral polygon configuration of the stage platform, in cooperative relation with the suitably configured hub connectors of the central support columns and radially distributed outer support columns of the structure supporting the stage platform, allows to use only a limited amount of fastening means, such as conventional nut and screw combinations, or the like, to maintain the structural integrity of the assembly. Namely, only the radially extending main beam members between the central support column and the outer support columns need to be fixedly anchored therebetween. The transversal and intermediate beam members only need to be slidably engaged in suitably configured U-shaped support channels and brackets provided in hub connector of the outer support columns, as well as along the longitudinal sidewall portions of the main beam members and selected transversal beam members, thus resulting in a substantial economy of time required to assemble and disassemble the stage system. 
     Some advantages of the present invention are that the invention results in a strong and stable modular portable stage system, whose individual components are easily transported, assembled and disassembled, which doesn&#39;t require highly specialized assembly personnel, and which is also relatively simple and economical to produce. 
     In another broad aspect, the invention provides a kit for assembling a stage, the kit comprising a support structure, a modular stage platform supportable by the support structure and a fenced enclosure positionable above the stage platform. The support structure includes a central support column; a plurality of outer support columns, the outer support columns being positionable around the central support column, each of the outer support columns defining a pair of support channels; a plurality of main beam members each fixedly attachable between the central support column and a respective one of the outer support columns; and a plurality of transversal beam members each positionable between a respective pair of adjacent ones of the outer support columns and coupled thereto in a manner allowing slidable movements of the transversal beam members with respect to the support channels. 
     In yet another broad aspect, the invention provides a method of assembling a stage using the above-described kit, the method comprising assembling the support structure, assembling the support structure including positioning in an upright position the central support columns; positioning in an upright position the outer support columns at a distance from the central support column that is substantially equal to a length of the main beam member, the outer support columns being positioned circumferentially equidistantly from each other; fixedly anchoring each of the main beam members to the central support column and to a respective one of the outer support columns; coupling each of the transversal beam members to a respective pair of adjacent ones of the outer support columns such that the transversal beam members are supported by the outer support columns while remaining slidably movable with relative thereto. The method further comprises assembling the stage platform on the support structure such that the stage platform is supported by the support structure and assembling the fenced enclosure above the stage platform. 
     Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a stage according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a fragmented top plan view of the central portion of the stage shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a fragmented side plan view of an assembly representing a central support column, an intermediate support post, and an outer support column, all part of the stage shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and linked through their upper end with an horizontal main support member; 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged fragmented view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the assembly shown in  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a fragmented, exterior side plan view of an outer support column part of the stage shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 ; 
         FIG. 7  is an enlarged fragmented, cross-sectional side view of an outer hub connector of the outer support column shown in  FIG. 6 , taken along section line VII-VII of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a fragmented, perspective exploded view of an assembly representing the junction between the outer hub connector of the outer support column shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , with a lower end corner of two mesh fencing panels; and 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional, bottom plan view of the outer support column shown in  FIGS. 5 to 8  taken along section line IX-IX of  FIG. 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 to 8  show various aspects of an embodiment of a stage  10  according to the present invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the stage  10  generally comprises a load-bearing support structure  12  on top of which are removably anchored a stage platform  14  supported by the support structure  12  and a fenced enclosure  16  provided above the stage platform  14 . The structural components of the stage  10  that will be described hereinafter, are preferably made of a suitably rigid material such as, for examples, rust-protected steel, aluminum, Teflon®, poly vinyl chloride (PVC), wood, or the like, or a combination of these. 
       FIGS. 1 to 4  inclusively show various aspects of the support structure  12  that generally comprises a substantially upstanding central support column  20 , a plurality of substantially upstanding outer support columns  22 , and a plurality of intermediate and outer support posts  24  and  26  respectively, for supporting underside portions of the stage platform  14 . 
     The support structure  12  further comprises a plurality of horizontal and angled reinforcement brace members  28  and  30  respectively, for reinforcing the structural integrity between the plurality of support columns and posts, as well as between the latters and underside portions of the stage platform  14 . 
     It is to be noted that, although the general outer peripheral shape of the stage platform  14  and correspondingly configured support structure  12  and fenced enclosure  16  have a substantially equilateral octagon shape, it is to be understood that the stage  10  of the present invention may have any other similar equilateral polygon shape such as, for examples, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, a enneagon or a decagon shape. Typically, the number of sides of the stage platform  14  is equal to the number of the outer support columns  22 . 
     Now referring more particularly to  FIGS. 3 ,  4  and  5 , the central support column  20  is typically represented by an upright, main tubular member  32  having a substantially planar base end  34  and an upper end  36  crowned with a central hub connector  38 , for supporting a central portion of the stage platform  14 . 
     The central hub connector  38  is generally represented by a preferably substantially round-shaped plate member  40  that is welded or otherwise fixedly attached perpendicularly centrally on top of the upper distal end of the main tubular member  32 . Typically, the plate member  40  is structurally reinforced through equidistantly radially disposed triangular plate members  43  that are fixedly attached between underside surface portions of the plate member  40  and an upper end portion of the main tubular member  32 . 
     The central hub connector  38  defines a plurality of main beam attachments fixedly attaching a respective one of the main beam members  50  to the central hub connector. Typically, the top surface of the round plate member  40  is provided with a plurality of substantially upwardly opening U-shaped brackets  42  that are equidistantly radially distributed proximal the outer circumferential edge of the plate member  40 , thus forming open vertical slots oriented substantially radially outwardly thereof and defining the main beam attachments. Each U-shaped brackets  42  are provided with transversally corresponding through holes  44 . 
     The U-shaped brackets  42  of the central hub connector  38  are adapted for fixedly engaging the proximal ends  46  of horizontally and radially disposed main beam members  50  of the stage platform  14 , which each extend between the central support column  20  and a respective one of the outer support columns  22  and which will be described in details more below. 
     The top surface of the round plate member  40  is further provided with an upwardly extending, central support bracket  48 , which is suitably sized and shaped for supporting a central portion of the stage platform  14 . 
     The central support column  20  is further provided with a plurality, typically four, attachment ears  52  that are equidistantly radially extending outwardly about an outer surface portion of the main tubular member  32 , at a suitable position between the base end  34  and the central hub connector  38 . The attachment ears  52  are adapted to be attached to one end of a corresponding number of angled reinforcement brace members  30 . 
     The outer support columns  22  are each preferably represented by an upright and hollow main member  54 , typically generally cylindrical, having a substantially planar main member base  56 , and a longitudinally opposed main member upper end  58 , an inner longitudinal side surface  60 , which is designed to be oriented inwardly toward the center of the stage platform  14 , and an outer longitudinal side surface  62  facing oppositely thereto. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the main member upper end  58  may be left open, with its upper tubular edge being provided with four downwardly extending open slots  64  that are defined by preferably three upwardly extending and relatively narrow prongs  66  and  68 , and one relatively wider prong  70 . 
     The narrow prongs  66  and  68  are substantially equidistantly distributed along a half circular portion of the main member upper end  58  that is roughly corresponding to the outer longitudinal side surface  62  of the hollow main member  54 , with the relatively wider prong  70  substantially occupying the opposite half circular portion thereof. 
     It is to be noted that the two narrow prongs  68  disposed adjacently to the wider prong  70  are preferably represented by vertically oriented prong members having a lower end welded or otherwise fixedly fastened to an outer side surface portion of the main member upper end  58 . It is further to be noted that, as best observed in  FIGS. 4 and 6 , the oppositely disposed central narrow prong  66  and wider prong  70  are of a substantially same height, while the two distanced narrow prongs  68  are relatively smaller. The narrow and wide prongs  66 ,  68  and  70  are suitably sized and shaped for slidably engaging corner portions of peripheral catwalk panels associated with the stage platform  14 , which will be described more below. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 3 to 9  inclusively, an upper end portion along the inner longitudinal side surface  60  of the hollow main member  54  is provided with an outer hub connector  72 . The outer hub connector  72  generally comprises a vertically disposed central plate member  74  perpendicularly extending from the inner longitudinal side surface  60  of the hollow main member  54 , and is adapted to be oriented toward the center of the stage platform  14 . The central plate member  74  has a proximal upright rectangular portion  76  and a distal right-triangular portion  78 , with the right-angular corner disposed at an upper junction thereof. At the vertical junction between the rectangular and triangular portions  76  and  78  of the central plate member  74 , there is a pair of vertically disposed, rectangular plate members  80  that are oppositely laterally extending therefrom at an inner angle relative to one another that is substantially corresponding to a typical inner angle value between two adjacent segments of the equilateral polygon. 
     The outer support columns  22  each include three upwardly opening U-shaped members  82  defining a pair of support channels oriented for receiving a respective one of the outer transversal beam members  126  coupled to the outer support column. The outer transversal beam members  126  are thus circumferentially extending between a respective pair of adjacent ones of the outer support columns  22 . The upwardly opening U-shaped members  82  are centrally longitudinally attached to the upper horizontal edges portions of the distal right-triangular portion  78  and laterally extending rectangular plate members  80 . The upwardly opening U-shaped members  82  are each slidably receiving and supporting therein a corresponding distal end of one of the main and outer transversal beam members  50  and  126  associated with the stage platform  14 . 
     Furthermore, the upwardly extending sidewall portions of the upwardly opening U-shaped members  82  have their distal ends provided with a pair of corresponding transversal through holes  86  for fixedly anchoring some or all of the distal ends of the beam members mentioned above. Typically, a conventional nut and screw combination extends through both the upwardly opening U-shaped members  82  to which one of the main beam members  50  is attached and the main beam member  50 . However, any other suitable fastener, such as a pin and a bolt, among other possibilities are usable instead of the conventional nut and screw combination. 
     Now referring more particularly to  FIGS. 6 ,  8  and  9 , each of the distal vertical side edges of the laterally extending rectangular plate members  80  of the outer hub connector  72  is provided with a vertical end plate member  90  that is perpendicularly extending therefrom substantially toward the hollow main member  54 . 
     A horizontally disposed guiding member  92 , having preferably a square or rectangular cross-section, is rigidly attached between each of the oppositely disposed side surfaces of the central plate member  74  and the inner side surfaces of the oppositely corresponding end plate members  90 . As can be observed in  FIG. 7 , the guiding members  92  are suitably distanced from, and disposed in a substantially parallel fashion relative to the adjacent rectangular plate members  80 . Each guiding members  92  are for guiding the freely slidable lateral movement of an adjustable fence panel anchoring bracket  94 , which will be described hereinafter. 
     The adjustable fence panel anchoring bracket  94  generally comprises an upright and hollow cylindrical member  96  and a relatively short guide channel  98  tangentially welded at roughly a mid longitudinal position along the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical member  96 . 
     The hollow cylindrical member  96  is suitably sized and shaped for freely slidably receiving therein a downwardly extending anchoring member of a fence panel associated with the fenced enclosure  16 . The hollow cylindrical member  96  is further provided with a locking screw and threaded hole combination  100  preferably positioned diametrically opposite the guide channel  98 . The locking screw and threaded hole combination  100  is for adjustably locking the vertical position of the anchoring member of a fence panel mentioned above. 
     The guide channel  98  has a suitably sized and shaped cross-section such that it can be freely slidably engageable coaxially about the guiding member  92 . Understandably, at least the guide channel  98  of the fence panel anchoring bracket  94  is preferably coaxially engaged along the guiding member  92  prior to welding the latter to the other structural members of the outer hub connector  72 . 
     Therefore, the fence panel anchoring brackets  94  anchor the fence panels  162  to the outer support columns  22  and the anchoring brackets  94  are slidably movable with respect to the remainder of the outer support columns  22  for adjusting their position relative to the outer support columns  22 . 
     The outer support column  22  is further provided with a plurality of attachment ears  52  that are laterally extending outwardly from an outer surface portion of the hollow main member  54 , at a suitable position substantially proximal the main member base  56 , preferably along the inner side surface  60  thereof. The attachment ears  52  are adapted to be attached to one distal end of a corresponding number of reinforcement brace members  28  and  30 , which are having their opposite ends horizontally connected to adjacent outer support columns  22 , as well as angularly connected to underside portions of the stage platform  14 . 
     Now referring more particularly to  FIG. 3 , the support structure  12  further includes a plurality of intermediate support posts  24  for supporting an intermediate underside portion of the main beam member  50 , between the central support column  20  and the outer support columns  22 . 
     An intermediate support post  24  may be generally represented by an elongated tubular member having a base end  110  and an upper end  112 . The upper end  112  may be provided with, for example, a pair of upwardly extending parallel prongs having a pair of corresponding transversal holes provided there through, and adapted to be removably connected to an underside portion of the stage platform  14  using a nut and screw combination or the like. Typically, at least one attachment ear  52  is perpendicularly laterally extending from a side portion of the intermediate support post  24 , preferably proximal the base end  110  thereof, for attaching one end of a reinforcement brace members  30 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the support structure  12  also further includes a plurality of upright outer support posts  26  for supporting a peripheral underside portion of the stage platform  14 , that is a portion of the stage platform  14  that protrudes radially outwardly from the outer support columns  22 . An outer support post  26  may be generally represented by a support post that is substantially similar to an intermediate support post  24  described above, e.g., with an upper end that is suitably adapted to be removably connected to an underside portion of the stage platform  14 . 
     The stage  10  includes a substantially planar and horizontally disposed stage platform  14  having an equilateral polygon shape such as, for example, an equilateral octagon shape, as exemplified in the drawings, or any other suitable equilateral polygon shape. The stage platform  14  is supported by a plurality of substantially upright central and outer support columns  20 ,  22  and intermediate and outer support posts  24 ,  26 , as described above, and which, in turn, may be preferably structurally reinforced between themselves as well as with an underside portions of the stage platform  14  through a plurality of horizontal and angled elongated reinforcement brace members  28  and  30  respectively (as best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  6 ). 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  4 , the stage platform  14  generally comprises a central portion  120  and an outer peripheral portion  122 . The central portion  120  is generally represented by a multilayer covering  125  while the outer peripheral portion  122  is represented by a relatively narrow catwalk circumscribing the central portion  120 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 to 5  inclusively, the spider web-like structure  124  defined by the support structure  12  generally comprises a plurality of elongated main beam members  50  disposed in a substantially horizontal and radially outwardly extending configuration, or wagon-wheel configuration, about the central hub connector  38  of the central support column  20 . The spider web-like structure  124  further comprises a plurality of outer and inner transversal beam members  126  and  128 , with each having a suitable length for being disposed in a substantially equidistant parallel fashion transversally between two adjacent main beam members  50 . The outer and inner transversal beam members  126  and  128  are provided respectively at a location adjacent the outer support columns  22  and at a location intermediate the central and outer support columns  20  and  22 . The spider web-like structure  124  further comprises a plurality of relatively smaller and radially oriented intermediate beam members  130  disposed perpendicularly between selected parallel outer and inner transversal beam members  126  and  128 . 
     A main beam member  50  may be preferably represented by an elongated and substantially tubular member having preferably an upright rectangular cross-section and proximal and distal ends  46 ,  84  provided with preferably a pair of corresponding transversal holes (not shown), for anchoring each distal ends thereof in correspondingly compatible portions of the central hub connector  38  and outer hub connector  72  of the central and outer support columns  20 ,  22  respectively. 
     Thus, as best illustrated in  FIG. 5 , each main beam members  50  has a proximal end  46  fixedly anchored in a U-shaped bracket  42  of the central hub connector  38  of the central support column  20  using a suitable fastener such as, for example, a conventional nut and screw combination  132 , or the like. The main beam members  50  are radially extending therefrom and have their opposite distal ends  84  fixedly anchored in the central U-shaped channel  82  of the outer hub connector  72  of the outer support columns  22  using, here again, a conventional nut and screw combination  132 , or the like. 
     A main beam member  50  further comprises a plurality of relatively short and upwardly oriented U-shaped support brackets  134  that are oppositely laterally extending from both longitudinal sidewall portions  136  of the main beam member  50 . The U-shaped brackets  134  are configured to be oriented toward the center of the stage platform  14  at an inner angle relative to one another that is substantially corresponding to a typical inner angle value between two adjacent peripheral segments of the equilateral polygon defined by the stage platform  14 . The U-shaped brackets  134  are configured for slidably receiving thereinto a respective end of one of the inner transversal beam members  128 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , a main beam member  50  further comprises a plurality of substantially equidistantly distributed panel anchoring brackets  138  that are projecting upwardly from a central longitudinal portion of the top surface of the main beam member  50 . A panel anchoring bracket  138  has a substantially transversal T-shaped cross-section that is suitably configured and oriented along the longitudinally axis of the main beam member  50 , for freely slidably anchoring longitudinal side edges portions of substantially triangular panel-shaped platform modules including multi-layer covering  125  disposed between two adjacent main beam members  50  (as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). 
     The outer and inner transversal beam members  126  and  128 , as well as the radially oriented intermediate beam members  130 , are all preferably represented by an elongated tubular member having substantially similar cross-section configuration and dimension as the main beam members  50  described above. 
     The outer transversal beam members  126  are disposed such that they are substantially delineating the outer polygon-shaped periphery of the spider web-like structure  124  by having each of their distal ends engaged in the suitably sized and shaped U-shaped channel  82  of the outer hub connector  72  of two adjacent outer support columns  22 . These outer transversal beam members  126  may be optionally provided with corresponding transversal through holes at their distal ends thereof. 
     It is important to be noted that the distal ends of the outer transversal beam members  126  do not have to be fixedly anchored in the U-shaped channels  82  of the outer hub connectors  72  using nuts and screw combinations, or the like. The outer transversal beam members  126  may rather be simply slidably engaged in the U-shaped channels  82  since the fixedly anchored main beam members  50  between the central support column  20  and outer support columns  22  are sufficient to hold the integral octagonal shape of the spider web-like structure  124  once all the outer transversal beam members  126  are positioned in the outer hub connectors  72 . 
     The outer transversal beam members  126  are further characterized in that they may be provided with one or more U-shaped brackets (not shown), that are similar to the U-shaped brackets  134  provided along the sidewalls of the main beam members  50 , and which are perpendicularly laterally extending along a longitudinal sidewall portion adapted to be oriented toward the center of the stage platform  14 . These U-shaped brackets are for freely slidably receiving and supporting therein a distal end of a radially oriented intermediate beam members  130 , which will be described more below. 
     The plurality of inner transversal beam members  128  are characterized in that they are provided in gradually shorter lengths comparatively to the outer transversal beam members  126  such that they may have their distal ends slidably engaged in the oppositely corresponding U-shaped brackets  134  of two adjacent main beam members  50 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     Likewise the outer transversal beam members  126 , the inner transversal beam members  128  are further characterized in that selected beam members may be provided with perpendicularly laterally extending U-shaped brackets (not shown) distributed at suitable position along one or both of their longitudinal sidewall portions, for freely slidably receiving and supporting therein a distal end of a radially oriented intermediate beam members  130 . 
     The radially oriented intermediate beam members  130  are characterized in that they are adapted to be oppositely slidably engaged in oppositely corresponding U-shaped brackets between selected outer and inner transversal beam members  126  and  128  respectively, as exemplified in  FIG. 2 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the spider web-like structure  124  is covered with a multilayer covering  125  generally comprising a plurality of suitably sized and shaped floor panels  140  and  142  made of a substantially rigid material such as, for examples, presswood, agglomerated wood, a suitable plastic composite material, or the like. 
     The radially disposed floor panels  140  preferably have a substantially truncated triangular configuration adapted to be slidably engaged, in an inwardly pointing horizontal movement, between oppositely corresponding T-shaped panel anchoring brackets  138  on top of two adjacent main beam members  50 . The central floor panel  142  has a suitably sized equilateral polygon shape adapted to be laid in the recess thus created at the center of the radially disposed floor panels  140 , where it is circumscribed in place therebetween. The floor panels  140  and  142  are suitably sized such that the peripheral edge of the central floor panel  142  at least slightly overlaps the proximal ends  46  of the converging main beam members  50 , for a firm peripheral support of the latter. 
     Now referring more particularly to  FIG. 4 , the rigid floor panels  140  and  142  are, in turn, preferably covered with a plurality of suitably thick and shock absorbing panels  144  made of a resilient, foam-like material, or the like. Finally, the shock absorbing panels  144  may be in turn preferably covered with a sufficiently durable sheet of flexible material  146  such as, for examples, a polymer, a fabric, or the like. The floor panels  140  and  142  and absorbing panels  144  form platform modules part of a modular stage platform  14 . 
     The stage platform  14  further includes an outer peripheral portion  122 , or catwalk, that may be preferably represented by a plurality of suitably rigid and elongated floor panels  150  having a substantially isosceles-trapezoid configuration. Each elongated floor panel  150  may be represented by an assembly of, for example, a substantially rigid panel  152  made of, here again, presswood, agglomerated wood, a suitable synthetic material, or the like, that is structurally reinforced by a suitable peripheral frame structure  154  made of, for example, a suitable metal such as rust-protected steel or aluminum. The outer peripheral portion  122 , or catwalk, is provided peripherally to the fenced enclosure  16 . 
     Preferably, at least the inner corner portions  156  of the peripheral frame structure  154  form a suitably sized downwardly protruding edge adapted to be slidably engaged in the downwardly extending slots  64  provided at the top end of the outer support columns  22 . 
     Thus, a plurality of elongated floor panels  150  may have their inner corner portions  156  slidably engaged in the slots  64  of adjacent outer support columns  22 , and a corresponding number of outer support posts  26 , having a suitably adapted upper end connected to, and supporting adjacent outer corners  158  thereof, for forming an octagon-shaped outer peripheral portion  122 , or catwalk, around the central portion  120  of the stage platform  14 . 
     Optionally, additional reinforcement braces (not shown) may have one end connected proximal the lower end of the outer support posts  26 , and their opposite end thereof connected to a suitably disposed attachment ear provided proximal the main member base  56  or main member upper end  58  of the outer support columns  22 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the fenced enclosure  16  substantially delineates a polygon-shaped enclosure around the central portion  120  of the stage platform  14  that is accessible through at least one, but typically a plurality, of hinged access doors  160 . Typically, the fenced enclosure  16  is substantially in register with a perimeter defined by the outer support columns  22 . 
     Typically, the fenced enclosure  16  is composed of a plurality of individual fence panels  162 . A fence panel  162  generally comprises a substantially rectangular frame structure  164  and a chain-link mesh  167 , or the like, attached within the frame structure  164 . The oppositely disposed lower end corners of the frame structure  164  defines a pair of substantially parallel and downwardly extending stems  166  adapted to by adjustably fixedly anchored in the hollow cylindrical member  96  of the laterally adjustable fence panel anchoring brackets  94  provided proximal the main member upper end  58  of the outer support columns  22 . 
     A plurality of reinforcement three part bracket  169  may be preferably used to interconnect adjacent vertical frame portions of the fence panels  162 . Selected fence panels  162  may additionally comprise an integrated door frame and hinged access door  160  as mentioned above. Typically, the various solid frame structure components accessible from within the fenced enclosure  16  may be preferably covered with suitable padding elements  170  to avoid injuring sport athletes when they are performing therein. 
     The stage  10  is typically provided in the form of a kit including all the required parts for assembling the stage  10 . In a manner readily apparent to one skilled in the art of portable stage structures, a preferred method of assembly and disassembly of the stage  10  of the present invention may be generally described as follows. 
     In a first step, an upright central support column  20  is suitably positioned on a substantially horizontally planar and unobstructed floor area or ground surface  172 . 
     In a second step, the outer support columns  22  are positioned at a distance from the central support column  20  that is substantially equivalent to the length of a main beam member  50 , and such that they are substantially aligned radially correspondingly with each radially oriented U-shaped brackets  42  of the central hub connector  38 . The outer support columns  22  are thus typically positioned circumferentially equidistantly from each other. In other words, the outer support columns  22  are provided around the central support column  20  with the outer support columns  22  being substantially equidistant from the central support column  20  and adjacent pairs of the outer support columns  22  being all substantially equidistant. 
     In a third step, and consecutively or concurrently with the second step above, slidably engaging and fixedly anchoring, using nut and screw combinations  132 , the distal ends of main beam members  50  in each oppositely corresponding aligned pairs of U-shaped brackets  42  and U-shaped channels  82  of the central support column  20  and outer support columns  22  respectively. 
     In a fourth step and, here again, consecutively or concurrently with the second and third steps described above, the outer and inner transversal beam members  126  and  128 , as well as the radially oriented intermediate members  130 , are slidably engaged in oppositely corresponding U-shaped channels  82  and brackets  134 , in order to complete the spider-web structure  124 . This provides coupling of each of the outer and inner transversal beam members  126  and  128  to a respective pair of adjacent ones of the outer support columns  22  such that the inner and outer transversal beam members  126  and  128  are supported by the outer support columns  22  while remaining slidably movable relative thereto. 
     In a fifth step, the truncated, triangular floor panels  140  are slidably inserted between T-shaped panel anchoring brackets  138  along the top longitudinal surface of adjacent main beam members  50 , followed with the central floor panel  142  that is inserted in the thus formed correspondingly shaped recess at the center of the stage platform  14 . The floor panels  140  and  142  may then be optionally covered with the shock absorbing panels  144  and finally the resistant flexible sheet of material  146 . In this step, the stage platform  14  is supported on the support structure  12  such that the stage platform  14 . 
     In a sixth step, the fenced enclosure  16  is assembled above the stage platform  14  by being adjustably anchored thereonto. This is performed by inserting and adjustably fixing the downwardly extending stems  166  from each lower end corners of the fence panels  162  into the hollow cylindrical member  96  of the laterally adjustable fence panel anchoring bracket  94  of adjacent outer support columns  22 , using the locking screw  100 . A plurality of reinforcement three part bracket  169  may be used to the structural integrity between adjacent fence panels  162 . Further preferably, padding elements  170  may then be attached at suitable locations along at least the structural members that are accessible from the interior walls of the fenced enclosure  16 . 
     In a last step, the elongated floor panels  150  forming the outer peripheral portion  122  may have their inner corner portions  156  slidably engaged in the downwardly extending slots  64  at the top end of the outer support columns  22 , and their adjacent outer corners  158  connected to, and thus supported by, the top end of outer support posts  26 . 
     The disassembly of the stage  10  of the present invention is substantially the reverse order of the steps described above. 
     Thus is provided a strong and stable, integrated stage  10  that is easily assembled and disassembled, as well as easily transportable between show venues. 
     Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.