Abstract:
An environmentally friendly, lightweight, sturdy, water-resistant riser platform having columns of multiple heights is disclosed. The riser platform can be provided with a top cover suitable for the display of promotional materials. The riser platform can also be provided with internal dowels for increased load-bearing capacity. The riser platform can be utilized in and for any variety of industries or needs, including residential, commercial, retail, food service, and industrial uses.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/567,349 filed Dec. 6, 2011, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to the field of riser platforms. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    All manner of items are stored in garages, basements, warehouses, offices, refrigeration units, freezers, loading docks, and other types of storage areas. It is common for storage areas to have unclean, soiled, or sullied floor surfaces. Further, because many storage areas are not climate controlled and may be below ground, wet or dank spots are common. Further still, in many circumstances, severe rainstorms, leaky roofs, broken pipes, punctured hoses or failed sump pumps in storage areas can lead to flooding and water inundation. Floor surfaces in storage areas are therefore unsuitable for the placement of many items commonly stored in these areas. 
         [0004]    As a result of the unclean and wet conditions, items kept in storage areas are often significantly damaged or destroyed. In particular, items such as furniture, corrugated boxes, and perishables are very susceptible to damage from wetness. Indeed, furniture and corrugated boxes are especially ill suited for wet and humid conditions because they can absorb water and wick it far beyond the confines of the wet area, thereby expanding the zone of water or mold damage. 
         [0005]    Thus far, the principle devices for isolating and protecting items stored in such areas from exposure to unclean or wet floors have involved the use of: (i) wood pallets; or (ii) two or more cinder blocks overlaid with a wood board(s), such as a 2×4. Unfortunately, existing devices for isolating and protecting stored items have yielded unsatisfactory results and have been riddled with drawbacks. For example, both wood pallets and cinder blocks wick moisture to the stored items. As a result, water is conducted directly to the items stored on the pallets and cinder blocks. Other drawbacks include the size, heavy weight, and cumbersome nature of pallets and cinder blocks. These drawbacks make pallets and cinder blocks difficult to move, rearrange, store when no longer in use, and difficult to dispose of. 
         [0006]    Regarding wood pallets in particular, yet another drawback is the toll on the environment of using wood pallets. Some estimates place the number of new wood pallets used every year at over 500 million. Even a modest reduction in the number of wood pallets used yearly would certainly provide important benefits to the environment. 
         [0007]    What is needed, therefore, is a device or method of storing items in a manner that resolves or improves upon one or more of the previously mentioned problems and drawbacks, riser platforms. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    An advance is made and one or more of the preceding problems and drawbacks are resolved by a novel riser platform. According to one aspect of the present invention, a riser platform is molded from recycled paper products, forming a load-bearing, water-resistant, lightweight, insect and mold resistant, pulp fiber structure having multiple columns of at least two heights. 
         [0009]    According to another aspect of the invention, the riser platform can be nested for efficient storage warehousing or to provide additional elevation to a load. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, the riser platform is rackable, i.e., suitable for stacking more than one level of products. 
         [0011]    According to another aspect of the invention, the riser platform can be fitted with one or more beams/dowels for increased platform stability and rigidity. 
         [0012]    According to another aspect of the invention, the riser platform includes a carve-out/recessed area for receiving the blade of a hand truck or other lifting device. 
         [0013]    According to another aspect of the invention, the riser platform is provided with a press-fit cover suitable for displaying promotional advertising. The cover can be provided as a single or multi-faceted display surface that is press-fit or otherwise secured to the riser platform. 
         [0014]    According to another aspect of the invention, the riser platform is provided with dowels or other support beams to provide increased load bearing capacity. 
         [0015]    According to another aspect of the invention, the riser platform can be nested for economical bulk transportation, thus leading to shipping cost savings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    The drawings, in which like numerals represent similar parts, illustrate generally, by way of example, but not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the present document. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the riser platform as seen from above the riser platform. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the bottom of the riser platform. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the riser platform. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the riser platform. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a front view of the riser platform. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective bottom view of the riser platform with a hand truck blade engaging the bottom-recessed area of the riser platform. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective top view of the riser platform with the top cover ready to be attached. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective side view of the riser platform and top cover attached and a detail of cover tabs pressed down to attach. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective top view of the riser platform with an alternative embodiment of the top cover ready to be attached. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective side view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  after assembly and attached to riser platform. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective top view of the riser platform with an alternative embodiment of the top cover. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective side view of an assembled top cover attached to riser platform. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13A  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 10  with promotional material on the top attached to riser platform. 
           [0030]      FIG. 13B  shows the embodiment of  FIG. 12  with promotional material on the top attached to riser platform. 
           [0031]      FIG. 14  is another embodiment of the assembled riser platform and top with promotional material attached to riser platform. 
           [0032]      FIG. 15  is another embodiment of the assembled riser platform and top with promotional material attached to riser platform. 
           [0033]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the riser platform and top cover with two insertable dowels. 
           [0034]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the riser platform and top cover with three insertable dowels. 
           [0035]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the riser platform and top cover with a single insertable dowel. 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  is a front view of the riser platform with a dowel inserted into one of the riser platform channels. 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  is a side view of the riser platform with a dowel inserted into one of the riser platform channels. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The following detailed description and the appended drawings describe and illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention solely for the purpose of enabling one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the invention. As such, the detailed description and illustration of these embodiments are purely exemplary in nature and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, or its protection, in any manner. It should also be understood that the drawings may not be to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. 
         [0039]    Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-5  illustrate an environmentally friendly, lightweight, sturdy, water-resistant, mold-resistant, molded pulp fiber riser platform  10  according to one aspect of the present invention. Riser platform  10  has an upper surface  14  that is supported by columns  16  and  18 . Columns  16  provide load-bearing support when riser platform  10  is on a floor surface. Columns  18  provide load-bearing support when riser platform  10  is situated on a hand truck ( FIG. 6 ). Together, columns  16  and  18  provide general structural rigidity to platform  10 . In addition, the interiors of columns  16  and  18  form receptacles  12 , which are interconnected by channels  42 . 
         [0040]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , columns  16  and  18  are frustro-pyramidal, load bearing supports. Columns  16  extend the full height of riser platform  10  and therefore support riser platform  10  when it is situated on a flat floor surface. Columns  18 , on the other hand, have a smaller height than columns  16 . As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the height differential between columns  16  and  18  creates a space or gap  22  between the bottom of columns  18  and the floor surface on which the platform is situated. In addition, columns  16  also include small carve outs or notches  44  that create a small space between the floor and the columns. As best shown in  FIGS. 6 , the spacing between columns  18  and the floor surface, as well as notches  44 , allow for the insertion of a blade of a hand truck  26 , or other mechanical device. 
         [0041]    In use, a hand truck can be readily inserted beneath columns  18  (and notches  44 ) and lifted. In the course of lifting the loaded riser platform, the load is transferred/distributed from columns  16  to columns  18 . Conversely, when a loaded riser platform is returned to the floor surface, the load is transferred/distributed back to columns  16 , thereby allowing removal of the hand truck. This eliminates the need to force or wedge the hand truck between the load bearing columns and the floor surface, thereby avoiding damage to the underside of the riser platform or the load to be moved. In larger riser platform embodiments, hand truck insertion spaces can be distributed at multiple locations about the riser platform. 
         [0042]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , riser platform  10  has a discontinuous, substantially planar, horizontal, load-bearing surface forming an upper surface  14 . Upper surface  14  also forms an outer perimeter of riser platform  10 . The plane of the upper surface  14  is integrally molded with, and supported by, columns  16  and  18  as well as channels  42 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  depicts a top view of riser platform  10 . As shown, each receptacle  12  forms either a column  16  or a column  18  upon which the riser platform and any contents on top of the riser platform rest. Receptacles  12  allow a user to nest multiple riser platforms  10  to increase the overall height of the riser platforms as desired. In addition, nesting of riser platforms significantly reduces the space required to store, warehouse, efficiently transport, and handle multiple riser platforms. Alternatively, receptacles  12  could be used to provide a socket for receiving furniture or other items with legs sufficiently narrow to be inserted into the receptacles  12 . As further depicted by  FIG. 1 , all receptacles  12  are connected by a plurality of channels  42 . These channels  42  provide additional strength and support to the load bearing columns and upper surface  14 . 
         [0044]    Referring to the embodiments illustrated in  FIGS. 7-15 , riser platform  10  can be provided with covers, skirts, two-dimensional advertising displays, and three-dimensional advertising displays. As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in a preferred embodiment, multiple attachment openings  20  are provided in riser platform  10 . Openings  20  provide cavities through which tabs  30  can be inserted to affix and secure a cover  28  other structures to the top of the riser platform. A top cover  28  is provided with integral, pre-cut tabs  30 . Tabs  30  can be pressed out and pressed into attachment openings  20  by hand. Tabs  30  thus secure the top cover  28  to upper surface  14  of riser platform  10 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIGS. 9-13 , in another embodiment of the present invention, top cover  28  includes a skirt  54 .  FIG. 10  depicts the embodiment with the top cover  28  securely attached to the platform. To assemble the top cover illustrated in  FIGS. 11-12 , bayonet locks  60  of top cover  28  can be closed in the direction of arrows  58  ( FIG. 11 ) and inserted into slots  64 . As shown in  FIGS. 11-12 , skirt  54  of top cover  28  can be provided with rounded corners so as to surround riser platform  10 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , when attached, cover  28  has a cut-out, raised area  22 , which identifies the insertion point for the hand truck and permits the insertion of the blade of a hand truck without damage to the riser platform or cover  28 . 
         [0046]    Further promotional configurations of the platform of the subject matter disclosed herein are depicted in  FIGS. 14 and 15 . In  FIG. 14 , a vertical, planar promotional board  38  is supported by riser platform  10 . Promotional board  38  may be integrally formed with the top cover  28  ( FIG. 14 ), or inserted into a slot provided in cover  28  and riser platform  10  (not shown).  FIG. 15  depicts an alternative embodiment in which a three-sided promotional board  40  may be securely attached to the riser platform to retain items placed on the riser platform and, concurrently, to provide space for advertising and promotional information. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 16-20  illustrate a reinforced or heavy-duty riser platform  10 . In particular, one or more reinforcing dowels  41  can be inserted into channels  42  of riser platform  10 . Inserting one or more dowels  41  into the channels of the riser platform provides additional strength and overall stability and support to the riser platform. Dowels  41  may be constructed of any material suitable for providing additional strength, stability and support to the riser platform, including for example, wood, or corrugate. As depicted in  FIGS. 16-18 , one, two, or three dowels  41  may be inserted into one or more of the riser platform&#39;s plurality of channels, depending on the anticipated load to be applied on the riser platform. As further depicted by  FIG. 19 , once inserted, the dowel may span the entire length of the channel within which the dowel is inserted. As further depicted by  FIG. 20 , when inserted, the dowel may be compressed and held in place by the interior walls of the riser platform&#39;s plurality of columns as well as the interior walls of the channels and top cover embodiment. 
         [0048]    The riser platform of the present invention is preferably, but not necessarily, formed of recycled paper products. One suitable material for forming the riser platform is recycled material derived from corrugated boxes, discarded/recycled newsprint, or other paper products. As a result, riser platforms of one embodiment of the present invention can be easily disposed of in corrugated recycling/trash bins. Although it is contemplated that the riser platform of the present invention is molded from recycled pulp fiber, numerous alternative materials are suitable for use as a riser platform. Such alternatives include, for example, plastic polymers, recycled materials, and virgin, non-recycled materials. 
         [0049]    The subject matter disclosed herein is not limited to the embodiments described and depicted herein, and other configurations will occur to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Rather, the subject matter disclosed herein is limited only by the claims appended hereto. 
         [0050]    It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions, types of materials and coatings described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention; they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure. 
         [0051]    This written description uses examples to disclose the various embodiments of the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the examples have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the examples include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.