Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/472,668, now pending, filed May 16, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/008,246, now pending, filed Jan. 18, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/388,645, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,922,416, filed Feb. 19, 2009, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/295,999, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,703,401, filed Dec. 7, 2005, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a method of assembling a portable support structure. In particular, the present invention is directed to securing support members to platform members attached to each other to form a portable support structure. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Portable structures, such as stages or platforms, must be capable of breaking down into relatively small units that can be loaded onto trucks or airplanes for transport. In addition, the portable structures must be capable of assembly in a short amount of time, by personnel having little or no technical skill. The above benefits must be provided while providing a platform that is capable of holding a large amount of weight and does not sway or bend during use. 
     Locking mechanisms for supports have typically utilized pins and/or latches. The locking mechanisms for supports known in the art suffer from the drawback that they are difficult to assemble, are subject to misalignment, causing instability in the platforms, and require a plurality of pieces, each of which must be assembled together to produce the platform. 
     What is needed is a portable platform structure that is easily assembled and disassembled with little or no technical skill, having a stable structure that resists deflection when bearing a load, where the structure does not suffer from the drawbacks of the prior art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In an exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a portable support structure includes positioning a first platform member, then securing a first support member to the first platform member. Then the method further includes securing a second platform member to the first platform member to form a continuous platform surface. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a portable support structure includes positioning a plurality of platform members to form a first continuous platform surface, then securing a support member to at least one of the plurality of platform members. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a method of assembling a portable support structure includes forming a continuous surface from a plurality of platform members, the plurality of platform members including one or more female connectors. The method includes aligning one or more male connectors with the one or more female connectors, and engaging the one or more male connectors with the one or more female connectors. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that support structures, such as stages or platforms may be assembled and disassembled repeatedly, while providing a substantially rigid support structure that may support a substantial load when assembled. 
     Another advantage of the present invention is that the individual structural members individually may be interchanged, reducing the possibility for assembly error in the assembly of the multi-level structure. 
     Still another advantage of the present invention is that the load applied to the platform is supported by the support structure, allowing the structure to maintain stability, without swaying or bending, including when lateral forces are present. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the structure members are configured to prevent misalignment, allowing personnel having little or no technical skill to correctly align the various components while maintaining a structure that is stable and is resistant to swaying or bending. 
     Still yet another advantage of the present invention is that a force is provided that retains the primary support member in position during installation, making the installation easier and does not undesirably disassemble when the platform structure is lifted. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that an assembler of the portable support structure may position and lock the secondary support member while remaining in a standing position, making the installation quicker and less burdensome on the assembler. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that the portable support structure occupies less space when disassembled than stages previously known in the art, permitting the use of less storage space, providing further advantages, such as fewer tractor-trailers to transport the stage by land, less cargo space in aircraft when transporting the portable support structure by air and less overall transportation costs. 
     A further advantage of the present invention is that the secondary support members may be installed subsequent to the installation of the primary support members, and may be omitted in applications where the primary support members provide sufficient support for the platform members. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the preferred embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of a portable support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective cutaway view of a portable support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a primary and secondary support system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  shows a cutaway view of a portable support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows a primary support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  show respective top and side views of a secondary support member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C show orthogonal cutaway views of a secondary support connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a secondary support connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of a hook member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of a secondary support member in locking engagement with a hook member according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  shows an elevation view of a primary support connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a primary support connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  shows an elevation view of a primary platform connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a primary platform connector according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  shows an enlarged, partial elevation view of a primary support connector and primary platform connector engaged according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  shows in tabular form, storage space ratio savings of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an assembled portable support structure  100  having a continuous surface formed from a plurality of platform members  101  attached to each other along one or more surfaces that may be disassembled into smaller components, which preferably have a size and geometry suitable for storage or transportation. Platform members  101  may attach to each other by any suitable means including, but not limited to, latches, fasteners or other attachment devices that may be disassembled for storage or transportation. The smaller components may include single platform members  101  having associated primary support members  105  and secondary support members  103 . The primary support member  105  is preferably a leg, column, tube, cylinder or other elongated structure provided at a substantially perpendicular angle to the platform member  101  capable of bearing a load from the platform member  101 . The secondary support member  103  is preferably bar, tube, cylinder or other elongated structure provided at an angle to the platform member  101  for providing lateral support to the primary support member  105 . The portable support structure  100  includes platform members  101 , primary support members  105  and secondary support members  103  disattachably connected to provide structural support for the platform member  101 . As used herein, “detachably engaged” or the like refers to the ability to disconnect support members without having to first change the angular orientation between the support, i.e., rotate one support member with respect to the other support member. The primary support members  105  are detachably engaged to a primary platform connector  401  (see e.g.,  FIG. 4 ), which is attached to platform member  101 . Engagement between components of the present invention includes interlocking of the components and/or contact between components, and may include retention of one or more components in a given position either by force of gravity or by interaction between mechanical components, which may be released or detached with the application of a force by hand or by mechanical device. Although platform member  101  is shown with a rectangular geometry, the present invention is not limited to a rectangular geometry. The platform member  101  may be fabricated into any geometry that provides the desired support for the portable support structure  100  and is easily stored and/or transported. The secondary support members  103  are detachably engaged at one end with the secondary platform connector  403  (see  FIG. 4 ). The secondary support members  103  are also in locking engagement with hook member  107  attached to the primary support member  105 . As used herein, “locking engagement” refers to an engagement between support members that can only be supported by changing the angular orientation of one support member with respect to the other support member, i.e., by rotation. A rotatable wheel or caster  109  may be included at one end of the primary support member  105  in order to provide the portable support structure  100  with added mobility. Although the primary support member  105  has been shown including a caster  109 , the present invention is not limited to a caster  109 . The primary support member  105  may be any suitable structure for contacting a foundation surface, including, but not limited to, a fixed wheel, a skid, footing or other structure suitable for providing support and transferring and distributing the load provided by the portable support structure  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a unit including only a single platform member  101  from the portable support structure  100 . Platform member  101  may include platform supports  201  in order to provide additional support over the length of the platform member  101 . Like shown and described with respect to  FIG. 1 , connection of primary platform connector  401  to the platform member  101  is detachably engaged with a primary support connector  301 . Likewise, secondary support members  103  are detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector  403 . In addition, secondary support members  103  are in locking engagement with the hook member  107  attached to the primary support member  105 . The single unit having the four primary support members  105  and the eight secondary support member  103  shown in  FIG. 2  is self supporting and may be moved as a unit when being assembled with other units and may be attached to other units having platform members  101 , as shown and described with respect to  FIG. 1 . The number of primary support members  105  and secondary support members  103  is not limited to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 2 . Any number of primary support members  105  and secondary support member  103  supporting the platform member  101  may be used in the portable support structure according to the present invention. In addition, some or all of the secondary support members  105  may be omitted, where the support provided by the primary support member  105  is sufficient to provide the desired support the platform member  101 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a more detailed view of the components of the portable support structure  100  with the platform member  101  removed. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the secondary support members  103  are in locking engagement with the hook member  107 , which is preferably attached adjacent to one end of the primary support member  105 . In addition,  FIG. 3  shows a primary support connector  301  at one end of the primary support member  105 , preferably opposite the hook member  107 . Primary support connector  301  has a geometry that detachably engages the primary platform connector  401  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), which is attached to the platform member  101  (see  FIG. 4 ). Further,  FIG. 3  shows a secondary support connector  303  at each end of the secondary support member  103 . The secondary support connector  303  detachably engages the secondary platform connector  403  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), which is attached to the platform member  101  (see  FIG. 4 ). In addition, secondary support connector  303  is in locking engagement with the hook member  107 . The secondary support connector  303  may be an eyelet, as shown in  FIG. 3 , but may include any suitable structure suitable for detachably engaging the secondary platform connector  403 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a cutaway view of the portable support structure  100 . The primary support connector  301  at one end of the primary support member  105  is detachably engaged with a primary platform connector  401 . The secondary support connector  303  of the secondary support member  103  is detachably engaged with the secondary platform connector  403 . The secondary support connector  303  distal from the end of the secondary support member  103  engaged with the secondary platform connector  403  is in locking engagement to the hook member  107 . The secondary support connector  403  at the distal end of the secondary support member  103  from the hook member  107  is engaged with the secondary platform connector  403  and is capable of providing non-vertical support for the primary support member  105 . The angle of the support member  103  with respect to the primary support member  105  is preferably an angle of sufficient magnitude to maintain a platform surface  405  suitable for use as a stage, platform, decking or other raised structure that is capable of bearing the weight of equipment and/or people. 
       FIG. 5  shows an enlarged, more detailed, cutaway view of the portable support structure  100  without a secondary support member  103 . The primary support connector  301  is detachably engaged with primary platform connector  401 . The primary platform connector  401  includes a retention device  507 , which provides a retaining force on the primary support connector  301 , which detachably retains engagement of the primary support connector  301  and the primary support member  105 , particularly during assembly of the portable structure support system  100 . Although the retention device  507  provides sufficient force to retain engagement of the primary support member  105 , and the primary support connector  301 , the retention device  507  is releasable under a force, such as a manual force  150  that would be applied by hand or by mechanical device during disassembly of the portable structure support system  100 . The primary support connector  301  includes an attachment portion  503 , a tapered portion  504  and an alignment member  505 . The attachment portion  503  extends from the tapered portion  504  and provides a surface to which the primary support member  105  may be attached. The attachment portion  503  of the primary support connector  301  may be attached to the primary support member  105  by any suitable means, including, but not limited to, adhesive, welding, threaded engagement, cross pins, heat shrink fitting or other any other suitable attachment method. The tapered portion  504  preferably has a frusto-conical shape that engages the primary platform connector  401  and provides support to the platform member  101 . The primary platform connector  401  provides a surface that engages the tapered portion  504  of the primary support connector  301  to distribute the force from the platform member and maintain the engagement of the primary platform connector  401  and the primary support connector  301 . This primary support connector  401  geometry allows for little or no platform deflection of the primary support member  105  with respect to the platform member  101 . Platform deflection is a change in the angle between the primary support member  105  and the platform member  101  when the platform member  101  is subjected to a load. Sources of deflection may include, for example, disengagement of the primary support connector  301  and the primary platform connector  401 , a large load on the platform member  101  or a large lateral force on the platform member  101 , substantially perpendicular to the primary support member  105 . 
       FIG. 5  also shows primary support member  105  including hook member  107  attached at a position along the length of the primary support member  105 , but preferably adjacent an end and opposite the attachment portion  503 . The hook member  107  is positioned on the primary support member  105  such that a secondary support member  103  (See  FIG. 4 ) may be placed in locking engagement with the hook member  107  and in detachable engagement with the secondary platform connector  403 . The hook member  107  includes a plurality of hook portions  501  which may engage secondary support connector  303  in locking engagement. The attachment of the hook member  107  to the primary support member  105  may be any attachment means suitable for receiving force transferred by the secondary support member  103  when the secondary support member  103  is in locking engagement. Suitable attachment means for attaching the hook member  107  to the primary support member  105  include, but are not limited to, clamping, applying adhesive, set screws or other mechanical portions, heat shrink (thermal interference fit) or welding. 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  illustrate two views of a secondary support member  103  according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIGS. 6A and 6B  show support member  103  having a substantially cylindrical geometry including two ends that each include secondary support connectors  303  in the form of eyelets. The secondary support member  103  may have any suitable geometry that is capable of transferring force from the platform member  101  to the primary support member  105  when the portable support structure  100  is assembled (see, for example,  FIG. 4 ). As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , the secondary support connectors  303  may include any structure that is suitable for engaging the secondary platform connector  403  and the hook member  107  on the primary support member  105 . The secondary support connectors  303  at the each end of the secondary support members  103  may be the same, or the secondary support connector  303  connectors may be different from each other. In addition, secondary support connectors  303  may be configured in any suitable geometry that includes one end that is capable of detachably engaging the secondary platform connector  403  and one end that is capable of being in locking engagement to the hook member  107 . 
       FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C show cutaway views of secondary platform connectors  403  according to embodiments of the invention.  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C show a platform attachment portion  701  that attaches to the platform member  101  (not shown in  FIG. 7A ,  7 B or  7 C). In addition,  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C show a connector post portion  703  extending from the platform attachment portion  701 . The connector post portion  703  is not limited to the cylindrical geometry having a tapered end shown, but may include any geometry that is capable of receiving and supporting the secondary support member  103  and reacting to a force from the platform member  101  through the secondary support member  103  to the primary support member  105  through the hook member  107 .  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C show an embodiment of the invention wherein a retention portion  705  has a substantially rectangular geometry with a rounded end  709  and a notched end  711  that permits the passage of the secondary support connector  303  in one direction, but prevents disengagement from the secondary platform connector  403  once the secondary support connector  303  is in an engaged position. The retention portion  705  shown in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C rotatably retracts when the secondary support connector  303  of the secondary support member  103  is directed over the connector post portion  703  of the secondary platform connector  403  and reextends once the secondary support member  103  is in an engaged position by force of gravity. Reextension of the retention portion  705  prevents disengagement of the secondary support member  103  from the secondary platform connector  403 . The retention portion  705  extends substantially perpendicular to the connector post portion  703  and provides an engagement surface  707  that contacts and retains the secondary support connector  303  when the secondary support member  103  is engaged with the secondary platform connector  403 . The retention portion  705  is not limited to the geometry shown in  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C, but may be any geometry that permits the engagement of the secondary support connector  303  of the secondary support member  103  and prevents disengagement and is releasable under a force, such as a manual force that would be applied by hand or mechanical device during disassembly of the portable structure support system  100 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a secondary platform connector  403  according to an embodiment of the present invention shown with a secondary support member  103  (shown in broken lines) when the secondary support member  103  is in an engaged position. When the secondary support member  103  is directed into engagement, the retention portion  705  yields by rotating about an axis defined by a pin  713  into a position into a slot  715  in the connector post portion  703  that permits the passage of the secondary support connector  303  over the retention portion  705 . Reextension of the retention portion  705  takes place by rotation about the pin  713  axis out of the slot  715  via gravity once the secondary support member  103  is in an engaged position. The reextension may also be assisted by a force-providing device, such as a spring. Once the retention portion reextends, disengagement of the secondary support member  103  from the secondary platform connector  403  is substantially prevented. To disengage the secondary support member  103 , the retention portion  705  may be manipulated by hand or mechanical device to rotate into the connector post portion  703 , which permits the secondary support connector  303  to be directed away from the platform attachment portion  701  and to disengage from the secondary platform connector  403 . The connection between the secondary platform connector  403  and the secondary support connector  303  is a detachable connection (i.e., detachable engagement), because the angular orientation between the secondary support member  103  and secondary platform connector  403  is not required to change to the effect disconnection therebetween. 
       FIG. 9  shows a hook member  107  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown and described with respect to  FIG. 5 , the hook member  107  includes a plurality of hook portions  501 . The hook portions  501  extend from a hook member attachment portion  901 . The hook member attachment portion  901  includes a geometry that is suitable for attachment to the primary support member  105 . The attachment portion  901  embodiment shown in  FIG. 9  includes a pair of clamp-like structures that are fastened together by fasteners  903 . The attachment portion  901  includes an attachment surface  909  that attaches to the primary support member  105  (See  FIG. 5 ) upon sufficient engagement of fasteners  903  to draw the attachment surfaces  909  into compressive contact with the primary support member  105 . The attachment portion  901  is not limited to the geometry shown in  FIG. 9 , and may include any geometry that permits the attachment of the hook member  107  to the primary support member  105 . The attachment of the hook member  107  to the primary support member  105  may take place using any suitable method, including frictional attachment provided by fasteners  903 , adhesive, thermal shrink fit, welding or providing a unitary primary support member  105  having the structure of the hook member  107  integrally included. Although  FIG. 9  shows four hook portions  501 , the hook member  107  may include any number of hook portions  501  and may include a hook portion  501  for each support member  107  that is in locking engagement with the hook member  107 . Additionally, the hook members  107  may be fabricated with a symmetrical arrangement of hook portions  501 , such as the four hook portions  501  shown in  FIG. 9 , for ease of assembly and alignment of the primary support member  105  when the portable support structure  100  is assembled. The hook portions  501  include a curved portion  905  that has a radius of curvature that allows a secondary support connector  303  of a secondary support member  103  to be directed over the hook portion  501 . The curved portion includes an engagement surface  907  that is capable of engaging the secondary support connector  303  and reacting to forces transmitted through the secondary support member  103 . When the secondary support connector  303  is in position and in engagement with the engagement surface  907 , the curved portion  905  locks the secondary support connector  303  in place and prevents disengagement, thereby retaining the secondary support member  103  in locking engagement. 
       FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the installation of the secondary support member  103  onto the hook member  107  during the assembly of the portable support structure  100 . During the assembly of the portable support structure  100 , the secondary support connector  303  of a secondary support member  103  is directed over a hook portion  501  of the hook member  107 . The direction of the secondary support member is shown as arrow  1001 , where the secondary support connector  303  is first aligned with the hook portion  501  and the secondary support connector  303  is then directed over the hook portion  501  and rotated over the curved portion  905  to engage engagement surface  907  where the secondary support connector  303  of the secondary support member  103  is in locking engagement (shown in broken lines) with the hook member  107 . Locking engagement refers to the requirement that a change in angular orientation must occur between the secondary support connector  303  and the hook portion  501  to effect separation therefrom. Disengagement of the secondary support member  103  from the hook member  107  preferably takes place using an opposite motion as the arrow  1001  shown in  FIG. 10 . In addition, disengagement of the secondary support member  103  may be performed remotely, including, but not limited to, rotation of the secondary support member  103  from the distal end of the secondary support member  103  by personnel disassembling the portable support structure  100 . Remote disengagement of the secondary support member  103  from the hook member  107  may permit personnel to disassemble the portable support structure  100  from a standing position or kneeling position, which reduces or eliminates the need from personnel to repetitively bend to disassemble the portable support structure  100 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an enlarged cutaway view of a primary support connector  301  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The primary support connector  301  includes attachment portion  503  attached to flange portion  1103 . As shown and described with respect to  FIG. 5 , the primary support member  105  is attached to the primary support connector  301 . The primary support connector  301  further includes a tapered portion  504  extending from the flange portion  1103  that abuts an end of the primary support member  105 . The tapered portion  504  includes an outer surface  1102 , which is configured to engage a mating inner surface  1303  of the primary platform connector (see e.g.,  FIG. 15 ). The alignment member  505  is positioned at one end of the tapered portion  504 . Alignment member  505  is configured to provide rotational alignment to the primary support connector  301  and the attached primary support member  105 . The alignment member  505  includes an alignment channel  1105  for engaging an alignment pin  1307  (see  FIG. 15 ) and retaining the primary support connector  301  in a fixed rotational position. The alignment channel  1105  is formed as a cavity in the alignment member  505  that is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to a connector center axis  1107  of the primary support connector  301 . 
       FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of a primary support connector  301  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown and described in  FIG. 11 , the primary support connector  301  includes an attachment portion  503  attached to a flange portion  1103 . The attachment portion  503  and flange portion  1103  have a substantially cylindrical geometry. Tapered portion  504  extends from the flange portion  1103  to alignment member  505 . The tapered portion  504  has a substantially frusto-conical geometry, which has an outer surface  1102 , which is configured to engage the inner surface  1303  of the primary platform connector  401  (see e.g.,  FIG. 15 ). The alignment member  505  includes alignment channels  1105  for engagement with the alignment pin  1307  (see e.g.,  FIG. 15 ). Although  FIG. 12  shows two intersecting alignment channels  1105 , any number of channels or a single channel may be used. The number of channels preferably corresponds to the number of alignment positions desired for the primary platform connector  301  and the attached primary support member  105 . 
       FIG. 13  shows an enlarged cutaway view of a primary platform connector  401  according to an embodiment of the present invention. The primary platform connector  401  includes a platform connector cavity  1301 , which is configured with an inner surface  1303  to receive and engage the tapered portion  504  of the primary support connector  301 . Alignment pin  1307  is positioned at a substantially perpendicular angle to the platform connector center axis  1309  within the primary platform connector  401  in a location such that the alignment pin  1307  engages the alignment channel  1105  of the primary support connector  301  when the primary support connector  301  is engaged with the primary platform connector  401 . The primary platform connector  401  further includes a retention device  507 , which provides a retaining force on the primary support connector  301 , which holds the primary support connector  301  and the primary support member  105  in place, particularly during assembly of the portable support structure  100 . The retention device  507  may include a tension providing device  1306  and a retainer ball  1305 . The tension-providing device  1306  according to the present invention may be any device capable of providing a tensional force that may be translated through the retainer ball  1305 , which retains the primary support connector  301  in position. A suitable tension-providing device includes, but is not limited to, a spring. The present invention is not limited to a retainer ball  1305  having the geometry shown in  FIG. 13 , but may include any geometry capable of engaging the alignment member  505  and the tapered portion  504  retaining the primary support connector  301  in position during the assembly of the portable support structure  100 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of a primary platform connector  401  according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown and described in  FIG. 13 , the primary platform connector  401  includes a platform connector cavity  1301  at one end of the primary platform connector  401 . The primary platform connector  401  has a substantially rectangular geometry that includes retention device  507  extending from one surface of the primary platform connector  401 . Although the primary platform connector  401  shown in  FIG. 14  is substantially rectangular, the primary platform connector  401  may be any geometry that can be attached to a platform member  101  (not shown in  FIGS. 13-14 ) and can receive a primary support connector  301 . The attachment of the primary platform connector  401  to the platform member  101  may take place using any suitable method including, but not limited to, adhesive, welding, mechanical fasteners, thermal interference (shrink fit), forming a unitary platform member  101  including the structure of the primary platform connector  401 . 
       FIG. 15  shows a cross-sectional view of a primary support connector  301  engaged with a primary platform connector  401  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Outer surface  1102  of the primary support connector  301  engages the inner surface  1303  of the primary platform connector  401 . The alignment pin  1307  of the primary platform connector  401  engages the alignment channel  1105  of the primary support connector  301  and substantially prevents rotation of the primary support connector  301  and the attached primary support member  105  (not shown in  FIG. 15 ). Retention device  507  provides a retaining force on the primary support connector  301  at the junction between the alignment member  505  and tapered portion  504  to retain the primary support connector  301  inside the primary platform connector  401  and maintain the angular orientation of primary support member  105  with respect to axis  1107 . The retention is preferably sufficient to maintain the engagement during assembly of the portable structure support system  100 . A portion of the flange portion  1103  of the primary support connector  301  engages a portion of the primary platform connector  401  and provides a stop or abutting surface, which aligns the primary support connector  301  and provides additional support to the primary platform connector  401 . The combination of the alignment by use of the alignment pin  1307  and the alignment channel  1105 , the retention device  507  and the engagement of the outer surface  1102  with the inner surface  1303  provides an engaged structure capable of supporting a platform member  101  for a stage, platform or other structure capable of bearing the load of people and/or equipment. This combination also provides easy assembly of the portable support structure  100  allowing the primary support member  105  to remain engaged while the secondary support members  103  are being positioned and allowing the primary support members  105  to remain engaged to the platform members  101  during lifting of the platform members, such as the lifting that may occur during assembly of the portable support structure  100 . In addition, this engagement of the primary support connector  301  and the primary platform connector  401  is releasable under a force, such as a manual force that would be applied by hand or mechanical device during disassembly of the portable structure support system  100 . 
     The portable support structure  100  may include a plurality of platform members  101 , including primary support connectors  401  and secondary platform connectors  403 , primary support members  105 , including primary support connectors  301 , secondary support members  103 , including secondary support connectors  303 , may be fabricated each with substantially identical dimensions or marked with an identifier, such as colors, in order to allow the individual structural members to be interchanged, reducing the possibility for assembly error in the assembly of the multi-level structure. The interchangeability of the various components permits easy assembly by persons having little or no technical skill. 
     The tapered geometry of the primary support connector  301  and the angle of the secondary support member  103  distributes forces from the platform member  101  allowing the structure to maintain stability, without platform deflection. In addition, the angled structure provides considerable lateral support to react lateral forces that may be present. The tapered geometry of the primary support connector  301  permits the platform member  101  and the primary support member  105  to be engaged prior to engaging the secondary support member  103 . The tapered geometry provides the sufficient vertical and lateral support to support the platform member  101 , even in the absence of secondary support members  103 . This support permits the engagement of the primary support members  105 , while the secondary support members  103  may be engaged at a later time. The later installation of the secondary support member  103  permits the assemblers of the portable support structure  100  to assemble the support structure more efficiently and in less time. In one embodiment of the invention, the secondary support members  103  may be omitted and the primary support members  105  provide the entire structural support for the platform member  101 . 
     The tapered geometry of the primary support connector  301  and the presence of the retention device  507  also helps prevent misalignment of the structural members and allows people having little or no technical skill to correctly align the various components while maintaining a structure that is stable. In addition, the retention device  507  provides a force that retains the leg member in position during installation, making the installation easier. In particular, the retention device  507  provides a structure that does not undesirably disassemble when platform structure is raised or lifted, such as the raising or lifting that may occur during the assembly of the portable support structure  100 . 
     The hook member  107  according to the present invention provides a releasable locking mechanism onto which the secondary support members  103  are easily and quickly installed. The hook portions  501  of the hook member  107  permit the installation and the locking engagement of the secondary support member  103  wherein the assembler of the portable support structure  100  may position and lock the secondary support member  103  while remaining in the standing position, making the installation quicker and less burdensome on the assembler, reducing back-related injuries caused by repetitive tasks. 
     EXAMPLE 
     Table 1 shows the assembly time ratio for an Example according to an embodiment of the invention and a Comparative Example according to a prior art portable support structure. The assembly time ratio is defined as total assembly time, in man-hours, divided by the portable support structure platform size in 1000 ft 2 . Both the Example and Comparative Example are portable structures forming a platform 60 feet long, 40 feet wide, with a height (i.e., platform elevation) of 5 feet. The Example according to the present invention utilizes the portable support structure  100  having both the primary support members  105  and secondary support members  103 , which assemble substantially as shown in  FIG. 1 . Comparative Example includes a prior art portable support structure, including known primary and secondary supports, utilizing known connections. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Time to 
                   
                 Man-Hours 
                 Assembly 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Portable 
                 Assemble 
                   
                 for Assembly 
                 Time Ratio 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Structure 
                 Entire 
                   
                 of Entire 
                 (Man-Hours/ 
               
               
                   
                 length 
                 Width 
                 Platform 
                 Structure 
                 Number of 
                 Structure 
                 1000 ft 2  of 
               
               
                   
                 (ft) 
                 (ft) 
                 Size (ft 2 ) 
                 (hours) 
                 Assemblers 
                 (hours) 
                 platform) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Example 
                 60 
                 40 
                 2400 
                 0.75 
                 3 
                 2.25 
                 0.94 
               
               
                 Comparative 
                 60 
                 40 
                 2400 
                 1 
                 6 
                 6 
                 2.5 
               
               
                 Example 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As shown in Table 1, the Example according to the present invention has an assembly time ratio of 0.94, which is about 62.4% lower than the assembly time ratio of the Comparative Example of 2.5. The total time to assemble the 2400 ft 2  portable support structure is 45 minutes (0.75 hours), with three assemblers, corresponding to 2.25 man-hours to assemble the 2400 ft 2  structure. The prior art Comparative Example assembles in 1 hour, with six assemblers, corresponding to six man-hours to assemble the 2400 ft 2  structure. The assembly of the Example portable support structure is accomplished with less assemblers, three compared to six for the Comparative Example. In addition, the Example is assembled in less total time, 0.75 hours compared to 1 hour for the Comparative Example. 
     Table 2 shows the storage space ratios of the Example and Comparative Examples. As discussed above with respect to the assembly time ratio, the Example and Comparative Example have platforms of substantially identical size (i.e., 40 feet wide, 60 feet long, 5 feet high and total platform area of 2400 ft 2 ). The Example according to the present invention utilizes the portable support structure  100  having both the primary support members  105  and secondary support members  103 , which assemble substantially as shown in  FIG. 1 . Comparative Example includes a prior art support structure, including known primary and secondary supports, utilizing known connections. The storage space is the length of a standard tractor-trailer utilized to store the disassembled portable support structure at a substantially maximum packing density. A standard tractor-trailer is defined as the type of tractor-trailer typically used for transportation of concert stages, having a storage space width of about 100 inches and a storage space height of about 110 inches. The storage space ratio is defined as the length of storage space utilized to store the portable support structure (i.e., the length of the tractor-trailer) at a substantially maximum packing density divided by 1000 ft 2  of platform area. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Portable 
                   
                 Storage 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Structure 
                 Storage 
                 Space Ratio 
               
               
                   
                 Length 
                 Width 
                   
                 Platform 
                 Length 
                 (storage length/ 
               
               
                   
                 (ft) 
                 (ft) 
                 Height 
                 Size (ft 2 ) 
                 (ft) 
                 1000 ft 2 ) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Example 
                 60 
                 40 
                 5 
                 2400 
                 27.25 
                 11.35 
               
               
                 Comparative 
                 60 
                 40 
                 5 
                 2400 
                 38 
                 15.83 
               
               
                 Example 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As shown in Table 2 (contents of Table 2 also shown in  FIG. 16 ), the Example according to the present invention has a storage space ratio of 11.35, which is about 28.3% lower than the storage space ratio of the Comparative Example of 15.83. The storage of the 2400 ft 2  portable support structure of Example is accomplished in 27.25 ft of storage length, which is 10.75 ft less than the 38 feet utilized for the 2400 ft 2  portable support structure of Comparative Example. Similar storage efficiencies would be achieved in the cargo holds of aircraft, ships or other transportation vehicles. 
     Time for assembly and disassembly of the portable support structure  100  of the present invention is significantly reduced compared to known systems. In industries, such as the music industry, labor is a significant percentage of the cost relating to production of concert events and the like. The portable support structure  100  according to the present invention may utilize at least 50% fewer personnel to assemble and disassemble the portable support structures  100  than a prior art portable support structure. The time to assemble/disassemble the portable support structures  100  is also reduced, wherein the structure may be assembled in at least 33% less time than a prior art portable support structure. Assembly in at least 33% less time may also be accomplished in combination with the at least 50% fewer assemblers, allowing the portable support structure to be assembled in at least 33% less time with at least 50% fewer assemblers. A reduction in either the workforce required to assemble and disassemble a portable support structure  100  and/or a reduction in the amount of time required to assemble and disassemble a portable support structure  100  significantly reduces the costs related to a concert event utilizing the portable support structure  100 . 
     The portable support structure  100  according to the present invention also has the advantage that the disassembled structure takes up a significantly reduced volume as compared with known portable support structures. The portable support structure  100  according to the present invention may be stored and/or transported in at least 25% less space than a prior art portable support structure. This reduction in storage volume permits reduced storage and transportation costs. 
     While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Technology Category: 4