AU726975B2 - Collapsible staging, tiered seating and scafolding using flexible bracing - Google Patents

Description

P/ 00/01 11 28/5/91 AUSTRALIA Regulation 3.2 Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Invenion Ttle:COLLAPSIBLE STAGING,TIERED SEATING AND SCAFOLDING USING FLEXIBLE BRACING.

The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- I U .I L p -2- COLLAPSIBLE STAGING. TIERED SEATING AND SCAFFOLDING USING FLEXIBLE

BRACING.

This invention relates to the improvements to the framework of stages, tiered seating and scaffolding. Previous designs and methods have been towards multiple stand alone modules, namely a frame when folded out allows a platform to be placed on it. The problem with this method comes when several modules are put together to form the required platform area. The modules are either roped, taped or bolted, so that individual modules do not come apart thus losing a performer or two.

Therefore setting up a stage is very time consuming as a result. An other feature of this type of stage is that the edges of the modules are generally proud of each other making it a tripping hazard. this is overcome by covering the stage with carpet, which causes it's own ooo* 15 problems. This invention eliminates all of the above problems.

With most stages, seating and scaffolding the frames stand alone, oooo having solid framework on all four sides hinged, bolted or slotted together so that the platform does little more than provide a working or S seating plane. The method being applied for uses the platform as part of the bracing, so much so that without the platform in place the frames would collapse. This whole concept is made possible by the use of the flexible bracing. That bracing can be chain, metal, rope etc., any material that is flexible and capable of carrying the load on the platform. The flexible bracing reduces the number of frames necessary for conventional systems by half, therefore the weight of the frames by half as well. Although the diagrams below show a stage configuration the principle still applies to tiered seating and scaffolding the same way.

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. I shows the stage as it would look fully erected.

FIG. 2 shows the relationship of the platforms to the flexible bracing.

~FIG. 1 starts with the platform being wood or meal any material capable of carrying the required load of the working plane. They have no bolts or such attachment devices. The framework including vertical 15 bracing members having means for supporting the end edges of the *o platform members, horizontal bracing members adjacent each end 0000 vertical bracing members for preventing the two end vertical bracing members from moving inwards. The means for supporting the end edges of the platform members includes first end brackets for supporting the edges of the end platform members, and second brackets for engagement with the edges of the other platform members where they meet the framework. The first flexible bracing member for carrying the load of the platform members and a second flexible bracing member for keeping the bracing members vertical. The first and second flexible bracing members are attached alternately to the top and bottom vertical bracing members to form a criss-crossed bracing structure. Removable platform members for placement on said framework wherein the removable platform members are flush where they meet, and are attached to the framework simply by the edge engagement with the first and second brackets 3) without bolts or other attachment devices, wherein the flexible bracings and the end brackets collectively tensions the platform members.

Fig. 2 fully demonstrates the principle of this design. The platforms (1) and flexible bracing form pyramids and are therefore very strong.

The arrows and (10) show the opposing forces, the platforms (1) wanting to move outwards, while the bracing inwards. The only way :movement can be realized is by the platforms moving upwards which is prevented by the weight of the platforms