MXPA01000760A - Folding stage - Google Patents

Abstract

An elevationally adjustable folding stage (20) includes stages decks (22) on a folding frame (24). Telescoping legs (26) extend from the frame (24) and include a spacer assembly (80). A spacer member (84) is engaged by a spreader member (82) to adjust the width of the spacer assembly (80). Rotatable wheels (88) are mounted on the spacer member (84) to engage the inner portion of an outer leg member of the telescoping legs (26). A spacing linkage (30) includes linkage members (52) and (54) with a stop member (58) mounted on the first linkage member (52) and engaging the top of the second spacing linkage (54). Stop member (58) is adjustably mounted to change the engagement point and the folding range of the folding linkage (28) and therefore, the alignment of the stage (20).

Description

FOLDING SCENARIO Background of the Invention 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to a collapsible scenario, and in particular, to a mobile collapsible scenario that adjusts, in an elevation manner, with improved folding and stability. 2. Prior Art Folding scenarios are used for a variety of purposes by providing a platform that is raised, temporarily, which is used in schools, hotels, convention centers and other institutions, or is used for multiple use that requires facilities in the capacity of temporary installation of scenarios. Such scenarios can be placed, the one adjacent to the other, to form an extended stage surface, or they can be placed to support reinforcement platforms between the stages, and thus form an extended stage surface. When they are not in use, the scenarios have a frame or frame, which is folded to Ref: 126688 compact its dimensions for storage. The scenarios, typically, have two stage platforms, which are articulated together along a central line to provide a folding action, and have legs that remain upright, substantially, when the stage platforms are fold. An example of such a collapsible scenario is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,640 to Luedke et al. , which was published on July 5, 1994, assigned to Sico Incorporated, the Assignee of the present invention. Although the Luedke et al patent is very successful in providing useful and efficient folding scenarios, further improvements are still possible, particularly with respect to scenarios that fold from the position of use to a storage position, with the lower part of the scenarios the one opposite the other, substantially, in a folded storage position. By providing scenarios that fit, in elevation, the legs of the stage frame or frame must be capable of being folded or tucked in to adjust the height of the stage platforms.

As the elevation adjustment increases, the distance that the inner leg must butt towards the outer leg increases. As the distance increases, the likelihood of the legs locking or loosening increases, especially when they are over-exposed in use. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a spacer that provides a reinforcing leg structure with a bit of freedom between the members of telescopic legs to eliminate wobble and eccentric rotation. At the same time, it is important that the spacer assembly provides a glide, in an easy manner, to the telescopic leg members in relation to one another. A common problem with collapsible scenarios, which is increased when they overlap in use, is the setting of the scenario, which ensures that the platforms remain aligned, substantially, and ensures that they remain horizontal in the deployed position of use. The above scenarios, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,325,640 to Luedke et al. , use a screw in the central coupling area of the stage. The screw acts like a rangle, where the two platform frames meet along the fold line. The stop adjustment adjusts the relative position of the frame or frame and the platforms. These types of scenarios use a spacer joint to apply tension to the collapsible stage joint and correct any separation that could allow the stage to move or shake. As this joint passes through a clamping position to a blocking position, the platforms are folded into a concave alignment slightly before they revert back to level. At this point, the leveling screw acts like a spring with an extremely high spring constant that must be compressed before it can return to its level position. Although this configuration provides alignment, does not provide so much compression, that it forces other parts of the joint to have some loosening in order to allow the joint to pass through the clamping position. The components that are over-exposed in use can wear out, they can change the alignment so that the reinforcement of the frame or frame is less rigid and has more play or slack.

This condition results in a less solid scenario perception in the deployed position of use. It can be seen then, that a new and improved scenario is required which overcomes the problems of the prior art. The spacer mounting for the telescopic legs must provide an adjustment without play, which does not loosen or tighten or lock over time and which provides an easy sliding and adjustment of the telescopic legs. An improved stage should provide a locking mechanism and a spacer mechanism that can be adjusted easily, and that does not cause other components to loosen and lead to wobbles and a scenario with less reinforcement. The present invention is directed to these, as well as to other problems associated with collapsible scenarios which are adjusted, in elevation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to improvements in collapsible scenarios, and in particular to improvements in flexible scenarios that are adjusted, in elevation.

The collapsible scenarios are folded from a use position to a storage position with a pair of stage platforms, which form a flat stage surface in the use position. In the folded storage position, the lower parts of the stage platforms are opposed, from substantial to one another. The stage has a folding frame or frame with a plurality of telescopic support legs. The frame or frame is folded, generally, along a line, central under the convergence of the two stage platforms. The frame or frame has a folding hinge that facilitates folding between the storage and use positions. In addition, a spacer joint acts as a lock to hold the stage in the deployed position of use, as well as to provide a separation and alignment of the stage platforms. The spacer joint has opposite joints, which are connected, in a rotational manner, and extend between the opposing telescopic legs. A spacer member is slidably mounted on a first link and includes a tab or tab extending over the top portion of the second link that engages the top of the second link after the link passes through. a holding point. The frame or frame includes a spring in the middle center of the frame members in the center of the folding axis of the stage. As the spacer member is mounted, in an adjustable manner, it can change the stop point along the folding amount of the spacer joint. The stop position affects the amount of rotation of the collapsible articulation of the stage, and therefore, affects the alignment of the stage in the deployed position. The spar link may also include a handle or handle, which extends from there outward to facilitate folding and unfolding. The folding stage that fits, in elevation, includes members of telescopic legs, which slide relative to each other to change the height of the stage surface. The telescoping leg members include an inner leg member, which slides inside an outer leg member and which folds there from the outside. A spacer assembly is mounted on the upper end of the inner telescoping leg member and engages an inner surface of the outer telescoping leg member. The spacer assembly includes a spacer member having a wheel, which is mounted at each of its own ends, and which extends, diagonally, through the inner part of the outer leg member and engages the inner corners of the outer leg member. The wheels rotate as the inner leg slides relative to the outer leg. The spacer member has an extender or brace member, which mounts next to it, and which pushes the spacer member outwardly as the spreader member or strut member is pushed down against the spacer member. In this manner, the tension and spacing can be adjusted to ensure a convenient fit between the spacer assembly and the outer telescoping leg member. These characteristics of novelty and several other advantages, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims to that and form a part of this. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objectives achieved through its use, reference should be made to the drawings, which form an additional part of this, and to the descriptive theme that accompanies, in which is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With reference now the drawings, wherein as reference numbers and letters indicated correspond to. the total structure of the various views: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a collapsible scenario that adjusts, in elevation, in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a side elevation view of the stage shown in Figure 1 in a folded storage position; Figure 3 shows a side elevational view of the stage shown in Figure 1 in a folded position, partially; Figure 4 shows a side elevational view of the stage shown in Figure 1 in an unfolded position; Figure 5 shows a side elevational view of the stage shown in Figure 1 in an unfolded position with a locked spacer hinge; Figure 6 shows a detailed view of the spacer joint stop member for the collapsible stage shown in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an inner telescoping leg member and a spacer assembly for the scenario shown in Figure 1; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the upper part of an inner leg member of a telescopic leg shown in Figure 7; and Figure 9 shows a top plan view of the spacer assembly and a telescopic leg.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to Figures 1-5, there is shown a collapsible scenario that fits, in elevation, which is designated 20, generally. The scenario 20 is folded between a deployed position of use, which is shown in Figures 1, 4 and 5, and a folded storage position, which is shown in Figure 2. In the position of use, a pair of platforms of scenario 22 substantially form a flat upper stage surface. Each of the platforms 22 is supported on a frame or frame 24 and on telescopic legs 26. A folding hinge 28 facilitates movement between the folded and unfolded positions. A stage 20 may include slides or rollers 38 that are mounted between the legs 26 and that rotate on a joint 40 between an elevated position and a low position to facilitate movement of the stage 20 when not in use. The stage 20 may also include platform retainers 44, which retain the reinforcement panels that extend between the stages to form an extended stage. A mechanism for raising mechanical means 46 can be adapted to a bore or another input power can be adapted to raise and lower the height of the stage 20. To facilitate folding, stage 20 can include torsion bars or springs, which are aligned, approximately, with the center of gravity so that the frame or frame 24 facilitates the folding and unfolding of the stage. The collapsible joint 28 includes mounting members 50, which extend from each of the legs 28. The folding articulation 28 extends upward to engage the frame or frame 24 below the stage platforms 22. It can be assessed that the alignment of the stage platforms 22 relative to one another ensures a level stage surface, which requires careful alignment of the supporting frames or frames 24. To ensure this with a convenient and easy folding, may require alignment devices. As shown in Figure 2, more clearly, the present invention includes a spring 34, which extends between the central portion of the frame member surfaces 32 on top of the central pivot members 42. A detent or lock 36 extends between the frames or frames 24 to prevent the stage 20 from deploying from the position of use when it is engaged. According to the present invention, a spacer or lock joint 30 is also mounted to and extends between the mounting members 50. The spar link 30 also prevents deployment and provides adjustment of the stage folding amount 20 to align the platforms 22. The sparger joint 30 includes a first and a second articulation member 52 and 54 and an adjustable stop member 58 which is mounted on the articulation member 52 and engages the upper portion of the second articulation member 54 with a fin or tab. 60. The stop member 58 includes a slot 62 with a retainer 64, such as a screw with an associated nut, which extends through the slot 62 and a hole 66 that is formed through the first hinge member 52, to retain the tepe member 58 at a desired position along the the slot 62, as shown in Figure 6. The slot may also be formed in the first hinge member 52 so that the stop member 58 and the stopper 64 slide along the first hinge member 52. Stop member 58 moves when loosening retainer 64, if grooved tepe member 58 slides along retainer 64 to the desired position and if the retainer is tightened. The first hinge member 52 may include a plurality of holes 66 for mounting the tepe member, which is spaced at intervals to provide a larger adjustment amount, which positions the stop member 58. A handle or handle 56 extends from the sparger joint 30 to assist in locking and unlocking the spacer joint 30. The handle 56 extends laterally outwardly from the second articulation member 54 to provide easy and safe access for an operator. In operation, as scenario 20 is folded from its storage position, as shown in Figure 2, to the deployed position, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, scenario 20 approaches the deployed position and the spring 34 engages the opposite center portion of the frame member surface 32. The spacer joint 30 is almost close to the horizontal position, as shown in Figure 4. However, it will be necessary for the spar link 30 to pass through through the clamping position. Once the articulation members 52 and 54 pass beyond the clamping position, as shown in Figure 5, and actually extend, slightly, below the horizontal, the spar link 30 stops further rotate by means of the stop member 58, which engages with the upper part of the second hinge member 54. In this manner, the hinge joint 30"breaks" to a blocking position that acts as a lock against folding. To fold the stage 20, the handle 20 is raised to pull back the spacer joint 30 through the attachment point, aided by a tilting force of the central spring 34 acting to fold the stage 20. When moving the stop member 58 along the first hinge member 52, the clutch point between the stop member 58 and the second hinge member 54, which is shown in Figure 5 can be varied, as illustrated by the transparency view in the Figure 6. If the position of the tab or tab 60 is changed, the geometry of the locking position of the joint 30 changes. If the final position of the swivel joint 30 is moved, the unfolded position of the frame or frame 24 changes. therefore, to make adjustments to the position of the frame or frame 24 in the deployed position of use, the stop member 58 can be moved, longitudinally, along the slot 62 and can be locked in position. with the retainer 64. The spar link 30 provides an easy and effective method of adjusting and aligning the stage 20. Referring now to FIGS. 7-9, the telescopic legs 28 of the present invention include a spacer assembly 80. As shown in Figures 1-5, each of the telescopic legs 28 includes an outer leg member 70 on top of an inner telescoping leg member 72. The inner telescopic leg member 72 can be raised and lowered into the leg member. outer leg 70 to provide an elevation adjustment of the stage 20 if the mechanical means lifting mechanism 46 is actuated. The outer leg member 70 includes a loaded spring adjusting pin 76, which couples separately with the adjustment holes of height 74 in the inner telescopic leg member 72. With this configuration, the stage 20 can be raised and lowered, and can be retained in a variation of predetermined heights, which, typically, have intervals of fifteen or twenty centimeters (six or eight inches). For an easy adjustment, the members of telescopic legs 70 and 72 should slide easily in relation to each other, without tightening or locking or having too much play to cause instability on the stage 20. The bottom of each one of the outer leg members 70, it can be pressed inwardly to a very close coupling with the rectangular periphery of the inner telescopic leg member 72. The spacer assembly 80 mounts to the upper part of the inner telescopic leg member 72 on a mounting bar 94, which extends between opposite sides of the inner telescopic leg member 72. As shown in Figure 8, the spacer assembly 80 extends, diagonally, which engages the opposite inner corners of the rectangular leg member. outer 70. Spacer assembly 80 includes an extender or brace member 82, which engages a bit with a U-shaped spacer member 84. A screw 90 includes a threaded washer and mounts to the mounting bar 94. The spacer or brace member 82 is located above the spacer member 84. The spacer member 84 includes a base with slightly diverging portions 85, which extend upwardly around the ends of the spreader member or spacer 82. As the screw 90 is depressed downward, the spacer member or spacer 82 moves downwards in addition to the slightly diverging portions 85 of the spacer member 84, pushing the slightly diverging portions 85. out. The downward movement of the extension member or spacer 82 increases the width of the spacer assembly 80. The spacer member 84 includes end sections 86 attached to and cThey extend, laterally, outwardly of the slightly diverging portions 85 that angle upwards and which support the wheels 88 on the axes 92. The wheels 88 engage the corners of the inner wall of the leg member. outer 70 and rotate as leg members 70 and 72 rise and fall relative to each other, to facilitate a more comfortable gliding. The end sections 86 extend upwards and the axes 92 are located above the coupling of the end sections 86 towards the slightly diverging portions 85. By having the wheels 88 mounted on top of the coupling of the end sections 86 towards the slightly diverging portions 85, the over tightening of the screw 90 pulls the wheels 88 downwards and outwards to increase the pressure of the wheels 88 which engages the walls of the outer leg member 70 which creates a braking effect. In a similar manner, if the wheels 88 encounter an obstruction within the outer leg member 70, the continuous relative vertical movement between the outer leg member 70 and the inner leg member 72, causes the wheels 88 to apply an increased pressure to the inner walls of the outer leg member 70, which creates a braking effect. This braking effect will clog the lifting mechanism 46 without damaging the spacer assembly 80.

It is understood, however, that although numerous features and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with the details of the structure and function of the invention, only the description is illustrated, and can be made changes in detail, in particular, in the subjects of form, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed .

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (13)

1. Claims Having described the invention as antecedent, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. An upwardly adjustable stage having a telescopic leg with a rectangular cross-section, in a substantial manner, comprising: a first leg member a second leg member that is deployed relative to the first leg member and that is inserted in a cross, partially, to the first leg member, characterized in that a spacer is mounted to the second leg member and extends, diagonally, through the rectangular cross section of the first leg member; the spacer has a pair of wheels, including a first wheel, which engages a first corner of the first leg member and has a second wheel, which engages a second diagonally opposite corner of the first leg member. .to.
2. 2. A stage according to claim 1, characterized in that the spacer includes a mounting member that is mounted to the second leg member, which has a first angled end portion that supports the first wheel and has a second end section at angle that supports the second wheel.
3. 3. A stage according to claim 2, characterized in that the mounting member includes a U-shaped part, substantially, with a first and second end sections, which extend from the opposite sides of the part in U-shape.
4. 4. A stage according to claim 3, characterized in that the wheels are mounted, laterally, outwardly beyond and above the connection point of the end sections with the U-shaped part.
5. A scenario according to claim 4, characterized in that the angled end sections extend upwards and outwards.
6. 6. A scenario according to any of claims 1-5, further characterized in that it comprises a spacer joint having a first hinge which is rotatably connected to a second hinge, a spacer member that is mounted to a first articulation and coupling with an upper part of the second articulation, wherein the spacer member is mounted, in an adjustable manner, on top of the first articulation in order to change the stop position of the spacer joint.
7. 7. - A stage according to claim 6, characterized in that the spacer joint further comprises a handle that extends from one side of a joint.
8. 8 A stage according to claim 6, characterized in that the frame includes an opposite central part of frame members extending along the center line below the stage platforms and includes intermediate tilting means to the frame members. opposites.
9. 9. A scenario according to claim 6 or 8, characterized in that the spacer member is slidably mounted on the first joint.
10. 10. A scenario according to claim 6, characterized in that the spacer member includes a fin or tongue, which engages with the upper part of the second joint.
11. 11. A scenario according to any one of claims 6-10, characterized in that the spacer joint passes through a clamping point and the spacer member couples with the second joint after the joint passes through the point of contact. subjection.
12. 12. A stage according to claim 11, further characterized in that it comprises means for fixing the position of the spacer member.
13. 13. A scenario according to any of claims 6-12, characterized in that the first hinge includes a slot that is formed in that location and wherein the spacer member is slidably mounted in the slot.