# US 2012/0073902 A1 · Platform system

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 2012/0073902 A1
- Document ID: US20120073902A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 13/313,168
- Filed: 2011-12-07
- Published: 2012-03-29
- Earliest claimed: 2011-07-16
- Assignees: Safe Rack LLC
- Inventors: Robert W. Honeycutt
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20120073902A1

## CPC

- E04G 1/15: essentially comprising special means for supporting or forming platforms (E04G1/20 takes precedence); Platforms (boards or planks therefor E04G5/08 {, clips or connections for securing boards E04G7/28})
- E06C 1/39: Ladders having platforms; Ladders changeable into platforms (platforms for use on ladders E06C7/16)
- E04G 1/17: Comprising essentially pre-assembled three-dimensional [3D] elements, e.g. cubic elements
- E04G 7/02: with separate coupling elements
- E06C 7/081: {Rungs or other treads comprising anti-slip features}
- E04F 11/025: Stairways having stringers {(E04F11/035 takes precedence)}
- E04F 11/112: of metal {or with an upper layer of metal}
- E04F 11/181: {Balustrades}
- E04F 2011/0209: {mainly of metal}
- E04F 2011/1889: {mainly of metal}
- E04G 1/14: Comprising essentially pre-assembled two-dimensional [2D] frame-like elements, e.g. of rods in L- or H-shape, with or without bracing (E04G1/15 takes precedence)
- E04G 1/152: {Platforms made of metal or with metal-supporting frame}
- E04G 5/14: Railings
- E04G 2001/242: {Scaffolds movable on wheels or tracks}
- E06C 1/397: characterised by having wheels, rollers, or runners
- E06C 7/182: {situated at the top of the ladder}
- E06C 7/183: {situated along the ladder}
- E04G: SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
- E06C: LADDERS (E04F11/00 takes precedence; step-stools A47C12/00; adaptation of ladders to use on ships B63B, to use on aircraft B64; scaffolding E04G)
- E04F: FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS (windows, doors E06B)

## Abstract

A modular platform system utilizing a number of components including a platform. The platform is configured so that each of the components may interchangeably connect to any side of the platform. The components include, for example, handrails and stairways, as well as other platforms. The platform and most of the components are formed from single, continuous pieces of metal.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A platform system comprising a platform including a plurality of sides, whereby the platform is created from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal that is cut and folded to form the platform, and wherein each side of the platform defines a set of apertures, wherein the set of apertures allow the respective side of the platform to interchangeably connect to a plurality of components that are configured to connect to the platform.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The platform system of claim 1 wherein the plurality of components that are configured to interchangeably be connected to the platform comprises a pair of stairway supports, a handrail, and another platform, wherein the another platform is identical to the platform such that the another platform is configured to interchangeably receive any one of the plurality of components that are configured to connect to the platform.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The platform system of claim 1 wherein the platform is rectangular.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The platform system of claim 3 wherein the platform is square.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The platform system of claim 1 wherein the one of the plurality of components is another platform, wherein the another platform is identical to the platform such that each side of the another platform is configured to interchangeably receive one of the plurality of components configured to connect to the platform.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The platform system of claim 1 wherein the one of the plurality of components is a pair of stairway supports, where the stairway supports are configured to interconnect at least one step.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The platform system of claim 6 wherein each of the pair of stairway supports is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, whereby the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is cut and folded to form the respective stairway support.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The platform system of claim 6 wherein the step is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, whereby the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is cut and folded to form the step.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The platform system of claim 1 wherein the one of the plurality of components is a handrail configured to connect to the platform.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The platform system of claim 9 wherein an outer rail of the handrail is formed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal, whereby the single, continuous piece of tubular metal is cut to define a set of apertures that correspond to the set of the apertures defined by each side of the platform, and whereby the single, continuous piece of tubular metal is bent to form the outer rail.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The platform system of claim 1 further comprising a stand configured to support at least the platform, wherein each side of the platform defines a tab parallel to a top surface of the platform that is formed when the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is folded, wherein the tab defines a second set of apertures when the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is cut, and wherein a top surface of the stand defines a third set of apertures, whereby the third set of apertures correspond to the second set of apertures and allow the stand to be connected to the platform.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The platform system of claim 11 wherein the top surface of the stand defines a fourth set of apertures, whereby the fourth set of apertures correspond to another second set of apertures of another platform adjacent to the first platform, whereby the stand may be connected to, and support, the platform and the another platform.

### Claim 13

A platform system comprising:
a platform having a plurality of identical sides, wherein each side defines a first set of apertures; and
at least two components, wherein the two components are different from one another, wherein each component defines a second set of apertures;
wherein the first set of apertures aligns with the second set of apertures in order to allow each side of the platform to interchangeably connect with either of the at least two components.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The platform system of claim 13 wherein the first platform is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal.

### Claim 15 (depends on 13)

The platform system of claim 13 wherein the first set of apertures aligns with a third set of apertures defined by each side of a second platform in order to allow the second platform to be connected to the first platform.

### Claim 16 (depends on 15)

The platform system of claim 15 wherein the first and second platforms are identical.

### Claim 17 (depends on 13)

The platform system of claim 13 wherein the at least two components comprise a handrail and a pair of stairway supports.

### Claim 18 (depends on 17)

The platform system of claim 17 wherein the pair of stairway supports have a second end that defines a fourth set of apertures, wherein the first set of apertures aligns with the fourth set of apertures in order to allow the second end of the stairway supports to be connected to the first platform.

### Claim 19 (depends on 17)

The platform system of claim 17 wherein each of the pair of stairway supports if formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal.

### Claim 20 (depends on 17)

The platform system of claim 17 further comprising a pair of stairway handrails, each of which comprises a first rail defining at least a first aperture and a second rail defining at least a second aperture, wherein each of the pair of stairway supports defines at least a third and fourth aperture, and the first aperture aligns with the third aperture and the second aperture aligns with the fourth aperture in order to allow each stairway handrail to be connected to a respective stairway support.

### Claim 21 (depends on 20)

The platform system of claim 20 wherein each of the first and second rails is formed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal.

### Claim 22 (depends on 17)

The platform system of claim 17 further comprising at least one step, wherein each side of the step defines at least a first aperture, wherein each of the pair of stairway supports defines at least a second aperture, and the first apertures align with the second apertures in order to allow the step to be connected between the pair of stairway supports.

### Claim 23 (depends on 22)

The platform system of claim 22 wherein the at least one step is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal.

### Claim 24 (depends on 13)

The platform system of claim 13 wherein the platform is a first platform, the platform system further comprising a second platform identical to the first platform, wherein aligning the first set of apertures of one side of the second platform with the first set of apertures of another side of the first platform allows the first platform to be connected to the second platform.