US 6,106,186 AGranted

Modular portable stage system

AssigneeWenger Corporation

InventorsDale L. Taipale, Michael D. Jines, Grant S. Quam

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Abstract

A modular portable stage and floor system uses a small number of standardized modular components to construct a temporary or permanent platform that is easily adaptable to a wide variety of platform designs. The modular standardized components include a series of modular vertical and horizontal supports and a light-weight modular deck panel. The modular vertical and horizontal supports can be detachably coupled together in a slidably interlocked manner using a universal connector mechanism in to a support frame structure for supporting a plurality of modular deck panels. By using a small number of modular supports and a universal connector mechanism that is similar for all structural interconnections required to build the support frame structure, the modular portable stage and floor system is strong and stable, yet easily transported, assembled and disassembled.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A universal connector mechanism for connecting together a plurality of horizontal support members and vertical support members to form a frame support structure for a stage or flooring system, the universal connector mechanism comprising:

one or more first fitting means permanently connectable to each of the vertical support members for detachably coupling the vertical support member to one of the horizontal support members in a slidably interlocking manner;
and
at least two second fitting means permanently connectable to each of the horizontal support members for detachably coupling the horizontal support members to two or more of the vertical support members in a slidably interlocking manner,
such that the second fitting means is positioned above the first fitting means and slidably interlocked onto and vertically supported by the first fitting means to create the universal connector mechanism whereby the frame support structure can be assembled without the use of any tools;
and
a shim means operably connectable to the horizontal support member for ensuring a tight engagement of the second fitting means to the first fitting means, the shim means including:
an outer shim member;
an inner shim member;
a biasing means for biasing the outer shim member against the inner shim member;
and
actuating means for actuating and releasing the biasing means,
such that a surface on the outer shim member is biased into abuttable engagement with a corresponding surface on the first fitting means when the biasing means is actuated by the actuating means.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/185,978Filed 4 Nov 1998 · division
Priority: 31 Jul 1992
Granted: 22 Aug 2000
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification16 codes

E04F 11/0255
Stairways having stringers: having adjustable gradient
E04F 11/002
Stairways, ramps, or like structures ; Balustrades; Handrails: ramps
E04F 11/181
Balustrades; Handrails: balustrades
E04F 15/02458
Supporting structures: framework supporting the panels