GB2508307A

GB2508307A - A trestle assembly platform

Info

Publication number: GB2508307A
Application number: GB1322031.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Thomas Patrick Hardy; Michael John O'flanagan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-10-07
Filing date: 2011-10-07
Publication date: 2014-05-28
Also published as: GB2495322A; GB2495322B; GB201322031D0; GB201117345D0

Abstract

A trestle assembly platform 101 comprises a plurality of spaced apart fingers 102 positioned at opposite ends of the platform wherein the fingers are offset on one side of the platform against the fingers of the opposite side of the platform whereby the fingers of adjacent platforms may interleave. An extended platform area may be created. The plurality of fingers may comprise at least one integrally moulded resilient flap 108. The fingers may comprise an opening for engagement with a trestle. Fig 9 shows a trestle assembly 1 comprising a platform 101 and trestles 1 with a platform support portion 2 is included, wherein the platform support portion of the trestle features a ridge 11 adapted for engagement with each resilient flap of the platform.

Description

A Trestle Assembly This invention relates to trestles and the platforms used therefor, particularly, though not exclusively, to a builder's or decorator's trestle that can be used to support a platform for standing on.

Builder's or decorator's trestles, sometimes called bandstands, are generally designed to be able to support a platform, for example made of one or more planks of wood or, for example, a staging, on which the builder or decorator can stand so as to reach higher than if standing on the floor. The advantage of such a platform at a height as compared to a ladder, apart from the safety aspects, is that the platform extends laterally so that it is easy to move across to obtain access to a horizontal extent of, for example, a wall for decorating, without the need to keep getting down off a ladder, moving it across and climbing back up the ladder.

Most known trestles of the type suitable for supporting a platform, however can only support the platform at one particular height: if a different height is required, a different size of trestle must be used. The trestle known from GB2399589B addresses this problem and provides a trestle which enables the platform to be supported at a chosen predetermined height.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a trestle of the sort described in GB2399589B but with improved stability. Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide expandability to the trestle such that a larger platform may be provided.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a trestle comprising at least first and second support components, the support components being substantially planar and interlittable into a panar orthogonal configuration so as to provide a substantially stable support for a platform, wherein the first support component comprises a platform support component having a platform support portion, the platform support component further comprising a plurality of slots extending inwardly from the periphery thereof towards the platform support portion, and wherein said second support component comprises at least one base support component comprising at least one notch, wherein said plurality of slots each comprise at least one resilient clip formed in a wall of the slot for engagement with the at least one notch In a preferred embodiment, each slot comprises a single resilient clip. In other embodiments each slot may comprise more than one resilient clip, for example, 2, 3, or 4 resilient clips.

Preferably the resilient clip is biased such that, at rest, it is located at a first position, upon application of a force the resilient clip is displaced out of said first position, returning to said first position upon removal of the force.

Preferably the resilient clip is formed of a plastics material, more preferably the resilient clip is integrally moulded with the platform support component.

Preferably the resilient clip comprises a stem extending substantially parallel to the wall of the slot in which the resilient clip is formed, Preferably the resilient clip comprises an enlarged head, more preferably the enlarged head is located at the free end of the stem. Most preferab!y the enlarged head is shaped to correspond to and engage with the notch of the base support component.

Preferably the resilient clip is located adjacent a cavity formed in the platform support component.

The base support component preferably comprises a slot receivinq portion, which extends inwardly from a periphery of the base support component.

Preferably the slot receiving portion comprises a channel.

Preferably the notch is positioned in the slot receiving portion. Optionally there may be a single notch, alternatively there may be more than one notch, for example 2, 3, or 4. Preferably, for each resilient dip there is a corresponding notch.

More preferably the slot receiving portion is tapered such that, as the slot receiving portion extends inwardly from a periphery of the base support component, the thickness of the slot receiving portion increases. The degree of taper is preferably in the range of about 00 to about 200, but is preferably between about 00 and about 5°, most preferably about 2°.

Preferably the slots taper such that, as the slots extend inwardly from the periphery of the platform support component towards the platform support portion, the width of the slot continuously decreases. The degree of taper may be anything from about 00 to about 20°, but is preferably between about 00 and about 5°, most preferably about 2°.

Preferably the slot receiving portion and the s!ots are tapered to correspond with each other.

The plurality of slots preferably extend inwardly from a periphery thereof towards the platform support portion to end at different distances from the platform support portion whereby the at least one base support component can be fitted into a chosen one of said plurality of slots to hold the platform support component at a predetermined height.

Preferably the trestle comprises a pah-of base support components, more preferably the platform support component comprises at least one pair of slots extending from the periphery thereof into which the pair of base support components can be fitted.

Preferably the platform support component comprises a plurality of pairs of slots, each pair of slots extending to within thfferent distances from the platform support portion.

Preferably the plurality of slots is arranged in a staggered configuration of corresponding slots to provide a plurality of pairs of slots, one at each lateral side of the platform support component.

Preferably the slots are arranged so that the base support components, when fitted to the platform support component, are tilted from vertical. More preferably the slots are arranged so that the base support components, when fitted to the platform support component, are at an angle of approximately 15° to 200 to vertical.

The components may preferably include strengthening ribs arranged in a generally criss-cross pattern across the component. The components may preferably include strengthening rbs arranged to follow stress contours around each of the components.

Preferably, the or each of the base support components includes a pair of foot portions for contacting a surface on which the trestle stands, in use, each of the foot portions preferably being provided with a rubber foot.

Preferably the base support component comprises a recess forming a foot hole enabling the assembled trestle to be easily moved.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a platform for use with a trestle, said platform comprising a plurality of fingers such that a spacing is formed between adjacent fingers.

Preferably the spacings are sufficiently large to enable them to be occupied by fingers of an adjacent platform.

Preferably the plurality of fingers are formed at opposing sides of the platform, more preferably such that the fingers formed on a first side of the platform are offset against the fingers formed on a second side of the platform to enable the fingers of adjacent platforms interleave.

Preferably the fingers comprise at least one resilient flap, more preferably the resilient flap is integrally formed with the fingers.

Preferably the resilient flap is biased such that, at rest, it is located at a first position, upon application of a force the resilient flap is displaced out of said first position, returning to said first position upon removal of the force.

Preferably the resilient flap extends substantially downwards from an upper surface of the finger. More preferably the resilient flap extends downwardly at a slight angle to the vertical. Preferably the angle to the vertical may be anything from about 00 to about 25°, more preferably between about 00 to about 100, most preferably about 5°.

Preferably the resilient flap comprises a substantially planar extension.

Preferably the resilient flap comprises an interference portion. Preferably the resilient flap is formed adjacent a cavity formed in the finger.

Preferably the fingers comprise first and second side walls defining an opening for engagement with a trestle. More preferably the walls of said opening are tapered.

In a third aspect, the invention provides a trestle assembly comprising at least one trestle and at least one platform, wherein the platform support portion of the trestle comprises a ridge adapted for interaction with the or each resilient flap of the platform.

Preferably the ridge interacts with the interference portion of the resilient flap such that the interference portion clips into a position below the ridge.

Preferably the trestle assembly is provided by two trestles and one platform.

Afternatively, the trestle assembly may be formed using a plurality of platforms and trestles, for example, two platforms and three trestles, three platforms and four trestles etc. In order that the invention may be more fully understood, a preferred embodiment of a trestle, platform and trestle assembly in accordance with the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a trestle according to the present invention; FIG. 2 shows a platform support component of the trestle shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 shows a base support component for use with the platform support component shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of a resilient clip of the platform support component shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the base support component of FIG. 3 along line A; FIG. 6 shows a top view of a platform; FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of the platform shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the platform shown in FIG. 6 along line B; FIG. Ba shows an enlarged view of a finger of the platform shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a trestle assembly comprising two trestles shown in FIG 1 supporting one platform shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 1, a trestle 1 according to the present invention includes three separate components, which can be flat-packed for easy transportation and can be easily set up by slotting together.

The components are a platform support component 2 and a pair of base support components 3, 4. Each of the base support components 3, 4 is substantially planar of a roughly triangular shape with a pair of foot portions 5, 6 provided at the base of the triangle, one foot portion 5, 6 at each lateral side of the component. A recess 7a is provided between the foot portions 5, 6 of each base support component 3, 4 providing a foot hole whereby the trestle may be easily moved from one location to another. The apex of the triangle of each of the leg components is rounded in shape and configured to interfit with the platform support component, as will be more fully described below.

Although not shown, rubber feet can be provided on the leg portions 5, 6 to reduce sliding on the surface on which they stand.

The platform support component 2 is also planar and is arranged so as to interfit with the pair of base support components 3, 4 to extend between the base support components in a generally orthogonal orientation to the leg components, the platform support component 2 being generally vertical and the base support components 3, 4 being arranged at an angle to the vertical when the components are interfitted to each other. As shown, when the components are interfitted with each other, a top edge 9 of the platform support component 2 provides a platform support portion 11 onto which a platform 10, can be rested. The platform support portion 11 comprises a ridge, extending substantially orthogonal to the plane of the platform support component 2.

With two such trestles, of course, the platform can be fully supported to provide a builder or decorator with an appropriate working platform. The platform will be described more fully below.

The platform support component 2 further has a plurality, in this case two, of pairs of slots 13a, 13b and 14a, 14b extending from a downwardly facing edge 12 (as illustrated) towards the platform support portion 11 of the component.

The downwardly facing edge 12 is stepped so that the pairs of slots 13a, 13b and 14a, 14b are staggered, with their closed ends at different distances from the platform support portion 11 of the component. The base support components 3, 4 fit into a pair of slots 14a, 14b, the lower of the two pairs in this case, to hold the platform support component 2 at a particular height above the floor. Because of the staggered configuration of the slots, if the leg a components are fitted into the upper pair of slots 13a, 13b then the platform support component will be held at a lower height. It will be appreciated that the platform support component 2 may be formed with any number of pairs of slots, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 pairs.

The downwardly facing edge 12 of the platform support component 2 comprises a recess 7b providing a foot hole whereby the trestle may be easily moved from one location to another.

FIG. 2 shows the platform support component 2 and FIG. 3 shows the base support component 3 in more detail. The same elements as shown in FIG. 1 have the same reference number and will not be described again in detail.

The components 2 and 3, which are generally planar, are formed of a plastics material and have a supporting structure of framing 8 and strengthening ribs arranged to follow substantially the lines of stress in the component such that, when it is loaded, the weight applied thereto is dissipated towards the feet 5, 6.

Although the spaces between the ribs 15 may be kept empty, as shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, thereby minimising the amount of plastics material used, they may alternatively be filled with webs of the plastics material to provide additional strength. As can be seen, the framing ribs 8 generally frame the main features of the component, such as the periphery of the component. A slot receiving portion 17 of the base support component 3 that interfits with a slot 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b on the platform support component 2 is also framed by extra strengthening ribs.

Referring again to FIG.2, the platform support component 2 is provided with a pair of platform retaining shoulders 18, 19 extending in a coplanar configuration orthogonally to the platform support portion 11 so as to prevent the platform from slipping off the edge of the platform support portion 11.

As can be seen, the pairs of slots 13a, 13b and 14a, 14b extending from the downwardly facing edge 12 towards the platform support portion 11 of the component are arranged at an angle to the vertical. Consequently, when the platform support component 2 is in position, the base support components 3, 4 are tilted at an angle to the vertical, thereby providing greater stability. The angle of the slots to the verUcal may be anything from about 0° to about 25°, but is preferably between about 150 to about 20°, most preferably about 15°.

Each of the slots 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b of the platform support component is provided with a resilient clip 20 formed in a wall of the slot. The resilient clip 20 is formed of a plastics material and is preferably integrally moulded with the platform support component.

As shown in FIG.4, the resilient clip 20 comprises a stem 21, formed such that the stem extends substantially parallel to the wall of the slot in which the resilient clip is formed, and an enlarged head 22 located at the free end of the stem.

Resilient clip 20 is biased such that, at rest, it is located in a first position as illustrated in FIG.4. When a force is applied to the stem 21 and/or enlarged head 22 the resilient clip is displaced out of said first position such that it partially or wholly occupies the space defined by cavity 23. When the force applied to the resilient clip 20 is removed, the clip returns to the first position. Such a force is applied when the base support component 3 is interfitted to the platform support component 2 during assembly of the trestle.

Each of slots 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b are slightly tapered such that the width of the slot decreases as it extends from the downwardly facing edge 12 towards the platform support portion 11. The degree of taper is about 2°.

As shown in FIG.3, the slot receiving portion 17 of the base support component 3 is formed of a channel adapted to interfit with a slot 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b of the platform support component 2. The slot receiving portion 17 is strengthened by the addition of a network 21 of extra strengthening ribs.

The slot receiving portion 17 is provided with a reciprocal notch 24a, as shown in FIG. 5, formed as an indentation in the surface of the slot receiving portion 17. Reciprocal notch 24a is shaped to correspond to and engage with the enlarged head 22 of the resilient clip 20 such that, when the base support component 3 is interfitted with the platform support component 2, the engagement of the resilient clip 20 with reciprocal notch 24a provides a means to constrain the base support component from sliding out of the slot of the platform support component once it has been inserted in position.

The slot receiving portion 17 is also provided with a second similar reciprocal notch 24b on the reverse surface of the base support component 3 such that the component may be interfitted to the platform support component when inserted in either orientation.

The slot receiving portion 17 is slightly tapered such that the width of the slot receiving portion increases as it extends towards the recess 7a. The degree of taper is about 2°, corresponding to the degree of taper of the slots 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b.

Tapering of the slots 13a, 13b, 14a and 14b and the slot receiving portion 17 in this way aids the interfitting of the base support component 3 to the platform support component 2 to form the trestle 1 and serves to constrain the base support component 3 from sliding out of a slot of the platform support component 2 once it has been inserted in position.

FIGs. 6, 7, 8 and Ba show a platform 101 adapted for use with a trestle, in particular the trestle 1 of FIG. 1. The platform 101 comprises a generally planar, rectangular shaped body 103 formed of a plastics material and having a supporting structure of framing 113 and criss-crossing ribs 105 which strengthen of the platform. Along the short sides 104 of the platform a number of fingers 102 are fomied. The fingers 102 are formed of a plastics material and are preferably integrally moulded with the body 103 of the platform.

As shown, each short side 104 is formed with four fingers 102, although it wi!l be appreciated that any number of fingers may be formed, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 fingers may be formed on each short side 104. It will also be appreciated that each of the short sides 104 need not be formed with the same number of fingers.

The fingers 102 are separated by spacings 106, the spacings 106 being sufficiently large to enable them to be occupied by the fingers 102 of an adjacent platform.

The fingers 102 are positioned in a staggered arrangement such that the fingers 102 of one short side 104 are offset against those of the opposing short side 104. Consequently there is rotational symmetry about an axis through the centre of the platform. Such an arrangement enables the fingers of adjacent platforms to interleave.

Finger 102 comprises a first and second side wall 114 which are shaped to define an opening 107, such that the opening 107 may slot over the platform supporting portion of a trest!e. The opening 107 is slightly tapered, as shown in FIG. 8a, to aid interfitting with a trestle.

Finger 102 further comprises a resilient flap 108 extending substantially downwardly from an upper surface 109 of the finger 102. The resilient flap 108 extends downwardly at a slight angle to the vertical. The angle is about The resilient flap 108 is formed of a plastics material, preferably such that the resilient flap 108 is integrally moulded with the finger 102.

As shown in FIG. 8a, the resilient flap 108 comprises a substantially planar extension 110, and an interference portion 111 located along the free end of the extension 110.

The resilient flap 108 is biased such that, at rest, it is located in a first position as illustrated in FIG.Sa. When a force is applied to the extension 110 and/or interference portion 111 the resilient flap is displaced out of said first position such that resilient flap 108 partially or wholly occupies the space defined by cavity 112. When the force applied to the resilient flap 108 is removed, the flap returns to the first position. Such a force is applied when the platform 101 is slotted over the platform supporting portion of a trestle.

As shown in FIG 9, a trestle assembly may be formed with two trestles 1 supporting one platform 101. The fingers 102 of the platform 101 slot over the platform support portion 11 of the platform support component 2 such that openings 107 extend downwardly either side of the platform support component 2.

As the platform 101 is slotted over the platform support component 2, the ridge of the platform support portion 11 interacts with the interference portion 111 of the resilient flap 108 such that, when the platform support component 2 is fully inserted in the opening 107, the interference portion 111 clips into position below the ridge of the platform support portion 11. This serves to constrain the platform support component from sliding out of the opening 107 of the finger 102 once it has been inserted in position, hence retaining the trestle and platform in position.

It will be appreciated that a similar assembly may be formed using a plurality of platforms and trestles, for example, two platforms and three trestles, three platforms and four trestles etc. The fingers of adjacent platforms interleave, as described above, enabling the formation of a continuous surface comprising any number of platforms. This provides the user with a versatile assembly that may be easily assembled and moved as desired.

As described above, the components are preferably, although not necessarily, made of a plastics material, such as a fibre reinforced plastics material, for example a glass fibre reinforced thermoplastics material. One suitable material is a long fibre r&nforced thermoplastk material known as Celstran® manufactured by Ticona GmbH of Frankfurt, Germany, although other materials could alternatively be used. The components are preferably made by injection moulding.

It will be appreciated that although only a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in detail, various modifications and improvements can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A trestle assembly platform, said platform comprising a plurality of fingers such that a spacing is formed between adjacent fingers.
2. A platform according to claim 1, wherein said spacings are sufficiently large to enable them to be occupied by fingers of an adjacent platform.
3. A platform according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of fingers are formed at opposing sides of the platform such that the fingers formed on a first side of the platform are offset against the fingers formed on a second side of the platform to enable the fingers of adjacent platforms interleave.
4. A platform according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the plurality of fingers comprise at least one resilient flap.
5. A platform according to claim 4, wherein the resilient flap is integrally moulded with the finger.
6. A platform according to either claim 4 or claim 5, wherein said resilient flap is biased such that it is located at a first position, upon application of a force the resilient flap is displaced out of said first position, returning to said first position upon removal of the force.
7. A platform according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the resilient flap extends substantially downwards from an upper surface of the finger.
8. A platform according to claim 7, wherein the resilient flap extends downwardly at a slight angle to the vertical.
9. A platform according to claim 8, wherein the angle to the vertical is in the range from about 00 to about 25°, preferably between about 0° to about 10°, most preferably about 5°.
10. A platform according to claim any of claims 4 to 9, wherein the resilient flap comprises a ridge portion.
11. A platform according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of fingers comprise an opening for engagement with a trestle.
12. A platform according to claim 11, wherein said opening is tapered.
13. A trestle assembly comprising at least one trestle having a platform support portion, and at least one platform according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the platform support portion of the trestle comprises a ridge adapted for engagement with the or each resilient flap of the platform.