U.S. patent application number 14/985715 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-06 for adjustable coupling system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Telpro Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Larry P. Young. Invention is credited to Larry P. Young.
Application Number | 20170191276 14/985715 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59235427 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170191276 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Young; Larry P. |
July 6, 2017 |
Adjustable Coupling System
Abstract
An adjustable coupling system is provided for efficiently and
removably coupling objects such as platforms together in a linear
or diagonal orientation. The adjustable coupling system generally
includes a second receiver on a first platform and a first
connector on a second platform. The first connector is adapted to
be removably inserted within the second receiver such that the
first connector is prevented from vertical movement with respect to
the first platform. A first locking member is positioned near the
first receiver on the second platform. The first locking member is
adapted to selectively engage with the second connector when the
second connector is positioned within the first receiver to
pivotally connect the first platform and the second platform. A
work platform or catwalk can be formed with linear sections,
diagonal sections, and/or a mix thereof for a wide range of
uses.
Inventors: |
Young; Larry P.; (Grand
Forks, ND) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Young; Larry P. |
Grand Forks |
ND |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Telpro Inc.
Grand Forks
ND
|
Family ID: |
59235427 |
Appl. No.: |
14/985715 |
Filed: |
December 31, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04G 1/20 20130101; E04G
5/061 20130101; E04G 1/32 20130101; E04G 7/28 20130101; E04G 7/34
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04G 7/30 20060101
E04G007/30; E04G 1/32 20060101 E04G001/32; E04G 1/20 20060101
E04G001/20; E04G 7/34 20060101 E04G007/34; E04G 5/06 20060101
E04G005/06 |
Claims
1. An adjustable coupling system, comprising: a first receiver on a
first object; a first connector on a second object, wherein the
first connector is removably inserted within the first receiver;
and a first locking member positioned near the first receiver on
the first object, wherein the first locking member is adapted to
selectively engage with the first connector to pivotally connect
the first object to the second object.
2. The adjustable coupling system of claim 1, further comprising a
second receiver on the second object and a second connector on the
first object, wherein the second connector is removably inserted
within the second receiver.
3. The adjustable coupling system of claim 2, further comprising a
second locking member positioned near the second receiver on the
second object, wherein the second locking member is adapted to
selectively engage with the second connector.
4. The adjustable coupling system of claim 1, further comprising a
first guide member positioned near the first receiver, wherein the
first locking member extends through the first guide member.
5. The adjustable coupling system of claim 4, wherein the first
locking member includes a first anchor, wherein the first anchor is
selectively engaged with the first guide member to lock the first
locking member with the first connector.
6. The adjustable coupling system of claim 5, wherein the first
guide member includes a first flange, wherein the first anchor is
selectively engaged with the first flange.
7. The adjustable coupling system of claim 1, wherein the first
connector comprises a first tubular member.
8. The adjustable coupling system of claim 7, wherein the first
connector includes a first channel, wherein the first locking
member is removably inserted within the first channel.
9. The adjustable coupling system of claim 8, wherein the first
locking member extends no more than a quarter-length into the first
channel.
10. An adjustable work platform system, comprising: a first stand
having a plurality of vertical support members; a first platform
having an upper surface, a first end and a second end, wherein the
first platform is adjustably connected to the first stand, and
wherein the first stand is adapted to support the first platform
above a ground surface at a plurality of different angles; a second
stand having a plurality of vertical support members; and a second
platform having an upper surface, a first end and a second end,
wherein the second platform is adjustably connected to the second
stand, and wherein the second stand is adapted to support the
second platform above the ground surface at a plurality of
different angles; wherein the first end of the first platform is
pivotally connected to the second end of the second platform.
11. The adjustable work platform system of claim 10, wherein the
first platform includes a first receiver and a first locking member
near the first receiver, wherein the second platform includes a
first connector, wherein the first locking member is adapted to
selectively engage with the first connector.
12. The adjustable work platform system of claim 11, wherein the
first platform includes a second connector, wherein the second
platform includes a second receiver and a second locking member
near the second receiver, wherein the second locking member is
adapted to selectively engage with the second connector.
13. The adjustable work platform system of claim 12, wherein the
first locking member comprises a first base and a first locking
bolt extending from the first base, wherein the second locking
member comprises a second base and a second locking bolt extending
from the second base.
14. The adjustable work platform system of claim 13, wherein the
first platform includes a first guide member, wherein the first
locking bolt slidably extends through the first guide member,
wherein the second platform includes a second guide member, wherein
the second locking bolt slidably extends through the second guide
member.
15. The adjustable work platform system of claim 14, wherein the
first locking member includes a first anchor, wherein the first
guide member includes a first flange, wherein the second locking
member includes a second anchor, wherein the second guide member
includes a second flange.
16. The adjustable work platform system of claim 15, wherein the
first anchor is adapted to selectively engage with the first flange
to lock the first locking bolt within the second connector and
wherein the second anchor is adapted to selectively engage with the
second flange to lock the second locking bolt within the first
connector.
17. The adjustable work platform system of claim 15, further
comprising a first retention bolt connected between the first
flange and the first base and a second retention bolt connected
between the second flange and the second base.
18. The adjustable work platform system of claim 10, wherein the
angle of the first platform is different from the angle of the
second platform.
19. The adjustable work platform system of claim 10, wherein the
first end of the first platform is removably connected to the
second end of the second platform.
20. A platform coupling system, comprising: a platform comprising a
first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side; a first
receiver on the first end near the first side of the platform; a
second receiver on the second end near the second side of the
platform; a first connector on the first end near the second side
of the platform; a second connector on the second end near the
first side of the platform; a first locking member extending
outwardly from the first side of the first end of the platform,
wherein the first locking member is adapted to slide into or out of
the first receiver; and a second locking member extending outwardly
from the second side of the second end of the platform, wherein the
second locking member is adapted to slide into or out of the second
receiver.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable to this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Field
[0004] Example embodiments in general relate generally to a
coupling system and more specifically it relates to an adjustable
coupling system for efficiently and removably coupling objects such
as platforms together in a linear or diagonal orientation.
[0005] Description
[0006] Any discussion of the related art throughout the
specification should in no way be considered as an admission that
such related art is widely known or forms part of common general
knowledge in the field.
[0007] In a wide range of industries, it is often desired to couple
objects such as platforms together. When coupling such objects
together, it is typically required that the objects be linearly
coupled to maintain structural integrity and prevent formation of
gaps. Previous coupling systems have proven unreliable when
attempting to couple two objects together in a diagonal, rather
than linear, orientation.
[0008] For example, in construction, it is common to need elevated
platforms which are interconnected to form a catwalk. In the past,
these catwalks have been limited to linear orientations in order to
maintain safety. Thus, platforms have been incapable of forming up
and/or down slopes within a continuous catwalk without loss of
structural integrity or severe risk of injury.
[0009] Where the platforms have been diagonally coupled to form
diagonal catwalks that ramp up, down, or a combination thereof,
there are often gaps present which can cause injury to a user.
Further, the interconnections between such platforms are often
unstable and can result in inadvertent decoupling.
SUMMARY
[0010] An example embodiment of the present invention is directed
to a first receiver on a first platform and a first connector on a
second platform. The first connector is adapted to be removably
inserted within the second receiver such that the first connector
is prevented from vertical movement with respect to the first
platform. A first locking member is positioned near the first
receiver on the second platform. The first locking member is
adapted to selectively engage with the second connector when the
second connector is positioned within the first receiver to
pivotally connect the first platform and the second platform. Using
one embodiment of the present invention, a work platform or catwalk
can be formed with linear sections, diagonal sections, and/or a mix
thereof for a wide range of uses.
[0011] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the
features of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present
contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are
additional features of the invention that will be described
hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims
appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one
embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced
and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that
the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose
of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference
characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus
are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a linear work
platform in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a frontal view of a linear work platform.
[0015] FIG. 3a is a side sectional view of platforms coupled on a
mounting stand.
[0016] FIG. 3b is a side sectional view of platforms de-coupled on
a mounting stand.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a side view of platforms aligned for installation
and coupling on mounting stands.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of platforms which are coupled both
linearly and diagonally to form a work platform.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of platforms which are coupled
diagonally to form a work platform.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of a platform in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 8 is an upper perspective view of two platforms aligned
for coupling.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of two platforms being
coupled together.
[0023] FIG. 10 is an upper perspective view of two platforms being
de-coupled from each other linearly.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a top view of two platforms aligned for
coupling.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a top view of two platforms positioned next to
each other but not coupled.
[0026] FIG. 13 is a top view of two platforms coupled together.
[0027] FIG. 14 is a top view of two platforms being de-coupled by
disengaging one locking member.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a top view of two platforms being de-coupled with
one disengaged locking member.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a top view of two platforms de-coupled from each
other.
[0030] FIG. 17 is an upper perspective view of two platforms
de-coupled from each other.
[0031] FIG. 18a is an upper perspective view of a first locking
member.
[0032] FIG. 18b is an upper perspective view of a second locking
member.
[0033] FIG. 19a is an upper perspective view of a locking member in
an unlocked state.
[0034] FIG. 19b is an upper perspective view of a locking member in
a locked state.
[0035] FIG. 20a is a side view of two platforms coupled in a first
diagonal orientation.
[0036] FIG. 20b is a side view of two platforms coupled in a second
diagonal orientation.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Overview.
[0037] Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar
reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several
views, FIGS. 1 through 20b illustrate an adjustable coupling system
10, which comprises a second receiver 36 on a first platform 20a
and a first connector 30 on a second platform 20b. The first
connector 30 is adapted to be removably inserted within the second
receiver 36 such that the first connector 30 is prevented from
vertical movement with respect to the first platform 20a. A first
locking member 40 is positioned near the first receiver 32 on the
second platform 20b. The first locking member 40 is adapted to
selectively engage with the second connector 34 when the second
connector 34 is positioned within the first receiver 32 to
pivotally connect the first platform 20a and the second platform
20b. A work platform or catwalk can be formed with linear sections,
diagonal sections, and/or a mix thereof for a wide range of
uses.
B. Platforms.
[0038] As shown in the figures, one embodiment of the present
invention is generally utilized to pivotally and adjustably connect
two or more platforms 20 together. It should be appreciated,
however, that the present invention may be utilized to connect any
two objects together. Thus, while the figures and written
description illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present
invention in use with platforms 20 to form a catwalk or working
platform, the present invention should not be construed as limited
in that regard.
[0039] The platforms 20 may be self-supporting, such as through the
use of legs (not shown). In such a case, the legs will preferably
be adjustable vertically to allow for the platforms 20 to ramp up
or ramp down if desired by the operator. In a preferred embodiment
as shown in FIG. 1, one or more mounting stands 12 may be utilized
to support the platforms 20 in various orientations. In the
embodiment shown in the figures, the mounting stands 12 are
comprised of a vertical support 15 and a horizontal support 16
which is vertically adjustable along the height of the vertical
support 15. A winch 13 and cord 14 may be provided to aid with the
adjustment of the horizontal support 16, on which one or more
platforms 20 may be mounted.
[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1-6, the platforms 20 are supported by the
mounting stands 12. Although the figures illustrate that each stand
12 supports a single platform 20, it should be appreciated that in
some embodiments a single stand 12 could support multiple platforms
20. While the platforms 20 are pivotally connected to each other,
the mounting stands 12 will generally retain the platforms 20 in
specific orientations without allowing any pivoting movement while
in use, such as when an individual is walking across the platforms
20.
[0041] The platforms 20 of one embodiment of the present invention
may be coupled together in various orientations. FIG. 2 illustrates
an embodiment in which multiple platforms 20 have been coupled in a
linear orientation to form a linear work platform or catwalk. FIG.
5 illustrates an embodiment in which an "up ramp" has been formed
between three platforms 20 which are coupled in both linear and
diagonal orientations with respect to each other. FIG. 6
illustrates yet another embodiment in which all platforms 20 are
diagonally oriented with respect to each other to form a linear
surface, a diagonal surface, and another linear surface.
[0042] The figures illustrate the platforms 20 as comprising
rectangular- or square-shaped configurations which each include a
first end 21, a second end 22, a first side 23, and a second side
24. The positioning of the various components of the present
invention may vary in different embodiments. In the preferred
embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the first end 21 of the platform 20
includes a first receiver 32 near its first side 23 and a first
connector 30 near its second side 24. The second end 22 of the
platform 20 includes a second connector 34 near its first side 23
and a second receiver 36 near its second side 24. A first locking
member 40 extends outwardly from the first side 23 of the first end
21 of the platform 20. A second locking member 50 extends outwardly
from the second side 24 of the second end 22 of the platform
20.
C. Connectors and Receivers.
[0043] One embodiment of the present invention utilizes connectors
30, 34 and receivers 32, 36 to pivotally couple the platforms 20
together as shown in the figures. Generally, each platform 20
includes a first connector 30 and a first receiver 32 on its first
end 21 and a second connector 34 and second receiver 36 on its
second end 22. The connectors 30, 34 and receivers 32, 36 are each
on opposing sides 23, 24 of the platform 20 with respect to each
other to allow interconnection with additional platforms 20.
[0044] The figures illustrate the connectors 30, 34 as comprising
hollow, elongated members. It should be appreciated that the
configuration, structure, shape, orientation, and dimensions of the
connectors 30, 34 may vary in different embodiments. In a preferred
embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, the connectors 30, 34 each comprise
tubular members. Thus, the first connector 30 generally includes a
first channel 31 extending therethrough and the second connector 34
generally includes a second channel 35 extending therethrough.
While the figures illustrate the connectors 30, 34 as comprising a
circular cross-section (which allows for pivoting motion), it
should be appreciated that other cross-sections may be utilized in
different embodiments.
[0045] The connectors 30, 34 will each generally extend along half
the length of the respective ends 21, 22 of the platform 20 as
shown in FIG. 8. It should be appreciated, however, that
alternative configurations may be utilized in some embodiments.
Having the connectors 30, 34 extend across half of the ends 21, 22
of the platform 20 ensures that there is no gap between adjoined
platforms 20 when connected as shown in FIG. 9.
[0046] The first receiver 32 generally comprises first ribs 33
while the second receiver 36 will generally comprise second ribs 37
such as shown in FIG. 11. The figures illustrate the first
receivers 32 as comprising parallel upper and lower first ribs 33
and the second receivers 36 as comprising parallel upper and lower
second ribs 37; which together form bracket structures to retain
the connectors 30, 34 therein. The connectors 30, 34 are positioned
between the ribs 33, 37 to be retained therein. As shown in FIGS. 9
and 11, the first connector 30 is removably positioned between the
second ribs 37 and the second connector 34 is removably positioned
between the first ribs 33. When positioned within a receiver 32,
36, the connector 30, 34 is free to pivot, but is not capable of
moving vertically due to the ribs 33, 37 preventing vertical
movement of the connectors 30, 34.
D. Guide and Locking Members.
[0047] As shown throughout the figures, locking members 40, 50 are
provided which selectively and removably engage with the connectors
30, 34 to couple the platforms 20 together. Generally, a first
locking member 40 is positioned near the first receiver 32 and a
second locking member 50 is positioned near the second receiver 36
such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11.
[0048] The locking members 40, 50 are each adapted to slide into or
out of the receivers 32, 36. The first locking member 40 is
positioned near the first receiver 32 and is adapted to slide into
and out of the first receiver 32. Similarly, the second locking
member 50 is positioned near the second receiver 36 and is adapted
to slide into and out of the second receiver 36.
[0049] When a connector 30, 34 is positioned within a receiver 36,
32 respectively, the locking member 40, 50 will slidably engage
with the connector 30, 34 within the receiver 32, 36 as shown in
FIG. 9. Thus, the locking members 40, 50 will secure the first
connector 30 within the second receiver 36 and the second connector
34 within the first receiver 32 to effectuate the coupling of the
platforms 20.
[0050] The locking members 40, 50 may comprise various
configurations. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 18a and
18b, the first locking member 40 comprises a first base 41 having a
first outer end 42 and a first inner end 43. A first locking bolt
45 extends from the first base 41 such that the first base 41 and
first locking bolt 45 move together (i.e., when the first base 41
is pushed inwardly, the first locking bolt 45 moves with the first
base 41). First retention bolts 44 extend between the first base 41
and the first guide member 60 to prevent the first locking member
40 from being fully removed from the first guide member 60.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 18a, the first base 41 may include a first
handle 46 on its first outer end 42 as shown in the figures. The
first handle 46 may be grasped by a user to push in or pull out the
first locking bolt 45 with respect to the first receiver 32. The
first base 41 may also include a first hinge 47 and a first anchor
48 which is hingedly attached to the first base 41 via the first
hinge 47. The first anchor 48 may include a first notch 49 so that
the first anchor 48 may selectively engage with a corresponding
first flange 64 on the first guide member 60 to lock the first
locking bolt 45 in an extended position within the second connector
34 when one embodiment of the present invention is in use.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment shown in the figures, the second
locking member 50 comprises a second base 51 having a second outer
end 52 and a second inner end 53. A second locking bolt 55 extends
from the second base 51 such that the second base 51 and second
locking bolt 55 move together (i.e., when the second base 51 is
pushed inwardly, the second locking bolt 55 moves with the second
base 51). Second retention bolts 54 extend between the second base
51 and the second guide member 70 to prevent the second locking
member 50 from being fully removed from the second guide member
70.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 18b, the second base 51 may include a
second handle 56 on its second outer end 52 as shown in the
figures. The second handle 56 may be grasped by a user to push in
or pull out the second locking bolt 55 with respect to the second
receiver 36. The second base 51 may also include a second hinge 57
and a second anchor 58 which is hingedly attached to the second
base 51 via the second hinge 57. The second anchor 58 may include a
second notch 59 so that the second anchor 58 may selectively engage
with a corresponding second flange 74 on the second guide member 70
to lock the second locking bolt 55 in an extended position within
the first connector 30 when one embodiment of the present invention
is in use.
[0054] As best shown in FIG. 13, the first locking member 40 is
slidably engaged within the second connector 34, which itself is
positioned within the first receiver 32. Similarly, the second
locking member 50 is slidably engaged with the first connector 30,
which itself is positioned within the second receiver 36. In a
preferred embodiment, the first locking bolt 45 extends into the
second channel 35 of the second connector 34 and the second locking
bolt 55 extends into the first channel 31 of the first connector
30. Preferably, the first locking member 40 extends no more than a
quarter-length into the second connector 34 and the second locking
member 50 extends no more than a quarter-length into the first
connector 30.
[0055] This configuration allows the platforms 20 to be de-coupled
by only disengaging one of the locking members 40, 50 as shown in
FIGS. 15-17 and discussed below. Such a configuration prevents
damage to the locking members 40, 50, as the still-engaged
connector 30, 34 will slide harmlessly off the still-engaged
locking member 40, 50 without binding or grabbing. Thus, the
present invention provides the flexibility of disconnecting with
one or both of the locking members 40, 50 disengaged in a manner
which will not damage any component of the present invention, even
with repeated usage.
[0056] As shown throughout the figures, guide members 60, 70 may be
provided to guide the linear movement of the locking members 40,
50. As shown in FIG. 11, the first guide member 60 is positioned
near the first receiver 32 and the second guide member 70 is
positioned near the second receiver 36. The first locking member 40
slidably extends through the first guide member 60 and the second
locking member 50 slidably extends through the second guide member
70.
[0057] As shown in the figures, the first guide member 60 is
connected to the first end 21 of the platform 20 by a first bracket
61 and the second guide member 70 is connected to the second end 22
of the platform 20 by a second bracket 71. In some embodiments, the
brackets 61, 71 may be omitted, with the guide members 60, 70 being
secured to the platform 20 by other means, such as welding.
[0058] The first guide member 60 generally includes a first opening
63 through which the first locking bolt 45 slidably extends and the
second guide member 70 generally includes a second opening 73
through which the second locking bolt 55 slidably extends. The
first guide member 60 may include a first flange 64, wherein the
first anchor 48 of the first locking member 40 may selectively
engage with the first flange 64 to lock the first locking member 40
in an engaged position extending through the first guide member 60.
The first guide member 60 may include a first tab 67 over which the
first notch 49 will be positioned to effectuate the locking
mechanism. First retention bolts 44 extending between the first
locking member 40 and the first guide member 60 ensure that the
first locking member 40 is never fully removed from the first guide
member 60.
[0059] Similarly, the second guide member 70 may include a second
flange 74, wherein the second anchor 58 of the second locking
member 50 may selectively engage with the second flange 74 to lock
the second locking member 50 in an engaged position extending
through the second guide member 70. The second guide member 70 may
include a second tab 77 over which the second notch 59 will be
positioned to effectuate the locking mechanism. Second retention
bolts 54 extending between the second locking member 50 and the
second guide member 70 ensure that the second locking member 50 is
never fully removed from the second guide member 70.
E. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.
[0060] In use, the platforms 20 may be easily coupled and/or
de-coupled in various orientations, including linear and diagonal.
The pivoting movement between adjoined platforms 20 allows for a
wide range of uses, including the formation of work platforms that
can be flat, ramped up, ramped down, or any combination
thereof.
[0061] Generally, mounting stands 12 will first be arranged to
support the platforms 20 as shown in FIG. 4. The mounting stands 12
are positioned in the desired path of the platforms 20 and the
horizontal supports 16 of each mounting stand 12 are vertically
adjusted to the desired levels for the platforms 20. Upon
completion of the arrangement of the mounting stands 12, the
platforms 20 may be installed.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, the platforms 20 are positioned onto the
mounting stands 12 and then coupled together using one embodiment
of the present invention. FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate how the
platforms 20 are supported by the mounting stands 12. FIG. 2
illustrates a plurality of platforms 20 oriented linearly on a
plurality of mounting stands 12. FIG. 5 illustrates a "ramp up"
configuration with platforms 20 being both linearly and diagonally
interconnected. FIG. 6 illustrates another configuration in which
the platforms 20 are each diagonally interconnected with each
other. These are merely exemplary illustrations and thus in no way
should be construed as limiting on the scope of the present
invention.
[0063] FIGS. 8-9 and 11-13 illustrate the coupling of two platforms
20a, 20b together. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the platforms 20a,
20b are first aligned together with both locking members 40, 50
being disengaged. The platforms 20a, 20b may then be pushed
together and the locking members 40, 50 engaged as shown in FIGS. 9
and 12 to pivotally couple the platforms 20a, 20b together. FIGS.
20a and 20b illustrate how the coupled platforms 20a, 20b may be
pivoted with respect to each other after coupling.
[0064] The first connector 30 is inserted within the second
receiver 36 while the second connector 34 is inserted within the
first receiver 32 as shown in FIGS. 8, 11, and 13. The ribs 33, 37
of the respective receivers 32, 36 will prevent vertical movement
of the connectors 30, 34 when so inserted. With the connectors 30,
34 inserted within the receivers 32, 36, the locking members 40, 50
may be engaged as shown in FIG. 13. The first locking member 40 is
pushed forward with its first handle 46 such that the first locking
bolt 45 extends into the second channel 35 of the second connector
34. Similarly, the second locking member 50 is pushed forward with
its second handle 56 such that the second locking bolt 55 extends
into the first channel 31 of the first connector 30.
[0065] With the locking members 40, 50 inserted into their
respective corresponding connectors 30, 34, the anchors 48, 58 may
be set to ensure that the locking members 40, 50 do not prematurely
slide out of the connectors 30, 34 as shown in FIGS. 19a and 19b.
The first anchor 48 is pivoted to engage with the first base 41 and
the second anchor 58 is pivoted to engage with the second base 51
as shown in FIG. 13. At this point, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 13, the
platforms 20a, 20b are coupled together. The platforms 20a, 20b may
be pivoted into various orientations before or after being set on
mounting stands 12.
[0066] To de-couple the platforms 20a, 20b, one or both of the
locking members 40, 50 are disengaged to allow the platforms 20a,
20b to be separated. If both locking members 40, 50 are disengaged,
the platforms 20a, 20b may be separated linearly as shown in FIG.
10. FIGS. 14-17 illustrate de-coupling of platforms 20a, 20b by
disengaging only one of the locking members 40, 50.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 14, the first anchor 48 is pivoted to
disengage with the first base 41. The first locking member 40 may
then be pulled outwardly, such as via its first handle 46 to
disengage the first locking member 40 from the second connector 34.
At this point, the second platform 20b may be pivotably disengaged
as shown in FIGS. 15-17. The side with the disengaged first locking
member 40 need only be pulled away, while allowing the second
locking member 50 to retain engaged, to pivotally de-couple the
platforms 20a, 20b from each other. This configuration permits the
platforms 20a, 20b to be de-coupled without the requirement that
both locking members 40, 50 be disengaged which, in some
situations, may be difficult to accomplish.
[0068] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although
methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present
invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All
publications, patent applications, patents, and other references
mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to
the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present
invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing
from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is
therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized
within the description are for convenience only and have no legal
or limiting effect.
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