Rostrum support structure

Abstract

A rostrum support structure comprising a plurality of frame units (10, 20, 30, 40, 50) which can be stacked with respect to one another, at least one support member being provided for directly supporting at least two of the frame units when stacked so that they can be lifted together. The at least one support member is preferably in the form of a flat plate.

Claims

1. A rostrum support structure comprising a plurality of frame units which can be stacked with respect to one another, at least one support member being provided for directly supporting at least two of the frame units when stacked so that they can be lifted together, wherein the at least one support member comprises a) a substantially flat plate, or b) a substantially flat structure comprising frame members extending in a direction parallel to the retraction direction and/or in a direction transverse to the retraction direction, and each frame unit having a floor contacting portion, wherein the support member comprises tracks or slots, the tracks or slots being arranged lateral to one another, and each track or slot being only wide enough and arranged to guide and receive only one floor contacting portion of only one respective frame unit during stacking and each track or slot being configured to hold a received floor contacting portion securely in position when the frame units are stacked.

2. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support member extends laterally relative to the direction in which frame units are stacked.

3. A rostrum support structure according to claim 2, wherein all of the frame units are supportable by the same at least one support member when the frame units are stacked.

4. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support member comprises a member having substantial two dimensional extent.

5. A rostrum support structure according to claim 4, wherein the at least one support member has a depth in a direction which is parallel to a retraction direction in which frame units are moved to stack them, the depth being greater than or equal to the depth of at least one frame unit in the retraction direction.

6. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein the support member comprises at least one additional support structure extending away from the support member.

7. A support structure according to claim 6, wherein the additional support structure is for supporting at least one deck of a rostrum.

8. A rostrum support structure according to claim 6, wherein the additional support structure is for engaging frame units stacked with respect to the support member in the stacked position.

9. A rostrum support structure according to claim 6, wherein the additional support structure defines at least one side face and/or a rear face of a framework for receiving stacked frame units.

10. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein there is a plurality of frame units having a largest frame unit and a smallest frame unit, the at least one support member being integral with the largest frame unit.

11. A rostrum support structure according to claim 10, wherein the at least one support member comprises at least a part of the floor contacting portion of the largest frame unit.

12. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein the at least one support member is configured so that it supports floor contacting portions of respective frame units when the frame units are stacked.

13. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein there is a largest frame unit and at least one smaller frame unit receivable in the largest frame unit and the extent of the at least one support member in the retraction direction, being the direction in which frame units move to stack, exceeds the retraction travel of the smaller unit within the larger unit, the size of the respective floor contacting portion of the frame unit which is immediately receivable in the largest frame unit having a vertical dimension which allows for the fact that it is always in contact with the support structure or support member.

14. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein the frame units are stackable one into another.

15. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, further comprising a support extending from a respective rostrum support structure point, for supporting a deck.

16. A rostrum comprising a rostrum support structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one deck is supported on each frame unit.

17. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, further comprising a movable or removable gate for closing a front face of a framework for receiving stacked frame units, the gate being movable or removable to allow frame units to be stacked, wherein the gate is moveable or removable so that it can be placed on the floor.

18. A rostrum support structure according to claim 17, wherein, when the gate is placed on the floor, the outer edges of the gate provide tracks for guiding a frame unit as it moves from a retracted position, in which it is stacked, to an extended position.

19. A rostrum support structure according to claim 1, further comprising a movable or removable gate for closing a front face of a framework for receiving stacked frame units, the gate being movable or removable to allow frame units to be stacked, wherein the gate is moveable or removable so that it can be placed on the floor, wherein the gate can be folded so that its width is smaller than a distance separating the floor contacting portions of a smallest frame unit, so that the gate does not obstruct the smallest frame unit as it is extended.

20. A rostrum support structure comprising a plurality of differently sized frame units which can be stacked with respect to one another, at least one support member being provided for directly supporting at least two of the frame units when stacked so that they can be lifted together, further comprising a movable or removable gate for closing a front face of a framework for receiving stacked frame units, the gate being movable or removable to allow frame units to be stacked, wherein the gate is moveable or removable so that it can be placed on the floor, wherein the gate can be folded so that its width is smaller than a distance separating floor contacting portions of a smallest frame unit, so that the gate does not obstruct the smallest frame unit as it is extended.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will be described further below by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a sketch isometric view of a rostrum comprising a rostrum support structure according to the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 is a sketch side elevation of a rostrum comprising a rostrum support structure according to the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 is a sketch isometric view of a largest frame unit of the rostrum support structure of FIG. 1.

(5) FIGS. 4-8 show steps in the assembly of a rostrum as shown in FIG. 1 from the stacked position to the open position.

(6) FIG. 9 is a schematic front view of the fourth frame unit.

(7) FIG. 10 is a sketch isometric view of the rostrum of FIG. 1, in the closed position.

(8) FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of rostrum according to the invention.

(9) FIG. 12 is a schematic side view of the rostrum of FIG. 11.

(10) FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of three rostra, each according to FIG. 11, mounted side by side.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(11) FIG. 1 shows a rostrum generally designated 1.

(12) The rostrum comprises a largest frame unit 10, into which successively smaller frame units 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 can be stacked into the stacked position which is shown in FIG. 4. Each frame unit is engaged with a respective deck 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61 to provide a completed rostrum. The largest frame unit (or first frame unit) 10 will be described further below with reference to FIG. 3. As can be seen from FIG. 2, each of the other, movable, frame units 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 comprises a respective vertically extending structure 27, 37, 47, 57, 67 which extends from a floor contacting member having a foot 22, 32, 42, 52, 62 which is provided with wheels so that it rolls smoothly on the ground. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the feet of each successively smaller frame unit 20-50 are located, in a direction normal to the retraction direction (indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1) inside the feet of the immediately larger frame unit. However, the lowest frame unit is provided with two feet 62 which are located inside the feet 52 (not visible of frame unit 50) and also an extra, outer pair of feet 63 for supporting and protecting the outermost edge of the lowest frame unit 60, which is particularly vulnerable and exposed.

(13) Each vertically extending structure 27, 37, 47, 57, 67 comprises a deck support in the form of a bracket 24, 34, 44, 54, 64 which is connected to a support beam 35, 45, 55, 65 from which the respective deck 31-61 is suspended. The beams 35, 45, 55, 65 provide lateral strength in the direction normal to the retraction direction A. They are formed in steel of square sectioned girders. The decks 11, 21, 31, 41, 51 and 61 are of conventional design and will not be described further.

(14) The brackets 34, 44, 54, and 64 comprise a roller 36, 46, 56, 66 on top, over which the immediately adjacent deck 21, 31, 41 and 51 rolls when the frame units are being stacked with respect to one another.

(15) The positions of the decks with respect to the brackets can be adjusted by adjusting means which shall not be described further, in a manner known in the art. A latch or fixing means may be provided for fixing any or each of the frame units in the extended position shown in FIG. 2. The latch may be as described in GB 2474295.

(16) When desired, the latch (if present) is released and the frame units are stacked by moving each one in the direction A so that each respective frame unit is received within the immediately larger frame unit.

(17) The vertically extending structures 27, 37, 47, 57 and 67 are designed to fit within one another so that they stack neatly together.

(18) It should be noted that the extra feet 63 are suspended directly from the deck 61 so that they do not prevent stacking of the respective vertically extending structure 67 within the larger structure 57.

(19) FIG. 9 shows a schematic front view of one of the frame units, in particular the fourth frame unit 40. The feet 42 can be seen. The vertically extending structure 47 comprises a pair of vertically extending members 49 which tilt inwards, slightly in the vertical direction. They are linked by a transverse linking member 48. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the transverse linking member 48 is fixed to the vertically extending units 49 on a rear face rather than between them. As a result, when the units are stacked, respective transverse linking members, including 48, come to rest adjacent one another rather than obstructing one another. Also visible in FIG. 9 are the brackets, of which there are two, 44 and the beam 45 from which the respective deck is suspended. It is noted that, the frame unit shown in FIG. 9 comprises a trapezoidal structure rather than a triangulated one. This will be suitable in cases where the rostrum is relatively small. However, if the rostrum is relatively large, triangulated structures of the types shown for example in GB 2474295 or WO 2008/149077 may be used.

(20) FIG. 3 shows a sketch isometric view of the first frame unit 10.

(21) The first frame unit 10 is unlike all the other frame units in structure, as it comprises a framework box made of steel girders which are fixed together, for example by bolting, riveting or welding. The framework defines an opening into which all the other frame units are stacked. The floor contacting surface of the framework comprises a support member 70 in the form of a formed steel plate. The support member 70 is of depth in the retraction direction A sufficient to completely receive the stacked frame units 20, 30, 40, 50, 60. It is of width in a direction normal to the retraction direction A sufficient to enclose them.

(22) The framework provides a strong, protective cage which allows the frame units to be held securely and safely in a manner in which they are easy to transport.

(23) The support member comprises two channels 71 for receiving the forks of a forklift truck, so that the stacked rostrum support structure can be lifted and transported by a forklift truck.

(24) The support member comprises a plurality of channels 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 77 symmetrically disposed, on each side, into which respective feet 63, 22, 32, 42, 52 and 62 are received. The slots are defined by upstanding walls so that they receive and guide the feet while the frame units are being retracted and hold them securely in position when the frame units are stacked. At the front edge of the support members 70, there are in total 10 upstanding supports 78. The projections 78 engage with corresponding slots 79 formed in gate panels which are shown below and described further below in FIG. 10.

(25) The framework of the frame unit 10 defines two side walls and a rear wall. The front face, into which the frame units move when stacking, is open. It can be seen that the rise necessary for the rollers of the feet to enter their respective slots 72-77 is very small, so that retraction is easy. The rear and side edges of the support member 70 are formed of upturned edge structures in the form of flanges, to give the support member strength against bending.

(26) A plurality of pairs of brackets 71, 72, 73 and 74 can be seen projecting from the rear face of the framework. Each of the brackets comprises a first horizontally extending member and a second horizontally extending member with a slightly flared opening, into which the respective deck of the second frame unit, third frame unit, fourth frame unit or fifth frame unit is received in the retracted position. The brackets hold and support the respective decks in the stacked position, to further provide safety and strength.

(27) Adjacent the top of the open front edge, a pair of latches 85 are provided, together with latch pins which engage corresponding structures (not shown) on the second frame unit 20 to hold it in the extended position when it is rolled out of the first frame unit 10.

(28) Also visible in FIG. 3 are hinge components 86, of which one is indicated. This provides a hinge on which the gate panel described in FIG. 4 is mounted.

(29) FIG. 4 shows a rostrum 1 corresponding to the one shown in FIG. 1, but in its stacked and closed position. In FIG. 4, the front face of the first frame unit 10 is shown closed by a gate generally designated 90. The gate 90 is described in more detail with reference to FIG. 10. The panel comprises an open planar framework. As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 10, the gate 90 comprises a first gate panel 91. The first gate panel 91 is mounted on hinges which engage the hinge portions 86 along its lower edge, so that it can fold downwardly as shown in FIG. 6. The gate 90 further comprises two further gate panels 92 and 93 which are mounted by piano hinges 94 to the first gate panel so that they can be folded flat against the first gate panel as shown in FIG. 5.

(30) Closures are provided in the form of lockable bars 95 for holding the gate panels in position when they are closed. The lockable bars may suitably be of a type known for closing containers.

(31) It should be noted from FIG. 10 that the projections 78 can be seen projecting through respective slots 79 which are formed in panels on the lower edges of the further gate panels 92 and 93. In this way, when the stack is lifted, for example using a forklift truck, a supportive load is transferred through the support member 70, through the projections 78, to the respective gate panel 92 which bears against the underside of deck 11 on top of the first frame member 10, providing a rigid support for the deck 11 during lifting.

(32) Starting from the closed and stacked position shown in FIG. 4, in order to assemble the rostrum, it is first of all necessary to release the lockable bars in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. The further gate panels 92 and 93 are then folded inwardly so that they lie flat against the first gate panel as shown in FIG. 5. The first gate panel is then rotated downwardly about the hinged parts 86 so that it lies flat on the ground in front of the stacked frame units.

(33) As shown in FIG. 7, the frame units are successively rolled out of the stacked position. The width of the first gate panel is configured so that it is smaller than the distance separating the feet 62 of the lowest frame unit 60, so it does not obstruct it rolling out. Rolling out continues until the fully assembled rostrum is assembled as shown in FIG. 8. It can then be latched into position by a latch mechanism, which is not shown.

(34) To stack and close the rostrum, the corresponding members are moved in the opposite directions in the reverse sequence.

(35) FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of a further embodiment of rostrum according to the present invention.

(36) In this embodiment, there is a first frame unit 110 which is substantially as the first frame unit 10 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, except that, in plan view, the framework and the deck have a trapezoidal plan, with a rear edge 111 which is longer than a front edge 112. Similarly, there are a plurality of movable frame units 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160. Each of these has a deck with a trapezoidal plan. The rear edge 121 of the largest movable frame unit is slightly shorter in the direction normal to the retraction direction A than the front edge 112 of the first frame unit 110. Each succeeding frame unit has a rear edge which is the same size as, or slightly smaller than the front edge of the frame unit into which it is received in the stacked position.

(37) A plurality of seats 170 are shown. It can be seen that in the two lowest decks 150 and 160, a smaller number of seats 170 are accommodated. The seats may be of a folding design which folds flat onto the respective deck before the frame units are moved into the stacked position.

(38) Apart from the plan, the construction of the frame units and decks are substantially as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and will not be described further.

(39) As shown in FIG. 13, if three rostra 101, 102 and 103 are placed side by side with respect to side edges substantially touching, the rostra can together approximate a section of an arc shaped auditorium which is focused on a stage (not shown) or arena.

(40) The present invention has been described above purely by way of example and modifications can be made within the spirit of the invention, which extends to equivalents of the features described. The invention also consists in any individual features described or implicit herein or shown or implicit in the drawings or any combination of any such features or any generalisation of any such features or combination.