Gridlocked unfurlable platform and related methods

Abstract

Disclosed is a rollable platform that may be unfurled in any orientation over exposed floor or ceiling joists. The platform may be constructed of a specific arrangement of support surface panels and underside joint panels to give the platform both (a) rigidity in a direction that is normal to the support surface via gridlock between the support surface panels and (b) foldability and/or rollability in a direction that is normal to the underside joint panels due to hinged interconnection.

Claims

1. A gridlocking unfurlable platform comprising: at least first and second support surface panels, each said support surface panel having a surface barrel; at least first and second underside joint panels, each said joint panel having both a joint barrel and a joint knuckle; at least first and second hinge pins, where the first hinge pin is strung through the barrel of the first support surface panel and the joint knuckle of the first joint panel and where the second hinge pin is strung through the barrel of the second support surface panel, the joint knuckle of the second joint panel and the joint barrel of the first joint panel; wherein the at least first and second support surface panels define a structural support surface that gridlocks; wherein the at least first and second joint panels define a joint surface that furls; and wherein, in an unfurled configuration, the platform is configured to span a space located between two underlying support structures.

2. A kit for constructing the unfurlable platform of claim 1, said kit comprising: (a) at least two said underside joint panels, each said underside joint panel comprising: at least two sets of three barrels wherein each barrel in a set of three barrels is separated by a barrel gap and each set of three barrels is separated by a joint barrel space; at least two sets of five knuckles, wherein each knuckle in each set of five knuckles are separated by a knuckle gap and each set of five knuckles are separated by a knuckle space; (b) at least two said support surface panels, each said support surface panel having said surface barrel; and, (c) at least two said hinge pins, where the first hinge pin is configured to be strung through the barrel of the first support surface panel and the joint knuckle of the first joint panel and where the second hinge pin is configured to be strung through the barrel of the second support surface panel, the joint knuckle of the second joint panel and the joint barrel of the first joint panel.

3. A method of constructing the unfurlable platform of claim 1, said method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining at least two said underside joint panels, where each said underside joint panel comprises: at least two sets of three barrels wherein each barrel in a set of three barrels is separated by a barrel gap and each set of three barrels is separated by a joint barrel space; at least two sets of five knuckles, wherein each knuckle in each set of five knuckles are separated by a knuckle gap and each set of five knuckles are separated by a knuckle space; (b) obtaining at least two said support surface panels, where each said support surface panel has said surface barrel; (c) obtaining at least two said hinge pins; (d) stringing the first hinge pin through the barrel of the first support surface panel and the joint knuckle of the first joint panel; (e) stringing the second hinge pin through the barrel of the second support surface panel, the joint knuckle of the second joint panel and the joint barrel of the first joint panel; (f) wherein the at least two support surface panels define the structural support surface that gridlocks; and (g) wherein the at least two joint panels define the joint surface that furls.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Other objectives of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the invention has been shown and described. The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000;

(3) FIG. 2 is bottom perspective view of an unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000;

(4) FIG. 3 is bottom view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000;

(5) FIG. 4 is a top view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000;

(6) FIG. 5 is a front view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000;

(7) FIG. 6 is a rear view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000

(8) FIG. 7 is a left-side view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000;

(9) FIG. 8 is a right-side view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000;

(10) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support surface panel 1100;

(11) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an underside joint panel 1200;

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hinge pin 1300;

(13) FIG. 12 is a flow chart for constructing the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 via assembling a plurality of support surface panels 1100, underside joint panels 1200, and hinge pins 1300.

(14) FIG. 13 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that illustrates the gridlock of the support surface panels 1100;

(15) FIG. 14 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that illustrates a rolled-up configuration;

(16) FIG. 15 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that is unfurled in a parallel orientation relative to exposed joists 3000;

(17) FIG. 16 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that is unfurled in a oblique orientation relative to exposed joists 3000;

(18) FIG. 17 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that is unfurled in a perpendicular orientation relative to exposed joists 3000;

(19) FIG. 18 is an environmental view of a position locking device 5000 for the unfurlable gridlocked platform;

(20) FIG. 19 is a layout of several views of the device 5000 of FIG. 18;

(21) FIG. 20 is an environmental view of a position locking device 6000 for the unfurlable gridlocked platform; and,

(22) FIG. 21 is a layout of several views of the device 5000 of FIG. 20.

(23) In the figures the following components are represented by the associated reference numeral: Platform1000; Support surface panel1100; Surface barrel1110; Surface barrel shaft1111; Surface barrel space 1115; Underside joint panel1200 Barrel side1201; Knuckle side1202; Joint barrel1210; Joint barrel shaft1211; Joint barrel gap1212; Joint barrel space1215; Joint knuckle; 1220; Joint knuckle shaft1221; Joint knuckle space1225; Hinge pin1300; Normal force2000; and, Exposed joists or beams3000.

(24) It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale but are representative.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(25) Disclosed is a rollable platform that may be unfurled in any orientation over exposed floor or ceiling joists. In particular, the platform may be unfurled perpendicular to, oblique to, or parallel to exposed floor or ceiling joists. In a preferred embodiment, the platform is constructed of a specific arrangement of support surface panels and underside joint panels to give the platform both (a) rigidity in a direction that is normal to the support surface via gridlock between the support surface panels and (b) foldability and/or rollability in a direction that is normal to the underside joint panels due to hinged interconnection. Preferably, this duality of rigidity and foldability or rollability enables rolling-up of the platform while at the same time enabling the platform to be unfurled over exposed joists or other spaced supports. In a preferred embodiment, support surface panels and joint panels are held together by a dowel or rod around which the panels pivot in one pivotal direction around the rod but gridlock in the other pivotal direction around the rod. The more specific aspects of the disclosed platform are described in connection with the figures.

(26) FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000. FIG. 2 is bottom perspective view of an unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000. FIGS. 3 through 8 are respectively a bottom view, a top view, a front view, a rear view, left-side view, and, a right-side view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000. As shown, the platform is preferably square or rectangular in form. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of the platform are 54.000.050 inches in length, 18.500.50 inches in width, 0.750.050 inches in thickness. The preferred embodiment of the platform 1000 is suitably dimensioned to span between two exposed floor or ceiling joists. The load bearing surface of the platform 1000 is preferably defined by a plurality of support surface panels 1100. The downside surface of the platform 1000 is suitably defined by a plurality of underside joint panels 1200. In one embodiment, the joint and surface panels are pivotally coupled via a hinge pin 1300.

(27) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a support surface panel 1100. As shown, the support surface panel 1100 is defined by an elongated slat or plank and comprises a blank side and an underside with a plurality of surface barrels 1110 separated by a surface barrel spaces 1115. In a preferred embodiment the plank of the support surface panel 1110 is 18.500.50 inches in length, inches in width, and inches in thickness. Suitably, the surface barrels 1110 define a semicircular arch with a radius of 3/16 inches, a thickness of inches, a length of inches, and a width of inches. Suitably, the surface barrel spaces 1115 are 3.750.50 inches between adjacent barrels 1110. In one embodiment, the surface barrels 1110 feature a surface barrel shaft 1111 for, as discussed in greater detail below, accepting hinge pin 1300 (not shown in FIG. 9). As such, the shaft 1111 should be dimensioned to pivotally accept the hinge pin 1300 (not shown in FIG. 9). In a preferred embodiment, the support surface panel is constructed of plastic and is three-dimensionally printed. However, the panel could be constructed of any material (like woods, plastics, or metals) and can be constructed by any technique or processes (like injection molding, carving, cutting casting, and the like) known to those of skill in the art.

(28) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an underside joint panel 1200. As shown, the underside joint panel 1200 is defined by an elongated slat or plank and comprises a barrel side 1201 and a knuckle side 1202. The barrel side 1201 is defined by a plurality of joint barrels 1210 separated by either joint barrel gaps 1212 or joint barrel spaces 1215. The knuckle side 1202 is defined by a plurality of joint knuckles 1220 separated by either joint knuckle gaps 1222 or joint knuckle spaces 1225. In a preferred embodiment the plank of the underside joint panel 1210 is 17.500.50 inches in length, inches in width, and inches in thickness. Suitably, the joint barrels 1210 and knuckles define a semicircular arch with a radius of 3/16 inches, a thickness of inches, a length of inches, and a width of inches. Suitably, the joint barrel gaps 1212 are inches between adjacent barrels 1210 and joint barrel spaces 1215 are 2.0 inches between adjacent barrels 1210. Suitably, the joint knuckle gaps 1222 are inches between adjacent knuckles 1220 and joint knuckle spaces 1225 are 1.0 inches between adjacent knuckles 1220. In one embodiment, the joint barrels 1210 and joint knuckles 1220 feature respectively a joint barrel shaft 1211 and a joint knuckle shaft 1221 for, as discussed in greater detail below, accepting hinge pin 1300 (not shown in FIG. 10). As such, the shafts 1211, 1221 should be dimensioned to pivotally accept the hinge pin 1300 (not shown in FIG. 10). In a preferred embodiment, the support surface panel 1000 is constructed of plastic and is three-dimensionally printed. However, the panel could be constructed of any material (like woods, plastics, or metals) and can be constructed by any technique or process (like injection molding, carving, cutting casting, and the like) known to those of skill in the art.

(29) The pattern of knuckles 1220 and barrels 1210 of the joint panel is noteworthy. In a preferred embodiment, the panels 1200 are configured on one side with sets of three barrels 1210 wherein each barrel 1210 in a set of three barrels 1210 is separated by a barrel gap 1212 and each set of three barrels 1210 is separated by a joint barrel space 1215. In the depicted embodiment, the panels are configured on one side with sets of five knuckles 1220, wherein each knuckle 1220 in each set of five knuckles 1220 are separated by a knuckle gap 1222 and each set of five knuckles 1220 are separated by a knuckle space 1225. Other patterns may be used without departing from the spirit and intent of this specification.

(30) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a hinge pin 1300. As shown, the hinge pin 1300 is an elongated cylinder. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pin 1300 is rigid and configured to be strung through the shafts 1111, 1211, 1221 of the support surface panel 1100 and the underside joint panel 1200. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pin 1300 is constructed of plastic and is three-dimensionally printed. However, the pin 1300 could be constructed of any material (like woods, plastics, or metals) and can be constructed by any technique or process (like injection molding, carving, cutting casting, and the like) known to those of skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the hinge pin 1300 is 3/16 inches in diameter and 19.00 inches long.

(31) FIG. 12 is a flow chart for constructing the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 via assembling a plurality of support surface panels 1100, underside joint panels 1200, and hinge pins 1300. The flow chart shows a left to right progression of assembling the platform 1000 using a support surface panel 1100, an underside joint panel 1200, and a hinge pin 1300. The columns are ordered alphabetically between column A, the first column, and column n, where n signifies that the flow for constructing a panel 1000 can continue for any number of steps after those shown in the figure.

(32) Starting on the left in column A, a support surface panel 1100 may be positioned so that the barrels 1110 are projected. Next, an underside joint panel 1200 may be positioned over the support surface panel 1000 so that the barrels 1000 are provided into corresponding joint knuckle spaces 1225 in a way that aligns the joint knuckle shafts 1221 with the barrel shafts 1111. Third, a hinge pin 1300 may be provided through the shafts 1221, 1111 to create an assembly of a support surface panel 1100, an underside joint panel 1200, and a hinge pin 1300 shown in column B.

(33) Moving to column C, another set of components (including surface panel 1100, underside joint panel 1200, and hinge pin 1300) is setup next to the assembly shown in column B. Specifically, the joint surface panel 1200 from the assembly of column B is first positioned so that its joint barrels 1210 are projected. Next, the new joint panel 1200 is set alongside the joint surface panel of the assembly of column B so that the joint barrels 1210 of the assembly of column B are interlocked with the joint knuckles 1220 of the new joint panel 1200 (e.g., so that each joint barrels 1210 of the assembly of column B are provided to the joint knuckle gaps 1222 of the new joint panel 1200 and the joint knuckles of the new joint panel 1200 are provided to the joint barrel gaps 1212 of the assembly of column B). Third, the new support surface panel 1100 is positioned so that its barrels 1110 are positioned both (a) in the joint knuckle space 1225 of the new joint panel 1200 and (b) in the join barrel space 1215 of the assembly of column B. Finally, the new hinge pin 1300 may be provided through the shafts 1221, 1111 of the new joint panel 1200 and surface panel 1100 and the shaft 1211 of the assembly of column B to create an assembly of a support surface panels 1100, an underside joint panels 1200, and a hinge pins 1300 shown in column D.

(34) Moving to column E, yet another set of components (including surface panel 1100, underside joint panel 1200, and hinge pin 1300) may be setup next to the assembly shown in column D. Specifically, the joint surface panel 1200 from the assembly of column D is first positioned so that its joint barrels 1210 are projected. Next, the new joint panel 1200 is set alongside the joint surface panel of the assembly of column B so that the joint barrels 1210 of the assembly of column D are interlocked with the joint knuckles 1220 of the new joint panel 1200 (e.g., so that each joint barrels 1210 of the assembly of column D are provided to the joint knuckle gaps 1222 of the new joint panel 1200 and the joint knuckles of the new joint panel 1200 are provided to the joint barrel gaps 1212 of the assembly of column D). Third, the new support surface panel 1100 is positioned so that its barrels 1110 are positioned both (a) in the joint knuckle space 1225 of the new joint panel 1200 and (b) in the join barrel space 1215 of the assembly of column D. Finally, the new hinge pin 1300 may be provided through the shafts 1221, 1111 of the new joint panel 1200 and surface panel 1100 and the shaft 1211 of the assembly of column D to create yet an assembly of a support surface panels 1100, an underside joint panels 1200, and a hinge pins 1300 (not shown). The process may repeated n number of times until a platform 10000 shown in column n is constructed. It should be noted that, even though the platform 1000 shown in column n is of constructed a definite number of panels 1200, 1100, a platform may be constructed of any number of panels 1200, 1100 without departing from the spirit and intent of this specification.

(35) FIG. 13 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that illustrates the gridlock of the support surface panels 1100. As shown, the platform 1000 is unfurled so that the sides of each of the interstitial surface panels 1100 of the platform abut the sides of any adjacent surface panels 1100. As shown in the figure, when a normal force 2000 is applied to the support surface of the platform 1000 the surface panels1100 gridlock as illustrated by the arrows shown in the zoom-in view of FIG. 13. Although the force is depicted as a normal force, it should be understood that any force applied to the surface that has a normal component will be substantially supported by gridlocked panels 1100 up to the point of material failure of the panels 1100, 1200. Accordingly, the panels 1100, 1200 should be constructed of materials (plastics, metals, woods, etc) that can withstand forces inherent to supporting human body weights plus technician tools. In a preferred embodiment, the platform should be capable of supporting 100 lbs to 500 lbs or more without material failure.

(36) FIG. 14 is another environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that illustrates a rolled-up configuration. FIG. 14 illustrates a flow of a platform 1000 from an unfurled position to a rolled-up configuration. As shown in the figure, when a normal force 2000 is applied to the underside joint surface of the platform 1000 the joint panels 1200 rotate or pivot around the respective hinge pins 1300. More specifically, adjacent joint panels 1200 rotate around a coupling hinge pin 1300 so that the platform may be rolled. Although the force is depicted as a normal force, it should be understood that any force applied to the surface that has a normal component will substantially result in a rolled platform 1200 as can be readily ascertained by one of skill in the art after reading this specification.

(37) FIG. 14 is another environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that illustrates a rolled-up configuration. FIG. 14 illustrates a flow of a platform 1000 from an unfurled position to a rolled-up configuration. As shown in the figure, when a normal force 2000 is applied to the underside joint surface of the platform 1000 the joint panels 1200 rotate or pivot around the respective hinge pins 1300. More specifically, adjacent joint panels 1200 rotate around a coupling hinge pin 1300 so that the platform may be rolled. Although the force is depicted as a normal force, it should be understood that any force applied to the surface that has a normal component will substantially result in a rolled platform 1200 as can be readily ascertained by one of skill in the art after reading this specification.

(38) FIG. 14, in reverse, illustrates a flow of a platform 1000 from a rolled-up configuration position to an unfurled position. Typically, the platform 1000 may be unrolled and setup by placing the rolled-up platform 1000, surface panel 11000 side down, and unrolling the platform 1000. As can be apparent, the underside joint panel 1200 of the platform 1000 will be facing upward after unfurling and, as a result, the platform will need to be flipped over (support surface panel 11000 side up) before the platform 1000 is set in place. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the panels may feature a ripcord that can be strung through the support surface panels 1100 so that the ripcord may be pulled to unfurl the platform 1000.

(39) FIG. 15 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that is unfurled in a parallel orientation relative to exposed joists 3000. FIG. 17 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that is unfurled in a oblique orientation relative to exposed joists 3000. FIG. 18 is an environmental view of the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that is unfurled in a perpendicular orientation relative to exposed joists 3000. The views in these figures are comparable and illustrate the versatility in operation of the platform 1000. More specifically, the platform may be unfurled (as described above and shown in the figures) to span any two support structures, surface panel 1100 side up, and in any orientation provide a platform 10000.

(40) FIG. 18 is an environmental view of a position locking device 5000 for the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that has been unfurled parallel with a joist 3000. FIG. 19 is a layout of several views of the device 5000 of FIG. 18. In a preferred embodiment, the position locking device is configured to interlock with three hinge pins 1300 of the platform 1000 and then interact with the joists 3000 to hold the platform in place. In a preferred embodiment, the device 5000 may include one or more apertures so that a nail or screw may be provided through the device 5000 and joist to further lock the platform 1000 in place.

(41) FIG. 20 is an environmental view of a position locking device 6000 for the unfurlable gridlocked platform 1000 that has been unfurled perpendicular with a joist 3000. FIG. 21 is a layout of several views of the device 6000 of FIG. 20. In a preferred embodiment, the position locking device is configured to interlock with three hinge pins 1300 of the platform 1000 and then interact with the joists 3000 to hold the platform in place. In a preferred embodiment, the device 5000 may include one or more apertures so that a nail or screw may be provided through the device 5000 and joist to further lock the platform 1000 in place.

(42) Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.

(43) Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term including should be read as meaning including, without limitation or the like, the term example is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms a or an should be read as meaning at least one, one or more, or the like, and adjectives such as conventional, traditional, normal, standard, known and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that might be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

(44) The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use of the term assembly does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, might be combined in a single package or separately maintained and might further be distributed across multiple locations.

(45) Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

(46) All original claims submitted with this specification are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if fully set forth herein.