Abstract
A maze construction system for fire and rescue training exercises includes a plurality of panels that are tensionably supported between a ceiling and floor. Each panel includes at least one extendable column that terminates with a pad for contact with a ceiling surface. A flange along at least one vertical edge of the panels permits the panels to align at their edges. The panels are quickly assembled and disassembled, and are easily reconfigured to form new maze paths without requiring additional additional tools.
Claims
1. A maze system comprising: (1) a plurality of nestable panels, wherein each panel has a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and, a sub-frame between the first and second faces that includes: a top edge, a bottom edge, a first vertical side and second vertical side, each first and second vertical side having a flanged portion and an un-flanged portion wherein the flanged portions project beyond the first side and second vertical sides and are diagonally disposed on opposite faces of the panel and wherein the flanged portions are configured to overlap un-flanged portions of adjacently nested panels with readily separable and substantially gapless connections between adjacent panels; (2) medially located at the top edge of each panel, a reversibly extendable post with jack screw extension means and an end that includes a pivotable ceiling contacting pad whereby each panel is maintained in position by tensioning the panels against the ceiling of a structure.
2. The maze system according to claim 1 wherein at least 4 panels can be nestably aligned along the flanges.
3. The maze system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one floor contacting pad.
4. A maze system comprising: (1) a plurality of nestable panels, wherein each panel has a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and, a sub-frame between the first and second faces that includes: a top edge, a bottom edge, a first vertical side and second vertical side, each first and second vertical side having a flanged portion and an un-flanged portion wherein the flanged portions project beyond the first side and second vertical sides and are diagonally disposed on opposite faces of the panel and wherein the flanged portions are configured to overlap un-flanged portions of adjacently nested panels with readily separable and substantially gapless connections between adjacent panels; (2) medially located at the top edge of each panel, a reversibly extendable post with ratcheting extension means and an end that includes a pivotable ceiling contacting pad whereby each panel is maintained in position by tensioning the panels against the ceiling of a structure.
5. The maze system according to claim 4 wherein at least 4 panels can be nestably aligned along the flanges.
6. The maze system according to claim 4 further comprising at least one floor contacting pad.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) FIG. 1 is a isometric view of a panel of a preferred embodiment according to the present invention showing panel (100) with ceiling pads (224) and foot pads (226);
(2) FIG. 2 is a enlarged view of a section of flange strip (230);
(3) FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a sub-frame (210) with column guides (216);
(4) FIG. 4 is an edge view taken in the direction of arrow (a) of (FIG. 3);
(5) FIG. 5 is an edge view taken in the direction of arrow (b) of (FIG. 3);
(6) FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of the section circumscribed by call-out (6) in (FIG. 3);
(7) FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a panel sub-frame (210) with extended columns (218) and ceiling pads (224);
(8) FIG. 8 is an edge view taken in the direction of arrow (c) of (FIG. 7);
(9) FIG. 9 is an enlarged detail view of the section circumscribed by call-out (9) in (FIG. 8);
(10) FIG. 10 is an enlarged detail view of the section circumscribed by call-out (10) in (FIG. 7);
(11) FIG. 11 is an enlarged detail view of the section circumscribed by call-out (11) in (FIG. 8);
(12) FIG. 12 is an enlarged detail view of the section circumscribed by call-out (12) in (FIG. 7);
(13) FIG. 13 is an enlarged detail view of the section circumscribed by call-out (13) in (FIG. 7);
(14) FIG. 14 is a partial view that depicts top edge (212) of panels when four are aligned along flange strips (230);
(15) FIG. 15 is a partial view that depicts top edge (212) of panels when two are aligned along flange strips (230).
(16) FIGS. 16 and 17 depict respectively, various panel alignment and overlapping schemes.
(17) FIG. 18 is a front plan view of an another embodiment according to the present invention that includes jack screws;
(18) FIG. 19 is an isometric view of an embodiment that includes a medially located and extendable post;
(19) FIGS. 20 and 21 are respectively, front and side elevation views showing a hand truck configured to transport multiple panels and position panels within a maze framework.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(20) Reference Listing:
(21) 100 panel 210 sub-frame/side rail 211 perimeter frame 212 top edge 213 bottom edge 214 vertical edge 216 guide 218 column 220 notches 222 ratcheting member with lever 224 ceiling pad 226 foot pad 228 sheathing 230 flange strip 240 jack screw 250 lock collar CM Cross Member 300 hand truck
Definitions
(22) Unless otherwise explained, any technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The singular terms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word or is intended to include and unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of this disclosure, suitable methods and materials are described below. The term comprises means includes. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein, if any, are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. In case of conflict, the present specification, including explanations of terms, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
(23) Referring generally to FIGS. 1-17, in a preferred embodiment, a system for constructing mazes includes a plurality of panels 100. Each panel includes a sub-frame 210, a pair of vertically extendable posts or tubes 218 terminating with a pads 224 for tensionable contact with a ceiling and a pair of foot pads 226 for contact with a floor. The vertically extendable posts are tensioned against the ceiling by a handle 222 pivoting within a fixed saddle that surrounds a notched 220 post in the manner of a ratcheting jack. While in the preferred embodiment shown herein, the posts are cylindrical and move vertically within tubular guides 216, polygonal channel of any rigid material may be employed for the posts without departing from the claimed invention.
(24) FIG. 1 is a isometric view of a sheathed panel. Preferably, flanges strips 230 are formed with the profile shown in (FIG. 2). In one preferred embodiment herein, each flange strip is generally co-planar with opposite sides of the panel.
(25) FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a panel sub-frame wherein post guides 216 are attached, typically by welding, along the vertical sides. The post guides are tubular sections that maintain alignment of extendable posts 218. FIGS. 4 and 5 are respectively, top edge and vertical edge views of the sub-frame of (FIG. 3). FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail view of call-out (6) of (FIG. 3), and shows a tubular guide mounted to sub-frame 210.
(26) Moving to FIGS. 7 and 8, a pair of extendable posts 218 with ceiling pads 224, a pair of corresponding pivoting handles 222 for ratcheting the posts and foot pads 226 are added to the sub-frame. FIG. 9 is a side detail view of a ceiling pad. Preferably, the corrugated surface of the pads is elastomeric to resist lateral movement when pressed against a ceiling. FIG. 10 is a front detail view of a section of extendable post with notches 220 to receive a pawl and catch. FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of a handle/lever and saddle 222 for vertically ratcheting the extendable post. Note that sheathing 228 is absent over the handles which are recessed slightly away from the panel face and edges. FIG. 12 is a front detail view of a handle. FIG. 13 is a detail view of a corner foot pad 226. While the embodiment shown depicts a ladder type sub-frame (FIGS. 3 and 7), other sub-frame configurations may be employed without departing from the claimed invention.
(27) FIG. 14 is a top down view of a group of 4 panels positioned at 90 degree angles.
(28) FIG. 15 is a top down view of a pair of panels abutting along flange strips 230.
(29) FIGS. 16 and 17 depict possible panel arrangements. In FIG. 16, the flange strips are reversed so that each projecting flange is generally co-planar with opposite faces of a panel, whereas, in FIG. 17, both flange strips are generally co-planar with a single face of the panel.
(30) FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment that employs a pair of jack screws 240; one each at the upper corners of the panel. The jack screws have a ceiling pad at one end, and are held in place by a fixed threaded channel (not shown) within the panel, which is typically welded to the side rails. The extendable length of the jack screws can vary, but is sufficient to brace the panel against a ceiling when extended. A threaded collar/nut 250 is used to lock the jack screws when at the desired length.
(31) FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an alternate embodiment that instead of a pair of vertically extendable posts, employs a single extendable post 241 medially positioned along the top of panel. In this case, the extendable post may be topped with a swivelable ceiling pad 225 that permits a single pad to be tensioned against an uneven surface which in some cases provides for a quicker installation. Likewise, the foot pads 227 may possess a ball joint or be otherwise swivelable in order to maintain tension against an uneven floor surface. With the single extendable post an installer need only tension one post to obtain sufficient purchase between the ceiling and floor. Excepting the single extendable post, the alternate embodiment substantially shares the described structural features of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1-17. For example, while the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 19 employs a jack screw to extend the post, objects, aspects and features of any previously described embodiment may be combined with objects, aspects and features of any other embodiment described herein. Accordingly, the mechanism for extending the single extendable post may include a jack screw or a ratcheting member in the manner disclosed.
(32) It should be noted that the hand truck 300 shown in FIGS. 20-21 which is configured to retain and transport single or multiple panels may be used with any of the embodiments described herein to transport single or multiple panels to and from a desired location when installing a maze or for uninstalling the maze.
(33) It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description herein are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive manner, and are not intended to be limiting to the particular forms and examples disclosed. The configuration of a handle, or grip of the panel can be of any design and can be for one or two-handed operation. The panel can be of any length or width, hollow, or filled with insulation or other material. The sheathing may be attached to the sub-frame by any means including spot welding, fasteners, adhesives or magnetically as will be appreciated by those having skill in the art. Although the present invention is directed to fire safety applications, other applications, for example, police and military training environments and other installations will suggest themselves to those having skill in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that this disclosure encompass any further modifications, changes, rearrangements, substitutions, alternatives, design choices, and embodiments as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of this disclosure, and falling within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
