EXPANDABLE BRIDGE DECK PANEL FOR A MODULAR DECK SYSTEM

Abstract

An expandable deck panel for a modular platform system includes a static frame having a receiver member and a first platform deck portion, a moving frame having a second platform deck portion, wherein the static frame is supportable above a surface by a support member engaged in the receiver member. The moving frame may be moved in relation to the static frame between extended and retracted configurations. The static frame is supported above a surface by a portable support engaging the receiver member. The moving frame is supported by the static frame and cantilevers therefrom when in the extended configuration leaving the space beneath the extended moving frame free of portable support members. Retracting the moving frame opens a gap in the modular platform system allowing for unobstructed emergency egress thorough the platform system.

Claims

1. A modular platform system having an expandable deck module assembly, the expandable deck module assembly comprising: a static frame having a receiving member and a first platform deck portion, the static frame being supportable above a surface by a portable support member engaged in the receiving member; and a moving frame having a second platform deck portion, the moving frame being moveable relative to the static frame between extended and retracted configurations; wherein the static frame and the moving frame each has a respective, co-planar platform portion, and wherein each remains substantially co-planar irrespective of position of the moving frame between the extended and retracted configurations.

2. The modular platform system of claim 1, wherein the moving frame is supported above a surface by the static frame leaving space below the moving frame when in the extended configuration free of portable supports.

3. The modular platform system of claim 1, wherein the respective platform portions comprise intermeshing combs each including an upfacing surface portion substantially co-planar with the other.

4. The modular platform system of claim 2, wherein the intermeshing comb associated with the static frame includes a first plurality of spaced-apart fingers and the intermeshing comb associated with the moving frame includes a second plurality of spaced apart fingers, the first plurality of fingers being configured to slidingly fit in the spaces between the second plurality of fingers and allow bi-directional movement.

5. The modular platform system of claim 3, wherein open space between adjacent fingers of the of the first and second pluralities of spaced-apart fingers is less than two inches.

6. The modular platform system of claim 1, wherein the static frame and the moving frame each further comprise a locking channel configured to receive a locking key, the locking key being engageable with a locking channel on an adjacent frame member to inhibit relative vertical movement between adjacent frame members.

7. The modular platform system of claim 6, wherein the adjacent frame member is an adjacent moving frame.

8. The modular platform system of claim 6, wherein the receiving member further comprises a magnetic panel configured to magnetically attract a receiving member on an adjacent frame member.

9. The modular platform system of claim 6, wherein the moving frame further comprises a receiving member with a magnetic panel configured to magnetically attract a receiving member on an adjacent frame member.

10. The modular platform system of claim 6, wherein the static frame and the moving frame each further comprise a locking mechanism to selectively retain the static frame and the moving frame in adjacent contact with the adjacent frame member.

11. An expandable deck panel for a modular platform system comprising: a static frame having a receiving member and a first platform deck portion; a moving frame having a second platform deck portion, the moving frame being moveable relative to the static frame between extended and retracted configurations; and wherein the first platform deck portion and the second platform deck portion remain substantially co-planar irrespective of position of the moving frame between the extended and retracted configurations.

12. The expandable deck panel of claim 11, wherein the respective platform deck portions comprise intermeshing combs, each including an upfacing surface portion substantially co-planar with the other.

13. The expandable deck panel of claim 12, wherein the intermeshing comb associated with the static frame includes a first plurality of spaced-apart fingers and the intermeshing comb associated with the moving frame includes a second plurality of spaced apart fingers, the first plurality of fingers being configured to slidingly fit in the spaces between the second plurality of fingers and allow bi-directional movement.

14. The expandable deck panel of claim 13, wherein open space between adjacent fingers of the of the first and second pluralities of spaced-apart fingers is less than two inches.

15. The expandable deck panel of claim 11, wherein the receiving member further comprises a magnetic panel configured to magnetically attract a receiving member on an adjacent frame member.

16. A method for creating a temporary opening in a modular platform comprising: providing a first expandable deck module assembly having a static frame with a receiving member and a first platform deck portion, a moving frame with a second platform deck portion, the moving frame moveably attached to the static frame and moveable between extended and retracted configurations; supporting the expandable deck module above a surface by engaging a portable support member in the receiving member; extending the moving frame and positioning a distal end frame of the moving frame adjacent to a first platform member; securing the distal end frame to the first platform member; and releasing the distal end frame from the first platform member and moving the moving frame toward the retracted configuration to create the temporary platform opening between the expandable deck module and the first platform member.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising the steps of: positioning a second expandable deck module proximate to the first expandable deck module so that the respective distal end frames are in adjacent contact when both moving frames are in the extended configuration; securing with a latching mechanism the respective distal end frames to one another; and releasing the latching mechanism and moving the moving frame of the first and second expandable deck modules toward the retracted configuration to create a temporary platform opening between the expandable deck modules.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] The advantages of this invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detailed disclosure of the invention, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0015] FIG. 1 shows an exemplar platform system of the type in which the present invention is useful;

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a support member used to support the platform system above a surface;

[0017] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of a receiver member and support member connector used to support the platform system above a surface;

[0018] FIG. 4 shows an alternate view of the receiver member of FIG. 3;

[0019] FIG. 5 shows a cross section view of a portion of a frame member of FIG. 4, taken along cut line 5-5;

[0020] FIG. 6 shows a cross section view of two adjacent frame members as they are joined in a modular platform;

[0021] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a view of the expandable deck module of wherein the panels are in the extended configuration;

[0022] FIGS. 9 and 10 show an alternative view of the expandable deck module of FIGS. 7 and 8, the modules being shown in a retracted configuration;

[0023] FIG. 11 is an underside view of an embodiment of the expandable deck module showing positions of the receiver members;

[0024] FIG. 12 is a partial perspective view of the slider mechanism joining the static and moving frames used in an embodiment of the expandable deck module;

[0025] FIGS. 13 and 14 are partial side views of the static and moving frames shown in FIG. 12; and

[0026] FIG. 15 is a partial section view of FIG. 11 taken along cut line 15-15 detailing an embodiment of the intermeshing fingers of the deck panel of the expandable deck module.

[0027] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Provided is a platform system, an expandable deck module assembly, and a method of assembling a platform system. Embodiments of the present disclosure permit ease of assembly and disassembly, reduce or eliminate assembly errors, increase stability of (for example, by reducing swaying, bending, and other lateral forces), permit individuals with little or no technical skill to assemble and/or disassemble platform systems, permits assembly and/or disassembly by hand, or combinations thereof.

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a platform system 101 comprising a plurality of frames 102 supported by portable supports 103, a plurality of secondary supports 105, and having a plurality of the platform panels 109 thereon. The platform panels 109 may be any type of panels 109 desirable for use with the platform system 101. In addition, panels 109 may include structural, aesthetic and/or theatrical components. For example, the platform panels 109 may include plywood, glass, metal, video components, lighting components, or any other structural, aesthetic and/or theatrical component. The frames 102 generally define a perimeter for the panel and may include features to allow adjacent panels/frames to be joined to form the modular platform system. In addition, the frames 102 each include four receiving members 207 (see e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3). Although this embodiment is shown with frames 102 having four receiving members 207, the frames 102 may contain any number of receiving members 207 suitable for providing the support for the frame 102 and the panels 109. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes a multilevel portion 110 and a single level portion 113. Each of the multilevel portion 110 and the single level portion 113 are made up of a plurality of frames 102 and panels 109. The frame 102 and panels 109 on the upper section 111 of the multilevel portion 110 are supported by a plurality of portable supports 103. The portable supports 103 extend from the lower section 112 of the multilevel portion 110. The portable supports 103 are engaged with receiving members 207 of frames 102 in the lower section 112. The portable supports 103 in the multilevel portion 110 may be friction fit and held by gravity or may be locked into place with a locking mechanism (see e.g., FIGS. 2-3). Other mechanisms may be provided to further engage the portable supports 103 to the receiving members 207. For example, grooves, features, and interlocking features may be utilized to further provide engagement between the portable support 103 and receiving member 207. The single level portion 113 includes a plurality of portable supports 103 arranged to support a single level of frames 102 and panels 109. The portable supports 103 in the single level portion 113 includes secondary supports 105 that engage the frame 102 and the secondary support structure 107. The secondary supports 105 provide increased resistance to lateral forces.

[0030] Also shown in FIG. 1 are wheels 106, which provide contact with the underlying surface of the platform system 101. Although wheels 106 are shown, other structures may be utilized including, but not limited to, rollers, fixed feet, stakes, posts, or other structures suitable for engaging the surface underlying the platform system 101. As shown in the multilevel portion 110, the wheels 106 are attached to the panels 109 and/or frame 102 to permit rolling or moving of the system 101 even after assembly. Likewise, the single level portion 113 includes footing structures 108 having wheels that are attached to the portable support 103 and permit rolling or moving of the system 101 even after assembly. In another embodiment of the disclosure the footing structures 108 can be substituted with a stabilizing device. The stabilizing device could be a device formed of a solid substance (such as concrete, plastic, or other solids that can be worked with in liquid form), a mechanical system providing shock absorption, or other systems sufficient to provide stability for the portable support 103 and/or frame 102.

[0031] The receiving members 207 arranged along the frame 102 to permit engagement with portable supports 103 from either the top surface or from the bottom to permit stacking of platform levels. That is, portable supports may be mated to the receiving member 207 from two directions, permitting the formation of multiple levels. Although the multilevel portion 110 is shown as two platform levels, any number of additional levels may be formed. In addition, the distance between platform levels may vary by providing portable supports 103 of varying lengths on each level.

[0032] In addition, the receiving members 207 permit engagement with additional staging structures desirable for staging or platform use. For example, while not so limited, as shown in FIG. 1, additional staging structures, such as stairs 115, may be engaged to the platform system 101 by insertion of a portion thereof into receiving members 207. Likewise, railings 117 may also be inserted into receiving members 207. Engagement may include any suitable engagement into receiving member 207, including, but not limited to gravity, interlocking, latching or magnetic attraction. Other staging structures may likewise be engaged to the platform system 101 by engagement with the receiving member.

[0033] FIGS. 2 through 4 show an embodiment of the portable support 103 engaged with a receiving member 207 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The portable support 103 comprises a support member 201, a locking mechanism, and a footing structure 104. The portable support 103, as shown in FIG. 2, is substantially a cylindrical support but could be of any geometry capable of supporting the frame 102 and panels 109 and loads provided thereon. The support member 201 can be made of any material but is best made of light weight and durable materials that can withstand external environmental conditions, abuse by people of little or no technical skill, and frequent transportation. The support member 201 is also best made of a material that allows for the application of a coating. This coating can be used for aesthetic purposes or to improve the ability of the support member 201 to withstand external environmental conditions. In one embodiment, a plurality of the support members 201 may be fabricated with substantially identical dimensions or marked with an identifier, such as colors, to allow the support members 201 to be interchanged, reducing the possibility for assembly error, especially in the assembly of the multilevel platform system 101.

[0034] The tapered portion 229 is attached to or unitarily formed at an end of the support member 201. A footing structure 104 is attached to an end of the support member 201 opposite tapered portion 229. As shown in FIG. 2, the tapered portion 229 is engaged with receiving member 207.

[0035] One embodiment of the present disclosure, as visible in FIG. 3, includes a locking mechanism made up of a retention device 211, latching feature 203, alignment member 213, flange 215, tapered portion 229, attachment portion 231, and at least one channel 217. In the system 101 shown in FIG. 1, the locking mechanism is present in the portable supports 103 present in the single level portion 113. The locking mechanism may be positioned in multiple orientations by lining up channel 217 with the pin 219 of the receiving member 207 (see e.g. FIG. 3). Releasing mechanism 209 is arranged along a surface of the support member 201. The releasing mechanism 209 is preferably arranged as a sleeve or otherwise grippable structure that is manipulatable by hand. The releasing mechanism 209 can be operated by hand to disengage the retention device 211 and latching feature 203. The latching feature 203 is a latch, protrusion or other feature of the retention device 211 that engages one or more surfaces of the receiving member 207. The latching feature 203 extends through the tapered portion 229 and provides a surface extending therefrom that is capable of engaging a surface of the receiving member 207. As shown in FIG. 3, a series of mounting pins 243 and springs 241 are operably mounted to provide the releasably pivotable structure of the retention device 211 and the releasing mechanism 209. However, the structure of the portable support is not limited to the particular arrangement shown in FIG. 3.

[0036] The receiving member 207 comprises support cone 223, pin 219, and casing 225. The support cone 223 is geometrically configured to allow the locking mechanism to substantially fit within the support cone 223. The pin 219 is replaceably affixed within the support cone 223 to allow at least one of the channels 217 of the locking mechanism 203 to engage the pin 219. The casing 225 includes a geometry that allows the portable support 103 to support the platform panel 109 (shown in FIG. 1), stage, or platform system 101. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the casing 225 of the receiving member 207 can include at least one magnetic panel 227. The magnetic panel 227 includes a plurality of magnets 239 that are arranged to magnetically attract adjacent receiving members 207. In one embodiment the magnetic panel 227 includes six magnets 239 having alternating polarities of north and south. For example, the magnets 239 may be arranged in a north-south-north arrangement in a first set and a south-north-south arrangement in a second, adjacent set. The arrangement of alternating magnetic polarities permits the simultaneous attraction and alignment along multiple directions from receiving members 207 having magnets 239 arranged in a corresponding arrangement.

[0037] Operation of locking mechanism is now described. A pin secured in tapered portion 229 also provides a pivotable connection with retention device 211. As shown in FIG. 4, slots 247 and 249 are found in tapered portion 229. Slot 247 provides visibility of the interior of tapered portion 229 to simplify installation of pin through retention device 211. Latching feature 203 extends through slot 249 to permit engagement with a lip in receiving member 207. An opening 251 is formed in retaining device 211 to receive pin 243 that is secured in releasing mechanism 209. Disposed between opening 251 and latching feature 203 is a protrusion 253 that is configured to receive spring 241. Spring 241 urges locking mechanism 203 to pivot about pin 245 so that locking mechanism 203 extends through tapered portion 229. A spring 257 is disposed between a pin 255 secured in support member 201 and pin 243 secured in releasing mechanism 209. Spring 257 urges releasing mechanism 209 to move along support member 201 toward tapered portion 229.

[0038] The receiving member 207 further includes a pin 219. The pin 219 is of a geometry configured to mate channel 217 of the locking mechanism 203 and provide rotational positioning of the portable support 103. Although an embodiment includes a single pin 219, multiple pins 219 can be used. The pin 219 can be of a cylindrical geometry, a cuboid geometry, or any substantially similar geometry. During the initial assembly of the receiving member 207, pin 219 may be inserted into two cavities on opposite sides of the support cone 223. Preferably, the pin 219 can be removed or replaced allowing the remaining parts of the receiving member 207 to be used if the pin 219 becomes damaged. In one preferred embodiment, the location of the pin 219 in the support cone 223 is as close to the distal end of the support cone 223 in relation to the support member 201 as possible. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, instead of having the pin 219, the receiving member 207 is configured with at least one alternate channel corresponding to the channel 217 of the alignment member 213.

[0039] The support cone 223 of the receiving member 207 is of a geometry substantially similar to the tapered portion 229 allowing the locking mechanism, including the tapered portion 229 and latching feature to fit inside of the support cone 223 and engage therewith. In one embodiment, the geometry of the support cone 223 resembles a frusto-conical geometry. The support cone 223 is made of a material that can withstand insertion of the locking mechanism 203 without the need to expend significant effort to align the locking mechanism 203 and the support cone 223. The support cone 223 preferably further includes a geometry to receive a tapered footing structure 104, stairs 115, railing 117 or other structures. The tapered surfaces of the support cone 223 may be the same or different. That is, the angle of the tapered surface may be the same or dissimilar on opposite edges of the support cone 223 (see e.g., FIG. 5). In the embodiment wherein the tapered surface are of different angles, the fitting of the components can be verified or customized to particular, predetermined components to prevent mis-assembly with insertion of incorrect components. In one embodiment, the support cone 223 is made of a material that can withstand the impact of the locking mechanism 203 being repeatedly and forcibly inserted into the support cone 223. Upon insertion of the portable support 103, the mating latching feature 203 of the retention member 211 latches a lip 218 or other surface or feature formed in the receiving member 207.

[0040] The casing 225 of the receiving member 207 is an external portion of the receiving member 207, providing attachment to frame 102 and providing structural support for the support cone 223. In one embodiment, the casing 225 is of a cuboid geometry. However, the casing 225 could be in the geometry of a cube, other hexahedron, or any other geometry with a top surface that is flat and at least one side surface that is flat. Having additional flat surfaces is preferred because the casing 225 can then be placed under the corner of a platform system 101 or under any other part of the platform system 101. A collar 237 is attached to the casing 225 with fasteners or by other methods and provides alignment of engaging structures and protects the components within and on the receiving member 207. Further, although not shown, collar 237 may be fitted with a cap or other structure to conceal the internal components, such as the support cone 223, of the receiving member 207 in the event that it is not desired to include structure on the upper side of the receiving member. The configuration of casing 225 allows for easier assembly of the platform system 101 because the receiving members 207 can be treated as interchangeable and a plurality of frames 102 having receiving members 207 may be brought together. Another aspect of an embodiment includes having at least one magnetic panel 227 on the side surface of the casing 225. The magnetic panel 227 allows for metal plates to be magnetically attached to the casing 225. Otherwise, the plates are attached with adhesives or hardware. In the platform system 101 the metal plates attached to multiple casings 225 provide a front surface for the stage, preventing people from walking underneath the platform system 101 and providing aesthetic benefits. In one embodiment, two flat side surfaces on the casing have magnetic panels 607. The arrangement allows for the receiving member 207 to be placed under the corner of the platform system 101 or any other part of the platform system 101, allowing for easier assembly of the platform system 101 because the receiving members 207 can be treated as interchangeable.

[0041] In operation, in response to receiving member 207 being aligned and directed over and into engagement with tapered portion 229 of portable support 103, the inside surface of support cone 223 makes contact with latching feature 203. Further directed movement of receiving number 207 with respect to portable support 103 urges latching feature 203 to pivotably retract through slot 249 sufficiently to permit latching feature 203 to engage the lip in the receiving member. This engagement, normally accompanied by an audible click, secures receiving member 207 to portable support 103.

[0042] FIG. 4 shows a portion of the platform system 101 wherein the frame 102 is attached to the receiving member 207. A magnetic panel 227 provides magnets 239 arranged to align and engaged adjacent frames 102 and magnetic panels 227. In one embodiment, the magnets 239 are preferably disposed in a north-south-north polarity arrangement to provide the alignment. In addition, as shown the frame 102 is attached to receiving member 207. The attachment may be provided by any suitable attachment technique, including welding, adhesive, fasteners, interlocking or any other attachment that provide sufficient retention to support the frame 102, the panel 109 and any load thereon.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the frame 102 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the frame 102 of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5. As shown, the frame 102 includes locking cavities 801 into which accessories or other devices may be inserted and locked into position. Such accessories or devices may include aesthetic components, theatrical components, structural components, or any other components useful for attachment to frame 102. Structural components may include locking keys 803 engagable in locking cavities 801 on adjacent frame members to vertically align adjacent panels 109 and prevent relative vertical movement that could create a tripping hazard on the platform surface. The locking keys are positioned in a locking cavity 801 on one frame member and project outwardly to engage a locking cavity on an adjacent frame member. The locking key is preferably configured to dimensionally match the opening in the locking cavity of adjacent frames so that as the frames are brought together the keys will inhibit relative vertical movement between the adjacent frames, best illustrated in FIG. 6. The locking keys may be secured in the locking cavities on one frame 102 by mechanical or other means to retain the key in position during erection of the platform. The locking keys may extend substantially the length of the frame 102 or may comprise a plurality of keys spaced-apart along the length of the frame.

[0044] The basic structure and arrangement of Applicant's modular stage systems are further disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 8,136,460, Portable Locking Support and Platform System, U.S. Pat. No. 9,082,325, Platform System, Video Module Assembly, and Process of Assembling Platform system, and U.S. Pat. No. 9,259,639, Self-Leveling Platform System, Self-Leveling Supports, and Method of Assembling a Self-Leveling Platform System, the descriptive portions thereof are incorporated by reference herein.

[0045] In one embodiment of the platform system, one or more panel sections 109 and supporting frames 102 are replaced by an expandable deck panel 309 to allow the platform system to be quickly and easily reconfigured for emergency or other needs. The expandable deck panel 309 includes a static frame 310 and a moving frame 311. The static and moving frames 310, 311 respectively support first and second platform panel portions 319, 329, the first and second panels portions being configured to allow extension and retraction of the moving frame while providing a usable platform surface substantially free of gaps, openings, raised edges, or other irregularities which could pose a tripping hazard to a person on the surface. The platform panel portions provide sufficient strength to meet a defined load-carrying rating of the platform system.

[0046] The static and moving frames are provided with connection interfaces consistent with other frames 102 and panel sections 109 used in the modular platform system, including receiving members incorporating magnetic panels, frame alignment locking cavities, and retention mechanisms. This configuration allows the expandable deck panels to be incorporated into any modular platform system and configured into a desired stage arrangement.

[0047] Static frame 310 is attached to one or more receiving members 207 allowing connection of support members 201 on the underside of the frame to support the static frame 309 in an elevated position in the same manner as other frames 102 and panels 109 comprising the platform system 101. Magnetic panels 227 may be provided on the receiving members 207 on the static frame 310 to align the static frame with adjacent panel sections. Static frame 310 also may be provided with alignment means such as locking cavities 801 disposed on peripheral frame into which locking keys 803 may be inserted to align the adjacent frames frame and thus the top surfaces of the panel sections to create an even upward-facing surface when assembled. Retention mechanisms, such as coffin locks 233, may be provided on the static frame 310 to secure the expandable deck panel to adjacent panel sections to provide a stable platform surface. Similar retention mechanisms may be provided on the moving frames to allow the moving frames, particularly when extended, to be secured into modular platform system.

[0048] The moving frame 311 is connected to the static frame 310 by a sliding mechanism 320 which may comprise a plurality of slides and/or rollers 323 mounted on the moving frame 311 engaging a guide track 321 in the static frame 310. The sliding mechanism constrains movement of the moving frame 311 in relation to the static frame 310 to bi-directionally linearly and parallel to the plane of the platform surface. The linear guide tracks and rollers help support the extending moving frame and associated platform surface for smooth extension/retraction function. The sliding mechanism is configured to limit the lateral displacement of the moving frames, generally between a retracted configuration (FIG. 10) and an extended configuration (FIG. 7). When the moving frame is extended, it cantilevers laterally from the static frame. The cantilevered portion does not require vertical support to the floor. The sliding mechanism is reinforced to withstand the anticipated cantilever loading on the moving frame when it is fully extended. This arrangement allows a clear span underneath the deck for necessary egress. One embodiment of the expandable deck panel has a retracted width of 42 inches and an extended width dimension of 72 inches.

[0049] The sliding mechanism may include a fixing mechanism to restrain the moving frame in a fixed extension position. The fixing mechanism may be configured to restrain the moving frame in any extended position between and including fully extended and fully retracted to prevent unintended movement during assembly or disassembly of the platform system. The fixing provisions may include detents provided in the guide track, friction brakes, clamping mechanisms, locking pins, or any means of selectively securing the moving frame in a fixed extension relative to the static frame.

[0050] Positioning two oppositely extending expandable deck panels adjacently allows a clear passage beneath the deck which may be used for emergency egress. The moving frames 311 may be more quickly retracted that removing one or more platform sections to create a gap in an elevated platform. Retracting the moving frames eliminates the overhead space restriction, such as when the deck surface is less than head-height above the floor surface or when tall objects are required to be moved from one side of the deck to the other.

[0051] The moving frame 311 may include a standard frame design on the distal end frame member 314 that is consistent with the standard frame 102 in the modular platform system, including locking channel 801 and locking mechanisms 233. Magnetic panels 227 may also be provided on the distal end frame 314 of the moving frame 311. Locking mechanisms, such as coffin locks 233, may be provided on the distal end frame 314 of the moving frame 311 to allow the moving frame to be fixedly engaged with an adjacent frame member, whether that of another expandable deck panel or any other modular panel used in the modular platform system. These features allow the distal ends of two adjacent moving frames to be coupled to create a unitary platform surface in the same manner as any two adjacent frames in the platform assembly are joined and to improve the rigidity of the two cantilevered frames.

[0052] The respective deck surface panels may comprise a pair of intermeshing comb panels 319, 329 connected to the frames, one connected to the static frame, the other connected to the moveable frame. Each of the combs includes a plurality of spaced-apart fingers 332, 334 extending inwardly toward one another that can slide past one another as the moveable frame is extended and retracted. The fingers on the comb connected to the static frame are positioned to fit within the spaces 333, 335 between the fingers on the comb connected to the moveable frame and vice-versa. The comb panels are fixedly attached to the respective frames 310, 311 in a manner creating a unitary structure. When the moveable frame is fully retracted, the deck surface is substantially free of gaps as the spaces between adjacent comb fingers are filled with comb fingers from the opposite comb panel. When the moveable frame is extended, gaps once filled by the fingers on the opposite comb panel open. The configuration of the comb fingers and spacing is such that the openings between adjacent fingers on the same comb are sufficiently narrow to minimize tripping or fall-through hazards on the platform surface. OSHA regulations generally defines a hole as an opening that is at least two inches in its least dimension and thus serves as a maximum limit for gaps between adjacent fingers in the comb panel support surface.

[0053] The comb panels are supported on the static and moveable frames in a manner that maintains the upward-facing surface 337, 338 of the respective comb fingers vertically stable and co-planar without any raised trip hazard lips or edges. The fingers 332, 334 on the respective comb panels 319, 329 may be configured to vertically interact to maintain a level platform surface irrespective of the lateral extension of the moving frame. In an embodiment, the fingers are vertically supported by support members, which some being fixed to the support members and others allowed to slide across the members. In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15, the comb fingers 334 on one of the comb panels are inverted t-shaped to provide flanges surfaces to increase support for the opposing comb fingers 334. The fingers are designed to minimize gaps in the support surface, maintaining the gaps no larger than other gaps existing the modular deck assembly.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 7 through 10, a portion of the platform system is shown incorporating a pair of expandable deck panels 309 positioned in opposition to each other. The moving frames 311 of deck panels 309 are positioned and secured in the retracted position during platform system assembly and disassembly. The deck panels 309 may be repositioned into the extended position only once the deck panels are structurally connected to the adjacent portions of the platform system and support legs installed on the static frames. FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the moving frames in an extended position with distal end frame 314 abutting to form a continuous support surface. The moving frames 311 are secured to one another by engaging locking mechanisms 233 to prevent movement. Vertical rigidity between the adjacent moving frames is provided by keys 803 disposed in the respective and opposing locking channels 801. Moving frame fixing mechanisms, if provided, may be engaged. Creating an opening in the platform system, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, requires releasing the locking mechanisms 233 and fixing mechanism, and then moving the respective moving frames 311 into their respective retracted positions. Moving frame fixing mechanisms, if provided, are engaged to prevent unwanted motion of the moving frame that could impeded movement of persons or equipment through the opening.

[0055] While the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and described herein are presently preferred, it should be understood that these embodiments are offered by way of example only. Accordingly, the present application is not limited to a particular embodiment, but extends to various modifications that nevertheless fall within the scope of the appended claims. The order or sequence of any processes or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments.

[0056] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present application.