Modular stage assembly

Abstract

A platform assembly ( 10 ) is provided having a framework ( 12 ) comprising: a plurality of connector nodes ( 16 ), each of which has a single leg ( 18 ) extending downwards therefrom. A plurality of frame bars ( 20 ) extend between the connector nodes ( 16 ) and connect thereto by frame ends attached to either end of each frame bar ( 20 ). A plurality of platform boards ( 14 ) are supported on said framework ( 12 ). The platform assembly ( 10 ) may have a number of layers (A, B) of framework interconnected to one another in a vertical orientation through the connector nodes ( 16 ) and legs ( 18 ).

1 . A platform assembly comprising;
 a framework comprising:
 a plurality of connector nodes, each having a single leg extending downwards therefrom, 
 a plurality of frame bars extending between said connector nodes and connectable thereto by frame ends attached to either end of each said frame bar, and 
 a plurality of platform boards supported on said framework. 
   
     
     
         2 . A platform assembly according to  claim 1  wherein
 at least some of said connector nodes connect to frame bars supporting at least two said platform boards. 
 
     
     
         3 . A platform assembly according to  claim 1  wherein each said connector node receives, at least in part, a plurality of said frame ends. 
     
     
         4 . A platform according to  claim 3  wherein each said connector node comprises a plurality of holes therein for at least partially receiving a said frame end in an upper opening thereof, each said hole extending along a substantially vertical axis. 
     
     
         5 . A platform according to  claim 4  wherein each said frame end comprises a retention member for insertion into one of said holes, each said retention member substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said frame bars. 
     
     
         6 . A platform according to  claim 4  wherein each said connector node comprises four said holes substantially at ninety degree to one another about a central axis of said connector node. 
     
     
         7 . A platform assembly according to  claim 4  wherein in each said connector node said holes are tapered holes and said retention means of each said frame end comprises a tapered peg, said tapered pegs being receivable in said tapered holes. 
     
     
         8 . A platform assembly according to  claim 7  wherein the maximum insertion of said tapered pegs into said tapered holes is determined by contact between the end of said tapered peg and a limitation feature in said tapered hole. 
     
     
         9 . A platform assembly according to  claim 8  wherein said tapered holes are blind holes and, in their fully inserted position, the ends of said tapered pegs abut the end surface of said tapered holes. 
     
     
         10 . A platform assembly according to  claim 1  wherein each said frame end comprises a separator fin extending vertically therefrom and aligned with the central axis of said frame bars and wherein each said platform board is located within the boundaries of said separator fins. 
     
     
         11 . A platform assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of foot locators insertable into said connector nodes for receiving feet of legs extending from said connector nodes vertically spaced therefrom. 
     
     
         12 . A platform assembly according to  claim 11  wherein each said foot locator comprises plurality of webs that are insertable into one of said connector nodes to locate said foot locator therein. 
     
     
         13 . A platform assembly according to  claim 12  wherein each said foot locator comprises four perpendicular webs extending therefrom. 
     
     
         14 . A platform assembly according to  claim 13  wherein the said perpendicular webs are of the same width, or narrower than, said separator fins such that when aligned with said separator fins said webs can pass between said platform boards into one of said connector nodes therebeneath. 
     
     
         15 . A platform assembly according to  claim 1  wherein said frame ends comprise a recess therein for accepting the end of a said frame bar. 
     
     
         16 . A platform assembly according to  claim 15  wherein said frame ends further comprise, within said recess, a protrusion for locating in a hollow end of a frame bar. 
     
     
         17 . A platform assembly according to  claim 15  wherein at least one of said recess and said protrusion comprise a plurality of ribs thereon, said ribs contacting said frame bar ends. 
     
     
         18 . A platform assembly according to  claim 1  wherein said connector nodes comprise a recess therein for receiving the top end of one of said legs. 
     
     
         19 . A platform assembly according to  claim 18  wherein each said connector nodes further comprises, within said recess, a protrusion for locating in a hollow top end of said leg received therein. 
     
     
         20 . A platform assembly according to  claim 18  wherein at least one of said recesses and said protrusion of said connector node comprise a plurality of ribs thereon, said ribs contacting said leg ends during use. 
     
     
         21 . A platform assembly according  claim 1  wherein said connector nodes, and/or said frame bar ends and/or said foot locators comprise glass reinforced plastics. 
     
     
         22 . A platform assembly according to  claim 1  further comprising an edging strip at an outer edge thereof, said edging strip being parallel to at least one said frame bar and connectable to said connector nodes. 
     
     
         23 . A platform assembly according to  claim 18  comprising a plurality of layers of framework, interconnected to one another in a vertical orientation through said connector nodes and said legs. 
     
     
         24 . A platform assembly according to  claim 7  further comprising at least one handrail post attached to said framework by a handrail post support having a tapered peg thereon which is received in said tapered hole of a said connector node. 
     
     
         25 . A platform assembly according to  claim 24  further comprising at least one handrail post locator comprising a tubular section for receiving the lower end of said handrail post therein and a tapered peg which is received in said tapered hole of one of said connector nodes.