Platform system

Abstract

A modular platform system utilizing a number of components including a platform. The platform is configured so that each of the components may interchangeably connect to any side of the platform. The components include, for example, handrails and stairways, as well as other platforms. The platform and most of the components are formed from single, continuous pieces of metal.

1 . A platform system comprising a platform including a plurality of sides, whereby the platform is created from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal that is cut and folded to form the platform, and wherein each side of the platform defines a set of apertures, wherein the set of apertures allow the respective side of the platform to interchangeably connect to a plurality of components that are configured to connect to the platform. 
     
     
         2 . The platform system of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of components that are configured to interchangeably be connected to the platform comprises a pair of stairway supports, a handrail, and another platform, wherein the another platform is identical to the platform such that the another platform is configured to interchangeably receive any one of the plurality of components that are configured to connect to the platform. 
     
     
         3 . The platform system of  claim 1  wherein the platform is rectangular. 
     
     
         4 . The platform system of  claim 3  wherein the platform is square. 
     
     
         5 . The platform system of  claim 1  wherein the one of the plurality of components is another platform, wherein the another platform is identical to the platform such that each side of the another platform is configured to interchangeably receive one of the plurality of components configured to connect to the platform. 
     
     
         6 . The platform system of  claim 1  wherein the one of the plurality of components is a pair of stairway supports, where the stairway supports are configured to interconnect at least one step. 
     
     
         7 . The platform system of  claim 6  wherein each of the pair of stairway supports is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, whereby the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is cut and folded to form the respective stairway support. 
     
     
         8 . The platform system of  claim 6  wherein the step is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal, whereby the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is cut and folded to form the step. 
     
     
         9 . The platform system of  claim 1  wherein the one of the plurality of components is a handrail configured to connect to the platform. 
     
     
         10 . The platform system of  claim 9  wherein an outer rail of the handrail is formed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal, whereby the single, continuous piece of tubular metal is cut to define a set of apertures that correspond to the set of the apertures defined by each side of the platform, and whereby the single, continuous piece of tubular metal is bent to form the outer rail. 
     
     
         11 . The platform system of  claim 1  further comprising a stand configured to support at least the platform, wherein each side of the platform defines a tab parallel to a top surface of the platform that is formed when the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is folded, wherein the tab defines a second set of apertures when the single, continuous piece of sheet metal is cut, and wherein a top surface of the stand defines a third set of apertures, whereby the third set of apertures correspond to the second set of apertures and allow the stand to be connected to the platform. 
     
     
         12 . The platform system of  claim 11  wherein the top surface of the stand defines a fourth set of apertures, whereby the fourth set of apertures correspond to another second set of apertures of another platform adjacent to the first platform, whereby the stand may be connected to, and support, the platform and the another platform. 
     
     
         13 . A platform system comprising:
 a platform having a plurality of identical sides, wherein each side defines a first set of apertures; and   at least two components, wherein the two components are different from one another, wherein each component defines a second set of apertures;   wherein the first set of apertures aligns with the second set of apertures in order to allow each side of the platform to interchangeably connect with either of the at least two components.   
     
     
         14 . The platform system of  claim 13  wherein the first platform is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal. 
     
     
         15 . The platform system of  claim 13  wherein the first set of apertures aligns with a third set of apertures defined by each side of a second platform in order to allow the second platform to be connected to the first platform. 
     
     
         16 . The platform system of  claim 15  wherein the first and second platforms are identical. 
     
     
         17 . The platform system of  claim 13  wherein the at least two components comprise a handrail and a pair of stairway supports. 
     
     
         18 . The platform system of  claim 17  wherein the pair of stairway supports have a second end that defines a fourth set of apertures, wherein the first set of apertures aligns with the fourth set of apertures in order to allow the second end of the stairway supports to be connected to the first platform. 
     
     
         19 . The platform system of  claim 17  wherein each of the pair of stairway supports if formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal. 
     
     
         20 . The platform system of  claim 17  further comprising a pair of stairway handrails, each of which comprises a first rail defining at least a first aperture and a second rail defining at least a second aperture, wherein each of the pair of stairway supports defines at least a third and fourth aperture, and the first aperture aligns with the third aperture and the second aperture aligns with the fourth aperture in order to allow each stairway handrail to be connected to a respective stairway support. 
     
     
         21 . The platform system of  claim 20  wherein each of the first and second rails is formed from a single, continuous piece of tubular metal. 
     
     
         22 . The platform system of  claim 17  further comprising at least one step, wherein each side of the step defines at least a first aperture, wherein each of the pair of stairway supports defines at least a second aperture, and the first apertures align with the second apertures in order to allow the step to be connected between the pair of stairway supports. 
     
     
         23 . The platform system of  claim 22  wherein the at least one step is formed from a single, continuous piece of sheet metal. 
     
     
         24 . The platform system of  claim 13  wherein the platform is a first platform, the platform system further comprising a second platform identical to the first platform, wherein aligning the first set of apertures of one side of the second platform with the first set of apertures of another side of the first platform allows the first platform to be connected to the second platform.