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.

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.