Support Assembly for Building Structures

Abstract

A support assembly for use with building structures, the support assembly having a main axis when in an assembled configuration. The support assembly includes: a mounting body for receiving or carrying a section of the building structure; a base which in use is arranged to be located on a supporting surface, the base having a main body having opposed ends, each end having a leg extending therefrom; a connector operatively interconnecting the mounting body and the base when in the assembled configuration; and an adjustment arrangement operable to cause relative movement between the mounting body and the base towards or away from one another in the direction of the main axis.

Description

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to support assemblies for use in building structures and more particularly, though not exclusively, to floor structures such as, for example, patios, decks, walkways and the like.

II. BACKGROUND ART

Decking substructures generally comprise posts, bearers and joists which are built up to the desired height of the deck. In some cases, timber posts are replaced with steel stirrups which can be bolted on to a concrete pad or anchored into the concrete pad before the concrete has set. Such arrangements provide reasonable heavy duty solid foundations for the timber or steel bearers to attach to. However, a disadvantage of devices of this type is that they do not have any adjustability. This can be a problem on uneven terrain or especially if the structure is to be built over an existing concrete area that has height variance. Australian patent specification No. 2014100056 describes a bearer support which is adjustable. The present disclosure provides a further improvement over the known prior art.

III. SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

In a first aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a support assembly for use with building structures, the support assembly having a main axis when in an assembled configuration, the support assembly comprising: a mounting body for receiving or carrying a section of the building structure; a base which in use is arranged to be located on a supporting surface, the base comprising a main body having opposed ends, each end having a leg extending therefrom; a connector operatively interconnecting the mounting body and the base when in the assembled configuration; and an adjustment arrangement operable to cause relative movement between the mounting body and the base towards or away from one another in the direction of the main axis.

In use, and when in the assembled configuration the support assembly is disposed on the support surface with the main axis in a generally upright or substantially vertical orientation with respect to the support surface on which it is disposed. The arrangement is such that the mounting member, the connector and the base are positioned one above the other in the direction of the main axis.

In certain embodiments, the legs are inclined away from one another in a direction away from the main body. In certain embodiments, the base further includes a foot at an end of each leg remote from the main body. In certain embodiments, the main body comprises a substantially flat bridging member. In use, the bridging member is disposed generally horizontally.

In certain embodiments, the connector comprises a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod being operatively connected to the mounting body, the connecting rod further being operatively connected to the base so as to be movable relative thereto in the direction of the main axis when in the assembled configuration.

In certain embodiments, the mounting body comprises a bracket having a section providing for a bearing seat. In certain embodiments, the bracket comprises an L-shaped member having a first arm which provides for the bearing seat and a second arm.

In certain embodiments, there is provided an attachment on the first arm for connecting the connector to the mounting body. In certain embodiments, the attachment comprises a threaded aperture. In certain embodiments, the attachment comprises a protuberance or projecting element secured to one side of the aforementioned one arm. In certain embodiments, the adjustment arrangement comprises a thread on at least part of the connecting rod and a coupling on the base, the coupling comprising a threaded aperture which is complementary to the thread on the connecting rod whereby relative rotation between the connecting rod and the coupling causes movement between the coupling and the connecting rod in the direction of the main axis.

In certain embodiments, the connector is releasably connectable to both the base and the mounting body.

In a second aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a support assembly for use with building structures, the support assembly having a main axis when in an assembled configuration, the support assembly comprising: a mounting body for receiving or carrying a section of the building structure; a base which in use is arranged to be located on a supporting surface; a connector operatively interconnecting the mounting body and the base when in the assembled configuration; and an adjustment arrangement operable to cause relative movement between the mounting body and the base towards or away from one another in the direction of the main axis, wherein the connector is releasably connectable to both the base and the mounting body.

In certain embodiments, the support assembly is in one of the forms described above.

In a third aspect, embodiments are disclosed of a method of installing a support assembly on a supporting surface, the support assembly being as described in one of the forms above, the method including the steps of: locating the base on the supporting surface and securing it thereto; and activating the adjustment arrangement so that the mounting body is at a desired position above the supporting surface.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the method and apparatus set forth in the summary specific embodiments of the method and apparatus will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a support assembly according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the support assembly shown in FIG. 1; and,

FIGS. 3 and 4 are isometric views of the support assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the components in different positions with respect to one another.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of how a plurality of support assemblies, in disassembled form, may be packaged together.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a support assembly, generally indicated as 10, which comprises a mounting body 20, a base 40 and a connector 60 which can be operatively connected together in an assembled configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, the support assembly 10 has a main axis X-X. When in use, the support assembly 10 is positioned on a support surface which may for example be the ground, a concrete pad or any other structure on which the support assembly 10 can be positioned. In use, the main axis X-X is arranged in a substantially upright or vertical orientation.

The mounting body 20 in the form shown comprises a bracket 21. The bracket 21 illustrated is L-shaped comprising a first arm 22 and a second arm 34. The first arm 22 has an upper side 24 and underside 25, the upper side 24 forming a bearing seat 23 for a bearer or joist of a building structure. FIG. 3 illustrates schematically a bearer 90 on the bracket 21. Apertures 38 in the second arm 34 are adapted to receive fixing elements such as bolts for attaching the bearer 90 to the bracket 21. An attachment 30 is arranged on the underside 25 of the first arm 22. The attachment 30 is in the form of an aperture 31 which is threaded for reasons which will become apparent. The attachment 30 comprises a protuberance or projecting element which, in the form shown, comprises a nut 33 which is secured to the underside 25 of the first arm 22. This may be effected by welding or some other technique. The underside 25 of the first arm 22 has a surface, which is generally horizontally disposed when in use.

The support assembly 10 further includes a base 40 which comprises a main body 41 having opposed ends 35 and 36. The main body 41 is in the form of a generally flat bridging member 42 having a top side 43 and a bottom side 44. The surface of at least the bottom side 44 is substantially flat and when assembled parallel to the underside surface of first arm 22 of the bracket 21. The base 40 further includes legs 45 and 46 which extend from respective ends 35 and 36 of the base 40. As shown, the legs 45 and 46 are inclined away from one another in the direction away from the main body 41. That is the legs 45 and 46 are splayed with respect to one another. Each leg 45 and 46 has a foot member 51 and 52 at the ends 47 and 48 thereof. The foot members 51 and 52 are in the form of flanges. The flanges are adapted to be attached to the supporting surface on which the base 40 rests and have apertures 54 therein for receiving bolts or other anchoring elements for securing the base 40 to the supporting surface. The base 40 is in the form of a one piece structure which may be formed from metal such as steel which may be galvanised. The base may be formed using a press forming process. As shown the base 40 is arch like in configuration.

The support assembly 10 further includes a connector 60 in the form of a connecting rod 61 having opposed ends 62 and 63 with a rod axis Y-Y extending between the ends. In use, the connecting rod 61 is generally upright with its axis Y-Y substantially coaxial or parallel with the main axis X-X of the support assembly 10.

The support assembly 10 further includes an adjustment arrangement 70 for providing relative movement between the mounting body 20 and the base 40. The adjustment arrangement 70 comprises a thread 71 on the connecting rod 61 which is adapted to cooperate with a coupling 72 on the base 40. The coupling 72 comprises a threaded aperture 73, the thread of which is complementary with the thread on the connecting rod 61. The coupling 72 is in the form of a nut 75 which is fixed to the bottom side 44 of the base 40. This may be effected by welding or some other technique. A locking element 78 in the form of a nut 79 is received on the connecting rod 61 between the mounting body 20 and the base 40.

The coupling 72, which in the form shown is an internally threaded nut 75, is secured to the bottom side 44 of the bridging member 42 and is aligned with an aperture in the bridging member 42. The bridging member 42 and the nut 33 of the mounting body 20, are such that their apertures are coaxial with the main axis X-X and the connecting rod axis Y-Y when in the assembled configuration.

To assemble the support assembly 10, one end 62 of the connecting rod 61 is secured into threaded aperture 31 of the nut 33 secured to the mounting body 20 so as to connect the two parts together. The other end 63 of the connecting rod 61 is threadably connected to coupling 72 on the bridging member 42 of the base 40. Relative rotation between the connecting rod 61 and the coupling 72 causes axial movement of connecting rod 61 relative to the base 40, thereby facilitating movement of mounting body 20 towards or away from the base 40. Thus, the height of the mounting body 20 above the supporting surface upon which the support assembly 10 is positioned can be varied. Once the desired position of the mounting body 20 is achieved, the nut 79 is positioned against the surface of the top side 43 of the bridging member 42 to inhibit undesired movement between the parts. As is apparent, the load applied by the structure 90 is translated axially in the direction of the main axis X-X and rod axis Y-Y from the mounting body 20 to the base 40.

The structure of the base in the embodiment illustrated permits formation from relatively light weight material whilst still being able to support typical load bearing structures such as the components of a decking sub-structure, for example. The provision of the two nuts 33 and 75 ensure proper alignment with the threaded connecting rod 61.

As the three main components of the support assembly 10 are releasably interconnectable with one another, the support assembly 10 can be supplied in kit form enabling efficient packaging and transport. FIG. 5 illustrates an example of how the disassembled form of the support assembly permits a plurality of support assemblies to be efficiently packaged together (to provide space saving/transport advantages). Furthermore, the releasable attachment of the three main components means that connecting rods 61 of different lengths can be supplied and used for different applications.

In the forgoing description of embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and lower” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestions that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

In this specification the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, addition and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not the be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g. aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realise yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may contribute an additional embodiment.

The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claims.

TABLE OF PARTS
Support assembly       10
Mounting body          20
L-shaped bracket       21
First arm              22
Bearing seat           23
Upper side             24
Underside              25
Attachment             30
Threaded aperture      31
Nut                    33
Second arm             34
Apertures              38
Base                   40
Main body              41
Ends                   35/36
Flat bridging member   42
Top side               43
Bottom side            44
Legs                   45/46
Ends                   47/48
Foot member            51/52
Apertures              54
Connector              60
Connecting Rod         61
Ends                   62/63
Adjustment arrangement 70
Thread                 71
Coupling               72
Threaded aperture      73
Nut                    75
Locking element        78
Nut                    79
Structural member      90
Main axis              X-X
Rod axis               Y-Y

Claims

1. A support assembly for use with a building structure, the support assembly having a main axis when in an assembled configuration, the support assembly comprising:

a mounting body for receiving or carrying a section of the building structure;

a base which in use is arranged to be located on a supporting surface, the base comprising a main body having opposed ends, each end having a leg extending therefrom;

a connector operatively interconnecting the mounting body and the base when in the assembled configuration; and

an adjustment arrangement operable to cause relative movement between the mounting body and the base towards or away from one another in the direction of the main axis.

2. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the legs are inclined away from one another.

3. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the base further includes a foot at an end of each leg remote from the main body.

4. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein said main body comprises a substantially flat bridging member.

5. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector comprises a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod being operatively connected to the mounting body, the connecting rod further being operatively connected to the base so as to be movable relative thereto in the direction of the main axis when in the assembled configuration.

6. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein said mounting body comprises a bracket having a section providing for a bearing seat.

7. The support assembly according to claim 6, wherein said bracket comprises an L-shaped member having a first arm which provides for the bearing seat and a second arm.

8. The support assembly according to claim 7, wherein said bracket includes an attachment on the first arm for connecting the connector to the mounting body.

9. The support assembly according to claim 8, wherein the attachment comprises a threaded aperture.

10. The support assembly according to claim 9, wherein the attachment comprises an element, secured to one side of the first arm, the threaded aperture being within said element.

11. The support assembly according to claim 5, wherein the adjustment arrangement comprises a thread on at least part of the connecting rod and a coupling on the base, the coupling comprising a threaded aperture which is complementary to the thread on the connecting rod whereby relative rotation between the connecting rod and the coupling causes movement between the coupling and the connecting rod in the direction of the main axis.

12. The support assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connector is releasably connectable to both the base and the mounting body.

13. A support assembly for use with a building structure, the support assembly having a main axis when in an assembled configuration, the support assembly comprising:

a mounting body for receiving or carrying a section of the building structure;

a base which in use is arranged to be located on a supporting surface;

a connector operatively interconnecting the mounting body and the base when in the assembled configuration; and

an adjustment arrangement operable to cause relative movement between the mounting body and the base towards or away from one another in the direction of the main axis, and

wherein the connector is releasably connectible to both the base and the mounting body.

14. A method of installing a support assembly on a supporting surface, the support assembly being in accordance with claim 1, the method including the steps of locating the base on the supporting surface and securing it thereto; and activating the adjustment arrangement so that the mounting body is at a desired position above the supporting surface.