WO2012083971A1

WO2012083971A1 - Loft flooring supports

Info

Publication number: WO2012083971A1
Application number: PCT/DK2011/050518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jesper BONNÉN
Original assignee: Bonnen Jesper
Priority date: 2010-12-23
Filing date: 2011-12-22
Publication date: 2012-06-28

Abstract

This invention describes an elevation device for an elevated support surface (550) comprising a body; said body comprises a first plate member (101, 801) and a second plate member (221, 921), said plate members arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, where said first plate member comprises a first lower edge (107, 109, 113, 865), a first upper edge (103, 803) and two first sides (111, 811) connecting said first lower edge and said first upper edge, and where said second plate member comprises a second lower edge (227, 923), a second upper edge and two second sides (225, 925) connecting said second lower edge and said second upper edge, and where said second lower edge of said second plate member extend to at least a section of the first lower edge of said first plate member.

Description

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for obtaining optimal storage at attics. Background of the Invention

As a part of the global warming and actions for reducing the C0₂ outcome, there is an increasing demand for better insulation of existing and new houses. In attics of existing houses new insulation is often arranged on top of the existing insulation in order to increase the insulation layer thickness and thereby obtain an efficient layer of insulation.

The attic often comprises a footbridge with a width of 60-80 cm. The footbridge is normally used for inspection of the roof and household installations. Furthermore, the attic is often equipped with shelves and room for storage which is often a necessity for many households.

Placing the storage at the footbridge is inexpedient as the space for placing the storage is very small, and it makes the inspection in the attic difficult. Thus, in order to keep the storage in the attic, it is to be arranged next to the footbridge. However, arranging the storage on top of the insulating material compresses the material and reduces the isolation properties of the insulation. Hence, a storage plate is often arranged above the isolating material resting on the top of the horizontal joists.

In Denmark, the insulating material is recommended to be between 300 mm and 400 mm, but often the insulating material is about 200-250 mm. In order to fulfil the rec- ommended amount of insulating material, new insulation is added to the existing insulation or new and thicker isolation replaces the old insulation material in the attic. Hereby, the thickness of the insulation often exceeds the height of the horizontal joists present in the attic. Arranging a storage plate on top of the insulation material will compress the insulation material, a compression which is further aggravated when ar- ranging storage on top of the storage plate. Hereby, the insulation material is com- pressed and its insulating properties severely reduced and thermal bridges are created. Overall, the insulation capability of the insulating layer is reduced.

US 4,299,509 describes a connector of a structural part such as a beam with another structural member. The connector comprises a load transmitting plate and a support plate. The members of the connector are fastened in different structural members, and a hook-like projection of the load transmitting plate is fitted into a corresponding release of support plate. Hereby, the structural member comprising the load transmitting plate and the structural member comprising the support plate are connected.

WO 2010/0133216 describes a storage system for storage of household goods and articles in an unfinished attic with additional insulation place above the top surface of the joists. The platform device of the application does not interfere with additional insulation and will allow additional storage space without the need for expensive building materials and/or a support structure to preserve the integrity of the additional insulation. The storage system as described in this application comprises platforms that can be raised above the additional insulation by a multiplicity of legs by combining a plurality of components. In the attic, the space is often narrow, especially along the sides close to a sloping roof. Thus, in order to improve the working environment, it is advantageous that the storage surfaces can be installed in a quick and simple manner. Furthermore, it is important that the storage surface is stable when sliding, pushing, and keeping storage on the top of the storage surface. Object of the Invention

It is the object of the present invention to provide an elevation device, which can be quickly, easily and safely installed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a stable elevation device.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an elevation device which enables storage space to be re-established after additional insulation is arranged, or when the thickness of the insulation layer is increased, without reducing the insulating properties of the isolating material and creating thermal bridges.

Description of the Invention

By the invention is provided an elevation device for an elevated support surface com- prising a body; said body comprises

- a first plate member and a second plate member, said plate members arranged substantially perpendicular to each other,

- where said first plate member comprises a first lower edge, a first upper edge and two first sides connecting said first lower edge and said first upper edge;

- and where said second plate member comprises a second lower edge, a second upper edge and two second sides connecting said second lower edge and said second upper edge,

- and where said second lower edge of said second plate member extend to at least a section of the first lower edge of said first plate member.

The elevation device as described in this invention comprises a body comprising at least one first plate member and a second plate member, where the plate members are substantially perpendicular to each other. Hereby is to be understood that the second plate member is arranged perpendicular either on one side of the first plate member or on both sides of the first plate member. If the second plate member is arranged on both sides of the first plate member, the two parts of the second plate member on either side of the first plate member can be in the same plane, or they can be in different planes. The second plate member stabilises the elevation device from tilting in a direction perpendicular to the first plate member, since it is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plate member at least in use. The combination of the first plate member and the second plate member arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plate member will in addition stabilise the elevation device from tilting in other directions as well.

The second lower edge of the second plate member extends to at least a section of the first lower edge of the first plate member. Hereby, is to be understood that the first lower edge can comprise different sections which need not extend to the same level with regard to the first upper edge, i.e. the distance from the first upper edge to the first lower edge is larger for some sections of the first lower edge than for other sections of the first lower edge.

In one embodiment, the first upper edge of the first plate member and the second upper edge of the second plate member extend to the same level. The first upper edge is opposite of the first lower edge on the first member and the second upper edge is opposite of the second lower edge on the second member. Hereby, the upper edge of the first plate member and the second plate member is able to form a surface where on an elevated support surface can be arranged. The elevated support surface is commonly supported by multiple elevation devices.

By elevated support surface is to be understood a surface upon which storage can be arranged. By elevated is to be understood that the elevated support surface is elevated by means of the elevation device(s) above the ground, i.e. the attic support surface upon which the elevation devices are arranged. The ground can for example be a floor, a horizontal joist, etc. The elevation devices enable an elevated support surface to be generated, whereby additional isolation can be arranged beneath the elevated support surface and/or sufficient circulation can be obtained in order to avoid thermal bridges and moisture formation. In one embodiment, the second plate member comprises a straight second lower edge, i.e. the two second sides are connected by a straight second lower edge. In a further embodiment, the second plate comprises a straight second lower edge and a straight second upper edge, i.e. the two second sides are connected by a straight second lower edge and a straight second upper edge.

The shape of the two plate members can be of any shape with multiple edges where the number of edges is at least three, i.e. the shapes can be squared, rectangular, etc. Advantageously, the first plate member comprises sloping sides towards the first lower edge. Furthermore, the first plate member and the second plate member can advantageously be wider close to the first and second lower edges than at the first and second upper edges of the first and second plate member. The first and second plate member can be made of for example wood, plastic or metals such as stainless steel.

In an advantageous embodiment, said first plate member is provided with an open- ended slot; said open-ended slot comprising a bottom opposite of said open end and two sides connecting said open end with said bottom; and where said second lower edge of said second plate member extends to the level of said bottom of said open- ended slot.

In an advantageous embodiment, the invention describes an attic storage support for installing onto horizontal joists comprising a body; said body comprises

- where said first plate member is provided with an open-ended slot; said open-ended slot comprising a bottom opposite of said open end and two sides connecting said open end with said bottom;

- and where said second plate member comprises a lower edge, an upper edge and two sides connecting said lower edge and said upper edge,

- and where said lower edge of said second plate member extends to the level of the bottom of said open-ended slot.

The first plate member comprises an open-ended slot, where the open-ended slot in use is in the lower part of the elevation device since the open-ended slot is to engage and be fitted over the horizontal joist. Arranging the horizontal joist into the open-ended slot stabilises the attachment of the elevation device from tilting in a direction perpen- dicular to the horizontal slot. The lower edge of the second plate member extends to the level of the bottom of the open-ended slot of the first plate member. The bottom of the open-ended slot is a section of the first lower edge. In this embodiment, the bottom and the two sides connecting the open end with the bottom are sections of the first lower edge. The first lower edge may comprise further sections.

The first upper edge of the first plate member and the second upper edge of the second plate member may extend to substantially the same level. The first upper edge is opposite of the first lower edge on the first member and the second upper edge is opposite of the second lower edge on the second member. Hereby, the upper edge of the first plate member and the second plate member is able to form a surface where on an elevated support surface can be arranged. The elevated support surface is commonly sup- ported by multiple elevation devices engaged and fitted over adjacent horizontal joists. The storage can be arranged and kept on top of the elevated support surface.

The second plate member stabilises the elevation device from tilting in a direction parallel to the horizontal joist, since it is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plate member and, in use, engages with the top surface of the horizontal joist. The combination of the first plate member and the second plate member arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plate member will in addition stabilise the elevation device from tilting in other directions as well. Since the open-ended slot is to engage with the horizontal joist, the width of the slot is preferably of similar size as the width of the horizontal joist. Hereby, the horizontal joist can be arranged into the open-ended slot in a press-fit connection which further stabilises the attachment of the first plate member to the horizontal joist. It is implicitly to be understood that the slot can assume different widths in order to fit to horizontal joists of different dimensions, and, furthermore, that the width of the open-ended slot can be larger than the width of the horizontal joist onto which it is installed. The length of the open-ended slot is advantageously 1 :2-l : 10 of the entire length of the first plate member, preferably 1 :3-1 :5, more preferred 1 :4. However, the length of the open-ended slot can be of any length suitable for stabilising the elevation device. The shape of the two plate members can be of any shape with multiple edges where the number of edges is at least three, i.e. the shapes can be squared, rectangular, etc. Advantageously, the first plate member comprises sloping sides towards the opening of the open-ended slot. Furthermore, the first plate member and the second plate member can advantageously be wider close to the open-ended slot of the first plate member and the lower edge of the second plate member than at the upper edge of the plate members.

In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of said plate members comprises at least one spike. In a further advantageous embodiment, said at least one spike is arranged at said second lower edge of said second plate member and/or at said bottom of said open-ended slot of said first plate member.

The at least one spike is advantageous during installation of the elevation device onto the horizontal joist since the spike can be pressed or forced, e.g. by a hammer into the horizontal joist. Hereby, the attachment of the elevation device is further stabilised and is not easily detached from its position.

The at least one spike can be arranged at the bottom of the open-ended slot or at the second lower edge of the second plate member. Hereby, the at least one spike is easily driven into the material of the horizontal joist during installation.

Additionally or instead of the at least one spike being arranged at the bottom of the open-ended slot or at the second lower edge of the second plate member, the at least one spike can be arranged along the sides of the open-ended slot. In this manner, the material of the first plate member or parts of the first plate member is for example elastic enabling the open-ended slot to be widened during mounting of the elevation device to the horizontal joist. As an alternative the at least one spike can be arranged non- perpendicular to the sides of the open-ended slot and forced into the horizontal joist during mounting.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the elevation device further comprises a sup- port platform;

- said support platform is plate-like shaped and engages with said two plate members; and

- said support platform is arranged substantially perpendicular to said first and said second plate members.

The support platform is attached to the upper edge of the first plate member and the second plate member. Hereby, a larger surface area is provided than by the upper edges alone for supporting an elevated support surface. The load provided to the elevated support surface by the storage is more equalised by a larger surface area, and thus the tension to the elevated support surface above the elevation device is minimised. Furthermore, the pressure onto the horizontal joist via the elevation device is equalised.

It is implicitly to be understood that the support platform can take any cross-sectional shapes and forms such as squares, rectangles, triangles, etc., i.e. any shape with multi- pie edges where the number of edges is at least three.

In one embodiment, the support platform is attached to the elevated support surface by support surface attachment means such as screws, bolts or nails. In a further embodiment, the support platform comprises holes which can interact with the support surface attachment means of the elevated support surface.

The support platform can be made of for example wood, plastic or metals such as stainless steel.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, said support platform comprises an opening. The opening is arranged in the support platform for further stabilisation of the elevation device. Through the opening, a stabilising attachment means such as a screw, a peg, a nail or similar stabilising attachment means can be arranged. The length of the stabilising attachment means is to be sufficient for the stabilising attachment means to enter through the opening of the support platform and attach to the horizontal joist hereby, attaching the elevation device to the horizontal joist.

In one advantageous embodiment, the stabilising attachment means do not interact with the first plate member or the second plate member.

In a still further advantageous embodiment, at least one of said plate members comprise at least one protrusion or at least one aperture, and said support platform comprises at least one aperture or at least one protrusion, where said at least one aperture interacts with said at least one protrusion when engaging said plate members with said support platform.

The support platform can be attached to the first plate member, the second plate member or both members by engaging at least one aperture with at least one protrusion. The aperture can be arranged in the support platform and the protrusion on the first, second or both plate members, or the protrusion can be arranged in the support platform and the aperture on the first, second or both plate members.

In further embodiments, the protrusions are provided on the first plate member and apertures in the second plate member or visa versa, where the first plate member and the second plate member engage with corresponding apertures and corresponding protrusions provided in the support plate. However, it is essential that an aperture interacts with a protrusion during installation of the support platform. In one embodiment, the first plate member and the second plate member are installed onto the horizontal joist, and the support platform is attached hereto by interaction of the protrusions with apertures. Thus, in this embodiment the support platform is separate from the first plate member and the second plate member. It is implicitly to be understood that the apertures also can be in the form of recesses.

Advantageously, the interaction between the protrusions and apertures can be a click- system, i.e. a construction where one member easily snaps onto the other member, thereby creating a relatively stable connection.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said second plate member is arranged substantially perpendicular to a multiplicity of first plate members.

The first plate members are distanced from one another and arranged substantially perpendicular along the second plate member.

If the first plate member comprises an open-ended slot, in use, the horizontal joist will be arranged in each open-ended slot of the first plate members. The multiple first plate members are all connected via the second plate member forming a body. Hereby, an enlarged surface is provided for the elevated support surface and the elevation device is stabilised.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the two plate members are separate. In a still further advantageous embodiment, the first plate member comprises a first slot and the second plate member comprises at least one second slot. In a still further advantageous embodiment, the first slot is open-ended towards said bottom of said open-ended slot of said first plate member, and that said at least one second slot is open-ended towards said second upper edge of said second plate member.

The two plate members of the body of the elevation device can be separate plate members which are attached to one another before installing the elevation device for example onto a horizontal joist. The two members can for example be attached using engagement of protrusions with apertures for example have protrusions in one of the plate members engaging with apertures in the other plate member, hereby achieving a first and a second plate member arranged substantially perpendicular to one another. For the purpose of interacting with one another, the first plate member can comprise a first slot while the second plate member comprises a second slot, where the engagement of the first slot with the second slot arranges the second plate member substan- tially perpendicular to the first plate member.

In a further embodiment, the first slot opens toward the first lower edge of the first plate member, and the second slot opens towards the second upper edge of the second plate member. Engagement of the first and second plate member is performed by plac- ing the first plate member on top of the second plate member and sliding the first slot into the second slot.

In a further embodiment, the first slot opens toward the first upper edge of the first plate member and the second slot opens towards the second lower edge of the second plate member. Engagement of the first and second plate member is performed by placing the second plate member on top of the first plate member and sliding the second slot into the first slot.

In a further embodiment, the first slot opens toward the bottom of the open-ended slot and the second slot opens towards the second upper edge of the second plate member. Engagement of the first and second plate member is performed by placing the first plate member on top of the second plate member and sliding the first slot into the second slot. The length of the first slot and the second slot can be of similar or different size as long as the second lower edge of the second plate member extends to the level of the bottom of the open-ended slot of the first plate member.

The length of the first slot and the second slot can be of similar or different size as long as the second lower edge of the second plate member extends to at least a section of the first lower edge when engaging the first plate member and the second plate member. In a further embodiment, the first slot is open-ended towards the first upper edge of the first plate member, while the second slot is open-ended towards the second lower edge of the second plate member. In a further embodiment, the second plate member is provided with more than one second slot in order to be able to interact with multiple first plate members.

In a further advantageous embodiment, said elevation device further comprises at least one stabilising means, where said at least one stabilising means is a bendable section in said first plate member and/or said second plate member, such that the bendable section on said first plate member, in use, supports said second plate member and vice versa.

The at least one stabilising means stabilises the position of the second plate member in relation to the first plate member maintaining the two members in a position substan- tially perpendicular to each other, when in use. The stabilising function of the support platform is less necessary when using at least one stabilising means.

The at least one stabilising means is preferably a bendable section which is comprised in the first plate member and/or the second plate member. The bendable section in the first plate member is bended in to a position of preferably 5-175 degrees with regard to the surface of the first plate member, more preferred 45-135 degrees with regard to the surface of the first plate member, most preferred 75-105 degrees with regard to the surface of the first plate member. The bendable section in the second plate member is bended in to a position of preferably 5-175 degrees with regard to the surface of the second plate member, more preferred 45-135 degrees with regard to the surface of the second plate member, most preferred 75-105 degrees with regard to the surface of the second plate member.

In one embodiment, the bendable section can be formed at the first and/or second up- per edge. Hereby, the at least one stabilising means is formed at the top of the first and/or second plate member. In a further embodiment, the bendable section is formed in the first and/or second member next to the intersection line between the first and second plate member when in use. Hereby, a bendable section of the first plate member can be bent along the surface of the second plate member. Additionally or alternatively, a bendable section of the second plate member can be bent along the surface of the first plate member.

In a still further embodiment, the bendable section can be provided next to the first and/or second slit. In a further embodiment, the bendable section formed in the first and/or second member can be formed by an opening in the material forming for example three detached sides of a rectangle leaving the last side of the rectangle unopened. The unopened side being the side about which the bendable section is bent towards the surface of the first or second plate member. It is implicitly to be understood that the shape of the bendable section can be different from rectangular such as circular, triangularly, heptangular, hexangular etc.

In a further embodiment, the at least one stabilising means is provided as a protrusion. In a further advantageous embodiment, said first plate member and/or said second plate member are made from a profiled plate material.

A profiled plate material introduces new characteristics to the first and/or second plate member. Using a profiled plate material enables the thickness of the material used to be decreased without changing the strength of the first and/or second plate member. Thus, this embodiment is both advantageous with regard to economics and environment, since less material is to be used for each plate member.

Thickness can be defined as the difference between the two surfaces of the first plate member or the second plate member.

Preferably, the longitudinal direction of the profiles is arranged from the upper edge to the lower edge. In a further advantageous embodiment, said first plate member and/or said second plate member is made from a perforated material. A perforated material enables air to circulate through the elevation devices. Hereby, circulation of air is enhanced between the attic support surface and the elevated support surface. This prevents the formation of rot due to enhanced humidity as well as formation of thermal bridges. This invention further describes a method for installing an elevated support surface by means of elevation devices as described above, where the elevation devices are superposed between an attic support surface and an elevated support surface.

The elevation device according to the invention can be arranged on top of an attic sup- port surface such as a floor or a horizontal joist. Hereafter, an elevated support surface is arranged on top of the elevation devices. Then, the elevated support surface is attached to the elevation devices.

Alternatively, the elevation devices are attached to the attic support surface in order to be kept in position and in order to prevent the elevation devices from tilting.

Alternatively, insulation can be arranged between the elevation devices before the elevated support surface is arranged on top of the elevation devices and attached hereto. The attic support surface can be, for example, the floor in an attic or a floor present in other locations such as the basement.

The invention further describes a method for installing an elevated support surface where a plurality of elevation devices as described above are fitted over horizontal joists, where each horizontal joist comprises a top surface, and where said elevation devices are fitted over said top surface of said horizontal joist; where said elevation devices comprise a body comprising a first plate member and a second plate member, said plate members are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, where said first plate member is provided with an open-ended slot; said open-ended slot comprises a bottom opposite of said open end and two sides connecting said open end with said bottom; and where said second plate member comprises a second lower edge, a second upper edge and two second sides connecting said second lower edge and said second upper edge; where said second lower edge of said second plate member extends to the level of said bottom of said open-ended slot;

- where said open-ended slot of said first plate member is fitted over said horizontal joist aligning said bottom of said open-ended slot with said top surface of said horizontal joist;

- where said second lower edge of said second member is aligned with said top surface of said horizontal joist;

- and where an elevated support surface is fitted over the top of a plurality of elevation devices arranged on adjacent horizontal joists. A storage system comprising a plurality of elevation devices and at least one elevated support surface can be installed in the following way. The elevation devices are assembled if they are provided in separate parts and can be either with or without a support platform. After assembling the elevation devices, they are fitted over the top side of the horizontal joists by arranging the horizontal joist into the open-ended slot of the first plate member arranging the bottom of the open-ended slot on top of the top side of the horizontal joist. More elevation devices are arranged on each horizontal joist in addition to arranging elevation devices onto adjacent horizontal joists. The elevation devices can possibly be secured by an attachment means such as a screw, a nail, a bolt, a peg, etc. After the elevation devices are arranged, the elevated support surface is ar- ranged on top of the elevation devices. The elevated support surface can be attached to the elevation devices by supported surface attachment means, such as screws, bolts or nails.

The elevated support surface can in one embodiment comprise one or more plates ar- ranged adjacent on the top of a plurality of elevation devices. In another embodiment, the elevated support surface can, however, also be one or more beams arranged adjacent to one another. The elevation devices are fitted over the horizontal joist in a manner which enables the load of the storage to be equalised in order to avoid the elevated support surface to compress the insulation. Thus, more elevation devices are to be arranged if heavy storage is arranged on top of the elevated support surface than when light storage is on the elevated support surface.

Description of the Drawing

Fig. 1 A illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a first plate member;

Fig. IB illustrates a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a first plate member;

Fig. 2A illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a second plate member;

Fig. 2B illustrates a three-dimensional view of a first embodiment of a second plate member;

Fig. 3 illustrates a support platform;

Fig. 4A illustrates a first embodiment of an elevation device;

Fig. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of fig. 4A;

Fig. 5A illustrates a front view of an attic with two elevation devices;

Fig. 5B illustrates a close-up of the circle D with two elevation devices attached to a horizontal joist;

Fig. 5C illustrates a close-up of the circle E of the attachment of one elevation device to a horizontal joist;

Fig. 5D illustrates a three-dimensional view of an attic with two elevation devices attached to adjacent horizontal joists;

Fig. 5E illustrates a close-up of the circle C of the elevation devices attached to horizontal joists;

Fig. 6A illustrates a second embodiment of an elevation device;

Fig. 6B illustrates a cross-sectional view of fig. 6A;

Fig. 6C illustrates an attic with an elevation device,

Fig. 7A illustrates a third embodiment of an elevation device with five first member plates,

Fig. 7B illustrates a top-view of fig. 7A

Fig. 8A illustrates a front view of a second embodiment of a first plate member, Fig. 8B illustrates a three-dimensional view of fig. 8A with bended stabilising means, Fig. 9A illustrates a front view of a second embodiment of a second plate member, Fig. 9B illustrates a three-dimensional view of fig. 9A with bended stabilising means, Fig. 10A illustrates a fourth embodiment of an elevation device,

Fig. 10B illustrates a top-view of fig. 10A,

Fig. IOC illustrates a fifth embodiment of an elevation device,

Fig. 10D illustrates elevation devices superposed between an attic support surface and an elevated support surface,

Fig. 11 A illustrates a front view of a third embodiment of a first plate member,

Fig. 1 IB illustrates a three-dimensional view of fig. 11 A with bended stabilising

means,

Fig. 12A illustrates a sixth embodiment of an elevation device,

Fig. 12B illustrates a seventh embodiment of an elevation device.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Fig. 1A and fig. IB illustrate a first embodiment of a first plate member 101 comprising a first upper edge 103 and an open-ended slot 105 with a bottom 107 and two sides 109 connecting the open end 104 and the bottom 107. In this embodiment, the first lower edge is formed by the bottom 107, the two sides 109 and the sloping edge 113 provided from the level 116 of the bottom 107 of the open-ended slot 105 towards the opening 104 of the open-ended slot 105. Thus, the sections of the first lower edge 107, 109, 113 do not extend to the same level with regard to the first upper edge 103, i.e. the difference between the first upper edge 103 and the sloping edge 113 differs along the sloping edge 113 as well as the difference between the first upper edge 103 and the bottom 107 of the open-ended slot 105 is different from the difference between the first upper edge 103 and the sloping edge 113 next to the opening 104 of the open-ended slot 105.

The width 106 of the open-ended slot 105 is preferably of a size which matches the width of the horizontal joist. The length 108 of the open-ended slot 105 is preferably of a size which enables the first plate member 101 to be stably attached to the horizontal joist and prevent the first plate member 101 to be tilted. In this embodiment, the first sides 111 connect the first upper edge 103 and the first lower edge 107, 109, 113. The width 114a, 114b of the first plate member is narrower at the first upper edge 103 than at the level 116 of the bottom 107 of the open-ended slot 105.

The bottom 107 comprises three spikes 115 for engaging with the horizontal joist during and after installation. Furthermore, the first upper edge 103 comprises two protrusions 117 which can engage with apertures in the support platform (fig. 3). The first plate member 101 further comprises a first slot 119 which opens to the bottom 107 of the open-ended slot 105.

Fig. 2 A and fig. 2B illustrates a first embodiment of a second plate member 221 comprising a second upper edge 223, two second sides 225 and a second lower edge 227. In this particular embodiment, the width 229a, 229b of the second plate member 221 is narrower at the second upper edge 223 than at the second lower edge 227.

At the second upper edge 223 two protrusions 231 are present which can engage with apertures in the support platform (fig. 3). At the second lower edge 227, two spikes are present 233 which engage with the horizontal joist during and after installation. The second plate member 221 further comprises a second slot 235 which opens to the upper edge 223 of the second plate member 221.

Fig. 3 illustrates a support platform 337 which in this particular embodiment has a cross-sectional area formed as a square. The support platform 337 comprises apertures 339 which engage with the protrusions 117, 231 on the first plate member 101 and the second plate member 221, respectively. The support platform 337 further comprises an opening 341 through which a stabilising attachment means can be engaged and attached to a horizontal joist. In this embodiment, the support platform 337 further comprises holes 342 through which the elevated support surface can be attached to the support platform 337 by support surface attachment means. Fig. 4A illustrates a first embodiment of an elevation device 443 where a first plate member 401 is engaged with a second plate member 421 via the first 419 and second slot 435, whereby the second plate member 421 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plate member 401. It is further illustrated how the second lower edge 427 of the second plate member 421 extends to the level 416 of the bottom 407 of the open- ended slot 405. The bottom 407 of the open-ended slot 405 is a section of the first lower edge. Furthermore, one of the spikes 433 on the second plate member 421 and the spikes 415 on the first plate member 401 are illustrated. On top of the upper edges of the first plate member 401 and the second plate member 421, a support platform 437 is arranged. A stabilising attachment means such as a screw 445 is arranged through the opening 441 of the support platform 437. The end 447 of the screw 445 extends below the bottom 407 of the open-ended slot 405 and can therefore be screwed into the horizontal joist during installation to firmly secure the elevation device 443 to the horizontal joist.

In fig. 4B is illustrated a cross-sectional view along the line A-A in fig. 4A. It is illustrated how the screw 445 follows along the first plate member 401 and the second plate member 421 without engaging with any of the members 401, 421.

Fig. 5A-E illustrates an elevation device 543 attached to a horizontal joist 549 in an attic 551. A close-up of the circle D, as illustrated in fig. 5B, shows two elevation devices 543 engaged and fitted over a horizontal joist 549, where the two elevation devices 543 comprise first plate members 501, second plate members 521 and support platforms 537. The bottom of the open-ended slot is arranged on top of the top surface 553 of the horizontal joist 549. The second lower edge 527 of the second plate member 521 is arranged along the top surface 553 of the horizontal joist 549.

Fig. 5A further illustrates at the left of the figure three elevation devices 543 attached to the horizontal joist 549. On top of the elevation devices 543 an elevated storage surface 550 is arranged. The engagement of the spikes 533 of the second plate member 521 is illustrated in fig. 5C which is a close-up of the circle E on fig. 5B. This close-up illustrates how the screw 545 is attached to the horizontal joist 549. In fig. 5D-E is illustrated a three-dimensionally view of an attic 551 comprising a plurality of adjacent horizontal joists 549 whereto elevation devices 543 are attached with two elevation devices 543 attached to each horizontal joists 549. Fig. 5E is a close-up of the circle C. An elevated support surface can be arranged on top of the support platform 537 of the elevation devices 543. The elevated support surface is arranged on top of a plurality of elevation devices 543 installed on adjacent and/or the same horizontal joist 549. On top of the elevated support surface the storage to be kept can be arranged. Fig. 6A-B illustrate a second embodiment of an elevation device 643 where the second plate member 621 is substantially perpendicular to the first plate member 601. However, in this embodiment the second plate member 621 is only present on one of the sides of the first plate member 601 as also illustrated in a cross-sectional view in fig. 6B along B-B (fig. 6A)..

This embodiment can advantageously be arranged in very narrow places in the attic, for example on the part of the horizontal joists 649 close to the rafters of the roof 655, i.e. as observed in houses with a sloping roof as illustrated in fig. 6C. Hereby, an elevation device 643 can be arranged closer to the rafter 655 than if the elevation device 643 comprises the second plate member 621 on both sides of the first plate member 601. Thus, more room at the attic 651 can be used for storage.

Fig. 7A illustrates a third embodiment of an elevation device 743 where five first plate members 701 interact with a second plate member 721 via first 719 and second slots 735. The first plate members 701 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the second plate member 701. It is further illustrated how the second lower edge 727 of the second plate member 721 extends to the level 716 of the bottom 707 of the open- ended slot 705 which is a section of the first lower edge. Fig. 7B illustrates a top view of the elevation device 743 as described in fig. 7A.

Fig. 8A and fig. 8B illustrates a second embodiment of a first plate member 801. The first plate member 801 is made from a profiled plate material, where the thickness 857 of the first plate member 801 is given by the difference between the two first surfaces 859, 861 of the first plate member. The longitudinal direction 863 of the profiles is directed from the first upper edge 803 to the first lower edge 865. In this embodiment, the first sides 811 slope from the first upper edge 803 towards the first lower edge 865, and the width 814a, 814b of the first plate member is narrower at the first upper edge 803 than at the first lower edge 865.

The first plate member 801 furthermore comprises a first slot 819 which can be en- gaged with a second slot 935 of a second plate member 921 (fig. 9).

First stabilising means 867a,b in the form of bendable sections are provided in the first plate member 801. Two first stabilising means 867a extend from the first upper edge 803, while eight first stabilising means 867b in the form of rectangles are provided in the first plate member 801. Four of the first stabilising means 867b are provided next to the first slot 819, while four of the first stabilising means 867b are provided next to the intersection line 871 between the first 801 and second plate member 921.

In fig. 8A the first stabilising means 867a,b is not bended, while in fig. 8B the first sta- bilising means 867a,b is bended.

The first stabilising means 867b comprises an opening in the material forming three detached sides 873 and one unopened side 875. The unopened side 875 being the side about which the first stabilising means 867b is bent.

By bending the first stabilising means 867a at the upper edge 803, protrusions 817 are formed which may engage with the apertures 339 of the support platform 337. Fig. 9A and fig. 9B illustrates a second embodiment of a second plate member 921. The second plate member 921 is made from a profiled plate material, where the thickness 958 of the second plate member 921 is given by the difference between the two second surfaces 977, 979 of the second plate member 921. The longitudinal direction 963 of the profiles is directed from the second upper edge 923 to the second lower edge 927.

In this embodiment, the second sides 925 form a slope from the second upper edge 923 towards the second lower edge 927, and the width 929a, 929b of the second plate member 921 is smaller close to the second upper edge 923 than at the second lower edge 927.

The second plate member 921 furthermore comprises a second slot 935 which can be engaged with a first slot 819 of a first plate member 801 (fig. 8).

Second stabilising means 969a,b in the form of bendable sections are provided in the second plate member 921. Two second stabilising means 969a are formed by making a cut into the second upper edge 923, while eight second stabilising means 969b in the form of rectangles are formed in the second plate member 921 next to the intersection line 971 between the first 801 and second plate member 921. Four of the second stabilising means 969b are provided next to the second slot 935.

In fig. 9A the second stabilising means 969a,b is not bended, while in fig. 9B the second stabilising means 969a,b is bended.

The second stabilising means 969b comprises an opening in the material forming three detached sides 973 and one unopened side 975. The unopened side 975 being the side about which the first stabilising means 969b is bent.

By bending the second stabilising means 969a at the second upper edge 923, protrusions 931 are formed which may engage with the apertures 339 of the support platform 337. Fig. 10A and fig. 10B illustrate a fourth embodiment of an elevation device 1043a. The elevation device 1043a comprises a first plate member 1001 and a second plate member 1021 engaged via the first 1019 and second slot 1035, whereby the second plate member 1021 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the first plate member 1001. It is further illustrated how the second lower edge 1027 of the second plate member 1021 extends to the first lower edge 1065 of the first plate member 1001.

The first plate member 1001 is as illustrated in fig. 8 A and fig. 8B. The second plate member 1021 is as illustrated in fig. 9 A and fig. 9B.

The first and second stabilising means 1067a,b, 1069a,b are bent. The first stabilising means 1067a,b are bent and support the second plate member 1021, and the second stabilising means 1069a,b are bent and support the first plate member 1001. Hereby, the position of the second plate member 1021 in relation to the first plate member 1001 is stabilised and vice versa.

In Fig. 10B the shape of the profiled plate material is illustrated. Furthermore, the thickness 1057 of the profiled plate material is illustrated. Fig. IOC illustrates a fifth embodiment of an elevation device 1043b, where the elevation device 1043b is similar to the fourth embodiment 1043a except that the fifth embodiment further comprises a support platform 1037. The support platform 1037 is attached to the first plate member 1001 and the second plate member 1021 by engaging the first protrusions 1017 and the second protrusions 1031 with the apertures 1039 of the support platform 1037.

Fig. 10D illustrates an attic support surface 1049 upon which five elevation devices 1043 are arranged. An elevated support surface 1050 is arranged on top of the elevation devices 1043.

The attic support surface 1049 is in this embodiment a floor, where elevation devices 1043 as described in fig. lOA-C can be arranged. The floor could be in a basement where circulation of air along the floor can be established by arranging the storage on top of the elevated support surface 1050 instead of on the floor. Thus, thermal bridges and moisture formation can be prevented.

Fig. 11A and fig. 11B illustrate a third embodiment of a first plate member 1101. This embodiment of the first plate member 1101 is made from a profiled plate material as described for fig. 8 A and fig. 8B.

Furthermore, this embodiment comprises first stabilising means 1167a,b as described for fig. 8A and fig. 8B, where the first stabilising means 1167a,b are bendable sections which are not bended in fig. 8 A but bended in fig. 8B.

The third embodiment of the first plate member 1101 further comprises an open-ended slot 1105 as described in fig. 1A and IB. Fig. 12A illustrates a sixth embodiment of an elevation device 1243a, where the elevation device 1243a comprises a first plate member 1201 as illustrated in fig. 11A and fig. 11B and a second plate member 1221 as illustrated in fig. 9A and fig. 9B, where the first plate member 1201 is engaged with the second plate member 1221 via the first 1219 and second slots 1235.

The first stabilising means 1267a,b and the second stabilising means 1269a,b are bent in order to maintain the position of the first plate member 1201 in relation to the second plate member 1221. Fig. 12B illustrates a seventh embodiment of an elevation device 1243b where the elevation device 1243b is similar to the sixth embodiment 1243a except that the seventh embodiment further comprises a support platform 1237. The support platform 1237 is attached to the first plate member 1201 and the second plate member 1221 by engaging the first protrusions 1217 and the second protrusions 1231 with the apertures 1239 of the support platform 1237.

Claims

1. An elevation device (443, 1043a) for an elevated support surface (550) comprising a body; said body comprises

- a first plate member (101,801) and a second plate member (221,921), said plate members (101,221,801,921) arranged substantially perpendicular to each other,

- where said first plate member (101,801) comprises a first lower edge (107, 109, 113,865), a first upper edge (103,803) and two first sides (111,811) connecting said first lower edge (107, 109, 113,865) and said first upper edge (103,803);

- and where said second plate member (221,921) comprises a second lower edge (227,927), a second upper edge (223,923) and two second sides (225,925) connecting said second lower edge (227,927) and said second upper edge (223,923),

- and where said second lower edge (229,927) of said second plate member (221,921) extends to at least a section of the first lower edge (107,865) of said first plate member (101,801).

The elevation device (443) according to claim 1, characterised in that said first plate member (101) is provided with an open-ended slot (105); said open-ended slot (105) comprising a bottom (107) opposite of said open end (104) and two sides (109) connecting said open end (104) with said bottom (107); and where said second lower edge (227) of said second plate member (221) extends to the level (116) of said bottom (107) of said open-ended slot (105).

The elevation device (443) according to any of the claims 1-2, characterised in that at least one of said plate members (101, 221) comprises at least one spike (115, 233).

The elevation device (443) according to claim 3, characterised in that said at least one spike (115,233) is arranged at said second lower edge (227) of said second plate member (221) and/or at said bottom (107) of said open-ended slot (105) of said first plate member (101).

5. The elevation device (443) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said elevation device (443) further comprises a support platform (337);

- said support platform (337) is plate-like shaped and engages with said two plate members (101, 221); and

- said support platform (337) is arranged substantially perpendicular to said first (101) and said second plate members (221).

6. The elevation device(443) according to claim 5, characterised in that at least one of said plate members (101, 221) comprises at least one protrusion (117, 231) or at least one aperture, and said support platform (337) comprises at least one aperture (339) or at least one protrusion, where said at least one aperture (339) interacts with said at least one protrusion (117, 231) when engaging said plate members (101, 221) with said support platform (337).

7. The elevation device (743) according to any of the claims 5-6, characterised in that said second plate member (721) is arranged substantially perpendicular to a multiplicity of first plate members (701).

8. The elevation device (443) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said two plate members (101, 221) are separate.

9. The elevation device (443) according to claim 8, characterised in that

- said first plate member (101) comprises a first slot (119); and

- that said second plate member (221) comprises at least one second slot (235).

10. The elevation device (443) according to claim 9, characterised in that said first slot (119) is open-ended towards said bottom (107) of said open-ended slot (105) of said first plate member (101); and that said at least one second slot (235) is open-ended towards said upper edge (223) of said second plate member (221).

11. The elevation device (443) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said elevation device (443) further comprises at least one stabilising means (867, 969), where said at least one stabilising means (867, 969) is a bendable section in said first plate member (101) and/or said second plate member (221), such that the bendable section on said first plate member (101), in use, supports said second plate member (221) and vice versa.

12. The elevation device (443) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first plate member (101) and/or said second plate member (221) are made from a profiled plate material.

13. The elevation device (443) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that said first plate member (101) and/or said second plate member (221) are made from a perforated material.

14. A method for installing an elevated support surface (1050) by means of elevated devices as described in any of the claims 1-13, where said elevated devices are superposed between an attic support surface (1049) and an elevated support surface (1050).

15. A method according to claim 14 for installing an elevated support surface (550) where a plurality of elevation devices (543) as described in any of the claims 2- 13 are fitted over horizontal joists (549), where each horizontal joist (549) comprises a top surface (553), and where said elevation devices (543) are fitted over said top surface (553) of said horizontal joist (549); where said elevation devices (543) comprises a body comprising a first plate member (101) and a second plate member (221), said plate members (101, 221) are arranged substantially perpendicular to each other, where said first plate member (101) is provided with an open-ended slot (105); said open-ended slot (105) comprises a bottom (107) opposite of said open end (104) and two sides (109) connecting said open end (104) with said bottom (107); and where said second plate member (221) comprises a second lower edge (227), a second upper edge (223) and two sides (225) connecting said second lower edge (227) and said second upper edge (223); where said second lower edge (227) of said second plate mem- ber (221) extend to the level (116) of said bottom (107) of said open-ended slot

(105);

- where said open-ended slot (105) of said first plate member (101) is fitted over said horizontal joist (549) aligning said bottom (107) of said open-ended slot (105) with said top surface (553) of said horizontal joist (549);

- where said second lower edge (227) of said second member (221) is aligned with said top surface (553) of said horizontal joist (549);

- and where an elevated support surface (550) is fitted over the top of a plurality of elevation devices (543) arranged on adjacent horizontal joists (549).