AU2011203029A1

AU2011203029A1 - Height-Adjusting Assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2011203029A1
Application number: AU2011203029A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Glenn Ranald Keen
Original assignee: KEEN GLENN
Current assignee: KEEN GLENN
Priority date: 2010-06-25
Filing date: 2011-06-22
Publication date: 2012-01-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-06-22
Also published as: AU2011203029B2; NZ593685A

Abstract

Abstract The invention provides an assembly for in situ adjustment of the effective length of a stump having a cavity at its upper end, the assembly comprising adjustment means and a lateral stabilizing assembly, wherein the adjustment means includes an 5 externally threaded member; an internally threaded member with which the externally threaded member of sufficient length to provide for height adjustment of the stump threadably engages; and a stump cap portion which, in use, is associated with the upper end of the stump and relative to which the internally threaded member is mounted; and wherein the lateral stabilizing assembly comprises at least one laterally 10 extending portion associated with the externally threaded member of the adjustment means; such that the at least one laterally extending portion is located within the cavity at the upper end of the stump and rotation of the internally threaded member results in the externally threaded member moving through the internally threaded member, thereby adjusting the effective length of the stump. 10 19 16 19 ---- 12------ 18 10' 16 Figure 1 Figure 2 12' 10' Figure 3 20 -16 ---14 16 L -16 10' 10' Figure 4 Figure 5 10/10' 22- Figure 6 1410/10' Figure 7

Description

1 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE PATENT SPECIFICATION Name of Applicant: Glenn Ranald Keen Address for Service: Cullens Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys Level 32, 239 George Street Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia Invention Title: Height-Adjusting Assembly The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it, known to the applicant: 2 HEIGHT-ADJUSTING ASSEMBLY Field of the Invention. The present invention relates generally to the field of height adjustment of posts and in particular to the height adjustment of stumps to assist with levelling of 5 buildings following ground movement, whilst maintaining side-load strength of the stumps, although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. Background Art. Many buildings in Australia, particularly timber houses, are not built directly onto a concrete slab but are supported by stumps which are in turn supported 10 by concrete footings. This provides not only for below-floor ventilation but also provides a 'crawlspace' between the ground and the floor of the building. In warmer climates, houses are often built on relatively tall stumps, such that the 'crawlspace' is of such a height as to allow a person to walk underneath the house. These types of high-set timber homes are particularly popular in 15 Queensland. The stumps provide support for the flooring of the building and can be made from a number of different materials, the most common being timber, steel, concrete or bricks. During construction of a building, a concerted effort is made when setting the stumps to ensure that the tops of the stumps are level, so that the flooring 20 and thus the whole building is level. However, once construction has been completed and over the lifetime of the building, environmental factors can contribute to the stumps, and therefore the building, no longer being level. Uneven stump height can be as a result of varying vertical movement (either upwards or downwards) of individual stumps. 25 An environmental factor which can contribute to uneven stump height over time is instability in the soil - during dry weather, soil dries out and shrinks, during wet weather, soil expands. Therefore, in regions prone to extremes of weather, such as prolonged dry spells followed by tropical downpours, soil instability can be a major factor effecting stump levels. 30 Other environmental factors which can contribute to uneven stump levels include seismic events, such as earthquakes and tremors. Volcanic activity, landslides and mine blasts are other events which cause earth movement that can contribute to uneven stump levels.

3 High wind conditions such as cyclones and tornadoes can result in uneven stump levels, however, less extreme high wind conditions can also have a detrimental effect on stump levels. A number of stump adjustment devices are known in the art. However, 5 these devices are not rated to cope with the required structural loads and as a result, in due course, can fail. Therefore, it would be an advance in the art to provide an assembly for readily adjusting the height of house stumps which is easily accessible and also provides sufficient loading strength. 10 A further problem, particularly for multi-level buildings and high-set homes, such as those on tall stumps relates to cross bracing between stumps. To ensure lateral stability, cross-bracing between stumps is required. Cross-bracing not only provides lateral stability in the event of high wind conditions such as storms, cyclones and tornadoes, but even in areas not prone to high wind conditions, safety 15 standards require a certain amount of cross-bracing for lateral stability. Although, as noted above, it would be advantageous to provide an accessible assembly for readily adjusting the height of stumps, height adjustment may result in a reduction in lateral stability. This is particularly problematic where the stumps have been adjusted to effectively increase the height of one or more stumps. 20 It is known from the prior art that cross-bracing in the form of diagonal supports between stumps can be adjustable. Following height adjustment of stumps, the cross-bracing supports must also be adjusted to ensure correct tension and thus maintenance of lateral stability. A two-step process is therefore required: (1) adjustment of stump height and (2) adjustment of cross-bracing. 25 It would be particularly advantageous if a system for readily adjusting the height of stumps also provided for lateral stability, without the need for an adjustment to any cross-bracing already present. It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part 30 of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. Summary of the Invention. The present invention is directed to an assembly for adjusting the height of building stumps, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the 4 abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in an assembly for in situ adjustment of the effective length of a stump having 5 a cavity at its upper end, the assembly comprising adjustment means and a lateral stabilizing assembly, wherein the adjustment means includes: a) an externally threaded member; b) an internally threaded member with which the externally threaded member of sufficient length to provide for height adjustment 10 of the stump threadably engages; and c) a stump cap portion which, in use, is associated with the upper end of the stump and relative to which the internally threaded member is mounted; and wherein the lateral stabilizing assembly comprises at least one laterally extending 15 portion associated with the externally threaded member of the adjustment means; such that the at least one laterally extending portion is located within the cavity at the upper end of the stump and rotation of the internally threaded member results in the externally threaded member moving through the internally threaded member, thereby adjusting the effective length of the stump. 20 The assembly of the present invention can be utilised for any situation where incremental changes to the effective length of a post, such as a stump or pylon may be required. The assembly therefore has broad application in the building industry and is particularly suitable for use in connection with house stumps. The externally threaded member can be of any suitable thickness and 25 strength. Preferably the externally threaded member is a threaded rod of a suitable nominal diameter and pitch. A threaded rod having a thread size of M30 x 3.5 is particularly preferred. The externally threaded member can be of any suitable length to provide for adjustment of the effective length of a post, such as a stump of pylon. 30 Typically, to provide for sufficient adjustment, the externally threaded member is about 200 mm in length. It has been advantageously determined that the inclusion of a lateral stabilizing assembly as part of the height adjustment assembly allows for an externally 5 threaded member having increased length, thereby providing further capacity for adjustment of the effective length of a post. The externally threaded member can therefore be any suitable length, preferably from about 200 mm to about 600 mm in length. 5 The internally threaded member can be an article of any shape or size which has, or can be provided with, an internally threaded opening which the externally threaded member can threadably engage either into or through. In a preferred embodiment the internally threaded member is a nut. The nut can be any type of nut known in the art, including a two-sided, square or hex nut. In a 10 particularly preferred embodiment, the nut is a hex nut. The internal thread of the internally threaded member can be any thread suited to threadably engage with the externally threaded member. Typically the internal thread will correspond to the external thread provided on the externally threaded member. It is particularly preferred that the internal thread is suited to 15 threadably engage a threaded rod having a thread size of M30 x 3.5. Further, the pitch of the thread may be adjusted to provide small adjustments or relatively rapid length adjustments. Sections may be provided allowing for both types of adjustments, that is, a number of portions of differing pitch can be provided, typically on the externally threaded member. 20 The stump cap portion provides support for the assembly on the upper surface of a stump to which the assembly is mounted. The stump cap portion is preferably a rigid plate of metal with a hole in the centre. In one embodiment, the hole is threaded such that the stump cap portion is additionally an internally threaded member. In an alternative embodiment, an internally threaded member is mounted in 25 the hole of the stump cap portion. Where the stump cap portion is a metal plate, the thickness of the metal plate can be varied, with a thicker plate providing the assembly with a greater load capability than a thinner plate. Additionally, the size of the internally threaded member mounted relative to the stump cap portion can be varied, with a larger 30 member also contributing to a greater load capability than a smaller member. Typically, the stump cap portion is a metal plate which is initially in two pieces and the internally threaded member has a groove on its outer surface, such that the groove encircles the member and the pieces of the stump cap portion can be 6 fitted into the groove and joined to form a rigid collar for the body. The assembly is then mounted to a stump via its collar. To ensure a good fit of the metal plate into the groove, the size of the groove can be varied for consistency with the thickness of the metal plate. 5 The cavity at the upper end of the stump can be a cavity formed within the stump. For example, where the stump is structural hollow section (SHS) steel, such stumps have a natural cavity. Alternatively, where the stump is made from brick or concrete, the stump could be manufactured to have a hollow formed at its upper end or the stump could be altered following manufacture to provide such a hollow. 10 The cavity at the upper end of the stump can alternatively be a cavity associated with the upper end of the stump, but not actually within the confines of the stump. The cavity can thus be a cavity formed above the upper end of the stump. The at least one laterally extending portion is provided to extend laterally from the externally threaded member. Preferably, the laterally extending 15 portion extends perpendicularly from the externally threaded member. However, in alternative embodiments, the laterally extending portion can extend from the externally threaded member at an angle greater or less than perpendicular from the externally threaded member. That is, the laterally extending portion can extend either upwardly or downwardly from the externally threaded member. 20 The at least one laterally extending portion is preferably provided as a member or assembly which can be mounted on the externally threaded member. In this form, the at least one laterally extending portion is typically provided as a member with an opening to receive a portion of the externally threaded member and a flange means extending laterally from the member. 25 The flange means is of a suitable size or shape such that it is located within the cavity at the upper end of the stump but does not make contact with the walls of the cavity. Preferably, at least a portion of the flange means is in close proximity to the walls of the cavity, without actually contacting the walls. In some circumstances however, contact with the walls may be desired. 30 Location of the flange means within a cavity at the upper end of a stump, wherein the flange means is in close proximity to the walls of the cavity, effectively provides lateral support for the adjustment means assembly and thus lateral support for the stump.

7 The externally threaded member, internally threaded member, stump cap portion and at least one laterally extending portion of the assembly can each be made from a suitable metal. Such metals include zinc and steel and their galvanised counterparts. Preferably, for compatibility, the internally threaded member and stump 5 cap portion are made from the same metal. Dependent on the application, the metal can be high tensile or mild tensile, for example, high tensile steel or mild steel could be utilised. The assembly can be mounted onto a stump by a variety of means, dependent on the material from which the stump is made. Where the stump is 10 structural hollow section (SHS) steel, the stump cap portion can be welded to the top of the SHS steel stump. Where the stump is, for example, brick or concrete, then the stump cap portion can be bolted to the top of the stump, with provision of a hollow in the top of the stump for location of the flange means and to allow for vertical movement of the externally threaded member during effective length adjustment of 15 the stump. In alternative embodiments, the assembly can be mounted relative to the top of a stump, such that there is a clearance between the assembly and the top of the stump. In such embodiments, the top of the stump can have a hollow for location of the flange means and to allow for vertical movement of the externally threaded 20 member during effective length adjustment of the stump. Alternatively, the assembly can be mounted relative to the top of a stump, such that there is sufficient clearance between the assembly and the top of the stump for vertical movement of the externally threaded member during effective length adjustment of the stump without the need for a hollow in the top of the stump. 25 The assembly thus provides a means for individual adjustment of the effective length of a stump where such adjustment is required. Brief Description of the Drawings. Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: 30 Figure 1 is a top view of two portions of metal plate which join to form a stump cap portion for an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 is a side view of a nut to be used as an internally threaded member according to an embodiment of the invention.

8 Figure 3 is a top view showing one portion of metal plate fitted around a nut to form an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 is a top view of the embodiment shown in Figure 3, with both portions of the metal plate fitted around the nut. 5 Figure 5 is a side view of the embodiment shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 5 in combination with a threaded rod. Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 6 attached to a stump. 10 Figure 8 is an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 9 is an assembly according to an embodiment of the invention positioned relative to an SHS steel stump with the stump having a 'cut-away' to show the cavity at the upper end of the stump. Figure 10 is an assembly according to a further embodiment of the 15 invention. Figure 11 is an assembly according to the embodiment of Figure 10 positioned relative to an SHS steel stump. Figure 12 is an assembly according to Figure 11 with the stump having a 'cut-away' to show the cavity at the upper end of the stump. 20 Figure 13 is an alternative view of the assembly of Figure 12 with 'cut away'. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment. Referring to Figure 1, a top view of two portions of metal plate 10, 10' which join to form a stump cap portion for an assembly according to an embodiment 25 of the invention are shown. Each metal plate 10, 10' has a semi-circular notch 12, 12' to enable the metal plates 10, 10' to be mounted around an internally threaded member (not shown). Referring now to Figure 2, a side view of a nut 14 to be used as an internally threaded member according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. 30 The nut 14 is a hex nut with an internal thread 16 and a groove 18 which encircles the nut 14. Additionally the top and base of the nut 14 and the top and base of the groove 18 are chamfered 19. Chamfering 19 of the nut 14 and groove 18 prevent binding of the assembly under load.

9 Figure 3 is a top view showing one portion of metal plate 10 fitted around a nut 14 as part of the process towards forming adjustment means according to an embodiment of the invention. The nut 14 has an internal thread 16 and is chamfered 19. The second plate 10' with semi-circular notch 12' is shown prior to 5 fitting around the nut 14. A top view of the embodiment of Figure 3 is shown in Figure 4, with the second plate 10' fitted around the nut 14 to form a stump cap portion to which an internally threaded member is mounted according to an embodiment of the invention. The plates 10, 10' are welded along the join lines 20 and 20' to secure the plates 10, 10 10' in position around the nut 14. A side view of the stump cap portion to which an internally threaded member is mounted of Figure 4 is shown in Figure 5 with features in Figure 5 corresponding to features in Figure 4 numbered similarly. Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown a side view of adjustment 15 means according to an embodiment of the invention. The adjustment means comprises an externally threaded rod 22 which is threadably engaged through a nut 14 with an internal thread 16. The nut 14 has a groove (not visible) in which a stump cap portion comprising two metal plates 10, 10' is fitted. An adjustment means according to an embodiment of the invention 20 attached to a stump 26 is shown in Figure 7. The adjustment means comprises an externally threaded rod 22 which is threadably engaged through a nut 14 with an internal thread 16. The nut 14 has a groove (not visible) in which a stump cap portion comprising two metal plates 10, 10' is fitted. The stump cap portion 10, 10' is attached to the upper end 24 of a stump 26. In this embodiment, the stump 26 is SHS 25 steel shown in cross section. Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown an adjustment means according to an embodiment of the invention. The adjustment means comprises an externally threaded rod 22 which is threadably engaged through a nut 14 with an internal thread (not visible). The nut 14 has a groove (not visible) in which a stump 30 cap portion comprising two metal plates 10, 10' is fitted. The externally threaded rod 22 has a plate 28 attached to enable the adjustment means assembly to be directly connected to a bearer. An adjustment means assembly of the embodiment of Figure 8 attached 10 to a stump 26 is shown in Figure 9. The adjustment means comprises an externally threaded rod 22 which is threadably engaged through a nut 14 with an internal thread (not visible). The nut 14 has a groove (not visible) in which a stump cap portion comprising two metal plates 10, 10' is fitted. The stump cap portion 10, 10' is 5 attached to the upper end 24 of a stump 26. The externally threaded rod 22 has a plate 28 attached to enable the adjustment means assembly to be directly connected to a bearer. In this embodiment, the stump 26 is SHS steel shown with a 'cut-away' to show the cavity 30. Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown an adjustment means 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The adjustment means comprises an externally threaded rod 22 which is threadably engaged through a nut 14 with an internal thread (not visible). The nut 14 has a groove (not visible) in which a stump cap portion comprising two metal plates 10, 10' is fitted. The externally threaded rod 22 has a plate 28 attached to enable the adjustment means assembly to be directly 15 connected to a bearer. The externally threaded rod 22 additionally has flange means 32 for location within the cavity at the upper end of a stump. An adjustment means assembly of the embodiment of Figure 10 attached to a stump 26 is shown in Figure 11. The adjustment means comprises an externally threaded rod 22 which is threadably engaged through a nut 14 with an 20 internal thread (not visible). The nut 14 has a groove (not visible) in which a stump cap portion comprising two metal plates 10, 10' is fitted. The stump cap portion 10, 10' is attached to the upper end 24 of a stump 26. The externally threaded rod 22 has a plate 28 attached to enable the adjustment means assembly to be directly connected to a bearer. 25 The embodiment of Figures 10 and I1 is pictured in Figures 12 and 13 with the SHS steel stump 26 shown with a 'cut-away' to expose the cavity 30. Features common to Figures 10 and 11 are numbered similarly. From Figures 12 and 13, the flange means 32 associate with the externally threaded rod 22 can be seen located within the cavity 30 at the upper end of a stump. 30 From the foregoing it can be seen that the adjustment means of the present invention provides an easily accessible, load-bearing means for adjusting the effective length of a stump, whilst maintaining side-load strength of the stumps. In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its I1 derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in 5 connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. 10 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications 15 within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An assembly for in situ adjustment of the effective length of a stump having a cavity at its upper end, the assembly comprising adjustment means and a 5 lateral stabilizing assembly, wherein the adjustment means includes: a) an externally threaded member; b) an internally threaded member with which the externally threaded member of sufficient length to provide for height adjustment of the stump threadably engages; and 10 c) a stump cap portion which, in use, is associated with the upper end of the stump and relative to which the internally threaded member is mounted; and wherein the lateral stabilizing assembly comprises at least one laterally extending portion associated with the externally threaded member of the adjustment means; 15 such that the at least one laterally extending portion is located within the cavity at the upper end of the stump and rotation of the internally threaded member results in the externally threaded member moving through the internally threaded member, thereby adjusting the effective length of the stump. 20

2. The assembly according to claim 1, wherein the laterally extending portion is a member mounted on the externally threaded member.

3. The assembly according to claim 2, wherein the laterally extending portion member comprises an opening to receive a portion of the externally threaded 25 member and a flange means which, in use, extends laterally from the externally threaded member.

4. The assembly according to claim 3, wherein the flange means extends perpendicularly from the externally threaded member. 30

5. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, in use, the flange means is located within the cavity at the upper end of the stump, and at 13 least a portion of the flange means is in close proximity to the walls of the cavity without contacting the walls.

6. The assembly according to any one of claims I to 5, wherein the 5 externally threaded member is a threaded rod.

7. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the internally threaded member has a groove on its outer surface, such that the groove encircles the internally threaded member. 10

8. The assembly according to claim 7, wherein the internally threaded member is mounted to the stump cap portion via the groove on the outer surface of the internally threaded member. 15

9. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the internally threaded member is a chamfered hex nut.

10. The assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the stump cap portion is a rigid metal plate. 20

11. The assembly according to any one of claims I to 10, wherein the stump cap portion has a hole in which the internally threaded member is mounted.

12. A method for in situ adjustment of the effective length of a stump 25 having a cavity at its upper end, the method comprising the steps of: a) mounting an assembly relative to the top of the stump, the assembly comprising adjustment means and a lateral stabilizing assembly wherein the adjustment means includes: i) an externally threaded member; 30 ii) an internally threaded member with which the externally threaded member of sufficient length to provide for height adjustment of the stump threadably engages; and 14 iii) a stump cap portion which, in use, is associated with the upper end of the stump and relative to which the internally threaded member is mounted; wherein the lateral stabilizing assembly comprises at least one laterally 5 extending portion associated with the externally threaded member of the adjustment means; such that the at least one laterally extending portion is located within the cavity at the upper end of the stump; and b) rotating the internally threaded member such that the externally threaded member moves through the internally threaded member, 10 thereby adjusting the effective length of the stump.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the laterally extending portion is a member mounted on the externally threaded member. 15

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the laterally extending portion member comprises an opening to receive a portion of the externally threaded member and a flange means which, in use, extends laterally from the externally threaded member. 20

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the flange means extends perpendicularly from the externally threaded member.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the flange means is located within the cavity at the upper end of the stump, and at least a 25 portion of the flange means is in close proximity to the walls of the cavity without contacting the walls.

17. An assembly for in situ adjustment of the effective length of a stump as defined in claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to one or 30 more of Figures 10 to 13. Dated: 22 June 2011