AU2015100090A4 - A support structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A support structure includes an elongate post holder that is configured to hold an elongate support post. A panel retaining structure is arranged on the post holder and is configured to support adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner so that the panels can be operatively positioned with respect to a support post mounted on or in the post holder. \Lk-

Description

1 A SUPPORT STRUCTURE FIELD [0001] Various exemplary embodiments of a support structure are described in this specification. Various exemplary embodiments of a support assembly incorporating the support structure as an accessory are also described in this specification. BACKGROUND [0002] Australian innovation patent 2013100057 describes a weighted support assembly. The contents of that patent are incorporated herein by reference. In this specification, that patent is referred to as the "Innovation Patent". SUMMARY [0003] Various exemplary embodiments of a support structure comprise: an elongate support element that is configured for mounting on a weighted support assembly; and a panel retaining structure arranged on the support element and configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner so that a number of the support structures can be used to erect a structural assembly that is supported by the weighted support assembly. [0004] The elongate support element may be an elongate post holder that is configured to hold an elongate post so that the post can be used as part of the structural assembly or part of an auxiliary structure, such as a dust suppression assembly or structure. [0005] In order to minimise the use of structural timber, the elongate support element or post holder may be configured to provide a structural support function. It follows that the support element can be of a length that corresponds generally with a height of the structural assembly. [0006] The structural assembly can take different forms. In one example, the building structure can be a hoarding assembly, such as that described in the Innovation Patent.

2 [0007] The post holder can be tubular or can have a partially enclosed cross sectional profile. The post holder is thus configured to receive a lower portion of the post. When weighted, the support assembly can support the elongate support element in an operative, generally vertical orientation. Furthermore, the panel retaining structure can locate the panels with respect to the support element and, where applicable, to the post. That can facilitate fastening the panels to the support element and/or the post because the panels will be positioned correctly with respect to the support element and/or the post. [0008] The post holder may have a square or rectangular cross section, allowing a post of a similar cross section to be inserted into the post holder. [0009] The retaining structure may define a pair of recesses that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post holder. The recesses may be configured to receive operatively vertical edges of adjacent panels. [0010] Instead of the recesses, the retaining structure may include a fixing panel to which adjacent panels can be fixed. [0011] According to various embodiments, the retaining structure may comprise a fixed part integral with the elongate support element or post holder and a complementary part which is releasable from the fixed part. [0012] Exemplary embodiments of the weighted support assembly described in the Innovation Patent include a base and an elongate support member fixed to the base. The elongate support member includes a post retainer for retaining a post in an upright orientation. The post retainer defines a partially enclosed profile so that the post can be located and retained in the post retainer. [0013] Thus, the support element or post holder may be configured to be received in the post retainer. For example, the post holder may have a cross sectional profile that corresponds with the partially enclosed profile of the post retainer to allow the post holder to slide into a partially enclosed volume defined by the post retainer. [0014] Various exemplary embodiments of a structural assembly include: 3 elongate support elements, each configured for mounting on a weighted support assembly; panel retaining structures arranged on respective support elements and configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner; and panels operatively engaged with the panel retaining structures. [0015] The elongate support elements and the panel retaining structures may be those described in the preceding paragraphs. [0016] Various exemplary embodiments of a weighted support assembly include a base on which one or more weights can be placed to stabilise the support assembly; an elongate retainer that is mounted on, and extends upwardly from, the base; a support structure comprising an elongate support element and a panel retaining structure, the retainer and the support element being configured so that the support element can be retained in a generally vertical orientation with respect to the base, and the panel retaining structure arranged on the support element and configured to locate panels in a side-by-side manner so that the panels can be operatively engaged with the retaining structures. [0017] Various exemplary embodiments of a support structure comprise: an elongate support element that is configured for mounting in a substantially vertical orientation; a panel retaining structure that is arranged on the support element, the panel retaining structure defining two recesses in which vertical edge portions of adjacent panels can be located in a side-by-side manner so that a number of the support structures can be used to erect a structural assembly, each recess being internally shaped so that an operatively vertical edge of one of two or more panels of different thicknesses can be a snug fit in each respective recess.

4 [0018] The panel retaining structure may be the panel retaining structure as described in the preceding paragraphs. [0019] The panel retaining structure may include an outer wall(s) and an inner wall(s) that together define the recesses. [0020] The outer wall(s) and the inner wall(s) may be profiled or have a profile so that each recess has portions of different widths, allowing respective portions to accommodate respective panels with thicknesses that permit a snug fit in the respective portions. [0021] The outer wall(s) and the inner wall(s) may have internal shoulders that define or form the respective portions. For example, the inner wall(s) may each have a shoulder so that the inner wall(s) and the outer wall(s) define two portions with different widths so that either of a thinner and a thicker panel can be a snug fit in one of the portions. [0022] Various exemplary embodiments of a structural assembly comprise: a base; and a support structure comprising: an elongate support element that is mountable on the base in a substantially vertical orientation; and a panel retaining structure that is arranged on the support element, the panel retaining structure defining two recesses in which vertical edge portions of adjacent panels can be located in a side-by-side manner, each recess being internally shaped so that an operatively vertical edge of one of two or more panels of different thicknesses can be a snug fit in each respective recess. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0023] Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view, from above, of an exemplary embodiment of a weighted support assembly, including an exemplary embodiment of a support structure for the weighted support assembly.

5 [0024] Figure 2 shows a plan view of the support structure in one application. [0025] Figure 3 shows a plan view of the support structure in another application. [0026] Figure 4 shows a plan view of the weighted support assembly of figure 1. [0027] Figure 5 shows a lower portion of the weighted support assembly of figure 1. [0028] Figure 6 shows an upper portion of the support structure. [0029] Figure 7 shows a plan view of the support structure, indicating exemplary dimensions. [0030] Figure 8 shows a sectioned view of a weight locating structure and elongate retainer of the weighted support assembly, indicating exemplary dimensions. [0031] Figure 9 shows the weighted support assembly of figure 1 loaded with weights. [0032] Figure 10 shows the weighted support assembly of figure 9 in a partially disassembled condition. [0033] Figure 11 shows an exploded plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a support structure. [0034] Figure 12 shows a plan view of one configuration of the support structure of figure 11. [0035] Figure 13 shows a plan view of another configuration of the support structure of figure 11. [0036] Figures 14 and 15 show a plan view of the support structure of figure 12 in an application supporting hoarding panels. [0037] Figure 16 shows a plan view of the support structure of figure 13 in an application supporting hoarding panels. [0038] Figure 17 shows an exploded plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a support structure for the weighted support assembly. [0039] Figure 18 shows a plan view of the support structure of figure 17.

6 [0040] Figure 19 shows a plan view of a weighted support assembly including part of the support structure of figure 11. [0041] Figure 20 shows a three-dimensional view, from above, of a number of weighted support assemblies of figure 19, in use, supporting hoarding panels to form a structural assembly. [0042] Figure 21 shows a three-dimensional view, from above, of one of the weighted support assemblies of figure 20. [0043] Figures 22 and 23 show plan views, including exemplary dimensions in mm, of the parts of the support structure of figure 17. [0044] Figure 24 shows a plan view of another embodiment of a support structure. [0045] Figure 25 shows a three-dimensional view of a structural assembly including of a number of the support structures of figure 17, in use, supporting panels. [0046] Figure 26 shows a top view of the structural assembly of figure 25. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS [0047] In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exemplary embodiment of a weighted support assembly having an exemplary embodiment of a support structure, generally indicated with reference numeral 12. [0048] The weighted support assembly 10 is of the type on which one or more weights can be stacked to provide stability to a support structure that extends upwardly from the weights. Structural components, such as panels, can be attached to the support structure. In this example, the assembly 10 has a foot 14 on which weights 16 (figures 9 and 10) can be stacked. [0049] An elongate retainer 20 extends upwardly from one end of the foot 14. The retainer 20 defines an elongate, partially enclosed volume. For example, the retainer 20 defines a generally rectangular, cross sectional profile with a major wall 22, a pair of opposed minor walls 24 and a gapped major wall 26 that defines a gap 28 (figure 8) opposite the wall 22.

7 [0050] For example, the retainer 20 can be similar to the post retainer described in the Innovation Patent. That post retainer is configured to receive a support post so that panels can be secured to the support post. [0051] A weight locating structure 18 is fast with, and extends upwardly from, the foot 14. The weight locating structure 18 includes an elongate locating formation 30 that extends from the foot 14, generally parallel to the retainer 20. A web 32 is interposed between the retainer 20 and the formation 30. The web 32 and the formation 30 can be similar to the locking formation described in the Innovation Patent. Thus, the web 32 can have a number of openings 34 to allow a locking handle 35 (figures 9 and 10) to be secured or locked to the web 32 with a locking device 36. An example of such a locking arrangement is described in the Innovation Patent. [0052] The support structure 12 includes a support element in the form of an elongate post holder 38 that is configured to hold an elongate post such as a support post. The post holder 38 is tubular so that the support post can be slid into the holder 38 and held in position. The post holder 38 has a generally rectangular or square profile to correspond with a cross sectional shape of a standard timber post or any other form of post. The holder 38 has an inner wall 40, an outer wall 42 and opposed side walls 44. [0053] In this example, the holder 38 is rectangular, with the walls 40, 42 being major walls and the walls 44 being minor walls. [0054] A panel retaining structure 46 is arranged on the outer wall 42. The structure 46 defines two recesses 48, 50 that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post holder 38, when viewed in plan or transverse cross section. [0055] The structure 46 includes a mount formation 52 that extends from the outer wall 42 of the holder 38. Inner walls 54, 56 extend from the formation 52, generally parallel to the outer wall 42 of the holder 38. The outer wall 42 and the inner walls 54, 56 define slots 58, 60 to receive portions of the major wall 26 when the support structure 12 is slid into engagement with the retainer 20. [0056] The structure 46 also includes an outer wall 62 that is spaced from the mount formation with a dividing web 64. Thus, the outer wall 62, the dividing web 64 and the inner walls 54, 56 define the recesses 48, 50.

8 [0057] The recesses 48, 50 are dimensioned so that operatively vertical edges of panels can be a snug fit in the recesses 48, 50 to locate the vertical edges and thus panels relative to each other. [0058] The mount formation 52 and the inner walls 54, 56 define a ledge or shoulder 68, 69. As can be seen in figure 2, operatively vertical edges 70, 71 of panels 72, 74 can be received in the recesses 48, 50 to butt up against the shoulders 68, 69. [0059] The mount formation 52 defines an internal surface 76 that is generally parallel to the inner walls 54, 56. The dividing web 64 extends from this surface 76. Thus, internal portions 78, 80 of the recesses 48, 50 are narrower than external portions 82, 84. It follows that, as can be seen in figure 3, operatively vertical edges 86, 88 of panels 90, 92 can be received in the internal portions 78, 80 of the recesses 48, 50. [0060] The panels 90, 92 are thinner than the panels 72, 74. It follows that the structure 46 can be used with panels of differing thickness. [0061] For example, a width of the external portions 82, 84 allows the snug insertion of a panel of one thickness, while a width of the internal portions 76, 78 allows the snug insertion of a panel of another, lesser, thickness. [0062] In one example, the internal portions 78, 80 cater for the fitting of a panel with a thickness of about 12 mm, while the external portions 82, 84 cater for the fitting of a panel with a thickness of about 16 mm. Thus, a spacing between the inner walls 54, 56 and the outer wall 62 is about 17.5 mm, while a spacing between the surface 76 and the outer wall 62 is about 13.5 mm. It is to be understood that these dimensions are variable depending on the thicknesses of the panels used. [0063] The support structure 12 can be fabricated in a number of different ways. For example, the support structure 12 can be extruded from a plastics material or a metal, such an aluminium or an alloy of aluminium. [0064] The mount formation 52 defines voids 53 (figure 6). Webs 55 extend across the voids 53. The voids 53 and webs 55 provide the mount formation 52 with structural integrity similar to that which would be provided by a solid mount formation but with less weight than a solid mount formation.

9 [0065] The inner walls 54, 56 can define holes 94 (figure 7) to permit the inner walls 54, 56 to be fastened to the panels with fasteners received through the holes 94. [0066] In use, the support assembly 10 can be weighted, as described in the Innovation Patent. The support element or post holder 38 can then be slid into the retainer 20 to result in an assembly as illustrated in figure 4. A support post can then be positioned in the holder 38 to extend to a suitable height, for example, to suit hoarding. The operatively vertical edges of the panels can be positioned in the recesses to locate the panels in a convenient manner. The operatively vertical edges of the panels not in the retaining structure 46 can be secured to the post, if necessary. [0067] Instead, the support element 38 can extend to a height that corresponds generally with a height of the hoarding. As a result, the support element 38 performs a structural support function. Non-structural posts can then be inserted and retained in the support element for auxiliary purposes, such as the support of dust suppression material. [0068] When used for hoarding, the outer wall 62 can define an aesthetically acceptable face plate. [0069] The panel retaining structure 46 is integrally formed with the support element or post holder 38. In another embodiment, described with reference to figures 11 to 21, at least part of the panel retaining structure 46 is releasable relative to the post holder 38. [0070] Figure 11 shows an embodiment wherein a fixed part 102 of a panel retaining structure 100 is arranged on the outer wall 42 of the support element or post holder 38 and a complementary part 104 or 106 of the panel retaining structure 100 is spaced relative to the post holder 38. The complementary parts 104, 106 of the panel retaining structure 100 are releasable from the fixed part 102 of the panel retaining structure 100. [0071] Two different types of complementary parts 104, 106 are shown in figure 11. Each of the complementary parts 104 or 106 can alternatively be fixed to the fixed part 102 to provide the panel retaining structure 100. [0072] The fixed part 102 includes a mount formation 152 that extends from the outer wall 42 of the holder 38. Inner walls 154, 156 extend from the formation 152, 10 generally parallel to the outer wall 42 of the holder 38. The inner walls 154, 156 have flat planar outwardly facing faces 103. [0073] The outer wall 42 and the inner walls 154, 156 define slots 158, 160. The slots 158, 160 are the same as the slots 58, 60 of the support element or post holder 38. [0074] The complementary part 104 includes an outer wall 162, a foot formation 108 and a dividing web 164 extending between the outer wall 162 and the foot formation 108. The outer wall 162 and the dividing web 164 are the same as the outer wall 62 and the dividing web 64, respectively, of the panel retaining structure 46. The foot formation 108 is generally H-shaped when viewed in plan or transverse cross section. [0075] The foot formation 108 defines channels 110 in which shoulders 112 of the inner walls 154, 156 of the fixed part 102 are received to releasably mount the complementary part 104 to the fixed part 102. [0076] The complementary part 106 is a fixing strip or plank. The fixing strip 106 is of a material, such as wood or engineered wood, suitable for receiving self-tapping screws. The strip 106 may, for example, be of pine wood or medium-density fibreboard. The fixing strip 106 may be also be of plastics or composite material. [0077] Figure 12 shows the complementary part 104 retained by the fixed part 102. Shoulders 112 of the inner walls 154, 156 are received in the channels 110 in the foot formation 108 to mount the complementary part 104 to the fixed part 102. The foot formation 108 is slidably received in the fixed part 102. [0078] The outer wall 162, the dividing web 164 and the inner walls 154, 156 define channels or recesses 148, 150 when the complementary part 104 is mounted to the fixed part 102. The recesses 148, 150 are open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post holder 38, when viewed in plan or transverse cross section. An outer part 128 of the foot formation 108 is on the outside of the inner walls 154, 156. The outer part 128 of the foot formation 108 is raised from the faces 103 of the inner walls 154, 156. Internal portions 178, 180 of the recesses 148, 150 are narrower than external portions 182, 184. The recesses 148, 150 are the same as the recesses 48, 50 of the panel retaining structure 46.

11 [0079] Figure 13 shows the strip 106 fixed to the fixed part 102 by screws 122. The strip 106 buts against the inner walls 154, 156. The screws 122 extend through screw holes 120 in the inner walls 154, 156. The screws 122 screw into the strip 106 to fix the strip 106 against the faces 103 of the inner walls 154, 156. [0080] Figures 14 and 15 show vertical edges of hoarding panels fitted in the recesses 148, 150 to locate and support the panels upright in a side-by-side configuration. The hoarding panels 90, 92 shown in figure 14 are thinner than the panels 72, 74 shown in figure 15. It follows that the structure 100 can be used with hoarding panels of differing thickness. The hoarding panels 72, 74, 90, 92 are fixed in the recesses 148, 150 in the same manner as described for recesses 48, 50. [0081] Figure 16 shows hoarding panels 90, 92 fixed to the fixing strip 106. The hoarding panels 90, 92 are fixed to the fixing strip 106 by self-tapping screws 126. The screws 126 are screwed through the hoarding panels 90, 92 and into the fixing strip 106. The panels 90, 92 are supported upright in a side-by-side configuration by being fixed to the fixing strip 106. [0082] The fixed part 102 of the panel retaining structure 100 is configured to be able to support different complementary parts 104 or 106. A workman can decide which of the complementary parts 104 or 106 to use depending on the types of material and panels required or available. [0083] Figures 17 and 18 show a different configuration of a complementary part 130 of the panel retaining structure 100. The complementary part 130 is the same as the complementary part 104 shown in figures 11 and 12, except for the outer part 128 of the foot formation 108. The outer part 128 of the foot formation 108 of complementary part 130 shown in figures 17 and 18 has bevelled sides 132. The sides 132 partially define the recesses 148, 150 in which the hoarding panels 72, 74, 90, 92 are fixed. The sides 132 transition from a slightly inclined face extending from the dividing web 164 to a sharply angled face that extends to the distal ends of the outer parts 128. [0084] The bevelled sides 132 can help to guide narrower panels into position in the recesses 48, 150, so as to avoid hanging up or jamming of such panels on the sides 132. Thus, the narrower panels can be urged into the recesses 148, 150 to achieve a snug fit.

12 [0085] Figure 19 shows a weighted support assembly 200 comprising the elongate post holder 38 and the fixed part 102 of the panel retaining structure 100. [0086] Figure 20 shows weighted support assemblies 10, in use, supporting support posts 300 and hoarding panels 90, 92 to form a structural assembly in the form of a hoarding assembly. Lower portions of the posts 300 are received in the post holders 38. The posts 300 may be supports to which dust suppression material is fastened. The posts 300 are generally of timber material. The post holders 38 elevate the posts 300 so that only the necessary amount of timber needs to be used to support the dust suppression material. As a result, it is only necessary to use non-structural timber. [0087] Figure 21 shows the manner in which the posts 300 are fixed in the post holder 38. The inner wall 40 of the post holder 38 has a hole 39 towards the upper end region of the post holder 38. The lower portion or butt 302 of the post 300 is slidably received in the upper end region of the post holder 38. A fastener in the form of a screw 306 passes through the hole 39 and screws into the post 300 to fix the post in the post holder 38. [0088] It will be appreciated that the structure comprising the support structure 12 and the panels facilitates the retention of dust on an inner side of the structure. This can be of use in areas such as shopping centres or other public area where it is required to limit dust levels. The reason for this is that the outer wall 62, the panels, the dividing web 64, the mount formation 52 and the inner walls 54, 56 all provide a tortuous path. Furthermore, with the support structure 12 being of a suitable length, the tortuous path can be defined throughout the height of the panels. [0089] It will be appreciated that the posts 300 need not perform any significant load bearing function, apart from supporting the dust suppression material. It follows that the post holders 38 can be provided in a suitable length to provide structural support to the hoarding. In that application, the post holders can be of extruded aluminium, or any other non-timber material. It follows, that the use of timber can be minimised and any timber that is used can be low-grade timber. This feature can be useful in those areas in which timber is in short supply, particularly structural timber. [0090] With the support elements or post holders 38 of a suitable length, they can be re-used in subsequent erection of structural assemblies, such as hoarding 13 assemblies. When timber is used structurally, the timber is often damaged and so is used only once. It follows that the use of full length support elements 38 reduces timber wastage. [0091] Figure 24 shows a corner support structure 400. The support structure 400 includes an elongate post holder 438 that is configured to hold the post 300. The post holder 438 is the same as the post holder 38. A panel retaining structure 446 is arranged at a corner 402 of side walls 442 of the post holder 438. [0092] The structure 446 defines two recesses 448, 450 that open at right angles to one another. [0093] The structure 446 includes mount formations 452 that extend from the corner 402 of the side walls 442 of the holder 438. [0094] The structure 446 also includes an outer wall 462 that is spaced from the side walls 442 by the mount formations 452. The outer wall 462 wraps around the corner 402. Thus, the outer wall 462, the mount formations 452 and the side walls 442 define the recesses 448, 450. [0095] The recesses 448, 450 are dimensioned so that operatively vertical edges of panels can fit in the recesses 448, 450 in the same manner as described for the recesses 48, 50. The panels fit into the retaining structure 446 at right angles to each other. [0096] The mount formations 452 and the side walls 442 define a ledge or shoulder 468, 469. Operatively vertical edges of panels can be received in the recesses 448, 450 to butt up against the shoulders 468, 469. [0097] The corner support structure 400 is not configured to engage the retainer 20. In another embodiment, the corner support structure 400 may be configured for sliding into engagement with the retainer 20. [0098] The corner support structure 400 supports panels in a side-by-side arrangement wherein the panels meet at a right angle at the corners of hoarding assemblies.

14 [0099] Figures 25 and 26 show an embodiment of a hoarding assembly 510, wherein the support structures 12 are fixed to a base in the form of a channel member or track 500. The hoarding assembly 510 is similar to the hoarding assembly shown in figure 20, but the support structures 12 are supported upright by the track 500 rather than the retainer 20. [0100] The hoarding assembly 510 includes bracing in the form of bracing posts 502 which are fixed to the posts 300. The posts 300 are slidably received in the post holder 38 and fixed in the post holders 38 as described with reference to figure 21. The support posts 300 and bracing posts 502 form part of the support structures 12. [0101] The height of the bracing post 502 relative to the track 500 is selected by choosing the length of the post 300 or by sliding the post 300 along the post holder 38 in a telescoping manner and fixing the post 300 at a selected height. The track 500 is fixed to a floor of a building structure and the bracing posts 502 press up against the roof or bulkhead of the building structure. The posts 300 are extended to a height so that the support structures 12 are propped between the floor and the roof of the building structure. [0102] The edges of the hoarding panels 90, 92 are received in the recesses 148, 150 of the panel retaining structure 100 to keep the panels 90, 92 upright and in side-by side relationship. [0103] The track 500 is generally U-shaped, defining an upwardly facing channel 504. Lower ends of the support structures 12 are fixed in the channel 504. The bottom ends of the support structures 12 are captured in the channel 504. The bottom ends of the support structures 12 are prevented from sliding out of the channel 504 in a direction perpendicular to the panels 90, 92 by longitudinally extending channel walls 506 of the track 500. [0104] The support structures 12 can thus be used to form a hoarding assembly without the need for a weighted support assembly 10. [0105] The inventor(s) envisages that other forms of support arrangements may be provided to support the structures 12. These might include holes or sockets in a substrate. The substrate could be a floor or weighted members defining the holes or sockets. Also, fixing arrangements could be used to fix the structures 12 to the floor.

15 [0106] Throughout the specification, the following definitions and interpretative comments apply: a. "Element" is not to be interpreted as necessarily being limited to a unitary article or component. It can be interpreted in the same way as "member" and has been selected primarily for clarity and to distinguish components or articles referred to as "members". b. "Panel" is not to be interpreted to be limited to a continuously flat, closed component. It can take any number of forms, such as a mesh or grill and can have non-flat regions, such as textured regions or raised or bumpy regions. c. The use of "snug" to define a "fit" is intended to encompass a range of different types of fit, from what would be considered "loose" by a skilled person to "interference" by the same person. The requirement is that the panel be inhibited from tilting in such a way as to interfere with an acceptable level of accuracy in locating the panels. d. "Locate" is not to be interpreted as positioning with any degree of accuracy. Rather, it is to be interpreted simply as positioning the panel(s) for further work on the panel(s) or in such a way that the panels are retained in position by the retaining structure against excessive movement. [0107] Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers. [0108] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

16 [0109] Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. For example, the inventors expect that any specific dimensions described herein can be varied depending the application required by such skilled artisans. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. [0110] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter. [0111] The use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "up", down", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forwards", "backwards", "towards", "distal", "proximal", "in", "out" and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only, unless the context indicates otherwise. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the term "outer" refers to an orientation towards an outer side of an area or space that is enclosed or shielded by the structure using weighted support assembly. The inventor also envisages that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations. [0112] Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly 17 specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary. [0113] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. [0114] Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc. [0115] Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims 18 themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (5)

1. A support structure that comprises: an elongate support element that is configured for mounting on a weighted support element; and a panel retaining structure arranged on the support element and configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner so that a number of the support structures can be used to erect a structural assembly that is supported by the weighted support assembly.

2. The support structure as claimed in claim 1, in which the support element is a post holder that is tubular and that is configured to receive a post, either for supporting the panels or for supporting an auxiliary structure above the structural assembly.

3. The support structure as claimed in claim 1, in which the support element is configured to provide a structural support function and is of a length that corresponds generally with a height of the structural assembly.

4. The support structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the retaining structure defines a pair of recesses that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post holder, the recesses being configured to receive operatively vertical edges of adjacent panels.

5. A structural assembly that comprises: at least one support structure as claimed in claim 1; and at least two panels, located in a side-by-side manner by the panel retaining structure.