GB2199599A

GB2199599A - Base structures for structure to be added to buildings

Info

Publication number: GB2199599A
Application number: GB08726435A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John E Tate
Original assignee: Monarch Aluminium Ltd
Current assignee: Hydro Building Systems UK Ltd
Priority date: 1986-11-12
Filing date: 1987-11-11
Publication date: 1988-07-13
Also published as: GB8726435D0

Abstract

A base structure for a building to be constructed adjacent an existing wall comprises a plurality of beams 11,12,13,14 for assembly into an open framework on which parts of the building can be mounted, a plurality of height-adjustable supports 25 for supporting parts of the framework above a support surface, and means (elongate holes 26,27 Fig 4) for securing one of the beams 11 of the framework to the wall to which, in use, it is adjacent. <IMAGE>

Description

"Base Structures for Buildings" This invention relates to base structures for buildings, and in particular for buildings which are to be built immediately adjacent an existing wall or building.

Examples of this type of construction include conservatories, porches and greenhouses.

In the construction of such buildings, the sides, roof and other parts are often formed as prefabricated units which are brought to the site and assembled there. In order to prepare the site to accept such a building, foundations have to be made, and these frequently comprise concrete or other masonry bases or platforms, onto which the sides and other parts of the building are mounted. Careful levelling is normally required at the stage of construction of the foundations, so that the building will be assembled level and without twisting which would tend to impose undue stresses in various parts or joints.

If the foundations are not initially correctly levelled, it may be necessary to adjust the height by means of spacer pieces or the like. This may have to be accomplished when the building is partly or even wholly assembled.

It is usual, where a building, such as a conservatory or the like, is constructed against a wall which may form part of an existing building, to provide brackets or other fixtures on the wall. The placing of such brackets or other fixtures requires to be carried out accurately for the reasons already given, to ensure that the completed building is correctly levelled.

It is the object of this invention to provide a base structure for buildings, of the kind to be constructed adjacent an existing wall, in which accurate levelling can be simply and conveniently carried out.

According to the invention there is provided a base structure for a building to be constructed adjacent an existing wall, comprising a plurality of beams for assembly into an open framework on which parts of the building can be mounted, a plurality of supports for supporting parts of the framework above a support surface, which supports are adjustable in height, and means for securing at least one of the beams of the framework to the wall to which, in use, it is adjacent.

The open framework may be generally rectangular, comprising two pairs of parallel beams secured together at the corners of the framework. It may also include cross-members extending across the framework at right angles to one pair of parallel beams and parallel to the other pair of beams. Preferably the cross-members extend at right angles to the beam which, in use, is adjacent the wall.

The cross-members may comprise portions of one or more sheets of corrugated material. The beams between which the cross-members extend may be of channel-section, the mouths of the channel-sections facing one another across the framework, in which case the ends of the cross members may rest on the lower flanges of the channel sections.

The height adjustable supports may comprise members which extend downwardly from the beams, in use, and have portions in screw-threaded engagement with parts on the beams.

Each said beam to which a height adjustable support is connected may hollow, in which case the adjustable support member may be in screw-threaded engagement with a component at least partly enclosed within the hollow beam. Said component is preferably embraced by internal surfaces of the beam so as to be capable of longitudinal sliding adjustment relatively thereto. The component may comprise a plurality of vertically spaced flanges formed with apertures through which the screw-threaded adjustable support member passes, and the support member may be in screw-threaded engagement with a nut located between an adjacent two of said flanges on said component.

In the case where each hollow beam is channelshaped in cross-section, the mouths of the channels facing across the framework, at least some of said components within the hollow beams may have secured thereto the ends of other beams of the framework which extend at rightangles to said hollow beams. For example, said components may have flanges which project through the mouths of said channel-sections, to which flanges the ends of said other beams are secured.

The aforesaid means for securing at least one of said beams to a wall is preferably adjustable vertically and/or horizontally. For example, the securing means may include elongate apertures through which fasteners may be inserted into the wall. Where the beam for securing to a wall is of channel-section, said elongate apertures may be formed in the web of the channel-section.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a base structure for a building constructed in accordance with the invention, Figure 2 is a scrap view of one end of one of the beams of the structure, Figure 3 is a cross-section through a beam of the structure, Figure 4 is a scrap view of the same beam, in side elevation, Figure 5 is a perspective view of an alternative form of base structure, Figure 6 is a scrap view of one corner of the frame of the base structure of Figure 5, showing the means of assembly, Figure 7 is an exploded view of a base member used in the structure, Figure 8 is w perspective view of a bracket used in the structure, and Figure 9 is a perspective view of a further bracket used in the structure.

Figure 1 shows a completed base structure for a building such as a conservatory, porch or greenhouse, to be built against an existing wall of a building. The base structure is mounted on foundations which, in this example, are indicated as footings 10, 11. These may be of concrete or other masonry structure. Alternatively a solid platform might be constructed extending across the whole area' to be covered by the building.

The base structure comprises two pairs of parallel beams to make up a rectangular framework of any desired size. One pair of beams 11, 12, referred to as rear and front beams, are channel-shaped in cross-section as shown particularly in Figure 3, whereas the other pair of beams 13, 14, referred to as side beams, are of rectangular or square box section. The beams are secured together, in a manner which will be described, to form a rigid framework on which a floor 15, and other components of the building can be mounted. Decorative or other skirting 16 can be fitted round the front and sides of the base structure to enclose it.

The rear and front beams 11 and 12 have the cross-sectional shape shown in Figure 3. The upright web portion 17 of the section has an upper horizontal flange terminating in a downwardly turned lip 19. The lower horizontal flange 20 has at its extremity an upwardly turned lip 21, and spaced inwardly of this is another lipped flange 22 of similar height to the lip 21. Between the lip 21 and flange 22 is defined a continuous groove 23. The section is conveniently produced by extrusion, and is preferably of light metal such as aluminium.

At spaced positions along the lower flanges 20 of the beams 11, 12 are holes 24 to receive adjusting screws 25, which will be further described herein. In this example, there is an adjusting screw 25 at each corner of the structure, and therefore at each end of each of the beams 11, 12, and there is also an intermediate adjusting screw at 25 at the mid-point of each of the beams 11, 12.

At spaced intervals along the web portion 17 of the rear beam 11 are pairs of elongate holes 26, 27.

As seen in Figure 4, the holes 26, 27 of each pair are arranged in mutually perpendicular orientation. These holes 26, 27 are to accept fixing screws which engage in the wall 9 of the adjacent building.

As seen particularly in Figure 2, the adjusting screws 25 are located in the beams 11, 12 by means of respective components 28. Each component 28 is of constant cross-section, and is preferably made by extrusion. The component includes an upright wall portion 29 to which are connected top and bottom flanges 30 and 31. Between these flanges are three vertically spaced further flanges 32, 33, 34. Projecting from the opposite side of the upright wall portion 29 are two further horizontal flanges 35, 36. A further bottom lipped flange 37 is situated below the two flanges 35, 36. Between the top flange 30 and the oppositely directed upper flange 35 there is defined a groove 38.

The bottom flange 31, and the three further flanges 32, 33, 34 above it, have aligned apertures to accept the adjusting screw 25. The two opposite flanges 35, 36 are also apertured to receive fixing screws. Each adjusting screw 25 has a head 39 which in use is lowermost in the assembly. Engaged on the screw 25 are two nuts 40, 41. The nut 40 is held captive and non-rotatable between the bottom flange 31 and the flange 34 immediately above it. The nut 41 is below the assembly, and serves as a lock nut. The lock nut 41 engages against a spacer 42.

As seen in Figure 2, each component 28 is located within the section of the beam 11, and is retained laterally by engagement of the lip of the upper flange 18 of the section of the beam into the groove 38 in the top of the component 28. Similarly the lower flange 37 is engaged by the lower lipped flange 22 of the beam section.

Accordingly the component 28 is embraced by the walls of the beam, so that it is capable of sliding adjustment longitudinally of the beam. The adjusting screw 25 engages through the hole 24 at an appropriate position along the length of the beam 11, and passes up through the captive nut 40 and through the further flanges 32, 33, 34 which serve to support it, as well as to stiffen the section.

The two flanges 35, 36, which are spaced vertically apart and apertured, serve to locate and support the end of one of the side beams 13, 14 of square or rectangular section. Fixing screws (see Figure 1) engage through holes in the ends of the beams 13, 14, and enter the apertures in the flanges 35, 36, which are appropriately screw-threaded. During assembly it may be necessary to secure the side beams 13, 14 to the components 28 prior to insertion of these components into the ends of the beams 11 and 12. The adjusting screws 25 are then fitted to engage and locate the beams together.

Intermediate components similar to the components 28, but lacking the flanges 35, 36, are used at 44 in intermediate positions along the length of the front and rear beams.

Such a component is -shown in Figure 1 in the centre of the rear beam 11.

Extending across the open space defined between the four beams 11, 12, 13, and 14, there are cross-members provided by the corrugations of corrugated sheeting 45. The ends of the corrugations rest on the lower flanges 20 of the front and rear beams, and are secured to the flanges by means of screws 46 engaging in the groove 23 of the section. Self tapping screws are conveniently used which cut their own threads in the sides of the groove 23.

In use, the beams are assembled together to form the open rectangular framework and, prior to fitting the corrugated sheeting 45, the framework is secured to the wall 9 and levelled. To secure the structure to the existing wall 9, screws engaging in appropriate anchors in the wall are passed through the holes 26, 27, but for the time being these are not tightened. The adjusting screws 25 serve to support the whole structure on the foundations, and these are next adjusted so that the beams are level. The lock nuts 41 are tightened in order to secure the structure in its correct level position, and the screws passing through the holes 26, 27 are then tightened to secure the assembly against the existing wall 9. The corrugated sheeting 45 can now be fitted, after which the floor 15, and the skirting 16, can be fitted.

The conservatory, greenhouse or other building can now be built upon the stable and level framework. Minor adjustment to maintain levelling can be carried out at any time.

Preferably the structure is made from lightweight materials such as aluminium. The beams 11, 12, 13, and 14 are conveniently made by extrusion, as also are the components 28. The assembly can be made in any convenient size, the beam ends being cut square and requiring no additional machining except the drilling of the holes to accept the adjusting screws.

Figures 5 to 9 show an alternative form of base structure in accordance with the invention.

Figure 5 shows the completed base structure for a building such as a conservatory, porch or greenhouse, to be attached to an existing wall of a building. The base structure is mounted on foundations which, as in the previous example, may be concrete masonry footings 110, 111 or may be a continuous solid platform.

If the underlying ground is sufficiently hard it may be possible to dispense with any other foundations.

As shown in Figure 5 there is a footing 110 at one corner, and a similar footing would be provided at the opposite outer corner. The footing 11 is needed where the span of the base structure is so large that, without it, flexing in the centre might take place.

Along the side of the base structure opposite to the footings 110, 111, the structure is mounted on brackets 112, 113, to which further reference will be made. These are fixed to the existing wall of the building against which the structure is to be assembled.

The base structure itself includes a framework, which in this example is of rectangular form and comprises four interconnected straight beams 114, 115, 116, 117. The beams are connected together at their corners, and Figure 6 shows the means whereby such connection is accomplished. The ends of the beams are mitred, and corner brackets 118 are used with screws to fasten the beams together. To assist in location of the beams tongues 119 are provided, as seen in Figure 6, on the ends of the beam 114. The beams may be assembled on site, and preferably the two side beams 114, 116 are identical, as are the two longer front and rear beams 115, 117.

The front and rear beams 115, 117 have sockets to accept the ends of cross beams 121. Any convenient number of these can be provided to support the loads which will be applied in use to the base structure.

The tops of the beams 114, 115, 116, 117 and of the beams 121 are in the same plane so that a floor of any desired kind can be laid thereon. Chipboard panels or floorboards or other floor structures can be used.

To support the framework on the wall the brackets 112 and 113 are first secured to the wall using bolts or screws. As seen in Figures 8 and 9, the brackets 112 and 113 are of L-shape and provide respective flanges for attachment to the wall and respective further flanges for supporting the framework. The flanges of the brackets are drilled with round holes 122 and with elongate slots 123 which accept the bolts or screws. By inserting the bolts or screws through the slots 123, the position of a bracket relatively to the wall can be adjusted before tightening of the fastening means. Similarly, by inserting bolts or screws through the slots 123 formed in the flanges for supporting the frame, the position of the frame can be adjusted relatively to the brackets as required.

Between the footings 110 and 111 and the framework there are adjustable support members, one of which is also shown in Figure 7. Each support member comprises a pair of parallel plates 124, 125 connected by a pair of long threaded rods 126, on which are fitted nuts 127. The nuts are non-rotatably connected to the rods 126 and serve as stops limiting the extent to which the lower ends of the threaded rods 126 enter appropriate holes 128 formed in the lower plate 125. The nuts 127 also serve as means whereby the threaded rods 126 can be rotated.

Secured, as by welding, to the upper plate 124 are nuts 129 aligned with holes 130 in the plate. The upper plate 124 of each support member is fitted to the underneath of the framework, and may be permanently attached, as by welding, to one of the frame beams, such as the beam 114.

Holes are provided in the beam or beams to accept the upper ends of the threaded rods 126.

The threaded rods 126 allow the spacing of the upper and lower plates 124, 125 of each support member to be adjusted, and by this means it is therefore possible to raise or lower the portion of the framework supported by such support member to enable levelling of the framework to take place.

In use, the base structure is assembled as shown in Figure 5 before tightening of the bolts or screws attaching the frame to the existing wall of the building.

The brackets and the support members are adjusted so that the framework is correctly levelled. The floor, sides, and other parts of the building can then be assembled on the base structure without risk of twisting or undue stress in various parts or joints. The building is completed by the addition of a skirting or other panelling arrangement whereby the space beneath the framework and above the ground or foundation is enclosed. Levelling or re-levelling can be accomplished at any stage during, or even after completion of the building operation.

Claims

1. A base structure for a building to be constructed adjacent an existing wall, comprising a plurality of beams for assembly into an open framework on which parts of the building can be mounted, a plurality of supports for supporting parts of the framework above a support surface, which supports are adjustable in height, and means for securing at least'one of the beams of the framework to the wall to which, in use, it is adjacent.

2. A base structure according to Claim 1, wherein the open framework is generally rectangular, comprising two pairs of parallel beams secured together at the corners of the framework.

3. A base structure according to Claim 2, including cross-members extending across the framework at right angles to one pair of parallel beams and parallel to the other pair of beams.

4. A base structure according to Claim 3, wherein the cross-members extend at right angles to the beam which, in use, is adjacent the wall.

5. A base structure according to Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the cross-members comprise portions of one or more sheets of corrugated material.

6. A base structure according to any of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the beams between which the cross-members extend are of channel-section, the mouths of the channelsections facing one another across the framework, and wherein the ends of the cross-members rest on the lower flanges of the channel sections.

7. A base structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said height adjustable supports comprise members which extend downwardly from the beams, in use, and have portions in screw-threaded engagement with parts on the beams.

8. A base structure according to Claim 7, wherein each said beam to which a height adjustable support is connected is hollow, and the adjustable support member is in screw-threaded engagement with a component at least partly enclosed within the hollow beam.

9. A base structure according to Claim 8, wherein said component is embraced by internal surfaces of the beam so as to be capable of longitudinal sliding adjustment relatively thereto.

10. A base structure according to Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein said component within the hollow beam comprises a plurality of vertically spaced flanges formed with apertures through which the screw-threaded adjustable support member passes.

11. A base structure according to Claim 10, Wherein the support member is in screw-threaded engagement with-a nut located between or adjacent two of said flanges on said component.

12. A base structure according to any of Claims 8 to 11, wherein each hollow beam is channel-shaped in cross-section, the mouths of the channels facing across the framework, and wherein at least some of said components within the hollow beams have secured thereto the ends of other beams of the framework which extend at right-angles to said hollow beams.

13. A base structure according to Claim 12, wherein said components have flanges which project through the mouths of said channel-sections, to which flanges the ends of said other beams are secured.

14. A base structure according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for securing at least one of said beams to a wall is adjustable vertically and/or horizontally.

15. A base structure according to Claim 14, wherein said securing means include elongate apertures through which fasteners may be inserted into the wall.

16. A base structure according to Claim 15, wherein said beam for securing to a wall is of channelsection, and said elongate apertures are formed in the web of the channel-section.

17. A base structure for a building, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, or Figures 5 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.