GB2494923A - A support assembly for use in the ground - Google Patents

Abstract

A support assembly is provided having an elongate spike 3, a base plate 15 and a securing pin 19. The base plate 15 may be placed on a sloped or uneven ground 21, in a location where a load 25 such as a garden shed is to be supported. The elongate spike 3 is inserted through an aperture 17 in the base plate 15 and penetrates the ground 21 to a desired depth. The securing pin 19 can then be inserted into one of a plurality of holes 11 along the elongate spike 3 to prevent relative movement between the elongate spike 3 and the base plate 15 and thus secure the load 25 at a desired height above the surface of the ground 21.

Description

I

A SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

The present invention generally relates to a support assembly. More specifically, the present invention relates to a support assembly which can support a load such as a garden shed above a sloped or uneven surface.

When constructing temporary or permanent structures such as garden sheds or other similar garden buildings, a need arises for having a stable and level foundation on which to build. A common approach is for the home owner or a professional to lay a foundation made from concrete or paving slabs on which the garden shed can be built. Such a concrete foundation requires expense, time, material and professional skills.

Home owners may also, from time-to-time, wish to change the design and layout of their garden, and therefore decide to move or remove their garden shed in order to utilise the area beneath it. This is an arduous task when the foundation is made from concrete.

Similar problems also arise when constructing other structures such as garden decking and the like.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a support assembly for use in supporting a load over a sloped or uneven ground. The support assembly comprises a base member, an elongate member and a stop means. The base member is for resting on a surface of the ground and for distributing load over the surface, the base member having an aperture therein. The elongate member is for insertion, through the aperture of said base member, into the ground to a desired depth. The stop means is arranged to act between said elongate member and said base member for limiting the extent to which the elongate member extends through said base member to maintain the elongate member at said desired depth. The combination of the base member, elongate member and stop means allows a load to be supported at an adjustable height from the ground. Thus, one or more support assemblies may be provided at variable depths into the ground in order to support a load such as a garden shed or decking on a desired plane such as a substantially horizontal plane over a sloped or uneven ground. The base member may be in the form a base plate for distributing the weight of the supported load over a surface area. The elongate member may be an elongate spike for penetrating the ground.

The stop means may be a pin or key for insertion into the elongate member in order to prevent relative movement between the base member and the elongate member.

Preferably, one end of the elongate member tapers towards a point so that it may easily penetrate the ground. A shaft of the elongate member may have a plurality of holes spaced along its length so that the pin can be readily inserted through the shaft. The other end of the elongate member (opposite the pointed end) of the shaft may have holes for attachment to the load. This makes it easy for readily available fasteners such as screws to be used to attach the elongate member to the load.

tO Alternatively, the other end of the elongate member may comprise a substantially U-shaped end suitable for supporting a joist or the like.

The base member may comprise one or more apertures through which a corresponding one or more elongate members can extend into the ground and move relative to the base member. Using several elongate members in this manner may provide improved stability for the supported load compared to using a single elongate member. The base member may be substantially L-shaped so that the support assembly could be suited for supporting a corner of a square-based load. In this case, the base member may comprise a through hole at each end of the L-shaped base and in the corner. The base member may comprise a protruding extended portion which can prevent the base member from accidentally shifting position. This protrusion may also aid guiding the elongate member into the ground and prevent lateral motion of the supported load.

The support assembly of the invention can also be used to augment or replace existing support systems. Furthermore, the support assembly is easy and quick to use and does away with the necessity of having a concrete foundation when constructing a garden shed, decking or the like. The support assembly may therefore be used by "do-it-yourself' (DIY) amateurs or by professionals.

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure la shows a side view of an elongate spike; Figure lb shows a plan view of a base plate; Figure 1 c shows a side view of a securing pin; Figure id is a cross-sectional view illustrating the way in which the elongate spike, base plate and securing pin couple together in use; Figure 2a is a cross-sectional view illustrating two base plates being placed on uneven ground with two elongate spikes above the base plates; Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view illustrating the elongate spikes of Figure 2a after being inserted into the ground through the base plates; Figure 2c is a cross-sectional view of the elongate spikes of Figure 2b after being secured in position using securing pins; Figure 2d is a cross-sectional view of the support assembly shown in Figure 2c tO supporting a load on a substantially horizontal plane; Figure 3a is a side view of an elongate spike having a joined-hole configuration; Figure 3b is a side view of an elongate spike having a continuous slot configuration; Figure 4a is a side view of an elongate spike suitable for supporting a joist; Figure 4b is a side view of an elongate spike having a platform for attachment to a load; Figure 5a is a plan view of a base plate having a two-hole configuration; Figure 5b is a plan view of an L-shaped base plate having a three-hole configuration; and Figure 5c is a cross-sectional view of a base plate having an extended portion.

Overview Embodiments of the present invention relate to a rigid support assembly. The support assembly is used for supporting a load over a surface without the need for a foundation. It does this by using one or more adjustable support assemblies. The surface might be a typical garden with an irregular or sloped surface. The load may be a garden shed, timber for decking, or other such garden structures.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a support assembly 1. As shown, in this embodiment the support assembly 1 includes an elongate spike 3 (shown in Figure la), a base plate 15 (shown in Figure ib), and a securing pin 19 (shown in Figure 1 c).

The elongate spike 3 comprises a cylindrical shaft 7, having a first and second ends.

The first end is a spiked end 5 and the second end is a connection end 9. The shaft 7 further comprises a plurality of through-holes 11 spaced along its length. The connection end 9 has two connection holes 13 that allows the elongate spike 3 to be attached to the load to be supported by suitable fixing means (such as screws or bolts).

In this embodiment, the base plate 15 is square-shaped and substantially flat having an aperture 17 at its centre. The aperture 17 is shaped to allow the spiked end Sand at least a part of the shaft 7 to pass through.

The securng pin 19 is for insertion through any one of the plurality of transverse holes 11 on the elongate spike 3. The diameter of the securing pin 19 is closely matched to the diameter of each of the plurality of holes 11 so that a tight fit is formed when the securing pin 19 is inserted through any of the plurality of holes 11. This prevents the pin from easily falling out.

Figure id shows how the elongate spike 3, base plate 15 and pin 19 can couple together. As shown, the elongate spike 3 can be inserted through the aperture 17 of the base plate 15 and the securing pin 19 can be inserted transversely through one of the plurality of holes 11. As will be described in more detail below, inserting the securing pin 19 into one of the holes 11 prevents the spike 3 from passing further through the aperture 17 of the base plate 15.

Operation Figure 2 illustrates the way in which the support assembly 1 shown in Figure 1 can be used to support a load 25. Typically, four support assembly structures 1 will be used to support the load 25 (such as a garden shed) above the uneven or sloped ground 21 -one for each of the four corners. More or fewer support assemblies 1 may be used if desired. In the cross-sectional views shown in Figure 2, only two support assemblies 1 are shown.

Initially, as shown in Figure 2a, the base plates 15-1 and 15-2 are placed on the ground 21 in the desired locations of where the load 25 is to be supported.

In order to make sure that the supported load 25 is level and supported on a desired plane (which, in this embodiment, is a horizontal plane), each elongate spike 3-1 and 3-2 of each support assembly 1 is inserted into the ground 21 through the corresponding base plate 15-1, 15-2 until the connection end 9 of each elongate spike 3 lies in the desired horizontal plane 23 (see Figure 2b). Preferably, each elongate spike 3 is inserted as far as possible into the ground 21 50 that the horizontal plane 23 is a close as possible to the ground 21 and so that each spike is securely held in place by the ground.

As shown in Figure 2c, once the elongate spikes 3 have been driven into the ground to the desired depth, the securing pins 19-1, 19-2 are transversely inserted through the transverse holes 11 which are closest to the ground 21 and above the corresponding base plate 15. Insertion of the securing pin 19 prevents the elongate spike 3 from penetrating further into the ground 21 because any force applied to the elongate spike 3 from above is transmitted down the shaft 7, through the securing pin 19 into the base plate 15 where it is dispersed over the ground.

Figure 2d finally shows the load 25 attached to the connection end 9 of each of the elongate spikes 3 and, as shown, the load 25 is supported in the desired horizontal plane 23.

Construction and Load-Bearing Capability The elongate spike 3, base plate 15 and pin 19 are made of a strong, durable and rigid material such as steel. In this embodiment, they are made of steel and have a coating that prevents corrosion. Galvanised steel may also be used.

In this embodiment, the elongate spike 3 is made from a steel tube that has one end formed into a point to produce the spike 5 and that is flattened at the other end to produce the connection end 9. Transverse holes 11 and the connection holes 13 are drilled along the length of the tube. The base plate 15 can be made from a sheet of steel, with the aperture 17 being cut-out from the sheet. The securing pin 19 can be made from a steel rod.

In this embodiment, the elongate spike 3 has a length of 0.390 metres, a diameter of 0.022 metres and is formed from steel tubing having a thickness of approximately 0.001 metres. The base plate 15 has a surface area of 0.0121 square metres and a thickness of approximately 0.002 metres. The aperture 17 within the base plate 15 has a diameter of 0.025 metres. In general terms, the support assemblies 1 can support a wide range of loads and can be varied in size. Preferably, howevel, they are designed for the home improvement (DIY) market and will be limited in size: with the elongate spikes 3 being between 0.2 and 0.75 metres long and 0.005 to 0.030 metres diameter, with the base plate 15 having a surface area between 0.005 and 0.063 square metres.

Typically, a set of four of the above support assemblies 1 are sold together for supporting a typical garden shed that has a base area of 1.8m by 1.2m and will be able to support a load of at least 500 kilograms. Larger sheds or garden structures may require more support assemblies.

Modifications and Alternatives A detailed embodiment has been described above. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, a number of modifications and alternatives can be made to the above embodiment whilst still benefiting from the inventions embodied therein. By way of illustration only a number of these alternatives and modifications will now be described.

In the above embodiment, a securing pin 19 was inserted into one of the transverse holes 11 to prevent relative movement between the elongate spike 3 and the base plate 15. The use of the plurality of holes 11 means that the securing pin 19 can only be inserted into the elongate spike 3 at specific discrete points along the length of the elongate spike 3. Figures 3a and 3b illustrate ways to alleviate this problem by using continuous slot sections 31 to replace the plurality of holes 11.

In Figure 3a, the plurality of holes 11 of Figure 1 a are replaced with a slot section 31- 1 formed from a sequence of merged holes. A stop means 33-1 can be used in the form of a screw-bolt whereby, when unscrewed, the screw-bolt 33-1 can move freely along the length of the slot section 31-1, and when screwed in, a neck portion (not shown) of the screw-bolt 33-1 is secured within one of the sequence of merged holes.

Similarly, and as shown in Figure 3b, a uniform slot section 31-2 may replace the discrete holes 11 used in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the slot section 31-2 is formed from an elongate oblong-shaped cut-out 31-2 in the wall of the elongate spike 3. The stop means 33-2 in this case may use a nut and bolt system whereby the bolt 33-2 position is adjusted accordingly to the desired depth of the elongate spike 3 and then the nut is fastened on to the bolt 33-2 against the rear of the spike 3 to secure the bolt 33-2 in place.

It should be understood that there are many ways to prevent relative movement between the elongate spike 3 and the base plate 15 and that the above examples are merely a demonstration of alternative methods for doing so and therefore should not be construed as limiting.

In the above embodiment, a spike 3 having a flattened connection end 9 was described. Figures 4a and 4b show alternative ends 41 for interacting with a load.

Figure 4a shows a substantially U-shaped end 41-1. This could, for example, be suitable for supporting a joist. The U-shaped end 41-1 may be detachable and interchangeable with a range of different sized U-shaped ends 41-1 so that different sized joists can be supported. Figure 4b shows a platform-type end 41-2 whereby a load can rest on the platform. Attachment holes 43-1, 43-2 may be optionally used to allow attachment of the elongate spike 3 to the load by suitable fastening means. It should be understood that there are many ways that the elongate spike can support and attach to the load and that the above examples are given by way of example only and therefore should not be construed as limiting.

In the above embodiment, a base plate 15 having a single aperture 17 was described. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, base plates with multiple apertures 17 for receiving multiple spikes 3 may be provided. Figure 5a illustrates a base plate 51-1 that has two apertures 53-1 and 53-2; and Figure 5b illustrates an L-shaped base plate 51-2 having three apertures 53-1, 53-2 and 53-3. In some situations, whilst the above arrangements may provide sufficient strength to support the load, it is possible that the elongate spike(s) 3 will pivot about the base plate, which can result in lateral movement of the load. Figure Sc is a cross sectional view of an alternative base plate 51-3 that can be used to alleviate this problem. As shown, the base plate 51-3 has a substantially planar surface 54 and an extended portion 55 which projects away from the planar surface 54. The extended portion 55 may be embedded into the ground (to keep the base plate 51-3 from moving once embedded in the ground) or it may project upwards away from the ground. The extended portion 55 helps to guide the elongate spike 3 into the ground and prevents the elongate spikes 3 from pivoting about the base plate 51-3 when inserted into the ground, which in turn prevents lateral movement of the load. In other embodiments, extended portions 55 may be provided on opposing sides of the base plate 51-3 so that a first extended portion 55 is embedded in the ground and a second extended portion (not shown) extends upwards away from the ground.

In the above embodiment, several support assemblies 1 where shown supporting a garden shed. However, in other situations, the support assembly 1 may be used to augment an existing support structure. For example, a garden shed constructed on a poorly built concrete foundation could be slanted due to a sloped foundation. The support assembly 1 may therefore be used to augment the support structure by being placed to compensate for the sloped foundation and correct the slant of the garden shed.

In the above embodiment, one end of the elongate spike 3 tapered to form a point.

However, in some situations, the point or spike may not be necessary. For example, a hole in the ground may be pre-formed or drilled, such that a forced penetration tO using the point is not required.

In the above embodiment, the elongate spike 3 is formed from a tube having a circular cross-section. However, the elongate spike need not have a circular cross section, but may instead have a square cross-section or any other cross-section.

In the above embodiment, a base plate 15 and a securing pin 19 are used to limit how far the elongate spike 3 can penetrate into the ground. In some embodiments, the functionality of the base plate 15 and securing pin 19 can be achieved by a single structure such as a pin having an enlarged head portion that can distribute the weight of the load over the surface of the ground. Additionally, instead of a pin, a collar may slide along the outer surface of the spike 3 and may be secured at different positions along the length of the spike. Like the pin of the first embodiment, the collar would be dimensioned so that it can't pass through the aperture 17 of the base plate 15 -thereby acting, once secured, to prevent the spike from going deeper into the ground.

In the above embodiment, the diameter of the securing pin 19 is closely matched to the diameter of each of the plurality of transverse holes 11 so that there is a tight fit and the securing pin 19 does not easily fall out. In alternative configurations, the securing pin 19 might be replaced by a latch-type pin which may be temporarily deformed in order to be inserted into one of the plurality of holes 11 before returning to its original shape. Once the latch-type pin has returned to its original shape, it may latch onto the elongate spike 3 so that it is difficult to remove without deformation. In order to remove the pin, it can be deformed once again.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>CLAIMS1. A support assembly for use in supporting a load over sloped or uneven ground, the support assembly comprising: a base member for resting on a surface of the ground and for distributing load over the surface, the base member having an aperture therein; and an elongate member for insertion, through the aperture of said base member, into the ground to a desired depth; and stop means arranged to act between said elongate member and said base member for limiting the extent to which the elongate member extends through said base member to maintain the elongate member at said desired depth.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongate member complises a shaft having a first end which tapers towards a point and is configured for insertion into the ground.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A support assembly as claimed in claims 1 or 2, further comprising a plurality of transverse holes spaced along the length of the shaft, wherein the stop means is configured to be inserted into any of the plurality of transverse holes.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A support assembly as claimed in claims 1 or 2, wherein the elongate member comprises a slot along at least a portion thereof and where the stop means is moveable along the slot and can be secured at a desired position along the slot.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member has one end configured for supporting and/or attaching to the load.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A support assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the end configured for attachment comprises one or more holes through which a fastener may pass and attach to the load.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A support assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the end configured for supporting the load comprises a substantially U-shaped end for receiving a joist or the like. I0</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base member comprises a plurality of apertures through which a corresponding plurality of elongate members can extend into the ground.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A support assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the base member is substantially L-shaped.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A support assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base member comprises an extended portion extending outwardly from a planar face of the base plate.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A method of supporting a load over sloped or uneven ground, comprising: placing a base member onto the ground at a location where the load is to be supported, the base member having an aperture there through; inserting an elongate member, through the aperture of the base member, into the ground to a desired depth; using a stop means that acts between the elongate member and the base member to limit the extent to which the elongate member can extend through the base member to maintain the elongate member at the desired depth; and supporting the load on the elongate member.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the stop means is dimensioned so that it can not pass through the aperture of the base member and wherein the elongate member, the base member and the stop means are arranged so that the loading applied to the elongate member by the load passes along the elongate member, through the stop means into the base member which distributes the force over an area of ground covered by the base member.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A support assembly for use in supporting a load over sloped or uneven surface, the support assembly comprising: an elongate member for insertion into the surface to a desired depth; and stop means arranged to act between said elongate member and said surface for limiting the extent to which the elongate member extends through said surface to maintain the elongate member at said desired depth.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A support assembly substantially as described herein with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings. I'</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A method of supporting a load substantially as described herein with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawings</claim-text>