GB2552579A

GB2552579A - An apparatus for supporting a structure

Info

Publication number: GB2552579A
Application number: GB1708223.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Crook Simon
Original assignee: Shire Consulting Ltd
Current assignee: Shire Consulting Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-25
Filing date: 2017-05-23
Publication date: 2018-01-31
Anticipated expiration: 2037-05-23
Also published as: GB201711784D0; GB2552579B; GB201609190D0; GB2553661A; GB201708223D0; GB2553661B

Abstract

An apparatus 100 for supporting a structure, the apparatus 100 comprises a first guide member 102a and a second guide member 102b, each adapted to receive a respective elongate member to be installed into the ground during use. The apparatus also includes a locating member arranged to prevent the first and second guide members (102a, 102b) rotating relative to each other. The locating member comprises a first vertical plate 104a coupled to the first guide member 102a, and a second vertical plate 104b coupled to the second guide member 102b. A central supporting region 106 is also included, from which the first and second vertical plates (104a, 104b) extend. An assembly and a kit of parts comprising the apparatus are also disclosed.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

US 5873679 A US 4469182 A US 0201541 A

US 4679369 A US 4068445 A US 20150152619 A1 (71) Applicant(s):

Shire consulting Limited

The Chapel, Barnsley Hall Road, BROMSGROVE, Worcestershire, B61 0SZ, United Kingdom (58) Field of Search:

INT CL E02D, E04H

Other: Online: WPI, EPODOC (72) Inventor(s):

Simon Crook (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Barker Brettell LLP

100 Hagley Road, Edgbaston, BIRMINGHAM, B16 8QQ, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: An apparatus for supporting a structure Abstract Title: Pin securing apparatus (57) An apparatus 100 for supporting a structure, the apparatus 100 comprises a first guide member 102a and a second guide member 102b, each adapted to receive a respective elongate member to be installed into the ground during use. The apparatus also includes a locating member arranged to prevent the first and second ή guide members (102a, 102b) rotating relative to each other. The locating member comprises a first vertical plate 104a coupled to the first guide member 102a, and a second vertical plate 104b coupled to the second guide member 102b. A central supporting region 106 is also included, from which the first and second vertical plates (104a, 104b) extend. An assembly and a kit of parts comprising the apparatus are also disclosed.

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102b

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102a

104d

104c

102d

100

Figure 15b

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AN APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING A STRUCTURE

This invention relates to an apparatus and an assembly that may be used to support a structure.

It is known to drive steel pins into the ground to support guy wires. These pins are very efficient when loads are applied perpendicular to the pin as the load forces the pin into the ground. The pins are not efficient when load is applied parallel to the pin as the load either pushes the pin into the ground or pulls it out of the ground. This invention concerns a method of connecting two or more pins together so that they can be used to resist loads in different directions.

Where two pins are installed together at generally opposite angles the combined strength of the two pins allows vertical, horizontal and inclined loads to be resisted. The strength of this combination is significantly increased if the head of the pins are held together so that under load each pin cannot move or rotate in relation to the other pin.

In a first aspect, the present application provides an apparatus for supporting a structure, the apparatus comprising: a first guide member and a second guide member, each adapted to receive a respective elongate member to be installed into the ground during use; and a locating member arranged to prevent the first and second guide members rotating relative to each other, wherein the locating member comprises: a first vertical plate coupled to the first guide member; a second vertical plate coupled to the second guide member; and a central supporting region, wherein the first and second vertical plates extend from the central supporting region.

The apparatus of the present invention may therefore provide an arrangement in which first and second vertical plates extend radially from the central supporting region located at or near the centre of the apparatus to provide a strong support for supporting a structure. The arrangement of vertical plates may allow the guide members to be spaced apart from the central supporting region by a dimension to suit a particular application. The elongate members may act like legs to a table - the further apart they are the more stable the structure. The apparatus may be formed by two types of basic component - the vertical plates and guide members - that can be combined together to produce supports of different capacities.

Optionally, the central supporting region comprises an aperture arranged to receive an item to be supported. The aperture may be adapted to receive a post (e.g. a sign post) or other similarly shaped structure or part of a structure to be supported.

Optionally, the aperture is formed at least partly by at least part of the first vertical plate and/or at least part of the second vertical plate. This may reduce the amount of material required to make the apparatus by forming the aperture partly from the vertical plates.

Optionally, the aperture is formed by a tube member coupled to the first and second vertical plates. This may provide a central hub to which the vertical plates may be coupled.

Optionally, the first and second guide members are spaced equally from the central supporting region by the first and second vertical plates. This may allow even loading on the guide tubes and is advantageous over devices based on square plates having guide tubes in each comer and midway along the sides.

Optionally, at least one of the guide members is offset from the central supporting region such that a guide axis of the at least one guide member does not intersect with a support axis defined by the central supporting region. This may allow the elongate members to be inserted without colliding or interfering with each other.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises at least one secondary guide member coupled to one or each of the vertical plates, wherein the at least one secondary guide member is coupled to the respective vertical plate between the first or second guide member and the central supporting region. This may allow more than one guide member to be attached to each vertical plate. This may allow more guide members to be added in a structurally efficient manner.

Optionally, the first and second guide members are arranged to maintain the elongate members at an angle to the vertical when driven into the ground. This may provide improved coupling to the ground during use to provide a strong support.

Optionally, the first and second guide members are arranged to maintain the elongate members at opposing angles to the vertical when driven into the ground. This may further aid coupling to the ground when the elongate members are inserted.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises one or more locking members arranged to secure one or more of the guide members to a respective one of the elongate members. The may allow the elongate members to be securely held in the guide members.

Optionally, the supporting region further comprises a height adjustment apparatus. The may allow the height of the structure being supported to be conveniently adjusted for the desired situation.

Optionally, the height adjustment apparatus comprises a threaded portion of the central supporting region adapted to engage with a threaded portion of a supporting member. This may provide a quick and convenient arrangement to adjust the height as desired.

Optionally, the apparatus may further comprise a third guide member adapted to receive a respective elongate member, the third guide member coupled to a third vertical plate extending from the central supporting region, and optionally may further comprise a fourth guide member adapted to receive a respective elongate member, the fourth guide member coupled to a fourth vertical plate extending from the central supporting region. By the addition of further guide members the number of elongate members used to couple to the ground may be increased. This may provide greater structural strength where desired.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides an assembly for supporting a structure, comprising: a first apparatus according to the first aspect; a second apparatus according to the first aspect; and a connecting member arranged to connect the central supporting region of the first apparatus to the central supporting region of the second apparatus.

This may allow apparatuses of the first aspect to be linked together and combined into a single assembly for supporting a structure. Two or more devices of the first aspect may be combined to give the desired number of guide members to receive a desired number of elongate members depending on a specific implementation. The may avoid the need to have a range of supports each having a different number of guide members and choosing the most appropriate.

Optionally, the first apparatus is connected to the second apparatus such that the central supporting regions form a common supporting axis. The may mean that the first and second apparatus as arranged one above the other in use.

Optionally, the first apparatus is arranged to rotate relative to the second apparatus about the common supporting axis. This may allow the first and second apparatus to be rotated so that the relative position of the guide members can be adjusted to help avoid an obstruction when the elongate members are inserted.

Optionally, the connecting member comprises a first end received in an aperture of the central supporting region of the first apparatus and a second end received in an aperture of the supporting region of the second apparatus. This may provide a quick and efficient way of connecting the first and second apparatuses.

Optionally, the first and second apparatus are connected such that a supporting axis of the central supporting region of the first apparatus is spaced apart from a supporting axis of the central supporting region of the second apparatus. This may allow the first and second apparatus to be arranged side by side, rather than above and below each other. This may allow a greater area to be covered by the assembly.

Optionally, the assembly further comprises a third apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the central supporting region of the third apparatus is connected to the connecting member. This may allow a stronger coupling to the ground to be provided.

Optionally, a supporting axis of the central supporting region of each of the first, second and third apparatus are spaced apart in a linear arrangement.

Optionally, a supporting axis of the central supporting region of each of the first, second and third apparatus are spaced apart around the circumference of a circle.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a kit of parts adapted to be assembled into the assembly of the second aspect described above.

Another aspect of this invention provides apparatus comprising at least one elongate member to be installed into the ground and at least one guide member for installing the elongate member at a desired orientation.

Any of the following features may be combined with any of the aspects described above:

It may be that a plurality of elongate members and guide members are provided.

The or each elongate member may be a pin.

The or each guide member may be a tube.

The guide members may be connected together by one or more locating members so that they cannot rotate relative to each other. The or each locating member may comprise a plate. It may be that the guide members are connected by top and bottom plates.

The elongate members are optionally secured relative to the guide members with locking members.

The elongate members are optionally spaced so that an item to be supported such as a post can be fitted between the elongate members.

A lightweight frame supported by the apparatus has a wide application of uses to support structures such as lighting columns, sign posts, platforms, temporary buildings, garden rooms and other building structures.

The elongate members driven into the ground could be solid steel rods, hollow tubes, threaded bar or any other suitable cross section.

Optionally the elongate members could have a point on the lower end and a solid flat surface on the top end to make driving easier.

Optionally the elongate members could have a cross section that varies along the length of the elongate member so that the interaction between the elongate member and the ground can be controlled. Examples of this could be projecting plates at the base of the elongate member to give greater resistance towards the bottom of the elongate member, slip sleeves around the top of the elongate member to reduce the interaction between the upper part of the elongate member and the ground and head tubes over the top part of the elongate member to increase its bending resistance close to the upper sleeves.

Optionally the top section of the elongate member could be threaded. This would allow a nut to be screwed down onto the elongate member. By adjusting the pressure on the nuts it would be possible to level the upper guide frame.

In another aspect of this invention guide members comprising guide tubes could be replaced with holes through a solid block of material such as recycled PVC. The top and bottom plates could still be used to limit the deflection of the elongate members within the block.

The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 shows ground pressure resisting the load on a standard guy wire pin when the load is applied at an angle to the pin;

Figure 2 shows guy wire pins have little resistance when the load is applied parallel to the pin;

Figure 3 shows two pins working together to resist loads in different directions;

Figure 4 shows the strength of a pair of pins can be increased by rigidly connecting their heads together;

Figure 5 shows a lightweight fabrication consisting of two guide tubes and a vertical connecting plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 shows a lightweight fabrication consisting of two guide tubes and two horizontal connecting plates according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 shows a locking nut securely fixing the pin inside a guide tube according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8 shows a base consisting of four guide tubes set away from the base centre line according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 9a and 9b show the base structure of Figure 8 with the addition of a baseplate;

Figure 10 shows a base with an adjustable head plate according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 shows how a base consisting of guide tubes and horizontal plates can be used to support a leg, column or signpost type structure according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d show how the interaction between the pins and ground can be varied according to embodiments of the invention;

Figure 13a and 13b show an arrangement where the guide tubes arc replaced with a solid block of material according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14a shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to another embodiment;

Figure 14b shows an expanded view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 14a;

Figure 14c shows a top view of the apparatus shown in Figure 14a;

Figures 15a and 15b show top views of alternative embodiments of the apparatus shown in Figure 14a having different numbers of guide members;

Figures 16a and 16b show top views of alternative embodiments of the apparatus shown in Figure 14a in which the vertical plates form an aperture to receive an item being supported;

Figure 17 shows a top view of another alternative embodiment of the apparatus shown in Figure 14a having secondary guide members;

Figure 18 shows an exploded view of an assembly according to another embodiment;

Figure 19 shows a top view of the assembly shown in Figure 18;

Figure 20 shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the assembly shown in Figure 18;

Figure 21a shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of the assembly shown in Figure 18;

Figure 21b show a connecting member used in the assembly shown in Figure 21a;

Figure 21c shows a perspective view of the assembly shown in Figure 21a;

Figure 22a shows another top view of part of an alternative embodiment of the assembly shown in Figure 18;and

Figures 22b and 22c show a connecting member used in the assembly shown in Figure 22a.

A prior art arrangement where a pin 1 supports a guy wire is shown in Figures 1 and 2. When a load 2 from the guy wire is applied to the pin 1 at an angle to the length of the pin 1 as shown in Figure 1, the pin 1 presses into the ground 3, e.g. soil. When a load 2 from the guy wire is applied to the pin 1 along the length of the pin 1 as shown in Figure 2, there is very little resistance from the soil and the pin does not have a high load capacity.

Arrangements where two pins 1 are used to resist a vertical load 2 are shown in Figures 3 and 4. When the vertical load 2 is applied in the direction shown in Figure 3, the pins 1 may tend to press onto the ground 3. When the vertical load 2 is applied in the direction shown in Figure 4, the pins 1 may tend to spread apart and push into the ground 4. This movement can be reduced and the load capacity of the arrangement significantly increased by locking the pins 1 together at the heads 5 so there can be no differential slip or rotation between the members.

Apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 5 consisting of two guide members or tubes 6 and a vertical locating or connecting plate 7. The guide tubes 6 receive elongate members or pins 1 driven into the ground and ensure the pins 1 are driven at the correct angle. Preferably, the guide tubes 6 are arranged at an angle to the vertical. Preferably the guide tubes 6 are arranged at approximately opposite angles to the vertical. With this arrangement, the pins 1 are installed at approximate opposite angles to the vertical to give a triangulated shape and a very strong arrangement can be achieved. The connecting plate 7 connects the guide tubes 6 together and prevents rotation at the head of the pins 1. This arrangement shows pins that consist of a solid rod. The pins could be solid rods, hollow tubes, a box or angular sections, threaded bars or any other shape. This arrangement shows two guide tubes 6. It is possible to extend the arrangement so that it includes more than two guide tubes.

A variation of Figure 5 is shown in Figure 6 where the connecting plate 7 is replaced with an upper horizontal connecting plate 8 and a lower horizontal connecting plate 9. These two horizontal plates 8, 9 have the same function as vertical plate 7, i.e. they connect the guide tubes 6 together to ensure the pins are driven in the correct angle to each other and prevent differential rotation at the head of the pins.

A method of securing the pins 1 in the guide tubes 6 is shown in Figure 7. A locking nut 10 may be provided to each guide tube 6 in any apparatus of the invention. Once the pin 1 has been driven into position the locking nut 10 is tightened and prevents slippage of the pin 1 within the guide tube 6. This significantly increases the resistance of the apparatus to inclined loads. This arrangement shows one locking nut but more than one locking nut could be provided to each guide tube.

An arrangement consisting of four guide tubes 6 is shown in Figure 8. Opposite guide tubes 6a, 6b and 6c, 6d are arranged to be at approximately opposite angles to the vertical to give the triangulated shape of pins 1. With this arrangement the guide tubes 6 (and their pins 1) are spaced out from the centre line of the support. The guide tubes 6 are connected together by vertical connecting plates 7. Alternatively, the guide tubes may be connected together by horizontal upper and lower connecting plates. Preferably the guide tubes 6 are staggered. This has a number of advantages. For example, all the pins 1 can be inserted into the guide tubes 6 at the same time and do not clash with each other. When the pins 1 are put into the guide tubes 6 they also do not clash with the central zone 11 either before or after driving. This allows the central zone 11 to be used to support vertical posts, adjustable plates etc as shown in Figures 10 and 11.

In a modification of the arrangement shown in Figure 8, a horizontal base plate 12 is provided as shown in Figure 9a. This helps keep the apparatus level while the pins 1 are being driven through the guide tubes 6. The base plate 12 may be provided with one or more additional holes 13 to allow small fixings such as steel pins (not shown) to be driven into the ground as shown in Figure 9b. These fixings may help hold the apparatus in position while the pins 1 are being driven into the ground. The base plate 12 can provide temporary support to the guide tubes 6 before pins 1 are driven into the ground and can be a variety of shapes.

Apparatus that provides height adjustment is shown in Figure 10. A nut 14 is secured, e.g. welded, onto the top of the vertical plates 7. An adjustment member consisting of a horizontal plate 15 and a vertical threaded bar 16 is provided. The threaded bar 16 screws through the nut 14, and extends into the central zone (11 on Figure 8) of the support. This arrangement shows a horizontal plate 15 but other plates could be accommodated depending on the requirements of the apparatus including a vertical plate, angle brackets, U-channel, or a plate that allow angular adjustment at the top of the threaded bar 16.

An arrangement for locating a vertical support member or post 17 is shown in Figure 11. The post 17 is inserted into a hole in top plate 8 and sits in a seating in bottom plate 9. The post 17 is prevented from moving horizontally by the horizontal plates 8 and 9. The arrangement of guide tubes 6 shown on Figure 8 allows the vertical post 17 to be fitted into position before the pins 1 (not shown for clarity) are inserted into the guide tubes 6 and driven into the ground. This allows the horizontal position of the apparatus to be adjusted after inserting the post 17.

Variations in the design of the pins are shown in Figures 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d. This allows pins that are designed specifically for different applications to be used with the apparatus. Figure 12a shows a pin 1 that has a helical system on its base 18. This increases the interaction between the base of the pin and the ground. Figure 12b shows a pin 1 that contains a slip or compressible coating 19 on its head. This reduces the interaction between the top of the pin and the ground. Figure 12c shows pin 1 that has a threaded section 20 at the top of the pin. This threaded section could be provided though the length of the pin. A nut 21 can be added to the threaded section of 20 and locked down onto the top of the guide tube 6. Rotation of nut 21 on two or more pins allows the level of the apparatus to be adjusted. Figure 12d shows a pin where the top section 22 is thicker than the lower section. This can be used to increase the bending strength of the pin before it passes into guide tube 6.

An alternative apparatus is shown in Figures 13a and 13b where the guide tubes 6 are replaced with a block of material 23. This could be recycled PVC or another similar material. The block 23 would contain holes 26 through it to act as a guide to the pins 1 (not shown for clarity). The block 23 would preferably also contain a top plate 24 and a baseplate 25. The plates 24, 25 give horizontal support to the pins and reduce rotations that could otherwise take place within the block due to compression of the block material. The holes 26 through the block 23 could be set out similar to the guide tubes 6 shown in Figure 8 to allow a central zone 2Ί to support either a threaded bar or a post type structure as illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. Figures 13a and 13b show an arrangement of four holes 26 to take four pins. Other arrangements are possible. The block could be configured to take at least one pin and preferably multiple pins. Where multiple holes are provided through the block then the number of pins installed can be varied depending on the loading requirements.

Another embodiment of an apparatus 100 for supporting a structure is shown in Figures 14a, 14b and 14c. Any features previously described in relation to other embodiments may also apply to the following embodiments. The apparatus 100 comprises a first guide member 102a and a second guide member 102b, each adapted to receive a respective elongate member to be installed into the ground during use (not shown in Figures 14a, 14b and 14c). Each elongate member may take any of the forms described previously. The apparatus 100 further comprises a locating member arranged to prevent the first and second guide members 102a, 102b rotating relative to each other as previously described. In this embodiment, the locating member comprises: a first vertical plate 104a coupled to the first guide member 102a; and a second vertical plate 104b coupled to the second guide member 102b.

The locating member further comprises a central supporting region 106 via which the apparatus 100 may support the structure being supported (either by a direct attachment or via attachment through another apparatus as will be described later). The central supporting region 106 may comprise an aperture arranged to receive an item or part of a structure to be supported. The item to be supported may be a post (e.g. a sign post) as described above. In other embodiments, the central supporting region 106 may be coupled to another apparatus for supporting a structure. The aperture may be sized as desired according to the structure being supported. It may, for example, be sized to support a standard sign post size of 70 mm, 80 mm or 90 mm.

The first and second vertical plates 104a, 104b extend from the central supporting region 106 as can be seen in Figures 14a and 14c. The vertical plates may be arranged at or near vertical when the apparatus is in use. The first and second vertical plates 104a, 104b may therefore extend radially from the central supporting region 106 located at or near the centre of the apparatus 100. The vertical plates 104a, 104b may allow the guide members 102a, 102b to be spaced apart from the central supporting region 106 by a dimension to suit a particular application (e.g. the elongate members may act like legs to a table - the further apart they are the more stable the structure).

The central support region 106 may take a number of different forms. In the embodiments shown in Figures 14a, 14b and 14c, the central support region 106 comprises a tube member 108 coupled to the first and second vertical plates 104a, 104b. The tube member 108 may form a sleeve having an aperture to support a post (or other structure, or part of a complex structure). The tube may have any suitable cross section, and may be circular or square, for example. In other embodiments, the central supporting region 106 may be formed by a solid bar rather than a tube. The solid bar may have any suitable cross section, such as circular or square for example. The solid bar may connect to the structure to be supported by any suitable connection means. An item being supported may be connected to a top surface of the solid bar (via fixing members such as screws), for example, or may be received in a hole in the solid bar.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 14a, 14b and 14c, the apparatus 100 comprises two guide members. In other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may further comprise a third guide member 102c adapted to receive a respective elongate member, as shown in Figure 15a. The third guide member 102c may be coupled to a third vertical plate 104c extending from the central supporting region 106. In yet other embodiments, the apparatus 100 may comprise a fourth guide member 102d adapted to receive a respective elongate member as shown in Figure 15b. The fourth guide member 102d may be coupled to a fourth vertical plate 104d extending from the central supporting region 106. In other embodiments, any other number of guide members and elongate members may be provided. By providing different numbers of guide members the apparatus 100 may be tailored for different applications or uses. For example, where a high load may be experienced and a strong support foundation required, a larger number of guide members and elongate members may be provided.

In the described embodiment, the tube 108 is a separate component which is coupled to the vertical plates. In other embodiments, the tube 108 (and therefore the aperture for receiving a structure to be supported) may be formed at least partly by the vertical plates. An example of this is shown in Figures 16a and 16b. In Figure 16a, the apparatus 100 comprises three vertical plates 104a, 104b, 104c which are interconnected to form a triangular central supporting region. In Figure 16b, four vertical plates 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d are interconnected to form a square central supporting region. By forming the central supporting region using part of the vertical plates the number of components or amount of material required to make the apparatus may be reduced.

The apparatus 100 may be a modular structure as shown in Figure 14b. The vertical plates may be formed as separate components that may be coupled to the tube 108 or solid bar forming the central supporting region 106. This may allow the number of vertical plates and guide members to be easily varied for specific applications. In some embodiments, the vertical plate(s) may be removably coupled to the central supporting region 106 so that the user can vary their number. The apparatus could, for example, be provided as a kit comprising a plurality of vertical plates and guide members and a tube, which the user may assemble to have the number of guide members required for their particular application. In other embodiments, the apparatus may be formed from a single piece of material.

As previously described, the supporting region may comprise a height adjustment apparatus as previously described. This may allow the relative height of the structure being supported to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the height adjustment apparatus comprises a threaded portion of the central supporting region 106 adapted to engage with a threaded portion of a supporting member. For example, where the central supporting region comprises a tube 108, a thread may be provided on the inside wall of the tube 108 to engage with a corresponding thread formed on the supporting member. Relative rotation between the supporting member and the tube 108 may therefore allow the height to be adjusted. In other embodiments, any other suitable height adjustment apparatus may be provided according to the form taken by the central supporting region 106. For example, a threaded hole may be provided in the solid bar forming the central supporting region 106.

In some embodiments, the guide members 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be spaced equally from the central supporting region 106 by the vertical plates 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. As can be seen in the embodiments shown in Figures 14c, 15a and 15b, the guide members may be arranged such that they he on the circumference of a circle centred on the supporting region (as demonstrated by the broken lines shown in Figure 15b). This may ensure even loading on the guide members and may provide a significant advantage over arrangements that are based on a square plate having comer guide members. In such an apparatus, the comer guide members are further away from the supported load than the guide members mid-way down the sides of the square plate. In other embodiments, the guide members 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be spaced unequally from the central supporting region if appropriate for certain applications where ground access might be restricted by obstructions.

The apparatus shown in Figures 15a and 15b comprises guide members spaced equally around the supporting region 106 from each other (e.g. spaced equally around the circle shown in Figure 15b). This may also provide equal spreading of the load. In other embodiments, the guide members may be unequally spaced around the central supporting region to provide greater flexibility of positioning if required.

As previously described, and as shown in the top views of Figures 14c, 15a and 15b, at least one of the guide members may be offset from the central supporting region 106. The guide member(s) may be offset such that a guide axis of a respective guide member does not intersect with a support axis defined by the central supporting region. The guide axis may be defined as a longitudinal axis extending through the guide member, and so is an axis along which an elongate member would pass when being inserted into the respective guide member. The support axis may be defined as an axis on which a structure being supported lies when connected to the central supporting region. The support axis may, for example, be a longitudinal axis running through a tube forming the central supporting region. By arranging the guide member(s) such that the support axis and the guide axis do not overlap the structure to be supported does not interfere with the insertion of the elongate members.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 further comprises at least one secondary guide member coupled to one, or each, of the vertical plates. An example of this is shown in Figure 17, where four guide members 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d and four secondary guide members 110a, 110b, 110c, llOd are provided. The secondary guide members 110a, 110b, 110c, llOd are coupled to each of the respective vertical plates between the guide members 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d and the central supporting region. The size of the vertical plates may be varied to accommodate the secondary guide members 110a, 110b, 110c, 1 lOd. By varying the size and length of the vertical plates it is possible to fit more than one guide member on each vertical plate. Adding additional guide members to each vertical plate may be more structurally efficient and economical than making a rectangular plate supporting the guide members larger to accommodate more guide members. In the embodiment shown in Figure 17, each of the vertical plates is coupled to a secondary guide member. In other embodiments, three or more guide members may be provided on one or each vertical plate (to form tertiary and quaternary guide members, etc.). In other embodiments, the number of guide members may be varied between each of the vertical plates. The secondary guide members may be positioned at any suitable location between the respective guide member at the end of the vertical plate and the central supporting region (e.g. they may be located at or near the centre of the vertical plate).

As previously described, the guide members 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d may be arranged to maintain the elongate members at an angle to the vertical when driven into the ground. The guide members may be arranged to maintain the elongate members at opposing angles to the vertical when driven into the ground. This may help to provide a more secure foundation.

In another aspect of the invention, an assembly for supporting a structure is provided. The assembly may be formed by combining two or more of the support apparatuses described previously to form a more complex supporting arrangement. An embodiment of such an assembly 1000 is shown in Figures 18 and

19. In this embodiment, the assembly 1000 comprises a first apparatus 1010; a second apparatus 1020; and a connecting member 1030 arranged to connect the central supporting region of the first apparatus 1010 to the central supporting region of the second apparatus 1020.

The assembly 1000 may be advantageous over existing devices because the size and/or capacity of the support can be varied during installation. With other support systems a user would need to have a support having three elongate members, a support having four elongate members, a support having five elongate members etc. available to meet different needs. With the assembly 1000, a user could go to an installation site with a series of standard support apparatus (e g. two or more of the apparatus shown in Figure 14a) that can be assembled into the assembly 1000. For example, if ground conditions appear softer than expected an additional apparatus can be added to a first apparatus to give additional elongate members (two in the embodiment shown in Figure 18) to provide increase support where needed.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 19 the first apparatus 1010 may be connected to the second apparatus 1020 such that the central supporting regions form a common supporting axis A. In other words, the first apparatus 1010 and the second apparatus 1020 may be arranged on top of each other when assembled.

In some embodiments, the first apparatus 1010 is arranged to rotate relative to the second apparatus 1020 about the common supporting axis as shown in Figure 19. This may allow the location of the elongate members to be altered to suit the position in which the assembly is being installed. For example, if there is a ground obstruction then the second apparatus could be rotated in relation to the first apparatus such that the elongate members miss the obstruction when inserted

In the embodiment shown in Figures 18 and 19, the connecting member 1030 comprises a rod or tubular member having a first end received in an aperture of the central supporting region of the first apparatus 1010 and a second end received in an aperture of the supporting region of the second apparatus 1020 so that the first and second apparatus may be located one above the other. In other embodiments, a third apparatus 1040 may also be coupled via the connecting member 1030 so that it is above the first and second apparatus 1010, 1020. An example of this is shown in Figure 20. In other embodiments, a fourth, fifth or more apparatus may be provided.

In other embodiments, the first and second apparatus 1010, 1020 may be connected such that a supporting axis of the central supporting region of the first apparatus 1010 is spaced apart from a supporting axis of the central supporting region of the second apparatus 1020. The first and second apparatus (and any further apparatus provided) may therefore be spaced apart in a horizontal plane, instead of being arranged vertically above and below each other. This may allow the first and second apparatus 1020, 1020 to spread the load from the structure being supported over a greater area.

An example of this is shown in Figures 21a, 21c and 22b. In these embodiments, the assembly 1000 comprises a third apparatus 1040, also connected via the respective central supporting region to the connecting member 1030. In other embodiments, a four, fifth or more apparatus may be provided.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 21a and 21c, a supporting axis of the central supporting region of each of the first, second and third apparatus 1010, 1020, 1040 are spaced apart in a linear arrangement (e.g. along the broken line in Figure 21a). In other words, the first, second and third apparatus 1010, 1020, 1040 are spaced apart side by side in a line. The connecting member 1030 may be shaped accordingly to linearly arrange the first, second and third apparatus. An example of such a connecting member 1030 is shown separately in Figure 21b. In this embodiment, the connecting member 1030 comprises a plate along with a first, second and third tubular member, each arranged to couple to the central supporting region of each of the first, second and third apparatus. In this embodiment, each of the tubular members may be inserted into a respective tube forming each supporting region of the first, second and third apparatus as described above. In other embodiments, any other suitable method of connecting the connecting member to each of the central support regions may be provided.

The connecting member 1030 may be arranged to link the first, second and third apparatus (and any others provided) from either above or below when the assembly is assembled and is in use. In the embodiment shown in Figures 21a and 21c, the connecting member is below the first, second and third apparatus so links them from below (e.g. may rest against the ground and the first, second and third apparatus are slid into place over it). In other embodiments, the connecting member may be above the first, second and third apparatus (e.g. it may be slid downwards into the supporting regions of each of the first, second and third apparatus). The structure to be supported may be coupled to either the connecting member, or one or more of the supporting regions of the first, second or third apparatus as appropriate.

In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 22a, a supporting axis of the central supporting region of each of the first, second and third apparatus 1010, 1020, 1040 are spaced apart around the circumference of a circle (e.g. along the broken line in Figure 22a). The connecting member 1030 is again shaped to arrange the first, second and third apparatus 1010, 1020 1040 in this configuration. An example of such a connecting member 1030 is shown in Figures 22b and 22c. In this embodiment, the connecting member 1030 comprises a “Y” shaped plate having three arms. A first, second and third tubular member is located at or near the distal end of each of these arms to arrange the first, second and third apparatus in a circular configuration.

Claims

1.

2.

3.

20

4.

5.

6.

30

7.

An apparatus for supporting a structure, the apparatus comprising:

a first guide member and a second guide member, each adapted to receive a respective elongate member to be installed into the ground during use; and a locating member arranged to prevent the first and second guide members rotating relative to each other, wherein the locating member comprises:

a first vertical plate coupled to the first guide member; a second vertical plate coupled to the second guide member; and a central supporting region, wherein the first and second vertical plates extend from the central supporting region.

An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the central supporting region comprises an aperture arranged to receive an item to be supported.

An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the aperture is formed at least partly by at least part of the first vertical plate and/or at least part of the second vertical plate.

An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the aperture is formed by a tube member coupled to the first and second vertical plates.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second guide members are spaced equally from the central supporting region by the first and second vertical plates.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the guide members is offset from the central supporting region such that a guide axis of the at least one guide member does not intersect with a support axis defined by the central supporting region.

An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one secondary guide member coupled to one or each of the vertical plates, wherein the at least one secondary guide member is coupled to the respective vertical plate between the first or second guide member and the central supporting region.

8. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the first and second guide members are

5 arranged to maintain the elongate members at an angle to the vertical when driven into the ground.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the first and second guide members are arranged to maintain the elongate members at opposing angles to the vertical when driven into the ground.

10 10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more locking members arranged to secure one or more of the guide members to a respective one of the elongate members.

11. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the supporting region further comprises a height adjustment apparatus.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the height adjustment apparatus comprises a threaded portion of the central supporting region adapted to engage with a threaded portion of a supporting member.

20

13. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a third guide member adapted to receive a respective elongate member, the third guide member coupled to a third vertical plate extending from the central supporting region, and optionally further comprising a fourth guide member adapted to receive a respective elongate member, the fourth guide member coupled to a fourth vertical plate extending from the central supporting region.

14. An assembly for supporting a structure, comprising:

a first apparatus according to any preceding claim; a second apparatus according to any preceding claim; and a connecting member arranged to connect the central supporting region of the first apparatus to the central supporting region of the second apparatus.

15. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first apparatus is connected to the second apparatus such that the central supporting regions form a common supporting axis.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein the first apparatus is arranged to rotate relative to the

5 second apparatus about the common supporting axis.

17. An assembly according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the connecting member comprises a first end received in an aperture of the central supporting region of the first apparatus and a second end received in an aperture of the supporting region of the second apparatus.

18. An assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first and second apparatus are connected such that a supporting axis of the central supporting region of the first apparatus is spaced apart from a supporting axis of the central supporting region of the second apparatus.

15

19. An assembly according to claim 18, further comprising a third apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the central supporting region of the third apparatus is connected to the connecting member.

20. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein a supporting axis of the central supporting region of

20 each of the first, second and third apparatus are spaced apart in a linear arrangement.

21. An assembly according to claim 19, wherein a supporting axis of the central supporting region of each of the first, second and third apparatus are spaced apart around the circumference of a circle.

25

22. A kit of parts adapted to be assembled into the assembly of any of claims 14 to 21, the kit of parts comprising:

a first apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13; a second apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 13; and a connecting member arranged to connect the central supporting region of the first apparatus to the central supporting region of the second apparatus.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1708223.1 Examiner: Mrs Judith Peake