GB2568556A

GB2568556A - Base system and method

Info

Publication number: GB2568556A
Application number: GB1800996.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ilsley Peter; Viner Peter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-10-16
Filing date: 2018-01-22
Publication date: 2019-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2038-01-22
Also published as: GB201716981D0; GB201800996D0; GB2568556B

Abstract

A base system for supporting a floor F of a building, comprises base members 200. The floor F, which is typically of a wooden construction, may rest on a number of load bearers or joist B that extend in parallel along the full length of the building. In one embodiment each of the joists is received in a base member, which retains the joist. The elongate base members may each comprise a plastic moulding that is essentially trapezoidal in cross-section, having a wide, ground contacting surface 210 on a lower side and an open channel portion 220 at an opposed upper side. The base member may comprise a gripping portion 240.

Description

Base System and Method

The present invention relates to a base system for supporting a floor of a building, and to a method of forming a base.

Background

Sheds, outhouses and other, typically single story roofed buildings are able to be quickly assembled and require a minimum of ground preparation before assembly. However, in order to adequately support the weight of the structure, a base must be provided to ensure that the structure is level and stable.

Commonly, pre-formed slabs are laid to form a base, or else a concrete base is poured and allowed to set, prior to the assembly of the building. More recently, bases have been formed from using a grid of pre-formed, plastic interlocking supports. An example of such a grid is shown in part cutaway Figure 1. Plastic supports 100 comprise a boundary portion 110 with cross members 112 extending from each side to the opposing side. The interlocking supports 100 help to evenly distribute the weight of a structure (not shown) placed thereon. Furthermore, to provide added stability, the supports are typically filled with pea gravel 114. The plastic supports 100 and gravel provide load bearing support only for the part of the temporary structure that is directly resting on them, which is usually a number of floor-bearing members. A large portion of the base structure is in fact not providing any support to the structure, as the portion of the base between neighbouring floor supports/bearers does not actively support the structure. This is clearly a waste of materials and money.

Also, where a building has a wooden floor, as is often the case with a garden shed, 'the wooden floor bearers rest directly on the plastic support filled with gravel. Whilst providing a stable structure for the bearers to rest on, moisture is allowed to come into contact with the wooden bearers, causing premature rotting of the wooden building. This problem is further compounded by rain splashing up against the bearers when it strikes the pea gravel.

Embodiments of the present invention aims to provide a support member that addresses, at least in part, the aforementioned problems.

Statements of Invention

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base system for a building, the system comprising one or more base members, wherein at least one of the base members comprises a ground facing portion for bearing against a ground surface in use, and an engaging portion for engaging a part of a floor of the building in use.

The engaging portion may comprise a portion of the base member that is arranged in use to at least partly engage, retain, restrain or receive a part of the floor of the building.

The engaging portion may comprise a gripping portion for gripping a part of the floor of the building in use.

The gripping portion may comprise one or more resiliently biased members for engaging a part of the floor of the building in use. Preferably the gripping portion comprises at least two resiliently biased members arranged in use to engage opposing sides of a part of the floor in use, more preferably arranged in use to grip the part of the floor between them in use.

The engaging portion may comprise a channel arranged in use to accommodate a part of the floor of the building in use.

In a preferred arrangement, the channel is defined at least in part by a plurality of gripping portions.

Alternatively, or in addition, the engaging portion may comprise a support surface for supporting a part of the floor of the building in use. The support surface may comprise one or more retention members, more preferably lugs or walls, arranged in use to resist lateral movement of a part of the floor of a building.

The engaging portion is preferably arranged in use to centralise the part of the floor of the building within or upon the engaging portion. The resiliently biased members of the gripping portion may comprise centralising elements for this purpose.

The system may comprise a plurality of base members, at least some of which are arranged in use to connect together, by engagement of connecting elements.

The base members may be arranged in use to stack one upon the other by engagement of stacking elements. The stacking elements may comprise portions on an upper side of a base member that are shaped and/or dimensioned to cooperate with portions on an underside of an adjacent base member when the base members are stacked. In one preferred arrangement the stacking elements include retention members arranged in use to resist lateral movement of a part of the floor of a building.

The invention also includes a base member for supporting a floor of a building, the base member comprising a ground facing portion for bearing against a ground surface in use, and an engaging portion for engaging a part of a floor of the building in use.

The invention also includes a method of forming a base for a building, the method comprising engaging a part of a floor of the building with at least one base member, so that a ground facing portion of the based member bears against a ground surface in use, and an engaging part of the base member engages a portion of a floor of the building in use.

The engaging portion preferably comprises a recess or channel for engaging a part of a floor. This enables the floor to be more rigidly supported and secured by the base member, whilst also lowering the overall level or profile of the floor.

*

Preferably, the centralising elements are able to accommodate a plurality of differently sized floor bearers.

The resiliently biased members may be spaced at predefined distances on the base member.

The connecting elements for joining the base members preferably comprise cooperating or interlocking portions, more preferably male and female portions. In a preferred arrangement each end of the base member is provided with connecting elements, more preferably with a pair of male/female connecting elements .

The base member may further comprise one or more anchor points or apertures for securing the base member to a ground surface in use.

The anchor points may comprise apertures for engaging a securing member, such as a screw, stake or ground anchor that is then inserted into a ground surface.

Preferably, the base member comprises one or more fixing apertures for securing the base member to the floor bearer using a fixing element, such as a screw or nail.

The fixing apertures may be substantially oval shaped to enable the base member to expand and contract due to variations in temperature.

The base member may further comprise one or more drainage holes for allowing water to drain from the base member, thereby for mitigating against water coming into contact with the floor, especially during situations wherein there is a significant rainfall or flooding.

The base member may further comprise one or more cutting formations such as grooves, slots or' markings for facilitating the cutting of the base member. This enables the base member to be used for supporting floor elements of a number of different sizes.

The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or mutually inconsistent.

Embodiments of the invention aim to not only minimise the waste of materials, but also to minimise exposure of the floor to moisture from splashback.

Brief Description of the Figures

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a previously considered base for providing support to a building;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a base system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 is a side sectional view of a base member, according to the embodiment of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing connecting features of adjacent base members;

Figure 5 is a view from below of base members according to the first embodiment;

Figure 6 is a side sectional view of a base member, according a second embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a base member according to the second embodiment;

Figure 8 is a view from below of base members according to the second embodiment;

Figure 9 is an end view of a base system according to the invention, showing floor bearing members of different widths;

Figure 10a is a perspective view of an end portion of a base member, suitable for a mitred joint with an adjacent base member;

Figure 10b is a perspective view of an end portion of a base member with a section removed for joining at a substantially 90-degree angle with an adjacent base member; and

Figure 10c is a perspective view of two base members at right angles, joined by a mitred joint.

Specific Description

The present invention concerns a base system for supporting floor bearers/joists of a temporary structure, such as a garden shed.

Figure 2 shows in perspective view a part of a floor F of a building, supported on base members 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The floor F, which is typically of a wooden construction, itself rests on a number of load bearers B that extend in parallel along the full length of the building (not shown). In accordance with the present invention, each of the bearers B is received in a base member 200, which engages and retains the bearer securely, as will be described below. The elongate base members each comprise a plastic moulding that is essentially trapezoidal in cross-section, having a wide, ground contacting surface 210 on a lower side and an open channel portion 220 at an opposed upper side.

Figure 3 shows a base member, bearer and floor in more detail in cross section, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The lower, ground contacting surface 210 is significantly wider than the channel portion 220, and this provides a stable platform for the bearer, and ensures that the load is distributed evenly.

The channel portion 220 receives part of the bearer B which rests on a load bearing surface 230, in the form of an internal frame, in the channel. The bearer is retained in the channel by a pair of integrally moulded resilient gripping members 240, which additionally provide the function of centralising the bearer in the channel. The member 200 is thus able to accommodate bearers of different widths, with the resilient gripping members 240 adjusting accordingly.

Lugs 250, either side of the channel, are to accommodate a very wide bearer (not shown) such as cannot fit inside the channel 220. In such a case the bearer will sit on top of the base member, on support surface 245, between the lugs 250, which will restrain it from lateral movement.

Additionally, the base member includes buttress portions 260 at spaced locations along its length to provide additional strength to the base member. Fixing apertures 270 are also located on the underside of the base member, for receiving fixing members, such as screws or nails (not shown) that 30 secure the base member to the bearer.

Anchor points 280, in the form of triangular apertures, along the base member allow for ground anchors (not shown) to securely hold the base member on the ground.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of parts of adjacent base members 200, and illustrates how they may be connected together. Each end of each base member is provided with male and female connecting elements, respectively 290, 300 which engage their counterparts on an adjacent base member when the base members are joined end to end. This allows for the base system to accommodate any length of bearer; base support members being connected together as necessary.

Figure 5 is an underside view of parts of base members 200a, 200b and 200c for supporting parallel bearers B of a floor (not shown) . The base members 220a and 200b are shown immediately prior to joining together, by mutual engagement of the male and female connecting elements 290, 300. Screws (not shown) are used to secure the base members to the bearers B. Additionally, drainage holes 310 are provided to allow any rainwater that collects on the base members to drain away into the ground surface.

As mentioned above, the base member 200 is arranged to receive a floor bearer. Floor bearers may have a variety of dimensions, commonly 0.025m and 0.050m wide. The channel 220 is sized to accommodate bearers of a number of sizes, up to a maximum, for example up to 0.040m. However, some temporary structures require floor bearers which are wider than this. Accordingly, the base member 200 is arranged to enable wider bearers to rest on its upper surface 245.

In some embodiments, the fixing apertures 270 may be substantially oval shaped. This enables the base member 200 to expand and contract depending on temperature, whilst ensuring the stability of the temporary structure resting on top of it and without damaging the bearers.

As mentioned above, the use of the upper lugs 250 and the inner gripping members 240 help to centralise the bearer either in the channel 220 or on top 245 of the base member 200. This, in combination with the fixing apertures 270 enables a user to fix, using a screw or nail, the bearer to the base member 200 accurately and securely, without a risk of compromising the bearer, for example by inadvertently directing a nail or a screw through one of the sides of the bearer, at a less than desirable angle, and/or not central to the bearer itself. This enables even the most novice user to attach the base system to the bearers quickly and with little effort.

One of the aims of the base members 200 is to ensure that the bearer remains free of unnecessary exposure to moisture. This is primarily achieved by raising the bearer off the ground surface and supporting it on the base member 200, To assist with this, any water that may come to rest on the base member 200 will drain through the holes 310.

Buildings of the kind for which the base system is intended for use come in a number of sizes, and accordingly, the bearers used to support the floor portions come in various lengths. From a manufacturing perspective it is impractical to produce base members 200 for each length required, hence the provision of the connecting elements 290, 300 to allow the base members 200 to be connected together. Should a bearer require less than an integer multiple of base members it may be necessary to cut a base member. In order to facilitate this, the base member 200 may be provided with cutting guides, which may be in the form of recesses (not shown) at periodic locations along its length (e.g. half lengths and quarter lengths) where the user can cut the base member 200 without impacting upon its structural integrity.

Figure 6 shows a base member, bearer and floor in more detail in cross section according to a second embodiment of the invention. Again, the lower, ground contacting surface 210 is significantly wider than the upper, load bearing surface 230, and this provides a stable platform for the bearer, and ensures that the load is distributed evenly.

The bearer B rests on a load bearing surface 230, in the form of an internal frame. The bearer B is positioned between discrete moulded resilient gripping members 340 which serve to centralise the bearer B on the load bearing surface, therefore removing the requirement of the channel 220 of the first embodiment. The bearer B is retained on the load bearing surface 230 by the moulded resilient gripping members 340. The moulded gripping members are positioned at spaced locations along the base member 200, The member 200 is thus able to accommodate bearers of different widths, with the resilient gripping members 340 adjusting accordingly.

Additionally, the base member 200 includes buttress portions 260 at spaced locations along its length to provide additional strength to the base member 200. Fixing apertures 270 are also located on the underside of the base member

200, for receiving fixing members, such as screws or nails (not shown) that secure the base member 200 to the bearer B.

Anchor points (not shown), in the form of triangular apertures, along the base member 200 allow for ground anchors (not shown) to securely hold the base member 200 on the ground.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of adjacent base members 200, connected together. Each end of each base member is provided with male and female connecting elements, respectively 290, 300 which engage their counterparts on an adjacent base member when the base members are joined end to end. This allows for the base system to accommodate any length of bearer; base support members being connected together as necessary.

Figure 8 is an underside view of a base members 200 for supporting bearers B of a floor (not shown) . Screws (not shown) are used to secure the base members to the bearers B through the fixing apertures 270. Additionally, drainage holes 310 are provided to allow any rainwater that collects on the base members to drain away into the ground surface.

Figure 9 illustrates the ways in which the base members can accommodate bearers of a floor F having different widths.

Bearer B is the narrowest and is received in channel 220, where it is centralised by the gripping members 240. Bearer B' is wider and substantially fills the channel 220. Finally, Bearer B' ' is too wide to fit inside channel 220, and so it rests on the upper surface 245, where it is restrained against lateral movement (transverse to its own longitudinal axis) by the lugs 250.

In the case of the second embodiment of the base member 200, the upstanding resilient gripping members 340 can be removed, conveniently, using a tool such as a saw, to allow the accommodation of wider floor portions or even two adjacent floor portions.

Embodiments of base system in accordance with the present invention are able to provide a more secure and stable support for a floor. The floor itself may be strengthened as a result of engagement with the base system, and the effects of water damage may be mitigated against.

Figure 10a is a perspective view of part of a base member 200. The end portion of the base member 200 contains at least one guiding portion 320, which may be in the form of a recess in the load bearing surface 230, The guiding portion 320 is arranged such that a user may cut one or more ends of the base portion 200 at a substantially 45-degree angle, so as to arrange the base portion with a second base portion to form a substantially 90-degree angle, as shown in Figure 10c (mitred joint).

The guiding portion 320 may be arranged such that when cutting the one or more ends of the base portion, the male 290 and female 300 connecting portions are removed, as shown in Figure 10b.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or 10 shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A base system for a building, the system comprising one or more base members, wherein at least one of the base members comprises a ground facing portion for bearing against a ground surface in use, and an engaging portion for engaging a part of a floor of the building in use.

2. A base system according to Claim 1, wherein the engaging portion comprises a portion of the base member that is arranged in use to at least partly engage, retain, restrain or receive a part of the floor of the building.

3. A base system according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the engaging portion comprises a gripping portion for gripping a part of the floor of the building in use.

4. A base system according to Claim 3, wherein the gripping portion comprises one or more resiliently biased members for engaging a part of the floor of the building in use.

5. A base system according to Claim 4, wherein the gripping portion comprises two resiliently biased members arranged in use to engage a part of the floor in use.

6. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging portion comprises a channel arranged to accommodate a part of the floor of the building in use.

7. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the channel is defined at least in part by a plurality of gripping portions.

8. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging portion comprises a support surface for supporting a part of the floor of the building in use.

9. A base system according to Claim 8, wherein the support surface comprises one or more retention members arranged in use to resist lateral/transverse movement of a part of the floor of a building.

10. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the engaging portion is arranged in use to centralise the part of the floor of the building within the engaging portion.

11. A base system according to Claim 10, wherein the base member comprises one or more centralising elements arranged to centralise the part of the floor of the building within the engaging portion.

12. A base system according to any of the preceding claims comprising a plurality of base members, at least some of which are arranged in use to connect together, by engagement of connecting elements.

13. A base system according to Claim 12, wherein the connecting elements for joining the base members comprise cooperating or interlocking portions.

14. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member further comprises one or more anchor points or apertures for securing the base member to a ground surface in use.

15. A base system according to Claim 14, wherein the anchor points comprise apertures for receiving a securing member, such as a screw, stake or ground anchor that is then inserted into a ground surface.

16. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member comprises one or more fixing apertures for securing the base member to the floor bearer using a fixing element, such as a screw or nail.

17. A base system according to Claim 16, wherein the fixing apertures are substantially oval/elongate in shape to enable the base member to expand and contract due to variations in temperature,

18. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member further comprises one or more drainage holes for allowing water to drain from the base member.

19. A base system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base member further comprises one or more cutting formations such as grooves, slots or markings for facilitating the cutting of the base member.

according preceding comprising a plurality of base members arranged in use to stack one upon the other by engagement of stacking elements .

21. A base system according to Claim 20, wherein the stacking elements comprise portions on an upper side of a base member that are shaped and/or dimensioned to cooperate with portions on an underside of an adjacent base member when the base members are stacked.

22. A base member for supporting a floor of a building, the base member comprising a ground facing portion for bearing against a ground surface in use, and an engaging portion for engaging a part of a floor of the building in use.

23. The base member according to Claim 22, further comprising a guide portion for cutting an end of the base member at substantially 45-degrees.

24. A method of forming a base for a building, the method comprising engaging a part of a floor of the building with at least one base member, so that a ground facing portion of the base member bears against a ground surface in use, and an engaging portion of the base member receives a part of a floor of the building in use .