GB2586480A

GB2586480A - A device for supporting a joist or beam

Info

Publication number: GB2586480A
Application number: GB1911932.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Maiden Kim; Douglass James; Smith Martin
Original assignee: ELMDENE GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: ELMDENE GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-20
Filing date: 2019-08-20
Publication date: 2021-02-24
Also published as: GB201911932D0

Abstract

The device 10 comprises a body 180 comprising a first portion 190, and a support member 40 comprising a support surface 50 and a second portion. The second portion engages the first portion to enable the support member to rotate around and move along the first portion. At least one engagement member 100 engages a joist or beam 20 on the support surface to inhibit or prevent rotation of the support member around the first portion. The first and second portions may be threaded. The first portion may have a slot for receiving a joist or beam. The engagement member may be rotatable between a first position and a locked position about an axis perpendicular to the support surface and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. The engagement member may comprise an engagement flange, be T-shaped, be removably attached, and comprise a screw threaded aperture 150 for receiving a screw, nail, tommy-bar, or screwdriver shaft. The device may comprise an angle adjustment portion for adjusting the longitudinal axis of the body in relation to a base. The device may be a pedestal or cradle for supporting a floor or decking joist or beam.

Description

A DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A JOIST OR BEAM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for supporting a joist or beam on a support member. In particular, the present invention relates to a device comprising an engagement member for inhibiting or prevent rotation of a support member around the device.

Background of the Invention

Raised flooring, which is also known as floating flooring, is commonly used in office buildings to provide a flat and level floor with a void for keeping undesirable elements such as cables, wiring out of sight. Further, raised flooring has also found extensive use for the installation of decking in outside spaces where its raised nature helps breathability and prevents rot.

Raised floors comprise a flooring material supported by a sub-frame. In some types of raised floors, and in particular decking, the sub-frame comprises an arrangement of joists or beams supported by pedestals or cradles. Often, the pedestals or cradles are adjustable such that the decking or raised floor can be installed on uneven or sloped surfaces.

In joist cradle systems, the height at which the cradle supports any beam or joist is often adjusted using a screw thread and movable support member. In such systems, the height of the support member is varied by rotating the support member on the screw thread. However, these systems are often prone to thread creep with vibration, time and changes in temperature. The problem of thread creep can lead to the raised floor becoming uneven, unstable and potentially dangerous.

Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a device for supporting a joist or beam. The device comprising a body portion and the body portion comprising a first portion. The device further comprising a support member, and the support member comprising a support surface for supporting a joist or beam. The support member further comprising a second portion configured to engage with the first portion to enable the support member to rotate around and move along the first portion. The device further comprising at least one engagement member which, in use, engages with a joist or beam supported on the support surface to inhibit or prevent rotation of the support member around the first portion.

The movement of the support member around and along the first portion enables the position of the support surface to be adjusted relative to the body portion. Thus, in use, the height of the joist or beam being supported by the device can be adjusted.

The device further comprises the beneficial features whereby the at least one engagement member engages the beam or joist such that it inhibits or prevents rotation of the support member about the first portion. In this way, the height of the support surface cannot change over time by the support member rotating about the first portion in a process such as thread creep. Accordingly, the engagement member and its engagement with the joist or beam ensures that the flooring remains level and stable throughout the lifespan of the raised floor. Thus, the present invention provides a device which is adjustable to ensure any raised floor can be levelled and with the support member secured in place to ensure the floor remains level throughout its lifespan.

Preferably, the first portion comprises a helical structure. Preferably, the first portion is threaded. Preferably, the second portion comprises a helical structure Preferably, the second portion is threaded. More preferably, the threads on the first portion and the second portion are complimentary.

Preferably, the support surface lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body portion. Preferably, the support surface lies in plane substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the support member. Most preferably, the support surface lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement along which the support member is configured to move along the first portion.

Preferably, the body portion comprises a slot suitable for receiving a joist or beam.

Preferably, the slot extends through the first portion. More preferably, the slot extends completely through the first portion along one axis of the first portion. Preferably, the slot has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

Preferably, the at least one engagement member extends from the support member.

In this way, in use, the engagement member interacts with the joist or beam to inhibit or prevent rotation of the support member beneath the joist or beam. Preferably, the at least one engagement member extends from a top surface of the support member.

Preferably, the at least one engagement member extends from the support member from a position proximate to the support surface. Preferably, the at least one engagement member extends from the support member from a position adjacent to the support surface.

Preferably, the at least one engagement member is movable. Preferably, the at least one engagement member is movable between a first position and a locked position.

Preferably, in use, movement of the at least one engagement member from the first position to the locked position locks a beam or joist supported on the support surface in place.

Preferably, the at least one engagement member is movable between the first position and the locked position by rotation about an axis. Preferably, the axis extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the support surface. Preferably, the axis extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first portion. Accordingly, in use, the axis of rotation extends in a direction substantially perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the joist or beam.

Preferably, the at least one engagement member comprises an engagement flange. Preferably, the engagement flange extends in a direction substantially parallel with the support surface. Preferably, in use, the engagement flange of the at least one engagement member engages the joist or beam. More preferably, in use, the engagement flange is complementary to a portion of the joist or beam. Most preferably, in use, the engagement flange engages with a flange or rim on the joist or beam. The coupling of an engagement flange with a flange or rim on the joist may assist in preventing wind lift during installation and use.

Preferably, the at least one engagement member is generally T-shaped.

Preferably, the engagement member is removably attached to the device.

Preferably, the engagement member comprises an aperture, wherein the aperture is arranged to accept a screw, nail, tommy-bar or screwdriver shaft. Preferably, the aperture comprises a screw thread.

Preferably, the device further comprises a base portion for supporting the device on a surface.

Preferably, the device further comprises an angle adjustment portion, the angled adjustment portion configured to allow the angle of the longitudinal axis of the body portion to be adjusted in relation to the longitudinal axis of the base portion.

Preferably, the angle adjustment portion comprises a pair of complementary adjustment surfaces. Preferably, the pair of complementary adjustment surfaces are reversibly attached.

Preferably, the pair of complementary adjustment surfaces comprises a first concave surface and a second surface shaped as a portion of a segment of a sphere.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figures 1 depicts a perspective view of a device in accordance with the present invention supporting a joist; Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 depicts a side on view of the device of Figure 1; and Figure 4 depicts a second side on view the device of Figure 1.

Figure 1 and 2 of the drawings depict a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of a device 10 for supporting a joist 20 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 depict side on views of the device 10 supporting a joist 20. In particular, the device 10 is a joist cradle for supporting the joists 20 or beams of a raised floor's sub-frame.

The joists 20 used in these sub-frames are typically elongate with a rectangular cross-section. The joist 20 comprises flanges 30 which extend along the length of joist 20. The flanges 30 protrude from the sides of the joist 20 adjacent to the side of the joist 20 which engages the device 10 and adjacent to the edges between the sides.

The device 10 supports the joist 20 on a support member 40. The support member 40 is a ring which comprises a support surface 50 for supporting and engaging the joist 20. The support surface 50 is substantially planar and, in use, supports a substantially planar surface of the joist 20.

The support member 40 is a ring with a substantially circular cross-section. The support member 40 comprises a series of eight primary protrusions 60 and four secondary protrusions 70 which extend from the peripheral edge of the support member 40. All twelve of the protrusions 60, 70 are evenly spaced around the entire perimeter of the support member 40 and have the pattern of two primary protrusions 60 followed by a secondary protrusion 70.

S

Between the protrusions 60, 70 are curved indentations 80. Together, the protrusions 60, 70 and the curved indentations 80 act as ergonomic finger grips for the end user to grip and rotate the support member 40 about the rest of the device 10 The primary protrusions 60 each comprise a fixing aperture 90 for accepting an engagement member 100. The fixing apertures 90 have a complex and variable cross section. A first portion of the fixing aperture 90 has a substantially rectangular cross section, and a second portion of the fixing aperture 90 has a substantially circular cross section. Both portions are centrally aligned, with the length of the first portion of the fixing aperture 90 being slightly longer than the diameter of the second portion of the fixing aperture 90. Additionally, the width of the first portion of the fixing aperture 90 is narrower than the diameter of the second portion of the fixing aperture 90. As such, the first portion of the fixing aperture 90 acts as a window or passageway into the second portion of the fixing aperture 90.

The engagement members 100 themselves comprise three portions: a head portion 110, a middle portion 120 and a tail portion 130. In use, the tail portion 130 is inserted into the fixing aperture 90, the head portion 110 engages the joist 110 and the middle portion 120 connects the head portion 110 and the tail portion 130 together.

The head portion 110 has a substantially rectangular profile, which contrasts with the substantially cylindrical profile of the middle portion 120 and tail portion 130. Overall, the engagement member 100 is generally T-shaped. The T-shaped nature of each engagement member 100 provides an ergonomic way for the end user to rotate the engagement members 100 when they are located within the fixing aperture 90. The head portion 110 further comprises an engagement flange 140.

In use, the end user rotates the engagement members 100 approximately ninety degrees about an axis to move the engagement members from a first position to a locked position. In the locked position, the engagement members 100 lock the joist to severely restrict its movement. In particular, the engagement flange 140 of each head portion 110 engages the flange 30 of the joist 20. Each engagement member is rotatable about an axis where the axis of rotation extends in a direction perpendicular to the support surface 50.

The head portion 110 further comprises a dual-purpose aperture 150. The first function of the dual-purpose aperture 150 is that it is proportioned to accept screw drivers, tommy bars or similar such that they can be used to rotate the engagement member 100 using a lever action. The second function of the dual-purpose aperture 150 is that it comprises a screw thread for accepting and fixing a screw. In this way the engagement member 100 engages with the joist 20 by a screw being fixed to both the joist 20 and dual-purpose aperture 150 simultaneously. That is, the engagement member 100 indirectly engages the joist 20 through a screw attaching the engagement member 100 and joist 20 to one another.

In use, the tail portion 130 is inserted into the fixing aperture 90 of the support member 40. The tail portion 130 has a cross-section which is substantially circular with two rectangular tabs 160 protruding from opposing sides. The tail portion 130 has a profile which is substantially complementary to the opening of the fixing aperture 90 and can only be inserted or removed at specific orientations, but can be freely rotated in the circular aperture 90 once inserted. This design of the tail portion 130, tabs 160 and fixing aperture 90 ensures that the engagement member 100 cannot be freely removed from the aperture 90.

The middle portion 120 of the engagement member 100 is substantially cylindrical and has a diameter greater than that of the tail portion 130 and the circular part of opening of the fixing aperture 90. Thus, when inserted in the fixing aperture 90, the middle portion 120 spans the distance between the support surface 50 and the engagement flange 140. The length of the middle portion 120 can be tuned to match different types of flange 30 on the joist 20 or, alternatively, can be tuned to position the dual-purpose aperture 150 centrally on the joist such that a screw can fixedly attach the engagement member 100 to the joist 20.

The layout of the primary protrusions 60 and the fixing apertures 90 means that, in use, up to four engagement members 100 are inserted into the fixing apertures 90 into a rectangular formation. That is, when four engagement members 100 are inserted, the engagement members 100 are arranged as the corners of a rectangle and can each independently engage the elongate joist 20.

The support member 40 comprises a central screw aperture 165 which comprises a screw thread 170 which can be reversibly attached to a body member 180 of the device 10.

The body member 180 comprises a complementary screw thread 190 to the screw thread 170 of the support member 40. Accordingly, the support member 40 and body member 180 can be attached such that the support member 40 can be moved along the body member 180 by rotating the support member 40. In this way, the height and position of the support member 40 and engagement members 100 are adjustable. In this embodiment, the screw threads 170,190, body member 180 and support member 40 are proportioned such that a 900 turn of the support member 40 moves the support member 40 one mm along the body member 180. In this way, the height of the support surface 50 can be precisely and reliably adjusted by the end user.

The body member 180 is substantially cylindrical in shape, where the complementary screw thread 190 occupies all of the curved outer surface of the cylindrical body member 180.

The body member 180 further comprises a rectangular slot 200 for accepting the joist 20. The slot 200 extends from the top planar surface of the cylindrical body member 180 towards the opposing planar surface. The slot 200 also extends across the cylindrical body and is proportioned to be slightly larger than the joist 20 such that it does not frictionally engage the joist 20 sides and is only slightly larger than the joist 20.

In the device 10, the body member 180 is located on top of an angle adjustment system 210. The angle adjustment system 210 comprises a pair of complementary convex and concave surfaces 230, 240.

The convex piece 220 of angle adjustment system 210 is reversibly and fixedly attached to the bottom of the body member 180 such that its convex surface 230 curves outwardly away from the body member 180. The convex piece 220 and convex surface 230 has a shape similar to a portion of a segment of a sphere, i.e. a domed surface.

The convex surface 230 of the convex piece 220 is accepted by a complementary concave surface 240 in the concave piece 250 of the angle adjustment system 210. Together the convex piece 220 and the concave piece 250 engage such that the convex piece 220 can rotate about 360° relative to the concave piece 250. Thus, the body member 180 can also rotate 360° relative to the concave piece 250.

Further, the domed nature of surfaces means that the convex piece 220 can tilt in any direction relative to the concave piece 250. The longitudinal axis of the convex piece 220 can tilt relatively to the longitudinal axis of the concave piece 250. In this embodiment, the two pieces 220,250 of the angle adjustment system 210 can tilt up to 7° relative to one another. Other embodiments where larger and smaller maximum tilts are envisaged and are within the scope of the invention.

The convex piece 220 and the concave piece 250 are interlocked by an interlocking protrusion 255 projecting from the concave piece 250 and being accepted by an interlocking aperture 225 in the convex piece 220.

Further, the angle adjustment system 210 is self-levelling due to the interaction between the convex piece 220 and concave piece 250 when a force is applied to the convex piece 220.

The concave piece 250 is supported by a spacer member 260 or a base portion 270. The spacer members 260 are modular and can stack to form a tower and are accommodated within the base portion 270. In some uses, the concave piece 250 will be placed directly within the base portion 270. Accordingly, the spacer members 260 are optional features included to increase the distance between the base portion 270 and support surface 50 when required. If desired, the concave piece and the spacer member 260 can be placed directly on the support surface 50 to provide alternative height variations. Alternatively, the body member 180 can be placed directly on the support surface for a low level support without angular adjustment.

The spacer members 260 are cylindrical and substantially tubular with a first connector 280 at one open end and a second connector 290 at an opposing open end. The first connector 280 and the second connector 290 can be attached to form a connection. The concave piece 250 also comprises a first connector 280 and the base portion 270 comprises a second connector 290. The concave piece 250 can be reversibly and fixedly attached to either the spacer member 260 or the base portion 270.

The base portion 270 is substantially cylindrical and tubular however comprises a closed end and a planar flange 300. The planar flange 300 extends from the end of the base portion 270 opposing the second connector 290 and is for engaging a surface and stabilises the entire device on the surface. Typically, this surface is the surface upon which the raised flooring and sub-frame are being installed. The base portion comprises fixing holes 310 such that it can be attached to the surface by screws, pegs, and nails or similar.

In this embodiment, the base portion 270 is arranged to be situated on a surface and is connected by its second connector 290 to a stack of two spacer members 260. The concave piece 250 is attached to the top spacer member 260 by a connection between the first connector 280 and the second connector 290. Due to the connections between the parts of the device 10, the concave piece 250 cannot rotate, move or tilt with respect to the base portion 270 or the spacer members 260.

The interlocking protrusion 255 of the concave piece 250 engages and interlocks the interlocking aperture 225 of the convex piece 220. The convex piece 220 and the concave piece 250 are interlocked such that the convex piece 220 can rotate 360° about the concave piece 250 and can tilt in any direction.

The convex piece 220 piece is fixedly attached to the body member 180. The slot 200 of the body member 180 accommodates the joist 20 of the sub-frame. The joist is supported by the support surface 50 of the support member 40, where the support member 40 is attached to the body member 180 by the engagement of the complementary screw threads 170, 190. Rotation or tilting of the convex piece 220 rotates or tilts the support surface 50 and the joist 20 that it is supporting.

Attached to the support member 40 are four engagement members 100, which are inserted into the fixing apertures 90 to give a rectangular footprint. The engagement members 100 are in their locked position such that the longitudinal axis of the head portion 110 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the joist 20 being supported. The engagement flange 140 of each engagement member 100 engage with one of the flanges 30 of the joist 20. Each of the four engagement members 100 engages with the joist 20.

In this way, the engagement members 100 are coupled to the support member 40 and the joist 20 simultaneously and the support member 40 cannot rotate with respect to the joist 20. As such, the joist 20 is accommodated within the slot 200 of the body member 180 and cannot rotate with respect to the body member 180. Accordingly, the engagement members 100 prevent the support member 40 from rotating about the body member 180. Rotation of this type, i.e. thread creep, can change the height of the support surface 50 and joist 20 and is undesirable. Thread creep can be caused by, for example, vibration through walking on the decking or thermal fluctuations. The inclusion of the engagement members 100 solves at least this problem.

Claims

Claims 1 A device for supporting a joist or beam; said device comprising: a body portion, said body portion comprising a first portion, said device further comprising a support member, said support member comprising a support surface for supporting a joist or beam, said support member further comprising a second portion configured to engage with said first portion to enable said support member to rotate around and move along said first portion, said device further comprising at least one engagement member which, in use, engages with a joist or beam supported on said support surface to inhibit or prevent rotation of said support member around said first portion.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first portion is threaded.
3. The device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said second portion is threaded.
4. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said support surface lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said body portion.
5. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said body portion comprises a slot suitable for receiving a joist or beam. 25
6. The device of claim 5, wherein said slot extends through said first portion.
7. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said at least one engagement member extends from said support member. 30
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said at least one engagement member extends from a top surface of said support member.
9 The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said at least one engagement member is movable between a first position and an locked position.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein, in use, movement of said at least one engagement member from said first position to said locked position locks a beam or joist supported on said support surface in place to inhibit or prevent rotation of said support member around said first portion.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein said at least one engagement member is movable between said first position and said locked position by rotation about an axis.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein said axis extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said support surface.
13. The device of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein said axis extends in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said first portion.
14. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said at least one engagement member comprises an engagement flange.
15. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said at least one engagement member is generally T-shaped.
16. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said engagement member is removably attached to said device.
17. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said engagement member comprises an aperture, wherein said aperture is configured to accept a screw, nail, tommy-bar or screwdriver shaft.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein said aperture comprises a screw thread.
19. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said device further comprises a base portion for supporting said device on a surface.
20. The device of claim 19, wherein the device further comprises an angle adjustment portion, said angled adjustment portion configured to allow the angle of the longitudinal axis of said body portion to be adjusted in relation to the longitudinal axis of said base portion.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein said angle adjustment portion comprises a pair of complementary adjustment surfaces.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein said pair of complementary adjustment surfaces comprises a first concave surface and a second surface shaped as a portion of a segment of a sphere.