GB2589392A

GB2589392A - Raised platform pedestal

Info

Publication number: GB2589392A
Application number: GB2005553.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cavalier Lee
Original assignee: Dura Composites Ltd
Current assignee: Dura Composites Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-16
Filing date: 2020-04-16
Publication date: 2021-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-04-16
Also published as: GB202005553D0; GB2589392B

Abstract

A pedestal 100 for a raised platform comprises a base plate 102 having first and second flanges 104 extending laterally in opposite directions for stabilising the pedestal on an underlying surface. The pedestal further comprises a longitudinally extending channel 108 for receiving a structural beam (800 figure 8). The channel is defined by a channel base 110 and opposed first and second channel walls 112 extending upwardly from the channel base. The base plate 102 supports the channel 108 via opposed first and second legs 118 which are inclined towards each other with the first and second legs being further apart at the base plate 102 and closer together at the channel 108.

Description

RAISED PLATFORM PEDESTAL

The present invention relates to pedestals for raised platforms. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing pedestals for raised platforms, raised platforms comprising plural pedestals, and methods of constructing raised platforms using plural pedestals.

Raised platforms, such as decking or flooring, may be supported on joists, which in turn may be supported crosswise on bearers, which in turn may be supported on pedestals, which in turn may stand on an underlying surface. Pedestals which are suitable for raised platforms are available from Buzon UK Limited. These known pedestals are formed of moulded polypropylene, and have a generally circular base for fixing to the underlying surface and a generally circular support plate for supporting a structural beam, such as a bearer or joist. The support plate is coupled to the base via a threaded connection, and the overall height of the pedestal can be adjusted by rotating the support plate relative to the base. This allows fine control over the vertical 15 position of the structural beams. However, these known pedestals have a complex construction, and are time-consuming and expensive to manufacture. It is desired to provide improved arrangements relating to pedestals for raised platforms.

Thus, according to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a pedestal for a raised platform, the pedestal comprising: a base plate for standing the pedestal on an underlying surface, the base plate having first and second flanges extending laterally in opposite directions for stabilising the pedestal on the underlying surface; and a longitudinally extending channel for -2 -receiving a structural beam, the channel being supported by the base plate, the channel being defined by a channel base and opposed first and second channel walls extending upwardly from the channel base.

It will be appreciated that the pedestal of the present invention provides an effective way to support a structural beam of a raised platform. In particular, the first and second flanges of the base plate can provide a highly stable arrangement. Furthermore, the channel can be used with structural beams having various heights and can allow a structural beam to be fixed at various vertical positions within the channel, for example by setting the structural beam /0 at a desired vertical position within the channel and then providing mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts) through the channel walls and into the structural beam to secure the structural beam at the desired vertical position. Moreover, the channel base can provide a failsafe feature that supports the structural beam should the mechanical fixings fail. The channel walls can also prevent lateral movement of the structural beam. The pedestal can also be readily and cheaply manufactured.

In embodiments, the plane of the base plate may be substantially parallel to the plane of the channel base. The plane of the base plate and/or channel base may be substantially perpendicular to the planes of the first and second channel walls. The planes of the first and second channel walls may be substantially parallel to one another. In use, the plane of the base plate and/or channel base may be substantially horizontal. In use, the planes of the first and second channel walls may be substantially vertical. -3 -

In embodiments, the pedestal may have an overall height (e.g. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate and/or channel base) in the range 20mm-250mm, for example in the range 50mm-250mm, for example in the range 75mm-250mm, for example in the range 100mm-250mm, for example in the range 125mm-250mm, for example in the range 150mm250mm, for example in the range 175mm-250mm. The overall height of the pedestal may be fixed and/or non-adjustable. This can help to provide a simple and stable arrangement.

In embodiments, the base plate may have a lateral width (e.g in a /0 direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel) in the range 100-200mm, for example in the range 125-175mm. The base plate may have a longitudinal length (e.g. in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel) in the range 100-200mm, for example in the range 125-175mm The base plate may be substantially rectangular (including square).

In embodiments, the first and second flanges may each have a lateral width (e.g. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel) in the range 10-60mm. The first and second flanges may each have a longitudinal length (e.g. in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel) in the range 100-200mm, for example in the range 125-175mm. The first and second flanges may be substantially rectangular. The longitudinal length of the first and second flanges may correspond to, and/or may be the same as, the longitudinal length of the base plate. -4 -

In embodiments, the first and second flanges may each comprise one or more elongate base grooves for locating one or more mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts). The one or more elongate base grooves may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel. These elongate base grooves can help to locate one or more mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts) at a secure location through the first and second flanges.

In embodiments, the channel (e.g. channel base) may have a lateral width (e.g. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel) in the range 40-60mm. In embodiments, the channel (e.g. first and second channel walls) may have a height (e.g. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the base plate and/or channel base) in the range 20-60mm, for example in the range 40-60mm. These dimensions can accommodate standard structural beams. The channel (e.g. channel base and/or first and second channel walls) may have a longitudinal length (e.g. in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel) in the range 100-200mm, for example in the range 125-175mm. The longitudinal length of the channel may be the same as the longitudinal length of the base plate. The lateral width of the base plate may be greater than the lateral width of the channel. This can help to provide a stable arrangement.

In embodiments, the external surfaces of the channel walls may each comprise one or more elongate wall grooves for locating one or more mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts). The one or more elongate wall grooves may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the channel. These elongate wall grooves can help to locate one or more -5 -mechanical fixings at a secure location through the first and second channel walls. Plural elongate wall grooves may help to securely fix a structural beam at various vertical positions within the channel. The plural elongate wall grooves may extend substantially parallel to one another. Adjacent ones of the plural elongate wall grooves may be spaced by a distance in the range 3-8mm.

As discussed above, various vertical positions for the structural beam within the channel may be achieved by raising or lowering the structural beam vertically within the channel and fixing the structural beam in place. In some embodiments, a minimum vertical position for a structural beam within the /0 channel may occur when the structural beam contacts the channel base. In other embodiments, a minimum vertical position for a structural beam within the channel may occur when projecting structures on the structural beam contact the free edges of the channel walls.

In some embodiments, the first and second walls may further comprise inwardly projecting retaining structures configured to limit the range of vertical positions for a structural beam within the channel. The retaining structures may extend longitudinally along the channel walls. The retaining structures may extend substantially parallel to one another. Each projecting structure may have a projecting lateral span (e.g. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the channel) in the range 1-3mm The retaining structures may be provided at or towards the free edges of the channel walls. The open lateral span of the channel at or towards the free edges of the channel walls may be less than the internal lateral span of the channel, e.g. by a distance in the range 2-6mm. A minimum vertical position for the structural -6 -beam within the channel may occur when the inwardly projecting structures on the channel walls contact corresponding laterally projecting upper structures on the structural beam. A maximum vertical position for the structural beam within the channel may occur when the inwardly projecting structures on the channel walls contact corresponding laterally projecting lower structures on the structural beam. In these embodiments, the structural beam may be receivable within the channel by inserting an end of the structural beam longitudinally into the channel. These embodiments can help to limit the possible vertical positions for the structural beam to a safe range of vertical positions.

/0 In some embodiments, the base plate may support the channel via opposed first and second legs. The first and second legs may extend from the base plate to the channel. The first and second legs may extend respectively from the laterally inner edges of the first and second flanges. The region of the base plate between the legs may help to prevent the legs from splaying. The first and second legs may extend respectively to the bases of the first and second channel walls of the channel. This helps to transfer load from the channel walls, through the legs, to the base plate. The first and second legs may comprise first and second leg plates. The first and second legs may be generally inclined towards one another, with the first and second legs being further apart at the base plate and being closer together at the channel. The first and second legs may be closer to being perpendicular to the base plate and/or channel base than being perpendicular to the first and second channel walls. The first and second legs may be closer to being parallel to the first and second channel walls than being parallel to the base plate and/or channel base. In use, -7 -the first and second legs may be closer to being vertical than being horizontal. The first and second legs may be generally inclined with respect to the plane of the base plate and/or channel base at an angle in the range 70°-89°, for example in the range 75°-85°. The pedestal may have a substantially hollow structure defined by the base plate, channel base, and first and second legs. These embodiments can significantly increase the overall height of the pedestal but without adding significant weight and/or without significantly compromising the structural integrity of the pedestal.

In other embodiments, the pedestal may not comprise opposed first and second legs which support the channel. In these embodiments, the base plate may support the channel by forming part of the channel, e.g. by defining the channel base. The first and second channel walls may extend upwardly from the base plate. The first and second channel walls may extend respectively from the laterally inner edges of the first and second flanges. These embodiments can significantly reduce the overall height of the pedestal.

In embodiments, the pedestal may be of unitary construction. The pedestal may be formed of, and from, extruded or pultruded material. The pedestal may have a substantially uniform cross-section in planes orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the channel (e.g. the direction of extrusion or pultrusion). These embodiments can provide a pedestal which is readily and cheaply manufactured. The pedestal may comprise or be formed of a metallic material, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy (e.g. 6063 T6 Grade aluminium alloy). The structures of the pedestal (e.g. the base plate, the channel base, the first and second channel walls, the first and second legs) may each have a -8 -thickness in the range 2-5 mm. The thickness of the structures of the pedestal may be substantially uniform along the longitudinal direction. These embodiments can provide a pedestal which is strong, lightweight, and/or durable, and/or which meets high fire safety standards (such as BS EN 13501 A2 s1 d0). In other embodiments, the pedestal may instead be formed of other materials such as fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) material. In embodiments, the pedestal may be substantially symmetrical about a longitudinally extending (vertical) plane. This can allow the pedestal to be used either way around.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a /0 method of manufacturing a pedestal for a raised platform, the method comprising forming (e.g. by extrusion or pultrusion) the pedestal as described herein in any aspect or embodiment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a raised platform comprising plural pedestals as described herein in any aspect or embodiment, the raised platform further comprising plural structural beams supported on the pedestals, and plural platform elements supported on the structural beams.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of constructing a raised platform, the method comprising supporting plural pedestals as described herein in any aspect or embodiment on an underlying surface, supporting plural structural beams on the pedestals, and supporting plural platform elements on the structural beams.

In any of these aspects and embodiments, the plural pedestals may be the same height or may have different heights, e.g. depending on how level or -9 -even the underlying surface is and/or depending on the desired configuration of the raised platform. The plural structural beams may or may not be supported by the channel bases of the pedestals, e.g. depending on the height of the structural beam and/or desired vertical position of the structural beam relative to the channel.

In embodiments, the structural beams may comprise bearers and/or joists. The bearers may be supported on the pedestals and the joists may be supported (e.g. crosswise) on the bearers. The platform elements may be supported (e.g. crosswise) on the structural beams (e.g. joists). The structural /0 beams may each comprise laterally projecting upper structures and/or laterally projecting lower structures, the purpose of which is discussed above.

In embodiments, the structural beams may each be of unitary construction. The structural beams may each be formed of, and from, extruded or pultruded material. The structural beams may each have a substantially uniform cross-section (e.g. in planes orthogonal to the longitudinal direction or direction of extrusion or pultrusion). The structural beams may each comprise or be formed of a metallic material, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy (e.g. 6063 T6 Grade aluminium alloy). These embodiments can provide structural beams which are strong, lightweight, and/or durable, and/or which meet high fire safety standards (such as BS EN 13501 A2 s1 d0). In other embodiments, the structural beams may instead be formed of other materials, such as timber, fibre reinforced plastic (ERR) material or wood-plastic composite material.

In embodiments, the platform elements may comprise gratings, panels, planks, boards, slabs and/or tiles. The platform elements may each be of -10 -unitary construction. The platform elements may each be formed of, and from, extruded or pultruded material. The platform elements may each have a substantially uniform cross-section (e.g. in planes orthogonal to the longitudinal direction or direction of extrusion or pultrusion). The platform elements may 5 each comprise or be formed of a metallic material, such as aluminium or aluminium alloy (e.g. 6063 T6 Grade aluminium alloy). These embodiments can provide platform elements which are strong, lightweight, and/or durable, and/or which meet high fire safety standards (such as BS EN 13501 A2 s1 d0). In other embodiments, the platform elements may instead be formed of other materials 10 such as timber, fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) material or wood-plastic composite material.

In embodiments, the pedestals may be fixed to the underlying surface with one or more mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts). The one or more mechanical fixings may be provided through the first and second flanges. The one or more mechanical fixings may be provided through the elongate base grooves. The structural beams may be fixed to the pedestals with one or more mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts). The one or more mechanical fixings may be provided through the channel walls of the pedestals. The one or more mechanical fixings may be provided through the elongate wall grooves. The platform elements may be fixed to the structural beams with one or more mechanical fixings (e.g. screws or bolts).

By way of example only, embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference being made to the accompanying drawings in which: -11 -Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of a pedestal for a raised platform according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 2-5 show cross-sectional views and perspective views of 5 pedestals for a raised platform according to further embodiments of the present invention; Figures 6-7 show cross-sectional views and perspective views of pedestals for a raised platform according to yet further embodiments of the present invention; Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the pedestal of Figure 1 with a structural beam supported on the pedestal; Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the pedestal of Figure 1 with an alternative structural beam supported on the pedestal; and Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of the pedestal of Figure 2 with a further alternative structural beam supported on the pedestal.

Figure 1 illustrates a pedestal 100 for a raised platform according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pedestal 100 comprises a base plate 102 for standing the pedestal 100 on an underlying surface. The base plate 102 has a lateral width of 150mm and a longitudinal length of 150mm. The base plate 102 has first and second flanges 104 which extend laterally in opposite directions for stabilising the pedestal 100 on the underlying surface. The first and second flanges 104 each have a lateral width of 19.8mm. The first and second flanges 104 each comprise an elongate base groove 106 for locating mechanical fixings at secure locations through the first and second flanges 104. The pedestal 100 further comprises a longitudinally extending channel 108 for receiving a structural beam (not shown). The channel 108 is defined by a channel base 110 and opposed first and second channel walls 112 extending upwardly from the channel base 110 The channel 108 has an internal lateral width of 48mm, a height of 47.5mm and a longitudinal length of 150mm. The external surfaces of the channel walls 112 each comprise plural parallel elongate wall grooves 114 for locating mechanical fixings at secure locations /0 through the first and second channel walls 112. The plural elongate wall grooves 114 are spaced by a distance of 5mm. The first and second channel walls 112 further comprise inwardly projecting retaining structures 116 at the free edge of the channel walls 112. The retaining structures 116 are configured to limit the range of vertical positions for a structural beam within the channel 108. The projecting lateral span of each projecting structure is 1.5mm such that the open lateral span of the channel 108 is 3mm less than the internal lateral span of the channel 108. In this embodiment, the base plate 102 supports the channel 108 via opposed first and second leg plates 118 which extend from the base plate 102 to the channel 108 at an angle of around 83° relative to the base plate 102. The pedestal 100 therefore has a substantially hollow structure 120 defined by the base plate 102, channel base 110, and first and second leg plates 118. In this embodiment, the pedestal 100 has an overall height of 222.5mm. The pedestal 100 is of unitary construction and is formed of extruded 6063 T6 Grade aluminium alloy. The pedestal 100 accordingly has a substantially uniform cross-section in planes orthogonal to the direction in which the channel 108 extends, i.e. the direction of extrusion. The structures of the pedestal (e.g. the base plate 102, the channel base 110, the first and second channel walls 112, and the first and second leg plates 118) each have a substantially uniform thickness of 3mm. The pedestal 100 is compliant to BS EN 13501 A2 s1 dO.

Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 illustrate pedestals 200, 300, 400 and 500 according to further embodiments of the present invention. The features of the pedestals 200, 300, 400 and 500 are substantially the same as the features of the pedestal 100, and it will readily be appreciated that the reference numerals which are used for the features of the pedestals 200, 300, 400 and 500 correspond to those which are used for the corresponding features of the pedestal 100, but with the initial number "1" being replaced with the initial numbers "2", "3", "4" and "5" respectively, and so a lengthy description of those features will not be repeated. However, it is to be noted that the pedestal 200 has an overall height of 187.5mm and first and second flanges 204 with lateral widths of 24.5mm, the pedestal 300 has an overall height of 152.5mm and first and second flanges 304 with lateral widths of 29.2mm, the pedestal 400 has an overall height of 117.5mm and first and second flanges 404 with lateral widths of 33.9mm, and the pedestal 500 has an overall height of 85.5mm and first and second flanges 504 with lateral widths of 38.3mm Figures 6 and 7 illustrate pedestals 600 and 700 according to yet further embodiments of the present invention. Again, the features of the pedestals 600 and 700 are substantially the same as the features of the pedestal 100, and it will readily be appreciated that the reference numerals which are used for the features of the pedestals 600 and 700 correspond to those which are used for the corresponding features of the pedestal 100, but with the initial number "1" being replaced with the initial numbers "6" and "7" respectively, and so a lengthy description of those features will not be repeated. However, it is to be noted that the pedestal 600 has an overall height of 50.5mm and the first and second flanges 504 have lateral widths of 48mm, and the pedestal 700 has an overall height of 23.5mm and the first and second flanges 504 have lateral widths of 48mm. Furthermore, in these embodiments, the pedestals 600 and 700 do not /0 have first and second leg plates which support the channels 608 and 708. Instead, in these embodiments, the base plates 602 and 702 define the channel bases 610 and 710, and so the base plates 602 and 702 support the channels 608 and 708 by forming part of the channels 608 and 708.

Referring now to Figure 8, a structural beam 800 is receivable within the channel 108 of the pedestal 100 of Figure 1 (and indeed within the channel of any other of the pedestals described above) by inserting an end of the structural beam 800 longitudinally into the channel 108. As discussed above, various vertical positions for the structural beam 800 can be achieved by raising or lowering the structural beam 800 vertically within the channel 108 and fixing the structural beam 800 in place with mechanical fixings. In this case, a maximum vertical position (not shown) for the structural beam 800 within the channel 108 occurs when laterally projecting lower structures 802 on the structural beam 800 contact the retaining structures 116. Also, in this case, a minimum vertical position (as shown) for a structural beam 800 within the channel 108 occurs when laterally projecting upper structures 804 on the structural beam 800 contact the retaining structures 116. The channel base 110 also provides a failsafe should the structural beam 800 inadvertently drop down into the channel 108, e.g. under excessive load or due to structural failure of the pedestal or mechanical fixings.

As is shown in Figure 9, a taller structural beam 900 is also receivable within the channel 108 of the pedestal 100 of Figure 1 (and indeed within the channel of any other of the pedestals described above) by inserting an end of the structural beam 900 longitudinally into the channel 108. Again, various /0 vertical positions for the structural beam 900 can be achieved by raising or lowering the structural beam 900 vertically within the channel 108 and fixing the structural beam 900 in place with mechanical fixings. In this case, a maximum vertical position (not shown) for the structural beam 900 within the channel 108 occurs when laterally projecting lower structures 902 on the structural beam 900 contact the retaining structures 116. Also, in this case, a minimum vertical position (as shown) for a structural beam 900 within the channel 108 occurs both when the laterally projecting upper structures 904 on the structural beam 800 contact the retaining structures 116 and when the structural beam 900 contacts the channel base 110. If the structural beam 900 is fixed spaced from the channel base 110 (not shown), the channel base 110 again provides a failsafe should the structural beam 900 inadvertently drop down into the channel 108, e.g. under excessive load or due to structural failure of the pedestal or mechanical fixings.

-16 -As is shown in Figure 10, an even taller structural beam 1000 is receivable within the channel 208 of the pedestal 200 of Figure 2 (and indeed within the channel of any other of the pedestals described above) by inserting an end of the structural beam 1000 longitudinally into the channel 208. Again, various vertical positions for the structural beam 1000 can be achieved by raising or lowering the structural beam 1000 vertically within the channel 208 and fixing the structural beam 1000 in place. In this case, a maximum vertical position (not shown) for the structural beam 1000 within the channel 208 occurs when laterally projecting lower structures 1002 on the structural beam 1000 contact the retaining structures 216. Also, in this case, a minimum vertical position (as shown) for a structural beam 1000 within the channel 208 occurs when the structural beam 1000 contacts the channel base 210. If the structural beam 1000 is fixed spaced from the channel base 210 (not shown), the channel base 210 again provides a failsafe should the structural beam 1000 inadvertently drop down into the channel 208, e.g. under excessive load or due to structural failure of the pedestal or mechanical fixings.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pedestal for a raised platform, the pedestal comprising: a base plate for standing the pedestal on an underlying surface, the base plate having first and second flanges extending laterally in opposite directions for stabilising the pedestal on the underlying surface; and a longitudinally extending channel for receiving a structural beam, the channel being supported by the base plate, the channel being defined by a channel base and opposed first and second channel walls extending upwardly from the channel base.
2. A pedestal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the overall height of the pedestal is fixed and/or non-adjustable.
3. A pedestal as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the base plate is substantially rectangular and/or wherein the first and second flanges are substantially rectangular.
4. A pedestal as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the first and second flanges each comprise one or more elongate base grooves for locating one or more mechanical fixings.
5. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lateral width of the base plate is greater than the lateral width of the channel.
6. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external surfaces of the channel walls each comprise one or more elongate wall grooves for locating one or more mechanical fixings.
7. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second walls further comprise inwardly projecting retaining structures -18 -configured to limit the range of vertical positions for a structural beam within the channel.
8. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the open lateral span of the channel at or towards the free edges of the channel walls is less than the internal lateral span of the channel.
9. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base plate supports the channel via opposed first and second legs.
10. A pedestal as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first and second legs comprise first and second leg plates.
11. A pedestal as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the first and second legs are generally inclined towards one another, with the first and second legs being further apart at the base plate and being closer together at the channel.
12. A pedestal as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the first and second legs are generally inclined with respect to the plane of the base plate and/or 15 channel base at an angle in the range 70°-89°.
13. A pedestal as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the base plate supports the channel by forming part of the channel.
14. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedestal is of unitary construction.
15. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedestal is formed of extruded or pultruded material.
16. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedestal has a substantially uniform cross-section in planes orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the channel.
17. A pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedestal comprises or is formed of a metallic material.
18. A method of manufacturing a pedestal for a raised platform, the method comprising forming the pedestal as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
19. A raised platform comprising plural pedestals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the raised platform further comprising plural structural beams supported on the pedestals, and plural platform elements supported on the structural beams.
20. A method of constructing a raised plafform, the method comprising supporting plural pedestals as claimed in any one of the preceding claims on an underlying surface, supporting plural structural beams on the pedestals, and supporting plural platform elements on the structural beams.