GB2603020A

GB2603020A - Apparatus for supporting a structure above ground

Info

Publication number: GB2603020A
Application number: GB2110332.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Waller Graham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-11-24
Filing date: 2021-07-12
Publication date: 2022-07-27
Also published as: GB202018486D0

Abstract

Apparatus (2,Fig.1) for supporting a structure (4,Fig.1) above ground, wherein the structure may be a base (12,Fig.1) for decking, shed, greenhouse, pergola, hot tub, summer house or large timber frame structure. The apparatus (2,Fig.1) has a first set of parts 8 for securing to the structure (4,Fig.1) and a second set of parts 10 for securing in the ground (6, Fig.1). The first set of parts 8 may consist of a plate 16 for securing to the base (12, Fig.1) and a rod 18 for sliding into the second set of parts 10, which itself may consist of supporting plates 20 and tube 22 for receiving the rod 18 of the first set of parts 8. The tube 22 and supporting plates 20 may be placed in the ground (6,Fig.1) and surrounded by concrete (28,Fig.1). The first 8 and second 10 set of parts are connected such that they maintain the structure (4,Fig.1) above and spaced apart from the ground (6,Fig.1). The first set of parts 8 are removable from the second set of parts 10 when connected to the structure (4,Fig.1) and can be moved to a new location requiring only a new set of second parts 10.

Description

APPARATUS FOR

SUPPORTING A STRUCTURE ABOVE GROUND

This invention relates to apparatus for supportiig a structure and, more especially, this invention relates to apparatus for supporting a structure above ground.

Structures such fcr example as decking, sheds, greenhouses, pergolas, hot tubs, summer houses and larger timber frame structures are typically installed on custom buirt bases. The bases may be made of cement, other materials or formwork. The bases are time consuming to construct and are often messy, for example when the bases are formed of cement. In addition, if the structures should need to be moved, then the bases may no longer be required and they may need to be removed. However, their removal may be as problematic as their construction.

It is an aim of the present invention to avoid or reduce the above me tioned problems.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus for supporting a structure above ground, which apparatus comprises: (i) a set of f rst parts for securing to the structure; and (ii) a set of second pat for securing in the ground, and wherein: * (iii) the first parts are conrectable to the second parts such that in use the first parts are above the second parts aid are thereby able to maintain the structure above and spaced apart from the ground: and (iv) the first and second parts are separable from each other, whereby the first parts when connected to the structure are removable from the second parts when secured in the ground, whereby the first parts and the structure are able to be moved to a new location with the new location only requir ng a new set of the second parts secured in the ground in order for the apparatus to support the structure above anc spaced apart from the ground at the new location.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it is able to avoid the constructior and attendant problems of known bases such for example as those formed from cement. In addition, the apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it enables the structure to be moved to a new location in a simple and cost effective manner.

The apparatus may be one in which each of the first oarts comprises a first connecting member for connecting to the structure, and a second connecting member for connecting to one of each of the second parts.

The first connecting member of the first part may be a plate connecting member. Other configurations for the first connecting member of the first part may be employed.

When the first connecting part is a plate connecting member, then the plate-connecting member may be L-shaped, square, rectangular or circular. Other shapes for the plate-connecting member may be employed so that, for example, the plate-connecting member may be hexagonal.

Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the second connecting member of the first part is a rod for sliding into the second part. Other constructions may however be employed so that, for example, the second connecting member of the first part may be a tube for slidiig into the second part. Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the second connecting of the first part is a tube for sliding over the second part rather than for sliding into the second part.

The apparatus may be one in which each of the seccnd parts comprises at least one support -nember for supporting the second part in the ground, and a second connecting member for connecting to the first connecting member.

The support member may be a support plate. Other configurations for the support member may be employed so that, for example, the support member may be a plurality of finger members. The support member may act -.o stabilise the second part in the ground, for example during the initial securing of the second parts in the ground. The support member may also act to spread the load on the second part.

Preferably, there are two of the support members. If desired, one or more than two of the support members may be employed.

The second connect ng member of the second part is preferably of a complementary connecting shape to the shape of the second connecting member of the first part. Other constructions may be employed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus s one in which the second connecting member of the second pal is a Ube for receiving the rod forming the second connecting member t:). the first part.

The apparatus may include a set of releasable securing members for releasably securing the irst parts to their second parts. Preferably the releasable securing members are bolts. The bolts may be such that tley screw through threaded holes in one of the first or second parts, for example to bear against the other one of the first and second parts. Other types of securing members may be employed.

Preferably, the apparatus is one in which the first and the second parts connect together to a fixed length. This enables the apparatus of the present invention to be produced at minimum cost. If desired however the first and the second parts may connect together in an adjustable manner to an adjustable length, for example by being telescopic for example with a pin locating in one of a row of holes, or by being screw adjustable.

The first and the second parts of the apparatus may be made of any suitable materials. Usuaily the materials will be a metal. If the metal is of type that may rust, for example iron or steel, then the meta i may be coated or otherwise treated to ensure that it does,not prematurely rust. The first and

S

second parts may be made to: other materials if desired, for example from structurally strong plastics materials.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schemat c view from underneath of apparatus of the present invention and shows the apparatus supporting a structure above ground; Figure 2 is a side view of the apparatus and structure as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a base forming part of the structure shown in Figure 1, and shows the base fitted with a set of first parts for securing to the structure; Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of a first part of the set of first parts for securing to the s-.ructure; Figure 5 is a perspeotive view of a second part of a second set of parts for securing in the ground; Figure 6 is a perspective view from underneath and shows the first part of Figure 4 connected to the second part of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view from underneath showing a base of a structure in the process cf be ng constructed; Figure 8 is a perspective view from underneath and shows the base at Figure 7 having been completed, and also shows a first part secured to the structure in one corner of the base; Figure 9 is a view like Figure 8 but shows four first parts secured to the base, with one of the f rSt parts being secured at eacn of four corners of the base; Figure 10 is a view like Figure F, but shows one of the first parts being connected to a second part; Figure 11 is an er larged view of one of the corners of the base as shown in Figure 9 and shows in more detail how the first part is secured to the comer of the base; and Figure 12 is a view like Figt,re 11 and shows a second part cornected to the first part of Figure 11.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown apparatus 2 for supporting a structure 4 above groind 6. The apparatus 2 comprises a set of first pals 8 for securing to the struc-.ure 4, and a set of second parts 10 for securing in the ground 6.

The first parts 6 are connec-.able to the second pals 10 such that in use the first parts 8 are above the second parts 10 and are thereby able to maintain the structure 4 above and spaced apart from the grot.nd 6. As shown in Figure 1, the structure 4 comprises a base 12 with the base 2 being suppoled above the ground 6 by a distance 14. The distance 14 is chosen to be such that the base 12 does not rot when made of wood due to constant contact with the ground 6 which will often be wet.

The first and second parts 8, 10 are separable from each other, whereby the first parts 8 when connected to the structure 4 are removable from the second parts 10 when secured ir the ground 6. ThLs the first parts 8 and the structure 4 are able to be moved to a new IDcation with the new location only requiring a new set of the second parts 10 secured in the ground 6 in order for the apparatus 2 to support the structure 4 above and spaced apart from the ground 6 at the new location.

The apparatus 2 is one in which each of the first parts 8 comprises a first connecting member 16 for connecting to the structure 4, and more especially to the base 12 of the structure 4. Each of the first parts 8 also comprises a second connecting member 18 for connec:ing to ore of each of the second parts 10. As can be seen from Figure 4, the first connecting member 16 of the first part 8 is a plate connecting member. The plate connecting member is L-shaped. Other shapes may be employec so that. for example, the plate connecting member may be square. The second connecting member 18 of the first part 8 is a rod for sliding into the second part 10 shown in Figure 5.

Referring especially to Figure 5, each of the second parts 10 comprises at least one support member 20 for supporti g the second part 10 in the ground 6. The second connecting part 10 also comprises a second connecting member 22 for connecting to the second connecting member 18 of the first part 6. The support member 20 is a support plate. There are two cf the support members 20 as can be seen from Figure 5.

As can be appreciated from a compa-ison of Figures 4 and 5, the second connecting member 22 of the second part 10 is of a complementary connecting shape to the shape of the second connecting member 18 of the first part 6. More specifically, the second connecting member 22 of the second part 10 is a tube for receiving the rod forming the second connecting member 18 of the first part 6. The connected first and second parts 8, 10 are shown connected together in Figure 6.

The apparatus 2 includes a set of releasable seuring members 24, one of which is shown in Figure 6. The releasable securing members 24 are for releasably securing the firs; parts 8 to their second parts 10. The first and second parts 8, 10 may thus be releasably secured together during initial installation of the second parts 10 in the ground 6. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, holes 26 have been dug ito the ground and the connected first and second parts 8, 10 have been located in the holes 26. The holes 26 are shown as having been filed with cement 28. When the cement 28 has set, then the second parts 10 are firmly secured in the cement 28. The lowermost support member 20 of the first part 8 does not reach to the bottom of the hole 26. The second part 10 is thus firmly encased in the cement 28 and the second part 10 is thus able to form a solid and robust support for the structure 4. During the setting of the cement 28, the two support members 20 are able to support and stabilise the second part 10 in the ground 6. When the cement 28 has set, then the support members 22 help to spread the load of tie structure 4 from the second parts 10 and into the cement 28 and from there into the ground 6.

The releasable securing members 24 are bolts. As can be appreciated from a comparison of Figures 5 and 6, each releasable securing member 24 in the form of the bolt is able to screw through a threaded hole 30 in the tubular second connecting member 22 of the second part 10. When the apparatus 2 has been appropriately installed and all levels are acceptable to the person constructing the structu-e 4, then the releasable securing members 24 can be removed. With the releasable securing members 24 removed, then the first parts 8 and the structure 4 are able to be moved to a new location. The new location will only require a new set of the second parts 10 secured in the ground 6 in order for the apparatus 2 to support the structure 4 above and spaced apart from the ground Sat the new location. The spacing distance 14 of the structure 4 above the ground 6 can be any chosen distance that provides ventilation and whatever else may be required in order to ensure that the structure 4 and in particular the base 12 which will usually be made of wood, does not prematurely rot or otherwise prematurely ceteriorate. As can be appreciated from Figures 1 and 4, the first parts 8 are connected to the base 12 of the structure 4 by screws 32 which screw through holes 34 in the first connecting member 10. There are eight of the holes but more or less than this number of holes may be employed.

The first part B is such that the second connecting member 18 in the form of the rod is welded to the first connecting member 16 in the fcrm of the plate. Other connecting devices for connecting the first and second connecting members 16, 18 may be employed. Similarly, the two support members 20 in the form of the plates shown in Figure 5 may be positioned along the length of the second connecting member 22 of the second part 10 by being welded or otherwise secured in position.

The apparatus 2 is able to be manufactured at minimum cost. The apparatus 2 is able to be used to provide good loading for various types of structures 4 of different weights. During installation, adjustment may be made using shims when setting the base 12. The shims may be made of wood or other suitable materials, for example plastics materials or metals. Alternatively, for heavy structures, jacks may be used. Because the second parts 10 and in particular the lowermost support member 20 do not touch the bottom of the holes 26. ground level is not an issue. The apparatus 2 can easily be constructed to accommodate for out of level ground conditions, for example by up to 6 inches (150mm).

The apparatus 2 may arovide tie following advantages for an installer.

The apparatus 2 can be brought to a site in one van load by an installer.

Installation may take 1 -2 hours, as compared with the construction of a trad.tional base being a minimum of 24 hours.

Each foot formed by the firs: and second parts 8, 10 being connected together may be such as it can take an increased load compared with other alternative systems, for example up to a half a ton load.

The apparatus 2 requ res less materials to buy, remove and store, and there are no deliJeries to arrange such for example as bulk bacs of ballast and cement.

No skip is required for removal of waste.

Less equipment is requ red for installation, for example no cement mixer is required, wack.er plate, formwork etc. The apparatus 2 is able to a low for installation tolerance for slopes/uneven grounc, for example up to 6 inches (150mm).

Less mess to clean up.

Can be used for a w de var ety of structures including sheds, greenhouses, pergolas, hot tuos and deck ng.

90% less soil to remove. 90% less concrete required.

The apparatus 2 may provide the following advantages for a person buying the apparatus 2.

More environmentally friendly.

The structure may be iistallec in a day.

Cleaner.

Less mess.

Keeps the structure drier.

Better for garden drainage.

Better for tree roots.

The structure can be relocated for re-use.

No concrete base on show after removal of the structure to a new location.

It is to be app-eciated that the embodimerts of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus. For example, the apparatus 2 can be made in other shapes and of different materials. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus for supporting a stru:ture above ground. which apparatus comprises: (i) a set of first parts for securing to the structure; and (ii) a set of second parts for securing in the ground, and wherein: (iii) the first parts are connectable to the second oarts such that in use the first parts are above the second parts and are thereby able to maintain the structure above and spaced apart from the ground; and (iv) the first and second parts are separable from each other, whereby the first parts when connected to:he structure are removable from the second parts when secured in the ground, whereby the first parts and the structure are able to be moved to a new location with the new location only requiring a new set of the second parts secured in the ground in order for the apparatus to support the structure above and spaced apart from the ground at the new location.
2. Apparatus accorcing to claim 1 ir which each of the first parts comprises a first connecting member for connecting to the structure, and a second connecting member for connecting to one of each of the second parts.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the first connecting member of the first part is a plate connecting member.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the plate connecting member is L-shaped, square, rectancullar or circular.
5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 -4 in which the second connecting member of the first part is a rod for slicing into the second part.
6. Apparatus according to any one of claim 2 -5 in which each of the second parts comprises a-. east one supporl member for supporting the second part in the ground, and a second connecting member for connecting to the first connecting member.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 in which the support member is a support plate.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7 in which there are two of the support members.
9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 6 -8 in which the second connecting member of the secont part is of a complementary connecting shape to the shape of the second connecting member of the first part.
10. Apparatus according to claim 5 and claim 9 in which the connecting member of the second part is a tube for receiving the rod forming the second connecting member of the first pail.
11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including a set of releasable securing members for releasably securing the first parts to their second parts.
12. Apparatus according to claim 11 in which the releasable securing members are bolts.
13. Apparatus according any cne of the preceding claims in which the first and second parts connect together to a fixed length.