COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
Title
A WEIGHTED SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
A WEIGHTED SUPPORT ASSEMBLY
0001 A Weighted Support Assembly
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
0002 This invention relates to a weighted support assembly. In particular, although not
exclusively, this invention relates to a weighted support assembly for supporting structural
components such as hoardings. The invention also relates to a structural assembly and to a
method of erecting a structural assembly.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
0003 Most developments in areas involving human traffic require some form of structure either
to protect the public or to screen developments or both. Such a structure can be temporary and
in the form of hoardings, barriers or the like.
0004 Hoardings, in particular, usually include panels or pre-fabricated walls which need to be
fastened to some form of support structure. The support structure usually needs to be
temporary in nature. At the same time, however, the structure needs to be stable and secure to
meet safety standards that may be in place in the public area.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0005 According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a weighted support
assembly which comprises
a base;
an elongate support member fixed to the base at one end and extending from the base;
a number of weights that can be placed on the base and which are configured to be
stacked one on top of the other; and
a locking arrangement attached to the base and configured to permit the weights to be
locked to at least one of the base and the support member.
0006 Currently, weights or counterweights are used in some applications to secure temporary
structures. For example, with hoardings and similar structures, this can be achieved by placing
counterweights on a base. A post extends vertically from the base. Once panels are fastened
to the post, the counterweights secure the structure against being blown over by the wind or
knocked over. It will be appreciated that where the structure is used as hoardings, a significant
amount of activity can take place behind the hoardings. The weights secure the hoardings
against being knocked over.
0007 However, hoardings or other temporary structures can become unstable and prone to
being knocked over if weights are removed from the base or even knocked off the base. If the
weights are accidently knocked over, they could cause injury, for example, by being a trip
hazard or landing on a person’s foot. Furthermore, it has been found by the inventor that
weights of existing arrangements are removed and used for other purposes. Where a stack of
similar weights are provided, a temptation can exist to remove a weight under the mistaken
impression that the use of that weight elsewhere will not be overly detrimental to the stability of
the structure as a whole. As a result, not only does the temporary structure become unstable,
but the weight can become misplaced. In a large project, this can result in significant financial
loss and extremely dangerous working conditions, both for site workers and members of the
public.
0008 The locking arrangement of this aspect of the invention serves to inhibit the removal,
accidental or otherwise, of the weights.
0009 The inventor envisages a number of uses for the support assembly. It follows that
“structure” should be regarded in a broad sense, including such structures as billboards, sign
posts, barriers, screens etc. Furthermore, the inventor envisages that the support assembly
may, where necessary, be used together with permanent or temporary structures, such as any
of those listed above that are intended to be located permanently or temporarily in a particular
position. It follows that this and other aspects of the invention are not to be limited by
application of the support assembly, unless clearly stated otherwise.
00010 In one example, the support assembly is suited for supporting panels or walls for
hoardings, such as that used for screening off areas in a shopping centre or complex which are
undergoing renovation or extension. In such an application, hoardings boards or panels are
made fast with support posts of a number of support assemblies of the invention arranged about
such an area. The fact that the weights can be stacked one on top of each other means that
the assembly can readily be assembled or disassembled on-site. This can significantly reduce
the amount of time taken to erect or remove hoardings.
00011 The base may be in the form of an elongate foot with the support member extending
substantially orthogonally from the foot.
00012 The support member may include a post retainer for retaining a post in an upright
orientation. The post may be a post to which a panel is secured. Thus, the post retainer may
define at least a partially enclosed profile so that the post can be located and retained in the
post retainer. The post retainer may define a partially enclosed rectangular profile so that the
post can be inserted into the post retainer. It is to be appreciated that the profile of the post
retainer need not be partially enclosed. For example, the post retainer could be a tubular
element. However, in those applications where a minimal amount of interference with a panel is
required, the post retainer may define the partially enclosed profile. The post retainer may be
dimensioned so that the post can be inserted into the post retainer to be a snug fit therein. For
example, the post retainer may be dimensioned so that a timber post of standard dimensions
can be inserted into the post retainer. Structural components, such as panels, can then be
fastened to the timber post.
00013 Instead, the post retainer can be used with a fastening arrangement to fasten the post to
the post retainer.
00014 In one application, a number of the support assemblies can be arranged in a side-by-
side manner so that, when panels are attached to the timber posts, a paneled wall can be
created. This is particularly useful for hoardings, for example.
00015 Each weight may be shaped to define a bearing surface that nests with the foot. The
bearing surface of each foot may also be shaped so that the bearing surface of a lowermost
weight can bear against a substrate while accommodating the foot. For that purpose, the
bearing surface of each weight may define a bearing portion that is spaced from a nesting
portion such that the foot can be received in a foot zone defined by the nesting and bearing
portions.
00016 Each weight may be rectangular in plan view with opposed ends, sides, the bearing
surface and an opposed carrier surface.
00017 The bearing and nesting portions may be configured so that the foot zone extends from
one end to the other and is offset to one of the sides. The bearing portion may be defined by a
planar bearing portion on one side of the foot zone and a bearing formation on an opposite side
of the foot zone so that the foot can be received between the bearing portion and the bearing
formations. The foot may define engaging formations that are configured to engage the planar
bearing portion and the bearing formation to inhibit the weight from being slid off the foot. Thus,
the weight may be required to be lifted from the foot to be removed.
00018 The bearing formation may be defined by a pair of spaced bearing projections. The
planar bearing portion may define a pair of engagement formations that extend towards
respective bearing projections. The engaging formations of the foot may be in the form of a pair
of opposed recesses at a proximal region and a pair of opposed shoulders at a distal region.
The recesses may be configured to accommodate one of the bearing formations and the
opposite engagement formation. The shoulders may be configured to accommodate the other
bearing formation and its opposite engagement formation.
00019 The carrier surface of each weight may define a raised portion that is shaped to be
received in the foot zone so that the weights can be arranged in a nested configuration, one on
top of the other. In one embodiment, the raised portion can define a locating projection that is
received in a complementary locating recess defined in the nesting portion of the bearing
surface.
00020 Two opposed slots may extend into respective ends of the weight along the foot zone.
Each slot may define an entry portion with generally flat sides that opens into a generally
cylindrical portion.
00021 The locking arrangement may include an elongate locking formation that extends from
the foot. The locking formation may have a profile that corresponds with that of at least one of
the slots. Thus, the locking formation may define a generally cylindrical portion that
corresponds with the cylindrical portion of the slot and a generally flat portion that corresponds
with the entry portion of the slot.
00022 The slots may be substantially the same so that the locking formation can engage with
either of the slots, depending on the required orientation of the weight/s.
00023 It follows that the weight can be lifted and positioned so that the slot aligns with the
locking formation and then lowered into position on the foot. It will be appreciated that in that
position, the weight is inhibited from being slid from the foot or from a weight on which it may be
positioned.
00024 The flat portion of the locking formation may define a series of openings. The openings
may be dimensioned and positioned so that a locking device can be received through any of the
openings to lock the weight or weights in position.
00025 The flat portion may be defined by a web that interconnects the cylindrical portion and
the post retainer.
00026 The locking arrangement may include a locking handle. The locking handle may include
a locking post and a handle extending from one end of the locking post. The locking post may
be dimensioned to be received in either of the cylindrical formations of the slots. A free end of
the handle may define an opening to correspond with either of the openings in the web so that
the free end can be locked to the web with a suitable locking device. The free end of the handle
may be shaped to nest against the cylindrical portion of the locking formation.
00027 According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a
temporary structure which includes the steps of:
positioning at least one support assembly in a desired location;
securing the support posts to the post retainers; and
fastening structural components to the support posts.
00028 According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a temporary structure that
includes at least one support assembly of the first aspect of the invention.
00029 The invention extends to a weight, as described above.
00030 The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to narrow
the scope of the preceding paragraphs or the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
00031 Figure 1 shows one example of a structure, in accordance with the invention, including
support assemblies, also in accordance with the invention.
00032 Figure 2 shows another example of a structure, in accordance with the invention,
including support assemblies, also in accordance with the invention.
00033 Figure 3 shows an exploded view of one of the support assemblies of Figure 1 or 2.
00034 Figure 4 shows a three dimensional view of the support assembly from one side.
00035 Figure 5 shows a three dimensional view of the support assembly from another side.
00036 Figure 6 shows a front view of the support assembly.
00037 Figure 7 shows a side sectioned view of the support assembly.
00038 Figure 8 shows a bottom plan view of the support assembly.
00039 Figure 9 shows a three dimensional view of a support member and locking arrangement
of the support assembly from one side.
00040 Figure 10 shows a plan sectioned view of the support member and locking arrangement
of the support assembly.
00041 Figure 11 shows a sectioned view of a foot of the support member.
00042 Figure 12 shows a three dimensional view of the support member and locking
arrangement of the support assembly from another side.
00043 Figure 13 shows a three dimensional view from above of a weight of the support
assembly.
00044 Figure 14 shows a side view of the weight of the support assembly.
00045 Figure 15 shows a three dimensional view from below of the weight.
00046 Figure 16 shows a three dimensional view from above of a locking handle of the support
assembly.
00047 Figure 17 shows a side view of the locking handle.
00048 Figure 18 shows a three dimensional view from below of a locking handle of the support
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
00049 In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates one example of a structure, in
accordance with the invention. In Figure 2, reference numeral 11 generally indicates another
example of a structure, in accordance with the invention.
00050 In this description, the structure can be temporary in nature, for example it can be
hoardings. However, it is to be understood that the inventor envisages a number of other
structures temporary or permanent. The structure 10, 11 includes a support assembly, also in
accordance with the invention, indicated by reference numeral 12.
00051 The support assembly 12 is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and following. The
support assembly 12 includes a base in the form of a foot 14. An elongate support member 16
is fixed to the foot 14 at one end and extends substantially orthogonally from the foot 14.
00052 A number of weights 18 can be placed on the foot 14 and are configured to be stacked
one on top of the other.
00053 A locking arrangement 19 is provided and is configured to permit the weights 18 to be
locked to at least one of the foot 14 and the support member 16.
00054 The support member 16 includes a post retainer 20 for supporting a post 22 in an
upright orientation. The post 22 is a timber post to which a wall 92 (Figure 1) or panels 24
(Figure 2) of the hoardings can be fastened. The post retainer 20 defines a partially enclosed
rectangular profile so that the post 22 can be located and retained in the post retainer 20. The
post 22 may be a standard sized timber post. Thus, the post retainer 20 is dimensioned to
accommodate such a post. The post retainer 20 can be dimensioned so that the post 20 is a
snug fit in the post retainer 20.
00055 The fact that the post retainer 20 is partially enclosed means that it is possible to fasten
a structural component to that portion of the timber post 22 located in the retainer 20, without
having to fasten directly to the retainer 20.
00056 Each weight 18 is shaped to define a bearing surface 26 that nests with the foot 14.
Details of the weight 18 are shown in Figures 13 to 15. Figures 3, 8, 9, 11, and 12 show details
of the foot 14, with Figure 8 showing how the foot 14 engages the weight 18.
00057 The bearing surface 26 is shaped so that the bearing surface 26 of a lowermost weight
18 can bear against a substrate while accommodating the foot 14. For that purpose, the
bearing surface 26 of each weight 18 defines a bearing portion 28 that is spaced from a nesting
portion 30 such that the foot 14 can be received in a foot zone 32 defined by the bearing and
nesting portions 28, 30.
00058 Each weight 18 is generally rectangular in plan view with ends 34, sides 36, the bearing
surface 26 and a carrier surface 38.
00059 The bearing and nesting portions 28, 30 are configured so that the foot zone 32 extends
from one end 34.1 to the other and 34.2 (Figure 8) and is offset to one of the sides 36.1. The
bearing portion 28 is defined by a planar bearing portion 40 between the zone 32 and the other
side 36.2 and a bearing formation in the form of a pair of spaced bearing projections 42
between the zone 32 and the side 36.1. The planar bearing portion 40 defines engagement
formations 44 that extend towards respective bearing projections 42.
00060 The foot 14 defines engaging formations configured to engage the bearing projections
42 and the engagement formations 44. The engaging formations include two opposed recesses
46 at a proximal region and a two opposed shoulders 48 at a distal region. The recesses 46 are
configured to engage one of the bearing projections 42.1 and one of the engagement
formations 44.1 (Figure 3). The shoulders 48 are configured to engage another of the bearing
formations 42.2 and another of the engagement formations 44.2.
00061 It follows that once the weight 18 is placed on the foot 14, sliding the weight 18 off the
foot 14 is inhibited.
00062 The carrier surface 38 of each weight 18 defines a raised portion 50 that is shaped to be
received in the foot zone 32 of another weight 18 so that the weights 18 can be arranged in a
nested configuration, one on top of the other, as shown in the drawings.
00063 Detail of the foot 14 can be seen in Figure 11. The foot 14 is shaped to define a pair of
elongate channels 58 that extend along a length of the foot 14. The channels 58 serve to
reinforce the foot 14. A wear member 60 is fixed to a lowermost part of each channel 58 to bear
against the substrate and so protect the foot 14 from wear resulting from being shifted from
location to location.
00064 Two opposed slots 56 extend into respective ends 34 of the weight 18 along the foot
zone 32. Each slot 56 defines an entry portion 62 with generally flat sides that opens into a
cylindrical portion 64.
00065 The locking arrangement 19 includes an elongate locking formation 66 that extends from
the foot 14. The locking formation 66 has a profile that corresponds with that of the slots 56.
Thus, the locking formation 66 defines a cylindrical portion in the form of a rod 68 that
corresponds with the cylindrical portion 64 of each slot 56 and a generally flat portion in the form
of a web 70 that interconnects the rod 68 and the post retainer 20. The web 70 is shaped to
correspond with the entry portion 62 of each slot.
00066 It follows that the weight 18 can be lifted and positioned so that the slot 56 aligns with
the locking formation 66 and is then lowered into position on to the foot 14 or a preceding
weight 18. It will be appreciated that, in that position, the weight 18 is inhibited from sliding off
the other weights 18 or the foot 14.
00067 The web 70 defines a number of openings 72. The openings 72 can be dimensioned so
that a locking device can be received through any of the openings 72 to lock the weight/s 18 in
position.
00068 The locking arrangement 19 includes a locking handle 74. The locking handle 74
includes a locking post 76 and a handle 78 extending from one end of the locking post 76. The
locking post 76 is dimensioned to be received in either of the cylindrical portions 64 of the slots
56. A free end of the handle 78 defines an opening 80 to correspond with either of the openings
72 in the web 70 so that the free end can be locked to the web 70 with a suitable locking device.
The free end of the handle 78 is shaped to nest against the rod 68.
00069 The openings 72 in the web 70 and the opening 80 in the handle 78 are positioned so
that the opening 80 can correspond with either of the openings 72 when one or more weights 18
are positioned on the foot 14, with the handle 78 bridging a region between the rod 68 and the
locking post 76. The locking post 76 is received in a cylindrical portion 64 of at least an
uppermost weight 18 thus locking the weight/s 18 in position as shown in Figures 4 to 7.
00070 The handle 78 defines a gripping formation in the form of an opening 96 to
accommodate a user’s hand and so to facilitate manipulation of the locking handle 74.
00071 In Figure 3 there is shown one possible example of a locking device in the form of a pin
82 bent so as to permit insertion of the pin 82 through corresponding openings 72, 80 in one
direction only. The pin 82 defines a locking aperture 84 so that a padlock or the like can be
used to lock the pin 82 to the web 70 and the handle 78.
00072 Each weight 18 is shaped to define gripping formations 86 on respective sides 36 to
facilitate manipulation of the weight 18.
00073 In Figure 7, a cross section of each weight 18 is shown. The weight 18 includes an
outer shell 88 that defines a vessel filled with ballast 91, such as concrete, water or any other
material suitable for imparting sufficient weight to the vessel.
00074 The various components of the support assembly 12 can be of a number of different
materials. For example, the foot 14, the elongate support member 16 and the post retainer can
be of metal, such as structural steel. The locking handle 74 can be of metal or a plastics
material of suitable strength.
00075 The shell 88 of each weight 18 can be of a plastics material. The shell 88 can be the
result of a moulding process carried out on the plastics material.
00076 As indicated by the structures 10 and 11 in Figures 1 and 2, the support assembly 12
can have a number of applications. For example, the structure 10 uses a timber post 22 which
is significantly shorter than the timber post 22 used for the structure 11. Thus, the support
assembly 12 can be used to erect temporary structures of different heights. In the structure 10,
a number of support assemblies 12 are used to erect a temporary wall 92. The wall 92 includes
a top beam 94, the post 22 being fastened to the top beam 94 so that the posts 22 and the
beam 94 form a substructure for the wall 92. In the structure 10, a number of support
assemblies 12 are used to erect panels 90.
00077 The fact that the foot zone 32 is offset and the slots 56 are substantially identical allows
reversal of distal and proximal ends 34 of the weight/s 18 to accommodate corners and
openings in the structure. For example, an outermost support assembly 12 in Figures 1 and 2
is located at the edge of a panel 24 or wall 92. The weights 18 are oriented so that the foot
zone 32 is offset towards the edge. This minimizes interference with operations, particularly the
passage of personnel and goods past the edge.
00078 In use, one or more support assemblies 12 are positioned in a desired location. The
weights 18 are then stacked on to the foot 14 and locked into position as described above. The
post 22 is positioned in the post retainer as described above. The top beam 94 (Figure 1) or the
panels 24 (Figure 2) can then be secured to the timber post 22 to form the temporary structure,
such as hoardings.
00079 It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to
be illustrative of the aspects of the subject matter of the claims, without limiting the scope
thereof. The aspects are capable of being practiced with various modifications and additions as
will readily occur to those skilled in the art.
00080 Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments are
described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the
inventor for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or
enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those
of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor expects skilled artisans to
employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimed subject matter
to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the
claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents thereof and all improvements
thereto. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all
possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise
clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by
context.
00081 The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided
herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of any aspects unless otherwise stated.
00082 Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary,
description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the
contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by
context, with respect to any claim, and whether originally presented or otherwise:
a. there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated
characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities,
or any particular interrelationship of elements;
b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”;
c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;
d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities,
and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and
e. any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities
can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.
00083 The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of
describing various embodiments are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural,
unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,”
“having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning
“including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.