WO2011089239A1

WO2011089239A1 - Support system for a floor

Info

Publication number: WO2011089239A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/050866
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stig B. Knudsen; Christian Bo Østen
Original assignee: Subfloor
Priority date: 2010-01-22
Filing date: 2011-01-21
Publication date: 2011-07-28
Also published as: EP2354371A1; EP2526242B1; EP2526242A1

Abstract

A support system for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface, which system comprises a panel stringer made of thin metal plate which has a generally inverted U- shaped cross-section profile with two generally parallel side portions and a generally planar interconnecting portion which defines a supporting surface, a plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures which are provided in the interconnecting portion. The system further comprises a first plurality of supporting elements, adapted to support the panel stringer, each supporting element comprises a vertical through-going bore which defines an interior screw thread, each of the supporting elements are slidably positionable along the panel stringer within the inverted U-shaped cross-section profile for positioning a specific supporting element in registration with a cooperating specific aperture of the plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures, the specific supporting element supports the panel stringer and cooperates with the panel stringer to prevent rotation of the specific supporting element relative to the panel stringer. The system further comprises a second plurality of elongate supporting legs made of a cutable material and adapted to support the supporting elements, each supporting leg is generally cylindrical and has a diameter adapted to allow it to pass through the plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures of the panel stringer and each supporting leg further has an exterior screw thread interengageable with the interior screw thread of the supporting elements and an inner recess provided at one end which constitutes a top end and defines a tool engageable part for engaging with a tool and an opposite bottom end serving to engage with the underlying surface.

Description

Support system for a floor

Conventional floor construction involves the use of wooden floor joists supporting a subfloor attached to the floor joists. The subfloor may be made of wooden boards which support a flooring, for example laminated wood, ceramic tile, or stone, or a floor covering, such as an area rug, vinyl or linoleum, the flooring or floor covering providing a walking surface. In some cases the subfloor itself may provide a walking surface and no additional flooring or floor covering is used.

The floor joists may be supported by bearers or may be supported directly by a concrete slab. To achieve a level floor, wedges are conventionally placed under the floor joists to adjust the height of the floor joists relative to the points where the floor joists are supported by the bearers or the concrete slab.

The conventional floor construction has a number of drawbacks, such as the use of wooden floor joists which may vary greatly in quality and are susceptible to damage and warping due to water and microorganisms, the time-consuming procedure of using wedges to achieve a level floor, the squeaky noise from the wood-wood contact between floor joists and subfloor, the weight of the floor joists which render them hard to handle, etc. To mitigate some of the above identified disadvantages a number of systems are known which generally include height adjustable pedestals supporting stringers which may support a floor, floor panels or a subfloor, predominantly for applications in computer hails and fair stands. Such systems are described in amongst others WO2006053813. EP1247922, DE3913984, G81 140957, GB1Q35817, DE20120006 (utility model), WO2008055292, EP0980944, EP1528181 , US4893441 , US4982539, EP1760222_; FR2905395, EP1171678, EP0353360, and US5048242.

The above described systems mainly describe stringers having unique ends for connection to pedestals, thus any shortening of the stringer will cut off at least one of the unique ends, destroying the connection to the pedestals. Even where the stringer may be shortened, such shortening may only be possible at specific positions along the stringer and may require the use of motorized cutting tools or the like. Further, the above described systems may be tiresome and uneconomic to level as the pedestals may in some cases require access from below in order to be adjusted. In addition the above described systems may be difficult to combine with existing bearers or joists, particularly in older houses and building structures. Further systems include bars and level adjustment means as described in EP0874943 and bars supported by carriers screwed onto threaded rods as in DE19607511.

Also brackets for hanging joists between load bearing walls and devices for levelling machines are known from WO2002057557 and US551176Q, respectively

It is an object of the present invention to simplify the construction and levelling of a floor.

It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the number of components in a support system for supporting a floor.

It is a yet a further object of the present invention to reduce the cost of a support system for supporting a floor. It is furthermore an object of the present invention to provide a support system for a floor which is easily combined with existing bearers or joists.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a support system for a floor having a variable load bearing capacity.

The above objects, as well as numerous further objects which will be evident from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the support structure for a floor is according to corresponding first and fourth aspects of the present invention obtained by a support system for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface, the system comprising

a panel stringer made of thin metal plate and having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section profile with two generally parallel side portions and a generally planar interconnecting portion defining a supporting surface, a plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures being provided in the interconnecting portion,

a first plurality of supporting elements, adapted to support the panel stringer, each supporting element comprising a vertical through-going bore defining an interior screw thread, each of the supporting elements being slidably positionable along the panel stringer within the inverted U-shaped cross-section profile for positioning a specific supporting element in registration with a cooperating specific aperture of the plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures, the specific supporting element supporting the panel stringer and cooperating with the panel stringer to prevent rotation of the specific supporting element relative to the panel stringer, and,

a second plurality of elongate supporting legs made of a cutable material and adapted to support the supporting elements, each supporting leg being generally cylindrical and having a diameter adapted to allow it to pass through the plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures of the panel stringer and each supporting leg further having an exterior screw thread interengageable with the interior screw thread of the supporting elements and an inner recess provided at one end constituting a top end and defining a tool engageable part for engaging with a tool and an opposite bottom end serving to engage with the underlying surface and, a method for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface comprising the steps of.

providing a support system according to the first aspect of the invention, positioning each of the supporting elements within the inverted U-shaped cross-section profile in registration with a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures,

inserting each of the supporting legs through a corresponding aperture of the apertures and interengaging the exterior screw thread of each of the supporting legs with the interior screw thread of a corresponding supporting element of the supporting elements, and

driving each of the supporting legs through the corresponding aperture and at least partly through the corresponding supporting element to engage the underlying surface and support the supporting elements, respectively.

According to corresponding second and fifth aspects of the support structure for a floor according to the present invention a support system for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface, the system comprising

a panel stringer made of thin metal plate and having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section profile with two generally parallel side portions and a generally planar interconnecting portion defining a supporting surface,

a third plurality of supporting elements, adapted to support the panel stringer, each supporting element comprising a vertical through-going bore defining an interior screw thread and a polygonal top plate comprising a radially protruding engagement flange defining a planar top surface, the engagement flange being endwise slidably insertable into the panel stringer within the inverted U-shaped cross- section profile, the planar top surface supporting the pane! stringer and the engagement flange engaging the side portions to prevent rotation of the supporting elements relative to the panel stringer and,

a fourth plurality of elongate supporting legs, made of a cuttabie material, adapted to support the supporting elements, each supporting leg being generally cylindrical and having an exterior screw thread interengageabie with the interior screw thread of the supporting element and an inner recess provided at one end constituting a top end and defining a tool engageaWe part for engaging with a tool and an opposite bottom end serving to engage with the underlying surface, and, a method for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface comprising the steps of

providing a support system according the second aspect of the present invention,

Inserting the engagement flange of each of the supporting elements endwise into a corresponding end of the panel stringer within the inverted U-shaped cross-section profile,

interengaging the exterior screw thread of each of the supporting legs with the interior screw thread of a corresponding supporting element of the supporting elements, and

driving each of the supporting legs at least partly through the corresponding supporting element to engage the underlying surface and support the supporting elements, respectively, are provided.

In the context of the present invention, the term floor is to be understood as comprising a subfloor, a floor covering, a flooring or any other generally planar surface providing a walking surface or a surface upon which furniture may be supported in a building construction. In the context of the present invention, the locational and directional terms inner, outer, upper, lower, top, bottom are, unless clearly understood jby the feature of the present invention that the relate to, to be interpreted in the framework of a building structure, thus upper or top would be closer to the ceiling of a room in the building structure and lower or bottom would be below upper or top.

In the context of the present invention, the term planar, when used as an attribute for a surface, is to be understood as comprising also planar surfaces having surface structures such as grooves, ribs, creases, furrows, dimples, pits etc.

Further, in the context of the present invention the term cutable is to be understood as a material which may be severed or cut by a manual tool such as a knife, a saw, a chisel, an axe, or a power tool such as an electric or pneumatic saw etc.. a manual tool being preferred. Cutable materials may for example comprise plastics such as nylon etc.

The pane! stringer of the first and second aspect of the present invention is made from thin metal plate which has the advantage that the metal plate is impervious to water provided a suitable surface treatment, such as galvanizing, is used. Further surface treatments include plating, painting, plastic coating etc. Further, the thin metal plate gives a low weight to the panel stringer and the panel stringer is easily shortened by shears or other tools. The inverted U-shaped cross-section profile provides a supporting surface for supporting a floor while the side portions provide the load bearing strength for the panel stringer. The spaced apart apertures of the first aspect of the support system according to the present invention allows the panel stringer to be supported at positions along the length of the panel stringer, thus allowing long panel stringers to be used, while the panel stringer according to the second aspect of the present invention may be provided in shorter, easily transportable and easily stored units.

The spaced apart apertures may be set 15-30 cm apart, such as 20-25 cm, preferably 20 cm.

It is contemplated within the context of the present invention that the load bearing capacity of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention may be varied by supporting the panel stringer with a supporting element and corresponding supporting leg at each of the spaced apart apertures for maximum load bearing capacity, or alternatively at every other or every third etc. of the spaced apart apertures for subsequently lower load bearing capacity requirements and reduced number of supporting elements and supporting legs needed, i.e. at reduced cost. It is thus contemplated that the supporting system according to the first aspect of the present invention may be used both for applications requiring high load bearing capacity, such as to support a floor in an office or shop, as weli as applications requiring low load bearing capacity, such as a for residential house.

It is further contemplated within the present invention that the supporting elements according to the second aspect of the present invention could be used with the panel stringer according to the first aspect of the present invention, thus supporting the ends of the panel stringer using the supporting elements according to the second aspect of the present invention, and adding the supporting elements according to the first aspect of the present invention to support the pane) stringer between the ends thereof to increase the load bearing capacity when required.

Although preferably made from galvanized steel, it is contemplated that the panel stringer could be made from plastic, compressed wood, etc.

The supporting surface, being generally planar, may include surface structures such as grooves, ribs, creases, furrows, dimples, pits, etc., which may serve to facilitate the fastening of a floor to the panel stringer using nails or screws by providing pilot holes for a the nails or screws. Alternatively the surface structures may serve to increase the load bearing capacity of the support system by strengthening the panel stringer.

The supporting elements of the first aspect of the support system according to the present invention are easily installed within the panel stringer and are longitudinally retained by the supporting leg at one of the apertures, thus the number of different components is decreased as the supporting leg performs multiple functions. The interior screw thread of the supporting element according to the first and second aspect of the present invention in combination with a supporting leg having an exterior screw thread allows the pane! stringer to be adjustable to a desired height. Adjusting the height is performed from above which provides better ergonomics for the person making the adjustment.

The supporting element according to the first aspect of the present invention may cooperate with the panel stringer to prevent rotation of the supporting element relative to the panel stringer for example by a burr-like arresting element, a hole in the panel stringer being engaged by a pin extending from the supporting element, an adhesive substance or tape provided between the supporting element and the panel stringer, a magnet attached to, or moulded into the supporting element engaging the panel stringer when the panel stringer is made from steel or iron, short spikes being provided on the underside of the interconnectiong portion around the aperture, the spikes engaging the supporting element etc.

This is advantageous as it allows the supporting leg to be driven through the supporting element singlehandedly.

The cutable material of the supporting leg allows any excess of the supporting leg, which may extend upwardly from the pane! stringer once the panel stringer has been levelled and adjusted to the correct height, to be easily and quickly cut off using a saw or other manual tool, after which the floor may be attached to the panel stringer. Thus, the support system according to the first and second aspect of the present invention may be levelled also on an unlevel underlying surface. As an alternative to making the supporting legs from a cutable material the supporting legs may be made with indications of fracture where the supporting legs may be easily shortened by breaking off the supporting leg at one of the indications of fracture.

The tool engageable part of the top end of the supporting leg allows the supporting leg to, in addition to being driven by hand, be driven by a tool, such as a screwdriver, electric screwdriver, or other tool, thus simplifying the levelling and height adjustment of the panel stringer. The tool engageable part may comprise a screw drive such as a slotted screw drive, a cross screw drive, a square screw drive, a hexagonal screw drive, a torx screw drive etc.

In the preferred embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention each of the supporting elements comprises a rectangular top plate, the rectangular top plate supporting the panel stringer and engaging the side portions to prevent rotation of the supporting element relative to the panel stringer.

This is advantageous as it allows the supporting leg to be screwed in singlehandedly.

In accordance with the above preferred embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention the panel stringer in cross-section profile comprises a transition portion, or alternatively and preferably two transition portions, joining the generally planar interconnecting portion and one, or alternatively both, of the side portions, and defining a sidewall, or alternatively two sidewalls, displaced outwardly relative to the one, or alternatively the two, side portions, serving to retain the rectangular top plate and prevent vertical displacement thereof.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the supporting element, within the panel stringer which simplifies the handling of the support system and may retain the panel stringer vertically.

In the preferred embodiment of the support system according to the second aspect of the present invention the panel stringer in cross-section profile comprises a transition portion, or alternatively and preferably two transition portions, joining the generally planar interconnecting portion and one, or alternatively both, of said the portions, and defining a sidewall, or alternatively two sidewalls, displaced outwardly relative to the one, or alternatively the two. side portions, serving to retain the engagement flange and prevent vertical displacement thereof.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the engagement flange within the panel stringer which simplifies the handling of the support system and may retain the panel stringer vertically.

The top plate, or the engagement flange, of the supporting elements may be engageable by the transition portion. In an alternative embodiment of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the panel stringer in cross-section profile comprises an inwardly projecting flange perpendicularly joined to one of the side portions.

The top plate, or the engagement flange, of the supporting elements may be engageable by the flange.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the supporting element within the panel stringer which simplifies the handling of the support system and may retain the panel stringer vertically.

In an alternative embodiment of the first or second aspect of the present invention, the panel stringer in cross-section profile comprises an inwardly projecting protrusion on one of the side portions.

The supporting element, or the engagement flange may be engageable by the protrusion.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the supporting element within the panel stringer which simplifies the handling of the support system and may retain the panel stringer vertically. Alternatively one of the side portions of the panel stringer in cross section profile comprises an inwardly converging lower end.

The supporting element, or the engagement flange may be engageable by the lower end.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the supporting element within the panel stringer which simplifies the handling of the support system and may retain the panel stringer vertically. In one embodiment of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention one of the side portions of the panel stringer in cross-section comprises an inwardly rolled edge.

The supporting element or the engagement fiange may be engageable by the rolled edge.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the supporting element within the panel stringer which simplifies the assembly of the support system and may retain the panel stringer vertically. A further advantage is that it may increase the load bearing capacity of the panel stringer. It is contemplated within the context of the present invention that the panel stringer according to the second aspect of the present invention, although being defined as having an inverted U-shaped cross-section profile could instead have a box-shaped profile or a triangular profile and the engagement flange of the supporting elements could be engageable by the sides of the box-shaped profile or the triangular profile,

Preferably the thin metal plate of said panel stringer has a thickness of 0.4-1 , preferably 0.5-0.6 or most preferably 0.6 mm.

This is advantageous as it allows the panel stringer to simply, and without requiring motorized tools, be cut, for example by shears, thus simplifying the assembly of the support system. Additional tools suitable for cutting the panel stringer include saws etc. In addition to manual tools trie panel stringer can also be cut with an electric circular saw, a pneumatic saw, etc. A further advantage is that the material needed for each panel stringer, and thus the cost, is reduced. In one embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention the vertical through-going bore of each of the supporting elements has a diameter smaller than the diameter of each of the supporting legs and comprises a cut defining a deflectable wall portion being deflectable and being engageable by the side portions when deflected.

This is advantageous as it allows the supporting element to be longitudinally retained in the panel stringer once the supporting leg has been driven into the supporting element, thus further increasing the stability of the assembled support system.

In one embodiment of the support system according to the second aspect of the present invention the vertical through-going bore of each of the supporting elements has a diameter smaller than the diameter of each of the supporting legs and comprising an elongate cut-out extending along a part of the vertical through-going bore into the engagement flange, the vertical through-going bore, the cut-out and the engagement flange being widenab!e and the engagement flange being engageable by the side portions when widened.

This is advantageous as it allows the engagement flange of the supporting element to be longitudinally retained in the panel stringer once the supporting leg has been driven into the supporting element, thus further increasing the stability of the assembled support system. In embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the bottom end of each of the supporting legs further comprises a protrusion defining a tool part, engageable by the tool engageable part of the top end, and serving to lock to a further supporting leg in a combined leg structure in a specific orientation establishing a continuous outer screw thread of the combined leg structure. This is advantageous as it allows one supporting leg to be joined to further supporting legs, thus increasing the height at which the supporting element can be supported, and thus increasing the height at which a floor can be supported. Further, since the supporting legs are joinable there is no need for different supporting legs of different length, thus reducing the number of different components and the cost of the support system.

In accordance with the above embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the tool part comprises an axial groove and the tool engageable part of the supporting legs further comprising an axial rail, the axial groove being engageable by the axial rail on a further supporting leg for locking the combined leg structure in the specific orientation. This is advantageous as the axial groove and the axial rail are a simple and efficient way of locking the combined leg structure in the specific orientation.

In embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the bottom end of each of the supporting legs further comprises a circumferential rib and the inner recess of each of the supporting legs comprises a restriction, the circumferential rib of the supporting leg being engageable by the restriction on the further supporting leg in the combined leg structure, serving to maintain the supporting legs in the combined leg structure by interference fit of the circumferential rib and the restriction.

The restriction may for example be one or more protrusions, or a continuous rib.

This is advantageous as K prevents the supporting legs being joined in the combined leg structure from slipping apart. According to further embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the outer screw thread of each of the supporting legs is interrupted by a first multitude of notches defining a second multitude of screw thread segments and each of the supporting legs comprises a protrusion extending axially from a perimeter of the top end, the protrusion being engageable by one of the notches on a further supporting leg of the supporting legs. This is advantageous as it increases the torque-transmitting capacity between joined supporting legs.

According to further embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the outer screw thread of each of the supporting legs is interrupted by a first multitude of notches defining a second multitude of screw thread segments and each of the supporting elements comprises a resitiently deflectable tongue in the wall of the vertical through-going bore, the tongue comprising a protrusion engageable by each of the notches.

The protrusion on the tongue ensures that the supporting leg does not turn unintentionally, such as when the support structure is subjected to vibrations from for example a washing machine etc, once the supporting leg has been driven properly into the supporting element.

Preferably the tongue is provided in the wall of the vertical through-going bore distally from the top plate. This is advantageous as it increase the strength of the top plate. Further it protects the tongue during assembly of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.

In further embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the support system further comprises

a fifth plurality of base elements adapted to support the supporting legs and to be interposed between the bottom ends and the underlying surface, each of the base elements comprising first and second sides, the first side comprising a recess comprising a protrusion, and each of the supporting legs further comprises an indentation in the tool part, the indentation being engageable by the protrusion of the base elements.

This is advantageous as it may reduce the pressure from the supporting legs on an underlying substrate such as a floor joist, a bearer or a concrete base. In alternative embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the support system further comprises

a fifth plurality of base elements adapted to support the supporting legs and to be interposed between the bottom ends and the underlying surface, each of the base elements comprising first and second sides, the first side comprising an upwardly protruding ring defining a locking cavity, and the bottom end of each of the supporting legs further having a circumferential rib adapted to lock in said locking cavity.

This is advantageous as it may reduce the pressure from the supporting legs on an underlying substrate such as a floor joist, a bearer or a concrete base. Further by locking the supporting leg to the base element the assembly of the support system is simplified as the support system may be lifted and repositioned during assembly without the base element falling off the bottom ends of the supporting legs.

In accordance with the above alternative embodiments of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention the support system further comprises a resilient cushion positioned in the locking cavity.

This is advantageous as it allows impacts on the support system and the supporting legs to be cushioned, thereby reducing noise, including but not limited to noise from a person walking on a floor supported by the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. The resilient cushion may be separate and/or separable from the base element, allowing the system to be used with or without the resilient cushion as desired.

The resilient cushion may comprise a rubber patch, a rubber disc, a rubber ring etc. other resilient materials include, plastics, a metal spring etc.

The resilient cushion may be integral with the base element, for example by moulding the base element from a resilient material, or by providing a melt of a thermoplastic resilient material or a solution of a polymerizable resilient material in the locking cavity, the melt or solution thereafter being allowed to cool, or induced to polymerize, to form a resilient cushion integral with the base element.

In the above further embodiment of the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention each of the base elements preferably further comprises a pertmetrically positioned through-going hole adapted to receive a fastening member. This is advantageous as it allows the bottom ends of the supporting legs to be fixated relative to the underlying surface, thus it increases the stability of the support system.

According to corresponding third and sixth aspects of the support structure for a floor according to the present invention a base supporting system for supporting a floor structure between two generally parallel floor joists or two generally parallel exposed bearers in a building structure comprising

a supporting stringer made of thin metal plate and having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section profile with two generally parallel side portions and a generally planar interconnecting portion defining a base supporting surface,

two suspension brackets, each defining a straight vertical web and top and bottom flanges extending in opposite directions perpendicularly from the web or alternatively defining an L having a straight vertical web and a bottom flange defining a top surface extending perpendicularly from the web, the bottom flange being endwise slidably insertable into the supporting stringer within the inverted U-shaped cross- section profile, the top surface supporting the supporting stringer and the bottom flange engaging the side portions of the supporting stringer to prevent rotation of the suspension bracket relative to the supporting stringer, and the web and/or the top flange being adapted to be attachable to one of the floor joists or bearers, and, a method of supporting a floor structure between two generally parallel floor joists or two generally parallel bearers in a building structure is provided comprising the steps of

providing a base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention,

inserting the bottom flange of each of the suspension brackets endwise into a corresponding end of said supporting stringer within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile, and

attaching the upper flange, or alternatively attaching the web, of each of the suspension brackets to a corresponding joist or bearer of the floor joists or the bearers, respectively, are provided. The supporting stringer of the third aspect of the present invention is made from thin metal plate which has the advantage that the metal plate is impervious to water provided a suitable surface treatment, such as galvanizing, is used. Further surface treatments include painting, plating and plastic coating. Further the thin metal plate gives a low weight of the supporting stringer. The inverted U-shaped cross-section profile provides a base supporting surface for supporting a floor structure while the side portions provide the load bearing strength for the supporting stringer.

The suspension brackets are easily installed within the supporting stringer. The bottom flange is prevented from rotating relative to the panel stringer when inserted in the supporting stringer which increases the stability of the base supporting system.

By fastening the suspension brackets to the floor joists or bearers the load bearing strength of the suspension brackets is increased. In the preferred embodiment of the base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention the supporting stringer in cross section profile comprises a transition portion, or alternatively and preferably two transition portions, joining the generally planar interconnecting portion and one, or alternatively both, of the side portions, and defining a sidewall, or alternatively two sidewalls, displaced outwardly relative to the one, or alternatively the two, side portions, serving to retain the bottom flange and prevent vertical displacement thereof. This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the bottom flange within the supporting stringer which simplifies the handling of the base supporting system and may retain the supporting stringer vertically.

The bottom flange may be engageable by the transition portion.

In an alternative embodiment of the base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention the supporting stringer in cross-section profile comprises an inwardly projecting flange perpendicularly joined to one of the side portions of the supporting stringer.

The bottom flange may be engageable by the flange of the supporting stringer.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the bottom flange within the supporting stringer which simplifies the handling of the base supporting system and may retain the supporting stringer vertically. Alternatively, the supporting stringer in cross-section profile comprises an inwardly projecting protrusion on one of the side portions of the supporting stringer.

The bottom flange may be engageable by the protrusion.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the bottom flange within the supporting stringer which simplifies the handling of the support system and may retain the supporting stringer vertically.

In an alternative embodiment of the base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention one of the side portions of the supporting stringer in cross-section profile comprises an inwardly converging lower end.

The bottom flange may be engageable by the lower end of the supporting stringer. This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the bottom flange within the supporting stringer which simplifies the handling of the base supporting system and may retain the supporting stringer vertically. In one embodiment of the base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention one of the side portions of the supporting stringer in cross section comprises an inwardly rolled edge.

The bottom flange may be engageable by the rolled edge.

This is advantageous as it may vertically retain the bottom flange within the supporting stringer which simplifies the assembly of the base supporting system and may retain the supporting stringer vertically. A further advantage is that it may increase the load bearing capacity of the supporting stringer

It is contemplated within the context of the present invention that the supporting stringer according to the third aspect of the present invention, although being defined as having an inverted U-shaped cross-section profile could instead have a box-shaped profile or a triangular profile and the bottom flange of the suspension bracket could be engageabie by the sides of the box-shaped profile or the triangular profile. In an embodiment of the base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention each bottom flange comprises a horizontal transversa! bend defining first and second non-parallel portions.

This is advantageous as it may retain the bottom flange longitudinally in the supporting stringer, thus simplifying the handling of the base supporting system

Preferably the thin metal plate of the supporting stringer has a thickness of at. least 1 mm such as 1.5 mm.

This is advantageous as it increases the strength of the supporting stringer while stil! minimising the material needed for each supporting stringer, and thus the cost. The supporting stringer may be cut by an angle grinder, which may be electrically or pneumatically driven or a rotary metal saw which may be electrically or pneumatically driven. It is also contemplated within the context of the present invention that the supporting stringer could be cut by a hacksaw. Alternatively the supporting stringer may be identical to the panel stringer and have a material thickness of 0.7 as this is reduces the number of components when the support system is used with the base supporting system.

In corresponding preferred embodiments of the third and sixth aspect of the present invention the base supporting system according the third aspect of the present invention further comprises the support system according to a preferred embodiment of the first or second aspects of the present invention for providing the underlying surface, the second side of each of the base elements being slidably attachable to the base supporting surface of the supporting stringer, and, the method according to the sixth aspect of the present invention further comprises the steps of:

providing a support system according to the first or the second aspect of the present invention,

performing the sub-steps of:

positioning each of the supporting elements within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile in registration with a corresponding aperture of the plurality of apertures,

driving each of the supporting legs through the corresponding aperture and at least partly through the corresponding supporting element to engage the underlying surface and support the supporting elements,

or alternatively the sub-steps of:

inserting the engagement flange of each of the supporting elements endwise into a corresponding end of the panel stringer within the inverted U · shaped cross-section profile,

driving each of the supporting legs at least partly through the corresponding supporting element of the supporting elements to engage the underlying surface and support the supporting elements,

attaching the first side of each of the base elements to a corresponding supporting leg of the supporting legs of the support system, and

attaching the second side of each of the base elements of the support system to the supporting stringer. respectively.

Tine base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention is advantageous as it allows the support system according to the first or second aspects of the present invention to be integrated with existing floor joists or bearers in building structures. It is especially suitable when the existing floor joists or bearers are set too far apart, typically more than 40 or 60 cm, in relation to local building codes or regulation as it provides a base supporting surface for a new floor joist or bearer, or preferably, for the support system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.

In a further separate and independent aspect Of the present invention an elongate supporting leg for supporting an object is provided, the supporting leg

being generally cylindrical,

having an exterior screw thread,

having an inner recess provided at one end constituting a top end and defining a tool engageable part for engaging with a tool, and having an opposite bottom end serving to engage with said underlying surface, the bottom end of each of said supporting legs further comprising a protrusion defining a tool part, engageable by the tool engageable part defined by the inner recess of the top end, and serving to lock to a further supporting leg in a combined leg structure in a specific orientation establishing a continuous outer screw thread of the combined leg structure. The supporting leg according to the further separate and independent aspect of the present invention is advantageous for supporting objects such as kitchen cabinets, bathroom furniture, general furniture such as cupboards, beds, shelves, television sets, desks etc., where there exists a need for adjusting the height of the objects, and for levelling the objects. By providing such objects with apertures, comprising an interior screw thread corresponding to the outer screw thread of the supporting leg, they may be supported by the supporting leg according to the further separate and independent aspect of the present invention

Further the supporting leg is advantageous where it is desired to be able to set the height of the objects over a broad range to accommodate users of different height. As the supporting legs are joinable there is no need for different supporting legs of different length, thus reducing the number of different components and the cost of the support system.

As an example it may be desired to have a worktop on a kitchen cabinet at a height of as low as 70 cm or lower for a short person, white a tall person may want to have the worktop at a height of 110 cm or higher. This range of heights is difficult to provide with existing legs and feet commonly used for such cabinets, but may easily be accommodated by one more several supporting legs

In the preferred embodiment of the supporting leg according to further separate and independent aspect of the present invention the too! part comprises an axial groove and the tool engageable part of the supporting legs further comprising an axial rail, the axial groove being engageable by the axial rail on a further supporting leg for locking the combined leg structure in the specific orientation.

This is advantageous as the axial groove and the axial rail are a simple and efficient way of locking the combined leg structure in the specific orientation.

In accordance with the above preferred embodiment of the supporting leg according to the further separate and independent aspect of the present invention the bottom end of each of the supporting legs further comprises a circumferential rib and the inner recess of each of the supporting legs comprises a restriction, the circumferential rib of the supporting leg being engageable by the restriction on the further supporting leg in the combined leg structure, serving to maintain the supporting legs in the combined leg structure by interference fit of the circumferential rib and the restriction.

This is advantageous as it prevents the supporting legs being joined in the combined leg structure from slipping apart. in one embodiment of the supporting leg according to further separate and independent aspect of the present invention the outer screw thread of each of the supporting legs is interrupted by a first multitude of notches defining a second multitude of screw thread segments and each of the supporting legs comprises a protrusion extending axially from a perimeter of the top end, the protrusion being engageable by one of the notches on a further supporting leg of the supporting legs. This is advantageous as it increases the torque-transmitting capacity between joined supporting legs.

The apertures may be provided directly in the objects, such as in a lower part of the object, but alternatively the supporting element of the support system according to the first or second aspects of the present invention may be fastened, for example by providing holes in the top plate or the engagement flange and fastening the supporting element with screws, or alternatively by incorporating the supporting element into the object, to the object to be supported.

In an additional separate and independent aspect of the present invention a flange component, for being fastened to an object to be supported and being supportable by the supporting ieg according to the above further separate and independent aspect of the present invention, is provided, the flange component comprising

a vertical through-going bore defining an interior screw thread engageable by the outer thread of the supporting leg, and, a top flange for fastening to the object.

The top flange may for example include holes for screws fastening the top flange to the object, alternatively the flange component and the top flange may be made from a material, such as plastic etc., into which self-tapping screws may be directly driven for fastening the top flange to the object.

In the preferred embodiment of the flange component according to the additional separate and independent aspect of the present invention, where the flange component is to be used with the supporting leg according to the further separate and independent aspect of the present invention where the outer screw thread is interrupted by a first multitude of notches defining a second multitude of screw thread segments, the flange component comprises a resiliency deflectable tongue in the wall of the vertical through-going bore, the tongue comprising a protrusion for engaging each of the notches of the supporting leg.

The protrusion on the tongue ensures that the supporting leg does not turn unintentionally, such as when the supporting leg and the flange component are subjected to vibrations from an object such as a washing machine etc, once the supporting leg has been driven properly into the vertical bore of the flange component. Preferably the tongue is provided in the wall of the vertical through-going bore distally from the top flange. This is advantageous as it increases the strength of the top flange. Further it protects the tongue during the mounting of the flange component to the object. To support the object a base element according to the first or second aspect of the present invention may be used for supporting the supporting leg. Especially the base element comprising a resilient cushion is advantageous to use for example when the supporting leg according to the further separate and independent aspect of the present invention supports a home appliance such as a washing machine or a dishwasher, as the resilient cushion prevents vibrations and noise, from the home appliance, from spreading to a support such as a floor.

It is further contemplated within the context of the present invention that the support system according to the second aspect of the present invention may be used to define a rectangular frame, the sides thereof being defined by panel stringers and the comers being defined by supporting elements supported by the supporting legs, onto which the object, such as a washing machine can be placed. As above, the base elements with resilient cushions are preferably used to support the supporting legs to reduce noise and vibrations where a washing machine or similar vibrating equipment is supported by the frame.

It is furthermore contemplated within the context of the present invention that the supporting elements of the support system according to the second aspect of the present invention may be used together with a supporting leg to define a pedestal for supporting a floor comprising a multitude of floor plates, in which case each engagement flange may comprise a pin protruding upwards and each floor plate may comprise holes, for attaching the floor plate to the supporting element.

Alternatively screws may be driven through the floor plates into the engagement flange to attach the floor plate to the supporting element The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

Fig. 1 shows, in perspective and in exploded view, a first embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention and a first embodiment of the base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention, shows, in perspective and in exploded view, extension of a supporting leg by connection to a further supporting leg, shows, in magnified and partial cutaway view, details of the connection between the supporting legs shown in fig. 2, as well as a further supporting leg with corresponding base element, Fig. 4 shows in perspective and in exploded view, a first embodiment of the support system according to the second aspect of the present invention,

Fig. 5 shows, in perspective and in exploded view, a second embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention and a second embodiment of the base supporting system according to the third aspect of the present invention, shows a top view of a base element as comprised by the second embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention and shown in fig 5, shows a part section side view of a base element connected to a supporting leg as comprised by the second embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention and shown in figs. 5, shows a part section side view of an inclined base element connected to a supporting leg as comprised by the second embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention and shown in figs. 5,

Fig. 9 shows a section side view of a supporting leg as comprised by the second embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention,

Fig. 10 shows, in perspective and sectioned view, a supporting leg as comprised by the second embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention. fn the below description one or more subscript Arabic numerals added to a reference number indicates that the element referred to is a further one of the element designated the un-subscripted reference number. Further, one or more ' signs added to a reference number indicates that the element referred to has the same or similar function as the element designated the un-subscripted reference number, however, differing in structure.

Fig. 1 shows, in perspective and in exploded view, a first embodiment of a support system, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 10, according to the first aspect of the present invention, and a first embodiment of a base supporting system, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 100, according to the third aspect of the present invention

The support system 10 comprises a panel stringer, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 12, a plurality of supporting elements, one of which supporting elements is shown and designated the reference numeral 40, and a plurality of supporting legs, one of which supporting legs is shown and designated the reference numeral 60. The support system 10 shown in fig. 1 further comprises a plurality of base elements, one of which base elements is shown and designated the reference numeral 80, which support the support system 10 from the base supporting system 100. The base supporting system 100 comprises a supporting stringer, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 112. and two suspension brackets, one of which is designated the reference numeral 140 which attach the base supporting system 100 to first and second floor joist, designated the reference numeral 2 and 4, respectively.

The panel stringer 12 comprises a supporting surface, designated the reference numeral 14 attached to first and second side portions, designated the reference numerals 16 and 18, respectively, along a first and second upper edge, designated the reference numerals 20 and 22 respectively. The side portions 16 and 18 further comprise first and second lower edges, designated the reference numerals 24 and 26, respectively, which are inwardly rolled. The supporting surface 14 further comprises a plurality of apertures, one of which apertures is designated the reference numeral 28. The side portions 16 and 18 are joined to the supporting surface 14 via first and second sidewalls, designated the reference numerals 30 and 32, respectively, and first and second transition portions, designated the reference numerals 34 and 36. respectively. The panel stringer 12 may be made from thin metal plate such as steel plate, aluminium plate, etc, and may be fabricated through rolling, extrusion, drawing etc. The thickness of the material of the panel stringer is preferably 0.6 mm as this dimension yields a good strength while also allowing the panel stringer 12 to be cut to a desired length by shears or other simple hand tools. Further this dimension allows a floor such as a sub floor (not shown) to be fastened directly to the supporting surface 14 of the panel stringer 12 using self tapping screws (not shown) which penetrate the supporting surface 14. The apertures 28 shali have a diameter sufficient to allow the supporting leg 60 to pass through the aperture 28.

The supporting element 40 comprises a cylindrical body, designated the reference numeral 42 joined perpendicularly to a top plate, designated the reference numeral 44. A bore, designated the reference numeral 48, penetrates perpendicularly the top plate 44 and axially the body 42 and defines an interior screw thread, designated the reference numeral SO. A plurality of cuts in the wall of the body 42 and the top plate 44 define first and second resilienfly deflectable tongues comprising protrusions, designated the reference numeral 52 and 54, respectively, spaced apart by 135".

The supporting element 40 is preferably made from moulded plastic such as nylon or alternatively from fibre reinforced polyester resins or epoxy resins. The height of the supporting element 40 is typically less than the height of the panel stringer 12, and the body 42 may, or may not, be in contact with the inner wall of the side portions 16 and 18.

The supporting leg 60 is generally cylindrical and comprises a top end, designated the reference 62 and a bottom end, designated the reference numeral 64. An exterior screw thread, designated the reference numeral 66 is provided on the exterior of the supporting leg 60. The exterior screw thread 66 is interrupted by a multitude of regularly spaced apart notches, one of which is designated the reference numeral 68, and the top end 62 of the supporting leg 60 further includes a protrusion, designated the reference numeral 70. The bottom end 64 of the supporting leg 60 comprises a tool part, designated the reference numeral 72, comprising a recess (not shown), and the top end 62 comprises a recess, designated the reference numeral 74, which recess includes a tool engageable part (not shown). The interaction of protrusion 70 with notch 68, and the tool part 72 with recess 74, respectively, will be described in more detail in relation to figs. 2 and 3.

The supporting leg 60 is made from a cutable material, preferably moulded plastic such as nylon or alternatively from fibre reinforced polyester resins or epoxy resins. The supporting leg 60 may have a length of about 5 cm to 30 cm and a diameter sufficientiy small to allow it to pass through the aperture 28 of the panel stringer 12. The notches 68 are spaced evenly each 90^* along the exterior screw thread 66 around the supporting leg 60, but may be spaced closer together or set wider apart.

The base element 80 comprises first and second generally rectangular sides, designated the reference numerals 82 and 84, respectively. The first side 82 further comprises a centred recess, designated the reference numeral 86 comprising a centred pin, designated the reference numeral 88. The second side 84 further comprises a slot, designated the reference numeral 90, for engagement with the base supporting system 100 as will be described in more detail below. Fastening holes, one of which is designated the reference numeral 92, are provided on the perimeter of the base element 80.

The base element may be made from moulded plastic such as nylon or alternatively from fibre reinforced polyester resins or epoxy resins. Although not shown in fig. 1 , the second side 84 may also comprise the recess 86 and pin 88 of the first side, thus rendering the base element 80 reversible so that the load supported by the support system 10 may be more uniformly spread, when the base element 80 is turned upside down, to the support substrate as will be described in relation to figs. 3 and 4. The pin 88 is protected when the base element is turned upside down by its position in the recess 86 which ensures that the pin is below the datum of the first side 82.

The supporting stringer 112 of the base supporting system 100 is analogous to the panel stringer 12, the difference being the omission of the apertures 28 of the panel stringer 12 and a larger thickness of the material used for the supporting stringer 112 when compared to the panel stringer 12. The supporting stringer 112 comprises a base supporting surface, designated the reference numeral 114 attached to first and second side portions, designated the reference numerals 116 and 118, respectively, along a first and second upper edges, designated the reference numerals 120 and 122 respectively. The side portions 116 and 118 further comprise first and second lower edges, designated the reference numerals 124 and 126, respectively, which are inwardly rolled. The side portions 116 and 118 are joined to the base supporting surface 114 via first and second sidewalls, designated the reference numerals 130 and 132, respectively, and first and second transition portions, designated the reference numerals 134 and 136. respectively. The supporting stringer is made from the same material and using the same manufacturing process as the panel stringer. The thickness of the material used for the supporting stringer is preferably 1 ,5 mm as this gives an increased strength and load bearing capacity which may be needed when the base supporting system 100 as shown in fig. 1 is used to support the support system 10 between to floor joists 2 and 4, however, the height and width of the base supporting stringer 112 are typically similar to the height and width of the panel stringer 12.

The suspension bracket 140 of the base supporting system 100 comprises top and bottom flanges, designated the reference numerals 144 and 146, respectively, perpendicularly extending in opposite directions from a vertical web, designated the reference numeral 142. The bottom flange 146 is joined to a flange tip, designated the reference numeral 148, which is slightly angled in relation to the bottom flange 146. The web 142 and the top flange 144 comprise attachment holes, one of which is designated the reference numeral 150 for fastening the suspension bracket 140 to the floor joist 104 using screws, one of which is designated the reference numeral 152. The suspension bracket 140 is made from metal such as steel or aluminium and may be manufactured by rolling, bending using a press brake, or the top and bottom f!anges 144 and 146 can be welded to the web 142.

The support system 10 is assembled by sliding the supporting element 40 into the pane! string 12 whereby the top plate 44 of the supporting element 40 is vertically retained within the panel stringer 12 by the engagement of the transition portions 34 and 36 with the top plate 44 since the width of the side 46 of the top plate 44 is smaller than the perpendicular distance between the sidewalls 32 and 34, but larger than the perpendicular distance between the side portions 16 and 18. The supporting element 40 is thus slid along the panel stringer until it reaches a position of registration with aperture 28. The supporting leg 60 is then passed with its bottom end 64 first through the aperture 28 and into the bore 48 whereby the exterior screw thread 66 engages the interior screw thread 50 as the supporting leg 60 is turned clockwise. A tool (not shown) may be used to engage the recess 74 to facilitate driving the supporting leg 60 through the supporting element 40, but the supporting leg 60 may also be driven by turning it clockwise by hand. A tool may for example be manufactured to comprise a lower part analogous to the bottom end 64 and the too! part 72 of the supporting leg 60 coupled to an upper part comprising a handle for simplifying turning the supporting leg 60, or alternatively the upper part of the tool may include a part engageable by an electric screwdriver or the like. Alternatively the recess 74 of the supporting leg 60 may further comprise a screw drive engageable directly by a screwdriver or electric screwdriver. As the supporting leg 60 is driven into the supporting element 40 each notch 68 is sequentially engaged by the protrusions on the locking tongues 52 and 54 as each locking tongue 52 and 54 returns to its relaxed, non-deflected position with the protrusion engaging the notch. As the supporting leg is turned the 45' from one locking angular position to the next locking angular position the protrusion on one of the locking tongues is forced out of the notch 60 which deflects the locking tongue. At the end of the 45^*turn the other protrusion on the other locking tongue engages the notch 68 as the other locking tongue becomes relaxed. Thus one of the locking tongues is always deflected when exterior screw thread 66 of the supporting leg 60 is engaged with the interior screw thread 50 of the supporting element 40.

!n fig. 1 the support system 10 is shown in use with the base supporting system 100. where the base element 80 serves as an interface between the support system 10 and the base supporting system 100, however, the support system 10 may be used without the base supporting system 100 and without the base element 80 on support substrates which can support the supporting leg 60 directly. For example, if the support system 10 is to be used to support a floor above an existing concrete floor, the base element 80 may be omitted, however, for supporting the support system 10 on a slippery surface and/or narrow surface such as the base supporting surface 114 of the supporting stringer 112, or on a soft substrate such as a particle board, the base element 80 ensures that the supporting leg 60 does not slip, and reduces the pressure on the substrate.

Once the supporting leg 60 has been driven at least partly through the supporting element 60 the recess in the tool part 72 of the supporting leg 60 may engage the pin 88 of the base element 80.

The base supporting system 100 is assembled by inserting the lower flange 146 of each suspension bracket 140 endwise into the supporting stringer whereby the lower flange 146 becomes vertically retained as the transversal width of the lower flange is smaller than the perpendicular distance between the inner walls of the sidewalls 130 and 132 but larger than the perpendicular distance between the side portions 116 and 1 18. Further, the lower flange 146 is longitudinally retained by the flange tip 148 which due to its angle with the lower flange resilientfy abuts the underside of the base supporting surface.

Each suspension bracket is then fastened to one of the floor joists 2 and 4. The slot 90 of the base element 80 then straddles the base supporting surface 114 of the supporting stringer 112 to support the support system 10.

In fig. 2 the support system 10 is assembled and supported by the assembled base support system 100 between the floor joists 2 and 4. Once the panel stringer 12 has been adjusted to the correct height and been levelled to provide a level surface for the floor (not shown), which is to be supported by the panel stringer 12, the supporting legs are cut of using a knife, a saw, a chisel etc, and the floor (not shown) may be attached to the supporting surface of the panel stringer 12 using self tapping screws, glue, etc. If, as will be described in relation to fig. 2, the panel stringer 12 should be elevated then a second supporting leg, designated the reference numeral 60i, identical to the first supporting leg 60, may be connected to the supporting leg 60 to extend the supporting leg 60 and increase the height to which the panel stringer 12 can be elevated. The bottom part 64^ with the tool part 72i of the second supporting leg 60i is thus inserted into the recess 74, of the supporting leg 60, which has a shape, and a tool engageable part (not shown), which are complementary to the bottom end 64, and the tool part 72<i of the second supporting leg 60i. Further, the protrusion 70 on the supporting leg 60 engages the notch 681 on the second supporting leg 60i, thus allowing a higher torque to be transmitted from the second supporting leg 60i to the supporting leg 60.

In fig. 3 further turns of the supporting leg 60 extended by the second supporting leg 60i has elevated the panel stringer 12 above the height reachable by the supporting leg 60 alone. The enlargement shows in detail the protrusion 70 engaging the notch 68₁ and the engagement between the bottom end 64i and the tool part 72i of the second supporting leg 60i with the recess 74 of supporting leg 60.

Also shown in fig. 3 is a third supporting leg, designated the reference numeral 60_{11 t} elevating the other end of the panel stringer 12. The third supporting leg 60n is driven through a second aperture, designated the reference numeral 28i, of the apertures in the panel stringer 12 and through a second supporting element within the panel stringer (not shown) in registration with the aperture 28i and is supported by a second base element, designated the reference numeral 8O1 , which is fastened to a support substrate, designated the reference numeral 6, by a second set of screws, one of which screws is designated the reference numeral 94, through fastening holes, one of which is designated the reference numeral 92^

Fig. 4 shows in perspective and In exploded view, a first embodiment of the support system, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 160, according to the second aspect of the present invention. The support system 160 is shown comprising a plurality of panel stringers, one of which is designated the reference numeral 162, which is similar to the panel stringer 12 of the support system 10, the difference being that the apertures 28 of the panel stringer 12 are omitted in the panel stringer 162. The panel stringer 162 comprises a supporting surface, designated the reference numeral 164, attached to first and second side portions, designated the reference numerals 166 and 168, respectively, along a first and second upper edge, designated the reference numerals 170 and 172, respectively. The side portions 166 and 168 further comprise first and second lower edges, designated the reference numerals 174 and 176, respectively, which are inwardly rolled. The side portions 166 and 168 are joined to the supporting surface 164 via first and second sidewalls, designated the reference numerals 178 and 180, respectively, and first and second transition portions, designated the reference numerals 182 and 184, respectively.

The panel stringer 162 may be made from the same materials, using the same manufacturing methods, as the panel stringer 12 and the material preferably has the same thickness of 0.6 mm as the panel stringer 12, however, as the panel stringer 162 of the support system 160 is only supported at the ends of the panel stringer 162, thicker material may be contemplated for longer panel stringers 162.

The panel stringer 162 may be 0.9 m long for simple handling but may be manufactured, or shortened, to any length.

The support system 160 further comprises a plurality of supporting elements, one of which is designated the reference numeral 190, which is similar to the supporting element 40 of the support system 10, the difference being a polygonal top plate, designated the reference numeral 194, defining four radially protruding engagement flanges, one of which is designated the reference numeral 196, and larger reinforcement webs, one of which is designated the reference numeral 198, for supporting the engagement flange 196. Fig. 4 also shows an embodiment of a supporting element, designated the reference numeral 200, which is similar to the supporting element 190, the difference being a different top plate, designated the reference numeral 202, defining three engagement flanges, one of which is designated the reference numeral 204, in a T-configuration. Also a further embodiment of a supporting element, designated the reference numeral 210, is shown in fig. 4. The supporting element 210 is similar to the supporting element 190, the difference being a different top plate, designated the reference numeral 212, which defines two engagement flanges, one of which is designated the reference numeral 214, the two engagement flange being opposite each other.

A further embodiment (not shown) of the supporting element comprises a top plate defining two engagement flanges perpendicular to each other.

The support system 160 is assembled by sliding the engagement flange 196 of the supporting element 190 endwise into the one of the ends of the panel stringer 162 and driving the supporting leg 60 through the supporting element 190 to engage with the base element 80 until the desired elevating of the panel stringer 162 is reached. Further panel stringers i 62_t._n and further supporting elements 190i.„, 200_t-n or 210_{1 n} may be used to build a grid structure for supporting a floor.

As previously described in relation to fig. 1 and the support structure 10, the base element 80 may be omitted where the substrate is sufficiently hard to withstand the pressure generated by the supporting leg 60 on it.

The supporting elements 190, 200 and 210 of the support system 160 shown in fig. 4 may be used together with the panel stringer 12 of the support system 10 shown in fig. 1. Thus a support structure may be assembled comprising the panel stringer 12 with the supporting element 40 provided within the panel stringer 12 for supporting the panel stringer 12 at a position between the ends of the panel stringer 12 and the supporting element 160 provided at the ends of the panel stringer 12 to support the ends of the panel stringer 12.

Fig 5 shows, in perspective and in exploded view, a second embodiment of the support system, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 10' according to the first aspect of the present invention and a second embodiment of the base supporting system, in its entirety designated the reference numeral 100' according to the third aspect of the present invention. Elements not part of the first embodiments of the support system and the base supporting system have new reference numbers, whi!e elements previously shown are referenced as stated above

Those elements which are identical in the different embodiments have been given the same reference numerals and no further explanations of these elements will be given.

The support system 10' and the base supporting system 100' shown in fig. 5 differ from those shown in figs. 1-3 in that a common supporting stringer, designated the reference numerals 112' and 112Ί in the base supporting system 100' and in the support system 10' respectively, is used for both systems. The supporting stringer 112' differs from the supporting stringer 112 by being of a smaller material thickness, such as 0.7 mm, and by further including apertures, one of which is designated the reference numeral 216, similar to the apertures 28 provided in the panel stringer 12 in the support system TO.

By using the supporting stringer 112' for both the support system 10' and the base supporting system 100' the number of parts is reduced.

Although comprised by the support system 10' and the base supporting system 100' it is contemplated that the support system 10 and the base supporting system 100 may include the supporting stringer 112' instead of the pane! stringer 10 and the supporting stringer 112. Further it is contemplated that also the support system 160 may include the supporting stringer 112' instead of the panel stringer 162. It is further contemplated within the context of the present invention that the supporting stringer 112' may be provided with spaced apart apertures in the side portions 116 and 118 so that electrical wires, pipes and other equipment typically positioned below a floor may pass through the apertures, or be fastened to the side portions 1 16 and 1 18 of the supporting stringer 112' using the apertures.

The support system 10' further includes an alternative supporting element, designated the reference numeral 40', which differs from the supporting element 40 in that the first and second locking tongueSj the first designated the reference numeral 52' (the second not shown), is placed in the lower part of the body 42. Although comprised by the support system 10' it is contemplated that the support system 10 may include the supporting element 40' instead of the supporting element 40. Further, an alternative supporting leg, designated the reference numeral 60', differs from the supporting leg 60 by an alternative bottom end, designated the reference numeral 64', which includes a groove, designated the reference number 72', as the tool part 72 of the supporting leg 60. Further the bottom end 64' includes a circumferential groove, designated the reference numeral 218, and below the circumferential groove 218 a circumferential rib, designated the reference numeral 220. The groove 72' is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supporting leg 60' and is provided in the peripheral surface of the bottom end 64', including in the rib 220.

The top end 62 of the supporting leg 60' includes an alternative recess, designated the reference numeral 74', which includes a rail, designated the reference numeral 222, which extends along the wall of the recess 74' and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the supporting leg 60'.

The bottom end 64' further includes a bottom end surface, designated the reference numeral 228.

The recess 74' further includes first and second protrusions, designated the reference numerals 224 and 226, a cylindrical passage, designated the reference numeral 230, a hexagonal passage, designated the reference numeral 232. a square passage, designated the reference numeral 234, a bottom end wall, designated the reference numeral 236 and a screw drive, designated the reference numeral 238, not shown in fig. 5, but which will be described in more detail in figs. 9-10 below.

The support system 10' further comprises alternative base elements, designated the reference numbers 80' and 80", respectively. The base element 80' is used when the support system 10' is to be supported by the base supporting system 100' or the base supporting system 100.

The base element 80' differs from the base element 80 in that a first side, designated the reference numeral 82', differs from the first side 82 of the base element 80 by not including the recess 86 or the pin 88, instead including a ring, designated the reference numeral 240, which together with the base element 80' defines a locking cavity, designated the reference numeral 242, for receiving part of the bottom end 64^* of the supporting leg 60'. The ring 240 further includes a restriction, designated the reference numeral 244, which cooperates with the circumferential rib 220 and the circumferential groove 218 of the supporting leg 60', to connect the supporting leg 60^' to the base element 80'.

Further, a second side, designated the reference numeral 84'. of the base element 80' does not include the slot 90 of base element 80, instead the base element 80' includes hooks, one of which is designated the reference numeral 246, for retaining the base element 80' to the supporting stringer 112' or 112. Further, the base element 80' does not include the holes 92 of the base element 80. The base element 80" differs from the base element 80 by being triangular and including a second side 84", which does not include the slot 90, and by including a first side 82" with no recess 86 or pin 88, instead the first side 82" includes the ring 230, the locking cavity 232 and the restriction 234, which cooperate with the circumferential rib 220 and the circumferential groove 218 of the supporting leg 60Ί, to connect the supporting leg 60' , to the base element 80" as will be described in more detail with reference to figs. 7-8 below.

The base element 80" may be fastened to the support substrate 6 by holes 92 and screws 94. Although comprised by the support system 10' it is contemplated that the support system 10 and the support system 160 may include the supporting leg 60' instead of the supporting leg 60 whereby the support system 10. and the support system 160 may include the base element 80' and/or 80" instead of the base element 80. Although fig. 5 shows the base element 80" used in the support system 10', it may be omitted where the support substrate 6 is sufficiently hard to support the bottom end surface 228 of the supporting leg 60'?, or where the cushioning properties of the base element 80", as will be described further below, are not needed. Similarly to the panel stringer 12 and the supporting stringer 112 previously shown, the supporting stringer 112' may be made from thin metal plate such as steel plate, aluminium plate etc, and may be fabricated through rolling, extrusion, drawing etc. The material thickness of 0.7 mm yields a good strength for use both in the support system 10' and the base supporting system 100', while also allowing the supporting stringer 1 12' to be cut to a desired length by shears or other simple hand tools similarly to the panel stringer 12. Further this dimension allows a floor such as a sub floor (not shown) to be fastened directly to the base supporting surface 114 of the supporting stringer 112' using self tapping screws (not shown) which penetrate the base supporting surface 1 14. Also the diameter allows a supporting element 40' to be positioned at an aperture 216 by manually spreading the first and second side portions 115 and 118 so that the supporting element 40' may be moved past the transition portions 134 and 136 and positioned with its top plate 44 in contact with the underside of the base supporting surface 114, after which the side portions 116 and 118 are allowed to return to their normal configuration perpendicular to the base supporting surface 114 which leads to the top plate 44 being retained by the side transition portions 134 and 136 and the underside of the base supporting surface 1 14.

The supporting stringer 112' is typically supplied in 360 cm lengths, but may be longer or shorter.

The support system 10' and the base supporting system 100' are assembled analogously to the support system 10 and base supporting system 100, however, differing in that the bottom end 64' of each supporting leg 60^* is forced into the locking cavity 242 of a base element 80' or 80" during the assembly for connecting each supporting leg to a corresponding base element 80' or 80" as will be discussed in further detail below with reference to fig. 7. A further difference is that the base element 80' is placed onto the supporting stringer 112^* or alternatively, where the hooks 246 are adapted to retain the base element 80' to the supporting stringer 112' by interference fit, by sliding the base element 80' onto the supporting stringer 112' or by pressing the base element 80' towards the base supporting surface 114 whereby the hooks initially resiliently deflect before returning to their undeflected state to grasp the side walls 130 and 132.

As the same support stringer 1 12' is used for both the support system 10' and the base supporting system 100' the assembly is more convenient as fewer types of components need to be handled. Fig. 6 shows a top view of the base element 80" with first side 82", fastening hole 92, ring 240, locking cavity 242 and restriction 244. The locking cavity 242 further includes a resilient cushion, designated the reference numeral 248, which is shown in more detail in fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows a part section, on A-A' in fig. 6, side view of the base element 80" connected to a supporting leg 60'. The resilient cushion, designated the reference numeral 248 is positioned between the bottom end surface 228 of the bottom end 64^! of the supporting leg 60' and a bottom wail, designated the reference numeral 240, of the locking cavity 232. The resilient cushion 248 serves to cushion impacts on the supporting leg 60', including, but not limited to, impacts from a person walking on a floor supported by the support system 10', and thereby reduces noise from such impacts while also prolonging service life of the base element 80". Further, the resilient cushion 248 ensures a snug connection of the supporting leg 60' and the base element 80" by urging the circumferential rib 220 into contact with the restriction 244, thus preventing any play and resultant noise, as the supporting leg 60' moves in relation to the base element 80", while connected thereto.

Fig. 7 also shows in more detail the interaction between the circumferential rib 220 and the restriction 244. During assembly of the supporting leg 60' with the base element 80" the bottom end 64' of the supporting leg 60' is forced into the locking cavity 242. The inner diameter of the restriction 244 is less than the outer diameter of the circumferential rib 220 while larger than the outer diameter of the circumferential groove 218. During the forcing of the bottom end 64' of the supporting leg 60', the material of the ring 240, the restriction 244 and/or the circumferential rib 220, resiliency deform, whereby the circumferential rib 220 pass through the restriction 244. After connection of the supporting leg 60' to the base element 80" the restriction 244 and the circumferential groove 218 are aligned. Any disconnection of the supporting leg 60' from the base element 80" requires that the restriction 244, the ring 240 and/or the circumferential rib 220 are once more resiliency deformed for allowing the circumferential rib 220 to pass the restriction 244. Thus the supporting leg 60' may be securely connected to the base element 80" by interference fit as described above. The resilient cushion 248 may be separate from the base element 80", such as a rubber or plastic disc, but it may also be integral with the base element 80" by providing a melt of a thermoplastic resilient material, or a polymerizable liquid, in the locking cavity 242 which under the force of gravity settles over the bottom wall 250 and is allowed to solidify or induced to set. Alternatively the base element 80" may be fabricated from a resilient material, such as rubber or plastic, in which case the resilient cushion 248 may be omitted and its function substituted for by the base element 80" itself. Fig. 8 shows a part section, on A-A^'in fig. 6, side view of an inclined base element 80" connected to a supporting leg 60'. The connection between the supporting leg 60' and the base element 80" allows, due to the circumferential groove 218 having a smaller outer diameter than the inner diameter of the restriction 244, the base element 80" to be inclined in relation to the supporting leg 60', which is shown vertical in fig. 8. This is useful when the support substrate 6 is not level and a level floor is desired to be supported by the support system 10'. Alternatively this also provides for supporting a non-level floor, such as a floor on which it is desired that for example water or other fluids should flow by gravity to a drain or similar collecting device or outlet, on a level support substrate 6, by supporting the support elements 40' at different heights whereby the supporting legs 60' are inclined. Examples of non-level floors include floors in bathrooms etc.

The resilient cushion 248 may be omitted in applications where there is no need for the cushioning properties it confers to the base element 80", or where, as described above, the base element 80" is manufactured from a resilient material.

Figs. 6-8 show the resilient cushion 248 provided in the locking cavity 242 of the base element 80". The base element 80' typically does not require that the resilient cushion 248 is provided in the locking cavity 242 as the support stringer 112' may provide some resilience for cushioning impacts, it is however contemplated within the context of the present invention that the resilient cushion 248 could also be provided in the locking cavity 242 of the base element 80', serving the same purpose of cushioning impacts. However, as described above with reference to the base element 80", also the base element 80' could be provided with resilience by fabrication from a resilient materia! such as rubber or plastic, or by providing the base element 80' with an integral resilient cushion as described above.

Fig. 9 shows a section side view of the supporting leg 60', which further shows in more detail the recess 74' including the first and second protrusions 224 and 226, and the rail 222. The recess 74' extends through the supporting leg 60' towards the bottom end 64' and the bottom end surface 228 and includes a circular passage, designated the reference numeral 230, extending from the top end 62 of the supporting leg 60' towards the bottom end 64' and ending below the rail 222, a hexagonal passage, designated the reference numeral 232, extending from the end of the circular passage 230 and ending where the exterior screw thread 66 of the supporting leg 60' ends prior to the bottom end 64', and a square passage, designated the reference numeral 234, extending from the end of the hexagonal passage towards the bottom end surface 228 and ending in a bottom end wall, designated the reference numeral 236. The bottom end wall 236 includes a groove defining a screw drive, designated the reference numeral 238.

The hexagonal passage 230 provides for driving the supporting leg 60' through the supporting element 40' using a tool having an hexagonal cross section, such as an hex key, while the square passage 232 provides for driving the supporting leg 60' using a tool having a square cross section, such as a square key. Further the supporting leg 60' can be driven by a slotted screw driver or a Philips screw driver by engaging the screw drive 238, during assembly of the support system 10^*.

The tool used to drive the supporting leg 60' may be any tool comprising an elongate rod having a hexagonal or square cross section matching the passages 232 or 234, or fitting the screw drive 238. The tool may be a manual tool such as a screw driver or socket wrench, but may also comprise a tool part driven by a powered screwdriver. Similar to the supporting leg 60', several supporting legs 6QY,, may be connected for supporting a floor at a height beyond the height of a single supporting leg 60'. The bottom end 64' of a further supporting leg, designated the reference numeral 60Ί, not shown in figs. 9-10, may be inserted into the recess 74' of the supporting leg 60* by aligning the groove 72' with the rail 222 and forcing the supporting legs 60' and 60Ί together. The outer diameter of the circumferential rib 220i of the supporting leg 60S is larger than the distance between the protrusions 224 and 226, and the outer diameter of the circumferential groove 218i of the supporting leg 60Ί is smaller than the distance between the protrusions 224 and 226 of supporting leg 60'. During the forcing the circumferential rib 220ί is forced past the first and second protrusions 224 and 226, whereby the recess 74^!, the protrusions 224 and 226 and or the circumferential rib 220i are resiliency deformed as the circumferential rib 220^ passes the protrusions 224 and 226. Upon completion of the connection the protrusions 224 and 226 are aligned with the circumferential groove 2181.

The interaction of the protrusions 224 and 226 with the circumferential rib 220i serves to retain the bottom end 64Ί of the further supporting leg 60Ί in the recess 74' of the supporting leg 60'.

Torque for driving the supporting leg 60' through the supporting element 40^' is transmitted from the further supporting leg 60S to the supporting feg 60' by the interaction of rail 222 and groove 74V Torque is also transmitted by the interaction of the protrusion 70 of the supporting leg 60' with the notch 68₁ in the screw thread 66₁ of the further supporting leg 60Ί, not shown in figs. 9-10. Fig. 10 shows, in perspective and sectioned view, the supporting feg 60' with sections on A-A\ B-B' and C-C. A^«A' shows a cross section of the supporting leg 60' including the notch 68 in the exterior screw thread 66, and further shows the hexagonal cross section of the hexagonal passage 232. B-B' shows a cross section of the supporting leg 60' with the notch 68 in the exterior screw thread 66 with cross sections of the hexagonal passage 232 and the square passage 234. Further it shows the bottom end wall 236 with screw drive 238. C-C shows a cross section of the supporting leg 60' at the bottom end 64'. Further it shows the square cross section of the square passage 234, the bottom end wall 236 and the screw head 238.

Example

A prototype implementation of the presently preferred embodiment of the support system according to the first aspect of the present invention and described in fig. 1 was made from the following components. The panel stringer 12 was made from 0.6 mm galvanized steel plate and rolled into the configuration shown having the following dimensions: The supporting surface 14 had a width of 4.6 cm and a length of 90 cm with each aperture 28 having a diameter of 3 cm/there being in total S apertures being centred longitudinally at the distances 5 cm, 25 cm, 45 cm, 65 cm, and 85 cm from one end of the panel stringer along the supporting surface, each aperture 28 being further being centred at the perpendicular distance 2,3 cm from the first upper edge 20. The sidewalls 30 and 32 each extended perpendicularly to the supporting surface and had a width of 0.7 cm. The transition portions 34 and 36 each had a width of 0.5 cm and the angle between each transition portion 34, 36 and its adjoining sidewall 30, 32 was approximately 135'. The side portions 16 and 18 each had a width of 4 cm and were terminated by lower edges 24 and 26 which were roiled inwardly, the width of the rolled metal plate being 0.7 cm.

The supporting element 40 was made from nylon 6/6 and had the following dimensions: A square top plate 44 having a side 46 of 4.4 cm, and centred on the top plate 44 a bore 48 having a diameter of 3.1 cm. The body 42 of the supporting element 40 was cylindrical and had an outer diameter of 3.5 cm. The top plate had a thickness of 0.3 cm and the body had a length of 4.2 cm, thus the total height of the supporting element was 4.5 cm. The locking tongues 52 and 54 were each 1.3 cm long and 0.7 cm wide. The protrusion on each locking tongue 52, 54 was 0.2 cm. The interior screw thread had trapezoidal threads and had a pitch of 0.6 cm. The supporting leg 60 was aiso made from nylon 6/6 to the following dimensions: A length of 12.5 cm, a major diameter of 3 cm and a minor diameter of 2.4 em. The bottom end 64 had a length of 3 cm and a diameter of 2 cm. The screw thread 66 had trapezoidal threads and a pitch of 0.6 cm and a 0.1 cm deep and 0.3 cm broad notch every 90' of the thread. The protrusion 70 extended 0.2 cm and was 0.3 cm broad and 0.1 cm long. The tool part 72 comprised four indentations along the perimeter in the lower 0.3 cm of the bottom end 64, the indentations defining four tabs, three of which were 0.3 cm broad and 0.1 mm long and one which was 0.5 cm broad and 0.1 cm long, the indentations matching the tabs being provided on the inner wails of the recess 74.

The load bearing capacity of the above prototype was calculated using finite element analysis and gave the results shown in table 1, which depend on whether the panel stringer 12 was supported at every second (40 cm), every third (60) or every fourth (80cm) aperture 28.:

Table 1 :

From the results it is clear that the support system according to the present invention has a high load bearing strength which further can be varied depending on the load bearing capacity required.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific advantageous embodiments of the system and method according to the invention, it is however contemplated that numerous amendments and variations may be provided without deviating from the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims and the invention is therefore deemed to be understood in the broadest sense of the claims.

Claims

1 A support system for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface, said system comprising

a pane! stringer made of thin metal plate and having a generally inverted

U-shaped cross-section profile with two generally parallel side portions and a generally planar interconnecting portion defining a supporting surface, a plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures being provided in said interconnecting portion,

a first plurality of supporting elements, adapted to support said panel stringer, each supporting element comprising a vertical through-going bore defining an interior screw thread, each of said supporting elements being slidably positionable along said panel stringer within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile for positioning a specific supporting element in registration with a cooperating specific aperture of said plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures, said specific supporting element supporting said panel stringer and cooperating with said panel stringer to prevent rotation of said specific supporting element relative to said panel stringer, and,

a second plurality of elongate supporting legs made of a cutabie material and adapted to support said supporting elements, each supporting leg being generally cylindrical and having a diameter adapted to allow it to pass through said plurality of spaced apart through-going apertures of said panel stringer and each supporting leg further having an exterior screw thread interengageable with said interior screw thread of said supporting elements and an inner recess provided at one end constituting a top end and defining a tool engageable part for engaging with a tool and an opposite bottom end serving to engage with said underlying surface.

2. The support system according to claim 1 , each of said supporting elements comprising a rectangular top plate, said rectangular top plate supporting said panel stringer and engaging said side portions to prevent rotation of said supporting element relative to said panel stringer.

3. The support system according to claim 2, said panel stringer in cross-section profile comprising a transition portion, or alternatively and preferably two transition portions, joining said generally planar interconnecting portion and one, or alternatively both, of said side portions, and defining a sidewall, or alternatively two sidewalls, displaced outwardly relative to said one, or alternatively said two, side portions, serving to retain said rectangular top plate and prevent vertical displacement thereof.

4. A support system for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface, said system comprising

a third plurality of supporting elements, adapted to support said pane! stringer, each supporting element comprising a vertical through-going bore defining an interior screw thread and a polygonal top plate comprising a radially protruding engagement flange defining a planar top surface, said engagement flange being endwise alidably insertable into said panel stringer within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile, said planar top surface supporting said panel stringer and said engagement flange engaging said side portions to prevent rotation of said supporting element relative to said panel stringer, and,

a fourth plurality of elongate supporting legs, made of a cutabie material, adapted to support said supporting elements, each supporting leg being generally cylindrical and having an exterior screw thread interengageable with said interior screw thread of said supporting element and an inner recess provided at one end constituting a top end and defining a tool engageable part for engaging with a tool and an opposite bottom end serving to engage with said underlying surface.

5. The support system according to claim 4, said panel stringer in cross-section profile comprising a transition portion, or alternatively and preferably two transition portions, joining said generally planar interconnecting portion and one, or alternatively both, of said side portions, and defining a s!dewall, or alternatively two sidewalls, displaced outwardly relative to said one, or alternatively said two, side portions, serving to retain said engagement flange and prevent vertical displacement thereof.

6. The support system according to any of the preceding claims, said bottom end of each of said supporting legs further comprising a protrusion defining a tool part, engageable by said tool engageable part defined by said inner recess of said top end, and serving to lock to a further supporting leg in a combined leg structure in a specific orientation establishing a continuous outer screw thread of said combined leg structure.

7. The support system according to claim 6, said tool part comprising an axial groove and said tool engageable part of said supporting legs further comprising an axial rail, said axial groove being engageable by said axial rail on a further supporting leg for locking said combined leg structure in said specific orientation.

8. The support system according to any preceding claim, said outer screw thread of each of said supporting legs being interrupted by a first multitude of notches defining a second multitude of screw thread segments and each of said supporting legs comprising a protrusion extending axially from a perimeter of said top end. sard protrusion being engageable by one of said notches on a further supporting leg of said supporting legs.

9. The support system according to claim 8, each of said supporting elements comprising a resiliency deflectable tongue in a wall of said vertical through-going bore, said tongue comprising a protrusion engageable by each of said notches.

10. The support system according to claim 9, said tongue being provided in said wall of said vertical through-going bore distally from said top plate.

11. The support system according to any preceding claim, further comprising

a fifth plurality of base elements adapted to support said supporting legs and to be interposed between said bottom ends and said underlying surface, each of said base elements comprising first and second sides, said first side comprising a recess comprising a protrusion, and each of said supporting legs further comprising an indentation in said tool part, said indentation being engageable by said protrusion of said base elements.

12. The support system according to any of the claims 1 -10, further comprising

a fifth plurality of base elements adapted to support said supporting legs and to be interposed between said bottom ends and said underlying surface, each of said base elements comprising first and second sides, said first side comprising an upwardly protruding ring defining a locking cavity, and said bottom end of each of said supporting legs further having a circumferential rib adapted to lock in said locking cavity.

13. The support system according to claim 12. further including a resilient cushion positioned in said locking cavity.

14. A base supporting system for supporting a floor structure between two generally parallel floor joists or two generally parallel bearers in a building structure comprising a supporting stringer made of thin metal plate and having a generally inverted U-shaped cross-section profile with two generally parallel side portions and a generally planar interconnecting portion defining a base supporting surface,

two suspension brackets, each defining a straight vertical web and top and bottom flanges extending in opposite directions perpendicularly from said web or alternatively defining an L having a straight vertical web and a bottom flange defining a top surface extending perpendicularly from said web, said bottom flange being endwise slidably insertable into said supporting stringer within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile, said top surface supporting said supporting stringer and said bottom flange engaging said side portions of said supporting stringer to prevent rotation of said suspension bracket relative said supporting stringer, and said web and/or said top flange being adapted to be attachable to one of said floor joists or bearers.

15. The base supporting system according to claim 14, said supporting stringer in cross-section profile comprising a transition portion, or alternatively and preferably two transition portions, joining said generally planar interconnecting portion and one, or alternatively both, of said side portions, and defining a sidewali, or alternatively two sidewails, displaced outwardly relative to said one, or alternatively said two, side portions, serving to retain said bottom flange and prevent vertical displacement thereof.

16. The base supporting system according to any of the claims 14-15, further comprising the support system according to any of the claims 11-13 for providing said underlying surface, said second side of each of said base elements being slidably attachable to said base supporting surface of said supporting stringer.

17. A method for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface comprising the steps of

providing a support system according to any of the claims 1-3 or 6-13, positioning each of said supporting elements within said inverted U- shaped cross-section profile in registration with a corresponding aperture of said plurality of apertures,

inserting each of said supporting legs through a corresponding aperture of said apertures and interengaging said exterior screw thread of each of said supporting iegs with said interior screw thread of a corresponding supporting element of said supporting elements, and

driving each of said supporting iegs through said corresponding aperture and at least partly through said corresponding supporting element to engage said underlying surface and support said supporting elements.

18. A method for supporting a floor relative to an underlying surface comprising the steps of

providing a support system according to any of the daims 4-13, inserting said engagement flange of each of said supporting elements endwise into a corresponding end of said panel stringer within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile,

interengaging said exterior screw thread of each of said supporting legs with said interior screw thread of a corresponding supporting element of said supporting elements, and

driving each of said supporting legs at least partly through said corresponding supporting element to engage said underlying surface and support said supporting elements.

19. A method of supporting a floor structure between two generally parallel floor joists or two generally parallel bearers in a building structure comprising the steps of

providing a base supporting system according to claims 14-16, inserting said bottom flange of each of said suspension brackets endwise into a corresponding end of said supporting stringer within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile, and

attaching said upper flange, or alternatively attaching said web, of each of said suspension brackets to a corresponding joist or bearer of said joists or said bearers.

20. The method according to claim 19 further comprising the steps of

providing a support system according to any of the claims 11-13, performing the sub-steps of:

positioning each of said supporting elements within said inverted U-shaped cross section profile in registration with a corresponding aperture of said plurality of apertures,

inserting each of said supporting legs through a corresponding aperture of said apertures and interengaging said exterior screw thread of each of said supporting legs with said interior screw thread of a corresponding supporting element of said supporting elements, and

driving each of said supporting legs through said corresponding aperture and at least partly through said corresponding supporting element to engage said underlying surface and support said supporting elements,

or alternatively the sub-steps of:

inserting said engagement flange of each of said supporting elements endwise into a corresponding end of said panel stringer within said inverted U-shaped cross-section profile,

driving each of said supporting legs at least partly through said corresponding supporting element of said supporting elements to engage said underlying surface and support said supporting elements,

attaching said first side of each of said base elements to a corresponding supporting leg of said supporting legs of said support system, and

attaching said second side of each of said base elements of said support system to said supporting stringer.