WO2014162013A1

WO2014162013A1 - Support structure of interlocking bars

Info

Publication number: WO2014162013A1
Application number: PCT/EP2014/056940
Authority: WO
Inventors: Davy ULBURGHS; Ludo MONTEN
Original assignee: Werkhuizen Hengelhoef Industrial Contracting Nv; Marlux Nv
Priority date: 2013-04-05
Filing date: 2014-04-07
Publication date: 2014-10-09
Also published as: EP2984248A1; EP2984248B1; GB201306193D0

Abstract

The present invention provides an adjustable support system for use with building elements, in particular floor tiles of various sizes and accessory elements, such as a parasol base, a planter, a fence, and the like. The adjustable support systems is based on a frame structure (4) formed from a plurality of interlocking bars (la, lb) and building element carriers (2) positioned in-between said frame structure and said building elements (3). The building element carriers will immobilize the building elements on the frame structure, but different from conventional permanent structural floors without a permanent fixation of the building element to the frame, thus allowing easy removable of the building elements to provide for example ready access to the underlying space, or to change or replace one or more of the building elements. Given the particular configuration of the interlocking bars, the base frame structure does not require additional fastening means and/or brackets to secure the bars to one another in order to give the frame structure sufficient rigidity for use as a floor base.

Description

SUPPORT STRUCTURE OF INTERLOCKING BARS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an adjustable support system for use with building elements (3), in particular floor tiles (3a) of various sizes and accessory elements (3b), such as a parasol base (3c), a planter (3d), a fence, and the like. The adjustable support systems is based on a frame structure (4) formed from a plurality of interlocking bars (1a, 1 b) and building element carriers (2) positioned in-between said frame structure and said building elements. The building element carriers will immobilize the building elements on the frame structure (4), but different from conventional permanent structural floors without a permanent fixation of the building element to the frame, thus allowing easy removable of the building elements to provide for example ready access to the underlying space, or to change or replace one or more of the building elements.

Given the particular configuration of the interlocking bars, the base frame structure does not require additional fastening means and/or brackets to secure the bars to one another in order to give the frame structure sufficient rigidity for use as a floor base.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Elevated floors, also known as false floors are widely used in spaces that require readily access to the underlying space, such as for example to access the electrical power and communication signals, but also to allow easy changes in layout of that space, such as for example to change to location electrical power and/or communication outlets. The known elevated floor structures are typically composed of a metallic structure mounted directly on the floor or lowered sub floor of the building, over which are set out removable panels or plates made of wood or another suitable resistant material, on top of which is later placed the desired floor finishing, and said structure is composed of a multitude of pieces that constitute the support itself for the false floor. Thus, the known elevated floors mostly use supports composed of pedestals or vertical pins fitted with feet at their lower ends for fixing to the ground, and the platform at their upper ends where the panels or plates that comprise the floor are fixed directly, each of which fitted with means for adjusting the height.

There is also known elevated floors that use as a support beams or sections that are supported or are fixed directly to the ground or sub floor, such as for example provided in US4712309 and US2010/0154236, but these alternative supports either a low-profile floor with only a limited space underneath or require fastening means to give the frame structure sufficient rigidity for use as a floor base. This necessity of assuring the structural strength of an under floor frame is also evident from the floor assembly described in US 6321499. In as far the frame structure is indeed composed of a set of interlocking bars, said bars comprising a plurality of protruding rods (See 1 14 & 124 in Figure 3 of US6321499), with engaging and positioning plates (125, 1 15 comprising a number of positioning holes), all to assure a proper positioning and engagement of the interlocking bars. In addition, at the connection points the protruding rods are fixed in the engaging and positioning plates, allowing the upper plate to be firmly connected to the lower plate. To further enhance the structure strength and rigidity of this under floor frame, a further flat member with engaging grooves (131 ) and central pillars (132) engaging the upper plate and upper positioning plate, is put over the under floor frame. There is accordingly still a need for improvements to the present elevated floor systems, in particular allowing simple installation, with a minimum of building elements, easy adjustability of the support structure to changes in size of the floor elements, but still with sufficient structural integrity and strength to ensure a stable subfloor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With specific reference now to the figures, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the different embodiments of the present invention only. They are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention. The description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

Fig. 1 : Top perspective view of an exemplary elevated floor system of the present invention.

Fig. 2: Detail of a building element carrier (2) showing the retaining means (6) and the means (7) to accommodate the building elements. It further shows the openings (11 ) to allow passage of lines in the interlocking bars 1a and 1 b. As evident from this figure, finishing elements (13) may be hooked onto the edge of the frame

Fig. 3: Top perspective view of an exemplary elevated floor system of the present invention, showing removable support surfaces (9) at the base of the interlocking bars. Again showing the finishing elements (13) at the outer edges of the frame.

Fig. 4: Top perspective view of an exemplary elevated floor system of the present invention, showing the level support beams (12), with the optional removable support surfaces (9) at the base of the interlocking bars. The presence of the grooves (10) in the support beams even further simplifies the construction of the frame.

Fig. 5: Top perspective view of an exemplary elevated floor system of the present invention, showing an embodiment wherein the interlocking bars (1a, 1 b) have different heights. The first series (1a) making up the lower part of the frame structure having openings (11 ) to allow passage of utilities, and the interlocking means, i.e. grooves (5) that fit in the complementary interlocking means (5), i.e. grooves at the second series (1 b) making up the upper part of the frame. This second series further comprising engaging means (14) that cooperate with the retaining means (6) of the building element carrier (2). The building elements, in the present instance floor tiles (3a), are loosely put on top of the building element carriers and kept in position, by means of the means to accommodate the building element (7a) present on said building element carriers. Fig. 6: Bottom perspective view of an exemplary elevated floor system of the present invention, showing an embodiment wherein the interlocking bars (1a, 1 b) have different heights. The first series (1a) making up the lower part of the frame structure having openings (11 ) to allow passage of utilities, and the interlocking means, i.e. grooves (5) that fit in the complementary interlocking means (5), i.e. grooves at the second series (1 b) making up the upper part of the frame. This figure clearly shows the presence of the integrated support member (16) at the base of the first series (1a). It further reveals that the support system of the present invention is simply assembled by the nested configuration of the two series of interlocking bars, with the building element carriers at the crossings of said interlocking bars. No fastening means are accordingly required to assemble the support system of the present invention.

Fig. 7: Bottom perspective view of an exemplary elevated floor system of the present invention, showing the attachment of the finishing plates (13) to the underlying frame structure. In the present embodiment the finishing plates (13) have hooks (15) that fit over the interlocking frames (1a) and (1 b) making op the frame. In a particular embodiment, said hooks are present at regular intervals and fit within the engaging members (14) at the interlocking bars. It further shows one of the auxiliary elements (19) of the floor elements of the present invention. Fig. 8: Side view (A), Top perspective view (B) and, Top view (C) of an exemplary building element carrier (2) of the present invention. It shows the retaining means (6), and the means to accommodate the building element, that consist of combinations of removable protrusions (7a) and grooves (7b) at the face of the building element carrier facing said building element. Fig. 9: Perspective top view and cross view of a support beam (12) for use with the support system of the present invention. The support beam is characterized in having a ridge (17) at its tip and support edges (18) at the base of its legs. Fig 10: Shows auxiliary elements (19) that can be used with the support system of the present invention are shown in and include, a corner support piece (19a), a support element (19b) , a corner connection (19c), a closure plate (19d) and a closure support element (19e). The upstanding edges (21 , 22) of the closure plate and closure support element will extend up to and aside the building element (3) lying on top of the support system. All of said auxiliary elements are mounted at the inside of the frame, against the interlocking bars in accordance with the configuration shown for the corner support piece (19) in Figure 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to provide an adjustable support system for building elements consisting of a frame structure (4) formed from a plurality of interlocking bars (1a, 1b) and building element carriers (2) positioned in-between said frame structure and said building elements (3).

An important feature of the adjustable support system according to the present invention resides in the interlocking bars making up the frame structure. The moment said bars are connected to one another through the interlocking system (5) no further fastening means are required to provide the structure the necessary strength and rigidity to be used as a floor base. This not only reduces the amount of materials needed but also greatly reduces the complexity in realizing such elevated floor system. As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, the adjustable support system of the present invention can simply rest on a conventional solid and level floor deck (8), or on a number of parallel and level support beams (12) spaced from another across the area to be covered by the elevated floor. The latter is for instance applicable when using the system as an outside terrace floor. In one embodiment the support beams are overall U-shaped, in particle with an outwardly directed ridge (17) at the centre of its base such as for example shown in Figure 9. In use, the open side of the support beams is facing the underlying floor. The open U-shaped structure of the support beams eventually allows them to be pressed into the underlying surface, such as for example into trenches filled with a screed as a foundation for the floor. The presence of the ridge obviates the need of levelling the support beams in the transversal direction, thus further simplifying the installation of the adjustable floor system according to the present invention. In a particular embodiment the aforementioned U-shaped support beams preferably comprise support edges (18) at the base of its legs. In another embodiment the support beams (12) consist of beams or rods, such as for example shown in Figure 4. As will be further detailed below, similar to the building element carriers, these support members may comprise one or more means (10), such as for example grooves or slits, to accommodate the interlocking bars. As shown in Figure 4, the presence of the grooves in the level support beams further assist in the construction of the adjustable support system of the present invention. Once the level support beams are in position, one can use to grooves to place the first series (1a) of interlocking bars in position across the surface to be covered. The grooves will assure that this first series of interlocking bars stay in upright position and are ready to receive the second series (1b) of interlocking bars, making up the frame.

In an alternative embodiment, and for instance when applying the system as a removable stage on an earthen surface, it may further comprise removable support surfaces (9) at the base of the interlocking bars and/or at the base of said support beams (12). These support surfaces consist of flat plates, having a thickness and surface sufficiently large to provide the necessary capacity [to prevent the frame from cutting in the earthen surface] to the frame.

In an alternative embodiment the first series (1a) of interlocking bars making up the lower part of the frame structure, comprise at their base an integrated support element (16), such as a plurality of trestles, feet, protrusions, and the like. In one embodiment the integrated support element consists of an angled collar (16) that extends along the length of the bar; in particular over the entire length of the bar. Such collar could be present at one side, at alternating sides or at both sides of the interlocking bar. In a particular embodiment the first series (1a) of interlocking bars making up the lower part of the frame structure accordingly has an L-profile, or a T-profile, wherein the base of the L and the top of the T, constitute the integrated support element. In said embodiment the support beams (12) should not contain one or more means (10), such as for example grooves or slits, to accommodate the interlocking bars (see figure 9). Thus in one embodiment of the present invention the adjustable support system for building elements consists of a frame structure (4) formed from two series of interlocking bars (1a, 1b) and building element carriers (2) positioned in-between said frame structure and said building elements (3), wherein the first series of bars (1a) making up the lower part of the frame contain integrated support elements (16) at their base, i.e. at the side facing the underlying floor.

The highest depth of the interlocking bars, eventually with the thickness of the building element carriers (2), will determine the height of the underlying space. Thus adjusting this highest depth of the interlocking bars, the system of the present invention can be used for high- or low- profile floors. From the foregoing it follows that the depth of the interlocking bars may be different. In a particular embodiment the interlocking bars have similar, or even the same depth. The latter will increase the support face and enhances the rigidity of the frame when applied on a solid floor deck. Thus in a particular embodiment the interlocking bars of the adjustable support system according to the invention have similar, the same dimensions in length, width and depth. In another embodiment the depth of the interlocking bars is different, wherein the first series of bars (1a) making up the lower part of the frame structure will be higher, compared to the second series of bars (1 b) making up the upper part of the frame. The latter increases the throughput space in the subfloor, such as for example for pipes, wiring and cabling, between the interlocking bars making up the lower part of the frame structure. In another embodiment the adjustable support system of the present invention consists of a frame structure formed of a two series of interlocking bars, wherein a first series (1a) makes up the lower part of the frame structure and a second series (1 b) makes up the upper part of the frame structure, characterized in that the depth of the two series of interlocking bars is equal or different, and when different that the depth of the first series (1a) is higher than the depth of the second series (1 b). In a particular embodiment the depth of the interlocking bars is different; more in particular the depth of the first series is up to about two times higher han the depth of the second series. In the foregoing embodiments, the first series may further comprise at their base an integrated support element; in particular an angled collar that extends along the length of the bar; more in particular over the entire length of the bar.

With reference to the above, a key aspect of the present invention resides in the fact that the supporting frame structure is simply realized by means of a plurality of interlocking bars, thus implying the presence of complementary interlocking means on said interlocking bars. To allow adjustability of the frame structure to different sizes of the building elements, said interlocking means (5) are present at regular spaces (intervals) alongside the interlocking bars, such as for example at every 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 centimetre alongside the interlocking bar.

Any suitable complementary locking means (such as male and female components) to provide structural rigidity to the thus connected members can be applied within the context of the present invention. In a particular embodiment said complementary locking means interlock with one another by means of a tongue and groove system (5). In another embodiment the interlocking follows from a plurality of grooves within a pair of interlocking bars (1a, 1 b), that fit into each other.

As such, in one embodiment of the present invention, the interlocking bars making up the frame structure are composed of a first series of parallel bars (1a) spaced from each other and a second series of parallel bars (1 b) spaced from each other and at a common connection angle to the bars in said first series, each series having a plurality of grooves (5) cut therein at regular intervals, complementary to the grooves in the other series. Interlocking follows from the grooves that fit into each other. There could be an alternating orientation of the grooves alongside the bars, but in a preferred embodiment the grooves in the first series (1a) face upward and the grooves in the second series (1 b) face downward. In its generic form the grooves need to be complementary to one another, complementary implying that the bars when connected completely fill the grooves. As already mentioned herein before, in a particular embodiment of the present invention, the width of the grooves is equal to and slidably fits with the width of the interlocking bars. In other words and as evident from the accompanying figures, it is an object of the present invention to provide a supporting frame structure for use in the manufacture of an adjustable support system for building elements as described herein, wherein said frame structure consists of two series of interlocking bars, wherein a first series (1a) makes up the lower part of the frame structure and a second series (1 b) makes up the upper part of the frame structure, wherein each series has a plurality of grooves (5) cut therein at regular intervals, complementary to the grooves in the other series and characterized in that the grooves in the first series (1a) face upward and the grooves in the second series (1 b) face downward. Each of said series may further comprise openings (11 ), such as apertures or recesses, for the passage of pipes, drains, wiring, cabling and the like. In one embodiment said further apertures are present at regular spaces (intervals) alongside the interlocking bars, such as for example at every 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 centimetre alongside the interlocking bar. In said embodiment wherein the depth of the interlocking bars is different said further openings are only present at the first series (1a) making up the lower part of the frame.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a frame structure for use in the manufacture of an adjustable support system for building elements as described herein, wherein said frame structure consists of two series of interlocking bars with different heights, wherein a first series (1a) with a depth up to twice as high as a second series (1 b) makes up the lower part of the frame structure and said second series (1 b) makes up the upper part of the frame structure, wherein each series has a plurality of grooves (5) cut therein at regular intervals, complementary to the grooves in the other series and characterized in that the grooves in the first series (1a) face upward and the grooves in the second series (1 b) face downward. In one embodiment further characterized in that the series comprise openings (11 ), such as apertures or recesses, for the passage of pipes, drains, wiring, cabling and the like. In another embodiment further characterized in that only the first series (1a) comprise openings (11), such as apertures or recesses, for the passage of pipes, drains, wiring, cabling and the like. Consequently, in one embodiment the frame structure consists of two series of interlocking bars with different heights, wherein a first series (1a) with a depth up to twice as high as a second series (1 b) makes up the lower part of the frame structure and said second series (1 b) makes up the upper part of the frame structure, wherein each series has a plurality of grooves (5) cut therein at regular intervals, complementary to the grooves in the other series; characterized in that the grooves in the first series (1a) face upward and the grooves in the second series (1 b) face downward, and further characterized in that the first series (1a) comprises openings (11 ), in particular at regular intervals alongside said series of interlocking bars. In a particular embodiment said first series of interlocking bars is further characterized in that they comprises at their base an integrated support element; in particular an angled collar that extends along the length of the bar; more in particular over the entire length of the bar. Thus in a further embodiment the present invention provides a frame structure for use in the manufacture of an adjustable support system for building elements as described herein, wherein said frame structure consists of two series of interlocking bars with different heights, wherein a first series (1a) with a depth up to twice as high as a second series (1 b) makes up the lower part of the frame structure and said second series (1 b) makes up the upper part of the frame structure, wherein each series has a plurality of grooves (5) cut therein at regular intervals, complementary to the grooves in the other series; characterized in that the grooves in the first series (1a) face upward and the grooves in the second series (1 b) face downward, characterized in that the first series (1a) comprises openings (11 ), and characterized in that the interlocking bars of the first series comprises at their base an integrated support element; in particular an angled collar that extends along the length of the bar; more in particular over the entire length of the bar.

In said instance the complementary fit of the grooves in the interlocking bars of the adjustable support system according to the invention could for example mean; - that the grooves in the interlocking bars have a depth equal to half the depth of the bar; - that the grooves in the first series has a depth equal to up to one third of the depth of the bar; and wherein the grooves in the second series have a depth equal to up to two third of the depth of the bar; and the like. The complementarity of the grooves in the two series of bars makes that the frame is level at the side facing the building elements, i.e. at the side of the building element carriers positioned between the frame structure and the building elements. Again, in assembling the support system no fastening means are used. The interlocking bars, and building elements are simply nested into one another by means of the tongue and groove system (5) present within the interlocking bars, and by means of the retaining means (6) at the building carrier elements accommodating the interlocking bars. This combination of slibably engaging bars (1a, 1 b), with slidably engaging building element carriers (2) at the crossings of the bars has been found sufficient to realize a subfloor with sufficient structural integrity and strength to ensure a stable subfloor. Thus in one aspect of the present invention, it provides an adjustable support system for building elements consisting of a frame structure (4) formed from a slibably engaging bars (1a, 1 b), with slidably engaging building element carriers (2) at the crossings of said bars, wherein said building element carriers (2) are positioned in-between said frame structure and said building elements (3). In particular characterized in that no fastening means are used in neither of the (slidably) engaging of the interlocking bars, nor in the (slidably) engaging of the building carrier elements at the crossings of said interlocking bars. Per reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, in one embodiment of the present invention the first and second series of interlocking bars are perpendicularly to one another. As will be apparent to the skilled artisan, the bars making up the frame can be made from any material providing sufficient strength and having sufficient structural integrity to be used as floor support members. Without limiting the inventions, suitable materials include wood, metal or plastic; in particular the interlocking bars are metal interlocking bars; even more in particular made from aluminium, magnesium, iron, steel and the like. In one embodiment the bars as used herein have an overall plate like shape. The interlocking bars making op the frame come in different lengths going up to 4m long, in particular up to 1 m or up to 2m or up to 3m long. In case longer lengths are required, further connection means (21 ) (such as dovetail connections) may be present at either end of the interlocking bars. Further to the interlocking means, and the aforementioned connection means, the bars may further comprises engaging members that cooperate with the retaining means (6) at the building carrier elements (infra), and/or openings (11 ), such as apertures or recesses, for the passages of drains, fluid lines, communication lines, power lines and the like, in the underlying space. This underlying space remains easily accessible as the building elements put on top of the adjustable support system according to the invention are not connected therewith but simply kept in place through a loosely fit realized by means of the building element carriers (2) positioned in-between said frame structure and said building elements. Also the building element carriers themselves are removable connected to the frame structure. As for the frame structure, also for these intermediate carriers no further fastening means are required, thus again greatly simplifying the set up of the adjustable support system according to the present invention. To position and retain the building element carriers to the frame structure, the former preferably comprise retaining means (6), such as one or more grooves or slits to accommodate the interlocking bars. In a particular embodiment the one or more grooves or slits at the building element carriers accommodate the interlocking bars at the connection points under the common connection angle. As evident from the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the retaining means (6) to accommodate the interlocking bars (1a, 1 b) are at the face of said building element carriers facing the frame structure formed from said plurality of interlocking bars. Per reference to Figures 5 & 6, the retaining means (6) at the building carrier elements may cooperate with engaging members, also referred to as engaging means (14) at the interlocking bars. As for the interlocking bars any suitable complementary locking means (such as male and female components) to provide structural rigidity to the thus connected members ( i.e. the building carrier elements and the interlocking bars) can be applied within the context of the present invention. In a particular embodiment said complementary locking means interlock with one another by means of a tongue and groove system. In another embodiment the interlocking follows from a plurality of grooves (14) within the interlocking bars, and grooves (6) in the building carrier elements, that slidably fit with one another (see Figures 5 & 6). The presence of such further engagement members at the interlocking bars contributes in enhancing the stiffness of the frame structure when assembled. An important reoccurring feature in the under floor frame structure of the present invention is that it can be assembled without additional fastening means. Full structural rigidity and shape retention of the under floor frame structure follows from the tongue-groove engagements present in-between the interlocking bars and present in-between the interlocking bars and the building carrier elements. It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a frame structure for use in the manufacture of an adjustable support system for building elements as described herein, wherein said frame structure consists of two series of interlocking bars, wherein a first series (1a) makes up the lower part of the frame structure and said second series (1b) makes up the upper part of the frame structure, wherein each series has a plurality of grooves (5) cut therein at regular intervals, complementary to the grooves in the other series; characterized in that the grooves in the first series (1a) face upward and the grooves in the second series (1b) face downward, and further characterized in that at least one of said series comprises engaging members (14) that cooperate with the retaining means (6) at the building carrier elements. In one embodiment said engaging members consist of grooves or slits. As for the interlocking bars, also the engaging member grooves in the series of interlocking bars are complementary to the retaining means at the building carrier elements. In a particular embodiment such engaging members (14) are only present at the second series (1b) of interlocking bars making up the upper part of the frame.

Further to the mere supporting of the building elements, the building element carriers may also assist in keeping the building elements in the desired position on top of the adjustable support system. Thereto the building element carriers will further comprise one or more means (7) to accommodate the building elements. Evidently, said further means to accommodate the building element are at the face of said building element carriers facing said building element, and may consist of one or more of removable protrusions, grooves, edges and the like. As for example shown in Figure 2, said means to accommodate the building element could consist of combinations of removable protrusions (7a) and grooves (7b) at the face of the building element carriers facing said building element.

There is no particular limitation to the shape of the building element carriers, as evident from the exemplified embodiments, common denominators for the building element carriers are the presence of the retaining means (6) at the side facing the frame structure to accommodate the interlocking bars at the connection points under the common connection angle; and the presence of one ore more means (7a) to accommodate the building elements. The latter at the side facing the building elements and preferably consisting of grooves and plates (straight of cross shaped) fitting within said grooves. In a particular embodiment the building element carriers consist of four-sided right-angled metal plates with upright sides that are provided with grooves (the retaining means (6)), which engage in corresponding recesses (the engaging members (14)) in the underlying frame of interlocking bars. As mentioned hereinbefore, the depth of said grooves is complementary to the grooves in the underlying frame, and assure that the building element carriers will rest flat on top of the crossings of the underlying frame.

Per reference to the accompanying figures, any visible edges of the subfloor frame may be finished with cover plates (13). Any suitable means for attaching such cover plates to the underlying frame structure can be used. In a particular embodiment the cover plates are provided with hooks (15) that fit into the engaging members (14) of the interlocking bars. Again, in this embodiment no fastening means are required for attaching the cover plates to the frame. As for example evident from Figure 1 , when cutting the interlocking bars to their desired length, it may be that these are cut at about the level of the interlocking means, i.e. at the grooves. In such instance, and to keep the interlocking bars making op the edges of the frame in place, there are a number of auxiliary elements (19) available, such as the corner support piece (19a) shown in Figure 7. Any suitable means for attaching such auxiliary elements to the underlying frame structure can be used. In a preferred embodiment the auxiliary elements are attached to the frame structure using fastening means, such as a nut and bolt; more in particular a bolt with a square head that is fixed in the square holes (20) provided at regular intervals alongside the interlocking bars. Further examples of auxiliary elements (19) that can be used with the support system of the present invention are shown in Figure 10, and include an support element (19b) , a corner connection (19c), a closure plate (19d) and a closure support element (19e). The upstanding edges (21 , 22) of the closure plate and closure support element extends up to and aside the building element (3) lying on top of the support system, and accordingly enclose and prevent said building element from moving around. For all of said elements the same fastening means are used.

Claims

An adjustable support system for building elements consisting of a frame structure (4) formed from a plurality of interlocking bars (1a, 1b) and building element carriers (2) positioned in-between said frame structure and said building elements (3), wherein interlocking means (5) are present at regular spaces (intervals) alongside the interlocking bars, and wherein no fastening means are used in engaging of the interlocking bars.

The adjustable support system according to claim 1 , wherein the building element carriers are removable connected to the frame structure at the crossings of said interlocking bars, but without fastening means to engage the building carrier elements at said crossings..

The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the interlocking bars have similar dimensions in length, width and depth.

The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the interlocking bars have different dimensions in length, width and depth.

The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the bars interlock with one another by means of a tongue and groove system.

The adjustable support system according to claim 5, wherein the tongue and groove system is present at every 10 centimetre alongside the interlocking bars.

The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the interlocking bars making up the frame structure are composed of a first series (1a) of parallel bars spaced from each other and a second series (1 b) of parallel bars spaced from each other and at a common connection angle to the bars in said first series, each series having a plurality of interlocking means consisting of grooves (5) cut therein at regular intervals, complementary to the grooves in the other series, and wherein no fastening means are used in engaging the grooves of said interlocking bars.

The adjustable support system according to claim 7, in which the grooves in the first series (1a) face upward and the grooves in the second series (1 b) face downwards.

The adjustable support system according to claim 8, wherein each groove has a depth equal to half the depth of the bar.

10. The adjustable support system according to claim 8, wherein the grooves in the first series has a depth equal to up to one third of the depth of the bar; and wherein the grooves in the second series have a depth equal to up to two third of the depth of the bar.

1 1. The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the width of the grooves is equal to and slidably fits with the width of the interlocking bars.

12. The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 7 to 1 1 , wherein the first and second series are perpendicularly to one another.

13. The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the

interlocking bars are metal interlocking bars, in particular made from aluminium, iron, steel and the like.

14. The adjustable support system according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the building element carriers comprise retaining means (6), such as one or more grooves or slits to accommodate the interlocking bars.

15. The adjustable support system according to claim 14, wherein the one or more grooves or slits at the building element carriers accommodate the interlocking bars at the connection points under the common connection angle.

16. The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the grooves or slits to accommodate the interlocking bars or at the face of said building element carriers facing the frame structure formed from said plurality of interlocking bars.

17. The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the building element carriers further comprise one or more means (7) to accommodate the building elements.

18. The adjustable support system according to claim 17, wherein said further means to accommodate the building element are at the face of said building element carriers facing said building element.

19. The adjustable support system according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein said further means to accommodate the building element are selected from the group consisting of removable protrusions, grooves, edges and the like.