WO2018129588A1

WO2018129588A1 - Adjustable pedestal assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2018129588A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050014
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Joseph RIVELLI; Dominic VIVONA; Vito Paul MACCARRONE; Jack ALLWOOD; Kyle JARRATT
Original assignee: Ezy Pod International Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 2017-01-11
Filing date: 2018-01-11
Publication date: 2018-07-19
Also published as: CA3049921A1; SG11201906445VA; EP3568542A1; US20200024851A1; AU2018207261A1; CN110431277A

Abstract

A pedestal assembly receivable on a support surface to support at least one flooring element over the support surface, the assembly comprising first and second members which are telescopically interengaged so as to be able to assume an extended state and a retracted state, whereby a height of the pedestal assembly is adjustable to set a spacing between the flooring element(s) and the support surface, the assembly including a locking mechanism operable in the extended state by way of relative rotation of the members such that the first and second members are locked in the extended state.

Description

Adjustable Pedestal Assembly

The entire disclosure of the specification of Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2017900067 as originally filed on 11 January 2017 is incorporated herein by reference.

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a pedestal assembly for elevating a building surface, and more specifically a height-adjustable pedestal assembly for supporting flooring elements such as timber joists, tiles or stones.

Background

It is common for height-adjustable cylinder-type pedestals to be used for supporting flooring elements over uneven ground surfaces, whereby the height of such pedestals can be adjusted by the relative rotation of threaded cylinders. An array of such pedestals is typically deployed to provide an elevated building surface across the ground for subsequent mounting of flooring elements.

A problem with conventional pedestals is that rotating threaded cylinders becomes a time- consuming exercise if significant height adjustments are required, and the problem is compounded if adjustments are required across a large array of pedestals. A further drawback is that conventional threaded cylinder pedestals usually cover a relatively narrow range of height increments which means that expensive add-on cylinders would often need to be procured and installed to the pedestals. The applicant has determined that it would be advantageous to provide an improved pedestal assembly that can be configured for use with large height variances and whereby pedestal height can be adjusted quickly and easily. The present invention, in its preferred embodiments, seeks to at least in part alleviate the above-identified problems. Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pedestal assembly receivable on a support surface to support at least one flooring element over the support surface, the assembly comprising first and second members which are telescopically interengaged so as to be able to assume an extended state and a retracted state, whereby a height of the pedestal assembly is adjustable to set a spacing between the flooring element(s) and the support surface, the assembly including a locking mechanism operable in the extended state by way of relative rotation of the members such that the first and second members are locked in the extended state.

Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises circumferentially spaced locking grooves located on one of said members and complementary locking projections located on the other member, the locking projections being arranged to be received in the grooves such that the locking condition is assumed.

Preferably, the locking grooves are located at or proximate a top end of said one member and the locking projections are located at or proximate a bottom end of the other member. Preferably, said other member is configured with formations arranged to reinforce said locking projections, each formation preferably comprising a rib or gusset.

Preferably, each locking projection is reinforced by a respective plurality of said formations, the formations in each plurality preferably comprising three or more formations which are equally spaced. Preferably, the locking grooves consist of three said grooves spaced substantially 120 degrees apart. Alternatively, the locking grooves consist of four said grooves spaced substantially 90 degrees apart.

Preferably, the locking mechanism includes at least one projection arranged on one of said members and resiliently biased in a radial direction so as to abut a respective shoulder on the other of said members in the locking condition to restrain the members from rotation relative to each other in a direction opposite a direction of said relative rotation.

Preferably, the locking mechanism includes at least one tab on which a respective said resiliency biased projection is provided, the tab(s) being pushable in a direction opposite to a direction of said bias to release the projection(s) from abutment with the shoulder(s).

Preferably, the pedestal assembly includes: a support member having a support portion for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst; and a base securable against the support surface.

Preferably, the pedestal assembly includes a body between the support member and the base, the body comprising said first and second members.

Preferably, the support member comprises a threaded portion which projects downwardly from said support portion, and the body is configured with a correspondingly threaded portion with which the threaded portion of the support member is engaged such that the support member can be screwed relative to the body whereby the height of the pedestal assembly is adjusted. Preferably, the first member and base are telescopically interengaged so as to be able to assume an extended condition and a retracted condition whereby said height of the pedestal assembly is further adjustable.

Preferably, the first member is slidable relative to the base along an axis of said relative rotation between the extended and retracted conditions.

Preferably, the first member and base are relatively movable between the extended and retracted conditions regardless of whether the first and second members are in the extended state or the retracted state.

Preferably, the base comprises a sleeve portion with which the first member is rotatably engaged, such that in the retracted condition, the first member is at least partially contained in the sleeve portion.

Preferably, the pedestal assembly further comprises, in addition to said locking mechanism ("the first locking mechanism"), a locking mechanism operable to lock the first member and base rotationally when in the extended condition ("the second locking mechanism").

Preferably, the second locking mechanism is operable in the extended condition by way of relative rotation of the first member and base such that the first member and base are locked in the extended condition.

Preferably, the second locking mechanism comprises circumferentially spaced locking grooves, located on one of the base and the first member, and complementary locking projections, located on the other of the base and the first member, the locking projections being arranged to be received in the grooves such that a locking condition is assumed.

Preferably, the locking projections of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a top end of the base and the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a bottom end of the first member.

Preferably, the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a top end of the base and the locking projections of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a bottom end of the first member. Preferably, the first member is configured with formations arranged to reinforce said locking projections of the second locking mechanism, each formation preferably comprising a rib or gusset.

Preferably, each locking projection of the second locking mechanism is reinforced by a respective plurality of said formations, the formations in each plurality preferably comprising three or more formations which are equally spaced. Preferably, the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism consist of three said grooves spaced substantially 120 degrees apart. Alternatively, the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism consist of four said grooves spaced substantially 90 degrees apart.

Preferably, the second locking mechanism includes at least one projection arranged on one of the base and the first member and resiliency biased in a radial direction so as to abut a respective shoulder on the other of the base and the first member in the extended condition to restrain the first member and the base from rotation relative to each other in a direction opposite a direction of said relative rotation of the first member and base.

Preferably, the second locking mechanism further includes at least one tab on which a respective said resiliency biased projection is provided, the tab(s) being pushable in a direction opposite to a direction of said bias to release the resiliency biased projection(s) from abutment with the shoulder(s).

Preferably, the support member is configured to hold a spacer comprising at least one spacer portion, such that the or each spacer portion is receivable between the elements of a respective pair of adjacent said elements.

Preferably, the spacer comprises a base, from which the or each spacer portion projects, the base being configured to form a fit with the support member whereby the or each spacer portion is receivable between the elements of said respective pair.

Preferably, the support portion is configured with an upwardly opening recess into which the base of the spacer is receivable so as to form said fit, whereby the base does not upwardly project proud of the support portion. Preferably, the support portion comprises a honeycomb structure.

Preferably, said first and second members are slideable along an axis of said relative rotation, between the retracted and extended states.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pedestal assembly for supporting at least one flooring element over a support surface, comprising a base having an underside receivable against the support surface, and a support portion arranged for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst, wherein the base comprises rotatably interengaged first and second members configured with abutting surfaces which are inclined relative to said underside such that rotation of the first member relative to the second member adjusts an angle between said underside and said support portion whereby that angle can be set equal to an angle of slope of the support surface so that the slope is offset and the or each flooring element is thus level.

Preferably, one of the rotatably interengaged members is configured with formations arranged at spaced positions therearound, and the other of the rotatably interengaged members is configured with a complementary formation with which the spaced formations are successively engageable, at respective rotational positions of said first member relative to said second member, to retain the first member in the respective rotational position, whereby the angle between said underside and said support portion can be incrementally adjusted.

Preferably, either or each of the members is configured to deform resiliency such that each of the spaced formations is engageable with and disengageable from said complementary formation. Preferably, the spaced formations comprise notches and the complementary formation comprises a projection receivable in a respective one of said notches at each rotational position

Preferably, the spaced formations comprise projections and the complementary formation comprises a notch into which a respective one of said projections is receivable at each rotational position Preferably, the pedestal assembly is configured with a gauge arranged to indicate the degree of adjustment of the angle between said underside and said support portion. Preferably, the first member is marked with indicia to indicate the degree of adjustment and the second member is configured to single out respective ones of the indicia according to said degree, whereby said gauge is defined.

Preferably, the first member is marked with respective indicia representative of the degree of adjustment, and the second member is configured with an opening, whereby respective ones of the indicia are exposed through the opening according to said degree, the opening and indicia defining said gauge.

Preferably, the first member comprises a circular portion defining said surface of that member, and the second member is configured such that a part of the periphery of said circular portion projects radially outwardly therefrom so as to be engageable by hand whereby the rotational adjustment can be effected.

Preferably, either of each of the first and second members is configured in the form of a plate.

Preferably, the pedestal assembly is configured such that the angle between said underside and said support portion is adjustable through a range of about 6 degrees. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pedestal assembly according to the second aspect, being the pedestal assembly as described in the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pedestal assembly for supporting at least one flooring element over a support surface, comprising: a support member having a support portion for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst; a base, securable against the support surface; a body, via which the support member is connected to the base, comprising members which are telescopically interengaged so as to be able to assume an extended state and a retracted state, whereby a height of the pedestal assembly is adjustable to set a spacing between the flooring element(s) and the support surface, wherein the support member and body are configured with interengaging threads, via which they are connected, such that the height can be further adjusted by screwing the support member relative to the body.

Preferably, the support member includes a threaded portion which projects downwardly from said support portion and on an exterior of which the thread with which the support member is configured is formed, and the thread with which the body is configured is formed on an interior of a said member of body which is arranged so as to be an uppermost one of said members of the body when in said extended state.

Preferably, the telescopically interengaged members are slidably movable relative to each other in an axial direction between the retracted and extended states.

Preferably, the telescopically interengaged members are slidably movable relative to the base in an axial direction such that said height is further adjustable. Preferably, the body comprises a locking mechanism operable to lock the body or telescopically interengaged members in the extended state.

Preferably, the locking mechanism is operable in the extended state by way of relative rotation of the telescopically interengaged members such that those members are locked in the extended state.

Preferably, the locking mechanism comprises circumferentially spaced locking grooves located on one of said members and complementary locking projections located on another of said members, the locking projections being arranged to be received in the grooves such that the locking condition is assumed. Preferably, the locking grooves are located at or proximate a top end of said one member and the locking projections are located at or proximate a bottom end of the other member.

Preferably, said other member is configured with formations arranged to reinforce said locking projections, each formation preferably comprising a rib or gusset.

Preferably, each locking projection is reinforced by a respective plurality of said formations, the formations in each plurality preferably comprising three or more formations which are equally spaced.

Preferably, the locking grooves consist of three said grooves spaced substantially 120 degrees apart. Alternatively, the locking grooves consist of four said grooves spaced substantially 90 degrees apart. Preferably, the locking mechanism includes at least one projection arranged on one of said members and resiliently biased in a radial direction so as to abut a respective shoulder on the other of said members in the locking condition to restrain the members from rotation relative to each other in a direction opposite a direction of said relative rotation. Preferably, the locking mechanism includes at least one tab on which a respective said projection is provided, the tab(s) being pushable in a direction opposite to a direction of said bias to release the projection(s) from abutment with the shoulder(s).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pedestal assembly according to the fourth aspect, being the pedestal assembly described in the first aspect, wherein said members which are telescopically interengaged comprise said first and second members.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provide a pedestal assembly according to the fourth aspect, being the pedestal assembly as described in the second aspect, wherein said base having an underside is said base securable against the support surface, said support portion for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst is said support portion arranged for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst, and said members which are telescopically interengaged are said members of the body. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spacer for use with a pedestal for supporting at least one flooring element over a support surface, the spacer comprising a base have opposite sides, at least one first spacer portion projecting from one side and at least one second spacer portion projecting from the other side, the base being engageable with the pedestal selectably in either of two orientations, such that the first or second spacer portion(s) is/are exposed to be receivable between the elements of a respective pair of adjacent said elements, wherein the first and second spacer portions have differing transverse dimensions to hold at alternative spacings the elements between which they are receivable. Preferably, the transverse dimension of said first spacer portion(s) is about 3 mm. Preferably, the transverse dimension of said second spacer portion(s) is about 5 mm. Preferably, the number of first spacer portions is four. Preferably, the number of second spacer portions is four. Preferably, the base is configured to engage a mounting of the pedestal in an orientation perpendicular to each of said two orientations so as to define a spacer portion alternative to said first and second spacer portions, the alternative spacer portion being receivable between the elements of a said pair of adjacent said elements. Preferably, the base has a thickness which is different from the transverse dimension of the first spacer portion(s) and/or the transverse dimension of the second spacer portion(s) to hold at another alternative spacing the elements between which it is receivable.

Preferably, at least one of said first and second spacer portions is separable from the base whereby both of said elements may seat flush against said sides. Preferably, at least one said first spacer portion and at least one said second spacer portion are separable from the base to permit both of said elements to seat flush against said sides.

Preferably, the spacer is configured to be frangible such that the or each spacer portion which is separable from the base is so separable.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly comprising a spacer according to the seventh aspect and said pedestal, wherein the spacer is engaged with the pedestal in a said orientation.

Preferably, said pedestal is defined by the pedestal assembly as described the first to sixth aspects of the present invention.

Further aspects of the present invention and further embodiments of the aspects described in the preceding paragraphs will become apparent from the following description.

In the description and drawings of the embodiments, same reference numerals are used as have been used in respect of the first embodiment, to denote and refer to corresponding features.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1A is a perspective view of a height-adjustable pedestal assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure IB is a perspective view of a height- adjustable pedestal assembly according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1C is another perspective view of the pedestal assembly of Figure IB from above;

Figures ID and IE are perspective views of the pedestal assembly of Figure IB from below; Figure 2 is a front view of the pedestal assembly of Figure 1 A in a retracted state; Figure 3 is a front view of the pedestal assembly of Figure 1A in an extended state; Figure 4 is a sectional view of the pedestal assembly of Figure 3, cut along the D-D plane;

Figure 5A is a top plan view of the pedestal assembly of Figure IB;

Figure 5B is a bottom plan view of the pedestal assembly of Figure IB;

Figure 5C is a top plan view of the pedestal assembly of Figure 1 A;

Figure 6A is a plan view of a support member of the assembly;

Figure 6B is a sectional view of the support member cut;

Figure 7 is a front view of the support member;

Figure 8 is a bottom view of the support member;

Figure 9 is a front view of a spacer for use with the pedestal assembly;

Figure 10A is a top plan view of the spacer;

Figure 1 OB is a bottom plan view of the spacer;

Figure 11 is a view of the pedestal assembly with the spacer installed in a horizontal orientation to the support member;

Figure 12 is a view of the pedestal assembly with the spacer installed in a vertical orientation;

Figure 13 is a side view of the pedestal assembly of Figure 12;

Figure 14A is a front view of a telescopic member of the assembly;

Figure 14B is a side view of the telescopic member;

Figure 15 is a plan view of the telescopic member;

Figure 16 is a bottom view of the telescopic member;

Figure 17 is a front view of another telescopic member of the assembly;

Figure 18 is a plan view of the telescopic member of Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a bottom view of the telescopic member Figure 17;

Figure 20 is a front view of a base of the pedestal assembly;

Figure 21 is a plan view of the base;

Figure 22 is a bottom view of the base;

Figure 23 is a front view of a second member of the base;

Figure 24 is a plan view of the second member; and Figure 25 is a bottom view of the second member. Detailed description

While aspects of the pedestal assembly will now be described below for use in combination with each other in preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that individual aspects of the present invention as described can also be used independently of the others.

Figures 1 to 3 show a height- adjustable pedestal assembly 10 having a support member 100 for supporting a flooring element such as a timber joist or a stone tile; a base 300 with a tubular housing 310 and a base plate 350 for securing the pedestal assembly 10 to a floor; and a body 200 operatively coupled to the support member 100 and the base 300, the body 200 is provided with telescopic members 210, 250 in the form of concentrically arranged tubular members. A spacer 400 may be coupled to the support member 100, the spacer having projections 430 for providing gaps between flooring elements in use. The pedestal assembly 10 can be adjusted so that its height can be configured between low and high positions as shown in Figures 2 and 3, respectively. The telescopic members 210, 250 of the body 200 can be manipulated to adjust the overall vertical height of the pedestal assembly 10. Specifically, the telescopic members 210, 250 are slideably moveable relative to each other between an extended state and a retracted state, and rotatably movable with respect to one another to engage a locking mechanism ("twist-lock") so that the vertical height of the pedestal assembly 10 can be quickly adjusted and locked by a user. With reference to Figures 6 to 8, the support member 100 comprises a surface plate 110 for supporting one or more flooring elements (not shown). The surface plate 110 has a central aperture 114 with means for operatively receiving a spacer 400, which comprises vertically extending projections for providing a fixed gap between adjacent flooring elements supported by the surface plate 110. In one configuration, the central aperture 114 is provided with an inwardly projecting collar 116 extending around the circumference of the aperture 114 for seating the spacer 400 in its horizontal orientation. In a preferred embodiment, the support member 100 comprises a threaded hollow tubular member 120 extending from a side of the surface plate 110. The tubular member 120 has threaded formations 122 which are configured for coupling with a corresponding threaded bore 212 of the body 200 when assembled, so that the distance of the pedestal between the support member 100 and the body can be adjusted, in small increments, by rotating the tubular member 120 with respect to the body 200. The tubular member 120 may be provided with a push release tab 124 integrally formed with a locking projection for abutting an end of the threaded formation of the threaded bore 212, and thereby preventing the tubular member 120 from being detached from the body 200 in use, unless the push release tab 124 is actuated by a user.

In one configuration, as shown in the sectional view of Figure 6B, the support member 100 is provided with a pair of slots or grooves 118 dimensioned for receiving a plate 410 of the spacer 400 oriented in a vertical plane. Each slot 118 is made from two projections extending from an inner wall of the surface plate 110 and/or the threaded member 120 towards the centre of the aperture 114. The slot 118 is dimensioned to receive the spacer plate 410 in a frictional/interference fit. The surface plate 110 may be provided with a honeycomb pattern arrangement to reduce materials used. The surface plate 110 may also be provided with additional apertures to further reduce materials used.

Figures 9, 10A and 10B show a spacer 400 for use with the pedestal assembly 10. The spacer 400 comprises a plate 410 having two opposing surfaces 412, 414, each opposing surface 412, 414 can be positioned horizontally on the collar 116 of the surface plate 110 as the upper most surface (i.e. sides of the spacer 400 in its horizontal orientation is reversible). Each surface 412, 414 comprises at least one sideway extending projection 430, 432, in which its thickness provides a gap/spacing between flooring elements mounted on the surface plate 110 during use. In some embodiments, the plate 410 is in the form of a circular disc with two truncated sides.

The projections 430, 432 of each respective opposing surfaces 412, 414 are configured with a different thickness so that different sides of the spacer 400 can be used to accommodate gap requirements of different flooring elements. In one embodiment, the thickness of the projection of any one of the opposing surfaces 412, 414 is about 3 mm. In another embodiment, the thickness of the projection of any one of the opposing surfaces 412, 414 is about 5 mm. In some configurations, the projections are formed, in its horizontal sectional plane, in the shape of "W" to minimise material waste while maintaining structural strength. Each opposing surfaces 412, 414 can be provided with four such projections 430, 432 located on surfaces 412, 414 in the shape of a cross. Further side apertures 420 and a central aperture 422 may be added to the plate 410 for material savings.

Advantageously, in addition to using the spacer 400 in its horizontal orientation in which the plate 410 lies flat on the surface plate 110 as shown in Figure 11, the spacer 400 can also be received in a vertical orientation by complementary slot 118 of the surface plate 110 as shown in Figures 12 and 13. In this vertical arrangement, the projections 430, 432 extend horizontally, and the thickness of the plate 410 is instead used to provide a gap/spacing between flooring elements such as timber joists. In addition, at least one of the projections 430, 432 is configured to be removable by hand to enable a flooring element such as timber joists to be seated flush against the surface 412 or 414 of the plate 410 when the spacer 400 is mounted vertically. Moreover, the plate 410 may be provided with an aperture 440 formed proximate the removable projection 430, 432, so that when the projection 430, 432 is removed, the aperture 440 is then exposed for allowing a fastener to be inserted between the flooring elements mounted adjacent the vertically oriented spacer plate 410.

In one configuration, the plate 410 is further dimensioned so that its mid-point diameter at its widest point is larger than the aperture 114 diameter of the surface plate 110 so that an outer edge 416 of the plate 410 would abut an inner edge of the aperture 114 and prevent the plate 410 from moving further through the slot 118. The outer edge 416 of the plate 410 may be configured with adjacent notches 417 to assist in the mounting and removal of the plate 410 when used in its vertical orientation. Referring now to Figures 14A and 14B to 19, the body 200 of the pedestal assembly 10 comprises at least two telescopically arranged members 210, 250, such as concentrically arranged tubular members, configured to be movable between an extended state, in which the members 210, 250 are extended relative to each other as shown in Figure 3, and a retracted state, in which one of the members is at least partially received within the other as shown in Figure 2. The first/top telescopic member 210 is positioned above the second/bottom telescopic member 250 when the pedestal 10 is fully extended. In one configuration, the telescopic members 210, 250 are dimensioned such that the diameter of the top member 210 is smaller than that of the bottom member 250 so that the top member 210 can be received within the bottom member 250 in a retracted position. The top telescopic member 210 is configured with an internal threaded bore 212 adapted for operatively coupling with the threaded member 120 of the support member 100. It is to be appreciated that while the telescopic members 210, 250 can be said to be moveable relative to each other, it can also be said that the telescopic members 210, 250 can move relative to the base 300. In one configuration, the base 300 comprises a tubular member 310 for housing the body 200 when the assembly 10 is in a retracted configuration as shown in Figure 3. The tubular housing member 310 is adapted to be operatively coupled with the body 200, and the two telescopic members 210, 250 of the body 200 can be said to be movable between (a) an extended state in which the members 210, 250 are extended relative to the housing 310 as shown in Figure 3, (b) a retracted state in which one of the members 210, 250 is at least partially received within the housing 310, and (c) a further retracted state in which both the members 210, 250 are at least partially received within the housing as shown in Figure 2.

In a preferred configuration, the telescopic members 210, 250 are longitudinally slideable relative to each other so that one member 210, 250 can be simply pulled away from another to an extended position. In yet another preferred configuration, telescopic members 210, 250 are configured to be longitudinally slideable relative to the housing 310. It is to be understood that the telescopic members 210, 250 of the body 200 could account for a sizable portion of the overall height of the pedestal assembly 10, therefore positional adjustment to the telescopic members 210, 250 translates to vertical height adjustments of the assembly 10 during use. It is to be appreciated that, advantageously, adjusting the positions of the telescopic members 210, 250 with respect to each other and with respect to the base housing 310 provide a wide range of adjustable height increments for the pedestal assembly 10. In one configuration, the height of any one of the telescopic members 210, 250 accounts for about 30% of the total adjustable height of the pedestal assembly 10. In another configuration, the height of any one of the telescopic members 210, 250 accounts for about 25% of the total adjustable height of the pedestal assembly 10. In yet another configuration, the height of any one of the telescopic members 210, 250 accounts for about 20% of the total adjustable height of the pedestal assembly 10. The body 200 comprises a locking mechanism operable to lock the movement of the telescopic members 210, 250 and/or between the telescopic member 250 and the base housing 310, so that relative rotation of one effects rotation of the other. In a preferred embodiment, locking mechanisms are provided on the body 200 and the base 300 and only engageable when the telescopic members 210, 250 are extended relative to each other or when the telescopic member 250 is extended relative to the base housing 310. It is to be appreciated that the meaning of "extended" should be interpreted to include configurations of the telescopic members when they are slightly or fully extended relative to each other and/or to the base housing 310. In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism is operable by way of relative rotation of the members 210, 250 and/or relative rotation between the telescopic member 250 and the base housing 310. The locking mechanism in this embodiment can be described as a "twist-lock", where locking or unlocking of the members 210, 250 and/or base housing 310 is achieved by rotating the respective members 210, 250 and/or base housing 310 relative. It can be appreciated that the embodiment having the twist-lock feature, in conjunction with the slideable nature of the telescopic members 210, 250 and/or base housing 310, advantageously allows the height of the pedestal assembly 10 to be adjusted quickly and easily. A user could adjust a large height increment of the pedestal assembly 10 by twisting the telescopic members 210, 250 and/or the base housing 310 in a first direction to first unlock the pedestal (if it is in an locked state), then slideably pull or push the telescopic members 210, 250 and/or the base housing 310 to the desired height increment, and finally lock the telescopic members 210, 250 and/or the base housing 310 by twisting the members 210, 250 and/or the base housing 310 in a second direction. Further fine-scale height adjustments can be done by rotating the threaded member 120 of the support member 100 relative to the body 200.

In one configuration, the locking mechanism of the telescopic members 210, 250 and/or the base housing 310 comprises radially spaced locking grooves/slots 270, 320 located on an interior of a bottom telescopic member 250 and/or base housing 310 for engaging complementary shaped locking tongues 220, 260 located on an exterior of telescopic members 210, 250. The locking tongues 220, 260 extend at least partially around the exterior circumference of the telescopic members 210, 250, while complementary shaped receiving grooves 270, 320 extend at least partially around the interior circumference of the bottom telescopic member 250 and/or the base housing 310. In one configuration, relative clockwise rotation between the members 210, 250 and/or between one of the members 210, 250 and the housing 310 engages the twist-lock, while anti-clockwise rotation disengages the lock. In other configurations, the opposite direction of rotation would engage and disengage the twist-lock.

Returning to Figures 14A and 14B to 19, in an embodiment, the locking grooves 270, 320 are located at or proximate a top end of telescopic member 250 and base housing 310, respectively. The locking tongues are located at or proximate a bottom end of telescopic member 210 and 250, respectively. It is to be appreciated that there can be any number of complementary locking grooves and locking tongues as described above and provided in any radial configuration around the telescopic members 210, 250 and the base housing 310. In some embodiments, there are three such locking mechanisms spaced substantially 120 degrees apart, in other configurations, there are four such locking mechanisms spaced substantially 90 degrees apart. In some embodiments, a reinforcement rib or gusset 222, 262 extends vertically from the locking tongue 220, 260 on the exterior of the telescopic members 210, 250. In one configuration, the telescopic members 210, 250 comprise four ribs spaced evenly along the length of each locking tongue 220, 260 for purposes of providing a finger grip for a user and for greater structural support of the locking tongue 220, 260. In other embodiments, either or each of the tubular telescopic members 210, 250 may be strengthened/reinforced at one or more sections of its wall, for example by regions of the wall which have increased thickness and/or by protrusions (e.g. ribs)/webbing on the inner surface and/or outer surface of the wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the locking mechanism further comprises a projection 224, 262 located proximate at least one of the locking tongues 220, 260 for operatively engaging a complementary notch 272, 322 located proximate at least one of the locking groove 270, 320. This serves to frictionally engage lock the telescopic members 210, 250, and/or one of the telescopic members 210, 250 and the base housing 310 together so that rotation of one member effects rotation of the other. The locking mechanism may also be provided with a push-release tab 226, 266 integrally formed with the projection 224, 262 so that the projection 224, 262 can be assisted from disengaging the notch 272, 322 by a user pushing/actuating the push-release tab. Once the projection 224, 262 is dislodged from the notch 272, 322, the user could then rotate the telescopic members 210, 250 and/or the base housing 310 to completely disengage the locking mechanism.

Referring now to Figures 20 to 25, the pedestal assembly 10 comprises a base 300 with a tubular base housing 310 and a bottom plate 350 for fixing the pedestal assembly 10 to a floor. In a preferred embodiment, an opposing plate 312 is formed integrally to a lower portion of the base housing 310. Reinforcing ribs 330 and 332 may extend from an exterior wall of the base housing 310 to an upper surface of the opposing plate 312 to provide structural strengthening of the base 300. The plates 312 and 350 are arranged to be rotatably mounted together. At least one of the plates 312, 350 is configured with an inclined/sloping surface 314, 364 so that relative rotation of the plates 312, 350, when mounted, could offset/accommodate an inclined surface angle of the floor. In a preferred embodiment, both plates 312, 350 are configured with respective inclined surfaces 314, 364. It is preferred that the inclined surface(s) 314, 364 are configured according to a predetermined slope angle, and moreover it is preferred that the surface slope angle is constant.

In one configuration, the opposing plates 312, 350 with inclined surfaces 314, 364 are arranged to face one another and thus enables a range of predetermined inclined angles of the base 300 by virtue of relative rotation of the opposing plates 312, 350. This inclined base 300 could thus be adjusted to offset/accommodate uneven and/or inclined surface angles of the floor. In one configuration, the range of inclined angle adjustment of the surface is up to 6 degrees. The degree of inclination of the base 300 can be adjusted by relative rotation of the opposing plates 312, 350, when mounted. In an embodiment, the bottom plate 350 comprises indicia, ranging from 0 to 8, indicating a degree of surface incline relative to the base. The opposing plate 312 may be provided with apertures 340, 342 for viewing corresponding indicia values of the bottom plate 350 so that a user could adjustment the base incline angle rotating the opposing plates 312, 350 in accordance with the indicia as shown through the apertures 340, 342. In a preferred embodiment, one of the opposing plates 312, 350 comprises radially spaced protrusions 344 for frictionally engaging complementary notches 354 of the opposing plate 312, 350. In an alternative embodiment, one of the opposing plates 312, 350 comprises radially spaced notches for frictionally engaging complementary protrusions of the opposing plate 312, 350. The bottom plate 350 may be provided with one or more walls 352 for operatively coupling or gripping the opposing plate 312. An internal portion of at least one of the walls 352 is provided with protrusions 344 and/or notches 354 for engaging the complementary geometries of the opposing plate 312.

In an embodiment, the bottom plate 350 is configured substantially in a triangular shape for accommodating the use of the pedestal assembly 10 around corners. In this embodiment, the opposing plate 312, when mounted above the bottom plate 350, would have side portions exposed as shown in Figure 1 for ease of plate rotation and base incline angle adjustment.

In use, a plurality of pedestal assemblies 10 can be arranged in an array across a ground surface. The height of each pedestal assembly can be adjusted by rotatably disengaging the lock mechanism of the body 200 and the base 300, pulling one or more telescopic members 210, 250 of the body 200 as required and rotatably engaging the lock mechanism. Fine adjustments to the pedestal assembly height can be made by rotating the threaded surface plate 110 relative to the threaded bore 212 of the body 200. Sloping angles of the ground can be offset by rotating the opposing base plates 312, 350 to adjust the incline angle of the base 300. The above steps can be repeated for the plurality of pedestal assemblies 10 so that an appropriate elevated construction surface can be provided to support the mounting of flooring elements. Although the steps described above are provided in a specific order, it can be performed in any variation of this order and additional steps may be executed between the steps described above.

It is to be appreciated that preferred embodiments of the invention advantageously provide pedestal assemblies in which large height increments can be adjusted quickly and easily, thereby saving significant time and labour costs. Furthermore, preferred embodiments of the invention provide improved pedestal assemblies with a wide adjustable height range, as and shown in Figures 2 and 3, which reduces the need for users to procure and install additional add-on components to the pedestal assemblies; potentially contributing to further cost savings.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A pedestal assembly receivable on a support surface to support at least one flooring element over the support surface, the assembly comprising first and second members which are telescopically interengaged so as to be able to assume an extended state and a retracted state, whereby a height of the pedestal assembly is adjustable to set a spacing between the flooring element(s) and the support surface, the assembly including a locking mechanism operable in the extended state by way of relative rotation of the members such that the first and second members are locked in the extended state.

2 A pedestal assembly according to claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism comprises circumferentially spaced locking grooves located on one of said members and complementary locking projections located on the other member, the locking projections being arranged to be received in the grooves such that the locking condition is assumed.

3. A pedestal assembly according to claim 2, wherein the locking grooves are located at or proximate a top end of said one member and the locking projections are located at or proximate a bottom end of the other member.

4. A pedestal assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said other member is configured with formations arranged to reinforce said locking projections, each formation preferably comprising a rib or gusset.

5. A pedestal assembly according to claim 4, wherein each locking projection is reinforced by a respective plurality of said formations, the formations in each plurality preferably comprising three or more formations which are equally spaced.

6. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locking grooves consist of three said grooves spaced substantially 120 degrees apart.

7. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the locking grooves consist of four said grooves spaced substantially 90 degrees apart.

8. A pedestal assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one projection arranged on one of said members and resiliently biased in a radial direction so as to abut a respective shoulder on the other of said members in the locking condition to restrain the members from rotation relative to each other in a direction opposite a direction of said relative rotation.

9. A pedestal assembly according to claim 8, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one tab on which a respective said resiliently biased projection is provided, the tab(s) being pushable in a direction opposite to a direction of said bias to release the projection(s) from abutment with the shoulder(s).

10. A pedestal assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, including:

a support member having a support portion for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst; and

a base securable against the support surface.

11. A pedestal assembly according to claim 10, including a body between the support member and the base, the body comprising said first and second members.

12. A pedestal assembly according to claim 10 or 11, the support member comprises a threaded portion which projects downwardly from said support portion, and the body is configured with a correspondingly threaded portion with which the threaded portion of the support member is engaged such that the support member can be screwed relative to the body whereby the height of the pedestal assembly is adjusted.

13. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first member and base are telescopically interengaged so as to be able to assume an extended condition and a retracted condition whereby said height of the pedestal assembly is further adjustable.

14. A pedestal assembly according to claim 13, wherein the first member is slidable relative to the base along an axis of said relative rotation between the extended and retracted conditions.

15. A pedestal assembly according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the first member and base are relatively movable between the extended and retracted conditions regardless of whether the first and second members are in the extended state or the retracted state.

16. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the base comprises a sleeve portion with which the first member is rotatably engaged, such that in the retracted condition, the first member is at least partially contained in the sleeve portion.

17. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising, in addition to said locking mechanism ("the first locking mechanism"), a locking mechanism operable to lock the first member and base rotationally when in the extended condition ("the second locking mechanism").

18. A pedestal assembly according to claim 17, wherein the second locking mechanism is operable in the extended condition by way of relative rotation of the first member and base such that the first member and base are locked in the extended condition.

19. A pedestal assembly according to claim 18, wherein the second locking mechanism comprises circumferentially spaced locking grooves, located on one of the base and the first member, and complementary locking projections, located on the other of the base and the first member, the locking projections being arranged to be received in the grooves such that a locking condition is assumed.

20. A pedestal assembly according to claim 19, wherein the locking projections of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a top end of the base and the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a bottom end of the first member.

21. A pedestal assembly according to claim 19, wherein the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a top end of the base and the locking projections of the second locking mechanism are located at or proximate a bottom end of the first member.

22. A pedestal assembly according to either claim 21, wherein the first member is configured with formations arranged to reinforce said locking projections of the second locking mechanism, each formation preferably comprising a rib or gusset.

23. A pedestal assembly according to claim 22, wherein each locking projection of the second locking mechanism is reinforced by a respective plurality of said formations, the formations in each plurality preferably comprising three or more formations which are equally spaced.

24. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism consist of three said grooves spaced substantially 120 degrees apart.

25. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the locking grooves of the second locking mechanism consist of four said grooves spaced substantially 90 degrees apart.

26. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the second locking mechanism includes at least one projection arranged on one of the base and the first member and resiliently biased in a radial direction so as to abut a respective shoulder on the other of the base and the first member in the extended condition to restrain the first member and the base from rotation relative to each other in a direction opposite a direction of said relative rotation of the first member and base.

27. A pedestal assembly according to claim 26, wherein the second locking mechanism further includes at least one tab on which a respective said resiliency biased projection is provided, the tab(s) being pushable in a direction opposite to a direction of said bias to release the resiliency biased projection(s) from abutment with the shoulder(s).

28. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 27, wherein the support member is configured to hold a spacer comprising at least one spacer portion, such that the or each spacer portion is receivable between the elements of a respective pair of adjacent said elements.

29. A pedestal assembly according to claim 28, wherein the spacer comprises a base, from which the or each spacer portion projects, the base being configured to form a fit with the support member whereby the or each spacer portion is receivable between the elements of said respective pair.

30. A pedestal assembly according to claim 29, wherein the support portion is configured with an upwardly opening recess into which the base of the spacer is receivable so as to form said fit, whereby the base does not upwardly project proud of the support portion.

31. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 30, wherein the support portion comprises a honeycomb structure.

32. A pedestal assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second members are slideable along an axis of said relative rotation, between the retracted and extended states.

33. A pedestal assembly for supporting at least one flooring element over a support surface, comprising a base having an underside receivable against the support surface, and a support portion arranged for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst, wherein the base comprises rotatably interengaged first and second members configured with abutting surfaces which are inclined relative to said underside such that rotation of the first member relative to the second member adjusts an angle between said underside and said support portion whereby that angle can be set equal to an angle of slope of the support surface so that the slope is offset and the or each flooring element is thus level.

34. A pedestal assembly according to claim 33, wherein one of the rotatably interengaged members is configured with formations arranged at spaced positions therearound, and the other of the rotatably interengaged members is configured with a complementary formation with which the spaced formations are successively engageable, at respective rotational positions of said first member relative to said second member, to retain the first member in the respective rotational position, whereby the angle between said underside and said support portion can be incrementally adjusted.

35. A pedestal assembly according to claim 34, wherein either or each of the members is configured to deform resiliency such that each of the spaced formations is engageable with and disengageable from said complementary formation.

36. A pedestal assembly according to claim 35, wherein the spaced formations comprise notches and the complementary formation comprises a projection receivable in a respective one of said notches at each rotational position

37. A pedestal assembly according to claim 35, wherein the spaced formations comprise projections and the complementary formation comprises a notch into which a respective one of said projections is receivable at each rotational position

38. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 37, configured with a gauge arranged to indicate the degree of adjustment of the angle between said underside and said support portion.

39. A pedestal assembly according to claim 38, wherein the first member is marked with indicia to indicate the degree of adjustment and the second member is configured to single out respective ones of the indicia according to said degree, whereby said gauge is defined.

40. A pedestal assembly according to claim 38, wherein the first member is marked with respective indicia representative of the degree of adjustment, and the second member is configured with an opening, whereby respective ones of the indicia are exposed through the opening according to said degree, the opening and indicia defining said gauge.

41. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein the first member comprises a circular portion defining said surface of that member, and the second member is configured such that a part of the periphery of said circular portion projects radially outwardly therefrom so as to be engageable by hand whereby the rotational adjustment can be effected.

42. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein either of each of the first and second members is configured in the form of a plate.

43. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 42, configured such that the angle between said underside and said support portion is adjustable through a range of about 6 degrees.

44. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 33 to 42, being the pedestal assembly of any one of claims 1 to 32.

45. A pedestal assembly for supporting at least one flooring element over a support surface, comprising:

a support member having a support portion for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst;

a base, securable against the support surface;

a body, via which the support member is connected to the base, comprising members which are telescopically interengaged so as to be able to assume an extended state and a retracted state, whereby a height of the pedestal assembly is adjustable to set a spacing between the flooring element(s) and the support surface,

wherein the support member and body are configured with interengaging threads, via which they are connected, such that the height can be further adjusted by screwing the support member relative to the body.

46. A pedestal assembly according to claim 45, wherein the support member includes a threaded portion which projects downwardly from said support portion and on an exterior of which the thread with which the support member is configured is formed, and the thread with which the body is configured is formed on an interior of a said member of body which is arranged so as to be an uppermost one of said members of the body when in said extended state.

47. A pedestal assembly according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the telescopically interengaged members are slidably movable relative to each other in an axial direction between the retracted and extended states.

48. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 45 to 47, wherein the telescopically interengaged members are slidably movable relative to the base in an axial direction such that said height is further adjustable.

49. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 45 to 48, wherein the body comprises a locking mechanism operable to lock the body or telescopically interengaged members in the extended state.

50. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 45 to 49, wherein the locking mechanism is operable in the extended state by way of relative rotation of the telescopically interengaged members such that those members are locked in the extended state.

51. A pedestal assembly according to claim 49 or 50, wherein the locking mechanism comprises circumferentially spaced locking grooves located on one of said members and complementary locking projections located on another of said members, the locking projections being arranged to be received in the grooves such that the locking condition is assumed.

52. A pedestal assembly according to claim 51, wherein the locking grooves are located at or proximate a top end of said one member and the locking projections are located at or proximate a bottom end of the other member.

53. A pedestal assembly according to claim 51 or 52, wherein said other member is configured with formations arranged to reinforce said locking projections, each formation preferably comprising a rib or gusset.

54. A pedestal assembly according to claim 53, wherein each locking projection is reinforced by a respective plurality of said formations, the formations in each plurality preferably comprising three or more formations which are equally spaced.

55. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the locking grooves consist of three said grooves spaced substantially 120 degrees apart.

56. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein the locking grooves consist of four said grooves spaced substantially 90 degrees apart.

57. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 51 to 56, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one projection arranged on one of said members and resiliently biased in a radial direction so as to abut a respective shoulder on the other of said members in the locking condition to restrain the members from rotation relative to each other in a direction opposite a direction of said relative rotation.

58. A pedestal assembly according to claim 57, wherein the locking mechanism includes at least one tab on which a respective said projection is provided, the tab(s) being pushable in a direction opposite to a direction of said bias to release the projection(s) from abutment with the shoulder(s).

59. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 45 to 58, being the pedestal assembly of any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein said members which are telescopically interengaged comprise said first and second members.

60. A pedestal assembly according to any one of claims 45 to 58, being the pedestal assembly of any one of claims 33 to 44, wherein said base having an underside is said base securable against the support surface, said support portion for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst is said support portion arranged for receipt of the flooring element(s) thereagainst, and said members which are telescopically interengaged are said members of the body.

61. A spacer for use with a pedestal for supporting at least one flooring element over a support surface, the spacer comprising a base have opposite sides, at least one first spacer portion projecting from one side and at least one second spacer portion projecting from the other side, the base being engageable with the pedestal selectably in either of two orientations, such that the first or second spacer portion(s) is/are exposed to be receivable between the elements of a respective pair of adjacent said elements, wherein the first and second spacer portions have differing transverse dimensions to hold at alternative spacings the elements between which they are receivable.

62. A spacer according to claim 61, wherein the transverse dimension of said first spacer portion(s) is about 3 mm.

63. A spacer according to claim 61 or 62, wherein the transverse dimension of said second spacer portion(s) is about 5 mm.

64. A spacer according to any one of claims 61 to 63, wherein the number of first spacer portions is four.

65. A spacer according to any one of claims 61 to 64, wherein the number of second spacer portions is four.

66. A spacer according to any one of claims 61 to 65, wherein the base is configured to engage a mounting of the pedestal in an orientation perpendicular to each of said two orientations so as to define a spacer portion alternative to said first and second spacer portions, the alternative spacer portion being receivable between the elements of a said pair of adjacent said elements.

67. A spacer according to claim 66, wherein the base has a thickness which is different from the transverse dimension of the first spacer portion(s) and/or the transverse dimension of the second spacer portion(s) to hold at another alternative spacing the elements between which it is receivable.

68. A spacer according claim 66 or 67, wherein at least one of said first and second spacer portions is separable from the base whereby both of said elements may seat flush against said sides.

69. A spacer according to claim 66 or 67, wherein at least one said first spacer portion and at least one said second spacer portion are separable from the base to permit both of said elements to seat flush against said sides.

70. A spacer according to claim 68 or 69, being frangible such that the or each spacer portion which is separable from the base is so separable.

71. An assembly comprising a spacer according to any one of claims 61 to 70 and said pedestal, wherein the spacer is engaged with the pedestal in a said orientation.

72. An assembly according to claim 71, wherein said pedestal is defined by the pedestal assembly of any one of claims 1 to 60.