AU2019203220A1

AU2019203220A1 - A weighted support assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2019203220A1
Application number: AU2019203220A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Gregory James Bloom
Original assignee: Liberation Dev Pty Ltd
Current assignee: LIBERATION DEVELOPMENTS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-05-25
Filing date: 2019-05-08
Publication date: 2019-05-30
Also published as: AU2018100604A4; AU2012203098B2; AU2012203098A1; AU2022215164A1; AU2017201290A1; NZ600233A

Abstract

A weighted support assembly includes a base. An elongate support member is fixed to the base at one end and extends from the base. A number of weights can be placed on the base and are configured to be stacked one on top of the other. A locking arrangement is attached to the base and is configured to permit the weights to be locked to at least one of the base and the support member. Ii ~9% -I

Description

A WEIGHTED SUPPORT ASSEMBLY

A Weighted Support Assembly

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a weighted support assembly. In particular, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a weighted support assembly for supporting structural components such as hoardings. The invention also relates to a structural assembly and to a method of erecting a structural assembly.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Most developments in areas involving human traffic require some form of structure either to protect the public or to screen developments or both. Such a structure can be temporary and in the form of hoardings, barriers or the like.

Hoardings usually include panels or pre-fabricated walls which need to be fastened to some form of support structure. The support structure usually needs to be temporary in nature. At the same time, however, the structure needs to be stable and secure to meet safety standards that may be in place in the public area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a weighted support assembly which comprises a base;

an elongate support member fixed to the base at one end and extending from the base;

a number of weights that can be placed on the base and which are configured to be stacked one on top of the other; and a locking arrangement attached to the base and configured to permit the weights to be locked to at least one of the base and the support member.

Currently, weights or counterweights are used in some applications to secure temporary structures. For example, with hoardings and similar structures, this can be achieved by placing counterweights on a base. A post extends vertically from the base. Once panels are fastened to the post, the counterweights secure the structure against being blown over by the wind or knocked over. It will be appreciated that where the structure is used as hoardings, a significant amount of activity can take place behind the hoardings. The weights secure the hoardings against being knocked over.

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However, hoardings or other temporary structures can become unstable and prone to being knocked over if weights are removed from the base or even knocked off the base. If the weights are accidently knocked over, they could cause injury, for example, by being a trip hazard or landing on a person’s foot. Furthermore, it has been found by the inventor that weights of existing arrangements are removed and used for other purposes. Where a stack of similar weights are provided, a temptation can exist to remove a weight under the mistaken impression that the use of that weight elsewhere will not be overly detrimental to the stability of the structure as a whole. As a result, not only does the temporary structure become unstable, but the weight can become misplaced. In a large project, this can result in significant financial loss and extremely dangerous working conditions, both for site workers and members of the public.

The locking arrangement of this aspect of the invention serves to inhibit the removal, accidental or otherwise, of the weights.

The inventor envisages a number of uses for the support assembly. It follows that “structure” should be regarded in a broad sense, including such structures as billboards, sign posts, barriers, screens etc. Furthermore, the inventor envisages that the support assembly may, where necessary, be used together with permanent or temporary structures, such as any of those listed above that are intended to be located permanently or temporarily in a particular position. It follows that this and other aspects of the invention are not to be limited by application of the support assembly, unless clearly stated otherwise.

In one example, the support assembly is suited for supporting panels or walls for hoardings, such as that used for screening off areas in a shopping centre or complex which are undergoing renovation or extension. In such an application, hoardings boards or panels are made fast with support posts of a number of support assemblies of the invention arranged about such an area. The fact that the weights can be stacked one on top of each other means that the assembly can readily be assembled or disassembled on-site. This can significantly reduce the amount of time taken to erect or remove hoardings.

The base may be in the form of an elongate foot with the support member extending substantially orthogonally from the foot.

The support member may include a post retainer for retaining a post in an upright orientation. The post may be a post to which a panel is secured. Thus, the post retainer may define at least a partially enclosed profile so that the post can be located and retained in the post retainer. The post retainer may define a partially enclosed rectangular profile so that the post can be inserted into the post retainer. It is to be appreciated that the profile of the post retainer need not be partially enclosed. For example, the post retainer could be a tubular

-32019203220 08 May 2019 element. However, in those applications where a minimal amount of interference with a panel is required, the post retainer may define the partially enclosed profile. The post retainer may be dimensioned so that the post can be inserted into the post retainer to be a snug fit therein. For example, the post retainer may be dimensioned so that a timber post of standard dimensions can be inserted into the post retainer. Structural components, such as panels, can then be fastened to the timber post.

Instead, the post retainer can be used with a fastening arrangement to fasten the post to the post retainer.

In one application, a number of the support assemblies can be arranged in a side-by-side manner so that, when panels are attached to the timber posts, a paneled wall can be created. This is particularly useful for hoardings, for example.

Each weight may be shaped to define a bearing surface that nests with the foot. The bearing surface of each foot may also be shaped so that the bearing surface of a lowermost weight can bear against a substrate while accommodating the foot. For that purpose, the bearing surface of each weight may define a bearing portion that is spaced from a nesting portion such that the foot can be received in a foot zone defined by the nesting and bearing portions.

Each weight may be rectangular in plan view with opposed ends, sides, the bearing surface and an opposed carrier surface.

The bearing and nesting portions may be configured so that the foot zone extends from one end to the other and is offset to one of the sides. The bearing portion may be defined by a planar bearing portion on one side of the foot zone and a bearing formation on an opposite side of the foot zone so that the foot can be received between the bearing portion and the bearing formations. The foot may define engaging formations that are configured to engage the planar bearing portion and the bearing formation to inhibit the weight from being slid off the foot. Thus, the weight may be required to be lifted from the foot to be removed.

The bearing formation may be defined by a pair of spaced bearing projections. The planar bearing portion may define a pair of engagement formations that extend towards respective bearing projections. The engaging formations of the foot may be in the form of a pair of opposed recesses at a proximal region and a pair of opposed shoulders at a distal region. The recesses may be configured to accommodate one of the bearing formations and the opposite engagement formation. The shoulders may be configured to accommodate the other bearing formation and its opposite engagement formation.

-42019203220 08 May 2019

The carrier surface of each weight may define a raised portion that is shaped to be received in the foot zone so that the weights can be arranged in a nested configuration, one on top of the other. In one embodiment, the raised portion can define a locating projection that is received in a complementary locating recess defined in the nesting portion of the bearing surface.

Two opposed slots may extend into respective ends of the weight along the foot zone. Each slot may define an entry portion with generally flat sides that opens into a generally cylindrical portion.

The locking arrangement may include an elongate locking formation that extends from the foot. The locking formation may have a profile that corresponds with that of at least one of the slots. Thus, the locking formation may define a generally cylindrical portion that corresponds with the cylindrical portion of the slot and a generally flat portion that corresponds with the entry portion of the slot.

The slots may be substantially the same so that the locking formation can engage with either of the slots, depending on the required orientation of the weight/s.

It follows that the weight can be lifted and positioned so that the slot aligns with the locking formation and then lowered into position on the foot. It will be appreciated that in that position, the weight is inhibited from being slid from the foot or from a weight on which it may be positioned.

The flat portion of the locking formation may define a series of openings. The openings may be dimensioned and positioned so that a locking device can be received through any of the openings to lock the weight or weights in position.

The flat portion may be defined by a web that interconnects the cylindrical portion and the post retainer.

The locking arrangement may include a locking handle. The locking handle may include a locking post and a handle extending from one end of the locking post. The locking post may be dimensioned to be received in either of the cylindrical formations of the slots. A free end of the handle may define an opening to correspond with either of the openings in the web so that the free end can be locked to the web with a suitable locking device. The free end of the handle may be shaped to nest against the cylindrical portion of the locking formation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a temporary structure which includes the steps of: positioning at least one support assembly in a desired location;

- 52019203220 08 May 2019 securing the support posts to the post retainers; and fastening structural components to the support posts.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a temporary structure that includes at least one support assembly of the first aspect of the invention.

The invention extends to a weight, as described above.

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to narrow the scope of the preceding paragraphs or the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows one example of a structure, in accordance with the invention, including support assemblies, also in accordance with the invention.

Figure 2 shows another example of a structure, in accordance with the invention, including support assemblies, also in accordance with the invention.

Figure 3 shows an exploded view of one of the support assemblies of Figure 1 or 2.

Figure 4 shows a three dimensional view of the support assembly from one side.

Figure 5 shows a three dimensional view of the support assembly from another side.

Figure 6 shows a front view of the support assembly.

Figure 7 shows a side sectioned view of the support assembly.

Figure 8 shows a bottom plan view of the support assembly.

Figure 9 shows a three dimensional view of a support member and locking arrangement of the support assembly from one side.

Figure 10 shows a plan sectioned view of the support member and locking arrangement of the support assembly.

Figure 11 shows a sectioned view of a foot of the support member.

Figure 12 shows a three dimensional view of the support member and locking arrangement of the support assembly from another side.

Figure 13 shows a three dimensional view from above of a weight of the support assembly.

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Figure 14 shows a side view of the weight of the support assembly.

Figure 15 shows a three dimensional view from below of the weight.

Figure 16 shows a three dimensional view from above of a locking handle of the support assembly.

Figure 17 shows a side view of the locking handle.

Figure 18 shows a three dimensional view from below of a locking handle of the support assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In Figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates one example of a structure, in accordance with the invention. In Figure 2, reference numeral 11 generally indicates another example of a structure, in accordance with the invention.

In this description, the structure can be temporary in nature, for example it can be hoardings. However, it is to be understood that the inventor envisages a number of other structures temporary or permanent. The structure 10, 11 includes a support assembly, also in accordance with the invention, indicated by reference numeral 12.

The support assembly 12 is shown in more detail in Figures 2 and following. The support assembly 12 includes a base in the form of afoot 14. An elongate support member 16 is fixed to the foot 14 at one end and extends substantially orthogonally from the foot 14.

A number of weights 18 can be placed on the foot 14 and are configured to be stacked one on top of the other.

A locking arrangement 19 is provided and is configured to permit the weights 18 to be locked to at least one of the foot 14 and the support member 16.

The support member 16 includes a post retainer 20 for supporting a post 22 in an upright orientation. The post 22 is a timber post to which a wall 92 (Figure 1) or panels 24 (Figure 2) of the hoardings can be fastened. The post 22 need not be timber and can be any other suitable material. The post retainer 20 defines a partially enclosed rectangular profile so that the post 22 can be located and retained in the post retainer 20. The post retainer 20 can define other partially enclosed profiles depending on the nature of the post 22. The post 22 can be a standard sized timber post. Thus, the post retainer 20 is dimensioned to accommodate such a post. The post retainer 20 can be dimensioned so that the post 20 is a snug fit in the post retainer 20.

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The fact that the post retainer 20 is partially enclosed means that it is possible to fasten a structural component to that portion of the timber post 22 located in the retainer 20, without having to fasten directly to the retainer 20.

Each weight 18 is shaped to define a bearing surface 26 that nests with the foot 14. Details of the weight 18 are shown in Figures 13 to 15. Figures 3,8,9,11, and 12 show details of the foot 14, with Figure 8 showing how the foot 14 engages the weight 18.

The bearing surface 26 is shaped so that the bearing surface 26 of a lowermost weight 18 can bear against a substrate while accommodating the foot 14. For that purpose, the bearing surface 26 of each weight 18 defines a bearing portion 28 that is spaced from a nesting portion 30 such that the foot 14 can be received in a foot zone 32 defined by the bearing and nesting portions 28, 30.

Each weight 18 is generally rectangular in plan view with ends 34, sides 36, the bearing surface 26 and a carrier surface 38.

The bearing and nesting portions 28, 30 are configured so that the foot zone 32 extends from one end 34.1 to the other end 34.2 (Figure 8) and is offset to one of the sides 36.1. The bearing portion 28 is defined by a planar bearing portion 40 between the zone 32 and the other side 36.2 and a bearing formation in the form of a pair of spaced bearing projections 42 between the zone 32 and the side 36.1. The planar bearing portion 40 defines engagement formations 44 that extend towards respective bearing projections 42.

The foot 14 defines engaging formations configured to engage the bearing projections 42 and the engagement formations 44. The engagement formations 44 include two opposed recesses 46 at a proximal region and two opposed shoulders 48 at a distal region. The recesses 46 are configured to engage one of the bearing projections 42.1 and one of the engagement formations 44.1 (Figure 3). The inventor envisages that, instead of the recesses 46, the engaging formations can include two opposed openings or apertures. Alternatively, the openings can be defined by the recesses 46. The shoulders 48 are configured to engage another of the bearing formations 42.2 and another of the engagement formations 44.2.

It follows that once the weight 18 is placed on the foot 14, sliding the weight 18 off the foot 14 is inhibited.

The carrier surface 38 of each weight 18 defines a raised portion 50 that is shaped to be received in the foot zone 32 of another weight 18 so that the weights 18 can be arranged in a nested configuration, one on top of the other, as shown in the drawings.

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Detail of the foot 14 can be seen in Figure 11. The foot 14 is shaped to define a pair of elongate channels 58 that extend along a length of the foot 14. The channels 58 serve to reinforce the foot 14. A wear member 60 is fixed to a lowermost part of each channel 58 to bear against the substrate and so protect the foot 14 from wear resulting from being shifted from location to location.

Two opposed slots 56 extend into respective ends 34 of the weight 18 along the foot zone 32. Each slot 56 defines an entry portion 62 with generally flat sides that opens into a cylindrical portion 64. In different embodiments, instead of the slots 56, ends 34 of the weight 18 can define openings or apertures. Also, it is envisaged that, instead of two slots 56, various embodiments could include a single slot or a single opening or aperture.

The locking arrangement 19 includes an elongate locking formation 66 that extends from the foot 14. The locking formation 66 has a profile that corresponds with that of the slots 56. Thus, the locking formation 66 defines a cylindrical portion in the form of a rod 68 that corresponds with the cylindrical portion 64 of each slot 56 and a generally flat portion in the form of a web 70 that interconnects the rod 68 and the post retainer 20. The web 70 is shaped to correspond with the entry portion 62 of each slot. In the different embodiments referred to above, the locking formation 66 could be in the form of a discrete rod that extends from the foot to be received in one of the openings or apertures.

It follows that the weight 18 can be lifted and positioned so that the slot 56 aligns with the locking formation 66 and is then lowered into position on to the foot 14 or a preceding weight 18. It will be appreciated that, in that position, the weight 18 is inhibited from sliding off the other weights 18 or the foot 14.

The web 70 defines a number of openings 72. The openings 72 can be dimensioned so that a locking device can be received through any of the openings 72 to lock the weight/s 18 in position.

The locking arrangement 19 includes a locking handle 74. The locking handle 74 includes a locking post 76 and a handle 78 extending from one end of the locking post 76. The locking post 76 is dimensioned to be received in either of the cylindrical portions 64 of the slots 56. A free end of the handle 78 defines an opening 80 to correspond with either of the openings 72 in the web 70 so that the free end can be locked to the web 70 with a suitable locking device. The free end of the handle 78 is shaped to nest against the rod 68.

The openings 72 in the web 70 and the opening 80 in the handle 78 are positioned so that the opening 80 can correspond with either of the openings 72 when one or more weights 18 are positioned on the foot 14, with the handle 78 bridging a region between the rod 68 and the

-92019203220 08 May 2019 locking post 76. The locking post 76 is received in a cylindrical portion 64 of at least an uppermost weight 18 thus locking the weight/s 18 in position as shown in Figures 4 to 7.

The handle 78 defines a gripping formation in the form of an opening 96 to accommodate a user’s hand and so to facilitate manipulation of the locking handle 74.

In Figure 3 there is shown one possible example of a locking device in the form of a pin 82 bent to permit insertion of the pin 82 through corresponding openings 72, 80 in one direction only. The pin 82 defines a locking aperture 84 so that a padlock or the like can be used to lock the pin 82 to the web 70 and the handle 78.

Each weight 18 is shaped to define gripping formations 86 on respective sides 36 to facilitate manipulation of the weight 18.

In Figure 7, a cross section of each weight 18 is shown. The weight 18 includes an outer shell 88 that defines a vessel filled with ballast 91, such as concrete, water or any other material suitable for imparting sufficient weight to the vessel.

The various components of the support assembly 12 can be of a number of different materials. For example, the foot 14, the elongate support member 16 and the post retainer can be of metal, such as structural steel. The locking handle 74 can be of metal or a plastics material of suitable strength.

The shell 88 of each weight 18 can be of a plastics material. The shell 88 can be the result of a moulding process carried out on the plastics material.

As indicated by the structures 10 and 11 in Figures 1 and 2, the support assembly 12 can have a number of applications. For example, the structure 10 uses a timber post 22 which is significantly shorter than the timber post 22 used for the structure 11. Thus, the support assembly 12 can be used to erect temporary structures of different heights. In the structure 10, a number of support assemblies 12 are used to erect a temporary wall 92. The wall 92 includes a top beam 94, the post 22 being fastened to the top beam 94 so that the posts 22 and the beam 94 form a substructure for the wall 92. In the structure 10, a number of support assemblies 12 are used to erect panels 90.

The fact that the foot zone 32 is offset and the slots 56 are substantially identical allows reversal of distal and proximal ends 34 of the weight/s 18 to accommodate corners and openings in the structure. It will be appreciated that this would also be possible in those embodiments in which openings or apertures are provided instead of slots. For example, an outermost support assembly 12 in Figures 1 and 2 is located at the edge of a panel 24 or wall

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92. The weights 18 are oriented so that the foot zone 32 is offset towards the edge. This minimizes interference with operations, particularly the passage of personnel and goods past the edge.

In use, one or more support assemblies 12 are positioned in a desired location. The weights 18 are then stacked on to the foot 14 and locked into position as described above. The post 22 is positioned in the post retainer as described above. The top beam 94 (Figure 1) or the panels 24 (Figure 2) can then be secured to the timber post 22 to form the temporary structure, such as hoardings.

It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to be illustrative of the aspects of the subject matter of the claims, without limiting the scope thereof. The aspects are capable of being practiced with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventor for carrying out the claimed subject matter. Variations (e.g., modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents thereof and all improvements thereto. Moreover, every combination of the above described elements, activities, and all possible variations thereof are encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise clearly indicated herein, clearly and specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any aspects unless otherwise stated.

Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, or clearly contradicted by context, with respect to any claim, and whether originally presented or otherwise:

- 11 2019203220 08 May 2019 there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements;

no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”;

any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;

any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.

The use of the terms “a”, “an”, “said”, “the”, and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted.

Claims

1. A support assembly which comprises:

an elongate support member configured to at least partially support a temporary structure comprising one or more panels;

a plurality of weights which are configured to be stacked one on top of the other in a nested arrangement, wherein the weights include an opening configured to receive at least part of the elongate support member; and a locking arrangement comprising a locking member that is configured to engage with the elongate support member and at least one of the weights to lock the weights in position and to the elongate support member.

2. The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the elongate support member is provided in an upright orientation.

3. The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the locking member is configured to engage with an upper most weight of the plurality of weights to lock the weights in position and to the elongate support member.

4. The support assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the locking member is configured to engage with an upper surface of the upper most weight.

5. The support assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the locking member is configured to engage with an upper surface of the upper most weight away from the opening of the uppermost weight.

6. The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support assembly comprises a base comprising an elongate foot with the support member extending substantially orthogonally from the foot.

7. The support assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the foot is configured to nest with a bearing surface defined by each weight so that the bearing surface of a lowermost weight can bear against a substrate while accommodating the foot.

8. The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the locking arrangement includes an elongate locking formation, each weight having two opposed slots that extend into respective ends of the weight, each slot defining an entry portion with generally flat sides that opens into a

2019203220 08 May 2019 generally cylindrical portion, the elongate locking formation having a profile that corresponds with that of the slots to have a generally cylindrical portion that corresponds with the cylindrical portion of the slot and a generally flat portion that corresponds with the entry portion of the slot.

9. The support assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which the flat portion of the locking formation is in the form of a web that interconnects the cylindrical portion and the post retainer and defines a series of openings, the openings being dimensioned and positioned so that a locking device can be received through any of the openings to lock the weight or weights in position.

10. The support assembly as claimed in claim 9, in which the locking arrangement includes a locking handle, the locking handle including a locking post and a handle extending from one end of the locking post and the locking post being dimensioned to be received in either of the cylindrical formations of the slots.

11. The support assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which a free end of the handle defines an opening to correspond with either of the openings in the web so that the free end can be locked to the web with a suitable locking device.

12. A method of erecting a temporary structure which includes the steps of:

positioning at least one support assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in a desired location;

securing the one or more panels to the elongate support member.

13. The method as claimed in claim 12, which includes the step of locking weights in position and to the elongate support member.

14. A temporary structure erected according to the method of claim 12.

15. A weighted support assembly which comprises:

a base;

an elongate support member fixed to the base at one end and extending from the base, the base and the elongate support member being configured so that a number of weights can be placed on the base and stacked one on top of the other, the weights including an opening configured to receive at least part of the elongate support member, the support member including a post retainer that defines at least a partially enclosed profile so that a post of a

- 142019203220 08 May 2019 temporary structure can be located and retained in the post retainer while one or more panels are secured to the post; and a locking arrangement attached to the base and configured to permit the weights to be locked to at least one of the base and the support member, the locking arrangement comprising a locking member that is configured to engage with the support member and at least one of the weights to lock the weights in position and to the elongate support member.

16. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 15, in which each weight is shaped to define a bearing surface that nests with the base so that the bearing surface of a lowermost weight can bear against a substrate while accommodating a foot of the base.

17. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 16, in which the bearing surface of each weight defines a bearing portion that is spaced from a nesting portion such that the foot can be received in a foot zone defined by the nesting and bearing portions.

18. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 17, in which each weight is rectangular in plan view with opposed ends, sides, the bearing surface and an opposed carrier surface, the bearing and nesting portions being configured so that the foot zone extends from one end to the other end and is offset to one of the sides, the base being an elongate foot received in the foot zone.

19. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 18, in which the bearing portion is defined by a planar bearing portion on one side of the foot zone and bearing formations on an opposite side of the foot zone so that the foot can be received between the bearing portion and the bearing formations, the foot defining engaging formations that are configured to engage the planar bearing portion and the bearing formations to inhibit the weight from being slid off the foot.

20. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 18 or 19, in which the carrier surface of each weight defines a locating projection that is received in a complementary locating recess defined in the nesting portion of the bearing surface.