EP2265779A1

EP2265779A1 - Platform assembly

Info

Publication number: EP2265779A1
Application number: EP09726728A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Adrian Parsons; Allen Peter Revell
Original assignee: Structure Group
Current assignee: Structure Group
Priority date: 2008-03-31
Filing date: 2009-03-31
Publication date: 2010-12-29
Also published as: GB0805808D0; WO2009122164A1; GB2458894B; GB2458894A

Abstract

A platform assembly for providing a level flooring on sloping ground is disclosed. The assembly comprises a plurality of flooring panels and a plurality of platform legs for supporting each flooring panel. Each platform leg comprises a base plate (2) for contacting the ground, a leg column- (24), a pair of superimposed upper and lower wedges (4,6) arranged between the base plate (2) and the leg column (24), a leg length adjuster (10) and a platform support (12) for engaging the flooring panel. The wedges (4,6) are tapered in thickness and are rotatable relative to each other such that the leg column (24) can be made vertical even on sloping ground. The length of the leg is also adjustable so that the flooring panels are supported horizontally.

Description

PLATFORM ASSEMBLY

The present invention relates to a platform assembly for providing a level floor on unlevel, uneven ground.

It is frequently necessary to erect level flooring on unlevel ground, for example, in order to provide a temporary deck on which to host an event. Conventionally, this has been achieved by the use of scaffolding. However, scaffolding is time consuming, difficult and expensive to erect.

It is therefore desired to provide an improved platform assembly. From a first aspect the present invention provides a platform assembly for providing a level flooring on unlevel ground, the assembly comprising at least one flooring panel and a plurality of platform legs, wherein each platform leg comprises : a base plate for contacting the ground; a leg column; a pair of superimposed upper and lower wedges arranged between the base plate and the leg column, wherein the wedges are tapered in thickness and are rotatable relative to each other such that when they are rotated the angle of inclination between the base plate and the leg column is altered; a leg length adjuster; and a platform support for engaging the flooring panel . As each of the legs in the platform assembly comprises a pair of tapered wedges and a leg length adjuster the angle of each leg relative to the ground and the length of each leg can be adjusted quickly and easily. The invention enables level (i.e. horizontal) flooring to be erected on unlevel ground, typically within a matter of days . Unlevel ground is intended to mean , ground that has a general slope and/or ground that is generally flat but which has an uneven surface. For example, the present invention may be used to erect flooring on hillsides, fields or car parks. The assembly is also easy to dismantle and remove when desired.

The present invention is particularly useful in erecting medium to large scale buildings, which may be temporary building and preferably do not require any foundations. For example, the platform assembly is of particular use in building viewing platforms, marquees, storage areas, event and exhibition buildings and even helipads .

Therefore, the platform assembly provides flooring having a relatively large area. Preferably, the platform assembly provides a flooring area selected from the group consisting of: > 10m²; > 50m²; ≥ 100m²; > 250m²; > 500m²; > 1000m²; > 2500m²; > 5000m²; and ≥ 10000m².

The platform assembly preferably comprises a plurality of flooring panels which are supported by the platform legs . This enables the flooring to be laid down in a modular fashion. Preferably, the platform assembly comprises a number of flooring panels selected from the group consisting of: >1; ≥2; ≥4, >8; >10; >20; ≥50; ≥IOO; >200; ≥500; and >1000. Each flooring panel is preferably supported by the legs at the perimeter of the panel. Preferably, each panel is supported by at least four platform legs. The legs preferably support square or rectangular panels at the four corners . In the preferred embodiments one or more additional leg may be provided to support the sides or ends of each panel between the corners of the panel . For example, in the most preferred embodiments each panel is rectangular and legs are provided at each corner of the panel and a further leg is also provided between the corners forming each long sides of the panel, i.e. six legs in total support each panel. The platform assembly is designed to provide a level flooring on which relatively large enclosures, buildings or objects may be located. Therefore, the platform assembly is preferably configured to be able to support a large weight. Preferably, each leg of the platform is configured to bear a weight without damage of an amount selected from: ≥ 500 Kg; > 800 Kg; ≥ 1 ton; ≥ 2.5 tons; ≥ 5 tons; ≥ 7.5 tons; ≥ 10 tons; and ≥ 20 tons. The platform assembly as a whole (including the at least one flooring panel) is preferably configured to bear a loading over a (and preferably each) square meter of flooring of at least 5 kN, more preferably at least 10 kN and even more preferably at least 20 kN.

At least some of the platform legs of the platform assembly are preferably capable of extending to a length from the bottom of the base plate to the top of the platform support of ≥20 cm,- >40 cm; ≥60 cm; ≥80 cm; >100 cm; >120 cm; ≥140 cm; ≥160 cm; >180 cm or ≥200 cm.

The components of an individual leg of the platform assembly will now be described. Each leg comprises a base plate for contacting the ground in use. The base plate is preferably relatively large in order to distribute the weight transmitted through the leg over a -A-

large area of ground. This prevents the leg from sinking into the ground when large weights are exerted on the platform. The base plate preferably has an area selected from the group consisting of: ≥250 cm²; ≥500 cm²; >750 cm²; >1000 cm²; >1500 cm²; >2000 cm²; >2500 cm²; >3000 cm²; and >4000 cm².

The base plate is preferably formed from a metal sheet such that it does not bend during use. The thickness of the metal sheet is preferably at least 0.5 cm, and more preferably at least 1 cm.

In a preferred set of embodiments, the base plate comprises apertures extending therethrough for securing the base plate to the ground. One or more apertures may be provided in the base plate. The apertures are preferably arranged at the perimeter of the base plate. In the preferred embodiments the platform assembly comprises anchor means, for example, bolts, rivets or pegs for securing the base plate to the ground.

The base plate is preferably square, although it may be any other shape such as circular, diamond, hexagonal etc .

The lower wedge of the pair of wedges in the leg is mounted to the base plate. In the preferred embodiments, the base plate and the wedges each have coaxial apertures extending through them for use in securing the wedges to the base plate. The apertures are preferably arranged in the centres of the base plate and the wedges . The assembly preferably further comprises means for securing the wedges to the base plate. The means may be a bolt or rivet which extends through the apertures in the wedges and into the aperture in the base plate. The means is arranged and configured such that at least the top wedge can rotate relative to the bottom wedge about its central axis . Preferably, both wedges are able to rotate about their central axes. Therefore the bolt or pivot preferably fixedly engages the base plate so as to maintain the wedges on the base plate, but does not fixedly engage the wedges. It will be appreciated that any means other than a bolt or rivet may be used to secure the wedges to the base plate provided that it enables the top wedge to rotate relative to the bottom wedge. Preferably, the means is configured such that the wedges and the base plate are releasably secured together and may be repeatedly secured and disconnected from each other. In less preferred embodiments the lower wedge may be permanently joined to the base plate, e.g. by welding or formed as an integral part of the base plate such as by casting from metal.

The wedges in the present invention are configured to be rotatable relative to each other, preferably about their central axis . The wedges are configured such that when they are rotated relative to each other the angle of the leg is altered relative to the ground. More specifically, rotation of the wedges causes an alteration in the angle between the longitudinal axis through the elongated leg column and the planar bottom surface of the base plate. This is because as the wedges are rotated relative to each other the combined thickness of the wedges increases at one side edge and decreases at the opposite side edge. This results in the top surface of the upper wedge tilting relative to the base plate. The wedges are therefore able to provide the leg in a vertical position when the base. plate is arranged on ground such that the base plate is not horizontal .

Each wedge tapers in thickness from one side of the wedge to the opposite side of the wedge. Each wedge preferably has a planar top surface and a planar bottom surface, wherein the top and bottom planar surfaces are at an angle to each other due to the taper in thickness .

In the preferred embodiments the wedges are rotationally symmetrical about their central axis. Most preferably, the wedges have a circular circumference.

However, in less preferred embodiments the wedges could be other shapes .

The wedges are configured to be able to support a medium to large building. Therefore, the wedges are preferably formed from solid metal. According to the preferred embodiments, the wedges have a diameter of at least 100 mm, preferably at least 150 mm-, and most preferably at least 170 mm. The wedges each preferably taper from a minimum thickness of at least 5 mm or 10 mm to a maximum thickness of at least 15 mm or 20 mm. These thicknesses are measured between the top and bottom planar surfaces of each wedge.

The legs of the preferred embodiments each preferably have only two wedges . The use of two tapered wedges, rather than just a single wedge, enables the leg to be maintained vertical when arranged on both non- horizontal and horizontal ground. Other embodiments are also contemplated wherein more than two tapered wedges are provided in each leg. According to the preferred embodiments, the uppermost wedge comprises a leg column receiving member for receiving the leg column. This member preferably comprises a tubular projection which projects away from the top planar surface of the top wedge, preferably in a direction perpendicular to the top planar surface of the wedge. The tubular projection preferably has the same circumferential shape as the circumferential shape of the lower end of the leg column. The leg column receiving member is preferably configured such that it may be inserted into the lower end of the leg column so as to support the leg column on the top wedge. In less preferred embodiments the leg assembly may be configured such that the lower end of the leg column can be inserted into the leg column receiving member.

The leg column and leg column receiving member are preferably releasably engagable and are preferably engaged by slip fit. However, other embodiments may provide other means of connection, such as a screw fit between the leg column and leg column receiving member.

The leg column of the preferred embodiments is preferably an elongated hollow tube, which is hollow at least at the top and/or bottom end. Most preferably, the leg column is a cylindrical tube.

The leg column and leg column receiving member are configured to be able to support a medium to large building. Accordingly these components are preferably metal cylinders having an external diameter of at least 100 mm, more preferably at least 150 mm.

The length of the leg column preferably accounts for most of the length of each leg. Accordingly, the length of the leg column is selected depending upon the approximate length of leg that is required to support a particular area of the platform. In certain embodiments the leg column is formed from two or more lengths which are connected together. In these embodiments the two or more lengths may be connected together by one or more adaptors respectively. Preferably, the lengths of leg column are tubular and the adaptor has first and second portions which are inserted into the two lengths of the leg column. The adaptor preferably further comprises a third portion intermediate the first and second portions which is configured to sit between the ends of the lengths of the leg column. This prevents the adaptor from falling down through the conduit in the lower length of the leg column.

The leg column (including any adaptors) preferably has a length selected from the group consisting of: >20 cm; >40 cm; >60 cm; ≥80 cm; ≥IOO cm; >120 cm; ≥140 cm; ≥160 cm; ≥180 cm or ≥200 cm.

The invention also provides a leg length adjuster for adjusting the height of the platform relative to the ground. The- length adjuster in each leg can be used to extend or reduce the length of each leg so that the platform panel (s) is held level on sloping or uneven ground. The length adjuster of each leg is preferably releasably mountable on the leg column.

Most preferably, the length adjuster is mounted to the top end of the leg column. Although, in less preferred embodiments the length adjuster could be provided between the uppermost wedge and the leg column in order to raise or lower the leg column relative to the wedges .

In the preferred embodiments the leg length . adjuster comprises an extensible column which is extendable or contractible relative to the leg column. Preferably, the length adjuster further comprises a collar sleeve for receiving the extensible column inside of it. The collar sleeve and extensible column are configured so that the extensible column is selectively moveable through the collar sleeve in order to adjust the length of the leg. In the preferred embodiments, the collar sleeve and extensible column are screw threaded so that rotation of the collar sleeve relative to the extensible column causes the extensible column to move axially through the longitudinal axis of the collar sleeve. In this manner the leg may be extended or contracted, depending on the direction of rotation.

In the preferred embodiments the collar sleeve is configured to abut against the end of the tubular leg column with the longitudinal axes of the collar sleeve and leg column aligned. In these embodiments the extensible column is configured so that it may pass through and extend into the hollow leg column, at least when the extendible column is partially retracted.

The collar sleeve preferably further comprises a turning handle for rotating the collar sleeve relative to the extensible column.

In less preferred embodiments, screw threading is not provided between the collar sleeve and the extensible column. Rather, other means may be used to allow selective movement between the two components .

For example, a ratchet mechanism or any other suitable mechanism may be used.

In further less preferred embodiments, the leg is not provided with a collar sleeve, but instead the extensible column directly engages the leg column. In these embodiments the leg column is configured to perform the same function as described above in relation to the collar sleeve so as to allow selective extension or contraction of the extensible column.

Each leg in the present invention further comprises a platform support for engaging at least one flooring panel in use. The platform support is preferably permanently or removably mounted on the leg length adjuster. The platform support preferably comprises a ^' generally planar plate having a major surface which is preferably arranged perpendicularly to the leg column. The platform plate is preferably square, although it may be other shapes in less preferred embodiments .

According tp the preferred embodiments the platform support comprises at least one protrusion for engaging at least one flooring panel in use. The at least one protrusion preferably extends away from the planar surface of the plate towards the panel (s) . In the preferred embodiments the protrusion (s) is provided at the perimeter of the platform plate and preferably in at least one corner of the plate. The protrusions are preferably used in engaging the corners of the flooring panels . When the platform plate is for use in connecting and supporting the corners or sides of two adjacent flooring panels then at least two protrusions are preferably provided, at least one protrusion for engaging each panel. Alternatively, four protrusions may be provided for securely connecting the adjacent corners of four adjacent flooring panels.

The platform plate is preferably made from metal . In the preferred embodiments the platform plate has a thickness of at least 0.5 cm, more preferably at least 1 cm. The platform plate preferably has an area selected from: ≥ 250cm²; > 500cm²; > 750cm²; or ≥ 1000cm². The platform assembly of the present invention comprises at least one flooring panel . According to the preferred embodiments, each flooring panel has a relatively large area such that a large area of flooring can be laid relatively quickly. Each flooring panel preferably has an area selected from the group consisting of: ≥ 4m². > 8m² _; ≥ 12m² _; and ≥ 16m². In the preferred embodiments the flooring panels are square or rectangular. In a particularly preferred embodiment each panel has a length of at least 5 m and a width of at least 2.5 m.

According to the preferred embodiments , each panel comprises an upper layer for forming the flooring surface and a support frame underneath this layer for strengthening the panel. The upper layer preferably comprises a wood and/or plastic layer and may be formed, as a laminate. Preferably, this upper layer has a thickness of at least 1 cm, more preferably at least 2 cm. The support frame may be a metal or wooden structure, depending upon the weight that is intended to be exerted on the flooring. The support frame preferably comprises beams which extend longitudinally around the perimeter of the underside of the panel . The support frame preferably further comprises bracing bars which extend longitudinally along the width or length of the panel and which may be joined to the beams around the perimeter. Depending on the use of the flooring, the supporting beams and bracing bars may have different dimensions. Preferably, at least some of the beams or bracing bars have a square or rectangle cross-section and preferably have a width and/or height of at least 2 cm; at least 5 cm; or at least 10 cm. In a particular preferred embodiment the beams and/or bracing bars have a width of 4 cm and a height of 12 cm. In another preferred embodiment the beams have a width of 2.5 cm and a height of 5 cm. The development of the platform leg is novel in its own right. Therefore, from a further aspect the present invention provides a platform leg as claimed in claim 14.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method of erecting a platform assembly to provide a level flooring on unlevel ground. The method comprises arranging a plurality of legs on the ground and mounting at least one flooring panel on top of the legs so as to form a platform asβembly as herein described above.

The invention also extends to a method of erecting a building comprising the above described method and further comprising erecting and securing an enclosure on top of the platform assembly. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a platform leg according to a preferred embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a side-view of the platform leg of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows an adaptor for joining two lengths of a leg column; and

Fig. 4A shows a view of the underside of a flooring panel according to a preferred embodiment; and Fig. 4B shows a cross-sectional view through part of the panel. Fig. 1 shows a preferred, embodiment of one of the platform legs for supporting the corners of four adjacent flooring panels. The platform leg comprises a base plate 2 for contacting the ground, a pair of superimposed wedges 4,6, a leg column 24, a leg length adjuster 10 and a platform support 12 for engaging the flooring panels . •

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the components used to form the leg shown in Fig, 1. A method of assembling a level platform assembly- will now be described with reference to Figs . 1 and 2.. Base plates 2 are arranged on the ground at positions where platform legs are required to support the flooring panels, whether the ground underneath the base plates 2 is level, sloping or uneven. A pair of top and bottom cylindrical wedges 4,6 are then arranged centrally on each of the base plates 2 such that an aperture 14 in the base plate 2 is arranged co-axially with apertures 16,18 through the centres of the wedges 4,6. A screw threaded bolt 20 is then inserted through the apertures 16,18 in the wedges 4,6 and is screwed into the threaded aperture 14 in the, base plate 2. The screw connection between the bolt 20 and the base plate 2 is preferably tight fitting in order to secure the wedges 4,6 in place on the base plate 2. In contrast, the bolt 20 does not tightly engage with the wedges 4,6 so that they are free to be rotated about the bolt 20.

The top wedge 6 comprises a leg column receiving member 22 extending upwardly away from the top surface 6a of the top wedge 6. This leg column receiving member 22 is a hollow cylinder about which the bottom end of the leg column 24 is placed. It is desired to arrange the longitudinal axis through the tubular leg column receiving member 22 in a vertical position such that the leg column 24 is vertical when placed thereon. A spirit level may be arranged on the top wedge 6 to determine if the top surface 6a of the top wedge 6 is horizontal and therefore if the axis of the leg column receiving member 22 is vertical. If this is not the case then the top wedge 6 is rotated about the bolt 20 and relative to the bottom wedge 4. This changes the angle between the top surface βa of the top wedge 6 and the bottom surface 4a of the bottom wedge 4 and hence changes the angle between the base plate 2 and the axis through the leg column receiving member 22. The bottom wedge 4 may also be rotated relative to base plate 2 in order to level the top surface 6a of the top wedge 6. The wedges 4,6 are rotated until the top surface 6a of the top wedge 6 is horizontal and the axis through the leg column receiving member 22 is vertical.

The leg column 24 is then mounted over the leg column receiving member 22. The outer diameter of the leg column receiving member 22 and the inner diameter of the leg column 24 are configured so that the two components can be slip fitted together. The lower end of the leg column 24 abuts the top surface 6a of the top wedge 6. The leg column 24 is thus mounted vertically on the top of the top wedge 6. The leg column 24 typically defines the majority of the length of the platform leg. In assemblies where at least some of the legs are desired to be relatively long, e.g. when the assembly is arranged on a hillside, the leg column 24 may be formed from multiple lengths which are joined together by adaptors . Fig. 3 shows two lengths 24a, 24b of a leg column 24 prior to being joined by an adaptor 26. The adaptor 26 comprises first and second cylindrical portions 26a, 26b which are configured to be inserted into the first and second lengths 24a, 24b of the leg column 24. The adaptor 26 comprises a third cylindrical portion 26c intermediate the first and second portions 26a, 26b and which has a larger diameter. The diameter of the third portion 26c is at least as large as the diameters of the lengths 24a, 24b of the leg column 24. The adaptor 26 is configured so that the first and second lengths 24a, 24b of the leg column 24 can be slip-fitted over the first and second portions 26a, 26b of the adaptor 26 and such that the ends of the lengths of leg column 24a, 24b abut the third portion 26c of the adaptor 26. The adaptor 26 is also configured to maintain the axes of the lengths of leg column 24a, 24b aligned. Any number of lengths of leg column may be joined together in this way to provide the leg with its desired length. Referring back to Pigs . 1 and 2 , once the leg column 24 is mounted on the top wedge 6, the leg length adjuster 10 is mounted to the top end of the leg column 24. The height adjuster comprises a collar sleeve 28 and an extensible column 30. The extensible column 30 has a diameter such that it can be slid into the upper portion of the leg column 24. The ςollar sleeve 28 has a diameter which is at least as large as the diameter of the upper end of the leg column 24 so that the upper end of the leg column abuts the collar sleeve 28. The collar sleeve 28 and extensible column 30 are screw threaded such that rotation of the two components relative to each other screws the extensible column 30 axially through the collar sleeve 28. The collar sleeve 28 has a turning handle 32 for use in turning the collar sleeve 28 relative to the extensible column 30. Depending upon the direction that the collar sleeve 28 , is turned, the extensible column 30 extends upwards and away from the leg column 24 or retracts into the leg column 24 in order to adjust the height of the leg.

The leg further comprises a platform support 12 for engaging and supporting the flooring panels . The platform support 12 comprises a support .plate 34 having ^■protrusions 38 on one surface and a portion 36 for receiving the extensible column 30 on the opposite surface. The portion 36 for receiving the extensible column 30 is a cylinder which is mounted over the upper end of the extensible column 30. These two components may be slip fitted, screwed together, welded, or joined by any other means .

Once the platform support 12 has been raised or lowered to its desired height by rotating the collar sleeve 28 the flooring panels are lowered onto the platform support 12. The protrusions 38 are configured to engage the flooring panels so as to maintain them in a fixed position. The illustrated platform support can be used to support the corners of four adjacent flooring panels, wherein a single protrusion 38 engages the ^• corner of each flooring panel. The platform support 12 could also be used to support the adjacent sides of two adjacent flooring panels, wherein two of the protrusions 38 engage each panel. In other non-illustrated embodiments different numbers and configurations of protrusions 38 may be provided for different uses. For example, protrusions 38 may be provided at only two adjacent corners of the platform support 12.

Figs. 4A-4B show views of a flooring panel 40 to be mounted on the platform legs. Fig. 4A shows a view of the underside of the platform panel 40 and Fig. 4B shows a cross-sectional view through the length of the panel 40 at a side portion. Each flooring panel 40 has a wooden top layer 42 which is supported by a metal frame. The frame includes beams 44 which extend longitudinally around the perimeter of the -panel 40 and bracing bars 46 which extend between the beams 44 on opposite sides of the frame .

Claims

Claims :

1. A platform assembly for providing a level flooring on unlevel ground, said assembly comprising at least one flooring panel and a plurality of platform legs, wherein each platform leg comprises: a base plate for contacting the ground; a leg column; a pair of superimposed upper and lower wedges arranged between said base plate and said leg column, wherein said wedges are tapered in thickness and are rotatable relative to each other such that when they are rotated the angle of inclination between the base plate and the leg column is altered; a leg length adjuster; and a platform support for engaging said flooring panel .

2. A platform assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wedges are mounted on the baseplate such that the wedges are rotatable relative to the baseplate.

3. A platform assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 , wherein the wedges are secured to the baseplate by a bolt which extends through an aperture in each of the wedges and engages the baseplate.

4. A platform assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the upper wedge comprises a leg column receiving member for receiving the leg column.

5. A platform assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the leg length adjuster comprises a collar sleeve for mounting against the leg column and an extensible column, the collar sleeve and extensible column being configured such that the extensible column is selectively moveable through the collar sleeve in order to adjust the length of the leg.

6. A platform assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the collar sleeve and extensible column are screw threaded so that rotation of the collar sleeve relative to the extensible column causes the extensible column to move axially through the collar sleeve.

7. A platform assembly as claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the assembly is configured such that the extensible column is able to retract into and extend from inside of the leg column.

8. A platform assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the platform support comprises at least one protrusion for engaging at least one of said platform panels.

9. A platform assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said base plate is apertured and said assembly comprises anchor means for securing the base plate to the ground through said apertures .

10. A platform assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the wedges and baseplate are releasably secured together and/or the leg column and leg column receiving member are releasably engagable and/or the leg length adjuster and leg column are releasably engagable and/or the platform support and leg length adjuster are releasably engagable.

11. A platform assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the platform assembly comprises: ≥l; ≥2 ; >4, >8; >10; >20; ≥50; >100; >200; or >500 flooring panels .

12. A platform assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each flooring panel is supported by at least four or at least six of said platform legs.

13. A platform assembly^' as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the platform assembly provides a flooring area of: > 10m²; > 50m², ≥ 100m²,. ≥ 250 m² _; > 500m²; > 1000m², > 2500m² _; ≥5000m² _; or > 10000m².

14. A platform leg for use in supporting a flooring panel to provide a level flooring on unlevel ground, said platform leg comprising: a base plate for contacting the ground; a leg column; a pair of superimposed upper and lower wedges arranged between said base plate and said leg column, wherein said wedges are tapered in thickness and. are rotatable relative to each other such that when they are rotated the angle of inclination between the base plate and the leg¹ column is altered; a leg length adjuster; and a platform support for engaging said flooring panel .

15. A building comprising a platform assembly or platform leg as claimed in any preceding claim.

16. A method of erecting a platform assembly to provide a level flooring on unlevel ground, said method comprising: arranging a plurality of legs on the ground and mounting at least one flooring panel on top of said legs so as to form a platform assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1-13.

17. A method of erecting a building comprising a method of erecting a platform assembly as claimed in claim 16, further comprising erecting an enclosure on top of said platform assembly.