GB2519988A

GB2519988A - Portable device for preventing legs of structures from penetrating a soft base

Info

Publication number: GB2519988A
Application number: GB1319439.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Samuel Painter
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-11-04
Filing date: 2013-11-04
Publication date: 2015-05-13
Also published as: GB201319439D0

Abstract

A portable platform (d) for supporting the legs (e) of a structure such as a step or stool comprises a platform (d) bearing two plates (a). An offset recess (c) in each plate accommodates a leg (e) of the structure being supported. Each plate may rotate about a respective central axis defined by a locking bolt (b), so that the distance between the recesses can be varied to accommodate differently spaced legs (e) (see figure 3). Alternatively, the distance between the recesses may be varied by sliding the plates (a) along a slot ((g), figure 4). The platform may have apertures (h) for inserting ground engaging spikes or pegs (not shown). The platform may include fixing means (not shown) attaching to the legs of the structure. The platform is particularly intended for stabilising caravan steps or the like on uneven ground, and/or for preventing the legs from penetrating soft ground.

Description

Portable device for preventing legs of structures from penetrating a soft base.

Description

This invention relates to a horizontal stand for preventing structures with legs, such as a caravan step or the like, from penetrating a soft base or becoming unstable on uneven ground.

When structures are used on soft ground the legs have a tendency to sink in to the ground in unpredictable and differing amounts resulting in a change of orientation of the structure. This can happen gradually or suddenly when pressure during normal use is applied. For example the legs of a caravan step, as people step on them, on a damp, grassy pitch, can sink into the ground with the result that the step is no longer horizontal and the ground immediately under the step can quickly wear away to become more uneven and ground coverings can suffer damage. In addition users have difficulty in gaining a secure foothold on the step and could fall, trip and find it difficult to access the caravan. Another example would be a stool, when used outside on soft terrain, can become unstable and uncomfortable if the legs penetrate the ground unevenly. In addition if a structure with legs, such as a caravan step or the like, is placed on uneven ground, so that not all legs are in contact with the ground at the same time, it can be unstable and therefore unsafe and difficult to use.

To overcome these problems the present invention proposes a horizontal stand to support a structure with legs, the stand comprising of a platform with adjustable fixings which allow the legs of the structure to engage with it.

The legs of a structure are held in place providing a stable footing on soft surfaces.

The adjustable nature of the fixings will allow for a range of sizes of structures to be supported by one platform size.

Different size platforms can further increase the range of structure sizes that could be supported.

Potential damage to the underlying material is substantially reduced.

The device is portable and easily detached from the supported structure.

The device may be fitted with additional fixtures to facilitate levelling and improve stability on uneven surfaces.

The device may be fixed to the ground, or other horizontal surface, with appropriate attachments.

The device may be fitted with a fixing mechanism which would hold the legs in place.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 shows the device in plan view showing the general position of the fixing mechanisms.

Figure 2 shows the device with a caravan stool in place as an example of a structure which could be supported.

Figure 3 shows an example of the fixing and adjustment mechanisms which could be used to accommodate the legs of the structure.

Figure 4 shows an example of an alternative method of facilitating adjustments to the position of the plates.

Two plates (a) are fixed to a platform (d). At the centre of each plate (a) is a hole through which a locking bolt (b) is passed to a corresponding hole and capture fixing, such as a captive nut, in platform (d) and is used to attach the plate to the platform. The locking bolt forms the axis around which the plate rotates (f). A recess (c) in each plate accommodates two of the legs (e) of the structure to be supported and is off centre to the axis of rotation of the plate.

The plate is rotated in either direction to increase or decrease the distance between the recesses to correspond with the distance between the legs of the structure being supported. This will give 2 possible forward and backward positions on the base platform (d) for a given structure. A minimum of 2 perforations (h) through the platform will enable anchoring to the ground using a stake, tent peg or the like.

An alternative method (Figure 4) of enabling adjustments to the position of the legs of the supported structure is for the plates (a) to be attached to the platform (d) through a slot (g) in the platform. Adjustment is made by sliding the plates along the slot in addition to rotation of the plates. This will give multiple positions on the platform to accommodate a variety of sizes of structures.

Claims

Claims 1. A portable horizontal stand to support a structure with legs, the stand comprising of a platform with adjustable fixings which allow the legs of various sizes of structures to engage with it.
2. A horizontal stand according to claim 1 in which the fixings comprise of two adjustable plates each with an off-centre recess which accommodate two of the legs of the supported structure.
3. A horizontal stand according to claim 2 in which the position of the recesses on the plates are adjusted by rotating the plates around a central axis.
4. A horizontal stand according to all of the above claims where a locking bolt is fitted through the central axis of each plate and each corresponding hole in the platform.
5. A horizontal stand according to all of the above claims with additional perforations through it to enable the stand to be fixed to the ground with stakes or similar.
6. A horizontal stand according to all of the above claims where the position of the plates can be additionally adjusted by sliding the plates along a slot in the platform base.
7. A horizontal stand according claims 1 to 5 where the plates may be fitted with a fixing mechanism to hold the legs of the structure in place.
8. A horizontal stand according to claims 1 to 5 where the platform can be fitted with additional fixtures to facilitate levelling and improve stability on uneven surfaces.