GB2586479A

GB2586479A - A device for supporting a joist or beam

Info

Publication number: GB2586479A
Application number: GB1911926.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Smith Martin; Douglass James; Maiden Kim
Original assignee: ELMDENE GROUP Ltd
Current assignee: ELMDENE GROUP Ltd
Priority date: 2019-08-20
Filing date: 2019-08-20
Publication date: 2021-02-24
Also published as: GB201911926D0

Abstract

A device 10 for supporting a joist or beam 20 comprising an angle adjustment assembly 150 intermediate a base 240 and a support member 30, and at least one spacer 210a, 210b intermediate the base and angle adjustment assembly, the spacer connected to the base via a first engagement system 250 and to the angle adjustment assembly via a second engagement system 220, the angle adjustment assembly connected to the support member via a third engagement system 130 the features of which are incompatible with those of the first and second engagement systems. The features of the first and second engagement systems may be identical. The first and second engagement features may be a twist lock snap-fit mechanism comprising at least one recess, channel, or groove and at least one protrusion. The third engagement system may be an interference or friction fit like a snap-fit mechanism comprising a barbed protrusion and at least one recess, groove or channel. The device may comprise a plurality of spacers. The angle adjustment assembly may comprise a convex 160 and concave 170 domed mating pieces. The device may be a pedestal or cradle used in a sub-frame of raised floor or decking.

Description

A DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A JOIST OR BEAM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for supporting a joist or beam. In particular, the present invention relates to a device comprising at least one spacer member located intermediate a base member and an angle adjustment assembly.

The present invention further relates to the angle adjustment assembly of the device, a kit of parts for providing the device and a sub-frame for supporting raised flooring or decking comprising a plurality of the device.

Background of the Invention

Raised flooring, which is also known as floating flooring, is commonly used in office buildings to provide a flat and level floor with a void for keeping undesirable elements out of sight. Raised flooring has also found extensive use for the installation of decking in outside spaces as it improves breathability and prevents rot.

Raised floors typically comprise a flooring material supported by a sub-frame. In some types of raised floors, such as decking, the sub-frame comprises an arrangement of joists or beams supported by pedestals or cradles. Often, the pedestals or cradles are modular and comprise several elements that can be stacked together. One component often included in cradles or pedestals are angle adjustment assemblies. These assemblies support the joists or beams in flat and horizontal positions even on sloped or uneven surfaces. Further, cradles or pedestals often comprise modular spacer portions which can stack to change the height at which the joist or beam is supported. A number of issues exist with the cradles and/or pedestals as known in the state of the art.

Summary of the Invention

The applicant has found that in modular cradles or pedestals, it is desirable to place the angle adjustment assembly as close to the joist or beam as possible.

The applicant has also found that during assembly or installation of modular cradles or pedestals end-users will often place angle adjustment assemblies at the bottom of the cradle or pedestal and then stack the modular spacer portions on top of it. This arrangement of features is undesirable due to the increased distance between the joist or beam and the angle adjustment assembly. This increased distance reduces the stability with which the beam or joist is supported and increases the likelihood of damage and wear occurring to the assembly.

As such, at its most general, the present invention relates to a device for supporting a joist or beam, where the angle adjustment assembly and modular spaced portion are correctly positioned with respect to one another.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for supporting a joist or beam. The device comprising a base member, a support member for supporting a joist or beam, an angle adjustment assembly located intermediate the base member and the support member, and at least one spacer member located intermediate the base member and the angle adjustment assembly.

Additionally, the base member is connected to the at least one spacer member via a first engagement system, the at least one spacer member is connected to the angle adjustment assembly via a second engagement system, and the angle adjustment assembly is connected to the support member via a third engagement system. The device is characterised in that the features of the angle adjustment assembly and the support member which comprise the third engagement system are incompatible with the first engagement system and the second engagement system.

Incompatibility of the engagement systems means that a secure and stable attachment, connection or engagement cannot be made between the components or parts, such that an end-user would recognise their incompatibility readily upon an attempt to connect, attach or engage the parts.

In this way, there is provided an angle adjustment assembly which must be connected to the support member and a spacer member in the correct orientation and position, as it is incompatible with the other engagement assemblies of the device. Specifically, the angle adjustment assembly cannot be securely connected in between the base member and the spacer member as the third engagement system is incompatible with the first engagement system. Further, the angle adjustment assembly cannot be securely fitted in the upside down orientation as the third engagement system is incompatible with second engagement system.

Preferably, the features of the first engagement system and the second engagement system are equivalent. Preferably, the features of the first engagement system and the second engagement system are substantially identical. In this way, multiple spacer portions can be stacked together in a modular fashion on top of the base member. This is advantageous as it allows the height at which the device supports a joist or beam to be changed by relatively large amounts quickly.

Preferably, the first engagement system and/or the second engagement system comprises at least one recess, channel or groove. Preferably, the first engagement system and/or the second engagement system comprises at least one protrusion.

Preferably, first engagement system has at least one recess, channel or groove and at least one complementary protrusion, where the at least one recess, channel or groove is the arranged to accommodate at least one protrusion. Preferably, the second engagement system has at least one recess, channel or groove and at least one complementary protrusion, where the at least one recess, channel or groove is arranged to accommodate the at least one protrusion.

Preferably, the first engagement system is configured such that, in use, the base member is connected to the at least one spacer member by moving the base member and the at least one spacer member together until they abut, before rotating the base member and the spacer member relative to one another. Preferably, the axis of rotation and the direction of movement are parallel.

Preferably, the second engagement system is configured such that, in use, the at least one spacer member is connected to the angle adjustment assembly by moving the at least one spacer member and the angle adjustment assembly together until they abut, before rotating the at least one spacer member and the angle adjustment assembly relative to one another. Preferably, the axis of rotation and the direction of movement are parallel.

Preferably, the first engagement system comprises a twist lock snap-fit mechanism. Preferably, the second engagement system comprises a twist lock snap-fit mechanism.

Preferably, the third engagement system comprises at least one protrusion. Preferably, the at least one protrusion is barbed. Preferably, the third engagement system comprises at least one recess, groove or channel. Preferably, the third engagement system has at least one recess, channel or groove and at least one complementary protrusion, where the at least one recess, channel or groove is arranged to accommodate the at least one protrusion.

Preferably, the third engagement system is configured such that, in use, the angle adjustment assembly is connected to the support member by moving the angle adjustment assembly and the support member together until they abut.

Preferably, the third engagement system comprises a snap-fit mechanism.

Preferably, the third engagement system secures the angle adjustment assembly and the support member via an interference or friction fit.

Preferably, the device comprises a plurality of spacer members.

Preferably, adjacent spacer members are connected to one another via a fourth engagement system.

Preferably, the features of the fourth engagement system are equivalent to the features of the first engagement system and/or the second engagement system. Preferably, the features of the fourth engagement system are substantially identical to the features of the first engagement system and/or the second engagement system.

Preferably, the angle adjustment assembly comprises a pair of complementary mating adjustment surfaces. Preferably, one of said pair of complementary mating adjustment surfaces shaped as a portion of a segment of a sphere. Preferably, one of said pair of complementary mating adjustment surfaces is a concave surface shaped as a portion of a segment of a sphere.

Preferably, the pair of complementary mating adjustment surfaces comprises a first concave surface and a second surface shaped as a portion of a segment of a sphere. Alternatively, one of said pair of complementary surfaces is a ring. Preferably, lateral movement of the complementary adjustment surfaces with respect to one another is inhibited by an interlocking mechanism.

Preferably, the support member comprises a surface for supporting a joist or beam where the height of the surface is adjustable. Preferably the height of the surface is adjustable by rotating a portion of the support member. Preferably, the rotation is about a screw thread.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an angle adjustment assembly for use in the device, where the device is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention. The angle adjustment assembly of the second aspect can comprise any of the optional features described in relation to the angle adjustment assembly included in a device of the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for providing a device which is in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a sub-frame for supporting a raised floor or decking, where the sub-frame comprises a plurality of devices in accordance with first aspect of the present invention. Preferably, said sub-frame comprises a plurality of beams and/or joists.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided 23 a device for supporting a joist or beam, the device comprising a base member, a support member for supporting a joist or beam, and an angle adjustment assembly located intermediate the base member and the support member the base member connected to the angle adjustment assembly via a first engagement system the angle adjustment assembly connected to the support member via a second engagement system, wherein the features of the angle adjustment assembly and the support member which comprise said second engagement system are incompatible with the first engagement system.

S

Detailed Description of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of a device in accordance with the present invention, where the device is supporting a joist; Figure 2 depicts an exploded view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 3 depicts a side on view of the device of Figure 1; Figure 4 depicts a second side on view the device of Figure 1; and Figure 5 depicts a longitudinal cross-section of the device of Figure 1.

Figure 1 and 2 of the drawings depict a perspective view and an exploded view, respectively, of a device 10 for supporting a joist 20 in accordance with the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 depict side on views of the device 10 supporting a joist 20. In particular, the device 10 is a cradle or pedestal for supporting the joists 20 or beams of a raised floor's sub-frame.

The joists 20 or beams used in the sub-frames of raised floor are typically elongate with a rectangular cross-section. The device 10 supports the joist 20 on a support member 30. The support member 30 comprises a support ring 40 and a body portion 50.

The support ring 40 comprises a substantially circular cross-section which comprises a support surface 60 for supporting and engaging the joist 20. The support surface is substantially planar and, in use, supports a substantially planar surface of the joist 20. The periphery of the support ring 40 comprises a series of protrusions 70 and curved indentations 80, which together act as ergonomic finger grips for the end user to grip and rotate the support ring 40 about the rest of the device 10. The support ring 40 comprises a central screw aperture 90 which comprises a screw thread 100 which can be reversibly attached to a body portion 50 of the device 10.

The body portion 50 is substantially cylindrical in shape and comprises a complementary screw thread 120 which is complementary to the screw thread 100 located in the central screw aperture 90 of the support ring 40. The complementary screw thread 120 occupies all of the curved outer surface of the cylindrical body portion 50.

The support ring 40 and body portion 50 can be attached such that the support ring can be moved along the body portion 50 by rotating the support ring 40 about the body portion 50. In this way, the height and position of the support surface 60 is adjustable relative to the support member 30. In this embodiment, the screw threads 100, 120, the body portion 50 and the support ring 40 are proportioned such that a 90° turn of the support ring 40 relative to the body portion 50 moves the support surface support 60 one millimetre along support member 30. In this way, the height of the support surface 60 can be precisely and reliably adjusted by the end-user.

The body portion 50 further comprises a cuboid slot 110 for accepting the joist 20.

The slot 110 extends across the cylindrical body and is proportioned to be slightly larger than the joist 20 such that it does not frictionally engage the joist 20 sides and is only slightly larger than the joist 20. The slot 110 extends from the top planar surface of the cylindrical body portion 50 towards the opposing planar surface of the cylindrical body portion 50. This opposing planar surface comprises features of a third engagement system 130. These features of the third engagement system 130 are an arrangement of recesses, channels and/or grooves in the underside of the body portion 50. For example, pair of recesses 140 are located on the edge of the body portion 50.

In the device 10, the support member 30 is located on top of an angle adjustment assembly 150. The angle adjustment assembly 150 comprises a convex piece 160 and a concave piece 170 which form a pair of domed mating surfaces which, in use, can tilt and rotate with respect to one another. The convex piece 160 comprises a convex mating surface 165 which is shaped like a portion of a sphere and is complementary to a concave mating surface 175 of the concave piece 170. The longitudinal axis of the convex piece 160 can tilt relatively to the longitudinal axis of the concave piece 170, such that the convex piece 160 and concave piece 170 can tilt up to 4° (7 %) in any direction (3601. Other embodiments where larger and smaller maximum tilts are envisaged and are within the scope of the invention.

The movement of the convex and concave pieces 160,170 gives the angle adjustment assembly 150 its ability to adjust the angle of the support member 30. Further, the angle adjustment assembly 150 is self-levelling due to the interaction between the convex piece 160 and concave piece 170 when a force is applied to the convex piece 160. The convex piece 160 and concave piece 170 are rotatable about 360° with respect to one another.

The convex piece 160 and the concave piece 170 are interlocked by an interlocking protrusion 200 projecting from the concave piece 170 and being accepted by an interlocking aperture 210 in the convex piece 160. The interlocking protrusion 200 comprises a series of four projections 205 which extend from the protrusion 200.

The support member 30 is reversibly and securely connected to the angle adjustment assembly 150 by the third engagement system 130. That is, the convex piece 160 of angle adjustment assembly 150 is reversibly and fixedly attached to the bottom of the body portion 50 such that its convex surface 165 curves outwardly away from the body portion 50. Both the convex piece 160 and the body portion 50 each have a circular transverse cross-section and the connection between them is secure such that they cannot rotate with respect to one another.

The third engagement system 130 comprises an arrangement of protrusions 180 extending from a side of the convex piece 160 opposing the convex surface 165. Each of the protrusions 180 has a complementary aperture, recess, channel or groove in the base of the body portion 50 of the support member 30. Together these form the third engagement system 130. As such, when the convex piece 150 and the body portion 50 are moved towards one another along an axis each of the protrusions 180 of the convex piece 160 engage with their complementary recess, channel or groove in the body portion 50. Thus, the support member 30 is securely attached to the angle adjustment assembly 150 via a plurality of interference or friction fits. Two of the protrusions 180 are barbed protrusions 190 and engage with an aperture (not shown) of the body portion 50 via a snap-fit mechanism. When connected the barb of the barbed protrusion 190 abuts the periphery of the aperture in the body portion 50.

The concave piece 170 of the angle adjustment assembly 150 is securely connected to a first spacer member 210a by a second engagement system 220. In this example, the first spacer member 210a is connected to a second spacer member 210b by a fourth engagement system 230, and the opposing end of the second spacer member 210b is connected to a base member 240 by a first engagement system 250.

In this embodiment, the first spacer member 210a and the second spacer member 210b are substantially identical. The spacer members 210a, 210b are cylindrical and substantially tubular where a top end of the spacer member 210a, 210b comprises features of the second engagement system 220 or fourth engagement system 230 respectively. The top end of the tubular spacer member 210a, 210b has a diameter slightly larger than the bottom end of the spacer member 210a, 210b. The spacer members 210a, 210b are modular and can stack to form a tower stemming from the base member 240.

The base member 240 is substantially cylindrical and tubular however comprises a closed end and a planar flange 260. The planar flange 260 extends from the end of the base member 240 opposing the end for connecting to the second spacer member 210b. The planar flange 260 is for engaging or resting on a surface and stabilises the entire device 10 on the surface. Typically, this surface is the surface upon which the raised flooring and sub-frame are being installed. The base member 240 comprises fixing holes 270 such that it can be attached to the surface by screws, pegs, and nails or similar.

The body portion 50 can rotate 360° relative to the first spacer member 210a, the second spacer member 210b and the base member 240 because the convex piece 160 and concave piece 170 are rotatable about 360° with respect to one another.

In this embodiment, the first engagement system 250, the second engagement system 220 and the fourth engagement system 230 are substantially identical.

However, in embodiments in which the first engagement system 250, second engagement system 220 and the fourth engagement system are each different, or which two engagement systems are the same and one different, are envisaged and within the scope of the present invention.

The base member 240 is securely connected to the second spacer member 210b by the first engagement system 250. The first engagement system 250 is a twist-lock snap-fit mechanism which comprises the features detailed hereinafter. The diameter of the top open end of base member 240 has a circumference and diameter larger than the bottom end of the second spacer member 210b, such that the second spacer member 210b can be partially inserted into the base member 240. Proximate the top end of the base member 240 are located two engagement projections 280, which are located on opposing sides of the base member 240 and project inwardly towards one another. The engagement projections 280 are substantially cuboid protrusions where the bottom surface of the protrusion comprises an engagement groove 290. The second spacer member 210b comprises two recesses 300 with a right-angled kinks on opposing sides of the second spacer member 210b. The recesses 300 are located on the outside of the second spacer member 210b, and the recess 300 comprise an engagement surface 320 with an engagement rib 310 where the engagement surface 320 is complementary to the engagement projection 280 and the engagement rib 310 is complementary to the engagement groove 290.

In use, to form the first engagement system 250, the engagement projection 280 is inserted into the recess 300 by moving the base member 240 and second spacer member 210b 10 towards one another. Next, one part is rotated with respect to the other such that the engagement projection 280 traverses around the right angled kink of the recess 300. This rotation forces the engagement projection 280 to move over the engagement rib 310 such that the engagement rib 310 becomes accommodated in engagement groove 290 by a snap-fit and the engagement surface 320 and engagement projection 280 abut. Both of the engagement projections 280 form this connection in the recesses 300 simultaneously.

The second spacer member 210b is connected to the first spacer member 210a by the fourth engagement system 230. The fourth engagement system 230 is a twist-lock snap-fit mechanism which substantially identical to the first engagement system 250. Accordingly, a lower portion of the first spacer member 210a is inserted into an upper portion of the second spacer member 210b. The second spacer member 210b proximate its top edge comprises two inwardly protruding engagement projections 280a which both comprise an engagement groove 290a. In use, the engagement projections 280a are accommodated within the recesses 300a in the first spacer member 210a. When connected via the twist-lock snap-fit each engagement groove 290a engages with the complementary engagement rib 310a. Each of the engagement ribs 310a is located on the engagement surface 320a of one of the two right-angled kinked recesses 300a in the external wall of the first spacer member 210a.

The first spacer member 210a is connected to the concave piece 170 by the second engagement system 220. The second engagement system 220 is a twist-lock snap-fit mechanism which is substantially identical to the first engagement system 250.

Accordingly, a lower portion of the concave piece member 170 is inserted into an upper portion of the first spacer member 210a. The first spacer member 210a proximate its top edge comprises two inwardly protruding engagement projections 280b which both comprise an engagement groove 290b. In use, the engagement projections 280b are accommodated with the recesses 300b in the concave piece 170. When connected via the twist-lock snap-fit each engagement groove 290b engages with the complementary engagement rib 310b. Each of the engagement ribs 310b is located on the engagement surface 320 of one of the two right-angled kinked recess 300b in the external wall of the concave piece 170.

Claims

Claims 1 A device for supporting a joist or beam, said device comprising: a base member, a support member for supporting a joist or beam, an angle adjustment assembly located intermediate said base member and said support member, and at least one spacer member located intermediate said base member and said angle adjustment assembly, said base member connected to said at least one spacer member via a first engagement system, said at least one spacer member connected to said angle adjustment assembly via a second engagement system, and said angle adjustment assembly connected to said support member via a third engagement system, wherein the features of said angle adjustment assembly and said support member which comprise said third engagement system are incompatible with said first engagement system and said second engagement system.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the features of said first engagement system and said second engagement system are equivalent.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the features of said first engagement system and said second engagement system are substantially identical.
4 The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said first engagement system and/or said second engagement system comprises at least one recess, channel or groove.
5 The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said first engagement system and/or said second engagement system comprises at least one protrusion.
6. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said first engagement system is configured such that, in use, said base member is connected to said at least one spacer member by moving said base member and said at least one spacer member together until they abut, before rotating said base member and said spacer member relative to one another.
7 The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said second engagement system is configured such that, in use, said at least one spacer member is connected to said angle adjustment assembly by moving said at least one spacer member and said angle adjustment assembly together until they abut, before rotating said at least one spacer member and said angle adjustment assembly relative to one another.
8. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said first engagement system comprises a twist lock snap-fit mechanism.
9. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said second engagement system comprises a twist lock snap-fit mechanism.
10. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said third engagement system comprises at least one protrusion.
11. The device of Claim 10, wherein said at least one protrusion is barbed.
12. The device of any one proceeding claim, wherein said third engagement system comprises at least one recess, groove or channel.
13. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said third engagement system is configured such that, in use, said angle adjustment assembly is connected to said support member by moving said angle adjustment assembly and said support member together until they abut.
14. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said third engagement system comprises a snap-fit mechanism.
15. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said third engagement system secures said angle adjustment assembly and said support member via an interference or friction fit.
16. The device any one preceding claim, wherein said device comprises a plurality of spacer members.
17. The device of claim 16, wherein adjacent spacer members are connected to one another via a fourth engagement system.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the features of said fourth engagement system are equivalent to the features of said first engagement system and/or said second engagement system.
19. The device of claim 17, wherein the features of said fourth engagement system are substantially identical to the features of said first engagement system and/or said second engagement system.
20. The device of any one preceding claim, wherein said angle adjustment assembly comprises a pair of complementary mating adjustment surfaces.
21. The device of claim 20, wherein one of said pair of complementary mating adjustment surfaces is a concave surface shaped as a portion of a segment of a sphere.
22. The device of claim 20 or claim 21, wherein lateral movement of said complementary adjustment surfaces with respect to one another is inhibited by an interlocking mechanism.
23 A device for supporting a joist or beam, said device comprising: a base member, a support member for supporting a joist or beam, and an angle adjustment assembly located intermediate said base member and said support member, said base member connected to said angle adjustment assembly via a first engagement system, said angle adjustment assembly connected to said support member via a second engagement system, wherein the features of said angle adjustment assembly and said support member which comprise said second engagement system are incompatible with said first engagement system.
24. An angle adjustment assembly for use in the device of any one preceding claim
25. A kit of parts for providing the device of any one of claims 1 to 23.
26. A sub-frame for supporting a raised floor or decking, said sub-frame comprising a plurality of devices in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 23.