NZ716416A

NZ716416A - A support structure

Info

Publication number: NZ716416A
Application number: NZ716416A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: James Bloom Gregory
Original assignee: Liberation Dev Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-01-27
Filing date: 2016-01-27
Publication date: 2022-11-25
Also published as: AU2016200473A1; NZ716411A; AU2016200473B2

Abstract

A support structure includes an elongate support element. A panel retaining structure is arranged on the support element. The panel retaining structure has a pair of recesses that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally, in an operatively vertical plane, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support element. The recesses are configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner, wherein each recess has portions of different widths, allowing respective portions to accommodate edges of respective panels with thicknesses that permit a snug fit in the respective portions.

Description

A SUPPORT STRUCTURE FIELD Various exemplary embodiments of a support structure are described in this specification. Various exemplary embodiments of a support assembly incorporating the support structure as an accessory are also described in this specification.

BACKGROUND Australian innovation patent 2013100057 describes a weighted support assembly. The contents of that patent are incorporated herein by reference. In this specification, that patent is referred to as the "Innovation Patent".

SUMMARY Various exemplary embodiments of a support structure comprise an elongate support element; and a panel retaining structure arranged on the support element, the panel retaining structure having a pair of recesses that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally, in an operatively vertical plane, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support element, the recesses being configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner, wherein each recess has portions of different widths, allowing respective portions to accommodate edges of respective panels with thicknesses that permit a snug fit in the respective portions.

The recesses may be defined by at least one outer wall of the panel retaining structure and at least one inner wall of the panel retaining structure.

At least one of the, or each, inner wall and the, or each, outer wall of the panel retaining structure may have internal shoulders so that the panel retaining structure defines two portions of the recess with different widths so that either of a thinner and a thicker panel can fit in the respective portions.

The support structure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the support element is a post holder that is tubular and that is configured to receive a post, either for supporting the panels or for supporting an auxiliary structure above the support structure.

The panel retaining structure may include a mount formation that extends from the post holder, the, or each inner wall being in form of two inner walls of the panel retaining structure that extend from respective sides of the mount formation.

The, or each, outer wall of the panel retaining structure may be in the form of one outer wall that is connected to, and spaced from, the mount formation with a dividing web that extends from the mount formation.

The mount formation and each inner wall of the retaining structure may define a ledge, respectively, such that each of the recesses has an internal portion that is narrower than an external portion to allow panels of different thicknesses to be received in the recesses.

Various exemplary embodiments of a structural assembly comprise an elongate support element; a panel retaining structure arranged on the support element, the panel retaining structure having a pair of recesses that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally, in an operatively vertical plane, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support element, the recesses being configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner, wherein each recess has portions of different widths, allowing respective portions to accommodate edges of respective panels with thicknesses that permit a snug fit in the respective portions; and at least two panels, located in the side-by-side manner by the panel retaining structure.

The panel retaining structure may be the panel retaining structure of the support structure described above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a three dimensional view, from above, of an exemplary embodiment of a weighted support assembly, including an exemplary embodiment of an support structure for the weighted support assembly.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of the support structure in one application.

Figure 3 shows a plan view of the support structure in another application.

Figure 4 shows a plan view of the weighted support assembly of figure 1.

Figure 5 shows a lower portion of the weighted support assembly of figure 1.

Figure 6 shows an upper portion of the support structure.

Figure 7 shows a plan view of the support structure, indicating exemplary dimensions.

Figure 8 shows a sectioned view of a weight locating structure and elongate retainer of the weighted support assembly, indicating exemplary dimensions.

Figure 9 shows the weighted support assembly of figure 1 loaded with weights.

Figure 10 shows the weighted support assembly of figure 7 in a partially disassembled condition.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exemplary embodiment of a weighted support assembly having an exemplary embodiment of an accessory, in the form of a support structure, generally indicated with reference numeral The weighted support assembly 10 is of the type on which one or more weights can be stacked to provide stability to the support structure 12 that extends upwardly from the weights. Structural components, such as panels, can be attached to the support structure 12. In this example, the assembly 10 has a foot 14 on which weights 16 (figure 7 and 8) can be stacked.

An elongate retainer 20 extends upwardly from one end of the foot 14. The retainer 20 defines an elongate, partially enclosed volume. For example, the retainer 20 defines a generally rectangular, cross sectional profile with a major wall 22, a pair of opposed minor walls 24 and a gapped major wall 26 that defines a gap 28 (figure 8) opposite the wall 22.

For example, the retainer 20 can be similar to the post retainer described in the Innovation Patent. That post retainer is configured to receive a support post so that panels can be secured to the support post.

A weight locating structure 18 is fast with, and extends upwardly from, the foot 14. The weight locating structure 18 includes an elongate locating formation 30 that extends from the foot 14, generally parallel to the retainer 20. A web 32 is interposed between the retainer 20 and the formation 30. The web 32 and the formation 30 can be similar to the locking formation described in the Innovation Patent. Thus, the web 32 can have a number of openings 34 to allow a locking handle 35 (figures 7 and 8) to be secured or locked to the web 32 with a locking device 36. An example of such a locking arrangement is described in the Innovation Patent.

The support structure 12 includes an elongate support element in the form of a post holder 38 that is configured to hold an elongate support post. The post holder 38 is tubular so that the support post can be slid into the holder 38 and held in position. The post holder 38 has a generally rectangular or square profile to correspond with a cross sectional shape of a standard timber post or any other form of post. The holder 38 has an inner wall 40, an outer wall 42 and opposed side walls 44.

In this example, the holder 38 is rectangular, with the walls 40, 42 being major walls and the walls 44 being minor walls.

A panel retaining structure 46 is arranged on the outer wall 42. The structure 46 defines two recesses 48, 50 that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally, in an operatively vertical plane, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the post holder 38.

The structure 46 includes a mount formation 52 that extends from the holder 38, for example from the outer wall 42 of the holder 38. Inner walls 54, 56 extend from the formation 52, generally parallel to the outer wall 42 of the holder 38. The outer wall 42 and the inner walls 54, 56 define slots 58, 60 to receive portions of the major wall 26 when the support structure 12 is slid into engagement with the retainer 20.

The structure 46 also includes an outer wall 62 that is connected to, and spaced from, the mount formation with a dividing web 64. Thus, the outer wall 62, the dividing web 64 and the inner walls 54, 56 define the recesses 48, 50.

The recesses 48, 50 are dimensioned so that operatively vertical edges of panels can fit in the recesses 48, 50.

The mount formation 52 and the inner walls 54, 56 define a ledge or shoulder 68, 69, respectively. As can be seen in figure 2, operatively vertical edges 70, 71 of panels 72, 74 can be received in the recesses 48, 50 to butt up against the shoulders 68, 69.

The mount formation 52 defines an internal surface 76 that is generally parallel to the inner walls 54, 56. The dividing web 64 extends from this surface 76.

Thus, internal portions 78, 80 of the slots 58, 60, respectively, are narrower than external portions 82, 84, of the slots 58, 60, respectively. It follows that, as can be seen in figure 3, operatively vertical edges 86, 88 of panels 90, 92, respectively, can be received in the internal portions 78, 80 of the slots 58, 60, respectively.

The panels 90, 92 are thinner than the panels 72, 74. It follows that the structure 46 can be used with panels of differing thickness.

For example, a width of the external portions 82, 84 allows the snug insertion of a panel of one standard thickness, while a width of the internal portions 76, 78 allows the snug insertion of a panel of another, lesser, standard thickness.

In one example, the internal portions 78, 80 cater for the fitting of a panel with a thickness of about 12 mm, while the external portions 82, 84 cater for the fitting of a panel with a thickness of about 16 mm. Thus, a spacing between the inner walls 54, 56 and the outer wall 62 is about 17.5 mm, while a spacing between the surface 76 and the outer wall 62 is about 13.5 mm.

The support structure 12 can be fabricated in a number of different ways. For example, the support structure 12 can be extruded from a plastics material or a metal, such an aluminium or an alloy of aluminium.

The mount formation 52 defines voids 53. Webs 55 extend across the voids 53. The voids 53 and webs 55 provide the mount formation 52 with structural integrity similar to that which would be provided by a solid mount formation but with less weight than a solid mount formation.

The inner walls 54, 56 can define holes 94 (figure 7) to permit the inner walls 54, 56 to be fastened to the panels with fasteners received through the holes 94.

In use, the support assembly 10 can be weighted, as described in the Innovation Patent. The post holder 38 can then be slid into the retainer 20 to result in an assembly as illustrated in figure 4. A support post can then be positioned in the holder 38 to extend to a suitable height, for example, to suit hoarding. The operatively vertical edges of the panels can be positioned in the recesses to locate the panels in a convenient manner. The operatively vertical edges of the panels not in the retaining structure 46 can be secured to the post, if necessary.

In that condition, the outer wall 62 defines a face plate.

It will be appreciated that the structure comprising the support structure 12 and the panels facilitates the retention of dust on an inner side of the structure. This can be of use in areas such as shopping centres or other public areas where it is required to limit dust levels. The reason for this is that the outer wall 62, the panels, the dividing web 64, the mount formation 52 and the inner walls 54, 56 all provide a tortuous path.

Furthermore, with the support structure 12 being of a suitable length, the tortuous path can be defined throughout the height of the panels.

Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits, the term "comprising" and variants thereof such as "comprise" or "comprises" are to be interpreted as including the stated integer or integers without necessarily excluding any other integers.

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 invention, without limiting the scope thereof. The invention is capable of being practised with various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter, are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventors 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 inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. For example, the inventors expect that any specific dimensions described herein can be varied depending the application required by such skilled artisans. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents of the claimed subject matter and all improvements to the claimed subject matter. 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 claimed subject matter unless otherwise stated. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non- claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

The use of words that indicate orientation or direction of travel is not to be considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "back", "rear", "side", "up", down", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forwards", "backwards", "towards", "distal", "proximal", "in", "out" and synonyms, antonyms and derivatives thereof have been selected for convenience only, unless the context indicates otherwise. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the term "outer" refers to an orientation towards an outer side of an area or space that is enclosed or shielded by the structure using weighted support assembly. The inventor also envisages that various exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter can be supplied in any particular orientation and the claimed subject matter is intended to include such orientations.

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, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise: a. 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; b. no characteristic, function, activity, or element is "essential"; c. any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated; d. any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and e. 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 (especially in the context of the following claims) 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.

Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate sub-range defined by such separate values is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. For example, if a range of 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example, 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example, 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9, etc.

Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims

1. A support structure that comprises: an elongate support element; and a panel retaining structure arranged on the support element, the panel retaining structure having a pair of recesses that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally, in an operatively vertical plane, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support element, the recesses being configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner, wherein each recess has portions of different widths, allowing respective portions to accommodate edges of respective panels with thicknesses that permit a snug fit in the respective portions.

2. The support structure as claimed in claim 1, in which the recesses are defined by at least one outer wall of the panel retaining structure and at least one inner wall of the panel retaining structure.

3. The support structure as claimed in claim 2, in which at least one of the, or each, inner wall and the, or each, outer wall of the panel retaining structure has internal shoulders so that the panel retaining structure defines two portions of the recess with different widths so that either of a thinner and a thicker panel can fit in the respective portions.

4. The support structure as claimed in claim 2, in which the support element is a post holder that is tubular and that is configured to receive a post, either for supporting the panels or for supporting an auxiliary structure above the support structure.

5. The support structure as claimed in claim 4, in which the panel retaining structure includes a mount formation that extends from the post holder, the, or each inner wall being in form of two inner walls of the panel retaining structure that extend from respective sides of the mount formation.

6. The support structure as claimed in claim 5, in which the, or each, outer wall of the panel retaining structure is in the form of one outer wall that is connected to, and spaced from, the mount formation with a dividing web that extends from the mount formation.

7. The support structure as claimed in claim 6, in which the mount formation and each inner wall of the retaining structure define a ledge, respectively, such that each of the recesses has an internal portion that is narrower than an external portion to allow panels of different thicknesses to be received in the recesses.

8. A structural assembly that comprises an elongate support element; and a panel retaining structure arranged on the support element, the panel retaining structure having a pair of recesses that open in opposite directions and generally orthogonally, in an operatively vertical plane, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the support element, the recesses being configured to locate adjacent panels in a side-by-side manner, wherein each recess has portions of different widths, allowing respective portions to accommodate edges of respective panels with thicknesses that permit a snug fit in the respective portions; and at least two panels, located in the side-by-side manner by the panel retaining structure.

9. A structural assembly that comprises the support structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8; and at least two panels, located in the side-by-side manner by the panel retaining structure of the support structure.