AU2018100470A4 - A Weighted Support Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A weighted support assembly includes a stack of at least one weight, which is operatively engageable with a post, to which structural components such as panels or the like can be affixed, to support the post in a substantially vertical orientation. A brace has an operatively upper end that is fastenable to the post. A retaining means is arranged on the stack of weights, the retaining means being configured for retaining an operatively lower end of the brace further to support the post.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a weighted support assembly for supporting structural components. The weighted support assembly is suitable for supporting structural components such as hoarding panels. The invention also relates to a structure and a method of erecting the structure using the weighted support assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0002] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a weighted support assembly that includes:

a stack of at least one weight, which is operatively engageable with a post, to which structural components such as panels or the like can be affixed, to support the post in a substantially vertical orientation;

a brace, the brace having an operatively upper end that is fastenable to the post; and a retaining means that is arranged on the stack of weights, the retaining means being configured for retaining an operatively lower end of the brace further to support the post.

[0003] The weighted support assembly may include a fastening means for fastening the retaining means to the stack of weights. Thus, once the stack, the brace and the post are assembled, the weighted support assembly forms an integrated assembly that can function as a unit.

[0004] The fastening means may include at least one tie that can be received about the stacked weights and a tightening mechanism operable on the tie to tighten the tie, the tie being engageable with the retaining means.

[0005] The retaining means may include a receiver that is configured to be held on the stack of weights with one tie and to receive the lower end of the brace.

[0006] The fastening means may include at least one clamping means that is engageable with the stack of weights to clamp the weights together.

[0007] The, or each, clamping means may include two clamp members that are adjustable relative to each other to bring the clamp members into and out of operative engagement with the stack of weights, and a locking mechanism for locking

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 the clamp members to each other when the clamp members are in operative engagement with the stack of weights.

[0008] The retaining means may include a receiver that is arranged on one clamp member and that is configured to receive the lower end of the brace.

[0009] The retaining means may be defined by the lower end of the brace being fastened to one clamp member.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a structural assembly that includes:

a weighted support assembly as described above, the post operatively engaged with the stacked weights; and at least one of the structural components fixed to the post.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of erecting a structural assembly, the method including the steps of:

forming a stack of at least one weight in a desired location, the, or each weight being operatively engageable with a post to which structural components such as panels or the like can be fixed, to support the post in a substantially vertical orientation; and fastening an upper end of a brace to the post and retaining an operatively lower end of the brace with a retaining means, arranged on the stack of at least one weight, which is configured for retaining the lower end of the brace further to support the post.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an accessory for a support assembly, the accessory including:

a retaining means for arrangement on a stack of at least one weight, the retaining means being configured for retaining an operatively lower end of a brace, when an operatively upper end of the brace is fastenable to a post that is operatively engaged with the stack of at least one weight so that the post is supported in a substantially vertical orientation, further to support the post.

[0013] The retaining means may be in the form of a retaining member that is fastened to the lower end of the brace, the retaining member being configured so that it can be fastened to the stack of at least one weight.

2018100470 11 Apr 2018

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014] Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a weighted support assembly.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of part A in figure 1.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a weighted support assembly and part of an embodiment of a structure incorporating the weighted support assembly.

[0017] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of part A in figure 3.

[0018] Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of a weighted support assembly.

[0019] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of part A in figure 5.

[0020] Figure 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a weighted support assembly.

[0021] Figure 8 shows a detailed view of part A in figure 7.

[0022] Figure 9 shows a fifth embodiment of a weighted support assembly.

[0023] Figure 10 shows a detailed view of part A in figure 9.

[0024] Figure 11 shows a sixth embodiment of a weighted support assembly.

[0025] Figure 12 shows a detailed view of part A in figure 11.

[0026] Figure 13 shows a seventh embodiment of a weighted support assembly.

[0027] Figure 14 shows part of the weighted support assembly of figure 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0028] In figure 1, reference numeral 10 generally indicates a first embodiment of a weighted support assembly. The support assembly 10 is suitable for supporting structural components, such as hoarding panels 11 to form a temporary structure 13, as shown in figure 3.

[0029] The support assembly 10 includes a fastening assembly in the form of a strap or tie 12 that is received around a stack of weights 14 to fasten the weights together. The weights 14 can have any shape. In this example, the weights 14 are rectangular. The tie 12 extends over major sides of the weights 14. However, the tie 12 can also extend over minor sides of the weights 14. In another arrangement, one tie can extend over major sides of the weights 14 and another tie can extend over minor sides of the weights 14. Furthermore, the tie 12 need not be received around the entire stack of weights 14. There might also just be one weight 14 in the stack.

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 [0030] In this embodiment, the weights 14 are positioned directly on a substrate, such as a floor. Each weight 14 defines an opening 15 at one end 17 of the weight

14. Thus, the stack of weights 14 defines an elongate passage in which a post 22 can be received and retained against operatively horizontal displacement relative to the weights 14. Each opening 15 can be slotted so that access to the opening 15 can be achieved from the end 17. Thus, the elongate passage is in the form of a channel that extends down one side of the stack of weights 14. The openings 15 can be defined at major or minor sides of the weights 14. Furthermore, each weight 14 can include two opposed openings 15.

[0031] The openings 15 can be configured so that the post 22 is retained in the openings 15 against operatively horizontal or sideways movement of the post 22 relative to the weights 14. For example, the openings 15 can be shaped to retain the post 22 in position. Alternatively, retaining members (not shown) can be arranged on the weights 14 to retain the post 22 in the openings 15 against such horizontal or sideways movement.

[0032] In this embodiment, the post 22 is configured so that components, such as the hoarding panels 11, can be fastened to the post 22 to form the temporary structure 13.

[0033] The weights 14 can be of any shape. For example, the weights 14 can be sourced from an area or environment in which the support assembly 10 is used. The weights 14 could include nesting formations to permit the weights 14 to nest relative to each other when stacked.

[0034] The support assembly 10 includes a fastening means in the form of a tightening mechanism operable on the tie 12 to tighten the tie 12. The tightening mechanism can be in the form of a ratchet tie down mechanism 36 and the tie 12 can be in the form of a length of webbing that is engaged with the tie down mechanism 36 that can be used to strap the weights 14 together. It is envisaged that the tightening mechanism can be in other forms. Any mechanism that can serve to tighten the tie 12 may be suitable.

[0035] The support assembly 10 includes a retaining means in the form of a receiver 37 that is arranged on the stack of weights 14. In this embodiment, the receiver is in the form of rectangular tube section 38 through which the tie 12 is threaded. Thus, when the tie 12 is tightened, the tube section 38 is retained in position on the weights 14. The tube section 38 defines an aperture plate 40

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 positioned proud of the tie 12. The aperture plate 40 defines an aperture 41 to receive a lower end 42 of a brace 44. Thus, when the tie 12 is tightened, the lower end 42 of the brace 44 is inhibited from lateral movement away from the post 22.

[0036] The rectangular tube section 38 can be in the form of a retaining member that is fastened to the lower end 42 of the brace 44. This can be achieved by welding, for example. In that embodiment, the tube section 38 is not a receiver but rather forms part of the brace 44.

[0037] The receiver 37 can take various forms. For example, the receiver 37 can be a recessed formation, such as a blind hole, to receive the lower end 42 of the brace 44. Thus, instead of the aperture 41, the tube section 38 could define a recess or socket for receiving the lower end 42 of the brace 44. The minimum requirement is that the lower end 42 of the brace 44 is inhibited from lateral movement away from the post 22. The lower end 42 can be welded into the recess or socket.

[0038] In other embodiments, the lower end 42 of the brace 44 can be fastened, for example by welding, to the rectangular tube section 38, without the need for an aperture plate. It will readily be appreciated that the tube section can be cylindrical or square, depending on availability of product.

[0039] An upper end 46 of the brace 44 is fastenable to the post 22. To that end, a fastening or fixing plate 48 is arranged on the upper end 46, which can be fastened to the post 22 with screws or similar fasteners. Thus, with the lower end 42 of the brace 44 in the receiver 37, or fastened to the tube section 38, and the fixing plate 48 fastened to the post 22, the post 22 is further supported in an operatively vertical position against, for example, wind load and other forces.

[0040] In use, the tie 12, with the ratchet mechanism 36 at one end and the tube section 38 threaded onto the tie 12, can be laid down on the foot 16. The weights 14 can then be stacked on to the foot 16. The tie 12 can then be strapped onto the weights 14 with the tube section 38 in an appropriate position to receive the lower end 42 of the brace 44. Then, the post 22 can be positioned in the openings 15 such that the post 22 is supported in the operatively vertical position.

[0041] The plate 48 can then be fastened to the post 22 after the lower end 42 has been inserted through the aperture plate 40. Alternatively, the post 22 with the brace 44 attached to the post 22 can be inserted into the openings 15 with the lower end 42 being received through the aperture plate 40 at the same time. When the aperture

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 plate 40 is welded to the lower end 42, the lower end 42 can be positioned on the stack of weights 14 and the tie 12 tightened.

[0042] In figure 3, reference numeral 50 generally indicates a second embodiment of a weighted support assembly. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

[0043] Figure 3 also shows the hoarding panels 11 and the structural assembly 13 erected or built with the support assembly 50. It will readily be appreciated that other forms of structure can be erected with the support assembly 50.

[0044] In this embodiment, the tie 12 extends over the minor sides of the weights 14.

[0045] The support assembly 50 includes a retaining means in the form of an elongate tab 52 that can be received between the tie 12 and an uppermost weight 14 so that the tab 52 is retained in position when the tie 12 is tightened, as described above. The elongate tab 52 is shaped to define the aperture plate 40. As above, the elongate tab 52 can be a retaining member that is welded or otherwise fastened to the lower end 42 of the brace 44.

[0046] In this embodiment, the aperture plate 40 is defined by a U-shaped portion 51 that is oriented so that the aperture plate 40 is proud of an upper surface of the uppermost weight 14. This allows the lower end 42 of the brace 44 to extend through the aperture plate 40. In other embodiments, the U-shaped portion 51 is shaped to fit over a nesting formation of the uppermost weight 14. Still further, the U-shaped portion 51 can be shaped to fit over some other protruding formation of the uppermost weight 14.

[0047] In figure 5, reference numeral 60 generally indicates a third embodiment of a support assembly. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

[0048] In this embodiment, a strap or tie 62 extends, operatively horizontally, around the stack of weights 14 and the support member 18 to secure the weights 14 to the post 22. The tie 12 interconnects lengths of the tie 62 on opposite sides of the stack of weights 14.

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 [0049] In figure 7, reference numeral 70 generally indicates a fourth embodiment of a support assembly. With reference to the preceding claims, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

[0050] The support assembly 70 includes a fastening assembly in the form of a clamp assembly 72 that is configured to clamp the weights 14 together.

[0051] The clamp assembly 72 includes two clamp members 74 that are linearly adjustable relative to each other to bring the clamp members 74 into and out of operative engagement with the weights 14. The clamp assembly 72 includes a locking mechanism 76 to lock the clamp members 74 together when they are in operative engagement with the weights 14.

[0052] The clamp assembly 72 can take various forms. In this case, the clamp members 74 each have a clamp arm 78 and a slide member 80 that extends generally orthogonally with respect to the associated clamp arm 78. The slide members 80 overlap and extend through a rectangular tube section 82 so that they can slide relative to each other through the tube section 82. A fastener 84 is threaded through a wall of the tube section 82 to engage the slide members 80 to lock the slide members 80 together or to release the slide members 80, allowing them to slide relative to each other to release the weights or to allow the clamp members to be urged together.

[0053] In use, the weights 14 can be stacked on a foot, or on a substrate, as mentioned above. A lower clamp arm 78 can be positioned underneath the weights 14 and an upper clamp arm 78 can be positioned on the weights 14 with the slide members received through the rectangular tube section 82. The clamp members 74 can then be urged together and the fastener 84 manipulated to clamp the slide members 80 together.

[0054] The upper clamp arm 78 defines an aperture 86 to receive the lower end 42 of the brace 44. Thus, once the slide members 80 are locked together, the brace 44 can be positioned and fastened as set out above. The lower end 42 of the brace 44 can be welded to the upper clamp arm 78. The aperture 86 is thus useful for strength. However, it is envisaged that, with welding, the aperture may be optional.

[0055] In various embodiments, not shown, the upper clamp arm 78 can be shaped so that it can hook over a nesting formation or other protruding formation of the uppermost weight 14. Thus, a lug or lip could extend from the clamp arm 78 and

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 terminate the clamp members 74. The lug or lip would be generally parallel to the associated slide member 80 so that the clamp arm 78 and lip engage the nesting formation or some other protruding formation of the weight 14.

[0056] It is envisaged that various other forms of clamping mechanisms can be used. For example, the two clamp members 74 can be displaced relative to each other with an over-centre mechanism engaged with the clamp members 74 to clamp the weights 14 together.

[0057] In figure 9, reference numeral 90 generally indicates a fifth embodiment of a support assembly. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

[0058] The support assembly 90 is suited for use with weights 14 that define at least one opening 92, which is shown in the preceding drawings.

[0059] In this embodiment, a stop plate 94 is arranged on the brace 44 towards the lower end 42 of the brace 44 such that a section of the brace 44 can extend from the stop plate 94 to terminate at the lower end 42. The stop plate 94 is dimensioned so that the section of the brace 44 can extend through aligned openings 92 with the stop plate 94 bearing against an uppermost weight 14. It will be appreciated that when the brace 44 is secured to the support member 18, the brace 44 serves to retain the weights 14 on the foot 16.

[0060] In figure 11, reference numeral 100 generally indicates a sixth embodiment of a support assembly. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

[0061] As with the support assembly 90, the support assembly 100 is suited for use with weights 14 that define the opening 92.

[0062] In this example, a locking post 102 is mounted or arranged on the foot 16 and extends upwardly from the foot 16 to be received through aligned openings 92. An upper end 104 of the locking post 92 and the lower end 42 of the brace 44 are configured so that they can be releasably fastened together. For example, the upper end 104 of the locking post 92 and the lower end 42 of the brace can have complementary lugs 106 that can be fastened together with a suitable fastener such as a nut and bolt arrangement. Thus, when the brace 44 is fastened to the support member 18, and the lugs 106 are fastened together, the weights 14 are effectively locked together.

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 [0063] In figure 13, reference numeral 110 generally indicates an eighth embodiment of a support assembly. With reference to the preceding drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts, unless otherwise specified.

[0064] The support assembly 110 includes a foot 16 on which the stack of weights 14 is positioned. A post retainer 20 is mounted on one end of the foot 16. The post retainer 20 is configured so that the post 22 can be inserted into the retainer 20 such that the post 22 is effectively supported in the operatively vertical condition by the weights 14 carried on the foot 16.

[0065] The retaining means is in the form of a projection or projecting formation or member 112 arranged on the strap or tie 12 to be received in the lower end 42 of the brace 44. Alternatively, the projecting member 112 can define a receptacle or recess in which the lower end 42 of the brace 44 can be received. In various embodiments, the projecting member 112 can be fastened to the lower end 42 of the brace 44, for example, by welding.

[0066] The projecting member 112 can replace the tube section 38 or the elongate tab 52, particularly when it is welded to the lower end 42 of the brace 44. In that case, it’s minimum requirement is that it defines some form of formation or extension that allows it to be secured to the stack of weights 14 with the tie 12 or the clamp member 74, or any other mechanism that can be secured to the weights 14. The fastening of the lower end 42 of the brace 44 to either of the projecting member 112, tube section 38 or elongate tab 52 further inhibits upward movement of the brace 44.

[0067] The support assemblies described herein are useful in the sense that they can make use of weights having a generic shape. This may be useful in those working environments in which structural elements such as concrete slabs are readily available. Also, counterweights are often used in other applications and may be useful to use with the support assemblies described herein without the need for an orientation of the openings or even openings at all.

[0068] The use of common reference numerals is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, the various components of the respective embodiments described above can be interchanged, where reasonable and/or appropriate, depending on the application.

[0069] The appended claims are to be considered as incorporated into the above description.

2018100470 11 Apr 2018 [0070] It is to be understood that the terminology employed above is for 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.

[0071] Words indicating direction or orientation, such as “front”, “rear”, “back”, “vertical”, etc., are used for convenience. The inventor(s) envisages that various embodiments can be used in a non-operative configuration, such as when presented for sale. Thus, such words are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

2018100470 11 Apr 2018

Claims (8)

1/8

2018100470 11 Apr 2018

Figure 1

1. A weighted support assembly that includes:

a stack of at least one weight, which is operatively engageable with a post, to which structural components such as panels or the like can be affixed, to support the post in a substantially vertical orientation;

a brace, the brace having an operatively upper end that is fastenable to the post; and a retaining means that is arranged on the stack of weights, the retaining means being configured for retaining an operatively lower end of the brace further to support the post.

2/8

2018100470 11 Apr 2018

Figure 3

2. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 1, which includes a fastening means for fastening the retaining means to the stack of weights.

3/8

2018100470 11 Apr 2018

Figure 5

3. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the fastening means includes at least one tie that can be received about the at least one weight and a tightening mechanism operable on the tie to tighten the tie, the tie being engageable with the retaining means.

4/8

2018100470 11 Apr 2018

Figure 7

4. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 3, in which the retaining means includes a receiver that is configured to be held on the stack of weights with one tie and to receive the lower end of the brace.

5/8

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Figure 9

5. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 3, in which the retaining means includes a retaining member that is fastened to a lower end of the brace.

6/8

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Figure 11

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6. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the fastening means includes at least one clamping means that is engageable with the stack of weights to clamp the weights together.

7/8

7. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 5, in which the, or each, clamping means includes two clamp members that are adjustable relative to each other to bring the clamp members into and out of operative engagement with the stack of weights, and a locking mechanism for locking the clamp members to each other when the clamp members are in operative engagement with the stack of weights.

2018100470 11 Apr 2018

8. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 7, in which the retaining means includes a receiver that is arranged on one clamp member and that is configured to receive the lower end of the brace.

9. The weighted support assembly as claimed in claim 7, in which the retaining means is defined by the lower end of the brace being fastened to one clamp member.

10. A structural assembly that includes:

a weighted support assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims; the post operatively engaged with the stacked weights; and at least one of the structural components fixed to the post.

11. A method of erecting a structural assembly, the method including the steps of:

forming a stack of at least one weight in a desired location, the, or each, weight being operatively engageable with a post to which structural components such as panels or the like can be fixed, to support the post in a substantially vertical orientation; and fastening an upper end of a brace to the post and retaining an operatively lower end of the brace with a retaining means, arranged on the stack of at least one weight, which is configured for retaining the lower end of the brace further to support the post.

12. An accessory for a support assembly, the accessory including:

a retaining means for arrangement on a stack of at least one weight, the retaining means being configured for retaining an operatively lower end of a brace, when an operatively upper end of the brace is fastenable to a post that is operatively engaged with the stack of at least one weight so that the post is supported in a substantially vertical orientation, further to support the post.

13. The accessory as claimed in claim 12, in which the retaining means is in the form of a retaining member that is fastened to the lower end of the brace, the retaining member being configured so that it can be fastened to the stack of at least one weight.

8/8

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Figure 14