AU2019280077B2 - A spacer for positioning and supporting steel mesh - Google Patents

Abstract

#$%^&*AU2019280077B220250814.pdf##### ABSTRACT with Fig 1 A support and spacer 10 supporting mesh comprising a grid of bars 11 and 12 comprises fifteen pillars 16 with three rails 17, 18 and 19 with the pillars 16 pillars 16 effectively representing stiles of a ladder type structure. The spacer is of three pointed star configurations, the pillars are braced and the pillars and rails are configured so the rails evenly spread load over an underlying surface such as waffle pod void former. 2019280077 13 Dec 2019 ABSTRACT with Fig 1 A support and spacer 10 supporting mesh comprising a grid of bars 11 and 12 comprises fifteen pillars 16 with three rails 17, 18 and 19 with the pillars 16 pillars 16 effectively representing stiles of a ladder type structure. The spacer is of three pointed star configurations, the pillars are braced and the pillars and rails are configured so the rails evenly spread load over an underlying surface such as waffle pod void former. 1 7 1 8 1 9 20 19 28 00 77 1 3 D ec 2 01 92019280077 13 Dec 2019 17 20 16 20 16 16 's 16 21 22 24 24 22 20 20 23 23 23 25 18 19 22 25 20 FIG. 6 20 20 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 E 10 A B 3/3 A B FIG. 3

Description

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

FIG. 6 3/3 25 24

23 10 16

23 2019280077

16 's

23

24 25

16

B B

FIG. 5

FIG. 3

20 A A 22 18

20 18 16 20

21 20

FIG. 4 17

17 22 E

20 22

20

20 19

1

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

spacerfor A spacer A forpositioning positioning and and supporting supporting steelsteel mesh mesh

TECHNICALFIELD TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] THIS

[0001] THISINVENTION INVENTION relates relates to a to a spacer spacer for positioning for positioning andand supporting supporting steel steel meshmesh or or barsonontop bars topofofwaffle wafflepods pods in concrete in concrete flooring flooring and and and in and in particular particular but not tolimited but not limited to a steel a steel placement placement system system for waffle for waffle pods utilising pods utilising elongate elongate generallygenerally triangulartriangular profiled profiled bar chairs.bar chairs.

BACKGROUND BACKGROUND

[0002] ItIt is

[0002] is known to provide known to provide spaced polystyreneblocks spaced polystyrene blocksininaa grid grid formation formation as as lost lost formwork formwork

in concrete in concrete flooring. flooring. The The polystyrene blocks are polystyrene blocks are commonly commonly known known as "waffle as "waffle pods" pods" because because

they are they arehollow hollow with with a "waffle" a "waffle" likelike internal internal bracing. bracing. It will It will be be appreciated appreciated that waffle that waffle pod or pod or podsininthis pods thisspecification specificationrefers refers to to anyany bodybody or block or block made made from anyfrom any material. material. A basic A basic rectangular floor rectangular floor isismade made using a peripheral using a peripheral formwork usedtotodefine formwork used define an anouter outerperiphery peripheryofofthe the floor. Pods floor. Pods are are then then placed in aa defined placed in defined distance distance from from the the peripheral peripheral form form work to form work to form an an

outer outer trench trench between thepods between the podsand and theform. the form.Further Further pods pods areare then then placed placed in ain grid a grid in in fixed fixed

spaced relation, effectively, spaced relation, effectively, trenches trenchesofof defined defineddepth depthand andwidth widthare areformed formed between the between the

pods. The pods. Theouter outerformwork formworkis is deeper deeper than than thethe podpod depth depth so that so that as as concrete concrete is poured is poured it it extends aroundand extends around andabove above thethe pods. pods. Concrete Concrete is poured is poured over over and around and around the pods, the pods, flows flows

into the into the spaces betweenthe spaces between thepods podsand and intothe into theouter outertrench. trench.The The flooringisis reinforced flooring reinforced using using aa single single bar bar between the pods between the podscrossing crossingatatthe theintersection intersection between betweenthe thepods podsandand three three or or more more

parallel spaced parallel spacedbars bars are are usedused in outer in the the outer trench. trench.

[0003] Sheets

[0003] Sheetsofofmesh meshareare also also applied applied over over thetoptopofofthe the thepods. pods.These These sheets sheets are are chaired chaired

just abovethethe just above toptop of of thethe pods. pods. The The present present invention invention concerns concerns theofchairing the chairing this meshofbut this it mesh but it

will be will be appreciated appreciated that that the the present present chairs chairs may may be usedinin other be used other situations situations and and should not be should not be limited to limited to use usewith withpods. pods.

[0004] ItIt is

[0004] is also also well well known to use known to cross shaped use cross shapedplastic plastic spacers spacersatat the the intersection intersection between between

the pods. the Thesespacers pods. These spacers also also support support thethe reinforcingbars reinforcing barslocated locatedbetween between the the pods. pods. It It is is also also known to use known to uselong longnarrow narrowchairs chairswhich whichspace space andand extend extend across across the outer the outer trench trench at at

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

spaced intervals spaced intervals to to support support the bars the bars the outer in theinouter trench. trench.

[0005] The

[0005] Thecross cross shaped shaped and and spacer spacer the trench the trench chair chair represent represent a solution a solution to pod to pod placement placement

and steel reinforcement and steel that has reinforcement that has been beenused usedfor formany many years. years. The The mesh mesh is supported is supported across across

the pods the podsbyby chairs chairs that that sit sit on on top top of the of the pods. pods. Examples Examples are are given in given in the following the following patent patent specifications: specifications: US 1,353,373; US US 1,353,373; US4,831,803; 4,831,803;USUS 5,421,136; 5,421,136; andand AU 2013203372 AU 2013203372 which which

patentisis also patent alsototothe thepresent present Applicant. Applicant.

[0006] Hypothetically,

[0006] Hypothetically, the the skilled skilled person mayhave person may haveregard regardtotothe thefollowing following patent patent specifications specifications being being aa non-exhaustive group. non-exhaustive group.

[0007] DE3602661

[0007] DE3602661 describes describes an elongate an elongate spacer spacer of X-shaped of X-shaped cross-section cross-section which which when when twisted, the twisted, thearms armsof of thethe X-shape X-shape formflutes form four four flutes of helical of helical formmake form which which make hills hills and and troughs troughs wherethethe where flightspass flights pass providing providing pointpoint contact contact on the on the formwork formwork from from flight flight to to flight flightaforming forming a wave-shaped wave-shaped patternof ofspaced pattern spaced V-likeseats V-like seats forthe for thebars. bars.This Thismeans meansthethe bars bars areare

automatically automatically spaced. spaced.

[0008] US3529392A

[0008] US3529392A describes describes a plastic a plastic bridge, bridge, and and contrasts contrasts this this withwith individual individual brackets brackets

for reinforcing for reinforcing rods. rods.The The bridge bridge is said is said to find to find utility utility in in structures structures in which in which a large a large numbernumber of of reinforcing rods reinforcing rods are are to toextend extend in ingenerally generallythe thesame same plane relationship throughout plane relationship the throughout the

structure. structure. The bridge may The bridge maybebeused used on on anyany supporting supporting surface. surface. The The bridge bridge comprises comprises an an elongate plane member elongate plane member with with arch arch shaped shaped openings openings formed formed in between in between transverse transverse supportsupport

members.TheThe members. support support members members mayhave may each each have a triangular a triangular configuration configuration and extend and extend at at right angles right angles to tothe theplane plane member. Thebridge member. The bridgehashas a plug a plug at at one one end end andand a socket a socket

arrangement arrangement atatthe theother otherend endsosothat thatbridges bridgesmay maybebe interconnected interconnected to to provide provide a longer a longer

support. support.

[0009] US5664390A

[0009] US5664390A describes describes an elongate an elongate support support which which has a plurality has a plurality of legofmembers leg members forming an forming an inverted inverted UU shape, shape,the theleg leg members membersareare in in parallelspaced parallel spaced relationshipand relationship anda beam a beam integrally formed integrally formedwith with thethe plurality plurality of of legleg members members and extending and extending across theacross theofplurality plurality leg of leg members members form form a top a top railto rail to support support bars. bars. Each Eachofofthe theleg legmembers membershas has a foot a foot contacting thethe contacting underlying surface, underlying surface, each of the each of the leg leg members includes members includes a a centralbody central bodyportion portionfirstly firstly extending extending

3

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

downward from downward from oneone side side of of thethecentral centralbody body portionand portion and thethe second second leg leg extending extending downward downward

fromthe from theopposite opposite side side of the of the central central body body portion. portion. The The foot foot isatformed is formed at an an end of eachend of of the each of the first and first secondlegs and second legs opposite opposite the central the central body portion. body portion. Each Each foot foot plurality includes includes of plurality pin likeof pin like projectionsextending projections extendingout out fromfrom the bottom the bottom surfacesurface thereof. thereof. This aids This aids the in fixing in fixing supportthe to support to an underlying surface. an underlying surface.

[0010] US6772571B1

[0010] US6772571B1is toisthe to the samesame inventor inventor as previous as the the previous patent patent and aadds and adds base basea plate plate to the to feet so the feet soasastotoprovide provide flat flat a generally a generally bottom bottom surface, surface, thisplate this base baseisplate is to prevent to prevent the the feet, in feet, in other circumstances, other circumstances, sinking sinking into into the surface the surface locatedlocated below below the the support. support.

[0011] US7373764B1

[0011] US7373764B1is toisthe to the samesame inventor inventor as previous as the the previous two patents two patents described described above above

and thispatent and this patentdescribes describes a variation a variation in underlying in the the underlying supportsupport plate plate used used totheprevent to prevent legs the legs from pushing from pushinginto into the the underlying underlying surface. surface.

[0012] US2018298614A1

[0012] US2018298614A1 describes describes a support a support which which is is generally generally triangular triangular in profile in profile and and

having aa base having baseextending extendingalong alongthe thesupport supportwith withspaced spaced transverse transverse walls walls interconnected interconnected by aby a vertical wall vertical wall having havingholes holes to to allow allow freefree flowflow of concrete of concrete through through the support. the support. A rail A rail interconnects interconnects thethe apices apices of the of the walls. walls. This This rail supports rail supports the reinforcing the reinforcing bars. Atbars. At respective respective

ends of the ends of the base base there there are are respective respective male maleand andfemale female connectors connectors so so that that thethe supports supports maymay

be connected be connectedtotoananadjacent adjacentsupport supporttotomake make a longer a longer support. support.

[0013] USD600097S

[0013] USD600097S describes describes a support a support havinghaving flat base a flatabase with spaced with spaced rectangular rectangular forms forms along the bases along the baseseach eachincluding includingbilateral bilateral columns, there is columns, there is aa beam runningalong beam running alongthe thetop topofof these forms these forms and andthe thebeam beamis issupported supported the the between between bilateral bilateral columns columns further further by by axially axially

spaced columns spaced columns running running along along thethe midline midline of of thethesupport support between between the the rectangular rectangular forms. forms.

The support The supporthas hasconnectors connectorsat at each each endend so so that that it itmay maybe be connected connected to other to other similar similar supports supports

for aa longer for longersupport. support.

[0014] WO8604105A1

[0014] W08604105A1 describes describes an elongate an elongate solid member solid member havinggrooves having spaced spacedfor grooves the for the concrete reinforcing concrete reinforcing rodsrods andcanit be and it canundercut be undercut in sections in sections to allow to allow free flow free flow of concrete of concrete

below the below the member. member.

4

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

[0015] EP2975189A1

[0015] EP2975189A1 describes describes an elongate an elongate support support for reinforcing for reinforcing bars bars whichwhich has spaced has spaced

clip clip mechanism mechanism totosecure securethe thebars barstotothe the plastic plastic base support. base support.

[0016]While

[0016] While these these are effective, are effective, the present the present invention invention is considered is considered by to by Applicant Applicant provide to provide morestable aa more stable outcome outcome and a and a useful useful alternative alternative to these to these and other and priorother art. prior art.

[0017] While

[0017] Whilethe the above abovediscussion discussionfocuses focuses on on supporting supporting mesh mesh atop atop pods pods this this is only is only

because because of of thethe Applicant's Applicant's interest interest sincesince chairing chairing mesh mesh per se isper se isolda practice. a very very old There practice. There have been have beena amultitude multitudeofofarrangements arrangementsforfor chairingmesh. chairing mesh.TheThe artart maymay be described be described as as "crowded" or "crowded" or aa "developed" "developed"art. art. InInorder ordertoto alleviate alleviate the the problem of chairing problem of chairing mesh there have mesh there have no doubt no doubt been beena awide widevariety varietyofof solutions. solutions. Even Eventhough thoughthe theart arthas hasbecome become crowded, crowded, many many

offerings offerings have have not not been widely accepted. been widely accepted.Consequently, Consequently, there there is isa arequirement requirementforfor fresh a afresh

look at look at the the general general problems andtoto look problems and look "outside "outside the the box" box" through through new neweyes eyesininananeffort effort to to provideananalternative provide alternative to to thethe efforts efforts made made overlast over the themany lastyears. manyItyears. It would would be be to desirable desirable to have something have somethingthat thatisis simple simple and andeasy easytotoplace placeininposition position yet yet effective effective but butemploying employing

common techniques common techniques and and methods methods to arrive to arrive at aatnew a new and useful and useful combination combination and result. and result.

[0018] This

[0018] This means means thatthe that thepresent presentinvention inventiondoes doesnotnot arisethrough arise throughanyany deterministic deterministic

relationshiptotothe relationship theprior priorart artbut butrather rather is is theinventor's the inventor's own own inspiration inspiration in an in an individualistic individualistic way way applying the inventor's applying the inventor's mind to the mind to the general general problem of chairing problem of chairing mesh, this being mesh, this as an being as an alternative to what alternative to whatis iscurrently currently available, available, rather rather thanthan an effort an effort to deal to deal withspecific with any any specific recognised recognised extant extant problem problem of theofprior the prior art. Further art. Further in relation in relation to the background to the background set out set out above and above and the the "prior "prior art"art" information information the inclusion the inclusion ofinformation of this this information is to illuminate is to illuminate the the invention and invention is not and is not to to be be considered considered an admissionasastoto the an admission the common common general general knowledge knowledge of of the notional the notionalskilled skilledperson person in the in the art art either either in Australia in Australia or anywhere or anywhere else. else.

OUTLINE OUTLINE

[0019] In

[0019] In one aspectthere one aspect there isis provided provided aa mesh meshsupport support and and spacer spacer suitable suitable forfor supporting supporting a a grid of grid of bars, bars, the thespacer spacer comprising comprising an elongate an elongate lattice lattice body body being being generally generally triangular triangular in in profile having profile havingaxially axiallyspaced spaced generally generally Y-shaped Y-shaped pillars pillars interconnected interconnected by peripheral by peripheral rails so rails so that the that the rails rails provide providecontact contact surfaces surfaces along along the rails the rails for contact for contact with a with a support support surface. surface.

5

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

Preferably,each Preferably, each pillarhashas pillar a pair a pair of bases of bases at oratadjacent or adjacent an extremity an extremity thereof, thereof, the basesthe bases being on being on opposite opposite sides sides of of each eachextremity extremity and andnear nearananapex apex thereof.The thereof. The bases bases areare typically typically

aligned andcontiguous aligned and contiguous with with the rails. the rails.

[0020] InIn another

[0020] another aspect aspectthere thereisis provided provided aa mesh meshsupport supportandand spacer spacer suitable suitable forfor supporting supporting

grid of aa grid of bars, bars, the thespacer spacer comprising comprising an elongate an elongate lattice lattice body body being being generally generally triangular triangular in in profile having profile havingaxially axiallyspaced spaced generally generally Y-shaped Y-shaped pillars pillars interconnected interconnected by peripheral by peripheral rails, the rails, the pillars being pillars beingspaced spaced about 28.5 mm about 28.5 mmapart aparttotosupport supportmesh mesh welded welded at 100mm at 100mm centres. centres.

[0021]InIna

[0021] still further a still further aspect aspectthere there is is provided provided a mesh a mesh supportsupport andsuitable and spacer spacerfor suitable for supporting grid of supporting aa grid of bars, bars,the thespacer spacer comprising an elongate comprising an elongate lattice lattice body body being generally being generally

triangular inin profile triangular profile having havingaxially axiallyspaced spaced generally generally Y-shaped Y-shaped pillars interconnected pillars interconnected by by peripheralrails, peripheral rails, each eachpillar pillarhaving having a brace a brace extending extending along along the the Y-ofshape Y- shape of the the pillar. pillar.

[0022] Typically,

[0022] Typically, each pillar has each pillar hasthree threearms, arms, the thearms arms having basesinin aa common having bases common plane plane so so that the that the spacer maysit spacer may sit on a flat on a flatsurface surfaceon onthe thebases. bases. Each arm is Each arm is preferably preferably at at 120 120 degrees degrees

so thereare so there arethree three arms arms being being respective respective apices apices of the triangular of the triangular profile profile and and the the bases of bases of

adjacent armsare adjacent arms areset set in in aa plane plane at at 90 90° to to the other arm. the other arm. The are typically bases are The bases typically on on opposite opposite

sides ofeach sides of eacharmarm nearnear the apex. the apex. The pillars The pillars are preferably are preferably held spaced held in fixed in fixedrelation spaced by relation by

connecting parts which connecting parts whichform formthe therails rails along the apices. along the apices. The spacerisis preferably The spacer preferably based based ononthe the formofofa athree form threepointed pointed starstar configuration. configuration.

[0023] In

[0023] In aa preferred preferred form the spacer form the spacer is is uniform and comprises uniform and comprisesevenly evenlyspaced spaced pillarsininaa pillars

repeatedpattern. repeated pattern. In In oneone casecase fifteen fifteen pillars pillars with with threethree rails rails with with the pillars the pillars being being about about 30mm 30mm apart and more apart and morepreferably preferably28.5mm 28.5mm apart apart forfor a 100mm a 100mm square square mesh. mesh.

[0024] Preferably,

[0024] Preferably, each each pillar pillar has has aa planar planar body body with with bracing. bracing. The bracing may The bracing mayproject project from from the pillar. the pillar.Typically Typicallyflange like flange bracing like may bracing bebeemployed. may employed. The bracing may The bracing maybebeononboth bothsides sides of the of the pillar. pillar. TheThebracing ononthe bracing oror the each eachside sidemay may be be aa cruciform cruciform brace. brace. The brace may The brace maybebe centrally disposed centrally disposed on on the the arms. arms. Each isbrace Each brace is typically typically a three a three brace pointed pointed bracethe following following the three pointed three pointedstar starconfiguration. configuration.

6

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

[0025]InIna apreferred

[0025] preferred formform the spacer the spacer is a three is a three pointedpointed startype star ladder ladder type structure structure with the with the pillars effectively pillars effectively representing stilesofofthat representing stiles thatladder ladder type type structure, structure, each each point point ofpillar of each each pillar havinga aflat having flatpod podcontact contact basebase section section onside on each eachof side of each each point point of the ofform star the star form so that thisso that this base section base section may maylay layflat flat on a waffle on a waffle pod pod surface, surface, the the base base sections having surfaces sections having surfaces which which coincide and coincide and areare flush flush with with outer outer edgesedges of the of the so rails rails thatsothe that theedges outer outerofedges of the the rails alsorails sit also sit

on and along on and alongthe thewaffle waffle pod pod surface. surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF OFTHE THEDRAWINGS DRAWINGS

[0026] InInorder

[0026] orderthat that the the present present improvements improvements maymay be more be more readily readily understood understood andinto and put put into practical effect practical effectreference referencewill willnow nowbebemade made to to the the accompanying drawings accompanying drawings which which illustrate illustrate

preferred embodiments preferred embodiments of of theinvention the inventionand andwherein:- wherein:

Figure 11 is Figure is aa drawing drawing showing spacersupporting showing aa spacer supportingbars; bars; Figure 22 is Figure is aa drawing drawing showing spacersupporting showing aa spacer supportingbars barsonon a a wafflepod waffle pod Figure33isisaaside Figure sideview; view; Figure44isisaasection Figure sectionthrough through A-A A-A of Figure of Figure 3; 3; Figure55isisaasection Figure sectionthrough through B-B B-B of Figure of Figure 3; and3; and Figure66isisaadetail Figure detailE EofofFigure Figure 3. 3.

METHODOFPERFORMANCE METHOD OF PERFORMANCE

[0027]Referring

[0027] Referring to the to the drawings drawings and initially and initially to Figures to Figures and is 1 and 21 there 2 there is illustrated illustrated a mesh a mesh support and spacer support and spacer1010ininFigure Figure1 1 shown shownon on thethe ground ground supporting supporting meshmesh comprising comprising grid of a grida of

bars 11 bars 11 and and 12 12 above aboveground ground at at 13 13 oror ininFigure Figure2 2ononthe thetop topsurface surface1414ofofaawaffle waffle pod pod15. 15. ItIt would be would beappreciated appreciatedthat thatthe the supports supports1010are arespaced spaced over over thethe surface surface of of multiplewaffle multiple waffle pods and pods andonly onlypart part of of the the mesh comprisingbars mesh comprising bars11 11andand 12 12 areare shown shown in Figure in Figure 2. 2.

[0028]The

[0028] The spacer spacer 10 in10 in this this case case comprises comprises fifteen 16 fifteen pillars pillars 16 with with three three rails 17, rails 18 and17, 19 18 and 19 with the with thepillars pillars 16 16being beingin in thiscase this case 28.5mm 28.5mm apart forming apart forming ladder a ladder atype type with structure structure the with the pillars 16 pillars effectively representing 16 effectively representing stiles stiles of of that that ladder ladder typetype structure. structure. This example This example is is particularly suitable particularly suitableforfor a 100mm square a 100mm mesh. square mesh.

7

2019280077 13 Dec 2019

[0029] The

[0029] Thespacer spacerisisbased basedononthetheform formofofa athree threepointed pointedstar starconfiguration configuration clearly clearly seen in seen in

Figure5.5.AsAsisisclearly Figure clearlyillustrated illustratedininFigures Figures 4 and 4 and 5 each 5 each of theofpillars the pillars 16 has16 has base a flat a flat20base 20 on eachside on each side of of each each point point of star of the the star form form sothis so that thatsurface this surface may lay may laya flat flat on on apodwaffle pod waffle

and therebyalong and thereby alongwith with the the 28.5mm 28.5mm spacing spacing distributethe distribute theload loadofofthe themesh meshto to optimum optimum effect effect

across the surface across the surface of of waffle waffle pod. pod. The surfaces 20 The surfaces 20 coincide coincide and andare areflush flush with with outer outer edges edgesofof the rails the rails 17, 17,18 and1919soso 18 and that that thethe outer outer edges edges of theofrails the rails alsoonsitandonalong also sit and the along thepod waffle waffle pod surface. surface.

[0030]Consistent

[0030] Consistent withwith the general the general triangle triangle structure structure of the 10 of the spacer spacer 10 each each pillar pillar 16 has a 16 has a cruciform brace 21 cruciform brace 21 with with respective respective axial axial arms 22 having arms 22 havingaxes axesset setatat120° 120 intervals intervalsand and locatedmedially located medially along along eacheach point point of theofstar the form. star form.

[0031] The

[0031] Thespacer spaceraccording according to to thepresent the presentinvention inventionininthis this embodiment embodiment is is injection molded injection molded and eachhole and each hole2323and andtheir theiradjacent adjacentpillars pillars 16 have opposed 16 have opposedpairs pairsofofribs ribs 24 24 and and2525for for the the movinghalf moving halfsoso that that it it won't won't stick stick to to thethe fixed fixed half half in the in the injection injection molding molding process. process.

[0032] In

[0032] In the the present examplethe present example thespacer spacerisisabout about400mm 400mm long, long, 50mm50mm highthe high and andpillars the pillars are are at at about about 28.5mm spacing, 28.5mm spacing, thismeans this means that that a distance a distance of of 100mm 100mm corresponding corresponding to the to the

meshspacing mesh spacingextends extends from from directlyabove directly above oneone pillarfor pillar for aa distance distance of of 3½ spaces 3%spaces from from that that

particular pillar. particular pillar.

[0033] Whilst

[0033] Whilstthe theabove abovehashas been been given given by way by way of illustrativeexample of illustrative example many many variations variations and and

modificationswill modifications willbebeapparent apparent to those to those skilled skilled in theinart thewithout art without departing departing from thefrom broadthe broad ambit and scope ambit and scopeofofthe theinvention invention as as set set out out in in the the appended claims. appended claims.

Claims (1)

1. ‭8‬ 14 Jul 2025

   ‭Claims‬

   ‭1.‬ ‭A support and spacer suitable for supporting a grid of bars, the spacer comprising an‬ ‭elongate lattice body being generally triangular in profile; the body including axially spaced‬ ‭generally Y-shaped pillars,each pillar having three arms set at‬‭120°‬‭to one another and‬ ‭defining respective apices of the triangular profile, each arm having a flat base section on‬ 2019280077

   ‭either side of each apex, the base sections of the two arms of each pillar that, in use, contact‬ ‭a support surface lying in a common plane with the corresponding base sections of the‬ ‭adjacent pillars, such that the spacer may stably rest on a flat surface, the base sections‬ ‭being flush with peripheral rails interconnecting the pillars, wherein the peripheral rails form‬ ‭contact surfaces for engaging a support surface; and each pillar further comprising a pillar‬ ‭body with planar cruciform bracing extending along the arms, the bracing projecting from both‬ ‭sides of the pillar body.‬

   ‭2.‬ ‭A support according to claim 1, wherein the pillars are spaced about 28.5 mm apart to‬ ‭support mesh welded at 100mm centres.‬

   ‭3.‬ ‭A support according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spacer comprises evenly‬ ‭spaced pillars in a repeated pattern.‬

   ‭4.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral rails‬ ‭lie along apices of the triangular profile and interconnect each of the pillars along their‬ ‭respective arms.‬

   ‭5.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each flat base‬ ‭section on each side of each apex is configured to lie flat on a waffle pod surface, and the‬ ‭surfaces coincide with and are flush with outer edges of the peripheral rails.‬

   ‭6.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cruciform bracing‬ ‭on each pillar comprises flange-like projections extending from the planar body of the pillar.‬

   ‭9‬ 14 Jul 2025

   ‭7.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer has a‬ ‭ladder-type structure with the pillars effectively representing stiles of the ladder.‬

   ‭8.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support is‬ ‭injection moulded.‬ 2019280077

   ‭9.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the spacer is about‬ ‭400 mm long, about 50 mm high, and has fifteen pillars at 28.5 mm spacing.‬

   ‭10.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rails and the‬ ‭bases together provide distributed load support across a waffle pod surface.‬

   ‭11.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cruciform bracing‬ ‭is located medially along each arm of each pillar.‬

   ‭12.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bracing on each‬ ‭pillar includes three axial braces aligned along each of the three arms of the Y-shaped pillar.‬

   ‭13.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cruciform bracing‬ ‭forms a three-pointed star configuration centrally disposed on the pillar.‬

   ‭14.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat base‬ ‭sections and the peripheral rails lie in a common support plane for enhanced load‬ ‭distribution.‬

   ‭15.‬ ‭A support according to any one of the preceding claims, configured for use in‬ ‭concrete flooring applications above waffle pods.‬

   E/L 12 13 Dec 2019

   2019280077 13

   10 2019280077

   12 FIG. 1

   19

   12

   11

   - -13_

   18 17

   GL

   201928007 OL 2019280077

   DL

   FIGH