GB2313769A

GB2313769A - Modular support apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2313769A
Application number: GB9611808A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Thomas Stuart Price
Original assignee: LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES Ltd
Current assignee: LANDSCAPE STRUCTURES Ltd
Priority date: 1996-06-06
Filing date: 1996-06-06
Publication date: 1997-12-10
Also published as: GB9611808D0

Abstract

Objects A,B are displayed on a modular support comprising platforms 12 which are mounted on uprights 14a,14b. Each upright comprises two parallel planar members 18 held in spaced configuration by one or more load bearing members 20 which receive and support a portion 16 of the platform. Each platform includes vertically oriented planar slats 42 which enter into the recess (24, Figs 2,4) above the member 20. The uprights 18 may be metallic with the members 20 welded thereto. Apertures may be provided to allow optional nut and bolt fixing.

Description

Modular Support Apparatus The present invention relates to modular support apparatus and particularly but not exclusively to modular support apparatus for supporting objects for display.

Known designs of modular support apparatus are assembled from platform members and support members which are bolted together with conventional nut and bolt arrangements. The use of nut and bolt arrangements in such systems has several disadvantages. Firstly, the bolts generally extend horizontally such that the bolts are generally subject to sheer forces exerted by the load supported on the apparatus. The bolts therefore have to be sufficiently substantial to bear such loads1 which increases the weight and also cost of manufacture of such apparatus. Secondly, assemblies using nuts and bolts requires the use of spanners or similar tools, and a certain amount of mechanical skills. Further, the configurations in which the apparatus can be assembled are restricted by the locations of the apertures in the respective members. Fourthly, nut and bolt arrangements are considered by some persons to be unsightly, especially for certain applications of support apparatus.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages of the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided modular support apparatus for supporting objects for display, the apparatus comprising one or more platform members on or in which an object to be displayed can be mounted, and one or more support legs so shaped to receive a portion of a platform member whereby the platform member is held against movement in both a generally downward direction and a direction generally perpendicular to the said downward direction.

Preferably the or each of the support legs comprises a recess to receive the said portion of a platform member. The recess may be shaped, and desirably elongate generally in the direction of the portion therethrough whereby to substantially prevent twisting of the platform member about a generally upright axis. Alternatively or additionally the recess may be shaped, and desirably sufficiently deep to prevent twisting of a platform member located therein about a generally horizontal axis, desirably the longitudinal axis of the portion through the recess.

The recess may comprise a slot for receiving a generally planar portion of the platform member, said portion generally comprising part of a slat of the platform member whose plane is generally upright when located in a support leg recess. Preferably the depth of the recess substantially corresponds to the depth of the planar portion such that when said portion is located in a recess, the recess is substantially filled.

Preferably the base of the recess on which the portion bears when located in the recess can withstand the necessary force of the weight of any object(s) that are reasonably mounted on the apparatus in a particular intended application.

The or each support leg may comprise two generally parallel planar members held in spaced configuration by a load bearing member attached therebetween whereby the recess is defined between an end portion of the respective planar members and the load bearing member. The load bearing member may be generally planar, and may be welded between the said parallel members to bear downward loads generally across the plane thereof. The load bearing member may extend beyond the edges of the planar member to provide an increased load bearing surface.

The or at least one of the support legs may comprise a foot at the opposite end thereof.

Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the support legs may comprise a further load bearing member located between the opposite end portions of the respective planar members to define a further recess similar to that described above in any of the preceding six paragraphs.

Preferably the said further recess is locatable on a platform member to receive a portion thereof and provide for a further platform member to be located in the recess at the said one end thereof such that a plurality of platform members can be configured to be in generally mutually parallel condition, one above the other.

Preferably a platform member comprises an outer frame of which one or more portions may be locatable for support in a support leg recess with desirably one or a plurality of cross members extending across the frame, at least one portion of said member(s) being shaped to be locatable in a recess of a support leg. The frame is preferably quadrilateral, with a plurality of generally regularly, mutually parallel cross members extending thereacross. Preferably the cross members are equispaced.

Preferably securing means, such as nut and bolt arrangements, may be provided to secure location of a platform member portion in a recess of a support leg thereby preventing movement of the portion along the recess. It is to be appreciated that the securing means is not intending to bear much and ideally none of the load on the platform member. The securing means may be locatable through corresponding apertures formed in the support legs and platform portion(s).

The apparatus may further comprise a connecting member attachable between two platform members to provide for support of a lower of two platform members by the other upper platform member. The connecting member may be attachable to the respective platform member by any suitable means, including nut and bolt arrangements.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for modular support apparatus, the kit comprising one or more support legs as described above in any of the preceding eleven paragraphs, and one or more platform members generally as described above in any of the preceding eleven paragraphs.

A range of different lengths of support legs may be provided. A range of different shapes and/or sizes of platform members may be provided, including members of non-quadrilateral shape.

The kit may further comprise one or more connecting members generally as described above, and one or more nut and bolt arrangements as described above.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front view of a first support leg according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of the support leg of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a side view of a second support leg according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a side view of the support leg of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a plan view of a platform member according to the present invention; Fig. 6 is an end view along the direction of the line V1 of Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a front view of the support leg of Fig. 3 in use between two platform members; Fig. 8 is a side view of the support leg of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 provides an illustration of one possible configuration of support apparatus in accordance with the present invention, on a reduced scale.

Referring to the drawings and in particular Fig. 9, there is provided modular support apparatus 10 for supporting objects A, B for display, the apparatus 10 comprising one or more platform members 12 on or in which an object A, B to be displayed can be mounted, and one or more support legs 14 so shaped to receive a portion 16 of the platform member 12 whereby the platform member 12 is held against movement in both generally downward direction and a direction generally perpendicular to the said downward direction.

The invention also provides a kit of parts for assembling a support apparatus 10, which kit includes a first type of support leg 14a (Figs. 1 and 2) a plurality of such legs 14a will be supplied in a kit.

Each leg 14a comprises two generally parallel, planar members 18 which are held in spaced configuration by a load bearing member 20 attached therebetween, desirably by welding. The load bearing member 20 and in use upper portions 22 of the planar members 18 define therebetween the recess 24 in which the aforesaid portion 16 of a platform member 12 can be received.

The portion 16 is generally planar and is located in the recess such that its plane extends generally upwardly. The recess 24 is so dimensioned to comfortably receive the portion 16 of the platform member 12 to the substantially filled by said portion 16 as can be seen in Fig. 9. Thus, twisting of the portion 16 within the recess 24 is prevented.

The load bearing member 20 preferably extends beyond the edges 26 of the planar members 18 as can be seen in Fig. 1 to provide for increased load bearing surface 28. A foot 30 is provided across the lower ends 32 of the planar members 18. The foot 30 may be welded to the other ends, and helps to retain the planar members 18 in parallel relation, as well as retaining the support leg 14a upright in use.

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, a kit also comprises a second type of support leg 14b. The support legs 14b are generally similar at one end to the upper end of the support legs 14a, but instead of having a foot 30 at the other end the second type comprise a further recess 34. The recess 34 is similar to the upper recess 24. It is of similar size and shape, and is defined between a load bearing member 36 firmly connected between the parallel members 18 and end portions 38 of the said other end 32 in similar manner to the member 20.

Each kit also comprises a plurality of platform members 12. Referring to Figs. 5 and 6, each platform member 12 comprises an outer, generally rectangular frame 40, across which extend a series of equispaced cross members 42 in generally parallel relation. The sides of the rectangular frame 40 and the cross members 42 comprise generally planar slats as can be seen in Fig. 6 which are of similar dimension to the recesses 24,34 whereby to be locatable within and fill recesses 24, 34 as will be described.

A plurality of apertures 44 (Fig. 6) may be provided in the rectangular frame 40 and also if desired the cross members 42 to receive securing means 46 (Fig. 9) such as a nut and bolt arrangement, as will be explained.

Although not illustrated it is intended that several different sizes and shapes of platform members 12 be available wherein desirably the distances between the cross members and sides of such members are constant factors of the overall sizes to provide for interconnectability of the member to improve the modular nature of the apparatus.

Due to the interconnectability of the platform members 12 and the support legs 22, 24 there are many possible configurations of support apparatus that can be assembled in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows one possible configuration formed from three platform members 12, six support legs of the first type 14a (of which three are shown), and four support legs of the second type 14b (of which two are shown). It is to be appreciated however that these various components can be provided in a kit in any suitable number, or may be provided separately.

A connecting member 48 (Fig. 9) may also be provided, which member comprises generally a strap of metal with an aperture formed through each end to receive securing means, such as a nut and bolt arrangement.

The assembly of the configuration of the apparatus 10 shown in Fig. 9 will now be described. The general principles of construction are the same to produce any desired configuration of support apparatus 10. The apparatus shown in Fig. 9 is used to display plants as is shown, although it will be appreciated any suitable objects could be displayed.

To assemble the apparatus 10, a first platform 12 is mounted on four legs of the first type 14a. Respective portions 16 of the frame 40 are slidably located in the respective recesses 24, such that the legs 14a are located generally at respective corners of the platform member 12. The shape of the recesses 24 and the provision of the feet 30 provide for a stable structure. It is considered unnecessary for any further securing means, such as nuts and bolts to be provided, since the only directions of movement possible is an upward direction of the platform member out of the recesses 24 (and when loaded with objects to be displayed and indeed loaded under its own weight, this is unlikely to occur) and sliding movement along the recesses 24 which is unlikely to occur due to the considerable frictional forces preventing same, again particularly when loaded.

Four support legs of the second type 14b are then slotted onto two of the cross members 42 of the platform member 12. The legs 14b are located down onto the respective cross members 42 to receive portions 16 in the respective recess 34 (Fig. 8) at desired locations and ideally at locations defining strong support structure. Again further securing means, such as a nut and bolt are considered unnecessary.

A second platform 12 is then located in the upper recesses 24 of the legs 14b to be displaced slightly to one side of the platform member 12 therebeneath, but substantially parallel thereto. Again further securing means is considered unnecessary. The location of the platform 12 in the recesses 24 in the members 34 and the relative centres of gravity of the platform 12 is such that no toppling occurs.

A connecting member 48 or desirably two members 48 are then attached to the free end 52 of the upper platform member 12. Securing means 46, such as a nut and bolt arrangement are used to attach the connecting member 48 through an aperture formed therein and one of the apertures 44 the frame 40 of the member 12, such that the connecting members 48 depend down from the end 52.

A third platform member 12 is then connected at one end to the connecting members 48 using securing means generally as described above, and then the other end 54 of said third platform member 12 is mounted on two further support legs 14a in a similar manner as described above.

There is thereby formed a three platform support apparatus 10 on which objects, such as potted plants A and seed trays B can be mounted. The open grill configuration of the platform member 12 is particularly beneficial when supporting light sensitive objects such as plants on a multi-tiered apparatus.

It is envisaged that such applications are particularly useful in displaying plants in restricted areas, such as patio and the like, and are also useful in many other applications. The apparatus 10 can be used to display any suitable object, and as will be appreciated the present invention provides for apparatus of any configuration, comprising support legs 14a, 14b, platform members 12, and possibly connecting members 48 as described above.

It will be appreciated that the lack of need for securing the connection between the support legs 14a, 14b on the platform members 12 with nuts and bolts or similar such arrangements, significantly simplifies the assembly process, and moreover reduces the cost of manufacture of the apparatus.

However in certain applications it may be necessary to secure the first type of leg 14b with such nut and bolt arrangements to prevent relative sliding movement. However since such nut and bolt arrangements will not be required to bear the full load force, they can be less substantial that those conventionally used in known apparatus, and thereby such apparatus will still benefit from the advantages of the invention.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, platform members 12 can be of any configuration, and the support legs 14a, 14b may be provided from a single piece of material, with the recesses formed in the respective ends thereof. The connecting members 48 may be of any desired shape.

The support legs 14a, 14b may be provided in a plurality of different lengths to provide for still further variation on possible configurations of support apparatus. Platform members of other than rectangular shape can be provided, with elongate, circular and curved shapes being possible.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. Modular support apparatus for supporting objects for display, the apparatus comprising one or more platform members on or in which an object to be displayed can be mounted, and one or more support legs so shaped to receive a portion of a platform member whereby the platform member is held against movement in both a generally downward direction and a direction generally perpendicular to the said downward direction.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the or each of the support legs comprises a recess to receive the said portion of a platform member.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, in which the recess is shaped whereby to substantially prevent twisting of the platform member about a generally upright axis.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, in which the recess is elongate generally in the direction of the portion therethrough.

5. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 4, in which the recess is shaped to prevent twisting of a platform member located therein about a generally horizontal axis.

6. Apparatus according to claim 5, in which the recess is sufficiently deep to prevent twisting.

7. Apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, in which the axis is the longitudinal axis of the portion through the recess.

8. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 7, in which the recess comprises a slot for receiving a generally planar portion of the platform member, said portion generally comprising part of a slat of the platform member whose plane is generally upright when located in a support leg recess.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, in which the depth of the recess substantially corresponds to the depth of the planar portion such that when said portion is located in a recess, the recess is substantially filled.

10. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 9, in which the base of the recess on which the portion bears when located in the recess can bear the weight of any object(s) mounted on the apparatus in a particular intended application.

11. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 10, in which the or each support leg comprises two generally parallel planar members held in spaced configuration by a load bearing member attached therebetween whereby the recess is defined between an end portion of the respective planar members and the load bearing member.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, in which the load bearing member is generally planar, and is welded between the said parallel members to bear downward loads generally in the plane thereof.

13. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, in which the load bearing member extends beyond the edges of the planar member to provide an increased load bearing surface.

14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the or at least one of the support legs comprises a foot.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 11 to 13, in which one or more of the support legs comprises a further load bearing member located between the respective planar members to define a further recess as aforesaid, the recesses being at opposite ends of the leg.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, in which the further recess is locatable on a platform member to receive a portion thereof and provide for a further platform member to be located in the other recess such that a plurality of platform members can be configured to be in generally parallel condition, one above the other.

17. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 16, in which a platform member comprises an outer frame of which one or more portions may be locatable for support in a support leg recess.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, in which one or a plurality of cross members extend across the frame, at least one portion of said member(s) being shaped to be locatable in a recess of a support leg.

19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, in which the frame is quadrilateral, with a plurality of generally regularly, mutually parallel cross members extending thereacross.

20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, in which the cross members are equispaced.

21. Apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 20, in which securing means, are provided to secure location of a platform member portion in a recess of a support leg thereby preventing movement of the portion along the recess.

22. Apparatus according to claim 21, in which the securing means are so located and arranged as to bear substantially none of the load on the platform member.

23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or 22, in which the securing means are locatable through corresponding apertures formed in the support legs and platform portion(s).

24. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the apparatus further comprises a connecting member attachable between two platform members to provide for support of a lower of two platform members by the other upper platform member.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, in which the connecting member is attachable to the respective platform member by any suitable means, including nut and bolt arrangements.

26. A kit of parts for modular support apparatus, the kit comprising one or more support legs according to any of the preceding claims, and one or more platform members generally according to any of the preceding claims.

27. A kit according to claim 26, in which a range of different lengths of support legs are provided.

28. A kit according to claim 26 or 27, in which a range of different shapes and/or sizes of platform members are provided, including members of nonquadrilateral shape.

29. A kit according to any of claims 26 to 28, in which the kit further comprises one or more connecting members generally according to claim 24 or 25, and one or more nut and bolt arrangements according to claim 25.

30. Modular support apparatus substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

31. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.