AU2016100298A4 - A Support Assembly for Supporting Structural Components - Google Patents

Abstract

A support assembly for supporting structural components includes a base. A support post is mounted on the base. A bottom panel receiving structure is mounted on one of the base and the support post and is configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel. A top panel receiving structure is arranged on the support post, operatively spaced from the bottom panel receiving structure, and is configured to receive a top edge of a panel. Figure 1

Description

-1 A SUPPORT ASSEMBLY FOR SUPPORTING STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS TECHNICAL FIELD Various exemplary embodiments of a support assembly for supporting structural components, a structural assembly including the support assembly and a method of erecting a structural assembly are described herein. SUMMARY Various exemplary embodiments of a support assembly for supporting structural components include a base; a support post mounted on the base; a bottom panel receiving structure mounted on at least one of the base and the support post and configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel; and a top panel receiving structure arranged on the support post, operatively spaced from the bottom panel receiving structure and configured to receive a top edge of a panel. Various exemplary embodiments of a support assembly for supporting structural components include a base; a bottom panel receiving structure mounted on the base and defining at least one upwardly opening recess at a front of the base; a support post mounted on the base, behind the bottom panel receiving structure, to extend from the base; and a top panel receiving structure arranged on the support post, operatively spaced from the bottom panel receiving structure and defining at least one downwardly opening recess, such that the recesses open in opposite directions. The bottom and top receiving structures may be channel sections with open sides facing each other. The base may include an elongate base plate that defines an upwardly facing support surface on which one or more counter weights can be positioned. The support post may be interposed between the bottom receiving structure and the support surface. The support post may be adjustable in length so that a space between the bottom and top panel receiving structures can be adjusted to suit a panel retained with respect to the base by the bottom and top panel receiving structures. The support assembly may include a positive mechanical locking mechanism for locking the support member and the elongate support post relative to each other.

-2 The support assembly may include a positive control assembly for setting a length of the elongate support post. The support member may be tubular. The support member may have a partially enclosed cross-sectional profile. Various exemplary embodiments of a support assembly for a structural assembly include a base; a bottom panel receiving structure configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel; and a mounting structure arranged on the base, the bottom panel receiving structure being mounted on at least one of the base and the mounting structure and configured so that a support post with a top panel receiving structure can be mounted on the base. Various embodiments of a method of erecting a structural assembly include the steps of: positioning in a desired location at least one support assembly which includes a base, a bottom panel receiving structure that is configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel and a top panel receiving structure operatively spaced from the bottom panel receiving structure and configured to receive a top edge of a panel; and placing a bottom edge of the panel on the bottom panel receiving structure. Various exemplary embodiments of a method of erecting a structural assembly include the steps of: positioning in a desired location at least one support assembly, which includes a base, a bottom panel receiving structure configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel and a mounting structure mounted on the base, the bottom panel receiving structure being mounted on one of the base and the mounting structure and configured so that a support post with a top panel receiving structure can be mounted on the base; and placing a bottom edge of the panel on the bottom panel receiving structure. The method may include the step of adjusting the position of the top panel receiving relative to the bottom panel receiving structure to retain or clamp the panel between the receiving structures. The step of adjusting the position of the top panel receiving structure relative to the bottom receiving structure may be carried out by adjusting a length of a support post, the top panel receiving structure being mounted on the support post. Various embodiments of a temporary structure include a base; -3 a support post mounted on the base; a bottom panel receiving structure mounted on at least one of the base and the support post and configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel; a top panel receiving structure arranged on the support post, operatively spaced from the bottom panel receiving structure and configured to receive a top edge of a panel; and at least one panel, a bottom edge of the panel being arranged on the bottom panel receiving structure. Various embodiments of a temporary structure include at least one support assembly, the, or each, support assembly including base; a bottom panel receiving structure mounted on the base and defining at least one upwardly opening recess at a front of the base; a support post mounted on the base, behind the bottom panel receiving structure, to extend substantially vertically from the base; and a top panel receiving structure arranged on the support post, operatively spaced from the bottom panel receiving structure and defining at least one downwardly opening recess, such that the recesses open in vertically opposite directions; and panels mounted on the support assembly DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a support assembly for a temporary structural assembly, such as a hoarding assembly. Figure 2 shows a side view of a base of the support assembly of figure 1. Figure 3 shows a plan view of the base of figure 2. Figure 4 shows a front view of the base of figure 2. Figure 5 shows a rear view of the base of figure 2. Figures 6a to 6d show various profiles of channels and connectors of the support assembly. Figure 7 shows a side view of a lower part of a support member of the support assembly. Figure 8 shows a side view of an upper part of the support member.

-4 Figure 9 shows a rear view of part of a structural assembly incorporating a number of the support assemblies of figure 1. Figure 10 shows a front view of the part of figure 9. Figure 11 shows a plan view of part of a structural assembly incorporating a number of the support assemblies of figure 1. Figure 12 shows another side view of the support assembly of figure 1, with detail of a connector for connecting horizontal edges of two panels together. Figure 13 shows a plan view of part of a structural assembly having one of the support assemblies. Figure 14 shows part of the structural assembly of figure 13 using an alternative connector. DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS In the drawings, reference numeral 10 generally indicates an exemplary embodiment of a support assembly for supporting structural components, for example, those of a structural assembly such as a hoarding assembly. The support assembly 10 can also be used for supporting structural components of a permanent structural assembly, for example, of the type that only requires one face to be presented in an aesthetically pleasing manner. The support assembly 10 includes a base 12 (figures 2 to 5). The base 12 includes a base plate 14. The base plate 14 is configured to support one or more counter weights 16. Each counter weight 16 defines a pair of openings 18 (figures 11, 13). An example of a suitable counter weight 16 is that described in Australian innovation patent number 2015101131. The base plate 14 defines an upwardly extending locating formation 22. The counter weight 16 has a recessed surface in which the locating formation 22 can be received. For example, the base plate 14 can be similar to the base plate described in Australian innovation patent number 2013100057. The base plate 14 has a pair of opposite cutouts 15 to receive complementary formations or feet of a lowermost counter weight 16 so as to locate the lowermost counter weight 16 on the base plate 14. The base plate 14 also has a pair of opposed locating projections 17 that can seat in corresponding recesses in the counter weight 16. furthermore, the counter weight 16 has an upper surface 19 that is shaped to nest in a bottom surface of a counter weight 16 so that the counter weights 16 can be stacked one on top of the other as shown, for example, in figures 1, 9 and 12.

-5 A locating rod 20 extends upwardly from the base plate 14 to be received through either of the openings 18. as can be seen in figure 13, the counter weight 16 is shaped so that the holes or openings 18 are positioned along a line that is further from one side 21 a than an opposite side 21 b of the counter weight 16 (figures 11, 13). Thus, the counter weight 16 can be rotated, allowing the rod 20 to be received through either of the openings 18 so that a user can select a side of the base plate 14 from which the counter weight 16 can extend, in order to accommodate various configurations of the structural assembly. For example, where it is necessary for the counter weights 16 to be located close to a door or a corner, it may be necessary to avoid having the counter weights 16 obstructing a region close to the door or corner. In that case, it is possible to position the counter weights 16 so that only a relatively small or short portion of the counter weight 16 is positioned in that region. A bottom panel receiving structure or receiver 24 is arranged on a front end of the base plate 14. The receiver 24 defines at least one recess, gap or other formation, so that an elongate channel member or channel 25 can be positioned in a number of the receivers 24 along a line on which a structural assembly, such as a hoarding assembly, is to be erected. Bottom edges 26 of a number of panels, for example panels 50 shown in the drawings, can be positioned, side-by-side, in the channel 25. The purpose of the receiver 24 is to locate the bottom edge 26 of the panel against lateral movement, or movement away from the base 12. As such, the receiver 24 will be understood to have a suitable configuration to achieve that. It is envisaged that the bottom edges 26 can simply be positioned or received in the receivers 24 of a number of the support assemblies 10, without the need for the channel 25. The receiver 24 can be in the form of a length of channel section fastened to the front end of the base plate 14. The receiver 24 is dimensioned or configured so that the channel 25 can nest in, or otherwise engage, the receiver 24. An elongate support post 28 is arranged on the base plate 14 and extends upwardly, intermediate the locating rod 20 and the receiver 24. The elongate support post 28 has a lower end 30 that is mountable on the base plate 14 and an upper end 32. An upper or top panel receiving structure or receiver 34 is mounted on the upper end 32 to be spaced from the receiver 24. The receiver 34 defines at least one downwardly opening recess, gap or other formation to receive an elongate channel member or channel 37 that can be positioned along the line on which the temporary structure is to be erected. Upper horizontal edges 36 of a number of panels, for example the panels 50, can be positioned in the channel 37, with the panels 50 side-by-side between the channels 25, 37. The purpose of the receiver 34 is to locate the bottom edge 26 of the panel against lateral movement, or -6 movement away from the support post 28. As such, the receiver 34 will be understood to have a suitable configuration to achieve that. As before, it is envisaged that the upper edges 36 of the panels 50 can simply be positioned or received in the receivers 34 of a number of the support assemblies 10, without the need for the channel 37. The receiver 34 can be in the form of a length of channel section fastened to the upper end 32 of the support post 28. The receiver 34 is dimensioned or configured so that the channel 37 can nest in, or otherwise engage, the receiver 34. Figure 6a shows a section of each of the channels 25, 37 suitable for receiving the edges 26, 36. The support post 28 can be varied in length so that a distance between the receivers 24 and 34 can be adjusted to suit a length or height of the panels 50. Furthermore, this variation in length can be used to achieve a clamping effect between the receivers 24, 34. For example, the support post 28 has a lower part 38 and an upper part 40 that are telescopically arranged with respect to each other. A mounting structure in the form of a stub 42 is mounted on the base plate 14 between the locating rod 20 and the receiver 24. The lower part 38 of the post 28 is configured to engage the stub 42 so that the support post 28 can extend vertically from the base plate 14. For example, the lower part 38 is tubular so that the stub 42 can be received in the lower part 38. A positive mechanical locking mechanism can include a threaded fastener 44 that is threaded into the lower part 38 to engage the stub 42 to fix the lower part 38 to the stub 42. It is to be understood that the mounting structure may take other forms, such as an opening in the base plate 14. The support post 28 includes an upper part 46 having the upper end 32. The upper part 46 is received in the lower part 38. The positive mechanical locking mechanism can include a further threaded fastener 48 that is threaded into the upper part 46 to engage the lower part 38 so that a length of the support post 28 can be adjusted and fixed. Thus, the upper and lower parts 46 and 38 can be adjusted and fixed so as to achieve a clamping effect on one or more panels received between the receivers 24, 34. Thus, a positive control assembly can be arranged on the support post 28 for setting a length of the support post 28.

-7 The parts 38, 46 of the support post 28 can be tubular or can have a partially enclosed cross-sectional profile. The parts 38, 46 can be square, rectangular or circular in cross section. An example of part of a structural assembly, such as a hoarding assembly, can be seen in figures 9 and 10 in which elongate panels 50 of a suitable height are received in a side-by side fashion between the channels 25, 37 which, in turn, are mounted, nesting fashion, in the receivers 24, 34. In such a configuration, it is desirable that the panels 50 be located together in a side-by-side manner along the respective sides. To that end, vertical edges 54 of the panels define tongue and groove formations 56 (figure 13). Alternatively, the tongue and groove formations 56 can be defined by an elongate structural element positioned between the vertical edges 54 and having a suitable profile. In a number of embodiments, panels 58 can be placed one on top of each other between the channels 25, 37, as shown in figure 12. In that configuration, it is desirable that the panels 58 be capable of stabilized support between the channels 25, 37. To that end, the support assembly 10 is provided with connectors defining oppositely facing recesses, for example, h members 60. A detail of one of the h members 60 is shown in figure 6b. The h member 60 can be interposed between the upper and lower horizontal edges 26, 28 of the panels 58, as shown in figure 12. In various applications, it is necessary for the hoarding assembly or temporary structural assembly to define a corner, as shown in figures 11 and 13. To that end, the support assembly 10 is provided with various corner pieces, such as a corner piece 62 as shown in figure 6c and a corner piece 64 shown in figure 6d. The application of the corner piece 64 can be seen in figure 14. In particular, the vertical edges 54 of adjacent panels 50 can be received in respective sides of the corner pieces 62, 64 to achieve corners with angles corresponding to those shown in the corner pieces 62, 64 and as illustrated in figures 13 and 14. In an exemplary application, the following steps are carried out: a) a series of bases 12 are laid out along a line of a proposed temporary wall of a structural assembly, with the lower parts 38 of the posts 28 is position on the stubs 42; b) the channel 25 is positioned in the receivers 24, in a nested fashion, along the line; c) one of the counter weights 16 is positioned on the, or each, base plate 14; -8 d) the bottom edge 26 of one of the panels 50 is placed in the channel 25, which is of a suitable length to extend beyond a side of the panel 50; e) the channel 37 is positioned on top of the panel 50 also to extend beyond a side of the panel 50 in the same direction as the extension of the channel 25; f) the upper part 40 of at least one of the posts 28 is mounted on the lower part 38, the length of the support post 28 being adjusted, in the manner described above, so that the receiver 34 can engage the channel 37 to clamp the panel 50 between the channels 25; g) a further one of the panels 50 is slid, in the channels 25, 37, into side-by-side engagement with the panel 50 referred to in step (c); h) optionally, the above steps are repeated, using the corner pieces 62, 64, where required, to achieve corners for the temporary structure; i) optionally, further counter weights 16 can be positioned on the base plates 14. The inventor envisages that, where practical and feasible, the above steps (a) to (i) could be carried out in a different order. Alternatively, one or more of the components could be provided in a pre-assembled form so that one or more of the above steps could be omitted. It will be appreciated that, with the support post 28 having a suitable length, the receiver 34 can be received against a ceiling. Thus, a number of the panels 50 can be used to create a full wall from a floor to the ceiling, for example, to divide a room. The receiver 34 could be fastened to the ceiling so that the wall is fixed. Alternatively, the full wall could be temporary. A length of the support post can be adjusted in other ways. For example, the support post can articulate to be adjustable in length. Alternatively, the support post can fold out. Also, the support post can be in the form of two parts that are simply connected together in a certain way to achieve a variation of length. It is further to be appreciated that the structural assembly can be erected without the use of any fasteners received through the panels. In various existing temporary structures, such as hoarding assemblies, the panels are screwed or nailed to an elongate support post. This can reduce the value of the panels for reuse. In addition, it can be time-consuming to erect the panels in that manner. Also, the use of power tools to fasten the panels to the support posts can be undesirable in those areas where noise is a factor. For example, it is not possible in certain areas to make use of power tools after a certain time. It will be appreciated that, since the structural assembly described in the specification is modular in nature and does not require the use of fasteners and associated power tools, the erection of the structural -9 assembly can take place at any time. This can be useful in those applications where it is necessary to prepare areas overnight or at very short notice. In the specification, the word "panel" is intended to have a meaning that encompasses any structural component, which would be suitable for use in forming part of a structural assembly for example, a barrier, such as a wall or a fence or some other structural feature. For example, such a panel could be a fence panel, a hoarding panel, or any other form of board -like structural component. The panel can be of a meshed material, such as that used for fencing. Furthermore, the term "structure" and its derivatives, is not intended to be limited to building structures or other weight bearing structures. For example, the word could encompass display panels and other arrangements that are required to be maintained in an upright, self-supporting condition. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments are described herein, textually and/or graphically, including the best mode, if any, known to the inventor 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 inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, as permitted by law, the claimed subject matter includes and covers all equivalents thereof and all improvements thereto. 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 aspects unless otherwise stated. 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, 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; -10 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 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.

Claims (5)

1. A support assembly for supporting structural components, the support assembly including: a base; a support post mounted on the base, to extend from the base; a bottom panel receiving structure mounted on at least one of the base and the support post and configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel; and a top panel receiving structure arranged on the support post, operatively spaced from the bottom panel receiving structure and configured to receive a top edge of a panel.

2. The support assembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom and top receiving structures are channel sections with open sides facing each other.

3. The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the base includes an elongate base plate that defines an upwardly facing support surface on which one or more counter weights can be positioned, the support post being interposed between the bottom receiving structure and the support surface.

4. The support assembly as claimed in claim 1, in which the support post is adjustable in length so that a space between the bottom and top panel receiving structures can be adjusted to suit a panel retained with respect to the base by the bottom and top panel receiving structures.

5. A support assembly for a structural assembly, the support assembly including a base; a bottom panel receiving structure configured to receive a bottom edge of a panel; and a mounting structure arranged on the base, the bottom panel receiving structure being mounted on at least one of the base and the mounting structure and configured so that a support post with a top panel receiving structure can be mounted on the base.