Frame support

Abstract

A frame support which can be used for inspection platforms, plant and equipment, prefabricated buildings and structures. The installation is carried out in three main stages, commencing with the fixing of a lightweight threaded base within a prepared hole. A load-bearing member is then attached to the base and adjusted by means of the thread and a threaded collar. Finally the threaded base, the threaded collar and a protrusion of the load-bearing member are substantially encased in concrete or a chemical compound to complete the installation.

1 . A frame support for embedding in concrete or a chemical compound comprising:
 (i) a base, comprising an elongate member with a threaded external surface;   (ii) a threaded collar, dimensioned to engage with the threaded external surface of the elongate member; and   (iii) a load-bearing member mountable on the threaded collar, the bottom of the load-bearing member comprising a protrusion, which acts as an anchor once encased;   wherein engaging features on the load-bearing member and the threaded collar are provided so that rotation of the load-bearing member causes rotation of the threaded collar about the elongate member of the base providing a means of adjusting the height of the load-bearing member.   
     
     
         2 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is mountable on the threaded collar. 
     
     
         3 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is separated from the threaded collar by a washer, spacer or the like. 
     
     
         4 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion and the threaded collar are in direct contact or connection. 
     
     
         5 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion and the load-bearing member are in direct or indirect contact or connection. 
     
     
         6 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the protrusion comprises a flange. 
     
     
         7 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the load-bearing member comprises a supporting surface, to which a frame may be directly or indirectly mounted. 
     
     
         8 . The frame support according  claim 1 , wherein the load-bearing member comprises a hollow member with an internal clearance greater than the external diameter of the elongate member of the base; a protrusion at its lower end and a supporting surface at its upper end. 
     
     
         9 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the height of the threaded collar on the elongate member is adjustable. 
     
     
         10 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the threaded collar comprises a nut. 
     
     
         11 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the threaded collar is integral with the load-bearing member and/or protrusion. 
     
     
         12 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the threaded collar is not integral with the load-bearing member and/or protrusion. 
     
     
         13 . The frame support according to  claim 1 , wherein the base further comprises one or more apertures through which fasteners can be inserted to fix the base to the ground. 
     
     
         14 . The frame support according to  claim 13 , further comprising fasteners. 
     
     
         15 . The frame support according to  claim 14 , wherein the fasteners are selected from the group of pins and bolts. 
     
     
         16 . A frame assembly comprising one or more frame supports according to  claim 1  and a frame supported on the one or more frame supports. 
     
     
         17 . The frame assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the weight of the platform is supported by the load-bearing members of the frame supports. 
     
     
         18 . The frame assembly according to  claim 16 , wherein the frame is secured to said one or more frame supports by welding or by bolts or other fasteners. 
     
     
         19 . A method of installing a frame support comprising the steps of:
 (i) mounting a base within a prepared hole, wherein the base comprises an elongate member with a threaded external surface;   (ii) securing the base in the hole;   (iii) fitting a load-bearing member over the threaded base, wherein the bottom of the load-bearing member comprises a protrusion which acts as an anchor when encased;   (iv) adjusting the height of the load-bearing member by means of a threaded collar, dimensioned to engage with the threaded external surface of the elongate member; and   (v) filling the hole to at least substantially encase the base, the threaded collar and the protrusion of the load-bearing member.   
     
     
         20 . The method according  claim 19 , wherein the step of securing the base comprises partially embedding it in concrete or a chemical compound. 
     
     
         21 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the concrete comprises dry-mixed concrete. 
     
     
         22 . The method according to  claim 20 , wherein the concrete comprises wet-mixed concrete. 
     
     
         23 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the step of securing the base comprises fastening it to the bottom of the hole using fasteners. 
     
     
         24 . The method according to  claim 23 , wherein the fasteners comprise pins or bolts. 
     
     
         25 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the protrusion is separated from the threaded collar by a washer, spacer or the like. 
     
     
         26 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the protrusion is in direct contact or connection with the threaded collar. 
     
     
         27 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the protrusion and the load-bearing member are in direct or indirect contact or connection. 
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the protrusion comprises a flange. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 19 , wherein the hole is substantially filled with concrete or a chemical compound. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the concrete comprises dry-mixed concrete. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 29 , wherein the concrete comprises wet-mixed concrete. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 19 , comprising the step of directly or indirectly attaching a frame to the exposed portion of the load-bearing member.