Load dispersing furniture support for turf applications

Abstract

A support platform for a furniture unit includes a plurality of support arms that each terminate in a corner pocket. The corner pocket supports a furniture leg end and contains the leg end within the platform perimeter. The platform defines a foundation support surface that may include cleats or anti-skid cushion pads to enhance friction with the foundation surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A furniture support platform having a plurality of support arms extending from a central point, the plurality of support arms each terminating in a corner pocket configured to support a furniture leg, the plurality of support arms having a reinforcement cross section defining a stiffness characteristic;
 an upper surface; and   a foundation surface opposite the upper surface and configured to support an article of furniture on a base surface; the stiffness characteristic maintaining the foundation surface in a generally planar orientation.   
     
     
         2 . The furniture support platform of  claim 1  wherein the stiffness characteristic of the reinforcement cross section resists bending of the corner pockets into the base surface. 
     
     
         3 . The furniture support platform of  claim 2  wherein the base surface is one of a natural grass surface, an artificial turf surface, or a sandy surface. 
     
     
         4 . The furniture support platform of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcement cross section of the plurality of support arms is a perimeter gusset extending around the plurality of support arms and defining the upper surface. 
     
     
         5 . The furniture support platform of  claim 4  wherein the perimeter gusset is a plurality of generally concentric reinforcing gussets configured to resist bending of the support arms. 
     
     
         6 . The furniture support platform of  claim 4  wherein the perimeter gusset is a generally straight wall extending from or extending adjacent to the upper surface. 
     
     
         7 . The furniture support platform of  claim 5  wherein the perimeter gusset terminates in flange. 
     
     
         8 . The furniture support platform of  claim 4  wherein a stiffening member is connected between adjacent support arms. 
     
     
         9 . The furniture support platform of  claim 8  wherein the stiffening member defines a handle. 
     
     
         10 . The furniture support platform of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcement cross section is an arched profile. 
     
     
         11 . The furniture support platform of  claim 10  wherein the foundation surface extends along a perimeter of the plurality of support arms and defines a hollow section of the arched profile and the upper surface defines the arched profile. 
     
     
         12 . The furniture support platform of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of support arms are length adjustable; or
 the center point is a hub that attaches to the plurality of support arms; or 
 the plurality of support arms are angularly moveable about the hub. 
 
     
     
         13 . The furniture support platform of  claim 1  wherein the corner pockets include one or more cushioning pads; or
 the corner pockets include a textured surface on the foundation surface that engages the base surface; or 
 the corner pockets include a textured surface that engages the furniture leg. 
 
     
     
         14 . A furniture support platform having a plurality of support arms extending from a central point, the plurality of support arms each terminating in a corner pocket configured to support a furniture leg;
 an upper surface defining a portion of a reinforcement cross section of the plurality of support arms, the reinforcement cross section defining a stiffness characteristic; and   a foundation surface opposite the upper surface and configured to support an article of furniture on a base surface; the stiffness characteristic resisting deflection of the corner pockets.   
     
     
         15 . The furniture support surface of  claim 14  wherein the base surface is one of a turf structure or a sand structure and the stiffness characteristic resists deflection of the corner pockets into the base surface. 
     
     
         16 . The furniture support surface of  claim 14  wherein a handle extends between two adjacent support arms, the handle having greater flexibility than provided by the stiffness characteristic. 
     
     
         17 . The furniture support surface of  claim 14  wherein the upper surface defines one of an arch, a crown, or a flat surface, and the foundation surface extends around a perimeter of the support arms and defines a hollow section under the upper surface. 
     
     
         18 . The furniture support platform of  claim 14  wherein the corner pockets include fasteners that permit one furniture support platform to be connected to an adjacent furniture support platform. 
     
     
         19 . The furniture support platform of  claim 18  wherein the fasteners are configured as mating dovetail projections and recesses. 
     
     
         20 . The furniture support surface of  claim 14  wherein a tiedown is connected between one of a handle, a stiffening member, or a support arm and the article of furniture to prevent separation therebetween.