WO2001042590A2

WO2001042590A2 - Support base and adjustable support post for installation on a rooftop

Info

Publication number: WO2001042590A2
Application number: PCT/US2000/042516
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arthur J. Valentz; John E. Nemazi
Original assignee: Portable Pipe Hangers, Inc.
Priority date: 1999-12-06
Filing date: 2000-12-04
Publication date: 2001-06-14
Also published as: US6324800B1; AU4309301A; US20040084596A1; US20020125395A1; WO2001042590A3; US6863253B2; US20010009087A1; US6663070B2

Abstract

A support base (10) for distributing a concentrated load over a contact surface is disclosed. The support base (10) includes a body formed of moldable polymeric material having a top surface (20) and a generally planar bottom surface (22). At least one recess is integrally formed in the top surface (20) for receiving a support member (102). The support member (102) transfers the concentrated load to the planar body. Furthermore, at least one through bore (18) is provided in the support base (10), and the through bore (18) extends from the top surface (20) to the bottom surface (22) and has relatively oversized cavity portion (32) adjacent to the bottom surface (22) for receiving fasteners (30) such as nuts for securing bolts, and acts as a sealant reservoir when a through bolt is used to secure the base to surfaces such as a rooftop. Additionally, an adjustable post assembly (100) is disclosed for use with the support base (10).

Description

SUPPORT BASE AND ADJUSTABLE SUPPORT POST FOR INSTALLATION ON A ROOFTOP

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to systems for supporting and hanging pipes and other loads on rooftops.

BACKGROUND ART

It is common in a commercial industrial environment to have various operating pipes, conduits, and other equipment positioned on and extending along the ground or over the tops of roofs. For example, these pipes and conduits may be connected to an air conditioning unit positioned on a building roof.

Frequently the pipes carry fluids which have operating temperatures fluctuating over a wide range. As the temperature of the fluids carried by the pipes changes the pipes will expand or contract accordingly. Typically, the pipes may expand and contract greatly. Therefore, the support for these pipes as they run over the ground and/or over a roof must sustain the pipe load but also must be sufficiently flexible to withstand the expansion and contraction caused by fluctuations in operating parameters and the prevailing weather.

On a building roof it was common practice for operating pipes to be supported by blocks of wood. The blocks are placed at intervals along the pipe track and fit between the roof surface and the pipes. Due to the large contact surface area between the blocks and a pipe the blocks are frequently moved as the pipes expand and contract. Over a period of time, the movement of the blocks against a roof surface damage the roof. This usually resulted in a leak and required expensive roof repair. One solution used to prevent block movement was to mechanically secure the block to the roof. However, mechanical attachment such as nailing the block to the roof has been shown to deteriorate in a relatively short time period. The blocks then break loose and a leak occurs at the attachment holes. Another alternative is to penetrate the roof with a vehicle post which is attached to the building structure. Invariably the seal between the roof and the post will fail resulting in a leak.

In the roof environment, utilizing fixed bases would require holes to be placed in the roof surface. As discussed above, holes lead to leaks, a definite disadvantage of fixed bases. In general, fixed bases also lack flexibility for adjustment during set-up and use, and therefore are expensive to install.

Thus, a non-affixed base for supporting rooftop equipment has been developed in the prior art which includes a substantially flat bottom having a support structure rising from the base. The bases that have been developed typically have a plurality of recesses for attaching devices which interface and connect the pipe with the base. Some recesses generally have smooth walls and other recesses have expensive threaded metal inserts for receiving fasteners. Although these prior art non-affixed bases fulfill their intended purpose, they are not easily adaptable for attaching a variety of load interfacing devices such as bolts and brackets having different threads, attachment requirements and corrosion resistance characteristics.

Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved non-fixed portable base for supporting pipes and other equipment and is reconfigurable for attaching a variety of interfacing bracketry and support devices thereto.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a portable support base which may be reconfigured to receive a variety of pipe and other equipment support and interface bracketry.

In accordance with this and other objects, the present invention provides a support base for distributing a concentrated load over a contact surface. The support base includes a body formed of moldable polymeric material having a top surface and a generally planar bottom surface. At least one recess integrally formed in the top surface for receiving a support member wherein the support member transfers the concentrated load to the planar body. Furthermore, at least one through bore is provided in the support base, and the through bore extends from the top surface to the bottom surface of the support base for receiving a fastener. The through bore has a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface for receiving fasteners such as nuts for securing bolts, as well as, bolt heads of different sizes, configurations and materials.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a support base is provided for distributing a concentrated load. The support base has a body formed of moldable polymeric material having a top surface and a generally planar bottom surface. A recess is integrally formed in the top surface for receiving a support member wherein the support member transfers the concentrated load to the planar body. An inner pair of through bores extend from the top surface to the bottom surface for receiving a fastener. The inner pair of through bore having a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface. An outer pair of through bores extend from the top surface to the bottom surface for receiving a fastener. The through bores have a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface.

The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGURE la is a perspective view of the support base according to the present invention illustrating the plurality of inner and outer apertures and the network of stiffening ridges;

FIGURE lb is a cross sectional view of the support base taken along line lb- lb through one of the inner apertures, the central cavity, and one of the outer apertures, according to the present invention; FIGURE lc is a cross sectional view of the support base through an outer aperture, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of a pipe supporting system, having a frame and yokes for supporting pipes, the system is further shown fixedly secured to the support base, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 3a is a cross sectional view through the support base and post configuration of FIGURE 2, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 3b is a perspective view of an alternative attachment scheme for fixing a post to the support base, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of pipe support bracketry attached to the outer apertures of the support base for supporting a pipe, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a platform fixedly attached to support bases for supporting equipment or providing a walkway over flat or inclined surfaces, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a shock isolation device fixedly attached to a support base for preventing shock and vibration generated by equipment attached to the mounting surface of the isolation device from being transmitted to the surface upon which the support base is resting, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of an adjustable post apparatus fixedly attached to the support base for supporting and leveling equipment supported thereon, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 8 is an exploded view of the adjustable post apparatus of FIGURE 7 for supporting and leveling equipment supported thereon, according to the present invention; FIGURE 9 is an perspective view of post attachment bracketry for adapting the adjustable post apparatus of FIGURE 7 to pivot about the support base, according to the present invention;

FIGURE 10 is a plan view of an embodiment of a support base, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 11 is a cross sectional view of the support base at a location as shown in Figure 10, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a support base, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 13 is a cross-sectional view of the support base attached to a concrete composite roof, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view of the support base attached to a wood composite roof, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 15 is a cross-sectional view of the support base attached to a concrete and method composite roof, in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view of an adjustable post and support base assembly, in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGURE 17 is an exploded view of the adjustable post, in accordance with the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure la, there is shown a support base 10 for supporting a load and dispersing the load over a surface contact area. Generally, support base 10 has a network of ridges 12 which extend radially outward from a central cavity 16. Radially extending ridges 12 serve to stiffen the support base 10 and prevent it from fracturing when a concentrated load is applied. Support base 10 further includes a plurality of inner apertures 14. Inner apertures 14 are located generally adjacent to the inner cavity 16 and are configured to receive various load interfacing bracketry for interfacing the load with a support base 10. The specific configurations of the inner apertures 14 will be described hereinafter. Additionally, support base 10 has outer apertures 18 which are disposed radially outward of inner cavity 16. As with inner apertures 14, outer apertures 18 are configured to receive interfacing bracketry which interface the load with support base 10. Accordingly, the configuration of the outer apertures will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

Support base 10 may be comprised a variety of high strength low weight polymers with or without fillers or fiber reinforcement. A preferred low cost material is high density polyethylene. Moreover, the support base's overall weight may be reduced by if desired introducing a gas into the injection molding process used to manufacture the support base. A preferred process for introducing the gas into the support base molding process is disclosed in U.S. patent number 5,728,239 issued to Guergov and is hereby incorporated by reference. Introducing gas into the support base creates an internal void portion 19 (as shown in dotted outline in a portion of Figure lb). Internal void portion 19 displaces the polymeric material in the core of the part thereby reducing the amount of material required to form the support base and the overall weight of the base without reducing strength. A support base made from the process referenced above has many advantages over the prior art, including but not limited to, reduction in manufacturing costs and weight, reduction in surface stresses, reduced manufacturing process cycle time and reduced in shrink, sink and warpage of molded support base.

Referring now to Figure lb, a cross-section taken through inner cavity 16, one of the inner apertures 14, and one of the outer apertures 18 is shown, in accordance with the present invention. Inner apertures or through bores 14 includes a fastener shaft portion 30 and a fastener head portion 32. Fastener shaft portion 30 has an upper end opening 34 which terminates at a top surface 20 of support base 10. A lower end opening 36 of fastener shaft portion 30 is in communication with fastener head portion 32. Accordingly, fastener head portion 32 has a lower end opening 38 which terminates at the bottom surface 22 of the support base 10.

A conventional fastener 40 is shown threaded through inner aperture 14. As shown, fastener 40 has a fastener head 42 which is positioned within the fastener head portion 32 of the inner aperture 14. A shaft portion 44 of the fastener 40 is contained within the fastener shaft portion 30 of the inner aperture 14. Fastener head 42 in one embodiment is unable to rotate within the inner aperture 14 because of the relatively small gap d between an outer surface 48 of the fastener head 42 and the inner surface 50 of the fastener head portion 32. Gap d is dimensioned such that when a torque is applied to fastener 40 fastener head surface 48 contacts the inner surface 50 and prevents fastener 40 from rotating. A locking nut 52 may be turned onto fastener 40 for preventing relative axial movement of fastener 40 within inner aperture 14.

Certainly other fasteners may be used in place of fastener 40 such as a conventional carriage bolt which has a squared off shaft portion which would be positioned within the fastener shaft portion 30. The carriage bolt would have an interference fit with the fastener shaft portion which would prevent the carriage bolt from rotating. An alternative embodiment would include a fastener head portion 32 which is significantly larger (oversized) than a fastener head. For example, gap d would be dimensioned sufficiently large enough to allow a tool such as a wrench socket to be placed over fastener head. The tool of course would be used to rotate the fastener head, to secure the fastener and associated bracketry to the support base.

A drain 54 is created in a wall of central cavity 16 to allow water or other fluids to seep out of the central cavity, as illustrated in Figure lb. The drain prevents fluids especially water from accumulating in the central cavity. If water was allowed to accumulate in the central cavity the support posts received by the central cavity could rust and deteriorate. There are two paths by which water can exit the cavity: through the bottom of the support base and through the wall of the central cavity onto the top surface of the support base. Drain 54 is preferably formed in the support base by positioning an insert in the mold used to form the support base. The insert will create a void in support base, preventing the polymeric material used to form the base from flowing into the area taken up by the insert.

Referring now to Figure lc, a cross-section through outer apertures 18 is illustrated. Outer aperture 18 includes a fastener shaft portion 70 and a fastener shaft head portion 72. Fastener shaft portion 70 has an upper opening 74 which terminates at surface 20 of the support base. Shaft portion 70 has a lower end 76 which has an opening 78 which is co-terminus with the fastener head portion 72. Fastener head portion 72 has a lower end opening 78 which terminates at the bottom surface 22. Surface 20 is elevated above bottom surface 22 by a structural boss 80 which surrounds and strengthens outer aperture 18.

With reference to Figure 2, an embodiment of the present invention illustrating the use of the inner cavity 16 for supporting a rooftop or ground level pipe system is shown. A frame 100 having support posts 102 and 104 and a crossbar 108 are configured to transmit the load created by pipes 106 to the support base 10. Pipes 106 are suspended from crossbar 108 which is connected to pipes 106 via threaded rods 110 and yokes 112. One end of the threaded rod 110 is secured to the yoke 112 by washers 114 and nuts 116, and the other end of threaded rod 110 is secured to the crossbar 108 with washers 114 and nuts 116. A conventional pipe support roller 120 is secured through holes in yoke 112 by nuts 124 on threaded rod 126. Threaded rod 126 securely retains pipe supported roller 120 while permitting free rotation thereof corresponding to movement of pipe 106. It will be understood that nuts 116 on threaded rod 110 may be adjusted to raise or lower the roller 120 of the yoke 112 and thus adjust for beveling pipe 106 to equalize and distribute the pipe load throughout the pipe support system.

An embodiment of the present invention including an attachment scheme for securing post 102 to the support base 10 as illustrated in Figure 3a. A pair of L-brackets 200 may be securedly fixed to post 102 and to inner aperture 14 as shown. A fastener 212 is threaded through inner aperture 14 and through an L- bracket aperture 210 to secure L-bracket to the support base 10. Of course, different fasteners 212 having different fastener head configurations may be used. A post fastener 216 is shown engaging a nut 214 for clamping L-bracket 200 to post 102 of the support base 10. The post 102 may be attached to the base in at least two positions as denoted by the dotted line r and solid line f . Dotted line r signifies an attachment position for the post 102 where the post bottom 224 is elevated above surface 20 such that post bottom 224 does not engage cavity 16. Since post bottom 224 is elevated above surface 20 such that post 102 is free to rotate about the base 10 and therefore may be fixed at any desired angle with respect to the base. This attachment scheme allows the post and base assembly to seek an angle of inclination of the surface on which they rest (as shown in Figure 5). Solid line f denotes the position of the post bottom 224 when it is fully engaged with cavity 16. In this position post 102 is not allowed to rotate about base 10 and thus will be held in an upright fixed position.

With reference to Figure 3b an alternate attachment scheme for securing support post 102 to support base 10 is illustrated. A base bracket 300 is attached via fasteners 302 threaded through inner apertures 14, as previously discussed, to support base 10. A threaded rod or bolt 310 is threaded through apertures 312 in base bracket 300 and in an intermediate bracket 314 to pivotally secure the intermediate bracket 314 to the base bracket 300. Support post 102 is then attached to the intermediate bracket 314 with nuts and bolts or the like as shown. This attachment scheme, as does the scheme in Figure 3a, allows post 102 to rotate about the support base through a 180^° arc.

Referring now to Figure 4, a load interface bracket 400 is shown for transmitting a load created by a pipe 402 to support base 10. Interface bracketry 400 includes a pipe roller 404 and a pair of threaded rods 406. Pipe roller 404 allows the pipe 402 to move laterally (as indicated by the arrows shown) to accommodate pipe contraction and expansion. Threaded rods 406 are threaded through outer apertures 18 and locked in place by locking nuts 408. Pipe roller 404 may be positioned vertically above support base 10 by adjusting locking nuts 410. Pipe roller locking nuts 412 are turned onto threaded rod 406 to secure the roller 404 and prevent vertical movement thereof. This pipe supporting scheme further illustrates an additional way to utilize the features of the present invention. With reference now made to Figure 5, a frame structure 500 is used to support a walkway, pipes, or other equipment over an inclined surface 504. The bracketry shown in Figures 3a and 3b may be utilized to accommodate the angle of the inclined surface 504. The frame structure 500 may be used to support equipment such as telephone switches or air conditioners or alternatively used to support a platform 506 over which a walkway may be constructed. The support base 10 seeks the angle of inclination of the inclined surface so that the support posts 102 are plum and the frame structure and platform is level with the ground.

Figure 6 shows an isolation device 600 which may be used with the support base 10 of the present invention. Isolation device 600 has a mounting surface 602 upon which post 102 may be securedly attached. For example, post 102 may be secured to surface 602 via the L-brackets shown in Figure 3a. Attachment notches 604 are disposed on each side of an attachment frame 603 of isolation device 600 for securedly fixing the device to the inner apertures 14 as conventionally known (with bolts, screws, etc.). A shock and vibration absorber 606 such as a spring isolates the mounting surface 602 from the attachment frame 603. The stiffness of the absorber may be regulated using a set- screw 608. Tightening the set- screw 608 reduces vertical movement and limits bounce. Additionally, a neoprene insert is disposed between a side wall of the mounting surface 602 and a side wall of the attachment frame 603 to dampen shock and vibration in the horizontal direction. A snubber screw 610 is provided to limit the amount of motion in the horizontal direction. Tightening the snubber screw 610 reduces movement and limits bounce and also controls rock. Wear of the neoprene material is negligible as damping is provided by viscous-distortion of the neoprene inserts. The above-described isolation device and support base combination provides a means to prevent shock and vibration generated by equipment, such as, motors attached to surface 602 from being transmitted to a surface the support base 10 is resting on.

Reference is now made to Figures 7 through 9 wherein an adjustable post 700 and support base 10 are illustrated, according to the present invention. Figure 7 shows the adjustable post 700 secured at one end to the support base 10 with conventional fasteners. The other end of the adjustable post 700 has a support tray 702 fixedly secured thereon by similar means. A load is received by support tray 702 such as a roof top air conditioning unit. Support tray 702 is slidably received within an adjustable post 705 and attached thereto. Adjustable post 705 has a longitudinal body with a C-shaped cross section, four sides and a plurality of attachment apertures on two of the four sides.

A coupler plate 710 is attached to the adjustable post 705 for joining a cross brace 712 to adjustable post 700. As readily apparent the cross brace 712 is used to secure two adjustable posts together. An adjustment screw 706 is disposed between the adjustable post 705 and the attachment block 708 and may be turned into or out of the attachment block to lower or raise the adjustable post 705, respectively.

An exploded view of the adjustable post 700 is illustrated in Figure 8. The adjustable post 700 is comprised of four main segments: the tray 702 having a leg 704 integral thereto, adjustable post 705 having a plurality of attachment apertures, an adjustment screw 706 having a fixed cylindrical end 818, collar 119 having a pair of flats 821 and a threaded end 816, and attachment block 708 having a threaded aperture 810 and attachment eyelets 800. The adjustable post is assembled by attaching the tray 702 to the adjustable post 705 with fasteners then fastening the adjustable post to the fixed cylindrical end 818 of the adjustable screw 706 with fasteners such as nuts 822 and bolts 820. A locking nut 812 is threaded onto threaded portion 816, and then threaded portion 816 is turned into threaded aperture 810 of attachment block 708. The attachment block may be secured to a base, such as base 10, using fasteners threaded through attachment eyelets 800 and into the base, as shown in Figure 7. With bolts 820 temporarily removed, a user can adjust the height of post 700 by turning adjusted screw 706 using a wrench engaging flats 821 even while the adjustable post 700 is under load.

An alternative attachment block 900 and attachment bracket 906, as illustrated in Figure 9, may be used with the adjustable post 700 for use on inclined surfaces such as shown in Figure 5. In practice threaded end 816 would be turned into threaded aperture 902 and a fastener would be threaded through apertures 904 and 908 to pivotally secure attachment block 900 to attachment bracket 906. The entire assembly may be secured to a support base using fasteners through apertures 910 and inner apertures 14 of the support base, as previously shown and described.

Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, an alternative embodiment for base 10 is illustrated, in accordance with the present invention. Second base embodiment 1000 has a plurality of stiffening ribs 1002 on a top surface 1003 to prevent warpage as well as strengthen the base. Moreover, base 1000 has an inner cavity 1004, a pair of inner apertures 1006 and a pair of outer apertures 1008. A drain 1010 is disposed through a wall of inner cavity 1004 for allowing water caught by the cavity to escape. With specific reference to Figure 11, inner apertures 1006 include a first inner bore 1012 and a second inner bore 1014 which is contiguous with the first inner bore. Preferably, first inner bore 1012 has a smaller diameter than second inner bore 1014. Generally, first inner bore 1012 receives a shank of a fastener and second inner bore 1014 is configured to receive a head of a fastener or fastening nut.

Similarly, outer apertures 1008 have a first outer bore 1016 and a second outer bore 1018. As with the inner apertures, first outer bore 1016, preferably, has a smaller diameter than second outer bore 1018. Generally, first outer bore 1016 receives a shank of a fastener and second outer bore 1018 is configured to receive a head of a fastener or fastening nut.

Preferably, an inlets 1020 are provided through top surface 1003 of base 1000 and extending into each of the second inner and outer bores 1014 and 1018. Further, outlets 1022 are disposed through top surface 1003 and extending into each of the first inner and outer bores 1012 and 1016. The inlet 1020 can be used where desired to inject a sealant, such as silicone into the outer apertures 1008. As the sealant is forced into the second outer bore trapped air is forced out of first outer bore. The sealant is forced into the inlet 1020 until all of the trapped air exits the outlet 1022. Generally, a signal that all of the trapped air has left the bore is when the sealant emerges from outlet 1022. As shown in Figure 11, disposed on the outer peripheral edge 1024 of base 1000 is a chamfer 1026. In accordance with the present invention, chamfer 1026 can be filled with a sealant, such as silicone, to prevent water and other fluids from seeping under base 1000. Thus, the present invention provides a system and method for installing support bases to structures, such as building rooftops without compromising the waterproof integrity of the structure or roof.

In a third alternative embodiment, support base 1030 is illustrated in Figures 12 through 17. Support base 1030 is similar to base 10 in Figures la-lc with the addition of sealant apertures and a sealant chamfer. A pair of outer bosses 1031 having outer apertures 1038 are provided with sealant outlets 1033 and sealant inlets 1035. Further, a pair of inner apertures 1032 include a first inner bore 1034 and a second inner bore 1036 which is contiguous with the first inner bore. Preferably, first inner bore 1034 has a smaller diameter than second inner bore 1036. Generally, first inner bore 1034 receives a shank of a fastener and second inner bore 1036 is configured to receive a head of a fastener or fastening element such as a nut.

Similarly, outer apertures 1038 have a first outer bore 1040 and a second outer bore 1042. As with the inner apertures, first outer bore 1040, preferably, has a smaller diameter than second outer bore 1042. Generally, first outer bore 1040 receives a shank of a fastener and second outer bore 1042 is configured to receive a head of a fastener or fastening element such as a nut.

Preferably, inlets 1035 are provided in top surface 1031 of base 1030 and extend into each of the second outer bores 1042. Further, an outlet 1033 is disposed through top surface 1031 and extends into each of the first outer bores 1040. The inlets 1035 are used to inject a sealant, such as silicone using a sealant nozzle 1036 into the outer apertures. As the sealant is forced into the second outer bore trapped air is forced out of outer aperture 1038 through outlet 1033. The sealant is forced into the inlet 1035 until all of the trapped air exits the outlet 1033. Generally, a signal that all of the trapped air has left the bore is when the sealant emerges from outlet 1033. A bead 1043 of sealant is also disposed around the perimeter of the base within a chamfer 1046 to create a watertight seal. Cavity 1048 is disposed in the center of support base 1030 for receiving the support posts, as previously described, as well as adjustable support posts as will be described below. Cavity 1048 also includes a drain 1050 for allowing water to escape the cavity and flow over top of surface 1031.

Support bases 1000 and 1030 can be mounted to rooftops having various constructions. For example, as shown in Figure 13 the roof top is constructed of a layer of concrete 1060 on top of which a layer of insulation 1062 is disposed. A roof membrane layer 1064 is applied overtop of the insulation layer 1062. Roof membrane layer 1064 creates a weatherproof seal preventing rainwater from leaking into the building. For example, the roof membrane layer may be constructed of a homogenous polymer membrane or a tar shingle composite membrane. Preferably, bases 1000 and 1030 are secured to the rooftop by a fastener 1070 having a threaded end 1072. The threaded end 1072 of fastener 1070 is threaded into a concrete anchor 1074 which is installed in concrete layer 1060 by conventional means.

Another example of how the present invention is attached to various roof constructions is illustrated in Figure 14. In Figure 14 the roof is constructed of a layer of wood 1080 on top of which a layer of insulation 1082 is disposed. A roof membrane layer 1084 is applied overtop of the insulation layer 1082. As described previously the roof membrane 1084 may be constructed of a homogenous polymer membrane or a tar and shingle composite membrane. Preferably, with this roof construction base 1000 or 1030 is secured to the rooftop by a fastener 1086 having a threaded end 1088. The threaded end 1088 of fastener 1086 is threaded into an expandable fastener 1090, such as a molly nut allowing base 1000 or 1030 to be tightened down to the roof.

Yet another example of how the present invention is attached to various roof constructions is illustrated in Figure 15. In Figure 15 the roof is constructed of a layer of poured concrete 1100 on top of which a layer of insulation 1102 is disposed. A roof membrane layer 1104 is applied overtop of the insulation layer 1102. The layer of concrete 1100, layer of insulation 1102 and roof membrane layer 1104 are supported by a corrugated metal sheeting 1106. As described previously, the roof membrane 1104 may be constructed of a homogenous polymer membrane or a tar and shingle composite membrane. Preferably, with this roof construction base 1000 or 1030 is secured as described in previous embodiments to the rooftop by a fastener 1106 having a threaded end 1108. The threaded end 1108 of fastener 1106 is threaded into an expandable fastener 1090 such as a molly nut allowing the base to be tightened down to the roof.

Reference is now made to Figures 16 and 17 wherein an alternative adjustable post 1200 embodiment is illustrated for use with any of the support bases previously described. Figure 16 shows adjustable post 1200 pivotably secured at one end to the support base with conventional fasteners in a manner similar to that shown in Figure 3 and Figure 9. The other end of the adjustable post 1200 has an elbow bracket 1202 fixedly secured to an adjustable post 1206. A cross member 1204, for example may be secured to elbow bracket 1202 to create a framework for supporting rooftop equipment, such as air conditioning units and telephone network interfaces. Elbow bracket 1202 is welded or otherwise fixedly secured to an adjustable post 1206. Adjustable post 1206 has an internally threaded aperture 1207 for receiving a threaded rod.

An adjustment screw 1208 is disposed between the adjustable post 1206 and an attachment block 1210 and may be turned into or out of the attachment block 1210 and adjustable post 1206 to increase or decrease the height (length) of the adjustable post 1200. Adjustment screw 1208 has an upper threaded end 1212 and a lower threaded end 1214. Upper threaded end 1212 has an opposite thread than lower threaded end 1214 such that when adjustment screw is rotated the threaded ends either both screw into or screw out of both the adjustable post 1206 and the attachment block 1210. Thus, the adjustment screw may be turned to increase or decrease the height of the adjustable post without having to rotate the support base or the elbow bracket 1202, this allows adjustments in the height to be made while the support base is under load. In Figure 16, attachment block 1210 is pivotably connected to support base 1030 by an attachment bracket 1216 and a pivot bolt 1217. Attachment bracket 1216 is affixed to the inner through bores 1038 in the support base 1030 with conventional fasteners, as shown.

An exploded view of the adjustable post 1200 is illustrated in Figure 17. The adjustable post 1200 is comprised of three main segments: adjustable post 1206 having an internal threaded aperture 1207, adjustment screw 1208 having a fixed upper threaded end 1212 and lower threaded end 1214, and attachment block 1220 having a threaded aperture 1222 and attachment eyelets 1224. Adjustable post 1206 is affixed to steel channel section 1225, which is provided with a series of attachment apertures for mounting support structure designed to accommodate the intended load.

A variety of structures may be attached to the adjustable post 1200. For example, a tray 1226 is attached to channel section 1225 of the adjustable post 1206 with fasteners 1228. The adjustable post 1206 is then screwed onto the adjustment screw 1208 and held in place by lock nut 1230. Another locking nut 1231 is threaded onto the lower threaded end 1214 to further prevent movement of the adjustment screw 1208. Lower threaded end 1214 is turned into threaded aperture 1222 of attachment block 1220. The attachment block may be secured to a support base, such as base 1000 or 1030, using fasteners threaded through attachment eyelets 1224. The height of adjustable post 1200 may be changed by turning adjustment screw 1208 using a wrench engaging flats 1218. Since the upper and lower threaded ends have opposite threads the height of adjustable post 1200 may be changed while the post is bearing a load.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A support base for distributing a concentrated load, the support base comprising: a body formed of moldable polymeric material having a top surface and a generally planar bottom surface; at least one recess integrally formed in the top surface for receiving a support member wherein the support member transfers the concentrated load to the planar body; and at least one through bore extending from the top surface to the bottom surface for receiving a fastener, the through bore having a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface.

2. The support base of claim 1 , wherein the recess is centrally located on the top surface of the support base.

3. The support base of claim 2, wherein the recess further comprises a drain at a bottom end of the recess.

4. The support base of claim 1 , wherein the recess further comprises a tapered outer wall surface.

5. The support base of claim 1 , wherein the shaft portion is adjacent the top surface.

6. The support base of claim 1 , wherein the oversized portion has a hexagonally-shaped interior wall for receiving a hexagonally-shaped fastener.

7. The support base of claim 1 , wherein the oversized portion has a circular-shaped interior wall.

8. The support base of claim 1 , wherein the shaft portion has a diameter which is smaller than a diameter of the oversized portion.

9. The support base of claim 1, wherein the body includes an internal void portion for reducing a weight and a volume of polymeric material used to form the support base.

10. The support base of claim 1 wherein the at least one through bore further comprises: an inner pair of through bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface for receiving a fastener, the inner pair of through bores having a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface; and an outer pair of through bores extending from the top surface to the bottom surface for receiving a fastener, the through bore having a shaft portion and a relatively oversized cavity portion adjacent to the bottom surface.

11. The support base of claim 10, wherein the body further comprises a pair of spaced apart bosses through which the outer bores extend.

12. The support base of claim 11 , further comprising a central recess and a plurality of ribs extending outwardly therefrom.

13. The support base of claim 11 , wherein at least one inlet passage is formed in a boss extending from the top surface thereof and intersecting the through bore, thereby providing a passage for introducing sealant into the oversized cavity portion.

14. The support base of claim 13, wherein said boss is further provided with an outlet passage extending from the body top surface and intersecting the through bore shaft portion.

15. The support base of claim 10, wherein the body is provided with a central recess and a plurality of ribs extending outwardly from the central recess, wherein each of the inner and outer pairs of through bores are formed in one of the plurality of ribs.

16. The support base of claim 15, wherein at least one inlet passage is formed in a boss extending from the top surface thereof and intersecting the through bore, thereby providing a passage for introducing sealant into the oversized cavity portion.

17. The support base of claim 1 , wherein at least one inlet passage is formed in a boss extending from the top surface thereof and intersecting the through bore, thereby providing a passage for introducing sealant into the oversized cavity portion.

18. The support base of claim 17, wherein said boss is further provided with an outlet passage extending from the body top surface and intersecting the through bore shaft portion.

19. An adjustable post for adjusting a height of a load supported upon a support base, the adjustable post comprising: a load support member adapted to retain a load to be carried; an adjustable post section secured to the load support member and having an elongate axial internal cavity formed therein; an attachment block adapted to be affixed to the support base and having a threaded aperture coaxially aligned in spaced apart relation to the internal cavity of the adjustable post section; and an adjustable screw having two axially aligned cylindrical end sections, each telescopically cooperating with one of the adjustable post internal cavity and the attachment block threaded aperture, wherein the relative rotation of the adjustable screw causes the adjustable post section to move axially relative to the attachment block in order to vary the height of the load above the support base.

20. The adjustable post of claim 19 wherein the attachment block includes a rotatable attachment block portion pivotally fixed to an attachment bracket portion for pivoting the adjustable post relative to the support base.

21. The adjustable post of claim 19, wherein the attachment block further comprises a square projection sized to fit within a correspondingly shaped recess in the support base, and a mounting flange for affixing the attachment block to the support base.

22. The adjustable post of claim 19, wherein the adjustment screw cylindrical ends are threaded in opposite directions and associated adjustable post internal cavity in the attachment block have threaded apertures provided with mating threaded surfaces.

23. The adjustable post of claim 19, wherein the adjustable screw further comprises an unthreaded cylindrical end adapted to fit within the adjustment post internal cavity and an threaded cylindrical end for threadingly cooperating with the attachment block threaded aperture.

24. The adjustable post of claim 23, wherein the adjustment screw is provided with a central collar for axially abutting the adjustment post section.

25. The adjustable post of claim 23 , wherein the adjustment screw unthreaded cylindrical end is provided with transverse through holes for affixing the adjustment screw to the adjustment post section.