Field of the Invention

[001] The present invention relates to construction support and method for supporting a construction.

Background to the Invention

[002] Systems for supporting a construction utilising piles driven into the ground are known. Such known systems may include ground engaging devices which are secured to the ground by piles driven through apertures in the device. The device is then attached to a plate forming part of the structure.

[003] Such systems require accurate placement of the ground engaging devices in order to align with the construction. However, as piles driven into the grounds can often deviate from the intended path due to the presence of rocks or variability in the ground conditions, it can be difficult to ensure that the final placement is sufficiently accurate to engage with the designed structure. The present invention relates to a system provided to overcome, at least in part, the abovementioned difficulties.

Summary of the Invention

[004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a construction support comprising: a plurality of brackets each comprising a body portion and a tubular member; a plurality of piles each being receivable in one of the tubular members such that the piles can be driven downwardly through the tubular members into the ground; and a plurality of elongate connecting members provided such that each connecting member connects between the body portions of an adjacent pair of the brackets; wherein each of the connecting members are connected at opposed ends to the body portions of the adjacent brackets such that the connecting member can slide longitudinally relative to the body portions while the piles are driven into place, after which a foundation is poured around the brackets and connecting members for receiving a base plate for mounting a structure.

[005] Preferably longitudinal slots are provided at each end of the connecting members such that a pin is received through the slots of a pair of the connecting member to engage into the bracket.

[006] Preferably the pin is received into a hole in the body portion of the bracket.

[007] Preferably each of the connecting member comprises an elongate flat bar.

[008] In a preferred embodiment, the body portion comprises a planar member and the tubular member comprises a cylinder connected to an end of the planar member such that the cylinder has a longitudinal axis angled relative to an axis perpendicular to the plane of the planar member.

[009] Preferably the tubular members are angled such that lower ends of the tubular members are angled outwardly away from the base portion of the bracket.

[010] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a constructions support comprising: connecting together a plurality of brackets, each bracket comprising a body portion and a tubular member, by elongate connecting members extending between adjacent pairs of the brackets; driving piles through the tubular members of the brackets into the ground; and pouring a foundation around the brackets and connecting members; wherein the connecting members are connected to the brackets such that the connecting members can slide longitudinally relative to the body portions while the piles are driven into the ground.

[011] Preferably the method includes the step of passing a pin through slots provided in ends of adjacent pairs of the connecting member to engage into the bracket.

[012] Preferably the pin is passed into a hole in the body portion of the bracket.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[013] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[014] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a construction support in accordance with the present invention;

[015] Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of the construction support with the foundation removed for clarity;

[016] Figure 3 is a top view of the construction support of Figure 2;

[017] Figure 4a is a side view of the construction support of Figure 2; and [018] Figure 4b is a close-up view of Detail A of Figure 4a.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[019] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a construction support 10 comprising a plurality of brackets 12 and piles 14. Each of the brackets 12 is provided to receive one of the piles 14 which is to be driven into the ground to provide support for a structure which may be attached to a plurality of the construction supports 10. [020] Each of the support brackets 12 comprises a body portion 16 and a tubular member 18. The body portion 16 of the bracket 12 comprises a planar member 17.

[021 ] The planar member 17 in the embodiment shown comprises a generally rectangular plate having a first end and a second end. The tubular member 18 is secured to the planar member 17 adjacent the first end thereof.

[022] The tubular member 18 in the embodiment shown comprises a cylinder. The first end of the planar member 17 includes a semicircular recess into which is received a side surface of the tubular member 18. The tubular member 18 is received into the recess and secured to the planar member by appropriate means, such as by welding. The tubular member 18 has a longitudinal axis angled away from an axis perpendicular to the plane of the body portion 18 such that a lower end of the tubular member 18 is angled outwardly away from the base portion 18.

[023] The brackets 12 are connected by a plurality of elongate connecting members 22. In embodiment shown, the connecting members 22 each comprise an elongate flat bar. Each connecting member 22 connects between an adjacent pair of the brackets 12 such that the connecting members 22 form a ring structure with the brackets 12 located around the periphery of the ring. In the embodiment shown, there are four such connecting members 22 provided such that the connecting members form a rectangular ring structure.

[024] The connecting members 22 are arranged in use such that opposed ends thereof are each located adjacent the body portion 16 of one of the brackets 12. In the embodiment shown, the ends of the connecting members are both located above an upper surface of the body portion 16. Each of the connecting members 22 includes slots 24 adjacent the ends thereof. The slots 24 are provided to receive pins 26 which are passed through the slots 24 of an adjacent pair of connecting members 22 into a hole provided in the body portion 16 of the bracket 12.

[025] The slots 24 are each oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongate connecting member 22. When connected to the body portion 16 of the bracket 12, the connecting member 22 may therefore slide longitudinally relative to the bracket 12.

[026] The construction support 10 also includes a foundation 28. The foundation 28 comprises a block of suitable material, such as concrete. The foundation 28 is formed around the connecting members 22, the brackets 12 and the upper ends of the piles 14. The foundation 28 is used to support a base plate 30 on which the structure is supported. The base plate 30 may be secured into an upper surface of the foundation 28 by a plurality of bolts 32.

[027] In use, a plurality of brackets 12, each provided with a pile 14 are connected together by the connecting members 22 such that each connecting member 22 extends between an adjacent pair of brackets 12. The slots 24 allow for relative movement between the brackets 12 as the piles 14 are driven into the ground. The general shape of the connected ring of connecting members 22 may therefore adjust with movement of the piles 14.

[028] Once the piles 14 have been driven sufficiently into place, the foundation 28 is poured around the connecting member 22, the brackets 12 and the upper ends of the piles 14. The foundation 28 provides a suitable support for the base plate 30 which may be positioned accurately at the correct location for the structure. A plurality of construction supports 10 may be placed in appropriate positions such that the structure can rest on top of the base plates 30.

[029] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.