STRUCTURE STABILIZATION SYSTEM

Abstract

A stabilizing system for a modular structure is disclosed. The modular structure is intended to provide a framework for the storage of physical fitness training equipment and the support of items of exercise apparatus. Since such structures are prone to tipping, the prior art required that they be permanently fastened to either a wall or a floor. The present disclosure provides a system for obviating the need for permanent fastening by providing a foot element extending outward from the vertical support elements of the modular structure which moves the tipping point and by providing a base plate arrangement which can carry weight modules to act as a counterweight in opposition to any tipping forces.

Claims

1. In a system for stabilizing a modular structure having spatially separated vertical support members, the combination comprising: a. a base plate adapted to underlie each of the modular structure vertical support members; b. means for attaching each said base plate to a vertical support member; and c. at least one weight module adapted to rest on said base plates proximate the rearward edge of said base plates; whereby said base plates with at least one weight module acts as a counterweight to prevent the modular structure from tipping.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one vertical indexing rod proximate the rearward edge of said base plate, adapted to receive an apertured weight module, wherein said at least one weight module is apertured.

3. The system of claim 1 further including a foot element for each vertical support member attached thereto and extending therefrom and away from said base plate, whereby said foot elements provide a new point of rotation in the forward direction for the vertical support member.

4-6. (canceled)

7. The system of claim 3 further including a collar member for attaching said foot member to a vertical support member.

8. The system of claim 7 further including a shim in said collar member between said collar member and the vertical support member; and a set screw in said collar member engaging said shim whereby tightening said set screw forces said shim against the vertical support member biasing said foot member against a supporting surface.

9. The system of claim 3 wherein said foot member has a leading edge and said leading edge is rounded.

10. In a system for stabilizing a modular structure having spatially separated vertical support members, the combination comprising: a. a foot member for each vertical support member attached to the base of the vertical support member and extending horizontally therefrom whereby said foot members move the rotation point for the vertical support members to the end of said foot members; b. a collar member for attaching said foot member to a vertical support member; c. a shim in said collar member between said collar member and the vertical support member; d. a set screw in said collar member engaging said shim whereby tightening said set screw forces said shim against the vertical support member biasing said foot member against a supporting surface; e. a base plate adapted to underlie each of the modular structure vertical support members; f. means for attaching each said base plate to a vertical support member; and g. at least one weight module adapted to rest on said base plate proximate the rearward edge of said base plate; whereby said base plate with at least one weight module acts as a counterweight to prevent the modular structure from tipping.

11. The system of claim 10 further including: at least one vertical indexing rod proximate the rearward edge of said base plate, adapted to receive an apertured weight module and wherein said at least one weight module is apertured.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein said foot member has a leading edge and said leading edge is rounded.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular structure equipped with the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a base plate suitable for use in the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 3, including FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C is a perspective and sectional views of a foot element that may be attached to a modular structure; FIG. 3B is a section seen along the line 3B in FIG. 3A in the direction of the appended arrows and FIG. 3C is a section view taken along line 3C in FIG. 3A in the direction of the appended arrows;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the base plate of FIG. 2 with weights installed;

[0011] FIG. 5 is a side view of a modular structure showing the mechanics of the stabilization by relocation of the tipping point and added counterweight; and

[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative base plate configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Turning first to FIG. 1, there is shown, in exploded perspective view, a stabilizing structure 10 according to the present invention. The structure 10 is attached to vertical members or posts 12 of a modular structure. The stabilizing structure includes a plurality of elements that are connected together.

[0014] Most important is a foot member 14 which is fastened to the vertical post 12. A baseplate 16, upon which each vertical post 12 are supported, is fixed and connected to the base of the vertical posts 12. While the preferred embodiment employs a base plate for each vertical post, in alternative embodiments, the base plate can span the structure as shown in FIG. 6. It is the foot members 14 which shift the tipping rotation point from the forward leading edge of the base of the vertical posts 12 to the end 18 of the foot members 14. The invention leverages the mechanical advantage by placing the foot end immediately forward of the base of the vertical post 12.

[0015] Also important is the base and support plate structure 16 including vertical rods 20 which engage apertures 22 in weight modules 24. The invention leverages the mechanical advantage of placing weight modules 24 immediately rearward of the vertical posts 12. When fully assembled, the stabilizing structure 10 can provide resistance to longitudinal and lateral forces against the anchor points for exercise equipment at the top of the modular structure elements, In the absence of the stabilizing structure 10, such forces would be sufficient to cause the modular structure to tip and fall.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of base plate 16. As shown, the vertical alignment rods 20 can be threaded and fitted into threaded apertures 26 of the support plate to accommodate the apertures 22 in the weight modules 24.

[0017] In FIG. 3A, the foot member 14 is shown in greater detail. A U-shaped bracket 28 is sized to fit over the vertical post 12 of the modular structure. The bracket 28 has an internal shim 30 to assure a tight lateral fit on the post 12. A compressible gasket 32, best seen in FIG. 3C, covers the forward internal surface of the bracket 28 to assure a tight fit when the foot member 14 is fixed to the vertical post 12. In the preferred embodiment, a set screw 35, best seen in FIG. 3B, maintains a compressive preload on the bracket 28, tightly mating the bracket 28 to the vertical post 12 while compressing gasket 32 to eliminate any free play in the connection due to manufacturing tolerances and also provides a force biasing the end if the foot member into the floor surface. The foot member 14 has an anchoring loop 36 to which exercise apparatus (not shown) can be fastened.

[0018] FIG. 4 shows the base plates with stacked weight modules 24 held in place by the vertical alignment rods 20 in the apertures 22. Depending on the configuration of the modular structure, the requisite number of weight modules can be utilized to act as a counterweight.

[0019] Turning next to FIG. 5, a modular structure 38 is shown in side view. An anchor point 40 can be at the upper portion of the structure 38. When using apparatus connected to that anchor point 40, a substantial load is brought to bear. The load direction may be anywhere, commonly between 30 to 90 degrees below horizontal. Without the present invention, the tipping point 42 is at the base of the vertical post 12 of modular structure 38. By adding the foot member 14, the new tipping point 44 is moved outward. This enables the mass of the modular structure 38 to resist rotation and the number of weight modules 24 needed to resist rotation can be relatively modest.

[0020] Turning to FIG. 6, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a base plate 50. In this embodiment, the base plate spans the separation between vertical posts 12 and has a plate portion 52. adapted to connect to each vertical post 12. Vertical alignment rods 54 are mounted in a slot 56 so that various sized and apertured weight modules can be installed.

[0021] Thus there has been shown and described, a novel system for stabilizing modular structures that have the potential of falling without the need to fasten such structures to a supporting floor or adjacent wall. The system allows for scalability to resist increased loading by increasing the weight modules. This permits greater flexibility in the placement of the modular structures and the configuration of the space in which they are located without sacrificing safety.

[0022] What is claimed as new follows below.