A universal foundation base

Abstract

A universal foundation base suitable for an in-ground or sub-terranean chamber is disclosed. The chamber may be for an EV charger or other heavy unit, and the base may be levelled to be horizontal. Th

Description

Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to the field of in-ground chambers and more particularly to an in-ground chamber for use as a foundation for an EV charger installation or other heavy unit installation. Background to the Invention In-ground chambers can be and may often be used as a base for an EV charger (low, medium or high-power charger (HPC)) installation. The charger located on the in-ground chamber may weigh a significant amount, often more than 500kg and usually around 2000kg or even higher. The weight of a HPC means that once in place on a base, they are extremely difficult to reposition without the assistance of a crane or similar lifting device. It is also important that a HPC is installed in a level orientation. This can be difficult with conventional bases especially where there is an inclined ground surface where the weight of the HPC means that if the installed base is not level at installation, the weight of the HPC prevents any re-levelling. There is therefore a need for an assembly which can be used as a base for a high-power charger (HPC) installation, particularly a base which can be used with an in-ground chamber. Summary of the Invention According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided, a universal foundation base for an in-ground chamber, the base comprising: a) A frame configured to engage with an upper portion of the in-ground chamber; and b) at least two adjustable bolt assemblies, each adjustable bolt assembly comprising: i. An internally threaded mount provided relative to the frame; and ii. An elongate fastener comprising: a. An elongate, externally threaded first portion to engage with the internally threaded mount; b. A radially extending abutment flange at an upper end of the first portion; c. An elongate externally threaded second portion above the abutment flange; and d. An engagement portion at an upper end of the second portion to allow rotation of the elongate fastener. Provision of a frame with the at least two adjustable bolt assemblies may preferably allow the orientation of an adapter plate (preferably placed on the base) relative to the frame, to be adjusted to level the adapter plate by selective rotation of at least some of the elongate fasteners of the at least two adjustable bolt assemblies, which in turn raises or lowers a respective portion of the adapter plate relative to the frame. This allows the adapter plate to be used as a level base for equipment, even if the ground in which the in-ground chamber is used, has an inclined surface. The universal foundation base may be used for any installation relative to an in-ground chamber and may be used with any chamber design. The foundation base of the present invention is particularly directed towards a base which can be installed on uneven ground or on an inclined ground surface and provide a base which can be levelled to be horizontal. The foundation base preferably accommodates a temporary cover during commissioning and / or decommissioning, allowing an easy and swift replacement with an adapter plate upon recommissioning and installing a unit relative to the foundation base. At least two adjustable bolt assemblies are provided, but it is to be appreciated that the number of adjustable bolt assemblies may differ with the configuration of the frame / in-ground chamber. For example, if a round or triangular chamber is provided, two or three adjustable bolt assemblies could be used. For a rectangular in-ground chamber, the frame will preferably be rectangular and at least four adjustable bolt assemblies will preferably be provided. The in-ground chamber may be provided in any form. For example, the in-ground chamber may be a modular chamber formed from a number of stackable chamber rings. An uppermost portion of the in-ground chamber may preferably have upstand riser, preferably in the form of an upstanding lip extending upwardly from a substantially horizontal surface, about an opening into the in-ground chamber. In one form, the in-ground chamber is placed into the ground and is fixed or backfilled in position. In use, the universal foundation base is then placed onto an upper end of the chamber. The foundation base may preferably be fixed to the in-ground chamber. The universal foundation base of the invention may include a frame configured to engage with an upper portion of the in-ground chamber. The frame may preferably be shaped to correspond to the upper portion of the chamber. In one form, the frame may be rectangular. The frame is preferably formed from a number of members attached together to form a perimeter defining a central opening. A permanent attachment is preferred. Each of the members may be formed from hollow box section. In a preferred form, four members are provided, two rail members which are preferably spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another, and two connecting members which are preferably spaced apart and substantially parallel. The two connecting members preferably extend between opposed ends of the two rail members. The rail members may preferably have open ends. The ends of the connecting members preferably abut sidewalls of the preferred rail members. The open ends of the rail members may be selectively closed by providing removable cover plugs. At least one, and preferably a pair of attachment assemblies may be provided on the connecting members to attach the frame to the in-ground chamber. The attachment assemblies preferably comprise an attachment plate with a bolt or pin or similar to attach one end of the attachment plate to a connecting member of the frame and the opposite end of the attachment plate to a side wall of the in-ground chamber. In one form, bolts are provided for this purpose with each bolt extending through the connecting member or side wall of the in-ground chamber where a nut or similar engages with the bolt to attach the plate to the connecting member or side wall. A backing plate may be provided against which the bolt or nut can be tightened. In a preferred form, the frame may be placed onto the in-ground chamber and be oriented to match the inclination of the ground surface relative to which the foundation base is to be installed. Once the orientation or inclination of the frame has been established, the frame is then preferably attached to the in-ground chamber. At least one, and preferably a number of orientation adjustment mechanisms may be provided relative to the frame. In one form, the orientation adjustment mechanisms preferably include a bolt or similar threaded member which extend substantially vertically relative to the frame. The preferred bolt or similar threaded member can be rotated to raise and lower a respective portion of the frame relative to the upper end of the in-ground chamber. In use, the bolt or similar threaded member may abut an upper surface of the inground chamber such that rotation of the bolt extends the bolt below the frame which in turn, forces the frame away from the upper end of the in-ground chamber. The provision of a number of orientation adjustment mechanisms may preferably allow the height relative to the frame and / or the orientation / inclination of the frame relative to the chamber to be adjusted. In one form, four orientation adjustment mechanisms may be provided. This will preferably allow for height adjustment of the frame relative to the inground chamber as well as orientation / inclination adjustment. The orientation adjustment mechanisms are preferably provided relative to the connecting members rather than the rail members of the frame. Preferably, one orientation adjustment mechanism is provided adjacent to, but spaced from each end of each of the connecting members. In a preferred form, the orientation adjustment mechanisms may be located within the hollow interior of the connecting member and a threaded portion of the orientation adjustment mechanism engage with the lower side wall or an internally threaded boss provided in the lower wall of the hollow connecting member to raise / lower the frame when rotated. An upper access opening is preferably provided in an upper side wall of the preferred hollow connecting member to access a part of the orientation adjustment mechanism to rotate the orientation adjustment bolt or threaded member. A tool may be used for this purpose. An enlarged head of the preferred bolt or similar threaded member may be provided with an engagement portion to engage the tool. As mentioned above, the rail members of the frame may preferably be hollow. In a preferred form, the adjustable bolt assemblies may be provided within the hollow rail members. The abutment plate on one or more elongate fasteners will preferably be wound in an out to abut the adapter plate to level the adapter plate as needed. The internally threaded mount may be provided within a hollow rail member or into a sidewall of a hollow rail member. In a preferred form, a pair of internally threaded mounts are provided within each of the hollow rail members of the preferred frame. The internally threaded mounts will preferably be spaced apart from one another, with each of the threaded mount provided adjacent to, but spaced from a respective end of each of the rail members. The internally threaded mount is preferably fixed in position relative to the rail member. In one form, each internally threaded mount may be mounted in position within the rail member using a mounting plate. The mounting plate may extend transversely, preferably extending from one side wall of the hollow rail member to an opposed side wall of the hollow rail member. The mounting plate may be mounted within the hollow rail member or alternatively, the mounting plate may be mounted through the hollow rail member. In one form, a pair of slot openings can be provided in facing sidewalls of the rail member and the mounting plate may then be inserted into the slot openings, to seat in the slot openings. The mounting plate may be fixed in position. For example, the mounting plate may be fixed permanently in position using welding or another form a fastening. In some forms, the mounting plate may be removable. The mounting plate may have one or more oversized in portions at one end of the mounting plate so that when the mounting plate is inserted into one of the slot openings and an opposite end is seated in the other of the slot openings, the oversized end portions may abut one of the sidewalls of the rail member. An opening may preferably be provided in the mounting plate in which the internally threaded mount is seated. Alternatively, the opening may be internally threaded. In one form, the internally threaded mount may take the form of an internally threaded boss. In another form, the internally threaded mount may take the form of an internally threaded opening provided in a sidewall of the rail member. The internally threaded boss may be hollow and internally threaded. The boss may include radially larger annular head extending outwardly from one end of the boss with an annular surface to abut an upper side of the mounting plate. A lower portion of the boss may be externally threaded. A nut may be engaged with the externally threaded lower portion of the boss to attach the boss to the mounting plate. Preferably, the mounting plate may be sandwiched between the annular head of the boss and the nut. An enlarged opening may be provided in an upper wall of the rail member to allow the internally threaded boss to be inserted and removed therethrough. The enlarged opening may also allow the abutment flange of the elongate fastener to pass. An opening may be provided in a lower wall of the rail member to allow the nut to be inserted and removed therethrough. A cover plug or similar may be provided to removably close the opening in the lower wall of the rail member. One or more outer upstand flanges may be provided extending about a perimeter of the frame to define an outer lip or periphery, within which an adapter plate may be fitted in use. The foundation base of the present invention also preferably includes an elongate fastener for each of the internally threaded bosses. The first portion of the elongate fastener is preferably longer than the second portion of the elongate fastener. The abutment plate is preferably provided between the first portion and second portions, closer to the top of the elongate fastener than to the bottom of the elongate fastener. The first portion of the elongate fastener is preferably received in the internally threaded boss. Rotation of the elongate fastener relative to the boss (which as mentioned above is preferably fixed in position) preferably raises and lowers the abutment plate (and the adapter plate) relative to the first frame. The first portion of the elongate fastener is preferably larger in diameter than the second portion. In one form, an M20 thread is used on the first portion. As mentioned above, the second portion of the elongate fastener is preferably shorter than the first portion. The second portion may be smaller in diameter than the first portion. In one form, an M16 thread is used on the second portion. The first portion and second portions are preferably separated by the abutment flange. The abutment flange may have any shape but may preferably be circular or annular. This may allow the provision of the smallest possible opening in the upper wall of the rail member to provide clearance for the abutment flange. In use, an upper surface of the abutment flange preferably abuts the adapter plate to raise / lower the adapter plate with rotation of the elongate fastener(s). An upper end of the elongate fastener is preferably provided with the engagement portion. Any type of engagement portion may be provided. The engagement portion will preferably engage a tool which can then be used to drive rotation of the elongate fastener. The engagement portion may be male or female. In one form, a hexagonal shaped opening may be provided into the upper end of the second portion of the elongate fastener. The engagement portion may preferably be coaxial with the elongate axis of the fastener. An opposite end of the elongate fastener (a lower end) may be provided with an enlarged washer or stop member. This may be used to limit the adjustment height of the elongate fastener and to prevent the elongate fastener being entirely removed from the boss. The enlarged washer or stop member will preferably abut a lower end of the boss when the elongate fastener is fully extended. The enlarged washer or stop member may be removably attached to the lower end of the elongate fastener with a threaded member, such as a screw or bolt. Parts of the external thread on the second portion may be flattened or removed to provide an external shape to the second portion. For example, a part of the thread on at least one and preferably more than one side of the second portion may be flattened or removed to provide a flat side wall part on the second portion. This flattened or removed portion may be used to abut engage with the locking washer as will be described further below. A ‘double-D’ shape may be formed on the second portion with a corresponding opening in the preferred locking washer. When fully retracted, the elongate fastener may preferably be received entirely within the height of the respective rail member. In use, the frame may be placed onto the top of the in-ground chamber and one or more of the orientation adjustment mechanisms is operated to orient the frame parallel to the ground surface, even where the ground surface is inclined. The frame is then preferably fixed to the chamber using the attachment assemblies. Once oriented, an adapter plate may be placed onto the frame, above the adjustable bolt assemblies, preferably within the outer lip or periphery of the frame. The adjustable bolt assemblies can then be used to adjust the height of the adapter plate and / or level the adapter plate. In one form, the base may include a temporary cover. The temporary cover may be provided relative to the frame in situations where the in-ground chamber is installed, and the frame is then located on the in-ground chamber but before the unit to be installed on the foundation base is actually installed. The temporary cover may be provided in one or more parts. The temporary cover may extend to completely cover the frame to prevent any dirt or detritus entering the chamber and / or the foundation base. In one form, the base may include an adapter plate. In use, the adapter plate may be located on / in the frame and then levelled by manipulating one or more of the adjustable bolt assemblies. The adapter plate may have a substantially planar plate member including a central opening therethrough. One or side rails may be provided along an underside of the plate member. The side rails may be provided on the sides of the adapter plate corresponding to the rail members of the frame. When the adapter plate is fitted to the frame, the side rails of the adapter plate may overlie the rail members of the frame. The side rails of the adapter plate may have a hollow box form but preferably have an upwardly facing, U-shaped channel formation. Access openings may be provided in a lower wall of each of the side rails corresponding to and overlying an upper end of each elongate fastener to provide access to the elongate fastener from above. The access openings allow access to the elongate fastener from above but prevent the abutment flange from passing. The abutment flange will preferably abut a portion of the side rail of the adapter plate about any access opening. An opening may be provided in an upper wall of the side rails of the adapter plate and / or the planar plate, above the access opening. This opening may be larger than the access opening provided in the lower wall. A corresponding opening may be provided through the planar plate. The access opening in the lower wall may preferably be circular. The opening provided in the upper wall and / or the planar plate may have any shape but may be larger and rectangular. The provision of the openings in the adapter plate may allow adjustment of the elongate fastener without removing the adapter plate from the frame. One or more transverse members may be provided between the side rails of the adapter plate on an underside of the planar plate. The transverse members may be provided for strength or rigidity. The transverse members are preferably provided outside the central opening in the adapter plate. At least one, and preferably a spaced apart pair of internally threaded mounts or bosses may be provided in the side rails. Preferably, four internally threaded mounts or bosses are provided, two in each of the side rails. Preferably, the mounts or bosses are provided adjacent to respective ends of each of the side rails. The mounts or bosses may preferably be offset from the elongate fasteners. The mounts or bosses provided in the side rails may preferably be provided to mount a concealing plate relative to the adapter plate. At least one, and preferably a spaced apart pair of internally threaded mounts or bosses may be provided in the transverse members. Preferably, four internally threaded mounts or bosses are provided, to in each of the transverse members. Preferably, the mounts or bosses are provided adjacent to respective ends of each of the transverse members. The mounts or bosses provided in the transverse members may preferably be provided to mount a charger plate relative to the adapter plate. As mentioned above, an upper side of the abutment flange on the elongate fasteners may preferably abut an underside of the lower wall of a side rail on the adapter plate. One more of the elongate fasteners may then be rotated to change the height and / or orientation / inclination of the adapter plate relative to the frame. In one form, the elongate fasteners may be used to level the adapter plate. In a preferred form, once the height and / orientation / inclination of the adapter plate relative to the frame has been achieved, the adapter plate can then be clamped to the one or more elongate fasteners to fix the orientation of the adapter plate. A locking washer may be provided for each of the elongate fasteners. A nut is preferably provided to engage the second portion of the elongate fastener above the locking washer to lock the locking washer and / or the elongate fastener. The locking washer is preferably planar. The locking washer may have a substantially rectangular outer shape with a peripheral edge to abut an inner surface of one of the side rails of the adapter plate when in position. The locking washer is preferably installed through the larger opening in the upper wall of the side rail and / or planar plate. An opening may be provided in the locking washer. The opening is preferably offset in the locking washer. The opening is preferably a shaped opening. The opening will preferably have at least one planar side edge to abut at least one flattened side of the second portion of an elongate fastener, corresponding at least partially in shape to the external shape of the second portion. In this way, the locking washer may be fixed relative to the elongate fastener to rotate (or not) with the elongate fastener. When the locking washer is applied, a portion of the periphery of the locking washer preferably abuts an inner surface of one of the side rails of the adapter plate which prevents rotation of the locking washer and the elongate fastener and then a nut is applied to the second portion to fix the locking washer relative to the elongate fastener preventing any unwanted rotation of the elongate fastener to maintain the selected inclination of the adapter plate relative to the frame. In one form, the base may include at least one concealing plate. The concealing plate is preferably planar. The concealing plate preferably has a large central opening corresponding in position to the opening in the adapter plate. The concealing plate will preferably be located over the adapter plate and then fixed to the adapter plate. The concealing plate preferably covers the access points provided in the adapter plate for the elongate fasteners, preventing access to the elongate fasteners. The concealing plate is preferably attached to the annular bosses provided in the side rails of the adapter plate. Preferably a fastener is used to attach to each of the annular bosses. One or more openings may be provided in the concealing plate to correspond to the position of the annular bosses provided in the transverse members of the adapter plate. In one form, the base may include at least one charger plate. The charger plate is preferably located over the concealing plate. The charger plate may have a hollow box cross-section. The charger plate preferably has spaced apart upper and lower walls. A central opening may be provided in the charger plate corresponding in position to the opening in the adapter plate and the concealing plate if provided. A central opening may be provided on both the spaced apart upper and lower walls of the charger plate. A fastener may be provided within the hollow space of the charger plate to abut an upper side of the lower wall and then to engage with the annular bosses provided in the transverse members of the adapter plate to fix the charger plate to the adapter plate. An access opening is preferably provided in the upper wall corresponding to the position of each of the fasteners in the lower wall to provide access to the fasteners. In use, the frame is located on an in-ground chamber, oriented as required and then fixed to the in-ground chamber. The adapter plate may then be located on / in the frame and then levelled by manipulating one or more of the adjustable bolt assemblies. Once levelled, the preferred locking washers may be used to lock the orientation of the adapter plate. The preferred concealing plate may then be located over the adapter plate to cover the access points, preventing further adjustment and fixed to the adapter plate. The charger plate can then be provided over the preferred concealing plate and fixed to the adapter plate. The EV charger or other unit can then be mounted to the charger plate. Detailed Description of the Invention In order that the invention may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is an axonometric view of an in-ground chamber with a base according to an embodiment fitted thereto with an adapter plate and concealing plate. Figure 2 is an axonometric view of an in-ground chamber according to an embodiment. Figure 3 is an axonometric view of an in-ground chamber with a base according to an embodiment fitted thereto. Figure 4 is a side elevation view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 4. Figure 5 is an exploded axonometric view of a base according to an embodiment. Figure 6 is a top view of the base illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 7 is an underside view of the base illustrated in Figure 5. Figure 8 is an axonometric view of the base illustrated in Figure 5, assembled. Figure 9 is a side elevation view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 3, in a frame inclined condition. Figure 10 is a front elevation view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 9. Figure 11 is an axonometric view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 9 with a temporary cover fitted thereto. Figure 12 is a side elevation view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 11. Figure 13 is an axonometric view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 9. Figure 14 is an axonometric view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 13 with an adapter plate fitted thereto. Figure 15 is a top view of the adapter plate illustrated in Figure 14. Figure 16 is an underside view of the adapter plate illustrated in Figure 14. Figure 17 is a sectional side view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 14 along line A-A. Figure 18 is a detailed view of the portion identified in Figure 17 by reference letter "B". Figure 19 is an axonometric view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 13 with an adapter plate fitted thereto and levelled. Figure 20 is a sectional side view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 19 along line C-C. Figure 21 is a detailed side elevation view of the upper portion illustrated in Figure 20. Figure 22 is a detailed view of the portion identified in Figure 20 by reference letter "D". Figure 23 is an axonometric view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 19 with locking washers exploded. Figure 24 is a sectional side view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 23 along line E-E. Figure 25 is a detailed view of the portion identified in Figure 24 by reference letter "F". Figure 26 is a detailed isometric view of the portion identified in Figure 24 by reference letter "G". Figure 27 is an axonometric view of a locking washer according to an embodiment. Figure 28 is a top view of the locking washer from Figure 25, in use. Figure 29 is an axonometric view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 23 with a concealing plate fitted thereto. Figure 30 is an axonometric exploded view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 29. Figure 31 is a sectional side view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 30 along line H-H. Figure 32 is a detailed view of the portion identified in Figure 31 by reference letter fl Jfl Figure 33 is an axonometric view of the in-ground chamber and base illustrated in Figure 29 with a charger plate fitted thereto. Figure 34 is an axonometric exploded view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 33. Figure 35 is a sectional side view of the configuration illustrated in Figure 33 along line J-J. Figure 36 is a detailed view of the portion identified in Figure 31 by reference letter "K". Figure 37 is a detailed view of an adjustable bolt assembly of an embodiment. Figure 38 is an axonometric view of an elongate fastener used in the adjustable bolt assembly illustrated in Figure 37. Figure 39 is a side elevation view of the elongate fastener illustrated in Figure 38. A universal foundation base 11 for an in-ground chamber 10 is illustrated in the accompanying Figures. The foundation base 11 is preferably used in conjunction with an adapter plate 14 as shown in Figure 1. The in-ground chamber 10 may be provided in any form. In the embodiments illustrated and particularly Figure 2, the in-ground chamber 10 is a modular chamber formed from a number of stackable chamber rings. An uppermost portion of the in-ground chamber has a laterally extending wall 12 and an upstand riser 13 in the form of an upstanding lip extending upwardly from the laterally extending wall 12, about an opening into the in-ground chamber 10. In use, the in-ground chamber 10 is placed into the ground and is fixed or backfilled in position. The universal foundation base 11 is then placed onto the upper end of the chamber 10 as shown in Figure 3. The illustrated foundation base 11 comprises a frame 15 configured to engage with an upper portion of the in-ground chamber 10 and four adjustable bolt assemblies to level the adapter plate 14 before mounting a unit such as a high-power charger (not shown) to a charger plate which is mounted to the adapter 14 plate. The frame 15 is preferably shaped to correspond to the upper portion of the chamber 11. In the illustrated form, the frame 15 is rectangular because the chamber 10 is rectangular. The frame of the illustrated embodiments is formed from a number of members attached together to form a perimeter defining a central opening as shown in Figures 6 to 8. Each of the members is formed from hollow box section. In the illustrated form, four members are provided, two rail members 16 which are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another, and two connecting members 17 which are spaced apart, substantially parallel and extend between opposed ends of the two rail members 16. The rail members 16 have open ends. The ends of the connecting members 17 abut sidewalls of the rail members 16. The open ends of the rail members 16 may be selectively closed by providing removable cover plugs 18. A pair of attachment assemblies 19 are provided on each of the connecting members 17 to attach the frame 15 to the in-ground chamber 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The attachment assemblies 19 each preferably comprise an attachment plate with a bolt or pin or similar to attach one end of the attachment plate to a connecting member 17 and the opposite end of the attachment plate to a side wall of the in-ground chamber 10. In one form, bolts are provided for this purpose with each bolt extending through the connecting member or side wall of the in-ground chamber where a nut or similar engage with the bolt to attach the plate to the connecting member or side wall. A backing plate is provided on the inside of the chamber to minimise the chance that the nut will pull through the chamber wall. As shown in Figures 9 to 14, the frame 15 is placed onto the in-ground chamber 10 and is then oriented to match the inclination of the ground surface relative to which the foundation base 11 is to be installed. Once the orientation or inclination of the frame 15 has been established, the frame 15 is then preferably attached to the in-ground chamber 10 using the attachment assemblies 19. A number of orientation adjustment mechanisms are provided relative to the frame 15 to orient the frame to match the inclination of the ground surface. In the illustrated form, the orientation adjustment mechanisms include a bolt 20 which extends substantially vertically relative to the frame 15 and is seated in a corresponding internally threaded boss 21. The bolt 20 can be rotated to raise and lower a respective portion of the frame 15 relative to the upper end of the in-ground chamber 10. In use, the bolt 20 abuts the laterally extending wall 12 of the inground chamber 10 such that rotation of the bolt 20 extends the bolt below the frame 15 which in turn, forces the frame 15 away from the laterally extending wall 12 of the in-ground chamber 10 as shown in Figures 9 to 12. As shown, four orientation adjustment mechanisms are provided. This allows for height adjustment of the frame 15 relative to the in-ground chamber 10 as well as orientation / inclination adjustment. The orientation adjustment mechanisms are provided relative to the connecting members 17 rather than the rail members 16 of the frame 15. Preferably, one orientation adjustment mechanism is provided adjacent to, but spaced from each end of each of the connecting members 17. The orientation adjustment mechanisms shown are located within the hollow interior of the connecting member 17 and a threaded portion of the orientation adjustment mechanism engages with an internally threaded boss 21 in the lower side wall of the hollow connecting member 17 to raise / lower the frame 15 when rotated. An upper access opening 22 is provided in an upper side wall of the hollow connecting member 17 to access a part of the orientation adjustment mechanism to rotate the orientation adjustment bolt 20. A tool may be used for this purpose. An enlarged head of the preferred bolt 20 may be provided with an engagement portion to engage the tool. As mentioned above, the rail members 16 of the frame 15 illustrated are hollow. In a preferred form, the adjustable bolt assemblies are provided within the hollow rail members 15. Each connecting bolt assembly comprises: i. An internally threaded boss 23 provided relative to the frame 15; and ii. An elongate fastener 24 comprising: e. An elongate, externally threaded first portion 25 to engage with the internally threaded boss 23; f. A radially extending abutment flange 26 at an upper end of the first portion 25; g. An elongate externally threaded second portion 27 above the abutment flange 26; and h. An engagement portion 28 at an upper end of the second portion 27 to allow rotation of the elongate fastener 24. As illustrated, a pair of internally threaded bosses 23 are provided within each of the hollow rail members 16 of the frame 15. The internally threaded bosses 23 are spaced apart from one another, with each of the threaded bosses 23 provided adjacent to but spaced from a respective end of each of the rail members 16. The internally threaded boss 23 is fixed in position relative to the rail member 16. In the illustrated form, each internally threaded boss 23 is mounted in position within the rail member 16 using a mounting plate 29. The mounting plate 29 extends transversely, from one side wall of the hollow rail member 16 to an opposed side wall of the hollow rail member 16. The mounting plate 29 shown is mounted through the hollow rail member. A pair of slot openings 30 are provided in facing sidewalls of the rail member and the mounting plate 29 is inserted into the slot openings 30, to seat in the slot openings 30. The mounting plate 29 has one or more oversized end portions at one end of the mounting plate 29 so that when the mounting plate 29 is inserted into one of the slot openings 30 and the opposite end is seated in the other of the slot openings 30, the oversized end portions abut one of the sidewalls of the rail member 16. An opening (shown in Figure 5 but not numbered) is provided in the mounting plate 29 in which the internally threaded boss 23 is seated. The boss 23 is hollow and internally threaded. The boss 23 includes a radially larger annular head extending outwardly from one end of the boss 23 to abut an upper side of the mounting plate 29. A lower portion of the boss 23 is externally threaded. A nut 31 is engaged with the externally threaded lower portion of the boss 23 to attach the boss 23 to the mounting plate 29, sandwiching the mounting plate 29 between the annular head of the boss 23 and the nut 31. This configuration is shown in detail in Figure 37. An enlarged opening 32 is provided in an upper wall of the rail member 16 to allow the boss 23 to be inserted and removed therethrough. The enlarged opening 32 also allows the abutment flange 26 of the elongate fastener 24 to pass. An opening (not shown) may be provided in a lower wall of the rail member 16 to allow the nut 31 to be inserted and removed therethrough. A cover plug 33 may be provided to removably close the opening in the lower wall of the rail member 16 as shown in Figure 7. One or more outer upstand flanges are provided extending about a perimeter of the frame 15 to define an outer lip 34 or periphery within which an adapter plate 14 is fitted in use. As best illustrated in Figures 37 to 39, the first portion 25 of the elongate fastener 24 is longer than the second portion 27 of the elongate fastener 24. The abutment plate 26 is provided between the first portion 25 and second portions 27, closer to the top of the elongate fastener 24 than to the bottom of the elongate fastener 24. As shown in Figure 37 in particular, the first portion 25 of the elongate fastener 24 is received in the internally threaded boss 23. Rotation of the elongate fastener 24 relative to the boss 23 (which as mentioned above is fixed in position) raises and lowers the abutment plate 14 relative to the frame 15 as shown in Figures 19 to 24 in particular. The first portion 25 of the elongate fastener 24 is larger in diameter than the second portion 26. In the illustrated form, an M20 thread is used on the first portion 25 and an M16 thread is used on the second portion 27. The first portion 25 and second portions 27 are separated by the abutment flange 26. The abutment flange 26 illustrated is circular or annular. In use, an upper surface of the abutment flange 26 abuts the adapter plate 14 to raise / lower the adapter plate 14 with rotation of the elongate fastener 24, as shown in Figures 20 and 21 in particular. An upper end of the elongate fastener 24 is provided with the engagement portion 28. The engagement portion 28 engages tool which can then be used to drive rotation of the elongate fastener 24. The engagement portion 28 illustrated is a hexagonal shaped opening provided into the upper end of the second portion of the elongate fastener. An opposite end of the elongate fastener 24 (a lower end) may be provided with an enlarged washer 35 or stop member. This may be used to limit the adjustment height of the elongate fastener 24 and to prevent the elongate fastener 24 being entirely removed from the boss 23. The enlarged washer 24 or stop member is removably attached to the first portion 25 using a screw or bolt as shown in Figure 37, and abuts a lower end of the boss 23 when the elongate fastener 24 is fully extended. As illustrated in Figures 38 and 39, one or more parts of the external thread on the second portion 27 may be flattened or removed to provide an external shape to the second portion 27. For example, a part of the thread on opposite sides of the second portion may be flattened or removed to provide two flat side wall parts 36 on the second portion. These flattened or removed portions are used to abut or engage with the locking washer as will be described further below. When fully retracted, the elongate fastener 24 is received entirely within the height of the respective rail member 16 as shown in Figure 37. As mentioned above, once oriented as shown in Figure 13, an adapter plate 14 may be placed onto the frame 15 as shown in Figure 14, above the adjustable bolt assemblies, within the outer lip or periphery 34 of the frame 15. The adjustable bolt assemblies can then be used to adjust the height of the adapter plate 14 and / or level the adapter plate 14 as shown in Figure 19. The base 11 may include a temporary cover 60 as shown in Figures 11 and 12. The temporary cover 60 may be provided relative to the frame 15 in situations where the in-ground chamber 10 is installed, and the frame 15 is then located on the in-ground chamber 10 but before the unit to be installed on the foundation base 11 is actually installed. The illustrated temporary cover 60 is provided in two half parts. The temporary cover 60 may extend to completely cover the frame 15 to prevent any dirt or detritus entering the chamber 10 and / or the foundation base 11. The temporary cover 60 can then be removed during commissioning (Figure 13) and an adapter plate 14 installed on the base 11 as shown in Figure 14. In the preferred form illustrated in Figures 15 and 16, the adapter plate 14 has a substantially planar upper plate member 37 including a central opening 38 therethrough. A pair of side rails 39 are provided along an underside of the plate member 37. The side rails 39 are provided on the sides of the adapter plate 14 corresponding to the rail members 16 of the frame 15. When the adapter plate 14 is fitted to the frame 15, the side rails 39 of the adapter plate 14 overlie the rail members 16 of the frame 15. The side rails 39 of the adapter plate 14 illustrated have an inverted U-shaped channel formation. Access openings 40 are provided in a lower wall of each of the side rails 39 corresponding to, and overlying an upper end of each elongate fastener 24 to provide access to the elongate fastener 24 from above. The access openings 40 allow access to the elongate fastener 24 from above but prevent the abutment flange 26 from passing. The abutment flange 26 will preferably abut a portion of the side rail 39 of the adapter plate 14 about each access opening 40. As shown in Figure 15, an opening 41 is provided in an upper wall of the side rails 39 of the adapter plate 14 above the access opening 40. The opening 4 lin the upper wall is larger than the access opening 40 provided in the lower wall. A corresponding opening may be provided through the planar plate 37. As shown, the access opening 40 in the lower wall is circular and the opening 41 provided in the upper wall is larger and rectangular. The provision of the openings in the adapter plate 14 allow adjustment of the elongate fastener 24 without removing the adapter plate 14 from the frame 15. A pair of transverse members 42 are provided between the side rails 39 of the adapter plate 14 on an underside of the planar plate 37. The transverse members 42 are preferably provided outside the central opening 38 in the adapter plate 14. A spaced apart pair of annular, internally threaded bosses 43 are provided in each side rail 39. As shown in Figure 15, four internally threaded bosses 43 are provided, two in each of the side rails 39. The annular bosses 43 are provided adjacent to respective ends of each of the side rails 39 and are offset from the elongate fasteners 24. The annular, internally threaded bosses 43 provided in the side rails 39 are provided to mount a concealing plate 59 relative to the adapter plate 14. A spaced apart pair of annular, internally threaded bosses 44 are also provided in each transverse member 42. Preferably, four internally threaded bosses 44 are provided, in the two transverse members 42. The annular bosses 44 are provided adjacent to respective ends of each of the transverse members 42. The annular, internally threaded bosses 44 provided in the transverse members 42 may preferably be provided to mount a charger plate 58 relative to the adapter plate 14. As mentioned above, an upper side of the abutment flange 26 on the elongate fasteners 24 preferably abuts an underside of the lower wall of a side rail 39 on the adapter plate 14. One or more of the elongate fasteners 24 may then be rotated as shown in Figure 17 and 18 and particularly Figure 21, to change the height and / or orientation / inclination of the adapter plate 14 relative to the frame 15. In one form, the elongate fasteners 24 may be used to level the adapter plate 14 before mounting a HPC. In a preferred form, once the height and / orientation / inclination of the adapter plate 14 relative to the frame 15 has been achieved, the adapter plate 14 can then be clamped to the one or more elongate fasteners 24. A locking washer 45 may be provided for each of the elongate fasteners 24 as shown in Figures 23 to 28. A nut 46 is provided to engage the second portion 27 of the elongate fastener 24 above the locking washer 45 to lock the locking washer 45 and / or the elongate fastener 24. As shown in Figure 27, the locking washer 45 is planar. The locking washer 45 has a substantially rectangular outer shape with a peripheral edge to abut an inner surface of one of the side rails 39 of the adapter plate 14 when in position. The locking washer 45 is installed through the larger opening 41 in the upper wall of the side rail 39 and / or planar plate 37. An offset, shaped opening 47 is provided in the locking washer 45. The opening 47 has a pair of planar side edges to abut the flattened side 36 of the second portion 28 of an elongate fastener 24. In this way, the locking washer 45 is fixed relative to the elongate fastener 24 to rotate (or not) with the elongate fastener 24. When the locking washer 24 is applied, a portion of the periphery of the locking washer 45 abuts an inner surface of one of the side rails 39 of the adapter plate 14 which prevents rotation of the locking washer 45 and the elongate fastener 24 and then the nut 46 is applied to the second portion 28 to fix the locking washer 45 relative to the elongate fastener 24 preventing any unwanted rotation of the elongate fastener 24 to maintain the selected inclination of the adapter plate 14 relative to the frame 15. As shown in Figures 29 and 30, the concealing plate 59 is planar. The concealing plate 59 has a large central opening 48 corresponding in position to the opening 38 in the adapter plate 14. The concealing plate 59 is located over the adapter plate 14 and then fixed to the adapter plate 14, covering the access points provided in the adapter plate 14 for the elongate fasteners 24, preventing access to the elongate fasteners 24. As shown in Figures 30 to 32, the concealing plate 59 is attached to the annular bosses 43 provided in the side rails 39 of the adapter plate 14. A fastener 49 is used to attach to each of the annular bosses 44. Openings 50 are provided in the concealing plate 59 to correspond to the position of the annular bosses 45 provided in the transverse members 42 of the adapter plate 14 to attach the charger plate 58. As shown in Figures 33 to 36, the charger plate 58 is located over the concealing plate 59. The charger plate 58 preferably has a hollow box cross-section as shown in Figure 35 with spaced apart upper and lower walls. A central opening 50 is provided in the charger plate 58 corresponding in position to the opening 38 in the adapter plate 14 and the opening 48 in the concealing plate 59. A central opening 50 is provided on both the spaced apart upper and lower walls of the charger plate 58. As shown in Figure 36, a fastener 51 is provided into the hollow space of the charger plate 58 to abut an upper side of the lower wall and then to engage with the respective annular boss 45 provided in the transverse members 42 of the adapter plate 14 to fix the charger plate 58 to the adapter plate 14. An access opening 52 is provided in the upper wall corresponding to the position of each of the fasteners 51 in the lower wall to provide access to the fasteners 51. The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A universal foundation base for an in-ground chamber, the base comprising:a. A frame configured to engage with an upper portion of the in-ground chamber; andb. at least two adjustable bolt assemblies, each adjustable bolt assembly comprising:i. An internally threaded mount provided relative to the frame; andii. An elongate fastener comprising:a. An elongate, externally threaded first portion to engage with the internally threaded mount;b. A radially extending abutment flange at an upper end of the first portion;c. An elongate externally threaded second portion above the abutment flange; andd. An engagement portion at an upper end of the second portion to allow rotation of the elongate fastener.

2. A universal foundation base as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame is formed from two hollow rail members which are spaced apart and substantially parallel to one another and two hollow connecting members which are spaced apart in substantially parallel and extend between opposed ends of the two rail members.

3. A universal foundation base as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a pair of attachment assemblies provided on the connecting members to attach the frame to the in-ground chamber.

4. A universal foundation base as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising at least one orientation adjustment mechanisms provided relative to the frame to raise and lower a respective portion of the frame relative to the upper portion of the in-ground chamber.

5. A universal foundation base as claimed in claim 4 wherein the at least one orientation adjustment mechanism comprises a bolt or similar threaded member to abut an upper portion of the in-ground chamber such that rotation of the bolt extends the bolt below the frame which in turn, forces the frame away from the upper portion of the in-ground chamber.

6. A universal foundation base as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 when dependent from claim 2 wherein the orientation adjustment mechanisms are located within a hollow interior of each connecting member and a threaded portion of the orientation adjustment mechanism engages with a lower side wall of the connecting member to raise / lower the frame when rotated.

7. A universal foundation base as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 6 whendependent on claim 2 wherein the adjustable bolt assemblies are provided within the hollow rail members.

8. A universal foundation base as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the internally threaded mount is provided within a hollow rail member.

9. A universal foundation base as claimed in claim 8 wherein the internally threaded mount is fixed in position relative to the rail member using a transversely extending mounting plate extending from one side wall of the hollow rail member to an opposed side wall of the hollow rail member, the mounting plate comprising an opening in which the internally threaded mount is seated.

10. A universal foundation base as claimed in claim 9 wherein the internally threaded mount comprises a boss including a radially larger annular head extending outwardly from one end of the boss to abut an upper side of the mounting plate and a lower portion of the boss is externally threaded to engage a nut to attach the boss to the mounting plate.

11. A universal foundation base as claimed in claim 10 wherein an enlarged openingis provided in a lower wall of the rail member to allow the nut to be inserted and removed therethrough.

12. A universal foundation base as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11 further comprising an enlarged opening provided in an upper wall of the rail member to allow the internally threaded boss to be inserted and removed therethrough.

13. A universal foundation base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12 further comprising one or more outer upstand flanges extending about a perimeter of the frame to define an outer lip or periphery.

14. A universal foundation base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the first portion of the elongate fastener is longer than the second portion of the elongate fastener with the abutment plate provided between the first portion and second portions, closer to the top of the elongate fastener than to the bottom of the elongate fastener.

15. A universal foundation base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein a part of the thread on at least one side of the second portion is flattened or removed to provide a flat side wall part on the second portion.

16. A universal foundation base system comprising a universal foundation base as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 and an adapter plate provided on the frame for abutment with the abutment plate of any one or more of the at least two adjustable bolt assemblies.

17. A universal foundation base system as claimed in claim 16 wherein the adapter plate comprises a substantially planar plate member including a central opening therethrough and one or side rails provided along an underside of the plate member.

18. A universal foundation base system as claimed in claim 17 further comprising an access opening provided in a lower wall of each of the side rails corresponding to and overlying an upper end of each elongate fastener to provide access to the elongate fastener from above, the access openings sized to allow access to the elongate fastener from above but prevent the abutment flange of the elongate fastener from passing.

19. A universal foundation base system as claimed in claim 18 comprising an opening provided in the adapter plate above the respective access opening.

20. A universal foundation base system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19 further comprising one or more transverse members provided between the side rails of the adapter plate on an underside of the planar plate, outside the central opening in the adapter plate.

21. A universal foundation base system as claimed in claim 20 further comprising a spaced apart pair of annular, internally threaded bosses in the side rails to mount a concealing plate relative to the adapter plate.

22. A universal foundation base system as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 further comprising a spaced apart pair of annular, internally threaded bosses in the transverse members to mount a charger plate relative to the adapter plate.

23. A universal foundation base system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 22 further comprising a locking washer a peripheral edge to abut an inner surface of one of the side rails of the adapter plate when in position and a nut provided for each of the elongate fasteners, the locking washer to engage the second portion of the elongate fastener to lock the locking washer and / or the elongate fastener to the adapter plate.

24. A universal foundation base system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 23 further comprising a concealing plate located over the adapter plate and then fixed to the adapter plate and attached to the adapter plate.

25. A universal foundation base system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 24 further comprising charger plate attached to the adapter plate to fix the charger plate to the adapter plate.

Images