Universal foundation for outdoor fixtures

Abstract

The invention relates to outdoor fixtures, and more particularly to universal foundations for the stable and secure installation of parasols, flags, road signs and all kinds of outdoor signage. The present universal foundation for outdoor fixtures is modular. The cavities of the foundation are intended to receive a ballast material. The central part of the foundation is configured to receive a post of an outdoor fixture. The cavities are formed by containers which are rectangular in plan view and have a flat base (2) with vertical walls extending therefrom (1), wherein the containers are designed so that they can be connected to one another during assembly of the foundation. The material of the foundation is a filled polymer composite material.

Description

[0001]

[0002] UNIVERSAL FOUNDATION FOR STREET STRUCTURES

[0003] Field of technology

[0004] The invention relates to outdoor structures, in particular, to universal bases for the stable and safe installation of umbrellas, flags, road signs and all kinds of outdoor signs.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Currently, various types of foundations are used for the installation of street structures.

[0007] The prior art includes a base designed as a box-like base for carrying and supporting a sunshade device. Support is provided by filling the base with water. The base is shaped and sized to accommodate the sunshade device and other items during transport (application GB950100098, A45B23 / 00, November 30, 1996).

[0008] A concrete foundation with a reinforcing mesh and a plastic shell is known. The plastic shell prevents the concrete from weakening or cracking, extending the foundation's overall service life. This foundation can be embedded into the ground, allowing it to be used on uneven surfaces and sandy beaches (utility model CN217743389(U), A45B23 / 00, November 8, 2022).

[0009] A collapsible base with a central opening for placing an umbrella stand is known. It is designed as a collapsible container containing a cavity for storing ballast material. The collapsible container is designed to accommodate rigid partitions to ensure its shape is maintained after accepting ballast (patent US9540840 (B2), A45B23 / 00, 10.01.2017)—the closest analogue.

[0010] Concrete foundations provide high stability due to their own weight and are relatively inexpensive to produce. However, they are heavy and bulky, significantly increasing the cost of transportation. Furthermore, concrete is prone to cracking and failure due to sudden changes in temperature, humidity, and external mechanical stress.

[0011] Plastic bases can be filled with water or sand to provide basic stability. Plastic bases are often used for indoor umbrellas. Plastic bases are inexpensive to produce and readily available.

[0012] The disadvantage of plastic bases is their low durability, as they easily wear out and are susceptible to damage in outdoor conditions, as well as their low stability, as they are lightweight and, even after filling with water or sand, do not provide sufficient weight due to volume limitations.

[0013] Metal bases are typically made of cast iron or steel and are often used in professional settings, such as restaurants or retail stores. Metal bases last longer and provide stability in certain environments.

[0014] However, especially when used outdoors in damp areas, metal bases can be susceptible to corrosion and wear. Furthermore, metal bases are heavy, significantly increasing logistics costs and complicating transportation.

[0015] The technical problem is to eliminate the above-mentioned shortcomings of the foundations currently used for street structures.

[0016] Disclosure of invention

[0017] The technical problem solved by the present invention consists in developing a prefabricated base structure that is characterized by high strength in combination with optimal weight characteristics, resistance to temperature changes, humidity and exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

[0018] The technical result is achieved through the appropriate design of a durable prefabricated base in combination with the performance characteristics of the material from which the product is made.

[0019] The universal foundation for outdoor structures is prefabricated. The foundation cavities are designed to accommodate ballast material. The central portion of the foundation is configured to accommodate the outdoor structure's support. The cavities are formed by individual rectangular containers with a flat base and vertical walls extending from it. The containers are designed to be interconnected during foundation assembly. The foundation is made of a polymer-filled composite material.

[0020] A thermoplastic polymer can be selected as a binder for a polymer-filled composite material.

[0021] Preferably, the filler of the polymer-filled composite material is a chemically and thermally inert material.

[0022] As a rule, the filler of polymer-filled composite material is glass, ceramics, earthenware, rubber crumb, slag, rock screenings, sand or mixtures thereof.

[0023] It is advisable for the polymer-filled composite material to contain coloring, fire-retardant and light-stabilizing additives.

[0024] Cavities can be formed by containers of a square shape in plan.

[0025] The specified containers are connected by means of detachable connections.

[0026] Alternatively, detachable connections are formed by trapezoidal grooves and corresponding pins of the corresponding shape, made in the base of the containers.

[0027] To ensure greater reliability of the connection of the containers, grooves are made in the upper part of the vertical walls for installing spring clamps that fix the walls relative to each other.

[0028] The base of each container extends beyond the base. The universal base can be equipped with wheels, the vertical axes of which are installed in stepped holes drilled at the corners of the base. The upper part of the holes is hexagonal to accommodate the wheel mounting nuts.

[0029] The outer corners of the base are preferably rounded.

[0030] To install and secure a sleeve intended for installing a street structure stand, the containers are designed with the ability to form an opening in the center of the base.

[0031] The base containers can be supplied with lids.

[0032] The shape of the lids can create a central opening after they are installed on the base tanks. To reduce the overall dimensions of the base when disassembled, the tank sizes are designed to accommodate paired placement of the tanks.

[0033] Brief description of the drawings

[0034] The invention is illustrated by drawings, in which:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows an image of a larger capacity universal base;

[0036] Fig. 2 - image of a larger capacity universal base in a top view;

[0037] Fig. 3 - image of a smaller capacity of the universal base;

[0038] Fig. 4 is an image of a smaller capacity universal base in a top view;

[0039] Fig. 5 - an image of the lid of the containers, viewed from above, the shape of which ensures the formation of a central hole after their installation on the base containers;

[0040] Fig. 6 - an image of the lid of the containers, viewed from below, the shape of which ensures the formation of a central hole after their installation on the base containers;

[0041] Fig. 7 - an image of the container lid without a corner cutout, view from above; Fig. 8 - an image of the container lid without a corner cutout, view from below; Fig. 9 - an image of the base in an exploded view;

[0042] Fig. 10 - image of the assembled base;

[0043] Fig. 11 shows an image of the assembled base with a bushing installed in the center and wheels secured to the corners of the base;

[0044] Fig. 12 is an image of containers and lids, showing the sequence of compact stacking of containers for storage and transportation; Fig. 13 is an example of using universal bases as ballast elements for fixing a structure with a "crosspiece". Implementation of the invention

[0045] The process of manufacturing a universal base for outdoor structures includes the following sequence of technological operations.

[0046] Preparation of raw materials

[0047] A polymer-filled composite material is used to make the base. A thermoplastic polymer is used as a binder, and the fillers are chemically and thermally inert materials such as sand, glass, ceramics, rubber crumb, slag, rock screenings, and mixtures thereof. The material may include:

[0048] - coloring pigments;

[0049] - fire retardant additives;

[0050] - light-stabilizing components.

[0051] The technology allows for the use of a wide range of thermoplastic waste, including packaging, household goods, and industrial waste. This provides environmental benefits through the recycling of various polymeric materials. Effective use of such waste requires preliminary sorting and adjustment of the mixture formula depending on its composition. For example, soft polymers (polyethylene) provide ductility at low temperatures, while hard polymers (polypropylene, ABS, etc.) increase the rigidity and strength of the product.

[0052] Cutting and pre-mixing

[0053] Thermoplastic waste is pre-crushed to particles 5-30 mm in size using crushing equipment. The material is then fed into a pre-mixer, where it is mixed with fillers and additives.

[0054] The proportions of thermosetting polymer, inert materials, and additives vary depending on the desired properties of the final product. For example, reducing the polymer proportion increases the product's weight, while the amount and type of coloring pigments determine the final color of the product. Mixing and heating

[0055] The prepared mixture is loaded into an extruder, where it is mixed at 160-250°C until a uniform consistency is achieved. The heating temperature is selected based on the polymer type to ensure uniform melting. The process utilizes the viscosity of the molten polymers to evenly coat the fillers. This technology allows for the processing of even mixed polymers, ensuring a high-quality end product. The resulting mixture resembles a dense dough suitable for molding.

[0056] Forming and primary cooling

[0057] The mixture is fed into metal molds for pressing under pressures of up to 100 tons. The molds are equipped with integrated water cooling systems, ensuring uniform distribution of the material and minimizing internal stress within the product. Cooling in the mold takes up to 3 minutes, depending on the mixture composition and the product thickness.

[0058] Manufacturing of containers and lids

[0059] The base and lid containers are manufactured in separate molds. The use of universal molds allows for production to be adapted to various requirements.

[0060] Final processing

[0061] After initial cooling, the parts are removed from the mold and placed on a cooling table for complete thermal stabilization. Cooling duration depends on the part thickness and the intensity of external cooling.

[0062] Advantages of the technology

[0063] The production process has a number of unique advantages:

[0064] - environmental sustainability through the use of a wide range of polymer waste;

[0065] - technology flexibility, allowing the mixture formula to be adapted to available polymers and the requirements of the final product; high resistance of products to mechanical and climatic influences;

[0066] - cost reduction due to the use of available raw materials;

[0067] - aesthetically attractive appearance of products.

[0068] Thermoplastic waste recycling technology not only allows for the creation of high-quality products but also minimizes environmental impact.

[0069] Fig. 1-13 show non-limiting variants of a universal base for outdoor structures.

[0070] The universal base is made as a prefabricated unit from separate containers. As shown in Figs. 1-4, the separate containers forming the cavities for filling with ballast material have a rectangular shape in plan, predominantly square. The containers are formed by vertical walls (1) extending from a flat base (2). The containers are designed with the possibility of being connected to each other during the assembly of the base by means of detachable joints, for example, of the dovetail type. The detachable joints are formed by trapezoidal grooves (3) and corresponding tenons (4) of the corresponding shape made in the base (2) of the containers. For a more secure connection of the containers, grooves (5) are made in the upper part of the vertical walls (1) for installing spring clamps fixing the walls relative to each other. The shape of the containers ensures, due to roundings (7), the formation in the central part of the assembled universal base of an opening (6) (Fig. 10) for placing a post of an outdoor structure,

[0071] The bases of the tanks (2) extend beyond the tanks on the outside of the base. The base can be made mobile by equipping it with wheels (8). The vertical axes of the wheels are installed in stepped openings (9) at the corners of the base, with the upper portion of the openings being hexagonal to accommodate the wheel mounting nuts.

[0072] The outer corners of the base tanks can be made rounded.

[0073] The base tanks are provided with lids (10, 11) shown in Figs. 5-8. In one embodiment, the shape of the lids (Figs. 5, 6) ensures the formation of a central opening after their installation on the base tanks. In another embodiment (Figs. 7, 8), the lids are made without an opening and are intended for using the base as ballast, for example, for fastening structures with a "cross" (Fig. 13). The lids (10, 11) are fixed to the tanks using guides (12, 13) located on their reverse side.

[0074] The base tanks are designed with the possibility of forming an opening in the center of the assembled base for installing and fixing a sleeve (14) intended for installing a street structure stand.

[0075] The dimensions of the containers allow for paired placement within each other to reduce the overall dimensions of the base when disassembled. This design significantly reduces the volume occupied by the base during transportation and storage. Containers of different sizes fit together perfectly thanks to their precise geometry, ensuring a tight fit for the smaller container, shown in Fig.

[0076] 3,4, into a larger container shown in Fig. 1,2. This solution not only optimizes logistics, but also reduces transportation costs (Fig. 12).

[0077] The assembly of a universal base for outdoor structures is carried out in the following sequence.

[0078] The base containers are packed one inside the other to reduce the volume of the product during transportation and storage. To begin assembly, the smaller containers are removed from the larger modules. The structure is then assembled.

[0079] Individual containers are connected to each other using detachable dovetail joints. The pins of one container fit into the grooves of the other, ensuring a secure connection. For additional stability, spring clamps are installed in the grooves at the top of the vertical walls of the containers.

[0080] As a result, a hole is formed in the center of the base for installing a bushing, which is designed to secure the outdoor structure's pole. The bushing is inserted into the corresponding socket and secured with the fasteners provided by the structure. If the base is used solely as ballast, installing the bushing and pole is not required. Lids can be installed on the tank, depending on the structure's intended purpose. Lids with a central hole are used to install the bushing, while lids without holes are used if the base serves as ballast for securing a structure with a "crosspiece." Lids are secured to the tank using guides located on the back.

[0081] Next, the containers are filled with ballast material, selected based on the foundation's intended purpose. If the material (such as sand, crushed stone, or marble chips) is used solely to add weight to the structure, the containers are covered with lids. If the ballast is merely decorative, no lids are installed.

[0082] To make the structure mobile, wheels can be installed in the special corner holes in the base. The wheel axles are secured in stepped holes, the top of which is hexagonal to accommodate mounting nuts.

[0083] The assembly method allows for high functionality and versatility of the design, ensuring ease of assembly, transportation and operation.

[0084] The foundation described above has a number of significant advantages in comparison with previously described known designs.

[0085] The presented base has a unique combination of initial weight and the possibility of additional filling:

[0086] - the initial weight is significantly greater than the weight of plastic bases, but at the same time lighter than concrete analogues, which simplifies transportation;

[0087] - The maximum weight after filling is comparable to concrete foundations of similar dimensions; this allows the product to be used for both light and heavy outdoor structures.

[0088] The base not only provides stability, but also serves as a decorative element that can be integrated into the overall design of the spaces.

[0089] The product's ability to be used for growing plants adds to its versatility and enhances its appeal to consumers. Its modular design allows a smaller container to easily fit inside a larger one, significantly reducing its bulk during transport. This aspect distinguishes the product from other similar products.

[0090] The material used to make the product provides high resistance to temperature fluctuations, humidity, and ultraviolet radiation. This advantage distinguishes it from concrete and plastic bases, which are prone to cracking or deformation.

Claims

CLAUSES OF THE INVENTION 1. A universal base for street structures, made prefabricated, the cavities of which are intended for the placement of ballast material, the central part of which is configured to accommodate a rack of the street structure, characterized in that the cavities are formed by separate containers of a rectangular shape in plan, having a flat base with vertical walls extending from it, wherein the containers are made with the possibility of their connection to each other during the assembly of the base by means of detachable joints, wherein the detachable joints are formed by trapezoidal grooves and mating tenons of a corresponding shape, made in the base of the containers, and in the upper part of the vertical walls there are grooves for the installation of spring clamps fixing the walls relative to each other, wherein the material of the base is a polymer-filled composite material, the binder of which is a thermoplastic polymer.

2. The base according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the filler of the polymer-filled composite material is a chemically and thermally inert material.

3. The base according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the filler of the polymer-filled composite material is glass, ceramics, earthenware, rubber crumb, slag, rock screenings, sand or mixtures thereof.

4. The base according to item 1, characterized in that the polymer-filled composite material contains coloring additives.

5. The base according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the polymer-filled composite material contains fire-retardant additives.

6. The base according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer-filled composite material contains light-stabilizing additives.

7. The base according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the cavities are formed by containers of a square shape in plan.

8. The base according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the base of each container protrudes beyond its limits on the outer side of the base.

9. The base according to item 8, characterized in that it is equipped with wheels, the vertical axes of which are installed in stepped holes made according to corners of the base, while the upper part of the holes has a hexagonal shape to accommodate the wheel mounting nut.

10. The base according to item 1, characterized in that the outer corners of the base are rounded.

11. The base according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the containers are designed with the possibility of forming an opening in the center of the base for installing and fixing a sleeve intended for installing a stand of an outdoor structure.

12. The base according to item 1, characterized in that the base containers are equipped with lids.

13. The base according to item 11, characterized in that the base containers are provided with lids, the shape of which ensures the formation of a central opening after their installation on the base containers.

14. The base according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the dimensions of the containers ensure paired placement of the containers within each other to reduce the overall dimensions of the base when disassembled.

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