Self-levelling pedestal for raised flooring

Abstract

A self-levelling pedestal ( 100 ) for supporting a flooring member, has a top plate pivotable relative to the floor such that the it can be oriented at a non-zero angle to the floor. A locking mechanism is provided configured to lock the position of the top plate in at least one non-zero angle.

1 . A self-levelling pedestal for supporting a flooring member, the self-levelling pedestal comprising:
 a base having a support surface;   a head, distal to the base;   a top plate coupled to the head to be pivotable relative thereto such that the top plate can be oriented at a non-zero angle to the support surface of the base; and   a locking mechanism configured to inhibit pivoting of the top plate relative to the head, the locking mechanism being configured to lock a position of the top plate in at least one non-zero angle to the support surface of the base.   
     
     
         2 .- 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 1 , wherein a spherical joint is provided between the head and the top plate, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the spherical joint. 
     
     
         12 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 11 , wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the spherical joint by friction. 
     
     
         13 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 12 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a resiliently compressible element configured to maintain a frictional force on the spherical joint to lock it. 
     
     
         14 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 12 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking element configured to exert a compressive force on the spherical joint. 
     
     
         15 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 14 , wherein the locking element engages an upper surface of the top plate. 
     
     
         16 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 15 , wherein the locking element is part-spherical in shape. 
     
     
         17 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 16 , wherein the top plate is constructed from a part-spherical sheet material, wherein an underside of the top plate forms a spherical joint against the head, and where the upper surface of the top plate is engaged by the locking element. 
     
     
         18 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 15 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a fastener engaging the locking element at a first end, and engaging the head at a second end to selectively apply a clamping force on the top plate between the head and the locking mechanism. 
     
     
         19 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 18 , wherein the fastener is threaded to the head to engage the locking mechanism by rotation thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 18 , wherein the spherical joint is oriented with its origin on a base side of the top plate such that the spherical joint is upwardly convex in use. 
     
     
         21 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 20 , wherein the spherical joint comprises a motion stop limiting the degree of movement of the spherical joint. 
     
     
         22 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 21 , wherein the motion stop is formed by an opening in the top plate through in which a stop member is located, the motion stop being provided by abutment between a periphery of the opening and the stop member. 
     
     
         23 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 22 , wherein the stop member is the fastener of the locking mechanism. 
     
     
         24 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method of installing a raised floor comprising:
 providing a plurality of self-levelling pedestals according to  claim 1 ;   positioning the plurality of self-levelling pedestals in a spaced-apart arrangement;   providing a plurality of flooring members;   supporting each of the plurality of flooring members on the plurality of self-levelling pedestals, and allowing each pedestal top plate to reach a desired inclination by movement relative to the head; and   locking each top plate in position with the locking mechanism.   
     
     
         28 . The method of installing the raised floor according to  claim 27 , wherein a spherical joint is provided between the head and the top plate, and wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the spherical joint, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to lock the spherical joint by friction, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking element configured to exert a compressive force on the spherical joint, wherein the locking element engages an upper surface of the top plate, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a fastener engaging the locking element at a first end, and engaging the head at a second end to selectively apply a clamping force on the top plate between the head and the locking mechanism, wherein the fastener is accessible between at least two flooring members supported on the upper surface of the top plate, and wherein the locking comprises passing part of a tool between adjacent flooring members to thereby engage the locking mechanism. 
     
     
         29 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 18 , wherein the fastener is accessible between at least two flooring members supported on the upper surface of the top plate. 
     
     
         30 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 1 , wherein the head and the base are adjustable relative to each other to vary the distance between the support surface and the top plate to thereby alter the height of the pedestal. 
     
     
         31 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 30 , wherein the head and the base are connected by a threaded connection to alter the height. 
     
     
         32 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 31 , wherein the threaded connection comprises a male threaded part engaged with a female threaded part, and wherein a locking member is provided, the locking member having a further female threaded part engaged with the male threaded part, such that rotation of the locking member into abutment with the female threaded part locks the female threaded part into position on the male threaded part. 
     
     
         33 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 31 , wherein the head defines a formation configured to be engaged by a tool to facilitate rotation thereof. 
     
     
         34 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 33 , wherein the head defines a pair of diametrically opposed flats. 
     
     
         35 . The self-levelling pedestal according to  claim 1 , wherein the top plate comprises a plurality of tabs, which tabs can be formed by deforming part of the top plate out-of-plane.