LOAD DISPERSING FURNITURE SUPPORT FOR TURF APPLICATIONS
A support platform for a furniture unit includes a plurality of support arms that each terminate in a corner pocket. The corner pocket supports a furniture leg end and contains the leg end within the platform perimeter. The platform defines a foundation support surface that may include cleats or anti-skid cushion pads to enhance friction with the foundation surface.
1 . A furniture support platform having a plurality of support arms extending from a central point, the plurality of support arms each terminating in a corner pocket configured to support a furniture leg, the plurality of support arms having a reinforcement cross section defining a stiffness characteristic;
an upper surface; and
a foundation surface opposite the upper surface and configured to support an article of furniture on a base surface; the stiffness characteristic maintaining the foundation surface in a generally planar orientation.
2 . The furniture support platform of claim 1 wherein the stiffness characteristic of the reinforcement cross section resists bending of the corner pockets into the base surface.
3 . The furniture support platform of claim 2 wherein the base surface is one of a natural grass surface, an artificial turf surface, or a sandy surface.
4 . The furniture support platform of claim 1 wherein the reinforcement cross section of the plurality of support arms is a perimeter gusset extending around the plurality of support arms and defining the upper surface.
5 . The furniture support platform of claim 4 wherein the perimeter gusset is a plurality of generally concentric reinforcing gussets configured to resist bending of the support arms.
6 . The furniture support platform of claim 4 wherein the perimeter gusset is a generally straight wall extending from or extending adjacent to the upper surface.
7 . The furniture support platform of claim 5 wherein the perimeter gusset terminates in flange.
8 . The furniture support platform of claim 4 wherein a stiffening member is connected between adjacent support arms.
9 . The furniture support platform of claim 8 wherein the stiffening member defines a handle.
10 . The furniture support platform of claim 1 wherein the reinforcement cross section is an arched profile.
11 . The furniture support platform of claim 10 wherein the foundation surface extends along a perimeter of the plurality of support arms and defines a hollow section of the arched profile and the upper surface defines the arched profile.
12 . The furniture support platform of claim 1 wherein the plurality of support arms are length adjustable; or
the center point is a hub that attaches to the plurality of support arms; or
the plurality of support arms are angularly moveable about the hub.
13 . The furniture support platform of claim 1 wherein the corner pockets include one or more cushioning pads; or
the corner pockets include a textured surface on the foundation surface that engages the base surface; or
the corner pockets include a textured surface that engages the furniture leg.
14 . A furniture support platform having a plurality of support arms extending from a central point, the plurality of support arms each terminating in a corner pocket configured to support a furniture leg;
an upper surface defining a portion of a reinforcement cross section of the plurality of support arms, the reinforcement cross section defining a stiffness characteristic; and
a foundation surface opposite the upper surface and configured to support an article of furniture on a base surface; the stiffness characteristic resisting deflection of the corner pockets.
15 . The furniture support surface of claim 14 wherein the base surface is one of a turf structure or a sand structure and the stiffness characteristic resists deflection of the corner pockets into the base surface.
16 . The furniture support surface of claim 14 wherein a handle extends between two adjacent support arms, the handle having greater flexibility than provided by the stiffness characteristic.
17 . The furniture support surface of claim 14 wherein the upper surface defines one of an arch, a crown, or a flat surface, and the foundation surface extends around a perimeter of the support arms and defines a hollow section under the upper surface.
18 . The furniture support platform of claim 14 wherein the corner pockets include fasteners that permit one furniture support platform to be connected to an adjacent furniture support platform.
19 . The furniture support platform of claim 18 wherein the fasteners are configured as mating dovetail projections and recesses.
20 . The furniture support surface of claim 14 wherein a tiedown is connected between one of a handle, a stiffening member, or a support arm and the article of furniture to prevent separation therebetween.