U.S. patent application number 11/140128 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-30 for portable deck.
Invention is credited to Edward J. Iannone.
Application Number | 20060265987 11/140128 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37461707 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060265987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iannone; Edward J. |
November 30, 2006 |
Portable deck
Abstract
A portable floor made of interlocking modules and the process of
assembling. Each module consists of rectangular panels, between
each panel is a gap that provides for the drainage of liquids and
small debris. Supporting the panels are four vertical sides of a
base attached to the outer edges of the panels. The base also has a
hollow structure with an interior wall that reinforces the module.
Two consecutive sides have male connectors, the remaining two sides
have female connectors. The male connectors are aligned directly
opposite the female connectors. The connectors are used to connect
adjoining modules. Connectors are uniformly spaced for alignment.
The sides of the modules raise the panels above the ground. The
bottom surfaces contain supports and support ends which provide
rigidity and support.
Inventors: |
Iannone; Edward J.;
(Galveston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MACHETTA LAW FIRM, P.C
14614 FALLING CREEK DRIVE
HOUSTON
TX
77068
US
|
Family ID: |
37461707 |
Appl. No.: |
11/140128 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/384 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 5/20 20130101; E04F
15/105 20130101; E01C 2201/16 20130101; E01C 2201/12 20130101; E04F
15/02194 20130101; E04F 2201/035 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/384 |
International
Class: |
E04F 13/08 20060101
E04F013/08 |
Claims
1. A portable floor comprising: a) a plurality of rectangular
modules adjacent to one another, each module having: i) panels,
shaped as a rectangle, organized in parallel but not in contact
with each other and uniformly spaced, each panel includes a top
surface and bottom surface; ii) a base, shaped as a rectangle,
surrounding said panels and connected perpendicular to said bottom
surface of said panels with a first side, second side, third side
and fourth side; Said first side having male connectors uniformly
spaced, Said second side adjacent to said first side and having
said male connectors uniformly spaced, Said third side adjacent to
said second side and having female connectors uniformly spaced, and
Said fourth side adjacent to said third side and forming a
rectangle and having said female connectors equally spaced; Said
male connectors located directly across from said female
connectors; iii) a plurality of parallel supports connected
perpendicular to said bottom surface of said panels and aligned
parallel to said panels; each parallel support connected to a
parallel support end via a parallel support brace; said parallel
support end is connected to opposite sides of said base; iv) a
plurality of perpendicular supports connected perpendicular to said
bottom surface of said panels and aligned perpendicular to said
panels; each perpendicular support is connected to a perpendicular
support end via a perpendicular support brace; said perpendicular
support end is connected to opposite sides of the base, the
perpendicular supports intersect said parallel supports to form a
grid; v) Said base having a dimension measured perpendicular to
said bottom surface of said panels greater than the dimensions of
said perpendicular supports; and vi) Said base having a dimension
measured perpendicular to said bottom surface of said panels
greater than the dimensions of said parallel supports.
2. The portable floor of claim 1 wherein: said modules are shaped
as a square with a length of between 8 to 24 inches; said module
having four panels; said panels have a thickness of between 0.10
and 0.25 inches; and said male connectors having a T shape of
identical size.
3. The portable floor of claim 1 wherein: said modules are shaped
as a square with a length of between 12 to 18 inches; said module
having four panels; said panels have a thickness of between 0.12
and 0.18 inches; and said male connectors having a T shape of
identical size.
4. The portable floor of claim 1 wherein the rectangular modules
are made of lightweight, moldable material.
5. The portable floor of claim 1 wherein: the base has a dimension
of between 1 to 2 inches and the parallel supports have a dimension
of between 0.3 and 0.75 inches.
6. The portable floor of claim 1 wherein each module is shaped as a
square with each side having length of between 8 to 24 inches and
wherein each module weighs less than 5 pounds.
7. The portable floor of claim 1 wherein each module is shaped as a
square with each side having length of between 12 to 18 inches and
wherein each module weighs less than 3 pounds.
8. The portable floor of claim 1 wherein: said modules are shaped
as a square with a length of between 12 to 18 inches; said panels
have a thickness of between 0.12 and 0.18 inches; said male
connectors having a T shape of identical size; and said base has a
hollow structure.
9. A portable floor comprising: a) a plurality of square modules
with a dimension between 12 to 24 inches adjacent to one another,
each module having: i) panels, shaped as a rectangle, organized in
parallel but not in contact with each other and uniformly spaced
with less than 0.25 inch gap, each panel includes a top surface and
bottom surface; ii) a base, shaped as a rectangle, surrounding said
panels and connected perpendicular to the bottom surface of the
panels with a first side, second side, third side and fourth side;
Said first side having male connectors uniformly spaced, Said
second side adjacent to the first side having male connectors
uniformly spaced, Said third side adjacent to the second side
having female connectors uniformly spaced, and Said fourth side
adjacent to the third side forming a rectangle and having said
female connectors uniformly spaced; and Said male connectors
located directly across from said female connectors; iii) a
plurality of parallel supports connected perpendicular to said
bottom surface of said panels; each parallel support is connected
to a parallel support end via a parallel support brace; said
parallel support end is connected to opposite sides of said base;
iv) a plurality of perpendicular supports connected perpendicular
to said bottom surface of said panels; each perpendicular support
is connected to a perpendicular support end via a perpendicular
support brace; said perpendicular support end is connected to
opposite sides of the base, the perpendicular supports intersect
the parallel supports to form a grid; v) Said base having a
dimension measured perpendicular to said bottom surface of said
panels at least twice the dimensions of said perpendicular
supports; and vi) Said base having a dimension measured
perpendicular to said bottom surface of said panels at least twice
the dimensions of said parallel supports.
10. The portable floor of claim 9 wherein: said modules have a
length of between 14 to 18 inches; said modules having four panels;
said panels having a thickness of between 0.10 and 0.25 inches; and
said male connectors having a T shape of identical size.
11. The portable floor of claim 9 wherein the modules are made of
lightweight, moldable material.
12. The portable floor of claim 9 wherein each module is shaped as
a square with each side having length of 14 to 18 inches.
13. A process to assemble a deck comprising: a. Identifying the
area to be covered; b. Locating the outer right corner; c. Placing
a first module, with male connectors on two sides, such that said
male connectors are pointing in the direction of the area to be
covered; d. Attaching an additional module to each side of said
first module with male connectors pointing in the direction of the
area to be covered; e. Building the outer row and colunm of the
deck by attaching successive modules with the female connectors
overlaying said male connectors and said male connectors pointing
in the area to be covered; and f. Completing the deck structure by
adding additional rows adjacent to previous rows.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING" A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC
[0003] Not Applicable
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to portable decking
and more specifically to a system of interconnecting modules which
easily connect together to form a stable, light weight and weather
resistant surface.
DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0005] Portable or temporary walkways, flooring and decking are
currently used for various purposes. They provide appropriate
surfaces for special events, including theatrical stages and dance
floors. Other uses include temporary protection for new
construction and renovation. Portable or temporary foam matting is
also used as a foundation for camping surfaces in tents and under
sleeping bags.
[0006] This flooring comes in sections or rolls which can be
assembled in various sizes and configurations. Though simplicity
should be a design element, sturdy construction and stability
requirements have resulted in multiple tedious, complicated or
difficult assembly methods. Some of these methods include the use
of cam bolts, carriage bolts, nuts and bolts and tongue and groove
construction.
[0007] These portable or temporary surfaces are cumbersome, awkward
and heavy, limiting their portability and preventing their use by
the elderly, infirm and children.
[0008] Many of these portable or temporary floorings do not allow
for adequate drainage or are designed with complicated surfaces
which trap water, bacteria, fungus and pollen. These designs are
difficult to clean and present a health hazard if not meticulously
maintained.
[0009] Finally, many of these portable or temporary floorings
require a generally flat and/or level surface to be useful. This
requirement limits the comfort, resilience and durability of some
products and limits the usefulness in others, requiring preparation
of underlying surfaces.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention solves the problems identified above.
The present invention is designed with simplicity and ease of use
in mind. Since the connectors are affixed to the base, no
additional hardware is required therefore lost hardware is an
impossibility. The present invention can be stored and transported
as uniform modules of a convenient, easy to handle size. The
modules are constructed of lightweight materials, increasing the
ease of handling and assembly. These materials are also durable,
rigid, and weather resistant. The modules are designed with
integral gaps between the panels. The gaps allow for drainage of
fluids and the expulsion of small debris. The gaps also make the
module easy to clean and sanitize. The present invention is
designed with a raised base that reduces the weight of the module,
minimizes the module contact area and decreases the ground
preparation requirements.
[0011] The preferred embodiment of the disclosed present invention
comprises a plurality of modules (preferably square in shape) with
a length of between 8 inches to 24 inches (preferably 15 inches)
adjacent to one another, each module having between three to five
panels (preferably four panels) with a length equal to the length
of the entire model, shaped as a rectangle, and organized in
parallel but not in contact with each other and equally spaced.
Each panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface and has a
thickness of between 0.10 and 0.25 inches (preferably 0.14 inches).
Each module has a base, shaped as a square, surrounding the panels
and connected perpendicular to the bottom surface of the panels.
The base has a first side, second side, third side and fourth side.
The base has a hollow structure with an interior wall. The interior
wall adds strength and rigidity to the module and minimizes weight.
The interior wall adds support to the female connectors. The first
and second side having male connectors preferably two connectors
per side and preferably shaped as a T shape. The third and fourth
sides having female connectors preferably two connectors per side
and preferably shaped to receive the male T shaped connectors.
[0012] The male connectors are located directly opposite the female
connectors. The connectors are uniformly spaced to make assembly of
the modules quick and uncomplicated. The first side is adjacent to
the second side. The second side is adjacent to the third side and
the third side is adjacent to the fourth side forming a square. The
module also contains a plurality of parallel supports connected
perpendicular to the bottom surface of the rectangular panels. Each
parallel support is connected to a parallel support end via a
parallel support brace. Each parallel support end is connected to
opposite sides of the base. Each module has a plurality of
perpendicular supports connected perpendicular to the bottom
surface of the rectangular panels. Each perpendicular support is
connected to a perpendicular support end via a perpendicular
support brace. Each perpendicular support end is connected to
opposite sides of the base. The perpendicular supports intersect
the parallel supports to form a grid. The supports and the grid
provide rigidity.
[0013] The base having a dimension between one to two inches
(preferably 1.11 inches). The dimensions of the perpendicular
support and parallel support are identical. The height of the
perpendicular supports and parallel supports are between 0.3 and
0.75 inches preferably 0.5 inches. The portable floor module has
male connectors of identical shape and size and the female
connectors are of identical shape and size. The male connectors are
preferably T-shaped. The modules are made of lightweight, moldable
or castable material with a weight of less than 5 pounds per
module. Because of the taller base relative to the perpendicular
supports and parallel supports, unnecessary material is absent and
the module is lightened.
[0014] To assemble the deck modules; First, identify the area to be
covered. Next, locate the outer right corner. Next, place a first
module, with male connectors on two sides, such that said male
connectors are pointing in the direction of the area to be covered.
Next, attach an additional module to each side of said first module
with male connectors pointing in the direction of the area to be
covered. Then, build the outer row and column of the deck by
attaching successive modules with the female connectors overlaying
the male connectors and the male connectors pointing in the area to
be covered. Finally, complete the deck structure by adding
additional rows adjacent to previous rows. FIG. 1 shows three
assembled modules with a fourth module in position to be assembled.
As the successive modules are connected, the deck structure
increases its rigidity.
[0015] Although the description of the preferred embodiment has
been presented, it is contemplated that various changes could be
made without deviating from the spirit of the invention.
Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of the present invention
be dictated by the appended claims, rather than by the description
of the preferred embodiment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0016] FIG. 1 is a top view of a four module section of the
disclosed portable deck.
[0017] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from below of a single
module of the disclosed portable deck.
[0018] FIG. 3. shows a bottom view.
[0019] FIG. 4. shows a cross sectional view of the disclosed
portable deck module.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] FIG. 1 is a top view of a four module section of the
disclosed invention, showing a top view of one embodiment 10 of the
disclosed portable deck. FIG. 1 portrays the assembly process
forming the rows. For purposes of illustration only, FIG. 1 shows a
portable deck made up of four modules 11, although the portable
deck might be made up of any number of modules 11. Each module 11
is made up of panels 12. Each panel 12 has a top surface 28. There
are four sides; first side 14A is attached to one end of the panels
12, and third side 14C is attached to another end of the panels 12.
The second side 14B and fourth side 14D are opposite each other and
adjacent to sides 14A and 14C. First Side 14A has two male
connectors 15. Second side 14B has two male connectors 15. Third
Side 14C has two female connectors 16 as shown. Fourth side 14D
also has two female connectors 16. The male connectors 15 and
female connectors 16 are shown directly across from each other.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view from below of a single
module of the disclosed portable deck. The view shows the first
side 14A, adjacent to the second side 14B, adjacent to the third
side 14C, adjacent to the fourth side 14D forming a rectangle. The
male connectors 15 attaching to the first side 14A and the second
side 14B are shown. The female connectors 16 attaching to the third
side 14C and fourth side 14D are shown. The base 23 connects the
sides 14A, 14B, 14C and 14D and is a hollow structure with an
interior wall 22 providing reinforcement to the module. Parallel
supports 24 provide support for the invention. Perpendicular
supports 25 intersect with the parallel supports 24 to form grids
27. The parallel support ends 26 are connected to the base 23. The
parallel support ends 26 are integrally connected by parallel
support braces 31. The perpendicular support braces 32 are
connected to the base 23. The perpendicular support ends 30 are
integrally connected by perpendicular support braces 32. The
parallel supports 24 and perpendicular supports 25 are connected to
the bottom surface 29.
[0022] FIG. 3. shows a bottom view. The male connectors 15 and
female connectors 16 are shown. The base 23 is shown with its
interior wall 22 connected to the parallel supports 24 and
perpendicular supports 25. The grids 27 are shown.
[0023] FIG. 4. shows a cross sectional view of the disclosed
portable deck module. The panels 12 are shown in cross section
beside one another. Gap 13 separates the panels 12. The second side
14B and fourth side 14D are shown. Cross section of the parallel
supports 24 are shown. A view of perpendicular supports 25 is
provided. The perpendicular support ends 30 are shown connecting to
the bottom surface 29 and the interior wall 22 of the base 23. The
perpendicular support braces 32 are illustrated in the drawing.
* * * * *