U.S. patent application number 11/555716 was filed with the patent office on 2008-05-08 for pedestal for ballast block decking.
Invention is credited to John Repasky.
Application Number | 20080105172 11/555716 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39358637 |
Filed Date | 2008-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080105172 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Repasky; John |
May 8, 2008 |
Pedestal for Ballast Block Decking
Abstract
A deck system and pedestal for use in forming an elevated
surface are provided. The system includes a plurality of ballast
blocks, pavers or panels laterally positioned in a pattern to form
a deck. Each of the blocks, pavers or panels has corner portions,
and the pattern includes intersection areas in which the corner
portions of adjacent blocks, pavers or panels extend. The system
also includes a plurality of pedestals. The pedestals are located
directly beneath the intersection areas and support the corner
portions of adjacent blocks, pavers or panels a spaced distance
above an underlying structure. Each pedestal has a base at a lower
end thereof and a support at an upper end thereof. The support is
rotatable relative to the base for altering an overall height of
the pedestal. One or more couplers can be added to the pedestal to
alter the overall height of the pedestal. The pedestals can include
a rubber pad or coating that secures and stabilizes the block,
paver, or panel on the pedestals. Brace securement eyelets can be
provided in a flange extending circumferentially about the coupler
and in the base of the pedestal.
Inventors: |
Repasky; John; (Hanover,
PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWSON AND HOWSON
SUITE 210, 501 OFFICE CENTER DRIVE
FT WASHINGTON
PA
19034
US
|
Family ID: |
39358637 |
Appl. No.: |
11/555716 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
108/144.11 ;
108/150 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/02183 20130101;
E04F 15/0247 20130101; E04D 11/007 20130101; E04F 2015/02127
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
108/144.11 ;
108/150 |
International
Class: |
E04F 15/00 20060101
E04F015/00 |
Claims
1. A deck system for forming an elevated surface, comprising: a
plurality of blocks, pavers or panels laterally positioned in a
pattern to form a deck, each of said blocks, pavers or panels
having corner portions, said pattern including intersection areas
in which corner portions of adjacent blocks, pavers or blocks
extend; and a plurality of pedestals, each of said pedestals being
located directly beneath one of said intersection areas for
supporting said corner portions of said adjacent blocks, pavers or
panels a spaced distance above an underlying structure; each of
said pedestals including a base at a lower end thereof and a
support at an upper end thereof for supporting said corner portions
of said adjacent blocks, pavers or panels thereon, said support
being adjustably mounted relative to said base for altering an
overall height of said pedestal.
2. A deck system according to claim 1, wherein said support
includes a support plate having an upper surface with a pad,
coating or texture on which said corner portions of said adjacent
blocks, pavers or panels are supported, and wherein said pad,
coating or texture secures and stabilizes said blocks, pavers or
panels on said support and prevents noise from being generated when
pedestrians walk on the blocks, pavers or panels.
3. A deck system according to claim 2, wherein said pad, coating or
texture includes a pad made of rubber.
4. A deck system according to claim 3, wherein said upper surface
of said support plate has a plurality of upstanding walls that
project therefrom and that define quadrants on said support plate,
each of said quadrants supporting one of said corner portions of
said adjacent blocks, pavers or panels, and each of said upstanding
walls defining lateral spacing between said adjacent blocks, pavers
or panels to permit drainage of fluid through said deck to the
underlying structure.
5. A deck system according to claim 4, wherein said pad is
mechanically snapped onto said support plate with cooperating
bosses and recesses formed in engaging surfaces of said pad and
support plate.
6. A deck system according to claim 5, wherein said pad is
adhesively secured to said support plate.
7. A deck system according to claim 1, wherein said support
includes a substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post
depending from a support plate, wherein said base has a base plate
and a substantially cylindrical, hollow, internally-threaded post
projecting from said base plate, and wherein said
externally-threaded post of said support and internally-threaded
post of said base are cooperatively engagable to permit said
support to be connected to said base and to permit said support to
be rotatable relative to said base to enable said overall height of
said pedestal to be altered.
8. A deck system according to claim 7, wherein said support plate
and said base plate are of substantially the same size.
9. A deck system according to claim 8, wherein said support plate
and said base plate are circular in plan and have diameters that
are substantially identical.
10. A deck system according to claim 7, wherein at least some of
said pedestals further comprise one or more couplers for assembly
within said pedestal intermediate said support and said base for
further altering said overall height of said pedestal, each of said
couplers having a flange extending circumferentially about said
coupler, a substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post
depending from said flange, and a substantially cylindrical,
internally threaded post projecting from said flange.
11. A deck system according to claim 10, wherein said flange has a
series of spaced-apart brace securement eyelets extending
therethrough.
12. A deck system according to claim 11, wherein said series of
eyelets are equally spaced-apart circumferentially about said
coupler, whereby the uniform distribution of closely-spaced eyelets
about the coupler ensures that an eyelet will substantially always
be opposed to an eyelet in an adjacent pedestal thereby permitting
ready placement of bracing wires between pedestals.
13. A deck system according to claim 11, wherein said
externally-threaded post of said coupler is cooperatively engagable
with said internally-threaded post of said base to permit said
coupler to be connected to said base and to permit said coupler to
be rotatable relative to said base to enable said overall height of
said pedestal to be altered, and wherein said internally-threaded
post of said coupler is cooperatively engagable with said
externally-threaded post of said support to permit said coupler to
be connected to said support and to permit said coupler to be
rotatable relative to said support to enable said overall height of
said pedestal to be altered.
14. A deck system according to claim 11, wherein, when one or more
couplers are assembled with said support and base, said flange of
said one or more couplers extends substantially parallel with said
support plate and base plate.
15. A deck system according to claim 11, further comprising bracing
for restraining movement of said pedestals, said bracing including
an elongate wire or rod having one end secured to one of said
eyelets in one of said pedestals and another end secured to one of
said eyelets in an adjacent one of said pedestals.
16. A deck system according to claim 11, wherein said base has a
plurality of spaced-apart, radially-extending reinforcement walls
projecting from said base plate and extending outwardly from an
exterior wall of said internally-threaded post of said base, and
wherein each of said reinforcement walls has a bracing securement
eyelet formed therein.
17. A deck system according to claim 16, further comprising bracing
for restraining movement of said pedestals, said bracing including
an elongate wire or rod having one end secured to one of said
eyelets in said coupler of one of said pedestals and another end
secured to one of said eyelets in said base of an adjacent one of
said pedestals.
18. A deck system according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of slope compensators, each compensator supporting one of
said pedestals in a manner ensuring that the pedestal extends
substantially vertical despite the underlying structure being
sloped relative to horizontal.
19. A deck system according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of removable caps, each cap overlying the corner portions
of the blocks, pavers or panels in one of said intersection areas
and being removably secured to an underlying one of said
pedestals.
20. A deck system according to claim 1, wherein said pedestal is
made of a moldable plastic material.
21. A ballast block deck system for forming an elevated surface on
an exterior roof structure, comprising a plurality of ballast
blocks and a plurality of pedestals, said ballast blocks being
laterally positioned in a pattern to form a deck, each of said
ballast blocks having corner portions, said pattern including
intersection areas in which corner portions of adjacent ballast
blocks extend, one of said pedestals being located directly beneath
one of said intersection areas for supporting said corner portions
of said adjacent ballast blocks a spaced distance above said
underlying roof structure, each of said pedestals being made of
molded plastic and comprising: a base at a lower end thereof and a
support at an upper end thereof for supporting said corner portions
of said adjacent ballast blocks thereon, said support being
rotatable relative to said base for altering an overall height of
said pedestal; said support including a support plate and a
substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post depending from
said support plate, said support plate having an upper surface with
a plurality of upstanding walls that define quadrants on said
support plate, each of said quadrants supporting one of said corner
portions of said adjacent ballast blocks, and each of said
upstanding walls defining lateral spacing between said adjacent
ballast blocks to permit drainage of fluid through said deck to the
underlying roof structure; said base having a base plate and a
substantially cylindrical, hollow, internally-threaded post
projecting from said base plate, said externally-threaded post of
said support and internally-threaded post of said base being
cooperatively engagable to connect said support to said base in a
manner permitting said support to be rotated relative to said base
to enable said overall height of said pedestal to be altered; and
one or more couplers intermediate said support and said base for
further altering said overall height of said pedestal; each of said
couplers having a circumferentially-extending flange, a
substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post depending from
said flange, and a substantially cylindrical, internally threaded
post projecting from said flange; said externally-threaded post of
said coupler being cooperatively engagable with said
internally-threaded post of said base to permit said coupler to be
connected to said base and to permit said coupler to be rotatable
relative to said base to enable said overall height of said
pedestal to be altered, and said internally-threaded post of said
coupler is cooperatively engagable with said externally-threaded
post of said support to permit said coupler to be connected to said
support and to permit said coupler to be rotatable relative to said
support to enable said overall height of said pedestal to be
altered; and said flange defining a series of brace securement
eyelets equally spaced-apart circumferentially about said
coupler.
22. A deck system according to claim 21, wherein said base has a
plurality of spaced-apart, radially-extending reinforcement walls
projecting from said base plate and extending outwardly from an
exterior wall of said internally-threaded post of said base, and
wherein each of said reinforcement walls has a bracing securement
eyelet formed therein.
23. A deck system according to claim 22, further comprising bracing
for restraining movement of said pedestals, said bracing including
an elongate wire or rod having one end secured to one of said
eyelets in said coupler of one of said pedestals and another end
secured to one of said eyelets in said base of an adjacent one of
said pedestals.
24. A deck system according to claim 22, wherein said flange of
said coupler extends parallel to said support plate and base
plate.
25. A deck system according to claim 24, wherein each of said
pedestals further comprises a rubber pad or coating on an upper
surface of said support plate on which said corner portions of said
adjacent ballast blocks are supported.
26. A deck system according to claim 25, wherein said rubber pad or
coating is a pre-manufactured pad that is mechanically snapped onto
said support plate with cooperating bosses and recesses formed in
engaging surfaces of said pad and support plate.
27. A deck system according to claim 26, wherein said pad is
adhesively secured to said support plate.
28. A deck system according to claim 25, wherein said support
plate, base plate and flange having circular peripheries in plan,
and wherein said support and base plates have diameters that are
substantially identical.
29. A deck system according to claim 28, further comprising a
plurality of slope compensators, each compensator supporting one of
said pedestals in a manner ensuring that the pedestal extends
substantially vertical despite the underlying roof structure being
sloped relative to horizontal.
30. A deck system according to claim 29, further comprising a
plurality of removable caps, each cap overlying the corner portions
of the ballast blacks in one of said intersection areas and being
removably secured to an underlying one of said pedestals.
31. A pedestal for supporting blocks, pavers, tiles, or panels a
spaced distance above an underlying surface, comprising: a support
including a support plate having an upper surface with a plurality
of upstanding walls that define quadrants on said support plate;
and a rubber pad, coating or texture on said upper surface for
securing and stabilizing the blocks, pavers, tiles, or panels on
the upper surface such that the pad, coating, or texture deadens
noise, absorbs shock, and increases friction between the blocks,
pavers, tiles, or panels and the upper surface.
32. A pedestal according to claim 31, wherein said support includes
a substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post depending
from said support plate, and wherein said pedestal further
comprising: a base having a base plate and a substantially
cylindrical, hollow, internally-threaded post projecting from said
base plate, said externally-threaded post of said support and
internally-threaded post of said base being cooperatively engagable
to connect said support to said base in a manner permitting said
support to be rotated relative to said base to enable said overall
height of the pedestal to be altered; and a coupler removably
assembled intermediate said support and said base, said coupler
having a circumferentially-extending flange, a substantially
cylindrical, externally-threaded post depending from said flange,
and a substantially cylindrical, internally threaded post
projecting from said flange; said externally-threaded post of said
coupler being cooperatively engagable with said internally-threaded
post of said base to permit said coupler to be connected to said
base and to permit said coupler to be rotatable relative to said
base to enable said overall height of said pedestal to be altered,
and said internally-threaded post of said coupler is cooperatively
engagable with said externally-threaded post of said support to
permit said coupler to be connected to said support and to permit
said coupler to be rotatable relative to said support to enable
said overall height of said pedestal to be altered; said flange
having a series of spaced-apart brace securement eyelets extending
therethrough.
33. A pedestal according to claim 32, wherein said base has a
plurality of spaced-apart, radially-extending reinforcement walls
projecting from said base plate and extending outwardly from an
exterior wall of said internally-threaded post of said base, and
wherein each of said reinforcement walls has a bracing securement
eyelet formed therein.
34. A pedestal according to claim 33, wherein said series of
eyelets are equally spaced-apart circumferentially about said
coupler.
35. A pedestal according to claim 34, wherein said flange of said
coupler is annular and extends in a plane that is substantially
parallel with said support plate and base plate.
36. A pedestal according to claim 35, wherein said support, said
base, and said coupler are made entirely of a moldable plastic
material.
37. A pedestal according to claim 36, wherein said support plate
and said base plate are circular in plan and have diameters that
are substantially identical.
38. A pedestal according to claim 31, wherein said pad or coating
is a pre-manufactured pad and is mechanically snapped onto said
support plate with cooperating bosses and recesses formed in
engaging surfaces of said pad and support plate.
39. A pedestal according to claim 38, wherein said pad is
adhesively secured to said support plate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a deck systems
for use in constructing an elevated traffic-bearing surface, such
as on the roof of a building, and more particularly, the present
invention relates to a height-adjustable pedestal and deck system
using same.
[0002] Roof structures of many buildings are capable of supporting
a substantially horizontal surface, or deck, enabling the
construction of roof terraces, pedestrian walkways, roof gardens,
plaza decks, sun decks, balconies, patios or the like. Such roof
surfaces are often formed at a slight slope relative to horizontal
for drainage purposes. Typically, the roof surface itself is not
constructed of a material that provides a suitable traffic bearing
surface nor is it aesthetically pleasing.
[0003] Examples of deck systems utilizing roof pavers, or ballast
blocks, are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,887,397; 5,377,468;
5,442,882; and 6,604,330 B2 issued to Repasky. Also see U.S. Pat.
No. 4,570,397 issued to Creske; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,588,264 and
6,332,292 B1 issued to Buzon.
[0004] While the rooftop ballast block deck systems disclosed in
the above referenced patents may be satisfactory for their intended
purposes, there is a need for a stable, readily adjustable pedestal
for use in such systems. The system should permit proper drainage,
for instance to an underlying roof surface, and should enable ready
installation of bracing between adjacent pedestals. In addition,
the pedestals should be capable of efficient manufacture and
installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] More specifically, the present invention is a deck system
for forming an elevated surface. The system includes a plurality of
pavers, ballast blocks, timber panels or the like laterally
positioned in a pattern to form a deck. Each of the pavers, blocks
or panels has corner portions, and the pattern includes
intersection areas in which the corner portions of adjacent pavers,
blocks, or panels extend. The system also includes a plurality of
pedestals. The pedestals are located directly beneath the
intersection areas and support the corner portions of the adjacent
pavers, blocks or panel a spaced distance above an underlying
structure. Each pedestal has a base at a lower end thereof and a
support at an upper end thereof. The support is rotatable relative
to the base for altering an overall height of the pedestal.
[0006] According to some of the embodiments of the present
invention, the support can include a support plate and a
substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post depending
therefrom. The upper surface of the support plate can be provided
with a surface that secures and stabilizes the block, paver, or
panel on the pedestal. As an example, the surface can be provided
by a rubber pad, coating, texture or the like applied to the upper
surface. The pad, coating, texture or the like can be used to
deaden noise, absorb shock, and increase friction between the
pedestal and the block, paver, or panel. If a rubber pad is used,
it can be provided in one piece or several separate pieces
mechanically snapped onto the support plate with cooperating bosses
and recesses formed in engaging surfaces of the pad and support
plate. Such a pad can also be adhesively secured to the support
plate.
[0007] According to some of the embodiments of the present
invention, the base has a base plate and a substantially
cylindrical, hollow, internally-threaded post projecting from the
base plate. The externally-threaded post of the support and
internally-threaded post of the base cooperatively engage to permit
the support to be connected to the base and to permit the support
to be rotatable relative to the base to enable the overall height
of the pedestal to be adjusted. Preferably, the support plate and
the base plate are of substantially the same size. For instance,
the support and base plates can be circular in plan and have
diameters that are substantially identical.
[0008] According to some of the embodiments of the present
invention, the pedestals can include a coupler for assembly within
the pedestal intermediate the support and base. The coupler has a
flange, a substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post
depending from the flange, and a substantially cylindrical,
internally threaded post projecting from the flange. The flange
extends laterally, radially, or circumferentially about the
coupler. The externally-threaded post of the coupler cooperatively
engages the internally-threaded post of the base, and the
internally-threaded post of the coupler cooperatively engages the
externally-threaded post of the support. Preferably, the flange
extends substantially parallel to the support and base plates and
has a series of spaced-apart brace securement eyelets extending
therethrough. Preferably, the series of separate eyelets are
equally spaced-apart circumferentially about the coupler.
[0009] According to some of the embodiments of the present
invention, the base has a plurality of spaced-apart,
radially-extending reinforcement walls projecting from the base
plate and extending outward from an exterior wall of the
internally-threaded post of the base. Preferably, each of the
reinforcement walls has a bracing securement eyelet formed
therein.
[0010] The present invention can also include bracing that
restrains relative movement of the pedestals. For example, the
bracing can be provided as a plurality of elongate wires or rods
that tie adjacent pedestals together. A bracing wire can have one
end secured to one of the eyelets in the coupler or base of one
pedestal and an opposite end secured to one of the eyelets in the
coupler or base of an adjacent pedestal. Thus, the bracing can
extend coupler-to-coupler or coupler-to-base. The location of the
eyelets and their availability at numerous locations about the
coupler and base facilitate ease of installation of bracing between
adjacent couplers.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a pedestal is
provided. The pedestal can have the structure discussed above with
respect to the support, base, and coupler.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The features and advantages of the present invention should
become apparent from the following description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pedestal embodying the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pedestal of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevational view of the pedestal
of FIG. 1 in use with a leveler and tie down device to support
pavers; and
[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a part of a deck system
having cross bracing between adjacent pedestals according to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0017] Referring now to the drawings, a deck 10 is constructed of a
plurality of separate, substantially-rectangular pavers, ballast
blocks, or panels 12 (hereinafter referred to as blocks) that are
arranged in a grid layout, or pattern, and that are supported a
spaced distance above a surface, such as an exterior roof surface
14 of a building. The deck 10 provides a substantially level
traffic-bearing surface 16 for pedestrians and an aesthetic
appearance. It can be used to convert an otherwise unusable rooftop
or like space into a useful area.
[0018] Each block 12 can be made of concrete, marble, granite,
wood, rubber, plastic, composite materials, or like weight-bearing
substance and is typically square, rectangle, or some other shape
that can be positioned in uniform patterns. Thus, each block 12
will typically have corner portions 18, and the deck 10 will have
intersection areas 20 in which corner portions 18 of adjacent
blocks 12 extend. A separate pedestal 22 underlies each
intersection area 20 and supports the corner portions 18 of the
adjacent ballast blocks 12. Thus, the entire deck 10 is elevated
from an underlying structure, such as exterior roof surface 14. The
spacing provided between the blocks 12 and surface 14 and between
the laterally positioned blocks 12 permits proper drainage of
fluids, such as rain, through the deck 10.
[0019] As best illustrated in FIG. 2, each pedestal 22 includes a
support 24 at an upper end thereof and a base 26 at a lower end
thereof. The presence of an intermediate coupler 50, as shown in
FIG. 2, is optional. In its simplest form, the pedestal 22 can
consist solely of the support 24 and base 26 without an
intermediate coupler 50. The support 24 and base 26 are preferably
manufactured separately and are molded of plastic. The support 24
and base 26 interconnect in a manner permitting an overall height
"H" of the pedestal 22 to be adjusted. More specifically, the
action of rotating the support 24 relative to the base 26 causes
the height "H" of the pedestal 22 to be altered. Thus, the height
"H" of each pedestal 22 in the deck 10 can be readily adjusted, as
required, during installation of the deck 10 and/or during
maintenance thereof.
[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the support 24 includes a
plate 28 with a substantially cylindrical post 30 depending
therefrom. In use, the plate 28 is disposed in a substantially
horizontal position thereby providing a surface on which the corner
portions 18 of the blocks 12 can be supported. Preferably, a
plurality of upstanding walls 32 project from the plate 28 and
define separate quadrants 34 on the plate 28. Each quadrant 34
receives one corner portion 18 of a block 12. The walls 32 align
the corner portions 18 on the pedestal 22 and define lateral
spacing between adjacent blocks 12 to permit rain water and other
fluids to drain through the deck 10 and around the outside of plate
28.
[0021] The upper surface of the plate 28 is provided with a surface
that secures and stabilizes the block, paver, or panel on the
pedestal 22. This surface functions to prevent and/or deaden noise
that may otherwise be created when pedestrians walk on the blocks,
pavers, or panels. In addition, the surface can provide a shock
absorbing function and can increase friction between the block,
paver, or panel and the pedestal 22. As an example, the surface can
be provided by a pad 36 or by a coating, texture, or the like
applied to an upper surface of the plate 28.
[0022] If a separately manufactured pad 36 is used, it can be made
of rubber, an elastomeric material, or like material and secured on
the upper surface of the plate 28. The rubber pad 36 deadens any
noise that may otherwise be generated due to any slight movement
between the contacting surfaces of the pedestal 22 and block 12
such as when pedestrians walk on the block. The pad 36 also
increases friction between the block 12 and the pedestal 22 and can
prevent damage to the upper surface of the pedestal 22 from
placement of the block 12 thereon. The pad 36 can be provided as
single pad or as multiple separate strips or sections.
[0023] The pad 36 can be mechanically and/or adhesively secured to
the plate 28. For example, the engaging surfaces of the pad 36 and
plate 28 can include a plurality of bosses 38 and recesses 40 that
cooperate to provide a snap-fit connection. An adhesive can be
applied between the surfaces before snap fitting the pad 36 to the
plate 28.
[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 26 includes a plate
42 with a substantially cylindrical, hollow post 44 projecting
therefrom. In use, the plate 42 is disposed in a substantially
horizontal position and the post 30 of the support 24 is received
therein. Preferably, spiral threads 46 are located on an external
surface of the post 30 of the support 24 and cooperating spiral
threads 48 are located on the internal surface of the hollow post
44 of the base 26. The cooperating threads, 46 and 48, are sized to
engage each other and permit the support 24 to be screwed into the
base 26. The threads, 46 and 48, can be continuous or
discontinuous. Rotation of the support 24 relative to the base 26
enables the overall height "H" of the pedestal 22 to be
continuously adjustable. As an alternative arrangement, the post of
the support can receive the post of the base, and the positioning
of the threads can be reversed such that the support has internal
threads and the base has external threads.
[0025] One or more couplers 50 can be assembled between the support
24 and base 26 to add further height to the pedestal 22. For
example, FIGS. 1-3 show the use of a single coupler 50, whereas
FIG. 4 shows the use of multiple couplers 50. Each coupler 50 is
identical and separately manufactured from preferably the same
plastic material as the support 24 and base 26.
[0026] Each coupler 50 includes a flange, or collar 52, from which
a substantially cylindrical, hollow post 54 projects and a
substantially cylindrical post 56 depends. In this configuration,
the flange 52 extends circumferentially about a mid-section of the
coupler 50 and extends laterally therefrom. Continuous or
discontinuous spiral threads 58 are provided on an inner surface of
the hollow post 54 and are capable of cooperatively engaging the
threads 46 on post 30 of the support 24. In addition, continuous or
discontinuous spiral threads 60 are provided on an outer surface of
the hollow post 56 and are capable of cooperatively engaging the
threads 48 on post 44 of the base 26. Accordingly, the coupler 50
can be used to interconnect the support 24 to the base 26. Further,
the couplers 50 are designed to interconnect to each other so that
multiple couplers 50 can be interconnected between the support 24
and the base 26. Rotation of the couplers 50, support 24, and base
26 relative to each other can be used to adjust the overall height
"H" of the pedestal 22.
[0027] Preferably, the flange 52 of each coupler 50 extends in a
plane that is substantially parallel to the support plate 28 and
base plate 42. See FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiments, the
flange 52 is annular; however, it could be of any shape in plan. In
addition, preferably, the support plate 28 is of a similar size, in
plan, to that of the base plate 42. For example, both plates 28 and
42 can be provided in a circular shape, in plan, having
substantially identical diameters. Alternatively, the plates, 28
and 42, and the flange 52 can be of different shapes and sizes.
[0028] The flange 52 preferably has a series of eyelets 62
extending therethrough. For instance, the eyelets 62 can be
provided as apertures that are circumferentially spaced-apart about
the mid-section of the coupler 50. In the illustrated embodiment,
sixteen separate eyelets 62 are equally spaced-apart about the
coupler 50. Fewer or more eyelets 62 can be provided on the annular
flange 52. The eyelets 62 are used for securing the ends of bracing
wires to the pedestal 22. The uniform distribution of
closely-spaced eyelets 62 about the coupler ensures that an eyelet
62 will always be opposed to an eyelet 62 in an adjacent pedestal
22 thereby enabling ease of installation of the bracing. Thus,
eyelets 62 should be readily available at most or substantially all
locations about the coupler for ready coupling of bracing wires
between pedestals. The bracing should not be required to be bent or
the like due to the unavailability of eyelets and should not
generate forces that may cause undesired rotation of any components
of the pedestals 22.
[0029] The base 26 can also be provided with brace securement
eyelets. For example, each base 26 can have a plurality of
reinforcement walls 66 that extend radially-from an exterior 68 of
the post 44. The walls 66 can be spaced-apart circumferentially
about the post 44 and can extend integrally from both the plate 42
and post 44 of the base 26. Brace securement eyelets 64 can be
provided in the walls 66. In the illustrated embodiment, the
eyelets 64 are provided adjacent an area on the base 26 where the
post 44 interconnects with the plate 42.
[0030] The deck system according to the present invention can
include cross bracing that ties adjacent pedestals 22 together and
restrains their movement relative to one another. See FIG. 4. The
bracing can include elongate wires, or rods, 70 that are secured to
adjacent pedestals 22. The bracing 70 can extend substantially
horizontal or can extend at angles to the horizontal. For instance,
X-bracing patterns can be utilized. The ends of the bracing wires
70 can be crimped and secured to the eyelets, 62 and 64, of the
pedestals 22, and the wires 70 can extend coupler-to-coupler using
eyelets 62 or base-to-coupler using eyelets 62 and 64.
[0031] As stated above, a possible location of the deck 10 is on a
sloped underlying surface, such as the sloped roof 14 of a
building. Of course, the deck 10 can also be formed as a terrace,
pedestrian walkway, plaza, sun deck, balcony, patio or any type of
elevated flooring. Some surfaces, such as the roof surface 14, are
provided at a slope for drainage or other purposes. In this case,
levelers 72 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3) are used between the roof
surface 14 and base plate 42 to ensure that the pedestal 22
projects substantially parallel to a vertical direction. As an
example, the levelers 72 can be those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,442,882 issued to Repasky, the disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference. Accordingly, each base plate 42 of each
pedestal 22 is seated within a recess of a level 72 that
compensates for the slope angle of the roof so that the pedestals
22 can extend substantially parallel to a vertical direction
thereby providing for ready formation of a horizontal deck surface
16.
[0032] It may be desired in some installations that the blocks 22
be mechanically tied to the pedestals 22. In this case, a corner
cap 74 (shown in phantom in FIG. 3) can extend over the corner
portions 18 of the blocks 12 within an intersection area 20 and be
mechanically tied to the pedestal 22 with a fastener or the like.
As an example, the caps 74 can be those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
6,604,330 B2 issued to Repasky, the disclosure of which is herein
incorporated by reference.
[0033] The above-described deck system and pedestal assembly
according to the present invention provides a stable elevated
traffic bearing surface for pedestrians and the like on an existing
structure, such as rooftop. The deck is easy to install and
inexpensive to manufacture. The height of each pedestal can be
adjusted by rotating the support relative to the base or by adding
or subtracting couplers. Cross bracing can be installed
coupler-to-coupler and base-to-coupler in a manner preventing
unwanted rotation of various components of the pedestal
assembly.
[0034] While a preferred ballast block deck system and pedestal
assembly have been described in detail, various modifications,
alterations, and changes may be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the ballast block deck system and pedestal
assembly according to the present invention as defined in the
appended claims.
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