U.S. patent application number 12/387206 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for accessories for pedestal supported decks.
Invention is credited to Robin D. Andrews.
Application Number | 20100275528 12/387206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029334 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275528 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andrews; Robin D. |
November 4, 2010 |
Accessories for pedestal supported decks
Abstract
Accessories for pedestal supported decks which are installed in
place of individual wooden tiles, pavers or other deck floor
elements and which rest on and may be fastened to the pedestals.
Accessories such as planters, seats, tables, containers, storage
units, fountains and ponds have one or more base units which fit
directly on to the pedestals in place of the tile, paver or other
floor element. Planters, ponds and fountains drain directly to the
underside of the deck and such accessories can incorporate
irrigation, circulation and water supply elements underneath the
accessory which are not visible from the deck. Accessories can be
built from the same or different materials as the deck floor and
can be built around standard sized pre-fabricated components and
incorporate components of the deck floor so as to match the
appearance of the deck.
Inventors: |
Andrews; Robin D.;
(Charleston, SC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robin D. Andrews
23 Anson Street
Charleston
SC
29401
US
|
Family ID: |
43029334 |
Appl. No.: |
12/387206 |
Filed: |
April 29, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/126.6 ;
52/173.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/02464 20130101;
E04F 15/02172 20130101; E04D 11/005 20130101; A01G 9/02
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/126.6 ;
52/173.1 |
International
Class: |
E04B 5/00 20060101
E04B005/00 |
Claims
1. An accessory for a pedestal supported deck comprising: a. a base
which is an integral part of the accessory, the corners or edges of
which rest on the deck pedestals or connectors in place of at least
one deck tile, paver or other deck surface floor element, and b. a
functional element which is permanently joined to the base before
installation said functional element being substantially above the
floor of the deck. whereby the floor of the deck is accessorized by
replacing tiles, pavers or other deck surface elements with useful
or decorative features.
2. An accessory according to claim 1 which incorporates a system
for fastening the accessory to the pedestals, connectors, adjacent
deck tiles, pavers or other deck surface floor elements.
3. An accessory according to claim 1 which is constructed from
materials selecting from the group consisting of molded plastic,
fabricated plastic, wood, IPE, Massaranduba, metal and composites
said materials being used alone or in combination.
4. An accessory according to claim 1 which is constructed or partly
constructed from the components of deck tiles, pavers or other deck
surface elements including IPE and Massaranduba wooden slats.
5. An accessory according to claim 1 which has the shape of a
square, rectangular, multi sided or circular box the bottom of
which is closed and the top of which is open, said accessory being
a planter, container, pond, fountain or ice chest which can be
drained directly to the area below the deck.
6. An accessory according to claim 1 which has the shape of a
square, rectangle, multi sided or circular box the top of which is
closed and the bottom of which can be open or closed, said
accessory being used as a seat, table, storage unit or stand for a
light, sculpture or other objects.
7. An accessory according to claim 1 where a part of the accessory
extends beyond the perimeter of one or more of the deck tiles,
pavers or deck floor elements that it replaces.
8. An accessory according to claim 1 which has more than one base
where each base replaces one or more tiles, pavers or deck floor
element s which are not contiguous and said accessory has a top or
shelves that bridge across the gap between the bases.
9. A planter, fountain or pond accessory according to claims 1
which has built-in water piping that can be accessed from
underneath the base of the accessory by removing contiguous tiles,
pavers or other deck floor elements.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH
[0002] Not Applicable
SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND
[0004] I. Field of the Present Invention
[0005] This invention relates to planters, seats and other
accessories for use on pedestal supported decks. Specifically, it
relates to modular accessories which replace individual tiles,
pavers or other deck floor elements and which are directly
supported by the pedestals.
[0006] II. Description of Prior Art
[0007] Deck construction systems have been developed which elevate,
connect and support wood or stone tiles, concrete pavers, granite
slabs or other floor elements. The systems provide a level deck
over even, uneven or sloping structural surfaces. Importantly they
allow water to drain between the deck and the surface below. The
term "tile" is used in describing prior art and in describing this
invention and denotes any wood or stone tile, concrete paver,
granite slab or other flat floor element of any shape used to
create the floor of a pedestal supported deck. The term "pedestal"
is used in describing prior art and describing this invention and
denotes any component which supports the corners or edges of a
"tile" as previously defined.
[0008] These systems are characterized by having pedestals which
elevate the tiles off the ground and spacers which provide a
uniform gap between the tiles. A pedestal may be only a fraction of
an inch high or may be a foot or more tall. An individual pedestal
will generally be placed at the corners or along the edges of each
tile and will support adjacent tiles. The pedestals used to support
the corners of a single tile can be of the same height or can be of
different or adjustable heights to allow the tile and deck surface
to be leveled when the surface below is uneven. Tiles may be
square, rectangular, circular or another shape. Tiles may be cut to
fit around or along-side other structures. The upper or floor
surface of each tile is flat and sometimes ribbed as an anti-slip
measure. Pedestals are available in different designs and strengths
to allow for different loads. Shims may be used to adjust pedestal
heights or screw-to-adjust pedestals may be used for leveling. A
pedestal may sit on a separate base plate to spread the load more
evenly over the ground. Pedestals, connectors and tiles may
incorporate a fastening system. A fastener directly or indirectly
attaches a tile to its adjacent tiles. A fastener may be a screw
that is driven into the pedestal or a component of the pedestal or
connector that engages the tile by friction. Tiles may have holes,
grooves, slots or other modifications to connect the tile to the
fastener. Fasteners may not be necessary if the weight of the tile
is sufficient to keep the tile in place.
[0009] Water drains through the inter-tile space, or in some cases
through gaps within each tile, to the drainage area below. Tiles
can be lifted off the pedestals (after undoing any fasteners should
that be necessary) to access the pedestals and the underneath
drainage surface and area. That area may contain pipes and wiring
running under the panels and between the pedestals.
[0010] The systems are used on rooftops and balconies, over
occupied or unoccupied spaces, over even or uneven ground, gravel
beds and over poured concrete slabs. The systems fill the need for
flat, level, drainable decks, patios or pathways. The systems can
be used to provide a deck surrounding a swimming pool or a
drainable floor for a sauna inside a building. The systems are
designed for pedestrian foot traffic not vehicular traffic.
[0011] Seats, tables, benches, planters, pots, fountains, fish
ponds and other accessories are used on top of these tile decks.
Accessories are of different designs and might be made of wood,
stone, plastic or other materials. Planters and earthenware or
plastic pots with plants may be irrigated. Excess moisture is
allowed to run through or around the tiles to the cavity below or
into a tray which drains to the cavity below. If the layout of
accessories is changed the surface of the floor which was under a
planter or tray is often discolored by trapped moisture and the
lack of sunlight. Seats, storage boxes and other deck accessories
placed on top of the deck may obscure sunlight and result in
differential coloration of the deck surface underneath the
accessory relative to the surrounding deck. An alternative to
placing accessories such as benches, planters or ponds on the deck
is to set them on the ground below the deck and build the deck
around them. However, building an accessory on to the lower surface
may require a supporting foundation and the installation becomes
permanent.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0012] This invention provides a superior way of accessorizing a
pedestal supported tiled deck. Several objects and advantages of
the present invention are to provide: [0013] (a) pedestal supported
accessory modules which can be installed on the deck by simply
removing one or more of the tiles and replacing it with a module or
modules [0014] (b) a range of accessory modules which in
combination add functionality to the deck and enable the design of
seating arrangements, entrance ways and decorative features which
match the overall appearance of the deck [0015] (c) a simple way of
changing the layout of accessories on a deck while maintaining a
uniform appearance and style.
[0016] These and other aspects of the present invention will become
apparent after reading the descriptions of the preferred
embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIGS. 1 through 3b illustrate examples of the prior art for
constructing pedestal supported decks.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a view of a pedestal supported deck installed on a
sloping terrain using concrete paving stones.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a top view of three wooden tiles and the
supporting pedestals showing the tile spacers.
[0020] FIG. 3a shows the corner of three adjoining wooden tiles
with a fastening screw above the hole in the pedestal.
[0021] FIG. 3b shows a metal disc inserted between slots in the
wooden tiles with the fastening screw in place pulling the disc and
the tiles down on to the pedestal.
[0022] The following figures illustrate the invention.
[0023] FIG. 4 shows a wooden tiled deck with modular accessories
according to one embodiment of this invention.
[0024] FIG. 5 shows a modular planter constructed of IPE wood in
another embodiment of this invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 shows a prefabricated box shaped unit, with no top or
bottom, used to fabricate deck modules according to one embodiment
of this invention.
[0026] FIG. 7 shows the attachment of IPE wood slats as a step in
the fabrication of a planter module.
[0027] FIG. 8a shows the attachment of an I PE wood slat to the top
of a prefabricated box shaped unit.
[0028] FIG. 8b shows the attachment of an IPE wood slat to the top
of one side of the prefabricated box shaped unit.
[0029] FIG. 9 shows a further step in the fabrication of an IPE
wood planter.
[0030] FIG. 10 shows a modular seat according to another embodiment
of this invention.
[0031] FIG. 11 shows a slot in the corner of the base of a module
to allow a fastening disc and screw to be used to attach the corner
of the module to the pedestal and adjoining tiles.
[0032] FIG. 12 shows an example of a prefabricated box with a lip
along the edges of the top and bottom sides to facilitate the
fabrication of deck modules in accordance with this invention.
[0033] FIG. 13 shows an example of a prefabricated box shaped unit
designed to incorporate decorative side panels or ceramic tiles
into the deck accessory.
[0034] FIG. 14 shows a deck accessory with side panels in
accordance with this invention.
[0035] FIG. 15 shows a prefabricated box shaped unit with a water
supply below the deck level.
[0036] FIG. 16 shows the base of a prefabricated box shaped unit
with a water supply for a planter irrigation system or a
fountain.
[0037] FIG. 17 shows a table built on two modules each supported by
four pedestals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
[0038] In the following description like reference numbers
designate like or corresponding parts throughout the figures. The
first four figures and illustrations are for the purpose of
describing prior art as background to the invention. The remaining
figures and illustrations show preferred embodiments of the
invention. The illustrations of the preferred embodiments are not
intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0039] FIG. 1 is a view of a tile supported deck or patio installed
on a sloping terrain in accordance with prior art. The floor tile 1
is one of a plurality of identical square paving stones. Each stone
is supported by a pedestal such as pedestal 2 with the corners of
as many as four stones resting on one pedestal. The pedestals are
of adjustable heights to allow the deck to be level over the
sloping ground. Spacers between the stones (not shown) create a
uniform appearance. A pedestal 3 along the edge has a top surface
which can be cut back or snapped off to prevent the pedestal
extending beyond the stone paver.
[0040] FIG. 2 is another example of prior art. It shows a top view
of three separate wooden IPE tiles and the supporting pedestals. In
this example each IPE tile 4 is made up of eight slats of equal
dimensions which form the top surface of the deck and three
underneath slats 5 (shown in a dotted lines) of the same dimensions
which are screwed into the top slats at a ninety degree angle to
assemble the tile unit. The tops of each pedestal 6 are shown
together with tile four spacers 7 which slot into the pedestal. One
commercially available IPE tile covers 24''.times.24'' including
the width of a spacer. IPE tiles of this construction together with
associated pedestals are supplied by Bison Deck Supports, United
Construction Products, Inc. Company, 1975 W. 13th Ave. Denver,
Colo. 80204. The corners of each IPE tile are twice the thickness
of one slat. The same manufacturer offers a rectangular IPE tile
which is twice as long on one side. Another commercially available
IPE tile covers approximately 20''.times.20'' including the spacer.
IPE tiles of this size together with connectors and a fastener
system are supplied by DLH Nordisk, Greensborough, N.C. 27408.
[0041] FIG. 3a shows an example of prior art used to fasten IPE
tiles to a pedestal. Three corners of three wooden tiles 4 are
shown together with the lower slats 5 which join the top slats 4
together. The fourth tile and the spacers are not shown in this
illustration so that one can see the fastening system. The top of
the pedestal 6 is horizontal. The lower part of the pedestal is not
shown for reasons of clarity. The bottom corners of the tiles rest
on the pedestal. In the corner of each tile a slot 8 has been cut
in each slat 5. In the exact center of the top surface of pedestal
6 is a hole 9 which can be seen from above between the tile
corners, even when four tiles are in place. A screw 10 can be
inserted between the tiles.
[0042] FIG. 3b shows the large washer 11 in place in the slots with
the screw 10 in place, holding the three tiles down on to the
pedestal. The screw 10 has passed through hole 9 in washer 11. In
practice, all four tiles and the washer are assembled and the screw
is driven down using a screwdriver between the corners from above.
This figure again shows prior art as background to this invention.
Bison Deck Supports supply the components for this fastening
system.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows a wooden tiled deck with modular accessories
according to one embodiment of this invention. The deck uses IPE
tiles 4 arranged in a pattern with the slats in alternate tiles at
ninety degrees to each other. By way of example six tiles have been
replaced by accessory modules according to this invention. Module
12 is a planter, shown empty in this figure, one in each foreground
corner of the deck. The planters are supported by the pedestals 13
which are appropriately selected to carry the loads. At the rear of
the deck two seats 14 have been installed each seat replacing two
wooden tiles.
[0044] FIG. 5 shows a modular planter 15 constructed of IPE wood in
an embodiment of this invention. This planter 15 uses twenty IPE
slats (4), four on each side and four around the top each cut to
size. These slats can readily be obtained by disassembling IPE
tiles. The planter is fabricated so that the footprint of the base
is exactly the same as the tile it replaces.
[0045] FIG. 6 shows a prefabricated box 16, with no top or bottom,
which can be used to fabricate planter 15 and other deck modules
according to one embodiment of this invention. Box 16 can be made
of wood, composite material or plastic. Box 16 can be fabricated
from sheets or molded. The preferred material will be long lasting,
able to withstand the environment and be easy to drill and cut. In
one embodiment of this invention Box 16 is fabricated from sheets
of 3/8 inch ABS plastic. Four sheets are cut and glued together.
The width of all four sides is equal in size to the side dimension
of a wooden tile minus the thickness of two slats. The height of
Box 16 is equal to the number of slats high plus the number of
slats minus one times the width of the gap between the slats in a
deck tile. Should Box 16 provide the core of a module that replaces
more than one tile then the dimensions are changed in line with
that requirement as will become clear from the figures which
follow.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows one step in the attachment of IPE wood slats to
Box 16 in the fabrication of planter module 15 as shown completed
in FIG. 5. Slat 17 across one side of the top of the planter is the
same length as a slat from a wooden tile. Slat 17 is wider than Box
16 to the extent of two slat widths. Slat 18 (there will be eight
of these) are of the same length as Box 16 is wide.
[0047] FIG. 8a shows how the slats are attached to Box 16 so that
none of the heads of the stainless steel screws are visible from
outside the box. All holes are pre-drilled. First, lengths of
square cross section hardwood 19 are cut to exactly fit the top
inside perimeter of Box 16. These lengths are then screwed to the
box with countersunk stainless screws 20 from the outside. The
planter top slat 17 and the other three top slats are then screwed
to hardwood 19 with screws 21. It is easier to remove screws 20 and
hardwood 19 to attach the top four slats and then replace screws 20
to complete the attachment as shown in FIG. 8a.
[0048] FIG. 8b shows how slat 18 is then screwed to Box 16 with
screws 22 to complete this stage of the fabrication.
[0049] FIG. 9 shows the next step in the completion the planter.
Slats 17 and 18 and similar are screwed to the outside of the
planter from the inside. The bottom of Box 16, shown as 23, can be
closed with a sheet of 3/8 inch ABS to complete the planter.
Drainage holes can then be made to allow the planter to drain to
the area under the deck. The finished planter is shown in FIG.
5.
[0050] FIG. 10 shows a seat module constructed from a prefabricated
box similar or identical to Box 16. The fabrication process will be
similar to that described for the planter. The top of the seat can
be made removable and the inside bottom can be closed to make a
storage unit. A seat module can be several tile widths wide and a
range of prefabricated boxes can be on hand to construct such
modules.
[0051] FIG. 11 shows how the lower corners of an accessory module
can be slotted to allow the module to be fixed to a pedestal in the
same manner as a tile as shown in FIG. 3a and FIG. 3b.
[0052] FIG. 12 shows an example of a prefabricated plastic Box 25
with a lip 26 along the inside perimeter of the top and the bottom
sides to facilitate the fabrication of deck modules in accordance
with this invention. The lip 25 avoids the need for the hardwood
lengths 19 shown in FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b to fix the top trim. An
identical lower lip 26 makes the prefabricated molded Box 25 usable
either way up. Boxes can be stacked, bolted together and made of
different heights to accommodate various module designs. Plastic
panels 28 can be inserted into Box 25 resting on the lower lip to
make a planter base or a storage container bottom.
[0053] FIG. 13 shows an example of a prefabricated Box 29 designed
to incorporate decorative side panels or ceramic tiles into a deck
accessory in accordance with this invention. This box may be of
molded plastic or constructed from plastic sheets and components
which are glued together. ABS plastic sheets 3/8 inch thick are
suitable for such construction. The base of the box 30 is of the
same dimensions as the deck tile which it replaces except for the
thickness. The surfaces of the vertical sides 31 are set back from
the base 30 a distance equal to the thickness of an IPE or
Massaranduba slat (e.g. 3/4'') plus the thickness of a ceramic tile
or decorative panel (e.g. 3/8''). Grooves 32 are molded or routed
into the base 30 along each edge of the vertical sides 31 extending
to the edges of the base. If a router is used the grooves are made
before the sides are glued on. The top lip 33 of Box 29 has grooves
molded or routed into the underside of the lips of the same width
as the grooves in the base. These top grooves are vertically above
the grooves in the base. Ceramic tiles or decorative panels are
slid into these grooves and retained by the structure.
[0054] FIG. 14 shows a completed planter with ceramic tiles on the
sides, this figure showing a continuation of the fabrication shown
in FIG. 13. Ceramic tiles 34 have been cut to fit half the width of
surface 31 and have been slid into the grooves in the base and
upper lips. An IPE wooden slat 18 is used as trim along the base
and is screwed to the base from underneath. Similar slats are cut
to fit all the other sides of the base. These cover the ends of the
grooves in the base preventing the ceramic tiles from sliding out.
The edges of the tiles can be sealed with grout. The top lip of the
planter can be trimmed with IPE (not shown).
[0055] FIG. 15 shows a modification to prefabricated Box 29 in
which a solid bar 35, drilled with a horizontal 1/2'' hole, is
incorporated into the underside of the base. The hole extends to
the center of the base as shown in FIG. 16.
[0056] FIG. 16 shows the base of Box 29 (the rest of the box is
omitted from the figure for clarity) with a vertical hole drilled
from the surface at the center of the base to connect to the
horizontal hole. Each end of the hole is threaded. A one-half inch
rising tube 36 is connected to the hole in the center of the base.
This arrangement allows connections under the deck to a water
supply. The water supply may be controlled by a timer at the water
source or under the deck. Riser 36 can be used for a drip
irrigation device or a mist irrigation device where the accessory
is a planter. Riser 36 may be used to supply water to a fountain if
the accessory is used for that purpose. Drainage holes 34 allow
water to flow away under the tiled deck. Similar constructions can
be used for circulating water in a fish pond accessory.
[0057] FIG. 17 shows a table 37 built on two modules each supported
by four pedestals. In this case each pedestal must be appropriately
sized for the weight of the structure. In this embodiment the top
of the module extends beyond the footprint of the tiles which the
module replaces.
[0058] Having described the invention in terms of the preferred and
other embodiments it will be apparent that other modifications and
improvements can be made and other deck accessories produced with
the same intrinsic advantages. For the sake of clarity and ease of
understanding these have been omitted since it will be evident that
they are properly within the scope of the claims.
* * * * *