U.S. patent application number 12/925051 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-19 for three dimensional tiled deck accessories.
Invention is credited to Robin D. Andrews.
Application Number | 20120090256 12/925051 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45932860 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120090256 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Andrews; Robin D. |
April 19, 2012 |
Three dimensional tiled deck accessories
Abstract
A modular system for creating multi-level areas on pedestal
supported tiled decks for use as platforms, plinths, benches,
seats, tables, planters and other accessories which utilize
standard floor tiles for the visible horizontal surfaces. Standard
floor tiles can be used through the use of an enabling component
called a "frame". Tiles fit in the frames. The system also uses
square or rectangular box shaped modules which fit under or in the
frames. A frame holds the modules together in a horizontal plane
and supports additional modules in a vertical plane. The completed
accessories appear to be built-in and to be a part of the deck but
they can be easily relocated or expanded both horizontally and
vertically. The accessories can be used on any deck, patio, rooftop
or recreational surface.
Inventors: |
Andrews; Robin D.;
(Charleston, SC) |
Family ID: |
45932860 |
Appl. No.: |
12/925051 |
Filed: |
October 14, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/02447 20130101;
E04F 15/02044 20130101; E04F 2015/02127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/263 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/343 20060101
E04B001/343 |
Claims
1-12. (canceled)
13. A deck accessory for installation in a pedestal supported tiled
deck, comprising: (a) a box shaped module or modules with vertical
sides having the same external horizontal dimensions as the
standard deck tiles removed for the installation, each of said
module or modules being disposed in the deck on the pedestals that
previously supported said deck tiles, (b) a frame disposed on top
of said module or modules, covering the top edges of said module or
modules and completely open in the center, (c) standard deck tiles
disposed in said frame supported by their edges on the horizontal
planar element of said frame, (d) said frame having vertical sides
joined to said horizontal planar element, said vertical sides
extending upwards to the top of said deck tiles and extending down
over the vertical sides of said module or modules. whereby, (i)
standard deck tiles, removed to install the accessory, can be
re-used to create the top surface of the deck accessory and
function as seat tops, planter lids, table tops and storage box
tops, that match the deck in appearance, (ii) the module or modules
are held together at their tops by the frame and at their bottoms
by the surrounding deck providing structural integrity and
stability to the accessory installed in the deck, and (iii) a
module under a tile is completely open at the top when the tile is
removed.
14. The accessory of claim 13 wherein said accessory: (a) covers an
area of the deck which includes at least three standard deck tiles
in a row, where the center deck tile in said row is left in place,
and the deck tiles adjoining said center deck tile are removed and
replaced by said box shaped modules, and (b) said frame disposed on
said modules, bridges the area over said center deck tile, and (c)
standard deck tiles are disposed in said additional frame.
15. The accessory of claim 13 wherein: (a) one or more of the
standard tiles in said frame are replaced by an additional box
shaped module or modules with the external horizontal dimensions of
said standard deck tile or tiles, and (b) an additional frame
disposed on top of said additional box shaped module or modules,
and (c) standard deck tile or tiles are disposed in said additional
frame at the very top of the accessory.
16. The accessory of claim 13 wherein the vertical sides of the box
shaped modules are fabricated from deconstructed deck tiles whereby
the deck and said accessories are symmetrical and alike in
appearance in both vertical and horizontal planes.
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 application relates to pedestal supported tile decks,
specifically to the creation of additional tiled levels and
improved accessories above the main deck surface.
[0006] II. Description and Examples of Prior Art
[0007] Floor systems have been developed and are widely used which
elevate, connect and support individual tiles or floor panels above
a base floor or sub-floor to create a new level floor. The tiles or
panels are supported at the corners by adjustable height pedestals
or along the edges by beams which run above and parallel to the
base floor. The beams may also be supported by adjustable height
pedestals. These raised floor systems are used on level, sloping or
uneven sub-floors both inside and outside buildings. Outside
installations include level pedestrian decks on roof tops. Tiles or
panels are 2 ft.times.2 ft in size but other sizes such as 4
ft.times.2 ft, 60 cm.times.60 cm or 50 cm.times.50 cm are also
used.
[0008] Installations inside buildings, often in offices and
computer rooms, are called false floors. These floors allow cables,
utilities and air conditioning ducts to be run underneath. Floor
panels can be removed for rewiring, maintenance or for changing the
location of air condition outlets when floor spaces are
reconfigured.
[0009] Outside installations, over roofs and uneven or sloping
ground, utilize wood or stone tiles or concrete pavers. The
installations provide a level deck which allows rainwater to drain
between or through the tiles to the base surface below. Water
drains away on the sub floor. Utilities can be run in the space
between the deck and the sub-floor. Tiles or pavers can be
temporarily removed for maintenance of the roof and utility
services.
[0010] Methods for incorporating furniture, storage units and
planters into raised flooring systems inside buildings have been
proposed, for example in U.S. Pat. No. 4,296,574 to Stephens (1981)
which describes how furniture supports can be built into a floor
panel. Stephens proposes the use of one or more of these special
floor panels each of which incorporates an above floor pedestal or
leg to allow an item of furniture to be supported. The special
panels can be weighted to provide stability. The above floor
pedestals or legs can be hollow to allow utilities to be run up
from below. Items of furniture then become integral to the floor
and its support system rather than sitting separately on top of the
floor. The accessories are movable since the special panels,
including the integral pedestals, rest freely on the supports and
can be lifted off and relocated. Stephens discloses desks, seats,
tables and lamps supported by one or more variously configured
special panels and a filing cabinet that is sized to replace a
floor panel.
[0011] Another example, in German patent DE003742558A1, to
Brueckner (1989) describes how a planter box can be incorporated
into a paneled floor to avoid the pressure points and discoloration
on a carpeted panel where a conventional planter might be placed.
Brueckner describes the use of a plant box that replaces a floor
panel and is supported along its edges on the floor panel support
system or fastened in place with clips. The planter is integrated
with and is essentially flush with the floor and extends down into
the cavity under the floor.
[0012] Specially designed panels, planters and furniture as
described by Stephens and Bruekner, or which are similar to those
described, have not been widely used, if at all. The special
products are disadvantaged by having to compete in terms of cost,
convenience and availability with large volume lower cost
conventional accessories which are simply placed on top of false
floors. Planters on a false floor can simply be placed in a tray to
avoid the pressure points and discoloration described by
Brueckner.
[0013] Outside tiled decks often have benches, seats, planters and
other features built into the deck or onto the edge of the deck by
carpenters during construction. These accessories may be built of
the same material as the deck floor to create a uniform appearance,
for example by using, teak, ipe, cedar or composite planks for both
the deck floor and the accessories. The built-in features are
permanent and custom carpentry is costly.
[0014] Pedestal supported decks can be installed with more than one
level with a step up from one level to the next. A typical step up
is between 5 inches and 73/4 inches in height, the same as a riser
in a staircase. The lower deck level might use pedestals adjusted
to a four inch height with the upper level pedestals adjusted to an
eleven inch height to create a difference of seven inches between
the deck levels. The vertical gap between the levels can be closed
with a riser made by fixing a vertical plank to the top level
pedestals which are modified to allow the attachment. This built-in
transition between levels has to be customized for each
installation. The same technique could be used to raise an area of
the deck consisting of just a few tiles but this is permanent and
also costly.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 6,606,823, to McDonough, et al. (2003)
describes an interlocking modular tray system for covering roofs.
Trays are held on the roof by their weight or the tray contents.
The modular roof covering is designed for "green roofs" with the
shallow trays being planted with vegetation or containing other
means of protecting the environment such as solar panels. This roof
covering system is designed predominantly to protect roofs and the
environment.
[0016] Japanese Patent JP 2009219454, to Hata et al (2009)
describes a modular system for the installation of planters,
storage boxes and steps on wooden decks by stacking interlocking
square box shaped frames, rims, lids and partitions in an
up-and-down direction and placing the assembled units side-by-side.
The lid and partition components are specially fabricated to fit on
or in the square box shaped frames. The box shaped frames are not
locked to each other in the side-by-side configurations and the
system does not use unmodified standard tiles as used for pedestal
supported decks, paving or flooring.
[0017] The means by which standard tiles and other components can
be used in a flexible, modular system for creating benches,
planters, seats and tables for pedestal supported decks with low
labor installation costs and no tools is now addressed.
SUMMARY
[0018] A modular system for creating multi-level areas on pedestal
supported tiled decks for use as platforms, plinths, benches,
seats, tables, planters and other accessories which utilize
standard floor tiles for the visible horizontal surfaces. Standard
floor tiles are used through the use of a new enabling component
referred to as a "frame". Tiles fit in the frames. The system also
uses square or rectangular box shaped modules which can fit under
or in the new frames. A frame holds the modules together in a
horizontal plane and supports additional modules in a vertical
plane. The completed accessories appear to be built-in and to be a
part of the deck but they can be easily relocated or expanded both
horizontally and vertically. The accessories can be used on any
deck, patio, rooftop or recreational surface. No tools are required
for assembly, the system avoids the need for on-site custom
carpentry and the products are economical with respect to
materials. These and other aspects and advantages of the new system
will become apparent after reading the descriptions of the
preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1--a prior art example of a pedestal supported deck
using wooden tiles.
[0020] FIG. 2--key components of the new system: tiles, frame and a
vertical module.
[0021] FIG. 3--the components of FIG. 2 assembled in the deck to
create a bench.
[0022] FIG. 4--the accessory of FIG. 2 assembled on top of the deck
with the use of a second frame.
[0023] FIG. 5--a top view of a frame that encloses and supports
three tiles.
[0024] FIG. 6--a cross section of a frame showing the vertical
sides and the horizontal planar element.
[0025] FIG. 7--(a) top view of a frame that holds a single tile,
[0026] (b) perspective view of a module having the horizontal
dimensions of a single tile.
[0027] FIG. 8--(a) top view of a frame that holds two tiles, [0028]
(b) top view of two tiles, [0029] (c) top view of two tiles in the
frame.
[0030] FIG. 9--two frames aligned to make a corner frame.
[0031] FIG. 10--a corner frame showing four tile or module
locations.
[0032] FIG. 11--a corner bench in a tiled deck.
[0033] FIG. 12--a corner bench with an elevated corner table.
[0034] FIG. 13--(a) (b) and (c) the fabrication of module sides of
two heights from one Ip tile.
[0035] FIG. 14--(a) an Ip tile sided module [0036] (b) a way of
joining Ip tile module sides.
[0037] FIG. 15--a corner bench with an elevated corner table using
Ip tiles and Ip tile sided modules.
[0038] FIG. 16--cross sectional detail of an Ip module on a
pedestal in a deck with Ip frame and Ip tile.
[0039] FIG. 17--liner and panel for use with an Ip module to create
a lined planter.
[0040] FIG. 18--cross sectional detail of a lined Ip planter in a
deck.
[0041] FIG. 19--cross sectional detail of a one piece Ip planter
liner.
[0042] FIG. 20--cross sectional detail of a storage box with a
cushioned seat top.
[0043] FIG. 21--a cushioned corner bench in an Ip tiled deck with
Ip tile sided modules.
DRAWINGS
Reference Numerals
[0044] 1. standard wood tile--prior art [0045] 2. adjustable height
pedestal--prior art [0046] 3. frame for three tiles [0047] 4.
marine board module [0048] 5. vertical sides of a frame that can
hold three tiles [0049] 6. horizontal planar element of a frame
that can hold three tiles [0050] 7. frame for one tile [0051] 8.
vertical sides of a frame that can hold one tile [0052] 9.
horizontal planar element of a frame that can hold one tile [0053]
10. marine board module with the external horizontal dimensions of
one tile [0054] 11. frame for two tiles [0055] 12. vertical sides
of a frame that can hold two tiles [0056] 13. horizontal planar
element of a frame that can hold two tiles [0057] 14. cross member
underneath a tile [0058] 15. side of a Ip tile sided module 9.3''
high [0059] 16. side of a Ip tile sided module 13.3'' high [0060]
17. Ip tile sided module 9.3'' high [0061] 18. Ip tile sided module
13.3'' high [0062] 19. an open top and open bottom liner [0063] 20.
a rigid panel standard tile size [0064] 21. an open top and closed
bottom liner [0065] 22. a seat cushion [0066] 23. small seat
cushions
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE
INVENTION
[0067] In the following descriptions and illustrations like
reference numbers designate like parts throughout the figures.
[0068] FIG. 1 shows an example of a typical pedestal supported
tiled deck or patio that is commercially available (prior art). The
standard wood tile 1 is one of a plurality of identical wood tiles
each of which is supported at its corners by an adjustable height
pedestal 2. Pedestals 2 and wood tiles 1 are of the types sold by
Bison Innovative Products of Denver, Colo. The pedestals are spaced
two feet apart and the tiles are
237/8''.times.237/8''.times.11/2''. Spacers on top of the pedestals
create a 1/8'' gap between the tiles. Each tile consists of eight
surface planks of Ip wood each 237/8''.times.2 11/16''.times.3/4''
and three underneath planks at right angles to the surface planks,
the same size as the surface planks, one on each edge and one in
the center. The surface planks are held together by the underneath
planks to make the tile using stainless steel screws. The
countersunk screw heads are underneath so that they are not visible
from the deck surface. Gaps between the surface planks and tiles
allow rain water to drain down from the deck surface to the
sub-floor on which the pedestals sit. [0069] FIG. 2 shows the key
components of one embodiment. The accessory uses three tiles 1
removed from the deck where the accessory is to be located. Frame 3
is constructed from Ip planks which are 3/4'' thick, the same
thickness as the tile planks. Frame 3 encloses and retains the
three tiles. When tiles are sitting in the frame their top surfaces
are essentially level with the top surfaces of the frame. Frame 3
fits on top of and is retained by module 4 which in turn fits on
top of eight of the pedestals 2. Module 4 covers three tiles spaces
and, in effect, elevates the tiles to a higher level. [0070] In
this embodiment, module 4 is fabricated from four panels of
12''.times.1/2'' thick Sandstone Marine Board supplied by
Interstate Plastics of Sacramento, Calif. Marine board is
formulated to withstand harsh marine environments and is very
suitable for exterior deck applications. Marine board comes in
different colors and can be machined like wood using standard wood
working tools. Module 4 is box shaped and open at the top and the
bottom. The external dimensions of the box shaped module 4 are 6
feet.times.2 feet so as to fit on the pedestals in place of the
three tiles. Module 4 can be closed at the bottom with an
additional panel of marine board. [0071] FIG. 3 shows the
components of FIG. 2 in place in the deck and resting on the
pedestals to create a bench. The three tiles are shown with the
planks aligned but they could be placed in the same criss-cross
pattern as those on the tiled deck. Tiles can be removed from the
frame to make a planter in which case the frame becomes the planter
rim. [0072] FIG. 4 shows how the accessory shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
3 can also be placed on top of the deck using a second frame for
added stability and to create a neat lower edge. The second frame
3, identical to that shown in FIG. 2, is placed underneath module 4
on top of the deck. This variation allows the accessory to be out
of alignment with the floor tiles or to cover partial tiles. This
situation may occur in a pedestal supported deck along some edges
or in the corners where one might want to place an accessory but
the surface tiles have been cut to fit the deck to the adjoining
walls. [0073] FIG. 5 shows a top view of frame 3 and FIG. 6
presents a side cross-sectional view of one edge of the frame. In
this description the words "vertical" and "horizontal" refer to the
orientation of the parts when the frame is level with the main deck
as shown, for example, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Frame 3 has vertical
sides 5 which are fixed to a horizontal planar element 6 as shown
in FIG. 6. In this embodiment the vertical sides 5 and the
horizontal planar element 6 are made from Ip planks which are 3/4''
thick, the same thickness as the tile planks. The vertical sides
are 2 11/16'' high the same width as the tile planks. Different
dimensions could, of course, be used but there is merit, from an
aesthetic perspective, in matching the tile plank dimensions. The
horizontal planar element covers the top edge of the module to
provide a neat appearance if the accessory is a planter. The frame
is the planter rim. [0074] FIG. 6 shows the location of the
horizontal planar element 6 part way up the vertical sides 5. The
top surface of the horizontal planar element 6 is located so that
the top of tile 1 placed in the frame is essentially flush with the
top of the vertical side 5. The choice of plank width and thickness
results in the entire frame 3 being prevented from lateral movement
relative to module 4 below as a result of the overlap of vertical
side 5 over the side walls of module 4. [0075] Frame 3 when
constructed from Ip wood weighs about 30 lb. Three Ip tiles each
weigh about 22 lb. Module 4 constructed from marine board, weighs
about 32 lb. Assembly in the deck, one component at a time, in
sequence, can be carried out by two people. No tools are required.
The assembled bench weighs approximately 128 lb. This gives an
average load of 16 lb for each of the eight supporting pedestals.
Pedestal weight load is not a problem since even residential
pedestals have a high load bearing capacity. For example
residential pedestals, Level It.TM., from Bison Innovative Products
of Denver, Colo., have a load rating of 750 lb per pedestal. [0076]
FIG. 7(a) shows frame 7 which will hold one tile and FIG. 7(b)
shows module 10 having the exterior horizontal dimensions of a
single tile. Module 10 fits inside frame 7. These components are
sized to replace and utilize one deck tile to create a seat. Frame
10 is created from 2 11/16'' wide and 3/4'' thick Ip planks. Module
10 is fabricated from 12''.times.1/2'' thick sandstone colored
marine board. [0077] FIG. 8(a) shows frame 11 sized to hold two
tiles. The vertical sides are indicated by 12 and the horizontal
planar element by 13. FIG. 8(b) shows two tiles 1 and FIG. 8(c)
shows the tiles in place in frame 11 resting on the horizontal
planar element 13. There is a 1/8'' gap between the two tiles.
Bison Innovative Products supply 1/8'' plastic spacers which can,
optionally, be fixed to one or other of the tiles with a dab of
construction adhesive to maintain the gap. [0078] FIG. 9 shows how
frames can be aligned to create accessories such as benches,
planters and bench-planter combinations around corners. Frame 10 is
shown in juxtaposition to Frame 3. Frame 3 is modified by reducing
the length of vertical side 5 by two feet at the corner where the
two frames will meet. [0079] FIG. 10 shows the adjoining frames and
tile positions A, B, C and D. To create a corner unit the frames
can be supported on one three tile wide module 4, as shown in FIG.
2, under positions A, B and C and a second module 10 under position
D. Alternatively, four modules 10 can be used, one under each of
the positions A, B, C and D. FIG. 11 shows how a module under
position B can be omitted in which case the frame bridges the gap
at position B. [0080] FIG. 12 shows how the system allows a second
level to be created above the main deck surface level. The corner
tile 1 shown in position A on the first level in FIG. 11 is removed
and replaced by a module 10. This module fits on the horizontal
planar element of the frame since it has the same horizontal
outside dimensions as a tile. A single frame 7 is then placed on
top of module 10. FIG. 12 shows a tile 1 in that frame but this
could be omitted to create a corner planter. A marine board with
the same horizontal dimensions as a tile can also be used in that
frame. [0081] Modules can obviously be fabricated from materials
other than marine board and be of different heights. FIG. 13 and
FIG. 14 illustrate how modules of different heights can be
fabricated from Ip floor tiles. FIG. 13(a) shows an underside view
of an Ip tile 1. The eight tile surface planks are held together by
three identically sized underneath planks 14. To fabricate Ip
module sides an additional plank 14 is screwed to the floor planks
as shown in FIG. 13(b). The assembly is then cut through between
the two central planks using a table saw to create a 9.3'' module
side 15 together with a 13.3'' module side 16 as shown in FIG.
13(c). Four tiles are required with four additional planks to
produce the sides for two Ip modules, one 9.3'' high and the other
13.3'' high. [0082] FIG. 14(a) shows a single module 17 created in
this way. FIG. 14(b) shows one method of modifying and joining the
Ip tile corner members to create the "tile sided module". [0083] A
9.3'' Ip module weighs about 43 lb and a 13.3'' module weighs about
53 Lb. These can be handled by two people. Ip modules can also be
created that are two feet high and also 4 ft long using four whole
2 ft.times.4 ft tiles. However, these are too heavy for two people
to handle. Frames allow smaller modules which can be handled by two
people to be stacked to the required height. [0084] Lighter outdoor
deck materials can be used, such as cedar, which has a specific
gravity of about 40% of Ip , or teak which has a specific gravity
of about 75% of Ip . Larger modules can then be created which can
still be handled by two people. [0085] Modules and frames created
from the same materials as the deck floor are particularly
attractive when used in the system. FIG. 15 shows Ip tile based
modules of two different heights used in a corner accessory. Three
single modules 17 which are 9.3'' high are used to support frames 3
and 7. The corner end of frame 3 supports module 18 which is 13.3''
high. [0086] FIG. 16 shows how Ip module 17 is supported on the
pedestals. Frame 7 is supported by the module 17 and tile 1 is
retained by the horizontal planar element of the frame. [0087] FIG.
17 shows an open ended plastic liner 19 and a plastic panel 20
together with Ip module 17. The liner 19 is fabricated from 0.187''
thick sheets welded together at the corners and sized to fit inside
the module with about a 1/8'' clearance. The liner is the same
height as the module. FIG. 18 shows how a liner box is created
inside the module when panel 20 is placed on the pedestals, module
17 is placed on the panel and liner 19 is inserted in the module.
Frame 7 creates a rim on the assembly covering the edges. [0088] An
alternative way of creating a box inside a module is to fabricate a
liner with a bottom floor 21 (FIG. 19) and insert that in the
module. A panel is not then required. [0089] Polypropylene is a
suitable plastic for liners 19 and 21 and panel 20. Liners and
panels can also be fabricated from marine board or molded from
polypropylene, PVC or other corrosion resistant materials. They can
be produced from the same post-industrial plastic used to
manufacture the pedestals. [0090] FIG. 20 shows how a seat cushion
can be placed on top of a panel 20 in a frame. Custom cushions of
various fabrics and thicknesses are obtainable from
www.cushionsource.com. Cushions can be 2 ft.times.2 ft. One
embodiment is to make four 1 ft.times.1 ft cushions 23 for each
tile area. They then fit neatly into storage boxes underneath panel
20 as shown in FIG. 20 for protection in the winter or during
inclement weather.
[0091] It will be evident that the enabling concept in the creation
of these new deck accessories is the use of a new component or
frame. The frame dimensions are matched to a standard tile size and
the system uses box shaped modules which also conform to standard
tile sizes. In addition the frame is designed to prevents lateral
movement of the components and allow multi-level units to be
created. Horizontal standard sized tile surfaces are created.
Standard sized tiles are available in a wide range of materials and
surfaces and these tiles can be incorporated into new accessories
to create variety. Alternatively, the modules and frames can be
fabricated from exactly the same materials as standard tiles or
fabricated from the tiles themselves to create a uniform
appearance. Manufacturers, marketers and installers of pedestal
supported tiled decks and tiles are able to produce accessories
that match or compliment their decks with no on-site carpentry
costs. Landscape architects can create custom installations of
benches, planters and tables using computer aided placement of
standard components suited to the customer's existing or proposed
deck or garden. Changes to the layouts can be made subsequent to
installation at minimum cost.
[0092] Having described the invention in terms of the preferred and
other embodiments it will be apparent that other tile sizes, parts
and component dimensions, modifications and materials can be used.
Other arrangements and improvements can be made and other deck
accessories produced utilizing the same concept and 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.
* * * * *
References