PAVING SYSTEM

Abstract

A paving system is disclosed that includes a first paving stone having a virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of first physical sides, the virtual perimeter outline having a plurality of segments, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the first physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent first physical sides by a predetermined distance. A second paving stone having the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of second physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the second physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent second physical sides by a predetermined distance. The plurality of first physical sides is different from the plurality of second physical sides.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a paving system, and more specifically to a paving system that utilizes a Cairo pentagon as a guide for a set of different paver shapes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Paving systems are known that use different pavers, but despite the use of different pavers, an irregular appearance that avoids repeating configurations is not known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A paving system is disclosed that includes a first paving stone having a virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of first physical sides, where the virtual perimeter outline has a plurality of segments, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the first physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent first physical sides by a predetermined distance. A second paving stone has the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of second physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the second physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent second physical sides by a predetermined distance. The plurality of first physical sides is different from the plurality of second physical sides.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings may be to scale, but emphasis is placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric projection of a first paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a first paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an isometric projection of a second paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a second paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an isometric projection of a third paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a third paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is an isometric projection of a fourth paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a fourth paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of a fifth paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a fifth paving stone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is a layout diagram showing a plurality of first paving stones, second paving stones, third paving stones, fourth paving stones and fifth paving stones arranged in a Cairo pentagon pattern, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the description that follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawing figures may be to scale and certain components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

Prior art paving systems includes those where the pavers are differently sized units, each of which is an integer multiple of a basic rotational tessellation element. This configuration has the effect of interrupting the joint pattern and making the pavers less regular in appearance. Although the various units fit together, it is difficult for an installer to assemble the pavers, and this idea has largely failed in the marketplace.

Another prior art paving system is the single-piece system, wherein all of the units are of the same size and form a repeating pattern that is easier to install. The repeating pattern is disguised in part by false joints in the stones themselves, but the single piece system, which unavoidably has a joint surrounding each unit, also has limitations that render it unacceptable. First, the sides of the stones generally extend from the vertices of the tessellation. So, although the joints are irregularly shaped, they intersect at regular intervals along a straight line, and the joints meet in perfect crossing alignment with each other. These characteristics degrade the illusion of randomness in the completed pavement.

Second, sides of adjacent stones have the same length, which introduces another degree of artificiality, and which further degrades the illusion of randomness. Third, the sides of adjacent stones are rotational images of one another, and have the same configuration with only minor variations in the sides. This characteristic limits the ability to imitate hand-split flagstone, which rarely fractures into polygons of any significant concavity. The result is sides which conform closely, and revealingly, to those of the base tessellation array, because for one stone to depart from the array in a credible, convex way requires the adjacent stone to have an incredible, concave side.

Fourth, the use of 120 degree rotational tessellations makes layout and installation difficult for workmen accustomed to rectilinear arrangements. Constructing a rectangular pavement requires either 1) overlaying and trimming the perimeter, which is costly, or 2) employing a variety of specially-configured termination blocks, which creates estimating and inventory challenges.

The present disclosure addresses these problems. In one exemplary embodiment, pavers derived from a Cairo pentagonal tiling are used to form the arrangement of stones. The arrangement is fundamentally orthogonal, integrates more readily with common landscape features (such as rectangular building foundations), and is simple to lay-out with common tools such as try squares, string lines, and Pythagorean triangles.

Second, although the perimeter of each stone fits within a common block-bounding polygon, the vertices of the polygon are substantially displaced from the vertices of its associated Cairo pentagon, resulting in joints that intersect imperfectly with each other, and also in the misalignment of the joint intersections with the axes of the tiling array.

Third, the misalignment of the joint intersections results in abutting sides of adjacent stones having different lengths, which also helps to obscure the Cairo-pentagonal shape that is the basis of each paver. Fourth, the sides of adjacent stones are not images of one another. Instead, substantial gaps, notches, and intersecting false joints on one side of a joint bear no complementary resemblance to the side of the stone on the opposite side of the joint.

Fifth, the disclosed block-bounding polygon is significantly concave, and the stones inscribed therein include false joints to visually subdivide them into multiple substantially convex polygons, which conform to the usual appearance of flagstone. Sixth, the Cairo pentagon is easily subdivided into two termination stones, which together in normal arrangement can replace a whole stone in the array, together in abutting arrangement can form a straight edge termination, and pairs thereof can easily form outside 90 degree corners.

One aspect of the present disclosure is the avoidance of rotational images, which improves the ability to avoid readily observable repeating patterns. Rotational images are avoided by using perimeter segments that do not mate or conform to each other, but which also do not interfere with each other. In addition, multiple sides are used to form the perimeter segments for adjacent pavers, which improves the ability to avoid rotational images, mating sides and other inferior features that result in readily discernable repeating patterns.

FIG. 1 is an isometric projection of a first paving stone 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Paving stone 100 and all other paving stones disclosed herein can be formed from concrete, masonry or other suitable materials, can be wet cast, dry cast or manufactured in other suitable manners.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, phrases such as “between X and Y” and “between about X and Y” should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as “between about X and Y” mean “between about X and about Y.” As used herein, phrases such as “from about X to Y” mean “from about X to about Y.”

Paving stone 100 includes false joints 102 and 104, which separate the upper surface of paving stone 100 into a large area 106, an intermediate area 108 and a small area 110. In this manner, paving stone 100 appears to be three different stones to a casual observer, and the false joints 102 and 104 also help to channel water to the joints between paving stone 100 and adjacent paving stones. Paving stone 100 also includes upper perimeter segment surface 112 and lower perimeter segment surface 114, where upper perimeter segment surface 112 gradually decreases in diameter from the diameter of lower perimeter segment surface 114. In this manner, the minimum spacing between paving stone 100 and adjacent paving stones can appear to be approximately the same as the spacing of the false joints.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a first paving stone 200, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Cairo pentagon overlay 202 shows the outline of an ideal or virtual Cairo pentagon, and the outline of paving stone 200 can be seen to deviate from Cairo pentagon overlay 202. In particular, a portion 210 of large section 204 extends significantly beyond the boundary of Cairo pentagon overlay 202, and the point of contact between large section 204 and small section 208 forms a corner of space 212 within Cairo pentagon overlay 202, where space 212 is approximately equal in size to portion 210 of large section 204. Likewise, intermediate section 206 extends for a smaller section 214 outside of Cairo pentagon overlay 202, and intermediate section 206 forms a corner of space 216 with large section 204, where space 216 is approximately the size of smaller section 214.

The perimeter of paving stone 200 is formed in one of two configurations—either offset perimeter segment 218 or flat perimeter segment 220. Offset perimeter segment 218 is located along a continuous section opposite from flat perimeter segment 220, and is oriented so that paving stone 200 can be readily fitted with other paving stones of the disclosed paving system, by assembling the paving stones so that an offset perimeter segment 218 is adjacent to a flat perimeter segment 220, or in other suitable manners.

Each of the five perimeter segments 274, 276, 278, 280 and 282 are formed from multiple sides or portions of sides, so as to avoid rotational images. For example, perimeter segment 274 is formed from a portion of side 270, side 272 and a portion of side 250, and thus avoids the creation of a vertex where perimeter segment 274 meets with perimeter segment 276 or perimeter segment 282. Likewise, perimeter segment 276 is formed from a portion of side 250, side 252, side 254 and a portion of side 256, which avoids the creation of a vertex at the intersection of perimeter segment 276 and perimeter segment 278. Perimeter segment 278 is formed from a portion of side 256, side 258, side 260 and most of side 262, although it will be recognized by one of skill in the art that the “sides” that are discussed herein with respect to every exemplary embodiment are not really sides, as they are formed from irregular shapes that are not straight line segments and are not amenable to characterization as a true “side.” Perimeter segment 280 is formed from a portion of side 262 and most of side 264, and perimeter segment 282 is formed from a portion of side 264, sides 266 and 268, and most of side 270. As can be seen, no vertices are formed in paving stone 200 that correspond to the intersection of perimeter segment 280 with perimeter segment 278 or perimeter segment 282.

Paving stone 200 also includes notches 222, 224 and 226, which are used to improve the random appearance of paving stone 200 when it is used in conjunction with other pavers, and which also provides a space for water to drain from the surface of paving stone 200.

Paving stone 200 thus has a bottom surface with a fixed orientation relative to its associated Cairo pentagon. The perimeter of the bottom surface encloses an area greater than about 90% of the area of the Cairo pentagon, but can include greater or lesser areas as suitable. At least about 8% of the bottom surface falls outside the boundaries of the Cairo pentagon, although more or less can fall outside as suitable. In addition, paving stone 200 has no vertices that coincide with the vertices of its associated Cairo pentagon, which helps to avoid the creation of a rotational image. In application, the distance between a perimeter segment of paving stone 200 and a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon can be within about 10 mm or other suitable distances, can be within about 5% of the total length of the perimeter or other suitable distances, and can have other suitable unique or repeating features. Likewise, while a Cairo pentagon is used in the disclosed embodiments, other suitable shapes can be used as the basis for a paving stone in accordance with the present disclosure, where the paving stone has the other disclosed features and functional attributes as disclosed herein.

While it is recognized that paving stone 200 and other paving stones as disclosed herein also have certain non-functional and ornamental attributes, the ability to have a paving stone system with a small number of different stones that nonetheless creates a random appearance provides the functional attributes of reducing an amount of manual work that is required to create a paving stone layout with a random appearance, reducing the number of different types of paving stones that need to be kept on site to create a random appearing paving stone section, facilitating the easy placement of paving stones within a common rectangular space while maintaining a random appearance, and numerous other benefits as further discussed and disclosed herein, such as facilitating the drainage of water from the surface of the paving stones.

FIG. 3 is an isometric projection of a second paving stone 300, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Paving stone 300 includes false joints 302 and 304, which separate the upper surface of paving stone 300 into a large area 306, an intermediate area 308 and a small area 310. In this manner, paving stone 300 appears to be three different stones to a casual observer, and the false joints 302 and 304 also help to channel water to the joints between paving stone 300 and adjacent paving stones. Paving stone 300 also includes upper perimeter segment surface 312 and lower perimeter segment surface 314, where upper perimeter segment surface 312 gradually decreases in diameter from the diameter of lower perimeter segment surface 314. In this manner, the minimum spacing between paving stone 300 and adjacent paving stones can appear to be approximately the same as the spacing of the false joints.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a second paving stone 400, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Cairo pentagon overlay 402 shows the outline of an ideal Cairo pentagon, and the outline of paving stone 400 can be seen to deviate from Cairo pentagon overlay 402. In particular, a portion 410 of large section 404 extends significantly beyond the boundary of Cairo pentagon overlay 402, and the point of contact between large section 404 and intermediate section 406 forms a corner of space 412 within Cairo pentagon overlay 402, where space 412 that is approximately equal in size to portion 410 of large section 404. Likewise, large section 404 extends for a smaller section 414 outside of Cairo pentagon overlay 402, and small section 408 forms a corner of space 416 with large section 404, where space 416 is approximately the size of smaller section 414.

The perimeter of paving stone 400 is formed in one of two configurations—either offset perimeter segment 418 or flat perimeter segment 420. Offset perimeter segment 418 is located along a continuous section opposite from flat perimeter segment 420, and is oriented so that paving stone 400 can be readily fitted with other paving stones of the disclosed paving system, by assembling the paving stones so that offset perimeter segment 418 is adjacent to flat perimeter segments 420, or in other suitable manners.

Perimeter segment 428 is formed from a portion of side 468, side 438 and a portion of side 440. Perimeter segment 430 is formed from a portion of side 440, sides 442, 444, 446 and 448 and a portion of side 450. Perimeter segment 432 is formed from a portion of side 450, sides 452, 454 and 456 and most of side 458. Perimeter segment 434 is formed from a portion of side 458 and most of side 460. Perimeter segment 436 is formed from a portion of side 460, sides 462, 464 and 466, and most of side 468. The vertices of perimeter segments 428, 430, 432, 434 and 436 do not coincide with any vertex of sides of paving stone 400, and thus avoid any rotational images. In addition, the large number of sides of paving stone 400 and the variations in the number of sides of perimeter segments 428, 430, 432, 434 and 436 results in non-matching perimeter segments that are not rotational images of other perimeter segments, and which do not match perimeter segments on other paving stones, which helps to avoid the creation of easily-observable repeating patterns while simplifying installation.

Paving stone 400 also includes notches 422, 424 and 426, which are used to improve the random appearance of paving stone 400 when it is used in conjunction with other pavers, and which also provides a space for water to drain from the surface of paving stone 400.

Paving stone 400 thus has a bottom surface with a fixed orientation relative to its associated Cairo pentagon. The perimeter of the bottom surface encloses an area greater than about 90% of the area of the Cairo pentagon, but can include greater or lesser areas as suitable. At least about 8% of the bottom surface falls outside the boundaries of the Cairo pentagon, although more or less can fall outside as suitable. In addition, paving stone 400 has no vertices that coincide with a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon, which also helps to avoid the creation of a rotational image. In application, the distance between a perimeter segment of paving stone 400 and a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon can be within about 10 mm or other suitable distances, can be within about 5% of the total length of the perimeter or other suitable distances, and can have other suitable unique or repeating features. Likewise, while a Cairo pentagon is used in the disclosed embodiments, other suitable shapes can be used as the basis for a paving stone in accordance with the present disclosure, where the paving stone has the other disclosed features and functional attributes as disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is an isometric projection of a third paving stone 500, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Paving stone 500 includes false joints 502 and 504, which separate the upper surface of paving stone 500 into a large area 506, an intermediate area 508 and a small area 510. In this manner, paving stone 500 appears to be three different stones to a casual observer, and the false joints 502 and 504 also help to channel water to the joints between paving stone 500 and adjacent paving stones. Paving stone 500 also includes upper perimeter segment surface 512 and lower perimeter segment surface 514, where upper perimeter segment surface 512 gradually decreases in diameter from the diameter of lower perimeter segments surface 514. In this manner, the minimum spacing between paving stone 500 and adjacent paving stones can appear to be approximately the same as the spacing of the false joints.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a third paving stone 600, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Cairo pentagon overlay 602 shows the outline of an ideal Cairo pentagon, and the outline of paving stone 600 can be seen to deviate from Cairo pentagon overlay 602. In particular, a portion 610 of intermediate section 606 extends significantly beyond the boundary of Cairo pentagon overlay 602, and the point of contact between large section 604 and intermediate section 606 forms a corner of space 612 within Cairo pentagon overlay 602, where space 612 is approximately equal in size to portion 610 of intermediate section 606. Likewise, small section 608 extends for a smaller section 614 outside of Cairo pentagon overlay 602, and small section 608 forms a corner of space 616 with large section 604, where space 616 is approximately the size of smaller section 614.

The perimeter of paving stone 600 is formed in one of two configurations—either offset perimeter segment 618 or flat perimeter segment 620. Offset perimeter segment 618 is located along a continuous section opposite from flat perimeter segment 620, and is oriented so that paving stone 600 can be readily fitted with other paving stones of the disclosed paving system, by assembling the paving stones so that offset perimeter segment 618 is adjacent to flat perimeter segment 620, or in other suitable manners.

Perimeter segment 628 is formed from a portion of side 668, side 670 and a portion of side 638. Perimeter segment 630 is formed from a portion of side 638, sides 640 and 642, and a portion of side 644. Perimeter segment 632 is formed from a portion of side 644, side 646 and a portion of side 648. Perimeter segment 634 is formed from a portion of side 648, sides 650, 652, 654, 656, 658, 660 and a portion of side 662. Perimeter segment 636 is formed from a portion of side 662, sides 664 and 666, and a portion of side 668. The vertices of perimeter segments 628, 630, 632, 634 and 636 do not coincide with any vertex of sides of paving stone 600, and thus avoid any rotational images. In addition, the large number of sides of paving stone 600 and the variations in the number of sides of perimeter segments 628, 630, 632, 634 and 636 results in non-matching perimeter segments that are not rotational images of other perimeter segments, and which do not match perimeter segments on other paving stones, which helps to avoid the creation of easily-observable repeating patterns while simplifying installation.

Paving stone 600 also includes notches 622, 624 and 626, which are used to improve the random appearance of paving stone 600 when it is used in conjunction with other pavers, and which also provides a space for water to drain from the surface of paving stone 600.

Paving stone 600 thus has a bottom surface with a fixed orientation relative to its associated Cairo pentagon. The perimeter of the bottom surface encloses an area greater than about 90% of the area of the Cairo pentagon, but can include greater or lesser areas as suitable. At least about 8% of the bottom surface falls outside the boundaries of the Cairo pentagon, although more or less can fall outside as suitable. In addition, paving stone 600 has no vertices that coincide with a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon. In application, the distance between a perimeter segment of paving stone 600 and a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon can be within about 10 mm or other suitable distances, can be within about 5% of the total length of the perimeter or other suitable distances, and can have other suitable unique or repeating features. Likewise, while a Cairo pentagon is used in the disclosed embodiments, other suitable shapes can be used as the basis for a paving stone in accordance with the present disclosure, where the paving stone has the other disclosed features and functional attributes as disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is an isometric projection of a fourth paving stone 700, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Paving stone 700 includes false joint 702, which separates the upper surface of paving stone 700 into a large area 704 and a small area 706. In this manner, paving stone 700 appears to be three different stones to a casual observer, and the false joint 702 also helps to channel water to the joints between paving stone 700 and adjacent paving stones. Paving stone 700 also includes upper perimeter segment surface 708 and lower perimeter segment surface 710, where upper perimeter segment surface 708 gradually decreases in diameter from the diameter of lower perimeter segment surface 710. In this manner, the minimum spacing between paving stone 700 and adjacent paving stones can appear to be approximately the same as the spacing of the false joints.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a fourth paving stone 800, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Cairo pentagon overlay 802 shows the outline of an ideal Cairo pentagon, and the outline of paving stone 800 can be seen to deviate from Cairo pentagon overlay 802. In particular, a portion 808 of large section 804 extends significantly beyond the boundary of Cairo pentagon overlay 802, and the point of contact between large section 804 and small section 806 forms a corner of space 810 within Cairo pentagon overlay 802, where space 810 is approximately equal in size to portion 808 of large section 804. Likewise, small section 806 extends for a smaller section 812 outside of Cairo pentagon overlay 802, and small section 806 forms a corner of space 814 with large section 804, where space 814 is approximately the size of smaller section 812.

The perimeter of paving stone 800 is formed in one of two configurations—either offset perimeter segment 816 or flat perimeter segment 818. Offset perimeter segment 816 is located along a continuous section opposite from flat perimeter segment 818, and is oriented so that paving stone 800 can be readily fitted with other paving stones of the disclosed paving system, by assembling the paving stones so that offset perimeter segment 816 is adjacent to flat perimeter segment 818, or in other suitable manners.

Perimeter segment 824 is formed from a portion of side 848, side 832 and a portion of side 834. Perimeter segment 826 is formed from a portion of side 834, sides 836 and 838, and a portion of side 840. Perimeter segment 828 is formed from a portion of side 840, sides 842 and 844, and a portion of side 846. Perimeter segment 830 is formed from a portion of side 846 and a portion of side 848. The vertices of perimeter segments 824, 826, 828, 830 and 832 do not coincide with any vertex of sides of paving stone 800, and thus avoid any rotational images. In addition, the large number of sides of paving stone 800 and the variations in the number of sides of perimeter segments 824, 826, 828, 830 and 832 results in non-matching perimeter segments that are not rotational images of other perimeter segments, and which do not match perimeter segments on other paving stones, which helps to avoid the creation of easily-observable repeating patterns while simplifying installation.

Paving stone 800 also includes notches 820 and 822, which are used to improve the random appearance of paving stone 800 when it is used in conjunction with other pavers, and which also provides a space for water to drain from the surface of paving stone 800.

Paving stone 800 thus has a bottom surface with a fixed orientation relative to its associated Cairo pentagon. The perimeter of the bottom surface encloses an area greater than about 90% of the area of the Cairo pentagon, but can include greater or lesser areas as suitable. At least about 8% of the bottom surface falls outside the boundaries of the Cairo pentagon, although more or less can fall outside as suitable. In addition, paving stone 800 has no vertices that coincide with a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon. In application, the distance between a perimeter segment of paving stone 800 and a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon can be within about 10 mm or other suitable distances, can be within about 5% of the total length of the perimeter or other suitable distances, and can have other suitable unique or repeating features. Likewise, while a Cairo pentagon is used in the disclosed embodiments, other suitable shapes can be used as the basis for a paving stone in accordance with the present disclosure, where the paving stone has the other disclosed features and functional attributes as disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 is an isometric projection of a fifth paving stone 900, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Paving stone 900 includes false joints 902, 904 and 906, which separate the upper surface of paving stone 300 into three areas 908, 910 and 912 of approximately equal size. In this manner, paving stone 900 appears to be three different stones to a casual observer, and the false joints 902, 904 and 906 also help to channel water to the joints between paving stone 900 and adjacent paving stones. Paving stone 900 also includes upper perimeter segment surface 914 and lower perimeter segment surface 916, where upper perimeter segment surface 914 gradually decreases in diameter from the diameter of lower perimeter segment surface 916. In this manner, the minimum spacing between paving stone 900 and adjacent paving stones can appear to be approximately the same as the spacing of the false joints.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a fifth paving stone 1000, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Cairo pentagon overlay 1002 shows the outline of an ideal Cairo pentagon, and the outline of paving stone 1000 can be seen to deviate from Cairo pentagon overlay 1002. In particular, a portion 1010 of section 1008 extends significantly beyond the boundary of Cairo pentagon overlay 1002, and the point of contact between section 1008 and section 1006 forms a corner of space 1012 within Cairo pentagon overlay 1002, where space 1012 is approximately equal in size to portion 1010 of section 1008. Likewise, section 1006 extends for a smaller section 1014 outside of Cairo pentagon overlay 1002, and section 1004 forms a corner of space 1016 with section 1006, where space 1016 is approximately the size of smaller section 1014.

The perimeter of paving stone 1000 is formed in one of two configurations—either offset perimeter segment 1018 or flat perimeter segment 1020. Offset perimeter segment 1018 is located along a continuous section opposite from flat perimeter segment 1020, and is oriented so that paving stone 1000 can be readily fitted with other paving stones of the disclosed paving system, by assembling the paving stones so that offset perimeter segment 1018 is adjacent to flat perimeter segment 1020, or in other suitable manners.

Perimeter segment 1028 is formed from a portion of sides 1064 and 1036. Perimeter segment 1030 is formed from a portion of side 1036, sides 1038, 1040, 1042, 1044 and a portion of 1046. Perimeter segment 1032 is formed from a portion of side 1046, sides 1048, 1050, 1052, 1054 and a portion of side 1056. Perimeter segment 1034 is formed from a portion of side 1056, sides 1058, 1060, 1062 and a portion of side 1064. The vertices of perimeter segments 1028, 1030, 1032 and 1034 do not coincide with any vertex of sides of paving stone 1000, and thus avoid any rotational images. In addition, the large number of sides of paving stone 1000 and the variations in the number of sides of perimeter segments 1028, 1030, 1032 and 1034 results in non-matching perimeter segments that are not rotational images of other perimeter segments, and which do not match perimeter segments on other paving stones, which helps to avoid the creation of easily-observable repeating patterns while simplifying installation.

Paving stone 1000 also includes notches 1022, 1024 and 1026, which are used to improve the random appearance of paving stone 1000 when it is used in conjunction with other pavers, and which also provides a space for water to drain from the surface of paving stone 1000.

Paving stone 1000 thus has a bottom surface with a fixed orientation relative to its associated Cairo pentagon. The perimeter of the bottom surface encloses an area greater than about 90% of the area of the Cairo pentagon, but can include greater or lesser areas as suitable. At least about 8% of the bottom surface falls outside the boundaries of the Cairo pentagon, although more or less can fall outside as suitable. In addition, paving stone 1000 has no vertices that coincide with a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon. In application, the distance between a perimeter segment of paving stone 1000 and a vertex of its associated Cairo pentagon can be within about 10 mm or other suitable distances, can be within about 5% of the total length of the perimeter or other suitable distances, and can have other suitable unique or repeating features. Likewise, while a Cairo pentagon is used in the disclosed embodiments, other suitable shapes can be used as the basis for a paving stone in accordance with the present disclosure, where the paving stone has the other disclosed features and functional attributes as disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 is a diagram 1100 showing a plurality of first paving stones 1102, second paving stones 1104, third paving stones 1106, fourth paving stones 1108 and fifth paving stones 1110 arranged in a Cairo pentagon pattern, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Diagram 1100 shows an exemplary arrangement of first paving stones 1102, second paving stones 1104, third paving stones 1106, fourth paving stones 1108 and fifth paving stones 1110 that results in a rectangular shape, and which demonstrates the manner in which the modified Cairo pentagons of the present disclosure can be easily arranged in patterns that are difficult to discern but which can be implemented using only five different pavers. As can be readily seen, there are no matching sides, and no side is a rotational image of another side.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

Claims

1. A paving system comprising: a first paving stone having a virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of first physical sides, the virtual perimeter outline having a plurality of segments, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the first physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent first physical sides by a predetermined distance;a second paving stone having the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of second physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the second physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent second physical sides by a predetermined distance; andwherein the plurality of first physical sides is different from the plurality of second physical sides.

2. The paving system of claim 1 wherein the virtual perimeter outline is a Cairo pentagon.

3. The paving system of claim 1 wherein each end point of each segment is located at a point between each end point of a closest physical side.

4. The paving system of claim 1 further comprising a third paving stone having the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of third physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the third physical sides and the plurality of third physical sides is different from the plurality of first and second physical sides.

5. The paving system of claim 1 further comprising a third paving stone having the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of third physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the third physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent third physical sides by a predetermined distance.

6. The paving system of claim 5 wherein the plurality of third physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides and the plurality of second physical sides.

7. The paving system of claim 1 further comprising a third paving stone having a first portion of the virtual perimeter outline with a corresponding first portion of the segments and one or more additional first segments and a plurality of third physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments of the first portion of the virtual perimeter outline corresponds to two or more of the third physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent third physical sides by a predetermined distance.

8. The paving system of claim 7 wherein the plurality of third physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides and the plurality of second physical sides.

9. The paving system of claim 6 further comprising a fourth paving stone having a second portion of the virtual perimeter outline with a corresponding second portion of the segments and one or more additional second segments and a plurality of fourth physical sides.

10. The paving system of claim 6 further comprising a fourth paving stone having a second portion of the virtual perimeter outline with a corresponding second portion of the segments and one or more additional second segments and a plurality of fourth physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments of the second portion of the virtual perimeter outline corresponds to two or more of the fourth physical sides.

11. The paving system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of fourth physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides, the plurality of second physical sides and the plurality of third physical sides.

12. The paving system of claim 6 further comprising a fourth paving stone having a second portion of the virtual perimeter outline with a corresponding second portion of the segments and one or more additional second segments and a plurality of fourth physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments of the second portion of the virtual perimeter outline corresponds to two or more of the fourth physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent fourth physical sides by a predetermined distance.

13. The paving system of claim 1 further comprising a third paving stone having the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of third physical sides, wherein the plurality of third physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides and the plurality of second physical sides.

14. The paving system of claim 13 further comprising a fourth paving stone having a first portion the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of fourth physical sides.

15. The paving system of claim 14 wherein the plurality of fourth physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides, the plurality of second physical sides and the plurality of third physical sides.

16. The paving system of claim 15 further comprising a fifth paving stone having a second portion the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of fifth physical sides.

17. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the plurality of fifth physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides, the plurality of second physical sides, the plurality of third physical sides and the plurality of fourth physical sides.

18. The paving system of claim 16 wherein the first portion of the virtual perimeter and the second portion of the virtual perimeter form the virtual perimeter when combined.

19. The paving system of claim 12 wherein each end point of each segment is located at a point between each end point of a closest physical side.

20. A paving system comprising: a first paving stone having a virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of first physical sides, the virtual perimeter outline having a plurality of segments, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the first physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent first physical sides by a predetermined distance;a second paving stone having the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of second physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the second physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent second physical sides by a predetermined distance;a third paving stone having the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of third physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments corresponds to two or more of the third physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent third physical sides by a predetermined distance, wherein the plurality of third physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides and the plurality of second physical sides;a fourth paving stone having a second portion of the virtual perimeter outline with a corresponding second portion of the segments and one or more additional second segments and a plurality of fourth physical sides, where each segment of the plurality of segments of the second portion of the virtual perimeter outline corresponds to two or more of the fourth physical sides, wherein the plurality of fourth physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides, the plurality of second physical sides and the plurality of third physical sides, and wherein any vertex between two adjacent segments is separated from any vertex between two adjacent fourth physical sides by a predetermined distance;a fifth paving stone having a second portion the virtual perimeter outline and a plurality of fifth physical sides, wherein the plurality of fifth physical sides is different from the plurality of first physical sides, the plurality of second physical sides, the plurality of third physical sides and the plurality of fourth physical sides, and wherein the first portion of the virtual perimeter and the second portion of the virtual perimeter form the virtual perimeter when combined;wherein the plurality of first physical sides is different from the plurality of second physical sides;wherein the virtual perimeter outline is a Cairo pentagon; andwherein each end point of each segment is located at a point between each end point of a closest physical side.