TECHNICAL FIELD
The subject matter relates generally to architectural pavers and more particularly to a pedestal paver lock down systems and methods.
BACKGROUND
Porcelain flooring, for example, porcelain pavers, have many benefits as a finish material. The dense, fully vitrified body of the product makes it easy to clean and resists surface wear. For this reason porcelain paver is the top choice for owners and specifiers looking to clad high traffic interior and exterior floors in paver. The traditional method of porcelain flooring installation is to glue the product down to a substrate. This standard thickness (9-12 mm thick) porcelain flooring alone has very poor center load and tensile strength when not fully bonded to a suitable substrate.
Currently, the plaza deck, rooftop, and landscape paver market is dominated by 2-inch thick pressed concrete architectural pavers. These pavers are considered to be self-supporting and have about 2 to 3 inches of support by the pedestals (only under the corners) at the paver intersections. Thinner and lighter pavers can solve a great deal of problems associated with load on the structures and shallow deck profiles. Therefore, porcelain paver manufacturers have been working to enter this market. A recent trend in the paver industry is for many manufacturers to produce “extra thick” 20 mm (2 cm thick) (less than half the thickness of the concrete pavers) porcelain pavers that allegedly can be used without bonding to a substrate, so they are considered a “self-supporting” porcelain paver that can be supported in a similar manner as the 2-inch thick concrete paver. While the added thickness does provide some level of improved tensile strength, shock impact and very heavy loads may cause these “extra thick” pavers to shatter just like the traditional thinner pavers.
Even the proven industry accepted 2-inch thick concrete pavers break occasionally. Likewise, the porcelain pavers break occasionally. When concrete pavers break on pedestals they merely crack into large pieces. Once broken, the concrete pavers buckle and fall off the pedestal supports. The broken edges may be serrated but are rather dull and will not seriously slice the skin. That is, the broken concrete pavers pose little risk of injury. By contrast, when a porcelain paver breaks it shatters like non-tempered glass. Razor sharp edges and large daggers and shards are created, which can easily cut the skin and are dangerous.
SUMMARY
In one embodiment, a thru-pedestal assembly is provided. The assembly may include a base plate; a spacer plate; and a connecting rod, the connecting rod at a first end configured for affixing to the base plate at about a center region of the base plate, and at a second end configured for affixing to the spacer plate at about a center region of the spacer plate. The assembly may further include one or more coupler plates, the one or more coupler plates may be configured for affixing to the spacer plate. The assembly may further include one or more coupler bars, wherein the one or more coupler bars may be configured to affix the one or more coupler plates to the spacer plate. The one or more coupler bars may be configured to attach at a first end thereof to one of the one or more coupler plates and at a second end thereof to the center region of the spacer plate, and wherein the second end of the coupler bar may be configured to engage with the second end of the connecting rod. The one or more coupler plates may be configured to affix to an underside corner portion and/or side portion of a paver. The spacer plate may include one or more vertically extending spacer tabs. The one or more spacer tabs may include four tabs equally spaced about the spacer plate. The one or more spacer tabs may be removeable. The connecting rod may be configured to be received through a central portion of a paver pedestal.
In another embodiment, a pedestal paver lock down system is provided. The system may include one or more thru-pedestal assemblies. The one or more thru-pedestal assemblies may include a base plate; a spacer plate; and a connecting rod, the connecting rod at a first end configured for affixing to the base plate at about a center region of the base plate, and at a second end configured for affixing to the spacer plate at about a center region of the spacer plate. The system may further include one or more coupler plates, the one or more coupler plates configured for affixing to the spacer plate; one or more coupler bars, wherein the one or more coupler bars may be configured to affix the one or more coupler plates to the spacer plate; one or more paver pedestals; and one or more pavers. The one or more coupler bars may be configured to attach at a first end thereof to one of the one or more coupler plates and at a second end thereof to the center region of the spacer plate, and wherein the second end of the coupler bar may be configured to engage with the second end of the connecting rod. The one or more coupler plates may be configured to affix to an underside corner portion and/or side portion of the one or more pavers. The spacer plate may include one or more vertically extending spacer tabs. The one or more spacer tabs may include four tabs equally spaced about the spacer plate. The one or more spacer tabs may be removeable. The connecting rod may be configured to be received through a central portion of the paver pedestal, such that in an installed configuration a lower end of the paver pedestal rests upon the base plate, and wherein when the spacer plate may be installed at the second end of the connecting rod the spacer plate rests atop an upper end of the paver pedestal. The one or more pavers may include a multilayer backing formed on an undersurface thereof. The multilayer backing may include a composite mesh layer and a cover layer. A plurality of thru-pedestal assemblies, paver pedestals, and pavers may be arranged and connected together to form an assembled pedestal paver arrangement.
In yet another embodiment, a method of using a pedestal paver lock down system is provided. The method may include a providing a pedestal paver lock down system. The pedestal paver lock down system may include thru-pedestal assemblies. The thru-pedestal assemblies may each include a base plate; a spacer plate; and a connecting rod, the connecting rod at a first end configured for affixing to the base plate at about a center region of the base plate, and at a second end configured for affixing to the spacer plate at about a center region of the spacer plate. The system may further include coupler plates, the coupler plates configured for affixing to the spacer plate; coupler bars, wherein the coupler bars may be configured to affix the coupler plates to the spacer plates; paver pedestals; and pavers. The method may further include, assembling each of the thru-pedestal assemblies, including affixing a first end of the connecting rod to the center region of the base plate; assembling a plurality of paver pedestal assemblies, including installing one of the paver pedestals onto the connecting rod of each of the assembled thru-pedestal assemblies, such that the connecting rod passes through a central region of the installed paver pedestal, and a bottom of the installed paver pedestal rests upon the base plate and installing the spacer plate at the second end of the connecting rod, such that the installed spacer plate rests atop the installed paver pedestal; arranging the assembled thru-pedestal paver assemblies in a desired arrangement; arranging the pavers atop the arrangement of the thru-pedestal paver assemblies, wherein the one or more pavers including one or more coupler plates secured to a backside thereof; and securing each coupler plate of the arranged pavers to its respective spacer plate of the thru-pedestal paver assembly, wherein each of the coupler plates may be secured to the spacer plate via one of the coupler bars.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus described the subject matter in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate a rear view of an example of a safety backed paver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a thru-pedestal assembly of the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the thru-pedestal assembly shown in FIG. 4 in relation to a standard paver pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a paver pedestal that may be used with the thru-pedestal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate exploded views showing more details of thru-pedestal assembly and paver pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a single paver that is corner-connected to four paver pedestals using four thru-pedestal assemblies, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate a closeup perspective view and a close-up exploded view, respectively, of one corner of the paver shown in FIG. 9 and using a one-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 12 through FIG. 15B illustrate an exploded view, perspective view, top view, first side view, and second side view, respectively, of another example of a paver pedestal that may be used with the thru-pedestal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of both corner-connected and mid-point- or side-connected thru-pedestal assemblies in relation to a single paver, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 17 shows a Detail 17 of a corner connection shown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 18 shows a Detail 18 of a mid-point or side connection shown in FIG. 16;
FIG. 19 through FIG. 22 illustrate a top perspective view, top view, side view, cross-sectional view along 21-21 of FIG. 20A, and bottom view, respectively, of one example of a paver spacer plate of the thru-pedestal assembly of the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 23A shows a Detail 23A of the paver spacer plate shown in FIG. 20A;
FIG. 23B shows a Detail 23B of the paver spacer plate shown in FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 illustrate perspective views of other examples of the paver spacer plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 26 through FIG. 28B illustrate a top perspective view, top view, cross-sectional view along 27B-27B of FIG. 27A, side view, and bottom view, respectively, of an example of a paver coupler plate of the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 29 through FIG. 31B illustrate a top perspective view, top view, cross-sectional view along 30B-30B of FIG. 30A, side view, and bottom view, respectively, of an example of a paver coupler plate of the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 32A and FIG. 32B illustrates a plan view and a perspective view of an example of a paver coupler bar of the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B illustrate bottom plan views of an example of a paver coupler plate in a one-paver configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B illustrate bottom plan views of an example of two paver coupler plates in a two-paver configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B illustrate bottom plan views of an example of three paver coupler plates in a three-paver configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B illustrate bottom plan views of an example of four paver coupler plates in a four-paver configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 37 illustrates a plan view of another example of the four-paver configuration shown in FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B;
FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B illustrate perspective views of an example of a corner connection of the paver coupler plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 39A and FIG. 39B illustrate perspective views of an example of a side connection of the paver coupler plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 40 illustrates perspective view of the underside of a paver with corner connections, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 41 illustrates a plan view of the pedestal paver lock down system and showing the underside of four pavers with corner connections including an arrangement of paver coupler plates and paver spacer plates, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 42 illustrates an example of a paver installed using the thru-pedestal assembly and the paver pedestal, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 43 illustrates an example of a paver being installed, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 44 illustrates a flow diagram of an example of a method of using the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 45 through FIG. 49 illustrate a top perspective view, bottom perspective view, top view, first side view, bottom view, second side view, and a cross-sectional view along 49-49 of FIG. 47A, respectively, of another example of a paver coupler plate, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 50 shows a Detail 50 of the paver coupler plate shown in FIG. 49;
FIG. 51 shows a Detail 51 of the paver coupler plate shown in FIG. 49;
FIG. 52 and FIG. 53 illustrate a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of an example of a paver coupler bar for use with the paver coupler plate shown in FIG. 45 through FIG. 51, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 54A, FIG. 54B, and FIG. 54C illustrate a plan view, a perspective view, and an exploded view, respectively, of an example of a one-paver configuration of a thru-pedestal assembly including the paver coupler plate shown in FIG. 45 through FIG. 51, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 55 through FIG. 66 show a step sequence of using a three-paver configuration of the thru-pedestal assembly of the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 67 illustrates a bottom perspective view of an example of a three-paver configuration of the thru-pedestal assembly of the pedestal paver lock down system, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 68A-70B are reproductions of FIGS. 20B-23B including non-limiting examples of certain dimensions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 71A-72B are reproductions of FIGS. 27A-28B including non-limiting examples of certain dimensions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and
FIG. 73 is a reproduction of the plan view of the example paver coupler bar shown in FIG. 32 including non-limiting examples of certain dimensions, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The subject matter now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the subject matter are shown. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The subject matter may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the subject matter is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
In some embodiments, the subject matter provides a paver lock down system and methods.
In some embodiments, the paver lock down system and methods provide an arrangement of pavers (which may also be referred to as tiles) atop a corresponding arrangement of paver pedestals and wherein each of the pavers may be secured to its corresponding paver pedestal via a thru-pedestal assembly.
In some embodiments, the paver lock down system and methods provide a thru-pedestal assembly that may include a pedestal base plate, a connecting rod, a paver spacer plate/disc, and one or more paver coupler plates with one or more corresponding paver coupler bars.
In some embodiments, the paver lock down system and methods provide thru-pedestal assemblies that may installed to standard paver pedestals and wherein the standard paver pedestals may be adapted for use in the paver lock down system.
In some embodiments, the paver lock down system and methods provide a thru-pedestal assembly that may include one, two, three, or four paver coupler plates (and each with a paver coupler bar) in relation to one paver spacer plate (which may be a disc or any other shape) that includes paver spacer features.
In some embodiments, the paver lock down system and methods provide a thru-pedestal assembly that may be provided in a one-paver configuration, a two-paver configuration, a three-paver configuration, and/or a four-paver configuration.
In some embodiments, the paver lock down system and methods provide a paver with a safety backing for preventing a broken paver from shattering, splintering, and/or dislodging and wherein the safety backing may include, for example, a composite mesh covered with a plastic sheet against the undersurface of a paver.
In some embodiments, the paver lock down system and methods provide a pedestal-ready paver with the paver coupler plates of the thru-pedestal assemblies already installed on the underside thereof.
Further, a method of using the paver lock down system is provided.
Referring now to FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Paver pedestal lock down system 100 may include, for example, any arrangement or array of pavers 110. Pavers 110 may be, but are not limited to, standard pavers/pavers made of porcelain, concrete, natural stone, and/or the like, and that have a safety backing for preventing a broken paver from shattering, splintering, and/or dislodging, as described below in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. An example of a 24-inch by 48-inch porcelain paver is shown in FIG. 16.
In paver pedestal lock down system 100, the arrangement of pavers 110 is provided atop a corresponding arrangement of paver pedestals 170 that are adapted with thru-pedestal assemblies 120. That is, each of the paver pedestals 170 may be any standard commercially available paver pedestal that has been adapted with a thru-pedestal assembly 120. In paver pedestal lock down system 100, the thru-pedestal assembly 120 is provided for securing one or more pavers 110 atop the paver pedestal 170. Accordingly, paver pedestals 170 may be referred to as adapted paver pedestals 170. For example, an adapted paver pedestal 170 equipped with a thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be provided at any corner and/or side intersections of multiple pavers 110.
An example of thru-pedestal assembly 120 is shown and described below in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. Further, one example of a standard paver pedestal 170 adapted with a thru-pedestal assembly 120 is shown and described below in FIG. 6 through FIG. 11. Another example of a standard paver pedestal 170 adapted with a thru-pedestal assembly 120 is shown and described below in FIG. 12 through FIG. 15B.
Each of the thru-pedestal assemblies 120 may feature (1) a mechanism for adapting a standard paver pedestal 170 to receive and couple to one or more pavers 110, (2) a mechanism for mating to a corner or side of a certain paver 110, and (3) a mechanism for coupling multiple adjacent pavers 110 together atop the standard paver pedestal 170. Further, any given thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be provided in a one-paver configuration, a two-paver configuration, a three-paver configuration, and/or a four-paver configuration. Examples of different configurations of thru-pedestal assemblies 120 are shown and described below in FIG. 33A through FIG. 37.
Referring now to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate an example of a paver 110 for preventing a broken paver from shattering, splintering, and/or dislodging, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of the underside of a portion of the paver 110. Similarly, FIG. 3 illustrates the underside of the entirety of an example of a paver 110 assembly.
The safety backing of paver 110 may be, for example, a multilayer structure. In one example, the safety backing of paver 110 may be a composite mesh 114 and a cover layer 116 against the undersurface of a standard paver 112 (e.g., a porcelain paver). Here, composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116 form a multilayer structure on the undersurface of paver 110. In one example, the safety backing of paver 110 may include a resin (e.g., any suitable type resin) along with a durable fabric or mesh imbed.
The purpose of the safety backing (e.g., composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116) is to provide a safety measure when placing pavers on pedestals. Though it is extremely rare, any paver can break. The presence of the safety backing (e.g., composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116) prevents a broken paver from shattering, splintering, or dislodging, thus reducing the risk of injury. For example, the paver (e.g., a porcelain paver 112 with safety backing) may crack after an exceptionally high point load. However, the presence of the safety backing (e.g., composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116) may be used to hold together all the broken pieces. Using the safety backing (e.g., composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116) it may be still possible to walk on the paver (e.g., porcelain paver 112 with safety backing) until it can be replaced. In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, paver 110 may be, in one non-limiting example, a 2-cm porcelain paver of any size.
Currently, pedestal pavers require an upgrade to be placed on a pedestal and this upgrade is performed in the field. For example, conventional systems may use plastic or fiberglass sub-grids, metal or fiberglass paver trays, or bonding plastic, metal or fiberglass sheeting to the paver backs. All these techniques are installed in the field by contractors. By contrast, in paver pedestal lock down system 100, pavers 110 with their composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116 may be formed in a factory. Therefore, pavers 110 arrive to a job site ready to install, making them a pedestal-ready paver. However, in other embodiments, pavers 112 and the safety backing (e.g., composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116) may be provided separately in the field. Then, in the field, the safety backing (e.g., composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116) may be installed to the pavers 112 with, for example, an adhesive.
Further, FIG. 3 shows an arrangement of paver coupler plates 128 on the underside of paver 110. Each of the paver coupler plates 128 is a portion of a thru-pedestal assembly 120 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 16). Paver coupler plates 128 may be factory-installed with pavers 110. In one example, paver coupler plates 128 may be adhered to the underside of pavers 110 at the same time that pavers 110 are formed at a factory. Accordingly, pavers 110 may arrive on site with paver coupler plates 128 already installed and pavers 110 ready to be put in place.
Certain benefits of the paver 110 may include, but are not limited to, the following. (1) The safety backing (e.g., composite mesh 114 and cover layer 116) may be factory installed on any size paver. A running bond pattern is possible. (2) No added trays, sub-grid, or adhesives are required. (3) Pavers 110 may arrive on site ready to be put in place. (4) If wind uplift or vandalism is a concern, conventional pavers can be easily upgraded to the pavers 110. (5) Pavers 110 may provide a post-crack load maximum of about 2,000 pounds.
Referring now to FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. For example, thru-pedestal assembly 120 may include a pedestal base plate 122, a connecting rod 126, a paver spacer plate 124, and one or more paver coupler plates 128 with one or more corresponding paver coupler bars 130. Further, pedestal base plate 122 may be provided with or without perforations 132. Thru-pedestal assembly 120 may also include other common fastening components 133, such as nuts, bolts, screws, washers, and/or the like.
Pedestal base plate 122 may be, for example, a stainless steel plate. Pedestal base plate 122 is preferably configured to allow the thru-pedestal assembly 120 to be adhered, or otherwise secured, directly to the substrate, such as waterproof membrane system, to which the paver pedestal lock down system 100 is to be installed. Connecting rod 126 may be, for example, a stainless steel 8-32 treaded rod. Paver coupler bars 130 may be stainless steel bars. Paver spacer plate 124 and the one or more paver coupler plates 128 may be formed, for example, of molded plastic, aluminum, and the like. When in use, the lower end of connecting rod 126 may be affixed to the center of pedestal base plate 122. Further, the upper end of connecting rod 126 may be affixed to the center of paver spacer plate 124. Then, each of the paver coupler plates 128 may be affixed to paver spacer plate 124 using its paver coupler bar 130. Examples of different configurations of paver coupler plates 128 with respect to paver spacer plate 124 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 are shown and described below in FIG. 33A through FIG. 37.
Further, more details of examples of paver spacer plate 124 are shown and described below in FIG. 19 through FIG. 25. More details of an example of paver coupler plate 128 are shown and described below in FIG. 26 through FIG. 31B. More details of another example of paver coupler plate 128 are shown and described below in FIG. 45 through FIG. 51. More details of an example of paver coupler bar 130 are shown and described below in FIGS. 32A and 32B. More details of another example of paver coupler bar 130 are shown and described below in FIG. 52 and FIG. 53.
Thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100 may be designed to be installed with any generic off-the-shelf paver or paver pedestal. Accordingly, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an example of thru-pedestal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 4 installed in relation to any standard paver pedestal 170. For example, connecting rod 126 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may slide through a center hole or channel of any standard paver pedestal 170. In doing so, the body of paver pedestal 170 may rest down upon pedestal base plate 122 of thru-pedestal assembly 120. Then, paver spacer plate 124 may be installed at the upper end of connecting rod 126 and against the top of paver pedestal 170. In this way, paver spacer plate 124 may be ready to receive the one or more paver coupler plates 128.
Referring now to FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a specific example of a paver pedestal 270 that may be used with thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Paver pedestal 270 may be a specific example of paver pedestal 170 shown in FIG. 5. In this non-limiting example, paver pedestal 270 may include a generally cone-shaped pedestal body 272, a generally circular pedestal base plate 274 at the base of pedestal body 272, a generally circular pedestal top plate 276 at the top of pedestal body 272, and an opening 278 running vertically at the center of paver pedestal 270, all arranged as shown.
The paver pedestal 270 may be formed of any materials that are suitably strong to handle the weight and/or loads of a paver or paver floor system. Materials, such as, but not limited to, molded plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, a concrete filled body, and the like. More details of an example of paver pedestal 270 used with thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100 are shown and described below in FIG. 7 through FIG. 11.
Referring now to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 is exploded views showing more details of an example of thru-pedestal assembly 120 installed in relation to paver pedestal 270 shown in FIG. 6, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. First, the lower end of connecting rod 126 may be affixed to the center of pedestal base plate 122 of thru-pedestal assembly 120. Then, pedestal body 272 of paver pedestal 270 may slide onto connecting rod 126 using opening 278 and such that pedestal body 272 may rest down upon pedestal base plate 122 of thru-pedestal assembly 120. Then, paver spacer plate 124 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be installed at the upper end of connecting rod 126 and against pedestal top plate 276 of paver pedestal 270. In this way, paver spacer plate 124 may be ready to receive the one or more paver coupler plates 128. Paver spacer plate 124 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be designed to mate with any pedestal top plate, such as pedestal top plate 276 of paver pedestal 270.
Referring now to FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a single paver 110 that is corner-connected to four paver pedestals 270 using four thru-pedestal assemblies 120 of the paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, each corner of paver 110 has a one-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120. Each of the thru-pedestal assemblies 120 may be installed with respect to its corresponding paver pedestal 270. Further, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 show a closeup perspective view and a close-up exploded view, respectively, of one corner of the paver 110 shown in FIG. 9 and using the one-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120 with paver pedestal 270. Here, one paver coupler plate 128 of one thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be coupled to the corner of the paver 110. Again, paver coupler plates 128 may be factory-installed with pavers 110. In one example, paver coupler plates 128 may be adhered to the underside of pavers 110 at the same time that pavers 110 are formed at the factory. Accordingly, pavers 110 may arrive on site with paver coupler plates 128 already installed and pavers 110 ready to be put in place.
Referring now to FIG. 12 through FIG. 15B is various views of another specific example of a paver pedestal 280 that may be used with thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Paver pedestal 280 may be a specific example of paver pedestal 170 shown in FIG. 5. More specifically, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15A, and FIG. 15B, show an exploded view, a perspective view, a top view, a side view, and another side view of paver pedestal 280 in relation to a one-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120.
In this non-limiting example, paver pedestal 280 may include a generally tubular-shaped pedestal body 282, a generally circular pedestal base plate 284 at the base of pedestal body 282, and a generally circular pedestal top plate 286 at the top of pedestal body 282. The generally tubular-shaped pedestal body 282 may be hollow. Also, pedestal base plate 284 and pedestal top plate 286 may each include a center through-hole (not shown), all arranged as shown. The paver pedestal 280 may be formed of any materials that are suitably strong to handle the weight and/or loads of a paver or paver floor system. Materials, such as, but not limited to, molded plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, a concrete filled body, and the like.
Referring still to FIG. 12 through FIG. 15B, the lower end of connecting rod 126 may be affixed to the center of pedestal base plate 122 of thru-pedestal assembly 120. Then, paver pedestal 280 may slide onto connecting rod 126 and such that it may rest down upon pedestal base plate 122 of thru-pedestal assembly 120. Then, paver spacer plate 124 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be installed at the upper end of connecting rod 126 and against pedestal top plate 286 of paver pedestal 280. In this way, paver spacer plate 124 may be ready to receive the one or more paver coupler plates 128. Paver spacer plate 124 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be designed to mate with any pedestal top plate, such as pedestal top plate 286 of paver pedestal 280.
Referring now to FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an example of a both corner-connected and mid-point- or side-connected paver 110 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this non-limiting example, paver 110 may be a 24-inch by 48-inch paver. FIG. 16 shows an example of a paver coupler plate 128 placed at each of the four corners and two others placed along the two long sides. That is, six paver coupler plates 128 and wherein each of the paver coupler plates 128 is a portion of its respective thru-pedestal assembly 120.
FIG. 17 shows a Detail A of a corner connection shown in FIG. 16, which is an exploded view showing an example of a paver coupler bar 130 in relation to a corner bar guide feature (see FIG. 28B and FIG. 31B) of paver coupler plate 128. FIG. 18 shows a Detail B of a mid-point or side connection shown in FIG. 16, which is an exploded view showing an example of a paver coupler bar 130 in relation to a center bar guide feature (see FIG. 28B and FIG. 31B) of paver coupler plate 128.
Again, paver coupler plates 128 may be factory-installed with pavers 110. In one example, paver coupler plates 128 may be adhered to the underside of pavers 110 at the same time that pavers 110 are formed at the factory. Accordingly, pavers 110 may arrive on site with paver coupler plates 128 already installed and pavers 110 ready to be put in place.
Referring now to FIG. 19 through FIG. 23B is various views of one example of paver spacer plate 124 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 19 is a perspective view of paver spacer plate 124. FIG. 20 is a top view of paver spacer plate 124. FIG. 21A is a side view of paver spacer plate 124. FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view of paver spacer plate 124 taken along line A-A of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a bottom view of paver spacer plate 124. FIG. 23A shows a Detail B of FIG. 20. FIG. 23B shows a Detail C of FIG. 22.
Paver spacer plate 124 may include four spacer features 134 and a center opening 136. In this example, center opening 136 may be a circular through-hole. Paver spacer plate 124 may be formed, for example, of molded plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 24 and FIG. 25 is perspective views of other examples of the paver spacer plate of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 24 is a perspective view of another example of paver spacer plate 124. This example is substantially the same as the paver spacer plate 124 shown in FIG. 19 through FIG. 23B except that center opening 136 is replaced by a center nut 138. Further, FIG. 25 is a perspective view of yet another example of paver spacer plate 124. This example is substantially the same as the paver spacer plate 124 shown in FIG. 19 through FIG. 23B except that center opening 136 is a hex-shaped through-hole instead of a circular through-hole.
Referring now to FIG. 26 through FIG. 28B is various views of an example of a paver coupler plate 328. Paver coupler plate 328 may be a non-limiting example of the paver coupler plate 128 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100 shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 18, in accordance with an example embodiment of the invention.
For example, FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of paver coupler plate 328. FIG. 27A shows a top view of paver coupler plate 328. FIG. 27B shows a cross-sectional view of paver coupler plate 328 taken along line A-A of FIG. 27A. FIG. 28A shows a side view of paver coupler plate 328. FIG. 28B shows a bottom view of paver coupler plate 328.
FIG. 26 shows that paver coupler plate 328 may include a first surface 332 and a second surface 334. In the installed orientation of paver coupler plate 328, first surface 332 may be the upper surface of paver coupler plate 328 that contacts the underside of a paver 110. Accordingly, second surface 334 may be the lower surface of paver coupler plate 328. Paver coupler plate 328 may include a v-notch 336, a corner bevel 338, an arrangement of paver alignment tabs 340 (e.g., two on each side), a center bar guide 342 in relation to v-notch 336, a corner bar guide 346 in relation to corner bevel 338, and an arrangement of perforations 352. However, the presence of perforations 352 may be optional.
Additionally, paver coupler plate 328 may include a pair of threaded through-holes 354 (or T-nuts 354). For example, one threaded through-hole 354 located with respect to center bar guide 342 (see FIG. 28B and FIG. 31B). Another threaded through-hole 354 located with respect to corner bar guide 346 (see FIG. 28B and FIG. 31B). Threaded through-holes 354 may be used to attach paver coupler bar 130 to paver coupler plate 328. Paver coupler plate 328 may be formed, for example, of molded plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, and the like.
Referring now to FIG. 29 through FIG. 31B is various other views of paver coupler plate 328 shown in FIG. 26 through FIG. 28B. FIG. 29 shows another perspective view of paver coupler plate 328. FIG. 30A shows another top view of paver coupler plate 328. FIG. 30B shows a cross-sectional view of paver coupler plate 328 taken along line A-A of FIG. 30A. FIG. 31A shows another side view of paver coupler plate 328. FIG. 31B shows another bottom view of paver coupler plate 328.
Referring now to FIG. 32 is a perspective view and a plan view of an example of paver coupler bar 130 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of the paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Paver coupler bar 130 may be, for example, a flat metal bar including multiple openings. In one example, paver coupler bar 130 may include an opening 140 and an opening 142. In one example, opening 140 may be a circular opening or through-hole whereas opening 142 may be an elongated opening or through-hole. Opening 140 may be used for attaching paver coupler bar 130 to paver coupler plate 128, 328 using, for example, a screw or bolt. Opening 142 may be used for attaching paver coupler bar 130 to paver spacer plate 124 using, for example, a screw or bolt. In one example, paver coupler bar 130 may be formed of stainless steel.
FIG. 33A through FIG. 37 below show examples of different configurations of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100. That is, different configurations of the paver coupler plate-portion of the thru-pedestal assembly 120, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.
Referring now to FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B is plan views of an example of a one-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B show an underside plan view of one paver 110. Namely, one corner of paver 110.
For illustration purposes, FIG. 33A shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including paver coupler plate 328 but absent paver coupler bar 130 and paver spacer plate 124. By contrast, FIG. 33B shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including paver coupler plate 328 coupled to paver spacer plate 124 via its respective paver coupler bar 130. In this way, the one-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 is formed. Further, the one-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be called the one-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120. FIG. 33B also shows the use of spacer features 134 of paver spacer plate 124 to hold paver 110 to a desired spacing.
Further, FIG. 33A shows that paver coupler plate 328 may include center bar guide 342 and corner bar guide 346. Center bar guide 342 provides a guide for installing and holding a paver coupler bar 130 when needed. Similarly, corner bar guide 346 provides a guide for installing and holding a paver coupler bar 130 when needed. In this example, FIG. 33B shows that paver coupler plate 328 includes the paver coupler bar 130 installed using corner bar guide 346 and not using center bar guide 342.
Referring now to FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B is plan views of an example of a two-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B show an underside plan view of the intersection of two pavers 110a and 110b.
For illustration purposes, FIG. 34A shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including paver coupler plates 328a and 328b but absent the two paver coupler bars 130 and paver spacer plate 124. By contrast, FIG. 34B shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including the paver coupler plates 328a and 328b coupled to paver spacer plate 124 via their respective paver coupler bars 130. In this way, the two-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 is formed. Further, the two-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be called the two-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120. FIG. 34B also shows the use of spacer features 134 of paver spacer plate 124 to hold pavers 110a and 110b to a desired spacing.
Further, FIG. 34A shows that each of the paver coupler plates 328 may include a center bar guide 342 and corner bar guide 346. Center bar guide 342 provides a guide for installing and holding a paver coupler bar 130 when needed. Similarly, corner bar guide 346 provides a guide for installing and holding a paver coupler bar 130 when needed.
Further, FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B show that while paver coupler plates 328a and 328b are substantially identical, they are oriented differently to affect the corner connections. For example, paver coupler plate 328a may be oriented such that its corner bevel 338 is directed toward paver spacer plate 124. By contrast, paver coupler plate 328b may be oriented 90 degrees clockwise as compared with paver coupler plate 328a such that its corner bevel 338 is also directed toward paver spacer plate 124. In this example, in both paver coupler plates 328a and 328b the paver coupler bar 130 is installed using corner bar guide 346 and not using center bar guide 342, as shown in FIG. 34B.
Referring now to FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B is plan views of another example of a three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B show an underside plan view of the intersection of three pavers 110. Namely, the intersection of the corners of pavers 110a and 110b and the side of paver 110c.
For illustration purposes, FIG. 35A shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including paver coupler plates 328a, 130b, and 130c but absent the three paver coupler bars 130 and paver spacer plate 124. By contrast, FIG. 35B shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including the paver coupler plates 328a, 130b, and 130c coupled to paver spacer plate 124 via their respective paver coupler bars 130. In this way, the three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 is formed. FIG. 35B also shows the use of spacer features 134 of paver spacer plate 124 to hold pavers 110a, 100b, and 110c to a desired spacing.
Further, in this example, there is one spacer feature 134 of paver spacer plate 124 that lands at and interferes with center bar guide 342 of paver coupler plate 328c. Accordingly, in this example, this spacer feature 134 may be snapped off of paver spacer plate 124 in the field using, for example, pliers. In this way, the three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be accommodated.
Further, FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B show that while paver coupler plates 328a, 130b, and 130c are substantially identical, they are oriented differently to affect the corner connections along with a side or mid-point connection. For example, paver coupler plate 328a may be oriented such that its corner bevel 338 is directed toward paver spacer plate 124. By contrast, paver coupler plate 328b may be oriented 90 degrees clockwise as compared with paver coupler plate 328a such that its corner bevel 338 is also directed toward paver spacer plate 124. Further, paver coupler plate 328c may have the same orientation as paver coupler plate 328a, but because it is installed at paver 110c its v-notch 336 is directed toward paver spacer plate 124.
In this example, in both paver coupler plates 328a and 328b the paver coupler bar 130 is installed using corner bar guide 346 and not using center bar guide 342. By contrast, in paver coupler plate 328c the paver coupler bar 130 is installed using center bar guide 342 and not using corner bar guide 346.
Referring now to FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B is plan views of an example of a four-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Namely, the intersection of the corners of pavers 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.
For illustration purposes, FIG. 36A shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including paver coupler plates 328a, 130b, 130c, and 130d but absent the four paver coupler bars 130 and paver spacer plate 124. By contrast, FIG. 36B shows thru-pedestal assembly 120 including the paver coupler plates 328a, 130b, 130c, and 130d coupled to paver spacer plate 124 via their respective paver coupler bars 130. In this way, the four-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 is formed. Further, the four-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be called the four-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120. FIG. 36B also shows the use of spacer features 134 of paver spacer plate 124 to hold pavers 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d to a desired spacing.
Further, FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B show that while paver coupler plates 328a, 130b, 130c, and 130d are substantially identical, they are oriented differently to affect the corner connections. For example, paver coupler plate 328a may be oriented such that its corner bevel 338 is directed toward paver spacer plate 124. By contrast, paver coupler plate 328b may be oriented 90 degrees clockwise as compared with paver coupler plate 328a such that its corner bevel 338 is also directed toward paver spacer plate 124. Further, paver coupler plate 328c may be oriented 90 degrees counterclockwise as compared with paver coupler plate 328a such that its corner bevel 338 is also directed toward paver spacer plate 124. Further, paver coupler plate 328d may be oriented 180 degrees as compared with paver coupler plate 328a such that its corner bevel 338 is also directed toward paver spacer plate 124.
In this example, in all paver coupler plates 328a, 130b, 130c, and 130d the paver coupler bar 130 is installed using corner bar guide 346 and not using center bar guide 342. Further, FIG. 37 shows a plan view of another example of the four-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100 shown in FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B.
Referring now again to FIG. 34A through FIG. 37, it is shown that to affect a corner connection the paver coupler bar 130 is installed using corner bar guide 346 of paver coupler plate 328. By contrast, to affect a side or mid-point connection the paver coupler bar 130 is installed using center bar guide 342 of paver coupler plate 328.
Referring now again to FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B is perspective views of an example of a corner connection of a paver coupler plate 328 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 38A and FIG. 38B show clearly how paver alignment tabs 340 of paver coupler plate 130 may engage with the edges of paver 110. All four sides of paver coupler plate 328 may include two paver alignment tabs 340. For example, paver alignment tabs 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 340e, 340f, 340g, 340h. However, when installed, any paver alignment tabs 340 at the interior sides of paver coupler plate 328 may be snapped off or otherwise removed in the field using, for example, pliers. In this example, paver alignment tabs 340e, 340f, 340g, 340h are interior and may be removed. At the same time, any paver alignment tabs 340 at the exterior sides of paver coupler plate 328 may be left intact for engaging with the edges of paver 110. In this example, paver alignment tabs 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d are exterior and may be left intact.
Referring now again to FIG. 39A and FIG. 39B is perspective views of an example of a side connection of paver coupler plate 328 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Again, paver coupler plate 328 may include paver alignment tabs 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 340e, 340f, 340g, 340h. However, when installed, any paver alignment tabs 340 at the interior sides of paver coupler plate 328 may be snapped off or otherwise removed in the field using, for example, pliers. In this example, paver alignment tabs 340a, 340b, 340c, 340d, 340e, 340f are interior and may be removed. At the same time, any paver alignment tabs 340 at the exterior sides of paver coupler plate 328 may be left intact for engaging with the edges of paver 110. In this example, paver alignment tabs 340g, 340h are exterior and may be left intact.
Referring now again to FIG. 40 illustrates perspective view of the underside of one paver 110 with corner connections. That is, a paver coupler plate 328 and a paver coupler bar 130 installed at each corner of paver 110.
Referring now again to FIG. 41 is a plan view of paver pedestal lock down system 100 and showing the underside of four pavers 110 with corner connections including an arrangement of paver coupler plates 328 and paver spacer plates 124 arranged with thru-pedestal assemblies 120.
Referring now to FIG. 42 is an illustration of an example of a paver installed using thru-pedestal assembly 120 and paver pedestal 170 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Additionally, paver pedestal lock down system 100 is not limited to installing pavers 110 on paver pedestals 170, 270, or 280. Paver pedestal lock down system 100 may include pavers 110 installed directly atop a floor surface using thru-pedestal assemblies 120. By way of example, FIG. 43 shows a illustration of an example of pavers 110 installed directly on a floor surface using a four-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120. In this example, paver pedestal lock down system 100 may be absent any paver pedestals 170, 270, or 280, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
The illustrations shown in FIG. 42 and FIG. 43 also show an installation tool 190. In one example, installation tool 190 may be a driver tool for installing a screw or bolt at center opening 136 of paver spacer plate 124.
FIG. 44 is a flow diagram of an example of a method 400 of using paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Method 400 may include, but is not limited to, the following steps and/or order of steps.
At a step 410, the thru-pedestal assemblies (absent paver coupler plates) of paver lock down system are provided along with any standard paver pedestals. For example, multiple thru-pedestal assemblies 120 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (absent, for example, paver coupler plates 128, 328) of paver pedestal lock down system 100 may be provided. Additionally, multiple standard paver pedestals may be provided. Examples of standard paver pedestals may include paver pedestal 270 shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 11 and paver pedestal 280 shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 15B.
At a step 415, the thru-pedestal assemblies (absent paver coupler plates) are installed to any standard paver pedestals. For example, thru-pedestal assemblies 120 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 (absent, for example, paver coupler plates 128, 328) of paver pedestal lock down system 100 are installed to any standard paver pedestals. In one example, thru-pedestal assemblies 120 may be installed to paver pedestals 270 as shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 11. In this way, the standard paver pedestals 270 may be adapted for use in paver pedestal lock down system 100. In another example, thru-pedestal assemblies 120 may be installed to paver pedestals 280 as shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 15B. In this way, the standard paver pedestals 280 may be adapted for use in paver pedestal lock down system 100.
At a step 420, the adapted paver pedestals are arranged for receiving pavers. In one example, the standard paver pedestals 270 adapted with thru-pedestal assemblies 120 may be arranged for receiving pavers 110. In another example, the standard paver pedestals 280 adapted with thru-pedestal assemblies 120 may be arranged for receiving pavers 110.
At a step 425, the pedestal-ready pavers with paver coupler plates already installed are provided. For example, the pedestal-ready pavers 110 with paver coupler plates 128, 328 already installed as shown, for example, in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 16 may be provided.
At a step 430, the paver couple bars are installed at the paver coupler plates of each of the pavers. For example, paver couple bars 130 may be installed at paver coupler plates 128, 328 of each of the pavers 110. More specifically, for conner connections, paver couple bars 130 may be installed at corner bar guide 346 of paver coupler plates 328, as shown, for example, in FIG. 35B. For side connections, paver couple bars 130 may be installed at center bar guide 342 of paver coupler plates 328, also shown in FIG. 35B.
At a step 435, the pedestal-ready pavers are arranged one to another atop the adapted paver pedestals. For example, the pedestal-ready pavers 110 and now including paver couple bars 130 may be arranged one to another atop the adapted paver pedestals, such as the standard paver pedestals 270, 280 adapted with thru-pedestal assemblies 120.
At a step 440, the paver couple bars of each of the pavers is affixed to the paver spacer plates to complete formation of the thru-pedestal assemblies and formation of the paver lock down system. For example, paver couple bars 130 of each of the pavers 110 may be affixed to their corresponding paver spacer plates 124 using screws or bolts to complete the formation of the thru-pedestal assemblies 120 and the formation of paver pedestal lock down system 100 on the whole. Further, paver pedestal lock down system 100 may include thru-pedestal assemblies 120 an any configurations, such as the one-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B, the two-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B, the three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 35A and FIG. 35B, and the four-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 shown in FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B.
Referring now to FIG. 45 through FIG. 51 is various views of an alternative embodiment paver coupler plate 528 of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, which is another alternative embodiment of paver coupler plate 128 shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5. More specifically, FIG. 45 shows a perspective view of paver coupler plate 528. Paver coupler plate 528 may be substantially the same as paver coupler plate 328 shown in FIG. 26 through FIG. 31B except for the including a center opening 350, center alignment band 344 (which may or may not be present) at center bar guide 342, and corner alignment band 348 (which may or may not be present) at corner bar guide 346. Further, paver coupler plate 528 may omit threaded through-holes 354 (or T-nuts 354). Additionally, instead of using paver couple bar 130, paver coupler plate 528 may use a different paver couple bar, such as a paver couple bar 160 shown in FIG. 46, FIG. 52, and FIG. 53.
Next, FIG. 46 shows more details of the one-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100 that includes paver coupler plate 528 and paver couple bar 160, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In this example, paver couple bar 160 may be installed at center bar guide 342 using center opening 350. Paver couple bar 160 is also engaged with center alignment band 344 at center bar guide 342.
Next FIG. 47 shows a top view and a side view. FIG. 48 shows a bottom view and another side view. FIG. 49 shows a cross-sectional view of paver coupler plate 528 taken along line A-A of FIG. 47. FIG. 50 shows a Detail B of FIG. 49. FIG. 51 shows a Detail C of FIG. 49.
Referring now to FIG. 52 and FIG. 53 is a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of an example of paver coupler bar 160 for use with paver coupler plate 528 shown in FIG. 45 through FIG. 51.
Paver coupler bar 160 may be, for example, a flat metal bar including multiple openings. In one example, paver coupler bar 160 may be formed of stainless steel. In one example, paver coupler bar 160 may include an opening 162, an opening 164, and an opening 166. In one example, openings 162 and 164 may be circular openings whereas opening 166 may be an elongated opening. Openings 162 and 164 may be used for attaching paver coupler bar 160 to a paver coupler plate 528 using, for example, a screw or bolt. Opening 166 may be used for attaching paver coupler bar 160 to paver spacer plate 124 using, for example, a screw or bolt.
Referring now to FIG. 54A, FIG. 54B, and FIG. 54C is a plan view, a perspective view, and an exploded view, respectively, of an example of a one-paver configuration of a thru-pedestal assembly 120 including paver coupler plate 528 shown in FIG. 45 through FIG. 51, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Any given thru-pedestal assembly 120 may include one, two, three, or four paver coupler plates 528 in relation to paver spacer plate 124. Accordingly, in a one-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120, one paver coupler plate 528 may be provided in relation to paver spacer plate 124.
Referring now to FIG. 55 through FIG. 66 is a step sequence 600 of using a three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 55 through FIG. 62 show top side perspective views and then transitioning to underside perspective views in FIG. 63 through FIG. 66. Step sequence 600 may illustrate an example of the process of coupling three pavers 110 of paver pedestal lock down system 100 using a three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120.
Referring now to FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the intersection of three pavers and an example of a three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 of paver pedestal lock down system 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Again, any given thru-pedestal assembly 120 may include one, two, three, or four paver coupler plates 128 in relation to paver spacer plate 124. Accordingly, the three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 means three paver coupler plates 128 may be provided in relation to the one paver spacer plate 124. Further, the three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 may be called the three-paver configured thru-pedestal assembly 120.
FIG. 67 shows an underside perspective view of the intersection of three pavers 110. Namely, the intersection of the corners of two pavers 110 and the side of one paver 110. Here, each of the three paver coupler plates 528 has its own paver coupler bar 160 and wherein the three paver coupler bars 160 may be coupled to one paver spacer plate 124. In this way, the three-paver configuration of thru-pedestal assembly 120 is formed.
FIGS. 68A-70B show reproductions of FIGS. 20B-23B, which illustrates example paver spacer plate 124, including non-limiting examples of certain dimensions. FIGS. 71A-72B are reproductions of FIGS. 27A-28B, which illustrates example paver coupler plate 328, including non-limiting examples of certain dimensions (paver coupler plate 128 and 528 may have similar dimensions). FIG. 73 shows a reproduction of FIG. 32, which illustrates the plan view of example paver coupler bar 160, including non-limiting examples of certain dimensions. The shown dimensions (which are in inches) are exemplary only and are understood to be approximate non-limiting examples, and the dimension values may be more or less than those shown in FIGS. 68A-73.
In summary and referring now again to FIG. 1 through FIG. 73, paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500, in one embodiment, may provide an arrangement of pavers 110 atop a corresponding arrangement of paver pedestals 170, 270, or 280 and wherein each of the pavers 110 may be secured to its corresponding paver pedestal 170, 270, or 280 via a thru-pedestal assembly 120, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1.
In some embodiments, paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500 provide thru-pedestal assembly 120 that may include pedestal base plate 122, connecting rod 126, paver spacer plate 124, and one or more paver coupler plates 128, 328, or 528 with one or more corresponding paver coupler bars 130 as shown, for example, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.
In some embodiments, paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500 provide thru-pedestal assemblies 120 that may installed to paver pedestals 270 as shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 11. In this way, the standard paver pedestals 270 may be adapted for use in paver pedestal lock down system 100.
In some embodiments, paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500 provide thru-pedestal assemblies 120 that may installed to paver pedestals 280 as shown in FIG. 12 through FIG. 15B. In this way, the standard paver pedestals 280 may be adapted for use in paver pedestal lock down system 100.
In some embodiments, paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500 provide paver 110 for preventing a broken paver from shattering, splintering, and/or dislodging and wherein paver 110 may include, for example, composite mesh 114 covered with plastic sheet 412 against the undersurface of the paver 110, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
Paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500 may provide pedestal-ready pavers 110 with paver coupler plates 128, 328, or 528 already installed as shown, for example, in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 16.
In some embodiments, paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500 provide thru-pedestal assembly 120 that may include one, two, three, or four paver coupler plates 128, 328, or 528, and each with a paver coupler bar 130 or 160, in relation to one paver spacer plate 124 that includes paver spacer features 134, as shown, for example, in FIG. 33A through FIG. 37.
In some embodiments, paver pedestal lock down system 100 and method 500 provide a thru-pedestal assembly 120 that may be provided in a one-paver configuration (see FIG. 33A and FIG. 33B), a two-paver configuration (see FIG. 34A and FIG. 34B), a three-paver configuration (see FIG. 35A, and FIG. 35B), and/or a four-paver configuration (see FIG. 36A and FIG. 36B).
Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in this application, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a subject” includes a plurality of subjects, unless the context clearly is to the contrary (e.g., a plurality of subjects), and so forth.
The terms “comprise,” “comprises,” “comprising,” “include,” “includes,” and “including,” are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that may be substituted or added to the listed items.
Terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of the claimed embodiments or to imply that certain features are critical or essential to the structure or function of the claimed embodiments. These terms are intended to highlight alternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particular embodiment of the present invention.
The term “substantially” is utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation and to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.
Various modifications and variations of the disclosed methods, compositions and uses of the invention will be apparent to the skilled person without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the subject matter has been disclosed in connection with specific preferred aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that the subject matter as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific aspects or embodiments.
For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, sizes, dimensions, proportions, shapes, formulations, parameters, percentages, quantities, characteristics, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about” even though the term “about” may not expressly appear with the value, amount or range. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are not and need not be exact, but may be approximate and/or larger or smaller as desired, reflecting tolerances, conversion factors, rounding off, measurement error and the like, and other factors known to those of skill in the art depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter. For example, the term “about,” when referring to a value can be meant to encompass variations of, in some embodiments±100%, in some embodiments±50%, in some embodiments±20%, in some embodiments±10%, in some embodiments±5%, in some embodiments±1%, in some embodiments±0.5%, and in some embodiments±0.1% from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods or employ the disclosed compositions.
Further, the term “about” when used in connection with one or more numbers or numerical ranges, should be understood to refer to all such numbers, including all numbers in a range and modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the numerical values set forth. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers, e.g., whole integers, including fractions thereof, subsumed within that range (for example, the recitation of 1 to 5 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, as well as fractions thereof, e.g., 1.5, 2.25, 3.75, 4.1, and the like) and any range within that range.
Although the foregoing subject matter has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.
Patent Application
20250034884
