US20190055733A1 - Tile and support structure - Google Patents

Tile and support structure Download PDF

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Publication number
US20190055733A1
US20190055733A1 US15/770,483 US201615770483A US2019055733A1 US 20190055733 A1 US20190055733 A1 US 20190055733A1 US 201615770483 A US201615770483 A US 201615770483A US 2019055733 A1 US2019055733 A1 US 2019055733A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
tile
support structure
spine
edge
respect
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Abandoned
Application number
US15/770,483
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English (en)
Inventor
Mark A. McManus
Jason McManus
Nicholas McManus
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Mbrico LLC
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Mbrico LLC
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Publication date
Application filed by Mbrico LLC filed Critical Mbrico LLC
Priority to US15/770,483 priority Critical patent/US20190055733A1/en
Publication of US20190055733A1 publication Critical patent/US20190055733A1/en
Assigned to MBRICO, LLC reassignment MBRICO, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: McMANUS, Jason, MCMANUS, MARK A
Assigned to MBRICO, LLC reassignment MBRICO, LLC ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: McMANUS, Jason, MCMANUS, MARK A, MCMANUS, NICHOLAS
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02177—Floor elements for use at a specific location
    • E04F15/02183—Floor elements for use at a specific location for outdoor use, e.g. in decks, patios, terraces, verandas or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D3/00—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
    • E04D3/36—Connecting; Fastening
    • E04D3/3607—Connecting; Fastening the fastening means comprising spacer means adapted to the shape of the profiled roof covering
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04D—ROOF COVERINGS; SKY-LIGHTS; GUTTERS; ROOF-WORKING TOOLS
    • E04D3/00—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets
    • E04D3/24—Roof covering by making use of flat or curved slabs or stiff sheets with special cross-section, e.g. with corrugations on both sides, with ribs, flanges, or the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
    • E04F2015/0205—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
    • E04F2015/0205—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer
    • E04F2015/02055—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional supporting elements between furring elements and underlayer
    • E04F2015/02061—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional supporting elements between furring elements and underlayer adjustable perpendicular to the underlayer
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
    • E04F15/00—Flooring
    • E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
    • E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
    • E04F2015/0205—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer
    • E04F2015/02066—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional fastening elements between furring elements and flooring elements
    • E04F2015/02077—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional fastening elements between furring elements and flooring elements the additional fastening elements located in-between two adjacent flooring elements
    • E04F2015/02094—Engaging side grooves running along the whole length of the flooring elements

Definitions

  • Applicant MBRICO, LLC a limited liability company organized under the laws of the state of Iowa and the United States of America, requests entry into the National Phase in the United States by and through this application which is based on PCT Patent Application, assigned serial number PCT/US16/58511, filed on Oct. 24, 2016, which claims priority from provisional U.S. Pat. App. Nos. 62/245,130 filed on Oct. 22, 2015; 62/331,004 filed on May 3, 2016; and, 62/394,705 filed on Sep. 14, 2016, all of which applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
  • the present disclosure relates to a tile and tile support structure allowing use of placement of porcelain tiles for tiled surfaces, such as outdoor deck systems and/or roof systems.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one arrangement of a plurality of illustrative joists configured in a manner that is typical for a building structure.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the joists from FIG. 1 having a plurality of illustrative support structures engaged with the joists.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the joists and support structures from FIG. 2 wherein a plurality of illustrative tiles are engaged with the support structures.
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of the support structures and tiles shown in FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the joists, support structures, and tiles shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • FIG. 6 is another detailed perspective view of a portion of the joists, support structures, and tiles shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the illustrative support structure shown in FIGS. 2-6 .
  • FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the illustrative support structure shown in FIGS. 2-7 .
  • FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative edge support structure.
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative tile that may be used with various aspects of a support structure.
  • FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative support structure showing dimensions of various elements thereof.
  • FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative support structure showing dimensions of various elements thereof.
  • FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative support structure showing dimensions of various elements thereof.
  • FIG. 11D is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative support structure showing dimensions of various elements thereof.
  • FIG. 11E is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative support structure showing dimensions of various elements thereof.
  • FIG. 12A is a detailed perspective view showing various aspects of a tile engaged with an illustrative support structure.
  • FIG. 12B is a detailed perspective view showing various aspects of two illustrative tiles engaged with an illustrative support structure.
  • FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a portion of a deck constructed according to various aspects of the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 is an end view showing various aspects of a roof support structure.
  • FIG. 14 is an end view showing other aspects of a roof support structure.
  • FIG. 15A is an end view showing other aspects of a roof support structure.
  • FIG. 15B is an end view showing other aspects of a roof support structure.
  • FIG. 16A is a top view of a tile and support structure that may be configured for use with pedestals.
  • FIG. 16B is an end view of the tile and support structure shown in FIG. 16A .
  • FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view showing other aspects of a support structure.
  • FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view showing further aspects of a support structure.
  • FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view showing still further aspects of a support structure.
  • FIG. 17D is a cross sectional view of the support structure shown in FIG. 17C with the fastener and retaining element installed.
  • FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a retaining element that may be used on a border.
  • FIG. 19A provides an elevated perspective view showing aspects of a support system that may be engaged with a pedestal.
  • FIG. 19B provides a side view of the support system and pedestal shown in FIG. 19A .
  • FIG. 20A provides an elevated perspective view showing further aspects of a support system that may be engaged with a pedestal.
  • FIG. 20B provides a side view of the support system and pedestal shown in FIG. 20A .
  • FIG. 21 provides a side view of another aspect of a support system that may be engaged with a pedestal.
  • FIG. 22A provides a top view showing additional aspects of a support system that may be engaged with a pedestal.
  • FIG. 22B-23B provide various top views of a support system that may be engaged with a pedestal.
  • the word “comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and “comprises,” means “including but not limited to,” and is not intended to exclude, for example, other components, integers or steps.
  • “Exemplary” means “an example of” and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. “Such as” is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.
  • FIG. 1 A group of joists 14 in a typical arrangement is shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the joists 14 are oriented parallel with respect to one another about their lengths. It is contemplated that in certain illustrative aspects of a tile and support structure 10 as disclosed herein, the tile and support structure 10 may be adapted for use with such joists 14 and/or arrangements thereof. However, the tile and support structure 10 may be used with other structures, structural components, and/or surfaces as described in detail below, and the use of joists 14 is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a plurality of support structures 30 may be engaged with the joists 14 such that the support structures 30 may be oriented parallel with respect to one another along their lengths. It is contemplated that the support structures 30 may be engaged with the top edge of the joists 14 via one or more fasteners 16 in a manner similar to that in which decking material may be engaged with joists 14 . In one aspect, the fasteners 16 may be configured as wood screws.
  • the specific method and/or structure used to engage the support structures 30 with the joists 14 in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the support structures 30 may be oriented such that they are not perpendicular with respect to the joists 14 (or other structure, structural component, and/or surface), but such that the support structures 30 are still oriented parallel with respect to one another without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the support structures 30 may be configured such that they are oriented perpendicular with respect to the joists 14 . In such a configuration, the joists 14 and support structures 30 may form a grid. In certain aspects it may be advantageous to position a cross lathe (not shown) under each support structure 30 .
  • the cross lathe may be configured as a wooden one-by-three inch board, a wooden one-by-four inch board, or any other suitable structure without limitation, including but not limited to plastic and/or polymer strips, unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the cross lathe and support structure 30 may be engaged with one another and the joists 14 and the relative positions thereof secured via one or more fasteners 16 .
  • FIG. 3 A perspective view of the joist 14 and support structure 30 grid after a plurality of tiles 20 have been engaged with the support structures 30 is shown in FIG. 3 .
  • a top view is shown in FIG. 4
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 provide two detailed perspective views.
  • Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the arrangement in FIG. 3 as one arrangement of a deck 12 that may be constructed according to various aspects of the present disclosure.
  • the tiles 20 pictured in FIG. 3 are configured as rectangles, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the shape of the tiles 20 is square.
  • the shape of the tiles 20 is a parallelogram, and in still another aspect the shape of the tiles 20 is a rhombus. As described in detail below, other aspects of the present disclosure may be configured to accommodate tiles 20 having one or more non-linear edge. Additionally, in certain aspects of a deck 12 constructed using the tile and support structure 10 disclosed herein, certain tiles 20 at the edges and/or corners of the deck 12 may be irregularly shaped, and may have more than four sides or fewer than four sides without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, and which will depend at least upon the configuration of the deck 12 .
  • FIG. 7 A perspective view showing various illustrative aspects of a support structure 30 according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 7 , and a cross-sectional view thereof is shown in FIG. 8 .
  • the support structure 30 may include a base 31 having a first and second flange 32 extending outward from a generally vertical centerline of the support structure 30 .
  • Each flange 32 may be formed with a trough 32 a therein, and each trough 32 a may be formed with a plurality of apertures 32 b therein, as shown at least in FIG. 7 .
  • the distal edge of each trough 32 a may be bound by a lip 33 , wherein the top surface of each lip 33 may be coplanar with the top surface of each flange 32 .
  • Such a configuration may spread the force associated with a tile 20 engaged with a given support structure 30 over a larger area, as explained in further detail below.
  • the apertures 32 b formed in a given trough 32 a may be spaced from one another by a distance of four inches such that a support structure 30 may be engaged with joists 14 spaced twelve or sixteen inches from adjacent joists 14 without need to modify the support structure 30 .
  • multiple apertures 32 b will not have a fastener 16 positioned therein, such that those apertures 32 b may serve as an egress point for water and/or other liquid and/or precipitation in the trough 32 a
  • the trough 32 a may serve as a fluid conduit (e.g., gutter) for water and/or other precipitation and/or liquids.
  • the spacing of the apertures 32 b in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the apertures 32 b may be tapered such that the head of a fastener 14 configured as a screw may seat within the aperture 32 b , and such that in certain aspects the head of a fastener 14 may be flush with the bottom of the trough 32 a , and/or such that the head of a fastener 14 may be positioned below the upper surface of the flange 32 .
  • other aspects of the apertures 32 b may be differently configured without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a spine 34 may extend upward from the base 31 along the vertical centerline of the support structure 30 .
  • two corresponding rails 36 may extend outward from the spine 34 in a generally horizontal dimension.
  • a tip 34 a that may be collinear with the spine 34 may extend downward from the spine 34 such that the distal end of the tip 34 a is coplanar with the bottom surface of the base 31 .
  • Such a configuration may allow the tip 34 a to abut a joist 14 and/or cross lathe during use.
  • the support structure 30 may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, polymers, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • FIG. 9 A cross-sectional view showing various illustrative aspects of an edge support structure 30 a , which may be correlative to various illustrative aspects of a support structure 30 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , is shown in FIG. 9 .
  • the edge support structure 30 a may include a base 31 having a first flange 32 extending outward therefrom.
  • the flange 32 may be formed with a trough 32 a therein, and the trough 32 a may be formed with a plurality of apertures 32 b therein.
  • the distal edge of the trough 32 a may be bound by a lip 33 , wherein the top surface of each lip 33 may be coplanar with the top surface of the flange 32 .
  • Such a configuration may spread the force associated with a tile 20 engaged with a given edge support structure 30 a over a larger area, as explained in further detail below.
  • the apertures 32 b formed in the trough 32 a of the edge support structure 30 a may be spaced from one another by a distance of four inches, such that an edge support structure 30 a may be engaged with joists 14 spaced twelve or sixteen inches from adjacent joists 14 without need to modify the edge support structure 30 a .
  • the spacing of the apertures 32 b in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the apertures 32 b may be tapered such that the head of a fastener 14 configured as a screw may seat within the aperture 32 b , and such that in certain aspects the head of a fastener 14 may be flush with the bottom of the trough 32 a .
  • other aspects of the apertures 32 b may be differently configured without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a spine 34 may extend upward from the base 31 in a generally vertical dimension.
  • a rail 36 may extend outward from the spine 34 in a generally horizontal dimension, wherein the rail 36 may be generally parallel with respect to the flange 32 and generally perpendicular with respect to the spine 34 .
  • a tip 34 a that may be collinear with the spine 34 may extend downward from the spine 34 such that the distal end of the tip 34 a is coplanar with the bottom surface of the base 31 . Such a configuration may allow the tip 34 a to abut a joist 14 and/or cross lathe during use.
  • the various relative dimensions of the components of the support structure 30 may be infinitely varied depending on the specific application of the support structure 30 .
  • Several illustrative aspects of different support structures 30 according to the present disclosure and dimensions of the components of the support structure 30 are shown in FIGS. 11A-11E .
  • these aspects and dimensions are not meant to be limiting in any sense, but rather are provided to show how the various dimensions of the support structure 30 may be manipulated without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • FIG. 10 Various illustrative aspects of a tile 20 that may be engaged with the illustrative embodiment of a support structure 30 are shown in FIG. 10 .
  • the tile 20 may be generally rectangular in shape (as shown in FIG. 3 ), such that two rectangular-shaped faces 22 are spaced from one another by the height of an edge 24 of the tile 20 .
  • the height of an edge 24 may be 20 millimeters, and in another asepct the height thereof may be 30 millimeters.
  • the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific shape, dimensions, and/or configuration of the tile 20 unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the bottom face 22 may be engaged with a substrate 18 , which may be configured as a synthetic (e.g., fiberglass, plastic, etc.) sheet having a periphery equal to or approximately equal to that of the tile 20 .
  • the thickness of a substrate may be 1 ⁇ 4 of an inch, but the specific dimensions of the substrate 18 , if used for that aspect of a tile 20 , is in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a substrate 18 may be engaged with the tile 20 using any suitable structure and/or method suitable for the particular application of the tile 20 , including but not limited to chemical adhesives, mechanical fasteners, and/or combinations thereof.
  • the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by whether a substrate 18 is engaged with a tile 20 unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • Opposite edges 24 of a tile 20 may be formed with a groove 24 a therein, as shown in FIGS. 10, 12A, and 12B .
  • the groove 24 a may be formed in the edge 24 of the tile 20 , in a portion of the edge 24 of the tile 20 , in a portion of a surface of a substrate 18 (if present), and/or a combination of a portion of the tile 20 and a portion of the substrate 18 .
  • the groove 24 a may be configured such that it cooperates with the rail 36 at the top distal end of the spine 34 , and such that the bottom face 22 of the tile 20 (or bottom surface of the substrate 18 , if present for that embodiment of a tile 20 ) rests upon the top surface of the flange 32 and lip 33 , as clearly shown at least in FIGS. 12A and 12B . Accordingly, one tile 20 may be engaged on opposing edges 24 of the tile 20 with adjacent support structures 30 . In this manner, the tile 20 may slide with respect to the support structures 30 along the lengths of the support structures 30 . Such a configuration allows adjacent tiles 20 between corresponding support structures 30 to be slid into place from an open end of the support structures 30 until the final tile 20 is positioned.
  • this configuration may secure the relative position of the tile 20 with respect to the support structures 30 in all other dimensions (e.g., a vertical dimension and a horizontal dimension perpendicular with respect to the length of the support structures 30 ). It is contemplated that the dimensions of the groove 24 a may be selected such that a common blade and/or tool may be used to form the required groove 24 a in a given edge 24 .
  • a predetermined amount of space may exist between the surfaces of a groove 24 a and the surfaces of a rail 36 , between the edge 24 and the spine 34 , and between the bottom face 22 and flange 32 such that water and/or other liquids and/or other precipitation may flow via gravity between the groove 24 a and the rail 36 , between the edge 24 and spine 34 , and/or between the bottom face 22 and flange 32 .
  • the grooves 24 a and the support structure 30 may be configured such that a clearance 25 exists between adjacent tiles 20 on opposing sides of a support structure 30 .
  • the width of the clearance 25 may be 1 ⁇ 8 of an inch.
  • the various dimensions of the tile (e.g., edge 24 , groove 24 a , etc.) and support structure 30 e.g., height and width of spine 34 , length of rail 36 , etc.) may be varied to change the width and depth of the clearance 25 , and the optimal width and depth of the clearance 25 may vary from one application of the tile and support structure 10 to the next. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the specific dimensions and/or configuration of the clearance 25 unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the tile 20 may be formed with a protrusion 24 b on an edge 24 thereof not configured with a groove 24 a .
  • the protrusions 24 b may be configured such that when protrusions 24 a of adjacent tiles 20 abut one another, the space between the edges 24 thereof is equal or approximately equal to the width of the clearance 25 between edges 24 of adjacent tiles 20 having grooves 24 a formed therein.
  • FIG. 12C Various illustrative aspects of a portion of a deck 12 employing a tile and support structure 10 so configured is shown in FIG. 12C .
  • the space between adjacent tiles 20 along edges 24 thereof having protrusions 24 b may be different that the width of the clearance 25 without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. It is contemplated that the clearance 25 and/or space between the edges 24 of adjacent tiles 20 having protrusions 24 b formed therein may facilitate drainage of water and/or other liquids from the top face 22 of the tile 20 (and/or an area adjacent thereto) to an area below the tile 20 , the path for which may proceed into the trough 32 a and out through one or more apertures 32 b . However, the specific spacing between any edge 24 of adjacent tiles 20 may vary according to the present disclosure without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the tile and support structure 10 it may be especially advantageous to construct the tile 20 from porcelain or stone, the substrate 18 (if present) from fiberglass, and the support structure 30 from aluminum.
  • the tile and support structure 10 and various elements thereof may be constructed of any suitable material known to those skilled in the art without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. Accordingly, the present methods and systems may work with any tile-based product, particularly tile made of clay.
  • a tile 20 suitable for use as a deck tile may be comprised of fiber glass fiber and clay.
  • Another tile 20 that may be suitable for certain applications according to the present disclosure may be comprissed of fiber glass fiber and clay, with not less than twenty-five percent fiberglass fiber by weight.
  • a tile 20 it may be advantageous for a tile 20 to have a width of approximately twelve inches, a length of approximately twenty-four inches, and a thickness of one to one and one half inches, without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the tile and support structure 10 may be configured for use in a roofing application. End views showing various aspects of a tile and support structure 10 configured for use in a roofing application are shown in FIGS. 13-16 .
  • the upper surface of a roof support structure 30 ′ may be configured in a manner similar to that as previously described herein for a support structure 30 .
  • a roof support structure 30 ′ may be comprised of a channel portion 37 ′ to which a support structure 30 may be engaged.
  • the roof support structures 30 ′ shown in FIGS. 13-15 may be configured as elongate members, such as rails.
  • the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the support structure 30 and channel portion 37 ′ may be separately formed and then later engaged with one another (e.g., via welding, mechanical fasteners, chemical adhesives, etc.) or integrally formed with one another during manufacturing without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. Any suitable structure and/or method may be used to engage the support structure 30 with the channel portion 37 ′ without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. Any of the various aspects, features, configurations, etc. of a support structure 30 disclosed herein may be engaged with a channel portion 37 ′ to form a roof support structure 30 ′ without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • edge support structure 30 a may be engaged with a channel portion 37 ′ and/or corresponding portion thereof to form an edge roof support structure 30 a ′ without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the bottom surface of the base 31 ′ may be configured in a manner that is similar to the support structures 30 previously disclosed herein, wherein two opposing flanges 32 ′ may extend outward from a center of the base 31 ′, and such that a tip 34 a ′ may extend downward from the base 31 ′. That is, there may be open areas on either side of the tip 34 a ′ on the bottom side of each flange 32 .
  • the tip 34 a ′ may be collinear with the spine 34 ′, and a trough 32 a ′ may be formed in each flange 32 ′.
  • a plurality of apertures 32 b ′ may be formed each either trough 32 a ′.
  • Each flange 32 ′ may terminate at a lip 33 ′, and to top surface of each flange 32 ′ at the lip 33 ′ and adjacent the spine 34 ′ may be collinear as previously described for other aspects of a tile and support structure 10 .
  • the channel portion 37 ′ may include one or more side members 37 a ′, which may extend downward from the either distal end of the base 31 ′ (which distal end may be adjacent a lip 33 ′) of the roof support structure 30 ′.
  • the side members 37 a ′ may terminate at a bottom member 37 c ′, which bottom member 37 c ′ may be configured such that it is generally perpendicular with respect to the side members 37 a ′.
  • a notch 37 b ′ may be formed in a side member 37 a ′ between the bottom member 37 c ′ and the base 31 ′.
  • the roof support structure 30 ′ may be formed with two distinct bottom members 37 c ′ at the terminal end of two distinct side members 37 a ′, as shown at least in FIGS. 13, 14 , & 15 A, both of which are perpendicular with respect to the side members 37 a ′ but parallel with respect to one another.
  • the roof support structure 30 ′ may be formed with one continuous bottom member 37 c ′ engaged with each side member 37 a ′, as shown at least in FIG. 15B , which continuous bottom member 37 c ′ may be perpendicular with respect to either side member 37 b ′. Accordingly, the specific configuration of the bottom member(s) 37 c ′ in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the bottom surface of the base 31 ′ may be configured such that it is planar. That is, the open areas on either side of the tip 34 a ′ on the bottom side of each flange 32 ′ (such as shown in FIG. 13 ) may be solid, which may be especially beneficial in aspects of a roof support structure 30 ′ that is manufactured as an integral unit. In such a configuration, the roof support structure 30 ′ may not include a tip 34 a ′.
  • the channel portion 37 ′ may include one or more side members 37 a ′ extending downward from the distal ends of the base 31 ′(which distal end may be adjacent a lip 33 ′).
  • the side members 37 a ′ may terminate at a bottom member 37 c ′, which bottom member 37 c ′ may be configured such that it is generally perpendicular with respect to the side members 37 a ′.
  • a notch 37 b ′ may be formed in a side member 37 a ′ between the bottom member 37 c ′ and the base 31 ′.
  • the roof support structure 30 ′ may be formed with two distinct bottom members 37 c ′ at the terminal end of two distinct side members 37 a ′, as shown at least in FIGS. 13, 14 , & 15 A, both of which are perpendicular with respect to the side members 37 a ′ but parallel with respect to one another.
  • the roof support structure 30 ′ may be formed with one continuous bottom member 37 c ′ engaged with each side member 37 a ′, as shown at least in FIG. 15B , which continuous bottom member 37 c ′ may be perpendicular with respect to either side member 37 b ′. Accordingly, the specific configuration of the bottom member(s) 37 c ′ in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a roof support structure 30 ′ may utilize an inner member 40 , a portion of which may be positioned within and engaged with a channel portion 37 ′ of the roof support structure 30 ′.
  • the inner member 40 may include an inner member bottom 42 and one or more inner member sides 44 extending upward from the inner member bottom 42 .
  • the inner member 40 may be engaged with the roof support structure 30 ′, which engagement be via any suitable structures and/or methods without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • roof support structure 30 ′ configured to use an inner member 40 may be engaged with one or more pedestals 50 .
  • roof support structures 30 ′ configured without an inner member 40 such as those shown in FIGS. 15A & 15B , may be engaged with one or more pedestals 50 .
  • Eurotec, GmbH from Germany manufactures pedestals that may be configured with a “click adaptor” on a portion of the top surface of the pedestal, as shown on page 6 of Appendix A, which incorporated in and made a part of this disclosure.
  • a roof support structure 30 ′ (or correlative support structure 30 ) may be engaged with the pedestal 50 and click adapter, wherein a portion of that engagement may occur at the notch(s) 37 b ′, and another portion of the engagement may consist of the bottom member(s) 37 c ′ resting on the top surface of the pedestal 50 .
  • a pedestal 50 may be engaged with suitable structures, structural components, surfaces and/or methods for forming an underlying support for a tile and support structure 10 , which suitable structures, structural components, surfaces, and/or methods for forming an underlying support for a tile and support structure 10 include but are not limited to steel, other metals, metallic alloys, synthetic materials, cement, concrete, wood, ceramics, etc. unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • an aspect of a roof support structure 30 ′ may include one or more pedestals 50 . It is contemplated that the pedestal base 52 may be engaged with a structure, such as a concrete surface, a wooden surface, or other structure, structural component, and/or surface on which a tile and support structure 10 may be positioned. However, any suitable structure and/or surface may be used, including but not limited to wooden surfaces, rock surfaces, ceramic surfaces, synthetic surfaces, etc. without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the roof support structure 30 ′ may engage an upper portion of one or more pedestals 50 at the notches 37 b ′ formed in either side member 37 a ′ of the roof support structure 30 ′ and at a top surface of the pedestal 50 .
  • the pedestals 50 and roof support structures 30 ′ are properly positioned and engaged with one another, one or more tiles 20 may be engaged with the roof support structures 30 ′, various aspects of which engagement are described in further detail below. It is contemplated that the pedestals 50 may be adjustable for height and slope to accommodate variances in the structure, structural component, and/or surface to which the pedestals 50 are engaged, and/or to provide a slope to the tile 20 to adequately drain moisture from the tiles 20 .
  • the tile and support structure 10 as disclosed herein may be used to build a deck 12 , wherein the tread surface of the deck 12 may be comprised of the top faces 22 of the tiles 20 .
  • the supporting surface for a deck 12 may be a plurality of joists 14 arranged in a parallel fashion in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the use of joists 14 herein are for illustrative purposes only, and are in no way meant to be limiting. Accordingly, other suitable structures, structural components, surfaces and/or methods for forming a foundation and/or underlying support for a deck 12 may be used without limiting the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • An edge support structure 30 a may be engaged with the joists 14 adjacent one end of the joists 14 (e.g., the end of the joists 14 engaged with the building or other structure adjacent the deck 12 ).
  • edge support structure 30 a and “support structure 30 ” may be used interchangeably throughout this description of an illustrative method of use. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure related to a method of using any system and/or component thereof disclosed herein is not limited by whether an edge support structure 30 a or support structure 30 is used unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a support structure 30 may then be spaced from the edge support structure 30 by a predetermined amount and engaged with the joists 14 such that the position of the support structure 30 is fixed with respect thereto.
  • a cross lathe may be positioned between the edge support structure 30 a and the joist(s) 14 and/or between the support structure 30 and the joist(s) 14 if needed/desired.
  • the distance between the edge support structure 30 a and the support structure 30 may be dependent at least upon the configuration of the tile 20 to be used with the deck 12 , and more specifically at least upon the distance between edges 24 of the tile 20 having grooves 24 a formed therein. Subsequent support structures 30 may be engaged with the joists 14 at predetermined distances from adjacent support structures 30 and/or edge support structures 30 a .
  • the distance between adjacent support structures 30 may be generally uniform for all support structures 30 (e.g., for use with a deck 12 wherein most tiles 20 are generally of a similar shape), or some support structures 30 may be differently spaced with respect to adjacent support structures 30 (e.g., for use with a deck 12 wherein a certain number tiles 20 have different shapes).
  • One end of the support structures 30 may be left accessible and another end thereof may be blocked and/or bound by another structure (which structure may include but is not limited to a wall of a building, a deck frame, joist 14 etc. unless so indicated in the following claims).
  • a tile 20 may be positioned between adjacent support structures 30 (and/or between an edge support structure 30 a and a support structure 30 ).
  • the tile 20 may be slid along the length of the support structures 30 from an open end thereof to a blocked and/or bound end thereof.
  • the rails 36 of the support structure 30 may be positioned within the groove 24 a formed in one or more edges 24 of the tile 20 .
  • Another tile 20 may be slid along the length of the same support structures 30 until the protrusions 24 b on the edges 24 of the tiles 20 engage one another. Subsequent tiles 20 may be positioned between other support structures 30 until a majority of the deck 12 is built.
  • tiles 20 positioned on the periphery of the deck 12 may require cutting and/or resizing due to various factors, including but not limited to the shape of the periphery of the deck 12 . Accordingly, after all or a majority of the standard sized and/or shaped tiles 20 have been properly positioned, specialized tiles 20 may be slid between adjacent support structures 30 and/or edge support structures 30 a . After all desired tiles 20 have been properly positioned, the open ends of the support structures 30 and/or end support structures 30 a may be blocked and/or bound by another structure (which structure may include but is not limited to a wall of a building, a deck frame, joist 14 , specialized support structure 30 with suitable aesthetics, etc. unless so indicated in the following claims).
  • another structure which structure may include but is not limited to a wall of a building, a deck frame, joist 14 , specialized support structure 30 with suitable aesthetics, etc. unless so indicated in the following claims).
  • the support structures 30 may be engaged with a joist 14 only at one end of the support structures 30 .
  • a user may ensure the proper position of the support structures 30 by placing a lateral force thereon such that the tiles 20 are effectively pinched between the support structures 30 , at which point the support structures 30 may be engaged with the joist(s) 14 adjacent the most terminal tile 20 .
  • this may be done in a progressive manner. That is, as each row of tiles 20 is slid between the support structures 30 , another fastener(s) 16 may be used to engage the support structure(s) 30 with the joist(s) 14 .
  • a method similar to the immediately preceding method may be extrapolated therefrom for use with a roof support structure 30 ′ such as those shown in FIGS. 13-16 .
  • the pedestals 50 and roof support structures 30 ′ may be engaged with a suitable structure, structural component, and/or surface.
  • the tiles 20 may be slid along the length of the roof support structures 30 ′ in a manner similar to that as previously described.
  • one or more pedestals 50 for supporting a first roof support structure 30 ′ may be positioned on a suitable structure, structural component, and/or surface.
  • the height of the pedestals 50 may be adjusted as desired, and a roof edge support structure 30 a ′ may be engaged with the pedestals 50 .
  • the user may now secure another pedestal 50 or row of pedestals 50 in a manner generally parallel to the first roof support structure 30 ′ but spaced apart therefrom and adjust the height of those pedestals as desired.
  • the user may engage a roof support structure 30 ′ with the second pedestal 50 or row thereof.
  • one or more tiles 20 may be slide between the roof edge support structure 30 a ′ and the roof support structure 30 ′.
  • all the required pedestals 50 and roof support structures 30 ′ and/or roof edge support structures 30 a ′ may be properly positioned and secured prior to installation of any tiles 20 .
  • the relative positions of the tiles 20 , support structures 30 , and joists 14 generally may fixed in three dimensions, but simultaneously incremental changes in those relative positions may be allowed via flexing, bending, and/or other allowed movement between one tile 20 and adjacent tiles 20 , between a tile 20 and support structures 30 engaged with the tile 20 , and/or between a support structure 30 and the joist(s) 14 (or other suitable structures, structural components, surfaces and/or methods for forming a foundation and/or underlying support for a deck 12 ) with which it is engaged. It is contemplated that at least the configuration of the tiles 20 may affect the amount of incremental changes in the above-referenced relative positions. It is contemplated that a configuration allowing some or all of the incremental changes in relative positions listed above may prevent cracking and/or other damage to the tiles 20 , which may be manufacturing of a generally rigid, inflexible material.
  • FIGS. 17A-17D Other aspects of a tile & support structure 10 employing a retaining element 60 are shown in FIGS. 17A-17D .
  • a tile & support structure 10 may be configured for use with a retaining element 60 , various illustrative aspects of which are shown in cross-section in FIGS. 17A-17D .
  • a portion of the retaining element 60 may be positioned in a groove 24 a formed in an edge 24 of a tile 20 in a manner analogous to that in which the rail 36 may be positioned in a groove 24 a as previously described herein for other aspects of a tile & support structure 10 .
  • a tile & support structure 10 employing a retaining element 60 may be adapted for use in a variety of applications using a variety of support structures 30 while simultaneously allowing relatively easy removal of a tile 20 , as further described below.
  • an aspect of a tile & support structure 10 like those shown in FIGS. 17A-17D is that the tiles 20 may be configured in an orientation other than straight, such as curved, radiused, and/or an otherwise nonlinear fashion. This configuration may be a result of one or more edge 24 of a tile 20 being curved, radiused, an/or otherwise non-linear without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the tile & support structure 10 shown in FIG. 17C may be especially adapted for use in nonlinear tile 20 configurations, but other tile & support structures 10 may be configured for nonlinear tile 20 configurations without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • FIG. 17A which provides a cross-sectional view of a tile & support structure 10
  • the support structure 30 may be configured as an extruded rail-like structure having a base 31 with a generally planar upward-facing surface.
  • the support structure 30 may be configured in a manner that is somewhat similar to a bottom portion or rail portion 37 ′ of the roof support structures 30 shown in FIGS.
  • the support structure 30 may include one or more side members 37 a ′ having a notch 37 b ′ formed in a side member 37 a ′, and wherein the side members 37 a ′ may extend downward from the base 31 . Additionally, one or more bottom members 37 c ′ may be engaged with the bottom edge of either side members 37 a ′ in a manner analogous to that previously described with respect to FIGS. 15A & B without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the support structure 30 may be formed with various walls, supports, channels, angles, and/or other features therein to provide the required rigidity and/or structural integrity for the specific application of the tile & support structure 10 .
  • a support structure 30 such as that shown in FIG. 17A may be engaged with one or more joists 14 in an elevated deck application, with a flat floor and/or sub-floor structure, a flat roof and/or sub-roof structure, and/or any other suitable structures, structural components, and/or surfaces without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the support structure 30 may be formed with one or more anchors 38 , which anchor(s) 38 may be configured to securely engage a portion of a fastener 16 .
  • the fastener 16 may engage the retaining element 60 such that the relative positions of the fastener 16 and retaining element 60 are fixed with respect to one another.
  • the fastener 16 may engage the retaining element 60 such that the retaining element 60 may rotate with respect to the fastener 60 .
  • the fastener 16 may engage the retaining element 60 such that the retaining element 60 may move longitudinally along the axis of the fastener 16 (but not radially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fastener 16 ), which movement may be allowed alone or in conjunction with rotation of the retaining element 60 with respect to the fastener 16 . Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative movement between the fastener and retaining element 60 unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the retaining element 60 , 60 ′ may include a neck 62 , 62 ′, which may be integrally formed with retaining element 60 , 60 ′.
  • the neck 62 , 62 ′ may provide a limit to the distance into a support structure 30 or other suitable structure, structural component, and/or surface that a fastener 16 associated with the retaining element 60 , 60 ′ may penetrate.
  • the optimal length of the neck 62 , 62 ′ may vary from one application of the tile & support structure 10 to the next without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. However, it is contemplated that in some applications it may be advantageous to configure the length of the neck 62 , 62 ′ to be approximately equal to the thickness of the substrate 18 adjacent the groove 24 a .
  • such a configuration may ease installation of a tile 20 by providing a type of automatic stop for the depth of a fastener 16 associated with a retaining element 60 , 60 ′, such that the exposed side of the retaining element 60 , 60 ′ may be relatively easily engaged with the groove 24 a in another tile 20 .
  • a portion of the retaining element 60 may be positioned in the groove 24 a formed in the edges 24 of two adjacent tiles 20 . It is contemplated that the retaining element 60 may be formed as a circle, an oval shape, or any other suitable shape without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. For the tiles 20 and support structures 30 positioned at the borders, the retaining elements 60 may be configured such that the retaining elements 60 are asymmetrical in shape. Various aspects of a retaining element 60 ′ that may be used on a border are shown in FIG. 18 .
  • That retaining element 60 ′ may be configured to engage only one groove 24 a in one tile 20 on a single side of the retaining element 60 ′ as opposed to a retaining element 60 configured to engage a groove 24 a in each of two adjacent tiles 20 on either side of the retaining element 60 .
  • the anchor 38 may be configured as a threaded aperture and the fastener 16 may be configured as a screw and/or bolt with threads corresponding to those formed in the anchor 38 .
  • the threaded portion of the fastener 16 may pass through an aperture in the retaining element 60 and engage the anchor 38 , thereby selectively securing the relative positions of the fastener 16 , support structure 30 , the retaining element 60 , and the tiles 20 with grooves 24 a in which the retaining element 60 is positioned.
  • the various components may be configured such that after the threaded portion of the fastener 16 has passed through an aperture in the retaining element 60 and engaged the anchor 38 , the tile(s) 20 with grooves 24 a in which the retaining element 60 is positioned may be immobilized save for a dimension that is collinear with the length of the groove 24 a for a specific tile 20 . That is, the retaining element 60 and underlying support structure 30 may be configured such that tiles 20 may slide with respect to the retaining element 60 and support structure 30 during installation of the tile(s) 20 , but such that after installation the relative positions of the retaining element 60 and support structure 30 are generally fixed with respect to the position of the tile(s) 20 in three dimensions.
  • One or more retaining elements 60 may be configured such that in conjunction with an underlying structure (such as a support structure 30 or other suitable structures, structural components, surfaces) the retaining elements 60 prevents and/or mitigates uplift of one or more tiles 20 due to wind, prevents and/or mitigates unauthorized removal of a tile 20 , and/or prevents and/or mitigates unwanted movement of the tile 20 . It is contemplated that one or more retaining elements 60 may provide various benefits without the need for adhesive while simultaneously providing adequate securement of one or more tiles 20 .
  • the width of the retaining element 60 and the width of the fastener 16 may be selected such that a clearance 25 exists between the edges 24 of adjacent tiles 20 , wherein the clearance 25 is wide enough to allow access for selective removal of the fastener 16 by extending a tool (such as a screwdriver in one aspect) into the clearance 25 and engaging the tool with the fastener 16 to disengage the fastener 16 from the support structure 30 .
  • the tool may be extended into the clearance 25 and engage the fastener 16 to tighten the fastener 16 and/or engage the fastener 16 with the support structure 30 .
  • a user may selectively remove one or more tiles 20 singularly without removing unwanted tiles 20 and without cutting, breaking and/or otherwise altering the support structure 30 and/or tiles 20 . It is contemplated that the ability to selectively remove one tile 20 at a time may be especially advantageous if one or more tiles 20 restrict access to certain items, such as ventilation ducts, electrical wiring, plumbing, etc.
  • FIG. 17B which shows a support structure 30 as it may be engaged with a joist 14
  • the tile & support structure 10 may be employed in a raised-deck application. It is contemplated that the tile & support structure 10 shown in FIG. 17A may provide the various benefits of other tile & support structures 10 disclosed herein, but which may be specifically adapted for use in a raised-deck application.
  • the support structure 30 may be formed with one or more apertures 32 b therein to provide a channel though which a fastener 16 may pass, which fastener 16 may be used to secure the support structure 30 to one or more joists 14 (or other suitable structure, structural component, and/or surface without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims).
  • a plurality of tiles 20 may be installed using a retaining element 30 in a manner similar to that of installing tongue-and-groove coverings (e.g., flooring, ceilings, etc.).
  • tongue-and-groove coverings e.g., flooring, ceilings, etc.
  • the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific method of installation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a user may first secure a support structure 30 on a border, and then secure a second support structure 30 parallel to but spaced apart from the border support structure 30 .
  • the user may then install a row of tiles 20 with retaining elements 60 ′ configured for border tiles 20 on the outer edge 24 of the tiles 20 , wherein a fastener 16 associated with those retaining elements 60 ′ may engage anchors 38 formed in the border support structure 30 , and wherein a portion of the retaining element(s) 60 ′ may be positioned in a groove 24 a formed in the outer edge 24 of the border tile 20 .
  • the tile(s) 20 on either end of the row may be prevented from moving in at least two dimensions (e.g., the two horizontal dimensions) by a wall, baseboard, or other structure adjacent the row of tiles 20 .
  • the user may then install retaining elements 60 on the inner edge 24 of the border tiles 20 , wherein a fastener 16 associated with those retaining elements 60 may engage anchors 38 formed in the second support structure 30 that is adjacent to but spaced from the border support structure 30 , and wherein a portion of the retaining element(s) 60 may be positioned in a groove 24 a formed in the inner edge 24 of the border tile 20 (which inner edge 24 may rest on the second support structure 30 ).
  • the optimum number of retaining elements 60 , 60 ′ engaged with a given tile 20 will vary from one application of the tile & support structure 10 to the next, and may be dependent at least upon the size of a tile 20 , the number of tiles 20 , and/or the elevation of the tile 20 from ground level.
  • retaining elements 60 , 60 ′ positioned approximately adjacent four corners of a tile 20 may be used to adequately fix the relative position of the tile 20 .
  • other numbers and/or relative positions of retaining elements 60 , 60 ′ may be used without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims, and the optimal number and/or relative positions may depend at least on the size and/or shape of the tile(s) 20 .
  • the user may secure a third support structure 30 adjacent the second support structure 30 in an orientation that is parallel to but spaced from the second support structure 30 .
  • the distance between adjacent support structures 30 may be equal, while in other applications the distance between adjacent support structures 30 may vary at least depending on the uniformity of the size and/or shape of tiles 20 used therewith. Additionally, for certain applications it is contemplated that one or more of the support structures 30 may be radiused, curved, and/or otherwise non-linear. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is in no way limited by the specific distance between adjacent support structures 30 or whether such support structures 30 are linear or non-linear unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the user may place a first edge 24 of another tile 20 on the second support structure 30 such that a portion of the exposed retaining element(s) 60 slides into the groove 24 a on the first edge 24 of the tile.
  • a second edge 24 of the tile 20 that is parallel to but opposite of the first edge 24 may be placed on the third support structure 30 and one or more retaining elements 60 may be positioned in a groove 24 a on the second edge 24 , and the position of those retaining elements 60 relative to the tile 20 and third support structure 30 may be secured via engaging a fastener 16 with those retaining elements 60 and the third support structure 30 .
  • This process may continue until the desired number of tiles 20 are positioned on the support structures 30 , at which time one or more retaining elements 60 ′ may be engaged with a subsequent border support structure(s) 30 to secure the relative position of one or more subsequent border tiles 20 .
  • the support structures 30 may be configured as elongate, straight extrusions, it is contemplated that installation may be relatively expeditious.
  • FIG. 17C shows various aspects of a tile & support structure 10 that may be configured for use with one or more laths 19 (which laths 19 include but are not limited to those constructed of wood unless so indicated in the following claims).
  • the method of installing a tile and support structure 10 such as that shown in FIG. 17C may be analogous to the method for the tile and support structure 10 shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B , wherein laths 19 are used in place of support structures 30 .
  • fasteners 16 associated with a retaining element 60 , 60 ′ may directly engage the lath 19 , and the lath 19 may have predrilled holes for accepting fasteners 16 , or the lathe 19 may be used without predrilled holes.
  • the optimal configuration (length, threads, diameter, etc.) of the fastener 16 associated with the retaining element 60 , 60 ′ may vary from one application of the tile & support structure 10 to the next, and may depend at least upon the configuration of the support structure 30 and/or other suitable structure, structural component, and/or surface to which the fastener 16 is secured during use.
  • the fastener 16 may be configured to engage a roof support structure 30 ′, such as those shown in FIGS. 13-16B .
  • a fastener 16 configured to engage a lath 19 may be configured with threads that are coarser and/or having a longer threaded portion than those on a fastener 16 configured to engage an anchor 38 in a support structure 30 . Accordingly, the specific configuration of the fastener 16 in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the retaining elements 60 , 60 ′ may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to metals, plastics, polymers, natural materials, and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims. Additionally, it is contemplated that the thickness of a retaining element 60 , 60 ′ may optimally be slightly less than the thickness of the groove 24 a in the edge 24 of a tile 20 for which the retaining element 60 , 60 ′ is designed, and that the shape may be any suitable shape (e.g., square, oblong, circular, rectangular, etc.). Accordingly, the retaining elements 60 , 60 ′ may be formed with any different thicknesses and/or shapes without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • an aspect of a support structure 30 may include a pedestal 50 .
  • a support structure 30 may be configured as a roof support structure 30 ′, but may also be configured for use with a deck, elevated patio, and/or any other surface without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • all or a portion of the support structure 30 may be engaged with a pedestal upper surface 54 , which may be positioned opposite a pedestal base 52 .
  • the pedestal base 52 may be engaged with an underlying supporting structure and/or surface, including but not limited to concrete unless so indicated in the following claims. Accordingly, any or other suitable structure, structural component, and/or surface may be used, including but not limited to wooden surfaces, synthetic surfaces, metallic surfaces, etc. without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a pedestal 50 may be adjustable for height via an adjustment portion 53 (which may be positioned between the pedestal base 52 and pedestal upper surface 54 ) and/or slope to accommodate variances in the structure, structural component, and/or surface to which the pedestals 50 are engaged and/or to provide a slope to the tile 20 engaged with the pedestal 50 so as to adequately drain moisture from the tiles 20 .
  • all or a portion of what would constitute the support structure 30 may be integrally formed with a portion of the pedestal 50 , such as the pedestal upper surface 54 , as further described in more detail below.
  • the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the term “pedestal 50 ” as used when referring to FIGS. 19A-23B may be used in a manner that is inclusive of the support structure 30 .
  • a pedestal 50 may be configured with one or more spines 34 extending from a pedestal upper surface 54 .
  • one or more spines 34 may extend upward from the pedestal upper surface 54 along and/or adjacent to a diameter of the pedestal upper surface.
  • this diameter may be collinear with a diameter of the pedestal base 52 and/or adjustment portion 53 . That is, in one aspect a common line may pass through the geometric center point of the pedestal upper surface 54 , the geometric center point of the adjustment portion 53 , and/or the geometric center point of the pedestal base 52 .
  • spines 34 may extend from a single pedestal upper surface 54 , various aspects of which are shown in FIG. 22B , or as few as one spine 34 may extend from a single pedestal upper surface 54 , various aspects of which are shown in FIGS. 19A, 19B, and 21 .
  • the spines 34 may be configured such that the four spines 34 comprise two pairs of collinear spines 34 (which configuration is shown at least in FIG. 22B ), wherein the two pairs may be perpendicular with respect to one another and positioned along diameters of the pedestal upper surface 54 intersecting one another at a right angle.
  • the spines 34 may extend all the way to the center point of the pedestal upper surface 54 as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B , or the spines 34 may extend only part way between the periphery of the pedestal upper surface 54 and the center point of the pedestal upper surface 54 (as shown in FIGS. 19A-20B ). Accordingly, the distance along the pedestal upper surface 54 that a given spine 34 extends in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • one spine 34 may extend from a pedestal upper surface 54 along a first diameter thereof.
  • two spines 34 may extend from the pedestal upper surface 54 , wherein a first spine 34 may be positioned on a first diameter of the pedestal upper surface 54 and a second spine 34 may be positioned on a second diameter of the pedestal upper surface 54 , wherein the first and second diameters may be perpendicular with respect to one another.
  • two spines 34 may extend upward from the pedestal upper surface 54 along a first diameter thereof, wherein a first spine 34 may be positioned on an opposite side of the center point of the pedestal upper surface 54 with respect to a second spine 34 . Accordingly, the specific number, orientation, and/or configuration of spines 34 extending from a pedestal upper surface 54 in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • two corresponding rails 36 may extend outward from the spine 34 in a generally horizontal dimension.
  • the spine 34 and rails 36 may correspond directly to the spine 34 and/or rail(s) 36 previously described regarding aspects of a support structure 30 in FIGS. 4-12C and/or to the spine 34 ′ and rail(s) 36 ′ previously described regarding aspects of a roof support structure 30 ′ in FIGS. 13-16B .
  • the spine 34 and/or rail(s) 36 may be differently configured without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the pedestal 50 , spine 34 , and/or rail(s) 36 may be constructed of a plastic, polymer, or other synthetic material, or of a metal or metallic alloy.
  • those elements may be constructed of any suitable material, including but not limited to plastic, polymers, natural materials, metals and their alloys and/or combinations thereof without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • it may be advantageous to construct the pedestal 50 (and/or a portion thereof, such as the pedestal upper surface 54 ) integrally with the spine 34 and/or rail(s) 36 or it may be advantageous to construct certain portions separately and later join them together.
  • the pedestal upper surface 54 may be removably engaged with another portion of the pedestal 50 , such as a top part of the adjustment portion 53 .
  • a top part of the adjustment portion 53 For example, Eurotec, GmbH in Germany manufactures adjustable pedestals having an upper part, a threaded ring, an extension ring, and a baseplate as shown on page 5 of Appendix A.
  • a “click adapter” different adapters may be selectively engaged with the upper part of the pedestal to provide a modular system, as shown in page 6 of Appendix A.
  • the spine(s) 34 and/or rail(s) 36 may be formed on another adaptor for selective engagement with the upper part to make a pedestal 50 with a support structure 30 therein, which may share aspects with the pedestals 50 and support structures 30 shown in FIGS. 19A-23B .
  • the pedestal upper surface 54 when using a pedestal such as that shown in Appendix A may comprise a portion of the upper part (as shown on page 5 of Appendix A) and a portion of an adaptor formed with one or more spines 34 and one or more rails 36 .
  • the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by whether the pedestal 50 having one or more spines 34 and one or more rails 36 is comprised of a separate pedestal portion and a selectively removable adaptor portion (on which adaptor portion the spine(s) 34 and rail(s) 36 are formed), or if the spine(s) 34 and rail(s) 36 are integrally formed with the pedestal 50 itself, thereby foregoing the requirement of a separate adapter portion unless so indicated in the following claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by whether the various portions of a pedestal 50 , spine(s) 34 , and/or rail(s) 36 engaged therewith are integrally formed with one another or separately formed and later engaged with one another unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • opposite edges 24 of a tile 20 may be formed with a groove 24 a therein, as shown in FIGS. 10, 12A, and 12B .
  • the groove 24 a may be formed in the edge 24 of the tile 20 , in a portion of the edge 24 of the tile 20 , in a portion of a surface of a substrate 18 (if present), and/or a combination of a portion of the tile 20 and a portion of the substrate 18 without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the groove 24 a may be configured such that it cooperates with the rail 36 at the top distal end of the spine 34 , and such that the bottom face 22 of the tile 20 (or bottom surface of the substrate 18 , if present for that embodiment of a tile 20 ) rests upon the pedestal upper surface 54 .
  • the pedestal upper surface 54 may be comprised of a portion of the adaptor and a portion of the upper part of the pedestal if a pedestal and corresponding adaptor such as that shown in pages 5 and 6 of Appendix A is employed.
  • the configuration (e.g., size, dimensions, shape) of the pedestal upper surface 54 , spine 34 , and/or rails 36 may vary from one application of the tile and support structure 10 to the next, and may vary depending at least upon the size, shape, and weight of the tile(s) 20 engaged with the pedestal upper surface 54 .
  • This configuration may be especially useful in preventing wind uplift for tiled surfaces (e.g., deck, patio, roof surfaces, etc.) without the need for elongate support structures 30 such as those previously described and shown in FIGS. 2-7 .
  • pedestals 50 configured with one or more spines 34 and one or more rails 36 may be strategically positioned to support a plurality of tiles 20 as described in further detail below (which strategic positioning may be adjacent one or more corners of a tile 20 without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims).
  • the pedestal 50 shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B and the pedestal 50 shown in FIG. 21 may be used to support two tiles 20 , wherein one rail 36 corresponds to each tile 20 .
  • each rail 36 may be positioned adjacent a corner of the tile 20 during use.
  • the rail 36 may be positioned on an interior portion of the tile 20 as described below. Accordingly, the optimal position along the edge 24 of a tile 20 at which a rail 36 engages the tile 20 may vary from one application of the present disclosure to the next, and is therefore in no way limiting to the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a rail 36 may optimally engage a tile 20 at a groove 24 a formed in an edge 24 of the tile 20 .
  • the pedestal 50 may be used to support two tiles 20 positioned on either side of the spine 34 .
  • the pedestal 50 shown in FIG. 22A may be used to support four tiles 20 , wherein corners of adjacent tiles 20 may be offset from one another, or wherein corners of adjacent tiles 20 may be positioned adjacent one another at or around the center point of the pedestal upper surface 54 .
  • at least one edge 24 of a tile 20 may not require a groove 24 a formed therein, as that edge 24 of a tile 20 may directly abut an edge 24 of an adjacent tile 20 .
  • each rail 36 may be positioned at any point along the length of the tile 20 , wherein a tile 20 may be positioned on either side of the spine 34 .
  • the spine 34 may extend along the entire width and/or length of the pedestal upper surface 54 (as depicted in at least FIG. 22A ), or the spine 34 may extend along only a portion of the pedestal upper surface 54 (as depicted at least in FIGS. 19A-20B ) without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • FIG. 22B which provides a top view of a pedestal 50 having two pairs of collinear spines 34 , wherein the two pairs may be perpendicular with respect to one another and positioned along diameters of the pedestal upper surface 54 , the pedestal 50 may be configured to simultaneously engage up to four tiles 20 . It is contemplated that the pedestal 50 depicted in FIG. 22B may optimally engage each tile 20 at or adjacent to the corner thereof. Grooves 24 a formed in perpendicular edges 24 that intersect one another on a single tile 20 may by engaged with rails 36 extending toward the respective edges 24 from spines 34 that are oriented perpendicular with respect to one another (and parallel with respect edges 24 of the tile 20 ).
  • the opposite rails 36 engaged with those spines 34 may engage grooves 24 a formed in a second and a third tile 20 , respectively, and other grooves 24 a in the second and third tiles 20 may be engaged with other rails 36 extending from additional spines 34 , respectively. Accordingly, in light of the present disclosure it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the pedestal shown in FIG. 22B may simultaneously engage up to eight grooves 24 a formed in eight respective edges 24 of four respective tiles 20 via eight respective rails 36 configured as pairs extending from four respective spines 34 . However, the scope of the present disclosure is not so limited unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the pedestal base 52 may be offset from the spine 34 , adjustment portion 53 , and/or pedestal base 52 . It is contemplated that pedestals 50 and/or spines 34 so configured may be especially useful at an edge or border of a tiled surface, such as adjacent a wall or edge of a roof. Again, a rail 36 extending outward from the spine 34 may engage a groove 24 a formed in respective edges 24 of tiles 20 .
  • the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the relative position of one pedestal 50 with respect to another and/or the number of tiles 20 engaged with a given pedestal 50 unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the pedestal 50 may be used to engage up to two tiles 20 at adjacent corners of those tiles 20 .
  • a corner of a tile 20 may be positioned adjacent the intersection of two perpendicular spines 34 .
  • the pedestal 50 may be configured such that a first spine 34 along a straight edge of the pedestal upper surface 54 includes one rail 36 extending outward therefrom toward the center of the pedestal upper surface 54 and a second spine perpendicular to the first spine 34 includes two rails 36 extending outward thereform.
  • the rail 36 on the first spine 34 may engage grooves 24 a on collinear edges 24 of the two adjacent tiles 20 .
  • Each rail 36 of the second spine 34 may engage parallel grooves 24 a formed in parallel edges 24 of those tiles 20 (which parallel edges 24 may be perpendicular to the collinear edges 24 ).
  • spines 34 , rails 36 , and/or tiles 20 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the pedestal 50 may be used to engage up to two tiles 20 at adjacent corners of those tiles 20 via a single rail 36 extending from a single spine 34 in a direction toward the center point of the pedestal upper surface 54 , wherein corners of adjacent tiles 20 may be adjacent.
  • at least one edge 24 of a tile 20 may not require a groove 24 a formed therein, as that edge 24 of a tile 20 may directly abut an edge 24 of an adjacent tile 20 (e.g., the edges 24 oriented perpendicular with respect to the spine 34 ).
  • the pedestal 50 may be used to engage a single tile 20 along a given groove 24 a formed in an edge 24 thereof, such that all or a portion of the rail 36 is positioned in a single groove 24 a of a single tile 20 .
  • the rail 36 may be positioned at any point along the length of the tile(s) 20 , and the spine 34 may constitute a border or periphery of the tiled surface in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to the pedestal 50 shown in FIG. 23A .
  • the spine 34 may be positioned along a straight edge of the pedestal upper surface 54 .
  • the spine 34 and/or rail(s) 36 may be curved, contoured, and/or non-linear so as to follow a curved, contoured, and/or non-linear edge 24 of a particular tile 20 .
  • the specific orientation and/or configuration of a tile 20 or tiles 20 , pedestal 50 , pedestal base 52 , pedestal upper surface 54 , spine 34 , and/or rail(s) 36 for any illustrative aspects of a pedestal 50 , spine 34 , and/or rail(s) 36 in no way limits the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • a tiled surface (e.g., roof, deck, patio, etc.) may be constructed using pedestals 50 such as those shown in FIGS. 19A-23B using a method similar to those previously described herein for the support structures 30 , roof support structures 30 ′, and/or support structures 30 in conjunction with a retaining element 60 .
  • the pedestal bases 52 may be secured and arranged in a desired manner first
  • rails 36 of corresponding adapters may be engaged with grooves 24 a of a tile 20 such that the relative positions of the adapters correspond to relative positions of the pedestal bases 52 , and such that the adapter(s) and corresponding tile 20 may be lowered simultaneously until the adaptor(s) engages the pedestal(s) 50 (which engagement may be primarily at the pedestal upper surface 54 and/or adjacent portion) and the tile 20 is supported by the pedestal(s) 50 .
  • the feasibility of such a method of constructing a tiled surface may depend on the specific configuration of the spines 34 and/or rails 36 on the adapter, and specifically may depend at least on the number of tiles 20 that the adapter is configured to engage, the position on the edge 24 that the tile 20 engages the groove 24 a , and/or the shape of the tile 20 without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the pedestals 50 , spine(s) 34 , and/or rail(s) 36 may be configured such that the position of a tile 20 relative to the position of a pedestal 50 and/or the position of another tile 20 may be fixed in one dimension, two dimensions, or three dimensions without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • one or more spines 34 and/or rails 36 may cooperate with one or more adjacent tiles 20 to fix the relative position of a tile 20 with respect to one or more pedestals 50 and/or other tiles 20 without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • 19A-23B (and/or pedestals 50 providing similar features, functionality, and/or benefits thereto) may be used with one another, with a support structure 30 , and/or with a roof support structure 30 ′ similar to, or with aspects that are correlative to, that shown in FIGS. 2-9, 11A-12C , and/or 14 - 16 B, and/or a retaining element 60 , 60 ′ similar to that shown in FIGS. 17A-18 without limitation unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • Some of those benefits include, but are not limited to: (1) the ability to provide a deck 12 , patio, roof, or other surface having tiles 20 without the need for grout and/or other sealer; (2) the ability to provide a deck 12 , patio, roof, or other surface that is virtually maintenance free; (3) the ability to provide a deck 12 , patio, roof, or other surface that mitigates and/or eliminates puddling even when the surface is level and/or nearly level; (4) the ability to provide a more robust deck 12 , patio, roof, or other surface that is not affected by typical freeze/thaw cycles; (5) the ability to allow a certain amount of relative movement between tiles 20 , tiles 20 and support structures 30 , tiles 20 and joists 14 , and/or tiles 20 and other structures without damaging the tiles 20 ; and, (6) the ability to suspend a tile surface using properly configured pedestals 50 and thereby securing each tile 20 in one,
  • the number, configuration, dimensions, geometries, and/or relative locations of the various elements of the tile 20 , pedestal 50 , spine 34 , rail 36 , and/or support structure 30 will vary from one aspect of the present disclosure to the next, as will the optimal configuration thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is in no way limited by the specific configurations, dimensions, and/or other constraints of those elements unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the materials used to construct the tile and support system 10 and various elements and/or components thereof will vary depending on the specific application thereof, but it is contemplated that polymers, metals, metal alloys, natural materials, stone, cement, ceramics, fibrous materials, and/or combinations thereof may be especially useful for the tile and support system 10 in some applications. Accordingly, the above-referenced elements may be constructed of any material known to those skilled in the art or later developed, which material is appropriate for the specific application of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • any dimensions provided herein are for illustrative purposes only and in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure unless so indicated in the following claims.
  • the tile and support structure 10 , pedestal 50 , spine 34 , rail 36 and/or components thereof are not limited to the specific embodiments pictured and described herein, but are intended to apply to all similar apparatuses and methods positioning and/or retaining tile(s) 20 . Modifications and alterations from the described embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art without departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
  • any of the various features, functionalities, aspects, configurations, etc. for the tiles 20 , support structure 30 , spine 34 , rail 36 , roof support structure 30 ′, inner member 40 and/or pedestal 50 , retaining element 60 , 60 ′, and/or components of any of the foregoing may be used alone or in combination with one another (depending on the compatibility of the features) from one embodiment and/or aspect of the tile and support system 10 to the next. Accordingly, an infinite number of variations of the tile and support system 10 exists. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the tile and support system 10 .
  • the embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the tile and support system 10 and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the same.
  • the claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. Modifications and/or substitutions of one feature for another in no way limit the scope of the tile and support system 10 and/or component thereof unless so indicated in the following claims.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Finishing Walls (AREA)
US15/770,483 2015-10-22 2016-10-24 Tile and support structure Abandoned US20190055733A1 (en)

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US201562245130P 2015-10-22 2015-10-22
US201662331004P 2016-05-03 2016-05-03
US201662394705P 2016-09-14 2016-09-14
PCT/US2016/058511 WO2017070688A2 (fr) 2015-10-22 2016-10-24 Carreau et structure de support
US15/770,483 US20190055733A1 (en) 2015-10-22 2016-10-24 Tile and support structure

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CA (1) CA3002656A1 (fr)
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USD966562S1 (en) * 2019-02-08 2022-10-11 Cpg Interational Llc Polymer-based flooring

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USD966561S1 (en) * 2019-02-08 2022-10-11 Cpg International Llc Polymer-based flooring
USD966562S1 (en) * 2019-02-08 2022-10-11 Cpg Interational Llc Polymer-based flooring

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