US20230349171A1

US20230349171A1 - Modular floor system and modules therefor

Info

Publication number: US20230349171A1
Application number: US18/016,933
Authority: US
Inventors: Ron Zauderer; Nir TORDJMAN
Original assignee: Hexa Grid Ltd
Current assignee: Hexa Grid Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-19
Filing date: 2021-07-18
Publication date: 2023-11-02
Also published as: JP2023534707A; EP4182519A1; WO2022018720A1; IL276140B; EP4182519A4

Abstract

A modular raised floor module and raised floor systems constructed therefrom are disclosed. The raised floor module comprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of support pedestals disposed between the base floor and a top floor, wherein the plurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting and leveling the base floor above a bearing surface and for supporting the top floor at a spaced apart relation over the base floor, thereby forming a service space extending between a top face of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor. The raised floor modules are articulable to one another along their neighboring edges. The base floor can be configured with an inclined surface for draining liquids within the service space towards a liquid collecting portion, for removing liquids from the service space.

Description

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is concerned with a modular floor system and floor modules therefor. More particularly, the disclosure is concerned with a raised flooring system and module.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,230
KR101830498
US20120036796

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,230 discloses a pedestal for a flooring system of the type which utilizes prefabricated base panels installed in side by side relationship to support a series of upstanding pedestals positioned in a geometric pedestal array is disclosed. The pedestals support further panels which define chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop caps which form tops of the pedestals. In one embodiment the caps each thread into a threaded bore in a pedestal body for leveling adjustments. Novel feet project downwardly from the pedestal bodies to provide positive locks with the base panels.
KR101830498 discloses a prefabricated bathroom floor including: multiple base plates formed into a plate shape with a predetermined size, mutually assembled in an upper side of a waterproof layer installed on a bathroom floor slab, and having a first drain hole corresponding to a drain formed in the slab; multiple inclined plates formed into a three-dimensional body with a structure having a slope on the top and an internal cavity, and assembled to allow the slope to be lowered to the other side wherein a second drain hole corresponding to the first drain hole is formed from one side coming into contact with a bathroom wall while being mutually assembled in an upper side of the base plates; and multiple upper plates formed into a plate shape with a predetermined size, mutually assembled in an upper side of the inclined plates, and maintained by posts installed in the base plates to maintain a horizontal state. The present invention is characterized by forming the bathroom floor capable of being easily constructed and obtaining excellent usability.
US20120036796 discloses Floating floor structure, comprising bearing pillars with a revolving ball constrained in the head, projecting on the floor surface, supported by a grid of crosspieces suspended between the bearing pillars and made up of material suitable to prevent the generation of sparks due to friction or impact and avoid the accumulation of electrostatic energy, the entirety being used for making floors particularly for rooms intended for storing explosives, ammunitions, arms and the like, such a manner that the pallets of the respective support may be easily translated and moved manually on the floating floor rolling on the heads of the pillars in a safe manner.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

According to an aspect of the disclosure there is a raised floor module comprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of support pedestals disposed between said base floor and a top floor, wherein said plurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting and leveling the base floor above a bearing surface and for supporting said top floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor, with a service space extending between a top face of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor.
The term ‘bearing surface’ as used herein in the specification and claims denotes any floor surface suitable for bearing a raised floor, such as concrete floor, concrete slabs, tiled floor, etc. either finished or not.
The term ‘service space’ as used herein in the specification and claims denotes a space extending between the base floor and the top floor and configurable for accommodating any utility and service facility, such as HVAC system (Heating, Ventilation, Air Condition), electric power, telecom wiring and systems, vacuum lines, fluid supply pipes (water, gas, etc.), drainage lines, etc.
The raised floor module according to the disclosure can be configurable for interacting with adjacently disposed raised floor modules.
One or more of the support pedestals can be configured with a top connectivity portion, configured for articulating thereto a column projecting from a top face of the top floor.
A column can be articulated over a support pedestal, said column configurable for modular attaching thereto a variety of utility elements.
The term ‘utility element’ as used herein in the specification and claims denotes any type of element such as partition walls, storage units, shelving, tables, seats, electric wiring, telecom systems and wiring, HVAC elements, lighting, fluid flow lines, etc.
One or both of the base floor and the top floor of the floor module can be configured of one or more coplanar floor tiles.
Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor are detachably attachable at conjoining locations to a base floor articulating plate of a support pedestal.
The floor tiles of the top floor can be laid in one or more receiving frames retaining the floor tiles at their respective position, said one or more receiving frames configured for being supported over a top floor support plate of several support pedestals.
Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the top floor are spaced apart by support ribs of the receiving frames.
The base floor can be configured with latches for detachable articulation with the base floor articulating plate of the support pedestal.
The top floor and the receiving frame can be configured with latches for detachable articulation with the top floor support plate of the support pedestal.
The floor module can be shaped at any desired shape, with an advantage to shapes that can a adjoin in a coplanar fashion one or more neighboring floor modules along their respective common peripheral edges. According to an example, the floor modules can be polygonal and by a particular example the floor modules can be hexagonal.
Neighboring floor modules can be coplanarly detachably attached to one another along their common peripheral edges and be secured by several support pedestals.
According to a further aspect of the disclosure there is a modular raised floor system comprising two or more raised floor modules, each comprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of support pedestals disposed between said base floor and a top floor, wherein said plurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting and leveling the base floor 1 above a bearing surface and for supporting said top floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor, with a service space extending between a top face of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor; and wherein any two raised floor modules are articulable to one another along their neighboring edges.
The arrangement is such that the raised floor modules are articulable to one another flush and coplanarly along their neighboring edges.
Articulation of a raised floor module to a neighboring raised floor module is facilitated by one or more support pedestals, each articulable to both said raised floor modules such that base floor articulating plate and the top floor support plate of the support pedestals ere articulable to the base floor and top floor, respectively, of the neighboring raised floor module.
The arrangement is such that at least three support pedestals are required for bearing at their respective bottom end over the bearing surface and for maintaining the top floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor. However, any number of additional support pedestals can be configured, wherein all or some serve for engaging the bearing surface and likewise all or some serve for maintaining the top floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor.
Any one or more of the following features designs and configurations can be applied to a modular floor system and a floor module according to any aspect of the disclosure, separately or in various combinations thereof:

- The base floor can be configured with a liquid drainage arrangement, configured for collecting and directing liquids within the service space;
- Each segment of the base floor can be configured with a liquid drainage arrangement directing any liquids to a common raised floor module collecting tray;
- The base floor can be made of, or at least have a liquid drainage arrangement, made of, or coated with, a liquid impermeable material;
- A top surface of the base floor can be configured with an inclined portion for directing liquids towards a draining port;
- The draining port of the base floor can extend to a draining dish;
- A top face of the base floor can be inclined with respect to a bottom face of the base floor;
- The top floor can be disposed parallel over the base floor;
- The floor tiles of the top floor can be independently removed for accessing the service space below;
- Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor can be disposed flush against one another;
- Neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor can be disposed at an overlapping configuration;
- Partition elements can extend between the top floor and the bottom floor, dividing the service space into segments;
- Each segment can be configured with an independent HVAC unit;
- A HVAC system can be configured as an air treating unit, e.g. for humidifying/drying air, filtering air, disinfecting air, etc.;
- The partition elements can be configured for gas-tight sealing the segments;
- A partition element can be a uniform board or configured of two or more coplanar boards;
- The partition elements can be configured with one or more weakened knock-out portions for creating one or more openings, for transferring cables, wiring and piping between neighboring segments;
- The a top edge and a bottom edge of the partition elements can be received within receiving recesses disposed at the top face of the base floor and the bottom face of the top floor respectively;
- The receiving recesses can extend along edges of the base floor and at a bottom face of the receiving frame;
- The top floor can be configured with one or more air intake/outlet ports;
- The one or more air intake/outlet ports can be covered;
- The width of the support ribs can be greater than the width of a partition wall mounted over a top face of the top floor, thus facilitating easy removal of a tile of the top floor;
- A partition wall can extend between any two columns; for example, a partition wall can extend peripherally (i.e. along boundaries of the top floor), radially, at different angles, intersecting one another, etc.;
- The support pedestals are configured with a leveling mechanism configured for height adjustment of the base floor articulating plate from a bottom end of a surface engaging end;
- The leveling mechanism can be a threaded rod rotatably secured by a nut articulated to the base floor articulating plate;
- The threaded rod can be rotated for level adjustment through an opening at a top of the support pedestal;
- The top floor support plate is spaced apart from the base floor articulating plate at a fixed distance;
- The top floor support plate is spaced apart from the base floor articulating plate by a support sleeve;
- The support sleeve can be integral with or integrated with one of the top floor support plate and the base floor articulating plate;
- A column can be detachably mounted over a support pedestal by one or more support rods, each having one end articulated to the support pedestal and an opposite end articulated to the column;
- The support rods can be slidingly articulated within receiving recesses configured at the support pedestal and at the column, respectively;
- The support rods can be slidingly articulated with the support pedestal and at the column by a dovetail coupling;
- A top face and a bottom face of the top floor can be interchangeably used;
- The top face of the top floor can be finished or can be coated by a finishing later. A finishing layer can be, by way of example, parquet, laminated material, carpet, mineral coatings, etc.;
- At least the top floor can be made of a rigid material configured not to bend or bounce under load applied thereover;
- A ramp can be applied to the raised floor module, said ramp can be articulated to the raised floor module through the top floor support plate;
- The raised floor module can be hexagonal, with radially extending sectors defined by the receiving frames, each said sector comprising one or more tiles;
- The raised floor module can be hexagonal, wherein tiles of the base floor are triangles and tiles of the top floor are isosceles triangles or a combinations of isosceles triangles and isosceles trapezoids;
- A top end of the support pedestals is flush with a top surface of the top floor;
- A top opening of the support pedestal can be configured with a cover, said cover disposed flush with a top surface of the top floor;
- The support pedestal can be a tubular element configured with at least a cutout facilitating passage of piping and cabling therethrough;
- The cutout can extend along the support pedestal;
- The support pedestals can have a hexagonal cross-section shape;
- The columns can have a cross section corresponding with that of the support pedestals;
- The columns can be configured with a lateral coupling arrangement for coupling thereto one or more utility elements;
- The lateral coupling arrangement can be one or more dovetail male/female couplers laterally extending along the column;
- Coupling members can be axially displaceable along the lateral coupling arrangement of the column;
- The coupling members can be coupler sheens snugly received through at least a portion of the support pedestal and through at least a portion of a column;
- Support members can be disposed within the service space, between a top surface of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor;
- The base floor and the top floor can be made of the same material or of different materials;
- A second floor module can be mounted over the columns of the raised floor module;
- A ceiling can be articulated to the columns of the raised floor module. The ceiling can be constructed at the top portion or at any desired height of the columns.

A liquid pump can be installed to remove from the service space liquids drained to the liquid collecting portion.
A sensor unit can be used to detect liquids drained to the liquid collecting portion and/or measure environmental and/or operational parameters/conditions associated with the raised floor module and generate measurement data associated therewith.
A control unit can be configured and operable to process the measurement data from the sensor unit and selectively generate responsive control signals for controlling the one or more environmental and/or operational parameters/conditions e.g., for operating a liquid pump for removing liquids from the service space, activating heating or cooling systems, and/or activating a scent sprayer/diffuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a top perspective view of a raised floor module according to an example of the disclosure, with partition walls articulated thereto;

FIG. 1B is the same as FIG. 1A, with several elements removed for sake of clarity;

FIG. 1C is the same as FIG. 1B, with additional elements removed for exposing further elements thereof;

FIG. 1D is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1E is a top planar view of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A illustrates only the raised floor module, with two floor tiles raised;

FIG. 2B is a section along line 2B-2B in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is an enlargement of the portion marked 2C in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 3A is a section along line 3A-3A in FIG. 1B, illustrating only the raised floor module and a portion of a column articulated thereto;

FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the portion marked 3B in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a section along line 3C-3C in FIG. 4C;

FIG. 3D is an enlarged view of the portion marked 3D in FIG. 1C;

FIG. 3E is an exploded view of a support pedestal according to the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a triangular segment of the raised floor module seen is in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 4B illustrates only the raised floor module of the triangular segment seen in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a partial exploded view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a complete exploded view of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged vie of the portion marked 5A in FIG. 1B;

FIG. 5B is an exploded view of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 is a section through the raised floor module segment along line 6A-6A in FIG. 4B;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are a perspective view and a top planar view, respectively, of a modular work space established over a raised floor module according to an example of the disclosure;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are a perspective view and a top planar view, respectively, of a modular divided work space established over a raised floor module according to an example of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modular individual work space established over a raised floor module according to an example of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a care-giving space established over a raised floor module according to an example of the disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the raised floor module used in the care-giving space of FIG. 10 ;

FIG. 11B is a section along line 11B-11B in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C is a section along line 11C-11C in FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of two articulated hexagonal raised floor modules of the type used in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 12B is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 12A;

FIGS. 13A to 13D are local sections taken along lines 13A-13A, 13B-13B, 13C-13C, and 13D-13D, respectively, in FIG. 12A;

FIGS. 14A to 14F show a raised floor module according to some possible embodiments; and

FIG. 15 illustrates an open space arrangement on a surface of a plurality raised floor modules according to possible embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 to 6 of the drawings, concerned with a raised floor module according to the disclosure, generally designated 20. In the illustrated example the raised floor module 20 is hexagonal, this being a mere example, whereas the raised floor module can assume any polygonal (regular, symmetric or not), or round, or hybrid shapes. Likewise, other elements of the raised floor module 20 have a corresponding hexagonal shape, as a result of present examples employing a hexagonal raised floor module.
The raised floor module 20 comprises a base floor 22 and a spaced apart top floor 24, giving rise to a service space 26 between a top face 32 of the base floor 22 and a bottom face 34 of the top floor 24. The distance between the base floor 22 and the top floor 24, namely the height of the service space 26, can be any, depending on design configuration and the intended use of the raised floor module 20, as will be explained hereinafter.
The raised floor module 20 comprises a plurality of support pedestals 40, which in the present example are disposed radially, with several peripheral support pedestals disposed at the periphery of the raised floor module, several intermediate support pedestals, and a central support pedestal. Said support pedestals 40 configured for supporting and leveling the base floor 22 above a bearing surface, such as top face 41 of construction concrete floor (schematically illustrated for example in FIGS. 3A to 3D) and for supporting said top floor 24 at a fixed spaced apart distance over said base floor 22, as will be explained herein after.
Referring with greater detail to the base floor 22 and the top floor 24, it can be seen that each is composed of a plurality of floor tiles (22 a, 22 b, . . . 22 i of the base floor 22, collectively referred to as 22 t; and 24 a, 24 b, . . . 24 i of the top floor 24, collectively referred to as 24 t). Additional elements of the raised floor module are illustrated an noticeable also in the remaining FIGS., to which reference is made.
Noting the hexagonal shape of the raised floor module 20, the floor tiles 22 t are isosceles triangles disposed coplanarly, with their respective vertex point facing inwardly towards the center of the hexagon, and wherein side edges 23 a and 23 b of the neighboring floor tiles 22 a and 22 b are disposed at a side-to-side arrangement, flush against one another (best seen in FIGS. 2B and 2C). Further noted, the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 have a flat bottom face 25 and a moderately inclined top face 27, inclined in direction towards the vertex point, as represented by an arrow marked V (the inclined top face 27 can be appreciated in FIG. 6 ). it is noted however that either of both the base floor 22 and the top floor 24 can be configured with reinforcing ribs and formations (not shown), rendering the floor tiles strength. Further noted e.g. in FIGS. 3D, 4B, 4D, the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 are configured at their vertex portion with a drain port 44 (at a lowermost portion of the top face 27), which at an assembled position is configured for liquid drainage into a draining dish 48 (FIG. 4B) common to several floor tiles 22 f wherein any liquid within the service space 26 can drain through the drain ports 44 into the draining dish 48, from where it can be removed (e.g. to a sewer line; not shown).
Each of the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 is configured at the respective corners (vertex and base) and at one or more locations along the respective sides, with coupling latches 50 with a downward facing anchoring hook (best seen in FIG. 6 and in FIGS. 13B an 13D), for detachable articulation with base floor articulating plate of the support pedestal as will be explained herein below.
As for the floor tiles 24 t of the top floor 24, these are composed of equilateral triangles 54 and isosceles trapezoids 56, giving rise to a triangular shape complimentary with the isosceles triangular shape of the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22. The trapezoids 56 are configured with several (two in the example) air intake/outlet ports 60 which in turn are connectable to air intake and outlet conduits 62 (FIG. 1C) of a HVAC system generally designated 64 and likewise also an air treating unit, e.g. for humidifying/drying air, filtering air, disinfecting air, etc., wherein said HVAC system and air treating unit 64 is received within the service space 26. However, according to other options, the HVAC system and air treating unit can be remote from the raised floor module 20 and connected thereto by suitable ductwork (not shown). It is appreciated that the one or more air intake/outlet ports 60 can be configured by suitable flaps (not shown) for closing and directing the air flow).
Whilst the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 are disposed at a side-to-side flush configuration, the floor tiles 24 t of the top floor 24, namely the equilateral triangles 54 and isosceles trapezoids 56 are configured at their bottom face with a peripheral anchor latch in the form of a rim 65, wherein the top floor tiles 24 t are fitted for laying over a receiving frame 66 a and 66 b respectively, retaining the top floor tiles at their respective position. The receiving frames 66 a and 66 b are made of strong, rigid material and are each configured with a peripheral supporting recess 70 for receiving and supporting the peripheral anchor latch (rim) 65 of the top floor tiles 24 t by an articulating openings 67 disposed at the respective ends of each frame and at some center locations, as will be discussed herein after. In turn, as will be explained hereinafter, the receiving frames 66 a and 66 b are supported over a top floor support plate of several support pedestals 40. In the illustrated example, the top floor tiles 54 and 56 bear over two receiving frames 66 a and 66 b, however it is appreciated that a uniform receiving frame can be configured(not shown), and even more so, a uniform receiving frame can be configured for supporting all the tiles of a top floor (not shown).
It is noted that the base floor 22 and the top floor 24, namely the respective floor tiles 22 t and 24 t can be made of any rigid, durable material, such as polymeric material, metals, wood, composite materials and combinations thereof. Advantageously, the base floor 22 and the top floor 24 are made of liquid impermeable material. Furthermore, the top face of the top floor tiles 24 t can be finished or can be coated by a finishing later. A finishing layer can be, by way of example, parquet, laminated material, carpeting, mineral coatings, etc.
Depending on the intended use of the raised floor module, its size and shape, the raised floor module can be used as a whole, without portioning, or it can be partitioned into segments. Such segments can extend at a single raised floor module or at a modular raised floor system comprising several raised floor module coextending and coplanarly attached to one another (FIGS. 8A, 8B, 10, 11A, 12A), as will be disused hereinafter. Regardless, or in confirmation with the partitions extending over the top floor, the service space 26 can be divided/partitioned into segments, each of which can be air-tight and can be configured with an independent HVAC system and air treating unit 64, or sharing some components thereof. Such partitioning takes place by modular partition elements 74 extending from a top surface of the respective base floor and a bottom surface of the top floor, said partition elements also providing additional support to the top floor, and some thermal and acoustic isolation between the segments.
The partition elements 74 are thin boards supported within receiving slots 76 and 78 at the bottom surface of the top floor 24 and top surface of the base floor 22, respectively. The partition elements 74 can be uniform boards or composed of two coplanar boards (74 a and 74 b) configured with one or more weakened, knock-out portions 80 a and 80 b, for creating one or more openings, for transferring cables, wiring and piping between neighboring segments (71 in FIG. 1B and 62 in FIG. 1C), as well as transfer of cables and wiring (power, telecommunication, etc.). The arrangement is such that circular, or hemi-circular openings can be performed through the partition elements 74 a and 74 b, the size and shape of which being determined by the knock-out portion removed.
Further attention is now directed to the support pedestal 40, its assembly and how it functions. As can be seen, best in the exploded view of FIG. 3E, the support pedestal 40 comprises a support sleeve 90 of hexagonal cross section and with one longitudinal face 92 opened or completely removed. Other faces of the sleeve 90 are configured with longitudinal coupling grooves 94, e.g. dove-tail style grooves. A base coupler 98 is configured with a hexagonal floor articulating plate 100 and a tubular nut portion 102, wherein the perimeter of the a floor articulating plate 100 conforms with the external hexagonal perimeter of the sleeve 90, and the external cross section of the nut portion 102 conforms with the inside cross section of the sleeve 90, the former configured for snug receiving within the later. The floor articulating plate 100 is configured with six openings 111 corresponding with longitudinal coupling grooves 94 of sleeve 90. It is appreciated that the length of the sleeve 90 determines the height of the service space 26 and thus uniform sleeves 90 ensure that the top floor 24 is parallel over the base floor 22.
A plurality of spacers 113 are provided, for introducing into gaps between a top face of the floor articulating plate 100 and a bottom face of the sleeve 90 (at the event that such a space is not occupied by a coupling latch 50 of a floor tile 22 t.
The inside walls 106 of the nut portion 102 are hexagonal too and are configured for receiving and arresting a nut 110 in a snug, motion-free fashion. A threaded rod 112 is screw received through the nut 110, the rod 112 configured with a surface engaging end 116 at a bottom end thereof, and a polygonal manipulating head 119 projecting through the nut portion 102, though within the sleeve 90.
A top floor support plate 120, in the form of a hexagonal ring has a cross section corresponding with that of the sleeve 90, and is configured with six openings 122 corresponding with longitudinal coupling grooves 94 of sleeve 90. A cover member 124 is provided with six engaging legs 126 corresponding with longitudinal coupling grooves 94 of sleeve 90 and with openings 122, whereby the cover 124 can be snapped to cover the top of plate 120. A plurality of spacers 122 are provided, for introducing into gaps between a top face of the top floor support plate 120 and a bottom face of the cover member 124 (at the event that such a space is not occupied by a coupling latch 65 of a receiving frame 66 a or 66 b.
In use, it is first desired to level the base floor 22 above a bearing surface, such as top face 41 of construction concrete floor (schematically illustrated for example in FIGS. 3A to 3D). Accordingly, the floor tiles 22 t of the base floor 22 are placed in order and positioned such that the coupling latches 50 are received within the corresponding openings 111 of the floor articulating plate 100. Where a latch 50 is not mounted (e.g. at the peripheral support pedestals 40) a spacer 113 is introduced. Once a base floor is erected, it can be leveled (though leveling can take place at any sage of assembling the raised floor module 20, through the top opening of the support pedestal). Leveling takes place by using a hex—hand tool (not shown) through the top end of sleeve 90 and rotating the polygonal manipulating head 119 such that the threaded rod retracts or extends from a bottom of the support pedestal 40, with surface engaging end 116 bearing over the surface until satisfactory leveling is obtained throughout the array of support pedestal 40 (for that purpose, a level can be used, optionally integrated with at least the base floor tiles.
Once the base floor 22 is erected, the service space 26 is constructed with any HVAC system and air treating unit, as well as ductwork, cabling and wiring, though well it is appreciated that the service space 26 is fully accessible through the top floor at any time.
Then, the receiving frames 66 a and 66 b are positioned and articulated to the support pedestals 40, by positioning openings 67 of the receiving frames 66 a and 66 b over the top surface of ring 120. Now, if no column is to be erected from the support pedestal 40, than the receiving frames 66 a and 66 b are articulated to the support pedestal 40 by legs 126 of the cover member snappingly introduced coaxially through the receiving frames 66 a and 66 b, the ring 10 and the sleeve 90. However, at the event that a column (e.g. columns 140), then a plurality of coupling sheens 144 are used (seen in FIGS. 3A and 4C), as will be explained. For that purpose, the columns used have a polygonal cross section shape corresponding with that of the support pedestal 40 (hexagonal in the present example), and with one longitudinal face 145 comprising openings or completely removed. Other faces of the column 140 are configured with longitudinal coupling grooves 146, e.g. dove-tail style grooves. For erecting the columns 140, several coupling sheens 144 are used, these being snugly received (by sliding) into the longitudinal coupling grooves 94 of sleeve 90 of the support pedestal 40, having a top end projecting above the top floor 24. Then, the column 140 is mounted over the support pedestal 40 such that coupling sheens 144 are snugly received within the with longitudinal coupling grooves 146.
Once the columns 140 are erect and stabilized, partition walls 150 can be articulated to the columns 140, by a plurality of wall couplers 154 fixedly engageable within the longitudinal coupling grooves 146 of the column 140, and the partition wall can be secured thereto. A top cover 148 can be fitted over the top of the column 140.
Further, any one or more utility elements can be fixed to or on the columns 140, such as storage units, shelving, tables, seats, electric wiring, telecom systems and wiring, HVAC elements (e.g. air outlet ports, air intake ports, all extending through the hollow column), lighting, fluid flow lines, etc., whereby any port (electrical, telecom, etc.) can be fitted at the longitudinal open face 145. For example, a column can carry one or more electric sockets (182 in FIG. 5A), an illuminating unit, communication sockets of various types, switches and controls, an air intake for suction of air/gases from a work space, air outlet for discharge of treated air, etc., (designated 182 in FIG. 5A). The arrangement is such that the pipes, conduits, cables and wiring (collectively represented by tubular part 187 in FIGS. 4C and 4D) pass through the hollow columns 140, extend into the hollow support pedestals 40 and then into the service space 26, from where these can be coupled/connected to external systems.
It is further noted that the thickness of a partition wall 150 substantially does not exceed the thickness of a receiving frame, whereby any floor tile 24 t (namely tiles 54 and 56) can be easily placed/removed without the wall posing an obstacle.
Further examples of employing a raised floor module and of modular raised floor systems are disclosed in FIGS. 7 to 13 , however wherein the principal features of the disclosure, as discussed hereinabove, apply to all examples and embodiments of the disclosure, and wherein like elements are designated with same reference numbers.
In FIGS. 7A and 7B there is illustrated a modular work space generally designated 200, comprising a raised floor module as discussed hereinabove, partially surrounded by walls 150, and further wherein a central table 204 is mounted over a central column 206. Though not illustrated, partition walls can be mounted so as to divide the work space into two or more separate work stations, each fitted with an allocated air treating system and any other utility elements as may be required (electric power, telecommunications, etc.).
The example of FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate three raised floor modules articulated to one another, each comprising two work stations 210, isolated from the work stations at the neighboring raised floor module by walls 150, and each being self supplied with utility elements as may be required.
In FIG. 9 there is illustrated a work station 214 erected over a raised floor module according to the disclosure, the work station configured with side walls 150, a desk 216 and a shelving system 218 articulated to the columns 140.
In FIG. 10 there is illustrated a care enclosure 220 (e.g. medical care enclosure), with surrounding high walls 222, and two swing door 224. The care enclosure is fully supplied with gas/air supply/suction, electric and communication coupling, illumination and if required, a ceiling can easily articulated over the columns 140, rendering the care enclosure suitable for fast establishing of unitary, isolated, care stations. Also noted, the care enclosure 220 is configured with a ramp, said ramp articulated to the raised floor module through the support pedestal.
FIGS. 11A to 11C illustrate a modular raised floor system 240 of the type used for example in the example of FIG. 10 , wherein the modular raised floor system comprises a hexagonal raised floor module 242 articulated to a triangular raised floor module 244, said articulation carried out as discussed hereinabove.
FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a modular raised floor system 250 comprising two hexagonal raised floor modules 252 and 254, articulated to one another as discussed hereinabove, exemplifying that the size and shape of a modular raised floor system is unlimited, and wherein FIGS. 13A to 13D illustrate some of the features of the present disclosure, as already discussed herein above.
FIGS. 14A to 14D show a raised floor module 88 according to some possible embodiments. The structure of the raised floor module 88 is similar in many aspects to the raised floor module 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 13 . Accordingly, the following description will concentrate on the main differences between these embodiments.
FIG. 14A shows the raised floor module 88 without two of its top floor tiles 24 q, with two elevated top floor tiles 24 q, and with two of its top floor tiles 24 q assembled in the floor module 88. Each top floor tile 24 q comprises a triangular portion 54 having a free vertex 4 a assembled near the center of the floor module 88, and a trapezoidal portion 56 extending outwardly from the base of the triangular portion 54 that is opposite to its free vertex 4 a. At least some of the trapezoidal portions 56 of the raised floor module 88 comprises one or more intake/outlet ports 60 formed adjacent to its outermost base 4 b. In this example the intake/outlet ports 60 are in a form of two elongated slits extending parallel to the outermost base 4 b, but other configurations are also contemplated.
In some embodiments the triangular and trapezoidal portions, 54 and 56 respectively, of at least some of the top floor tiles 24 q are configured to form a unitary generally rectangular-shape floor tile i.e., forming an integral continuous floor tile 24 q extending from the free vertex 4 a to the outermost bas 4 b. In this specific and non-limiting example, the raised floor module 88 comprises six (6) top floor tiles 24 q, thereby forming a hexagonal-shaped floor module. It is however noted that in possible embodiments the top floor 24 of the raised floor module 88 can be configured to include more (or less) than six (6) top floor tiles 24 q.
The base floor 22 of the raised floor module 88 comprises a polygonal-shaped central base component 45, and a plurality of peripheral trapezoidal base components 43, wherein each trapezoidal base component 43 extends outwardly from a respective edge of the central base component 45. In this example the central base component 45 is a hexagonally-shaped element assembled substantially parallel to, and overlapping with, the triangular portions 54 the six (6) top floor tiles 24 q of the top floor 24.
The central and peripheral base components, 43 and 45, are configured to attach (e.g., by screws) to a plurality of support members 46. Each vertex of the central base component 45 can be configured to attach to a respective support member 46, an additional base floor support members 46 can be attached at a center of the central base component 45. Each peripheral trapezoidal base components 43 can be attached to two of the support members 46 at the vertices of the respective edge of the central base component 45 from which the peripheral trapezoidal base components 43 outwardly extends, and to three other support members 46 distributed along its outermost edge. In this example, two of the support members 46 are attached to the vertices of the outermost edge of the trapezoidal base components 43, and a third support member 46 is attached to a midpoint thereof. In this configuration each peripheral trapezoidal base component 43 shares two of its support members 46 at the vertices of each of its sides with another one of the trapezoidal base components 43.
Each top floor tile 24 q is configured to snugly fit in a respective triangular-shaped opening 88 p formed by three respective receiving frame portions 42. As better seen in FIG. 14B, each receiving frame portion 42 comprises two arms 42 a extending in opposite directions from a central attachment component 42 c of the receiving frame portion 42. A central opening 42 p can be provided in the central attachment component 42 c for passage of cables/conduits and/or a column (140 in FIG. 14A). Each central attachment component 42 c is configured to attach to a respective support sleeve 90 (e.g., by screws), optionally over a respective shim element 90 a.
With reference to FIG. 14C, the arm 42 a of the receiving frame portion 42 comprises a central partition 42 t projecting upwardly from the arm's surface for partitioning between adjacently assembled top floor tiles 24 q (not shown). A bottom rail 42 r extending downwardly from the arm 42 a can be used to receive and hold a respective partition element 74 of the floor module 88. In some embodiments, the free end of each arm 42 a comprises a half connector element 42 i configured to mate/join with a half connector element 42 i of another arm 42 a, to thereby construct a full connector configured to be received and held by an attachment bore 90 n of the support sleeve 90. Optionally, the attachment of the connector elements 42 i to their respective attachment bore 90 n is obtained over a shim element 90 a.
As also seen in FIG. 14C, in possible embodiments the support sleeves 90 are configured to attach to the support members 46 by a plurality of connectors 46 c protruding upwardly from an upper surface thereof. The connectors 46 c are configured to be received and held by a respective plurality of receiving bores (not shown) formed in at the bottom side of the support sleeves 90. As seen, at least some of the connectors 46 c are passed through respective securing holes 45 h, and optionally also via a shim element 90 a, before they are received and held in the receiving bores (not shown) of the support sleeves 90.
FIG. 14D illustrates assembly of a peripheral trapezoidal base component 43 to the central base component 45, and of one top floor tile 24 q thereover by support sleeves 90 and receiving frame portions 42. The support sleeves 90 can have a polygonal cross-sectional shape, which in this specific example is hexagonal, having formed at each of its vertical edges an elongated groove 90 r configured to receive and hold an edge of a partition element 74. This way, the partition elements 74 can be assembled in the floor module 88 by simply sliding their lateral edges in elongate grooves of two previously assembled and adjacently located support sleeves 90.
As also seen in FIG. 14E, the central base component 45 can be configured to form a liquid-sink pond having peripheral elevated edges 45 w extending upwardly from each of its edges. For example, as better seen in FIG. 14D, the upper face of the central base component 45 comprises in some embodiments a plurality of inclined surfaces 45 f gradually sloping downwardly from the elevated edges 45 w of the central base component 45, towards a central surface 45 e thereof. The trapezoidal base components 43 can be similarly configured with an inclined upper face gradually sloping from their major (outermost) edges downwardly towards the central base component 45. This way, all liquids getting to the base floor 22 are drained from the trapezoidal base components 43 towards the inclined surfaces 45 f of the central base component 45, and therefrom towards the central surface 45 e of the central base component 45.
The central surface 45 e of the central base component 45 is configured to form in some embodiments a central socket 45 c configured to receive one of the support members 46. Optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, a liquid pump 45 p is provided to remove the liquids drained to the central surface 45 e of the central base component 45. A liquid sensor 45 s can be used for controlled activation of the liquid pump 45 p whenever drained liquids are thereby detected at the central surface 45 e of the central base component 45, and/or whenever the level of the drained liquids in greater than some predefined acceptable liquid level.
As also seen in FIG. 14D, in some embodiments each support member 46 is engaged with a respective threaded rod 112 configured for leveling the floor module 88 with respect to a bearing surface (e.g., top face 41 in FIG. 3B) on which the floor module 88 is disposed. Optionally, but in some embodiments preferably, an elongated gasket 74 g is provided over the bottom edge of each modular partition element 74. The elongated gasket 74 g can be configured to prevent passage of liquids from one side of the modular partition element 74 to the other, and/or to provide some level of resiliency between the top floor 24 and the base floor 22 of the raised floor module 88.
Each vertex of the central base component 45 comprises in some embodiments a partial socket 45 k configured to form a full socket when mated with partial sockets 43 k of two peripheral trapezoidal base components 43 for receiving and holding a respective support member 46 thereinside. Each support member 46 can be engaged with a respective threaded rod 112 for leveling the raised floor module 88, as will be explained hereinbelow in details.
The support sleeve 90 may have a vertical 90 g for passage of wires, cables, conduits, and suchlike therethrough, from the base floor 22 to the top floor 24. In some embodiments the support sleeves 90 are provided with such preformed opening(s) 90 g, while in other possible embodiments the support sleeves are provided with cut lines (not shown) configured for fast and easy removal of some portion thereof for onsite formation of the opening(s) 90 g, whenever needed, during the constructions of the raised floor module 88.
FIG. 14F is a sectional view of a central region of the raised floor module 88, showing the central socket 45 c formed in the central surface 45 e of the central base component 45 with its support member 46. The threaded rod 112 is also seen engaged in threaded neck portion 46 r of the support member 46 for levelling the floor module. Particularly, the tool engagement socket 2 s of the threaded rod 112 accessed with a levelling tool (e.g., Allen driver) by removing the cover member 124 of the support sleeve 90. The threaded rod 112 can be then rotated clockwise, or counterclockwise for levelling the central base component 45. Similar levelling operations can be carried out with each threaded rod 112 of each support sleeve 90 of the raised floor module 88.
FIG. 15 illustrates an open space arrangement 89 constructed on a surface of a plurality raised floor modules 88 according to possible embodiments. The open space arrangement 89 exemplifies that the spaces formed on the plurality raised floor modules 88 are not limited to the shape of the raised floor modules 88 i.e., to hexagonal shapes, and that the design of the spaces of such open space arrangements 89 is flexible and can be configured to form almost any desirous shape.
In some embodiments at least some, or all, of the raised floor modules 88 comprises a sensor unit 45 s′ are a communication module 45 m (with or without the liquid pump 45 p). In possible embodiments, the sensor unit 45 s′ comprises at least one of a liquid sensor (45 s in FIG. 14D), and/or a temperature sensor (not shown), and/or a humidity sensor (not shown), and/or odor sensor (not shown), or any other sensor devices usable of sensing environmental parameters associated with the open space arrangement 89. The communication modules 45 m of each raised floor modules 88 can be configured to communicate (wirelessly and/or over communication wires/bus) signals/data with communication modules 45 m of other raised floor modules 88, and/or with a central control unit 91, concerning operational information, conditions, and/or state of the floor module as measured by their sensor units 45 s′ e.g., usable for monitoring and control of the open space arrangement 89.
The control unit 91 can utilize a communication interface 91 f, one or more processors 91 p and memories 91 r, configured and operable to receive and process signals/data from the communication modules 45 m of the raised floor modules 88, issue alerts if irregular measurement signals/data are received from one or more the sensor units 45 s′, present related status/conditions data on a display device (not shown), and or generate respective control signals to activate one or more of the liquid pumps, adjust heating/cooling (not shown), ventilation (not shown), and/or fragrance/scent sprayer/diffuser, according to the measurement data received from one or more of the sensor units 45 s′.

Claims

1. A raised floor module comprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of support pedestals disposed between said base floor and a top floor, wherein said plurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting and leveling the base floor above a bearing surface and for supporting said top floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor, thereby forming a service space extending between a top face of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor, and wherein said base floor has an inclined surface configured to drain liquids within said service space towards a liquid collecting portion, for removing liquids from said service space.

2. The raised floor module of claim 1, configurable for interacting with neighboring disposed raised floor modules coplanarly detachably attached thereto along common peripheral edges and secured by several support pedestals.

3. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein one or more of the support pedestals has a top connectivity portion, configured for articulating thereto a column projecting from a top face of the top floor and configured to connect to one or more partition walls.

4. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein a column is articulated over a support pedestal, said column configurable for modular attaching thereto a variety of utility elements.

5. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein one or both of the base floor and the top floor of the floor module are configured of one or more coplanar floor tiles.

6. The raised floor module of claim 5, wherein neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor are detachably attachable at conjoining locations to a base floor articulating plate of a support pedestal.

7. The raised floor module of claim 5, wherein the floor tiles of the top floor are laid in one or more receiving frames retaining the floor tiles at their respective position, said one or more receiving frames configured for being supported over a top floor support plate of several support pedestals.

8. The raised floor module of claim 7, wherein neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the top floor are spaced apart by support ribs of the receiving frames, and wherein a width of the support ribs is greater than a width of a partition wall mounted over a top face of the top floor, thus facilitating easy removal of a tile of the top floor.

9. The raised floor module of claim 6, wherein the base floor is configured with latches for detachable articulation with the base floor articulating plate of the support pedestal.

10. The raised floor module of claim 7, wherein the top floor and the receiving frame are configured with latches for detachable articulation with the top floor support plate of the support pedestal.

11. (canceled)

12. The raised floor module of claims 2, 6 and 7, wherein articulation of the raised floor module to a neighboring raised floor module is facilitated by one or more support pedestals, each articulable to both said raised floor modules such that the base floor articulating plate and the top floor support plate of the support pedestals are articulable to the base floor and top floor, respectively, of the neighboring raised floor module.

13. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein segments of the base floor is configured with a liquid drainage arrangement directing any liquids to a common raised floor module collecting tray.

14. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein the base floor is made of, or at least has a liquid drainage arrangement, made of, or coated with, a liquid impermeable material.

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein a top face of the base floor is inclined with respect to a bottom face of the base floor.

18. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein the top floor is disposed parallel over the base floor.

19. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein floor tiles of the top floor are independently removable for accessing the service space below.

20. The raised floor module of claim 19, wherein neighboring edges of the floor tiles of the base floor are disposed flush against one another or at an overlapping configuration.

21. (canceled)

22. The raised floor module of claim 1, where partition elements are configurable between the top floor and the bottom floor, dividing the service space into segments.

23. The raised floor module of claim 22, wherein each segment is configured with an independent HVAC unit.

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein the support pedestals are configured with a leveling mechanism rotatably secured by a nut articulated to the base floor articulating plate and configured for height adjustment of the base floor articulating plate from a bottom end of a surface engaging end or through an opening at a top of the support pedestal.

28. (canceled)

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. The raised floor module of claim 12, wherein the top floor support plate is spaced apart from the base floor articulating plate by a support sleeve.

32. The raised floor module of claim 3, wherein a column is detachably mountable over a support pedestal by one or more support rods, each having one end articulated to the support pedestal and an opposite end articulated to the column.

33. The raised floor module of claim 32, wherein the support rods are slidingly articulated within receiving recesses configured at the support pedestal and at the column, respectively.

34. The raised floor module of claim 32, wherein the support rods are slidingly articulated with the support pedestal and at the column by a dovetail coupling.

35. (canceled)

36. The raised floor module of claim 1 comprising radially extending sectors defined by the receiving frames, each said sector comprising one or more tiles configured to form a hexagonal shape.

37. The raised floor module of claim 1, wherein a top end of the support pedestals is flush with a top surface of the top floor.

38. (canceled)

39. The raised floor module of claim 3, wherein the columns are configured with at least one of the following: a lateral coupling arrangement for coupling thereto one or more utility elements; coupler sheens snugly received through at least a portion of the support pedestal and through at least a portion of a column and used as coupling members; and/or support members disposed within the service space, between a top surface of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor.

40. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

42. The raised floor module of claim 1 comprising a liquid pump configured to remove from the service space liquids drained to the liquid collecting portion.

43. The raised floor module of claim 1 comprising a sensor unit configured to detect liquids drained to the liquid collecting portion and/or measure environmental and/or operational parameters/conditions associated with the raised floor module and generate measurement data associated therewith.

44. The raised floor module of claim 43 comprising a control unit configured and operable to process the measurement data from the sensor unit and selectively generate responsive control signals for at least one of the following: controlling the one or more environmental and/or operational parameters/conditions; operating a liquid pump for removing liquids from the service space; activating heating or cooling systems; and/or activating a scent sprayer/diffuser.

45. (canceled)

46. A modular raised floor system comprising two or more raised floor modules, each comprising a base floor and a top floor, with a plurality of support pedestals disposed between said base floor and a top floor, wherein said plurality of support pedestals are configured for supporting and leveling the base floor above a bearing surface and for supporting said top floor at a spaced apart relation over said base floor, thereby forming a service space extending between a top face of the base floor and a bottom face of the top floor; and wherein any two raised floor modules are articulable to one another along their neighboring edges, and wherein said base floor has an inclined surface configured to drain liquids within said service space towards a liquid collecting portion, for removing liquids from said service space.

47. (canceled)