Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention is concerned with a floor member retention apparatus. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a retention apparatus to secure paving or decking against a pedestal or rail for the prevention of wind lift.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of external floor systems, wind lift is a problem. High speed winds across the upper surface of floor members such as paving slabs reduces the static pressure on the surface. The reduction in static pressure tends to exert a lifting force on the slab, which once weight is overcome can move the slab in an upwards direction. Once the slab is lifted, and the underside exposed, it is acted on by the wind to further lift it out of position.

[0003] This problem is exacerbated by the position of the floor in exposed conditions- for example on balconies or terraces.

[0004] Evidently the movement of paving slabs is best avoided. It is an aim of the present invention to overcome, or at least mitigate, this problem.

Summary of Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a floor member retention apparatus (100; 200; 300) comprising: a floor member support (102; 302) for supporting a floor member, the support comprising a support surface; a floor member (12a, 12b; 22a, 22b) being supported on the support surface of the floor member; a retention assembly (108; 356) comprising: a retention member (138; 360) engaged with the floor member; and, a tension member (132; 358) configured to form a tensile load path between the retention member and the floor member support, to restrict movement of the floor member away from the floor member support. [0006] Advantageously, the present invention acts to secure the floor members (such as slabs) in a downward position against the force of the wind.

[0007] Preferably the floor member comprises a recess defined on a sidewall thereof, and wherein the retention member engages the recess.

[0008] Preferably the tension member forms a load path to the floor member support via a threaded connection to allow the tension member to be adjusted in an axial sense by rotation thereof.

[0009] Preferably a plurality of floor members including the floor member, the plurality of floor members is simultaneously engaged by the retention member, wherein the plurality of floor members define a gap therebetween and wherein the tension member can be access via the gap.

[0010] Preferably the tension member has a socket head configured to receive a tool.

[001 1 ] Preferably the retention member comprises an opening receiving part ofthe tension member.

[0012] Preferably the retention member can move freely on the tension member, and the retention member is held against a head of the tension member by a positioning member.

[0013] Preferably the positioning member is a resilient member configured to urge the retention member against the tension member head.

[0014] Preferably the positioning member is a compression spring surrounding the tension member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the floor member support is a pedestal having a foot, and a support portion extending from the foot, the support surface defined on the support portion.

[0016] Preferably the support surface defines a female thread, and the tension member defines a male thread engaged with the female thread of the support surface.

[0017] Preferably the support surface comprises at least one deformable tab extending therefrom, the at least one deformable tab forming an abutment for and edge of the floor member. [0018] Preferably there is provided an edge bracket engaged with the pedestal, the edge bracket having an upturned flange abutment for an edge of the floor member.

[0019] Preferably the upturned flange abutment comprises a return to hook an edge of the floor member.

[0020] Preferably the edge bracket comprises at least one hook portion engaging the support surface.

[0021 ] Preferably the support surface comprises two adjacent edges, and wherein the edge bracket comprises two hook formations for engaging each of the two adjacent edges.

[0022] In another embodiment, the floor member support is a rail having a channel formed therein, the channel having an overhanging portion, wherein the retention assembly comprises a base plate engaged with the channel, the base plate connected to the tension member, the tension member extending from the channel.

[0023] Preferably the tension member is in threaded connection with the base plate.

[0024] Preferably the base plate can be moved axially along the rail within the channel.

[0025] Preferably the rail comprises at least one cushioning member between the support surface and the floor member.

[0026] Preferably the retention member comprises a plurality of wings extending therefrom.

[0027] Preferably the wings are angled out of the plane of the retention member.

[0028] Preferably the wings are angled out of the plane of the recess.

[0029] Preferably the wings are angled downwardly towards the floor in use.

[0030] Preferably the wings are equal in width.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0031 ] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first floor support system having a first floor member retention apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the first floor support system of Figure 1 with floor members omitted;

FIGURE 3 is a detailed perspective view of part of the first floor support system of Figure 1 with floor members omitted;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a second floor support system comprising the first floor member retention apparatus in accordance with the present invention and an edge / corner bracket;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the second floor support system of Figure 4 with floor members omitted;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a part of the system of Figure 4;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective of the second floor support system in a different configuration;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a third floor support system having a second floor member retention apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 8;

FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of a part of the apparatus of Figure 8;

FIGURE 1 1 is a perspective view of a third floor member retention apparatus in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 12 is a perspective view of a fourth floor support system having the floor member retention apparatus of Figure 1 1 ;

FIGURE 13 is a perspective view of a fourth floor member retention apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIGURES 14 & 15 are a perspective views of a fifth floor support system having the floor member retention apparatus of Figure 13.

Description of the first embodiment

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a floor member support and retention apparatus 100 in accordance with the present invention. Configuration

[0033] The apparatus 100 comprises a pedestal 102 having a base 104, a support 106, a locking nut 107 and a retainer assembly 108.

[0034] The base 104 comprises a flat, planar plate 1 10 which is square in shape. The plate comprises a plurality of through-bores 1 1 1. At the centre of the plate 1 10 there is provided a shaft 1 12 extending along a pedestal axis PA. The shaft 1 12 has an external threaded portion (not visible).

[0035] The support 106 comprises a shaft 1 14 having an internal threaded portion (not visible). At the upper end of the shaft 1 14 there is provided a support plate 120. The support plate 120 is a flat, square member having four sides 122a, b, c, d and four corners 124a, b, c, d. Proximate each corner there are provided U-shaped cutouts 126a, b, c, d facing outwardly. Each U-shaped cutout defines a tab 128a, b, c, d which (as shown) is deformed upwardly to an angle approaching 90 degrees (normal) to the plate 120. At the centre of the plate 120 there is provided a female threaded bore 130.

[0036] The locking nut 107 is ring-shaped having an external grip formation 1 16 with a plurality of circumferentially spaced tabs 1 18. It is internally threaded.

[0037] Referring to Figure 3, the retainer assembly 108 is shown in more detail. It comprises a retainer screw 132 in the form of a socket head cap screw. The screw 132 has a threaded shaft 134 and a head 136. A retainer plate 138 is provided. The retainer plate 138 is rectangular in form having an upper surface 140, a lower surface 142 and a central plain bore 144. A compression spring 146 is provided having an inner diameter greater than the screw 132.

[0038] Two paving slabs 12a, 12b are shown in Figure 1. Each slab is generally planar having an upper surface 14, a lower surface 16 and four sidewalls 18. In two opposite sidewalls channels 20 are created. The channels 20 are positioned above the midway point of the sidewall 18- i.e. closer to the upper surface 14 than the lower surface 16.

Assembly

[0039] The pedestal 102 is constructed by first th reading the locking nut 107 on to the base shaft 1 12. The support shaft 1 14 is then threaded onto the base shaft 1 12 and rotated to the desired height of the pedestal (i.e., the distance between the lower surface of the plate 1 10 and the upper surface of the plate 120). The locking nut 107 is rotated until it abuts the end of the support shaft 1 14, thereby locking the pedestal at the desired position.

[0040] The screw 132 is inserted into the plate 138 through the bore 144 such that the head 136 rests on the upper surface 140. The spring 146 is fed over the shaft 134 such that it abuts the underside of the plate 138. The screw 134 is then engaged with the bore 130 and rotated in threaded engagement such that the spring is compressed between the upper surface of the support plate 120 and the retainer plate 138.

Use

[0041 ] The pedestal 102 is positioned on an underlying surface 10 such as a balcony or terrace substrate. It may be attached thereto via openings 1 1 1.

[0042] The desired height is determined by rotating the support 106 relative to the base 104. Once the desired height is reached, the locking nut is used to secure the pedestal and the paving slabs 12a, 12b are positioned on the upper surface of the support plate 120. The slabs 12a, 12b are positioned such that the retainer plate 138 enters the channels 20. Two further slabs (not shown) are provided opposite the slabs 12a, 12b such that four slab corners are supported on the pedestal 102.

[0043] It will be noted that the sidewalls 18 each abut the tabs 128a - d, keeping them evenly spaced, and creating a "+" shaped gap between the four slabs, at the apex of which a tool can be inserted into the head of the screw 136.

[0044] Once the slabs are in position, the screw 136 is tightened. This pulls the plate 138 into engagement with the lower surface of each channel 20 which in turn provides a downward force on the slabs to secure them against the pedestal 102.

[0045] The present invention therefore prevents the slabs from being lifted by e.g., wind loading.

Description of the second embodiment

[0046] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, there is shown a floor member support and retention apparatus 200 in accordance with the present invention. Configuration

[0047] The apparatus 200 comprises all features of the apparatus 100 with the addition of an edge bracket 202. The edge bracket (shown in detail in Figures 5 and 6) is constructed from a piece of flat, deformed sheet metal material. It comprises a base 204 which is elongate and generally rectangular. At a first end there is provided an end flange 206 having a return 208. At a second end the base 204 terminates in a convex "V" shape having a first hook formation 210 and a second hood formation 212, the hook formations each defining a respective flange 214, 216 and return 218, 220. The hook formations 210, 212 extend to an opposite side of the base 204 to the flange 206. An elongate slot 222 is provided extending along the length of the base 204, in the centre.

Assembly

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, two tabs 128a, 128c are upturned. The remaining tabs 128b, 128d are flattened (or left flat) flush with the plate 120. The bracket 202 is positioned with the tabs 128a, 128c engaging the slot 222. The bracket 202 is lowered onto the plate 120 such that it extends across corners. The bracket 202 is slid into position to engage two adjacent edges of the plate 120 in the hook formations 212, 214.

Use

[0049] Referring to Figure 4, a first slab 12a is shown positioned on the pedestal 102 with the bracket 202 in position. The end of the slab 12a is engaged against the flange 206 and retained by the return 208. The plate 138 engages the groove 20 as above, although it engages partway along the slab 12a, rather than in the corner.

[0050] A further slab is positioned on the opposite side of the retainer assembly to the slab 12a. As previously, the tabs 128a, 128c act as spacers.

[0051 ] Referring to Figure 7, the bracket 202 can also be used to support the corner of the paving. In this Figure, all four tabs 128a-d are flat, and the bracket 202 is simply engaged with the side of the slab 12c.

Description of the third embodiment

[0052] Referring to Figures 8 to 10, there is shown a floor member support and retention apparatus 300 in accordance with the present invention. Configuration

[0053] The previous embodiments show the paving members supported on pedestals. Another solution is to mount paving members on rails (paving rails). Referring to Figures 8 and 9, a paving rail 302 is provided to support floor elements in the form of slabs 22a, 22b. Each slab is generally planar having an upper surface 24, a lower surface 26 and four sidewalls 28. In two opposite sidewalls channels 30 are created. The channels 30 are positioned above the midway point of the sidewall 28- i.e. closer to the upper surface 24 than the lower surface 26.

[0054] Each rail 302 comprises a central closed section 304, two side closed sections 306, 308 either side thereof, and two flanges 310, 312 extending from the lower edge of the side closed sections 314, 316.

[0055] The central closed section 304 is shaped as a rectangle with a recess 318 provided in the upper surface thereof. The recess is formed to have two opposing straight wall portions 320, 322 and a semi-circular (i.e., semi-cylindrical) lower portion 324.

[0056] The side closed sections are identical and mirror image. The sections 306, 308 are rectangular in shape and taller than the central section 304 creating a channel 326. Each section 306, 308 has a flange 328, 330 projecting towards the other partially closing the mouth of the channel 326. Each section 306, 308 has a semi-circular recess 332, 334 in the top surface thereof, each recess 332, 334 having a partially closed mouth 336, 338.

[0057] The flanges 310, 312 each have a longitudinal recess 340, 342 defined in the upper surface thereof.

[0058] The rails 302 are each provided with deformable cushioning strips 344, 346, each of which define a flat surface portion 348, 350 and a projection 352, 354.

[0059] Referring to Figure 10, a retainer assembly 356 is shown in detail. It comprises a retainer screw 358, a retainer plate 360 and a base plate 362. The screw 358 is provided in the form of a socket head cap screw. The screw 358 has a threaded shaft 364 and a head 366. The retainer plate 360 is rectangular in form and has a plain bore 361 . The base plate 362 is rectangular in form having a central threaded bore 368. A compression spring 370 is provided having an inner diameter greater than the screw 358. Assembly

[0060] The strips 344, 346 are engaged with the recesses 340, 342 to hold the strips in position.

[0061 ] The retainer assembly 356 is assembled by passing the screw 358 through the retainer plate 360. The spring 370 is passed onto the screw 358 and the screw is then threaded into the base plate 362. The spring 370 is in light compression, supporting the retainer plate away from the base plate.

Use

[0062] The base plate is then passed into the channel 326 (where it is retained by the flanges 328, 330). The base plate 362 is free to slide along the channel 326 and can be positioned as desired.

[0063] The slabs 22a, 22b are then positioned on the strips 344,346 either side of the retainer assembly 356 such that the retainer plate 360 enters the channels 20 on adjacent slabs 22a, 22b. Once in position, the screw 358 can be tightened with an appropriate tool. This lowers the retainer plate 360 against the bias of the spring to retain the slabs 22a, 22b against the upper surface of the strips 344, 346 (and therefore the rail 302).

Description of the fourth embodiment

[0064] Referring to Figures 1 1 and 12, there is shown a floor member support and retention apparatus 400 in accordance with the present invention.

Configuration

[0065] Like the previous embodiment, the paving members are supported on on rails (paving rails). A paving rail 402 is provided identical to the rail 302 to support floor elements in the form of slabs 22a, 22b, 22c. The slabs are identical to those in the previous embodiment.

[0066] Referring to Figure 1 1 , a retainer assembly 456 is shown in detail. It comprises a retainer screw 458, a retainer plate 460 and a base plate 462. The screw 458 is provided in the form of a socket head cap screw. The screw 458 has a threaded shaft 464 and a head 466. [0067] The retainer plate 460 is rectangular in form and has a plain bore 461 . A downwardly angled wing 472a, b, c, d is provided extending, cantilevered, from each side of the plate 460. Each wing 472 is elongate and unitary with the plate 460. The wings are of a significantly lower width than the side of the plate from which they each extend and are all the same width. Each wing 472 terminates in a filleted free end 474. The wings 472 are positioned at an angle a with respect to the plane of the plate 460, where 0<a<90, and preferably 10<a<80 degrees, more preferably 40<a<50.

[0068] The base plate 462 is rectangular in form having a central threaded bore 468. A compression spring 470 is provided having an inner diameter greater than the screw 458.

Assembly

[0069] The retainer assembly 456 is assembled by passing the screw 458 through the retainer plate 460 with the wings 472 directed away from the head 466. The spring 470 is passed onto the screw 458 and the screw is then threaded into the base plate 462. The spring 470 is in light compression, supporting the retainer plate away from the base plate.

Use

[0070] The base plate 462 is then passed into the channel 326 (where it is retained by the flanges 328, 330). The base plate 462 is free to slide along the channel 326 and can be positioned as desired.

[0071 ] The slabs 22a, 22b are then positioned on the strips 344,346 either side of the retainer assembly 356 such that the retainer plate 460 enters the channels 20 on adjacent slabs 22a, 22b. It will be noted that the extend to which the retainer 456 can be engaged with the slabs 22 is limited by the wings 472. The wings therefore provide a predetermined amount of spacing between the adjacent slabs. The width of each wing is selected to be wider than the head 466 such that its rotation is not impeded by contact with any adjacent slab.

[0072] The downward angle ofthe wings 472 is beneficial fortwo reasons. Firstly, the wings extend out of the plane of the channels 20 in the slabs, therefore creating a spacing abutment for adjacent slabs. Secondly, water (e.g. rainfall) flows from the top surface of the retainer 456 instead of being trapped on its upper surface (for example if the wings were oriented upwardly). [0073] Once in position, the screw 358 can be tightened with an appropriate tool. This lowers the retainer plate 360 against the bias of the spring to retain the slabs 22a, 22b against the upper surface of the strips 344, 346 (and therefore the rail 302).

Description of the fifth embodiment

[0074] Referring to Figures 13 to 15, there is shown a floor member support and retention apparatus 500 in accordance with the present invention.

Configuration

[0075] The apparatus 500 comprises all features of the apparatus 400 with the addition of an edge bracket 502. The edge bracket (shown in detail in Figure 13) is constructed from a piece of flat, deformed sheet metal material. It comprises a base 504 which is generally rectangular. At a first end there is provided a u-shaped end flange 506 having two arms 507a, 507b each with a return 508a, 508b. A circular opening 510 is provided in the base 504.

Use

[0076] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the slabs 22a, 22b are installed as normal. Once in situ, the base 504 is slid into the channel 326. A screw (not shown) is used to secure the bracket 502 to the rail section 302. The screw can be inserted through the space between the slabs 22a, 22b. The returns 508a, 508b retain the slabs in position against the rail 302.

[0077] In this way, the bracket 502 can be installed to secure the edge of the paving system without requiring a pedestal in that exact position.

Variations

[0078] Instead of paving slabs, the present invention may be used with other types of floor member, such as elongate decking panels.