US5412914A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Raised access flooring system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1992-07-07
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Granted: 1995-05-09
•
Expires: 2012-07-07
Abstract
Abstract A raised access flooring system is disclosed, which comprises a raised access flooring system module comprising a space frame web which is supported by adjustable pedestals, wherein the space frame web comprises a plurality of elongate structural members and a grid. A flooring member is fixedly attached to the web. The pedestals may be positioned under the grid. Some of the elongate structural members forming the web are inclined to the flooring member while those close to the edges of the web are more vertically oriented. This space frame arrangement economizes material usage and reduces cost compared to conventional modules. The module is so configured that it can be emplaced as a member of a flooring system, and is easily removable and interchangeable. In addition, because of the more efficient weight distribution afforded by the space frame design, portions of the web may be removed to accommodate electrical boxes without comprising the strength of the module to the degree such removal would compromise prior art modules utilizing ribs or post and beam construction.
Inventors
- 👤 Terry L. Daw
- 👤 Kevin D. Moss
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 17:53
CPC Classifications
E; E04; E04B; E04B1/00; E04B1/18; E04B1/19; E04F; E04F15/00; E04F15/02; E04F15/024; E04F15/02447; E04F15/02458; E04B2001/1924; E04B2001/1927; E04B2001/1951; E04B2001/1975; E04B2001/1978; E04B2001/1981; E04B2001/1984; E04B2001/1987; E04B2001/199; E04B2001/1993
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A modular raised access flooring system comprising: (a) a plurality of flooring modules capable of independent load bearing, each flooring module comprising; (i) substantially planar grid; (ii) a plurality of elongate structural members formed integrally with the grid and extending upward from the grid, the grid and accompanying elongate structural members forming a space frame web; and (iii) a flooring member affixed to the web; and means for maintaining and supporting each flooring module above a subfloor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A modular raised access flooring system comprising: (a) a plurality of flooring modules capable of independent load bearing, each flooring module comprising; (i) substantially planar grid; (ii) a plurality of elongate structural members formed integrally with the grid and extending upward from the grid, the grid and accompanying elongate structural members forming a space frame web; and (iii) a flooring member affixed to the web; and means for maintaining and supporting each flooring module above a subfloor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A raised access flooring system as recited in claim 1, wherein the grid of each flooring module comprises a plurality of horizontally disposed, interconnected elongate structural members.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A raised access flooring system as defined in claim 1, wherein each plurality of elongate structural members and each grid comprise a unitary casting.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A raised access flooring system as defined in claim wherein the elongate structural members are configured as rods.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
36 words
A raised access flooring system as defined in claim 1, wherein each space frame web is configured such that it may be emplaced in at least two different orientations with respect to adjacent space frame webs.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
84 words
A raised access flooring system as recited in claim 1, wherein the space frame web of each flooring module comprises a multiplicity of interfacing and interconnected pyramidal cells formed by the elongate structural members, each of the cells having a base, three or more triangular faces, three or more vertexes, and an apex, the cells being arranged in a repetitive, space-filling fashion, avoiding intercellular spaces between the bases of adjacent cells, and further wherein the apexes have a substantially planar relationship with each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
76 words
A raised access flooring system as defined in claim 6, wherein each flooring module further comprises means for engaging at least some of the apexes of the pyramidal cells to the flooring member, said means comprising a post integral with the apex of the pyramidal cell, the post being positioned so as to be substantially orthogonal to the flooring member, and configured to be capable of engaging means for securing the flooring member to the post.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A raised access flooring system as recited in claim 1, further comprising means for maintaining the flooring system at a preselected height above a subfloor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
35 words
A raised access flooring system as recited in claim 8, wherein the means for maintaining the flooring system at a preselected height comprises a pedestal in contact with a grid of a space frame web.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
98 words
A raised access flooring system comprising a removable and interchangeable flooring module configured so as to interface adjacent modules, the flooring system comprising: (a) a plurality of elongate structural members; (b) a horizontally disposed grid which, together with the plurality of elongate structural members, forms a space frame web for supporting loads; and (c) a flooring member so sized and configured so as to engage and substantially cover the space frame web which is comprised of the grid and plurality of elongate structural members; and (d) a means for maintaining and supporting the flooring module above a subfloor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
98 words
A raised access flooring system comprising a removable and interchangeable flooring module configured so as to interface adjacent modules, the flooring system comprising: (a) a plurality of elongate structural members; (b) a horizontally disposed grid which, together with the plurality of elongate structural members, forms a space frame web for supporting loads; and (c) a flooring member so sized and configured so as to engage and substantially cover the space frame web which is comprised of the grid and plurality of elongate structural members; and (d) a means for maintaining and supporting the flooring module above a subfloor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
A raised access flooring system as recited in claim 10, wherein the flooring member has formed within it holes passing therethrough.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
23 words
A raised access flooring system as recited in claim 10, wherein the flooring member is comprised of successive layers of aluminum and vinyl.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
A raised access flooring system as recited in claim 10, wherein the flooring member is interchangeable and wherein adjacent flooring members may be comprised of different materials.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-05-08 | 1998-11-07 | 1999-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-05-08 | 2002-11-07 | 2003-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-05-08 | 2006-11-07 | 2007-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |