Abstract: An access floor panel includes a generally rectangular pan having a bottom and sides. The pan includes peripheral flanges which define downwardly opening channels or grooves extending around the edge or periphery of the panel. A plurality of elongated, vinyl trim pieces are slidably positioned on the peripheral flanges and disposed within the downwardly opening channels. Each of the trim pieces includes a generally L-shaped slot dimensioned to receive the peripheral flange.

Abstract: An access floor system includes a plurality of floor panels, each panel having a pan and a cooperating top plate. The top plate is folded over a peripheral flange of the pan to define a hemmed edge. A trim piece is configured to snap over the hemmed edge of the floor panel. A support pedestal assembly includes a support plate configured to support the floor panels at their corners. Generally T-shaped stringers are joined to the support plates in a grid-like pattern. The stringers are rigidly connected to the plates or snap-on to lock tabs defined by the plates.

Abstract: An access floor panel includes a generally rectangular pan having a bottom and sides. The pan includes peripheral flanges which define downwardly opening channels or grooves extending around the edge or periphery of the panel. A plurality of elongated, vinyl trim pieces are slidably positioned on the peripheral flanges and disposed within the downwardly opening channels. Each of the trim pieces includes a generally L-shaped slot dimensioned to receive the peripheral flange.

Abstract: A method for centrifugally casting a rectangular access floor panel includes the steps of forming a metal pan having a planar bottom, peripheral sidewalls and a plurality of upstanding tabs, inserting the metal pan into a cavity defined by a two-part mold and filling the pan within the mold with a concrete mixture. The mold is rotated about a vertical axis and vibrated to evenly distribute the concrete mixture within the pan. A smooth magnetic sheet is placed within the cavity. The sheet engages the planar bottom of the metal pan and prevents seepage of the concrete mixture through openings in the bottom of the pan during casting. The apparatus includes a turntable, a drive for rotating the turntable and a mold clamped to the turntable. The mold is vibrated during rotation to insure a void-free distribution of the mixture throughout the pan.

Abstract: An access floor panel includes a metal pan having a bottom and sidewalls. Lanced tabs extend from the bottom. A plurality of corner inserts include pad portions and core portions extending through the bottom. A concrete mixture encapsulates the tabs and insert core portions. The inserts cooperate with pedestal heads or plates to lock the panel to support pedestals. The panels also include silencer buttons. The buttons and inserts limit metal-to-metal contact. The inserts eliminate the need for stringers.

Abstract: An apparatus for centrifugally casting a rectangular access floor panel includes a turntable, a drive for rotating the turntable about a generally vertical axis in a generally horizontal plane, and a mold clamped to the turntable. The mold is vibrated during rotation to insure void-free distribution of a lightweight concrete mixture throughout a metal pan retained within the mold. A hopper and an auger feed the concrete mixture to the mold through a sprue. The mold retains corner pads and silencer buttons. The corner pads cooperate with pedestal heads to eliminate the need for stringers.

Abstract: The specification discloses an access flooring panel having improved load-bearing strength and a relatively simple construction. The panel includes a generally planar metal pan and a concrete core cast thereon. The pan includes a plurality of tabs encapsulated within the concrete and bent upwardly from the pan and radially inwardly with respect to the panel. Consequently, radially outwardly directed horizontal shear forces exerted on the tabs by the core when loads are placed on the panel exert a pushing, rather than a pulling or tearing, force on the tabs. In a preferred embodiment, the pan includes an integral side wall and return flange extending about the core to protect the core and to strengthen the panel.