Paver stone system

Abstract

A paver stone system comprises a first paver stone having a generally trapezoidal configuration, a second paver stone having a generally triangular configuration, and a third paver stone having a generally rhombus configuration. The paver stones are used to construct a path having any desired pattern.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a paver stone system and more particularly to a paver stone system for covering an area such as a driveway, patio, or a path. More specifically, a paver stone system is disclosed having three uniquely shaped paving stones that can be combined or placed contiguously to form a stable load-bearing surface in a multitude of patterns.

Paving stones are used to construct various surfaces and structures such as roads, footpaths, steps, and patios. Paving stones have been constructed from various materials. Examples of such materials include rocks, stones, and preformed or molded concrete blocks. Paving stones may be fabricated from concrete or a concrete mixture by using a mold of a desired size and shape. The concrete is placed into a mold and formed under high pressure and then removed from the mold to cure. Once the stones are cured they may be arranged and placed on pallets for storage or shipping. In order to construct a surface or structure from paving stones a base is prepared to provide a flat surface upon which the stones may be placed. The base may consist of various layers of rock and sand with the topmost layer being sand. The stones are laid in place in various configurations or patterns over the topmost layer. Once the stones are in place, sand may be spread over the stones to fall into the gaps between the stones. A machine, such as a vibrating compactor, may be used to agitate the sand into the gaps and to move sand in the topmost layer into the gaps. In this manner, the paver stones are locked into place.

In recent years the preformed concrete paving stones have been popular because such blocks can be mass produced and are relatively inexpensive. Additionally, such blocks are durable and may include various finishes, textures, and colors. Even though these blocks are relatively inexpensive, they typically require complex installations to construct various surfaces or structures. Additionally, some patterns are complex and require many types of stones to construct a surface. Further, such complex patterns may require that the stones be cut which may require specialized equipment. Homeowners and commercial landscapers will avoid using numerous blocks due to the difficulty encountered in building a surfacing project unless there is a simple or easy way to construct such projects using fewer stones.

The present invention is designed to obviate and overcome many of the disadvantages and shortcomings associated with present paver stones. In particular, the present invention is a paver stone system that may be used to easily construct various surfaces or structures. Further, the paver stone system of the present invention may be easily employed to construct various complex patterns using a minimal number of stones to form the pattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form of the present invention, a paver stone system comprises a first paver stone having a generally trapezoidal configuration, a second paver stone having a generally triangular configuration, and a third paver stone having a generally rhombus configuration.

In another form of the present invention, a paver stone system comprises: a first paver stone having a generally trapezoidal shaped body having a pair of rounded corners, a second paver stone having a generally triangular shaped body having rounded corners, and a third paver stone having a generally rhombus shaped body having a pair of rounded corners, with each of the paver stones being adapted to being positioned next to each other to form a pattern.

In still another form of the present invention, a paver stone system comprises a first paver stone having a generally trapezoidal configuration, a second paver stone having a generally triangular configuration, and a third paver stone having a generally rhombus configuration with the first paver stone being capable of forming a first pattern, the second paver stone being capable of forming a second pattern, the third paver stone being capable of forming a third pattern, and the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern being different from each other.

In light of the foregoing comments, it will be recognized that a principal object of the present invention is to provide a paver stone system that is of simple construction and design and which can be easily employed with highly reliable results.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a paver stone system that is easy to use to construct both residential and commercial landscaping projects and applications.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a paver stone system that can be used to construct various load or traffic carrying surfaces such as roads, foot paths, steps, and patios in a multitude of patterns by use of one, two, or three differently shaped paver stones.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a stone system in which each of the blocks can be tumbled to present a natural or weathered appearance.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a paver stone system that uses three different stones to form a multitude of patterns with the stones being of contrasting colors.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a paver stone system that can be used to construct various patterns using installation instructions.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent after considering the following detailed specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a paver stone system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a first paver stone of the paver stone system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of first paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 4 is a top view of another pattern constructed from a number of the first paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 5 is a top view of a second paver stone of the paver stone system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of the second paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 7 is a top view of another pattern constructed from a number of the second paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a third paver stone of the paver stone system constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of the third paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of the first paver stones and the second paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of the second paver stones and the third paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of the first paver stones, the second paver stones, and the third paver stones of the paver stone system;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of the first paver stones, the second paver stones, and the third paver stones of the paver stone system; and

FIG. 14 is a top view of a pattern constructed from a number of the first paver stones, the second paver stones, and the third paver stones of the paver stone system; and

FIG. 15 is a top view of a pattern used to form a path which is constructed from a number of the first paver stones, the second paver stones, and the third paver stones of the paver stone system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like items, number 10 identifies a preferred embodiment of a paver stone system constructed according to the present invention. With reference now to FIG. 1, the system 10 comprises a first paver stone or block 12 having a generally trapezoidal shape, a second paver stone or block 14 having a generally triangular shape, and a third paver stone or block 16 having a generally rhombus shape with all of the stones 12, 14, and 16 being used to form a pattern 18. The pattern 18 may be continued in any direction as required to construct various surfaces or structures such as a road, a footpath, steps, a floor, or a patio. The shapes of each of the stones 12, 14, and 16 allow the stones 12, 14, and 16 to be placed adjacent to each other to form the pattern 18. The shapes and dimensions of each of the stones 12, 14, and 16 and how the stones 12, 14, and 16 interact with each other will be discussed more fully herein.

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the first paver stone 12. The first paver stone 12 has a generally trapezoidal shaped body 20 having a first side 22, a second side 24 which is opposite to the first side 22, a third side 26, and a fourth side 28 which is opposite to the third side 26. The first side 22 is longer than the second side 24 and the third side 26 and the fourth side 28 are the same length. The stone 12 has a first rounded corner 30 between the first side 22 and the third side 26, a second rounded corner 32 between the first side 22 and the fourth side 28. The stone 12 also has a third rounded corner 34 between the third side 26 and the second side 24 and a fourth rounded corner 36 between the second side 24 and the fourth side 28. The third rounded corner 34 and the fourth rounded corner 36 are not as pronounced or rounded as the first rounded corner 30 and the second rounded corner 32. Although shown as rounded, the third corner 34 and the fourth corner 36 may also be squared off or sharply angled. The stone 12 may take on various dimensions as required and the stone 12 may have any thickness as required.

With reference now to FIG. 3, a top view of a pattern 40 that is constructed from a number of the first stones 12 is illustrated. The pattern 40 may initially consist of three rows 42, 44, and 46 of the stones 12. In the first row 42, a stone 48 is placed in an orientation 50 in which the first side 22 is on the bottom and the second side 24 is on the top. Next, a stone 52 is placed next to the stone 48 with an inverse orientation 54 in which the first side 22 is now positioned on the top and the second side 24 is positioned on the top. A stone 56 is then placed next to the stone 52 having the same orientation 50 as the stone 48. The second row 44 and the third row 46 are repeated on the same manner. The pattern 40 can be extended in any direction to construct a path, a street, a walkway, or other type of surface. The pattern 40 is an example of a line pattern that can be formed by use of the first stone 12.

FIG. 4 depicts another pattern 60 that can be constructed from use of the first stone 12. In the pattern 60 there initially may be three rows 62, 64, and 66 of the stones 12. The first row 62 has a first stone 68 which is placed so that the first side 22 is orientated on the bottom and the second side 24 is orientated on the top. A stone 70 is placed next to the stone 68 but with a reverse orientation. In particular, the stone 70 has the first side 22 positioned at the top and the second side 24 positioned at the bottom. Next to the stone 70 is a stone 72 which is positioned in the same orientation as that of the stone 68. The second row 64 is positioned as follows. A first stone 74 is positioned so that the first side 22 is at the top and is adjacent to the first side 22 of the stone 68. A second stone 76 is orientated so that its second side 24 is adjacent to the second side of the stone 70. A third stone 78 on the second row 64 is positioned so that its first side 22 is adjacent to the first side 22 of the stone 72 in the first row 62. The third row 66 is constructed having a first stone 80 that is positioned having its second side 24 adjacent to the second side 24 of the first stone 74 of the second row 64. A second stone 82 is orientated so that its first side 22 is adjacent to the first side 22 of the second stone 76 of the second row 64. Finally, a third stone 84 in the third row 66 is positioned so that its second side 24 is adjacent to the second side 24 of the third stone 78 in the second row 64. The pattern 60 can be extended in any direction to construct a path, a street, a walkway, or other type of surface. The pattern 60 is an example of a line pattern that can be constructed by use of the first stone 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the second paver stone 14. The stone 14 has a generally triangular shaped body 100 having a first side 102, a second side 104, and a third side 106. The first side 102 and the second side 104 meet at a first rounded corner 108. The second side 104 and the third side 106 meet at a second rounded corner 110. Also, the third side 106 and the first side 102 of the stone 14 meet at a rounded corner 112. As can be appreciated and not illustrated, the stone 14 may take on various dimensions as required and the stone 14 may have a thickness as required.

With particular reference now to FIG. 6, a top view a pattern 120 that is constructed from a number of the second paver stones 14 is illustrated. The pattern 120 may initially consist of three rows 122, 124, and 126 of the stones 14. In the first row 122, a first stone 128 is placed in an upside down orientation 130 in which the first side 102 is positioned at the top of the orientation 130. Next to the stone 128 is a second stone 132 which is placed in a right side up orientation 134 in which the first side 102 is positioned at the bottom of the orientation 134. A third stone 136 is placed next to the stone 132 in the upside down orientation 130. This is continued to form the first row 122. The second row 124 consists of a stone 138 positioned in the orientation 130 and adjacent to the stone 132 of the first row 122. A stone 140 is positioned next to the stone 138 in the orientation 134. This is continued to form the second row 124. The third row 126 is formed in the manner as the second row 124. In particular, the third row 126 has a stone 142 which is placed in the orientation 130 and is adjacent to the stone 140 of the second row 124. A stone 144 is positioned next to the stone 142 in the orientation 134. This is continued to form the third row 126. It will be noticed that a gap 146 occurs at certain intervals when the stones 14 are positioned in the pattern 120. The pattern 120 is an example of a line pattern that can be constructed from the use of the second paver stone 14.

FIG. 7 shows another pattern 160 that can be constructed from use of the second stone 14. The pattern 160 may initially consist of two rows 162 and 164 of the stones 14. In the first row 162, a first stone 166 is placed in an upright orientation 168 in which the first side 102 is positioned at the bottom of the orientation 168. Next to the stone 166 is a second stone 170 which is placed in an upside down orientation 172 in which the first side 102 is positioned at the top of the orientation 172. A third stone 174 is placed next to the stone 170 in the upright orientation 168. This is alternating pattern continued to form the first row 162. The second row 164 consists of a stone 176 positioned in the upright orientation 168 and centrally positioned below the stone 166 of the first row 162. A stone 178 is positioned next to the stone 176 in the upside down orientation 178. The stone 178 is centered below the stone 170 of the first row 162. Next, a stone 180 is positioned adjacent to the stone 178 in the upright orientation 168. This alternating pattern is continued to form the second row 164. A gap 182 is formed at certain intervals when the stones 14 are positioned in the pattern 160. The pattern 160 can be extended or continued in any direction as required. Further, the pattern 160 is an example of a line pattern that can be formed from use of the second paver stone 14.

A top view of the third paver stone 16 is illustrated in FIG. 8. The third paver stone 16 has a generally rhombus shaped body 200 having a first side 202, a second side 204 which is opposite to the first side 202, a third side 206, and a fourth side 208 which is opposite to the third side 206. The first side 202 is parallel the second side 204 and the third side 206 is parallel to the fourth side 208. The stone 16 has a first rounded corner 210 between the first side 202 and the fourth side 208 and a second rounded corner 212 between the second side 204 and the third side 206. The first rounded corner 210 and the second rounded corner 212 are opposite from each other. The stone 16 also has a first pointed corner 214 between the first side 202 and the third side 206 and a second pointed corner 216 between the second side 204 and the fourth side 208. It is possible and contemplated that the rounded corners 210 and 212 may be pointed or sharply angled and the pointed corners 214 and 216 may be rounded. As can be appreciated, the stone 16 may take on various dimensions as required and the stone 16 may have a thickness as required.

FIG. 9 depicts a pattern 240 that can be constructed by using the stone 16. The pattern 240 consists of a first row 242 in which a first stone 244 is placed next to a second stone 246. A first side 248 of the stone 244 is placed adjacent to a second side 250 of the stone 246. The placement of the stones 16 is continued in this manner to form the first row 242. A second row 252 is formed in the same manner as the first row 242. In particular, a first stone 254 is placed adjacent to a second stone 256 and to the first stone 244 of the first row 242. A first side 258 of the first stone 254 is positioned adjacent to a second side 260 of the second stone 256. Further, a fourth side 262 of the first stone 254 is placed adjacent to a third side 264 of the stone 244 of the first row 242. The row 252 is continued in this manner to any desired span or length. Also, the pattern 240 is an example of a line pattern that can be formed by use of the third paver stone 16.

With particular reference now to FIG. 10, a pattern 300 is shown that can be formed by use of the first stone 12 and the second stone 14. The pattern 300 consists of a first row 302 that begins with a first stone 304 which is in an upright orientation 306. Next to the first stone 304 is a second stone 308 that is positioned in an upside down orientation 310. This is continued in the same manner until the first row 203 is formed. A second row 312 is constructed by placing a first stone 314 next to a second stone 316. The first stone 314 is in the orientation 310 and the second stone 316 is in the orientation 306. The stone 314 is centered below the first stone 304 of the first row 302. Again, this placement of the stones 314 and 316 is continued until the second row 312 is formed or completed. A third row 318 is similar in construction to the first row 302. In particular, a first stone 320 begins the third row 318 and the stone 320 is positioned in the orientation 306. A second stone 322 is placed next to the stone 318 and the stone 322 is in the upside down orientation 310. The second stone 322 is centered below the stone 316 of the second row 312. As can be appreciated, the stones 320 and 322 of the third row 318 are placed in this fashion until the third row 318 is completed. The pattern 300 is an example of a line pattern that can be formed by using the first paver stone 12 and the second paver stone 14.

FIG. 11 shows a pattern 350 that can be constructed using a number of second paver stones 352 and a number of third paver stones 354. The pattern 350 can consist of a star pattern 356 made from the stones 354 and a hexagon pattern 358 made from the stones 352.

FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 illustrate various patterns 370, 380, and 390, respectively that can be constructed or formed by use of the paver stones 12, 14, and 16. With particular reference to FIG. 12, there is embedded in the pattern 370 a star pattern 372. The pattern 370 is an example of a star pattern being formed within a pattern. Also, FIG. 13 depicts a hexagon pattern 382 being formed in the pattern 380. FIG. 14 also illustrates a star pattern 392 being constructed within the pattern 390. As can be appreciated, various other patterns can be constructed by the use of the paver stones 12, 14, and 16.

As can be appreciated from the above discussion, the paver stone system 10 of the present invention is capable of forming three main patterns by use of one, two, or three stones such as the first paver stone 12, the second paver stone 14, and the third paver stone 16. The first main pattern is a line pattern. The second main pattern is a star pattern that can be formed by using a number of the rhombus shaped paver stones 16. The third main pattern is a hexagon pattern that can be constructed by employing one of the first paver stones 12 in combination with three of the second paver stones 14 or two of the second paver stones 14 in combination with two of the third paver stones 16 or six of the second paver stones 14.

Although not shown, the paver stones 12, 14, and 16 of the present invention may be formed by using separate mold boxes or a single mold box that may be used to form the stones 12, 14, and 16. Further, each mold box may be able to produce several or many of the paver stones 12, 14, and 16 and 14 by using a mixture of cement, water, and other materials. The mixture is placed or dumped into a mold box. Then the stones 12, 14, and 16 are fabricated by compressing and vibrating the mixture in the mold box by the application of pressure to the mixture by use of a block machine or similar machine. It is also known to use a press head having a press plate for applying pressure to mixture in the mold box. Once the stones 12, 14, and 16 are formed they may be cured or formed through any method known in the art. For example, curing may take the form of air curing for a number of days or steam curing, but normally one day or less is allowed or needed for curing. Once cured or formed, the stones 12, 14, and 16 may be placed on pallets for storage or transportation.

Many combinations of concrete mixtures may be employed in manufacturing the paver stones 12, 14, and 16. Some considerations in determining the particular concrete mixtures include compression strength requirements, density, and adsorption. Further, the costs of the materials, such as sand, gravel, cement, pigment additives, and rock have an impact on the mixture to be used. For example, gravel may be cheaper than river rock in some areas of the country and the paver stones 12 and 14 may be formed of a mixture having more gravel than rock due to the difference in cost. The stones 12, 14, and 16 may be constructed with colored pigments to form different colored blocks. In particular, the stone 12 may be formed from one color, the stone 14 may be constructed of a second or different color, and the stone 16 may be constructed of a third color. In this manner the stones 12 and 14 may have contrasting colors that add to texture or detail of the pattern 16 presented by the stones 12 and 14. It should be recognized that the paver stones 12, 14, and 16 of the present invention may be constructed of various materials that are available. Preferably, the stones 12, 14, and 16 will be of relatively lightweight so that the stones 12, 14, and 16 can be easily manufactured, stored, transported, and laid in position to form a surface or a pattern. Alternatively, the paver stones 12, 14, and 16 may be fabricated from brick, ceramic, plastic, or rubber.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the construction of a path 400 is accomplished by the following method. Initially an area of ground 402 is excavated to the desired length and width of the path 400. A bedding of rock, crushed rock, and an upper layer of sand 404 are provided upon which the paver stones 12, 14, and 16 are to be laid. Although not shown in detail, further paver stones 12, 14, and 16 are laid in place to form a pattern. After the required number of stones 12, 14, and 16 are positioned to form the path 400, sand may be spread over the entire path 400 to fall between any gaps 406 that may exist between the various sides of the stones 12, 14, and 16. The sand 404 is then vibrated to fill the gaps 406 and also to work the sand 404 up into the gaps 406 from below the stones 12, 14, and 16. The sand 404 is used to further lock the stones 12, 14, and 16 together. After compaction of the sand 404, any excess sand 404 may be removed and the path 400 is completed.

Other advantages associated with the use of the paver stone system 10 include the reduced number of different components or parts that need to be manufactured, transported, stored, or inventoried. Since at most only three separate mold boxes need to be constructed, manufacturing costs are significantly reduced. In particular, only having three molds can greatly reduce manufacturing costs. The paver stone system 10 is also easy to install or build with and various projects or structures may be built using the paver stone system 10. Examples of projects or applications that may be constructed using the paver stone system 10 of the present invention include paths, sidewalks, patios, garage floors, steps, streets, driveways, and floors.

Another particular aspect of the paver stone system 10 is that the stones 12, 14, and 16 may be tumbled to give a natural or weathered appearance to the stones. Once the stones 12, 14, and 16 are formed they may be put into a machine that tumbles the stones 12, 14, and 16 together. After the tumbling process is complete, the paver stones 12, 14, and 16 may be used in the same manner as above described. Tumbling enhances the appearance of the stones 12, 14, and 16 and this allows the stones 12, 14, and 16 to be sold at a premium. Additionally, the stones 12, 14, and 16 may be distressed to provide the appearance of a natural or weathered look. After the stones 12, 14, and 16 are formed they may be put into a distressing machine. After the stones 12, 14, and 16 are distressed, the stones 12, 14, and 16 may be assembled into any structure, as previously described. Again, distressing the stones 12, 14, and 16 adds to the appearance of the stones 12, 14, and 16 that allows the stones 12, 14, and 16 to be sold at a premium.

From all that has been said, it will be clear that there has thus been shown and described herein a paver stone system which fulfills the various objects and advantages sought therefor. It will become apparent to those skilled in the art, however, that many changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications of the subject paver stone system are possible and contemplated. All changes, modifications, variations, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A paver stone system comprising: a first paver stone having a generally trapezoidal configuration, a second paver stone having a generally triangular configuration, and a third paver stone having a generally rhombus configuration.

2. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the first paver stone.

3. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the second paver stone.

4. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the third paver stone.

5. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the first paver stone and the second paver stone.

6. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the first paver stone and the third paver stone.

7. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the second paver stone and the third paver stone.

8. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the first paver stone, the second paver stone, and the third paver stone.

9. The paver stone system of claim 1 wherein each of the paver stones has a contrasting color.

10. A paver stone system comprising a first paver stone having a generally trapezoidal shaped body having a pair of rounded corners, a second paver stone having a generally triangular shaped body having rounded corners, and a third paver stone having a generally rhombus shaped body having a pair of rounded corners, with each of the paver stones being adapted to being positioned next to each other to form a pattern.

11. The paver stone system of claim 10 wherein the pattern may be constructed by use of the first paver stone.

12. The paver stone system of claim 10 wherein the pattern may be constructed by use of the second paver stone.

13. The paver stone system of claim 10 wherein the pattern may be constructed by use of the third paver stone.

14. The paver stone system of claim 10 wherein the pattern may be constructed by use of the first paver stone and the second paver stone.

15. The paver stone system of claim 10 wherein the pattern may be constructed by use of the first paver stone and the third paver stone.

16. The paver stone system of claim 10 wherein a pattern may be constructed by use of the second paver stone and the third paver stone.

17. A paver stone system comprising a first paver stone having a generally trapezoidal configuration, a second paver stone having a generally triangular configuration, and a third paver stone having a generally rhombus configuration with the first paver stone being capable of forming a first pattern, the second paver stone being capable of forming a second pattern, the third paver stone being capable of forming a third pattern, and the first pattern, the second pattern, and the third pattern being different from each other.

18. The paver stone system of claim 17 further comprising a fourth pattern being formed by use of a plurality of the first paver stone, the second paver, and the third paver stone.

19. The paver stone system of claim 17 further comprising a fourth pattern being formed by use of a plurality of the first paver stone and the third paver stone.

20. The paver stone system of claim 17 further comprising a fourth pattern being form by use of a plurality of the second paver stone and the third paver stone.

21. A paver stone system comprising a paver stone having a generally trapezoidal configuration with the paver stone being capable of forming a pattern.

22. A paver stone system comprising a paver stone having a generally triangular configuration with the paver stone being capable of forming a pattern.

23. A paver stone system comprising a paver stone having a generally rhombus configuration with the paver stone being capable of forming a pattern.