RUBBER LANDSCAPE PAVER HAVING OPPOSING PATTERNED SURFACES

Abstract

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND

An inevitable effect of society's dependence upon automobiles and other equipment utilizing rubber components is the generation of rubber waste. For example, approximately 65 million tires are added to landfills each year in the United States. In an effort to curtail the growing stores of scrapped rubber products, scrap rubber is often reclaimed, resulting in the generation of ground rubber particles. Such rubber particles can be used in a number of industries and may be formed into a various products.

One such product that may be formed from ground recycled rubber is the rubber landscape paver. Rubber landscape pavers are marketed as an attractive, affordable, and safer alternative to brick or stone patio surfaces and ground-coverings. However, rubber landscape pavers are often utilized for outdoor applications, where UV exposure and weather cause the pavers to fade in color and deteriorate in structure. Existing rubber landscape pavers comprise only a single patterned side configured to face upwardly. As such, existing rubber landscape pavers need replacement sooner than is desired. Another limitation of such existing rubber landscape pavers is that when placed in an array, runoff water, e.g., from rain, is only permitted to flow between the pavers, thereby limiting the drainage properties of the pavers. Additionally, moisture may collect beneath the pavers leading to mold and damage to the surface below the pavers. Also, existing landscape pavers require excessive storage space. What is needed is a rubber landscape paver that overcomes one or more of these limitations.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a rubber landscape paver is provided, the rubber landscape paver comprising: ground rubber; a binder; and a substantially flat profile, comprising: a first side having a first patterned surface; and a second side having a second patterned surface, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.

In another embodiment, a rubber landscape paver is provided, the rubber landscape paver comprising: ground rubber comprising rubber from a recycled tire; a binder; and a substantially flat profile, comprising: a first side having a first patterned surface; and a second side having a second patterned surface. In one embodiment, the first side is opposite the second side and the first patterned surface and second patterned surface comprise at least one of a brick face pattern, an etna pattern, and an ashlar pattern.

In another embodiment, a rubber landscape paver is provided, the rubber landscape paver comprising: ground rubber comprising recycled rubber; a binder; a substantially flat profile, comprising: a first side having a first patterned surface; and a second side having a second patterned surface, wherein the first side is opposite the second side, wherein the first patterned surface and second patterned surface comprise at least one of a brick face pattern, an etna pattern, and an ashlar pattern, and wherein the first patterned surface and second patterned surface comprise different patterns; and four edges, each having an equal length, wherein the length is between about 12 inches and about 36 inches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example apparatuses and systems, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example arrangement of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example arrangement of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example arrangement of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example array of rubber landscape pavers having opposing patterned surfaces.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one example embodiment of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces. Rubber landscape paver 100 includes a first side having a first patterned surface 110 and a plurality of edges 120. The pattern of first patterned surface 110 is created by a plurality of grooves 130. Rubber landscape paver 100 further comprises a second side having a second patterned surface (not shown). The pattern of the second patterned surface (not shown) is created by a plurality of grooves (not shown). Rubber landscape paver 100 comprises a substantially flat profile, such that the first side and second side of landscape paver 100 are substantially planar, with the exception of the grooves that form each pattern. In one embodiment, the first side is opposite the second side.

In one embodiment, rubber landscape paver 100 includes ground rubber. The ground rubber may be the majority of material making up rubber landscape paver 100. In one embodiment, the ground rubber comprises any rubber having desired characteristics and ground to a desired size for forming into a landscape paver. In another embodiment, the ground rubber comprises recycled rubber. In another embodiment, the ground rubber comprises rubber from a recycled tire.

In one embodiment, rubber landscape paver 100 includes a binder. The binder may act to bind together the individual ground rubber particles so as to cause the particles to maintain the shape of rubber landscape paver 100. In one embodiment, the binder is one or more of any known chemical binders capable of bonding individual rubber particles to one another. In another embodiment, the binder comprises urethane. In yet another embodiment, the binder comprises latex.

Rubber landscape paver 100 includes a periphery defined by the plurality of edges 120. In one embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises a periphery having a rectilinear shape. In another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises a periphery having a square shape. In another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises a periphery having a quadrilateral shape. In yet another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises a periphery having a dog bone shape having dimensions in compliance with the industry standard for dog bone pavers. In another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises a periphery having a round shape. In still another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises a periphery that is natural and/or crooked such as to resemble a stepping stone.

In one embodiment, at least two of the plurality of edges 120 has a length between about 12 inches and about 36 inches. In one embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises four edges 120, each of which has a length between about 12 inches and about 36 inches. In another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises four edges 120, each of which has a length of about 12 inches. In yet another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises four edges 120, each of which has a length of about 16 inches. In still another embodiment, landscape paver 100 comprises four edges 120, each of which has a length of about 24 inches. In one embodiment, the plurality of edges 120 may be configured to interlock with the plurality of edges 120 of another rubber landscape paver 100. In one embodiment, rubber landscape paver 100 has a thickness between about 0.50 inches and about 1.50 inches. In another embodiment, rubber landscape paver 100 has a thickness between about 0.50 inches and about 0.75 inches.

In one embodiment, landscape paver 100 is formed by mixing a binder throughout a quantity of ground rubber. This mixture is then placed into a mold under required conditions to set the mixture and form an at least substantially solid rubber landscape paver 100. In one embodiment, the mixture is placed into a mold wherein heat, pressure, or a combination of heat and pressure is applied to set the mixture and form an at least substantially solid rubber landscape paver 100. The mold is configured to apply grooves 130 forming a first patterned surface 110 on a first side, as well as grooves (not shown) forming a second patterned surface on a second side (not shown). The mixture may also include a dye configured to color the mixture such that the rubber landscape paver is a desired color. In one embodiment, first patterned surface 110 and first side are opposite second patterned surface and second side (not shown), such that first patterned surface 110 faces substantially upwardly and the second side having a second patterned surface faces substantially downwardly. In another embodiment, first patterned surface 110 and first side are opposite second patterned surface and second side (not shown), such that first patterned surface 110 faces substantially downwardly and the second side having a second patterned surface faces substantially upwardly.

FIG. 2 illustrates another example embodiment of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces. Rubber landscape paver 200 includes a first side having a first patterned surface 210. As illustrated in FIG. 2, first patterned surface 210 comprises a brick face pattern.

FIG. 3 illustrates another example embodiment of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces. Rubber landscape paver 300 includes a first side having a first patterned surface 310. As illustrated in FIG. 3, first patterned surface 310 comprises an etna pattern.

FIG. 4 illustrates another example embodiment of a rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces. Rubber landscape paver 400 includes a first side having a first patterned surface 410. As illustrated in FIG. 4, first patterned surface 410 comprises an ashlar pattern.

In one embodiment, rubber landscape pavers 200, 300, and 400, include a second side having a second patterned surface (not shown), wherein the second patterned surface comprises at least one of a brick face pattern, an etna pattern, and an ashlar pattern. In one embodiment, first patterned surface and second patterned surface (not shown) comprise the same pattern. In this embodiment, a user may acquire the required number of landscape pavers to fill the ground area they wish to cover. For example, the first patterned surface and second patterned surface may both be a brick face pattern. The user may install the landscape pavers in a desired array with a first patterned surface facing upwardly. Typically the landscape pavers are oriented in a grid pattern and contiguous at their edges to form a continuous covering within the application area. After extended use, the landscape pavers may become worn, faded, or deteriorated, especially where the pavers have been exposed to UV light and weather. At this point, rather than simply discard the landscape paver as one would with an ordinary single-patterned surface paver, the landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces can be turned over, such that what was the upwardly-facing surface becomes the downwardly-facing surface. Likewise, what was the downwardly-facing surface becomes the upwardly-facing surface. Because the new upwardly-facing surface was not exposed to interaction with objects, UV light, or weather, it is a relatively unflawed brick face patterned surface and provides a revitalized surface for an additional period of time. As such, one may utilize the rubber landscape paver to its fullest extent before discarding. While the brick face pattern was referenced for this specific example, it is understood that any pattern, including the etna and ashlar pattern, can be used in the same manner.

In another embodiment, first patterned surface and second patterned surface (not shown) comprise a different pattern. For example, the first patterned surface comprises a brick face pattern and the second patterned surface comprises an etna pattern. The user may install the rubber landscape pavers in a desired array with either the first patterned surface facing upwardly, the second patterned surface facing upwardly, or a combination of the first patterned surface and second patterned surface facing upwardly. After exposure to wear, UV light, and weather, the upwardly-facing surface may become faded and deteriorated, at which point the user may simply turn the rubber landscape pavers over such that the first patterned surface, second patterned surface, or a combination thereof is facing upwardly with a relatively unflawed patterned surface. While the brick face pattern and etna pattern were referenced for this specific example, it is understood that any two patterns, in any combination (including the ashlar pattern) can be used in the same manner.

In another embodiment, the rubber landscape paver is configured to resemble a stepping stone. For example, the rubber landscape paver may include a first patterned surface and a second patterned surface comprising a pattern that might appear naturally in nature on a real stone. The stepping stone rubber landscape paver may be placed either independently to create a pathway of stepping stones, or contiguous to other rubber landscape pavers to form a patio surface or ground-covering. As described above, upon wear, UV degradation, and weathering of the upwardly-facing first patterned surface, the stepping stone rubber landscape paver may be turned over such that the second patterned surface is upwardly facing. The second patterned surface may be relatively unflawed due to its isolation from wear, weathering, and UV light.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example array of rubber landscape pavers having opposing patterned surfaces. Rubber landscape pavers 500 include a first side having a first patterned surface. First patterned surface may comprise an etna pattern 510 and second patterned surface may comprise a brick face pattern 520. FIG. 5 illustrates an example array wherein brick face-patterned landscape pavers and etna-patterned landscape pavers may be arranged in a configuration as desired by a user.

In one embodiment, the rubber landscape paver is configured such that the first patterned surface comprises grooves and the second patterned surface comprises grooves, wherein the grooves are configured to permit the passage of water. In one example embodiment, a plurality of landscape pavers are placed in an array adjacent to one another. The first patterned surface of each rubber landscape paver faces upwardly, while the second patterned surface faces downwardly and interfaces with a supporting surface, such as a cement slab. Water, such as rain, falls onto and flows over the first patterned surface, after which it may flow off of the rubber landscape paver at its edges and onto the supporting surface below. While this runoff can travel between the pavers, the grooves of the second patterned surface also permit the runoff to travel beneath the array of rubber landscape pavers and eventually off the supporting surface. This design thereby improves and accelerates the drainage properties of the array of rubber landscape pavers, and helps prevent water and moisture from collecting beneath the pavers and causing mold and damage to the supporting surface. Additionally, the grooves of the second patterned surface may permit the flow of air beneath the pavers to assist in the drying and prevention of moisture buildup.

In one embodiment, the rubber landscape pavers comprise dimensions equal to the industry standard dimensions of existing single-sided rubber landscape pavers. Accordingly, a wholesaler, retailer, or other supplier can effectively halve the space required to store its rubber landscape pavers, because a single rubber landscape pavers having opposing different patterned surfaces replaces two of the previous design's pavers. For example, a rubber landscape paver having a first patterned surface comprising a brick face pattern, and a second patterned surface comprising an etna pattern, can be sold as either a brick face-patterned paver or an etna-patterned paver. Previously, a supplier would have had to stock both a brick face-patterned single-sided paver and an etna-patterned single-sided paver. Because the rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces comprises the same dimensions as the single-sided pavers, a supplier's valuable storage space for pavers can be cut by half or more. In addition, the shipping weight of rubber landscape pavers can be effectively halved, based upon the same principles above. Finally, the rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces effectively halves the required manufacturing time, energy, raw material, and other resources because it is no longer necessary to produce two single-sided pavers.

Because the rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces has two surfaces, wherein only one surface at a time is exposed to UV light, wear, and weather, its lifespan is approximately doubled, thereby reducing a consumer's investment, as well as reducing the amount of discarded rubber landscape pavers. In one embodiment, the rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces comprises dimensions equal to the industry standard dimensions of existing single-sided rubber landscape pavers. Thus, the novel rubber landscape paver is compatible with the previous paver designs, such that it can be used to replace less than all of the rubber landscape pavers in an array. Finally, because the rubber landscape paver having opposing patterned surfaces may comprise the two most popular patterns on its opposing sides, a consumer can enjoy the convenience of simply purchasing the desired color and/or dimension of rubber landscape pavers without concerning himself or herself with the pattern until installation.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “A or B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B but not both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed. Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into” are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term “selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. Finally, where the term “about” is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include ±10% of the number. In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A rubber landscape paver, comprising:

ground rubber;

a binder; and

a substantially flat profile, comprising: a first side having a first patterned surface; and a second side having a second patterned surface, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.

2. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the ground rubber comprises rubber from a recycled tire.

3. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the ground rubber comprises recycled rubber.

4. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the binder comprises urethane.

5. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the binder comprises latex.

6. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the rubber landscape paver comprises a periphery having a rectilinear shape.

7. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the rubber landscape paver comprises a periphery having a square shape.

8. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the rubber landscape paver comprises a periphery having a quadrilateral shape.

9. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the rubber landscape paver comprises at least two edges having a length between about 12 inches and about 36 inches.

10. The rubber landscape paver of claim 7, wherein the rubber landscape paver comprises four edges, each having a length between about 12 inches and about 36 inches.

11. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the first patterned surface comprises at least one of a brick face pattern, an etna pattern, and an ashlar pattern.

12. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the second patterned surface comprises at least one of a brick face pattern, an etna pattern, and an ashlar pattern.

13. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the first patterned surface and the second patterned surface comprise the same pattern.

14. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the first patterned surface and the second patterned surface comprise different patterns.

15. The rubber landscape paver of claim 1, wherein the rubber landscape paver is configured such that the first side having a first patterned surface faces substantially upwardly and the second side having a second patterned surface faces substantially downwardly.

16. A rubber landscape paver, comprising

ground rubber comprising rubber from a recycled tire;

a binder; and

a substantially flat profile, comprising: a first side having a first patterned surface; and a second side having a second patterned surface, wherein the first side is opposite the second side and wherein the first patterned surface and second patterned surface comprise at least one of a brick face pattern, an etna pattern, and an ashlar pattern.

17. The rubber landscape paver of claim 16, wherein the first patterned surface and the second patterned surface comprise the same pattern.

18. The rubber landscape paver of claim 16, wherein the first patterned surface and the second patterned surface comprise different patterns.

19. The rubber landscape paver of claim 16, wherein the rubber landscape paver comprises four edges, each having a length between about 12 inches and about 36 inches.

20. The rubber landscape paver of claim 16, wherein the rubber landscape paver comprises a periphery having a square shape.

21. A rubber landscape paver, comprising

ground rubber comprising recycled rubber;

a binder;

a substantially flat profile, comprising: a first side having a first patterned surface; and a second side having a second patterned surface, wherein the first side is opposite the second side, wherein the first patterned surface and second patterned surface comprise at least one of a brick face pattern, an etna pattern, and an ashlar pattern, and wherein the first patterned surface and second patterned surface comprise different patterns; and

four edges, each having an equal length, wherein the length is between about 12 inches and about 36 inches.