TRANSPARENT FLOORING MODULES
An apparatus (100), having: at least one support frame (102) comprising an upper frame (104) and a lower frame (106) configured to nest within the upper frame; at least one transparent panel (108), one transparent panel of the at least one transparent panel sandwiched in a respective pocket (140) formed between the upper frame and the lower frame; and a pressure relief path (160) configured to direct water through the apparatus, effective to dissipate energy from a wave impacting a bottom surface (170) of the one transparent panel.
The invention relates to transparent flooring modules.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONStructural glass panels as part of a glass floor are known in certain applications. For example, glass floors can be found within buildings and as part of a terrace or walkway. These glass floors are considered a novelty in their own right and can further be used to provide ready access to certain downward views not otherwise easy to achieve. In the latter role, the glass panels can be found on skywalks, for example over a canyon or high on a building.
Various methods of securing the glass panels that make up the glass floor are known for these applications. These methods are relevant for the respective environment in which the glass floor is used. However, each environment has its own unique requirements. Accordingly, when used in an environment in which they have not previously been used or have been used rarely, there is room in the art for improvement.
The invention is explained in the following description in view of the drawings that show:
The present inventors have devised a unique and innovative glass panel assembly that can be used in a variety of environments. An embodiment of the glass panel assembly includes a pressure relief path through the glass panel assembly. The pressure relief path is suitable to reduce certain forces applied to a bottom of the glass panel assembly. For example, this embodiment is well adapted for installation over a body of water in which a wave, tide, and/or storm surge might impact the bottom of the glass panel assembly. In such cases, some of the energy from the wave is redirected through the glass panel assembly, thereby reducing the amount of energy absorbed by the glass panel. The principle is similar to that underlying a vent hole in a swim platform of a boat. Another embodiment of the glass panel assembly includes a flexible connection between multiple glass panels that enables the assembly to move in a wave motion. In the event of an extreme wave sufficient to overcome the integrity of the structure to which the glass panel assembly is secured, this feature enables the glass panel assembly to move in a wave motion. This, in turn, reduces the forces on the glass panel assembly and increases the chances it will survive the extreme wave. The principle is similar to that underlying a palm tree bending to avoid breaking during an extreme wind event.
The upper frame 104 and the lower frame 106 may be any material known by the artisan to be suitable. Example materials include metals such as aluminum and stainless steel. The transparent panel 108 may be any material known by the artisan to be suitable. Example materials include glass and plexiglass (acrylic). In an embodiment, the transparent panel 108 is tempered glass. In an embodiment, the transparent panel 108 includes monolithic impact glass. In an embodiment, the transparent panel 108 includes at least one non-slip feature 110 such as an etching or a coating. Any coating known to the artisan is suitable. The etching may be any type of decorative etching. The glass panel assembly 100 is sufficiently strong to withstand expected conditions in an installation over water, such as the wave or an incoming tide, while also being resilient enough to flex upon the application of sufficient force.
The bottom gasket 142 acts as a support, acts as a seal, permits relative movements (including mechanical and thermal), and acts as a resilient cushion to enable the transparent panel 108 to yield downward when someone steps on an upper surface 150 the transparent panel 108. The bottom gasket 142 may be any material know to the artisan, include a elastomers. In an embodiment, the bottom gasket 142 is neoprene.
The lateral gasket 146 acts as a seal, provides lateral stability, and permits relative movements (including mechanical and thermal). The lateral gasket 146 may be any material know to the artisan, include a elastomers. In an embodiment, the lateral gasket 146 is neoprene. The lateral gasket 146 may float free between the transparent panel 108 and the support frame 102 to permit the transparent panel 108 to move vertically when stepped on. Alternately, when secured to the support frame 102, the transparent panel 108 may slide along the lateral gasket 146 during the vertical movement. When secured to the transparent panel 108, the lateral gasket 146 may slide along the support frame 102 during the vertical movement.
In an embodiment, the upper surface 150 of the transparent panel 108 is crowned to aid in water runoff. A bottom of the upper frame top wall 122 may include passages (not shown) to permit water on the transparent panel to drain between the transparent panel 108 and the upper frame top wall 122.
In another embodiment, a bottom surface 170 includes a feature 172 that renders the transparent panel 108 opaque from below. In an embodiment, the feature 172 renders the transparent panel 108 reflective from below. In an embodiment, the feather 172 functions to partly reduce (but not eliminate) light transmission through the transparent panel 108 (e.g. acts as a tint). The feature 172 may be a coating or a film applied to the bottom surface or may be incorporated into the transparent panel 108. A transparent panel 108 that is transparent from above but opaque or reflective from below enables an observer looking through the transparent panel 108 from above to see the marine life but prevents the marine life in its habitat from seeing the observer above. Marine life that is unable to see the observer is less likely to be spooked and flee. This, in turn, increases the likelihood the observer can experience improved viewings of the marine habitat.
In an embodiment, the upper frame mount 610 permits movement 616 (e.g. vertical movement) of the upper frame mount 610, and hence the upper frame 102, relative to the structure 614. This movement may be in response to an upward force applied to the upper frame mount feature 612. The upward force may result from, for example, an upward force 620 being applied to the bottom of the transparent panel 608, which is then transferred to the upper frame 102 and then to the upper frame mount feature 612. The upward force may be the result of, for example a wave, surge, or tide. The vertical relative movement 616 may be enabled by a resilient member 622 of the upper frame mount 610. In an embodiment, the upper frame mount 610 includes a bolt and one or more resilient washers that compress when the upward force 620 is applied. This enables the transparent panel 608 and the upper frame 104 to yield under the upward force 620, thereby reducing stresses on the glass panel assembly 600, and then return when the upward force 620 abates. Alternate embodiments of the upper frame mount 610 include shock absorbers, similar in concept to those on a vehicle. Alternate embodiments of the resilient member 622 include flexible bolts/fasteners, or coil or leaf springs etc.
The lower frame 102 similarly includes a lower frame mount 640 secured to the lower frame 106 via a lower frame mount feature 642. There may be any number of lower frame mounts 640. The lower frame mount feature 642 may be any way of mounting a frame known to the artisan. In the embodiment shown, the lower frame mount feature 642 is a flange. The lower frame mount 640 may likewise be any way of connecting the lower frame mount feature 642 to a structure 614 known to the artisan. For example, fasteners such as bolts and/or screws may be used to secure the lower frame 102 to the structure 644. The structure 644 may be, for example, framework of a dock or flooring system into which the glass panel assembly 600 is installed.
Similar to the upper frame mount 610, in an embodiment, the lower frame mount 640 permits movement 646 (e.g. vertical movement) of the lower frame mount 640, and hence the lower frame 102, relative to the structure 644. This is accomplished using the same principles disclosed for the upper frame mount 610. This movement may be in response to an upward force applied to the lower frame mount feature 642. The upward force may result, for example, from an upward force 620 being applied to the bottom of the transparent panel 608, which is then transferred through the glass panel assembly 600 to the lower frame mount feature 642.
The vertical relative movement 646 may be enabled by a resilient member 652 of the lower frame mount 640. In an embodiment, the lower frame mount 640 includes a bolt and one or more resilient washers that compress when the upward force 620 is applied, thereby reducing stresses on the glass panel assembly 600, and then return when the upward force 620 abates. Alternate embodiments of the lower frame mount 640 include shock absorbers, similar in concept to those on a vehicle. Alternate embodiments of the resilient member 652 include flexible bolts/fasteners, or coil or leaf springs etc.
A glass panel assembly may include any combination of the above embodiments of the pressure relief paths disclosed above.
As can be seen in
In an embodiment, the flexible element 920 may be constructed so that a flow area of the pressure relief path 960 increases when force a above a threshold is applied to the flexible element 920. For example, the flexible element 920 may be sacrificial and include a rupture feature 932 such as a thinned region that will rupture/tear when a wave force above the threshold is encountered. In this way the pressure relief path 960 is a two-stage pressure relief path. In the first stage, water flows through the one or more pressure relief holes 922. In the second stage, the force applied to the flexible element 920 by the water ruptures the rupture feature 932 and this creates a much larger opening through which the water can flow. Since the rupture feature 932 is disposed in only a portion of the flexible element 920, the remainder of the flexible element 920 will hold the adjacent support frames 902 together. After such an event, the sacrificed flexible element 920 could be replaced. This same concept can be applied to the pressure relief paths through the support frames.
The glass panel assembly provides a structural, transparent flooring system that can be used in the demanding marine environment. Its features enable it to withstand wave, surge, and tide action impacting it from below in a manner not previously seen. Hence, it represents an improvement in the art.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Elements of the various embodiments can be substituted with each other. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- at least one support frame comprising an upper frame and a lower frame configured to nest within the upper frame;
- at least one transparent panel, one transparent panel of the at least one transparent panel being sandwiched in a respective pocket formed between the upper frame and the lower frame; and
- a pressure relief path configured to direct water through the apparatus, effective to dissipate energy from a wave impacting a bottom surface of the one transparent panel.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through the one transparent panel.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through the at least one support frame.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through the lower frame, then between the at least one support frame and the one transparent panel, and then to the atmosphere.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the pressure relief path comprises an inlet through the lower frame, a passage between the at least one support frame and the one transparent panel, and an outlet through the at least one support frame.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the outlet is oriented transverse to the inlet.
7. The apparatus of claim 3,
- wherein the at least one support frame comprises plural support frames, each support frame of the plural support frames defining a respective pocket therein;
- wherein the at least one transparent panel comprises plural transparent panels, each panel of the plural transparent panels being disposed within a respective pocket; and
- plural flexible connections, wherein each flexible connection of the plural flexible connections is disposed between a respective pair of adjacent support frames of the plural support frames, and wherein the plural flexible connections cooperate to enable the plural support frames to move in a wave motion;
- wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through a vented flexible connection of the plural flexible connections.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pressure relief path comprises plural holes through the vented flexible connection.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cushion disposed between the lower frame and the bottom surface of the one transparent panel and configured to cause the one transparent panel to yield downward when an upper surface of the one transparent panel is stepped on.
10. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a lateral perimeter support disposed between a side edge of a perimeter of the one transparent panel and the at least one support frame, and a gap in the lateral perimeter support through which the pressure relief path passes.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pressure relief path comprises an inlet between the bottom surface of the one transparent panel and the lower frame, a passage between a perimeter of the one transparent panel and the at least one support frame, and an outlet to the atmosphere oriented transverse to the inlet.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising plural supports disposed in the pressure relief path between the bottom surface of the one transparent panel and the lower frame.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the plural supports comprise cushions.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one transparent panel comprises a crowned upper surface.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface comprises an opaque surface.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface comprises a reflective surface.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an upper frame mount configured to secure the upper frame to a fixed structure, wherein the upper frame mount comprises a resilient member configured to permit the upper frame to move relative to the fixed structure in response to the energy from the wave impacting the bottom surface of the one transparent panel.
18. An apparatus, comprising:
- plural support frames, each support frame of the plural support frames comprising an upper frame and a lower frame configured to nest within the upper frame and to define a pocket between the upper frame and the lower frame;
- plural transparent panels, wherein each panel of the plural transparent panels is sandwiched between the upper frame and the lower frame in the pocket of a respective support frame; and
- plural flexible connections, wherein each flexible connection of the plural flexible connections is disposed between a respective pair of adjacent support frames of the plural support frames;
- wherein the plural flexible connections cooperate to enable the plural support frames to move in a wave motion.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a pressure relief path configured to direct water through a transparent panel of the plural transparent panels.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a pressure relief path configured to direct water through the apparatus.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through a vented flexible connection of the plural flexible connections.
22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the pressure relief path comprises plural holes through the vented flexible connection.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the pressure relief path is disposed through at least one support frame of the plural support frames.
24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the pressure relief path comprises an inlet on a bottom side of the lower frame of the at least one support frame and an outlet to a gap disposed between the at least one support frame and an adjacent support frame.
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 2, 2020
Publication Date: Apr 8, 2021
Inventor: Jason Gingras (Seminole, FL)
Application Number: 17/061,715