Abstract: The invention involves a system and method for constructing decks, adapted for use with wood composite materials. The invention may include the application of facing to cover the materials used in forming the outer edge or rim of the deck and the underlying deck support members. Additionally, the invention may include railing structures that involve a combination of wood composite and metal elements, coordinated with other deck features.

Abstract: A modular prefabricated deck system which includes a plurality of rectangular flooring modules. Each module may include a plurality of laminations, such as a decorative upper element, and a lower support element for supporting the module upon the underlying joist structure of the deck. Additionally, each module may include interlocking structure for engaging adjacent modules upon installation.

Abstract: A floor panel for a raised access floor system, including a shallow metal pan with a bottom wall and a shallow upwardly-opening compartment. The bottom wall has a plurality of first hollow projections projecting upwardly therefrom, which projections adjacent upper ends thereof having sidewardly projecting rib structure. The bottom wall also has a plurality of microfeatures which project upwardly through a lesser extent. The number of microfeatures is substantially greater than the number of projections. The pan side walls and bottom wall are free of openings therethrough. A mass of solidified concrete fills the compartment. The floor panel is supported on a pedestal having a base which has clamping and mounting features integrated thereon for engaging grounding wires and cable management members.

Abstract: A floor panel for elevated floors comprising a base adapted to be supported and providing a load bearing surface; an inner panel adhesively secured to said base; an outer panel adhesively secured to said inner panel, said inner panel extending beyond said outer panel so as to present a border along the edge of said inner panel.

Abstract: An improved pedestal for a flooring system of the type which utilizes prefabricated base panels installed in side by side relationship to support a series of upstanding pedestals positioned in a geometric pedestal array is disclosed. The pedestals support further panels which define chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop caps which form tops of the pedestals. In one embodiment the caps each thread into a threaded bore in a pedestal body for leveling adjustments. Novel feet project downwardly from the pedestal bodies to provide positive locks with the base panels.

Abstract: A horizontally level raised terrace floor system for mounting over a non-level or irregular substructure that includes a plurality of spaced apart support pedestals that are fabricated of a heat shearable foam material. Each pedestal is mounted upon the non-horizontally level substructure and the pedestals are heat sheared so that the top surface of each pedestal lies in a common horizontal plane above the substructure. A plurality of flat grates are placed directly upon the pedestals in an edge to edge relationship. A plurality of interlocking paving blocks are laid down over the grates to provide a tight deck over the grates.

Abstract: A leveling system for a shed or other pre-fabricated building. The system includes a series of concrete supports and bases for receiving the vertical support arms for the shed. The bases each have pivot points to receive slant support beams. The pivot points allow the user to place the slant support beams to the correct angle depending on the incline of the terrain. The bases also have the capability of receiving mechanical fasteners, such as screws, to stabilize the support system to the concrete bases. The system can be used in several places beneath the shed, to compensate for uneven terrain in different places beneath the shed or prefabricated buildings.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for constructing a building. A foundation is provided, upon which is disposed one or more first-floor columns, each having a lower end, an upper end and an upper surface. One or more second-floor columns, each having a lower end, an upper end, a lower surface and an upper surface on one or more of the first-floor columns, are disposed on the top of the first-floor columns so that the lower surface of one or more of the second-floor columns abuts, and is supported by, the upper surface of one or more of the first-floor columns.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unitized access floor system, a method to install it, and automatized leveling tools. The access floor comprises an assembly of modular stringer frames joined to form a layout. Pedestals for vertical leveling of the modular stringer frame are attached to the stringer frame, or can be hinged to the stringer frame during manufacture, and can fold down from within the stringer frame to facilitate stacking, packaging and shipping from the factory. The primary automatized leveling tool involves a rotating driving female socket coinciding with the layout of the modular stringer frame, matting with the leveling pedestals. The automatized tool has a central motor with variable speeds and reversible independent gear drives or multiple motors. Modular stringer frames are leveled adjacent to each other forming a matrix comprising modular stringer frames which receive floor panels interlocking adjacent stringer frames.

Abstract: An improved pedestal for a flooring system of the type which utilizes prefabricated base panels installed in side by side relationship to support a series of upstanding pedestals positioned in a geometric pedestal array is disclosed. The pedestals support further panels which define chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop caps which form tops of the pedestals. In one embodiment the caps each thread into a threaded bore in a pedestal body for leveling adjustments.

Abstract: A method of constructing a stainless-steel floor on a floor bed includes providing support members on the floor bed, placing a stainless-steel plate on the support members; and bonding the stainless-steel plate to the floor bed by using mortar to fill the space between the stainless-steel plate and the floor bed, or by using adhesive.

Abstract: A support and method supports a tool and a raised floor using a single integrated support. The portion of the support supporting the raised floor may have an adjustable height, allowing the portion to be adjusted to the height and optionally the angle of the raised floor.

Abstract: An audience seating system of the present invention takes a modular approach to creating a wide variety of seating options. The system utilizes a variety of standardized parts that can be assembled in a flexible variety of configurations. The system generally utilizes a plurality of columns, trusses, end frames, and platforms. The major parts of the system are assembled and secured together by readily removable pins to create a flexible and secure seating system. A large part of the system is held together by gravity further simplifying installation and disassembly. By varying the size of the components, the rise and run of the system may be adjusted as desired.

Abstract: A modular platform assembly for providing at least one breadboard surface level above a table includes a rectangular breadboard plate having holes therein, a pillar member for supporting each corner of the rectangular breadboard plate, and a base member for supporting each pillar member on a table top. By using multiple breadboard plates and multiple pillars, a first surface level of varying horizontal dimensions can be provided, as well as multiple vertically-spaced levels. The invention enables the creation of enlarged three-dimensional work surfaces above a table top, thus enhancing utilization of space in a small area.

Abstract: A caster arrangement for cabinets used on access or raised floors of a computer room or the like. The caster arrangement allows for a small, heavy cabinet to be situated on the panels of the access floor without applying concentrated or ultimate loads on the panels that may exceed the design characteristics of the panel and access floor. The caster arrangement allows for at most three casters to apply load to a given panel while the cabinet is being moved or has an arbitrary orientation.

Abstract: A dock or pier assembly is constructed of a series of substantially identical dock modules. The dock modules are preferably rectangular in shape, and a post and bracket support arrangement is provided at each corner of each dock module for supporting the dock modules above a body of water. Each dock module includes a frame assembly, constructed of a series of metal frame members welded together to define a rigid frame. A series of deck members are mounted to the frame, and may be in the form of extruded plastic deck members. Each side frame member includes an upper flange to which a connector strip is secured, and the connector strip defines engagement structure for mounting the deck members to the side frame members. Each frame member of the frame assembly further includes a vertical web and a lower flange. A bumper or cover member is secured to the vertical web of each frame member, for providing a finished appearance and for protecting the web and lower flange when in use.

Abstract: An underfloor cable junction unit for installation in a raised-floor system used as cooling air supply duct for devices arranged on the raised floor and having floor panels with cooling air outlets has a top side. The top side or at least a major part of it is open to enable the passage of cooling air through the top side toward a floor panel with cooling air outlets.

Abstract: A modular tile and modular tile system is disclosed. The modular tile includes a base structure having a generally horizontal portion. Floor support members are positioned on a bottom surface of the generally horizontal portion. Upper column members extend above the horizontal portion of the modular tile. A cover is supported by the upper column members a distance above the horizontal portion thereby creating a chamber between the horizontal portion and the cover. The chamber is adapted to receive cabling therein.

Abstract: A raised floor system which includes a plurality of upright support columns, a plurality of floor panels, and a cable tray support assembly. The cable tray support assembly includes a plurality of support pedestals and a platform section. Each support pedestal has an elongated stringer member, a first upright sleeve member, and a second upright sleeve member. Each first and second sleeve member defines a bore extending from a top end through a bottom end. The stringer member is attached to the sleeve members proximate the respective top ends of the first and second sleeve members so that the elongated stringer member is supported above the respective bottom ends of the first and second sleeve members. At least one of the first and second sleeve members of each first support pedestal is removably connected, in overlying registration, to the body portion of one support column of a pair of support columns. One platform section is suspended from the stringer members of a pair of opposing first support pedestals.

Abstract: An architectural support assembly comprises an elongate member having a longitudinal channel formed therein, the channel having longitudinally extending ledge portion projecting from opposite sides thereof. A support is located on the exterior of the elongate member and a bolt extending from the support is screwed in a nut located in the channel. The nut bears against the ledge portion. When the bolt is unscrewed, the nut, bolt and associated support can be moved along the elongate member. The elongate member can be mounted upright on a walkway floor to support a hand rail which is carried on an uppermost support carried by the elongate member.

Abstract: Support apparatus including a base, a receptacle for receiving an object, and a plurality of spaced apart buttresses connected to the base and to the receptacle, the buttresses mounting the receptacle perpendicularly with respect to the base and spaced outwardly therefrom to cause force received by the receptacle from supporting the object to be transferred and distributed to different portions of the base by the buttresses. The support may be grounded to ground supported objects.

Abstract: According to the invention, vacuum pumping systems are integrated in the intermediate space between a supporting slab and a clean room false floor formed from a juxtaposition of false floor tiles held by posts resting on the supporting slab. A platform, whose size is greater than the floor space requirement of the vacuum pumping system to be integrated, and substantially equal to that of a false floor tile, is held away from the supporting slab by feet resting on the supporting slab. Thus part of the space underneath the vacuum pumping systems is freed, for the free passage of cables and ducts. Simultaneously the vacuum pumping system is isolated with respect to the false floor, in order to avoid the transmission of vibrations.

Abstract: An article support apparatus for use with a raised floor system including a plurality of support pedestals, stringer elements and floor panels, the support apparatus includes an article support member configured to support articles thereon; and a mounting mechanism connectable with the article support member and adapted to mount the article support member to at least one stringer element of a raised floor system. The mounting mechanism further includes at least one fastener for the mounting thereof.

Abstract: A floor panel for a raised access floor system, including a shallow metal pan with a bottom wall and a shallow upwardly-opening compartment. The bottom wall has a plurality of first hollow projections projecting upwardly therefrom, which projections adjacent upper ends thereof having sidewardly projecting rib structure. The bottom wall also has a plurality of microfeatures which project upwardly through a lesser extent. The number of microfeatures is substantially greater than the number of projections. The pan side walls and bottom wall are free of openings therethrough. A mass of solidified concrete fills the compartment. The floor panel is supported on a pedestal having a base which has clamping and mounting features integrated thereon for engaging grounding wires and cable management members.

Abstract: A plastic trim strip for use with high pressure plastic laminate (HPL) modules or other decorative modules used on access flooring. The strip is extruded polyvinyl chloride or other polymeric or other material such as decorative metals such as brass or aluminum. The cross sectional shape of the strip is generally rectangular with a rectangular tab that: (1) protrudes from one of the narrow edges of the rectangle, (2) is thinner than the height of the strip and (3) has one surface flush with the bottom of the strip. A portion of the edge of the HPL or other floor covering with which the strip is used, and having the same shape as the tab, is router or otherwise removed from the floor covering. The protruding tab of the trim strip is then “captured” within this rabbet with or without adhesive, thereby securely engaging the trim strip when the floor covering is installed on or bonded to the access flooring structure.

Abstract: A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.

Abstract: A modular and dismantleable porch apparatus including a deck frame for supporting decking material, a handrail assembly attached about the circumference of the deck frame, an modular step assembly attached to the deck frame, and a modular handrail assembly attached to the step assembly. The deck frame is constructed of a plurality of support members having swedged ends that interlock to form a rectangular body. The step assembly is constructed of step frame members that may be added as needed to add additional steps. The handrail assembly also provides a modular design using handrail segments with swedged ends in which additional rail segments may be added to accommodate the length of the completed step assembly.

Abstract: A pedestal for mounting semiconductor fabrication equipment within a clean room. The pedestal includes a base frame sitting on a waffle slab and utility connections. The equipment can readily be connected to the utility connections when positioned on the pedestal. The utility connections are located at the periphery of or across part of a face of the pedestal to thereby define a service area within the periphery.

Abstract: A ballast block deck system includes a plurality of ballast blocks (12) laterally positioned to form an elevated deck (14) on an existing roof structure. Each block (12) has a predetermined thickness and multiple corner portions (22). A pedestal assembly (30) is located directly beneath the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) to space and support the blocks (12) a spaced distance above the existing roof surface. The pedestal assembly (30) includes a support plate (34) having a support surface (40) for supporting the corner portions (22) thereon, a cornercap (42) which overlies the corner portions (22), and a fastener (44) which removably attaches the cornercap (42) to the support plate (34). When installed, the corner portions (22) of adjacent ballast blocks (12) are captured between the support plate (34) and cornercap (42) of the pedestal (30).

Abstract: An access floor panel having an improved applied edge trim element comprising a panel base capable of being suspended above a subfloor surface, having a load surface for supporting loads, and a method for forming such an edge trim element. Affixed to the load surface is a covering comprising a top layer having a thickness and an underlying backing layer. The covering further comprises a wear surface with a central portion and perimeter edges therearound, the wear surface along the perimeter edges of the covering being etched to a depth that is less than the thickness of the top layer. An edge trim element, such as ink, is applied to the etched portion of the covering, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the access floor panel.

Abstract: A workstation for a work environment having a floor is disclosed. The workstation includes a plurality of frame sections, and a latch mechanism releasably and rigidly securing at least one frame section to the floor. The latch mechanism includes a latch coupled to one of the frame sections, a wedge coupled to the latch, and a clip disposed between the latch and the wedge. The clip has a pair of flanges with ends capable of being disposed at least partially beneath the floor. The latch is configured to move the wedge between the flanges of the clip to operate the latch mechanism between a latched position and a released position so that the workstation may be quickly and easily disassembled. A workstation for a work environment having a floor having an aperture is also disclosed. The workstation includes among other features a latch mechanism having a sleeve and a wedge that may be inserted into the sleeve so that an end is at least partially disposed within the aperture.

Abstract: An erectable platform includes at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers. The platform further includes support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.

Abstract: Panels (16) for use with access flooring (10) having a thick, resilient pad (20) bonded directly to and covering the entire surface of the panel (16). The pad (20) acts like the backing layer of a conventional floor treatment by absorbing impact and attenuation sound. A reinforced face cloth module (22) having only a face layer (24) and a stabilizing layer (26) is used to cover the pad (20) to protect the pad from wear and to provide an attractive floor treatment. The reinforced face cloth module (22) can be detachable or bonded directly to the pad. Alternatively, hook and loop fasteners can affix the pad to the face cloth module.

Abstract: A clean room which uses a perforated floor upon which equipment can be directly placed is presented. The perforated floor includes a regular array of openings through which air can pass to an underlying facility room. The openings are covered by a grate through which the air can pass. In combination the perforated floor and the grates are able to support equipment in any location thereon.

Abstract: An inner accessible commutering enterprise structure is interfaced with one or more workplace, vehicle or home commutering centers, providing extended battery life for wireless devices with enhanced commutering capabilities for using the enhanced power of commutering devices within the inner accessible commutering enterprise structure. An enterprise interlaced integrated fiber, broadband fiber, electronic, and electrical power network comprising an enterprise communications and computing network of conductors, electronic, electrical and mechanical devices, components, appliances, and equipment is accommodated in the interstitial spaces of the ceilings, walls, partitions, columns, and floors of the wired and wireless inner accessible commutering enterprise structure.

Abstract: The floor system for a work environment providing for access to utilities to be associated with articles such as articles of furniture is disclosed. The floor system includes a plurality of floor tiles. At least one of the floor tiles provides an access pattern. A floor is formed by selective arrangement of the plurality of floor tiles with at least one access point for utilities provided by the access pattern of at least one of the plurality of floor tiles. At least one article of furniture is selectively positioned on the floor. At least one access point can be selectively located within the floor. The position of at least one article of furniture on the floor and location of the access point of the floor are at least partially coincident and access to utilities can be provided through the floor to the article of furniture regardless of the position of the article of furniture on the floor.

Abstract: An access floor panel having an improved applied edge trim element comprising a panel base capable of being suspended above a subfloor surface, having a load surface for supporting loads, and a method for forming such an edge trim element. Affixed to the load surface is a covering comprising a top layer having a thickness and an underlying backing layer. The covering further comprises a wear surface with a central portion and perimeter edges therearound, the wear surface along the perimeter edges of the covering being etched to a depth that is less than the thickness of the top layer. An edge trim element, such as ink, is applied to the etched portion of the covering, providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance to the access floor panel. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unitized access floor system, a method to install it, and automatized leveling tools. The access floor comprises an assembly of modular stringer frames joined to form a layout. Pedestals for vertical leveling of the modular stringer frame are attached to the stringer frame, or can be hinged to the stringer frame during manufacture, and can fold down from within the stringer frame to facilitate stacking, packaging and shipping from the factory. The primary automatized leveling tool involves a rotating driving female socket coinciding with the layout of the modular stringer frame, matting with the leveling pedestals. The automatized tool has a central motor with variable speeds and reversible independent gear drives or multiple motors. Modular stringer frames are leveled adjacent to each other forming a matrix comprising modular stringer frames which receive floor panels interlocking adjacent stringer frames.

Abstract: A floor panel for elevated floors comprising a base adapted to be supported and providing a load bearing surface; an inner panel adhesively secured to said base; an outer panel adhesively secured to said inner panel, said inner panel extending beyond said outer panel so as to present a border along the edge of said inner panel.

Abstract: An access floor panel is disclosed having improved load-bearing strength. One access floor panel in accordance with the present invention includes an upper plate having a surface to support loads and a lower plate being substantially parallel with the upper plate. A core is disposed between the upper and lower plates and a reinforcing member disposed in the core.

Abstract: A heavy-duty floor panel for use in an elevated floor system that includes a top, bottom and plurality of sides defining an outer perimeter of the floor panel. A plurality of reinforcing structures may extend from the bottom and be arranged in a pattern to optimize the strength-to-weight ratio of the panel. The reinforcing structures may include five series of reinforcing structures. The first series of reinforcing structures may have a first, substantially constant height, be disposed adjacent to the outer perimeter of the floor panel, and may have a thickness that varies along their length. The second series of reinforcing structures may have a second, substantially constant height different from said first height, be disposed inwardly from said first series of reinforcing structures, and may also have a thickness that varies along their length.

Abstract: A pedestal support for an elevated paver deck assembly including a cylindrical tower, a cap slidably mountable on the upper end of the tower for supporting a plurality of pavers, and a base slidably mountable on the lower end of the tower. Interlocking spacers for adjusting the height of the pedestal support and the relative heights of the pavers are also provided. A method for constructing an elevated paver deck assembly including the pedestal supports is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flooring system is disclosed which utilizes prefabricated floor panels installed in side by side relationship. The floor panels support a series of upstanding pedestals. The pedestals are positioned such that they provide a geometric pedestal array. The pedestals support panels which collectively define fluid conduit, power cable and communications chases. Working floor panels are mounted atop the pedestals. A heat pump is connected to supply, return and condensate conduits installed in the conduit chase to supply cooling water from a cooling tower. Metal and plastic embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A cable support apparatus for a raised floor system comprising at least one support member. The at least one support member is configured to be mounted to a pedestal of the raised floor system and connect with portions of cable trays. The support member, in one preferred embodiment includes a first member and a second member, each defining a slot for positioning on the support pedestal. The support member also includes a plurality of holes for the securing of the first member and the second member together as well as for connecting with cable trays. The cable trays are attached to the support member with an attachment mechanism such as a threaded stud.

Abstract: A modular tile and modular tile system is disclosed. The modular tile includes a base structure having a generally horizontal portion. Floor support members are positioned on a bottom surface of the generally horizontal portion. Upper column members extend above the horizontal portion of the modular tile. A cover is supported by the upper column members a distance above the horizontal portion thereby creating a chamber between the horizontal portion and the cover. The chamber is adapted to receive cabling therein.

Abstract: Metallic network elevated floorboard structure composed a metallic elevated floorboard, leg members, base seats, wire channels, central cover boards and side cover boards. The metallic elevated floorboard is composed of a plane iron panel having multiple punch holes at equal intervals and a concave iron board having multiple concaves riveted with the plane iron panel. Four corners of the elevated floorboard are formed with bores in which the leg member is fitted. The periphery of the elevated floorboard is formed with a flange having notches in which the side cover board is inlaid.

Abstract: An intersection member is provided for use in a raised floor system having a plurality of support pedestals, a plurality of floor panels, and at least one cable support apparatus wherein the intersection member includes a cable support section, and connecting portions extending from the cable support section, the connecting portions being configured and dimensioned to retain the cable support section in place when positioned at the intersection of at least two cable pathways. A hardware mounting assembly is provided for mounting hardware relative to a cable support apparatus, which includes a bracket portion configured and dimensioned to support various hardware components and position the components relative to a cable support apparatus, and a plurality of notches formed along the bracket portion, the notches being configured and dimensioned to engage portions of the cable support apparatus such that the bracket portion is maintained a predetermined relative distance from the cable support apparatus.

Abstract: A below in floor lengthwise interconnected arrangement of wire baskets serving as a repository of cables for computers and like apparatus, in which opposite sides of the baskets are assembled in depending relation from opposite side supports by inverted U-shape hooks thereof being urged in ascending movement through an opening into a compartment of each opposite support bounded by U-shaped edges, and resulting in the inverted U-shapes and upright U-shapes engaging with each other.

Abstract: An erectable platform includes at least one bay, the bay having; at least one deck assembly, the deck assembly having a plurality of threaded couplers. The platform further includes support structure having at least two spaced apart main beams and at least two intermediate beams, each of said main beams underlying each of the at least one deck assemblies in a supporting disposition, each of said main beams presenting a first elongate, upward directed threaded receiver, the threaded receiver having two spaced apart rails defining a slot between the two rails, and each of said intermediate beams extending between two of the at least two main beams and being operably removably coupled thereto, and a plurality of depending columns operably removably coupled to the support structure in a supporting disposition.

Abstract: A below in floor lengthwise interconnected arrangement of wire baskets serving as a repository of cables for computers and like apparatus, in which opposite sides of the baskets are assembled in depending relation from opposite side supports by inverted U-shape hooks thereof being urged in ascending movement through an opening into a compartment of each opposite support bounded by U-shaped edges, and resulting in the inverted U-shapes and upright U-shapes engaging with each other.