Modular Sprung Floor

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for a modular sprung floor. An example embodiment is a sprung floor module having interchangeable components. Interchangeable components make up standardized assemblies. An example embodiment has a frame module that may be installed in a series to cover an area. The frame module comprises a frame that supports a performance surface. Standardized components include fiber-reinforced composite linear-structural members combined with elastomeric support members.

Claims

1. A modular structure for a sprung floor comprising: at least two elongate members parallel to an X-axis; and at least one elongate member parallel to a Y-axis and perpendicular to said X-axis; and at least two elastomeric pads, each having a planar surface portion; and said at least two elastomeric pads fixedly engaged, in an upright orientation, with said elongate members parallel to the X axis and with said elongate members parallel to the Y-axis; and said at least two elastomeric pads fixedly engaged, in an inverted orientation, with said elongate members parallel to the X-axis and with said elongate members parallel to the Y axis; and at least two performance-surface panels; and at least one linear, structural channel having a first end and a second end, a right side and a left side and an elongate centerline extending from said first end to said second end; and a series of fastener holes through said linear structural channel, left of said elongate centerline, and right of said elongate centerline; and fasteners penetrating edges of one of said at least two performance-surface panels and fastener holes left of said elongate centerline; and fasteners penetrating edges of the other of said at least two performance-surface panels and fastener holes right of said elongate centerline; wherein; said planar surface portion of said at least two elastomeric pads which are fixedly engaged, in an inverted orientation, with said elongate members parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis being movably engaged with a sub-floor; and said planar portion of said at least two elastomeric pads which are fixedly engaged, in an upright orientation, with said elongate members parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis being movably engaged with said linear structural channel and said linear structural channel fixedly engaged with adjacent edges of performance-surface panels, said performance-surface panels substantially covering said modular structure, providing a sprung floor.

2. The modular structure of claim 1 wherein the at least two elastomeric pads have a top surface, at least one side surface, an aperture for receiving said elongate members parallel to the X-axis and said elongate members parallel to the Y-axis and holes in said at least one side surface for inserting fasteners therethrough.

3. The modular structure of claim 1 wherein: the arrangement of X-axis members and Y-axis members allow for a first modular structure to nest with a second modular structure; wherein the first modular structure is inverted with respect to the second modular structure.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] To assist those of skill in the art in making and using the disclosed floor system and associated methods, reference is made to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the embodiment 100;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an elastomeric member;

[0018] FIG. 3 is another perspective, partially exploded view of the embodiment 100.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of two example panels in a stacked orientation;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two example panels in a stacked orientation.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an iteration of the embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the iteration of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the present disclosure relates to a modular sprung-floor assembly 100. A frame assembly is arrayed in a pattern of perpendicularly placed X-axis frame members 126 and Y-axis frame members 128. Performance-surface panels 110 are supported above the frame assembly by linear, structural channels 118 that reside atop performance-surface supports 132, also referred to as pads. Pads are also used in inverted orientation 132′ to support the frame assembly above a subfloor. Linear, structural channels 118 are held with fasteners about the perimeter of performance-surface panels 110, joining edges of performance-surface panels 110 firmly. By resting atop performance-surface supports 132 the performance-surface panels 110 float and shift freely over the supports 132 as the floor expands and contracts with environmental conditions, allowing seams between performance-surface panels 110 to remain tight and unstressed without the need for edge fastening as with, for example, tongue-and-groove edge treatment. Performance-surface panels 110 may be removed individually, anywhere in an array, by removing fasteners and lifting a panel 110. At some joints, the short edges of square panels meet a long edge of an adjacent panel (not shown). One skilled in the art understands that a tongue-and-groove feature may be added to performance-surface panels 110 for added alignment support.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a performance-surface support or pad 132 with a top surface 160 and side surfaces 162. Top surface 160 is designed to slidably engage with linear, structural channels 118 (FIG. 1). An aperture 164 accepts X-axis and Y-axis frame members 126 (FIG. 1). Fastener-holes 166 affix fasteners to X-axis frame members 126. One skilled in the art understands that 132 inverted (132′, FIG. 1) can serve as a pad between X-axis and Y-axis members and a sub-floor.

[0025] FIG. 3 100 is a detailed view that shows the pad 132 of FIG. 2 installed on a frame member 126. Elastomeric pads 132 in their upright position support linear, structural channels 118 and performance-surface panels 110. Inverted, the elastomeric pads 132′ support X-axis 126 and Y-axis frame members 128 and offset those members from a sub-floor. One skilled in the art understands that the same part may be used for both purposes; in the example of elastomeric pads 132 and elastomeric pads 132′ the same manufactured part is used in an upright orientation and in an inverted orientation, performing different functions: one adheres the channels 118 (FIG. 2) and hence the frame assembly, and another damps vibrations against a sub-floor. Fastener holes 166 are configured to affix a pad 132 or 132′ to X-axis or Y-axis frame members 126/128.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view showing an example embodiment 100 and example embodiment 100′ in position to be stacked. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the two examples 100 and 100′ in a stacked position. One skilled in the art will understand that X-axis frame members 126 may align beside X-axis frame members 126,′ and Y-axis members 128 may reside opposite Y-axis members 128′. When arranged in this orientation the example embodiment 100 will stack against example embodiment 100′.