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 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
(1) 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:
(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the embodiment 100;
(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an elastomeric member;
(4) FIG. 3 is another perspective, partially exploded view of the embodiment 100.
(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective, exploded view of two example panels in a stacked orientation;
(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of two example panels in a stacked orientation.
(7) FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an iteration of the embodiment;
(8) FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the iteration of FIG. 6.
DESCRIPTION
(9) 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.
(10) 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.
(11) 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.
(12) 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′.
