CA2091036C - Synthetic surface element - Google Patents
Synthetic surface element Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2091036C CA2091036C CA 2091036 CA2091036A CA2091036C CA 2091036 C CA2091036 C CA 2091036C CA 2091036 CA2091036 CA 2091036 CA 2091036 A CA2091036 A CA 2091036A CA 2091036 C CA2091036 C CA 2091036C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- surface element
- central core
- synthetic surface
- flanges
- synthetic
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
- E01C5/00—Pavings made of prefabricated single units
- E01C5/22—Pavings made of prefabricated single units made of units composed of a mixture of materials covered by two or more of groups E01C5/008, E01C5/02 - E01C5/20 except embedded reinforcing materials
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
- Finishing Walls (AREA)
- Floor Finish (AREA)
Abstract
A synthetic surface element having a central core of filler material, for example wood chips, saw dust, foam, or any other inert filling material, said central core being disposed between top and bottom layers of thermaplastic or thermaset material, the outer perimeter of the synthetic surface element being provided with first flanges extending substantially outwardly from the thermaplastic or thermaset material covering the top of the central core and said flanges having substantially downwardly extending supplementary flanges located proximate the terminus of the first flanges, the length of the supplementary flange being greater than the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the layers covering the central core filler so as to define proximate the bottom of the synthetic surface element a continuous channel bounded by the supplementary flange and the central core, wherein in placing said synthetic surface element in engagement with a supporting surface, for example a gravel or aggregate bed, the hollows will engage with the supporting elements, for example the aggregate sand or the like, and position the synthetic surface element, and prevent it from moving in relation to the supporting surface.
Description
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TITLE OF INVENTION
SYNTHETIC SURFACE ELEMENT
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to surface elements such as paving stones, patio blocks, elements for docks or the like and finds particular application in the field of patio blocks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to provide synthetic surface elements to replace the much heavier more costly concrete or stone based structures.
An example of such a structure is found in United States Patent No. 5,139,845 issued August 18, 1992 which teaches a light weight structure composite having a cellular core and fiber reinforced resinous skin. However the product does not include hollow portions proximate the bottom thereof for engaging the surface upon which the synthetic surface element is being fastened.
United States Patent No. 2,839,442 issued June 17, 1958 refers to a process of making a light weight structural panel formed of a light weight core material which may be paper, wood, foam etc. The core is faced with sheet material such as metal, plywood etc. or fiber reinforced plastic. In describing a new method the above mentioned patent does not teach providing hollows within the structure to engage with the supporting surface.
Great Britain Patent specification 1,175,821 published December 23, 1969 describes a patio tile formed of clay with glass fiber reinforcement.
Again the hollows which provide the engagement with supporting surfaces are not provided. West German Offenlegungsschrift 2,731,604 provides a sandwiched building panel having outer layers of fiber glass plastic with a core of foam. Again the structure does not include the hollows as described above.
Finally French Patent Application No. 2,275,605 provides a _. - 2 building slab consisting of central core of expanded polystyrene or other foam which is surrounded by expanded sheet metal in a fiberglass reinforced resin.
The structure includes what appears to be reinforcing ribs as seen in Figures and 4. Again this building unit does not included the limitation above mentioned.
Nowhere in the prior art is there provided a synthetic surface element for engagement with a supporting surface, said element including hollows provided therewith for engaging with portions of the supporting surface to locate the synthetic surface element in place.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a light weight synthetic patio stone which is economical to manufacture and easy to use.
Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiment illustrated herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a synthetic surface element and preferably a patio stone comprising a central core of filler material, for example wood chips, saw dust, foam, or any other inert filling material, said central core being disposed between top and bottom layers of thermaplastic or thermaset material and preferably fiberglass reinforced resin, the outer perimeter of the synthetic surface element being provided with first flanges extending substantially outwardly from the thermaplastic material covering the top of the central core and said flanges having substantially downwardly extending supplementary flanges located proximate the terminus of the first flanges, the length of the supplementary flange being greater than the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the layers covering the central core filler so as to define proximate the bottom of the synthetic surface element a continuous channel bounded by the _3_ supplementary flange and the central core, and preferably there being provided a second hollow located directly below the central core extending towards the bottom of the synthetic surface element, wherein in placing said synthetic surface element in engagement with a supporting surface, for example a gravel or aggregate bed, the hollows will engage with the supporting elements, for example the aggregate sand or the like, and position the synthetic surface element, and in one embodiment a patio block, and prevent it from moving in relation to the supporting surface.
It is understood that the synthetic surface element may take any convenient shape including rectangular, hexagonal, square, round and triangular. However it is preferred that the shape be defined by the heavier stone article which the synthetic surface element replaces. Of course the colour of the element may be provided so as to match the colour of the stone item being replaced. For example if replacing interlocking paving stones a brick colour is preferred. If replacing concrete patio blocks then a grey colour may be preferred. In a preferred embodiment the filler is wood shavings, chips and/or saw dust.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated with respect to the following drawings illustrating embodiments of the invention in which:
Figure 1 is a top schematic view of the synthetic patio stone illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a cut away view of the patio stone of Figure 1 illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figures 5 are alternative embodiments of the invention in shape only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated a generally ~~~~~~~i square shaped synthetic patio stone 10 having a top and a bottom T and B
respectively. The patio stone has located between the top and the bottom a central core made of inert filler material such as wooden chips and/or saw dust. The central core is then cover with fiberglass reinforced resin so as to define about the core 25 a synthetic resin covering 20 reinforced with fiberglass having a top 24 and a bottom 26 and end portions 31 which completely surround the central core 25. Extending from the top 24 are provided laterally extending flange portions 35 which extend from the top surface 24. Located proximate the terminus of the lateral extending flanges 35 are provided substantially downwardly extending flanges 30 having an inner wall 30a. The inner wall 30a and the side wall 31 of the central core 25 providing hollows 40 extending about the perimeter of the synthetic patio stone and providing channels 41, 42, 43 and 44 circumscribing a second hollow 45 located proximate the bottom of the synthetic resin layer 26. The hollow 45 thus extends from the bottom 26 to the bottom of patio stone.
Therefore when installing the synthetic patio stone 10 upon an aggregate bed, such as sand or gravel, by providing the hollows 40 and 45 within the bottom of the patio stone structure, when installed, the aggregate will substantially fill the hollows 40 and 45 and in doing so prevent the motion of the synthetic patio stone in relation to the aggregate. Therefore as clearly seen in Figure 2 the flange 30a extends about the entire perimeter of the patio stone and its end represents the very bottom of the patio stone as opposed to the bottom of the central core item 26.
Referring to Figure 3, 4 and 5 there is illustrated identical structures to that described to the relation to Figures 1 and 2 with exception of the shape. Clearly Figure 3 illustrates a hexagonal shape, Figure 4 illustrates a triangular shape and Figure 5 illustrates a rectangular shape. Clearly the operation of and provision of the hollows are identical to that in relation to Figures 1 and 2. The purpose of the hollows is identical as well.
~~~.~~~6 As many changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material contained herein by interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
TITLE OF INVENTION
SYNTHETIC SURFACE ELEMENT
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to surface elements such as paving stones, patio blocks, elements for docks or the like and finds particular application in the field of patio blocks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to provide synthetic surface elements to replace the much heavier more costly concrete or stone based structures.
An example of such a structure is found in United States Patent No. 5,139,845 issued August 18, 1992 which teaches a light weight structure composite having a cellular core and fiber reinforced resinous skin. However the product does not include hollow portions proximate the bottom thereof for engaging the surface upon which the synthetic surface element is being fastened.
United States Patent No. 2,839,442 issued June 17, 1958 refers to a process of making a light weight structural panel formed of a light weight core material which may be paper, wood, foam etc. The core is faced with sheet material such as metal, plywood etc. or fiber reinforced plastic. In describing a new method the above mentioned patent does not teach providing hollows within the structure to engage with the supporting surface.
Great Britain Patent specification 1,175,821 published December 23, 1969 describes a patio tile formed of clay with glass fiber reinforcement.
Again the hollows which provide the engagement with supporting surfaces are not provided. West German Offenlegungsschrift 2,731,604 provides a sandwiched building panel having outer layers of fiber glass plastic with a core of foam. Again the structure does not include the hollows as described above.
Finally French Patent Application No. 2,275,605 provides a _. - 2 building slab consisting of central core of expanded polystyrene or other foam which is surrounded by expanded sheet metal in a fiberglass reinforced resin.
The structure includes what appears to be reinforcing ribs as seen in Figures and 4. Again this building unit does not included the limitation above mentioned.
Nowhere in the prior art is there provided a synthetic surface element for engagement with a supporting surface, said element including hollows provided therewith for engaging with portions of the supporting surface to locate the synthetic surface element in place.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a light weight synthetic patio stone which is economical to manufacture and easy to use.
Further and other objects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering the following summary of the invention and the more detailed description of the preferred embodiment illustrated herein.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a synthetic surface element and preferably a patio stone comprising a central core of filler material, for example wood chips, saw dust, foam, or any other inert filling material, said central core being disposed between top and bottom layers of thermaplastic or thermaset material and preferably fiberglass reinforced resin, the outer perimeter of the synthetic surface element being provided with first flanges extending substantially outwardly from the thermaplastic material covering the top of the central core and said flanges having substantially downwardly extending supplementary flanges located proximate the terminus of the first flanges, the length of the supplementary flange being greater than the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the layers covering the central core filler so as to define proximate the bottom of the synthetic surface element a continuous channel bounded by the _3_ supplementary flange and the central core, and preferably there being provided a second hollow located directly below the central core extending towards the bottom of the synthetic surface element, wherein in placing said synthetic surface element in engagement with a supporting surface, for example a gravel or aggregate bed, the hollows will engage with the supporting elements, for example the aggregate sand or the like, and position the synthetic surface element, and in one embodiment a patio block, and prevent it from moving in relation to the supporting surface.
It is understood that the synthetic surface element may take any convenient shape including rectangular, hexagonal, square, round and triangular. However it is preferred that the shape be defined by the heavier stone article which the synthetic surface element replaces. Of course the colour of the element may be provided so as to match the colour of the stone item being replaced. For example if replacing interlocking paving stones a brick colour is preferred. If replacing concrete patio blocks then a grey colour may be preferred. In a preferred embodiment the filler is wood shavings, chips and/or saw dust.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be illustrated with respect to the following drawings illustrating embodiments of the invention in which:
Figure 1 is a top schematic view of the synthetic patio stone illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 is a cut away view of the patio stone of Figure 1 illustrated in a preferred embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figures 5 are alternative embodiments of the invention in shape only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 there is illustrated a generally ~~~~~~~i square shaped synthetic patio stone 10 having a top and a bottom T and B
respectively. The patio stone has located between the top and the bottom a central core made of inert filler material such as wooden chips and/or saw dust. The central core is then cover with fiberglass reinforced resin so as to define about the core 25 a synthetic resin covering 20 reinforced with fiberglass having a top 24 and a bottom 26 and end portions 31 which completely surround the central core 25. Extending from the top 24 are provided laterally extending flange portions 35 which extend from the top surface 24. Located proximate the terminus of the lateral extending flanges 35 are provided substantially downwardly extending flanges 30 having an inner wall 30a. The inner wall 30a and the side wall 31 of the central core 25 providing hollows 40 extending about the perimeter of the synthetic patio stone and providing channels 41, 42, 43 and 44 circumscribing a second hollow 45 located proximate the bottom of the synthetic resin layer 26. The hollow 45 thus extends from the bottom 26 to the bottom of patio stone.
Therefore when installing the synthetic patio stone 10 upon an aggregate bed, such as sand or gravel, by providing the hollows 40 and 45 within the bottom of the patio stone structure, when installed, the aggregate will substantially fill the hollows 40 and 45 and in doing so prevent the motion of the synthetic patio stone in relation to the aggregate. Therefore as clearly seen in Figure 2 the flange 30a extends about the entire perimeter of the patio stone and its end represents the very bottom of the patio stone as opposed to the bottom of the central core item 26.
Referring to Figure 3, 4 and 5 there is illustrated identical structures to that described to the relation to Figures 1 and 2 with exception of the shape. Clearly Figure 3 illustrates a hexagonal shape, Figure 4 illustrates a triangular shape and Figure 5 illustrates a rectangular shape. Clearly the operation of and provision of the hollows are identical to that in relation to Figures 1 and 2. The purpose of the hollows is identical as well.
~~~.~~~6 As many changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material contained herein by interpreted as illustrative of the invention and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (4)
1. A synthetic surface element having an outer perimeter and comprising a central core of inert filler material, said central core being disposed between top and bottom layers of thermaplastic or thermaset material, the outer perimeter of the synthetic surface element being provided with first flanges extending substantially outwardly from the thermaplastic or thermaset material covering the top of the central core and said flanges having substantially downwardly extending supplementary flanges located proximate a terminus of the first flanges, the length of the supplementary flange being greater than the distance between the top and bottom surfaces of the layers covering the central core so as to define proximate a bottom of the synthetic surface element a continuous hollow bounded by the supplementary flange and the central core, wherein in placing said synthetic surface element in engagement with a supporting surface, the continuous hollow will engage with the supporting surface, and position the synthetic surface element, and prevent it from moving in relation to the supporting surface.
2. The synthetic surface element of claim 1 wherein there is provided a second hollow located directly below the central core extending towards the bottom of the synthetic surface element.
3. The synthetic surface element of claim 1 or 2 wherein said thermaplastic or thermaset material is fiberglass reinforced resin.
4. The synthetic surface element of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said element is a patio stone.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2091036 CA2091036C (en) | 1993-03-04 | 1993-03-04 | Synthetic surface element |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2091036 CA2091036C (en) | 1993-03-04 | 1993-03-04 | Synthetic surface element |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2091036A1 CA2091036A1 (en) | 1994-09-05 |
| CA2091036C true CA2091036C (en) | 2001-10-02 |
Family
ID=4151256
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2091036 Expired - Fee Related CA2091036C (en) | 1993-03-04 | 1993-03-04 | Synthetic surface element |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2091036C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7331147B2 (en) | 2001-09-13 | 2008-02-19 | Jerzy Kalisiak | Hexagonal paving panel |
-
1993
- 1993-03-04 CA CA 2091036 patent/CA2091036C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2091036A1 (en) | 1994-09-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |