Concealed paver retainer

Abstract

A paving stone holder system for use with a base (10) to form an elevated floor, the paving stone holder system comprising a support plate (20) positionable on the base, the support plate having a center and provided with locking elements, each provided with a radially extending upright fin (44) projecting through the support plate, wherein the fins of the locking element are arranged at 90 degrees to each other. The locking element is movable relative to the support plate. A plurality of paving stone supports (12), typically four, supported on the support plate; and there is provided an overhanging leg extending to the support plate, the leg being provided with a hole (90). The locking element is provided with one or more protrusions, and the one or more protrusions can be jointed in the groove (90). In a first (locked) position, the protrusion of the locking element engages in the slot in the leg of the paving stone support, preventing disengagement of the paving stone support from the support plate. In the second position, the protrusions are disengaged from the legs of the paving stone support, allowing the paving stone support to be separated from the support plate.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202480032680.7 (22) Application Date 2024.03.27 (30) Priority Data 2023900870 2023.03.28 AU (85) PCT International Application Entering National Phase Date 2025.11.14 (86) PCT International Application Application Data PCT / AU2024 / 050282 2024.03.27 (87) PCT International Application Publication Data WO2024 / 197346 EN 2024.10.03 (71) Applicant: Amy Private Limited Address: Singapore (72) Inventors: Henry Griffiths, Li Shanyi, Lin Guohua, Yuan Xi (74) Patent Agency: Beijing Yinlong Intellectual Property Agency Co., Ltd. 11243 Patent Attorney Zeng Xianwei (51) Int.Cl. E04F 15 / 024 (2006.01) E01C 5 / 00 (2006.01) E04B 5 / 02 (2006.01) E04B 5 / 08 (2006.01) E04D 11 / 00 (2006.01) E04F 15 / 02 (2006.01) (54) Invention Title Concealed Pavement Retainer (57) Abstract A pavement retainer system for use with a base (10) to form a raised floor, the pavement retainer system comprising a support plate (20) that can be located on the base, the support plate having a center and having locking elements, each locking element having radially extending upright fins (44) protruding through the support plate, wherein the fins of the locking elements are arranged at 90° to each other. The locking elements are movable relative to the support plate. Multiple paving stone supports (12), typically four, are supported on the support plate; and are provided with overhanging legs extending into the support plate, the legs having holes (90). A locking element has one or more protrusions that engage in slots (90). In a first (locked) position, the protrusions of the locking element engage in the slots in the legs of the paving stone supports, preventing the paving stone supports from disengaging from the support plate. In a second position, the protrusions disengage from the legs of the paving stone supports, allowing the paving stone supports to separate from the support plate.Claims (2 pages), Description (7 pages), Drawings (18 pages), CN 121443816 A, 2026.01.30, CN 1 21 44 38 16 A. 1. A paving stone retainer system for use with a base, etc., to form a raised floor, the paving stone retainer system comprising: - a support plate that can be located on the base, the support plate having a center and a locking element, each locking element having a radially extending upright tab or fin projecting through the support plate, wherein the fins of the locking element are arranged at 90° to each other, the locking element being movable relative to the support plate; a plurality of paving stone supports, typically four, supported on the support plate; the paving stone supports having overhanging legs extending to the support plate, the legs having grooves or holes; wherein the locking element has one or more protrusions that can engage in the grooves of the paving stone supports; In a first (locked) position, the protrusion of the locking element engages in the groove in the leg of the paving stone support to prevent the paving stone support from disengaging from the support plate; and in a second position, the protrusion disengages from the leg of the paving stone support, allowing the paving stone support to separate from the support plate; and optionally, a retaining element, when the locking element is in the first position, engages between the fins of the locking element to prevent movement of the locking element, thereby inhibiting disengagement of the paving stone support. 2. The paving stone retainer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein four locking elements are present. 3. The paving stone retainer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each locking element has two protrusions for engaging in the hole of the paving stone support. 4. The paving stone retainer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each paving stone support has two legs, each leg having a groove. 5. The paving stone retainer system of claim 4, wherein in the first (locked) position, the two protrusions of a locking tab engage in the grooves of two adjacent paving stone supports. 6. The paving stone retainer system of any preceding claim, wherein each paving stone support has a planar portion for supporting a paving stone and sidewalls extending along both sides of the planar portion, the sidewalls having a thickness and intersecting at a point that, when the paving stone support is mounted on a paving stone support in use, is typically above the center of the support plate.7. The paving stone retainer system of claim 6, wherein the sidewall of the paving stone support has a portion extending from the point where they intersect towards the opposite end of each sidewall with a decreasing thickness, such that when two paving stone supports are mounted side-by-side on the support plate, a channel is provided between the sidewalls, a fin of the support plate protrudes through the channel, and the fin moves along the channel when the locking element moves from the first position to the second position, and vice versa. 8. The paving stone retainer system of claim 7, further wherein when the fin is in the first position, the retaining element is located in the gap between two opposing fins to prevent the fin from moving to the second position. 9. The paving stone retainer system of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the planar portion of the paving stone support has a contoured portion, typically having a series of protrusions or pyramidal elements and a series of holes. 10. A raised floor comprising a base; and a support plate located on the base, the support plate having four locking elements, each locking element having a radially extending upright tab or fin, wherein the tabs of the locking elements are arranged at 90° to each other, and the locking elements are movable relative to the support plate; a plurality of paving stone supports, typically four, supported on the support plate; the paving stone supports having overhanging legs extending into the support plate, the legs having grooves; wherein the locking elements have one or more protrusions that engage in the grooves of the paving stone supports; wherein in a first (locked) position, the protrusions of the locking elements engage in the grooves in the legs of the paving stone supports to prevent the paving stone supports from disengaging from the support plate; and wherein in a second position, the protrusions disengage from the legs of the paving stone supports, allowing the paving stone supports to separate from the support plate; and optionally, A locking element, when in the first position, engages between the fins of the locking element to prevent movement of the locking element, thereby inhibiting the paving stone support from disengaging.11. A method of forming a raised floor, the method comprising the steps of: providing a base, and optionally fastening or adhering the base to a subfloor, platform board, etc.; positioning a support plate on the base, the support plate having four locking elements, each locking element having a radially extending upright tab or fin, wherein the tabs of the locking elements are arranged at 90° to each other, the locking elements being movable relative to the support plate; positioning a plurality of paving stone supports, typically four, on the support plate, the paving stone supports having overhanging legs extending into the support plate, the legs having grooves; wherein the locking elements have one or more protrusions that engage in the grooves of the paving stone supports; wherein in a first (locked) position, the protrusions of the locking elements engage in the grooves of the legs of the paving stone supports, preventing the paving stone supports from disengaging from the support plate; and wherein in a second position, the protrusions disengage from the legs of the paving stone supports, allowing the paving stone supports to separate from the support plate; and optionally, The paving stone is secured to the paving stone retainer using adhesives, double-sided tape, etc., and the paving stone support is secured to the support plate using the locking element; and optionally, when the locking element is in the first position, the locking element is engaged between the fins of the locking element to prevent the locking element from moving, thereby inhibiting the paving stone support from disengaging. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 121443816 A Cross-Reference to Related Applications for Concealed Paving Stone Retainer

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2023900870, filed on March 28, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a paving stone retainer, and more particularly to a concealed paving stone retainer for use in raised floors. Background Art

[0003] Raised floors are known to be constructed using height-adjustable bases. The bases can support different types of floor surfaces, in which platform paving and paving stones are commonly used for floor surfaces. One problem with raised floor surfaces is ensuring that the floor surface elements are engaged with the base and preventing them from being lifted by wind, etc. It is known to place retainers at the corners of the paving stones to prevent them from being lifted.

[0004] In some environments, wind lifting is a major problem, and surprisingly, even with fairly large and heavy paving stones, it can affect raised floors. This problem is particularly prominent when raised floors are installed on the roofs of high-rise buildings as public gardens, recreational areas, etc. The roofs of high-rise buildings are typically covered with waterproof membranes to prevent water from seeping into the building.The pedestals used to support the raised paving stones are typically placed on a waterproof membrane, but are not usually secured to the roof because puncturing the membrane would pose a risk of leakage. For installation, it is necessary to leave gaps between the paving stones. In strong winds, air flows above and below the paving stones, and the airflow above the paving stones tends to be faster than the airflow below them. This creates a pressure drop above the paving stones compared to below them, and this pressure drop can cause individual paving stones to be lifted into the air. In extreme cases, paving stones may be blown off the top of the building, which is extremely dangerous for people and property on the ground if the paving stones fall to the ground below.

[0005] Custom floor surfaces with grooved sides are known to be provided, allowing retaining elements to slide into the grooves to secure the paving stones while remaining concealed. This helps prevent the floor surface from being lifted by the wind. However, the problem with this approach is that it is a relatively complex and expensive solution and requires custom floor surface elements such as paving stones or platform pavers with grooves formed on their sides, thus making them unsuitable for use with standard paving stones.

[0006] Regardless of the method used to secure the floor surface, it is desirable that the floor surface elements be removable, preferably individually, so that damaged or soiled floor surface elements can be removed and replaced, and also allow access beneath the paving stones.

[0007] Any discussion of documents, actions, materials, devices, articles, etc., included in this specification should not be construed as an admission that any or all of these matters constitute part of the prior art or common general knowledge in the field relating to this disclosure prior to the priority date of each appended claim.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, a paving stone retainer system is provided for use with a base, etc., to form a raised floor, the paving stone retainer system comprising: -

[0009] a support plate that can be located on the base, the support plate having a center and providing locking elements, each locking element having radially extending upright tabs or fins protruding through the support plate, wherein the fins of the locking element are arranged at 90° to each other, and the locking element is movable relative to the support plate;

[0010] a plurality of paving stone supports, typically four, supported on the support plate; the paving stone supports having overhanging legs extending to the support plate, the legs having grooves or holes;

[0011] wherein the locking element has one or more protrusions that can engage in the grooves of the paving stone supports;

[0012] In the first (locked) position, the protrusion of the locking element engages in the groove in the leg of the paving stone support, preventing the paving stone support from disengaging from the support plate; and

[0013] in the second (unlocked) position, the protrusion disengages from the leg of the paving stone support, allowing the paving stone support to separate from the support plate; and optionally,

[0014] a retaining element, which, when the locking element is in the first position, engages between the fins of the locking element to prevent movement of the locking element, thereby inhibiting disengagement of the paving stone support.

[0015] The fins protruding through the support plate provide a clear visual indication of whether the paving stone is locked or unlocked, which is important for safety reasons. Optionally, for visibility reasons, the fins may be molded in a different color than the paving stone support. The fins are readily available and can be moved without tools.

[0016] The optional retaining element inhibits accidental movement of the fins.

[0017] The retaining element is preferably cross-shaped and positioned on at least a portion of the paving stone support to inhibit movement of the paving stone support.

[0018] Typically, the support plate has four locking elements, and each locking element has two protrusions for engaging in holes in the paving stone support;

[0019] In a preferred feature, each paving stone support has two legs, each leg having a groove for receiving the protrusions of the locking elements.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, in the first (locked) position, the two protrusions of one locking tab engage in the grooves of two adjacent paving stone supports.

[0021] This improves security because two tabs must be moved to release each paving stone.

[0022] Each paving stone support may have a planar portion for supporting the paving stone and sidewalls extending along both sides of the planar portion, the sidewalls having a certain thickness and intersecting at a point that is typically at the center of the support plate when the paving stone support is mounted on it in use.

[0023] Preferably, the sidewall of the paving stone support has a portion that extends from the point of intersection toward the opposite end of each sidewall with a decreasing thickness, such that when two paving stone supports are mounted side-by-side on the support plate, a channel is provided between the sidewalls through which the fins of the support plate protrude, and the fins move along the channel when the locking element moves from the first position to the second position, and vice versa.

[0024] In a preferred feature, when the fin is in the first position, the retaining element is positioned in the gap between two opposing tabs to prevent the fin from moving to the second position.

[0025] The planar portion of the paving stone support may have a contoured portion, typically with a series of protrusions or pyramidal elements and a series of holes to help bond the paving stone support to the paving stone using adhesives or the like.

[0026] In a related aspect, the invention also covers a raised floor comprising:

[0027] a base; and

[0028] a support plate positioned on the base, the support plate having four locking elements, each locking element having a radially extending upright tab or fin protruding through the support plate, wherein the tabs of the locking elements are arranged at 90° to each other, and the locking elements are movable relative to the support plate;

[0029] a plurality of paving stone supports, typically four, supported on the support plate; the paving stone supports having overhanging legs extending into the support plate, the legs having grooves;

[0030] wherein the locking elements have one or more protrusions that engage in the grooves of the paving stone supports;

[0031] In the first (locked) position, the protrusion of the locking element engages in the groove in the leg of the paving stone support to prevent the paving stone support from disengaging from the support plate; and

[0032] in the second position, the protrusion disengages from the leg of the paving stone support, allowing the paving stone support to separate from the support plate; and optionally,

[0033] the locking element, when in the first position, is engageable between the fins of the locking element to prevent movement of the locking element, thereby inhibiting the paving stone support from disengaging.

[0034] In a related aspect, the present invention also provides a method for forming a raised floor, the method comprising the steps of:

[0035] providing a base, and optionally fastening or adhering the base to a subfloor, platform board, etc.;

[0036] positioning a support plate on the base, the support plate having four locking elements projecting through the support plate, each locking element having a radially extending upright tab or fin, wherein the tabs of the locking elements are arranged at 90° to each other, and the locking elements are movable relative to the support plate;

[0037] positioning a plurality of paving stone supports, typically four, on the support plate, the paving stone supports having overhanging legs extending into the support plate, the legs having grooves;

[0038] wherein the locking elements have one or more protrusions that engage in the grooves of the paving stone supports;

[0039] In the first (locked) position, the protrusion of the locking element engages in the groove in the leg of the paving stone support to prevent the paving stone support from disengaging from the support plate; and

[0040] in the second position, the protrusion disengages from the leg of the paving stone support, allowing the paving stone support to separate from the support plate; and optionally,

[0041] an adhesive is applied to the paving stone retainer, and the adhesive is used to secure the paving stone to the paving stone retainer, and the locking element is used to secure the paving stone support to the support plate; and

[0042] optionally when the locking element is in the first position, the locking element is engaged between the fins of the locking element to prevent the locking element from moving, thereby inhibiting the paving stone support from disengaging.

[0043] Throughout this specification, the word “comprise” or variations thereof such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood to imply inclusion of the stated elements, integers or steps, or groups of elements, integers or steps, but does not exclude any other elements, integers or steps, or groups of elements, integers or steps.

[0044] The present invention relates to a paving stone retainer system for raised floors, wherein the paving stone is supported on a base. The paving stone is secured to the base to prevent any accidental lifting, but the means for securing the paving stone to the base is advantageously concealed. When it is necessary to remove the paving stone, it can be removed by moving the locking tab to the unlocked position, for example to allow access under the raised floor or to replace a damaged or soiled paving stone. The system is simple to use and does not require the use of special paving stones with grooves or recesses, but can be used with standard paving stones.Specification 3 / 7 pages 6 CN 121443816 A Description of Drawings

[0045] Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0046] FIG1 shows an elevated floor using a paving stone support system embodying the invention;

[0047] FIG2 shows a top isometric view of the support plate of the system shown in FIG1;

[0048] FIG3 shows a bottom isometric view of the support plate shown in FIG2;

[0049] FIG4 shows a front isometric view of the locking tab;

[0050] FIG5 is an isometric view of the locking tab of FIG4 from the front and one side;

[0051] FIG6 is an enlarged view of the support plate including the locking tab;

[0052] FIG7 shows a bottom view of the support plate and the locking tab, which shows one tab in an unlocked position and another tab in a locked position;

[0053] FIG8 shows a top isometric view of the support plate, which shows four tabs in an unlocked position;

[0054] Figure 9 shows a top isometric view of a paving stone support;

[0055] Figure 10 shows a bottom isometric view of the paving stone support of Figure 9;

[0056] Figure 11 shows a top isometric view of two paving stone supports positioned on a support plate;

[0057] Figure 12 shows a top isometric view showing four paving stone supports positioned on a support plate with locking tabs in the unlocked position;

[0058] Figure 13 shows a top isometric view showing four paving stone supports positioned on a support plate with locking tabs in the locked position;

[0059] Figure 14 repeats Figure 13 and includes a locking cross on the support for locking the arrangement;

[0060] Figure 15 repeats Figure 14 with the locking cross in a position;

[0061] Figure 16 shows an isometric view showing the paving stone, the paving stone support, the locking cross, and the support plate;

[0062] Figure 17 shows a bottom isometric view of the arrangement shown in Figure 16;

[0063] Figure 18 shows an alternative embodiment for use with staggered paving stones; and

[0064] Figure 19 is a bottom view showing the engagement of the locking cross with the support plate. Detailed Description

[0065] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a VersiJack adjustable base 10 manufactured and sold by Elmich Pte Ltd, 15 Joan Road, Singapore, which has a paving stone retainer base or support plate (hidden in Figure 1) and four paving stone supports 12 (only one of which is visible). The other three paving stone supports support paving stones 14 and are therefore hidden below the paving stones.

[0066] Figures 2 to 7 show the support plate 20 in more detail. The support plate 20 is generally circular and has a series of through holes on its top surface 22.A cylindrical connector or plug 24 hangs from the bottom side 23 of the support plate (most clearly seen in Figure 3), and this connector or plug is inserted into and locked in a corresponding known proprietary hole / socket (not shown) on the top of the base 10 for locking the support plate 20 to the base. Referring to Figure 3 and most clearly seen in Figure 19, inside and concentric with the plug 24 is a cylindrical hole or tube 24a, which is bisected and accommodates a locking cross bar in use as described below.

[0067] Referring back to Figure 2, four arcuate (quarter circle) slots 25a can be seen extending around the center 25 of the support plate. Four elongated slots 26 are arranged in a cross shape around the center 25 of the support plate, which are arranged at 90° to each other. There are also two circular holes 27 and 28, which can accommodate fasteners such as screws for securing the support plate to the base in use, and these two circular holes are arranged on a radius of 45° with respect to the axis of the slot 26 between each pair of slots. Each slot also has two additional holes on both sides (see page 4 / 7 of the manual, CN 121443816 A 29), each hole being fan-shaped, including a 90° arc. There are also two additional rectangular holes / slots 30, one located on each side of the distal end (away from the center 25) of each elongated slot 26 and near the periphery of the support plate in use, as described in more detail below; these rectangular holes / slots receive the legs of the paving stone support.

[0068] Figure 2 also shows two generally U-shaped flanges 26a that extend into the elongated slot 26 and form flanges extending along the sides of the slot from the midpoint toward and along the end of the slot near the center 25.

[0069] Figure 3 shows the bottom side 23 of the support plate 20. In particular, it shows a recess 32 for receiving a locking element 40 (described in more detail below). There are four recesses 32 positioned below each elongated slot 26. As most clearly seen in Figure 3, viewed from below, each groove 26 is typically cross-shaped, with a wider portion 34 extending around the center of the groove to each side of the groove's longitudinal axis. The recess 32 is divided into two parts at its farthest end from the center of the support plate and communicates with the hole 30.

[0070] Figures 4 and 5 show a sliding locking element 40, which engages in the support plate during use. The body 42 of the locking element is typically E-shaped, with the E oriented in a generally horizontal plane during use. The E-shaped body 42 has two generally coplanar arms 44 on both sides, and a central tab or tongue 46 that protrudes from the center of the body and is in a different (lower) plane from the arms 44. Protruding upward from the E-shaped body are tabs or fins 48. Fins 49 protrude from either side of the base of the fins 48.

[0071] Figures 6 to 8 show the mutual engagement between the sliding locking element 40 and the support plate 20. Figures 6 to 8 show the locking element inserted into the bottom side of the support plate.Figure 6 shows that when the locking element is inserted into the support plate, the fins 48 protrude upwards from the support plate through the elongated slot 26 at 90° to each other. Figure 6 also shows the fin base 49, which is mounted on a generally U-shaped flange 26a provided on the side of the elongated slot 26. As shown in Figure 6, the locking element is in the locked position on the left side of the figure and in the unlocked position on the right side of the figure. Note that the locking element is inserted into the bottom side of the support plate in the locked position. The arm 44 of the locking element can also be seen in Figure 6, visible in the locked position through the rectangular hole 30, and not visible when unlocked. When the locking element is in the unlocked position, the flange 26a and the fin 49 prevent the locking element 40 from disengaging from the support plate 20.

[0072] Figure 7 shows the bottom side 23 of the support plate 20, which receives a locking element 40 in two of the four recesses 32. It shows one of the locking elements 40a in the locked position and the other 40b in the unlocked position. In the locked position, as described above, the arm 44 extends into and through the hole 30. The tongue 46 extends into a groove or channel 47 provided in the bottom side of the support plate.

[0073] FIG8 shows the paving stone support 20, in which all four locking elements 40 are inserted and in the unlocked position, ready to receive the paving stone support.

[0074] The paving stone support 12, attached to the support plate and secured by locking pins, is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. The paving stone support 12 includes a generally square planar portion 70 for supporting the paving stone. Upright walls 72 and 74 extend along two adjacent sides of the paving stone support and define two adjacent sides that meet at a corner 76. In use, the corner 76 is positioned at the center 25 of the support plate 20 and on the base, which is most clearly seen in FIG1. As shown in Figure 11, walls 72 and 74 have greater thickness at the first portions 72a and 74a, respectively, away from angle 56, compared to the second thinner portions 72b and 74b, such that when the four paving stone supports are assembled together, there is a gap in the form of an elongated groove or channel 77 between adjacent walls, with a cross-shaped groove at the center. This is most clearly seen in Figure 11, where two paving stone supports 12 are shown mounted on a support plate, and the channel 77 between the narrower portions 72b and 74b of the walls of adjacent paving stone supports can be seen. The fins 48 of the locking element 40 are also shown in the channel 77 between the walls.

[0075] The surface of the planar portion has a contour and is provided with a row of small pyramidal elements 79. The planar portion also includes a series of holes 78 arranged on an arc centered at angle 56 through which adhesive can flow to help adhere the adhesive to the paving stone retainer, as explained in more detail below. Instruction manual, page 5 / 7, CN 121443816 A

[0076] The bottom side 80 of the paving stone support 12 is shown in FIG10.The bottom surface is provided with a suspended circular skirt 82 and a reinforcing rib 84, which, in use, surrounds a portion of the perimeter of the support plate 20, and the reinforcing rib extends radially from the skirt to the edge of the paving stone support. A suspended arcuate skirt 86 is provided near corner 76, which, in use, is positioned in a corresponding arcuate groove 25a near the center 25 of the paving stone support to ensure the correct positioning of the paving stone support on the support plate.

[0077] Two suspended legs 87 and 88 are also provided on the bottom side, each leg having a through groove 90. The legs and grooves are oriented at 90° relative to each other.

[0078] In use, a series of bases 10 are positioned on the surface of the raised floor to be laid, arranged at a spacing suitable for the size of the paving stone. The paving stone support, including locking elements, is mounted on top of the base 10. Figure 8 only shows the base, with the fins in the unlocked position. Figure 11 shows the first and second paving stone supports positioned on a support plate, with one fin still in the unlocked position and the other locked. Legs 87, 88 of the paving stone support are positioned in and suspended in slots 29 of the support plate. A curved skirt 86 is positioned in a corresponding slot 25a in the support plate 20. Figures 11-19 omit the base on which the support plate is mounted.

[0079] Figure 12 shows the support plate on which all four paving stone supports 12 are positioned. The locking element / fin is shown in the unlocked position, where the paving stone support can be inserted and / or removed. At this stage, the paving stone will typically be mounted on the paving stone support and typically secured to the support using a suitable adhesive.

[0080] Figure 13 shows the same arrangement, but with the locking element 40 moved away from the center 25 into the locked position. As the fin 48 moves radially away from the center, the arm 44 of the locking pin extends into a slot 90 in the leg of the paving stone support 12. A cross-shaped groove 77 is provided between the two walls. One arm 44 of each locking element 40 is positioned in a groove 90 of a paving stone support, and the other arm is positioned in a groove of an adjacent paving stone support. At this stage, the paving stone is typically mounted on the paving stone support and is typically secured to the support using a suitable adhesive or double-sided tape. Double-sided tape is generally preferred because it is easier to use and tends to form a stronger bond. Figure 17 is a bottom isometric view of the arrangement shown in Figure 11, in which one locking element 40a can be seen in a locked position engaged with the leg of the paving stone support, while the other 40b is not in a locked position.

[0081] Figure 14 shows a retaining element in the form of a locking cross 100, which is then inserted into the center of the support plate. The locking cross has four arms 102 at 90° to each other and a cylindrical rod 104 that hangs down from the center of the cross and is positioned at the center of the support plate 20. As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the arms are provided with steps 106, at which the depth of the arms increases.In use, as most clearly seen in Figure 16, the locking cross 100 is positioned in and above the channel 77, and the step 106 abuts against the fin 48 to prevent the fin from sliding and disengaging from the locking element. The locking cross 100 also covers all moving parts of the system to prevent dust and dirt from clogging the machine. As most clearly seen in Figure 20, the base of the rod 104 of the locking cross 100 engages in an opening 24a on the underside of the support plate, which is slightly smaller than the diameter of the rod, so that the rod is held in the hole by friction, and this helps to prevent the locking cross from moving upward.

[0082] When one or more pavers need to be removed for repair and / or replacement, they are first removed by lifting the locking cross-shaped locking element 100 upward. This may require the use of a tool / lever, such as a screwdriver blade. This then allows the fin 48 to be pushed inward toward the center 56. As the tab moves toward the center, the arm 44 disengages from the groove in the pavers support. This allows the pavers support 12 (on which the pavers are now secured by adhesive) to be lifted upward and removed. One or more removed paving stones can be repaired and replaced, or directly replaced with new paving stones. It should be noted that the replacement paving stone will need to be attached to the paving stone retainer 12 and then secured to the support element.

[0083] Figure 19 shows an alternative embodiment of staggered paving stone installation, in which half-paving stone supports 112 (equivalent to two paving stone supports 12 joined together, but without end walls at the junction of the two supports) and T-shaped locking elements 120 are used to replace the two in the paving stone retainer and the cross-shaped locking elements.

[0084] Those skilled in the art will understand that many changes and / or modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad overall scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects.Instruction manual, page 7 / 7, 10 CN 121443816 A, Figure 1; Instruction manual, Figure 1 / 18, page 11 CN 121443816 A, Figure 2; Instruction manual, Figure 2 / 18, page 12 CN 121443816 A, Figure 3; Instruction manual, Figure 3 / 18, page 13 CN 121443816 A, Figure 4; Instruction manual, Figure 4 / 18, page 14 CN 121443816 A, Figure 6; Instruction manual, Figure 5 / 18, page 15 CN 121443816 A, Figure 7; Instruction manual, Figure 6 / 18, page 16 CN 121443816 A, Figure 8; Instruction manual, Figure 7 / 18, page 17 CN 121443816 A, Figure 9; Instruction manual, Figure 8 / 18, page 18 CN 121443816 A, Figure 10; Instruction manual, Figure 9 / 18, page 19 CN 121443816 A, Figure 11 Figure 12 of the instruction manual, page 10 / 18, CN 121443816 A; Figure 13 of the instruction manual, page 11 / 18, CN 121443816 A; Figure 14 of the instruction manual, page 13 / 18, CN 121443816 A; Figure 15 of the instruction manual, page 14 / 18, CN 121443816 A; Figure 16 of the instruction manual, page 15 / 18, CN 121443816 A; Figure 17 of the instruction manual, page 16 / 18, CN 121443816 A; Figure 18 of the instruction manual, page 17 / 18, CN 121443816 A; Figure 19 of the instruction manual, page 18 / 18, CN 121443816 A.

Claims

1. A paving stone retainer system for use with a pedestal or the like to form a raised floor, the paving stone retainer system comprising: - A support plate can be located on the base, the support plate having a center and being provided with locking elements, each locking element being provided with radially extending upright tabs or fins, protruding through the support plate, wherein the fins of the locking elements are at 90 o arrangement, the locking elements being movable relative to the support plate; a plurality of paving stone supports, typically four, supported on the support plate; the paving stone supports being provided with depending legs which extend to the support plate, the legs being provided with slots or holes; wherein the locking elements are provided with one or more protrusions which are engageable in the slots of the paving stone supports; wherein in a first (locked) position the protrusions of the locking elements are engaged in the slots in the legs of the paving stone supports, preventing the paving stone supports from disengaging from the support plate; and wherein in a second position the protrusions are disengaged from the legs of the paving stone supports, allowing the paving stone supports to be separated from the support plate; and optionally, a retaining element engageable between the fins of the locking elements when the locking elements are in the first position, for preventing the locking elements from moving, thereby inhibiting the paving stone supports from disengaging.

2. A paving stone retainer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein there are four locking elements.

3. A paving stone retainer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each locking element is provided with two protrusions for engagement in the holes of the paving stone supports.

4. A paving stone retainer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each paving stone support is provided with two legs, each leg being provided with a slot.

5. A paving stone retainer system according to claim 4, wherein in the first (locked) position the two protrusions of one locking tab are engaged in the slots of two adjacent paving stone supports.

6. A paving stone retainer system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each paving stone support is provided with a planar portion for supporting a paving stone and side walls extending along both sides of the planar portion, the side walls having a thickness and meeting at a point which, in use, is typically above the centre of the support plate when the paving stone supports are mounted thereon in use.

7. A paving stone retainer system according to claim 6, wherein the side walls of the paving stone supports have a portion which extends from the point at which they meet to the opposite end of each side wall with a reduced thickness, such that in the case of two paving stone supports being mounted side by side on the support plate, a channel is provided between the side walls through which the fins of the support plate protrude and along which the fins move when the locking elements are moved from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

8. A paving stone retainer system according to claim 7, further wherein the retaining element is located in the gap between two opposing tabs when the fins are in the first position to prevent the fins from moving to the second position.

9. A paving stone retainer system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the planar portion of the paving stone supports is provided with profiled portions, typically provided with a series of bumps or pyramids and a series of holes.

10. A raised floor comprising a base; and - a support plate on the base, provided with four locking elements, each locking element being provided with radially extending upright tabs or fins, wherein the tabs of the locking elements are at 90° to each other o arrangement, the locking elements being movable relative to the support plate; a plurality of paver supports, typically four, supported on the support plate, the paver supports being provided with depending legs extending into the support plate, the legs being provided with a slot; wherein the locking element is provided with one or more protrusions engageable in the slot of the paver support; wherein in a first (locked) position, the protrusions of the locking element are engaged in the slot in the leg of the paver support, preventing the paver support from disengaging from the support plate; and wherein in a second position, the protrusions are disengaged from the leg of the paver support, allowing the paver support to be separated from the support plate; and optionally, a locking element, when the locking element is in the first position, the locking element is engageable between the fins of the locking element for preventing the locking element from moving, thereby inhibiting the paver support from disengaging.

11. A method of forming a raised floor, the method comprising the steps of: providing a base, and optionally fastening or adhering the base to a sub-floor, platform plate or the like; positioning a support plate on the base, the support plate being provided with four locking elements, each locking element being provided with radially extending upright tabs or fins, wherein the tabs of the locking elements are at 90 o arrangement, the locking elements being movable relative to the support plate; positioning a plurality of paver supports, typically four, on the support plate, the paver supports being provided with depending legs extending into the support plate, the legs being provided with a slot; wherein the locking element is provided with one or more protrusions engageable in the slot of the paver support; wherein in a first (locked) position, the protrusions of the locking element are engaged in the slot in the leg of the paver support, preventing the paver support from disengaging from the support plate; and wherein in a second position, the protrusions are disengaged from the leg of the paver support, allowing the paver support to be separated from the support plate; and optionally, securing the pavers to the paver retainers using an adhesive, double sided tape or the like, and securing the paver supports to the support plate using the locking element; and optionally engaging a locking element between the fins of the locking element for preventing the locking element from moving, thereby inhibiting the paver support from disengaging, when the locking element is in the first position.

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