Pedestal for Ballast Block Decking

Abstract

A deck system and pedestal for use in forming an elevated surface are provided. The system includes a plurality of ballast blocks, pavers or panels laterally positioned in a pattern to form a deck. Each of the blocks, pavers or panels has corner portions, and the pattern includes intersection areas in which the corner portions of adjacent blocks, pavers or panels extend. The system also includes a plurality of pedestals. The pedestals are located directly beneath the intersection areas and support the corner portions of adjacent blocks, pavers or panels a spaced distance above an underlying structure. Each pedestal has a base at a lower end thereof and a support at an upper end thereof. The support is rotatable relative to the base for altering an overall height of the pedestal. One or more couplers can be added to the pedestal to alter the overall height of the pedestal. The pedestals can include a rubber pad or coating that secures and stabilizes the block, paver, or panel on the pedestals. Brace securement eyelets can be provided in a flange extending circumferentially about the coupler and in the base of the pedestal.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to a deck systems for use in constructing an elevated traffic-bearing surface, such as on the roof of a building, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a height-adjustable pedestal and deck system using same.[0002]Roof structures of many buildings are capable of supporting a substantially horizontal surface, or deck, enabling the construction of roof terraces, pedestrian walkways, roof gardens, plaza decks, sun decks, balconies, patios or the like. Such roof surfaces are often formed at a slight slope relative to horizontal for drainage purposes. Typically, the roof surface itself is not constructed of a material that provides a suitable traffic bearing surface nor is it aesthetically pleasing.[0003]Examples of deck systems utilizing roof pavers, or ballast blocks, are disclosed by U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,887,397; 5,377,468; 5,442,882; and 6,604,330 B2 issued to Repasky. Also see U.S. Pat. No. 4,570,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]According to some of the embodiments of the present invention, the support can include a support plate and a substantially cylindrical, externally-threaded post depending therefrom. The upper surface of the support plate can be provided with a surface that secures and stabilizes the block, paver, or panel on the pedestal. As an example, the surface can be provided by a rubber pad, coating, texture or the like applied to the upper surface. The pad, coating, texture or the like can be used to deaden noise, absorb shock, and increase friction between the pedestal and the block, paver, or panel. If a rubber pad is used, it can be provided in one piece or several separate pieces mechanically snapped onto the support plate with cooperating bosses and recesses formed in engaging surfaces of the pad and support plate. Such a pad can also be adhesively secured to the support plate.

[0010]The present invention can also include bracing that restrains relative movement of the pedestals. For example, the bracing can be provided as a plurality of elongate wires or rods that tie adjacent pedestals together. A bracing wire can have one end secured to one of the eyelets in the coupler or base of one pedestal and an opposite end secured to one of the eyelets in the coupler or base of an adjacent pedestal. Thus, the bracing can extend coupler-to-coupler or coupler-to-base. The location of the eyelets and their availability at numerous locations about the coupler and base facilitate ease of installation of bracing between adjacent couplers.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, the roof surface itself is not constructed of a material that provides a suitable traffic bearing surface nor is it aesthetically pleasing.

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