Modular flooring substrate system and element

Abstract

A modular substrate system for use in the support of a flooring surface including a plurality of elongate substrate members which can be rapidly assembled to provide a semi-rigid support surface for a floor. Various flooring elements can be adhered to the semi-rigid support surface using an adhesive to, in cooperation with the modular substrate system, provide an enhanced composite rigidity to the assembled floor. The substrate member itself includes an upper surface, side surfaces, and lateral flange portions, the lateral flange portions of the substrate members maintain adjacent substrate members in parallel spaced apart relationship to each other defining substrate channels therebetween. The substrate channels strengthen the assembled modular substrate system and provide routes of egress for water from below the flooring surface disposed thereon.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates in general to flooring and decking / patio systems, and more specifically, relates to a modular substrate system for use in the support, of a floor surface. Various flooring elements can be adhered to the semi-rigid support surface to, in cooperation with the modular substrate system, provide an enhanced composite rigidity to the assembled floor incorporating the modular substrate system.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART[0002]In the construction of decking and floors a common approach is to build a wooden or metal frame upon which upon some form of decking material is then placed to provide a suitable surface upon for furnishings or the like to be placed, as well as which can be occupied by people. In some cases the decking surface can consist of wooden or composite planks attached to the underlying frame. In these cases, the planks are attached such that there is a small space between each plank to allow for expansion, and for water ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a modular substrate system for supporting a flooring surface. The system is composed of metal components that are simple and easy to assemble, and provides flexibility while avoiding over-flex of the substrate. The components cooperate to provide an effective degree of flexibility. The substrate system also prevents air and water damage, and can easily be assembled and shaped to accommodate different installation areas. The technical effects of the invention include its strength and flexibility, as well as its ability to prevent water damage and support a variety of flooring surfaces.

Problems solved by technology

A common problem with this type of decking system is that the area under the deck is un-protected from moisture, and so the support structure is typically exposed to the elements an subject to degradation over time as a result.

If a metal substrate surface is used, with screws placed therethrough etc., often times that will rust and the rusting of the substrate can again lead to a structural destabilization of the overall installation as well as potentially ruining the visible appearance of the product if the rust bleeds through.

For example where a wooden joist structure is created, significant time is often required to cut and assemble the joist work and substrata beneath such an installation.

Prior art methods of substrates and support for flooring surfaces have included the use of flexible surfaces such as thin or metal, plywood or the like, which are either too flexible, resulting in cracking or the possibility of cracking of the overlying floor surface, or which require the addition of a concrete layer or the like to provide additional rigidity.

One of the issues with a metal surface of significant size however is often that it is too flexible for a flooring or decking purpose.

If the substrate of a deck is too flexible, it is more likely that the flooring overlay or surface will crack or otherwise be damaged when the substrate flexes under weight load.

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