Paver spacer for joist

Abstract

A paver spacer (50) for attachment to a joist (10) comprises a first plate (52) having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface defines a cruciform arrangement of four upstanding tabs (56), at least some of which are attached to the plate by a frangible connection (58). The lower surface defines engagement means (82, 84) for attaching the paver spacer to the top of the joist, which engagement preferably allows the paver spacer to be slid along the joist. The lower surface preferably further defines a channel for receiving a wall spacer element. The paver spacer further includes at least one further plate (60) attached to the first plate by one or more frangible connections (62), the further plate having a generally planar upper surface and a lower surface defining engagement means for attaching the paver spacer to the top of the joist.

Description

Paver spacer for joistCross-Reference to Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application No 2024901029 filed on 12 April 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to paver spacer for use with a joist.Background

[0003] It is well known to provide elevated or raised floors, also known as pedestal floors. Elevated flooring incorporates a number of height adjustable pedestals which are uniformly distributed over a subsurface / sub floor such as a concrete floor of a multi-story building, a roof, terrace, or any other surface on top of which it is desired to locate an elevated floor. Other non-exhaustive applications of pedestal floors include technical floors for laboratories, fitting out old buildings, patios, balconies, swimming pool surrounds and decking. The pedestals cooperate in supporting floor panels, such as pavers, or other floor surfaces including joists.

[0004] When floorboards or pavers or panels or the like are supported on the joist, there are necessarily gaps between the floorboards or pavers or panels to allow water to drain between the floorboards or pavers, and to allow for expansion or contraction of the floor panels. Often a minimum gap is specified in the building regulations. The joists are typically made from aluminium because aluminium is light and strong and can be readily extruded into the relatively complex cross-sectional shape required for the joists. Paver spacers are used partly to ensure the correct gap between the pavers, and also to lift the pavers above and off the surface of the Joist (which typically has a flat top), so that water can flow through the gaps between them, and then drain away.

[0005] As well as requiring a gap between the pavers, which may typically be anything from 2mm to 3mm to 15mm, or more depending on the local regulations, it is also necessary to ensure that the pavers are spaced away from any adjacent walls to prevent water build up there. The present invention aims to prove a paver spacer that is flexible in use, can provide support for pavers and also can ensure correct spacing between pavers, where required.

[0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.Summary

[0007] Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paver spacer for attachment to a joist or the like, comprising a first plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface defines a cruciform arrangement of, typically four, upstanding tabs, at least some of which are preferably attached to the plate by a frangible connection; and wherein the lower surface defines engagement means for attaching the paver spacer to the top of the joist or the like, which engagement preferably allows the paver spacer to be slid along the joist or the like; and wherein the paver spacer further includes at least one further plate attached to the first plate by one or more frangible connections, the further plate having a generally planar upper surface and a lower surface defining engagement means for attaching the paver spacer to the top of the joist or the like.

[0008] In use, the paver spacer is attached to the top of a joist and can be used to support the corners of four pavers in a cruciform arrangement. Advantageously, for additional support the further plate can be snapped off the first plate and placed at a location on the joist to provide additional support for a paver or the like.

[0009] It is preferred that the lower surface of the paver spacer defines at least one and preferably two intersecting channels for receiving a wall spacer element, the channels being oriented in a cruciform arrangement perpendicular to one another.

[0010] Preferably, the underside of the paver spacer defines a depending boss at the intersection of the two channels which in use locates inside an elongate aperture in the wall spacer element. The bosses are located underneath a hole for fastening the paver support to the joist.

[0011] The boss helps to prevent the fastening screws distorting the paver spacer when they are screwed down into the joist and has a secondary function of assisting in retaining the wall spacer element in the channel and limits the range of movement.

[0012] The invention also provides a combination of a paver spacer and a wall spacer element comprising an elongate arm having an elongate aperture in the arm and a perpendicular head at one end of the arm.

[0013] Typically the head has a thickness of from 6mm to 14mm, most preferably about 10mm.

[0014] Typically, the head of the wall spacer element defines a central aperture and comprises two parallel walls linked by two curved end walls.

[0015] The wall spacer element can be disposed either coaxially with the joist in one channel or perpendicular to the joist in the other channel depending on whether it is used to space a paver from a side wall of an end wall.

[0016] The disclosure also encompasses a raised floor comprising an array of pedestals supporting joists and pavers supported on the joists by means of one or more paver spacers wherein at least some

[0017] The disclosure also encompasses a raised floor comprising an array of pedestals supporting joists and pavers supported on the joists by means of one or more paver spacers wherein at least some of the pavers located adjacent to edges of the raised floor support a wall spacer elements disposed in one of the channels, with the head of the wall spacer element disposed between the edge of the floor and a side of a paver.

[0018] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.Brief Description of Drawings

[0019] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 shows an end view of a joist embodying an aspect of the present invention;Figure 2 is an isometric view of a paver spacer for use with the joist of Figure 1;Figure 3 is a top plan view of the paver spacer of Figure 2;Figure 4 is an underneath isometric view of the paver spacer of Figure 2;Figure 5 is an end view of the paver spacer of Figure 2;Figure 6 is an end view showing the paver spacer of Figure 2 attached to a joist;Figure 7 is an isometric view of the paver spacer and a covering shim;Figure 8 is an isometric view of the shim;Figure 9 is a underneath isometric view of the shim;Figure 10 is an isometric view of a wall spacer for use with the paver spacer of Figure 2;Figure 11 is a top plan view of the wall spacer of Figure 7 ;Figure 12 is a isometric view of a paver spacer and wall spacer attached to the top of a joist; andFigure 13 is an isometric view of a part of a raised floor using the joists, paver spacers and wall spacers, with the pavers shown transparent.Description of Embodiments

[0020] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a joist 10. The joist is formed from extruded aluminium and has a constant cross section. The cross sectional shape of the joist is similar to an existing “VersiFrame®” joist supplied by Elmich Pte Ltd, of 15 Joan Road, Singapore, 298899, and has side walls configured to connect to joiners for connecting joists perpendicular to the joist 10. However the upper surface 20 differs from the existing VersiFrame® joists as it defines a generally T-shaped recess 22. The upper surface either side of the recess 22 is ribbed having a triangular wave formation. The recess has a wider upper part, and a narrower lower part which is connected to the upper part by a neck portion which is narrower than the lower part.

[0021] A generally T-shaped nitrile rubber strip 30 is a push fit into the recess 22 and the narrower neck portion helps to retain the strip in the recess. The upper surface of the nitrile rubber strip is also ribbed. While the rubber strip being dark / black and non- reflective has the advantage that it can reduce the visibility of the aluminium joist, it is to be noted that the paver spacer described below may also be equally used with the existing VersiFrame® joist as well as the joist 10 shown in the drawings.

[0022] As is best seen in Figure 1 the outer edges 32 of the top surface 20 of the joist, project outwards slightly on either side beyond the top of the side walls 34 of the joist to define a projecting ledge or overhang 36.

[0023] Figures 2 to 5 show a paver spacer 50 which can be used with the joist when the joist is used to support pavers. The paver spacer 50 is typically injection moulded, most preferably from recycled plastics materials.

[0024] As is best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the paver spacer 50 is generally rectangular in plan view. It defines a main section in the form of central rectangular plate 52. In the centre of the plate there is a hole 54 for receiving a fastener such as a screw or the like. The top of the hole is chamfered to receive the conical head of a screw. In use the spacer tab can be fixed in position on a joist or pedestal using a fastener passing through the hole 54. Four upstanding tabs 56 are arranged in a cruciform pattern around the hole 54. The tabs are typically about 5-6 mm wide corresponding to the desired gap between sides of the pavers in a floor. Each tab is attached to the plate by means of frangible connections 58 (best seen in Figure 4) so that the connections can be cut or broken to remove the tab from the paver support.

[0025] Referring back to Figure 3, Attached to each end of the central plate 52 there is an extension plate 60. The extension plate is attached to the central plate by means of four frangible connections 62. In the centre of each extension plate there is a hole 64. The top of the hole 64 is chamfered to receive the conical head of a screw for fixing the extension plate in position on a joist or pedestal.

[0026] Also shown on the top of the paver spacer 50 are an array of eight small circular holes 66. Two of these 66 holes are present in the extension plates 60 also. Their function is to receive depending projections of a shim shown in Figures 8 and 9 and described in more detail below, which can locate on top of the paver and being made of a plastic, or an elastomeric material such as rubber, may provide cushioning and grip between the paver and the paver spacer. They also raise the height of the paver, although that is not their primary function.

[0027] Figures 4 and 5 show the side and the underside of the paver spacer. The underside defines two channels or recesses 70 and 72. The first channel 70 extends along the central axis of the paver spacer from one longitudinal end of the paver spacer to the opposite end. The second channel 72 extends from one side edge to the opposite side edge, through the centre of the paver spacer and perpendicular to the channel 70. In the centre of the underside of the paver spacer where the two channels intersect, there is a cylindrical depending boss 74 having an annular cross-section. A similar cylindrical boss 76 is defined in the longitudinal channel 70 where it passes under each of the extension plates 60.

[0028] The underside of the paver spacer also defines depending rigid legs 80 which engage with the sides 34 of the joist 10. The legs define a recess and inside the rigid leg there is a depending flexible leg 82 which defines a triangular projection 84 at its base. In use, as is best seen in Figure 6, the leg can flex as the paver spacer 50 is attached to the top of a joist 10 and the projection 84 locates under the ledge / overhang to secure the paver spacer to the top of the joist 10.

[0029] Figure 7 to 9 illustrate a shim 90 which can be disposed on top of the paver spacer 50. In plan view, the shape of the shim mirrors that of the paver spacer on which it locates and it has a central portion 92 and extension portions 93 attached by frangible portions 94. In the centre of the central portion there is a hole 95 which coincides with the hole 54 in the centre of the paver spacer and rectangular holes 96 in a cruciform array which coincide with and allow the tabs 56 to pass through the shim 90. As is best seen in Figure 9, the underside of the shim defines an array of depending circular bosses which are arranged and configured to locate in the holes 66 in the top of the paver spacer 50 when the shim is correctly located on top of the paver spacer as shown in Figure 7.

[0030] Figures 10 and 11 show a wall spacer 100. The wall spacer has a head portion 102 from which an elongate planar arm element 104 extends. The arm is generally rectangular but defines an elongate aperture 106 extending through the centre of the arm element.

[0031] The head portion 102 comprises two parallel walls 110 and 112 linked by two curved end walls 114, 116 and defines a central aperture 102A. The outer faces of the walls 110 and 112 are about 10 mm apart and in use, as described below, can be interposed between a side edge of a paver and an adjacent wall, to ensure a minimum gap of 10 mm between the paver edge and the wall. Depending on the requirements, the head can be sized to define larger or smaller gaps depending on the building regulations and requirements of the jurisdiction in which the pavers are being installed.

[0032] Figure 12 shows the paver spacer and a wall spacer installed on a joist. The wall spacer is installed in the transverse channel 72 in the underside of the paver spacer. The aperture locates around the boss 74 allowing the wall spacer to move along the channel but with the boss 74 preventing complete removal of the wall spacer.

[0033] Figure 13 shows a part of a floor 140 assembled using the above described components with the pavers 150 shown transparent to show various aspects of the system which would otherwise be covered by the pavers. The floor part is adjacent a corner of a room or floor area, to the left of the Figure, although the walls and / or boundary are not shown. The joists are shown mounted on VersiJack® pedestals using Elmich’s proprietary mounting system. The Figure shows that the extension plates 60 have been detached from the central plate 52 of the paver spacers, with the paver spacers located above the pedestals and the intersection of the joists. The extension plates 60 are mounted on the joists between the central paver spacers so that the pavers 150 are supported midway between their edges rather than at their edges only. Figure 13 also shows that one or more of the tabs 56 on the paver spacers 50 have been removed where the paver spacer is not used at the intersection of four pavers. In particular the paver spacer 50A located near the comer is located on a pedestal supporting the corner of the paver and has had all its tabs 56 removed. Two wall spacers 100 are mounted to the underside of the paver spacer one in each channel 70, 72. The heads 102 of the wall spacers 100 locate between the side edge of the paver and the wall / boundary (not shown). As shown in Figure 13, the two channels 70 and 72 allow the wall spacer to be mounted along the longitudinal axis of the joist as well as transverse to that axis.

[0034] Paver spacer 50B is located on a pedestal between the sides of two pavers and has had two tabs 56 removed and carries a single wall spacer 100. The paver 50C is located on a pedestal where four pavers meet so uses all four tabs 56 to maintain the correct gap between the pavers. The pavers spacers can also be used with the extension plates attached as is the case with the paver spacers labelled 50.

[0035] As shown in Figure 13, the paver spacers 50 and extensions plates 60 are covered with the respective parts of the shim which raise the height of the paver spacer and cushion the paver spacer and paver.

[0036] Advantageously, the paver spacers are easy to mount to the joists and are flexible in use allowing tabs to be removed where necessary and providing for additional support away from the paver spacer when the extension plates are separated from the paver spacer. The wall spacer and paver spacer together ensure that the minimum required gap between the pavers and adjacent walls is maintained.

[0037] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and / or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A paver spacer for attachment to a joist or the like, comprising a first plate having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper surface defines a cruciform arrangement of upstanding tabs, preferably four, at least some of which are preferably attached to the plate by a frangible connection; and wherein the lower surface defines engagement means for attaching the paver spacer to the top of the joist or the like, which engagement preferably allows the paver spacer to be slid along the joist or the like, and wherein the paver spacer further includes at least one further plate attached to the first plate by one or more frangible connections, the further plate having a generally planar upper surface and a lower surface defining engagement means for attaching the paver spacer to the top of the joist or the like.

2. A paver spacer as claimed in claim 1 wherein the lower surface defines a channel for receiving a wall spacer element.

3. A paver spacer as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the lower surface of the paver spacer defines two intersecting channels, for receiving a wall spacer element, the channels being oriented in a cruciform arrangement perpendicular to one another.

4. A paver spacer as claimed in claim 3 wherein the underside of the paver spacer defines a depending boss at the intersection of the two channels which in use locates inside an elongate aperture in the wall spacer element.

5. A paver spacer as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the top surface of the paver spacer defines an array of apertures or projections for engaging with a shim.

6. A paver spacer as claimed in claim 5, further including a shim made from an elastomeric or plastic material which defines corresponding means for engaging with the array on top of the paver spacer.

7. A paver spacer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the engagement means comprise a flexible depending leg which locates under a step in a side wall of the joist to retain the paver spacer on the joist, while allowing the paver spacer to move along the joist.

8. A paver spacer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the further plate or plates define an aperture for receiving a fastener for fixing the further plate to the joist.

9. A paver spacer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the upper surface of the further plate does not define an upstanding tab or the like.

10. A paver spacer as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first plate defines an aperture for receiving a fastener for fixing the further plate to the joist.

11. A paver spacer as claimed in claim 2 or any claim dependent on claim 2, and further including a wall spacer element comprising an elongate arm having an elongate aperture in the arm and a head at one end of the arm, extending generally perpendicular to the arm, the head having a thickness of about 6 to 14 mm and wherein the elongate arm of the wall spacer element is located in one of the channels in the lower surface.

12. A paver spacer as claimed in claim 11 wherein the thickness of the head is about 10mm.

13. A paver spacer as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the head of the wall spacer element defines a central aperture and comprises two parallel walls linked by two curved end walls.

14. A raised floor comprising an array of pedestals supporting joists and pavers supported on the joists by means of one or more paver spacers as claimed in anypreceding claim and wherein at least some of the pavers are supported by further plates separated from the first plates.

15. A raised floor comprising an array of pedestals supporting joists and pavers supported on the joists by means of one or more paver spacers as claimed in claim 11 wherein at least some of the pavers located adjacent to edges of the raised floor support a wall spacer elements disposed in one of the channels, with the head of the wall spacer element disposed between the edge of the floor and a side of a paver.

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