Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Wall – ceiling – floor – or roof designed for ventilation or...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-14
2001-08-28
Stephan, Beth A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Wall, ceiling, floor, or roof designed for ventilation or...
C052S302300, C052S403100, C052S408000, C052S001000, C052S480000, C052S745050, C454S247000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279279
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to flooring systems and, especially, aerated flooring systems suitable for use in athletic arenas and gymnasiums.
2. Description of the Background
Conventional flooring uses a plurality of layers composed of different types of materials. The materials and the design of the structure support the weight of the floor itself and objects intended to be placed on or supported by the floor. Such flooring is sometimes designed such that a minimal amount of space exists between the various layers and material components to provide increased strength.
A problem with these flooring systems is that they do not provide aeration and are susceptible to undesirable environmental conditions. For example, in a gymnasium or other athletic arena, the flooring system is subjected to high humidity, slab migration and water leaks caused by clogged plumbing, roof leaks or burst pipes in the walls or flooring, all of which can damage the flooring materials as well as the flooring system. Although a small amount of water may seem fairly innocuous, even small amounts of water and water vapor that persists in the floor can lead to rotting and the generation of distasteful odors or aromas. Larger amounts of water and high humidity cause structural and aesthetic damage to the flooring system as well as the surrounding area. Damage to these areas is difficult or impossible to detect, absent actual removal of the floor itself, and can result in unwanted expansion of the floor components (buckling), excessive contraction producing voids, deterioration, drastic shortening of the life of the component materials, and an often unexpected inability of the flooring to sustain any significant weight, resulting in, at best, structural damage and, at worst, personal injury. Structurally damaged areas are nearly always difficult and expensive to replace, often requiring installation of an entirely new flooring system.
Moreover, damp flooring also attracts insects such as termites and other creatures. These creatures often nest in damp areas of the flooring or subflooring, which becomes a long term habitat attracting and resulting in the proliferation of even more creatures.
One attempt to ventilate the subflooring of an athletic flooring system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,526,621. This flooring system requires a subflooring with a labyrinth design having spaces between the boards of the subfloor. This design is not adaptable with most conventional flooring systems, but requires complete replacement of an existing floor. Further, the system does not disclose the use of ventilation devices, but rather indicates that air can escape through conventional gaps which exist in the floor. Although the system includes a humidistat to detect higher than desirable humidity buildup, humidity is only detected if it persists at the exact location of the humidistat. There is no way to detect the location of humidity at other sites. Identifying the location of water and increased humidity is further complicated by the labyrinth design of the subflooring.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems and disadvantages associated with current flooring systems and provides an aerated flooring system with greater utility and functionality than is conventionally available. These flooring systems are adaptable to work with most existing flooring systems and to convert such existing systems into aerated flooring systems.
One embodiment of the invention is directed to aerated flooring systems comprising a top layer of flooring; a ventilation layer below the top layer, the ventilation layer being at least a size to allow for air to travel; at least one ventilation device; and an air flow shaft that allows air to travel from the ventilation layer to the at least one ventilation device. Preferably, the at least one ventilation device is placed at an end of the air flow shaft to help prevent debris from entering the shaft area. The at least one ventilation device comprises apertures to allow for air transfer.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for making an aerated flooring system out of an existing flooring system. These methods comprise connecting a blowing device to an existing flooring system which is capable of circulating air through the flooring. An air flow shaft may also be provided, which is capable of ventilating air out of the flooring system. Air is blown through a ventilation layer allows the air to travel completely through the system.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to methods for making an aerated flooring system. These methods comprise laying a flooring base and a spacers above the base. A top layer can be laid above the spacers, wherein air can flow between the base and the top layer. An air flow shaft is provided above the base wherein air can flow through the air flow shaft. At least one ventilation device is installed above an end of the air flow shaft to help prevent debris from entering the shaft. The ventilation device may also comprise apertures to allow air transfer.
Another embodiment of the invention is directed to particular ventilation device of the flooring system, which is a vented cover flooring base. The vented cove base comprises a ventilation shaft which is at least of a size to allow for air to travel, an air flow aperture which is operable to release air and is directed in a direction to help prevent debris from falling into the air flow aperture, and a vented cove base operable connected to an edge of a floor and a wall.
Other embodiments and advantages of the invention are set forth, in part, in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from this description or may be learned from the practice of the invention.
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Brochure by Action Floor Systems, Inc., 1997.*
Brochure entitled “Scissor-Loc Air Flow” by Superior Floor Company, Inc., Mar. 1998.*
Brochure entitled “Scissor-Loc Air Flow” by Superior Floor Company, Inc., published prior to Mar. 1998.
Brochure by Action Floor Systems, Inc., Spring 1997.
Brobeck Phleger & Harrison
Glessner Brian E.
Stephan Beth A.
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