Abstract:
A multi-tiered flooring arrangement, with each level of floor acting as a self-contained conduit. The system comprises a series of vertical support members and horizontal connectors arranged in generally rectangular shape onto which are placed removable flooring surfaces which act as separators for defining a plurality of separated plenum spaces for containing selected conductors and conduits.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is common for computers to be positioned in rooms having an additional floor level above the floor of the room to conceal the required wiring. Large main frame computers require a tremendous amount of wiring to provide high voltage and low voltage for operation, as well as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning for the surrounding atmosphere in order to provide a proper working environment for the computer itself and for its operators. Prior to the present invention, the high voltage and low voltage wires were maintained in separate metal conduits called raceways which provided little flexibility for movement. These raceways were usually rectangular electrical conduits laid out on a gridwork having six to ten foot centers which used T&#39;s and elbows to position the raceway properly. The raised access flooring support structure was secured by a series of mechanical fasteners such as nuts and bolts. The raceways were positioned below the raised access floor. 
     If movement of the main frame computer was required, or if additional equipment had to be added, the operator would have to unfasten the bolts securing the access flooring over a wide area, and literally disassemble the raceways in order to reposition it in accordance with the new position of the main frame computer. 
     Additionally, if repair work had to be done, this would also entail unfastening the bolts securing the access flooring and cutting through or disassembling the raceway conduit until the problem wiring was located. This resulted in an excessive amount of down time for a computer as well as the expenditure of large amounts of time for repair and/or relocation activities. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a flexible and easily accessible means for altering the position of wiring used with main frame computers, permitting the easy movement of the computers themselves. 
     It is a second object of the present invention to provide a means for doing away with electrical conduits used to segregate low voltage wires and high voltage wires used in conjunction with main frame computers. 
     It is a third object of the present invention to provide a means for securing the structural components of access floor for use in main frame computer rooms without employing mechanical fasteners. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to overcome the problems previously described and to achieve the objectives set forth above, the present invention was developed. The present invention is embodied in a multi-tiered access flooring system in which each plenum space formed by the tiers acts as a conduit for maintaining selected conduits and conductors in specific floor tiers. The access flooring comprises a series of vertical and horizontal support members which are constructed and arranged in such a manner as to be capable of receiving flooring panels for supporting numerous individuals. 
     The vertical support members comprise a series of one-piece pedestal assemblies having a base, a vertical support tube affixed to the base having one or more supporting shelf members affixed thereto, and a pedestal head which is inserted into the vertical support tube. The vertical support members are positioned in a generally square configuration with respect to one another. 
     The horizontal support members comprise a one-piece member having a plurality of grooves formed on their exterior. The horizontal support members extend between the vertical support members. The supporting shelf members of the vertical support members are inserted onto ridges formed on the interior walls of a groove formed on the horizontal support member and are secured thereto in a locked fashion. No mechanical fasteners of any kind are used. 
     Flooring members are positioned on the horizontal support members so that the edges of the flooring members are inserted into grooves formed on adjacent horizontal support members. To secure the flooring members in such a manner as to limit the amount of air leakage from one plenum to another, a hold-down gasket having edges overlapping the edges of the flooring members is inserted into a groove on the horizontal support member. A removable flooring member is then laid onto the pedestal heads. 
     When completed, the plenum spaces formed between tiers of the access flooring will serve as conduits for select conductors and conduits, such as low voltage wiring, high voltage wiring, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning ducts. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an access floor system in accordance with the principles of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of one section of access flooring. 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the component parts of the access flooring. 
     FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5--5 of FIG. 2. 
     FIG. 6 is the sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5. 
     FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line 7--7 of FIG. 4. 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of a corner support clip. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     While the principles of the present invention define a particular utility in a multi-tiered access flooring system, it will be understood that the access floor system arrangement of the present invention may be utilized in other combinations or for other purposes. By way of exemplary disclosure of the best mode of practicing the invention, and by way of enabling one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention, the preferred embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-18. 
     By way of illustrating the present invention, FIG. 1 shows a raised, multi-tiered access floor system 10 as it is positioned on subfloor 11. The access floor system 10 comprises on the top floor level 10a, a series of generally square shaped finished access floor members or panels 12, which are laid side by side in a configuration conforming generally to the dimensions of a computer room facility. The top removable floor panels 12 are supported at each individual corner by vertical support members comprising a pedestal assembly 14 having a base 16, vertical support tubes 17 extending from the base 16, and one-piece pedestal head members 18 adjustably mounted to the hollow vertical support tubes 17 by means of threaded screw members 19 inserted into the top of the support tubes 17. 
     A second level access floor system 20 is positioned directly beneath the top level removable access floor panels 12 and in between these two floor levels a plenum space 21 for low voltage wires is formed. The vertical plenum barrier 22 is positioned between the edges of the first level access floor system 10 and a second level access floor 20 in order to prevent air leakage. Corner cap sealers 23 are placed at the corner junctions of plenum barriers 22 in order to minimize air leakage. 
     A heating, ventilating, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) 24 is positioned within the room so as to provide the proper atmospheric conditions for operating a main frame computer. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a complete access flooring module unit 25. The base 16 of the pedestal assembly 14 is secured to the subfloor 11 by adhesives. The vertical support tube 17 is welded to the base 16. The pedestal assemblies 14 are generally made of eleven guage steel to provide proper strength to support operators of the computer equipment. 
     The horizontal support members or pan support stringers 26a, 26b extend between and connect pedestal assemblies 14. The stringers 26, made of extruded aluminum, are secured to stringer support clips 28 by means of a twist locking motion. No mechanical fasteners are used. 
     The support clips 28a and 28b are one piece cross-shaped metal support members having a central bore conforming to the shape of the vertical support tube 17. In forming the pedestal assembly, the vertical support tube 17 is inserted into stringer support clip 28. The support clip 28b is then moved downwardly until it is positioned at the height from the pedestal base 16 desired for use. At that point, a stringer support clip is welded to the vertical support bar 17. The same process is continued for support clip 28a which is positioned at a higher level on the vertical support bar 17 where it is welded to form a one-piece unit comprising the pedestal assembly 14. In this manner, a multiple level support structure can be created, with as many levels as required. 
     The pedestal head 18 is generally a stamped piece of metal having elevated cross members 181a, 181b, 181c, and 181d. Between the cross members 181a, 181b, 181c, and 181d are formed depressed support shelves 182a, 182b, 182c, and 182d having upwardly bent edges capable of securably receiving floor pans 12. Attached to screw member 19 is a leveling nut 191 having a diameter greater than that of the support tube 17. The leveling nut 191 is used to adjust top level floor pans 12 to conform to the vagaries of subfloor 11 so as to provide a level walking surface for an operator. 
     A second level floor member or panel 29 and a third level floor member or panel 30 are positioned on the module so that flanges formed on the edges of the panels 29 and 30 can be inserted into grooves formed on the support stringers 26. These flanges are inserted into grooves formed on four individual stringers 26. The space between floor panels 29, 30 forms the area defining a second plenum space 32 for containing high voltage wires. Pan hold down gaskets 36a, 36b are inserted into grooves formed in each of the support stringers 26 at each level of the module 25, forming an substantially air tight sealing arrangement. 
     The area formed between the second level floor panel 29 and the top level floor panel 12 is the first plenum space 21 for containing low voltage wires. 
     Access to the first level plenum space 21 is provided by a cut out member 42 formed on top level floor panel 12 having molded edges 44 to protect cables from any sharp edges. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, the support clip 28 is a cross shaped member having four support members 280a, 280b, 280c, and 280d. Ridge members 282a, 282b, 282c, and 282d (not shown) are formed at generally right angles along the side edges of clip extension members 280a, 280b, 280c, 280d in order to provide additional strength. 
     The pan support stringer 26 comprises a one piece member on which are formed three U-shaped grooves 262a, 262b, 262c. A relatively large inverted U-shape groove 264 is formed on the underside of support stringer 26. A pair of generally parallel ridges 264a, 264b, are formed on the interior walls of the inverted U-shaped groove 262d. The edges of the outer walls forming grooves 262a, 262c are smooth and tapered to prevent any cutting or fragmenting of wires. 
     Second level floor panel 29 has edges 290a, 290b which are bent at generally right angles. The pan gasket 36a is a one piece folded rubber or plastic member having a generally semi-circular shaped top portion 360 which overlaps grooves 262a, 262c from which descends generally along its mid line a perpendicular member 362 ending in a V-shaped gusset portion 364. 
     When assembling one section of the module 25, support stringer 26 is positioned in a generally diagonal orientation and twisted in such a manner that clip extension member 280a will be inserted into inverted U-shaped groove 264, and the support stringer will be twisted in the opposite direction until clip extension 280a is positioned above parallel ridges 264a, 264b formed on the inside walls of stringer 26. Edge 290b of second level floor panel 29 is then inserted into the U-shaped groove 262a. The perpendicular edge from another low voltage pan is then inserted into groove 262c. Finally, gusset portion 364 is inserted into groove 262b and pushed downwardly until top portion 360 of pan gasket 36a firmly secures the edges of adjoining second level floor panels 29 to form a generally air tight sealing arrangement. The edges 290a, 290b are recessed at their intersection to permit insertion into adjacent, perpendicular stringers 26. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates the segregation of wiring and air circulation apparatus. Top floor panel 12 rests on a portion of the pedestal head 18. Air of a desired temperature is directed from the HVAC unit 24 through vent 46 downwardly into HVAC plenum 48 where it will be directed to the desired areas in the computer room. 
     Pressurized air leaving the HVAC unit 24 enters plenum space 48. Selected panels 29 and 30 may be removed at desired locations, creating shafts into which the pressurized air is driven. The pressurized air is then released into the environment via vents positioned on selected access floor panels 12 positioned directly above the shafts. 
     A plenum barrier 50 is fastened to the perimeter support stringer 26 by means of metal adhesive strips 51. Additionally, a securing screw 51a is inserted into the plenum barrier 50 and the support stringer 26. This greatly diminishes air leakage from the HVAC unit 24 into the first plenum space 21 and the second plenum space 32. Low voltage wires 52 are laid on top of second level floor panel 29 in any location desired by the user. Likewise, high voltage wires 54 are placed on third level floor panel 30 in any position desired by the user. 
     With the present invention, low voltage wires 52, high voltage wires 54, and circulating air from the HVAC unit 24 are maintained completely separate from one another in such a manner that each level of the access flooring system 10 becomes a self-contained conduit. 
     FIG. 5 shows a detailed illustration of the pan stringer 26 secured to support clip 28. The edges of adjacent second level floor panels 29 are inserted into the grooves 262a, 262c formed on support stringer 26. The pan gasket 36 provides a positive plenum seal substantially preventing air leakage into or out of any plenum area. 
     FIG. 6 is a top cross-sectional view of a sealing arrangement of the stringers 26 and the support clips 28 as they are secured by the hold down pan gaskets 36. 
     FIG. 7 is a top cross-sectional view of an end member pedestal assembly 14. Only three clip extension members 280a, 280b, 280c, are formed on the support clip 28 for these pedestal assemblies 14 which abut either a wall or some other objects such as the HVAC unit 24. 
     FIG. 8 is an illustration of a support clip 28 which is used at the corner of an access flooring system 10. These particular support clips 28 have only two clip extension members 280a, 280b. 
     Although various modifications might be suggested by those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the inventor wishes to embody within the scope of the patent warranted here all such modifications as reasonably and properly come within his contribution to the art.