GB2331530A - Decking system, e.g. for floors - Google Patents

Abstract

A demountable decking or flooring system includes support members 15 and deck members 10 each having longitudinal slots 20, 16, 13 formed therein and joined by coupling members 22 which fit into such slots. End slots 17 may co - operate with connectors 24 to join supports 15 end - to -end; connectors 25 similarly join decking members 10.

Description

z 2331530 Sheet 1 A DECEING SYSTEM FOR FLOORS AND 0THER SURFACE AREAS

Field of this Invention

IMS INVENTION RELATES TO A MEANS TO PROVIDE A REMOVABLE DECKING FOR FLOORS AND ANY SURFACE AREA.

Backgmund IQ this Inventim The use of wood planking has formed the basis for decking or flooring for many years and is a well-known method of covering floor areas such as raised platforms, walkways, garden patio areas and providing a base for temporary exhibition display stands, to name but a few uses. Wood decking or flooring is nailed or screwed together and tends to be a static, permanent flxture, making access beneath the decking for maintenance or repairs difficult with the added disadvantage of not being re-usuable and requiring regular maintenance. Unless very deeply impregnated with preservative, wood decking or flooring is prone to rotting and termite intrusion which, if left unchecked, could result in the complete decking having to be removed and replaced at considerable expense.

The first aspect of this invention comprises preferably plastic extrusion that can be clipped together to provide as permanent a fixture as required with the distinct advantage of being disassembled and re-usable over and over again. It is also versatile and can be adapted to suit many other and various uses and can be adjusted in various ways and designs to cover odd shaped areas.

1 Sheet 2 A DECKENG SYSTEM FOR FLOORS ANDOIRER. SURFACE AREAS This is achieved by using a method unique to this invention by which can fasten the top decking boards to the bottom decking boards ensuring that the decking is secure, yet with the added advantage of being able to move the decking to acquire a correct fit for the desired area to be covered. It can also be easily and quickly assembled and disassembled to transport and use at different locations as many times as required and to allow access to the area beneath the decking for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

The plastic type of decking has the additional advantage of requiring little or no maintenance and will not deteriorate with age.

The second aspect of this invention comprises a means to clip the plastic extrusions together to form load-bearing structures. The preferred embodiment of this invention comprises a composite structure of elongate elements preferably of plastic material which are clipped releasably together to form a surface covering. The composite structure comprises a plurality of elements, the upper element being of rectangular section with an elongate shaped slot or groove running along the entire length along the centre of the bottom face.

The bottom element is preferably of square section, extruded plastic material with elongate slots or grooves running the entire length along the top and bottom faces t thereof.

The upper element is releasably joined to the lower element by shaped clips which can be sprung into position to effect such joining.

2 Sheet 3 A DECKING SYSTEM FOR IELOORS AND OTHER SURFACE AREAS Facilities are included in this invention to extend the longitudinal dimension and the lateral dimension of the composite decking. A specific embodiment of this invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 - shows the upper and lower elements of the preferred embodiment as well as appropriately shaped joining clips to form a releasable joint between them.

so Figure 2 - is a pictorial end view of the upper and lower elements of the preferred embodiment joined releasably together.

Figure 3 - shows means to extend the said elements longitudinally and laterally.

According to Figure 1, View 1 a, there is shown the upper element 10 of a composite structure which can be used as a floor covering or decking for any surface area. The said element 10 is preferably rectangular in section shape and has a smooth flat upper face 11.

Alternatively, the said upper face 11 could be roughened to prevent slipping or skidding on its surface.

3 Sheet 4 A DECKINS i SYSTEM IOR FLOORS AND OTHER SEMACE AREAS Centrally orientated through the lower face 12 is provided a specifically shaped slot or groove 13 which continues throughout the entire length of the said upper element 10.

The said element 10 is otherwise solid and can be to any colour or a mixture of colours. The preferred material for the said element 10 is reinforced extruded plastic, but any other appropriate material could be used in another embodiment.

Figure 1, View lb shows the lower element 14 of composite structure which can be used as a floor covering or decking for any surface area.

The said element 14 is preferably of square section reinforced, extruded plastic material and can be in any colour or colours.

Centrally orientated throughout the longitudinal upper face 15 of the said lower element 14 is a slot or groove 16 which is of 'Tee' shape outline. Across the face of each distal end of the said element 14 is a slot 17, 18 which provides a means for the attachment of one element 14, end on to another element 14. Centrally orientated and running the entire length through the bottom face 19 of the lower element 14 is a slot 20, similar in outline shape to the slot 13 in the upper element 10.

Figure 1, View lc shows a connector insert 21 which has a flange 22 being dimensionally suitable to slide freely into the horizontal branch of the Tee slot 16 of the lower element 14. The poppet or projection 23 would press fit into slot 13 in the upper element 10.

4 sheet 5 A DECWG SYSTEM FOR FLOORS AND OTHER SURFACE AREAS Any number of the said connectors 21 could be used to provide a rapid means of securing a releasable joint between the upper and lower elements 10, 14.

Figure 1, View 1 e shows a connector 24 which would slide horizontally into slots 17 and 18 at the distal ends of the lower element 14 to join two elements 14 together in extension. (Figure 3) Figure 1, View 1 c illustrates a joint connector 25 which is used to slide into the horizontal branch of the Tee slot 16 when two elements 14 are end on and in extension of one another. This said connector 25 is in effect similar to connector 21 but with a plurality of poppets 23 projecting from its upper surface.

Referring now to Figure 2, View 2a, there is shown a pictorial end view of the upper element 10 resting on a plurality of elements 14.

It can be seen that the slot 13 lies immediately above the elongate slot or groove 16 in the upper face of element 14. To maintain the two said elements 10, 14 releasably together a plurality of connectors 21 would be inserted into Tee slot 16 with the poppet or projection 23 sprung into elongate slot 13 in the upper element 10.

Similarly, if more than one lower element 14 is required to be joined together, one above the other, the connector 21 would be inserted into the Tee slot 16 in the one while the poppet 23 would be inserted or sprung into slot 20 in the other. (See Figure 2, View 2b) Sheet 6 1 1 A DECIUNG SYSTEM FOR FLOORS AND OIBER SURFACE AREAS The mode of joining elements 14 together as shown in View 2b provides a means to create steps and when a number of such combinations of elements 14 are spaced apart, the element 10 may be fitted to each distal end of element 14 with the use of connector 21 or 25 placed into slot 17118 and the poppet 23 sprung into slot 13. If end-on connection of two elements 14 is required, connector 24 would be used to slide into slots 17118 as indicated at the uppermost element 14 in View 2b.

When it becomes necessary to join elements 14 in extension of one another, the connector 24 is used to slide horizontally into slots 17, 18 in the said elements 14 as shown in Figure 3, View 3a. (The upper element 10 is not shown for reasons of clarity). It can be seen that the connector 24 releasably secures one end of element 14 by slot 17 and the other element 14 by slot 18. Any number of elements 14 may be so joined. View 3b shows a plurality of elements 10 placed upon elements 14. The elements 10 would be releasably secured to elements 14 by inserting a number of connectors 21 or 25 into Tee slot 16 and springing the poppet 23 into slot 13 in elements 10.

View 3c shows the method of releasably joining elements 10 end on to one another. The poppets 23 on connectors 25 would be sprung into slots 13 in each of the elements 10 at their distal ends.

6 7.

CLA 1. A system for covering an area, comprising a plurality of elongated members made of a plastics or metal materials at least one surface of which has a longitudinal slot formed therein and means for engaging a slot formed in a surface of one such member with a slot formed in a surface of another such member thereby to join the two members together.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein at least one end of the elongated members includes a transverse slot whereby the elongated members can be joined together end-to-end.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least some of the elongated members include a surface adapted to provide an enhanced coefficient of firiction.

4. A system according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the elongated members are extrusions.

5. An area decking compromising a plurality of elongated members according to any of claims 1 to 4 joined together.

6. A system for covering an area substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.