GB2582805A

GB2582805A - Surfacing assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2582805A
Application number: GB1904733.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Dormer Darren
Original assignee: Nexus Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Nexus Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-04
Filing date: 2019-04-04
Publication date: 2020-10-07
Also published as: GB201904733D0

Abstract

The surfacing assembly comprises a framework of interconnected members 2. Each framework member defines a sidewall which in conjunction with the sidewalls of the other interconnected members defines a space 3 for inserting a surfacing member 4, such as a floor slab or plate, into. The interconnected members may be rectilinear and may also have a triangular, circular, rectangular or T-shaped cross section. The surface members may be attached to the framework using friction, screwing, adhesive or clips. The surface members may also be affixed to the framework members using a guide member attached to the side of the surface member and conforming to the shape of the framework member.

Description

SURFACING ASSEMBLY

This invention relates to a surfacing assembly particularly, although not exclusively, for exterior decking installations or wall cladding.

Decking is usually installed to a sub-frame consisting of a series of parallel beams supported by cross beams, which in turn are supported by a vertical post or a pedestal. Linear decking planks are then laid orthogonally to the longitudinal direction of the beams. Similarly, for wall cladding, batons are secured to a wall and weatherboarding is fixed, normally by screwing or nailing in an orthogonal direction to the longitudinal length of the batons.

An alternative, for laying pavers, is manufactured by TimberTech, a division of Azec Company LLC, 1330, West Fulton Street, Chicago, lllinois 60607, U.S.A., in which a series of pre-formed sections are laid on a pre-prepared base and individual blocks are located on top of the sections, the blocks having an underside with depending members that locate in horizontally aligned apertures within each section.

Such an arrangement can only be applied to a planar base and it is not able to be located on beams/rafters.

The present invention seeks to provide a surfacing assembly in which surfacing members may be laid in a variety of patterns and in which the surfacing members are shorter than the lateral distance between beams/rafters.

According to this invention there is provided a surfacing assembly comprising a framework of plural interconnected members each having at least one side wall, said members defining a space, and a surface member inserted into said space between side walls of said members.

Preferably, the members are rectilinear and have a profile which is a substantially triangular cross-section.

In an alternative embodiment, the members are rectilinear and have a cross-section which is one of generally circular, rectangular and T-shaped.

Advantageously, each surface member is substantially rectangular having longitudinal sides shaped to conform with the side wall profile of the members into which said surface member is inserted.

Conveniently, each surface member is substantially rectangular and has a subassembly affixed to a major planar side thereof comprising guide members shaped to conform with the side wall profile of the members into which said surface member is inserted.

Preferably, the surface members are affixed to the framework of interconnected members by one of friction, screwing, adhesive and clips.

Advantageously, the surface members are made of one of wood, composite wood material, tile, stone, paver, metal and plastics.

Preferably, the framework is made of one of metal, plastics material, and a combination of metal and plastics.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface member is supported by the side wall of the members of the framework defining said space.

Advantageously, the framework is supported on one of a sub-frame of beams, a continuous horizontal surface, and a vertical wall or similar surface.

Advantageously, the framework members define a regular pattern which may be one of rectilinear, herringbone, chevron, basket weave, Versailles panels, two, three or more size piece patterns and random.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an upper perspective view of a surfacing assembly in accordance with this invention, Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional end view of the surfacing assembly shown in Figure I, Figures 3a -3e show differing embodiments of end sections of members of a framework utilised in this invention, Figures 4a, 4b -Figures 7a -7c show differing embodiments of attachments 25 between the surfacing member and framework members, Figures 8a -8f show differing embodiments of fixings for attaching surfacing members to framework members, Figure 9a shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of one arrangement for connecting members of the framework together, Figure 9b shows, in section, a side view of the embodiment of Figure 9a, Figure 9c shows an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of an arrangement for connecting framework members together, Figure 9d shows, in section, a side view of the embodiment of Figure 9c, shows an exploded perspective view of an arrangement for connecting framework members together, Figure 10a shows an exploded perspective view of an arrangement for 5 connecting framework members together, Figure 10b shows, in cross-section, an end view of the Figure 10a embodiment, Figure 1 la shows an exploded perspective view of another arrangement for connecting framework members together, Figure 1 lb shows an exploded sectionalised end view of the arrangement of Figure 11a, Figure 12a shows an exploded perspective view of a further arrangement for connecting framework members together, Figure 12b shows an exploded sectionalised end view of the arrangement of Figure 12a, Figure 13 shows an exploded perspective view of yet another arrangement for securing framework members together, and Figures 14a -14e show cross-sectionalised end views of differing embodiments of cross-sections of framework members that may be employed and of surfacing members that may be associated therewith.

In the Figures like reference numerals denote like parts.

The surfacing assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2 is depicted for decking, although it will be understood by those skilled in the art that it may similarly be used for wall cladding. Beams 1 are laid onto a planar substrate which may be any suitable surface, but is typically a sand/cement substrate or, as shown in Figure 1, a sub-frame of cross beams supported by posts or pedestals. The beams may be 400 -600mm apart. The surfacing assembly of this invention is formed of a plurality of interconnected framework members 2 which define spaces 3 into which are inserted surface members 4.

The framework members 2 may be made of metal or plastics or a combination of metal and plastics. The surface members may be made of wood, composite wood material, tile, stone, paver or metal and plastics. The surface members may be attached to the framework by friction, screwing, adhesive or clips, as will be described hereinafter.

Figure 3a shows one embodiment of a cross-sectional profile of a framework member 2. In Figure 3a, the profile is an equilateral triangle, although the profile could be an isosceles triangle. Each side wall 5 of the member 2 has a longitudinally extending channel shaped cut-out 6 for location of interconnecting framework members (not shown in this Figure). The cut out 6 may have a dove-tailed, or rectangular cross-section, or any suitable shape. The side walls 5 define a hollow interior 7 of the framework member 2, and opposing side walls 5 may each have a strengthening web 8.

The length of each framework member 2 may be in the range 450mm - 900mm. The surface member may have a length in the range of 300mm -600mm, typically 360mm, and a width of in the range of 150mm -250mm, typically 180mm. The side walls may typically be 45mm long and the vertical height 39mm, although it is to be understood that these dimensions are exemplary.

If the framework is laid directly onto a planar surface, such as sand/cement, then the channel shaped cut-out 6 in the base of the triangular section may act as a rain channel. This channel-shaped cut out may also accept a continuous or intermittently placed plastic/rubberised insert to provide a soft impact loading onto damage sensitive planar surfaces, such as a flat roof surface.

Referring to Figure 3b, the triangular cross-section of framework member 2 in this embodiment has a rectangular slot 9 for insertion of a reinforcing bar 123, as will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 12a and 12b.

In the embodiment of Figurer 3c, the hollow interior 7 is provided with internal strengthening webs 10 and a depending web 11 and differently shaped channels 6.

Figure 3e shows deeper channels 15, located lower on the sidewalls closer to the base of the member 2, creating a larger top section and hollow interior 7, which is bisected by a vertical strengthening web 16, and solid mass bottom corners 17 are formed.

Referring to Figure 3d, the hollow interior 7 is provided with a circular cross-sectioned longitudinally extending web 12 which has a diametrically extending further strengthening web 13 with a depending web 11.

Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the triangularly cross-sectioned framework member 2 has a longitudinally extending circular hollow interior 14. The surface member 4 has an upper surface 41 with a rectangular prism upper portion 42 having a longitudinally extending chamfered edge 43. A lower portion 44 of the surface member 4 has inwardly tapering sides 45 to conform with the sides 5 of the framework member 2. In this manner, the sides 45 render a friction fit with the sides 5, in this embodiment. To assist the frictional fit, the channel shaped cut-outs 6 may house frictional material, such as a rubber or cork compound (not shown).

The surface member 4, shown in the embodiment of Figures 5a, 5b, 5c, may be made of metal or plastics or a combination thereof The surface member 4 in this embodiment, is formed from a rigid sheet material or rigid moulded material to create a surface member 4 with an upper surface 51 and shaped sides 52 with resilient tangs 53 as shown in the cross-section of Figure 5c, in distinction to the solid form embodiment of Figures 4a and 4b. Thus, supported on the shaped side 52, which conforms to the side 5 of the framework, is the depending resilient tang 53 which locates within the channel shaped cut-out 6.

In the variants shown in Figures 6a and 6b, the surface member 4 has a rectangular prism-shaped upper portion 61 which is located above a top edge of the framework member 2. An underside of the portion 61 is provided with depending supports 62 having sides and a lower portion 63 that conforms with the channel shaped cut-out 6, thereby providing a shaped upper, outer, side 64 of the support that abrades and conforms with the side wall 5 to support the surface member 4. The support 62 is shown in greater detail in Figure 8a with an alternative support 62 being shown in Figure 8b.

Another embodiment of the invention is shown with reference to Figures 7a, 7b and 7c. The surface member 4 comprises a rectangular prism 71 that is located on top of the framework member 2, and forms a sub-assembly with a mounting clip 72 of generally triangular form that is fitted into location in the channel shaped cut-out 6.

An upper side of the mounting clip 72 may be formed to partially wrap over an upper edge 73 of the triangular framework member 2, as shown in Figure 7a. An upper side 76 of the mounting clip 72 may also be deformed by punching to provide triangularly shaped tangs 74 that are pressed into an underside of the prism 71. Such a clip 72 is shown in greater detail in Figure 8c and 8d. Figure 7c shows alternative clip shapes 78 and 79, which are shaped to conform with the sidewall 5 and fit into the channel shaped cut out 6. Clips 78 and 79 are shown in greater detail in Figures 8e and 8f respectively.

Figure 8a shows the support 62 having a circular aperture 83 for accepting a screw 84 that may attach the support to an underside of the prism 61. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8b, an upper surface of the support 62 may have an adhesive 85 applied thereto from an adhesive source 86 for fixedly securing the support 62 to an underside of the prism 61.

An alternative clip 72 is shown in Figure 8d, which instead of being provided with tangs 74, has a circular hole in the upper side 76 for fixing the clip 72 by a screw 77 into an under surface of the prism 71.

Figures 8e and 8f show alternative shapes of clip 78 and 79, with a similar fixing arrangement to the aforementioned clips.

Referring to Figures 9a and 9b, these Figures show one embodiment by which framework members 2 may be orthogonally interconnected. In this embodiment, an internal portion of the channel shaped cut-out 6 has a portion 91 that is extended to provide a mating male projection that may be sprung or slidingly inserted into a corresponding female portion in the side wall 5.

Figures 9c and 9d show an alternative embodiment of the framework members 2 which have another internal configuration and the outer side walls of the member 2, instead of having dove-tailed shaped cut-outs 6 have rectangularly-shaped slots 91 into which a mating protrusion 92 on orthogonally oriented member 2 is inserted.

Figures 10a and 10b show arrangements by which framework members 2 may be longitudinally connected together and also orthogonally interconnected, in this embodiment. The framework members 2 are hollow apart from lateral strengthening webs 8. A longitudinal triangularly-shaped bar 101which may be fixedly secured in one member 2, or a frictional fit, is inserted into the hollow interior 7 of another framework member 2. In this manner, the framework members 2 are longitudinally connected together. The framework members 2 may be orthogonally connected together by a bar 102 that is located in one member 2, the bar having a locating lip 103 that is arranged to mount in the channel shaped cut-out 6 of an interconnecting member.

Figures lla and llb show an alternative arrangement by which framework members 2 may be orthogonally interconnected. In this embodiment, an insert 111 is provided with a shaped section that mates with the channel shaped cut-out 6. The insert 111 may be slid or snapped into position on member 2. The insert 111 has and extending spigot 112 that is cross sectioned to comply with the hollow interior 7 of an orthogonally orientated framework member 2, into which it is inserted to make a connection.

The embodiment shown in Figures 12a and 12b is similar to the embodiment shown in Figures 11 a and 1 lb in that an insert 121 is matingly located in the channel shaped cut-out 6 in the side of the member 2. In this embodiment, the insert 121 has a rectangular aperture 122 into which is inserted a reinforcing bar 123 that is also inserted into a cooperating, orthogonally oriented member 2. The reinforcing bar 123 is held captive within insert 121 and framework member 2 by friction fit on reinforcing bar 123, or when insert 121 and member 2 are joined together by gluing, welding or mechanical fixing.

Figure 13 shows a detail of a mounting bracket 130 for orthogonally interconnecting framework members 2. The mounting bracket 130 has substantially perpendicular arms 131, 132 which locate into a respective channel shaped cut-outs 6 of mating members 2. The arms 131, 132 have circular apertures 133 and 134 through which a screw 135 may be inserted to hold the bracket 130 into a respective framework member 2. The arms 131, 132 may be a friction fit not requiring mechanical fixing.

Figures 14a -14e show various cross-sectional shapes of the framework member that may be used and surface members that may be located therein.

By virtue of the present framework, relatively small surface members, as against the known linear planks, may be utilised. Also, because the framework members may define spaces having a pattern which may rectilinear, herringbone, chevron, basket weave, Versailles panels, or two, three or more piece patterns, or random, so the surface members display like patterns.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A surfacing assembly comprising a framework of plural interconnected members each having at least one side wall, said members defining a space, and a surface member inserted into said space between side walls of said members.
2. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the members are rectilinear and have a profile which is a substantially triangular cross-section.
3. An assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the members are rectilinear and have a cross-section which is one of generally circular, rectangular and T-shaped.
4. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each surface member is substantially rectangular having longitudinal sides shaped to conform with the side wall profile of the members into which said surface member is inserted.
5. An assembly as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each surface member is substantially rectangular and has a sub-assembly affixed to a major planar side thereof comprising guide members shaped to conform with the side wall profile of the members into which said surface member is inserted.
6. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surface members are affixed to the framework of interconnected members by one of friction, screwing, adhesive, supports and clips.
7. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surface members are made of one of wood, composite wood material, tile, stone, paver, metal and plastics.
8. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the framework is made of one of metal, plastics material, and a combination of metal and plastics.
9. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the surface member is supported by the side wall of the members of the framework defining said space.
10. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the framework is supported on one of a sub-frame of beams, a continuous horizontal surface, and a vertical wall or similar surface.
11. An assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the framework members define a regular pattern which may be one of rectilinear, herringbone, chevron, basket weave, Versailles panels, two, three or more size piece patterns and random.