GB2592039A

GB2592039A - Balcony floor assembly and floor system

Info

Publication number: GB2592039A
Application number: GB2001978.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Pressland Adam
Original assignee: Group Y Ltd
Current assignee: Group Y Ltd
Priority date: 2020-02-13
Filing date: 2020-02-13
Publication date: 2021-08-18
Also published as: GB202001978D0

Abstract

The invention relates to a floor assembly 100 for forming a planar floor surface on a balcony or terrace. The assembly has a lower base member 120 for mounting to the balcony structure and an upper cover member 110 which provides the floor surface across substantially the full width of the floor assembly. The base member 120 and cover member 110 are releasably interlocked together by an interlocking system having at least two pairs of corresponding engagement surfaces 113, 123, the surfaces of each pair being provided on the base member and the cover member respectively. Engagement surfaces 113, 123 are provided with projections 115, 125 which each combine to form a snap-fit catch to releasably retain the cover member on the base member. The decorative cover member 110 can be removed for repair or replacement, but the base member 120 stays in position providing a safe balcony floor for maintenance personnel while the cover member is absent.

Description

Balcony Floor Assembly and Floor System

Technical Field

The present invention relates to balcony floors, and more specifically to a floor assembly and floor system for a balcony, terrace or the like, and to a balcony or terrace including such a floor system.

Background

Non-combustible decking boards for balconies or terrace areas are usually manufactured from aluminum. Existing decking boards can be made from a unitary extruded board. The fixings are either visible, which can be undesirable for aesthetic reasons, or can be hidden by employing individual covers. A unitary board also exists where the fixings are located in a channel and the channel is covered by a narrow removable insert.

Aluminum by nature is a soft material and is therefore prone to increased wear and tear. Once a board is subject to trauma it is usually more cost-effective to replace the board or repair it off site. Either operation will require the damaged board to be removed, which presents a safety risk in that the balcony floor, or at least a section of it, has to be removed completely. There is therefore an increased risk of injury to maintenance personnel and people below if a person or object such as a tool falls through.

In addition, current decking boards do not offer the option to "overhang" the finished top surface to create a cavity below, not normally visible, which is useful to provide a perimeter water drainage channel or a service channel, for example for cabling or for access to mounting brackets for balustrading, glass channels and the like.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the invention provides a floor assembly for forming a planar floor surface on a balcony or terrace, comprising: a lower base member for mounting to the balcony structure, and an upper cover member which provides the floor surface across substantially the full width of the floor assembly, wherein the cover member is separable from the base member, and wherein the floor assembly further comprises an interlocking system to releasably interlock the base member and cover member together, the interlocking system comprising at least two pairs of corresponding engagement surfaces, the surfaces of each pair being provided on the base member and the cover member respectively, wherein the engagement surfaces are configured to slide into engagement to releasably interlock the base member and the cover member together.

The floor assembly may form part or the whole of the finished planar floor surface of the balcony or terrace. The floor assembly is preferably elongate and has the general configuration of a standard floorboard -i.e. relatively planar, elongate in a longitudinal direction with a shorter width in the transverse direction and a relatively short height or depth.

The cover member provides the finished floor surface of the assembly and is separable from the base member by means of the interlocking system. The cover member is preferably secured to the base member without visible fixings such as screws, and therefore the cover member provides the entire finished floor surface without the need for fixing covers or removable inserts. Preferably, the cover member is unitary and does not have any inserts or additional covers which form part of the finished floor surface. The cover member including the floor surface can therefore be separated from the base member as a unitary structure, leaving the base member in position, attached to the balcony or terrace structure.

The cover member provides the finished floor surface across substantially the full width of the floor assembly of which it forms part. The cover member and base member may be coextensive in width, or one member may be narrower than the other, in which case the widest component will define the width of the assembly. There may be gaps in the balcony floor surface between adjacent floor assemblies as discussed below.

In one embodiment the cover member is wider than the base member and the cover member defines the width of the assembly. The cover member may overhang the base member on one or both longitudinal sides. This can provide a convenient covered channel for drainage, cabling or access to fixings.

In another embodiment, the cover member is narrower than the base member and the base member defines the width of the assembly. This would provide the advantage that the base members can be positioned immediately adjacent to one another on the structure, and longitudinal gaps are automatically formed between adjacent cover members. These gaps may be provided to allow water access to drainage channels provided in the base member. In this embodiment, it is still a requirement that the removable cover member extends across substantially the full width of the base member to provide a floor surface over the majority of the assembly width. The cover member still provides the full extent of the finished floor surface of the assembly, but this floor surface does not have to extend the full width of the assembly. In practical terms, the cover member may be up to about 10% less or up to about 5% less than the width of the base member.

In the longitudinal direction, the respective lengths of the cover member and base member may be coextensive but do not have to be. One member can be shorter than the other. As mentioned above, the invention enables the base member to be shorter than the cover member so that a channel or void space is provided at the end of the base member, between the base member and the balcony structure (e.g. the internal face of the balustrade). The channel would be covered over by the longer cover member for normal use of the balcony.

The assembly, cover member and/or base member may be cut or trimmed in the longitudinal or transverse direction to fit the structure to which it is attached. Scribing lines or other features may be provided to facilitate this operation. Additional engagement members or spacing members (discussed below) may be provided to allow the assembly to be reduced in transverse width but still to function as required.

The interlocking system is an important part of the invention. In preferred embodiments, the engagement surfaces slide into engagement to automatically interlock the base member and the cover member together. The engagement surfaces may include one or more of the following: latch, catch, projection, recess, snap-fit assembly. A tool may be provided to facilitate disengagement.

The engagement surfaces are preferably orthogonal to the plane of the floor surface, so that they would be substantially vertical in use. Preferably, the engagement surfaces slide into engagement in a direction substantially orthogonal to the plane of the floor surface (i.e. substantially vertical in use). This is advantageous when there is only a small clearance or no clearance between adjacent cover members. Preferably, the engagement surfaces of each corresponding pair are parallel to one another.

Each pair of engagement surfaces is preferably provided on respective engagement members extending orthogonally to the plane of the floor surface.

At least one of each pair of engagement members is preferably formed by a projection, fin or web. Preferably such an engagement member is at least formed on the cover member, which extends orthogonally (downwardly in use). A similar engagement member, projecting orthogonally upwards in use, may be formed on the base member.

At least one of each pair of engagement members is preferably formed by the side of a box section. Preferably such an engagement member is at least formed on the base member, which extends orthogonally (upwardly in use). In a preferred arrangement, the cover member has a fin and the base member has a box section.

The floor assembly may further comprise a spacing member between the base member and the cover member to provide support and to space the cover member from the base member.

The spacing member is preferably provided on the base member. The spacing member may be separate from the engagement members or may be combined with engagement members. The spacing member may comprise a box section, including the box section referred to above which includes an engagement member, so that the surface extending parallel to the plane of the floor surface provides the support.

In preferred embodiments the base member and cover member are formed from extruded aluminium. The cover member may be coated, and may for example be provided with an anti-slip surface.

In accordance with a second aspect, the invention provides a floor system for a balcony or terrace comprising a plurality of floor assemblies as described above.

Each floor assembly may be configured to provide a space between adjacent cover members to form a drainage channel. This space may be provided by means of the base member extending further in the plane of the floor surface (e.g. in the width direction) than the cover member to space the cover member from the adjacent cover member.

The base members of adjacent floor assemblies are preferably configured to interlock when installed on the balcony. This helps to control the spacing and ensure it is uniform.

In accordance with a third aspect, the invention provides a balcony or terrace comprising the floor system described above.

At least in preferred embodiments, the applicants have designed a flooring board assembly from two equally wide separable sections, which when joined form one complete floor board. The decking board has interlocking perpendicular legs to form a complete sealed box from above which prevents water ingress.

The decorative cover member of the invention can be removed for repair or replacement, but the base member stays in position providing a safe balcony floor for maintenance personnel while the cover member is absent.

The floor assembly of the present invention also allows the cover member to overhang or extend beyond the base member around the perimeter of the balcony to provide a largely hidden channel or void for drainage, cabling, etc. or to permit access to balustrade fixings or the like around the perimeter, with the base member staying in place to provide a safe, working floor.

Other advantages of the invention may be: * the cover members can be repaired, replaced or reconfigured while a safe floor remains in place provided by the base members; * the invention allows the type, style, material, colour etc. of the cover member to be changed without having to change the entire floor; * preferred designs of the base member automatically provide drainage channels, which can be put into use if the cover members are configured to have gaps in between * the void spaces between the base member and the cover member, at least in preferred embodiments, may be filled with a suitable material to reduce noise transmission or to increase the performance of the fire barrier; * the possibility of a covered or partially-covered void around the balcony/terrace perimeter; * simple, safe, and cost-effective maintenance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a balcony including a floor system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows an end elevation of a floor assembly in accordance with the first embodiment; Fig. 3 shows an end elevation of two floor assemblies as installed, in accordance with the first embodiment; Fig. 4 shows an end elevation of a floor assembly in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Fig.5 shows an end elevation of two floor assemblies as installed, in accordance with the second embodiment; and Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a balcony including a partially-assembled floor system in accordance with the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a balcony including a floor system in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. Balcony 10 has a balustrade 11 and a balustrade attachment channel 12. A floor system is showing, comprising a plurality of floor assemblies 100 as described below. One of the cover members is shown removed in Fig. 1, with the base member visible and providing a safe support surface for maintenance.

Figs. 2 and 3 show end elevations of floor assemblies 100 in accordance with the first embodiment. Each floor assembly comprises a cover member 110 which has a planar floor surface 111 including grooves 112 as an anti-slip feature. Base member 120 comprises a base surface 121 which is attached to the balcony chassis when installed and two U-shaped box sections 122.

The system to interlock the cover member 110 to the base member 120 comprises four pairs of corresponding engagement surfaces 113, 123 which are configured to slide into engagement to releasably interlock the base member and the cover member together.

Engagement surfaces 113, 123 are formed on respective engagement members, which on the cover member are downwardly-projecting fins 114 and on the base member are the side walls 124 of each box section 122. The engagement surfaces 113, 123 project orthogonally to the plane of the floor surface.

Engagement surfaces 113, 123 are provided with projections 115, 125 which each combine to form a snap-fit catch to releasably retain the cover member on the base member. The fins 114 are configured to flex slightly as the projections pass one another in either direction. The surfaces of the projections are angled to facilitate relative movement in either direction.

With reference to Fig. 3, when the cover member 110 and base member 120 are interlocked, the top walls 126 of box sections 122 support the cover member. An additional central support 127 is also provided to reduce the flexing of the planar floor surface.

In Fig. 3, adjacent floor assemblies 100 are shown spaced apart by a small distance to provide a drainage channel 101.

Figs. 4 and 5 show end elevations of floor assemblies 200 in accordance with the second embodiment. The features of the cover member 210, base member 220 and the interlocking system are the same as the first embodiment. The only difference is that the planar floor surface 211 is provided with short extensions 216 outboard of the outermost fins 214 which are designed to hide the drainage channel 101 while the base members 220 remain at the same spacing as in the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a balcony including a partially-assembled floor system in accordance with the invention. As with Fig. 1, balcony 10 has a balustrade 11 and a balustrade attachment channel 12. Also shown are chassis beams 13 and a purlin 14.

Complete floor assemblies 100 are shown, in which the cover members 110 are visible. Two cover members are not present, so that base members 120 are visible (one of which is shown in longitudinal section). With the cover members removed, fixings 15 which attach the cover members to purlin 14 can be seen. In this figure, cover members 110 are longer than base members 120 which forms a normally-covered channel 16 between the ends of the base members 120 and the balustrade attachment channel 12. Such a channel can provide a void for cabling, a drainage channel, or to provide access to balustrade attachment channel fixings 17.

As can clearly be seen from Fig. 6, base members 120 provide a safe walking surface for maintenance personnel while the cover members 110 are removed.

Claims

Claims 1. A floor assembly for forming a planar floor surface on a balcony or terrace, comprising: a lower base member for mounting to the balcony structure, and an upper cover member which provides the floor surface across substantially the full width of the floor assembly, wherein the cover member is separable from the base member, and wherein the floor assembly further comprises an interlocking system to releasably interlock the base member and cover member together, the interlocking system comprising at least two pairs of corresponding engagement surfaces, the surfaces of each pair being provided on the base member and the cover member respectively, wherein the engagement surfaces are configured to slide into engagement to releasably interlock the base member and the cover member together.
2. The floor assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement surfaces are orthogonal to the plane of the floor surface.
3. The floor assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein each pair of engagement surfaces is provided on respective engagement members extending orthogonally to the plane of the floor surface from the base member and the cover member.
4. The floor assembly of claim 3, wherein at least one of each pair of engagement members is formed by a projection/fin/web.
5. The floor assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of each pair of engagement members is formed by the side of a box section.
6. The floor assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the engagement surfaces include one or more of the following: latch, catch, projection, recess, snap-fit assembly.
7. The floor assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the floor assembly further comprises a spacing member between the base member and the cover member to provide support and space the cover member from the base member.
8. The floor assembly of claim 7, wherein the spacing member is provided on the base member.
9. A floor system for a balcony or terrace comprising a plurality of floor assemblies as claimed in any preceding claim.
10. The floor system of claim 9, wherein each floor assembly is configured to provide a space between adjacent cover members to form a drainage channel.
11. The floor system of claim 10, wherein the base member extends further in the plane of the floor surface than the cover member to space the cover member from the adjacent cover member.
12. The floor system of claims 9, 10 or 11, wherein the base members of adjacent floor assemblies are configured to interlock when installed on the balcony.
13. A balcony or terrace comprising the floor system of any of claims 9 to 12.