GB2597509A

GB2597509A - Balcony board

Info

Publication number: GB2597509A
Application number: GB2011516.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Pressland Adam
Original assignee: Group Y Ltd
Current assignee: Group Y Ltd
Priority date: 2020-07-24
Filing date: 2020-07-24
Publication date: 2022-02-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-07-24
Also published as: GB2597509B; GB202011516D0

Abstract

The invention provides an adjustable-width board 100, 200 for forming a floor or soffit surface of a balcony or terrace structure. The board comprises a first section 110, 120 for mounting to the balcony or terrace structure which forms a first part 113, 213 of the surface area and a second section 120, 220 which is movable in the transverse direction relative to the first section between a retracted position and an extended position. When fixed in position relative to the first section, the second section forms a second part 122, 222 of the surface area. A third extendable section 230 may be provided, extending in the opposite direction from the second section 220. The extensible sections may have edge formations which interlock with adjacent boards. The board first section may have a base part and a cover part which may form a slot between for the second section. The invention provides an adjustable system to accommodate variation in the precise locations of the building façade and the door or window threshold relative to the balcony or terrace structure.

Description

Balcony Board

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a board for forming a floor or soffit surface of a balcony, terrace or the like and to a board system.

Background

Balconies for buildings typically either take the form of a concrete base with perimeter balustrades, or a prefabricated construction in which the balcony structure is manufactured off site. The latter form is the most commonly accepted method of new construction, and complies with Modern Methods of Construction or MMC. Using the MMC as a rule for change, the construction industry is encouraging manufacturers to carry out more manufacturing operations off site. This change means less time on site, and fewer manufacturing operations on site. Instead, more of the manufacturing process can be carried out in controlled factory conditions. This will result in fewer accidents on site and examples of poor or inconsistent workmanship.

Traditional balcony decking boards for many years have been manufactured from composite or timber. Under recent legislation, these boards must now be formed from non-combustible material, which is generally now either aluminum or stone tiles.

A balcony shape and size is dictated by architectural flare and client requirements.

Differing balcony shapes and sizes can cause issues for standardisation and consistency of design. This is especially prevalent around interfaces such as between the balcony floor (decking) and doors, windows, and the main building facade line. A consistent gap should be provided around the balcony flooring to façade (brickwork), as well as from the final decking board to the window/door. Adjoining boards should be connected to leave a consistent and ideally symmetrical finish to keep with the overall feel of the balcony.

Construction site tolerances can typically be between 0-20mm in all locations. These combined tolerances could result in the need for an overall difference of +1-60mm at an interface.

Due to the large variety of building facades and the inherent tolerances, flooring interfaces cannot be fitted in the factory environment and have to be left to on-site fabrication once the balcony structure is fitted to the building and the exact interface dimensions can be determined. On-site fabrication of the interface will typically include cutting tiles or decking boards. This process is skilled and labour-intensive, and even under the optimum conditions and expertise, will not generally achieve a consistent finish. For aluminium boards, exposed cut metal profiles can present a safety risk due to sharp edges at least during installation. Any protective coating such as powder coating or paint will be compromised by such an operation, which is likely to invalidate any warranty and presents a risk of corrosion in the medium to long term.

Another issue is that thresholds see the highest foot traffic, and therefore damage to the coated finish may occur over time.

A further issue for balcony flooring designs arises with non-standard projections. Decking boards are typically arranged at approximately 150mm centers. It is almost impossible for full boards to be spaced on a balcony projection and therefore cutting of the front or last decking board is usually needed. Non-standardisation across one project can have a significant impact on costs.

Where a balcony is fitted with stone tiles, all of the above issues are seen. In addition, cutting stone tiles on site will take considerably longer and it is a significant challenge to then be able to provide adequate support for each tile.

Summary of issues with current designs:

* Balcony to façade interfaces have a wide tolerance range of +1-60mm.

* Decking boards are fabricated on site to gain the best fit per individual balcony.

* Warranty and corrosion issues with cutting metal boards.

* Non-standardisation of boards and thresholds.

* Space planning for decking boards on differing balcony projections is problematic and non-standard.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect, the invention provides a board for forming a floor or soffit surface on a balcony or terrace structure, wherein the board has longitudinal and transverse axes and defines a substantially planar surface area, and wherein the board comprises a first section for mounting to the balcony or terrace structure which forms a first part of the surface area and a second section which is movable in the transverse direction relative to the first section between a retracted position and an extended position and which, when fixed in position relative to the first section, forms a second part of the surface area.

In effect, the invention provides a board in which the width in the transverse direction is adjustable before the second section is fixed in position. The first and second sections together define the width of the board in the transverse direction. The second section is extendable from the first section and forms an extension section. The second section is preferably also able to move in the longitudinal direction relative to the first section.

The surface area defined by the board is preferably the visible surface area or the floor surface area.

The board is preferably elongate in the longitudinal direction. The board preferably 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 first section preferably defines the length of the board in the longitudinal direction.

The second section may be the same length or substantially the same length as the first section, or may be shorter than the first section.

The second section may be configured to move relative to the first section by moving under or over the first section. In a preferred embodiment, the second section moves within the first section. Preferably a slot is provided in the first section in which the second section is able to slide between the retracted and extended positions before being fixed in position relative to the first section. The slot preferably runs in the longitudinal direction, preferably in the transverse side of the first section.

The second section is preferably also able to move in the slot in the longitudinal direction.

The first section may be of a unitary construction, and may be substantially solid or substantially hollow. In a preferred embodiment, the first section comprises a base member for mounting to the balcony structure and a cover member which forms at least part of the first part of the surface area. When a slot is provided as discussed above, the slot may be formed by a gap between the base member and the cover member.

Preferably, the cover member is separable from the base member, and may further be releasably interlocked to the base member. An interlocking system may be provided to releasably interlock the base member and cover member together. The system may comprise 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 engagement surfaces may include one or more of the following: latch, catch, projection, recess, snap-fit assembly.

The second section may comprise a relatively thin, planar section which, if a slot is provided in the first section, will be movable within the slot relative to the first section. The first section therefore supports at least the inner or proximal end of the planar section of the second section. One or more supports may be provided which depend from the planar section, with at least one support being preferably provided at or near the outer edge of the second section, distal from the first section. The supports will maintain the spacing of the second section (and the second part of the surface area formed by it) from the structure and, if used as a floorboard, will transmit any loads on the surface to the structure below. In preferred embodiments, the main cross-sectional profile of the second section may be substantially L-shaped or substantially J-shaped. Additional supports may be provided inboard of the support at or near the distal/outer edge.

The second section may be provided with an interlocking system to permanently or releasably interlock the second section with another structure, such as another board, a second section of another board, or part of the building or structure. The interlocking system may comprise corresponding male/female parts such as an interlocking projection or recess to engage with a corresponding interlocking projection or recess on the other structure. The recess may be a channel or groove running in the longitudinal direction. The projection may be hook-like. The interlocking system may comprise a latch, catch or snap-fit assembly.

In a preferred embodiment, the board further comprises a third section which is movable in the transverse direction relative to the first section between a retracted position and an extended position and which, when fixed in position relative to the first section, forms a third part of the surface area.

The third section may extend from the second section, but preferably extends from the first section in a direction opposite to the second section. Therefore, the second and third sections preferably extend from opposite sides (i.e. transverse sides) of the first section. A slot as described above may be provided in each transverse side of the first section. The third section may have any of the features of the second section discussed above. The third section may be configured to be the same as the second section or may be different from the second section in certain respects. For example, one of the second and third sections may be provided with one or more features of the interlocking system discussed above, while the other of the second and third sections may not have such features and may instead have planar or smooth sides (e.g. L-shaped or J-shaped in cross-section).

As discussed above, the second section (and third section if present) are configured to be fixed in position relative to the first section once extended to the desired position. The second/third section may be fixed directly or indirectly to the balcony or terrace structure. Indirect fixing may be achieved by fixing the second/third section to the first section, which itself is fixed to the balcony or terrace structure. Suitable fixings may be screws, nails or rivets or the like. Holes may be provided in the sections for accepting such fixings.

A preferred embodiment discussed above for the first section is one in which the first section comprises a base member for mounting to the balcony or terrace structure and a removable cover member which forms at least part of the first part of the surface area. In this embodiment, the fixings and apertures may be configured such that they are covered by the cover member when in position. This provides a neater appearance for the finished surface.

In accordance with a second aspect, the invention provides a board system for forming a floor or soffit surface of a balcony or terrace comprising a plurality of boards as described above.

Adjacent boards may be configured with their second sections extending towards each other. In this arrangement, an interlocking system as discussed above may be provided to permanently or releasably interlock the second sections together. For example, an interlocking projection may be provided on one second section and a corresponding interlocking recess may be provided on the other second section.

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

The board may be made from any suitable material including metal, wood, plastics or composite. Preferably, the material is non-combustible. The most convenient material is aluminium which is fire-proof, lightweight and can be extruded to form the board sections.

At least in preferred embodiments, the invention provides a very flexible and adjustable system to accommodate variation in the precise locations of the building facade and the door or window threshold relative to the balcony or terrace structure. In simple terms, the invention provides a floor board or soffit board with an adjustable side extension.

In an exemplary balcony installation, all the floor boards may be standard floor boards apart from the one closest to the building which will be a board in accordance with the invention. The first section is mounted adjacent the last standard floor board and the second section extends towards the building facade/threshold. The second section can be extended towards the facade to the correct position in alignment with the facade or an appropriate, uniform spacing from the facade (e.g. to allow for drainage) and then fixed in position. Without requiring any cutting on site therefore, the present invention provides a neat finish which accommodates any variation in the exact location of the facade relative to the balcony structure.

A single board in accordance with the invention may be all that is required in the case of a unitised facade, where the building facade and the threshold are aligned. If the threshold is recessed from the facade, a second board in accordance with the invention can be employed between the first board and the threshold. The second board will be configured to have a suitable length to fit within and across the recess. To avoid cutting on site, the second board may be manufactured off site to a length which will fit within the smallest in-tolerance width of the recess design. A gap at each end may be provided e.g. for drainage, which will be larger for larger in-tolerance width recesses, but within an

acceptable range.

During installation, the first section of the second board is mounted adjacent the second section of the first board. The second section of the second board is then extended towards the threshold to the correct position in alignment with the threshold or an appropriate, uniform spacing from the threshold (e.g. to allow for drainage) and then fixed in position. As with the first board, cutting on site is avoided and a neat finish is provided which accommodates any variation in the exact location of the threshold relative to the facade or the balcony structure.

A further particularly preferred installation includes a first board in accordance with the invention as described above and a second board in accordance with the invention having both second and third sections, i.e. an adjustable extension section on both sides. This provides more adjustability and also allows the facing extension sections to be interlocked together.

During installation, the first section of the second board is mounted at a suitable spacing from both the second section of the first board and the threshold. As above, the second section of the second board is extended towards the threshold to the correct position in alignment with the threshold or an appropriate, uniform spacing from the threshold (e.g. to allow for drainage) and then fixed in position. The third section of the second board is extended towards the second section of the first board and, optionally, interlocked together, and fixed in position.

This last arrangement, with two boards in accordance with the invention, effectively provides three zones of adjustment: * first board to facade; * second board to facade/first board; and * second board to threshold.

The present invention provides an adjustable flooring solution to the balcony threshold and building interface. The sliding boards take the shape and appearance of a traditional aluminum decking board and therefore are architecturally pleasing and meet well with the balcony parts.

Each board is fitted with a tongue that will slide in both directions to allow for a movement of for example +/-40mm. The tongue can become a larger or smaller in projection to suit individual projects. This tongue will also allow for standardisation of decking boards on the balcony plan. When a removable cover member is provided, these can be conveniently repaired or replaced if they become worn over time. The design of the board or the cover member can be changed to suit different applications, such as different surface design or pattern to match a design of standard board employed in the installation.

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 plan view of a balcony floor for a unitised threshold including a floor board in accordance with a first embodiment; Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C show an enlarged plan view and side sectional views respectively of the balcony floor of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a balcony floor for a recessed threshold including a floor board in accordance with a second embodiment; Figs. 4A, 4B and 4C show an enlarged plan view and side sectional views respectively of the balcony floor of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 shows a side sectional view of a balcony floor including a floor board which is a variation of the second embodiment; Fig. 6 shows a side sectional view of a balcony floor including a floor board which is a further variation of the second embodiment, including the three zones of movement; and Fig. 7 shows a side sectional view of a balcony floor fitted with stone tiles, employing the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Throughout the description, the line of the building facade is shown as F and the line of the threshold is shown as T. With reference to Figs. land 2, a balcony floor 10 for a unitised threshold is shown.

Effectively, the threshold and any section of facade to which the balcony floor extends are unitary, so there is no cut-out required for the balcony floor. The balcony floor 10 has a plurality of standard floor boards 11 each with a base section 12 and a removable cover section 13.

The final floor board closest to the threshold is a floor board 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. With reference to Fig. 2, first section 110 comprises a base member 111 and a cover member 112. The cover member 112 forms a first part 113 of the planar surface provided by the board 100 and is removable from the base member. Snap-fit projections 114 are provided on the cover member 112 to retain the cover member in place. Base member 111 provides a support for the second section in the form of box section 115. A slot 116 is formed between the box section 115 and the underside of the cover member 112.

Second section 120 is formed from thin, planar section 121 which is movable in slot 116 towards or away from the threshold T. Planar section 121 forms a second part 122 of the planar surface provided by the board 100 and is supported by box section 115. At the distal end of the planar section, a support 123 is provided to space the second section from the balcony structure below. Thus, second section 120 is generally L-shaped. Support 123 has a groove 124 running longitudinally, however it is not used in this embodiment.

For installation, the first section 110 is mounted adjacent the last standard floor board 11 and the second section 120 is extended towards the threshold T to the correct position in alignment with the threshold, leaving an appropriate gap as necessary, and then fixed in position.

With reference to Figs. 3 and 4, a balcony floor 20 for a recessed threshold is shown. The threshold T is recessed back from the facade F and therefore a cut-out is required for the balcony floor. The balcony floor 20 has a plurality of standard floor boards 11 each with a base section 12 and a removable cover section 13, similar to the boards for the unitised threshold floor.

In this construction, two floor boards in accordance with the invention are required. A floor board 100 in accordance with the first embodiment is mounted adjacent the final standard floor board 11 closest to the façade F and extends up to façade F by means of adjustable second section 120, in a similar way to that described above for the unitised threshold. Floor board 100 may be referred to as facade floor board 100.

In addition, a floor board 200 in accordance with a second embodiment is mounted within the recess to extend from the floor board 100 to the threshold T. Floor board 200 will be shorter in the longitudinal direction than floor board 100 but can still be manufactured off site as discussed above, taking into account building tolerances. Floor board 200 may be referred to as a threshold floor board 200.

With reference to Fig. 4, floor board 200 has a first section 210 comprising a base member 211 and a cover member 212. The cover member 212 forms a first part 213 of the planar surface provided by the board 200 and is removable from the base member.

Snap-fit projection 214 is provided on the cover member 212 to retain the cover member in place. Base member 211 provides a support for the second section in the form of angled sections 215. Slot 216 and 217 are formed between the angled sections 215 and the underside of the cover member 212.

Second section 220 is formed from thin, planar section 221 which is movable in slot 216 towards or away from the threshold T. Planar section 221 forms a second part 222 of the planar surface provided by the board 200 and is supported by angled section 215. At the distal end of the planar section, a support 223 is provided to space the second section from the balcony structure below. Thus, second section 220 is generally L-shaped.

Third section 230 is generally similar to second section 220 but extends in the opposite direction, towards second section 120 of the first floor board 100. Third section 230 is formed from thin, planar section 231 which is movable in slot 217 towards or away from first floor board 100. Planar section 231 forms a third part 232 of the planar surface provided by the board 200 and is supported by angled section 215. At the distal end of the planar section, a support 233 is provided to space the third section from the balcony structure below. Thus, third section 220 is generally L-shaped.

Support 233 has a projection 234 running longitudinally which engages with groove 124 of first floor board 100 to interlock the two sections together during installation.

For installation of the second board 200, the first section 210 is mounted at a suitable spacing from both the second section 120 of the first board 100 and the threshold T. The second section 220 of the second board 200 is extended towards the threshold T to the correct position in alignment with the threshold, both in the transverse and longitudinal directions, leaving an appropriate gap around the edge as necessary, and then fixed in position. The third section 230 of the second board 200 is extended in the other direction, towards the second section 120 of the first board 100 and the sections 230 and 120 are interlocked together and fixed in position.

Fig. 5 shows how fixings 240 can be used to secure the second and third sections 120, 220, 230 in position. The fixings are covered by cover members 112 and 212 once the system is installed. Also in this figure, the second section 220 is generally:I-shaped rather than L-shaped, to provide additional support for the second part of the planar surface 223. The interlocking features 124, 234 between the second section 120 and the third section 230 have a slight variation in design with the groove/projection being reversed and in a slightly different position. Functionally however, there is no difference with the previous configuration.

Fig. 6 shows a variation of the first embodiment of floor board 100', having a narrower design of first section 110'. For the second floor board 200', second and third sections 220', 230' are of the same cross-sectional design for improved standardisation and cost reduction. Fig. 6 also shows the three zones of adjustment 71, 72 and 73, being: * first board to facade (Z1); * second board to facade/first board (72); and * second board to threshold (73).

As discussed above, the invention may be adapted for use as a soffit board, fitted to the underside of the balcony chassis structure. The principles of fitting and adjustment are the same however.

Fig. 7 shows a side sectional view of a balcony floor fitted with stone tiles 300 mounted on supporting boards 310, employing two floor boards in accordance with the invention to provide a walking surface between the last stone tile, the facade and the threshold. Each board is of similar construction to floor board 100' shown in Fig. 6, having single extension sections which face each other.

Claims

Claims 1. A board for forming a floor or soffit surface on a balcony or terrace structure, wherein the board has longitudinal and transverse axes and defines a substantially planar surface area, and wherein the board comprises a first section for mounting to the balcony or terrace structure which forms a first part of the surface area and a second section which is movable in the transverse direction relative to the first section between a retracted position and an extended position and which, when fixed in position relative to the first section, forms a second part of the surface area.
2. The board of claim 1, in which a slot is provided in the first section in which the second section is able to slide between the retracted and extended positions before being fixed in position relative to the first section.
3. The board of claim 1 or 2, in which the first section comprises a base member for mounting to the balcony structure and a cover member which forms at least part of the first part of the surface area.
4. The board of claims 2 and 3, in which the slot is formed by a gap between the base member and the cover member.
5. The board of claim 3 or 4, in which the cover member is releasably interlocked to the base member.
6. The board of any preceding claim, in which the second section comprises a relatively thin, planar section and at least one support provided at or near the outer edge of the second section, distal from the first section.
7. The board of any preceding claim, in which the second section is provided with an interlocking system to interlock the second section with another structure, such as another board, a second section of another board, or part of the building or structure.
8. The board of any preceding claim, in which the board further comprises a third section which is movable in the transverse direction relative to the first section between a retracted position and an extended position and which, when fixed in position relative to the first section, forms a third part of the surface area.
9. The board of claim 8, in which the third section extends from the first section in a direction opposite to the second section.
10. A board system for forming a floor or soffit surface of a balcony or terrace comprising a plurality of boards as claimed in any preceding claim.
11. A balcony or terrace comprising the board or board system as claimed in any preceding claim.