GB2620131A

GB2620131A - Multi-layer flooring support system

Info

Publication number: GB2620131A
Application number: GB2209453.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: White Anton
Original assignee: Ovaeda Ltd
Current assignee: Ovaeda Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-28
Filing date: 2022-06-28
Publication date: 2024-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2042-06-28
Also published as: GB2620131B; GB202209453D0

Abstract

A prismatic flooring support beam has, in cross section, a central strut 1302, 1304, first and second transverse end members 1314, 1316, and a concave fastener receiving formation provided in the transverse members distal to the strut, the fastener receiving formation providing a mounting flange 1324 and two feet 1326, 1327 projecting outwardly. Alternatively a prismatic flooring support beam has, in cross section, a central strut, first and second transverse end members, the transverse members having surfaces adjacent to the strut which rake away from the strut. A flooring support assembly may comprise a flooring support structure comprising a plurality of legs and an edge bracket. A flooring system may comprise a support rail, a leg rail and a termination member or may comprie an elevated portion, at least one step, a first and a second pair of lateral beam portions and a pair of vertical beam portions. A clip may be provided comprising a foot portion, a neck and a head.

Description

Multi-layer flooring support system

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is concerned with a multi-layer flooring support system. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a support system for decking and paving in which at least two layers of beams or joists are provided in a lattice structure.

Background Art

[0002] Prior art flooring systems comprise a plurality of parallel beams which are supported on pedestals. Flooring members are laid on top of the beams in order to provide an even, elevated floor surface for use e.g., in outdoor spaces.

[0003] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a multi-layer flooring system that offers a great deal of flexibility and reconfigurability in terms of height.

Summary of Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a a flooring support member for construction of flooring support structures, the flooring support member being prismatic and having a cross-section comprising: at least one central strut having a first end and a second end; a first member defined at the first end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; a second member defined at the second end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; wherein a fastener receiving formation is provided at least one end of each of the first and second members, distal to the central strut, the fastener receiving formation comprising a concave formation having a mounting flange for receiving a fastener, and two feet projecting outwardly from the mounting flange; such that upon abutment of a further member against the two feet, and attachment of the further member to the support member by a mechanical fastener tightened against the mounting flange, a gap is maintained between the further member and the mounting flange by the feet to enable elastic deformation of the flooring support member to maintain tension in the fastener.

[0005] Preferably the first and second members extend both sides of the strut to form an "I" shape, and wherein a fastener receiving formation is provided at both ends of each of the first and second members, distal to the central strut.

[0006] Preferably each of the first and second members comprises a straight portion perpendicular to the central strut, the straight portion terminating in at least one free end, wherein the free end defines one foot of the fastener receiving formation.

[0007] Preferably the mounting flanges extend on the strut side of the respective member. [0008] Preferably the central strut comprises a pair of spaced-apart sub-struts.

[0009] Preferably each of the first and second members have surfaces adjacent the central strut, which faces are provided at a rake angle facing away from the central strut to facilitate entry of a mechanical fastener.

[0010] Preferably the first and second members are tapered to become thinner in section moving away from the central strut.

[0011] There is also provided a flooring support structure comprising: a flooring support member according to the first aspect; a rail portion normal to the flooring support member; the rail portion being attached to the flooring support member, the rail portion abutting the feet and having a mechanical fastener penetrating the rail portion and the mounting flange.

[0012] According to a second aspect there is provided a flooring support member for construction of flooring support structures, the flooring support member being prismatic and having a cross-section comprising: at least one central strut having a first end and a second end; a first member defined at the first end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; a second member defined at the second end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; wherein each of the first and second members have surfaces adjacent the central strut, which faces are provided at a rake angle facing away from the central strut to facilitate entry of a mechanical fastener.

[0013] Preferably the first and second members extend both sides of the strut to form an "1" shape, and wherein each of the first and second members have surfaces either side of the central strut, which faces are provided at a rake angle facing away from the central strut to facilitate entry of a mechanical fastener.

[0014] Preferably the first and second members are tapered to become thinner in section moving away from the central strut.

[0015] There is provided a flooring support structure comprising: [0016] a flooring support member according to the second aspect; [0017] further flooring support member adjacent the flooring support member; [0018] the further flooring support member being attached to the flooring support member, by mechanical fasteners passing through the raked surface of the first member, the mechanical fastener having a head for engagement with a tool, the head positioned adjacent the raked surface.

[0019] According to a third aspect there is provided a flooring support assembly comprising: a flooring support structure having a plurality of legs, each leg being prismatic and having a profile defining at least one cavity or channel; an edge bracket comprising: a first formation for insertion into the cavity or channel of the leg profile; and, a second formation for engaging part of a flooring member supported on the flooring support structure.

[0020] Preferably the leg has a cross-section defining a channel having a mouth, wherein the first formation is dimensioned to fit into the mouth normal to a main axis of the leg.

L00211 Preferably the second formation comprises a second formation tab extending normal to a main axis of the leg.

[0022] Preferably there is a third formation for engaging part of a flooring member supported against the leg, the third formation comprising a third formation tab parallel to the leg.

[0023] Preferably the third formation tab is in the direction of the leg.

[0024] Preferably there are two third formation tabs positioned either side of the second formation tab.

[0025] Preferably the second formation tab and third formation tabs are connected to a common base portion, extending from opposite edges thereof to form an "3" shape in section.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a flooring system comprising: a support rail defining a support surface for a plurality of flooring members; a leg rail extending normal to the support rail, the leg rail arranged to support a plurality of edge members; a termination member comprising: an attachment formation attached to a support rail side of the leg rail; a floor member receiving formation for receiving part of a flooring member; an edge member receiving formation for receiving part of an edge member. [0027] Preferably the termination member is an elongate, prismatic member.

[0028] Preferably the termination member defines a surface portion adjacent to, and parallel with the flooring member.

[0029] Preferably the surface portion is opposite the edge member receiving formation.

[0030] Preferably the termination member extends outwardly of the flooring system, parallel to the support surface and extends past the edge member.

L0031] Preferably the flooring members and edge member are constructed from a ceramic material.

[0032] Preferably the termination member is constructed from a metal material.

[0033] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a flooring system comprising: an elevated portion; at least one step, the step being at least partially constructed from hollow, prismatic metal beam portions, the step having a horizontal step plane, thew step constructed from: a first pair of lateral beam portions extending across the width of the step; a second pair of lateral beam portions extending perpendicular to the first pair of lateral beam portions and attached thereto to form a quadrilateral viewed in a direction normal to the horizontal step plane; a pair of vertical beam portions, the vertical beam portions being oriented normal to the horizontal step plane, wherein the horizontal beam portions are connected to the one of the first pair of lateral beam portions distal to the elevated portion, and each of the vertical beam portions is connected to an end of a respective one of the second pair of lateral beam portions.

[0034] Preferably there is provided a first and a second step, wherein the underside of the second step is connected to an upper surface of the first step.

[0035] Preferably the first and second lateral beam portions comprise edge flanges, which edge flanges receive mechanical fasteners to attach the first and second lateral beam positions where they make contact.

[0036] Preferably the first and second beam portions are flooring support members according to any preceding claim.

[0037] Preferably the first and second beam portions are flooring support members are flooring support members according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the beam portions are attached with mechanical fasteners passing through the faces are provided at a rake angle.

[0038] According to a sixth embodiment there is provided a clip for a flooring member, the clip comprising: a foot portion for insertion into a channel of a support joist, the foot portion being longer in a first, longitudinal direction than in a second, transverse direction such that the foot portion can be retained by an overhang in the support joist channel in at least one position; a neck; a head on the opposite side of the neck to the foot portion, the head extending outwardly from the neck, wherein the head comprises an upturned lip extending away from the foot portion to facilitate entry of the head into a channel of a flooring member supported on the support joist.

[0039] Preferably the head portion is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction.

[0040] Preferably both the foot portion and the head portion extend outboard of the neck in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0041] Preferably the head comprises a first head portion extending in a first transverse direction, and a second head portion extending in a second, opposite, transverse direction, wherein the first and second head portions are curved into an "S" shape in transverse section.

[0042] Preferably the neck comprises a first neck portion and a second neck portion, the first and second neck portions being spaced apart in a transverse direction and each having a head portion extending therefrom.

[0043] Preferably each head portion defines a curved abutment at a proximal end to limit travel of the head portions and associated neck portions towards each other.

[0044] Preferably the foot portion is curved upwardly at its periphery towards the head. [0045] Preferably the foot portion comprises a curved outer edge portion.

[0046] Preferably a curved outer edge portion is defined on either longitudinal end of the foot portion.

L00471 According to the invention there is provided a flooring assembly comprising: an elongate support joist defining a channel having an overhang; a clip according to any of claims 34 to 42; a flooring member supported on the support joist; wherein the foot of the clip is inserted in the channel and retained by the overhang, and wherein the head is engaged with the flooring member to tension the clip and thereby retain the flooring member relative to the support joist.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0048] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first flooring support structure in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a detail view of a part of the first flooring support structure of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a detail view of a part of the first flooring support structure of Figure 1; FIGURES 4 & 5 are section views of parts of the first flooring support structure of Figure 1; FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of a second flooring support structure in accordance with the present invention; FIGURES 7 & 8 are section views of parts of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURES 9 & 10 are detail views of parts of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURES 11 & 12 are section views of parts of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURE 13 is a detail view of a part of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURES 14 and 15 are perspective view of components of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURE 16 is a detail view of a part of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURE 17 is a detail view of a step structure of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURES 18 is a perspective view of a third flooring support structure in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 19 is a detail view of parts of the third flooring support structure of Figure 18; FIGURES 20 to 22 are detail views of a component of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURES 23 and 24 are detail views of an alternative component of the second flooring support structure of Figure 6; FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of a fourth flooring support structure according to the present invention; and, FIGURE 26 is a detail view of region XXVI of Figure 25. Description of the first embodiment [0049] A first flooring support structure 1000 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 5.

Configuration [0050] Referring to Figure 1, the multi-layer flooring support structure 1000 comprises a plurality of first rails 1002 arranged in a parallel and regularly spaced manner forming a first layer 1004. The structure 1000 comprises a plurality of second rails 1006 arranged in a parallel and regularly spaced manner forming a second layer 1008. The first rails 1002 and second rails 1006 are normal (perpendicular) to each other, i.e. extend in the X and Y axes of a local cartesian coordinate system respectively. A plurality of legs 1010 are provided, as well as a plurality of flooring members in the form of paving slabs 1012. The legs extend in the Z direction, an the flooring members 1012 extend in the XY plane with a Z thickness.

[0051] Referring to Figure 4, each first rail 1002 comprises a profile having a main body 1400 which is generally rectangular in shape. A central recess 1402 and two seal recesses 1401, 1403 are provided in the upper surface of the section. Two outwardly extending flanges 1404, 1406 extend from either side of the lower surface [0052] The central recess 1402 is defined by two internal walls 1408, 1410 which extend parallel to the sidewalls of the body 1400 to create three chambers 1412, 1414, 1416 within the body. Overhangs 1424, 1426 extend from the top of the walls 1408, 1410 extending partway over the recess 1402 to form a narrowed mouth 1409. The recess has a base 1412 defining a channel 1414 which has a straight-sided portion 1416 terminating in a semi-cylindrical portion 1418.

[0053] Each seal recess 1401, 1403 is semi-cylindrical in section having a respectively narrowed mouth 1420, 1422.

[0054] The flanges 1404, 1406 have fastener recesses 1424, 1426 in their upper surfaces that extend along the length of the rail.

[0055] Referring to Figure 5, each second rail 1004 comprises a profile having a main body 1450 which is generally rectangular in shape. The body 1450 has two internal walls 1452, 1454 providing three interior chambers 1456, 1458, 1460. The upper and lower surfaces of the body 1450 have upper flanges 1462, 1466 and lower flanges 1468, 1470 extending therefrom. The upper and lower surfaces also define central recesses 1472, 1474 aligned with the central chamber 1456. They also define fastener recesses 1476, 1478, 1480, 1482 either side of the central recesses 1472, 1474.

Assembly [0056] In order to construct the lattice of Figures 1 to 3, the second (lower) layer 1008 is formed by placing rails 1004 in parallel, spaced apart positions. The first (upper) layer 1006, is formed by overlaying first rails 1002 in a spaced-apart parallel fashion on top of the second rails 1006. Fasteners in the form of screws are then used to penetrate the flanges 1424, 1426 into the recesses 1476, 1478 to secure the layers together. At each intersection, four fasteners (i.e penetrating recesses 1424/1476, 1424/1478, 1426/1476, 1426/1478) are used.

[0057] At the sides parallel to the first rails 1002, sections of second rail 1006' are positioned directly below the first rails, infilling between the second rails 1006 in the second layer 1008. This is shown in Figure 3.

[0058] Once the lattice is formed, further sections of the first rail 1002 are positioned vertically against the sides of the second rails 1006, 1006' and fastened thereto through the flanges 1404, 1406 into the sidewalls of the second rails 1006, 1006' to form legs 1010.

[0059] One the structure is formed, flooring members in the form of paving slabs 1012 (other flooring members such as deck boards may be used) are supported on the first rails 1002. The paving spacer described below with respect to the second embodiment may be used to position and secure the flooring members. The seal recesses 1401, 1403 receive seal strips which project from the mouths to form a damping support for the flooring members.

Description of the second embodiment

[0060] A second flooring support structure 1100 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 6 to 17.

Configuration [0061] The structure 1100 comprises a main decking area 1200 and a set of steps 1202.

[0062] The main multi-layer flooring support structure 1100 comprises a plurality of first rails 1102 arranged in a parallel and regularly spaced manner forming a first layer 1104. The structure 1100 comprises a plurality of second rails 1106 arranged in a parallel and regularly spaced manner forming a second layer 1108. A plurality of legs 1110 are provided, as well as a plurality of flooring members in the form of central decking panels 1112 and edge decking panels 1204. A plurality of central flooring member spacers 1206 are provided (Figures 20-22), and perimeter (starter / end) brackets 600 (Figs. 13-15).

[0063] Referring to Figure?, each first rail 1102 comprises a profile a main body 1500 which is generally rectangular in shape. A central recess 1502 and two seal recesses 1501, 1503 are provided in the upper surface of the section. Two outwardly extending flanges 1504, 1506 extend from either side of the lower surface.

[0064] The central recess 1502 is defined by two internal wall portions 1508, 1510 which extend parallel to the sidewalls of the body 1500. Overhangs 1524, 1526 extend from the top of the walls 1508, 1510 extending partway over the recess 1502 to form a narrowed mouth 1509. The recess has a base 1512 defining a channel 1514 which has a straight-sided portion 1516 terminating in a semi-cylindrical portion 1518.

[0065] Each seal recess 1501, 1503 is semi-cylindrical in section having a respectively narrowed mouth 1520,1522.

[0066] The flanges 1504, 1506 have fastener recesses 1524, 1526 in their upper surfaces that extend along the length of the rail.

[0067] Referring to Figures 8 & 9, each second rail 1106 is a constant cross section, comprising a section profile having a central strut comprising two spaced-apart parallel walls 1302, 1304. Upper and lower members 1306, 1308 are provided normal to the walls 1302, 1304 forming an "T" shape. Each member 1306, 1308 comprises an outer surface 1310 respectively which surfaces are normal to the walls 1302, 1304. Each outer surface 1310 has a central channel 1312 provided between the walls 1302, 1304 and two outer channels 1314, 1316 provided either side of the walls 1302, 1304. Each member 1306, 1308 comprises an inner surface 1318, 1320 opposite the outer surface. The inner surfaces 1318, 1320 are provided at an angle, making the members 1306, 1308 taper to become thinner moving away from the walls 1302, 1304.

[0068] Proximate each end of each member 1306, 1308, extending from the inner surfaces 1318, 1320 there are provided mounting flanges 1322. Each mounting flange 1322 has a base 1324 and a foot 1326. The leg 1324 extends from the inner surface 1318, 1320 inboard of the edge thereof, such that a first foot 1327 is formed overhanging the base 1324. The shape formed by this arrangement is convex (facing outwardly). It forms a "C" shape facing outwardly from the rail 1104, with the base formed by the base 1324 and two feet-the foot 1326 and the foot 1327. Each rail 1104 has four such concave, C-shaped formations.

[0069] The legs 1110 share a common profile with the first rails 1102, although they are less tall (i.e., the same height as the first rails 1002 in the first embodiment).

[0070] The central flooring member spacers 1206 are shown in more detail in Figures 11 and 12, and 20 to 22. Referring to Figures 20 to 22, the spacers 1206 are constructed from a constant thickness metal material and formed into a clip having a base portion 1208, a neck 1210 and a head 1212. The spacer 1206 is generally formed from a folded piece of sheet metal having a central portion (the base 1208) and two opposed wings 1206a, 1206b forming the neck 1210 and the head 1212.

[0071] The base 1208 comprises a flat central portion 1214 having two upturned, curved ends 1216a, 1216b. The central portion 1214 defines a circular fastener opening 1218. The neck 1210 is formed by the material being folded back towards the centre of the base 1208 and then folded such that it extends upwardly normal to the base 1208 into two adjacent (but offset) neck portions 1210a, 1210b. The neck portions each define a central opening 1220a, 1220b.

[0072] The neck portions 1210a, 1210b each transition via a 90 degree bend into two outwardly extending head portions 1212a, 1212b. The head portions 1212a, 1212b are generally parallel to, but offset from, the base 1208. They are also elongate and extend past the edges of the base 1208. Each head portion is generally cuved into an "5" shape having an upturned (away from the base 1208) free, long edge 1222a, 1222b.

[0073] Inboard on each head portion 1212a, 1212b, either side of the neck, there are provided inwardly projecting abutments 1224. The abutments 1224 curve downwardly towards the base and are spaced apart from the respective abutment on the opposition head portion by a gap G. Both the base 1208 and the head 1212 are longer in a first direction than a second direction.

[0074] The perimeter brackets 600 are identical and shown in Figures 13 to 15. Each is constructed from a flat, deformed metal material. Each bracket has an attachment portion 602, with a C-shaped panel receiving portion 604 defined at a first end thereof, having an endwall 606 and two sidewalls 608, 610 (one of which is connected to the attachment portion 602). The attachment portion comprises two fastener openings 603.

[0075] Extending from, and continuous with, the endwall 606 there are provided two opposed arms 612, 614, each of which defines an L-shaped protrusion 616 at a lower end, extending to the opposite side of the endwall 606 to the sidewalls 608, 610. The L-shaped protrusion 616 has a first leg 618 and a second leg 620.

Assembly [0076] In order to construct the lattice of Figure 6, the second (lower) layer 1108 is formed by placing rails 1106 in parallel, spaced apart positions. The first (upper) layer 1104, is formed by overlaying first rails 1102 in a spaced-apart parallel fashion on top of the second rails 1106. Fasteners in the form of screws are then used to penetrate the flanges 1524, 1526 into the recesses 1314, 1316 to secure the layers together. At each intersection, four fasteners (i.e., penetrating recesses 1524/1314, 1524/1316, 1526/1314, 1526/1316) are used.

[0077] At the sides parallel to the first rails 1102, sections of second rail 1106' are positioned directly below the first rails, infilling between the second rails 1006 in the second layer 1008. This is shown in Figure 10.

[0078] Referring to Figure 17, once the lattice is formed, sections of the first rail 1002 (from the first embodiment) are positioned vertically against the sides of the second rails 1106, 1106' and fastened thereto through the legs 1324 with fasteners 1114 to form lattice legs 1110. Referring to Figure 10, the fasteners 1114 in the form of screws are used to penetrate the flanges 1404, 1406 at the grooves 1424, 1426 and pass into the material of the legs 1324. The concave, or "C-shaped" form of the mounting flanges 1322 provides that the clamping force is reacted on the edges of the foot 1326 and the member 1306. This allows for some elastic deformation in the flange 1322 as the leg 1324 is pulled towards the material of the lattice leg 1110. This in turn provides a tension TF on the fastener 1114 to hold it in place. This is shown in Figure 8.

[0079] In order to mount the decking panels to the lattice, the spacers 1206 are used.

[0080] The decking panels have grooves formed along each long side. A first panel is positioned on the rail. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the spacer 1206 is inserted into the central recess 1502, between the overhangs 1524, 1526. The neck 1210 passes through the mouth such that the head 1212 is above the top surface of the rail. The spacer is then rotated such that the base 1208 is retained by the overhangs 1524, 1526 and the outer radius of the ends of the base ensures that it remains central. After a 90 degree rotation, the base 1208 and head 1212 are perpendicular to the rail. At this point, the spacer 1206 is pushed along the rail into contact with the decking panel until the head portion 1206a enters the side channel. As this occurs, the downward curve of the head portion 1206a acts to pull the spacer 1206 upwards to lock it in position by friction.

[0081] Once the spacer is located, the next decking board can be pushed into place over the head portion 1212b. As the boards are pushed together, the gap G closes and limits the amount of deformation of the spacer by virtue of the abutments 1224 [0082] It will be noted that the spacer 1206 can be installed on vertical rails as well (such as rail 1110) by fastening it into place with a screw through the opening 1218.

[0083] The perimeter brackets 600 are installed on the open upper end of each lattice leg 1110 as shown in Figure 13. The attachment portion 602 is inserted into the recess 1402, and is retained in position by the overhanging portions 1424, 1426. The attachment portion 602 is dimensioned to fit between the walls 1408, 1410. Fasteners 1116 are passed through the openings 603 and penetrate the base of the semi-cylindrical portion 1418 of the channel 1114 to secure the bracket 600 in position.

[0084] When in position, the C-shaped panel receiving portion 604 projects inwardly towards the lattice structure The L-shaped protrusions 616 face downwardly, along the lattice leg 1110.

[0085] Flooring members in the form of central decking panels 1112 and edge decking panels 1204 are supported on the first rails 1002. Referring to Figure 16, the edge decking panels engage with the C-shaped panel receiving portion 604 of each bracket 600. Vertical side panels are engaged with the downwardly facing L-shaped protrusions 616. Steps

[0086] As shown in Figure 17, the second rails 1104 of the second embodiment and the first rails 1002 of the first embodiment can be combined to form steps 1202. Each step 1600 (of which two are shown) is formed by providing a first pair and second pair of portions of second rail 1104. The first pair of portions 1602, 1604 are provided in a spaced-apart parallel fashion in a cross-step direction. The second pair of portions 1606, 1608 are provided normal to the first pair and overlie them in the direction of the step. The second pair are attached to the first pair where they make contact. Referring to Figure 8, the section view shows a fastener 1118 used to pass from an upper portion into a lower portion. As can be seen, due to the angled nature of the surface 1318, the fastener has an axis FA angled from the vertical by a non-zero amount. Specifically, the fastener axis FA (based on the angle of the surface 1318) is selected such that it enables a tool aligned with that axis to clear the upper flanges 1322. Evidently the axis itself must clear the upper flange 1322.

[0087] Vertical portions 1610, 1612 of the first rails 1002 of the first embodiment are attached to the front end of the step 1600 abutting the end of each second portion of second rail 1606, 1608 and abutting the portion of second rail 1602 directly below. The portions 1610, 1612 are attached in the same way as the lattice legs 1110.

[0088] Brackets 600 are secured to the vertical portions 1610, 1612 to provide mounting for flooring member sections forming the steps (not shown).

[0089] The second step 1600 is formed in the same way as the first. The first portion 1602 of the second step is secured to the portions 1606, 1608 of the first step using angled fasteners. The second step 1600 is secured to the lattice by attaching the upper portions 1608, 1608 to the underside of the endmost second rail 1104.

Description of the third embodiment

[0090] A third flooring support structure 1700 according to the present invention is shown in Figures 18 and 19. The lattice structure is the same as that used for the second embodiment. The primary difference is the use of paving slabs instead of decking boards.

[0091] Referring to Figure 18, the structure 1700 comprises a main multi-layer flooring support structure 1100 comprising a plurality of first rails 1102 arranged in a parallel and regularly spaced manner forming a first layer. The structure 1100 comprises a plurality of second rails 1106 arranged in a parallel and regularly spaced manner forming a second layer. A plurality of legs 1110 are provided, as well as a plurality of flooring members in the form of paving slabs 1702. Edge strips 1704 are also provided.

[0092] Once the lattice structure is formed, the edge strips 1704 are secured in position. Referring to Figure 19, the profile of the edge strips and the manner in which they attached to the top of the legs 1110 is shown. The strips 1704 are elongate and extruded.

[0093] The profile of the strips 1704 comprises an L-shaped central region having a first limb 1706 and a second limb 1708 at 90 degrees to each other. An attachment flange 1 71 0 extends from the second limb 1708, forming an ''S" shape. A slab-receiving fascia portion 1712 extends from the first limb. The fascia portion comprises an upper member 1 71 4 which is double-walled having a cavity 1716. Extending from the upper member 1714 there is provided an edge portion 1718 having a flat inner surface 1720 and a curved, convex outer surface 1722. The edge portion 1718 also defines a cavity 1726. The limb 1708, upper member 1714 and edge portion 1718 form an inverted "U".

[0094] In use, the strip 1704 is attached to the leg 1110 as shown in Figure 19. The attachment flange 1710 is secured to the flanges 1404, 1406 with screws 1724. The first limb 1706 rests on the end of the leg 1110. The L-shaped central region receives the edge most slab 1702. The lab-receiving fascia portion 1712 extends past the leg 1110 to receive the upper end of a slab 1702 positioned vertically on the side of the arrangement shown in Figure 18.

Description of the fourth embodiment

[0095] Referring to Figures 25 and 26, there is shown a flooring structure 1800 comprising a plurality of sections of the second rails 1106, labelled as 1106a, b, c, d. In some situations it is beneficial to be able to attach sections of rails together at various angles. For example, in the embodiment shown the first and second section are at an angle A where 0 <A < 90. They are connected by a mitre joint. The second and third sections 1106b, c are at 90 degrees (a butt joint) and the sections 1106c, d are end to end.

[0096] In each case, a respective connector bracket 1802a, 1802b, 1802c is provided. Each bracket is substantially I-shaped and with reference to Figure 26 has a central limb 1804 with two outwardly extending opposed arms 1806, 1808, 1810, 1812 at either end. Each arm has a fastener opening 1814. Each arm also comprises a return flange 1806a, 1808a, 1810a, 1812a. The return flanges are positioned on the inboard edges of each arm. In the bracket 1802a shown in Figure 26 the limb 1804 0 < 90< A. In the bracket 1802b, A=90. In 1802c, A=0.

[0097] In use, the bracket is abutted at the joint, with the arms 1806, 1810 against a first portion of rail 1106a, and the arms 1808, 1812 against a second portion 1106b. The arms contact the feet 1326, 1326 of the joists and fastener a can be inserted into the openings 1814 to secure the joist portions together. Tension on the fastener is maintained per the description of the joist section above.

[0098] It will also be noted that the return flanges 1806a -1812a mate with the inner feet 1326 such that the bracket has to be positioned in the correct place against the section. This aids alignment and proper fastening of the screws in the correct position.

Variations [0099] The present invention can be used with decking boards (typically wood / plastic / composite components shaped into elongate planks) or tiles (ceramic, stone or porcelain plates that tend to be square, or near square in shape).

[0100] Referring to Figures 23 and 24, a modification of the perimeter brackets 600' is shown. The attachment portion 602', has been made narrower such that it can fit between the overhangs 1526, 1524 in the rail 1102, and thus does not need to be slotted in from the end /top. This is beneficial when installing bull nose edge portions for the flooring. A return tab 603' is provided at the free end of the attachment portion that extends as far as the overhangs 1524, 1526 when in position. This ensures the bracket 600' stays in position when a vertical floor member is added to the vertical rail.

[0101] Referring to Figure 27, there is shown an edge extender bracket 1900. The bracket 1900 comprises a flat plate 1902 in which two opposing side edges are curved back to form two C-shaped formations 1904, 1906 defining facing channels 1908, 1910. Attachment openings 1912 are formed in the plate 1902.

[0102] Referring to Figure 3, the bracket 1900 removes the requirement for the noggins 1006' at the edges of the assembly. Instead of the legs 1110 being attached to the sections 1006', brackets 1900 are installed on the sidewalls of the body 1400. The brackets 1900 are attached with screws through the openings 1910. Once installed, the legs 1110 can be attached to the formations 1904, 1906 from the sides.

[0103] Referring to Figure 28, a bottom bracket 1950 is shown. The bottom bracket 1950 is configured to retain the lower end of a vertical member installed against the decking assembly. As mentioned with reference to Figure 18, vertical porcelain members such as 1702 can be installed against vertical members 1110. The lower end of these porcelain members 1702 can be retained with the bracket 1950.

[0104] The bottom bracket 1950 comprises a foot 1952 having two attachment flanges 1954, 1956 with openings 1955. Extending from the foot there is provided a support portion 1958 and a retaining lip 1960.

[0105] In use, the bracket 1950 is attached to a lower end of a vertical portion 1110 (Figure 18). The flanges 1954, 1956 abut the flanges 1404, 1406 and are attached thereto with screws such thatthe bracket 1950 caps the lower end of the section with the support portion 1958 extending therefrom. The lower end of the porcelain member can thus be supported on the support portion 1958 with the lip 1960 retaining it in a horizontal direction.

Claims

Claims 1. A flooring support member for construction of flooring support structures, the flooring support member being prismatic and having a cross-section comprising: at least one central strut having a first end and a second end; a first member defined at the first end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; a second member defined at the second end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; wherein a fastener receiving formation is provided at least one end of each of the first and second members, distal to the central strut, the fastener receiving formation comprising a concave formation having a mounting flange for receiving a fastener, and two feet projecting outwardly from the mounting flange; such that upon abutment of a further member against the two feet, and attachment of the further member to the support member by a mechanical fastener tightened against the mounting flange, a gap is maintained between the further member and the mounting flange bythe feet to enable elastic deformation of the flooring support member to maintain tension in the fastener.
2. A flooring support member according to claim 1, wherein the first and second members extend both sides of the strut to form an "I" shape, and wherein a fastener receiving formation is provided at both ends of each of the first and second members, distal to the central strut.
3. A flooring support member according to claim 1, or claim 2, wherein each of the first and second members comprises a straight portion perpendicular to the central strut, the straight portion terminating in at least one free end, wherein the free end defines one foot of the fastener receiving formation.
4. A flooring support member according to claim 3, wherein the mounting flanges extend on the strut side of the respective member.
5. A flooring support member according to any preceding claim, wherein the central strut comprises a pair of spaced-apart sub-struts.
6. A flooring support member according to any preceding claim wherein each of the first and second members have surfaces adjacent the central strut, which faces are provided at a rake angle facing away from the central strut to facilitate entry of a mechanical fastener.
7. A flooring support member according to claim 6, wherein the first and second members are tapered to become thinner in section moving away from the central strut.
8. A flooring support structure comprising: a flooring support member according to any preceding claim; a rail portion normal to the flooring support member; the rail portion being attached to the flooring support member, the rail portion abutting the feet and having a mechanical fastener penetrating the rail portion and the mounting flange.
9. A flooring support structure comprising: a first portion of flooring support member according to any of claims 1 to 7; a second portion of flooring support member according to any of claims 1 to 7; a bracket connecting the first and second portions, the bracket having abutment regions abutting the two feet of each member, and a fastener opening defined in the abutment region; a fastener passing through the fastener opening and engaging the fastener receiving formation.
10. A flooring support structure according to claim 9, wherein the bracket comprises a central limb and four abutment regions forming an "I" shape.
11. A flooring support member for construction of flooring support structures, the flooring support member being prismatic and having a cross-section comprising: at least one central strut having a first end and a second end; a first member defined at the first end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; a second member defined at the second end of the central strut and extending transverse thereto; wherein each of the first and second members have surfaces adjacent the central strut, which faces are provided at a rake angle facing away from the central strut to facilitate entry of a mechanical fastener.
12. A flooring support member according to claim 11, wherein the first and second members extend both sides of the strut to form an "I" shape, and wherein each of the first and second members have surfaces either side of the central strut, which faces are provided at a rake angle facing away from the central strut to facilitate entry of a mechanical fastener.
13. A flooring support member according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the first and second members are tapered to become thinner in section moving away from the central strut.
14. A flooring support structure comprising: a flooring support member according to any of claims 11 to 13; further flooring support member adjacent the flooring support member; the further flooring support member being attached to the flooring support member, by mechanical fasteners passing through the raked surface of the first member, the mechanical fastener having a head for engagement with a tool, the head positioned adjacent the raked surface.
15. A flooring support assembly comprising: a flooring support structure having a plurality of legs, each leg being prismatic and having a profile defining at least one cavity or channel; an edge bracket comprising: a first formation for insertion into the cavity or channel of the leg profile; and, a second formation for engaging part of a flooring member supported on the flooring support structure.
16. A flooring support assembly according to claim 15, wherein the leg has a cross-section defining a channel having a mouth, wherein the first formation is dimensioned to fit into the mouth normal to a main axis of the leg.
17 A flooring support assembly according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the second formation comprises a second formation tab extending normal to a main axis of the leg.
18. A flooring support assembly according to any of claims 15 to 17, comprising a third formation for engaging part of a flooring member supported against the leg, the third formation comprising a third formation tab parallel to the leg.
19. A flooring support assembly according to claim 18, wherein the third formation tab is in the direction of the leg.
20. A flooring support assembly according to claim 18 or 19, comprising two third formation tabs positioned either side of the second formation tab.
21. A flooring support assembly according to claim 20, wherein the second formation tab and third formation tabs are connected to a common base portion, extending from opposite edges thereof to form an "5" shape in section.
22. A flooring system comprising: a support rail defining a support surface for a plurality of flooring members; a leg rail extending normal to the support rail, the leg rail arranged to support a plurality of edge members; a termination member comprising: an attachment formation attached to a support rail side of the leg rail; a floor member receiving formation for receiving part of a flooring member; an edge member receiving formation for receiving part of an edge member.
23. A flooring system according to claim 22, wherein the termination member is an elongate, prismatic member.
24. A flooring system according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the termination member defines a surface portion adjacent to, and parallel with the flooring member.
25. A flooring system according to claim 24, wherein the surface portion is opposite the edge member receiving formation.
26. A flooring system according to any of claims 22 to 25, wherein the termination member extends outwardly of the flooring system, parallel to the support surface and extends past the edge member.
27. A flooring system according to any of claims 22 to 26, wherein the flooring members and edge member are constructed from a ceramic material.
28. A flooring system according to any of claims 22 to 27, wherein the termination member is constructed from a metal material.
29. A flooring system comprising: an elevated portion; at least one step, the step being at least partially constructed from hollow, prismatic metal beam portions, the step having a horizontal step plane, thew step constructed from: a first pair of lateral beam portions extending across the width of the step; a second pair of lateral beam portions extending perpendicular to the first pair of lateral beam portions and attached thereto to form a quadrilateral viewed in a direction normal to the horizontal step plane; a pair of vertical beam portions, the vertical beam portions being oriented normal to the horizontal step plane, wherein the horizontal beam portions are connected to the one of the first pair of lateral beam portions distal to the elevated portion, and each of the vertical beam portions is connected to an end of a respective one of the second pair of lateral beam portions.
30. A flooring system according to claim 29, comprising a first and a second step, wherein the underside of the second step is connected to an upper surface of the first step.
31. A flooring system according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the first and second lateral beam portions comprise edge flanges, which edge flanges receive mechanical fasteners to attach the first and second lateral beam positions where they make contact.
32. A flooring system according to any of claims 29 to 31, wherein the first and second beam portions are flooring support members according to any preceding claim.
33. A flooring system according to claim 32, wherein the first and second beam portions are flooring support members are flooring support members according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the beam portions are attached with mechanical fasteners passing through the faces are provided at a rake angle.
34. A clip for a flooring member, the clip comprising: a foot portion for insertion into a channel of a support joist, the foot portion being longer in a first, longitudinal direction than in a second, transverse direction such that the foot portion can be retained by an overhang in the support joist channel in at least one position; a neck; a head on the opposite side of the neck to the foot portion, the head extending outwardly from the neck, wherein the head comprises an upturned lip extending away from the foot portion to facilitate entry of the head into a channel of a flooring member supported on the support joist.
35. A clip for a flooring member according to claim 34, wherein the head portion is longer in the longitudinal direction than in the transverse direction.
36. A clip for a flooring member according to claim 34 or 25, wherein both the foot portion and the head portion extend outboard of the neck in both the longitudinal and transverse directions.
37. A clip for a flooring member according to any of claims 29 to 36, wherein the head comprises a first head portion extending in a first transverse direction, and a second head portion extending in a second, opposite, transverse direction, wherein the first and second head portions are curved into an "5" shape in transverse section.
38. A clip for a flooring member according to claim 37, wherein the neck comprises a first neck portion and a second neck portion, the first and second neck portions being spaced apart in a transverse direction and each having a head portion extending therefrom.
39. A clip for a flooring member according to claim 38, wherein each head portion defines a curved abutment at a proximal end to limit travel of the head portions and associated neck portions towards each other.
40. A clip for a flooring member according to any of claims 34 to 39, wherein the foot portion is curved upwardly at its periphery towards the head.
41. A clip for a flooring member according to any of claims 34 to 40, wherein the foot portion comprises a curved outer edge portion.
42. A clip for a flooring member according to claim 41, wherein a curved outer edge portion is defined on either longitudinal end of the foot portion.
43. A flooring assembly comprising: an elongate support joist defining a channel having an overhang; a clip according to any of claims 34 to 42; a flooring member supported on the support joist; wherein the foot of the clip is inserted in the channel and retained by the overhang, and wherein the head is engaged with the flooring member to tension the clip and thereby retain the flooring member relative to the support joist.