WO2013089560A2

WO2013089560A2 - Garden screen and decking

Info

Publication number: WO2013089560A2
Application number: PCT/NL2012/050867
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hendrik Simon VAN WIJHE; Hendrik DE CARPENTIER
Original assignee: New Timber B.V.; De Carpentier Tuinhout B.V.
Priority date: 2011-12-12
Filing date: 2012-12-10
Publication date: 2013-06-20
Also published as: NL2007950C2; EP2791442A2; WO2013089560A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a set for assembling a garden screen, a garden screen and a method for assembling such a garden screen. The invention also relates to a set for assembling decking, decking and a method for assembling such decking. The invention provides the use of clamping connections for assembling a garden screen. To this end, the support posts are provided with a clamping slot, in which clamping members are placed for supporting a panel between the support posts. The invention also provides the use of a clamping connection for assembling decking or a decking terrace. To this end, the crossbeams are provided with clamping slots in which clamping members can be fitted for clamping decking planks onto the crossbeams, and thus to form decking.

Description

Short title: Garden screen and decking

The invention relates to a set for assembling a garden screen, a garden screen and a method for assembling such a garden screen. The invention also relates to a set for assembling decking, a decking and a method for assembling such a decking.

In practice, garden screens are often used as a separation between adjoining gardens. A classic garden screen comprises several support posts between which panels are fixed. For example, in Do It Yourself (DIY) stores and garden centres, self-assembly kits for garden screens are being offered to consumers. Such a self-assembly kit comprises a set of components from which the consumer himself can construct a garden screen. The set of components for a garden screen comprises at least support posts and panels for fixing between the support posts.

The panels are composed of several slats or planks. In order to facilitate assembly and positioning of a garden screen by the consumer, the panels are already assembled by the producer. Due to their size, these assembled panels are awkward to transport.

In many cases, wooden posts are still being used as the support posts. In addition, hollow plastic or aluminium posts are being used which are provided with a wooden core in order to improve their stiffness and/or to make the use of a solid screw connection possible.

When placing the garden screen, the support posts are positioned first, and subsequently the panels are fixed in between. The panels are fixed to the support posts by means of L pieces. The L pieces are fixed to the post and the panel by means of screws.

It is a drawback of this fixing method that the L pieces remain largely visible, which does not contribute to an attractive appearance of the garden screen.

It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative garden screen, in particular a set for assembling an alternative garden screen, preferably a set which can be readily transported by the consumer.

To this end, the invention provides a set according to claim 1 , a garden screen, assembled using such a set, according to claim 25, and a method, according to claim 30, for assembling such a garden screen from a set according to the invention.

A set for assembling a garden screen according to the invention comprises at least two support posts, a lower beam, two clamping members and one or more panel elements.

Each of the support posts is essentially a hollow aluminium extrusion profile with a preferably rectangular cross section. The support posts are both provided with at least one clamping slot in the external surface. The clamping slot extends in the longitudinal direction of the support post and is delimited on either side by flanges for interacting with a clamping member, for example a sliding nut. In an embodiment, the support posts have a rectangular cross section and are preferably provided with a clamping slot in at least two of the four outer sides.

The lower beam is provided with a first and a second end, each designed for engaging with a clamping member arranged in a clamping slot of a support post from above in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the lower beam extends between both support posts and at right angles to the outer surface of the support post in which the bottom clamping member is arranged.

The two clamping members are each designed to be fixed in the clamping slot of a support post by being clamped onto the flanges of said clamping slot, and to support the lower beam in said position. The clamping members can be displaced in the clamping slot and can thus be fixed at any desired location in the clamping slot.

Furthermore, the set comprises one or more panel elements for assambling a panel between the two support posts, preferably in such a manner that said panel essentially rests on the lower beam.

The invention thus provides an alternative garden screen, in particular a set for assembling an alternative garden screen.

In addition, using a clamping slot with clamping members makes it possible to detachably fix components in a desired position to the support post in a simple manner. In this case, the components are clamping members for supporting and/or attaching panel elements. The clamping slot can also be used to attach, for example, hinges for a door in the garden screen or fittings for garden lighting using clamping members on a support post.

Due to the fact that the position of the securing members on the support post is adjustable, the height of the panels and other components can be adapted to the specific situation in which the garden screen is being used in a simple manner.

Existing garden systems often make use of screw connections. The screws usually have to be screwed into a wooden post or core for a considerable distance, as a result of which providing the connection is time-consuming and, once the connection has been made, it is not easy to correct it. In addition, the screw makes a permanent hole in the wooden support post or wooden core of the support post, so that the position of a connection which has been made cannot be corrected or cannot be corrected by a small distance.

Furthermore, the holes of a corrected connection do not contribute to an attractive appearance of the support post and the garden screen.

Due to the fact that the clamping connections of a set according to the invention can be detached and can be displaced along the support post, the position of a connecting element can be corrected in a simple manner, whereby the old position not leave any traces on the fixing post, as is the case with screw connections.

Furthermore, due to the use of clamping slots, the connecting element does not have to have a wooden core in order to make it possible to couple it to other components. A combination of a support post with a clamping slot and clamping members according to the invention thus offers an environmentally friendly alternative to existing screw connections.

Due to the fact that the ends of the lower beam engage with a clamping member fitted in the clamping slot and in this case thus at least partly extends into said clamping slot, a set according to the invention is designed to produce a garden screen in which the panel and the lower beam extend between both support posts. The lower beam extends at right angles to the outer surface of the support post in which the clamping member is fitted.

As a result thereof, the invention combines a new way of fastening with the characteristic appearance of a classic garden screen, that is to say a pattern of vertical support posts and panels which are placed between the support posts. In a preferred embodiment, the crossbeam and the panel elements are designed in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the garden screen is provided with support posts which project forwards with respect to the panels which are set further back. This characteristic appearance contributes to the acceptance of the garden screen by the consumer.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, a set according to the invention comprises at least an elongate upper beam provided with a first and a second end designed to engage with a top clamping member arranged in a clamping slot of a support post from below in such a manner that the upper beam extends between both support posts and at right angles to the outer surface of the support post in which the top clamping member is fitted. In this case, the upper beam rests on the panel formed by the one or more panel elements. The set furthermore comprises two clamping members, each designed to be fixed in the clamping slot of a support post by being clamped onto the flanges of said clamping slot and, in said position, to engage from above with an upper beam which rests on a panel made up of one or more panel elements.

By means of such a set, the panel made up of one or more panel elements can be fixed in a simple manner when assembling the garden screen, namely by placing the upper beam on the panel and fixing the upper beam by means of the clamping members.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the upper beam is produced in the form of an extrusion profile having a substantially U-shaped cross section, for at least partly accommodating a longitudinal side of a panel element. In this way, a strong connection between the upper beam and the panel element is produced. In addition, an opening or gap is thus prevented from occurring between the panel element and the upper beam, which is important in order to achieve a visually impermeable screen. In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the clamping members for engaging with the upper beam from above are provided with a connecting pin which extends substantially parallel to said clamping slot when the clamping member is clamped in a clamping slot. In this case, the upper beam is provided at both ends with an opening for accommodating the connecting pin of a clamping member. Such a connection between the clamping member and the upper beam is particularly suitable for positioning the upper beam.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the lower beam is provided at the bottom side of both ends with a recess for engaging with and at least partly

accommodating a clamping member which is clamped in the clamping slot, in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the underside of the lower beam is substantially level with or lower than the underside of the clamping member and the crossbeam largely covers the clamping member. In this way, the securing member is screened off visually, which contributes to an attractive appearance of the garden screen.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the two ends of the lower beam are formed in such a manner that they engage with the clamping slot in such a manner that, in the fitted state, a part of the ends of the lower beam is situated in the clamping slot and bears against the flanges of the clamping slot, and preferably against a rear wall of the clamping slot. Due to the fact that the lower beam bears against the flanges of the clamping slot, and preferably against the rear wall of the clamping slot, the lower beam is positioned in a simple manner with respect to a support post, which facilitates the assembly of a garden screen. This applies particularly when the lower beam also bears against a rear wall of the clamping slot.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the two ends of the lower beam are formed in such a manner that they extend inside the clamping slot when the lower beam engages with a clamping member, and the lower beam is also provided with flanges for engaging with those sides of the flanges of the clamping slot facing the clamping slot. When the lower beam is fitted in the support post, the flanges of the lower beam lie against the flanges of the clamping slot, for positioning the lower beam in the longitudinal direction with respect to the support post.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the lower beam is provided with a recess for accommodating a clamping member, in such a manner that said clamping member forms the flanges of the lower beam. In this embodiment, the clamping member can be fitted after the lower beam has been positioned in the clamping slot, thus facilitating the introduction of the lower beam.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the clamping members for supporting the lower beam comprise a tongue element which extends at right angles to the external surface in which the clamping slot is provided when the clamping member is fitted in a clamping slot. In addition, the lower beam is provided at both ends with an indentation on the bottom side for accommodating such a tongue part, so that the crossbeam can be pushed from above onto a clamping member which is fitted in a clamping slot. Such an embodiment of a connection between the lower beam and the clamping members can be readily produced. The tongue element is accommodated in the lower beam and is thus hidden from view. In addition, with a tongue element, it is possible to have a relatively large contact surface between the clamping member and the crossbeam, which is advantageous for transferring forces from the lower beam onto the support post via the clamping member.

Such a connection can also be used to attach panel elements to the support posts by the ends provided with an indentation for the tongue element.

In an alternative embodiment, the tongue element may also be of a hook-shaped design, in which the hook can be accommodated in an opening in the lower beam.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, one or more of the panel elements are designed as elongate beams which, in the fitted state, extend between both support posts for assembling a panel. These panel elements are preferably provided with coupling means on the upper and lower side for coupling stacked panel elements to one another. The coupling means may, for example, be designed as a ridge or teeth on the upper side of the panel elements and as a slot or openings at the bottom side of the panel elements. Such a connection can be produced in a simple manner by stacking the panel elements, with the ridge or teeth being placed in the slot or opening.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the panel elements may, for example, also overlap in a way similar to roof tiles in order thus to ensure that the panel elements fit tightly and to prevent openings or gaps from occurring between the panel elements.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the panel elements are long or elongate, and the lower beams are provided with accommodating openings at the top for accommodating ends of a panel element, and the upper beam is provided with such accommodating openings at the bottom, so that the panel elements can be placed between the upper beam and the lower beam for assembling a panel. Such an embodiment is particularly suitable for use with simple panel elements without machined ends, for example planks.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the panel elements and the lower beam, and preferably the upper beam as well, have the same shape. The panel elements have a cross section which corresponds to the cross section of the lower beam and their ends are preferably designed to engage with a clamping member in a clamping slot. Being able to use the same part as a lower beam and as a panel element renders assembly of a panel easier. After the clamping members have been installed in the two support posts, the elements can be stacked in any desired order in order to form the panel. Depending on their position in the panel, the elements function as panel elements, a lower beam or optionally an upper beam.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the panel elements are provided with a mesh structure. Thus, a panel element may, for example, be made of concrete mesh or similar mesh material. Such a panel is particularly advantageous for guiding plants, for example ivy, but can also be used to create a viewing opening in a garden screen. Such a mesh panel preferably has a relatively large surface area, so that a significant part of the panel between both support posts is formed by the panel. For example, a third of the panel is formed by elongate panel elements and two thirds of the panel by a single mesh-shaped panel element. In an embodiment, the mesh material is sufficiently flexible to be rolled up, preferably without being permanently deformed, and unrolled in order to make transportation easier. Preferably, additional features are provided in the clamping slots for supporting the mesh element, or to install coupling means for supporting the mesh element.

In an embodiment of a set according to the invention, the flanges of the clamping slot are provided, on the sides facing each other, with an indentation which extends parallel to the clamping slot for accommodating a strip for covering the clamping slot. Thus, it is for example possible to cover a clamping slot which is not being used to support a panel by fitting a strip. For example, when a support post has four sides which each comprise a clamping slot, and two clamping slots are being used to support a panel, the other two clamping slots can be covered by a strip. Providing the flanges with an indentation makes it possible for the clamping slots to fix relatively flat strips which do not have to be anchored in the clamping slot itself. In an alternative embodiment, a strip is provided with click-fit fingers or other clamping members which are inserted into the clamping slot to fix the strip in the clamping slot.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises one or more strips designed to engage with and cover the clamping slot. Preferably, the strip extends substantially between the two flanges and not, or only partly, into the clamping slot, so that some space remains in the clamping slot, for example for fitting a power supply cable for a light fitting.

Preferably, a strip is provided which, by means of vertical edges, forms a guide or channel on the side facing away from the support post for accommodating the edges of a panel element, preferably a mesh-shaped panel element.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises a ground anchor for each support post for securely fixing said support post into the ground or on the surface. Such a ground anchor is fitted into the ground or on the surface and attached to the underside of a support post in order to keep the latter upright. The ground anchor may, for example, be a plate-shaped attachment provided with holes for fixing the support post on a concrete floor by means of bolts or on a stone base which is placed in the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the anchor element is designed as a spike or drill-shaped attachment which is inserted or drilled into the ground. The ground anchor may, for example, be provided with a vertical edge or arms which, in the fitted state, overlap the clamping slot of the support post, and can be secured therein by means of a clamping member. In an alternative embodiment, the ground anchor is fitted in the hollow core of the support post, so that the part of the ground anchor which projects above the ground or surface is at least partly covered by the support post.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises two or more clamping members provided with a hinge pin for rotatably supporting the hinge of a gate. Such a set comprises at least three support posts, two of which are used to support a panel between them, and one of which also provides support for the gate, more particularly the clamping members provided with a hinge pin. The third support post is preferably provided with locks for the gate, such as a door stop provided with an opening for accommodating the latch. The support posts for supporting the door are connected to one another, preferably at their upper end, by means of a lower beam and/or upper beam and/or panel element in order to form a door opening and to improve the structural cohesion of the garden screen and gate. In addition, a lower beam may be provided which serves as a threshold.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises an elongate door bracket, provided at one end with a socket for accommodating the hinge pin of the clamping member as described above, and designed to support a door at the opposite end. The first end and the second end of the door bracket are preferably arranged offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bracket for supporting a door in a door opening on a hinge pin fitted outside said door opening. When using such a bracket, the hinge pin does not have to be fitted in the door opening, as a result of which the passageway is optimal when the door is open.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises an additional clamping member provided with a tongue part designed to support a door parallel in a closed position. Preferably, the additional clamping member is provided with a recess for accommodating the latch of a door in a closed position, preferably with an opening for guiding the latch into the clamping slot of the support post. In this way, the door can fit tightly against the support post in the closed state.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises a clamping member comprising a fitting for, for example, LED lighting fixtures. Using such clamping members, it is easy to provide lighting on the support posts of the garden screen. In addition, the clamping member makes it readily possible to adjust or correct the position of such fittings and, for example, to remove the lighting fixtures during the winter and store them indoors. Preferably, such a fitting is provided with a passage opening for guiding a power supply cable via the clamping member in the clamping slot. In this way, it is readily possible to fit the power supply cable in the clamping slot hidden from view. In a further embodiment, the set also comprises strips which can be fitted on the clamping slot in order to further protect and possibly guide the power supply cable fitted therein.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises a fitting which is elongate and designed to be fixed in the clamping slot in such a manner that it can be fitted into the clamping slot so as to be countersunk. By arranging the fitting, or a significant part thereof, in the clamping slot, it is possible to fit the lighting fixtures in a countersunk manner, in particular when using compact sources of light, such as LEDs. The clamping slot can thus partly be used as a housing for the fitting and can protect the latter at least partly against weather conditions.

In an alternative embodiment, the fitting is provided with a bearing arm which places the source of light at a distance from the support post, and in which the bearing arm is preferably hollow for passing the power supply cable from the fitting to the clamping slot of the support post.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises a top cover for covering the top end of a support post, which top cover comprises a solar collector, and is preferably provided with batteries which can be charged by the solar collector. In this way, it is possible to generate electricity, for example for lighting fixtures provided on the support posts. In an embodiment, the hollow space inside the support posts is used to accommodate the electronics and/or batteries required to store electricity. In this way, lighting fixtures on the garden screen can be provided with sustainable energy in an efficient manner.

In an embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises at least

- two support posts, each being a substantially hollow aluminium extrusion profile with a preferably rectangular cross section and provided with at least a clamping slot in the external surface, in which the clamping slot extends in the longitudinal direction of the support post and is delimited on either side by a flange for interacting with a clamping member,

- an elongate lower beam, provided with a first and a second end, each designed to engage with a clamping member arranged in a clamping slot of a support post from above in such a manner that the lower beam extends between both support posts and at right angles to the outer surface of the support post in which the bottom clamping member is arranged, in which the lower beam is provided with a recess at the bottom side of both ends for engaging with and at least partly accommodating a clamping member clamped in the clamping slot, in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the underside of the lower beam is substantially level with or lower than the underside of the clamping member and the lower beam largely covers the clamping member,

- two clamping members, each designed to be fixed in the clamping slot of a support post by being clamped on the flanges of said clamping slot, and to support the lower beam in said position,

- one or more panel elements for assembling a panel between the two support posts, preferably in such a manner that said panel rests on the lower beam,

- an elongate upper beam, provided with a first and a second end designed to engage with a top clamping member fitted in a clamping slot of a support post from below in such a manner that the upper beam extends between both support posts and at right angles to the outer surface of the support post, in which the top clamping member is fitted, and in this case rests on the panel formed by the one or more panel elements, and

- two clamping members, each designed to be fixed in the clamping slot of a support post by being clamped onto flanges of said clamping slot and, in said position, to engage from above with an upper beam which at least partly rests on a panel made up of one or more panel elements.

The invention also relates to a garden screen, assembled from a set according to the invention. The garden screen comprises at least two vertically placed support posts, two clamping members, a lower beam and one or more panel elements.

The two clamping members are arranged in a clamping slot of both support posts in such a manner that each of the posts are provided, at substantially the same height, with a clamping member which is clamped in a clamping slot, for supporting the lower beam in said position.

The lower beam extends substantially in the horizontal direction between both support posts and its ends engage with the clamping members arranged in both posts in such a manner that the clamping members support the lower beam. The one or more panel elements are placed on the lower beam for assembling a panel between the two support posts, which panel preferably rests on the lower beam.

In an embodiment of a garden screen according to the invention, the lower beam is provided at the bottom side of both ends with a recess and by means of the latter engages with the supporting clamping member which is clamped in the clamping slot in such a manner that the lower beam largely covers the clamping member. In this way, the clamping members which support the lower beam are hidden from view.

In an embodiment of a garden screen according to the invention, the lower beam is designed in such a manner that each of the two ends thereof is arranged in a clamping slot and bears against the flanges of the clamping slot, and preferably against a rear wall of the clamping slot.

In an embodiment a garden screen according to the invention comprises an elongate upper beam which extends substantially in the horizontal direction and parallel to the lower beam between the two support posts, and rests at least partly on the panel made up of the one or more panel elements. In addition, two clamping members are provided which are arranged in the clamping slot of a support post in such a manner that the clamping members engage with the upper beam from above.

In an embodiment of a garden screen according to the invention, the clamping members which engage with the upper beam from above are provided with a connecting pin which extends substantially parallel to said clamping slot, and the upper beam is provided with an opening at both ends, preferably with a tongue element which has an opening therein, in which the connecting pin of a clamping member is accommodated.

In an embodiment, a garden screen according to the invention comprises at least: - two vertically placed support posts,

- two clamping members, arranged in a clamping slot of the support posts in such a manner that each of the posts is provided, at substantially the same height, with a clamping member which is clamped in a clamping slot for supporting the lower beam in said position,

- a lower beam which substantially extends in the horizontal direction between both support posts and the ends of which engage with the clamping members arranged on both posts in such a manner that the clamping members support the lower beam, in which the bottom side of both ends of the lower beam is provided with a recess and thereby engages with the supporting clamping member which is clamped in the clamping slot in such a manner that the lower beam largely covers the clamping member,

- one or more panel elements placed on the lower beam for assembling a panel between both support posts, which panel preferably rests on the lower beam,

- an elongate upper beam which extends substantially in the horizontal direction and parallel to the lower beam between both support posts, and rests at least partly on the panel made up of the one or more panel elements, and

- two clamping members arranged in the clamping slot of a support post in such a manner that the clamping members engage with the upper beam from above.

A garden screen according to the invention thus comprises several support posts and panels fitted in between which are fixed in the clamping slots of the support posts by means of clamping members. In a further embodiment of a garden screen according to the invention, additional components are also provided which are fitted in the clamping slots of the support posts by means of clamping members, such as hinges and locks for doors or fittings for lighting. The invention furthermore provides a method for assembling a garden screen, preferably a garden screen as described above, using a set as described above. The method comprises the following steps: placing the support posts, clamping a clamping member in each of the two support posts at substantially equal height, positioning the bottom lower beam between the two support posts, the lower beam being lowered from above onto the clamping members in such a manner that it rests on the two clamping members, and placing one or more panel elements on the lower beam for assembling a panel between the two support posts, which panel preferably rests on the lower beam.

An embodiment of a method according to the invention comprises the following steps: placing an upper beam on the one or more panel elements for closing off the panel, and clamping a clamping member in both support posts for locking the top beam into position from above on the one or more panel elements.

The invention furthermore provides a set for assembling a garden screen as described above, furthermore comprising a manual for assembling the garden screen, in which preferably one or more of the abovementioned steps is/are described or illustrated by means of illustrations which may or may not be accompanied by text.

In addition to using a clamping connection by means of a clamping slot and clamping members when assembling a garden screen according to a first aspect of the invention, a second aspect of the invention provides the use of a clamping connection by means of a clamping slot and clamping members, such as a sliding nut, when assembling decking or terrace decking or a veranda.

Assembling decking from two or more crossbeams and several decking planks placed thereon is known from the prior art. The decking planks are fixed to the wooden crossbeam by means of screws, optionally in combination with a bracket, often in such a way that bands or strips made up of crossbeams are separated from each other by a slit or gap.

A drawback of the fixing method from the prior art is that although the screw connections can be released, small corrections of a connection which has been made are not possible.

After all, once a screw hole has been made in the wooden crossbeam, this hole cannot be moved and the screw has to be screwed into a new hole. In order for this new hole to be sufficiently strong, it has to be made at some distance from the previous hole.

It is an object of the second aspect of the invention to provide an alternative decking, in particular a set for assembling an alternative decking.

The second aspect of the invention provides a set for assembling alternative decking, decking assembled using such a set, and a method for assembling decking by means of such a set. A set according to the second aspect of the invention for assembling decking comprises at least two crossbeams, several clamping members and several decking planks.

The two crossbeams are both a substantially hollow aluminium extrusion profile with a substantially rectangular cross section, and are both provided with a clamping slot in the external surface of at least one of the four outer sides. The clamping slot extends in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam and is delimited on either side by a flange for interacting with a clamping member.

The several clamping members each comprise a sliding body for displaceably accommodating a crossbeam in the clamping slot, a clamping body for engaging with the edges of two adjoining decking planks placed on the crossbeam, and a clamping bolt for connecting the clamping body to the sliding body.

The set furthermore comprises several decking planks for assembling decking on the crossbeams, in which the longitudinal sides of the decking planks are provided with an edge for interacting with one or more clamping members, in particular the clamping body of one or more clamping members.

The crossbeams form the girders of the decking. The decking planks are placed on the crossbeams in order to form the actual decking. The decking planks are fixed to the crossbeams. In order to fix the decking planks, the invention provides a clamping slot in the crossbeams and clamping members for interacting with the clamping slots. The clamping members comprise a sliding body which is placed in the clamping slot, and a clamping body which engages with the edges of the decking planks which are placed on the crossbeam. Sliding body and clamping body are connected by means of a clamping bolt. By tightening said clamping bolt, on the one hand, the sliding body is pulled against the flanges of the clamping slot from the inside and, on the other hand, the clamping body is pulled in the direction of the crossbeam, as a result of which the decking planks are clamped to the crossbeam.

The advantage of a fastening according to the invention is that once a clamping connection has been made, it can easily be corrected by unscrewing the clamping nut, displacing the clamping member and retightening the clamping nut. In particular when fastening decking planks, it is important to be able to make small corrections as the decking planks have to be clamped closely against each other. A small deviation in the correct mounting position may already result in gaps and unevenness between the decking planks, thus disturbing the regular pattern of strips of decking planks.

Due to the fact that the clamping connections of a set according to the invention are detachable and can be displaced along the crossbeam, the position of a connecting element can be corrected in a simple manner, without the previous position leaving any traces on the crossbeam as would be the case with screw connections. By means of the clamping bolt, the clamping member can be clamped on the crossbeam with sufficient force to be able to fit the decking planks tightly next to each other.

In addition, the screws in the prior art usually have to be screwed into the wooden crossbeam over a considerable distance, as a result of which it takes a considerable amount of time to produce the known connection.

A further advantage of a fastening system as used in decking according to the invention is the fact that it can absorb any expansion of the decking planks attached to the lower beam. This is particularly advantageous when using wooden decking planks and decking planks made from a hydrophilic composite material. Due to the expansion of the decking planks as a result of the absorption of moisture, the width of the decking planks increases. Consequently, the decking planks exert a pushing force on the clamping members which engage with the sides of the decking planks. As a result of this force, the clamping members are displaced in the clamping slot. This is in contrast to the fixed screw connection as used in the prior art. Displacing the clamping members prevents the decking planks from bulging.

In addition, an aluminium crossbeam according to the second aspect of the invention is significantly lighter than a wooden crossbeam according to the prior art, which is advantageous with regard to transportation. Also, the construction of the decking as a whole will be lighter, which is advantageous if the decking is installed on a roof in order to produce a roof terrace, in which case strict limitations regarding the permissible load usually apply.

The second aspect of the invention thus provides alternative decking, in particular a set for assembling an alternative decking.

In an embodiment of a set according to the second aspect of the invention, the clamping members are provided with an elongate clamping body with a T-shaped cross section. In the fitted state of the clamping member, the narrow part of this T-shaped clamping body is positioned above the flanges of the crossbeam. The wide part is designed to engage, in the fitted state, with the edges of decking planks placed on either side of the narrow part from above in order thus to clamp the decking planks onto the crossbeam. The clamping member is provided with a central opening for accommodating the clamping bolt for engaging with the sliding body.

Such a clamping body efficiently combines a bearing surface for positioning the clamping body against the decking plank, and a clamping part for engaging with the decking planks.

In a further embodiment of this clamping body, the narrow part of the clamping body is provided at two opposite ends with flexible fingers for positioning the clamping body with respect to a decking plank. In a further embodiment of this clamping body, the narrow part of the body extends up to the edges of the crossbeam and the flexible fingers extend beyond the edges of the crossbeam. In the fitted state, the clamping body is arranged such that the narrow portion of the clamping body is above the flanges of the clamping slot, while the flexible fingers extend freely beyond the flanges and next to the crossbeam.

In an alternative embodiment of a set according to the second aspect of the invention clamping bodies are provided which are formed as an extrusion profile. The extrusion profile has a U-shaped cross section with a protruding support flange on either side of the opening and, at a distance from the support flanges and parallel thereto, a clamping flange on either side of the clamping body in such a manner that the edge of a decking plank can be pushed into the space between the clamping flange and the support flange. Preferably, the support flange and the clamping flange are fitted at such a distance that the decking plank can be accommodated in between in a clamping manner. The support flange is furthermore provided with openings for accommodating a clamping bolt for engaging with the sliding body.

In the fitted state, the extrusion profile or a combination of several extrusion profiles extend along the entire length of the decking planks, in such a manner that a strip formed by decking planks always alternates with an edge formed by the clamping body or several clamping bodies whose end sides have been placed against each other. By means of such a clamping member, it is possible to produce closed decking, that is to say decking without gaps between the decking planks. This has the advantage that no small objects can slip through the decking planks. At the same time, the strip provides a clear separation between the different strips of decking planks, so that the characteristic appearance of decking is maintained.

In a further embodiment of this clamping body, the height of the U profile is equal to the thickness of the decking planks, in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the upper surface of the U profile is substantially level with the decking surface formed by the decking planks and thus forms a continuous part thereof. In this way, decking which is flat and even is obtained.

The invention furthermore provides decking composed of a set for assembling decking as described above and a method for assembling such decking.

Further advantageous embodiments of the first and the second aspect of the invention are indicated in the subclaims.

The first and the second aspect of the invention are explained in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in a drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a view of a garden screen according to the invention;

Fig. 2 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components, partly in cross section, of a bottom part of the garden screen from Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the combined components from Fig. 2; Fig. 4 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components, partly in cross section, of a top part of the garden screen from Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 5 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the combined components from Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components of a bottom part of an alternative garden screen according to the invention;

Fig. 7 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the combined components from Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components of a top part of the alternative garden screen from Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the combined components from Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 schematically shows a view of a further alternative garden screen according to the invention;

Fig. 11 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components of the panel of the garden screen from Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components of a top part of the panel of the garden screen from Fig. 10;

Fig. 13 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components of a lateral part of the garden screen from Fig. 10;

Fig. 14 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the combined components from Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 schematically shows a perspective view of a support post with a top cover of a garden screen according to the invention;

Fig. 16 schematically shows a perspective view of a support post with a fitting of a garden screen according to the invention;

Fig. 17 schematically shows a perspective view of a support post provided with a ground anchor of a set according to the invention;

Fig. 18 schematically shows a perspective view of a support post provided with an alternative clamping member of a set according to the invention;

Fig. 19 schematically shows a view of a door of a garden screen according to the invention;

Fig. 20 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the components of a top part of the door from Fig. 19;

Fig. 21 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of the combined components from Fig. 20; Fig. 22 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of a door stop of a door from

Fig. 19;

Fig. 23 schematically shows a perspective view of a part of the decking composed of components from a set according to a second aspect of the invention;

Fig. 24 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of components from Fig. 23;

Fig. 25 schematically shows a perspective view of a part of the decking composed of components from an alternative set according to a second aspect of the invention; and

Fig. 26 schematically shows a detail view in perspective of components from Fig. 25. Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a garden screen 1 according to the invention, composed of a set according to the invention. The garden screen comprises two vertically arranged support posts 2, a lower beam 3 and several panel elements 4. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the support posts 2 have a square cross section and are provided on each outer surface with a clamping slot 5 for accommodating one or more clamping members. The specific embodiment is also provided with an upper beam 6 and with two anchor elements 7, one for each support post 2.

The ends of the lower beam 3 engage with two clamping members, one at each end of the lower beam, which are fitted in a clamping slot 5 in the support posts. The two clamping members are arranged at substantially the same height, so that the lower beam extends in a substantially horizontal direction between the two support posts.

The elongate panel elements 4 are stacked on the lower beam 3 and thus form a panel 8 between the two support posts 2. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the panel is composed of several panel elements. Preferably, a panel is composed of several panel elements, preferably 6 or more panel elements, so that the panel elements as such are compact and easy to transport. The dimensions of an assembled panel are, for example, 3 by 2 metres, 2 by 1.5 metres or 2 by 2 metres, etc.

The lower beam 3 forms the boundary of the panel 8 on the underside. The upper beam 6 rests on the top panel element and forms the boundary of the panel 8 on the upper side. Lower beam 3 and upper beam 6 form part of the panel 8 which extends between the two support posts 2.

Figs. 2-5 show steps of a method for assembling the garden screen from Fig. 1. Preferably, the support posts are installed before the lower beam, panel elements or upper beam are fitted between the two posts. The support posts are fitted into the ground or on a surface by means of a ground anchor.

In the exemplary embodiment of a garden screen according to the invention illustrated in Fig. 1 , the support posts are provided with different ground anchors 7. The left- hand one of the two support posts is provided with a spike-shaped ground anchor which can be pushed into the ground. The right-hand support post is provided with a drill-shaped ground anchor which can be turned into the ground. In practice, the support posts of a garden screen will often be provided with the same type of ground anchor. The ground anchors are fitted into the ground or on the surface and secured to the underside of a support post in order to keep the latter upright. In the illustrated example, the ground anchors are provided with a vertical edge which forms a sleeve for accommodating the bottom end of a support post. The vertical edge is provided with a threaded opening which contains a clamping screw which can be screwed into in the clamping slot of the support post to engage with the rear wall of said clamping slot and thus to clamp the anchor element onto the support post. In an alternative embodiment, a clamping bolt may also be provided which engages with a clamping body which is pulled against the flanges of the clamping slot in order to secure the anchor element.

In an alternative embodiment, the ground anchor is provided with arms which, in the fitted state, overlap the clamping slot of the support post. Preferably, these arms are designed to be inserted into the clamping slot and to be fixed therein by means of a clamping member. In an alternative embodiment, the ground anchor is fitted in the hollow core of the support post, so that the portion of the ground anchor which protrudes aboveg round is covered by the support post.

Fig. 1 shows a support post 2 with clamping slots 5, a lower beam 3 with an end designed to engage with a clamping member and a clamping member 9 for supporting the lower beam in a clamping slot 5 of the support post 2. The part of the support post which is in engagement with the ground anchor is not shown.

In order to fit the lower beam 3 in the clamping slot 5 of the support post 2, the clamping member 9 is first fitted in the clamping slot. To this end, the clamping member 9 is placed in the clamping slot 2 and a clamping bolt 11 is tightened in order to clamp the clamping member onto the flanges 11 of the clamping slot 2.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the Figs. 2 and 3, the clamping member 9 comprises a clamping body 10 and a clamping bolt 11. In order to fit this type of clamping member 9, the clamping body 10 is placed in the clamping slot 5 and subsequently the clamping bolt 11 is tightened in order to clamp the clamping body 10 against the flanges 12 of the clamping slot 5. The clamping bolt 11 engages with a rear wall of the clamping slot 2 and thus pushes the clamping body 10 against the inwardly turned side of the flanges 12 of the clamping slot. In this way, the clamping member is clamped in the clamping slot.

The clamping members 9 for supporting the lower beam 3 are clamped in the two support posts 2 at substantially the same height. By determining the height at which the clamping members are secured in the clamping slot, the position of the lower beam and thus also the position of the panel are determined. Since clamping members in a clamping slot are being used, the clamping members can readily be moved in order thus to correct the position of the lower beam, and therefore the position of the screen, and for example to provide the garden screen with more or less free space underneath the panels.

After both clamping members have been fitted, the lower beam is placed between the two support posts. In this case, the lower beam is lowered onto the clamping members from above until it rests on the two clamping members.

In the embodiment of a garden screen according to the invention illustrated in Figs. 1-5, the lower beam 3 is provided with a recess 13 at the bottom side of both ends for engaging with a clamping member 9 clamped in the clamping slot 5. By means of the recess 13, the lower beam 3 can be lowered over the clamping member in such a manner that the part of the lower beam between the two support posts largely covers the clamping member. This is illustrated in Fig. 3 in which the lower beam is in engagement with the clamping member. The bottom part of the lower beam in this case is situated lower than the clamping member in the clamping slot, the clamping member is consequently covered by the lower beam.

In an alternative embodiment, the lower beam may rest on the clamping members by its underside or is provided with a recess which accommodates the clamping members only partly, so that at least a part of the clamping members remains visible after the lower beam has been fitted.

The lower beam illustrated in the Figs. 1-5 is furthermore provided with ends which are formed in such a manner that they bear against the flanges of the clamping slot when the lower beam is fitted in the clamping slots. As a result thereof, no further adjusting means or inserts are necessary to position the lower beam in the clamping slot in its transverse direction.

The lower beam illustrated in the Figs. 1-5 is furthermore designed in such a manner that the two ends of the lower beam 3 are provided at the top with a recess for

accommodating a positioning clamping member, more particularly a clamping body 27, in addition to the recess 13 for accommodating a supporting clamping member 9.

By fitting the positioning clamping member 27, the lower beam 3 is provided with flanges which, when the lower beam rests on the supporting clamping members, bear against the inwardly turned side of the flanges of the clamping slot. The positioning clamping member thus locks the end of the lower beam in the clamping slot and prevents it from being moved out of the clamping slot in a horizontal direction. In this way, the lower beam also keeps the support posts together and prevents these from moving apart which would result in the lower beam being dropped.

The illustrated embodiment also has the advantage that the positioning clamping body only has to be fitted in the lower beam after the lower beam has been placed in the clamping slot by its ends and on the supporting clamping member. As a result thereof, the lower beam can be positioned in a simple manner before being locked in the slot.

In an alternative embodiment, the lower beam is provided with fixed flanges which engage with the inwardly turned side of the flanges of the clamping slot. Such a lower beam has to be lowered into the clamping slot from above, i.e. into the upper end of the clamping slot, in order to fit the flanges in the clamping slot. This makes fitting the lower beam slightly laborious.

In a further alternative embodiment, the recess in the ends of the lower beam for accommodating the supporting clamping member is of U-shaped design, so that the lower beam hooks behind the clamping member and is locked in the clamping slot in this way against movements in the horizontal direction. However, this requires a relatively

complicated embodiment of the lower beam as this has to leave the clamping nut of the clamping member clear for engagement with the rear wall of the clamping slot. In addition, this solution is less compact than the illustrated version, thus requiring a deeper clamping slot and therefore a larger support post.

After the lower beam has been fitted on the supporting clamping members, and is locked in said clamping slots with a clamping member at both ends in the illustrated example, the one or more panel elements is/are placed on the lower beam to form the panel between the two support posts.

Fig. 4 shows an end of some panel elements 4. The illustrated panel elements have a width which substantially corresponds to the width of the clamping slot. The length of the panel elements is such that they can be placed on the lower beam with both ends in a clamping slot of a support post.

The panel elements can thus be slid into the clamping slots 5 and stacked onto the lower beam 3 and each other. The clamping slot 5 acts as a guide in which the panel elements 4 are placed with their ends in order to position the panel elements 4 above one another and in this way form a panel 8.

In the illustrated embodiment, the panel elements 4 are designed as elongate beams which, in the fitted state, extend between the two support posts for assembling a panel. The panel is thus delimited on either side by the support posts. On the upper and lower side, the panel elements are provided with coupling means for coupling stacked panel elements to each other. The coupling means are designed as a ridge or tongue part on the upper side of the panel elements for interacting with a slot on the lower side of other panel elements. By stacking a first panel element onto a second panel element, the ridge of the bottom panel element is accommodated in the slot of the panel element placed above it and the panel elements are coupled in a simple manner. As a result of the coupling, the panels adjoin each other and slits or gaps between two stacked panel elements are prevented. In addition, the coupling of the panel elements contributes to the structural integrity of the garden screen and thus to a strong and sturdy garden screen.

In an alternative embodiment, the panel elements may overlap, for example, in the manner of roof tiles so that the panel elements adjoin one another in an orderly and optically appealing manner and to prevent openings or slits from occurring between the panel elements.

The panel elements 4 are placed on the lower beam 3 and on top of one another in order to thus form a panel 8 between the two support posts 2, as is illustrated in Fig. 1. The panel 8 rests on the lower beam 3. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the garden screen 1 is furthermore provided with an elongate upper beam 6 which extends in a substantially horizontal direction and parallel to the lower beam 3 between the two support posts.

The upper beam is formed as an extrusion profile with a substantially U-shaped cross section for at least partly accommodating a longitudinal side, in particular the upper side, of a panel element. In this way, a reliable connection between the upper beam and the panel element is produced. In addition, this prevents an opening or slit from occurring between panel element and upper beam, which is important in order to produce a visually

impermeable screen. In an alternative embodiment, the upper beam may be provided with a slot which corresponds to the slot at the bottom side of the illustrated panel elements, for example by folding the edges of the U profile partly inwards or by providing the U profile with an insert comprising such a slot. In a further embodiment according to the invention, the upper beam is substantially designed as a panel element and is furthermore provided, for example, with an opening for accommodating a clamping member.

The illustrated upper beam 6 is placed onto the stacked panel elements, as is illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5. In this position, the upper beam 6 rests on the top panel element, and is locked in this position by two clamping members 15, one at each end.

The clamping members are placed in the clamping slot and above the upper beam, one at each end of the upper beam 6. The clamping members are clamped in the clamping slot in such a manner that they engage with the upper beam from above and lock the latter between panel elements and clamping members 15.

By means of the upper beam 6 and the locking clamping members 15, the stacked panel elements 4 are also locked between the lower beam 3 and the upper beam 6. The panel elements 4 thus do not have to be secured individually which facilitates installation and shortens the required installation time.

Analogous to the clamping members 9 for supporting the lower beam 3, the clamping members 15 for locking the upper beam 6 from above comprise a clamping body 16 and a clamping bolt 17. In the preferred embodiment of a garden screen 1 according to the invention illustrated in Figs. 1-5, the clamping members 15 which engage with the upper beam 6 from above are furthermore provided with a connecting pin 18 for positioning the upper beam 6. To this end, both ends of the upper beam 6 are provided with a tongue- shaped end 19 with an opening therein for accommodating the connecting pin 18.

When said locking clamping member is fitted in the clamping slot, the connecting pin extends substantially parallel to said clamping slot. The connecting pin is placed in the opening of the upper beam intended for clamping the clamping member in order thus to position the upper beam and fix it in the correct position.

After a panel has been fitted in a clamping slot of the two support posts, a panel can be fitted between one of the two support posts which support the first panel and a third support post. By repeating these steps, a garden screen comprising several panels can be obtained, which panels are coupled by means of support posts. In addition to being used to support panels, the support posts can also be used to support, for example, a gate or form part of a pergola or shed. The panels may form, for example, the walls of a garden shed. In an embodiment, a set according to the invention is also provided with coupling elements for attaching trusses for a pergola or garden shed. The coupling elements may, for example, be clamped into the hollow ends of the support posts and/or be secured in the clamping slots.

A fastening system of a garden screen according to the invention is also particularly suitable to produce various types of panels. In addition to the stacked panel as illustrated in Fig. 1 , it is possible, for example, not to stack all of the panel elements, but to allow one or more thereof to rest on clamping members which are fitted in the clamping slots. In this way, it is possible to reduce the load on the lower beam. Thus, it is also possible to provide a panel with one or more openings by not placing the panel elements directly on top of each other, but instead arranging the clamping members in such a way that some space remains between the panel elements. During installation of such a panel, the fitting of two clamping members is alternated with the placing of a panel element.

An alternative embodiment of a panel comprising panel elements which are spaced apart is shown in Figs. 6-9. The garden screen 101 illustrated in these figures comprises support posts 102 which are of a similar design to the support posts 2 of the garden screen 1 illustrated in Figs. 1-5.

The garden screen 101 rests on a clamping member 109 in a similar way to the supporting clamping member 9 illustrated in Figs. 1-5. The clamping member also comprises a clamping body 110 and a clamping bolt 111. The clamping member is fitted in a clamping slot 105 of the support post 102 for supporting the lower beam 103.

The lower beam 103 is provided with a recess 113 for accommodating, in the fitted state, the supporting clamping member 109. The lower beam 103 differs from the lower beam illustrated in Figs. 1-5 in that it is not provided with a clamping body to lock the lower beam in the clamping slot. The lower beam 103 is furthermore provided with openings on the upper side for accommodating panel elements 104, in particular the ends of elongate panel elements.

The upper beam 106 of the garden screen 101 is also provided with recesses for accommodating ends of the panel elements 104. The elongate panel elements can thus be accommodated in a vertical position between the lower beam 103 and the upper beam 106.

The panel elements 104 are thus not stacked on top of each other, but each rest directly on the lower beam 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings for

accommodating the ends of the panel elements are spaced apart so that the elongate panel elements are supported at regular intervals. The panel elements 104, the lower beam 103 and the upper beam 106 thus form a panel 108 which has vertical openings between the panel elements 104.

In an alternative embodiment, the openings in the lower beam and upper beam are positioned in such a manner that the panel elements are placed against each other and/or are at an angle to each other.

Finally, the upper beam 106 is not provided with a tongue element with an opening, but with an end provided with a U-shaped recess 119 in which a connecting pin 118 of the locking clamping member 115 can be accommodated. However, this principle functions in the same way as the principle described for the upper beam 6 of the garden screen 1 illustrated in Figs. 1-5 and is interchangeable with it.

In an alternative embodiment of a set according to the invention, the shape and/or dimensions of the panel elements are varied. Thus, elongate panel elements of different length may be provided for assembling panels of a specific width or height.

In a further embodiment, the panel elements are provided with a mesh structure.

Thus, a panel element may, for example, be made from concrete mesh or similar mesh material. Such a panel is particularly suitable as a guide for plants, for example ivy. Such a mesh panel is preferably designed to have a relatively large surface, so that a significant part of the panel between the two support posts is formed by the panel.

Fig. 10 shows a garden screen 201 as illustrated in Figs. 1-5 in which a mesh-shaped

220 panel element is used. The mesh-shaped panel element takes up approximately half the surface of the total panel 208 between the two support posts 202 and thus replaces several of the elongate closed panel elements, as can clearly be seen when comparing Figs. 1 and 10. Due to the fact that the mesh material 220 does not cover the entire surface of the panel 208, the dimensions of the mesh panel are limited and the panel element can still be transported relatively easily. Preferably, the mesh material is sufficiently flexible to be rolled up, preferably without being permanently deformed, and to be unrolled in order to thus facilitate transportation. Preferably, additional features are incorporated in the clamping slots for supporting the mesh element.

In the exemplary embodiment of a garden screen 201 according to the invention illustrated in Fig. 10, the mesh-shaped panel element 208 is placed on the other closed panel elements 204 by using an intermediate element 221 with a flat upper side. On top of this intermediate panel element, illustrated in Fig. 11 , a profile element 222 is placed which is provided with a groove for accommodating the bottom edge of the mesh element 220.

In addition, strips 223 with a receiving groove for receiving the lateral edges of the mesh-shaped panel element 220 are placed in the clamping slots 205 of the support posts 202, as is illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13.

The shape and attachment means of upper beam 206, illustrated in Fig. 15, correspond to those of the upper beam 6 illustrated in Figs. 1-5. However, the dimensions of the U profile are adapted to accommodate the mesh-shaped panel element 220.

The groove-shaped accommodating means which are shown in Figs. 10-14 can also be used to accommodate other plate-shaped panel elements, for example plexiglass panels.

It will be clear that other coupling elements can be used to install the plate-shaped panel elements, such as the mesh-shaped panel element, on, for example, elongate closed panel elements. For example, a closed panel element may be provided which has a receiving opening for accommodating the bottom edge of the mesh-shaped panel element, so that a separate connecting element 222 is not required. Further connecting options are deemed to be within the scope of the person skilled in the art.

In an embodiment of a garden screen, and thus a set, according to the invention, the flanges of the clamping slot in the support posts are provided, on the sides facing each other, with an indentation which extends parallel to the clamping slot. The indentation is suitable for accommodating a ridge adjoining the latter which is provided on strips for covering the clamping slot. The clamping slots thus offer a possibility of fastening relatively flat strips. Such an indentation 224 is shown in the flanges 212 of the clamping slot 205 in Figs. 12 and 13. The strips 223 are provided with a ridge which can be pushed or clicked into the indentation in order to fix the strips in the opening of the clamping slot.

In a further embodiment, the clamping members, in particular the clamping body of the clamping members, are provided with a ridge for engagement with the indentation in the flanges. In this way, the clamping members can be clamped between the flanges and thus easily be positioned before they are fixed by being clamped on the clamping slot. In an alternative embodiment of a strip for covering the clamping slot, the strip is provided with click-action fingers or other clamping members which are inserted into the clamping slot in order to fix the strip in the clamping slot.

A set according to the invention is designed to produce a garden screen in which the panel, preferably comprising the lower beam and the upper beam, extends between the two support posts. The panel is thus delimited on either side by the support posts which preferably protrude forwards with respect to the panel. Consequently, the invention combines a new manner of fixing, that is to say the use of a clamping slot and clamping members, with the typical appearance of a garden screen, that is to say a pattern of vertical support posts which protrude forwards with respect to recessed panels. This contributes to the acceptance of the garden screen by the consumer.

The support posts illustrated in Figs. 1-9 are each provided with a rectangular cross section and a clamping slot in each outer surface. However, a support post for a garden screen according to the invention may also have a different cross section, for example a circular cross section or a triangular cross section. A support post may be provided with a single clamping slot for a post at the end of a garden screen or with several clamping slots, so that the post can serve as a coupling element, for example for supporting two or more panels, as a corner post or for supporting a panel in a clamping slot and a door in another clamping slot. It is also possible to use the clamping slots for attaching other components of a garden screen provided with a clamping member. For example a fitting for lighting fixtures, such as garden torches, or a bracket for a hanging plant may be provided with a clamping member for interacting with the clamping slot of a garden screen according to the invention.

A garden screen according to the invention thus comprises several modular elements which are combined by means of a clamping slot and clamping members to form a garden screen. A clamping member according to the invention preferably comprises a clamping body and a clamping bolt. The clamping bolt is preferably provided with a head designed to interact with an Allen key. In an alternative embodiment, a head may also be provided which is designed to interact with a screwdriver. Other types of heads are also possible.

In addition to the components for supporting and forming a panel, these may include components of a gate, lighting fixtures, ground anchors, etc.

Fig. 15 shows a support post, the upper end of which is covered by a top cover 20 which is provided on the underside with fingers which engage with the central opening of the support post to fix the cover.

Fig. 16 shows a support post which is provided with a clamping member comprising a fitting 21 with incorporated LED lighting fixtures. By means of such clamping members, the lighting fixtures can easily be fitted to the support posts of the garden screen. In addition, the clamping member makes it possible to adapt or correct the position of such fittings and, for example, to remove the lighting fixtures during the winter in a simple manner and store them indoors.

The fitting illustrated in Fig. 16 is elongate and designed to be fitted in the clamping slot in such a manner that it is fitted in the clamping slot in a countersunk manner. The clamping slot is thus partly used as a housing for the fitting and protects it against weather conditions. The power supply cable for the lighting fixtures also runs in the clamping slot. The fitting of the LED lighting fixtures forms the clamping body which is placed in the clamping slot and is provided with clamping bolts at the ends to clamp the fitting in the clamping slot.

When the power supply cable of a fitting runs through the clamping slot, strips are preferably also provided which can be fixed to the clamping slot in order to protect the power supply cable provided therein further.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Fig. 16, the fitting adjoins a top cover provided with a solar panel 28 and with batteries for storing the power generated during the day. The batteries are preferably placed in the hollow core of the support post 2, but may also be incorporated in the cover on the support post. The batteries provide the LED lighting fixtures with power. The LED lighting fixtures are provided with a switch for switching them on and off, preferably an automatic switch which switches the LED lighting fixtures on when it gets dark.

In an alternative embodiment, the clamping member is provided with a fitting with a bearing arm which places the source of light at a distance from the support post and in which the bearing arm is preferably hollow to guide the power supply cable of the fitting to the clamping slot of the support post. Preferably, such a fitting is provided with a passage opening for guiding a power supply cable via the clamping member in the clamping slot. In this way, the power supply cable can easily be hidden from view.

In a further embodiment, the lighting fixtures may be incorporated in the cover which closes off the top of the support post, for example in the form of a lamp which is placed on the support post.

Fig. 19 shows two support posts from a set or garden screen according to the invention, between which a gate or door 22 is fitted. The panels and other support posts which form the garden screen have been omitted from the figure. Fig. 20 shows components of a hinge of the door from Fig. 19 in detail.

The door 22 is attached to the support post by means of three clamping members, each provided with a hinge pin 23, for rotatably supporting the hinge of the door. The other support post is preferably provided with locks for the door, for example a latch.

In an embodiment, the support posts on either side of the door are connected to each other at their upper end by means of a bracket, lower beam and/or upper beam and/or panel element for forming a door opening and for enhancing the structural connection between garden screen and door.

In the illustrated embodiment, the door is provided with three elongate door brackets 24. One end of the door brackets is provided a bus 25 for accommodating the hinge pin of the clamping member 23 and the other end is designed to support a door. The first end and the second end are fitted in an offset manner with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bracket for supporting a door in a door opening on a hinge pin fitted outside said door opening, as is illustrated in Fig. 21. With such a bracket, the hinge pin does not have to be fitted in the door opening, as a result of which the passageway is optimized when the door is open.

In a further embodiment, a set according to the invention comprises an additional clamping member provided with a tongue part for supporting a door in a closed position, for example such as the door stop 30 illustrated in Fig. 22. The door stop is pulled against the flanges of the clamping slot by means of a clamping body which is fitted in the clamping slot of the support post. Preferably, the additional clamping member is provided with a recess for accommodating the latch of a door in a closed position, preferably for accommodating the latch in the clamping slot of the support post to which the additional clamping member is attached. In this way, the door, in the closed state, can fit tightly against the support post.

A garden screen according to the invention is preferably sold and transported in components and only assembled at the location where the garden screen has to be placed. The simple, strong and detachable clamping connection between the support posts and other components makes it possible for the untrained consumer to assemble the garden screen. Thus, for example the panels which are fitted between the support posts do not have to be assembled by the producer of the garden screen, but can be transported as a compact set of separate components, thus facilitating transportation.

Preferably, the consumer can assemble and/or extend the set of a garden screen according to the invention from a supply of various modular components on his/her own in order thus to obtain a garden screen which meets his/her specific requirements. For example, the number of support posts and panels which is required, but preferably also the type of panels, gates and accessories, such as fittings, can be determined by the consumer. Preferably, different basic sets are offered, for example a set for a panel comprising mesh- shaped panel elements, a set for a closed panel, a set for a door which can be combined with a closed-panel set, etc.

In a further embodiment, components for assembling a pergola or, for example, a garden shed are provided which can be secured in the clamping slot of the support posts according to the invention by means of clamping members. The invention also provides a set for assembling a garden screen as described above, furthermore comprising a manual for assembling the garden screen, in which preferably one or more of the abovementioned steps are described.

The panel elements are preferably made from WPC wood or a similar wood composite. It is also possible to make the panel elements from a plastic element or from metal boxes, for example a box made of aluminium panel parts. In a further embodiment, it is also possible to use panel elements which are completely made of wood.

The lower beam and the upper beam are preferably produced as a metal extrusion profile, preferably an aluminium extrusion profile. Metal lower beams have a greater stiffness and are therefore suitable for supporting and locking several panel elements. In an alternative embodiment, they can be made of wood or plastic or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the shapes of the panel elements and lower beam and/or upper beam substantially or completely correspond to each other.

The clamping members preferably comprise a metal clamping body with a threaded opening for accommodating the clamping bolt. In an alternative embodiment, the clamping body is made of plastic and comprises a bus for accommodating the clamping bolt. The clamping bolt is preferably made of steel.

The ground anchors illustrated in Fig. 1 are meant for anchoring a post in the ground by drilling or pushing it into the soil. In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 17, the ground anchor is a plate-shaped attachment 29 provided with holes for fixing the support post on bolts in a concrete base or surface by means of nuts. The illustrated attachment is provided with a coupling part which is incorporated in the core of the support post.

In an alternative method according to the invention, a panel, preferably comprising a lower beam and upper beam, is assembled before it is placed between two posts. With such a method, it is also possible to attach the support posts to the panel first, following which the panel and support posts are erected and the support posts are anchored to or on the surface.

In the exemplary embodiment of a garden screen according to the invention illustrated in Fig. 1 , the support posts are provided with a rectangular, in particular a square, cross section, with a clamping slot in each of the four outer surfaces. The support post can thus be provided with a panel on four sides and is therefore particularly suited as a modular element for assembling different garden screens. Such a support post can be used as an end post, as a corner post or as a part of a T-shaped connecting piece for three different panels or as a cross-shaped connecting piece for four panels.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 , the entire panel, including the lower beam and upper beam, rests on two clamping members, thus facilitating the assembly of the screen. In an alternative embodiment, the panel elements and, if desired, the upper beam are designed at both ends for engaging with clamping members fitted in a clamping slot. By supporting the one or more panel elements and, if desired, the upper beam separately, using clamping members, the load is distributed across several clamping members, as a result of which the clamping members can be made more lightweight. In addition, panel elements can be spaced apart, resulting in a panel which is not closed, but has openings. As a result thereof, a greater degree of variation is possible in the number of types of garden screens which can be assembled.

In a further embodiment of a set according to the invention, the panel elements and the lower beam and preferably the upper beam are the same shape. The panel elements are thus designed to also function as a lower beam and/or upper beam, which facilitates the assembly of a panel. After the clamping members have been installed in the two support posts, the panel elements can be stacked in any desired order to form a panel. The panel element forms the lower beam and the top panel element preferably forms the upper beam which is locked by means of clamping members.

Fig. 18 shows a further embodiment of a part of a set according to the invention, in particular a clamping member 30 for supporting the lower beam. When the clamping member is fitted in a clamping slot, as illustrated in the figure, the tongue element extends at right angles to the external surface in which the clamping slot is provided. The tongue element is suitable for interacting with a panel element or lower beam which is provided at both ends with an indentation for accommodating such a tongue part, so that the lower beam or the panel element can be pushed from above onto the tongue part of the clamping member fitted in a clamping slot. Such an embodiment of a connection between the lower beam and the clamping members facilitates the installation of the lower beam and/or panel element. In addition, due to the tongue element, there is a relatively large contact surface between the clamping member and the crossbeam, which is advantageous for transmitting forces from the lower beam to the support post via the clamping member.

The tongue part of the clamping member as illustrated in Fig. 18 is provided with openings and can thus also be used for fastening, for example, plate-shaped panel elements, for example by means of a screw connection.

In a further embodiment of a set and garden screen according to the invention, the clamping members form an integral part of the lower beam and/or the upper beam.

A set according to the invention may also, in addition to several support posts, lower beams and panel elements, comprise one or more of the above-described components, such as fittings and locks for doors.

Figs. 23 and 24 show components of the decking 301 , in particular a set for assembling decking according to the invention. Fig. 23 shows two crossbeams 302, three clamping members 303 and three decking planks 304. The decking planks 302 are formed as a hollow aluminium extrusion profile with a substantially rectangular cross section and are provided with a clamping slot 305 in the external surface of one of the four outer sides. The clamping slot extends in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam and is delimited on either side by a flange 312 for interacting with clamping members 303.

In the illustrated example, the crossbeams 302 are connected to vertical support posts 307 by means of a bracket 306. In an alternative embodiment the crossbeam can be supported in other ways, for example when building a roof terrace on one or more stacked tiles.

The clamping members 303 are placed between the decking planks in such a manner that they extend, in particular the clamping body of the clamping members extends, parallel to the edges of said decking planks 304 and engage therewith.

The decking planks 304 are placed parallel to each other on the crossbeam for assembling decking on the crossbeams.

On their longitudinal sides, the decking planks 304 are provided with an edge 311 for interacting with one or more clamping members 303, in particular a clamping body of one or more clamping members.

The crossbeam 302 and the clamping members 303 are shown in more detail in Fig. 24. In this figure, the components of the clamping member are illustrated separately. This includes a sliding body 308 which is placed in the clamping slot 305 of the crossbeam 302, a clamping body 309 for engaging with the edges of two adjoining decking planks 304 placed on the crossbeam 302, and a clamping bolt 310 for connecting the clamping body 309 to the sliding body 308. By tightening the clamping bolt 310, the sliding body 308 is pulled against the flanges 312 of the clamping slot 305 from the inside, on the one hand, and the clamping body 308 is pulled in the direction of the crossbeam 302, on the other hand.

The clamping body is provided with a central opening for accommodating a nut for engaging with the sliding body. The clamping member 303, in particular the clamping body 309 of the clamping member, engages with the edges of the decking plank. By tightening the clamping bolt, the clamping body clamps the decking plank on the crossbeam.

By means of the above-described components, the decking 301 , partly shown in Fig.

23, or the terrace decking or veranda can be assembled. The crossbeams 302 form the girders of the decking 301. The decking planks 302 are placed on top of the crossbeams 302 in order to produce the decking. The decking planks are secured on the clamping slots 305 in the crossbeams 302 using clamping members 303.

Due to the fact that with a set according to the invention, the connections can readily be released and can be displaced along the crossbeam, the position of a connecting element can be corrected in a simple manner, with the old position not leaving any traces on the crossbeam, as is the case with screw connections.

The embodiment of the clamping members illustrated in Figs. 23 and 24 is provided with a T-shaped clamping body 309. When the clamping member clamps decking planks onto the crossbeam, the narrow part of the T-shaped body is positioned above the flanges 312 of the crossbeam 302. The wide part of the T-shaped clamping body engages from above with the edges 311 of decking planks 304, placed on either side of the narrow part, in order thus to clamp the decking planks onto the crossbeam.

At the opposite ends, the narrow part of the clamping body 309 is provided with flexible fingers 313 for smoothly positioning the clamping body with respect to a decking plank. In the illustrated embodiment of the clamping body, the narrow part of the body extends above the edges of the crossbeam and the flexible fingers extend beyond the edges of the crossbeam. Viewed from above, the flexible fingers form a V shape and project freely next to the crossbeam.

In an alternative embodiment of a set according to the second aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, clamping members 403 with a clamping body 409 in the form of an extrusion profile are provided. The extrusion profile has a U-shaped cross section, with a protruding support flange 414 on either side of the opening and, at a distance from the support flanges and parallel thereto, a clamping flange 415 on either side of the clamping body in such a manner that the edge 411 of a decking plank 404 can be pushed into the space between the clamping flange and the support flange. Preferably, the support flange 414 and the clamping flange 415 are fitted at such a distance that the decking plank 404 can be accommodated in between in a clamped manner. The support flange 414 is furthermore provided with openings 416 for accommodating a bolt for engaging with the sliding body 408.

In the fitted state, as illustrated in Fig. 25, the extrusion profile 409, or a combination of several extrusion profiles, extends along the entire length of the decking planks 404, so that a strip formed by decking planks always alternates with an edge formed by the clamping body. By means of such a clamping member, it is possible to produce a closed decking, that is to say decking without gaps between the decking planks. This has the advantage that no small objects can fall in between the decking planks. At the same time, the strip forms a clear demarcation between the different strips of decking planks, so that the typical appearance of decking is retained.

With the embodiment of the clamping member illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, the height of the clamping body 409, that is to say the height of the U profile, is equal to the thickness of the decking planks 404. Consequently, in the fitted state illustrated in Fig. 25, the upper surface of the U profile is substantially level with the decking surface formed by the decking planks and thus forms part thereof. In this way, even and flat decking is achieved.

The clamping body and the crossbeam are preferably extrusion profiles made of aluminium. The decking planks are preferably made of a composite wood, such as WPC wood. In an alternative embodiment, the decking planks are made of wood or plastic.

In an embodiment of the decking, and thus a set, according to the invention, the mutually facing sides of the flanges of the clamping slot in the crossbeams are provided with an indentation which extends parallel to the clamping slot. The indentation is suitable for accommodating an adjoining ridge provided on sliding bodies of the clamping members. The clamping slots thus provide a fastening means for the sliding elements which can thus be click-fitted between the flanges and can easily be positioned in this way before they are fixed in the clamping slot by means of clamping. Such an indentation is shown in Figs. 23 and 24.

The invention furthermore provides decking composed of a set for assembling the decking as described above, and in a method for assembling such decking.

A method for assembling decking according to the invention comprises the following steps. Placing a clamping body on the two or more crossbeams, placing a decking plank on the crossbeam with the ridge of the decking plank being situated between the crossbeam and the clamping body of the clamping member placed on said crossbeam, tightening the clamping bolts of the clamping members and thus securely clamping the decking plank onto the crossbeam. These steps can be repeated for assembling decking.

A clamping member according to the invention comprises at least a clamping body and a clamping bolt. In such a configuration, preferably used with a garden screen according to the invention, the clamping bolt engages with the rear wall of the clamping slot and the clamping bolt pushes the clamping body against the inner side of the flanges of the clamping slot. Such a clamping member is particularly compact. In an alternative

embodiment, preferably used with decking according to the invention, a clamping member comprises a sliding body, a clamping body and a clamping bolt. In such a configuration, the clamping bolt does not engage with the rear wall of the clamping slot, but with the sliding body which is placed in the clamping slot. The clamping body is not situated inside, but outside the clamping slot and is pulled onto the outer side of the flanges of the clamping slot onto the edges of a decking plank by the clamping bolt to fix the clamping member in the clamping slot. A clamping member having such a configuration can also be used with a garden screen according to the invention.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Set for assembling a garden screen, at least comprising

- an elongate lower beam, provided with a first and a second end, each designed to engage with a clamping member arranged in a clamping slot of a support post from above in such a manner that the lower beam extends between both support posts and at right angles to the outer surface of the support post in which the bottom clamping member is arranged, - two clamping members, each designed to be fixed in the clamping slot of a support post by being clamped onto the flanges of said clamping slot, and to support the lower beam in said position, and

- one or more panel elements for assembling a panel between the two support posts, preferably in such a manner that said panel rests on the lower beam.

2. Set according to claim 1 , furthermore comprising:

- an elongate upper beam, provided with a first and a second end designed to engage with a top clamping member fitted in a clamping slot of a support post from below such that the upper beam extends between both support posts and at right angles to the outer surface of the support post in which the top clamping member is fitted, and rests on the panel formed by the one or more panel elements, and

- two clamping members, each designed to be fixed in the clamping slot of a support post by being clamped onto flanges of said clamping slot and, in said position, to engage from above with an upper beam which at least partly rests on a panel composed of one or more panel elements.

3. Set according to claim 2, in which the upper beam is provided in the form of an extrusion profile having a substantially U-shaped cross section, for at least partly accommodating a longitudinal side of a panel element.

4. Set according to claim 2 or 3, in which the clamping members for engaging with the upper beam from above are provided with a connecting pin which extends substantially parallel to said clamping slot when the clamping member is clamped in a clamping slot and in which the upper beam is provided at both ends with an opening for accommodating the connecting pin of a clamping member.

5. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the lower beam is provided at the bottom side of both ends with a recess for engaging with and at least partly accommodating a clamping member which is clamped in the clamping slot, in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the underside of the lower beam is substantially level with or lower than the underside of the clamping member and the lower beam largely covers the clamping member.

6. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the two ends of the lower beam are formed in such a manner that they engage with the clamping slot in such a manner that, in the fitted state, a part of the ends of the lower beam is situated in the clamping slot and bears against the flanges of the clamping slot, and preferably against a rear wall of the clamping slot.

7. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the two ends of the lower beam are formed in such a manner that they extend inside the clamping slot when the lower beam engages with a clamping member, and in which the lower beam is provided with flanges for engaging with those sides of the flanges of the clamping slot facing the clamping slot for positioning the lower beam in the longitudinal direction with respect to the support post.

8. Set according to the preceding claim, in which the support beam is provided with a recess for accommodating a clamping member, in such a manner that said clamping member forms the flanges of the crossbeam.

9. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the clamping members for supporting the lower beam comprise a tongue element which extends at right angles to the external surface in which the clamping slot is provided when the clamping member is fitted in a clamping slot and in which the lower beam is provided at both ends with an indentation for accommodating such a tongue part, so that the crossbeam can be pushed from above onto a clamping member which is fitted in a clamping slot.

10. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which one or more of the panel elements are designed as elongate beams which, in the fitted state, extend between both support posts for assembling a panel, which panel elements are preferably provided with coupling means on the upper and lower side for coupling stacked panel elements to one another.

11. Set according to at least claims 1 and 2, wherein the panel elements are elongate and the lower beam is provided with accommodating openings at the top for accommodating ends of a panel element, and the upper beam is provided with such accommodating openings at the bottom, so that the panel elements can be placed between the upper beam

5 and the lower beam for assembling a panel.

12. Set according to claim 10, in which the panel elements and the lower beam have the same shape, and preferably the panel elements and the upper beam have the same shape.

10 13. Set according to one or more of claims 1-10, in which one or more of the panel elements have a mesh structure, and are preferably made from concrete mesh or similar mesh material.

14. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, in which the flanges of the 15 clamping slot are provided, on the sides facing each other, with an indentation which

extends parallel to the clamping slot for accommodating a strip for covering the clamping slot, preferably a strip for accommodating the edge of a panel element.

15. Set according to claim 14, furthermore comprising one or more strips designed to

20 engage with the clamping slot, preferably provided with lateral ridges for interacting with the indentation in the flanges of the clamping slot to cover the clamping slot and/or furthermore comprising clamping members provided with lateral ridges for interacting with the indentation in the flanges of the clamping slot.

25 16. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a ground anchor for each support post for securely fixing said support post in or on the ground or surface.

17. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising two or 30 more clamping members provided with a hinge pin for rotatably supporting the hinge of a door.

18. Set according to claim 17, furthermore comprising an elongate door bracket, provided at one end with a socket for accommodating the hinge pin of the clamping member according

35 to the preceding claim, and designed to support a door at the opposite end, in which the first end and the second end are preferably arranged offset with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bracket for supporting a door in a door opening on a hinge pin fitted outside said door opening.

19. Set according to claim 17 or 18, furthermore comprising an additional clamping member 5 provided with a tongue part for supporting a door in a closed position.

20. Set according to claim 19 in which the additional clamping member is provided with a recess for accommodating the latch of a door in a closed position, preferably for guiding the latch in the clamping slot of the support post to which the additional clamping member is

10 fitted.

21. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a clamping member comprising a fitting for, for example, LED lighting fixtures, preferably with a passage opening for guiding a power supply cable via the clamping member in the

15 clamping slot.

22. Set according to claim 21 , in which the fitting is elongate and is designed to be fixed in the clamping slot in such a manner that it can be fitted into the clamping slot so as to be flush mounted.

20

23. Set according to claim 21 , in which the fitting is provided with a bearing arm which places the source of light at a distance from the support post, and in which the bearing arm is preferably hollow for passing the power supply cable from the fitting to the clamping slot of the support post.

25

24. Set according to one or more of the preceding claims, furthermore comprising a top cover for covering the top end of a support post, which top cover comprises a solar collector, and is preferably provided with batteries which can be charged by the solar collector.

30 25. Garden screen, composed of a set according to one or more of the preceding claims, which garden screen at least comprises:

- two vertically placed support posts,

- two clamping members, arranged in a clamping slot of the support posts in such a manner that each of the posts is provided, at substantially the same height, with a clamping member

35 which is clamped in a clamping slot for supporting the lower beam in said position, - a lower beam which substantially extends in the horizontal direction between both support posts and the ends of which engage with the clamping members arranged in both posts in such a manner that the clamping members support the lower beam, and

- one or more panel elements placed on the lower beam for assembling a panel between 5 both support posts, which panel preferably rests on the lower beam.

26. Garden screen according to claim 25, in which the lower beam is provided at the bottom side of both ends with a recess and by means of the latter engages with the clamping member which is clamped in the clamping slot, in such a manner that the lower beam largely

10 covers the clamping member.

27. Garden screen according to claim 25 or 26, in which the two ends of the lower beam are each situated in a clamping slot and bear against the flanges of the clamping slot, and preferably against a rear wall of the clamping slot.

15

28. Garden screen according to at least claim 2 and one or more of claims 25-27, furthermore comprising:

- an elongate upper beam which extends substantially in the horizontal direction and parallel to the lower beam between the two support posts, and rests at least partly on the panel

20 made up of the one or more panel elements, and

29. Garden screen according to claim 28, in which the clamping members which engage 25 with the upper beam from above are provided with a connecting pin which extends

substantially parallel to said clamping slot, and the upper beam is provided with an opening at both ends, in which the connecting pin of a clamping member is accommodated.

30. Method for assembling a garden screen, preferably according to one or more of claims 30 25-29, using a set according to one or more of claims 1-24, comprising the following steps:

- placing the support posts,

- clamping a clamping member in a clamping slot of the support posts at substantially equal height,

-positioning the lower beam between the two support posts, the lower beam being lowered 35 from above onto the clamping members in such a manner that the two ends of the lower beam rest on the two clamping members in the clamping slots, and - placing one or more panel elements on the lower beam for assembling a panel between the two support posts, which panel preferably rests on the lower beam.

31. Method according to claim 30, furthermore comprising:

5 - placing an upper beam on the one or more panel elements for closing off the panel, and

- clamping a clamping member in both support posts for locking the top crossbeam into position from above on the one or more panel elements.

32. Set according to one or more of claims 1-24, furthermore comprising a manual for

10 assembling the garden screen, in which preferably the steps according to claim 30 or 31 are described.

33. Set for assembling a decking, at least comprising

- two crossbeams, each being a substantially hollow aluminium extrusion profile with a 15 substantially rectangular cross section and provided with a clamping slot in the external surface of at least one of the four outer sides, in which the clamping slot extends in the longitudinal direction of the crossbeam and is delimited on either side by a flange for interacting with a clamping member,

- several clamping members, each comprising a sliding body for being displaceably

20 accommodated in the clamping slot, a clamping body for engaging with the edges of two adjoining decking planks placed on the crossbeam, and a clamping bolt for connecting the clamping body to the sliding body,

- several decking planks, for assembling decking on the crossbeams, in which the longitudinal sides of the decking planks are provided with an edge for interacting with one or

25 more clamping members, in particular the clamping body of one or more clamping members.

34. Set for assembling decking according to the preceding claim, at least comprising:

clamping members with a T-shaped clamping body, the narrow part thereof, in the fitted state, being positioned above the flanges of the crossbeam, and the wide part being

30 positioned to engage, in the fitted state, with the edges of decking planks placed on either side of the narrow part from above in order thus to clamp the decking planks onto the crossbeam, which clamping member is provided with a central opening for accommodating a nut for engaging with the sliding body.

35 35. Set for assembling decking according to the preceding claim, in which the narrow part of the clamping body is provided at two opposite ends with flexible fingers for positioning the clamping body with respect to a decking plank.

36. Set for assembling decking according to the preceding claim, in which, in the fitted state, the narrow body extends up to the edges of the crossbeam and the flexible fingers extend beyond the edges of the crossbeam.

37. Set for assembling decking according to claim 1 , at least comprising: clamping bodies which are formed as extrusion profiles, in which the extrusion profile has a U-shaped cross section with a protruding support flange on either side of the opening and, at a distance from the support flanges and parallel thereto, a clamping flange on either side of the clamping body in such a manner that the edge of a decking plank can be pushed exactly into the space between the clamping flange and the support flange, or can preferably be

accommodated in between in a clamping manner, and in which the support flange is provided with an opening for accommodating a bolt for engaging with the sliding body.

38. Set for assembling decking according to the preceding claim, in which the height of the U profile is equal to the thickness of the decking planks, in such a manner that, in the fitted state, the upper surface of the U profile is substantially level with the decking surface formed by the decking planks and thus forms part thereof.

39. Decking composed of a set according to one or more of claims 33-38.

40. Method for assembling decking according to claim 39.

41. Clamping member for use in a garden screen and/or decking according to the invention.