WO2022112741A1

WO2022112741A1 - Balcony chassis

Info

Publication number: WO2022112741A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/052968
Authority: WO
Inventors: Adam PRESSLAND
Original assignee: GROUP Y Limited
Priority date: 2020-11-24
Filing date: 2021-11-16
Publication date: 2022-06-02
Also published as: GB202018467D0; EP4251815A1; GB2598415A; GB2598415B

Abstract

The invention provides a balcony chassis for supporting a balcony floor with an improved water drainage system. Water which lands on the balcony floor (30) passes through the floor and is collected by angled plates (130) supported by intermediate beams (120). The plates (130) direct the water to the front edge of the chassis and to the main structural beam 110. Beam 110 has a passage (111) through which the water passes from the inlet (112) to the outlet (113). A deflector (118) diverts the water flow horizontally outward from the outlet (113). A channel (115) is provided in the top edge of the beam (110) to locate a filter 116, which can be accessed from above for maintenance. The invention provides a balcony water management system with a "porous" structural beam at the front edge of the chassis which has a serviceable filtering system.

Description

Balcony Chassis

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a balcony chassis for supporting a balcony floor with an improved water drainage system.

Background

Balcony drainage is a fundamental consideration for a balcony system. The way liquid moves from the contact surface to a safe and desirable exit from the balcony needs improvement.

Liquids considered for a balcony drainage are not exclusive to rainwater, there must also be an allowance for hot liquids and chemical spills. "Water" is used in the claims and other parts of this specification for convenience, but is intended to cover any type of liquid incident on the balcony contact surface (floor).

Ensuing any liquid is drained safely to the exit location is a difficult task to achieve and therefore has been a longstanding issue for balcony designers.

Tracking water around balcony beams and joints, via capillary action, is also an important issue. Tracking water can move over joints and into locations not designed for water ingress, such as around welded or bolted connections. Water can cause issues in such places, including bimetallic corrosion and weakening of welded connections.

In terms of draining incident water from a balcony floor, previous designs have employed a sloping floor. However, this is not recommended by leading balcony manufacturers for safety reasons and it can also provide an uncomfortable experience for the balcony user. Traditionally therefore, the floor is level and water is drained through the floor, through the balcony framework, and onto a sloped soffit panel. Sometimes secondary internal sloping soffit trays are provided, however these are generally designed out to save cost.

Sloping soffits work satisfactorily to move the water away from the building fagade line and out of the soffit profile via an open end or gap. This type of soffit is usually made from interlocking aluminum sheets which are open at both ends.

One problem which occurs with sloping soffits is that debris can collect over time in the soffit tray which can lead to blockages and overloading of the soffits. Soffits are not easily serviced for reasons of access and design. There are also issues with capturing the waste without risk to maintenance personnel from falling objects, and having to be safely harnessed to the balcony flooring or on scaffolding or a mobile platform.

Architecturally, another issue with current sloped soffit designs is that, because they must be sloped, they cause unsightly lines and inconsistent gaps.

By virtue of the sloped soffit design, there is no scope for achieving any IP rating for the system. This lack of regulation and guidance therefore means it is difficult for warranty providers to correctly assess the suitability of the water system.

Another key failure of the current system is the requirement under the British standard for the liquid to be projected 30mm away from the balcony facia. This is intended to remove the possibility of liquid falling onto the balcony or persons below. Although possible with sloped soffits, this is challenging to achieve and the architectural finish would be unsightly and is extremely difficult to achieve.

On some balconies, drainage is required to the side of the balcony rather than the front. This is a complicated design process for pitched soffits as generally balconies are wide, and therefore when needing the fall ratio of 1:80 it can mean the soffits need to pitch a considerable amount. This can lead to large/deep balcony chassis, increased costs, and non-standardisation. The new British standards calls for reduced gaps on the soffit panels to support sound deflection, which goes against the need for sufficient water gaps in sloped soffit designs.

The invention, at least in preferred embodiments, is designed to address and overcome some or all of the above issues.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides a balcony chassis for supporting a balcony floor, comprising: an elongate structural beam extending along an edge of the chassis, a plurality of intermediate beams extending to the structural beam and forming a support base for the balcony floor, and one or more planar plates extending between or underneath the intermediate beams and forming a drainage surface configured in use to capture water incident from the floor above and to direct the water to the structural beam, wherein the structural beam includes a passage through the interior of the beam configured in use to direct water received on the top surface of the beam from the one or more plates to an outlet on the underside or bottom surface of the beam.

The balcony floor may be formed from a porous material or may be formed from impervious floor sections with drainage gaps left between each section. In either case, incident water will pass through the floor above and be collected by the one or more plates underneath.

Although the chassis may be any shape in plan view, balcony chassis are typically rectangular (including square). In this case, the chassis preferably has a proximal (rear) edge parallel and adjacent to the building fagade and a distal (front) edge parallel to and spaced from the building fagade. The structural beam of the invention may form the distal edge of the chassis. Additional structural beams in accordance with the invention may be employed to form the sides of the chassis, which are orthogonal to the distal edge. In this arrangement, a structural beam in accordance with the invention is provided along three sides of the chassis, to form a ring beam. The intermediate beams preferably extend in a direction orthogonal to the distal edge, to the elongate structural beam forming the distal edge, and preferably from the proximal edge to the distal edge.

The one or more planar plates for collecting the incident water form a drainage surface and direct the water to the front/proximal edge structural beam. The plate may be in the form of a tray or channel with up-turned sides. Preferably, a plurality of planar plates extend between the intermediate beams and form a plurality of drainage surfaces. The intermediate beams and plates may be configured to interlock together, for example by the plates being configured to hook over the intermediate beams or into grooves provided on the intermediate beams. Gaskets or a sealant may be employed to provide increased sealing in this area. The interlocking or sealing in this area can reduce the tracking of water around or into areas where water ingress is not desirable, for example around welds or fastenings.

Preferably, the one or more plates extend over substantially the full depth of the chassis, i.e. from the proximal edge (adjacent to the building fagade) to the structural beam forming the distal edge. A lip may be provided on the front edge of the plate at the structural beam, to direct water into the passage.

Preferably, the drainage surface formed by the one or more plates is angled relative to the intermediate beams. The surface therefore declines towards the structural beam when installed to provide a run-off surface. A fall ratio of about 1:80, as mentioned above, is preferred.

At least in preferred embodiments, the passage through the structural beam extends from the top surface of the structural beam to the bottom surface in use.

The passage may be a single passage or may be composed of a plurality of passages, which may be discrete/separate or may be interconnected. In a preferred embodiment, the structural beam is hollow or has void spaces in section, and may be formed by extrusion. In a particularly preferred arrangement, the passage comprises a void space inside the beam with the inlets and outlets being provided as apertures through the top and bottom surfaces of the beam into and out from the void space. The void space effectively forms a drainage channel running along the length of the beam, with inlets through the top surface above into the channel and outlets through the bottom surface below out of the channel. The inlets and outlets may be formed by any suitable means or material, for example a mesh, grating or perforations. Preferably, the inlets and outlets are formed by a plurality of apertures spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the beam. The size of aperture and spacing is not critical to the invention and will be determined depending on the size of the balcony area and the anticipated peak volume of water per unit of time, e.g. during heavy rain. Circular apertures of about 20mm in diameter spaced at 50mm centres has been found to work well in practice. In section, the drainage channel may be defined at least in part by one or more internal walls, e.g. formed by a plate or web. The wall may be angled in use to provide a sloping surface which directs the water to the outlets.

This preferred arrangement provides an internal drainage channel running along the length of the beam, with apertures above and below. This enables the beam to be formed by the efficient process of extrusion, with the apertures being machined afterwards. This is a more efficient drainage system than having individual passages through an otherwise solid beam and the channel is less likely to become blocked.

A filter is preferably provided at or adjacent the inlets to prevent debris entering the passage/drainage channel. Preferably, the filter is removable for maintenance,

A channel may be formed in the top surface of the structural beam and the inlet apertures formed through the bottom surface of the channel. The filter may be positioned in the channel. The filter may be formed from any suitable material, including mesh, grille, perforated sheet, porous material/layer, aggregate material/layer. The aggregate material/layer may be loose or unitary.

Instead of the filter, a sloped insert plate may be provided in the channel to direct incident water to one end of the beam. This feature is useful to divert the water to the side of the chassis, if side drainage is required. Alternatively, if a structural beam in accordance with the invention is provided at the side of the chassis, the insert plate may be employed to direct the water to the front structural beam for onward drainage.

A deflector or perimeter skirt may be positioned at or adjacent (underneath) the outlet to divert the exiting water horizontally outwards from the outlet in use. The deflector may be provided along part or all of the length of the beam. It has the effect of forming an elongate outlet spout for the water. The deflector can be used to project the water further outwards, away from the building, to meet any local regulations and, for example, to avoid the water falling on a balcony underneath.

The invention also provides a balcony for a building, including the chassis as described above and below in the preferred embodiment.

In at least the preferred embodiments, the invention provides a balcony water management system with a "porous" structural beam at the front edge of the chassis.

The porous balcony beam allows for a simple, serviceable, filtered water draining system. The water moves through the flooring surface. Once through the flooring, the water moves along and down the pitched trays directly into the front drainage channel. The trays are an integrated feature with the flooring bearers (intermediate beams). These are designed to eliminate the possibility of tracking water and allow for an IP rating to be given in these areas.

The water is filtered using a perforated filter sheet or collection of engineers aggregates, for example similar to a "French drain".

By using a direct route of travel and sealed edges between the trays and the flooring bearers, the water drains through the balcony with limited and almost no interface with any fastenings or welding, as applicable. The joints are sealed using a suitable gasket product to allow the product to achieve an IP rating. The drain can be serviced with ease, never posing any risk to the operative. The front decking or stone tiles can be removed to expose the drain mesh/aggregate filter. This can be removed, cleaned, and replaced in a straightforward operation with minimal risk.

The aluminum extruded deflector pairs with the ring beam to provide improved aesthetics around the balcony perimeter. The deflector can also be used to direct the water to any outlet location or in any direction. This is achieved without any change the balcony chassis and therefore allows for standardisation throughout. Finally, the deflector also allows for the water to project e.g. 30mm away form the facia and balcony below, therefore helping comply with BS 8579 regulations.

The invention overcomes many, if not all, of the issues encountered with sloping soffits described above. From underneath, a traditional flat, decorative soffit can be employed which will be more architecturally pleasing and does not require regular maintenance for drainage clearance.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a balcony in accordance with the invention attached to a building;

Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional and persepective view of a balcony chassis in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of a balcony chassis in accordance with the invention;

Figs. 4A and 4B show the intermediate beams and plates of the chassis of the invention; Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the side of a balcony chassis in accordance with the invention; and

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the balcony chassis showing the path of incident water. Detailed Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Fig. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a building 10 with a balcony 20 in accordance with the invention projecting from the building fagade. The main components of balcony 20 are the floor 30, balustrade 40, soffit 50 and chassis 100, which is described in more detail below.

Floor 30 is constructed from floorboards 31 with drainage gaps 32 (Fig. 3) provided between adjacent floorboards and at the edges. Balustrade 40 is attached to the chassis 100 by attachment member 41. Soffit 50 is a generally planar sheet and is used to provide an aesthetically-pleasing finished surface when the balcony is viewed from underneath.

Chassis 100 has a front edge 101, rear edge 102 adjacent the building fagade and side edges 103 (Fig. 5).

Figs. 2 and 3 show the components of chassis 100 in more detail.

Extruded structural beam 110 forms the front edge 101 of the chassis and also the side edges 103, so that a three-sided ring beam is formed. Beam 110 has a generally square cross-section and may be provided with channels for fasteners used for attaching the chassis components to one another, or components of the floor 30, balustrade 40 or soffit 50. Beam 110 is substantially hollow but may include one or more internal walls or webs to provide additional strength.

In accordance with the invention, beam 110 has a drainage passage 111 which is formed by one of the void spaces in the beam section, which runs the length of the beam. The passage has an inlet 112 in the top surface formed by a number of individual apertures in the top surface, and an outlet 113 in the bottom surface, similarly formed by a number of individual apertures in the bottom surface. One side of the passage is defined by internal wall 114 which is angled to direct water to the outlet 113. A channel 115 is formed in the top surface of beam 110, the inlet 112 being provided in the bottom surface of the channel. A filter 116 can be located in the channel, which can be accessible for maintenance by removing one of the flooboards 31.

Instead of a filter 116, an insert plate 117 may be fitted in the channel as discussed with reference to Fig. 5 below.

A deflector 118 is fitted to the beam 110 downstream of the outlet 113, to form an outlet spout which deflects the water horizontally outward.

Figs. 4A and 4B show the intermediate beams and plates of the chassis in more detail. Intermediate beams 120 run orthogonal to the structural beam 110, from back to front of the balcony chassis. In this embodiment, intermediate beams 120 are attached to the top surface of structural beam 110 and support floorboards 31 in the finished structure, which run across the balcony, parallel to the structural beam 110.

Drainage trays or plates 130 are mounted between adjacent intermediate beams. These plates have raised side edges 131 and have a hook profile 132 which is configured to engage with a slot on the intermediate beam defined by a projection 121. An optional gasket material may be provided between the components in this area to provide extra security against the tracking of water. The plates 130 are formed to provide a slight decline towards the structural beam so that incident water runs towards the inlet 112. A lip 133 is provided on the front edge of each plate 130.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the side of the balcony chassis. This is a view looking from the front edge of the balcony chassis towards the rear. The side edge 103 of the chassis is formed by another section of structural beam 110 in accordance with the invention. The other side edge may be sinilarly configured. This beam is the same as used to form the front edge 101 of the chassis, and has a passage 111, inlet 112, outlet 113 and channel 115. A deflector 118 also finishes the side profile and provides an aesthetic match to the front edge. In this view, an insert plate 117 is mounted in the channel 115 at an angle to direct the water to the front structural beam 110 and to prevent water from passing through the side structural beam. Inserts may be employed to direct water as appropriate in any of the channels 115 on any side of the chassis.

Fig. 6 shows a cross-sectional side view of the balcony chassis showing the path of incident water along the angled plate 130, through channel 115, inlet 112, passage 111, outlet 113 and onto deflector 118.

Reference Number List building 10 balcony 20 floor 30 floorboards 31 drainage gaps 32 balustrade 40 attachment member 41 soffit 50 chassis 100 front edge 101 rear edge 102 sides 103 structural beam 110 passage 111 (void space) inlet in top surface 112 (inlet apertures) outlet in bottom surface 113 (outlet apertures) internal walls/webs one 114 is angled to direct the water to the outlet channel 115 filter 116 insert plate 117 deflector 118 (outlet spout) intermediate beam 120 projections 121 to define slots plates/trays 130 raised side edges 131 hook profile 132, hooks into slot on intermediate beam lip on front edge 133

Claims

1. A balcony chassis for supporting a balcony floor, comprising: an elongate structural beam extending along an edge of the chassis, a plurality of intermediate beams extending to the structural beam and forming a support base for the balcony floor, and one or more planar plates extending between or underneath the intermediate beams and forming a drainage surface configured in use to capture water incident from the floor above and to direct the water to the structural beam, wherein the structural beam includes a passage through the interior of the beam configured in use to direct water received on the top surface of the beam from the one or more plates to an outlet on the bottom surface of the beam.

2. The balcony chassis of claim 1, wherein a plurality of planar plates extend between the intermediate beams and form a plurality of drainage surfaces.

3. The balcony chassis of claim 2, wherein the intermediate beams and plates are configured to interlock together.

4. The balcony chassis of any preceding claim, wherein the plate or plates extend over substantially the full depth of the chassis.

5. The balcony chassis of any preceding claim, wherein the drainage surface is angled relative to the intermediate beams.

6. The balcony chassis of any preceding claim, wherein the passage through the structural beam extends from the top surface of the structural beam to the bottom surface in use.

7. The balcony chassis of claim 6, wherein the passage comprises a void space inside the beam with the inlets and outlets being provided as apertures through the top and bottom surfaces of the beam into and out from the void space.

8. The balcony chassis of claim 7, wherein a filter is provided at or adjacent the inlets.

9. The balcony chassis of claim 8, wherein a channel is formed in the top surface of the structural beam and the inlet apertures are provided through the bottom surface of the channel, and wherein the filter is positioned in the channel.

10. The balcony chassis of claim 7, wherein a channel is formed in the top surface of the structural beam and the inlet apertures are provided through the bottom surface of the channel, and wherein a sloped insert plate is provided in the channel to direct incident water to the end of the beam.

11. The balcony chassis of any preceding claim, wherein a deflector is positioned at or adjacent the outlet to divert the exiting water horizontally outwards from the outlet in use.

12. A balcony for a building, including the chassis of any preceding claim.