GB2347439A - Modular decking system, e.g. for garden use - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular system of wooden or plastic decking sections, supported by single blocks 2 and joining blocks 3, and connected by dowels 4 to make a wide variety of decking, plant display and furniture applications. Decking of different shapes (as shown) can be built up in layers as shown, with additional post sections 8, screens 11 and risers 13, 14.

Description

PLANT DECKING This invention relates to a modular timber decking system which is adaptable enough to be used for the arrangement and display of garden plants and other garden sundries, for building seats and other garden furniture, and for erecting garden screens and arbours. Recycled plastic is a second alternative material for the modular system.

Timber decking is widely used as pedestrian walkways or as an alternative to paving. Such structures are made on site to suit each individual circumstance and are predominantly laid out in one horizontal plane with steps to differing levels as required.

Consequently a decking project is beyond the skills of most home owners. Further more, a decking project designed to incorporate seating, screening and raised plant display areas would involve major carpentry.

According to the present invention there is provided decking modules which interlock in horizontal and vertical planes offering a self build system of infinie variety. The modular system comprises decking sections which can be connected horizontally and vertically by means of pre-drilled joining and rising blocks secured with dowels. Pre-drilled modular posts can be attached to provide supports for screens and arbours, nest boxes, lighting, and many other garden accessories. The system is strong enough to walk on, or make into seating and other forms of garden furniture.

By way of example, one application of the modular decking system is described in conjunction with the following diagrams: Diagram A. shows eight examples of the prefabricated decking sections.

Diagram B. shows further components which make up the modular decking system.

Diagram C shows the construction details of a typical corner unit.

The Corner Unit in Diagram C. is made up of seven decking sections; three standard 650mm x 650mm sections, two half sections, one internal corner, and one external corner. Diagram A shows the dimensions of these and other sections, and identifies the pre-drilled holes to take the dowels.

The"first floor"of the unit is connected together using the Joining Blocks (3) and the Single Blocks (2). Diagram B shows that short dowels (4) are used to locate the decking sections to the Joining Blocks (3) finished with a Mushroom Hat (5) and securing Tack (6). Longer dowels (7) are needed however, if the structure is to continue up in a vertical plane. The "second floor"has been raised up 150mm above the first floor by using a combination of the Single Blocks (2) and the Joining Blocks (3). Spacers (3a) are provided to give greater variation to the height. Long dowels are again required to locate the round or square Post Sections (8) and Post Caps (10). These posts support a Screen (11) or Trellis (12). The edges of the decking can be decorated with a Log Roll (13) or Edging (14).

Suggested measurements of the components are as follows: Standard section 650mm x 650mm, made of 22mm x 75mm slats. Single rising blocks (2) 75mm x 75mm x 75mm Joining rising blocks (3) 75mm x 75mm x 152mm (holes at 77mm centres to give 2mm tolerance). Dowels (4) and (7) 26mm in 28mm holes. Post sections (8) 75mm x 75mm x 150mm.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1. A modular decking system made from wood or plastic which allows for the easy installation of pedestrian decking, plant display decking, and garden furniture by the use of the modular components of pre-fabricated decking sections, pre-drilled joining and rising blocks, securing dowels, and post sections.