GB2356409A

GB2356409A - Decking structure

Info

Publication number: GB2356409A
Application number: GB9925532A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael David Beechinor; Terence Hardy
Original assignee: LB Plastics Ltd
Current assignee: LB Plastics Ltd
Priority date: 1999-10-29
Filing date: 1999-10-29
Publication date: 2001-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-29
Also published as: GB2356409B; GB9925532D0

Abstract

The decking structure, primarily for use with static caravans, comprises a pair of spaced apart main frame elements 10 between which a number of transverse decking support members 12 extend so as to form a rigid frame 5A,5B. The main elements are formed from inverted U-shaped members and the decking support elements are formed from hollow box section elements and are interconnected by screws. A number of the frames can be joined together and some frames may have a reduced width at one end to form bay structures. The structure may also include uprights 6 to raise it off the ground, brackets via which the uprights are secured to the frame and a handrail system 8 formed between continuations of the uprights above the level of the decking.

Description

2356409 Decking and Veranda Systems This invention relates to decking and

veranda systems.

Veranda systems are increasingly constructed around static caravans to provide ease of access and an elevated walkway and seating area around at least part of the caravan. Such structures required to be elevated from the ground to the level of the floor of the caravan and require to be adaptable to suit variations in ground level around the caravan. Hitherto such structures have been custom built from timber on site and there is a need for a versatile veranda system which can be readily adapted to different situations. Moreover wooden veranda systems are unacceptable in many locations as they represent a fire hazard and are also liable to structural deterioration as a result of exposure to the weather.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a support frame for a decking structure comprising a pair of spaced main frame members and a plurality of transverse decking support members, opposite ends of said decking support members being supported on and connected to the main frame members to form a rigid frame structure.

Preferably said main frame members are of inverted U-shaped cross section, said decking support members being supported on and connected to the base of the U-section. Preferably also said decking support members are of hollow box section and of lighter construction than said main frame members. Preferably also said main frame and decking support members are of galvanised steel construction.

Advantageously the main frame members and decking support members are inter-connected by screws, access to which is gained through the open underside of the U-section of the main frame members. Preferably the width of the U-section main frame members is sufficient to allow access of a drill chuck between the sides of the U-section.

2 Advantageously the frame structure is of rectangular shape and dimensioned such that a plurality of frame structures may be assembled end to end to form an elongated walkway and may be assembled side by side to form a terrace.

Alternatively the frame structure may be of reduced width at one end compared with the other to form a bay structure. Advantageously the long side of the bay structure is approximately equal in length to the longer side of the rectangular frame units whereby to enable a bay to be formed at one end of a terrace constructed from such units.

The invention also provides a decking structure comprising a support frame according to any of the preceding paragraphs, a plurality of uprights on which the support frame may be mounted and connecting members attachable to the uprights to support the support frame at different levels on the uprights dependent on requirements.

The connecting members preferably comprise brackets adapted to be connected to said uprights and having projecting locating members engageable with the support frame. Advantageously the locating members are adapted to engage in the open ends of the main frame members of the support frame. Preferably the brackets are connected to said uprights by screwing.

Preferably also a plurality of alternatively useable locating members are provided to enable support frames to be supported on said uprights at intermediate locations between the ends of the frame, to enable abutting ends of adjacent frames to be supported on a single upright and to enable bay frames to be supported on associated uprights at alternative locations.

Preferably also bracket members are provided incorporating inclined support surfaces to enable fitting of a support frame to associated uprights in an inclined manner to form a ramp.

The uprights are preferably of reinforced extruded plastics form.

3 Advantageously the uprights may comprise an elongated metal core and an outer case of plastics material.

Preferably a plurality of decking planks are mounted on and secured to said support members. Advantageously said decking planks are arranged to interlock to form a continuous decking surface. The decking planks preferably extend transversely of said decking support members.

Preferably said decking planks comprise plastic extrusions having a slip resistant upper surface. The decking planks are preferably secured in place by screwing.

Preferably also selected ones of said uprights extend upwardly above the level of said decking to form spaced supports for a handrail assembly. Handrail support brackets are preferably provided on said uprights above the level of said decking for engagement with handrail units located between adjacent uprights. Said handrail support brackets are preferably attached to said uprights by screwing.

Preferably the handrail units comprise upper and lower rail members interconnected by a plurality of vertical posts. Advantageously said handrail support brackets define sockets adapted to receive and locate the ends of said upper and lower rail members of the handrail unit.

Thus according to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a support post for a veranda system comprising a lower end adapted to stand on the ground in use, at least one bracket member mounted on the support post intermediate its ends for attachment of a decking structure, an upper section of the post member adapted to form a support for a handrail system, and further bracket members mounted above said decking brackets to locate upper and lower rails of said handrail unit.

According to a still further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts for the construction of a veranda system including at least one metal 4 sub-frame, a plurality of post members, a plurality of locating and support members attachable to said post members in selected positions to engage and support said sub-frame on the post members, and a plurality of interlocking decking planks adapted to be mounted on and supported by said sub-frame.

Preferably the system also includes a plurality of handrail units connectable between upper sections of said posts above the level of said decking.

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

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a decking structure according to the invention with parts omitted for clarity; Fig. 2 is a plan view of a more complex decking assembly formed from components of the kind shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3A is an isometric view of one form of the support bracket; Fig. 3B is a fragmentary isometric view showing the manner of use of the support bracket of Fig. 3A; Figs. 4A and 4B are views similar to Figs. 3A and 3B showing an alternative form of bracket; Figs. 5A and 5B are similar views showing a further form of bracket; Figs. 6A and 6B are similar views showing yet another form of support bracket; Figs. 7A and 7B are similar views showing a still further form of support bracket; Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-section through a decking structure assembled to form a ramp; and Fig. 9 is an isometric view showing components of a handrail assembly.

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows two adjacent support frame units SA and 5B mounted on support posts or uprights 6. The uprights are shown at one side of the support frame structure only for purposes of clarity, but it should be appreciated that similar uprights will be located at the other side. Certain uprights extend a substantial distance above the support frame structure to enable attachment of a handrail assembly 8 described in more detail hereafter. At other locations the uprights 6 terminate a short distance above the frame structure. A plurality of decking panels 7 are also shown mounted on the frame structure, it being appreciated that in practice such panels will cover the whole structure but have mostly been omitted for purposes of clarity.

Each of the frame structures 5A and 5B comprises a pair of spaced parallel main frame members 10 of galvanised steel construction and of inverted U-shape in cross-section. The main frame members 10 are interconnected by a plurality of transverse decking support members 12 of galvanised iron construction and of hollow box section. The opposite ends of the decking support members 12 are supported on the upper surfaces of the main frame members 10 and are secured thereto by screws (not shown).

The support frame structure is designed for ease of assembly for which purpose it is assembled in an inverted position, the decking support members 12 first being placed in appropriate positions on the ground or other support surface and the main frame members 10 being placed over the respective ends of the frame members 12 with the open end of the Usection facing upwardly. The frame may then be assembled by screwing through the base of the Ushaped members 10 into the ends of the members 12. For this purpose the 6 width of the main frame members 10 is selected such that the legs of the U are sufficiently widely spaced to permit entry of a drill chuck between them to insert the screws. The assembled frame is then inverted to adopt the position shown in Fig. 1 - Each of the uprights 6 comprises an outer casing of hollow extruded plastic construction reinforced by a metal core (not shown). The frames 5A and 5B are mounted on the uprights 6 by locating members described in more detail hereafter. The decking planks 7 are then secured to the upper surfaces of the decking support members 12 whereby to form a continuous upper surface elevated from the ground by a distance determined by the position of the locating members on the uprights 6. The decking planks are of known construction comprising hollow extruded box sections having projecting longitudinally-ext ending flanges provided with apertures through which screws may be passed to secure successive planks to the frame structure in closely spaced or abutting relation. The planks preferably have ribbed upper surfaces to provide a non-slip walkway.

It will be appreciated that frame units of the kind described with reference to Fig. I may be assembled in a variety of ways to provide a decking structure. Fig. 2 illustrates a decking structure for use in association with a static caravan comprising a walkway defined by three units 5A, 5B and 5C arranged end to end, a terrace defined by two larger units 13A and 13B and two bay assemblies defined by bay units 14 and 15. When used in association with a caravan, the decking assembly will normally be elevated above the ground by a distance sufficient to bring it level to the floor of the caravan. Access steps 17 may be provided at any suitable location or at more than one location if desired. The assembly illustrated in Fig. 2 provides a walkway along one side of the caravan terminating in a terrace or patio area at one end. The outer periphery of the assembly is preferably fitted with a handrail described in more detail hereafter which converts the decking system to a form of veranda extending along one side and one end of the caravan.

A plurality of alternative support brackets are provided for use in 7 association with the uprights 6 to mount the frame structure on the uprights at different locations dependent on the nature of the overall veranda assembly. Fig. 3 illustrates a basic form of bracket 20 of generally U-shaped form having outwardly projecting flanges 21 provided with screwholes 22. These enable the bracket to be screwed to an upright 6 at a desired distance from the ground, the main body portion 23 of the bracket being shaped and dimensioned to locate within the hollow end of an associated main frame member 10 as shown in Fig. 3B. Brackets 20 are employed to attach one end of a frame to a pair of spaced uprights, for example as shown at the locations "A" in Fig. 2 where the end of the walkway meets the access step 17.

Fig. 4A shows a double width bracket 25 generally similar to bracket 20 but comprising a pair of spaced side by side body members 26A, 26B connected to common mounting flanges 27. Brackets 25 are employed at locations where the ends of two frame units of the kind shown in Fig. 1 abut one another, each of the body members 26A, 26B engaging in the end of one of the main frame members 10 of each frame unit. Brackets 25 thus enable the abutting ends of two adjacent frame members to be mounted side by side on a single upright 6. Brackets 25 are employed at locations such as "B" and "C" in Fig. 2 where adjacent frame units meet.

Fig. 5A shows an intermediate support bracket 30 comprising a mounting plate 31 provided with apertures 32 enabling it to be screwed in position on an upright 6 and a pair of inwardly directed arms 33 the upper edges of which are provided with outwardly turned mounting flanges 34. The flanges 34 serve to support the underside of a decking support member 12 intermediate the ends of a frame unit in the manner shown in Fig. 5B. Brackets 30 are shown at such intermediate locations in Fig. I of the drawings.

Fig. 6A shows a bracket 35 comprising a main body member 36 and inwardly off-set mounting flanges 37, the body member and the flanges being provided with screw holes 38. Brackets 35 are used at locations where a bay unit such as the unit 1S in Fig. 2 connects to main frame units intermediate their ends. At such locations the associated upright 6 is cut away to form a 8 recess to accommodate the adjacent main frame member 10 of the associated frame structure as shown in Fig. 6B, the bracket 35 serving to retain the frame member 10 in the position in the recess in the upright 6 and to prevent relative sliding movement between them.

Fig. 7A shows a form of bracket employed where adjacent main frame components of a bay unit meet at an angle other than 900. The bracket 40 comprises upper and lower sections 40a and 40b each comprising a generally horizontal base or top member 41, a pair of spaced securing flanges 42 and intermediate locating lugs 43. Screw holes 44 are provided in the flanges 42 and screwholes 45 are provided in the top and base members 41.

The bracket 40 is used in conjunction with a single bracket 20 as shown in Fig. 3A in the manner shown in Fig. 7B. The bracket 20 is secured to an upright 6 at the desired level, the upper and lower portions 40a and 40b of the bracket 40 are secured by flanges 42 to adjacent main frame members 10 and the resultant assembly is then engaged over the bracket 20 and secured in place by screws inserted through the holes 45. The guiding lugs 43 locate the bracket 40 on the bracket 20 in the correct position prior to screwing in place. The flanges 42 are inclined to one another by the angle at which the frame members 10 require to be arranged relative to one another.

Brackets 40 are shown at locations such as locations "D" in Fig. 2. Brackets of similar construction but with the components arranged at different angles to one another are employed at locations such as locations "E".

Fig. 8 shows a decking assembly arranged to form an incline or ramp, for example to enable wheelchair access to a caravan. The system comprises a plurality of support frames 5 similar to those shown in Fig. 1 arranged end to end and supported in pairs of uprights 6. The left hand frame 5 as shown in Fig. 8 is arranged horizontally, the frame units to the right being inclined at around 50. Decking planks 7 are mounted on the support frames 5 in the manner described with reference to Fig. 1. The support frame 5 is mounted on its associated uprights 6 by means of brackets of the kind shown at 20 in 9 Fig. 3A. The remaining units 5 are supported on their associated posts at increasingly lower levels by means of brackets SOA and SOB. Bracket SOA is similar in construction to the bracket 20 shown if Fig. 3A, but the main body member is inclined relative to the securing flanges to allow for the incline of the frame units 5. Likewise brackets SOB are similar to the double bracket 25 shown in Fig. 4A, but the projecting body members are similarly inclined relative to the securing flanges for the same purpose. The brackets are mounted at successively lower positions on their associated pairs of uprights 6 to allow for the inclination of the ramp. The projecting upper sections of the uprights 6 are adapted to receive a handrail assembly as described below.

As shown in Fig. 1, certain of the uprights 6 are of truncated form and terminate close to the level of the decking units. However a number of the uprights 6 extend upwardly for a substantial distance above the level of the decking units as shown in Figs. 8 and 9. The upper sections 6A of these uprights form a series of spaced supports for a handrail assembly 8 shown in Fig. 9. The handrail assembly comprises upper and lower rail members 56 and 57 inter-connected by a plurality of vertical bars 58. The upper and lower rail member project outwardly beyond the bars 58 at each end of the assembly and are adapted for engagement in complementary sockets 59 screwed to the upper sections 6A of the uprights 6. The sockets 59 are shaped to form a close fit around the ends of the handrail assemblies and thus hold them securely in place. In the arrangement shown in 'Fig. 2 a handrail assembly preferably extends from the steps 17 along the outer edge of the walkway formed by the units 5 and around the outer edges of the terrace and bay units 13A, 15, 14 and 13B to form a safety rail around the assembled structure. in the case of the ramp shown in Fig. 8 handrail units would generally be provided on both sides for safety purposes.

By virtue of the arrangements described there is provided a versatile system for the construction of decking and verandas from a plurality of standard modules which is of simple yet robust construction and may be readily adapted to suit a wide range of different locations by interconnecting support frame units in different combinations suited to the location and fitting handrail units where appropriate. Since the main support frames are of metal construction they impart strength and rigidity to the assembly. Moreover the construction of the main support frames is such that they may be assembled by use of a screwdriver only, as may the other components of the system. A wide range of different configurations may therefore be assembled from standard components without requiring the use of complex tools or equipment. Moreover the uprights serve the dual function of supporting the main support frames and the handrail assemblies which may both be fitted to the uprights at any desired level by locating the relevant mounting brackets in appropriate positions. The system is therefore extremely versatile and readily adapted to different site conditions and can serve to provide a level platform structure around a caravan or other unit which is located on sloping ground. The elimination of wooden components also reduces the fire hazard potential of wooden structures.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example the sizes and dimensions of the various components may be altered widely, various alternative forms of bracket may be employed and may be fitted to the uprights in different manners if desired. A variety of handrail units of different appearance may be provided and while the invention has been desc ribed primarily with reference to the construction of verandas for caravans, it may be employed in any situation where a decking system or walkway is required.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims:-

1. A support frame for a decking structure comprising a pair of spaced main frame members and a plurality of transverse decking support members, opposite ends of said decking support members being supported on and connected to the main frame members to form a rigid frame structure.

2. A support frame according to claim 1 wherein said main frame members are of inverted U-shaped cross section, said decking support members being supported on and connected to the base of the U-section.

3. A support frame according to claim I or 2 wherein said decking support members are of hollow box section and of lighter construction than said main frame members.

4. A support frame according to any of claims I to 3 wherein said main frame and decking support members are of galvanised steel construction.

S. A support frame according to any preceding claim wherein said main frame members and decking support members are inter-connected by screws, access to which is gained through the open underside of the U-section of the main frame members.

6. A support frame according to claim 5 wherein the width of the Usection main frame members is sufficient to allow access of a drill chuck between the sides of the U-section.

7. A support frame according to any preceding claim which is of rectangular shape and dimensioned such that a plurality of frame structures may be assembled end to end to form an elongated walkway or may be assembled side by side to form a terrace.

8. A support frame according to any of claims I to 6 which is of reduced 12 width at one end compared with the other to form a bay structure.

9. Support frames according to claim 7 and claim 8 wherein the long side of the bay structure is approximately equal in length to the longer side of the rectangular frame unit whereby to enable a bay to be formed at one end of a terrace constructed from units according to claim 7.

10. A support frame for a decking structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings.

11. A decking structure comprising a support frame according to any preceding claim, and a plurality of uprights on which the support frame is mounted by connecting members attached to the uprights to support the support frame thereon.

12. A decking structure according to claim 11 wherein said connecting members comprise brackets adapted to be connected to said uprights and having projecting locating members engageable with the support frame.

13. A decking structure according to claim 12 wherein said locating members are adapted to engage in open ends of the main frame members of the support frame.

14. A decking structure according to claim 12 or 13 wherein said brackets are connected to said uprights by screwing.

15. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to 14 including intermediate uprights at locations between the ends of the frame and locating brackets supporting said frame on said intermediate uprights.

16. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to IS including a plurality of support frames abutting end to end and brackets supporting said abutting ends on a common upright.

13

17. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to 16 wherein said locating members include brackets having inclined support surfaces, whereby to mount said support frame on said uprights in an inclined manner to form a ramp.

18. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to 17 wherein each of said uprights comprises an elongated metal core and an outer case of plastics material.

19. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to 18 wherein said decking planks are arranged to interlock to form a continuous decking surface.

20. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to 19 wherein said decking planks extend transversely of said decking support members.

21. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to 20 wherein said decking planks comprise plastic extrusions having a slip resistant upper surface.

22. A decking structure according to any of claims 11 to 2 1 wherein selected ones of said uprights extend upwardly above the level of said decking to form spaced supports for a handrail assembly.

23. A decking structure according to claim 22 including handrail support brackets mounted on said uprights above the level of said decking for engagement with handrail units located between adjacent uprights.

24. A decking structure according to claim 23 wherein said handrail units comprise upper and lower rail members interconnected by a plurality of vertical posts.

25. A decking structure according to claim 24 wherein said handrail support brackets define sockets adapted to receive and locate the ends of said upper and 14 lower rail members of the handrail unit.

26. A decking structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

27. A support post for a veranda structure comprising a lower section adapted to stand on the ground in use, at least one decking locating member mounted on the support post intermediate its ends to support a decking structure, an upper section of the post member adapted to form a support for a handrail system, and further locating members mounted above said decking locating member to locate upper and lower rails of said handrail unit.

28. A kit of parts for the construction of a decking structure including at least one metal sub-frame, a plurality of post members, a plurality of locating members attachable to said post members in selected positions to engage and support said sub-frame on the post members, and a plurality of interlocking decking planks adapted to be mounted on and supported by said sub-frame.

29. A kit of parts according to claim 28 wherein selected ones of said post members include portions adapted, when the kit is assembled, to extend upwardly above the level of said decking planks, locating members being provided for mounting on said portions of the post members to form spaced supports for a handrail assembly.

30. A support post or a kit of parts according to any of claims 27 to 29 wherein said locating members comprise brackets adapted to locate within or engage around associated parts of said sub-frame and said handrail assembly.

31. A support post for a veranda structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Fig. 9 of the accompanying drawings.

32. A kit of parts for the construction of a decking or veranda structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

33. A decking or veranda structure constructed from a kit of parts according to any of claims 28 to 30 or 32.

34. A decking structure including a metal sub-frame comprising a pair of spaced main frame members of inverted U-shaped cross-section and open at their ends, a plurality of transverse decking support members opposite ends of which are supported on and connected to the bases of the Usection main frame members whereby to define an upper support surface of said frame free of joints, a plurality of support posts, a plurality of locating members mounted on said support posts and adapted to engage within the open ends of said main frame members to support the sub-frame on the posts at a desired level above the ground, and a plurality of decking planks mounted on and supported by said upper support surface of said sub-frame.

35. A decking structure according to claim 34 wherein at least some of said uprights extend upwardly above the level of said decking to form spaced supports for a handrail assembly having portions thereof engaged with handrail support brackets mounted on the upper portions of said uprights.

36. A decking or veranda structure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

37. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.