CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/621,753, titled PORTABLE DECK INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION AND STOW-AWAY FEATURES, filed Jan. 25, 2018, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY This disclosure is directed generally to a portable deck assembly and more specifically, to a portable deck assembly having transportation and stow-away features.
BACKGROUND Often times, while camping or otherwise spending time in remote locations, activities are limited due to the nature of the landscape. For example, assembling a tent can become difficult when the ground is wet, rocky, or otherwise uneven. Similarly, sand on the beach sometimes makes the use of beach chairs or towels undesirable or uncomfortable. There is a need for a portable device that provides a barrier between natural elements while still allowing for easy transport and assembly. This type of portable device would allow for easy use while camping, tailgating, visiting the beach, spending time in a backyard, or any other location wherein such a portable device would be useful.
SUMMARY In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable deck assembly equipped with various features that allow for easy transportation, storage, and use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various features of the embodiments described herein, together with advantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as follows:
FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a portable deck, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 2 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 1 including additional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 2, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the portable deck of FIG. 2, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 2, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 6 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 1 taken along section 6-6, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 7 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 8 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 7 including additional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 9 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 8, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 10 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 8, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 11 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 8, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 12 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 7 taken along section line 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 13 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 14 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 13 including additional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 15 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 14, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 16 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 14, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 17 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 14, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 18 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 13 taken along section 18-18, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 19 depicts a partially-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 14, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 20 depicts a fully-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 14, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 21 depicts an enlarged view of one type of wheel used in accordance with any embodiment of the portable decks disclosed herein.
FIG. 22 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 23 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 22 including additional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 24 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 23, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 25 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 23, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 26 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 23, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 27 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 22 taken along section line 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 28 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 29 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 28 including additional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 30 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 29, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 31 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 29, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 32 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 29, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 33 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 28, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 34 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 35 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 34 including additional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 36 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 35, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 37 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 38 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 37, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 39 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 37, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 40 depicts a partially-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 37, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 41 depicts a fully-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 37, according to one aspect of this disclosure.
FIG. 42 depicts an enlarged view of one type of wheel used in accordance with any embodiment of the portable decks disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are herein included as a portion of the present disclosure. In the drawings, similar symbols and reference characters typically identify similar components throughout the several views, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspects described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other aspects may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented in the present disclosure.
Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to portable deck assemblies which allow for easy transportation and assembly during use in remote locations. The portable deck assemblies can provide a solid, stable, and uniform surface while still providing for easy transport and assembly in remote locations. Not only do the features of the portable deck assemblies allow for easy transport, but such features also allow for easy storage when the portable deck assembly is not in use.
In at least one aspect, the portable deck assembly comprises a rounded configuration. The rounded portable deck assembly comprises at least eight sections arranged in a radial pattern. The outer portion of each section includes a curved panel which defines the rounded circumference comprising the outer edge of the portable deck assembly. Each section can comprise at least two underside supports configured to support a plurality of planks. The plurality of planks can be assembled together to comprise individual sections such as the at least eight sections discussed above. The planks can decrease in size as they move toward the center of the portable deck assembly. In other aspects, the portable deck assembly can comprise a square or rectangular shape. In additional aspects, the portable deck assembly can comprise a variety of suitable shapes and sizes, which can be tailored to a specific use.
In at least one aspect, the portable deck assembly can comprise a diameter of approximately nine feet. However, each portable deck assembly disclosed herein is not limited to this particular size. Embodiments comprising smaller or larger diameters are also contemplated. For example, a portable deck assembly comprising a slightly smaller diameter can correspond to use by one individual. As another example, a portable deck assembly comprising a slightly larger diameter can correspond to use by several individuals at once. Embodiments including multi-level deck assemblies are also contemplated. For example, a smaller deck assembly can be attached to a larger deck assembly supported on an elevated platform. A series of steps can be included in this embodiment to allow for a user to travel from one deck to another. Such an embodiment can provide for use on multilevel terrain or for aesthetic purposes.
In at least one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure can also comprise weather and heat resistant materials. For example, the portable deck assembly can be constructed from pressure-treated wood which is a common material for permanent decks constructed for homes. In particular, the most suitable variations of pressure-treated wood include southern yellow pine. Other suitable variations include natural woods, such as redwood and cedar. Any other wood variations, such as tropical hardwoods, are also contemplated for use in the construction of the portable deck assemblies disclosed herein. In at least another aspect, the portable deck assembly can be constructed from a composite material including a blend of recycled plastics and wood fibers. In other aspects the portable deck assembly can be constructed from any suitable melt-processed plastic such as PVC or polystyrene. Other suitable materials include aluminum decking materials which are known for their heat-dissipation properties. The portable deck assembly can be constructed from any other materials which constructed for use outdoors.
In at least certain aspects, the portable deck assemblies disclosed herein can be equipped with various features that would benefit a user in remote areas. For example, each deck assembly can be equipped with an attachable lock box to store valuables while camping or visiting the beach. Other features envisioned are solar-powered charger ports for charging cell phones and other electronic devices while in remote locations. Additional features include towel racks that can be folded into the edges of the portable deck assembly.
Turning now to FIG. 1, a portable deck assembly 200 comprises at least eight weight-shaped sections 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, and 224 arranged in a radial pattern. Each of the weight-shaped sections 210-224 comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks 230a-230g and 232a-232g, which define a rectangular cross-section or the like therein. The planks 230a-230g and 232a-232g are connected by fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. The outer portion of each weight-shaped section 210-224 includes a curved panel 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 223, and 225 respectively which defines the rounded circumference comprising the outer edge 229 of the portable deck assembly 200. Each weight-shaped section 210-224 comprises at least two underside supports 204 configured to support the plurality of planks 230a-230g and 232a-232g. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 200 can be configured to fold in half along section line 6-6, as illustrated in FIG. 1. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 200 defines an aperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section 208. The circular cut out section 208 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 200, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 200.
The portable deck assembly depicted in FIG. 1 is further illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. The portable deck assembly 200 comprises a set of wheels 202. In at least this embodiment, the wheels are non-treaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 202 can be treaded in order to provide traction on uneven surfaces. The portable deck assembly 200 comprises a support structure 204 which connects the wheels 202 to the portable deck assembly 200. The support structure 204 is connected to the portable deck assembly 200 by a series of connector portions 206 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 200. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 208 at the center of the deck assembly. As discussed above, the circular cut out section 208 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 200, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 200.
FIG. 6 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 1 taken along section 6-6, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the portable deck assembly 200 comprises an upper layer 240a and a lower layer 240b and the circular cutout section 208 is defined in both the upper layer 240a and the lower layer 240b. The upper layer 240a comprises the plurality of planks 230a-230g and 232a-232g. The lower layer 240b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panels such as 250 and 252. The panels such as 250 and 252 may be of various materials such as the weather and heat resistant materials described above, for example. The top layer 240a and the bottom layer 240b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.
Turning now to FIG. 7, a portable deck assembly 400 comprises at least eight weight-shaped sections 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, and 424 arranged in a radial pattern. Each of the weight-shaped sections 410-424 comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks 430a-430g and 432a-432g, which define a rectangular cross-section or the like therein. The planks 430a-430g and 432a-432g are connected by fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. The outer portion of each weight-shaped section 410-424 includes a curved panel 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, and 425 respectively which defines the rounded circumference comprising the outer edge 429 of the portable deck assembly 400. Each weight-shaped section 410-424 comprises at least two underside supports 404 configured to support the plurality of planks 430a-430g and 432a-432g. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 400 can be configured to fold in half along section line 12-12, as illustrated in FIG. 7. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 400 defines an aperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section 408. The circular cut out section 408 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 400, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 400.
A portable deck assembly similar to that depicted in FIG. 7 is illustrated in FIGS. 8-12. The portable deck assembly 400 comprises a set of wheels 402. In at least this embodiment, the wheels 402 are treaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 402 can be non-treaded when less traction is desired due to the nature of the terrain. The portable deck assembly 400 comprises a support structure 404 which connects the wheels 402 to the portable deck assembly 400. The support structure 404 is connected to the portable deck assembly 400 by a series of connector portions 406 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 400. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 408 at the center of the portable deck assembly. Similar to cut out section 208 above, the circular cut out section 408 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 400, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 400.
FIG. 12 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 7 taken along section 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, the portable deck assembly 400 comprises an upper layer 440a and a lower layer 440b and the circular cutout section 408 is defined in both the upper layer 440a and the lower layer 440b. The upper layer 440a comprises the plurality of planks 430a-430g and 432a-432g. The lower layer 440b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panels such as 450 and 452. The panels such as 450 and 452 may be comprised of various materials such as the weather and heat resistant materials described above, for example. The top layer 440a and the bottom layer 440b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.
Turning now to FIG. 13, a portable deck assembly 600 comprises at least eight weight-shaped sections 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, and 624 arranged in a radial pattern. Each of the weight-shaped sections 610-624 comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks 630a-630g and 632a-632g, which define a rectangular cross-section or the like therein. The planks 630a-630g and 632a-632g are connected by fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. The outer portion of each weight-shaped section 610-624 includes a curved panel 611, 613, 615, 617, 619, 621, 623, and 625 respectively which defines the rounded circumference comprising the outer edge 629 of the portable deck assembly 600. Each weight-shaped section 610-624 comprises at least two underside supports 604 configured to support the plurality of planks 630a-630g and 632a-632g. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 600 can be configured to fold in half along section line 18-18, as illustrated in FIG. 13. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 600 defines an aperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section 608. The circular cut out section 608 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 600, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 600.
A portable deck assembly similar to that depicted in FIG. 13 is illustrated in FIGS. 14-16. The portable deck assembly 600 comprises a set of wheels 602. In at least this embodiment, the wheels 602 are treaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 602 can be non-treaded when less traction is desired due to the nature of the terrain. The portable deck assembly 600 comprises a support structure 604 which connects the wheels 602 to the portable deck assembly 600. The support structure 604 is connected to the portable deck assembly 600 by a series of connector portions 606 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 600. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 608 at the center of the portable deck assembly. Similar to those discussed above, the circular cut out section 608 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 600, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 600.
Turning now to FIGS. 17 and 18, in addition to the features discussed above, the portable deck assembly 600 can comprise a pair of hinges 628. In other aspects, the portable deck assembly 600 can comprise additional sizes and/or numbers of the hinges 628. The portable deck assembly is shown in an open configuration in FIG. 17 wherein the hinges 628 are laying flat along the backside of the portable deck assembly 600. The hinges 628 can comprise any material suitable for use outdoors. FIG. 18 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 13 taken along section 18-18, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 18, the portable deck assembly 600 comprises an upper layer 640a and a lower layer 640b and the circular cutout section 608 is defined in both the upper layer 640a and the lower layer 640b. The upper layer 640a comprises the plurality of planks 630a-630g and 632a-632g. The lower layer 640b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panels such as 650 and 652. The panels such as 650 and 652 may be made of various materials such as the weather and heat resistant materials described above, for example. The top layer 640a and the bottom layer 640b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.
Turning now to FIG. 19, the portable deck assembly 600 is shown in a partially folded configuration. The portable deck assembly 600 is configured to fold in half in order to allow for easy storage. The portable deck assembly 600 is shown in a fully folded configuration in FIG. 20. FIG. 21 depicts just one example of a wheel 800 which is compatible with the portable deck assemblies described herein. As seen in FIG. 21, the wheel 800 can comprise a plurality of treads 803 to increase traction on a variety of surfaces. Other embodiments of portable deck assemblies comprise wheels without treads.
Turning now to FIG. 22, a portable deck assembly 1000 comprises a rectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1000 comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1030a-1030h and 1032a-1032h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the like therein. The planks 1030a-1030h and 1032a-1032h are connected by fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. The portable deck assembly 1000 comprises at least two underside supports 1004 configured to support the plurality of planks 1030a-1030h and 1032a-1032h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1000 can be configured to fold in half along section line 6-6, as illustrated in FIG. 22. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 1000 defines an aperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section 1008. The circular cut out section 1008 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1000, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1000.
The portable deck assembly depicted in FIG. 22 is further illustrated in FIGS. 23-27. The portable deck assembly 1000 comprises a set of wheels 1002. In at least this embodiment, the wheels are non-treaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 1002 can be treaded in order to provide traction on uneven surfaces. The portable deck assembly 1000 comprises a support structure 1004 which connects the wheels 1002 to the portable deck assembly 1000. The support structure 1004 is connected to the portable deck assembly 1000 by a series of connector portions 1006 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 1000. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 1008 at the center of the deck assembly. As discussed above, the circular cut out section 1008 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1000, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1000.
FIG. 27 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 22 taken along section 6-6, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 27, the portable deck assembly 1000 comprises an upper layer 1040a and a lower layer 1040b and the circular cutout section 1008 is defined in both the upper layer 1040a and the lower layer 1040b. The upper layer 1040a comprises the plurality of planks 1030a-1030h and 1032a-1032h. The lower layer 1040b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panels such as 1050 and 1052. The panels such as 1050 and 1052 may be of various materials such as the weather and heat resistant materials described above, for example. The top layer 1040a and the bottom layer 1040b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.
Turning now to FIG. 28, a portable deck assembly 1200 comprises a rectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1200 comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1230a-1230h and 1232a-1232h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the like therein. The planks 1230a-1230h and 1232a-1232h are connected by fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. The portable deck assembly 1200 comprises at least two underside supports 1204 configured to support the plurality of planks 1230a-1230h and 1232a-1232h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1200 can be configured to fold in half along section line 12-12, as illustrated in FIG. 28. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 1200 defines an aperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section 1208. The circular cut out section 1208 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1200, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1200.
A portable deck assembly similar to that depicted in FIG. 28 is illustrated in FIGS. 29-33. The portable deck assembly 1200 comprises a set of wheels 1202. In at least this embodiment, the wheels 1202 are treaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 1202 can be non-treaded when less traction is desired due to the nature of the terrain. The portable deck assembly 1200 comprises a support structure 1204 which connects the wheels 1202 to the portable deck assembly 1200. The support structure 1204 is connected to the portable deck assembly 1200 by a series of connector portions 1206 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 1200. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 1208 at the center of the portable deck assembly. Similar to cut out section 1208 above, the circular cut out section 1208 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1200, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1200.
FIG. 33 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 28 taken along section 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 33, the portable deck assembly 1200 comprises an upper layer 1240a and a lower layer 1240b and the circular cutout section 1208 is defined in both the upper layer 1240a and the lower layer 1240b. The upper layer 1240a comprises the plurality of planks 1230a-1230h and 1232a-1232h. The lower layer 1240b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panels such as 1250 and 1252. The panels such as 1250 and 1252 may be comprised of various materials such as the weather and heat resistant materials described above, for example. The top layer 1240a and the bottom layer 1240b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.
Turning now to FIG. 34, a portable deck assembly 1400 comprises a rectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1400 comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1430a-1430h and 1432a-1432h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the like therein. The planks 1430a-1430h and 1432a-1432h are connected by fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. The portable deck assembly 1400 comprises at least two underside supports 1404 configured to support the plurality of planks 1430a-1430h and 1432a-1432h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1400 can be configured to fold in half along the folding axis FA, as illustrated in FIG. 34. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 1400 defines an aperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section 1408. The circular cut out section 1408 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1400, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1400.
The portable deck assembly depicted in FIG. 34 is further illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36. The portable deck assembly 1400 comprises a set of wheels 1402. In at least this embodiment, the wheels are non-treaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 1402 can be treaded in order to provide traction on uneven surfaces. The portable deck assembly 1400 comprises a support structure 1404 which connects the wheels 1402 to the portable deck assembly 1400. The support structure 1404 is connected to the portable deck assembly 1400 by a series of connector portions 1406 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 1400. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 1408 at the center of the deck assembly. As discussed above, the circular cut out section 1408 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1400, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1400.
Turning now to FIG. 37, a portable deck assembly 1600 comprises a rectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1600 comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1630a-1630h and 1632a-1632h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the like therein. The planks 1630a-1630h and 1632a-1632h are connected by fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. The portable deck assembly 1600 comprises at least two underside supports 1604 configured to support the plurality of planks 1630a-1630h and 1632a-1632h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1600 can be configured to fold in half along the folding axis FA, as illustrated in FIG. 37. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 1600 defines an aperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section 1608. The circular cut out section 1608 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1600, and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1600.
Turning now to FIGS. 38 and 39, in addition to the features discussed above, the portable deck assembly 1600 can comprise a pair of hinges 1628. In other aspects, the portable deck assembly 1600 can comprise additional sizes and/or numbers of the hinges 1628. The portable deck assembly is shown in an open configuration in FIG. 38 wherein the hinges 1628 are laying flat along the backside of the portable deck assembly 1600. The hinges 1628 can comprise any material suitable for use outdoors. FIG. 39 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 37, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 39, the portable deck assembly 1600 comprises an upper layer 1640a and a lower layer 1640b and the circular cutout section 1608 is defined in both the upper layer 1640a and the lower layer 1640b. The upper layer 1640a comprises the plurality of planks 1630a-1630g and 1632a-1632g. The lower layer 1640b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panels such as 1650 and 1652. The panels such as 1650 and 1652 may be made of various materials such as the weather and heat resistant materials described above, for example. The top layer 1640a and the bottom layer 1640b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.
Turning now to FIG. 40, the portable deck assembly 1600 is shown in a partially folded configuration. The portable deck assembly 1600 is configured to fold in half in order to allow for easy storage. The portable deck assembly 1600 is shown in a fully folded configuration in FIG. 41. FIG. 42 depicts just one example of a wheel 1800 which is compatible with the portable deck assemblies described herein. As seen in FIG. 42, the wheel 1800 can comprise a plurality of treads 1803 to increase traction on a variety of surfaces. Other embodiments of portable deck assemblies comprise wheels without treads.
