Deck

Abstract

A support structure having a horizontal surface such as a deck or stage, the support structure having first and second modules which are interconnected together, the interconnection comprising a connector assembly having a first member with a vertically extending recess formed within a bottom wall thereof, the recess being bounded by first and second interior walls which each have a protrusion extending inwardly within the recess, and a second member comprising a U-shaped element having a base, first and second legs, each of the legs having an interior and an exterior wall with one of the legs having a recess formed in each of the interior and exterior walls such that the first leg sidingly fits within the recess formed within the first member and the second leg extends upwardly adjacent one of the first and second side walls to receive and support an adjacent module.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a horizontal structure which may be used to support various items and/or people, such horizontal support structures typically being known as stages, decks and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most support structures having a horizontal surface are essentially similar in nature. They carry different names depending upon the function which they are to perform. Thus, temporary stages which may be erected and later disassembled are well known in the art. They are typically used during performances by artists or the like. The flooring of the stage is generally at an elevated level and is supported by legs or a similar structure.

A deck is also a support structure having a horizontal surface and is more commonly associated with a residence or the like. The deck may be either a single level or constructed to be multi levels. Again, the horizontal structure is supported at a desired height by legs or the like.

There are many proposals in the art for both decks and stages. These can range from assembling a single module or utilizing a multi modular approach which allows the stage or deck to be easily assembled and later disassembled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a horizontal support structure having a horizontal surface which comprises a connector assembly comprising a first member having a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, a vertically extending recess formed within the bottom wall, the recess being bounded by first and second interior walls, each of the first and second interior walls each having a protrusion extending inwardly within the recess towards an opposite interior wall, a second member comprising a U-shaped element, the U-shaped element having a base, first and second legs, each of the base and first and second legs having an interior and an exterior wall, the first leg having a recess formed in each of the interior and exterior walls, the arrangement being such that the first leg sidingly fits within the recess within the first member, whereby the protrusions on the interior walls engage within the recesses formed in the interior and exterior walls of the first leg, the second leg of the second element extending upwardly adjacent one of the first or second side walls to receive and support an adjacent module.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connection system which may be utilized to connect various modules of support structures together and which connector assembly comprises a support structure having a horizontal surface, said support structure comprising first and second modules, said first and second modules each having a rectangular configuration with each module having a side wall, one of said side walls having a connector assembly formed therein, said connector assembly comprising a first member having a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall, a vertically extending recess formed within said bottom wall, said recess being grounded by first and second interior walls, each of said first and second interior walls having a protrusion extending inwardly within the recess towards an opposite interior wall, a second member comprising a U-shaped element, said U-shaped element having a base, first and second legs, each of said base and first and second legs having an interior and an exterior wall, said first leg having a recess formed in each of said interior and exterior walls, the arrangement being such that said first leg sidingly fits within said recess within said first member, whereby said protrusions on said interior walls engage within said recesses formed in the interior and exterior walls of said first leg, said second leg of said second element extending upwardly adjacent one of said side walls to receive and support a side wall of said second module.

A basis for the horizontal support structure is a plurality of longitudinally extending members which are assembled together in a modular arrangement. The size of the modules may vary with typical sizes being 2×4; 4×4; 2×8; 4×8; etc.

Each of the modules will include at least one support truss. The support trusses can be made of any desired material, and in the prior art most comprise a wood support truss. However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a metallic support truss and preferably a support truss formed of an aluminum material.

In connection with the above, there will be provided adjustable legs which are known in the art. Bolts may be utilized to connect the adjustable legs.

In addition to the above, the modular arrangement may utilize positioning pins, screws, and the like, all of which are known in the art.

Typically, the units are assembled upside down using a truss which is attached to the other materials by screws and the like.

The surface material may be selected from many known materials. These can vary from wood to various plastic and metallic materials. In one embodiment of the present invention, particularly when the structure is to be used as a deck in a backyard, a material having an imprinted wood finish is desirable. Alternatively, wood per se may be utilized. Some wood structures may include exotic woods including, for example, dragon wood, mora, amarillo, amargo, cumaru.

The modules are held together along their sides or ends using a connector assembly. A preferred embodiment of a connector assembly is shown in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a frame at a corner of the deck component;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the frame corner from the inside thereof;

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective of a single unit which may form a portion of a deck;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the connection of one unit to an adjacent unit;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the side frame member; and

FIG. 7 shows a further connecting device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings in greater detail and by reference characters thereto, there is illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 a portion of frame 10. As illustrated, there is a plurality of frame members generally designated by reference numeral 12. A leg receptor generally designated by reference numeral 14 is formed on the interior of a corner. Leg receptor 14 includes a pair of attachment plates 16 which are secured to the frame member 12 by means of bolts 18. As will be noted, there is an overlapping portion 20 which abuts the end of a leg inserted in leg receptor 14. Bolts 22 are used to secure a leg (not shown) in leg receptor 14. A channel 17 is formed by frame members 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, a single unit 24 of a stage or deck will have a plurality of leg receptors 14 situated at the corners and along one or more sides thereof.

A connector assembly designated by reference numeral 26 is best seen in FIGS. 5 and 6 and reference will now be made thereto. Connector assembly 26 forms a portion of frame member 12 which has an inner wall 28 and an outer wall 30. A top wall 32 is provided upon which the finishing surface such as wood or a metallic sheet material may be placed with extension 31 retaining the sheet material in place.

Frame member 12 includes a pair of inner spaced walls 34 to thereby define a recess 36. On one of the inner walls 34 there is provided a first protrusion 38 while on a facing wall there is provided a second protrusion 40.

A connector element generally designated by reference numeral 42 has a first leg 44, a second leg 46 and a third leg 48. First leg 44 includes recesses 50 and 52 on opposite sides thereof. Recesses 50 and 52 are designed to engage protrusions 38 and 40. As may be seen in FIG. 5, when connector element 42 is placed in position within recess 36, it may slide and is retained in position. Third leg 48, in conjunction with outer wall 30 defines a channel or recess which is designed to receive the unit while leg 48 fits within channel 17.

The deck or stage of the present invention has a number of advantages. Thus, any treatment can be done prior to installation and it would be possible to easily disassemble the structure for storage during the winter. Indeed, it would be possible for a homeowner to move the unit the same as furniture. The deck structure can be used in many different locations. As it is built of sturdy material, little maintenance is required.

It will be understood that the above described embodiment is for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A connector assembly comprising:

a first member having a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall;

a vertically extending recess formed within said bottom wall, said recess being bounded by first and second interior walls, each of said first and second interior walls and having a protrusion extending inwardly within the recess towards an opposite interior wall;

a second member comprising a U-shaped element, said U-shaped element having a base, first and second legs, each of said base and first and second legs having an interior and an exterior wall, said first leg having a recess formed in each of said interior and exterior walls, the arrangement being such that said first leg sidingly fits within said recess within said first member, whereby said protrusions on said interior walls engage within said recesses formed in the interior and exterior walls of said first leg, said second leg of said second element extending upwardly adjacent one of said first or second side walls to receive and support an adjacent module.

2. A support structure having a horizontal surface, said support structure comprising first and second modules, said first and second modules each having a rectangular configuration with each module having a side wall, one of said side walls having a connector assembly formed therein, said connector assembly comprising:

a first member having a first side wall, a second side wall, a top wall and a bottom wall;

a vertically extending recess formed within said bottom wall, said recess being grounded by first and second interior walls, each of said first and second interior walls having a protrusion extending inwardly within the recess towards an opposite interior wall;

a second member comprising a U-shaped element, said U-shaped element having a base, first and second legs, each of said base and first and second legs having an interior and an exterior wall, said first leg having a recess formed in each of said interior and exterior walls, the arrangement being such that said first leg sidingly fits within said recess within said first member, whereby said protrusions on said interior walls engage within said recesses formed in the interior and exterior walls of said first leg, said second leg of said second element extending upwardly adjacent one of said side walls to receive and support a side wall of said second module.