Abstract: The waterproof decking is a series of embodiments of extruded panels for forming a watertight deck assembly. First side, second side, and intermediate panels are provided, each having complementary edges for mating with other corresponding panels. One edge of the first side and intermediate panels is provided with a drainage gutter and the tongue or groove of a tongue and groove connection, with mating edges of the second side and intermediate panels being provided with the mating tongue or groove configuration, depending upon the embodiment. Each of the embodiments includes a depending drip rail which serves to wedge tightly against the opposite wall of the gutter of the adjoining panel to prevent relative motion between the two, and also to prevent capillary flow of liquid across the underside of the panel where it could leak into the area below. Additional sealing may be provided along the tongue and groove joints.

Abstract: Covers, systems and methods for covering boards and deck components, such as the floorboards, side rails, among other elongate structural deck components. In one embodiment, a system for covering a board includes at least one cover and at least two couplings. Each of the couplings is adjacent a corresponding one of the pair of opposed sides of the board. The couplings each define a channel adapted to receive and retain therein a corresponding portion of the cover when the cover is positioned on the board.

Abstract: A deck covering apparatus for selectively covering a portion of a deck from the elements. The deck covering apparatus includes a pair of support assemblies each having a base portion and a rail member. The base portion is designed for coupling to a support structure. The rail member is coupled to the base portion whereby the base portion of each of the support assemblies is designed for supporting the rail member of an associated one of the support assemblies in a spaced relationship above the deck. Each of a plurality of panel assemblies is slidably coupled to the rail member of each of the support assemblies. Each of the panel assemblies is slidably positionable along a length of the rail member of each of the support assemblies whereby each of the panel assemblies are designed for covering a portion of the deck from the elements.

Abstract: Covers, systems and methods for covering boards and deck components, such as the floorboards, side rails, among other elongate structural deck components. In one embodiment, a cover generally includes a top portion and a pair of opposed side portions downwardly depending from the top portion to frictionally receive and grip the board between the side portions when the cover is positioned on the board. Each of the cover's side portions define at least one slot adapted to extend around portions of another board or joist positioned below the board when the cover is positioned on the board.

Abstract: A roof transition assembly for a roof deck having a corrugated sheet and a rigid sheet wherein a base component is positioned at the perimeter of the roof deck and has two legs. The first leg secures the base component to the corrugated sheet, and the second leg extends from the first leg, generally parallel to a free edge of the roof deck. The second leg includes an anchoring surface. An upper component positioned at the perimeter of the roof deck has a connector portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is secured to the roof deck, and the connector portion extends from the anchor portion and overlays and is secured to the anchoring surface of the base component, thus anchoring the base component and upper component to the roof deck.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a predetermined size, shape, and thickness with a bolt hole adapted to receive a bolt therein and a method of attaching the apparatus to a ledger board sufficient to prevent rotation of the apparatus with respect to either the ledger board or the bolt hole. Modifications include securing the apparatus to the ledger board by the use of screws passing through a plurality of mounting holes provided in the apparatus or by the use of pointed protrusions that extend from the apparatus and which are pounded into the ledger board. Other modifications are described that include the use of intermediate shim spacers to vary the overall thickness of the spacer and of angled spacers for use with beveled types of siding.

Abstract: A deck panel includes a generally planar body portion having an upper surface and first and second side surfaces on opposed sides of the upper surface. An elongated tongue extends outwardly from and along the first side surface. An elongated groove is defined in and extends along the second side surface, the groove being adapted to receive a second tongue. The deck panel is formed of a polymeric material.

Abstract: A lumber substitute product formed by two elongated plastic members which are secured together and configured to have the external cross sectional shape of the product for which it is a substitute while providing an internal longitudinal channel adjacent each in which reinforcing member is mounted.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches supported members, such as deck boards, to supporting members, such as deck joists. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.

Abstract: A fastening device for securing adjacent, parallel boards to a transverse structure, including a top plate having flanges to fit into slots cut into the sides of boards, a center hole in the top plate to accommodate a screw or nail, and top and bottom tabs to provide uniform spacing and to support the fastener during attachment to the support structure.

Abstract: A substantially gas tight cover for an open-top structure such as a tank requires very few fasteners and allows for thermal expansion and contraction movement while still maintaining the nearly complete gas seal. Unique metal extrusions are assembled on-site in a modular system that is easily put together. An important component of the system is a gutter extrusion which includes an elongated gutter and flanges with sealing gaskets for engaging the top surface of the concrete tank rim as well as engaging the inner wall of the tank below the top. At intervals along the gutter strip are hold-down clips that interlock with the gutter extrusion and are secured in the concrete of the tank, spaced back from the tank edge. Fasteners in the inside face of the tank preferably are avoided. Main spanning beams for the tank cover are connected to the gutter extrusions in a way so as to allow for thermal expansion and contraction, without losing the gas seal.

Abstract: A deck plank is co-extruded from an extrusion die which receives molten plastics materials supplied from three separate plastic extruders to provide the plank with opposite sides having different colors. Preferably, the base plank is extruded from a lower cost material such as reground scrap polyvinylchloride (PVC), and thin PVC cap layers are co-extruded on opposite sides of the base plank in different colors. Opposite edges of each plank have longitudinally extending grooves for receiving hidden fasteners in the form of screws extending through short flat tie pieces or a continuous sealing tie strip projecting into the opposing grooves of adjacent planks.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite bearing deck, including a deck panel, having an upper flange, a lower flange spaced from the upper flange by a predetermined height, a plurality of side webs formed between the upper flange and the lower flange in a transverse direction of the composite bearing deck, and a plurality of hollow portions defined by the upper flange, the lower flange and the side webs and arranged continuously in a longitudinal direction of the bearing deck while being long formed in the transverse direction thereof to constitute a tubular shape; and a concrete slab, having a predetermined thickness and integrated on the deck panel. Moreover, the composite bearing deck of the current invention can be further economically manufactured, and is advantageous in terms of prevention of brittle failure, and higher resistance to automotive loads and vibration loads, compared to conventional bearing decks.

Abstract: A modular portable floor decking system for constructing a temporary or a permanent flooring structure is described. The system comprises a plurality of extruded metal hollow support posts and a plurality of beams interconnectable with the posts to form a support frame. Decking boards are securable across the beams. The support posts each have flat outer surfaces and two or more longitudinal connecting channels each disposed internally of an associated one of the flat outer surfaces. The channels have a central narrow slot extending along the respective flat outer surfaces. The beams have opposed flat connecting end walls and a metal clamping shoe is connected to the end walls of the beams by fasteners whereby to displace the shoe away from the flat surfaces to slide the shoe in a respective connecting channel of the posts as the beam is lowered between two posts.

Abstract: A plastic building board preferably used in the building of an outdoor deck has first and second opposite sides which are different in color from one another. The board also has a male connector at one of its side edges and a female connector at the other of its side edges. The male and female connectors are symmetrical to allow connection of the board with another corresponding board with either one of the colored sides in an upwardly facing direction.

Abstract: A hollow building panel is provided having a first member, a second member spaced apart from the first member, and at least one support member disposed between and interconnecting the first and second member. At least one groove is formed in the first member exposed surface and the support member is attached to the first member at a vertex formed by the groove. The panel includes a locking assembly whereby two adjacent panels may be joined together.

Abstract: A modular portable floor decking system for constructing a temporary or a permanent flooring structure is described. The system comprises a plurality of extruded metal hollow support posts and a plurality of beams interconnectable with the posts to form a support frame. Decking boards are securable across the beams. The support posts each have flat outer surfaces and two or more longitudinal connecting channels each disposed internally of an associated one of the flat outer surfaces. The channels have a central narrow slot extending along the respective flat outer surfaces. The beams have opposed flat connecting end walls and a metal clamping shoe is connected to the end walls of the beams by fasteners whereby to displace the shoe away from the flat surfaces to slide the shoe in a respective connecting channel of the posts as the beam is lowered between two posts.

Abstract: An apparatus for a deck includes a first upright post, a cross member attached to the first upright post, and an elongated modular joist unit, which includes at least two spaced joists. The elongated joist unit is attached to the cross member. The modular joist unit is attached to a surface on an edifice. Decking material is attached to the modular joist unit. The decking material can be a modular decking unit that includes a plurality of decking members. The modular joist unit includes a first end plate and a second endplate, one of which can include a curved surface. The modular joist unit can include brackets for receiving and attaching guardrail posts about the perimeter of the modular joist unit. The modular joist unit can have a locking mechanism for attaching to the edifice. The joists of the modular joist unit can also have tabs to facilitate attaching the decking material from beneath the decking surface.

Abstract: A fastener for use in forming a joint of a framework for a patio enclosure. The joint includes an end of an elongated first frame member fastened to a side of an elongated second frame member. The fastener includes a body having a first end and a second end defining an outer surface therebetween. The second end is adapted to fit in a hollow portion of the first frame member. The fastener further includes a plate extending outwardly from the body. The plate is adapted to be fastened to the side portion of the second frame member. A stop extends outwardly from the outer surface of the body. The stop provides for positioning of the fastener relative to the first frame member when the second end is positioned within the hollow portion of the first frame member.

Abstract: End portions of face plates 111 and 112 of a frame member 110 are connected by a rib 116A. To protrusion chips 117b1 and 117b2 end portions of face plates 101 and 102 of another frame member 100 are overlapped. The corners between the rib 116A and the rear faces of the face plates 111 and 112 are in the form of a convex circular arc 131 which protrudes into a hollow portion 119 of the frame member 110. Both end portions of the circular arc 131b1 are connected to the rib 116A and the face plates 111 and 112 by two smooth recessed circular arcs 132b1 and 133b1. Accordingly, since a flow-out of metal does not occur from this portion, the cross-section can be small and a light weight structure an be obtained. A structural body formed of hollow frame members which are joined by friction stir welding provides a light weight structure.

Abstract: A decking assembly and decking kit with hold-down clip are disclosed. The decking assembly includes a supporting substructure, first and second lengthwise extending boards with lips extending outwardly and upwardly away from a side thereof and at least one hold-down clip having two downwardly extending tabs which engage the lips of adjacent boards to fix the boards to the substructure. The decking kit includes at least two such boards and at least one such clip, and may additionally include a fastener, such as a screw, and a screwdriver bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides a technique for uniformly spacing deck boards on a deck, as well as protecting the joists of the deck. The invention provides a deck spacer that can be placed over a joist between adjacent deck boards to provide uniform spacing, as well as to cover and protect the portion of the joists which would otherwise be left exposed by the gap between adjacent deck boards.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction stir welding technique which avoids occurrence of a dent, in a joining region, extending to a level beneath the joined surfaces. At end portions of the frame members to be joined, at the joining region, thickened parts which project toward the rotary body joining tool are provided. Two adjoining thickened parts, of adjacent members to be joined, can form a trapezoid shape. The rotary body joining tool has a small-diameter tip portion and a larger diameter portion. The rotary body joining tool is inserted in the thickened parts. In a state where the rotary body joining tool has been inserted small-diameter tip end first, to a level where the larger diameter portion of the rotary body joining tool overlaps the thickened part but does not extend below the upper surface of the non-thickened surfaces of the members joined, the rotary body is rotated and moved along the joining region. Even when a gap exists between two thickened parts, a desirable joining can be carried out.

Abstract: A flooring system including resin channels having webs and legs mounted on joists with their webs resting on the edges of the joists and their legs straddling the sides of the joists, and a plurality of adjacent resin tiles each having a plate with inner flanges extending downwardly from the plate with slots in the inner flanges receiving pins on the legs of the channels, and outer flanges located outwardly of the inner flanges which rest on the webs of the channels.

Abstract: A modular system for the construction of a lattice panel for a bridge, comprises first and second chord members (20, 28) and a plurality of web members (1). Each web member comprises three legs forming a triangle. One leg (2) extends perpendicularly between the chord members. The second and third legs (3, 4) are joined to each other and to the ends of the first leg. The ends of the first leg (1) are provided with means for connecting the web member to the chords (20, 28). Interlocking means (13, 19) are provided at the joint between the second and third legs, and mid way along the first leg, so that adjacent web members can be connected together.

Abstract: A modular deck tile comprises a plurality of slats which are joined together by at least two flexible tubes extending through the thickness of each of the slats. So as to preserve the spacing of the slats, and to keep them in place, the tubes may be laterally deformed in the region between each pair of slats so as to cause a greater cross wise dimension than the diameter of the passage through which the tubes extend. Alternatively, the slats may be joined one to another by poppet connectors.

Abstract: A deck plank (12) readily attaches to an engagement clip (46) when force is applied over the plank. When a plurality of clips are attached to underlying joists in parallel with the joists, and a plurality of deck planks are oriented to the clip perpendicular to the joist and pushed down over clips, a secure deck structure is provided. Each clip has a pair of horizontal flanges (52 and 54), which snap over a plurality of ledges (42 and 44) in a channel under each plank. The deck planks (12) are embossed (14) so as to form a slip resistant surface to be walked upon. The plastic extruded deck plank (12) resists rot, deterioration and insect infection found in current wood products. The deck plank assembly is simple enough so that a homeowner or do-it-yourselfer can install or alter it with minimal effort and direction.

Abstract: Interlocking cover members made of a rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material and formed by an extrusion process are each defined by a main panel having a top side with a top surface, a bottom side, and opposite first and second longitudinal edge zones. Longitudinal rib members extend downwardly from the bottom side of the panel in spaced, parallel relation to one another to strengthen and stabilize the panel in supported, spaced relation above an underlying surface being covered. An attachment lip extends outboard of the second longitudinal edge zone, below a level of the panel, and includes a lock channel for interlocking receipt of a barbed rail extending from the bottom side of an adjacently positioned cover member. The attachment lip is structured to rest on the surface being covered and accommodates screw fasteners, at spaced intervals, for securing the cover member to the underlying surface.

Abstract: End portions of face plates 111 and 112 of a frame member 110 are connected by a rib 116A. To protrusion chips 117b1 and 117b2 end portions of face plates 101 and 102 of another frame member 100 are overlapped. The corners between the rib 116A and the rear faces of the face plates 111 and 112 are in the form of a convex circular arc 131 which protrudes into a hollow portion 119 of the frame member 110. Both end portions of the circular arc 131b1 are connected to the rib 116A and the face plates 111 and 112 by two smooth recessed circular arcs 132b1 and 133b1. Accordingly, since a flow-out of metal does not occur from this portion, the cross-section can be small and a light weight structure an be obtained. A structural body formed of hollow frame members which are joined by friction stir welding provides a light weight structure.

Abstract: A blocking anchor (20) allows connection of each end of an engineered or dimensional lumber bridge between first and second parallel joists. Each blocking anchor includes a saddle (22), which cradles the end of the bridge, and a pair of fastening flanges, which allow attachment to the side of the joist. The saddle is formed by a base (30), from which first and second legs (40), (50) extend. The saddle is sized to fit over the end of dimensional lumber or engineered beams. The first and second fastening flanges (60), (70) extend from opposed sides of the base, perpendicular to the legs. Fastener holes defined in each leg and in the fastening flanges allow the use of screws, possibly nails, or other fasteners to attach the legs to the bridge and the fastening flanges to the joist.

Abstract: An in-fill panel arrangement is designed for post and beam furniture systems of the type having overhead beams supported on vertical posts. Each of the beams has a lowermost face with a horizontal slot extending therealong, and each of the posts includes outwardly extending flanges having an end face with a slot extending vertically therealong. Beam-to-post connectors are attached to the opposite ends of the beams, and are detachably retained in the slots in the posts to mount the beams on the posts. Rigid in-fill panels are shaped to be positioned directly below the beams and above the floor to partition the space into individual work areas. Panel mounting brackets are detachably retained in the slots in the posts and the beams, and are connected with the in-fill panels.

Abstract: End portions of face plates 111 and 112 of a frame member 110 are connected by a rib 116A. To protrusion chips 117b1 and 117b2 end portions of face plates 101 and 102 of another frame member 100 are overlapped. The corners between the rib 116A and the rear faces of the face plates 111 and 112 are in the form of a convex circular arc 131 which protrudes into a hollow portion 119 of the frame member 110. Both end portions of the circular arc 131b1 are connected to the rib 116A and the face plates 111 and 112 by two smooth recessed circular arcs 132b1 and 133b1. Accordingly, since a flow-out of metal does not occur from this portion, the cross-section can be small and a light weight structure can be obtained. A structural body formed of hollow frame members which are joined by friction stir welding provides a light weight structure.

Abstract: An above-grade decking system having a plurality of deck members overlying a plurality of joists with clip member connectors connecting the deck members to the joists. The present decking system is particularly adapted for use with concrete composite materials that are shaped into construction materials and textured to resemble wood or stone products. The clip members are shaped to hold the deck members onto the joists. The clip members fit into slots in the deck members and are attached to the joists using commonly available connectors. The deck members can be shaped and configured to fit together with the clip members therebetween.

Abstract: A building component is described comprising a molding adapted to be secured to the top surface of flooring joists either along the length thereof or transversely thereacross, having a rebate along its length to provide a ledge on which a floorboard edge can rest. The depth of the rebate accommodates at least the thickness of the floorboard, and the thickness of the molding below the ledge creates a services void between the floorboard and the upper surface of the joists. The molding may also include a second parallel rebate leaving a ridge therebetween. The two floorboards are spaced apart by the ridge. A further rebate can be provided to accommodate at least part of another member. Where a floor covering is laid over the floorboards the rebate(s) is/are sufficient to accommodate both boards and covering.

Abstract: A floor frame structural support assembly having a plurality of substantially parallel, longitudinal support members or beams, each of the support members having an inside-directed and an outside-directed wall surface, the inside-directed wall surfaces of the support members being substantially parallel. Disposed between the support members and affixed to the inside-directed surface thereof so as to prevent the inside surfaces from moving from their substantially parallel relationship during handling, transportation, and deployment, is a plurality of substantially rigid, bend-resistive, compression-resistive cross members. Affixed to the outside surfaces of the respective longitudinal support members so as to be substantially collinear with the axis of a respective cross member is a plurality of outriggers. The floor frame structural support assembly may include additional structure such as floor joists, marriage wall beams, exterior wall beams and wall portions which are affixed thereto.

Abstract: An elongated member suitable for flooring, decking, or seating, having a top plate formed as an extrusion of plastic material, wherein the top plate includes ribs constituted by protruding parts of parallel, spaced, elongated friction elements co-extruded therewith, the friction elements being formed of plastic having distinctly greater softness or flexibility than the main parts of the top plate and suitable for providing a non-slip surface. The member may include an elongated support formed as a relatively rigid extrusion of plastic material having a base plate with upstanding side walls and a central support portion, the top plate overlying the support and having edge formations engaging the side walls. Alternatively, the top plate and support may be formed integrally by extrusion, or the top plate may be part of a plank cover having integrally formed ribs for spacing the top plate above a plank.

Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting a paint booth that includes a paint application chamber and a reclamation tank. A plurality of frame posts is spaced apart and affixed to a base floor. Opposing support members, each having a shell, are arranged end to end in a parallel column. Each of the shells is affixed to the upper end of at least two of the frame posts. The support member includes a horizontal structural element affixed longitudinally inside the shell, and at least one vertical support element affixed to the horizontal structural element inside the shell. Each of the shells forms a section of the reclamation tank and provides support to a section of the paint application chamber allowing the paint booth to be installed independently of a building that houses the paint booth.

Abstract: A decking assembly and decking kit with hold-down clip are disclosed. The decking assembly includes a supporting substructure, first and second lengthwise extending boards with lips extending outwardly and upwardly away from a side thereof and at least one hold-down clip having two downwardly extending tabs which engage the lips of adjacent boards to fix the boards to the substructure. The decking kit includes at least two such boards and at least one such clip, and may additionally include a fastener, such as a screw, and a screwdriver bit.

Abstract: A deck product comprising a composite and a base.

Abstract: A support frame is intended to support the decorative sheet product and is formed of a plurality of longitudinal elements and horizontal elements, which are in turn formed of a plurality of base portions and main bodies. The base portions are provided with a protrusion and a recess opposite in location to the protrusion, and two slots opposite in location to each other. The base portions are joined together by the mortise-tenon joints to form the longitudinal elements. The main bodies are provided with two protruded blocks opposite in location to each other and are arranged in alignment such that the protruded blocks are received in the slots of the base portions of the longitudinal elements, and that the main bodies form the horizontal elements perpendicular to the longitudinal elements.

Abstract: A long-span structure formed in-situ and extending between supporting structures includes at least two form supports extending between the supporting structures. Each end of the form support includes a bearing plate coupled to the adjacent supporting structure. A plurality of form hangers frictionally engage the form supports, wherein each form hanger has upwardly extending hooks. A beam form is carried by the plurality of form hangers and extends the length of each form support. Each beam form has opposed side walls connected by a bottom to form a cavity. Each sidewall has a downwardly extending hook mating with the upwardly extending hooks. A deck is supported by the beam forms with the cavities remaining open. The concrete is receivable at least in the cavities to form the long-span structure.

Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for tunnel lining includes upper and lower boom members arranged parallel to each other to form a triangle. Truss braces spatially connect the upper and lower boom members to each other, wherein each of the truss braces has straight brace parts angled relative to each other, and each of the straight brace parts is connected to each other at one end via a straight bridge piece. The truss braces are arranged in a symmetrical plane extending laterally from the upper boom member to an axis of the lower boom members. Cross ties extend at right angles relative to the lower boom members, for connecting the lower boom members to each other, wherein the truss braces abut the lower boom members without bending and are welded to the lower boom members.

Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for mine and tunnel lining has a plurality of boom members arranged in parallel relative to each other, forming a triangle. The boom members are spatially connected to each other by straight braces arranged along the edges of a pyramid so as to form a truss brace. The braces are each welded to the boom members at the contact faces between a straight brace part and an upper boom and a straight brace part and a lower boom. The lower booms are connected to each other via cross-ties arranged at right angle relative to such booms and the cross-ties form two sides of the pyramid base surface wherein four comer points of the base are defined by the truss braces at the contact points between the lower booms and braces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for interconnecting two or more buildings,objects or areas by way of a series of nonpermanent structures. The nonpermanent structures preferably take the form of covered walkway units. By utilizing the system of the present invention, buildings, such as school classrooms, can be joined by covered pathways to thereby provide shelter for people traveling between buildings. The walkway units of the present invention are both portable and modular. These features allow the units to be easily transported and interconnected to form pathways of varying lengths and directions.

Abstract: A floor frame structural support assembly having a plurality of substantially parallel, longitudinal support members or beams, each of the support members having an inside-directed and an outside-directed wall surface, the inside-directed wall surfaces of the support members being substantially parallel. Disposed between the support members and affixed to the inside-directed surface thereof so as to prevent the inside surfaces from moving from their substantially parallel relationship during handling, transportation, and deployment, is a plurality of substantially rigid, bend-resistive, compression-resistive cross members. Affixed to the outside surfaces of the respective longitudinal support members so as to be substantially collinear with the axis of a respective cross member is a plurality of outriggers. The floor frame structural support assembly may include additional structure such as floor joists, marriage wall beams, exterior wall beams and wall portions which are affixed thereto.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus, method, and system to arrange a deck or balcony with the use of pre-manufactured deck panels. The deck panels are inexpensive, easy to install, remove, or add to, and only requires common framing hardware.

Abstract: Parallel spaced elongated deck planks are extruded of a rigid plastics material, and each plank includes opposite vertical side walls integrally connected by a generally flat top wall and a contoured bottom wall. The bottom wall of each plank is formed by coplanar bottom edge portions and a bottom center portion integrally connected by a pair of inverted U-shaped or semi-cylindrical portions defining parallel spaced downwardly facing semi-cylindrical cavities. Radially positioned and thinner internal reinforcement walls integrally connect the top wall to each semi-cylindrical bottom wall portion, and a vertical center wall integrally connects the top wall with the bottom wall center portion. Elongated aluminum carrier strips cover the wood supporting joists, and each carrier strip has outwardly and downwardly projecting opposite edge portions to direct water from the joists.

Abstract: A deck bracket for coupling a deck to a pair of stringers forming part of a dock or deck has a channel for receiving the stringers and a transverse flange for supporting the lengths of decking forming the deck. The flange is downwardly spaced from the top of the bracket so that the decking is flush with the top of the bracket. Apertures in the flange are provided to receive fasteners to secure the decking to the bracket. A deck unit made with a pair of deck brackets and lengths of decking extending between the brackets can be easily dropped onto the stringers and removed, as the need arises.

Abstract: A deck plank comprising a substantially flat top surface made preferably from a wood replacement material having a first edge and a second edge, and may also have a tongue attached to the first edge and a groove attached to the second edge, the tongue and the groove each extending in a plane below the top surface, the tongue being adapted to fit with a groove of an adjacent plank. The tongue and the groove are shaped so that a space is maintained between a portion of the tongue and a portion of the groove of the adjacent plank when the tongue is placed adjacent to the groove of the adjacent plank. A number of the deck planks can be used to make a deck.

Abstract: The invention is incorporated into a composite floor system for a building structure comprising a plurality of major transverse beams and a minor transverse beam. The major transverse beam has a greater vertical height than the minor transverse beam. The minor transverse beam is interposed between adjacent major transverse beams. A composite panel having an upper sheet member and a lower sheet member is positioned between adjacent major transverse beams with the major transverse beams supporting the upper sheet member and with the interposed minor transverse beam supporting the lower sheet member. A fastener affixes the composite panel to one of the transverse beams.