Hollow profile decking system comprising plank and anchor using anchor flange construction

Abstract

A decking system, decking components and an installed deck for use on a support structure. The decking system comprises hollow profile planking units having anchor flanges on opposite edges that cooperate with an anchor structure to form a deck or platform. The flanges and the anchor units are shaped and configured to closely interact and form an installed platform structure. The planks comprise an extruded thermoplastic wood fiber composite having an internal structure sufficient to withstand installation, engineering forces placed on the installed platform, weathering and use. The anchor structures have a shape that conforms to the anchor flanges on the decking profiles to hold the deck in place.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for forming a surface suitable for human occupation or use such as a deck or platform. The invention includes an installed deck or platform. The invention also includes a construction system including an extruded plank for a deck or platform formed from system components including a plank and an anchor. The invention also includes a construction system including an extruded plank for a deck or platform. The plank having an internal structure and exterior installation components, that can be combined with an anchor structure during installation. These components can interact in the decking structure to result in a deck or platform that can resist the undesirable effects of sun, weathering and hard use. The installation, construction and use of platforms or decks have come increasingly important in commercial, institutional, residential and other construction locations. Such platforms or decks are commonly installed during original construction...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0008] The anchor units comprise a structure adapted to be attached to a support structure or foundation with conventional attachment hardware. The anchor structure uses an anchor flange that interacts with a complementary flange on the plank or deck member without using a slot based installation. The anchor structure additionally contains a generally T-shaped structure having a base that contacts the support or foundation, a vertical member extending from the base ending in a "T-shaped" transverse member. The T-shaped transverse member is shaped and configured to cooperate with the anchor flanges of the plank edge to hold the plank or planks of decking system in place during installation and use. The base can also comprise a transverse base portion. One anchor unit interacts with adjacent typically parallel, appropriately spaced apart planks to form a deck or platform portion. In a preferred mode, the anchor flange extends from the plank at the installation surface of the plank, proximate the installation surface and is placed at an angle that departs from the horizontal upwardly from the installation surface by at least 5.degree.. The T-shaped anchor structure is angled to conform to the flange position and departs from the horizontal by a similar angle. The angle of the transverse portion of the T-shaped member matches, (i.e.) is substantially parallel to, the anchor flange at a surface or zone of interaction between the flange and anchor member. The T-shaped anchor member can also contain an extended or transverse base portion that extends from the base, provides reliable support and stability and cooperates with other anchor parts and encloses the anchor flange of the plank. The anchor can be in the form of an H-shaped or an I-shaped member. See FIG. 1, showing a modified T-shape or an I-shaped member. The form can take a number of shapes depending on overall dimensions and sizing of the individual portions of the member.

Problems solved by technology

Such wood products and even plywood and chipboard materials have become increasingly expensive due to cost and scarcity of components.

Hollow profile vinyl components have also been suggested, but suffer from substantial structural and thermal drawbacks.

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