Portable deck

Abstract

A portable floor made of interlocking modules and the process of assembling. Each module consists of rectangular panels, between each panel is a gap that provides for the drainage of liquids and small debris. Supporting the panels are four vertical sides of a base attached to the outer edges of the panels. The base also has a hollow structure with an interior wall that reinforces the module. Two consecutive sides have male connectors, the remaining two sides have female connectors. The male connectors are aligned directly opposite the female connectors. The connectors are used to connect adjoining modules. Connectors are uniformly spaced for alignment. The sides of the modules raise the panels above the ground. The bottom surfaces contain supports and support ends which provide rigidity and support.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] Not Applicable STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT [0002] Not Applicable REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC [0003] Not Applicable FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0004] The present invention generally relates to portable decking and more specifically to a system of interconnecting modules which easily connect together to form a stable, light weight and weather resistant surface. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART [0005] Portable or temporary walkways, flooring and decking are currently used for various purposes. They provide appropriate surfaces for special events, including theatrical stages and dance floors. Other uses include temporary protection for new construction and renovation. Portable or temporary foam matting is also used as a foundation for camping surfaces in tents and under sleeping bags. [0006] This flooring comes in sections or rolls wh...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention solves the problems identified above. The present invention is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. Since the connectors are affixed to the base, no additional hardware is required therefore lost hardware is an impossibility. The present invention can be stored and transported as uniform modules of a convenient, easy to handle size. The modules are constructed of lightweight materials, increasing the ease of handling and assembly. These materials are also durable, rigid, and weather resistant. The modules are designed with integral gaps between the panels. The gaps allow for drainage of fluids and the expulsion of small debris. The gaps also make the module easy to clean and sanitize. The present invention is designed with a raised base that reduces the weight of the module, minimizes the module contact area and decreases the ground preparation requirements.

[0011] The preferred embodiment of the disclosed present invention comprises a plurality of modules (preferably square in shape) with a length of between 8 inches to 24 inches (preferably 15 inches) adjacent to one another, each module having between three to five panels (preferably four panels) with a length equal to the length of the entire model, shaped as a rectangle, and organized in parallel but not in contact with each other and equally spaced. Each panel includes a top surface and a bottom surface and has a thickness of between 0.10 and 0.25 inches (preferably 0.14 inches). Each module has a base, shaped as a square, surrounding the panels and connected perpendicular to the bottom surface of the panels. The base has a first side, second side, third side and fourth side. The base has a hollow structure with an interior wall. The interior wall adds strength and rigidity to the module and minimizes weight. The interior wall adds support to the female connectors. The first and second side having male connectors preferably two connectors per side and preferably shaped as a T shape. The third and fourth sides having female connectors preferably two connectors per side and preferably shaped to receive the male T shaped connectors.

[0012] The male connectors are located directly opposite the female connectors. The connectors are uniformly spaced to make assembly of the modules quick and uncomplicated. The first side is adjacent to the second side. The second side is adjacent to the third side and the third side is adjacent to the fourth side forming a square. The module also contains a plurality of parallel supports connected perpendicular to the bottom surface of the rectangular panels. Each parallel support is connected to a parallel support end via a parallel support brace. Each parallel support end is connected to opposite sides of the base. Each module has a plurality of perpendicular supports connected perpendicular to the bottom surface of the rectangular panels. Each perpendicular support is connected to a perpendicular support end via a perpendicular support brace. Each perpendicular support end is connected to opposite sides of the base. The perpendicular supports intersect the parallel supports to form a grid. The supports and the grid provide rigidity.

[0013] The base having a dimension between one to two inches (preferably 1.11 inches). The dimensions of the perpendicular support and parallel support are identical. The height of the perpendicular supports and parallel supports are between 0.3 and 0.75 inches preferably 0.5 inches. The portable floor module has male connectors of identical shape and size and the female connectors are of identical shape and size. The male connectors are preferably T-shaped. The modules are made of lightweight, moldable or castable material with a weight of less than 5 pounds per module. Because of the taller base relative to the perpendicular supports and parallel supports, unnecessary material is absent and the module is lightened.

[0014] To assemble the deck modules; First, identify the area to be covered. Next, locate the outer right corner. Next, place a first module, with male connectors on two sides, such that said male connectors are pointing in the direction of the area to be covered. Next, attach an additional module to each side of said first module with male connectors pointing in the direction of the area to be covered. Then, build the outer row and column of the deck by attaching successive modules with the female connectors overlaying the male connectors and the male connectors pointing in the area to be covered. Finally, complete the deck structure by adding additional rows adjacent to previous rows. FIG. 1 shows three assembled modules with a fourth module in position to be assembled. As the successive modules are connected, the deck structure increases its rigidity.

Problems solved by technology

Since the connectors are affixed to the base, no additional hardware is required therefore lost hardware is an impossibility.

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