Decking panel apparatus, system and method

Abstract

A decking panel apparatus and system and method of installing the same. The decking panel apparatus is typically a planar polygonal body having an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface typically includes one or more elongated channels thereby simulating the appearance of individual deck boards as with conventional decks, the channels including bridge tabs having through holes. The body further includes two parallel sides that are perpendicular to the channels and two parallel sides that are parallel to the channels. The parallel sides have a tapered profile and half bridge tabs having through holes. In another embodiment, the parallel sides include an elongated slot that can receive a separate fastener that fits into the elongated slot and an elongated slot of an adjacent panel. The fastener includes a screw hole for connection into the joists.

Description

[0001] Priority based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 673,401, filed Apr. 21, 2005, and entitled, “Decking Panel Apparatus and System” is claimed.BACKGROUND [0002] I. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of construction and more particularly to a decking panel apparatus and system and method of installing the same. [0004] II. Description of the Related Art [0005] Present construction techniques, typically for decks, use conventional lumber and composite boards. The boards are placed over joists that typically have standard spacing. Lumber has many disadvantages primarily because wood can warp, rot and otherwise requires high maintenance to keep it in good operational condition. Furthermore, lumber typically comes in elongated boards up to sixteen feet that can take a full day to place. In many applications, composite boards are used in lieu of lumber. Composite typically includes a mixture of plastic and sawdust presse...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a decking panel system that includes a planar body with elongated channels and bridge tabs, as well as means for coupling adjacent panels. The decking panels have a unique design that allows for easy installation and aesthetically pleasing appearance. The system includes a kit with the decking panels and boards arranged in a parallel pattern to simulate a deck pattern. The technical effects of the invention include improved durability, stability, and flexibility, as well as a simplified installation process."

Problems solved by technology

Lumber has many disadvantages primarily because wood can warp, rot and otherwise requires high maintenance to keep it in good operational condition.

Furthermore, lumber typically comes in elongated boards up to sixteen feet that can take a full day to place.

For a sixteen foot board of composite, expansion and contraction of up to one quarter of an inch can occur which can cause damage to the structure and is otherwise displeasing aesthetically because it can cause a visible offset appearance.

Composite can also take a full day to install.

Furthermore, since the holes are pre-drilled, any discrepancies in the joist placement can results in misaligned screw holes.

Expansion and contraction can also misalign the screw holes.

In addition, since both lumber and composite are typically manufactured in elongated boards, long flatbed trucks are typically required for shipping.

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