Top deck panel system

Abstract

A Top Deck Panel System cover made from a plastic material, such as Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Nylon and / or wood composite, wherein the top deck exterior walking cover is assembled without the use of mechanical fasteners such as screws or nails. The Top Deck Panel System cover is designed to be either a temporary or permanent exterior walking surface and can be placed on ground such as gravel, sand, limestone, soil and / or used to cover existing decks, concrete walkways or porches, brick walkways or porches, or other walking surfaces. The Top Deck Panel System cover can be quickly and effectively installed. The Top Deck Panel System provides a mobile walking surface that allows the Top Deck Panel System to be moved easily, efficiently and economically.

Description

CLAIM OF PRIORITY[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 886,970, filed on Jan. 29, 2007.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The presently disclosed invention relates to decks and, more particularly, decks that do not require a support framework and that can be assembled without special tools.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Many types and styles of decks are known in the prior art. Most of these decks are permanent designs that are intended for use only in connection with a structure or framework that supports and stabilizes the deck. Examples are shown in U.S. Publication No. 2003 / 0192275 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,619,002; 6,467,118; 6,260,322; 5,050,361; and 5,758,467.[0006]Various mechanisms have been used to secure such decks to the support structure and keep the deck panels or planks in the same relative position. In many cases, the panels or planks that comprise the deck surface are secured directly to the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]In accordance with the presently disclosed invention, an interlocking top deck panel system that provides an exterior walking surface has a generally rectangular profile with horizontal top and bottom surfaces and two sides. The panel system can be made from a plastic material and can be installed without mechanical fasteners. A plurality of walls are longitudinally aligned with the panels and protrude from the bottom surface of the pa

Problems solved by technology

Prior art deck panels and planks generally were not well-suited for such multiple applications.

In many instances, prior deck planks and panels could not be secured together without the intended support structure.

However, such panels and planks were prone to separating while in service.

However, when used on open ground, these configurations also were prone to separation.

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