Strip support beam, assembly, kit and method

Abstract

A beam, a slat support assembly formed from the beam, and a slat support kit that secures a plurality of slats. The beam extends along a beam axis and includes two beam sidewalls extending orthogonally from the connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls is formed with a plurality of slat receiving recesses. Each recess is inclined with respect to the beam axis and includes a slat support side surface, a slat support bottom surface, and a slat securing surface. A slat securing surface protrudes from the slat support bottom surface in spaced relation to the slat support side surface. The slat securing surface of a first recess defines a securing projection with a distal portion of the slat support side surface of an adjacent recess, which securing projection is optionally resiliently deflectable for widening the recess in a direction away from the slat support side surface when the slat is tightly received in the recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The currently disclosed subject matter generally relates to a beam device for fixing slats. More specifically, the currently disclosed subject matter relates to a slat fixing beam, and a slat support assembly / kit including the slat fixing beam, for enabling the user of the slat support assembly / kit to fix and position multiple slats in a louvered arrangement for supporting various physical / visual barrier applications. Background Technology

[0002] The following is a list of references considered relevant to the background art of the currently disclosed topic: •US 5,639,069 •US 8,794,598 •US 2022 / 0220765 •GB 2,549,540 •FR 2,942,826 •KR101977189 The acknowledgment of the above references in this document should not be construed as implying that these references are in any way related to the patentability of the currently disclosed subject matter. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, according to one embodiment of this subject matter, a slat fixing beam is provided for structurally receiving and securing a series of slats to form a louvered device. This beam is alternatively incorporated into a first slat support assembly and a second slat support assembly, and can be provided as a kit to enhance the user's ability to construct louvered or slatted structures (e.g., slope protection or pergola structures). The slats are first received and secured by the slat fixing beam, which extends from the end of a first beam to the end of a second beam along a longitudinal beam axis extending in a first dimension. The slat fixing beam includes two laterally opposed beam sidewalls connected by a beam connecting wall extending along at least a portion of the beam's length.

[0004] Laterally opposed beam sidewalls are spaced apart by beam connecting walls along a first axis extending in a second dimension, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and parallel to the beam connecting walls. Each beam sidewall extends away from the beam connecting walls along a second axis extending in a third dimension orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and transverse to the beam connecting walls. The beam sidewalls and beam connecting walls are configured to form a U-shaped cross-section or end view profile to allow the first beam and the second beam (which is substantially identical in form to the first beam) to be interlocked in a first application of a slat-receiving beam.

[0005] The basic slat receiving beam includes a central transverse plane that extends orthogonally relative to the longitudinal beam axis and is equidistant from the first and second ends of the beam. When the parent beam is cut, severed, or divided along the central transverse plane along its full length, two substantially identical sub-beams can be formed, each having half the length of the full beam. The two substantially identical sub-beams form a geometry that is symmetrical with respect to the central transverse plane.

[0006] The slat receiving beam also includes a central inner plane that is coplanar with the longitudinal beam axis and extends orthogonally through the beam connecting wall at equal intervals in the middle of the beam sidewalls. The beam has identical lateral halves extending around the central inner plane. When the first beam and the second beam are assembled or mated together according to the first application, the central inner planes of the two sub-beams are parallel to each other, and the distance between them is substantially equal to the material thickness of the first and second beams.

[0007] It should be noted that referring to the first beam as being the same as the second beam includes any of the following: the first beam and the second beam are exactly the same, and / or also includes portions of the first beam and the second beam that have the same geometry, such as the slat receiving area or other portions including recesses.

[0008] Each beam sidewall includes a series of slat receiving recesses evenly spaced and arranged along the longitudinal beam axis. Each slat receiving recess is angled or skewed relative to the longitudinal beam axis. Each slat receiving recess is defined by an L-shaped slat support surface and a slat fixing surface. The L-shaped slat support surface includes a slat support side surface and a slat support bottom surface. In this embodiment, the slat support surface is L-shaped to structurally approximate or more appropriately accommodate the slat thickness and slat width of the slats received in the slat receiving recesses, thereby ensuring a tighter fit and preventing displacement of the slats while they are received in the slat receiving recesses.

[0009] The slat fixing surface protrudes from the bottom surface of the slat support and is thus spaced apart from the side surface of the slat support. The slat fixing surface of one of the two adjacent slat receiving beam recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent slat receiving beam recesses define the fixing protrusion.

[0010] The slat receiving beam can be formed of a material with inherent elasticity, allowing the retaining protrusion to optionally deflect elastically to widen the recess of the slat receiving beam away from the surface of the slat support side when the slat is received in the recess. In some applications, the slat receiving beam comprises a material configuration with a stiffness greater than that of the slat material. The inherent elasticity or resilient force of the beam material can also be provided by a specific geometry of the retaining protrusion. In particular, the optional tapered characteristic of the retaining protrusion allows for enhanced elastic or resilient deformation of the material.

[0011] In a first application of this subject matter, a slat receiving beam is provided as part of a first kit or component for providing a first alternative slat support assembly. The first alternative slat support assembly includes a first beam that is substantially identical in form to a second beam. The first beam and the second beam of the first beam kit or the first alternative slat support assembly are configured to be assembled in mutually inverted orientations to form slat receiving recesses by a first set of slat receiving beam recesses of the first beam and a second set of corresponding slat receiving beam recesses of the second beam. When the first beam and the second beam are in an assembled relationship, the beam sidewalls of the first beam and the second beam overlap to form the first alternative slat support assembly.

[0012] When the first and second beams overlap in such a way that the slat receiving recesses are formed by the slat receiving beam recesses, the degree of overlap between the opposing slat receiving beam recesses can be adjusted by first linearly displacing the second beam relative to the first beam in a direction parallel to the longitudinal beam axis to structurally accommodate slats of different sizes. In those applications where the maximization of the slat receiving recess is not shown, certain end portions can be removed from the beams to make the aligned beam ends of the first alternative slat support assembly flush.

[0013] The slat receiving beam recess is substantially structurally defined by a slat receiving area formed by a slat fixing surface and a slat support bottom surface of the slat receiving beam recess. In one application, both the slat fixing surface and the slat support bottom surface are formed with at least one inwardly projecting portion into the slat receiving area. The slat support fixing surface includes a fixing protrusion, and the slat support bottom surface includes a bottom support protrusion.

[0014] The fixing protrusion extends inward from its corresponding base portion into the slat receiving area and terminates at its protrusion end portion. The bottom support protrusion extends inward from its corresponding base portion into the slat receiving area and terminates at its protrusion end portion. The fixing protrusion substantially defines or provides a first type of slat locking tooth, the size of which is set to protrude into the slat receiving area to a certain range, such that the gap formed between the slat fixing surface and the slat support side surface is less than the slat thickness when the slat is received in the slat receiving recess. The bottom support protrusion substantially defines a second type of slat locking tooth, the size of which is set to protrude into the slat receiving area to a certain range, such that the gap formed between the slat support bottom surface and the opposing width-defining slat surface is less than the slat width when the slat is received in the slat receiving recess.

[0015] The protrusion's end portion is sized to form a sharp or pointed tip or end, which is configured to optionally pierce the recessed receiving strip when mechanical force is applied at or over it. In other words, the locking teeth defined by the fixing protrusion and the bottom support protrusion are configured to taper from the protrusion base portion toward the protrusion end portion, having a continuously tapering sharp shape.

[0016] In some embodiments, to install the slats into a first alternative slat support assembly, the slats are first inserted along a first insertion path into a first pair of slat receiving recesses of the first beam. This first insertion path begins at a distal portion of a retaining protrusion and extends towards a proximal portion of the retaining protrusion, which is positioned proximally relative to the bottom surface of the slat support. Certain protruding end portions are angled downwards along the insertion path to immovably and initially lock the slats into the slat receiving recesses of the first beam.

[0017] Then, in essentially the same manner as inserting the slats into the recesses of the first set of slat receiving beams, the first recess-receiving slat is inserted along the second insertion path into the second set of slat receiving beam recesses of the second beam. After installation, each slat is secured in place by a slat receiving recess having two opposing, aligned retaining protrusions.

[0018] It should be understood that beam and slat assembly can be formed in other ways, and / or the steps can be followed in a different order.

[0019] In a second component embodiment according to this subject matter, the slat receiving beam according to this subject matter mates with at least one (but two) laterally opposed grooved sleeves to form a second alternative slat support assembly. In this regard, it is contemplated that the beam and the grooved sleeves may also be provided as elements of a second kit for providing the second alternative slat support assembly. The second alternative slat support assembly includes a first beam and one or two grooved sleeves, each grooved sleeve being configured to receive a beam sidewall of the beam.

[0020] Each grooved sheath extends from the end of a first sheath to the end of a second sheath along a longitudinal sheath axis, and includes a pair of spaced-apart sheath sidewalls defining a sidewall receiving groove along at least a portion of the length of the grooved sheath. A plurality of slat receiving sheath recesses are formed and arranged in a spaced-apart relationship within the sheath sidewalls along the longitudinal sheath axis. The slat receiving sheath recesses have a geometry substantially similar to that of the slat receiving beam recesses. The beams and grooved sheaths are configured to be assembled in mutually inverted orientations to form a slat receiving cavity, which has a geometry substantially similar to that of the slat receiving cavity.

[0021] Firstly, a slat receiving recess is formed by a first set of paired slat receiving beam recesses and one or two corresponding second set of grooved sheath recesses. The slat receiving beam recesses and slat receiving sheath recesses together receive the slats. A first alternative slat support assembly provides a pair of retaining protrusions at each slat-assembly joint defined by the first slat receiving recess, while a second alternative slat support assembly provides a series of three retaining protrusions at each slat-assembly joint via a second slat receiving recess.

[0022] Both the first alternative slat support assembly and the second alternative slat support assembly may optionally be equipped with anchoring components or anchoring units for securing or anchoring either component to a support structure or support surface (e.g., the ground surface). Each slat support assembly includes a first beam assembly end or a beam anchoring end portion. The anchoring component is attached to the beam anchoring end portion for mating between the beam anchoring end portion and the support structure or support surface.

[0023] When the anchoring assembly is mounted on either the first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly, an anchoring-enhanced slat receiving recess is provided at the anchoring end portion of the beam. Although the anchoring unit or anchoring assembly operates to anchor the first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly to the support structure or support surface, the anchoring unit or anchoring assembly is an optional feature according to this subject matter. The first alternative slat support assembly or the second alternative slat support assembly may alternatively be anchored directly in the ground.

[0024] The first and second alternative slat support components according to this subject matter can be used in any number of applications, and the anchoring component can be used in conjunction with either the first or second alternative slat support component to anchor it to a support structure or support surface. A first exemplary application scenario is providing a fence or fence-like component comprising a series of slat support components; a series of slats and a support structure, to which the anchoring component and the slat support components can be anchored.

[0025] A second exemplary application scenario is providing a pergola assembly. This pergola assembly application may include a series of slat support assemblies, each of which secures a series of slats to form a louvered pergola top or pergola roof. In this application, the bottom beams of the series of slat support assemblies can be fastened to the pergola top support beams of the pergola frame structure using a series of fasteners (e.g., a combination of screws or nuts / bolts). The slats are secured to the slat support assemblies via recessed slat receiving structures, as described in more detail below.

[0026] Therefore, according to one embodiment of this subject matter, a beam is provided for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness, and width. The beam extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and includes at least two beam sidewalls along at least a portion of the beam's length, the at least two beam sidewalls being connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall. In some embodiments, each of the beam sidewalls extends away from the connecting wall along a second axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall.

[0027] In some embodiments, each beam sidewall in the beam sidewalls forms a plurality of recesses arranged along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, each recess has a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and is defined by an L-shaped slat support surface and a slat fixing surface. The L-shaped slat support surface includes a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis. The slat support side surface has a first proximal portion and a second distal portion. The slat fixing surface projects from the slat support bottom surface and is thereby spaced apart from the slat support side surface. The slat fixing surface extends along the recess height axis. The slat fixing surface of one of the two adjacent recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent recesses define a fixing protrusion having a height and width along the recess height axis to allow for resilient deflection, thereby causing the recess to widen in a direction away from the slat support side surface when the slat is tightly received in the recess.

[0028] According to another embodiment of this subject matter, a beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, thickness, and width, is also provided. The beam extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and includes at least two beam sidewalls along at least a portion of the beam's length. These at least two beam sidewalls are connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls extends away from the connecting wall along a second axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall.

[0029] In some embodiments, each beam sidewall in the beam sidewalls forms a plurality of recesses arranged along a longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, each recess has a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal axis and is defined by an L-shaped slat support surface and a slat fixing surface. The L-shaped slat support surface includes a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis. The slat support side surface has a first proximal portion and a second distal portion.

[0030] A slat fixing surface protrudes from the bottom surface of the slat support and is thereby spaced apart from the side surface of the slat support. The slat fixing surface extends along the height axis of the recess. The slat fixing surface of one of the two adjacent recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent recesses define a fixing protrusion. In some embodiments, each recess defines a slat receiving area formed by the slat fixing surface for securing the slat in the recess. At least one protrusion is formed on either the slat fixing surface or the slat support surface and protrudes inward from its protruding base portion into the slat receiving area, terminating at its protruding end portion. A gap is defined between the protruding end portion and the surface of the slat, such that the slat surface is spaced apart from the protruding base portion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth, the size of which is set to protrude to a certain range such that when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the fixed surface of the slat and the side surface of the slat support, the gap is less than the thickness of the slat; and when the protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the slat support, the gap is less than the width of the slat.

[0031] In some embodiments, the beam is part of a kit for providing a slat support assembly, in which the beam constitutes a first beam and a second beam identical to the first beam. The two beams are configured to be assembled in mutually inverted orientations to form recesses by a first recess in the first beam and a second corresponding recess in the second beam for receiving slats. In some embodiments, the beam is part of a kit for providing a slat support assembly, in which the beam constitutes a first beam and one or two sheaths. Each sheath is configured to receive a beam sidewall. Each sheath extends along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and includes, along at least a portion of the length of the sheath, a pair of spaced-apart sheath sidewalls forming a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis. The sheath recesses form a geometry similar to that of the beam recesses. The first beam and one or two sheaths are configured to be assembled in mutually inverted orientations to form recesses by a first recess in the first beam and a second corresponding recess in one or both sheaths for receiving slats.

[0032] In some embodiments, the size of the retaining protrusion is set to a range configured to allow the first retaining protrusion of the first recess to overlap with the second retaining protrusion of the second recess. In some embodiments, this range is at least 35% of the length of the slat support side surface. In some embodiments, this range is defined to facilitate overlap to the extent that it is operable for assembling the first beam and the second beam without any additional mechanical fastening devices. In some embodiments, this range is defined to facilitate overlap to the extent that it is operable for assembling the first beam with one or both sheaths without any additional mechanical fastening devices. In some embodiments, when the second recess is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the first recess, the cavity is formed by overlap, whereby the first slat support side surface of the cavity includes the slat support side surface of the first recess, and the second parallel slat support side surface of the cavity includes the slat support side surface of the second recess, and the first bottom surface of the cavity includes the bottom surface of the first recess, and the parallel support top surface of the cavity includes the slat support bottom surface of the second recess.

[0033] In some embodiments, the degree of overlap is determined to be compatible with at least one of the width and thickness of the slats for at least one of the following: adjusting the height of the slat support side surface of the recess to the width of the slats, and adjusting the width of the support bottom surface or support top surface of the recess to the thickness of the slats. In some embodiments, the width of the slat thickness is constant, and the height of the recess side surface is adjusted to the width of the slats. In some embodiments, both the height of the recess support side surface and the width of the recess support bottom and top surfaces are adjusted to the corresponding width and thickness of the slats. In some embodiments, the adjusted height of the recess support side surface is configured to determine the amount of shading provided by the assembly.

[0034] In some embodiments, the recess defines a slat receiving area formed by a slat fixing surface and a slat supporting surface, and either the slat fixing surface or the slat supporting surface has at least one protrusion projecting inward into the area. In some embodiments, the protrusion projects inward from its base portion into the slat receiving area and terminates at its end portion. A gap is defined between the end portion of the protrusion and the surface of the slat, such that the slat surface is spaced apart from the base portion of the protrusion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth, the size of which is set to protrude to a range such that when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixing surface and the slat supporting side surface, the gap is less than the thickness of the slat; and when the protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the slat supporting surface, the gap is less than the width of the slat.

[0035] In some embodiments, the locking tooth has a first side surface that meets a second side surface at the protruding end portion of the locking tooth. In some embodiments, the locking tooth is sized to protrude to a range such that the gap formed between the protruding end portion and a recessed surface parallel to and spaced apart from the base portion is less than the thickness or width of the slat. In some embodiments, the protruding end portion is sized to form a sharp end configured to pierce the slat when mechanical force is applied to it. In some embodiments, the first side surface of the tooth faces at least partially toward the slat support side surface, and the second side surface of the tooth faces at least partially toward the slat support bottom surface. In some embodiments, the first and second side surfaces of the tooth are inclined, thereby positioning the protruding end portion toward the bottom of the recessed support. In some embodiments, the locking tooth is configured to taper from its base portion toward its protruding end portion. In some embodiments, the locking tooth is configured to bend inward relative to a first axis.

[0036] In some embodiments, the slat is inserted into the recess along an insertion path that begins at a distal portion of the retaining protrusion and extends toward a proximal portion of the retaining protrusion, which is positioned proximal to the bottom surface of the slat support. The protruding end portion slopes downward along the insertion path to immovably lock the slat into the recess. In some embodiments, the first side surface of the tooth is configured to slope toward the protruding end portion to guide the slat into the recess along the insertion path. In some embodiments, the distal portion of the retaining protrusion is configured with a smooth profile to prevent accidental puncture of the slat along its insertion path. In some embodiments, the protrusion is configured with a continuously tapering, sharp shape. In some embodiments, the protrusion projects from the bottom surface of the slat support to form a locking tooth, which optionally constitutes an additional locking tooth. In some embodiments, the slat support side surface of the distal portion of the protrusion is at least partially configured to taper along the height axis of the recess.

[0037] In some embodiments, the beam comprises a rigid material with a stiffness greater than that of a slat. In some embodiments, the beam sidewalls and connecting walls are arranged to form a U-shaped profile to allow a first and second beam of two identical beams to interlock. In some embodiments, the beam has a central plane extending perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and is equidistantly positioned with respect to a first and second end of the beam, and has a geometry symmetrical with respect to the central plane. In some embodiments, a first end portion including the first end of the beam and a second end portion including the second end of the beam have the same geometry. In some embodiments, the first end portion of the beam includes the first end of the beam, and the beam also includes an anchoring unit comprising a base plate and an upright wall projecting from the base plate, the upright wall having a geometry that mates with the end portion of the beam.

[0038] In some embodiments, the upright wall includes two anchoring sidewalls connected and spaced apart by an anchoring connecting wall configured with a width measured along a first axis that is smaller than the width of the beam connecting wall to allow the anchoring unit to be inserted into the beam. In some embodiments, the thickness of the slats is less than the length of the bottom surface of the slat support, and the width of the slats does not exceed the height of the side surface of the slat support. In some embodiments, the degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the thickness of the slats. In some embodiments, the degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the thickness of the slats and the width of the bottom surface of the support. According to another embodiment of the subject matter, a kit for a slat support assembly is also provided, comprising: a single beam capable of being divided into two identical beams; and optionally, a plurality of slats. According to another embodiment of the subject matter, a kit for a slat support assembly is also provided, comprising: a single beam; one or two sheaths, each sheath configured to receive a beam sidewall; and optionally, a plurality of slats. In some embodiments, the kit also includes anchoring units.

[0039] According to another embodiment of this subject matter, a slat support assembly is also provided, comprising beams and a plurality of slats, wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled without any additional mechanical fastening devices. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes anchoring units. In some embodiments, the assembly is configured to be assembled by anchoring a first beam of two identical beams to either an anchoring unit or the ground. In some embodiments, the assembly forms at least a portion of a fence or pergola.

[0040] According to another embodiment of this subject matter, a specific method for assembling a slat support assembly is also provided, comprising the steps of: optionally dividing a single beam, if provided as a single beam, into optionally identical first and second beams; providing the first beam; anchoring the first beam to a base; positioning the slats in a recess of the first beam; applying mechanical force to the slats to secure them in the recesses; providing a corresponding structure including either a second beam or a sheath; inverting the corresponding structure relative to the first beam along a longitudinal axis; positioning the corresponding structure along the longitudinal and / or second axes, and applying mechanical force to the corresponding structure to form a recess, the recess being adjusted to at least one of the thickness and width of the slats, the recess being defined by a recess of the first beam, which is inverted and positioned relative to a second corresponding recess of the corresponding structure. In some embodiments, the assembly method is performed without any other additional mechanical fastening devices. In some embodiments, the slats are secured in the recesses by piercing them with locking teeth. In some embodiments, a fixing protrusion of the recess of the first beam overlaps with a fixing protrusion of the second corresponding recess.

[0041] Implementation Plan The specific implementation details provide a more detailed description, while the following are non-limiting examples of different implementations of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0042] 1. A beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, a thickness, and a width; said beam extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, and comprising at least the following along at least a portion of the length of said beam: Two beam sidewalls are connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls extends away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall. Each beam sidewall in the beam sidewall has a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis; Each recess has a recess height axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, and is defined by the following: L-shaped slat support surface, the L-shaped slat support surface including a slat support side surface extending along the height axis of the recess and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the height axis of the recess, the slat support side surface having a first proximal portion and a second distal portion; and a slat fixing surface, the slat fixing surface projecting from the slat support bottom surface and thereby spaced apart from the slat support side surface, the slat fixing surface extending along the height axis of the recess, the slat fixing surface of one of two adjacent recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent recesses defining a fixing protrusion, the fixing protrusion having a height and width along the height axis of the recess so as to be elastically deflected, thereby causing the recess to widen in a direction away from the slat support side surface when the slat is tightly received in the recess.

[0043] 2. A beam for accommodating a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, a thickness, and a width; said beam extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, and comprising at least the following along at least a portion of the length of said beam: Two beam sidewalls are connected by a connecting wall and spaced apart by the connecting wall along a first axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall. Each of the beam sidewalls extends away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall. Each beam sidewall in the beam sidewall has a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis; Each recess has a recess height axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, and is defined by the following: L-shaped slat support surface, the L-shaped slat support surface including a slat support side surface extending along the height axis of the recess and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the height axis of the recess, the slat support side surface having a first proximal portion and a second distal portion; and a slat fixing surface, the slat fixing surface projecting from the bottom surface of the slat support and thereby spaced apart from the slat support side surface, the slat fixing surface extending along the height axis of the recess, the slat fixing surface of one of the two adjacent recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent recesses defining a fixing protrusion; The recess defines a slat receiving area formed by the slat fixing surface and the slat supporting surface for securing the slat in the recess. At least one protrusion is formed on either the slat fixing surface or the slat supporting surface, and protrudes inward from its base portion into the slat receiving region, terminating at its end portion. A gap is defined between the protruding end portion and the surface of the slat, the slat surface being spaced apart from the protruding base portion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth, the size of which is set to protrude to a certain range, such that the gap: When the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the fixing surface of the slat and the supporting side surface of the slat, it is smaller than the thickness of the slat; and When the protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the slat support, it is smaller than the width of the slat.

[0044] 3. The beam according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the beam is part of a kit for providing a slat support assembly, wherein the beam constitutes a first beam, the assembly further includes a second beam identical to the first beam, the two beams being configured to be assembled in an inverted orientation to form a recess formed by a first recess of the first beam and a second corresponding recess of the second beam for receiving the slats.

[0045] 4. The beam according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the beam is part of a kit for providing a slat support assembly, in which the beam constitutes a first beam, the assembly further comprising one or two sheaths, each sheath being configured to receive a sidewall of the beam, wherein the sheath extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and includes a pair of spaced-apart sheath sidewalls along at least a portion of the length of the sheath, the pair of spaced-apart sheath sidewalls forming a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis, the sheath recesses forming a geometry similar to the beam recesses, the first beam and the one or two sheaths being configured to be assembled in an inverted orientation to form a recess formed by a first recess of the first beam and a second corresponding recess of the one or two sheaths for receiving the slats.

[0046] 5. The beam according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the size of the fixing protrusion is set to a range, which is configured to allow the first fixing protrusion of the first recess to overlap with the second fixing protrusion of the second recess.

[0047] 6. The beam according to embodiment 5, wherein the range is at least 35% of the length of the slat support side surface.

[0048] 7. The beam according to embodiment 5 or 6, which is subordinate to embodiment 3, wherein the extent is defined as facilitating the overlap to a degree that enables the first beam to be assembled with the second beam without any additional mechanical fastening devices.

[0049] 8. The beam according to embodiment 5 or 6, which is subordinate to embodiment 4, wherein the extent is defined as facilitating the overlap to the extent that it is operable for assembling the first beam with the one or two sheaths without any additional mechanical fastening devices.

[0050] 9. The beam according to any one of embodiments 3 to 8, wherein the cavity is formed by the overlap when the second recess is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the first recess, thereby: The first slat support side surface of the recess includes the slat support side surface of the first recess, and the second parallel slat support side surface of the recess includes the slat support side surface of the second recess. The first bottom surface of the recess includes the bottom surface of the first recess, and the parallel supporting top surface of the recess includes the slat supporting bottom surface of the second recess.

[0051] 10. The beam according to embodiment 9, wherein the degree of overlap is determined to be compatible with at least one of the width and thickness of the slats for at least one of the following: Adjust the height of the slat support side surface of the recess to match the width of the slat, and The width of the bottom or top surface of the recess is adjusted to match the thickness of the slat.

[0052] 11. The beam according to embodiment 10, wherein the width of the slat thickness is constant, and the height of the recess side surface is adjusted to the width of the slat.

[0053] 12. The beam according to embodiment 10, wherein the height of the side surface of the recessed support and the width of the bottom and top surfaces of the recessed support are both adjusted to the corresponding width and thickness of the strip.

[0054] 13. The beam according to embodiment 10, wherein the height of the adjusted recessed support side surface is configured to determine the amount of shielding provided by the component.

[0055] 14. The beam according to any one of embodiments 1, 3, and 5 to 13, wherein: The recess defines a slat receiving area formed by the slat fixing surface and the slat supporting surface, and Either the fixed surface of the slat and the supporting surface of the slat are formed with at least one protrusion extending inward into the region.

[0056] 15. The beam according to embodiment 14, wherein the protrusion extends inward from its protruding base portion into the slat receiving region and terminates at its protruding end portion. The gap is defined between the end portion of the protrusion and the surface of the slat, the surface of the slat being spaced apart from the base portion of the protrusion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth, the size of which is set to protrude to a certain range, such that the gap: When the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the fixing surface of the slat and the supporting side surface of the slat, it is smaller than the thickness of the slat; and When the protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the slat support, it is smaller than the width of the slat.

[0057] 16. The beam according to any one of embodiments 2, 4 and 15, wherein the locking tooth has a first side surface that meets a second side surface at the protruding end portion of the locking tooth.

[0058] 17. The beam according to embodiment 16, wherein the size of the locking tooth is set to protrude to a certain range such that the gap formed between the protruding end portion and the recessed surface parallel to and spaced apart from the base portion is less than the thickness or width of the strip.

[0059] 18. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16 or 17, wherein the dimensions of the protruding end portion are set to form a sharp end, the sharp end being configured to pierce the slat when a mechanical force is applied to the slat.

[0060] 19. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the first side surface of the tooth faces at least partially toward the slat support side surface, and the second side surface of the tooth faces at least partially toward the slat support bottom surface.

[0061] 20. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein the first side surface of the tooth and the second side surface of the tooth are inclined, thereby positioning the protruding end portion toward the bottom of the recessed support.

[0062] 21. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16 to 20, wherein the locking tooth is configured to taper from its base portion toward its protruding end portion.

[0063] 22. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16 to 21, wherein the locking tooth is configured to bend inward relative to the first axis.

[0064] 23. The beam according to any one of embodiments 16 to 22, wherein the slat is inserted into the recess along an insertion path that begins at a distal portion of a fixing protrusion and extends toward a proximal portion of the fixing protrusion, the proximal portion of the fixing protrusion being positioned proximal to the bottom surface of the slat support, and the protruding end portion is inclined downward along the insertion path to immovably lock the slat into the recess.

[0065] 24. The beam according to embodiment 23, wherein the first side surface of the tooth is configured to slope toward the protruding end portion so as to guide the slat into the recess along the insertion path of the slat.

[0066] 25. The beam according to embodiment 23 or 24, wherein the distal portion of the fixed protrusion is configured with a smooth profile to prevent accidental puncture of the slats along their insertion path.

[0067] 26. The beam according to any one of embodiments 2, 4, 14 to 25, wherein the protrusion is configured with a continuously tapering sharp shape.

[0068] 27. The beam according to any one of embodiments 2, 4, 14 to 26, wherein the protrusion protrudes from the bottom surface of the slat support to form a locking tooth, the locking tooth optionally constituting an additional locking tooth.

[0069] 28. The beam according to any one of embodiments 23 to 27, wherein the slat support side surface of the distal portion of the protrusion is at least partially configured to taper along the height axis of the recess.

[0070] 29. The beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the beam comprises a rigid material with a stiffness value greater than that of the slats.

[0071] 30. The beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the beam sidewalls and the connecting walls are arranged to form a U-shaped profile to allow the first beam and the second beam of two identical beams to be interlocked with each other.

[0072] 31. The beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the beam: has a central plane extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is equidistantly positioned with respect to a first end and a second end of the beam, and has a geometry symmetrical with respect to the central plane.

[0073] 32. The beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein a first end portion including a first end of the beam and a second end portion including a second end of the beam have the same geometry.

[0074] 33. The beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first end portion of the beam includes the first end of the beam, and the beam further includes an anchoring unit, the anchoring unit including a base plate and a vertical wall, the vertical wall protruding from the base plate and forming a geometry that mates with the end portion of the beam.

[0075] 34. The beam according to embodiment 33, wherein the upright wall includes two anchoring sidewalls connected and spaced apart by an anchoring connecting wall, the anchoring connecting wall being configured with a width measured along the first axis, the width being smaller than the width of the beam connecting wall, so as to allow the anchoring unit to be inserted into the beam.

[0076] 35. The beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the thickness of the slat is less than the length of the bottom surface of the slat support, and the width of the slat does not exceed the height of the side surface of the slat support.

[0077] 36. The beam according to embodiment 1, wherein the degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the thickness of the slats.

[0078] 37. The beam according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 3, wherein the degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the thickness of the slat and the width of the support bottom surface.

[0079] 38. A kit for a slat support assembly, the kit comprising: A single beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, The single beam can be divided into two identical beams; and Optional, multiple slats.

[0080] 39. A kit for a slat support assembly, the kit comprising: A single beam according to any one of the foregoing embodiments; One or two sheaths, each sheath configured to receive the beam sidewall; and Optional, multiple slats.

[0081] 40. The kit according to embodiment 38 or 39, which is subordinate to embodiment 33 or 34, further includes the anchoring unit.

[0082] 41. A slat support assembly, the slat support assembly comprising: The beam according to any one of embodiments 1 to 37; and Multiple slats, The components are configured to be assembled without any additional mechanical fastening devices.

[0083] 42. The slat support assembly according to embodiment 41, which is subordinate to embodiment 33 or 34, further comprising the anchoring unit.

[0084] 43. The slat support assembly according to embodiment 42, wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled by anchoring a first beam of the two identical beams to either the anchoring unit or the ground.

[0085] 44. The slat support assembly according to any one of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the assembly forms at least a portion of a fence or pergola.

[0086] 45. A method for assembling a slat support assembly, the method comprising: In the case of providing a single beam, the single beam may optionally be divided into an identical first beam and a second beam; Provide a first beam comprising a beam according to any one of embodiments 1 to 37; anchor the first beam to a base; Position the slats in the recess of the first beam; Mechanical force is applied to the slats to secure them in the recesses; a corresponding structure is provided, including either the second beam of embodiment 3 or the sheath. The corresponding structure is inverted relative to the first beam along the longitudinal axis; The corresponding structure is positioned along the longitudinal axis and / or the second axis, and a mechanical force is applied to the corresponding structure to form a recess, the recess being adjusted to at least one of the thickness and width of the slat, the recess being defined by the recess of the first beam, the first beam being positioned inverted relative to the second corresponding recess of the corresponding structure.

[0087] 46. ​​The method according to embodiment 45, wherein the assembly is performed without any other additional mechanical fastening devices.

[0088] 47. The method according to embodiment 45 or 46, which is subordinate to any one of embodiments 15 to 37, wherein securing the strip in the recess is performed by piercing the strip with the locking teeth.

[0089] 48. The method according to any one of embodiments 45 to 47, wherein the positioning includes overlapping the fixing protrusion of the recess of the first beam with the fixing protrusion of the second corresponding recess. Attached Figure Description

[0090] Other features and objectives of this application will become more apparent from the brief description in the following patent drawings.

[0091] Figure 1 This is a first rear or rear perspective view of the length of a beam according to one embodiment of the present application, showing a series of slat receiving recesses spaced apart from each other along the length of the beam; Figure 2A It is possible to be Figure 1 The elevation edge view of the beam, which is otherwise depicted, shows the slat width and slat thickness of the slats. Figure 2B It is a front or frontal view of the slats that can be accommodated by the length of the beam, showing the slat length of the slats; Figure 3 This is a side view of the length of a beam according to one embodiment of the present application, showing a series of slat receiving recesses spaced apart from each other along the length of the beam; Figure 4This is a first enlarged end view of the beam length in one embodiment of this application, showing the U-shaped transverse configuration of the beam; Figure 5 This is an enlarged partial side view of the length of a beam according to one embodiment of this application, which is enlarged to show certain features of the slat receiving recess in more detail; Figure 6A This is a front or frontal view of the length of a beam according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 6B This is a rear or rear view of the beam's length according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a side view of a first length beam and a second length beam according to one embodiment of the present application, the second length beam being inverted relative to the first length beam and shown in a disassembled and juxtaposed position prior to assembly to form a first alternative slat support assembly; Figure 8 It is based on one embodiment of this application. Figure 7 A side view of a first length beam and a second length beam, shown in other ways, in an assembly relationship to form a first alternative slat support assembly having a series of slat receiving recesses; Figure 8A From Figure 8 Enlarged and cut-out enlarged partial cross-sectional views to show in more detail the features of the slat receiving recess of the first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application; Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a first alternative slat support assembly having a series of slat receiving recesses according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 10 This is an enlarged end view of a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 11A This is a first elevation view of a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 11B yes Figure 11A A second elevation view showing the first alternative slat support assembly, which is otherwise shown in a different manner, in an inverted relationship to it; Figure 12A This is a perspective view of a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the first alternative slat support assembly being shown in a first use state to fix a slat with the smallest slat width; Figure 12B This is a perspective view of a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, shown in a second use configuration for fixing a slat, the slat width being greater than... Figure 12AThe minimum slat width configuration described in other ways is large; Figure 12C This is a perspective view of a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the first alternative slat support assembly being shown in a third use state to fix the slat with the largest slat width; Figure 13 This is a side view of a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the first alternative slat support assembly being shown as having a series of recessed fixing slats that are received and secured within the slat receiving recesses; Figure 13A From Figure 13 Enlarged and sectional views of the section are provided to show in more detail the features of the slat receiving recess of the slat with recessed fixing slat according to one embodiment of the present application. Figure 13B This is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the slat receiving recess of a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, showing the dashed slat positioned within the slat receiving recess; Figure 13C From Figure 13B Enlarged and sectional views of the section are provided to show in more detail the features of the fixing protrusion of the slat receiving recess of the slat receiving cavity. Figure 14A This is a schematic depiction of a fixing protrusion of a fixing protrusion of a slat receiving recess according to one embodiment of the present application, the fixing protrusion being shown to extend in a first dimension and a third dimension; Figure 14B This is a schematic depiction of a first alternative fixing protrusion of a fixing protrusion of a slat receiving recess according to one embodiment of the present application, the first alternative fixing protrusion being shown to extend in a first dimension and a second dimension; Figure 14C This is a schematic depiction of a second alternative fixing protrusion of a fixing protrusion of a slat receiving recess according to one embodiment of the present application, the second alternative fixing protrusion being shown as extending in a first dimension and a second dimension and highlighting the curved features of the second alternative fixing protrusion; Figure 15 This is a perspective view of a second alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, showing a grooved sheath fitted on a first length beam; Figure 16 Is it like this? Figure 15 A second rear or rear perspective view of the beam's length, depicted in other ways, showing multiple slat receiving recesses spaced apart from each other along the beam's length; Figure 17 Is it like this? Figure 15A front or frontal perspective view of a side-opposite grooved sheath, otherwise depicted, showing a plurality of slat receiving recesses spaced apart from each other along the length of the grooved sheath. Figure 18A yes Figure 15 A second enlarged end view of the beam's length, depicted in other ways, shows the beam's U-shaped transverse configuration; Figure 18B Is it like this? Figure 15 An enlarged end view of the laterally opposed grooved sheath, depicted in other ways, and shown as being positioned for receiving... Figure 18A The configuration of the beam sidewalls for the beam length, as described in other ways; Figure 18C yes Figure 18A The length of the beam shown in other ways and as follows Figure 18B Enlarged end views of the laterally opposed grooved sheaths, otherwise depicted, are shown in an assembled configuration for providing a second alternative slat support assembly. Figure 19A This is a frontal or frontal view of the grooved sheath in a side-facing configuration according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 19B This is a rear or rear elevation view of a side-facing grooved sheath according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 20 This is a side view of a second alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, showing a series of slat receiving recesses; Figure 21 This is a side view of a second alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the second alternative slat support assembly being shown as having a series of recessed fixing slats that are received and secured within the slat receiving recesses; Figure 22 This is a perspective view of a second alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, the second alternative slat support assembly being shown as having a series of recessed fixing slats that are received and secured within the slat receiving recesses; Figure 23 This is a top perspective view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, which can be used in combination with a first alternative slat support assembly or a second alternative slat support assembly. Figure 24 This is an elevation side view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly that can be used in combination with a first alternative slat support assembly or a second alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 25This is a frontal or frontal view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly according to one embodiment of the present application, which can be used in combination with a first alternative slat support assembly or a second alternative slat support assembly. Figure 26 This is a rear elevation view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly that can be used in combination with a first alternative slat support assembly or a second alternative slat support assembly, according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 27 This is a top end view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly that can be used in combination with a first alternative slat support assembly or a second alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 28 This is a top end view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly in assembly relation to a first alternative slat support assembly, according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 29 This is a top perspective view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly in assembly relation to a first alternative slat support assembly according to one embodiment of this application; Figure 30 This is an elevation side view of an optional anchoring unit or anchoring assembly in assembly relation to a first alternative slat support assembly, according to one embodiment of this application. Figure 31 This is a perspective view of a series of first alternative slat support assemblies according to one embodiment of the present application, the series of first alternative slat support assemblies being shown as anchored to a support structure by a series of anchoring components to position a series of slats adjacent to the support structure, as a first exemplary application of slat fixing beams and slat support assemblies; Figure 32 From Figure 31 Enlarged and cut-out enlarged partial cross-sectional views to show in more detail the features of a single first alternative slat support assembly having attached anchoring components for positioning a series of slats; Figure 33 This is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a single first alternative slat support assembly, wherein the attached anchoring assembly anchors the entire assembly to the underlying support surface (taking the ground surface as an example). Figure 34 This is a perspective view of a series of first alternative slat support assemblies according to one embodiment of the present application, shown as anchored to a pergola frame to position a series of slats adjacent to the pergola frame, as a second exemplary application of slat fixing beams and slat support assemblies; and Figure 35 Is it from Figure 34An exploded perspective view of a series of first alternative slat support assemblies, showing the components of the first alternative slat support assemblies and the relative positions of a series of slats adjacent to the pergola frame. Detailed Implementation

[0092] Referring now more specifically to the accompanying drawings, the following description and the accompanying drawings supporting this description generally describe and illustrate, as at 10, a basic slat receiving beam or slat support beam for structurally receiving and securing multiple or a series of slats as at 11. Reference Figure 2A and Figure 2B As will be seen, each slat 11 received and fixed by the slat support beam 10 according to the present disclosure has a slat length as at 104, a slat thickness as at 105, and a slat width as at 106. The beam 10 extends from a first beam end 12 to a second beam end 13 along a longitudinal beam axis 100 extending in a first dimension 101, and includes two laterally opposed beam sidewalls 14 connected by beam connecting walls 15 that extend along at least a portion of the length of the beam 10.

[0093] Laterally opposed beam sidewalls 14 are spaced apart by beam connecting walls 15 along a first axis, such as 111, extending in a second dimension 102. This first axis 111 is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis 100 and parallel to the beam connecting walls 15. Each beam sidewall 14 extends away from the beam connecting walls 15 along a second axis, such as 112, extending in a third dimension 103 and orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis 100 and transverse to the beam connecting walls 15. (Comparatively, see...) Figure 4 and Figure 10 The reader will see there that the beam sidewalls 14 and beam connecting walls 15 are configured to form a U-shaped cross-section or end view profile, as shown at 50, to allow the first beam 10 and the second beam 10 to be interlocked or fitted together in a first application of the slat receiving beam or slat supporting beam 10 according to this disclosure, as... Figure 10 It is roughly described in the text.

[0094] The slat receiving beam or slat supporting beam 10 according to this disclosure includes, for example: Figure 3 A central transverse plane at point 125, extending orthogonally relative to the longitudinal beam axis 100 and positioned along the longitudinal beam axis 100 at the middle portion of the beam 10, such as, in a non-limiting example, equidistantly or approximately equidistantly from the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13. When the parent beam 10 is cut, severed, or divided along (or near) the central transverse plane 125, two substantially identical sub-beams 10 can be formed, each having half the length of the full beam. The two substantially identical sub-beams 10 form a geometry symmetrical with respect to the central transverse plane 125.

[0095] It should be noted that the terms "symmetrical geometry", "identical geometry", "sub-beams that are substantially the same" and "substantially the same beams" include any portion of the beam relative to the central transverse plane 125, such as any portion along the slat receiving area. For example, the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13 may be identical.

[0096] In another example, any one or more recesses positioned equidistantly along the beam and the central transverse plane 125 may have symmetrical or identical geometry. In such an example, the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13 may be the same or different.

[0097] Furthermore, the slat receiving beam or slat supporting beam 10 according to this disclosure also includes, for example... Figure 4 The central inner plane 126 at point 126 is coplanar with the longitudinal beam axis 100 and extends orthogonally through the beam connecting wall 15 at approximately equal intervals in the middle of the beam sidewall 14. The beam 10 has identical lateral halves extending around the central inner plane 126. When the first beam 10 and the second beam 10 are assembled together or mated to each other according to the first application, the central inner planes 126 of the first and second sub-beams 10 are parallel to each other at a distance 132, which is substantially equal to the thickness of the material construction of the first and second sub-beams 10, such as... Figure 10 It is roughly described in the text.

[0098] Because the first beam end portion or first sub-beam 10 with the first beam end 12 and the second beam end portion or second sub-beam 10 with the second beam end 13 can be formed to have the same geometry, a user or consumer can purchase or obtain a mother beam 10 of virtually any desired length and cut the mother beam 10 to the desired sub-beam length to form a first beam and a second beam 10 of the desired length that can fit together. In other words, a single mother beam 10 can be purchased by a customer or other user and cut along the central transverse plane 125 to provide two sub-beams, which, when the two sub-beams fit together or are assembled with each other, produce a first alternative slat support assembly, such as at 25. Figures 7 to 13C As roughly depicted in the text. By providing a mother beam 10 configured in this way, customers and other users can avoid having to purchase multiple beams of different shapes. In some embodiments, this structural feature of the slat receiving beam or slat supporting beam 10 produces significant market advantages over other prior art slat supported beams, most importantly the reduction in cost and expense associated with achieving multiple beam forms of the desired slat support assembly.

[0099] Comparative reference Figure 3 and Figure 5The reader will see that each beam sidewall 14 includes or forms a plurality of slat receiving beam recesses 16, which are evenly spaced and arranged along the longitudinal beam axis 100 in the first dimension 101. Each slat receiving beam recess 16 has a recess height axis 107, which is angled or skewed relative to the longitudinal beam axis 100, such as... Figure 5 The recess height axis angle is 131. The slat receiving beam recess 16 may be defined by an L-shaped slat support surface 17 and a slat fixing surface 22. The L-shaped slat support surface 17 includes a slat support side surface 18 extending along the recess height axis 107 and a slat support bottom surface 19 extending transversely to the recess height axis 107. The slat support side surface 18 has a first proximal portion 20 and a second distal portion 21. The slat support surface 17 does not need to be strictly L-shaped and can be formed in other shapes, including circular or rounded slat opposing surfaces. In one embodiment, the slat support surface 17 is L-shaped to structurally approximate or more appropriately accommodate the slat thickness 105 and slat width 106 of the slat 11 received in the slat receiving beam recess 16, in order to ensure a tighter fit therebetween and prevent displacement of the slat 11 when received in the slat receiving beam recess 16.

[0100] A slat fixing surface 22 protrudes from the bottom surface 19 of the slat support and is thereby spaced apart from the side surface 18 of the slat support. The slat fixing surface 22 extends generally along the recess height axis 107. The slat fixing surface 22 of one of the two adjacent slat receiving beam recesses 16, together with the second distal portion 21 of the slat support side surface 18 of the other of the two adjacent slat receiving beam recesses 16, defines a fixing protrusion 23. Each fixing protrusion 23 has a protrusion height along the recess height axis 107 or in the same direction as the recess height axis, such as at 108, and a protrusion width in a direction orthogonal to the recess height axis 107, such as at 109.

[0101] The beam 10 may be formed of a material with a certain inherent elasticity, such that the fixing protrusion 23 may optionally be elastically deflected as depicted at 114, resulting in the slat receiving beam recess 16 widening in the direction 115 away from the slat support side surface 18 when the slat 11 is tightly received in the slat receiving beam recess 16. In this last aspect, the disclosure also contemplates beam embodiments formed of a substantially rigid material that does not exhibit significant elasticity or resilience, and in these embodiments, the fixing protrusion 23 does not deflect when the slat 11 is received in the slat receiving beam recess 16. In such embodiments, the fixing protrusion 23 may remain fixed in an upright position and will not deflect as at 114, for example, when the beam 10 is formed with smooth sidewalls whose dimensions and shape are designed to slidably receive the slat 11 having a slat thickness 105 and a slat width 106.

[0102] In some embodiments, the beam 10 according to this disclosure comprises a material configuration with a greater degree of stiffness than that of the slats 11. In this regard, it is contemplated that the beam 10 according to this disclosure is formed of a substantially rigid metallic material, such as galvanized steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, by non-limiting example. In those cases where a substantially rigid material is used to form the beam 10, the elasticity or resilient force of the material is provided by the specific geometry of the retaining protrusion 23. In particular, the optional tapered characteristic of the retaining protrusion 23 enables enhancement of the elastic or resilient deformation of the material. Alternatively, when an application requires an elastically actuable retaining protrusion 23, the retaining protrusion 23 may optionally be formed of a material composition having a certain inherent elasticity.

[0103] In one embodiment, the slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 is less than or less than the length of the bottom surface 19 of the slat support, and the slat width 106 of the slat 11 does not exceed the height of the side surface 18 of the slat support. However, it will be noted that the first beam and the second beam 10 forming the first alternative slat support assembly 25 are capable of displacement relative to each other to structurally accommodate slats 11 of different sizes, such as... Figures 12A to 12CThe description is roughly as follows. Furthermore, in some alternative embodiments, the retaining protrusion 23 is elastically actuated to allow its elastic deflection 114. The degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 received in the slat receiving beam recess 16. The degree of deflection can be derived from the distance or angle of deflection. The deflection angle relative to the recess height axis angle 131 is in the range of 0.5 degrees to 90 degrees. Typically, the deflection angle will be minimized to reduce stress / strain on the material structure of the retaining protrusion 23, and is within the deflection range of 0.5 degrees to 5 degrees, as at 114. In another non-limiting example, the deflection angle relative to the recess height axis angle 131 is in the range of 0.5 degrees to 10 degrees. The deflection angle relative to the recess height axis angle 131 is in the range of 0.5 degrees to 30 degrees.

[0104] In some embodiments, the degree of elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 and the width of the slat support bottom surface 19. In other words, if the slat thickness 105 is equal to or greater than the width of the slat support bottom surface 19, the retaining protrusion 23 will deflect to a degree corresponding to the difference in slat thickness 105 relative to the width of the slat support bottom surface 19, which can be minute. Since the slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 may vary slightly due to manufacturing or milling variations, the retaining protrusion 23 can deflect as needed to structurally receive a slat 11 with a slat thickness 105 that is slightly greater than the width of the slat support bottom surface 19.

[0105] In a first application of this disclosure, beam 10 is provided as part of a first kit or component for providing a first alternative slat support assembly 25. The first alternative slat support assembly 25 according to this disclosure includes two beams 10, or the first beam 10 is formally identical to the second beam 10. The first beam and the second beam 10 of the first beam kit or the first alternative slat support assembly 25 are configured for assembly in mutually inverted orientations, such as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The image is roughly and comparatively depicted, with the first set of lath receiving beam recesses 16 of the first beam 10 and the second set of corresponding lath receiving beam recesses 16 of the second beam 10 forming lath receiving recesses 24. Further reference... Figure 10 As will be seen, when the first beam and the second beam 10 are in an assembled relationship, the beam sidewalls 14 of the first beam and the second beam overlap at 116 to form the first alternative slat support assembly 25.

[0106] When the first beam and the second beam 10 overlap in such a way that the slat receiving recess 24 is formed by the slat receiving beam recess 16. In other words, in order to form a single slat receiving recess 24, the first slat receiving beam recess 16 of the first beam 10 is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the second slat receiving beam recess 16 of the second beam 10. More specifically, each slat receiving recess 24 includes a first slat support side surface of the first slat receiving beam recess 16 of the first beam 10 and a second slat support side surface 18 of the second slat receiving beam recess 16 of the second beam 10. Furthermore, each slat receiving recess 24 includes a first slat support bottom surface 19 of the first slat receiving beam recess 16 and a second slat support bottom surface 19 of the second slat receiving beam recess 16, which is structurally equivalent to such a... Figure 8A The top surface is supported by slats at 28 locations.

[0107] The degree of overlap between the opposing slat receiving beam recesses 16 can be adjusted by first linearly displacing the second beam 10 relative to the first beam 10 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal beam axis 100 or in the first dimension 101, to structurally accommodate slats 11 of different sizes. In this regard, the reader is guided to... Figures 12A to 12C These figures are presented side-by-side to provide a comparative illustration of a series of three first alternative slat support assemblies 25. (Comparative reference) Figures 12A to 12C As will be seen, the slat receiving recess 24 of the first alternative slat support assembly 25 can be sized differently by adjusting or linearly displacing the first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10 in the direction of the longitudinal beam axis 100.

[0108] Figure 12A A series of minimized slat receiving recesses 24 are shown, where the displacement of the first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10 is maximized. In contrast, Figure 12C A series of maximized slat receiving recesses 24 are shown, wherein the displacement of the first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10 is minimized. Figure 12B The embodiment depicted shows a slat receiving recess 24, which has a larger than Figure 12A The slat receiving recess 24 shown is relatively larger in size and has a larger dimension than... Figure 12C The slat receiving recess 24 shown is of a relatively smaller size. In one application, such as a cut at 117... Figure 12A and Figure 12B The second beam end 13 of the beam 10 shown is flush with the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13 of the beam 10 forming the first alternative slat support assembly 25. The reader will see that the first beam end 12 of the first beam 10 is... Figure 12CThe second beam end 13 of the middle and second beam 10 is flush with the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13 at 118, and this embodiment does not require cutting the first beam end 12 and the second beam end 13.

[0109] In other words, the first beam 10 is linearly displaced relative to the second beam 10 to provide an adjustable overlap feature for the first alternative slat support assembly 25, such that the first alternative slat support assembly 25 is structurally compatible with or structurally adapted to the slat width 106 of the slat 11 received within the slat receiving recess 24. In other words, the recess height at, for example, 119, of a set of opposing slat support side surfaces 18 of the slat receiving recess 24 is adjusted by linearly displacing the first beam 10 relative to the second beam 10 in the direction of the longitudinal beam axis 100 or in the first dimension 101 to structurally adapt to the slat width 106 of the slat 11 received within the slat receiving recess 24. In those applications where the maximized slat receiving recess 24 is not shown, the second beam end 13 can be removed so that the aligned first beam end 12 and second beam end 13 of the first alternative slat support assembly 25 are flush 118.

[0110] In one application, the slat thickness 105 and slat width 106 of the slat 11 are constant, and the recess height 119 of the recess side surface is adjusted to match the slat width 106 and slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 received in the slat receiving recess 24. In other words, both the recess height 119 of the recess support side surface and the width of the recess support bottom surface 19 or the recess support top surface at 28 are adjusted to match the corresponding slat width 106 and slat thickness 105 of the recess receiving slat 11. The adjusted recess height 119 of the recess support side surface can also be configured to provide a light-transmitting gap between adjacent recess receiving slats 11 to determine or provide a selected amount of light-blocking or light-repelling effect provided by the first alternative slat support assembly 25. The reader will note that for a relatively reduced slat width 106 (and a relatively reduced recess height 119), there is a relatively greater degree of overlap at the slat receiving beam recess 16. Therefore, the amount of light transmission interval at the slat receiving recess 24 can be adjusted as needed by displacing the first beam 10 of the first alternative slat support assembly 25 relative to the second beam 10.

[0111] In some implementations, the dimensions of the fixed protrusion 23 are set to form a certain overlap range, such as Figure 8AThe 27 points are generally depicted and referenced. The overlap range 27 is configured to overlap each other. In other words, the first fixing protrusion 23 of the first slat receiving beam recess 16 of the first beam 10 overlaps with the second fixing protrusion 23 of the second slat receiving beam recess 16 of the second beam 10 at the overlap range 27. The overlap range 27 is configured to overlap each other within a length percentage range. In a non-limiting example, the overlap range 27 is configured to overlap at least 35% of the length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the length percentage range may be from at least 20% to at least 35% of the length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the length percentage range may be from at least 1% to at least 50% of the length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the length percentage range may be from at least 5% to at least 40% of the length of the slat support side surface 18. In a non-limiting example, the length percentage range may be from at least 10% to at least 30% of the length of the slat support side surface 18.

[0112] The overlap range 27 is configured to facilitate the overlap of the retaining protrusions to the extent operable for assembling the first beam 10 with the second beam 10 without any additional mechanical fastening devices, while further securing the received slat 11. In other words, the overlap range 27 causes the opposing first and second beams 10 to form a tightly fitting assembly around the slat 11, as received within the slat receiving recess 24, without requiring additional fasteners or mechanical fastening devices (e.g., screws) to hold these beams 10 together.

[0113] It should be remembered that the slat receiving beam recess 16 is structurally defined by a slat receiving area formed by a slat support fixing surface, such as 22, and a slat support bottom surface, such as 19, of the slat receiving beam recess 16. In one application, both the slat fixing surface 22 and the slat support bottom surface 19 are formed with at least one protrusion projecting inward into the slat receiving area. In one application, the slat support fixing surface 22 includes a fixing protrusion, such as 29, and the slat support bottom surface 19 includes a bottom support protrusion, such as 30.

[0114] refer to Figure 13AThe reader will see here that the slat width limiting gap 75 extends between the end 36 of the bottom support protrusion 30 and the opposing height limiting recess surface 42 of the slat receiving recess 24, such as at the end 36 of the opposing bottom support protrusion 30 or at the protrusion base portion 35 of the opposing bottom support protrusion 30. The slat thickness limiting gap 76 extends between the end 32 of the fixing protrusion 29 and the opposing width limiting recess surface 41 of the slat receiving recess 24. In other words, the gaps (e.g., the slat width defining gap 75 and / or the slat thickness defining gap 76) are defined between the protruding end portions (e.g., the corresponding end 36 of the bottom support protrusion 30 and / or the end 32 of the fixing protrusion 29) and the surfaces of the slats (e.g., the corresponding relative height defining recess surface 42, which also includes the slat support bottom surface 19; and / or the width defining recess surface 41, which also includes the slat support side surface 18), and the slat surfaces are spaced apart from the protruding base portions (e.g., the corresponding protruding base portions 35 and / or protruding base portions 31). Protrusions (e.g., corresponding bottom support protrusions 30 and / or fixing protrusions 29) define locking teeth sized to protrude within a range such that, at least when the slat 11 is secured in the recess 16 and contacts the slat support surface spaced apart from the protrusions, the gaps (75 and / or 76) satisfy one or both of the following: when the protrusion 30 protrudes from the bottom surface 19 of the slat support, it is less than the width 106 of the slat; and / or when the protrusion 29 protrudes from at least one of the slat fixing surface 22 and the slat support side surface 18, it is less than the thickness 105 of the slat. Therefore, since the gaps 75 and / or 76 are less than the corresponding width 106 or thickness 105 of the slat 11, the locking teeth defined by the bottom support protrusions 30 and / or fixing protrusions 29 are configured to clamp or engage with the slat when the slat 11 is received in the slat receiving recess 24.

[0115] In some embodiments, the fixing protrusion 29 protrudes inward from a corresponding protrusion base portion, such as at 31, into the slat receiving region and terminates at a protrusion end portion 32. A first set of gaps 33 is defined between the protrusion end portion 32 and the opposing thickness-defining slat surfaces 34 of the slat 11, such that the opposing thickness-defining slat surfaces 34 are spaced apart from the protrusion base portion 31 and the width-defining recess surface 41 at the opposing slat support side surface 18. The bottom support protrusion 30 protrudes inward from a corresponding protrusion base portion, such as at 35, into the slat receiving region and terminates at a protrusion end portion 36. A second set of gaps 37 is defined between the protrusion end portion 36 and the opposing width-defining slat surfaces 38 of the slat 11, such that the opposing width-defining slat surfaces 38 are spaced apart from the protrusion base portion 35 and the height-defining recess surface 42 at the opposing slat support bottom surface 19.

[0116] In some embodiments, the fixing protrusion 29 defines or provides a first type of slat locking tooth, the first type of slat locking tooth being sized to protrude into the slat receiving area to a certain extent, such that the gap 33 and / or gap 76 between the slat fixing surface 22 and the slat support side surface 18 is less than or less than the slat thickness 105 of the slat 11 when received in the slat receiving recess 24. The bottom support protrusion 30 substantially defines a second type of slat locking tooth, the second type of slat locking tooth being sized to protrude into the slat receiving area to a certain extent, such that the gap 37 and / or gap 77 between the slat support bottom surface 19 and the opposing width-defining slat surface 38 is less than or less than the slat width 106 of the slat when received in the slat receiving recess 24.

[0117] In some embodiments, each locking tooth defined by the fixing protrusion 29 includes a first tooth side surface 39 that meets a second tooth side surface 40 at the protruding end portion 32 of the locking tooth or fixing protrusion 29. The locking teeth defined by the fixing protrusion 29 are sized to protrude to a certain extent such that a gap 33 is formed between the protruding end portion 32 and the width-defining recess surface 41. These gaps 33 are opposite to the opposing thickness-defining surface 34 of the slat 11, which is parallel to and spaced apart from the protruding base portion as at 31, and the gaps 33 are particularly less than or smaller than the slat thickness 105 through which the slat 11 is received by the recess.

[0118] In some embodiments, the locking tooth defined by the bottom support protrusion 30 includes a first tooth side surface and a second tooth side surface 43, which meet at the protruding end portion 36 of the locking tooth or the bottom support protrusion 30. The locking tooth defined by the bottom support protrusion 30 is sized to protrude to a certain extent such that a gap 37 is formed between the protruding end portion 36 and the height-defining recess surface 42. These gaps 37 are opposite to the opposing width-defining surface 38 of the slat 11, which is parallel to and spaced apart from the protruding base portion such as 35, and the gaps 37 are particularly less than or smaller than the slat width 106 of the slat 11 received by the recess.

[0119] In some embodiments, the protruding end portions 32 and 36 are sized to form sharp or pointed tips or ends configured to optionally pierce the recessed receiving slat 11 when mechanical force is applied to or over it. The first toothed side surface 39 of the retaining protrusion 29 faces at least partially the slat support side surface 18, and the second toothed side surface 40 of the retaining protrusion 29 faces at least partially the slat support bottom surface 19. In some embodiments, the first toothed side surface 39 and the second toothed side surface 40 are inclined or deflected relative to each other, thereby positioning the protruding end portion 32 toward the recessed support bottom at the slat support bottom surface 19. In some embodiments, the first toothed side surface 39 and the second toothed side surface 40 are not inclined relative to each other.

[0120] In some embodiments, the locking teeth defined by the fixing protrusion 29 and the bottom support protrusion 30 are configured to taper from the protrusion base portions 31 and 35 toward the protrusion end portions 32 and 36, respectively. In other words, the locking teeth are configured with a continuously tapering, pointed shape. More specifically, the locking teeth defined by the fixing protrusion 29 and the fixing protrusion 30 are configured to taper from the protrusion base portions 31 and 35 toward the protrusion end portions 32 and 36 in both the first dimension 101 and the second dimension 102, as shown below. Figure 13C and Figure 14A The locking teeth, defined by the fixing protrusion 29, can optionally be configured to bend inward relative to the inner tooth plane 121 (or towards the laterally opposite locking teeth), which is parallel to the longitudinal beam axis 100, as shown in the comparative depiction. Figure 14B and Figure 14C The description is general and comparative. In some embodiments, the bending angle 122 of the locking tooth may be selected from the bending angle range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees. In some embodiments, the bending angle 122 of the locking tooth may be selected from the bending angle range of 1 degree to 89 degrees. In some embodiments, the bending angle 122 of the locking tooth may be selected from the bending angle range of 10 degrees to 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the bending angle 122 of the locking tooth may be selected from the bending angle range of 20 degrees to 40 degrees.

[0121] In some embodiments, to install the slat 11 into the first alternative slat support assembly 25, the slat 11 is first inserted along a first insertion path 123 into the slat receiving recess 16 of the first beam 10. This first insertion path begins at the distal portion 44 of the fixing protrusion and extends toward the proximal portion 45 of the fixing protrusion, which is positioned proximally relative to the bottom surface 19 of the slat support. Figure 13CThe image is roughly depicted and referenced in the text. The protruding end portion 32 slopes downward along the insertion path 123 to immovably and initially lock the slat 11 into the slat receiving recess 16 of the first beam 10. In this respect, the reader will note that the first side surface 39 of the tooth is configured to slope towards the protruding end portion 32 to guide the slat 11 as it traverses the first insertion path 123 into the slat receiving recess 16 of the first beam 10.

[0122] The distal portion 44 of the retaining protrusion is configured with a rounded end and a smooth slat guide surface, such as at the inner protrusion surface 47, to prevent accidental puncture of the slat 11 as it traverses the first insertion path 123. The outer protrusion surface 48 at the distal portion 44 of the retaining protrusion is at least partially configured to taper in a direction oblique to the recess height axis 107. In other words, at least a portion of the outer protrusion surface 48 at the distal portion 44 of the retaining protrusion is angled (e.g., at angle 124) relative to the outer protrusion surface 49 at the proximal portion 45 of the retaining protrusion. In some embodiments, locking teeth defined by the retaining protrusion 29 are configured to clamp or engage with the slat when the slat 11 is received in the slat receiving recess 24. In these embodiments, the installation process involves first guiding the slat 11 along a first insertion path 123 of the first beam 10 using a driving or inserting force until the first width-defining slat surface 38 engages with slat locking teeth defined by a bottom support protrusion 30, which may also engage into the first width-defining slat surface 38 as optionally chosen by the installer. This first step serves to initially install the slat 11 into the first beam 10 or to provide the slat 11 for initial installation.

[0123] Then, the second beam 10 is inverted and positioned opposite the first beam 10, such that the first insertion path 123 of the second beam 10 is aligned with the first insertion path 123 of the first beam 10. Next, the second beam 10 is guided along the direction of the first insertion path 123 using a driving or insertion force until the second width-defining slat surface 38, opposite the first width-defining slat surface 38 of the first-installed slat 11, engages with the slat locking teeth defined by the bottom support protrusion 30 of the second beam 10. The bottom support protrusion 30 of the second beam 10 may also engage into the second width-defining slat surface 38, as the installer may choose. This second step is used to finally install the slat 11 into the second beam 10 or to provide the slat 11 for final installation. Multiple slats 11 can be finally installed by first guiding a series of slats 11 directly into the first beam 10 as described above, and then guiding the first-installed slat 11 directly into the second beam 10 as described herein. When needed, the remaining portion of the second beam 10 can be... Figure 12A and Figure 12BThe cut is made at point 117, as depicted in the diagram. This method allows for the assembly of components without the need for additional fasteners.

[0124] It should be understood that the assembly of beam 10 can be performed in an alternative manner and in a different sequence of steps. In a non-limiting example, the first beam and the second beam 10 can be assembled together, and then the slats 11 can be inserted therein.

[0125] It should be remembered that the locking teeth defined by the fixed protrusion 29 are optionally practiced in any of at least two variations, including a conical tooth configuration at least on the first dimension 101 and the third dimension 103, optionally also including a conical tooth configuration on the second dimension 102 and the third dimension 103, and may also optionally include an inwardly curved configuration, such as Figure 14C The configuration is roughly depicted in the text. The inwardly curved configuration may also include a tapered tooth configuration. At least some structural variations of the locking teeth are designed to improve the locking function or enhance the optional piercing action of the locking teeth into the slats 11, such as those received in the slat receiving beam recess 16.

[0126] In a second component embodiment according to this disclosure, the slat receiving beam or slat support beam 10 according to this disclosure mates with at least one or two laterally opposed grooved sleeves 51 to form a second alternative slat support assembly 52, such as... Figures 15 to 25 The description and reference are generalized in the text. In this regard, it is envisioned that the beam 10 and the grooved sleeve 51 can be provided as elements of a second kit for providing a second alternative slat support assembly 52. ​​The second alternative slat support assembly 52 includes the first beam 10 and one or two grooved sleeves 51. Each grooved sleeve 51 is configured to receive the beam sidewall 14 of the beam 10.

[0127] A grooved sheath 51 extends along a longitudinal sheath axis 127 from a first sheath end 53 to a second sheath end 54, and includes a pair of spaced-apart sheath sidewalls 55 along at least a portion of the length of the grooved sheath 51, defining a beam sidewall receiving groove 57 between the pair of spaced-apart sheath sidewalls. A plurality of slat receiving sheath recesses 56 are formed and arranged in the sheath sidewalls 55 in a spaced-apart relationship along the longitudinal sheath axis 127. The slat receiving sheath recesses 56 are formed with a geometry substantially similar to that of the slat receiving beam recesses 16. The beam 10 and one or two grooved sheaths 51 are configured to be assembled in an inverted orientation to form a slat receiving cavity 58, which is formed with a geometry substantially similar to that of the slat receiving cavity 24.

[0128] First, a slat receiving recess 58 is formed by the slat receiving beam recess 16 of the beam 10 and a second set of corresponding slat receiving sleeve recesses 56 of one or two grooved sleeves 51. The slat receiving beam recess 16 and the slat receiving sleeve recesses 56 together receive the slat 11. A first alternative slat support assembly 25 provides a pair of retaining protrusions 23 at each slat-assembly joint defined by the slat receiving recesses 24, while the slat receiving recesses 58 of the second alternative slat support assembly 52 provide a series of three retaining protrusions 23 at each slat-assembly joint. The first retaining protrusions 23 are provided by the slat receiving beam recess 16, and the pair of second retaining protrusions 23 are provided by the pairs of slat receiving sleeve recesses 56 formed in the sleeve sidewalls 55.

[0129] The fixing protrusions 23 of the slat receiving beam recess 16 of beam 10 and the slat receiving sleeve recess 56 of the grooved sleeve 51 are substantially similar. However, because each of the slat receiving sleeve recesses 56 includes a pair of parallel fixing protrusions 23, the second alternative slat support assembly 52 can provide a relatively robust slat fixing arrangement. It should be noted that the locking teeth defined by the fixing protrusions 29 and the bottom support protrusions 30 are configured to taper from the protrusion base portions 31 and 35 toward the protrusion ends 32 and 36, respectively. In other words, the locking teeth are configured with a continuously tapering sharp shape at the protrusion ends 32 and 36.

[0130] It is envisioned that the locking teeth are configured to taper from the base portions 31 and 35 toward the end portions 32 and 36 of the protrusions on both the second dimension 102 and the third dimension 103, as previously described. In another embodiment, the locking teeth defined by the fixing protrusion 29 may optionally be configured to bend inward relative to the inner tooth plane 121 (or toward the laterally opposite locking teeth), which is parallel to the longitudinal beam axis 100. In the case of the second alternative slat support assembly 52, the bent locking teeth with a bending angle ranging from 20 to 40 degrees are more easily implemented with a minimized bending angle 122 to prevent damage to the grooved sheath when the beam sidewall 14 is received in the grooved sheath 51. In other words, in the case of the second alternative slat support assembly 52, it is envisioned that the minimized bending angle 122 is to minimize contact with the inner surface of the sheath sidewall when the beam sidewall 14 mates with the sheath sidewall 55.

[0131] Both the first alternative slat support assembly 25 and the second alternative slat support assembly 52 may optionally be equipped with anchoring assemblies 59 or anchoring units for securing or anchoring either assembly 25 to 52 to the support structure 60 or the support surface 80 (e.g., the ground), such as Figure 31 and Figure 33The image is roughly depicted in the diagram. Either of components 25 and 52 includes a first beam assembly end or beam anchoring end portion, such as at 61. Anchoring component 59 is attached to or mates with the beam anchoring end portion 61 for mating between the beam anchoring end portion 61 and the support structure 60 or support surface 80. Anchoring component 59 can be fastened to the support structure 60 or support surface 80 via a series of fastener receiving holes 62 and fasteners receivable by the fasteners received in the fastener receiving holes 62, which are formed in the base plate 63 of anchoring component 59.

[0132] The anchoring assembly 59 according to this disclosure also includes an upright anchoring wall that extends or protrudes from the base plate 63 and has a geometry substantially similar to the beam anchoring end portion 61. In some embodiments, the upright anchoring wall includes two laterally opposed anchoring sidewalls 64 connected by an anchoring connection wall 65. The anchoring sidewalls 64 are spaced apart by the anchoring connection wall 65, which is configured with an anchoring width 129 measured along a first axis 111 or in a second dimension 102. The anchoring width 129 is less than or smaller than the beam width 130 of the beam connection wall 15 (measured as the distance between the second axis 112 or plane of the beam sidewalls 14) to allow the anchoring assembly 59 to be inserted into a first alternative slat support assembly 25 or a second alternative slat support assembly 52.

[0133] In one embodiment, each anchoring sidewall 64 includes a full slat receiving anchoring recess, such as at 66, and a shortened slat receiving recess, such as at 67, spaced apart from each other along a first dimension 101 to structurally correspond to either a slat receiving recess 24 or a slat receiving recess 58 of the first alternative slat support assembly 25 and the second alternative slat support assembly 52. ​​Notably, anchoring recesses 66 and 67 are each characterized by including an anchor-based fixing protrusion 68 that structurally cooperates with a fixing protrusion 23 of either the first alternative slat support assembly 25 or the second alternative slat support assembly 52. ​​When the anchoring assembly 59 is mounted on either the first alternative slat support assembly 25 or the second alternative slat support assembly 52, an anchoring-enhanced slat receiving recess 69 is provided at the beam anchoring end portion 61. Although the anchoring unit or anchoring assembly 59 operates to anchor the first alternative slat support assembly 25 or the second alternative slat support assembly 52 to the support structure 60 or the support surface 80, the anchoring unit or anchoring assembly 59 is an optional feature according to this disclosure. The first alternative slat support assembly 25 or the second alternative slat support assembly 52 may alternatively be anchored directly in the ground.

[0134] The first alternative slat support assembly 25 and the second alternative slat support assembly 52 according to this disclosure can be used in any number of applications, and the anchoring assembly 59 can be used in conjunction with either the first alternative slat support assembly 25 or the second alternative slat support assembly 52 to anchor it to the support structure 60 or the support surface 80, in certain application scenarios to assist in anchoring the assembly 25 or 52. A first exemplary application scenario is to provide, as Figures 31 to 33 The fence or fence-like component 70 is generally depicted in the image. The fence or fence-like component 70 includes: a series of slat support components (e.g., slat support component 25); a series of slats 11; and a support structure 60 (or support surface 80), to which anchoring components 59 and slat support components 25 or 52 can be anchored.

[0135] The second exemplary application scenario is to provide, for example Figure 34 and Figure 35 The pergola component 71 is roughly depicted in the image. (Example) Figure 34 and Figure 35 As shown, the application of the pergola assembly 71 may include a series of first alternative slat support assemblies 25, each of which secures a series of slats 11 to form a louvered pergola top or pergola roof, as shown at 72. In this application, the bottom beams 10 of the series of first alternative slat support assemblies 25 can be fastened to the pergola top support beams 73 of the pergola frame 74 structure by a series of fasteners (e.g., screws or nuts / bolts, not specifically shown). Slat receiving recesses 24 secure the slats 11 to the first alternative slat support assemblies 25 in the manner described above.

[0136] The prominent and alternative features of this disclosure indicate to the reader that this disclosure covers a number of different embodiments. In this regard, it should be noted that while the foregoing description contains many specificities, these specificities should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as examples thereof. This disclosure may be said to teach or disclose a beam, such as at location 10, for receiving or securing a plurality of slats 11, each of the plurality of slats having a slat length, a slat thickness, and a slat width. The beam receives or secures the plurality of slats without any additional mechanical fastening devices.

[0137] According to this disclosure, a beam extends along a longitudinal beam axis from a first beam end to a second beam end, and includes, along at least a portion of the beam's length, laterally opposing beam sidewalls connected by a connecting wall, the laterally opposing beam sidewalls being spaced apart by the connecting wall in a first dimension or a first axis. The first axis is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and parallel to the connecting wall. Each beam sidewall extends away from the connecting wall along a second axis, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal beam axis and transverse to the connecting wall. Each beam sidewall forms a plurality of slat receiving beam recesses, the plurality of slat receiving beam recesses being arranged at intervals along the longitudinal beam axis. Each slat receiving beam recess has a recess height axis inclined relative to the longitudinal beam axis.

[0138] A slat receiving recess formed in the beam sidewall can be defined or characterized by an L-shaped slat support surface, which includes a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transversely to the recess height axis. The slat support side surface has a first proximal portion and a second distal portion. A slat fixing surface protrudes from the support bottom surface and is thereby spaced apart from the slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis. The slat fixing surface of one of the two adjacent recesses and the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent recesses define a fixing protrusion having a height and width along the height axis to allow for resilient deflection, thereby causing the slat receiving recess to widen in a direction away from the slat support side surface when the slat is received in the respective slat receiving recess.

[0139] Each slat receiving recess further defines or is characterized by a slat receiving area formed by the slat fixing surface for securing the slat in the slat receiving recess. At least one protrusion formed on either the slat fixing surface or the slat support surface protrudes inward from a protrusion base portion into the slat receiving area and terminates at a protrusion end portion. When the slat is secured in the slat receiving recess, a gap is defined between the protrusion end portion and the surface of the slat. The slat surface may be spaced apart from the protrusion base portion. The protrusion defines a locking tooth, the size of which is set to protrude to a range such that when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the slat fixing surface and the support side surface, the gap is less than the thickness of the slat; and when the protrusion protrudes from the support bottom surface, the gap is less than the width of the slat.

[0140] The beam is divisible or cut to form a first beam and a second beam. The first beam can mate with or interlock with the second beam to form a first alternative slat support assembly, as shown at 25, or can interlock with at least one (but two) slotted sleeves, as shown at 51, to form a second alternative slat support assembly, as shown at 52. The beams and slats can be provided as a kit for use as the first alternative slat support assembly, and when so provided, include a single beam that can be divided or cut into two identical beams, and optionally a plurality of slats. The kit according to this disclosure can also be configured to include: a single beam; one or two slotted sleeves, each slotted sleeve configured to receive a beam sidewall; and optionally, a plurality of slats. The slat support assembly and kit according to this disclosure can also include anchoring units or anchoring assemblies, as shown at 59, which allow a user to anchor the beam ends to a support structure or surface. The slat support assembly and kit can also be configured to form at least a portion of a fence or pergola.

[0141] This disclosure also envisions a specific method for assembling a slat support assembly, the method comprising the step of optionally dividing a single beam into identical first and second beams. The first beam may be anchored to a base, for example, a support structure or a support surface. At least one slat is received in at least one slat receiving recess of the first beam, thereby initially securing the slat. While the slat is received in the slat receiving recess, a mechanical force may be applied to the slat to mechanically secure it, a process that may be at least partially achieved by piercing the slat with locking teeth formed at the slat receiving recess. A corresponding structure, including either a second beam or a grooved sheath, may be provided to mate with the first sheath for subsequent slat securing.

[0142] When the corresponding structure is a second beam, the second beam is inverted relative to the first beam along the longitudinal beam axis. The corresponding structure is positioned along the longitudinal beam axis and / or the second axis, and mechanical forces can be applied to the corresponding structure. The corresponding structure operates to form a slat fixing recess, the size of which can be adjusted to structurally accommodate at least one of the slat thickness and slat width of the slat received in the slat fixing recess. The slat fixing recess is first defined or characterized by the slat receiving recess of the first beam, and subsequently defined or characterized by the corresponding slat fixing recess of the corresponding structure.

[0143] Although beams according to this disclosure have been described by reference to at least one pair of different slat support assemblies, kits supporting the slat support assemblies, optional anchoring units, and certain methods, they are not intended to limit novel combinations or assemblies thereto, but are intended to include modifications thereof that fall within the broad scope and spirit of the foregoing disclosure, the drawings, and the following claims.

Claims

1. A beam for containing a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, a thickness, and a width; the beam extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, and comprising along at least a portion of the length of the beam at least: two beam side walls connected by and spaced apart along a first axis by a connecting wall, the first axis being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall, each of the beam side walls extending away from the connecting wall along a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall; each of the beam side walls formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis; each recess having a recess height axis that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis, and defined by: an L-shaped slat support surface comprising a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transverse to the recess height axis, the slat support side surface having a first proximal portion and a second distal portion; and a slat securing surface projecting from and thereby spaced apart from the slat support side surface, the slat securing surface extending along the recess height axis, the slat securing surface of one of the two adjacent recesses defining with the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent recesses a securing protrusion having a height along the recess height axis and a width so as to be elastically deflectable, thereby causing the recess to widen in a direction away from the slat support side surface when the slat is snugly received in the recess.

2. A beam for containing a plurality of slats, each slat having a length, a thickness, and a width; the beam extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, and comprising along at least a portion of the length of the beam at least: two beam side walls connected by and spaced apart along a first axis by a connecting wall, the first axis being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and parallel to the connecting wall, each of the beam side walls extending away from the connecting wall along a second axis, the second axis being orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and transverse to the connecting wall; each of the beam side walls formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis; each recess having a recess height axis that is oblique with respect to the longitudinal axis, and defined by: an L-shaped slat support surface including a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transverse to the recess height axis, the slat support side surface having a first proximal portion and a second distal portion; an L-shaped slat support surface comprising a slat support side surface extending along the recess height axis and a slat support bottom surface extending transverse to the recess height axis, the slat support side surface having a first proximal portion and a second distal portion; and a slat securing surface projecting from and thereby spaced apart from the slat support side surface, the slat securing surface extending along the recess height axis, the slat securing surface of one of the two adjacent recesses defining with the distal portion of the slat support side surface of the other of the two adjacent recesses a securing protrusion; The recess defines a board-receiving area formed by the board-fixing surface and the board-supporting surface for securing the board in the recess, at least one protrusion formed on either of the board-fixing surface and the board-supporting surface and protruding inwardly from a protrusion base portion thereof into the board-receiving area and terminating at a protrusion tip portion thereof, a gap defined between the protrusion tip portion and a surface of the board spaced apart from the protrusion base portion, wherein the protrusion defines a locking tooth sized to protrude to an extent such that the gap: is less than a thickness of the board when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the board-fixing surface and the board-supporting side surface; and is less than a width of the board when the protrusion protrudes from the board-supporting bottom surface.

3. The beam of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The beam is part of a kit for providing a board-supporting assembly in which the beam constitutes a first beam, the assembly further comprising a second beam identical to the first beam, the two beams being configured for assembly in an inverted orientation to each other to form a pocket by a first recess of the first beam and a second corresponding recess of the second beam for receiving the board.

4. The beam of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The beam is part of a kit for providing a board-supporting assembly in which the beam constitutes a first beam, the assembly further comprising one or two sheaths, each sheath being configured for receiving the beam side wall, wherein the sheath extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and comprises along at least a portion of the length of the sheath a pair of spaced apart sheath side walls formed with a plurality of recesses arranged along the longitudinal axis, the sheath recesses being formed with a geometry similar to the beam recesses, the first beam and the one or two sheaths being configured for assembly in an inverted orientation to each other to form a pocket by a first recess of the first beam and a second corresponding recess of the one or two sheaths for receiving the board.

5. The beam of claim 3 or 4, wherein, The fixing protrusion is sized to an extent configured for overlapping a first fixing protrusion of a first recess with a second fixing protrusion of a second recess.

6. The beam of claim 5, wherein, The extent is at least 35% of a length of the board-supporting side surface.

7. The beam according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 3, wherein, The extent is determined to facilitate the overlap to an extent operable for assembly of the first beam with the second beam without requiring any additional mechanical fastening means.

8. The beam according to claim 5 or 6 when dependent on claim 4, wherein, The extent is determined to facilitate the overlap to an extent operable for assembly of the first beam with the one or two sheaths without requiring any additional mechanical fastening means.

9. The beam according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein, The pocket is formed by the overlap when the second recess is positioned in an inverted orientation relative to the first recess, whereby: A first panel support side surface of the pocket comprises the panel support side surface of the first recess, and a second parallel panel support side surface of the pocket comprises the panel support side surface of the second recess, and A first bottom surface of the pocket comprises the bottom surface of the first recess, and a parallel support top surface of the pocket comprises the panel support bottom surface of the second recess.

10. The beam of claim 9, wherein, The degree of overlap is determined to be compatible with at least one of a width and a thickness of the panel for at least one of: Adjusting a height of the panel support side surface of the pocket to the width of the panel, and Adjusting a breadth of the support bottom or top surface of the pocket to the thickness of the panel.

11. The beam of claim 10, wherein, The panel thickness breadth is constant, and the height of the pocket side surface is adjusted to the panel width.

12. The beam of claim 10, wherein, Both the height of the pocket support side surface and the breadth of the pocket support bottom and top surfaces are adjusted to the respective width and thickness of the panel.

13. The beam of claim 10, wherein, The height of the adjusted pocket support side surface is configured to determine a magnitude of shielding provided by the assembly.

14. The beam of any one of claims 1, 3, and 5-13, wherein: The recess defines a panel receiving area formed by the panel securing surface and the panel support surface, and Either of the panel securing surface and the panel support surface is formed with at least one protrusion that protrudes inward into the area.

15. The beam of claim 14, wherein, The protrusion protrudes inward from a protrusion base portion thereof into the panel receiving area, and terminates at a protrusion tip portion thereof, A gap is defined between the protrusion tip portion and a surface of the panel that is spaced apart from the protrusion base portion, wherein the protrusion defines a locking tooth sized to protrude to a range such that the gap: is less than a thickness of the panel when the protrusion protrudes from at least one of the panel securing surface and the panel support side surface; and is less than a width of the panel when the protrusion protrudes from the panel support bottom surface.

16. The beam of any one of claims 2, 4, and 15, wherein, The locking tooth has a first side surface that meets a second side surface at the protrusion tip portion of the locking tooth.

17. The beam of claim 16, wherein, The locking tooth is sized to protrude to a range such that a gap formed between the protrusion tip portion and a pocket surface parallel to and spaced apart from the base portion is less than the thickness or width of the panel.

18. The beam of any one of claims 16 or 17, wherein, The protrusion tip portion is sized to form a sharp end configured for piercing the panel upon application of a mechanical force on the panel.

19. The beam according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein, The tooth first side surface faces at least partially toward the panel support side surface, and the tooth second side surface faces at least partially toward the panel support bottom surface.

20. The beam of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein, The tooth first and second side surfaces are inclined positioning the protrusion tip portion to point toward the recess support bottom.

21. The beam of any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, The locking tooth is configured to taper from its base portion towards its tip end portion.

22. The beam of any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein, The locking tooth is configured to curve inwardly relative to the first axis.

23. The beam of any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein, The strip is inserted into the recess along an insertion path that starts at a fixation protrusion distal portion and extends towards a fixation protrusion proximal portion, the fixation protrusion proximal portion being positioned proximally of the strip support bottom surface, and the tip end portion is inclined downwardly along the insertion path so as to immovably lock the strip into the recess.

24. The beam of claim 23, wherein, The tooth first side surface is configured to slope towards the tip end portion so as to guide the strip into the recess on its insertion path.

25. The beam of claim 23 or 24, wherein, The fixation protrusion distal portion is configured with a smooth profile so as to prevent accidental piercing of the strip along its insertion path.

26. The beam of any one of claims 2, 4, 14-25, wherein, The protrusion is configured with a continuously tapering sharp shape.

27. The beam of any one of claims 2, 4, 14-26, wherein, The protrusion protrudes from the strip support bottom surface thereby forming a locking tooth, the locking tooth optionally constituting an additional locking tooth.

28. The beam of any one of claims 23-27, wherein, The strip support side surface of the protrusion distal portion is at least partially configured to taper along the recess height axis.

29. The beam of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The beam comprises a rigid material with a rigidity magnitude greater than that of the strip.

30. The beam of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The beam side walls and the connecting wall are arranged to form a U-shaped profile to allow a first beam and a second beam of the two identical beams to be insertable into each other.

31. The beam of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The beam: has a central plane extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis and is positioned equidistantly from the beam first end and the beam second end, and is formed with a geometry that is symmetrical relative to the central plane.

32. The beam of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first end portion comprising the beam first end and the second end portion comprising the beam second end are formed with identical geometries.

33. The beam of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The beam first end portion comprises the beam first end, and the beam further comprises an anchoring unit comprising a base plate and an upstanding wall protruding from the base plate and formed with a geometry that cooperates with the beam end portion.

34. The beam of claim 33, wherein, The upstanding wall comprises two anchoring side walls connected by and spaced apart by an anchoring connecting wall, the anchoring connecting wall being configured with a width measured along the first axis that is smaller than the width of the beam connecting wall so as to allow the anchoring unit to be inserted into the beam.

35. The beam of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The thickness of the strip is smaller than the length of the strip support bottom surface, and the width of the strip does not exceed the height of the strip support side surface.

36. The beam of claim 1, wherein, The extent of the elastic deflection corresponds to the thickness of the strip.

37. The beam of claim 1 or claim 3, wherein, The extent of the elastic deflection corresponds to the difference between the thickness of the strip and the width of the support bottom surface.

38. A kit for a strip support assembly, the kit comprising: a single beam of the beam according to any one of the preceding claims, the single beam being divisible into two identical beams; and optionally, a plurality of strips.

39. A kit for a strip support assembly, the kit comprising: a single beam of the beam according to any one of the preceding claims; one or two sheaths, each sheath being configured for receiving the beam side wall; and optionally, a plurality of strips.

40. The kit of claim 38 or 39 depending on claim 33 or 34, further comprising the anchoring unit.

41. A lath support assembly comprising: a beam according to any one of claims 1 to 37; and a plurality of laths, wherein the assembly is configured to be assembled without any additional mechanical fastening means.

42. The lath support assembly of claim 41 depending on claim 33 or 34, further comprising the anchoring unit. the assembly is configured to be assembled by anchoring a first beam of the two identical beams to either the anchoring unit and the ground.

43. The panel support assembly of claim 42, wherein, the assembly forms at least a portion of a fence or pergola.

44. The slat support assembly according to any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein, 45. A method for assembling a lath support assembly, the method comprising: in the case of providing a single beam, optionally splitting a single beam into an identical first beam and second beam; providing the first beam comprising a beam according to any one of claims 1 to 37; anchoring the first beam to a base; positioning a lath in the recess of the first beam; exerting a mechanical force on the lath so as to secure the lath in the recess; providing a corresponding structure comprising either of the second beam of claim 3 or the sheath, inverting the corresponding structure relative to the first beam along the longitudinal axis; positioning the corresponding structure along the longitudinal axis and / or the second axis and exerting a mechanical force on the corresponding structure so as to form a pocket, the pocket being adjusted to at least one of a thickness and a width of the lath, the pocket being defined by the recess of the first beam, the first beam being positioned inverted relative to the second corresponding recess of the corresponding structure. the assembly is performed without any other additional mechanical fastening means.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein, securing the lath in the recess is performed by piercing the lath by the locking teeth.

47. The method of claim 45 or 46, as dependent on any one of claims 15 to 37, wherein, the positioning comprises overlapping the securing protrusions of the recess of the first beam and the securing protrusions of the second corresponding recess.

48. The method of any one of claims 45-47, wherein, the assembly is performed without any other additional mechanical fastening means. securing the lath in the recess is performed by piercing the lath by the locking teeth. the positioning comprises overlapping the securing protrusions of the recess of the first beam and the securing protrusions of the second corresponding recess.

Images