Modular deck kit

Abstract

Modular deck kit comprising a rectangular circumferential base frame (1), wherein the base frame (1) comprises two parallel side beams (3) and end beams (4) connecting them, as well as at least one support beam (5) parallel to the side beams (3) or end beams (4) in the base frame (1), wherein the base frame (1) comprises supports (2) in its lower part for supporting the base frame on the bearing surface, wherein the base frame (1) is covered with at least one plank module (6) comprising several parallel planks (7) and support battens (8) connecting these planks (7) from below, characterized in that the base frame (1) comprises at least two parallel support beams (5), wherein at least some support battens (8) of the plank module (6) installed on the base frame (1) rest on the support beams (5) of the base frame (1).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The invention relates to a modular deck kit for building terraces, decks and other open platforms. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Several modular terrace designs are known from the prior art, in which prefabricated modules are used to form the terrace.

[0003] Estonian utility model EE 01623 U1 (published on January 15, 2024) discloses a floor module that can be used to create floors or terraces. The module comprises a rectangular base frame and planks arranged on it. The base frame includes two lateral longitudinal beams connected by two end beams and several crossbeams between the end beams, perpendicular to the longitudinal beams. The floor modules are placed side by side on the base supports and attached to them. The relative positions of the floor modules are fixed by pins located in the openings of the longitudinal supports and the end supports of the floor modules. In this design, the base frame supporting the floor module is integrated with the planks. Due to the volume, transporting such modules is expensive, and handling them is impractical due to the large transport volume of each base frame and its weight within the module.Separate base supports are required for the use of these modules, on which the modules are placed and secured. When designing a terrace, floor, or deck from these modules, the dimensions of the base frame determine the shape and dimensions of the terrace, floor, or deck to be created.

[0004] The closest solution to the present invention is known from US patent application US2021 / 0395993A1 (published on December 23, 2021), which discloses a modular deck kit comprising a rectangular peripheral base frame. The base frame includes two parallel side beams and end beams connecting them, as well as at least one support beam parallel to the side beams or end beams in the base frame. The base frame includes supports in its lower part to support the base frame on the bearing surface. The base frame is covered with at least one plank module comprising several parallel planks and support battens connecting these planks from below. The planks of the plank module rest directly on the base frame, so that the support battens bear against the base frame with their side edges.This creates an area next to the support beams at the edge of the base frame where dirt and moisture accumulate, damaging the wood of the base frame and the plank module over time. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention proposes a modular decking kit comprising a rectangular, circumferential base frame, wherein the base frame includes two parallel side beams and end beams connecting them. The base frame includes at least one support beam running parallel to the side beams or end beams, and the base frame includes supports for bracing the base frame on the support side. The base frame is covered with at least one plank module comprising several parallel planks and support battens connecting these planks to one another from below.

[0006] The surrounding base frame forms the outer sides and edges of the modular deck kit, between which the support beams are located.

[0007] The support beams are connected to the base frame by screws, bolts, nails, clamps, L-iron, dowels, tenons or in other suitable ways.

[0008] In the first embodiment of the modular deck kit according to the invention, the base frame comprises at least two parallel support beams, wherein at least some support battens of the plank module installed on the base frame rest on the support beams of the base frame.

[0009] In the second embodiment of the modular deck kit according to the invention, the plank modules are supported on the support beams between the side and end beams of the base frame, so that the upper edges of the side and end beams are at the same level as the working surface of the plank modules. The working surface is an area which, in the case of an installed plank module, forms the top of the deck and is used for walking on.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the plank modules according to the invention, the work surface is finished and slip-resistant and designed for outdoor use. The work surface can, for example, be coated with a protective varnish or painted.

[0011] In the third embodiment of the modular deck kit, the base frame comprises base beams that stand perpendicular to the support beams between the base frame and the plank modules, with at least some support battens of the plank module resting on the base beams.

[0012] This embodiment is particularly suitable when a base frame made of hollow metal profiles is used.

[0013] In the fourth embodiment of the modular deck kit, the planks and support battens that form the plank module are connected to each other before being installed on the base frame.

[0014] In the first embodiment of the plank module, its parallel planks are perpendicular to the support battens.

[0015] In the second embodiment of the plank module, its parallel planks are at an angle to the support battens. This embodiment makes it possible to create different patterns on the deck using adjacent plank modules. Viewed from above, a rectangular plank module with its planks arranged at an angle means that the planks are not parallel to any edge of the rectangular plank module.

[0016] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the plank modules, when viewed from above (or perpendicular to the work surface), have a quadrilateral shape, either rectangular or square.

[0017] In the preferred embodiment, the plank modules are assembled in a factory during their production. This enables fast and dimensionally accurate manufacturing under controlled conditions. Manufacturing the plank modules in a factory also allows for the automated execution of the process.

[0018] In the fifth embodiment of the modular deck kit, the sides of the base frame are covered with cover boards.

[0019] In the sixth embodiment of the modular deck kit, the base frame is made of wood.

[0020] In the seventh embodiment of the modular deck kit, the base frame consists of hollow metal profiles. Hollow profiles can be made of steel or an aluminum alloy. Hollow profiles made of an aluminum alloy are produced, for example, by extrusion.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the plank modules are installed in the base frame in such a way that they can be replaced. This allows modules that have been damaged, for example, during use of the terrace, to be easily replaced.

[0022] The modular decking kit of the invention, which uses prefabricated modules manufactured with modern equipment and under controlled factory conditions, provides significant cost savings compared to the conventional on-site installation of decking boards under outdoor conditions.

[0023] Furthermore, the use of plank modules allows for the easy replacement of modules with damaged planks without having to dismantle other plank modules of the terrace, as the plank modules can be attached to the base frame in a removable and interchangeable manner.

[0024] In contrast to previous known solutions, the present invention allows for flexible changes to the dimensions of a terrace and the patterns formed with the plank modules, without altering or dismantling the existing base frame.

[0025] Furthermore, the plank modules manufactured in a factory allow for easier transport and installation.

[0026] It is also possible to create patterns in the deck using the plank modules, e.g. a herringbone pattern or any other pattern using plank modules with angled planks. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention is described below with reference to the attached schematic illustrations, in which Fig. 1 shows an axonometric top view of a plank module of a modular deck kit of the invention; Fig. 2 shows an axonometric top view of a plank module of a modular deck kit of the invention; Fig. 3 shows an axonometric top view of the installation of plank modules on the base frame; Fig. an axonometric top view of the second embodiment of a modular deck construction kit of the invention is shown; Fig. an axonometric top view of the second embodiment of a modular deck kit of the invention is shown; Fig. an axonometric underside view of the third embodiment of a modular deck kit of the invention is shown; Fig. an axonometric underside view of the fourth embodiment of a modular deck kit of the invention is shown; Fig. An axonometric top view of the fourth embodiment of a modular deck kit of the invention is shown. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0028] For the sake of clarity, similar details and elements in different figures have the same reference symbols.

[0029] In the present invention, the plank modules 6, which are attached to the base frame 1, are placed on the base frame 1, which is in the Fig. is shown and rests on a base with supports 2 and consists of side beams 3 and end beams 4 as well as support beams 5 arranged between them.

[0030] The specific design of the supports 2 is not important from the point of view of the present invention, and most known and commercially available supports used for the construction of terraces and decks can be used, which is why their detailed description is omitted.

[0031] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the plank modules 6 are installed flush between the side beams 3 and the end beams 4, so that the top (working surface) of the plank modules 6 is flush with the top edges of the side beams 3 and the end beams 4, and the ends and edges of the planks 7 of the plank module 6 are not visible in the installed state.

[0032] As in the Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in the embodiment 5, all plank modules 6 rest on the support beams 5. In such an embodiment, no separate cover planks are required on the circumference of the base frame 1 at the edge of the base frame 1 opposite the side beams 3 and with gaps between the outermost support beams 5.

[0033] The supports 2 are attached to the base frame 1 and, in the illustrated embodiment, can be adjusted to level the base frame 1.

[0034] In the in the Fig. 6 and Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figure 7, the plank modules 6 rest on the base beams 9 arranged on the base frame 1. In this embodiment, the base frame 1 is formed, for example, from hollow profiles made of metal (steel or aluminum alloy), and therefore base beams 9 made of wood are attached to the base frame 1, to which the plank modules 6 are attached.

[0035] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the support slats 8 of a plank module 6 run in the same direction as the base beams 9 and preferably rest on the base beams 9 along their entire length. ... Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the support slats 8 of a plank module 6 are arranged perpendicular to the base beams 9 and rest on the base beams 9 near one end of the support slats 8 and between the ends.

[0036] With a larger base frame 1, this arrangement of the plank modules 6 allows the formation of patterns from plank modules 6, whereby different plank modules 6 with planks 7 are arranged in different directions on the base frame 1.

[0037] In the embodiments shown in the figures, each plank module 6 consists of adjacent parallel planks 7 which are attached to the support battens 8 which are located under these planks 7 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the planks.

[0038] The in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The illustrated design of the plank module 6 enables its rapid, precise, and cost-effective production in a factory under controlled conditions. In the illustrated embodiment, the plank modules 6 are rectangular when viewed from above, but can also be square.

[0039] In other embodiments, the planks 7 can be angled with respect to the support battens 8; for example, in the plank module the planks are arranged at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal direction of the module.

[0040] In the preferred embodiment, the planks 7 are attached to the support battens 8 by nailing the support battens 8 to the planks 7 from the side of the support battens 8 - in this way the fastening elements (nails, screws, U-clamps, etc.) do not remain visible after the installation of the plank module 6 on the base frame.

[0041] Manufacturing in a factory makes it possible to process the planks 7 of the plank module 6 and the support battens 8 under controlled conditions to make them weatherproof and thus increase their resistance and lifespan outdoors.

[0042] During the assembly of the plank module 6 onto the base frame 1 in the Fig. In the embodiment of the base frame 1 shown in Figure 3, the support slats 8 rest on the support beams 5 between the side beams 3. The support slats 8 are fastened to the side beams 3 and the support beams 5 using fasteners such as nails, screws, or staples.

[0043] During the installation of the plank module 6 on the base frame 1 in the Fig. In the embodiment of the base frame 1 shown in Figure 6, the support slats 8 rest on the vertical base beams 9, on the side beams 3, and on the support beams 5. The support slats 8 are fastened to the base beams 9 using fasteners such as nails, screws, or staples.

[0044] During the installation of the plank module 6 on the base frame 1 in the Fig.In the embodiment of the base frame 1 shown in Figure 7, the support slats 8 rest on the vertical base beams 9, on the side beams 3, and on the support beams 5. The support slats 8 are fastened to the base beams 9 using fasteners such as nails, screws, or staples.

[0045] Both the base frame 1 and the plank modules 6 can be made of wood, thermally treated wood or thermally modified wood, composite material, plastic wood, extruded plastic profiles, extruded hollow profiles, metal profiles, etc. The hollow profiles can also be made of composite material.

[0046] Composite materials include, for example, WPC or wood-plastic composite materials, and bamboo composite materials. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Basic frame 2 supports 3 side bars 4 end bars 5 support beams 6 plank modules 7 plank 8 support slats 9 base beams QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EE 01623 U1

[0003] US 2021 / 0395993A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Modular deck kit comprising a rectangular circumferential base frame (1), wherein the base frame (1) comprises two parallel side beams (3) and end beams (4) connecting them, as well as at least one support beam (5) parallel to the side beams (3) or end beams (4) in the base frame (1), wherein the base frame (1) includes supports (2) in its lower part for supporting the base frame on the bearing surface, wherein the base frame (1) is covered with at least one plank module (6) comprising several parallel planks (7) and support battens (8) connecting these planks (7) to each other from below, characterized by , that the base frame (1) comprises at least two parallel support beams (5), wherein at least some support slats (8) of the plank module (6) installed on the base frame (1) rest on the support beams (5) of the base frame (1). [2] Modular deck kit according to claim 1, characterized by, that at least some support slats (8) of the plank module (6) rest on the base beams (9) which are perpendicular to the support beams (5) and are arranged between the base frame (1) and the plank modules (6). [3] Modular deck kit according to claim 1, characterized by , that the plank modules (6) are supported on the support beams (5) between the side beams (3) and end beams (4) of the base frame (1), so that the upper edges of the side beams (3) and the end beams (4) are at the same level as the working surface of the plank modules (6). [4] Modular deck kit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the planks (7) and support battens (8) that form the plank module (6) are connected to each other before assembly on the base frame (1). [5] Modular deck kit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the planks (7) of the plank module (6) are perpendicular to the support battens (8). [6] Modular deck kit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sides of the base frame (1) are covered with cover boards. [7] Modular deck kit according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base frame (1) is made of wood. [8] Modular deck kit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the base frame (1) consists of hollow metal profiles. [9] Modular deck kit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the plank modules (6) are installed in the base frame (1) in such a way that they can be replaced.

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