Modular deck or flooring system

Abstract

A modular deck or flooring system, a frame, and a leg for a modular deck or flooring system is provided that is able to be reused and reconfigured without impairing the structural or load bearing capacity of the modular deck or flooring. The modular deck or flooring system includes one or more frames, each frame including: a plurality of frame members; and a plurality of fixing members attached to the frame members; and one or more support legs. Each of the plurality of fixing members is adapted to enable the frame to be fixed to an adjacent like frame by a support leg of the one or more support legs.

Description

MODULAR DECK OR FLOORING SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to decks and flooring. In particular, although not exclusively, the present invention relates to a modular deck system.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Decks and patios are floor-like outdoor living spaces that are often connected to a building, and provide a comfortable and relaxing environment for people to spend time in.

[0004] Decks are often built from timber, which is cut and assembled on site. The construction of decks is generally difficult and time consuming, and installation generally requires a carpenter or other skilled professional. As such, there are generally significant costs associated with deck construction.

[0005] Certain modular decks exist that reduce construction times and simplify deck construction. However, these modular decks of the prior art are still complex to construct. For example, existing modular decks typically require sizing and cutting of the framing wood, drilling into the wood to construct the frame, installing feet to the base of the frame, modifying the height of the feet such that the frame is level, combining several frames, and ensuring that the several frames are level. This is especially difficult as timber is heavy, and even more so on sloped or uneven terrain.

[0006] Furthermore, the need to manually drill and screw into the frame is not only difficult for those not experienced in construction, but creates unsightly drill holes, and it can also impair the integrity of the deck, particularly when performed using unskilled labour. For example, where a hole is drilled off-centre, when a screw is installed incorrectly, or where an incorrectly sized screw is used, the integrity of the deck may be compromised.

[0007] With such great variation in installation of modular decks, there is potential for the load bearing capacity of the deck to be impaired in a number of areas. Consequently, there is no way to accurately ascertain the load bearing capacity of the deck.

[0008] Additionally, because of the drilling required when installing existing modular decks, it is extremely difficult to reuse and reconfigure the deck. For example, if the frame is reconfigured, new holes will generally need to be made at least when joining modules, which are not only unsightly, but also increases the risk of wood rot and pests entering the frame.

[0009] Furthermore, the load bearing capacity and structural integrity of the deck is reduced with each reconfiguration due to the requirement to make new holes and redrill into existing holes.

[0010] As such, there is clearly a need for an improved modular decking or flooring system.

[0011] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to modular deck and flooring systems, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0013] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form resides broadly in a modular deck or flooring system comprising: one or more frames, each frame including: a plurality of frame members; and a plurality of fixing members attached to the frame members; and one or more support legs wherein each of the plurality of fixing members is adapted to enable the frame to be fixed to an adjacent like frame by a support leg of the one or more support legs.

[0014] Advantageously, the modular deck or flooring system is easy to install, as the support legs provide elevated support for the frame members and join of adjacent frame members to form an enlarged deck or floor. In the specification the term “deck” will primarily be used for the sake of clarity, but the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any reference to deck is also relevant to similar flooring.

[0015] The plurality of frame members may be any suitable size, shape or configuration; however, it will be understood that the plurality of frame members must be sufficient size, shape and configuration to support a decking surface and use of the decking surface.

[0016] Preferably the plurality of frame members are made of metal. Preferably, the frame members are aluminium frame members. Alternatively, the frame members may be formed of steel, or other types of metal. In all instances, the frame members may be treated to prevent rust such as by the process of galvanisation. In alternate embodiments, the frame members are made of wood, treated wood, or composite material.

[0017] Preferably, the plurality of frame members are linear. Preferably, the frame members are hollow. Preferably, the plurality of frame members each include a substantially uniform cross section. Preferably the plurality of frame members are rectangular in cross section. Preferably, the plurality of frame members are tubular.

[0018] In an alternative embodiment, the frame members are solid. In such an embodiment, it will be understood that the solid frame members may impart increased load bearing capacity and consequently may be used in commercial settings or settings where the load bearing requirements are higher.

[0019] Preferably, the plurality of frame members are connected by a mitre join such that an angle is cut across an end of the plurality of frame members to enable the frame members to fit together.

[0020] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members are connected by a butt joint, dovetail joint, or mitre-dovetail joint.

[0021] Preferably, the plurality of frame members are connected by welding. In other embodiments, the plurality of frame members are connected by mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts, and / or pop rivets.

[0022] Preferably, the plurality of frame members are each connected at right angles. Preferably, one or more outer frame members form a square or rectangle. The skilled addressee will readily appreciate that any polygonal shape may be formed and that this will necessitate the joining of the plurality of frame members at angles other than 90 degrees.

[0023] Preferably, each of the plurality of frame members are substantially uniform in cross section such that the formed deck is comprised of like component parts. However, the skilled addressee will appreciate that a variety of frame member lengths may be used to offer different shapes at different areas of the decking surface.

[0024] Preferably the each of the plurality of frame members are about 1 .2 meters long.

[0025] Preferably, the plurality of frame members include outer frame members and inner frame members. Preferably, the inner frame members extend between opposing outer frame members. Preferably the inner frame members are support members. Preferably the inner frame members are joists.

[0026] The inner frame members may be any suitable elongate shape such as an elongate square or a cylinder.

[0027] Preferably the support members connect to the outer frame members at right angles. However, it will be understood that inner frame members may be associated with the outer frame members at any angle. For instances, the inner frame members may extend from the corners of the plurality of frame members in a cross brace.

[0028] Preferably, the plurality of frame members include an upper surface that supports a decking surface. Preferably, the decking attaches directly to the plurality of frame members. In such instances, the plurality of frame members may include apertures for securing the decking surface.

[0029] Preferably, the plurality of frame members include an upper and a lower surface that lie on respective planes without any extension above or below those planes. Advantageously, this enables the frames to be stacked vertically and to tessellate.

[0030] The vertical stacking of frames may be important for storage and transportation. In such embodiments, a rod may extend vertical gaps in the frame members or through apertures at the corners of the frame members so as to form a sturdy system that may be moved as a single unit.

[0031] In embodiments where a rod extends vertically through a plurality of frame members, it is envisaged that there will be a cap, anchor point, eye or protective cover on the uppermost frame such that extension of the rod is prevented and therefore the risk of injury during transportation is reduced. It is also envisaged that the lowermost frame will include legs such that there is no damage to the frame members from storage or from movement by machines.

[0032] In some embodiments the plurality of frame members include a recess for receiving the decking surface.

[0033] In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members include at least one aperture for securing the decking surface to the plurality of frame members. In other embodiments, the plurality of frame members include a clip or other fastening means for securing the decking to the plurality of frame members.

[0034] Preferably, the plurality of frame members include a plurality of apertures on the lower surface for engagement with the fixing member which is described in detail later. In some embodiments, the plurality of frame members include other fastening means for engaging with the fixing member such as clamps.

[0035] The decking surface may be any suitable material however, it is envisioned that the decking is a composite material. In some embodiments, the decking surface is coated with aprotective layer that may impart UV resistant qualities or non-slip qualities.

[0036] The decking surface may be provided with pre connected panels, or, individual panels of wood may be added such that the look of the modular decking surface is customisable.

[0037] In other embodiments, the decking surface may comprise a solid material such as stone or concrete.

[0038] The plurality of fixing members may be any suitable shape size or configuration, however, it will be understood that the fixing members are sufficient to enable fixing of the frame members together.

[0039] It will be understood that the fixing members will be suitable for at least three conditions. For example, a first condition where the fixing member is used to connect with four adjacent frames, a second condition where the fixing member is associated with two adjacent frames, and a third condition where the fixing member is not associated with any adjacent frames (e.g. at a corner of the modular deck frame).

[0040] Preferably, the fixing member is a plate. Preferably, the plate includes at least one aperture configured to receive a screw or similar fastener.

[0041] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the at least one aperture may be any shape or may be a combination of shapes. Preferably, the at least one aperture is circular.

[0042] Preferably, the at least one aperture is adjacent the frame members.

[0043] Preferably, the plate is formed of non-rusting material that is sufficient to support the weight of the decking as well as additional loads from the presence of people using the deck and furniture.

[0044] Preferably the plate extends between the adjacent frame members.

[0045] In some embodiments, the plate is substantially planar. Preferably, the plate forms a planar surface at a lower surface of the frame members.

[0046] Preferably the plate is substantially thin in profile, however, it will be appreciated that the plate may be any suitable thickness, or of non-uniform thickness and weight depending on the load bearing requirements.

[0047] Preferably, plate is located between the one or more supporting legs and the frame members. It is understood that on the upper surface of the frame there is no intermediary itembetween the decking and the upper surface of the frame members.

[0048] In another embodiment, the plate includes a recessed portion. It is envisaged that such recessed portion will be configured to receive the adjacent frame members. The fixing member may then secure the recessed plate around the adjacent frame members.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fixing member comprises a clamp. Preferably, the clamp exerts a clamping force on the adjacent frame members such that movement of the adjacent frame members is prevented.

[0050] Preferably, each of the plurality of fixing members are also coupled to one of the one or more support legs. Preferably, the plurality of fixing members include an aperture for receiving a fastener associated with a support leg.

[0051] In some embodiments, the aperture for receiving the fastener is the same shape as the fixing apertures. In other embodiments, the aperture for receiving the one or more legs is a different shape to the fixing aperture such that the different function is readily identifiable and therefore the installation of the modular decking system is simplified.

[0052] Preferably, the one or more support legs are associated with the plate such that the legs may extend orthogonally from the plate at the connection of the two adjacent frame members. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the plate extending between the frame members and the one or more support legs extending centrally from the join of the frame members enables the frame to be supported evenly on the one or more support legs.

[0053] Preferably, the fixing member enables fixing of auxiliary items such as stairs or a ramp.

[0054] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the fixing member and pre-existing apertures in the frame members prevent damage to the frame members and therefore the modular decking system is easy to reconfigure and reuse without impairing the integrity and load bearing capacity of the frame.

[0055] The one or more support legs are made from any suitable material including metal timber, concrete, stone, or like material. Preferably, the one or more support legs are made from a galvanised metal. Preferably, the galvanised metal imparts rust resistive qualities.

[0056] Preferably, the one or more support legs are linear and include a substantially uniform cross section at least partly along their length.

[0057] Preferably, the one or more support legs include an adjustable length. Preferably, the one or more support legs are substantially hollow such that a screw may be provided and may be received in the one or more support legs upon rotation. Conversely, upon rotation in an opposite direction, the screw may extend from the one or more support legs so as to increase the height of the decking surface.

[0058] In other embodiments, the one or more support legs may be adjustable in length by telescoping or by connection of several legs to form an elongated leg. Alternatively, the one or more support legs may be provided at different, non-adjustable, and standardised lengths.

[0059] The one or more support legs may be any suitable shape for supporting the frame including cylindrical, triangular, or other three-dimensional structure. It will be understood that a number of differently shaped support legs may be used in a single deck.

[0060] In some embodiments, the one or more support legs include a tapered base such that the end that engages with the ground surface is wider than the end that engages with the fixing member and with the frame members.

[0061] Preferably, the one or more support legs include a foot. In some embodiments, the foot is integrally formed with the one or more support legs. In a preferred embodiment, the foot is mechanically fastened to the one or more support legs. Preferably, the foot is adjustable in length.

[0062] Where the foot is located at a corner of the modular decking system, it will be understood that a foot that does not extend greater than the area of the modular decking system may be provided. For example, the corner foot may be a “L”” shape or other suitable shape so as to not exceed the area of the modular decking system.

[0063] Preferably, the foot includes apertures to enable connection with the ground surface. For example, the foot may include a plurality of apertures for receiving screws to secure the deck. In other embodiments, the foot is configured to be received in the ground and may include concrete poured around it to secure the deck in place.

[0064] The skilled addressee will appreciate that a leg member may be associated with each fixing member, however, if the load bearing capacity is not critical, a reduced number of legs may be used.

[0065] In another form, the invention resides broadly in a frame for a modular deck or flooring system, the frame including: a plurality of frame members;a plurality of fixing members attached to the frame members; wherein each of the plurality of fixing members for fixing the frame to an adjacent like frame by a support leg.

[0066] Advantageously, the frame for the modular deck system is easily reconfigurable and reusable without impairing the structural and load bearing capacity of the modular deck system.

[0067] In yet another form, the invention resides broadly in a support leg for a modular decking system, the support leg including an upper support surface configured to fix to adjacent like frames to thereby both join and support the adjacent frames.

[0068] Advantageously, the support leg enables both the joining and supporting of adjacent frames such that installation is simplified and further, that reconfiguration does not impact on the structural and load bearing capacity of the modular decking system.

[0069] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0070] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0072] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular deck system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a modular deck system, with the decking surface removed to illustrate the frames thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a corner of a frame of the modular deck system of Figure 1 or Figure 2, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a leg of a modular deck system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a deck system including the leg of Figure 4, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of another leg of a deck system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a deck system including the leg of Figure 6, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of frames stacked vertically in a transport configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a plurality of frames stacked vertically in a transport configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 10 illustrates an upper perspective view of a of a modular deck system, with the decking surface removed to illustrate frames thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Figure 1 1 illustrates an enlarged upper perspective view of a portion of the modular deck system of Figure 10.

[0083] Figure 12 illustrates a lower perspective view of a portion of the modular deck system of Figure 10.

[0084] Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged lower perspective view of a portion of the modular deck system of Figure 10.

[0085] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention are described below that include modular deck systems, frames for modular deck systems, and legs for modular deck systems, that are easy to transport and install, resistant to rot, and certifiable.

[0087] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a modular deck system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] The modular deck system 100 includes a plurality of square deck modules 105, which interconnect to provide a continuous deck surface. Any number of deck modules 105 maybe connected, and in any configuration, to form a deck of a suitable size and shape.

[0089] The deck modules 105 are supported by legs 110, which function both to support the deck modules 105 above ground and to join adjacent deck modules 105, as outlined in further detail below.

[0090] Each deck module 105 comprises a frame 115, on which a decking surface 120 is provided. The frame 115 is formed of aluminium box sections (hollow rectangular tube), as outlined below, and provides a structural support to support the decking surface 120.

[0091] The decking surface 120 may comprise pre-manufactured decking panel which fits into the frame. In some embodiments, the decking surface 120 comprises composite planks, which are joined to form a square panel of the same size as the frame 115. Such configuration simplifies installation as the decking surface can simply be placed onto the decking.

[0092] Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a modular deck system 200, with the decking surface 120 removed to illustrate the frames 115, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The modular deck system 200 is the same as the deck system 100, but with a different configuration of deck modules 105 (3 x 2 modules rather than 3x3 modules). As outlined above, the deck modules 105 may be arranged in any suitable configuration.

[0094] Each frame 115 comprises a plurality of elongate frame members 205, in the form of aluminium box sections that are joined at right angles to each other. The elongate frame members 205 comprise outer members, which are arranged to form a square shape, and inner members, which extend between opposing outer members to reinforce the frame 115 and to provide a support surface for the decking surface 120.

[0095] Each of the elongate frame members 205 includes upper and lower surfaces, and the upper and lower surfaces of each of the frame members 205 lies in a common plane. Furthermore, the plane of the upper surface and the plane of the lower surface are parallel, and spaced by a width of the frame members 205.

[0096] A fixing member 210 is provided in each corner of the frames 115, to enable the frames 115 to be joined to each other, and to enable the frames 115 to be joined to legs.

[0097] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view of a corner of a frame 115, illustrating the fixing member 210, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] The fixing member 210 is provided on an inside of the corner of the frame 115, atthe junction of frame members 205, such that it is flush with an underside of the frame members 205. The fixing member 210 is welded to the frame members 205.

[0099] The fixing member 210 comprises a plate 305, in which an aperture 310 is provided. In use, and as outlined in further detail below, a bolt extends through the aperture 310 to couple the frame 115 to a leg, and thereby to an adjacent frame 115.

[0100] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of a leg 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a deck system 500 including the leg 400, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] The leg 400 may be similar or identical to one of the legs 110 of the system 100 or 200.

[0102] The leg 400 includes a support plate 405, coupled to a body 410 by a threaded adjustment member 415. The body 410 includes an internally threaded portion which receives the threaded adjustment member 415, such that a height of the support plate 405 may be adjusted by rotating the support plate 405 and thereby the threaded adjustment member 415.

[0103] As best illustrated in Figure 4, the support plate 405 is square in shape and includes a plurality of apertures 420. Each of the apertures aligns with an aperture 310 of a fixing member 210 of a frame 1 15, when four frames 115 join, such as in area A of Figure 2.

[0104] As outlined in Figure 5, the plate 305 of the fixing member 210 sits flush with an underside of the elongate frame member 205. As such, the support plate 405 of the leg 400 abuts both the undersides of the elongate frame member 205 and undersides of the support plates 405.

[0105] As the plate 305 is flush with an underside of the frame members 205, the support plate 405 of the leg 400 is able to support the frame 1 15 directly, thereby avoiding or reducing stress on the plate 305. Such configuration is strong, and does not rely on the strength of the welds of the plate 305 to support the deck.

[0106] Bolts 425 extends through the plates 305 of each of the fixing members 210 of the respective deck modules 105, through the support plate 405 of the leg 400 and is retained using a nut 430.

[0107] By using four bolts 425, the leg 400 is attached to all four frames 115 by the single plate 405. As such, the plate functions not only to couple the leg 400 to the frames 115, but also to join the frames 1 15.

[0108] As outlined above, the leg 400 is for connecting four adjacent deck modules 105. At corners or edges of the deck, such feet 400 may not be appropriate, and as such, feet adapted for corners and edges are provided. In such case, the plate 405 of the leg 400 is replaced with a plate having a different shape and number of apertures.

[0109] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of a leg 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a deck system 700 including the leg 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] The leg 600 may be similar or identical to one of the legs 110 of the system 100 or 200.

[0111] The leg 600 is similar to the leg 400, but for connecting two adjacent frames 115, and includes a support plate 605, coupled to the body 410 by a threaded adjustment member 415. The body 410 and threaded adjustment member 415 are identical to that of the leg 400, and as such, only the plate 605 need be adapted.

[0112] As best illustrated in Figure 6, the support plate 605 is rectangular in shape and includes a plurality of apertures 420. Each of the apertures aligns with an aperture 310 of a fixing member 210 of a frame 115, when two frames 115 join, such as in area B of Figure 2.

[0113] While not illustrated, a corner leg is provided that is similar to the legs 400 and 600, but which only couples to a single frame 115 and in a corner. This is achieved using a smaller plate that includes just a single aperture 420.

[0114] In use, the frames 115 are joined together by attaching legs 110, 400, 600 to adjacent frames 115 using the bolts 425. At this time the decking surface 120 has not been installed, enabling a person to stand in and work through the frames 115.

[0115] As the frames 115 are joined by attaching the legs 110, 400, 600, the legs 110, 400, 600 are adjusted and / or installed onto or into a desired substate. The legs 110, 400, 600 may include a base that is supported over an existing substate, may be concreted into place, driven into or buried into ground, or installed in any suitable manner. Such arrangement avoids stress to the structure as it is being built, and enables a single person to build the deck on location.

[0116] Once the frame is assembled and the legs 110, 400, 600 are in place, the bolts 425 may be fully tightened.

[0117] Finally, the decking surface 120 is installed over the frame. This may be performed using decking surface panels that are of the same size as each of the frames, and the panelsmay be held in place by gravity, or mechanically attached.

[0118] As installation of the decking is without variation (there are pre-define bolt apertures, the frames are pre-assembled, etc), certification of the deck may be provided in a simplified manner. For example, engineering certification may be provided in relation to a kit of deck modules 105, much like pre-certified sheds and other similar structures.

[0119] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the deck modules 105 are arranged in staggered directions (i.e. every module is arranged at 90 degrees to the adjacent module). The skilled addressee will, however, readily appreciate that such arrangement is not necessary, and in other embodiments, the deck modules may be aligned, or offset in other manners.

[0120] Furthermore, while continuous decks are illustrated, both laterally and in height, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the systems described above may be used to provide decks that increase in height over distance. In some embodiments, frames may be stacked vertically to increase height. In other embodiments, longer legs may be used to support frames at different heights.

[0121] Similarly, groups of modules 105 may be provided that are not joined, but instead spaced apart. In some embodiments, groups of modules may be overlapping. In short, the modules 105 provide great flexibility in how they are installed and thereby enable a wide range of aesthetically pleasing configurations.

[0122] Various accessories may be coupled ot the frames 115 in a similar manner to that described above.

[0123] As illustrative example, and as illustrated in Figure 1 , a stair module 125 is provided adjacent one of the modules 105. The stair module 125 may include a coupling mechanism in the form of a plate including apertures that connects between the legs 110 and frames 115.

[0124] Unlike timber frames, the frames 115 are lightweight and easy to transport, despite being pre-assembled. In some embodiments, frames 115 are stacked vertically in a transport configuration, which may be lifted using a crane and / or forklift. Such configuration simplifies transport, and reduces likelihood of damage during transport.

[0125] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of frames 115 stacked vertically in a transport configuration, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] As the frames 115 include upper and lower surfaces that lie on respective planes,and without members extending above or below these surfaces, the frames can be stacked without spacing between the frames.

[0127] Transport legs 805 are provided at lowermost frame 1 15, from which a threaded rod (not visible) upwardly extends. The threaded rod extends up through the apertures 310 at each corner of the frames 1 15, and is capped off at the uppermost frame 115 using a threaded nut or eye.

[0128] As such, the rod functions to clamp the frames 1 15 together. Given that the frames 115 tightly abut, such clamping causes the frames to function like a single unity that is strong and resilient to damage.

[0129] In some embodiments, plywood or a similar material may be provided at a top and bottom of the stacked frames 115. The plywood may be used to enclose items internally in the frames (e.g. fasteners or legs), or simply to provide an outer surface to the frames.

[0130] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a plurality of frames 1 15 stacked vertically in a transport configuration 900, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Similar to that described above, the frames 115 are stacked without spacing between the frames. Rods 905 extend through apertures of the fixing members 210 , and engage with the feet 805 from below, and a threaded eye 910 at the top. This enables the rods 905 to clamp the frames 115 together into a single arrangement, while providing lifting points.

[0132] Figure 10 illustrates an upper perspective view of a of a modular deck system 1000, with the decking surface 120 removed to illustrate frames 1 15a thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] The modular deck system 1000 is similar to the modular deck systems described above, and includes a plurality of square deck modules 105a, which interconnect to provide a continuous deck surface that is supported by legs 110a.

[0134] Each deck module 105a comprises a frame 115a, similarly formed of elongate frame members 205a of aluminium box section, on which a decking surface (not illustrated) is provided.

[0135] A fixing member 210a is provided on an inside corner each corner of the frames 115a, to enable the frames 1 15 to be joined to each other, and to enable the frames 1 15 to be joined to legs 1 10a.

[0136] Figure 1 1 illustrates an enlarged upper perspective view of a portion of the modulardeck system 1000, Figure 12 illustrates a lower perspective view of a portion of the modular deck system 1000, and Figure 13 illustrates an enlarged lower perspective view of a portion of the modular deck system 1000.

[0137] The leg 110a includes a support plate 405a, coupled to a body by a threaded adjustment member, such that a height of the support plate 405a may be adjusted by rotating the support plate 405a.

[0138] The leg 110a further includes a threaded adjustment member coupling the body to a support. Such configuration enables further adjustment of the height of the leg 1 10a.

[0139] Finally, the body of the leg 1 10a is formed of folded metal, which may be welded at points for strength.

[0140] As best illustrated in Figure 13, the support plate 405a interconnects four frames 115a using bolts 425a and respective fixing members 210a of each of the frames 115a.

[0141] Advantageously, the decking systems described above are easy to install, as the support legs provide elevated support for the frame members and join adjacent frame members.

[0142] The frame members are lightweight, and can be installed by a single person with simple hand tools. The frame members do not require cutting or drilling, and include apertures which ensure that fasteners (bolts) are correctly positioned.

[0143] The arrangement of frame members, including the bolting of components, ensures that the construction of the deck is completely reproducible, without requiring the person(s) building the deck to cut, drill or otherwise modify the frame members in any way.

[0144] Furthermore, this enables the frame members to be removed, and reconfigured or reused without any damage.

[0145] Finally, the use of aluminium provides a long lasting deck that is resistant to rot.

[0146] While the above description mentions decks, the skilled addressee will readily appreciate that the system may be used for other types of flooring that would not be considered a deck as such, including as part of or associated with a structure.

[0147] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0148] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0149] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A modular deck or flooring system comprising: one or more frames, each frame including: a plurality of frame members; and a plurality of fixing members attached to the frame members; and one or more support legs wherein each of the plurality of fixing members is adapted to enable the frame to be fixed to an adjacent like frame by a support leg of the one or more support legs.

2. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein the frames comprise metal frames.

3. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein the fixing members comprise plates, and wherein each plate includes at least one aperture configured to receive a fastener.

4. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 3, wherein the plates are provided in corners of the frame.

5. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 3, wherein the plates lie substantially in a plane of a lower surface of the frame.

6. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 3, wherein the one or more support legs are each associated with a leg plate such that each leg extends orthogonally from the leg plate, the leg plate provided at a connection of two or more adjacent frame members, such that the plate engages with fixing members of each of the two or more adjacent frame members.

7. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 6, wherein the leg plate includes a plurality of apertures, and wherein a spacing of two or more apertures of the leg plate corresponds to twice a distance between an aperture of the plate and an edge of the frame.

8. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 7, wherein the leg plate includes apertures spaced apart in two dimensions, and configured to engage with frames spaced in two dimensions.

9. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of frame members include an upper surface that supports a decking surface.

10. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of frame members are linear and hollow.11 . The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of frame members are each connected at right angles to form a rectangle.

12. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein the fixing members are arranged symmetrically around at least two difference axes.

13. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of frame members are square, and are about 1 .2 meters long and wide.

14. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of frame members includes outer frame members and inner frame members, and wherein the inner frame members extend between opposing outer frame members.

15. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of frame members each include an upper and a lower surface that lie on respective planes, and wherein the frame is substantially defined between those planes.

16. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of rods that extends vertically through a plurality of frame members in a transport configuration, the rods extending through apertures at the corners of the frame members to join the frame members into a single movable unit.

17. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 16, wherein the rods included threaded ends, the threaded ends configured to engage with a transport leg at a lower end, and a threaded fastener, such as a threaded eye, at an upper end, and configured to clamp the frame members therebetween.

18. The modular deck or flooring system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more support legs are adjustable in length.

19. A frame for a modular deck or flooring system, the frame including: a plurality of frame members; a plurality of fixing members attached to the frame members; wherein each of the plurality of fixing members for fixing the frame to an adjacent like frame by a support leg.

20. A support leg for a modular deck or flooring system, the support leg including an upper support surface configured to fix to adjacent like frames to thereby both join and support the adjacent frames.

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