Flooring support system with perimetral fixing

Abstract

A flooring support system has a beam with hollow section and flanges and a panel clip with engages with the side of the hollow section, abuts the flange at a first end and extends above the top of the

Description

14 02 25 Technical Field [0001 ] The present invention is concerned with a flooring support system having perimetral fixing. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a support system for decking and paving in which flooring and side members at the perimeter of the system are secured in position. Background Art

[0002] Prior art flooring systems comprise a plurality of parallel beams which are supported on pedestals. Flooring members are laid on top of the beams in order to provide an even, elevated floor surface for use e.g., in outdoor spaces.

[0003] Problems can arise at the edges of such systems. The edge panels need to be securely attached to the decking, and may be of a special type to provide the desired finish. Further, if the decking is elevated it is desirable to finish the sides as well to obscure the structure within.

[0004] Many prior art solutions employ vertical beams attached to the decking edge, but in some circumstances this is time consuming to install, and uses a lot of excess material.

[0005] It is an aim ofthe present invention to provide an improved perimetral fixing system. Summary of Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect ofthe invention there is provided a flooring support structure according to claim 1.

[0007] Preferably the edge panel receiving portion has an endwall and two sidewalls forming a C-shape, each sidewall joined to the endwall at a first end, in which one ofthe sidewalls is joined to the attachment portion at a second end opposite the first end.

[0008] Preferably the edge panel dip comprises a side panel receiving formation configured to engage with a side panel oriented at 90 degrees to the edge panel.

[0009] Preferably the side panel receiving formation comprises at least one protrusion extending normal to the attachment formation, which protrusion is configured to engage with a side panel oriented at 90 degrees to the edge panel. 14 02 25 [001 0] Preferably the protrusion comprises a first leg and a second leg forming an L-shape. [0011 ] Preferably the structrue comprises two protrusions positioned on opposite sides of the attachment portion.

[0012] Preferably the two protrusions are connected to arms extending either side of the endwall of the edge panel receiving portion.

[0013] Preferably the protrusion or protrusions extend from the endwall of the edge panel receiving portion in a direction opposite the sidewalls. Brief Description of Drawings

[0014] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a first support structure; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the first support structure of Figure 1; FIGURES 3 &4 are section views of components of the support structure of Figure 1 ; FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a part of a second support structure, in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 6 is a side view of the second support structure of Figure 5; FIGURE 7 is an underside perspective view of the second support structure of Figure 5; FIGURE 8 is a perspective view of a part of a third support structure; FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of the third support structure of Figure 8; FIGURE 1 0 is an underside perspective view of the third support structure of Figure 8; FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of a part of a fourth support structure; and, FIGURE 12 is a section view through Figure 11. Description of the first embodiment [001 5] A flooring support structure 100 is shown in Figures 1 to 4. 14 02 25 Configuration [001 6] Referring to Figure 1, a central area of the flooring support structure 100 is shown. The structure 1 00 comprises a plurality of pedestals 1 02, a plurality of beams 104a-d and a plurality of cross-pieces in the form of noggins 1 06a-e. In Figure 2, a corner of the support structure is shown with a pedestal 1 02, two beams 104e-f and a single cross piece I noggin 1 06f. Edge pieces 112, 113 is also shown.

[0017] The pedestals 102 are known in the art, and are configured for supporting the beams 1 04a-d above an underlying ground surface or substrate 108. Each pedestal has a support surface 109 and an upstanding beam receiving formation 110 opposite the support surface (Figure 2). An adjustable collar 111 is provided threaded to the formation 110 such that it can be moved up and down to adjust the beam support height above the supports surface 109.

[0018] The beams (or joists) 104 are constructed from an extruded metal material (aluminium in this embodiment) and comprise a cross section shown in Figure 3. The cross section defines a hollow box portion 114 having a top wall 116, side walls 118, 120 and a base 122. The base 122 extends either side of the sidewalls to define two edge flanges 124, 126 of thickness t1. The top wall 116 comprises an elongate channel 128. The beams 104 have a total height of hi.

[0019] The noggins 106 are almost identical in section to the beams 104. They are constructed from an extruded metal material (aluminium in this embodiment) and comprise a cross section shown in Figure 4. The cross section defines a hollow box portion 130 having a top wall 132, side walls 134, 136 and a base 138. The base 138 extends either side of the sidewalls to define two edge flanges 140, 142. The top wall 132 comprises an elongate channel 144. The noggins 106 have a total height of h2 = (hi -t1).

[0020] The edge pieces 112, 113 are L-shaped extrusions having a base portion 148 and an upright 1 50 at 90 degrees thereto. Assembly

[0021] The support structure 100 is assembled by aligning the beams 104 in a parallel, offset manner (see axis X in Figure 1). The noggins 1 06 are then used to join the beams. The noggins 106 are provided at 90 degrees to the beams 104 and their bases 138 are supported on one of the flanges 124, 126 of each beam. Screws 146 (or other mechanical 14 02 25 fasteners) can then be used to fasten the flanges 140, 142 of the noggin to the flange 124 or 126 of the beam.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, several noggin sections 1 06a-e are placed in a co-linear manner, although this is not strictly necessary.

[0023] Because the noggins 106 are t1 mm less tall than the beams 1 04, theirtop walls 116, 132 are flush, forming a continuous support surface for decking panels or paving members.

[0024] It will be noted that in some applications the noggins can be cut at an angle, meaning that they can be positioned at different non-zero angles to the beams 104. The way in which the noggins are attached to the beams does not change.

[0025] At the edges of the structure 100 the edge pieces 112, 113 are attached. The edge piece 112 is normal to the beams 104 and is attached with screws passing through the flanges 124, 126. The upright 150 abuts the ends of the beams 104. The edge piece 113 is parallel to the beams 1 04, and is attached in the same way. The edge pieces 113, 114 are cut to form a mitre joint at the corner (although they are not physically joined).

[0026] Referring to Figure 2, it will be noted that because the width of the noggins 1 06 is equal to the width of the beams (across flanges), the noggins can be engaged with the pedestals to support the lattice-like structure. Description of the second embodiment

[0027] Referring to Figures 5 to 7, a second embodiment of a flooring support structure 300 is shown. Configuration

[0028] The structure 300 comprises a plurality of pedestals 302, a plurality of beams 304a-b, noggins 306a-b, edge pieces 312 and perimeter brackets 400a, 400b.

[0029] The beams 304a-b are the same as the beams 104a-d of the first embodiment, with a box portion 314 having a top wall 316, side walls 31 8, 320 and a base 322. The base 322 extends either side of the sidewalls to define two edge flanges 324, 326 of thickness t1. The top wall 31 6 comprises an elongate channel 328. The beams 304 have a total height of hi. 14 02 25

[0030] The noggins 306a-b are the same as for the first embodiment, and connect the beams 304a, 304b in the same way as shown in Figure 6.

[0031] As with the first embodiment, edge pieces 312 are L-shaped extrusions having a base portion 348 and an upright 350 at 90 degrees thereto. The upright 350 is not positioned at the edge of the base portion, creating a small flange 351.

[0032] The perimeter brackets 400a, 400b are identical. Each is constructed from a flat, deformed metal material. Each bracket has an attachment portion 402, with a C-shaped panel receiving portion 404 defined at a first end thereof, having an endwall 406 and two sidewalls 408, 410 (one of which is connected to the attachment portion 402). Assembly

[0033] The structure 300 is assembled as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0034] The first perimeter bracket 400a is attached to the edge piece 312, with the lower (free) end of the attachment portion 402 abutting the flange 351, and the attachment portion 402 itself in face-to-face contact with the outside surface of the upright 350. In this position, the inner surface of the sidewall 408 (connected to the attachment portion 402) is flush with the top surface of the beam 304a.

[0035] The second perimeter bracket 400b is attached to the beam 304a, with the lower (free) end of the attachment portion 402 abutting the flange 326, and the attachment portion 402 itself in face-to-face contact with the outside surface of the sidewall 314. In this position, the inner surface of the sidewall 408 of the bracket 400b (connected to the attachment portion 402) is flush with the top surface of the beam 304a.

[0036] Referring to Figure 7, this allows edge panels 412 to be assembled with the structure 300, either by sliding their edge into the C-shaped portions 404, or by engaging the top section of the C-shaped portion 404 into a corresponding recess 414 of a bull-nose edge panel. Description of the third embodiment

[0037] Referring to Figures 8 to 1 0, a third embodiment of a flooring support structure 500 is shown. 14 02 25 Configuration

[0038] The structure 500 comprises a plurality of pedestals 502, a plurality of beams 504a-b, noggins 506, edge pieces 512, 513 and perimeter brackets 600a, 600b.

[0039] The beams 504a-b are the same as the beams 104a-d of the first embodiment, with a box portion 514 having a top wall 516, side walls 51 8, 520 and a base 522. The base 522 extends either side of the sidewalls to define two edge flanges 524, 526 of thickness t1. The top wall 516 comprises an elongate channel 528. The beams 504 have a total height of hi.

[0040] The noggins 506 are the same as for the first embodiment, and connect the beams 504a, 504b in the same way as shown in Figure 8. [0041 ] Edge pieces 512 are T-shaped extrusions having a base portion 548 and an upright 550 at 90 degrees thereto. The upright 550 is not positioned at the edge of the base portion, creating a small flange 551. A lower plate 553 extends downwardly from the flange 551, parallel to, but offset from the upright 550.

[0042] The perimeter brackets 600a, 600b are identical. Each is constructed from a flat, deformed metal material. Each bracket has an attachment portion 602, with a C-shaped panel receiving portion 604 defined at a first end thereof, having an endwall 606 and two sidewalls 608, 610 (one of which is connected to the attachment portion 602).

[0043] Extending from, and continuous with, the endwall 606 there are provided two opposed arms 612, 614, each of which defines an L-shaped protrusion 616 at a lower end, extending to the opposite side of the endwall 606 to the sidewalls 608, 61 0. The L-shaped protrusion 616 has a first leg 61 8 and a second leg 620. Assembly

[0044] The structure 500 is assembled as described with respect to the first embodiment.

[0045] The first perimeter bracket 600a is attached to the edge piece 512, with the lower (free) end of the attachment portion 602 abutting the flange 551, and the attachment portion 602 itself in face-to-face contact with the outside surface of the upright 550. In this position, the inner surface of the sidewall 608 (connected to the attachment portion 602) is flush with the top surface of the beam 604a. 14 02 25

[0046] The second perimeter bracket 600b is attached to the beam 504, with the lower (free) end of the attachment portion 602 abutting the flange 526, and the attachment portion 602 itself in face-to-face contact with the outside surface of the sidewall 514. In this position, the inner surface of the sidewall 608 of the bracket 600b (connected to the attachment portion 602) is flush with the top surface of the beam 504.

[0047] Referring to Figure 8, this allows edge panels (i.e. horizontal panesl at the edge of the flooring area) to be assembled with the structure 300 in the same way as the second embodiment. In addition, the present embodiment provides for side (vertical) panels to be installed. As shown in Figure 8, panels 622, 624, are retained in position by engagement of the downwardly projecting legs 620 with a groove along the long edge of each panel. Once in position, the panels 622, 624 are in face to face contact with the lower plate 553 and can be screwed thereto with fasteners 626 (Figure 1 0). Variations

[0048] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a decking edge panel "S" clip 700 is shown, which is used to secure a panel 702 to one of the noggins 1 06. The panel 702 has a groove 704 in one long edge into which the clip 700 is inserted. The clip 700 has a right-angled portion 708 connected to an oppositely oriented right-angled portion 710 forming an "S shape. The first right-angled portion 708 has an opening 706 penetrating the apex. In use, the clip 700 is fitted against the panel 702 with the second portion 710 inserted into the groove 704. The first right-angled portion 708 sits against one of the external corners adjacentthe groove 704. The opening 706 receives a fastener 707 at an angle >45 degrees to penetrate the panel 702 and fasten with the noggin 106 (in the channel 144). Equally, this clip 700 may be used with a beam 1 04. The clip 700 is constructed from a metal or plastics material, and prevents the delicate edges of the panel 702 from splitting upon insertion of a fastener such as a screw.

Claims

14 02 251. A flooring support structure comprising:a plurality of beams, each beam comprising a constant cross-section having a hollow portion having first and second sidewalls, and a first and second flange extending from respective sidewalls thereof;an edge panel clip comprising an attachment portion having a first end and a second end, and an edge panel receiving portion at the second end of the attachment portion;wherein the attachment portion of the edge panel clip is attached to the sidewall in a face-to-face manner with the first end of the attachment abutting the first flange of the beam, and with the edge panel receiving portion extending above the hollow portion of the beam so as to receive an edge of an edge panel supported on the beam.

2. A flooring support structure according to claim 1, wherein the edge panel receiving portion has an endwall and two sidewalls forming a C-shape, each sidewall joined to the endwall at a respective first end, in which one of the sidewalls is joined to the attachment portion at a second end opposite the first end thereof.

3. A flooring support structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edge panel clip comprises a side panel attachment formation configured to engage with a side panel oriented at 90 degrees to the edge panel.

4. A flooring support structure according to claim 3, wherein the side panel receiving formation comprises at least one protrusion extending normal to the attachment formation, which protrusion is configured to engage with a side panel oriented at 90 degrees to the edge panel.

5. A flooring support structure according to claim 4, wherein the protrusion comprises a first leg and a second leg forming an L-shape.

6. A flooring support structure according to claim 4 or 5, comprising two protrusions positioned on opposite sides of the attachment portion.

7. A flooring support structure according to claim 6, wherein the two protrusions are connected to arms extending either side ofthe endwall of the edge panel receiving portion.

8. A flooring support structure according to any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the protrusion or protrusions extend from the endwall of the edge panel receiving portion in a direction opposite the sidewalls.14 02 25

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