Deck structure

Claim 1

A weldless deck structure formed of a plurality of modular panels, comprising, a plurality of panels, each panel including a multiplicity of parallel, edge to edge planks, and a framing transverse cross member at each end of the multiplicity of deck planks, each transverse cross member extending across the width of all the deck planks, with a channel in each of the cross members receiving the ends of the deck planks, the deck planks being solely supported at their ends and said ends of the deck planks being secured to said channel without welds, and including means for preventing separation of the deck planks or lateral movement of the deck planks with respect to the cross members, at least one interconnecting means on the cross members, on the outside of the cross members opposite the channels, for engaging and interlocking the opposed outside faces of two adjacent cross members, so as to connect two adjacent panels together, the two interconnected, interlocked cross members forming structural beams having structural strength sufficient to support an intended load placed on the cross members and spanning generally between the ends of the cross members, with the cross members being unsupported except near their ends so as to span an unsupported distance via said structural beams while carrying loads applied to the deck planks, and locking means engaging the two interconnected cross members, for preventing disengagement of the cross members, the deck structure being entirely without welds.