Prefabricated deck system

Abstract

Abstract A suspended deck system uses prefabricated deck block modules as the working surface. Each block comprises a series of lateral beam bars in closely spaced, mutually parallel relation, having their ends secured by tie members splined in place. In one embodiment the deck blocks are of square plan-form, having wooden beam bars of substantially square section, with eased edges, having their ends tied by a thin, elongated wood spline. The block thickness and the length of the beam bars are selected to ensure the necessary bending strength when simply suspended by their ends in a loaded condition, as part of a suspended platform. In the case of a wooden decking the deck blocks are supported upon a framing of joists and cross-braces having rabetted upper edge recesses into which the deck blocks fit in flush-fitting relation. The blocks may be positioned in an alternating pattern, giving a visual parquet effect. In the deck frame ribbed dowel pins are used to secure the ends of the respective headers, joists and cross braces. Adoption of two standard sizes of joists and frame headers permits the building up of a wide range of platform sizes while requiring a minimum stock of prefabricated platform frame elements for use with the block modules. An alternative approach provides a second embodiment in regard to securing the deck block module to the deck frame. This alternative is to rabet the under face of the deck blocks, while leaving unrecessed the underlying framing of joists, headers and cross-braces. Further embodiments incorporate other forms of lateral restraint to position the deck blocks, relative to the supporting framing. The system also has wide application for walks and docks.

Inventors

• 👤 Robert Bryan

Bibliographic Details