Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face... – Having integral key
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-14
2001-03-13
Canfield, Robert (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Module or panel having discrete edgewise or face-to-face...
Having integral key
C052S588100, C052S177000, C052S650300, C052S100000, C052S749100, C052S749100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06199340
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to modular construction elements in the nature of planks and to structures formed from an assembly of such planks. The invention is applicable, for example, in the construction of boat docks, piers, decks, patios, walkways, pontoon boat floors, and the like.
According to one prior art plastic decking plank, separate cap and base elements are snapped together to form a single plank. The base element is first mounted directly to the subfloor width fasteners such as screws or nails. Mating components of the cap and base elements are then manually aligned, and a rubber hammer or other tool is used to snap-attach the pieces together. Unlike the invention, such two-piece designs generally require substantial time and effort to assemble. The present one-piece design results in a considerably stronger and more rigid deducing structure than a two-piece design while minimizing manufacturing and installation costs. In addition, due to the absence of engaging parts, the invention also produces less surface noise or squeaking than two-piece designs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a modular, one-piece plastic construction element which may be readily assembled together with a number of like elements to form a decking or other structure.
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular decking plank which includes complementary, integrally-formed male and female fastener components.
It is another object of the invention to provide a modular decking plank which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.
It is another object of the invention to provide a decking plank which includes hidden fasteners located below the top surface of the decking structure for mounting the plank to a supporting subfloor.
According to the invention there is provided an elongate modular construction element for assembly with a plurality of like elements to form a structure, such as decking. The element is in the nature of a plank including spaced top and bottom walls interconnected by opposed side walls to define a void therein. First connecting means projects outwardly beyond one of first and second sides of the plank. Second connecting means, complementary to the first connecting means, is formed at the opposite side of the plank, whereby two such planks may be connected together in side by side relation. The connecting means is adapted to permit limited sliding movement of adjacent planks relative to one another in a direction transverse to the lengths of the planks, and limited angular movement about an axis extending parallel to the lengths thereof, whereby to permit the top walls of adjacent planks to be angularly inclined relative to one another to accommodate irregularities in a base or other supporting structure on or by which the resultant decking or other structure is supported.
Preferably, the connecting means are located adjacent the bottom wall of and extend continuously along the plank from one end thereof to the other. Preferably also, the first connecting means includes a laterally projecting flange having a fastening portion for receiving fasteners therethrough for attaching the plank to the supporting structure.
Preferably, the second connecting means includes a channel extending adjacent the bottom wall at the opposite side of the decking plank from the first connecting means for receiving a connecting portion of the flange.
The invention also provides a decking or other structure formed from a plurality of interconnected modular construction elements as previously described.
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Adams, Schwartz & Evans P.A.
Canfield Robert
L.B. (Plastics) Limited
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