MODULAR DECKING

Abstract

Modular decking includes a modular decking component that has an enclosed support assembly and a top surface integrated with the enclosed support assembly. A structural decking base of the modular decking includes one or more of the modular decking components configured as a waterproof joist system that includes an integrated water diversion system, and the modular decking components support decking surface material. A modular decking system includes the modular decking components aligned to form a uniform decking top surface. Each of the modular decking components include the enclosed support assembly, the top surface integrated with the enclosed support assembly, and the integrated water diversion system.

Description

BACKGROUND

The design and installation of a decking system, such as for an outdoor living space that extends from the exterior of a building, is typically constructed with several different components and various hardware. The decking components generally include the foundational framework of beams and joists, as well as the top surface decking planks. The various types of hardware and anchor components are used to connect all of the several different decking components together. In addition to constructability that meets regulatory building requirements, a significant consideration is water dispersion in the outdoor environment so as to avoid causing degradation of the decking material (e.g., wood rotting), as well as to avoid water leaking and/or water collecting near the building foundation.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces features and concepts of modular decking, which is further described below in the Detailed Description and shown in the Figures. This Summary should not be considered to describe essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor used to determine or limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Aspects of modular decking are described, and techniques include a modular decking formed with multiple modular decking components that are aligned together to form an integrated, modular decking system with a uniform decking top surface. When the multiple modular decking components are positioned together, an extended portion of the top surface of one modular decking component covers over a water channel and the drip edge of the integrated water diversion system of an adjacent modular decking component. Additional techniques include modular decking components that are aligned together as the structural base for traditional decking surface materials. For example, wood or composite decking boards may be installed over the top surface of the modular decking components. In these aspects, a modular decking component, or multiple modular decking components, can be utilized as a waterproof joist system that provides the structural decking base, as well as water diversion with the integrated water diversion system of the modular decking components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of modular decking are described with reference to the following Figures. The same numbers may be used throughout to reference similar features and components that are shown in the Figures:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a modular decking component that can be implemented in a decking system, in accordance with described aspects and features.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a decking system formed with multiple modular decking components, in accordance with described aspects and features.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an end cap integrated with the decking system, in accordance with described aspects and features.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a drain channel utilized in the decking system, in accordance with described aspects and features.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example method for modular decking in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of modular decking are shown and described herein, and aspects of the techniques provide a decking system with modular decking components that include integrated decking elements, as well as an integrated water diversion system. The modular decking components are aligned together to form an integrated, modular decking system with a uniform decking top surface. A modular decking component includes integrated decking elements, such as a top surface, an enclosed support assembly with one or more vertical supports, and an integrated water diversion system. Notably, a modular decking component with the integrated decking elements is a single, integrated fabrication. The top surface, the enclosed support assembly, and the integrated water diversion system are formed as a monolithic component, such as a single-piece structure formed with aluminum. The integrated modular configuration of at least the support assembly and the decking top surface provides a substantial cost savings with regard to installation costs, eliminating the need for a significant portion of the conventional connecting hardware and labor costs typically associated with assembling a decking system on-site.

The top surface of a modular decking component is the portion of the decking system designed for foot traffic, as well as taking into consideration the appearance and aesthetics of the overall decking system. The enclosed support assembly can include the one or more vertical members (e.g., vertical joist members) positioned vertically to provide rigidity to the overall decking system and to support the top surface. The integrated water diversion system of a modular decking component is implemented to collect water runoff from the top surface, and divert the water to an acceptable collection or runoff area, away from the decking system and/or away from the building foundation of any nearby building, such as the building to which the decking system is attached. In implementations, the integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge that directs water into the water channel. Notably, the integrated water diversion system of a modular decking component also prevents water from dripping through the decking system onto items that may be stored or located beneath a deck, such as from a second-level deck onto a ground floor deck or patio below.

As further described herein, modular decking is formed with multiple modular decking components that are aligned together to form an integrated, modular decking system with a uniform decking top surface. When the multiple modular decking components are positioned together, an extended portion of the top surface of one modular decking component covers over the water channel and the drip edge of the integrated water diversion system of an adjacent modular decking component.

In alternate implementations, the modular decking components can be aligned together as the structural base for traditional decking surface materials. For example, wood or composite decking boards may be installed over the top surface of the modular decking components. In these aspects, a modular decking component, or the multiple modular decking components, can be utilized as a waterproof joist system that provides the structural decking base, as well as water diversion with the integrated water diversion system of the modular decking components.

In another aspect of the techniques described herein, an end cap is implemented to cover exposed ends of the modular decking components, where the end cap covers the ends of the top surface, the vertical support members, as well as the water channel and the drip edge of the integrated water diversion system. The end cap also includes a water channel that is configured perpendicular to the water channels of the respective modular decking components. In this implementation of the integrated, modular decking system, water on the top surface of the respective modular decking components drains between the edges of the top surfaces into the water channel of the respective modular decking components. The water can then drain from the water channels into the perpendicular water channel of the end cap to divert the water to an acceptable collection or runoff area, away from the decking system and/or away from the building foundation of the nearby building.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a modular decking component 100 that can be implemented in a decking system, such as may be constructed as part of an outdoor living space that extends from the exterior of a building, or as a stand-alone structure. In this example, the modular decking component 100 includes integrated decking elements, such as a top surface 102, an enclosed support assembly 104 with one or more vertical supports 106, and an integrated water diversion system 108. Notably, the modular decking component 100 with the integrated decking elements is a single, integrated fabrication. The top surface 102, the enclosed support assembly 104, and the integrated water diversion system 108 are formed as a monolithic component, such as a single-piece structure formed with aluminum or any other type of material.

In implementations, the modular decking component 100 can be formed with aluminum or any other type of durable and integrated material. For example, the modular decking component 100 may be formed with a durable plastic or other composite. Further, the modular decking component 100 can be surfaced with any type of coating or surface application, such as a powder coat, for aesthetics, heat dissipation, a non-slip surface, fire resistance, and/or any other type of surface application. Additionally, the modular decking component 100 can be manufactured in any width, height, and/or length. For example, a modular decking component can be implemented approximately six inches (6″) wide by four inches (4″) tall by various lengths and formed as a single integrated component.

In this example, the top surface 102 includes an extended portion 110 and is a panel (e.g., a top panel) of the enclosed support assembly 104. The top surface 102 is the portion of the decking system designed for foot traffic, as well as taking into consideration the appearance and aesthetics of the overall decking system. For example, the top surface 102 may be etched, stamped, or otherwise manufactured with any type of a pattern, such as to appear as a wooden board with a wood grain and/or typical imperfections found in the appearance of wood planking.

The enclosed support assembly 104 includes the one or more vertical supports 106 and a lower enclosure panel 112 (i.e., “lower” being relative to the top surface 102). The one or more vertical supports 106 are positioned vertically, approximately perpendicular relative to the top surface 102 and the lower enclosure panel 112. The vertical supports 106 provide rigidity to the overall decking system and support the top surface 102. Although shown in this example with three vertical supports 106, the enclosed support assembly 104 of the modular decking component 100 may be implemented with more than, or less than, the example number of vertical supports. Additionally, the structure of the enclosed support assembly 104 integrated with the top surface 102 of the decking, and formed with aluminum, provides an exceptionally strong and isotropic configuration that meets or exceeds building code requirements for a building exterior decking.

The integrated water diversion system 108 of the modular decking component 100 is implemented to collect water runoff from the top surface 102, and divert the water to an acceptable collection or runoff area, away from the decking system and/or away from the building foundation of any nearby building, such as the building to which the decking system is attached. In implementations, the integrated water diversion system 108 includes a water channel 114 and a drip edge 116 that directs water (e.g., rainwater, hosed water, melting snow, etc.) into the water channel. In this example implementation, and as illustrated in the figure, the water channel 114 is formed by an exterior panel 118, one of the vertical supports 106, and part of the lower enclosure panel 112.

In various implementations, the drip edge 116 may be connected (or integrated) with the vertical support 106 (e.g., as generally shown in the figure); the drip edge 116 may be connected (or integrated) at the lower corner junction of the vertical support 106 and the lower enclosure panel 112; or the drip edge 116 may not be connected to either. Accordingly, the water channel 114 may be formed above the lower enclosure panel 112, or alternatively, above the drip edge 116 as shown in the figure. Notably, the integrated water diversion system 108 of the modular decking component 100 also prevents water from dripping through the decking system onto items that may be stored or located beneath the deck, such as from a second-level deck onto a ground floor deck or patio below.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a decking system 200 formed with multiple modular decking components 100 aligned together to form an integrated, modular decking system with a uniform decking top surface. As shown in the example indicated at 202, the extended portion of the top surface 102 of one modular decking component 100 covers over the water channel 114 and the drip edge 116 of the integrated water diversion system 108 of an adjacent modular decking component 100 when the modular decking components are aligned together and adjacent. In implementations, one of the modular decking components 100 can be aligned, coupled, interlocked, connected to, and/or affixed to another one of the modular decking components. For example, any type of interlocking mechanism may be used to align and connect one modular decking component 100 to another, and so on, forming the overall integrated, modular decking system. For example, any type of key-locked joint using an interlocking key 204 can be used to connect the extrusions of one modular decking component 100 to another, as generally shown at 206. In implementations, the interlocking key 204 (e.g., of any shape) connects a first modular decking component to a second modular decking component. The first modular decking component positioned adjacent to the second first modular decking component forms a key-lock joint through which the interlocking key is insertable.

Alternatively, rather than being connected together, each modular decking component 100 can be affixed to a building structure 208 at one end of the modular decking component, and anchored to a cross beam 210 (or similar structure) at or near the other end of the modular decking component. In this example, the modular decking components 100 are aligned and held in place individually as the adjacent modular decking components to form the overall integrated, modular decking system.

In alternate implementations, the modular decking components 100 can be aligned together as the structural base for traditional decking surface materials. For example, wood or composite decking boards may be installed over the top surface 102 of the modular decking components. In these aspects, a modular decking component 100, or the multiple modular decking components, can be utilized as a waterproof joist system that provides the structural decking base, as well water diversion with the integrated water diversion system 108 of the modular decking components.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an end cap 300 integrated with the decking system 200, such as in implementations as shown and described herein. In this example, the end cap 300 is used to cover the exposed ends of the modular decking components 100, and covers the ends of the top surface 102, the vertical supports 106, as well as the water channel 114 and the drip edge 116 of the integrated water diversion system 108. The end cap 300 also includes a water channel 302 that is configured perpendicular to the water channels 114 of the respective modular decking components 100.

In this implementation of the integrated, modular decking system, water on the top surface 102 of the respective modular decking components (e.g., rainwater, hosed water, melting snow, etc.) drains between the edges of the top surfaces 102 onto the drip edge 116 into the water channel 114 of the respective modular decking components 100. The water can then drain from the water channels 114 into the perpendicular water channel 302 that is integrated in the end cap 300 to divert the water to an acceptable collection or runoff area, away from the decking system and/or away from the building foundation of the nearby building.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example 400 of a drain channel 402 that can be utilized when modular decking components 100 are installed end-to-end, such as to make a longer or wider deck area of the top surface. The drain channel 402 can be utilized under the decking joint 404 (i.e., “under” being relative to the top surface 102 and the modular decking components 100), where the decking joint is formed by the abutted or joined modular decking components 100 through which water may leak or seep through. The drain channel 402 collects and redirects any water that may leak through the decking joint.

FIG. 5 illustrates example method(s) 500 for modular decking. The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number or combination of the method operations can be combined in any order to implement a method, or an alternate method.

At 502, a first modular decking component is interlocked with at least a second modular decking component, the first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component each including a top surface integrated with an enclosed support assembly. In implementations, the enclosed support assembly includes one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to the top surface.

At 504, water is diverted by an integrated water diversion system that is integrated with the enclosed support assembly and the top surface of each of the first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component. In implementations, the integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge that directs water into the water channel. The top surface, the enclosed support assembly, and the integrated water diversion system are formed as a monolithic structure. The top surface includes an extended portion that covers the integrated water diversion system of an adjacent modular decking component. In one or more implementations, multiple modular decking components are utilized as a waterproof joist system that includes an integrated water diversion system and support decking surface material.

Although implementations of modular decking have been described in language specific to features and/or methods, the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as example implementations of modular decking, and other equivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims. Further, various different examples are described and it is to be appreciated that each described example can be implemented independently or in connection with one or more other described examples. Additional aspects of the techniques, features, and/or methods discussed herein relate to one or more of the following:

A modular decking component, comprising: an enclosed support assembly; and a top surface integrated with the enclosed support assembly.

Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described modular decking component, any one or combination of: the enclosed support assembly includes one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to the top surface. An integrated water diversion system is integrated with the enclosed support assembly and the top surface. The top surface, the enclosed support assembly, and the integrated water diversion system are formed as a monolithic structure. The integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge configured to direct water into the water channel. The top surface includes an extended portion configured to cover the integrated water diversion system of an adjacent modular decking component.

A structural decking base, comprising: one or more modular decking components configured as a waterproof joist system that includes an integrated water diversion system, the one or more modular decking components configured to support decking surface material.

Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described structural decking base, any one or combination of: the waterproof joist system includes one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to a top surface that supports the decking surface material. The integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge configured to direct water into the water channel. The waterproof joist system is formed as a monolithic structure that includes the integrated water diversion system and one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to a top surface that supports the decking surface material.

A modular decking system, comprising: modular decking components aligned to form a uniform decking top surface, each of the modular decking components including an enclosed support assembly, a top surface integrated with the enclosed support assembly, and an integrated water diversion system.

Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described modular decking system, any one or combination of: the modular decking components include a first modular decking component adjacent to at least a second modular decking component; and the top surface of the first modular decking component extends to cover the integrated water diversion system of the second modular decking component. An end cap is configured to cover exposed ends of the modular decking components that are aligned to form the uniform decking top surface. An interlocking key is configured to connect a first modular decking component to a second modular decking component, where the first modular decking component positioned adjacent to the second modular decking component forms a key-lock joint through which the interlocking key is insertable.

A method, comprising: interlocking a first modular decking component with at least a second modular decking component, the first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component each including a top surface integrated with an enclosed support assembly; and diverting water by an integrated water diversion system that is integrated with the enclosed support assembly and the top surface of each of the first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component.

Alternatively, or in addition to the above-described method, any one or combination of: the enclosed support assembly includes one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to the top surface. The enclosed support assembly, and the integrated water diversion system are formed as a monolithic structure. The integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge configured to direct the water into the water channel. The top surface of the first modular decking component includes an extended portion configured to cover the integrated water diversion system of the at least second modular decking component. The first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component are configured as a waterproof joist system that includes the integrated water diversion system.

Claims

1. A modular decking component, comprising: an enclosed support assembly; anda top surface integrated with the enclosed support assembly.

2. The modular decking component of claim 1, wherein the enclosed support assembly includes one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to the top surface.

3. The modular decking component of claim 1, further comprising an integrated water diversion system that is integrated with the enclosed support assembly and the top surface.

4. The modular decking component of claim 3, wherein the top surface, the enclosed support assembly, and the integrated water diversion system are formed as a monolithic structure.

5. The modular decking component of claim 3, wherein the integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge configured to direct water into the water channel.

6. The modular decking component of claim 3, wherein the top surface includes an extended portion configured to cover the integrated water diversion system of an adjacent modular decking component.

7. A structural decking base, comprising: one or more modular decking components configured as a waterproof joist system that includes an integrated water diversion system, the one or more modular decking components configured to support decking surface material.

8. The structural decking base of claim 7, wherein the waterproof joist system includes one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to a top surface that supports the decking surface material.

9. The structural decking base of claim 7, wherein the integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge configured to direct water into the water channel.

10. The structural decking base of claim 7, wherein the waterproof joist system is formed as a monolithic structure that includes the integrated water diversion system and one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to a top surface that supports the decking surface material.

11. A modular decking system, comprising: modular decking components aligned to form a uniform decking top surface, each of the modular decking components including an enclosed support assembly, a top surface integrated with the enclosed support assembly, and an integrated water diversion system.

12. The modular decking system of claim 11, wherein: the modular decking components include a first modular decking component adjacent to at least a second modular decking component; andthe top surface of the first modular decking component extends to cover the integrated water diversion system of the second modular decking component.

13. The modular decking system of claim 11, further comprising an end cap configured to cover exposed ends of the modular decking components that are aligned to form the uniform decking top surface.

14. The modular decking system of claim 11, further comprising an interlocking key configured to connect a first modular decking component to a second modular decking component, wherein the first modular decking component positioned adjacent to the second modular decking component forms a key-lock joint through which the interlocking key is insertable.

15. A method, comprising: interlocking a first modular decking component with at least a second modular decking component, the first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component each including a top surface integrated with an enclosed support assembly; anddiverting water by an integrated water diversion system that is integrated with the enclosed support assembly and the top surface of each of the first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the enclosed support assembly includes one or more vertical supports integrated approximately perpendicular relative to the top surface.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the top surface, the enclosed support assembly, and the integrated water diversion system are formed as a monolithic structure.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the integrated water diversion system includes a water channel and a drip edge configured to direct the water into the water channel.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the top surface of the first modular decking component includes an extended portion configured to cover the integrated water diversion system of the at least second modular decking component.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the first modular decking component and the at least second modular decking component are configured as a waterproof joist system that includes the integrated water diversion system.