U.S. patent application number 10/980733 was filed with the patent office on 2005-04-07 for deck construction.
This patent application is currently assigned to Pro Shop Plans Co., Inc.. Invention is credited to Bright, Sam H., Hoffman, Paul.
Application Number | 20050072105 10/980733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34396052 |
Filed Date | 2005-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050072105 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoffman, Paul ; et
al. |
April 7, 2005 |
Deck construction
Abstract
A deck construction including a plurality of supports for
anchoring deck construction elements to a building site. The
supports include a body (which may be an integrally molded concrete
pier) having upper and lower portions. The upper portion includes
at least one slot for seating a horizontally oriented construction
member. The slot includes a center socket portion having four
extended comers for seating the bottom end of a vertically oriented
construction member. The slot and center socket are defined by
connecting wall portions which may be integral to the body or may
be of plastic or metal and suitable secured to the body. In some
cases, two mutually perpendicular slots are provided.
Inventors: |
Hoffman, Paul; (Alvadore,
OR) ; Bright, Sam H.; (Eugene, OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Welsh & Katz, Ltd.
22nd Floor
120 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago
IL
60606-3945
US
|
Assignee: |
Pro Shop Plans Co., Inc.
Alvadore
OR
|
Family ID: |
34396052 |
Appl. No.: |
10/980733 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10980733 |
Nov 3, 2004 |
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10458393 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
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6851234 |
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10458393 |
Jun 10, 2003 |
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08888630 |
Jul 7, 1997 |
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5949116 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/698 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 2001/2676 20130101;
E04B 2001/268 20130101; E02D 27/01 20130101; E04B 1/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/698 |
International
Class: |
E04C 005/00 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled).
32. A concrete block for anchoring an exterior deck construction to
a building site, said block being capable of supporting one or more
construction members; said block comprising a single-cast unitary
block having an upper end surface, a lower surface adapted for
supporting engagement with the building site, and a generally
polygonal exterior peripheral surface; said upper end surface
having a first open slot formed therein defined by laterally
spaced-apart sidewall surfaces intersecting said upper end surface
and intersecting said external peripheral surface at generally
diametrically opposite positions, said slot having a base surface
and being configured to freely vertically receive and releasably
support at least one horizontally oriented deck construction member
without mechanical connections; and said upper end surface having
an enlarged open center socket intersecting said upper end surface
and being contiguous with said open slot, said socket being defined
by said sidewall surfaces intersecting said upper end surface and
extending at right angles away from each other to generally
mutually opposed right-angle corners spaced apart substantially
farther than the width of said open slot, said socket having a base
surface intermediate said upper and lower end surfaces capable of
receiving and releasably supporting the bottom end of a generally
vertically oriented post member with said right-angle corners
providing substantially the sole corner support to said post member
without mechanical connections; and said center socket extending
into said block from said upper end surface a distance less than
one-half the height of said concrete block.
33. The concrete block of claim 32 wherein said first open slot is
free of reinforcing bars so that a horizontally oriented
construction element can freely extend through said slot and said
socket fully across the entire breadth of said upper end surface of
said block.
34. A kit for assembling a deck on a building site, comprising: a
decking surface structure; a plurality of support members, each of
said support members having a lower edge and an upper edge, said
support members being adapted to support said decking surface
structure when said support members are disposed in a generally
horizontal orientation; and a plurality of pier blocks each
including a concrete body having upper and lower end surfaces and a
peripheral side surface, said lower end surface being adapted for
supporting engagement with a building site, said upper end surface
including an open slot extending fully across said upper end
surface and defined by wall surfaces spaced apart for frictionally
receiving at least one generally horizontally oriented support
member in edge relation, and an enlarged open center socket formed
in said upper end surface contiguous with said open slot and
defined by said wall surfaces extending at right angles away from
each other to generally right-angle corners spaced apart
substantially farther than the width of the open slot, said center
socket being adapted to receive the bottom end of a generally
upstanding pillar member with said comers providing substantial
corner engagement with said pillar member.
35. A construction device for anchoring or connecting construction
elements to a base comprising: a concrete body member having upper
and lower ends and external sides, said lower end serving as a
support of the body member on a base, and recess means in the upper
end of said body member forming an anchor seat for a construction
element, said recess means comprising a recess extending fully from
one side of said body member to the other, said recess being
defined by laterally opposite spaced apart internal wall surfaces
disposed generally normal to said lower end so that one or more
construction elements can be laid therein in frictional seated edge
relation, said recess means also including an enlarged socket
disposed in a central portion of said body member, said socket
having oppositely aligned inverse corners spaced apart farther than
said wall surfaces defining said recess so as to receive the
external comers of the bottom end of an upright construction
element in supported engagement therewith, said recess and socket
extending into said body member from said upper end a distance less
than one-half the height of said body member.
36. A concrete block in combination with a lumber construction
element; said lumber construction element comprising an elongated
post of generally rectangular transverse cross-sectional
configuration, said block comprising a one-piece concrete body
structure having a generally polygonal external peripheral surface
and a lower end surface adapted for supporting engagement with a
building site, said block including an upper end surface having at
least two open aligned recesses formed therein with each recess
intersecting a centrally disposed enlarged open socket formed in
said upper end surface, said recesses each being defined by
laterally spaced-apart sidewall surfaces and a base surface and
intersecting said external peripheral surface at diametrically
opposite positions, said enlarged open center socket being defined
by a central base surface and by socket sidewall surfaces forming
four mutually opposed right angle comers spaced apart farther than
said spaced-apart sidewalls forming said recesses, said block
directly receiving an end of said post in said socket, said post
being directly supported in upstanding relation exclusively by said
sidewall surfaces forming said right angle comers and said central
base surface.
37. A construction device for anchoring or connecting construction
elements to a base comprising: concrete body member having upper
and lower ends and external sides, said lower end serving as a
support of the body member on a base, and recess means in the upper
end of said body member forming an anchor seat for a construction
element, said recess means comprising first and second recesses
extending fully from one side of said body member to the other,
said first and second recesses being disposed in substantially
mutually perpendicular relation to each other, said recesses being
defined by laterally opposite spaced apart internal wall surfaces
disposed generally normal to said lower end so that one or more
construction elements can be laid therein in frictional seated edge
relation, said recess means also including an enlarged socket
disposed in a central portion of said body member, said socket
having oppositely aligned inverse comers spaced apart further than
said wall surfaces defining said recesses so as to receive the
external comers of the bottom end of an upright construction
element in supported engagement therewith, said recesses and socket
extending into said body member from said upper end.
38. A construction device as defined in claim 37 wherein said
recesses and said enlarged socket have flat floor surfaces
Description
REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation application from Ser. No. 10/458,393,
filed Jun. 10, 2003 which is a divisional application from Ser. No.
08/888,630, filed Jun. 21, 2001, which is a divisional application
from Ser. No. 09/360,372, filed Apr. 28, 1999, Pat. No. 6,550,201,
which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/716,507, filed
Sep. 17, 1996, Pat. No. 5,953,874 which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 08/364,659, filed Dec. 27, 1994 (abandoned),
which is a continuation of Ser. No. 07/976,611, filed Nov. 16,
1992, Pat. No. 5,392,575, which is a continuation of Ser. No.
07/745,995, filed Aug. 9, 1991 (abandoned), which is a continuation
of Ser. No. 07/292,742, filed Jan. 3, 1989 (abandoned), and a
continuation of Ser. No. 07/763,870, filed Sep. 19, 1991, which is
a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/507,002, filed Apr. 10,
1990 (abandoned), which is a continuation of application Ser. No.
07/319,852, filed Mar. 3, 1989 (abandoned), which is a continuation
of application Ser. No. 07/101,832, filed Sep. 28, 1987
(abandoned), which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.
No. 06/926,291, filed Nov. 3, 1986, Pat. No. 4,724,642.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to outdoor residential constructions,
and is particularly concerned with support devices for use in deck
construction.
[0003] Various types of devices have heretofore been used for
supporting and/or connecting building elements, such as horizontal
beams, joists, stringers, posts and pillars, to a base slab,
footing, foundation or block member. For example, such devices
include anchor studs, metal brackets, or other supports or devices
which are permanently embedded in the concrete in the manufacturing
process of the blocks and which are required to make them
functional. Such devices or additional components are used to
provide vertical and lateral mechanical connection of building
elements to a base or as components to other elements but do not
have an individual identity or non-mechanical application which
facilitates the inexpensive and convenient construction of a simple
deck, such as a deck that may be built by the average home owner on
unprepared and unleveled ground typical to a residential
backyard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to the present invention and forming a primary
objective thereof, a deck construction is provided including a
novel construction support device, which amounts to an improvement
over prior structures.
[0005] A more particular object of the invention is to provide a
construction support device of the type described having a novel
arrangement of recesses, walls, and sockets for receiving
horizontal beams and the like, and also capable of receiving
vertical pillars or posts, all in a variety of selected support
connections not heretofore available.
[0006] Another object of the invention is to provide an embodiment
of the invention comprising a plurality of integrated wall portions
disposed in a zig zag pattern and forming one or more full width
slots for receiving horizontal beams and the like and also forming
a rectangular central socket for receiving a vertical pillar or
post.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a pier block
of the type described having a novel arrangement of recesses and
central socket for receiving horizontal two-inch thick (11/2-inch
nominal) surface supports, and also capable of receiving vertical
wood posts without mechanical connections or additional components,
all in a variety of selected support configurations not heretofore
available.
[0008] In carrying out these objectives, a construction support
device is provided for anchoring a beam or other element to the
ground or other building site. The device includes a body having
upper and lower portions. The lower portion rests on the building
site, and the upper portion includes an open slot for holding a
beam edgewise. The slot is formed by spaced-apart side walls. The
side walls themselves include connected wall portions, which are
integrally joined at right angles.
[0009] The slot includes a center socket portion that is adapted
for securely holding the bottom end of a vertically oriented post.
The center socket portion is formed by the side walls extending at
right angles away from each other to form corner sections. The
corner sections are spaces apart substantially further than the
width of the open slot to provide substantial corner support to the
post.
[0010] In some cases, the side walls which define the slot are part
of spaced-apart projections which extend from the upper portion of
the body. These projections can be integrally molded with the body
to form a single-cast, one-piece block or pier. Alternatively, they
may be formed of plastic or metal and suitably attached to a
base.
[0011] The invention may be practiced with a pair of recesses
emanating from the central socket portion to form a single slot
which extends unobstructed across the entire breadth of the body.
Alternatively, a second pair of recesses may be employed to form a
total of two mutually perpendicular slots.
[0012] Support devices in accordance with the invention are
particularly suited to the construction of residential decks.
Horizontal, coplanar deck support members may be carried by a
plurality of the foregoing support devices arranged in rows and
columns. The horizontal deck support members are securely seated in
the slots defined by the spaced apart side walls.
[0013] Where the deck is to be built on uneven ground, the
horizontal members can be supported in a level attitude by a
plurality of vertical support pillars. The bottom ends of the
vertical support pillars are securely seated in one of the center
socket portion, while their respective top ends bear the horizontal
members in supporting engagement. The height of the vertical
support pillars can vary to span the vertical distance between the
uneven ground and the desired plane in which the horizontal support
members reside.
[0014] In one embodiment, the construction support device of the
invention comprises a body member having a lower surface which
serves as a support on a base such as a slab, footing, or pier
block. The body member has one or more recess means arranged to
receive horizontal beams and the like. The body member also has a
central socket for receiving a vertical pillar or post. The recess
means are disposed on each of four sides of the body member at 90
degrees apart and communicate with the central socket and the
exterior, the pairs of recesses opposite from each other being
aligned whereby construction beams or the like can be laid therein
in edge and/or end relation. Also, in such embodiment, the
construction device has fastener-receiving means therein for
attaching a beam or beams and a pillar together, and also for
attaching the assembly to the base. In another embodiment, side
edges of the body member at the recess openings have downturned
projections shaped on a rear portion thereof to frictionally fit on
top of pier blocks for anchoring the body member against lateral
shifting.
[0015] In another embodiment, the construction support device of
the invention is a single cast, one-piece pier block which
comprises a body member serving as a capable support on unprepared
and unleveled building sites, having localized dips, slopes and
random level areas therein. The body member has a single recess
means molded into the top surface capable of receiving horizontal
deck surface support members and also capable of receiving the
bottom end of a vertical wood post or pillar. The recess means can
have particular dimensions for using conventional, existing lumber
sizes and also such dimensions are such that the required integral
strength of the block is maintained due to the manufacturing
process and application without the necessity of using reinforcing
bar steel or additional integral components. All of these features
combine in a structural arrangement which automates and
standardizes the manufacture and facilitates marketing, at a lower
unit and resale cost, a deck that can be preplanned and pre-cut.
Such a deck is simplified and inexpensive, and capable of
construction by the average do-it-yourself homeowner who desires a
deck on the unprepared and unleveled ground of a typical
backyard.
[0016] The invention will be better understood and additional
objects and advantages will become apparent from the following
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a support device in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the device shown in
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a construction
support device in accordance with another embodiment of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a construction
support device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the
invention;
[0021] FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 are perspective views showing various
applications of the device of FIG. 1 in association with structural
building elements;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a construction support
device which includes lateral stabilizing elements in accordance
with another embodiment of the invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the construction
support device of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIGS. 11 and 12 are perspective views showing various
applications of the device of FIG. 9 in association with structural
building elements;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a construction support
device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of the construction
support device shown in FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the construction
support device shown in FIG. 13;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the construction support
device shown in FIG. 13;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a construction support
device in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a top perspective view of the construction
support device shown in FIG. 17;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the construction support
device show in FIG. 17;
[0032] FIGS. 20 and 21 are perspective views showing various
applications of the device of FIG. 17 in association with
structural building elements;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a deck construction in
accordance with the invention employing the construction support
device shown in FIG. 17; and
[0034] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of another deck construction
in accordance with the invention employing the construction support
device shown in FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] According to the present invention, a construction support
device is provided which conveniently provides anchoring of a
building element to a building site. As illustrated herein, the
invention may be practiced in accordance with a first embodiment of
FIG. 1, wherein the construction support device is securely
attached to a concrete base or pier. The device of FIG. 1 can be
inexpensively molded from plastic or stamped from metal and is
simplified in its use and constructions.
[0036] Alternatively, the invention may be practiced in accordance
with other embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 13 and 17. There,
the device is inexpensively poured from concrete together with a
pier block to form a single cast, one-piece body. In either type of
embodiment, the invention provides a new and advantageous support
for securely seating construction members in either a horizontal or
vertical orientation.
[0037] With reference first to FIGS. 5 through 8, the numeral 10
represents a base or pier block of conventional structure which is
commonly used to support decks, carports, etc. This block is
generally constructed of concrete and assumes different shapes. In
most cases, the block is tapered to a lesser dimension toward the
top. The top and bottom surfaces 12 and 13, respectively, are
flat.
[0038] FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a construction support device 14 in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. Construction
support device 14 may be molded, stamped, or otherwise formed from
a tough plastic or metal. The body member of the device 14 includes
a flat bottom wall 16 and four identically shaped or symmetrical
upright quarter sections 18. Each of the sections 18 comprises four
zig zag panels 18a joined integrally at right angles. These
symmetrical quarter sections are shaped to form a recess or opening
20 on each side, with oppositely located recesses being laterally
aligned. Also, with this quarter section construction, a square
central socket 22 is formed. Laterally aligned recesses 20 provide
a pair of full width slots open at the sides.
[0039] Each of the panel sections 18a has one or more apertures 24
therein provided to receive fasteners, to be seen hereinafter, for
securement of building elements to the device 14. As seen in FIG.
2, cutouts 26 are provided in the bottom wall 16 for reducing the
weight of the member as well as for conserving material. Also,
apertures 28 are provided in the wall 16 for secured attachment of
the member 14 to a base, such as to a block 10, a concrete slab, or
other support means.
[0040] FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 show various applications of the
construction device 14 with building elements such as support
members and pillars. FIG. 5 for example shows a horizontal decking
surface support member 30 seated edgewise on the bottom wall 16 and
extending fully through the device and out both side recesses 20.
FIG. 6 shows a support member 30 similarly supported as in FIG. 5
but also showing a right angle support member 32 extending through
a 90 degree side recess 20 and abutted against the support member
30. FIG. 7 shows a vertical pillar 34 supported ion the device 14
and fitted in the central socket 22. FIG. 8 shows a pillar 34
similarly fitted in the socket 22 as in FIG. 7 but also showing
side beams 32 extending in from all four of the side recesses.
These members may simply be fitted in the respective recesses 20 or
socket 22. Preferably, however, secured attachment to the member 14
is accomplished by fasteners 36 extending through the apertures 24.
Also, device 14 can first be secured to the base member 10 by
fasteners extending through the apertures 28.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a construction device
14' having a bottom wall 16 and side walls 18 in an arrangement
similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. This structure, however, is
formed (such as by integral molding) with a plurality of depending
foot member 38. Four of such foot members are shown, as well as a
central foot member, but any number of such foot members maybe
provided. In the FIG. 3 embodiment, the foot members 38 are hollow
whereby long fasteners can be inserted down from the top through
the wall 16 and into a base for secured attachment of the
construction device 14' to the base. FIG. 4 shows a structure
similar to FIG. 3 except that the outer foot members 38' are solid
and not hollow. This embodiment may be employed in circumstances
where it is not necessary to use vertical fasteners around an outer
portion of the member.
[0042] FIGS. 9-12 illustrate an embodiment of the invention
employing means for anchoring the body member against lateral
shifting. In this embodiment, the body member 14" is the same as
that shown in FIG. 1 with respect to quarter panel sections 18a and
their formation of aligned recesses 20 and central socket 22. To
accomplish the lateral anchoring feature, the outermost panel
section 18a of each quarter section has a depending projection or
lip 40 defined by a bottom wall portion 42 integral with side
extensions 44 and a rear wall portion 46. Rear wall portion 46
preferably angles outwardly toward the bottom to coincide with the
angle of the side surfaces of pier block 10. Rear wall portion 46
can extend at a desired angle, so as to have flush engagement with
pier block sides or varying shape.
[0043] FIGS. 11 and 12 show application of the device 14" of FIG. 9
to a pier block. In such arrangement, the device 14" and the
building elements therein are anchored or locked against lateral
shifting. Fasteners extending through the bottom wall of the device
are not necessary, although such fasteners can be used if desired.
The cross dimension of the device between rear wall portions 46 can
be preselected according to the size of the pier block so that a
snug or frictional fit is provided.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 13-21, it will be seen that the device 14
may be made of concrete and integrally molded into the upper
surface 12' of a pier block such as pier block 50. As shown in
FIGS. 13-16, the four upright quarter sections 18' include zig-zag
walls 18a' which project from flat bottom wall 16'. Recesses 20'
define two perpendicular slot portions extending across the full
width of upper surface 12'. Zig-zag walls 18a' also define the four
comers of a square central socket 22'.
[0045] With reference to FIGS. 17-21, the concept of the invention
can also utilize a pier block 50' having a central socket portion
22' and only two equal narrower recesses 20' which extend inward
from outer edges of two opposite sides of the top surface of the
block 50' and lead into the central socket portion, as best shown
in FIG. 18. The two narrower recesses 20' form but a single slot
for receiving a horizontal decking surface support member 30 which
also passes through the central socket portion 22', as shown in
FIG. 20. The central socket portion 22' is for receiving vertical
pillar supports 34, independent of the two equal narrower recesses
20', as shown by FIG. 21. The horizontal decking surface support
members 30 and vertical pillar support members 34 being mutually
exclusive to each other in the recess of block 50' and also
mutually interchangeable with each other in the same recess of the
same block 50'.
[0046] The combination of slots and sockets allows a support in
accordance with the invention to accommodate both vertical and
horizontal beams, and is particularly well-suited for constructing
decks on unprepared and unleveled building sites, two examples of
those being shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. Such decks, by using the
present block, are extremely simplified in their construction and
can be supplied in pre-planned, pre-cut units. Other advantages
also exist in the structure, as will be apparent hereinafter.
[0047] The deck shown in FIG. 22, designated by reference numeral
52, comprises the pier blocks 50' as the base or ground support for
the deck and can have such lumber as two-inch thick (11/2 inch
thick nominal) horizontal decking surface support member 30
received by the two equal narrower portions 20', also passing
through the central socket portion 22' when the vertical pillar
support 34 is not in the block 50', those members 30 then
supporting the deck surface structure 54 which is nailed in place
and those blocks 50' directly receiving member 30 being on
localized high or level ground within an unprepared and unleveled
building site.
[0048] The deck shown in FIG. 23, designated by the numeral 56,
similarly uses some pier blocks 50' as described above and also
illustrates the use of some blocks 50' as the base or ground
support for vertical pillar supports 34 set in the central socket
22' when the member 30 is not in block 50, member 34 then providing
support to member 30 when member 30 is not directly received by
block 50 due to localized variations of the ground within an
unprepared and unleveled building site. A deck support member 30
can also be fastened to a building 60, as shown in FIG. 23.
[0049] The particular structure of the manufactured pier blocks 50
and 50' makes it possible to construct an extremely simplified deck
and one which can be pre-planned and pre-cut if desired. That is,
such lumber as 2-inch thick deck support members 30 and vertical
wood pillars 34 which can be used therewith comprise conventional
existing material, namely, the two-inch thick deck support number
30 can comprise 2.times.6s or 2.times.4's and pillars 34 can
comprise 4.times.4's.
[0050] The two equal narrower recesses 20' can be 2 inches deep and
have a width of 13/4 inches. This latter dimension would receive
conventional finished 2.times.6's (11/2 inches thick) and
2.times.4's (also 11/2 inches thick). 2.times.6's and 2.times.4's
have finished height dimensions of 51/2 and 31/2 inches,
respectively, whereby the deck support members, whether 2.times.6's
or 2.times.4's, project to a minimum necessary height above the top
surface of the blocks 50 when seated in the recess for supporting
the decking thereon.
[0051] The central socket portion 22' can be 2 inches deep, similar
to the recess portion 20'. Such socket is square, and can have
dimensions of 33/4 inches for receiving a conventional finished
4.times.4 (31/2 inches square) lumber support pillar. The vertical
pillar becomes sufficiently fixed in socket portion 22' in the
block for deck construction purposes, as does the deck horizontal
support member in the two narrower portions 20', also being within
the central socket portion 22' when the member 34 is not in the
block 50, for lateral stability.
[0052] Pier blocks 50 and 50' are designed to provide support to a
deck on unleveled or unprepared building sites with no additional
components required. For this purpose, the blocks 50 and 50' are
tapered to a larger dimension toward the bottom. The top and bottom
surfaces are flat and square. The enlarged bottom surface allows
the block to serve as its own footing. When two of such recesses
20' are provided, they are standardly aligned across the block.
Furthermore, the width of these recesses is less than one-third the
width of the block at the top, thus maintaining lateral integral
strength of the block. This arrangement maintains a strong concrete
block without the necessity of re-bar reinforcement and thus
contributes to manufacture of a pier block and deck structure in a
pre-planned and pre-cut unit which is also sufficiently simplified
in its use, standardized in its manufacture, and sufficiently
inexpensive for deck construction by the average do-it-yourself
homeowner.
[0053] Since the recess can be two inches deep, the recesses of the
pier blocks 50 and 50' of FIGS. 13 and 17 automatically and
non-mechanically center the horizontal decking surface support
member 30 and vertical pillars 34 in the pier block (FIGS. 20 and
21) and automates connection and securement of these support
members to the pier block for deck constructions 52 and 54 shown in
FIGS. 22 and 23. Mounted engagement of the horizontal surface
support members and vertical pillars with the block is accomplished
without metal-brackets or embedded connectors thus allowing
individual blocks of a deck construction on unleveled and
unprepared building sites to be adjusted without the need of any
disassembly of the deck (i.e. removing bolts, nails or screws).
Also, the recess of the pier blocks 50 and 50' maintains horizontal
and vertical members in parallel which is critical in construction
of the deck.
[0054] It is to be understood that the forms of our invention
herein shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of
the same and that other changes in the shape, size and arrangement
of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of
our invention or the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *