U.S. patent application number 11/265500 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-13 for panelling system formed from rectangular panels.
Invention is credited to Kelly Gibson.
Application Number | 20060076394 11/265500 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34230803 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060076394 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gibson; Kelly |
April 13, 2006 |
Panelling system formed from rectangular panels
Abstract
A panelling system primarily for flooring is formed from a
plurality of wood floor panel members defined by a rectangular
panel formed of wood and along two opposed side edges a decorative
dividing strip extending along the length of the side edge and
having a top surface of the strip lying in a common plane with the
upper surface of the panel with the other opposed side edges of the
panel being exposed for butting directly against a next adjacent
panel. The dividing strips project beyond an end of the side edge
and are cut at 45 degrees to form a pointed portion having an apex
at a position mid way through the thickness of the divider strip
such that four dividing strips, when the panels are laid on the
floor, meet at the junction between four of the panels with the
apexes in contact at a center of the rectangular area at the
junction.
Inventors: |
Gibson; Kelly; (Keewatin,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADE & COMPANY INC.
P.O. BOX 28006 1795 HENDERSON HIGHWAY
WINNIPEG
MB
R2G1P0
CA
|
Family ID: |
34230803 |
Appl. No.: |
11/265500 |
Filed: |
November 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/304 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 2201/0511 20130101;
E04F 15/02005 20130101; E04F 15/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/304 |
International
Class: |
B65D 27/06 20060101
B65D027/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 11, 2004 |
CA |
2,486,734 |
Claims
1. A panelling system comprising: a plurality of panel members for
locating on a supporting surface generally edge to edge in an array
to at least partly cover the supporting surface; each panel member
having a rectangular panel and having a front surface for defining
an exposed surface of the panelling system, a rear surface for
engaging the supporting surface and four side edges; two of the
side edges of the panel each having fastened thereto a decorative
dividing strip extending along the length of the side edge and
having a front surface of the strip lying in a common plane with
the front surface of the panel; and two of the side edges of the
panel being exposed for butting directly against a decorative
dividing strip of a next adjacent panel member; the panel members
being arranged such that, when they are assembled into the system
edge to edge with the dividing strips therebetween, a respective
one of the decorative dividing strips is located between each edge
of a panel and the next adjacent edge of a next adjacent panel so
as to form a rectangular area at a junction between corners of four
of the panels; the dividing strips of the panels being arranged
with a portion of at least one of the strips of each panel
projecting beyond an end of the respective side edge of the
respective panel such that the dividing strips, when the panels are
arranged in the system, fill also the rectangular area defined at
the junction between four of the panels.
2. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein the strips are
fastened to the panels so as to be carried thereby during
installation.
3. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein the strips are
separate from the panels so as to be attached thereto during
installation.
4. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein each panel is
formed from an imperforate single body.
5. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein each panel is
formed from side by side deck boards to form a deck panel with
spaces between each board and the next.
6. The flooring system according to claim 5 wherein the strips are
fastened to ends of the deck boards so as to extend at right angles
to the deck boards along the ends thereof
7. The flooring system according to claim 6 wherein there are
provided support straps attached to the panel member underneath the
strips and underneath an end portion of each of the deck boards so
as to provide structural support therefor.
8. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein the system
includes separate decorative dividing strip portions separate from
the panels and each arranged to be attached to an exposed side edge
of a respective one of the panels to complete an exposed edge of
the panel.
9. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein each panel has
holes drilled into the upper surface by which the panel can be
screwed to the supporting surface by a screw inserted into the hole
and the hole plugged by a decorative plug.
10. The flooring system according to claim 9 wherein the holes are
arranged closely adjacent the corners of the panel such that the
holes are arranged at the corners of a rectangle surrounding the
junction.
11. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein the dividing
strips are arranged on opposed side edges.
12. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein more than one
of the divider strips extends into the rectangular area.
13. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein the panels are
square.
14. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein all the panel
members are identical.
15. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein the divider
strips have ends which project beyond the end of the respective
edge and the ends are cut to form diagonal end edges at an angle to
the respective side edge.
16. The flooring system according to claim 15 wherein the ends of
the divider strips meet at the junction between four of the panels
with the apexes in contact at a center of the rectangular area at
the junction.
17. The flooring system according to claim 1 wherein the decorative
strips have a height equal to the thickness of the panel.
18. A panelling system comprising: a plurality of panel members for
locating on a supporting surface edge to edge in an array to at
least partly cover the supporting surface; each panel member having
a rectangular panel and having a front surface for defining an
exposed surface of the panelling system, a rear surface for
engaging the supporting surface and four side edges including a
first pair of opposed side edges and a second pair of opposed side
edges; each of the first pair of opposed side edges of the panel
having fastened thereto a decorative dividing strip extending along
the length of the side edge and having a front surface of the strip
lying in a common plane with the upper surface of the panel; and
each of the second pair of opposed side edges of the panel being
exposed for butting directly against a decorative dividing strip of
a next adjacent panel member; the panel members being arranged, by
rotating one panel through 180 degrees relative to the next
adjacent panel, such that, when they are assembled into the system
edge to edge with the dividing strips carried thereby, a respective
one of the decorative dividing strips is located between each edge
of a panel and the next adjacent edge of a next adjacent panel so
as to form a rectangular area at a junction between corners of four
of the panels; the dividing strips of each panel being arranged
with a portion thereof projecting beyond an end of the respective
side edge of the respective panel and cut on each side at and angle
to form a pointed portion having an apex at a position mid way
through the thickness of the divider strip, such that four dividing
strips, when the panels are arranged in the system, meet at the
junction between four of the panels with the apexes in contact at a
center of the rectangular area at the junction.
19. A panelling system comprising: a plurality of panels for
locating on a supporting surface in an array to at least partly
cover the supporting surface; each panel being rectangular and
having a front surface for defining an exposed surface of the
panelling system, a rear surface for engaging the supporting
surface and four side edges; and a plurality of decorative dividing
strips; each decorative dividing strip being arranged to extend
along the length of a respective one of the side edges of a
respective one of the panels and to separate the side edge of the
respective one of the panels from a side edge of a next adjacent
panel; each decorative dividing strip having a front surface of the
decorative dividing strip arranged to lie substantially in a common
plane with the front surface of the adjacent panels; the panel
members being arranged such that, when they are assembled into the
system edge to edge with the dividing strips, a respective one of
the decorative dividing strips is located between each edge of a
panel and the next adjacent edge of a next adjacent panel; such
that four dividing strips meeting at a junction between four
corners of four of the panels act to define a rectangular area at
the junction; each of the four dividing strips being arranged with
a portion thereof projecting beyond an end of the respective side
edge of the respective panel and cut on each side at an angle to
form a pointed portion having an apex at a position mid way through
the width of the divider strip, such that the four dividing strips
meet at the junction between the four of the panels with the apexes
in contact at a center of the rectangular area at the junction.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a panelling system defined by a
plurality of inter-engaging panels. The system is primarily
designed for flooring but can be used for other surfaces requiring
to be paneled with an attractive layer of a covering material
formed in individual panels. The system is primarily designed for
use with panels formed of wood but other materials can be used
either to form the entire panel or a part of the panel.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various techniques have been proposed for the manufacture of
wood panel flooring. Conventionally wood panel flooring is formed
as tongue and groove planks which are arranged edge to edge so that
the tongue of one projects into a groove of the next. This
construction is time consuming and relatively inaccurate so that
gaps can be exposed leading to an unattractive appearance.
[0003] Floor panels in rectangular shape have been proposed which
generally again connect one to the next using a tongue and groove
arrangement so as to provide an improved laying system but the
finished product mimics the tongue and groove conventional
system.
[0004] Relatively inexpensive rectangular panels of a softwood such
as pine are readily available at relatively inexpensive price.
However simply laying these panels as butting side by side floor
panels over the floor provides an unattractive appearance little
better than the conventional plywood sub-floor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is one object of the invention to provide a panelling
system defined by a plurality of inter-engaging rectangular
panels.
[0006] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a
flooring system comprising: [0007] a plurality of wood floor panel
members for fastening to a sub-floor edge to edge in an array to
cover the sub-floor; [0008] each floor panel member having a
rectangular panel formed of wood and having an upper surface for
defining a floor surface, a bottom surface for resting on the
sub-floor and four side edges; [0009] two of the side edges of the
panel each having fastened thereto so as to be carried thereby a
decorative dividing strip extending along the length of the side
edge and having a top surface of the strip lying in a common plane
with the upper surface of the panel; [0010] and two of the side
edges of the panel being exposed for butting directly against a
decorative dividing strip of a next adjacent panel member; [0011]
the panel members being arranged such that, when they are assembled
into the system edge to edge with the dividing strips carried
thereby, a respective one of the decorative dividing strips is
located between each edge of a panel and the next adjacent edge of
a next adjacent panel; [0012] the dividing strips of the panels
being arranged with a portion of at least one of the strips of each
panel projecting beyond an end of the respective side edge of the
respective panel such that the dividing strips, when the panels are
arranged in the system, fill also the rectangular area at the
junction between four of the panels.
[0013] Preferably the strips are fastened to the panels so as to be
carried thereby during installation. However the strips are
separate from the panels so as to be attached or inserted into
place thereto during installation.
[0014] In one arrangement, each panel is formed from an imperforate
single body so as to form when completed a flat imperforate
flooring.
[0015] In another arrangement, each panel is formed from side by
side deck boards to form a deck panel with spaces between each
board and the next.
[0016] In this arrangement preferably the strips are fastened to
ends of the deck boards so as to extend at right angles to the deck
boards along the ends thereof
[0017] In this arrangement preferably there are provided support
straps attached to the panel member underneath the strips and
underneath an end portion of each of the deck boards so as to
provide structural support therefor.
[0018] Preferably the system includes separate decorative dividing
strip portions separate from the panels and each arranged to be
attached to an exposed side edge of a respective one of the panels
to complete an exposed edge of the panel.
[0019] Preferably each panel has holes drilled into the upper
surface by which the panel can be screwed to the supporting surface
by a screw inserted into the hole and the hole plugged by a
decorative plug.
[0020] Preferably the holes are arranged closely adjacent the
corners of the panel such that the holes are arranged at the
corners of a rectangle surrounding the junction.
[0021] Preferably the dividing strips when attached to the panels
are arranged on opposed side edges.
[0022] Preferably more than one of the divider strips extends into
the rectangular area.
[0023] Preferably the panels are square.
[0024] Preferably all the panel members are identical.
[0025] Preferably the divider strips have ends which project beyond
the end of the respective edge and the ends are cut to form
diagonal end edges at an angle to the respective side edge.
[0026] Preferably the ends of the divider strips meet at the
junction between four of the panels with the apexes in contact at a
center of the rectangular area at the junction.
[0027] Preferably the decorative strips have a height equal to the
thickness of the panel.
[0028] According to a second and preferred aspect of the invention
there is provided a panelling system comprising: [0029] a plurality
of panel members for locating on a supporting surface edge to edge
in an array to at least partly cover the supporting surface; [0030]
each panel member having a rectangular panel and having a front
surface for defining an exposed surface of the panelling system, a
rear surface for engaging the supporting surface and four side
edges including a first pair of opposed side edges and a second
pair of opposed side edges; [0031] each of the first pair of
opposed side edges of the panel having fastened thereto a
decorative dividing strip extending along the length of the side
edge and having a front surface of the strip lying in a common
plane with the upper surface of the panel; [0032] and each of the
second pair of opposed side edges of the panel being exposed for
butting directly against a decorative dividing strip of a next
adjacent panel member; [0033] the panel members being arranged, by
rotating one panel through 180 degrees relative to the next
adjacent panel, such that, when they are assembled into the system
edge to edge with the dividing strips carried thereby, a respective
one of the decorative dividing strips is located between each edge
of a panel and the next adjacent edge of a next adjacent panel so
as to form a rectangular area at a junction between corners of four
of the panels; [0034] the dividing strips of each panel being
arranged with a portion thereof projecting beyond an end of the
respective side edge of the respective panel and cut on each side
at and angle to form a pointed portion having an apex at a position
mid way through the thickness of the divider strip, such that four
dividing strips, when the panels are arranged in the system, meet
at the junction between four of the panels with the apexes in
contact at a center of the rectangular area at the junction.
[0035] According to a third aspect of the invention there is
provided panelling system comprising: [0036] a plurality of panels
for locating on a supporting surface in an array to at least partly
cover the supporting surface; [0037] each panel being rectangular
and having a front surface for defining an exposed surface of the
panelling system, a rear surface for engaging the supporting
surface and four side edges; [0038] and a plurality of decorative
dividing strips; [0039] each decorative dividing strip being
arranged to extend along the length of a respective one of the side
edges of a respective one of the panels and to separate the side
edge of the respective one of the panels from a side edge of a next
adjacent panel; [0040] each decorative dividing strip having a
front surface of the decorative dividing strip arranged to lie
substantially in a common plane with the front surface of the
adjacent panels; [0041] the panel members being arranged such that,
when they are assembled into the system edge to edge with the
dividing strips, a respective one of the decorative dividing strips
is located between each edge of a panel and the next adjacent edge
of a next adjacent panel; [0042] such that four dividing strips
meeting at a junction between four corners of four of the panels
act to define a rectangular area at the junction; [0043] each of
the four dividing strips being arranged with a portion thereof
projecting beyond an end of the respective side edge of the
respective panel and cut on each side at an angle to form a pointed
portion having an apex at a position mid way through the width of
the divider strip, such that the four dividing strips meet at the
junction between the four of the panels with the apexes in contact
at a center of the rectangular area at the junction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] One embodiment of the invention will now be described in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a part of a first embodiment of
flooring system defined by butting panel members.
[0046] FIG. 2 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of the junction
between four such panels.
[0047] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view along the lines 3-3 of FIG.
1.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a part of a second embodiment of
flooring system defined by butting panel members.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view along the lines 5-5 of FIG.
4.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a plan view of one panel of the embodiment of FIG.
4.
[0051] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment
similar to that of FIG. 4.
[0052] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 7
showing the supporting floor joists for the deck panels.
[0053] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the embodiment of FIG. 7
showing an arrangement of border pieces to complete an attractive
layout of the panels.
[0054] FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 each comprise a plan view of the
embodiment of FIG. 7 showing an arrangement of border pieces and
optional insert pieces to complete an attractive layout of the
panels.
[0055] In the drawings like characters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056] The arrangement described herein comprises a floor system
defined by a series of square panels, six of which are shown at 10
through 15. Each of the panels has a top surface 16 defining a
floor surface on which the user walks and providing an attractive
appearance as described hereinafter. Each of the panels includes a
bottom surface 17 for sitting on a sub floor 18 of a conventional
nature. Each of the panels has four side edges so that for example
the panel 10 has side edges 20 and 21 which form a first pair of
opposed side edges and side edges 22 and 23 which form a second
pair of opposed side edges. The panels are cut simply from flat
sheet with side edges defined by flat surfaces at right angles to
the top and bottom surfaces so that there is no need for machining
of the side edges to form any interconnecting elements since the
side edges are intended merely to butt.
[0057] Such simple square panels can be cut to various selected
rectangular sizes and preferably square sizes commonly of the order
of 15 to 16 inches in transverse width. The thickness of the panel
may be of the order 3/4 inch but thicker or thinner material may be
used. Such panels can be readily formed inexpensively from the type
of panelling used for forming pine shelving which is formed by
gluing pieces side by side to form panels commonly of the order of
8 feet long by 16 inches wide. Production lines are presently
available for manufacturing such shelving elements at high speed
inexpensively.
[0058] Thus square panels cut from these to an accurate square
shape using CMC machines can be readily available at relatively
inexpensive price.
[0059] In order to form these into a flooring system having an
attractive appearance, each panel has attached two divider strips
which are attached to opposite side edges of the panel. Thus for
example the panel 10 has two divider strips 30 and 31 attached
along the side edges 20 and 21. The divider strips are formed from
a wood having a dissimilar appearance from the pine panel so as to
provide an attractive appearance in the floor when completed and
laid. Oak strips are readily available and can provide such a
suitable dissimilar appearance due to the different colouring of
the wood and the different stain characteristics.
[0060] Each divider strip has a depth equal to the thickness of the
panel so that a bottom surface of the divider strip is coincident
with the plane of the bottom surface 17 and similarly a top surface
of the divider strip is coincident with the plane of the top
surface 16. The divider strips are relatively thin and conveniently
will be of the order of 1/4 to 3/8 inch thick so as to add that
extent onto the respective side edges of the panel so that the
panel member defined by the panel and the two divider strips is no
longer square but is rectangular in view of the additional width
defined by the divider strips.
[0061] The panel 13 has the divider strips indicated at 30A and 31A
so that the panel 13 is rotated through 180.degree. relative to the
panel 10. In this way the divider strip 30A carried by the panel 13
engages the side edge 23 of the panel 10 which is free from any
dividing strips and is simply bare for butting the divider strips
30A. Similarly the divider strips 31A butts the next adjacent panel
not numbered.
[0062] The panel 11 is also rotated through 180.degree. relative to
the panel 10 so that its bare edge 23A butts the divider strip 31
and its divider strip 30A butts the edge 23B of the panel 14. In
this way it will be appreciated that the whole floor can be laid by
rotating the panels back and forth through 180.degree. and laying
them each to the next with the side edges butting. In this way
between each panel and the next adjacent panel is one divider strip
thus separating the panels by the thickness of the divider strip
while allowing the bare edge of the strip to butt against the
outside surface of the divider strip.
[0063] The divider strips are fastened to the respective panel by a
suitable fastening elements, commonly used in the wood
manufacturing industry and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, this
includes a glue layer 40 and fastening pins 41.
[0064] Each of the divider strips extends along the full length of
the respective side edge of the panel and also extends beyond the
end of the side edge into a pointed portion 50. Thus as shown in
FIG. 2 the divider strip 30A is fastened to the panel 13 and the
divider strip 30 is fastened to the panel 10. The divider strip 30A
extends to the end corner 51 of the side edge 22A of the panel 13.
The divider strips 30A then include the pointed portion 50 which is
chamfered by two side edges 52 and 53 converging to an apex 54. The
ends 52 and 53 are cut at 45.degree. relative to the sides of the
divider strip so that they are 90.degree. each to the other forming
a right angle triangle converging to the apex 54 which lies on a
centre line 55 of the divider strips 30A.
[0065] Symmetrically the divider strips 30 includes an end portion
56 also converging to an apex which touches the apex 54 at the
center of the rectangular area between the corners of the panels
10, 13 and the further two panels not numbered. In this way, in
each of the square intersections between the edges of the panels,
each panel at the intersection carries one of the divider strips
with each of the divider strips having the pointed extension
portion symmetrical to the extension portion 50 and extension
portion 56 projecting into the center of the square area with the
apexes of these pointed portions touching at the center of the
square area.
[0066] The panels are fastened to the sub floor 18 by screws 60
which are located in screw holes 61. Each panel has four such screw
holes 61 arranged adjacent the corners of the panel and spaced
inwardly from the divider strips of the panel. Thus at each
junction between floor panels, four screw holes 61 surround the
junction and provide an attractive appearance, when those screw
holes are plugged by visually distinct plugs 62 in known manner.
Thus the divider strips coming to a junction where the junction is
visually distinct together with the surrounding four holes of the
screw pattern which are also visually distinct provides a visually
distinct and attractive pattern across the whole extent of the
floor when laid.
[0067] In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is shown a second embodiment which
forms the panels from deck boards so as to simulate a deck. In this
embodiment the panels are formed from deck boards 70 which are
preferably of the order of six inches across by one inch deep
leaving spaces between the boards indicated at 71 of the order of
0.5 inches. These dimensions are of course for example only and
different dimensions of deck boards can be used. The deck boards
are arranged side by side with the spacing and parallel with the
ends of the deck board fastened to a pair of divider strips 72 and
73. The divider strips are shaped as previously described so that
the divider strips have a length substantially equal to the length
of the deck board but with triangular pieces 74 at the end of each
strip. The triangular pieces project beyond the end of the panel
that is beyond the side edge 75, 76 of the two outermost deck
boards 70A and 70B with the intermediate deck board 70C
therebetween. Thus the panel is basically formed from the three
deck boards 70A, 70B and 70C together with the side decorative
strips 72 and 73. Thus as shown in FIG. 4 the side decorative
strips 72 and 73 hold the deck boards 70A, 70B and 70C in spaced
parallel relationship thus defining four spaces including end
spaces 71A and 71B located at the ends of the side strips 72 and 73
before the strips define the converging portion which is triangular
at the end as indicated at 74.
[0068] In order to provide structural integrity for the deck panel,
two support straps 78 and 79 are provided which are arranged
underneath the end strip 72 and 73 and underneath the deck boards
70A, 70B and 70C. Thus each of the straps 78 and 79 has a width
greater than the respective decorative strip so an edge portion 78A
underlies the ends of the deck boards to support the ends. The ends
of the deck boards are fastened to the decorative strips by
suitable fastening elements indicated at 80. These can be nails
extending through from the edge 81 of the decorative strip through
the decorative strip and into the end of the respective deck board.
However these connections or nails are insufficient to provide
structural support for the ends of the deck boards so the
additional straps 78 and 79 are provided. The ends of the straps
are shaped so that they match the ends of the decorative board
forming the triangular or diagonal point 74 converging to the apex
74A. Thus the straps 78 and 79 have similarly shaped diagonal ends
78A and 78B converging to an apex 78C.
[0069] It will be appreciated that taking the panel as shown in
FIG. 6 and rotating an identical panel through 90.degree. will
allow an outer face 73A to be located parallel to the outer edge 74
of the deck board 70A. The fact that the deck board 70A is spaced
from the diagonal portions 74B and 74C of the decorative strips 72
and 73 ensures that side edges 74D and 74E of the rotated panel fit
against the surfaces 74B and 74C respectively and thus provide a
decorative strip along the edge 74 parallel to the deck board 70A
but spaced from the deck board 70A.
[0070] As previously described, therefore each triangular piece 74
of four of the deck panels meet at a common location between the
four of the deck panels. These triangular pieces all meet at the
apex 74A and each provides 1/4 of the rectangular area between the
edge of the deck panels.
[0071] It will be appreciated therefore that the same concept of
providing the decorative strips and meeting these decorative strips
at respective apexes so that each fills one quarter of the
rectangular area can be used in many different arrangements. In the
arrangement of FIG. 1, the panels are formed from imperforate flat
boards. In the arrangement of FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, the same concept is
utilized in a deck arrangement using deck boards which are spaced
to define slots therebetween.
[0072] The same arrangement can be used in other situations where
the decorative strips are not actually attached to the panels prior
to installation. In such an arrangement there is provided a
plurality of square panels and a plurality of decorative divider
strips. The square panels can be laid in place on the supporting
surface and the decorative dividing strips placed in between with
the triangular portions extending into the space as previously
described. This arrangement can therefore be used where the panels
are formed for example of concrete and the decorative strips are
formed of wood and they can be attached by suitable coupling
arrangements after the installation is complete or during the
installation.
[0073] In order to complete an edge where the edge 74 of the deck
panel of FIG. 6 is intended to form an end of a deck, a decorative
piece can be provided formed by simply one decorative strip
attached to its supporting strap 78 without any attached panel.
This edge piece can then be inserted between the edges 74B and 74C
simply to complete that edge.
[0074] The deck panels can be supported on a suitable support
arrangement defined either by a sub floor or more preferably by
straps 90 applied over joists 91. Thus the straps 78 and 79 sit on
the straps 90 shown in chain dot line in FIG. 4. The spacing
between the straps is arranged to match the width of the deck
panels so that in one direction the straps 78 and 79 simply span
across the straps 90 whereas in the other direction the straps 78
and 79 sit directly on respective straps 90.
[0075] In FIG. 7 is shown an isometric view of a deck panel 100
which is very similar to that shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 with the
exception that it does not include the underlying support pieces so
that the panel is formed simply by a single thickness of the wood
strips. Thus the panel includes 3 transverse members at 101
together with the longitudinal side pieces 102 and 103 which are
shaped with the pointed ends as previously described for
interconnection in the manner previously described.
[0076] In FIG. 8, the layout of the panels to form a deck is shown
so the panels are arranged in rows and columns as previously
described with the pointed end pieces meeting at the junction as
previously described.
[0077] In this arrangement, where the deck panel is formed by the
single thickness, the structural strength for the deck must be
provided by a series of joists 103 and 104 arranged across an area
to be spanned by the deck and carried on suitable transverse
supports (now shown). The floor joists 103 are wider than the
joists 104 so as to provide an upper surface which provides support
for the rails 101 and 102. Thus the wider joists 103 carry the
rails 102 and the ends of the rails 101 when the rails 101 span
between the joists 103. For those panels which are arranged in the
opposite orientation, the joists 103 carry the edges 101A and 101B
of the transverse rails 101. The intermediate joists 104 carry the
opposite side edges of the rails 101 so that each of the rails 101
has its side edges supported either by a joist 103 or by a joist
104.
[0078] Turning now to FIG. 9 and the same arrangement shown in FIG.
11, the deck panels are arranged to form a walkway which may be
supported directly on a layer of an aggregate material to provide
merely a decorative covering over the aggregate. In this case
additional filler pieces 105 are provided which are not connected
to the deck panels but are separate pieces to be added into the
system after the deck panels are laid. Thus each of the additional
elements 105 has the same width as a side rail 102 so it defines an
outer edge 106 which is common with the outer edge of the rail 102.
However it will be noted that the end edges are the piece 105 are
cut diagonally so as to complete the missing portions of a junction
between two of the rails 102. Thus the rails 102 form a diagonal
point joining at the midpoint whereas the extra piece 105 fills the
remaining one half of the area at the intersection. Yet further
additional pieces 106 are provided which are pointed at one end as
indicated at 107 and diagonal as indicated at the other end 108.
These elements thus are applied to the missing places after the
deck panels are laid completely so as to fill the outside edge to
define common longitudinal side edges as indicated at 110 and
common longitudinal transverse edges as indicated at 109. In the
arrangement shown there are additional finishing pieces in the form
of simple wooden strips as indicated at 111 and 112 and corner
pieces 103.
[0079] In FIG. 10 is shown a further layout including a standard
arrangement of the panels with the edge pieces 111 and 112 shown in
complete length with all of the four corner pieces 113. It will be
appreciated that the size of the deck formed by the panels can be
increased or decreased by increasing the number of the panels so as
to increase the numbers of rows and/or columns whereupon the length
of the side pieces 1 11 and 112 will be changed so as to extend
along the full length of the deck.
[0080] In FIG. 12 is shown a further arrangement which is similar
to that shown in FIG. 10 but modified to provide improved
decorative appearance by adding a center piece 114 and edge pieces
115 which are similar to the corner pieces but shaped to co-operate
with additional insert strips 116 and 117 which are located between
the deck panels.
[0081] It will be appreciated that other layouts can be provided
which use the panels in an attractive appearance by filling in the
areas between panels with wood strips of a distinctive
appearance.
[0082] The same arrangement utilizing the square panels and shaped
decorative strips can be used for other panelling arrangements
including walls and ceilings. Of course in walls and ceilings there
is no requirement for structural strength supporting weight on the
panels so that the panels may be formed of thinner materials. The
panels may be simply flat sheets or may be interconnected tongue
and groove boards in a similar manner to the panels of FIGS. 1 and
4 respectively.
[0083] Since various modifications can be made in my invention as
herein above described, and many apparently widely different
embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims
without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that
all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *