Deck mounting system

#This invention is related generally to a mounting system and particularly to a system for mounting an external structure to a building.

#Usually, external structures, such as decks or porches, are built onto a building, such as a house or other dwelling, as a separate structure from the actual building. That is, the deck structure has its own components and structures, including flooring and support structures, that are independent from the building. Those deck structural elements are then connected into some portion of the house or building for securing the deck with the building. The scenario of a structurally independent deck is a particular case when the structure is added onto the building sometime after the building has been completed. However, even when the deck is being built as part of the construction of the new building, the structure of the deck is still generally independent from the floor and wall structures of the building and generally will not share such elements with the house.

#Depending on the design of the deck, porch or other external structure, its reliance upon the actual building for structural support will vary. For those structures that are built with posts or beams surrounding the entire structure and thus supporting the entire periphery of the deck, the connection to the house can be more superficial and not as robust. That is because the deck is built as a standalone structure and is merely attached to the building to present it as part of the building and to interface with a door or other opening for walking onto the deck.

#The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serves to explain the invention.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deck mounting system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

#FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a component of a deck mounting system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

#The present invention is directed to a mounting system for mounting an external structure with a building. In one particular use of the invention, the mounting system is suitable for mounting an external deck, porch or other structure onto a residential building, such as a house, or other building. The inventive mounting system incorporates a plurality of elements which cooperate to both anchor an external structure with internal structural elements of a building and also to provide a convenient platform for securing an external structure, such as a deck, once the mounting system is in place. The inventive mounting system may be utilized with structures that have both brick and siding veneers or other outer surfaces or veneers. The mounting system is installed, in one embodiment, at a floor interface of a building. More specifically, the mounting system is configured for mounting with structural floor elements of a building, such as band boards and floor joists. As described and illustrated herein, embodiments of the invention will be discussed with respect to mounting a deck structure to a house; however, the invention may be used with any building having certain structural elements to secure other external structures. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the discussed exemplary usage.

#The present invention provides a strong and efficient mounting system for mounting external structures to and through a building and provides an efficient installation method wherein elements of a mounting system may be put into place on and within the building and the external structure and other elements of a mounting system may be added at a later time. Features of the mounting system provide for positive location on the exterior of a building for installers. Furthermore, as noted, the mounting system is adaptable for use with a number of building exterior veneers and building structures whether having wooden framed walls, poured concrete foundation walls, or some other construction.

#FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the mounting system 10 of the invention for mounting an external structure with the building. The mounting system 10 includes an anchor frame 12 and a bracket 14 that may be secured with the anchor frame 12 for certain installations as discussed herein. That is, for some installations, the anchor frame 12 may be utilized alone and for other installations, the anchor frame is utilized in combination with the bracket.