Long-span decking panel

Abstract

The present invention is a long-span decking panel. The decking panel is comprised of a first panel section having a first open channel. Extending from a first edge of the first open channel is a first side flange. Similarly, extending from a second edge of the first open channel is a second side flange. The first panel section has a first end for bearing against a first support surface and a second end for bearing against a second support surface. The support surfaces can be provided by structural I-beams or steel trusses, for example. The first panel section has a first length. The decking panel also comprises a second panel section having a second open channel. Extending from a first edge of the second open channel is a first side flange. Extending from the second edge of the second open channel is a second side flange. The first and second side flanges of the first panel section are fixedly connected to the first and second side flanges of the second panel section, respectively, such that the first and second open channels form a cell. The second panel section has a second length. The length of the second panel section is shorter than the length of the first panel section such that the second panel section preferably extends below the first and second support surfaces, when the first panel is supported thereupon. This is accomplished by assembling a first panel section 12 that is 4 to 24 inches longer than the second panel section 28.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.