Modular panel
OwnerSteven G. Lomske, Francois J. Castainginventors
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A modular panel, the panel comprising a first member including a top surface and a bottom surface; an optional second member joined to the bottom surface of the first member; at least two reinforcing elements integrally disposed on the bottom of the first member; at least two elements integrally disposed on the bottom surface of the first member or on the second member for affixing and/or aligning the modular panel to at least two support members, each support member including a top surface; and a support flange integrally disposed about the periphery of the first member for engaging the top surface of the support member. The modular panel being constructed of a thermoplastic material or metal.
Claims19
An outdoor modular panel for creating an outdoor walk, deck or dock, said modular panel comprising:
- a first member including a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer periphery;
- a one-piece homogenous second member integrally attaching to said bottom surface adjacent to said outer periphery wherein said first member and said one-piece homogenous second member form a hollow area therebetween, said second member having,
- at least two reinforcing elements disposed below said bottom surface of said first member;
- at least two fixation elements disposed below said outer periphery of said first member and having an extended portion that extends below each reinforcing element, said extended portion configured to attach directly without any intervening part to a side portion of a joist, each of said fixation elements configured to laterally affix and align said modular panel to said side portion of said joist;
- and
- a support flange integrally disposed about said outer periphery of said first member for engaging a top portion of said joist.
An outdoor modular panel for creating an outdoor walk, deck or dock, said modular panel comprising:
- a first member including a top surface, a bottom surface and an outer periphery;
- a second member integrally attaching to said bottom surface of said first member wherein said first member and said second member form a hollow area therebetween, said second member having;
- at least two reinforcing elements disposed below said bottom surface of said first member;
- at least two fixation elements for aligning and affixing to and directly contacting a joist, said fixation elements extending substantially about a periphery of said outer periphery and disposed below said outer periphery of said first member and having an extended portion that extends below said reinforcing elements, said extended portion configured to laterally attach to a side portion of said joist, and,
- a support flange integrally disposed about said outer periphery of said first member and engaging a top portion of said joist.
A method for creating an outdoor walk, deck or dock having joists, each joist having a top portion and a side portion, said method comprising:
- providing a first member including a top surface, a bottom surface, an outer periphery and a support flange integrally disposed about said outer periphery of said first member;
- attaching a one piece second member integrally to said bottom surface of said first member wherein said first member and said one-piece second member form a hollow area therebetween, said second member having;
- at least two reinforcing elements disposed below said bottom surface of said first member;
- at least two fixation elements, said fixation elements disposed below said outer periphery of said first member and having an extended portion that extends below said reinforcing elements said extending portion contacting said joist directly without any portion in between said joist and extended portion, and
- resting said support flange upon said top portion of said joists outdoors, said fixation elements aligning said first and second members relative to said joists, and
- driving an attachment laterally through said extended portion of said fixation element outdoors into said joist to secure said first and second portions to said joist.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.