Bracket for constructing modular deck or dock

Abstract

A deck bracket for coupling a deck to a pair of stringers forming part of a dock or deck has a channel for receiving the stringers and a transverse flange for supporting the lengths of decking forming the deck. The flange is downwardly spaced from the top of the bracket so that the decking is flush with the top of the bracket. Apertures in the flange are provided to receive fasteners to secure the decking to the bracket. A deck unit made with a pair of deck brackets and lengths of decking extending between the brackets can be easily dropped onto the stringers and removed, as the need arises.

1 . A bracket for coupling a deck to a pair of longitudinally extending, spaced parallel stringers associated with a supporting framework, the deck comprising a plurality of lengths of decking extending transversely between said stringers, the bracket comprising a channel for receiving a stringer therein and a dependent flange extending transversely thereto for supporting at least one length of decking.  
     
     
         2 . A bracket according to    claim 1    in which the channel has an inverted U-shape.  
     
     
         3 . A bracket according to    claim 1    in which the flange is downwardly spaced from a top for the bracket by a height commensurate with a thickness of a length of decking.  
     
     
         4 . A bracket according to    claim 1    in which the flange has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures for receiving fasteners to secure the lengths of decking to the bracket.  
     
     
         5 . A bracket according to    claim 1    having a plurality of longitudinally spaced gussets adjoining the channel and the flange for locating said lengths of decking.  
     
     
         6 . A deck unit assembly comprising at least one length of decking secured to a pair of oppositely disposed, spaced parallel deck brackets, each deck bracket comprising a channel for receiving a longitudinally extending stringer therein and a dependent flange extending transversely to the channel for supporting said at least one length of decking.  
     
     
         7 . A deck unit according to    claim 6    in which the flange is downwardly spaced from a top for the bracket by a height commensurate with a thickness of a length of decking and the flange has a plurality of longitudinally spaced apertures for receiving fasteners to secure the lengths of decking to the bracket.