Modular Decking System

Abstract

A modular decking system includes decking in the form of a plurality of treads, the decking being supported by one or more beams, each beam having a lower surface. The modular decking system also includes a plurality of piers, each pier having an upper surface and each pier supporting on that upper surface an end of one or more beams, and a grid engagement system. The grid engagement system is capable of aligning and engaging the upper surface of a pier with the lower surface of the end of any beam supported thereon in a manner that prevents substantial lateral movement of the beam relative to the pier.

1 . A modular decking system that includes: 
 a decking in the form of a plurality of treads, the decking being supported by one or more beams, each beam having a lower surface;    a plurality of piers, each having an upper surface and each pier supporting on that upper surface an end of one or more beams; and    a grid engagement system;    wherein the grid engagement system is capable of aligning and engaging the upper surface of a pier with the lower surface of the end of any beam supported thereon in a manner that prevents substantial lateral movement of the beam relative to the pier.    
   
   
       2 . A modular decking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the grid engagement system is provided by the interaction of male and female members.  
   
   
       3 . A modular decking system according to  claim 2 , wherein the male members are provided by one of the upper surface of a pier or the lower surface of a beam, and the female members are provided by the other of the upper surface of a pier or the lower surface of a beam.  
   
   
       4 . A modular decking system according to  claim 2 , wherein the male members are formed by an arrangement of separate parts that interact with either the lower surface or the upper surface to thereby form the male members.  
   
   
       5 . A modular decking system according to  claim 2 , wherein the male members are provided by being integrally formed within or as a part of either the lower surface or the upper surface.  
   
   
       6 . A modular decking system according to  claim 5 , wherein the male members are provided by a network of parallel and perpendicular ribs provided in the upper or lower surface of the pier or beam respectively, and the female members are provided by one or more correspondingly shaped grooves provided in the other of the lower or upper surfaces respectively.  
   
   
       7 . A modular decking system according to  claim 2 , wherein the male members are provided by the upper surface of the pier and the female members are provided by the lower surface of the beam.  
   
   
       8 . A modular decking system according to  claim 1 , wherein the grid engagement system is provided by the interaction of male and female members, and wherein the upper surface of a pier includes male members in the form of a series of elongate straight ribs, the series including at least two parallel ribs and at least two perpendicular ribs, and the lower surface of a beam includes a female member in the form of a single groove at each end thereof that extends laterally across the full width of the beam.  
   
   
       9 . A modular decking system according to  claim 1 , wherein a decking engagement system is provided between the decking and the beams.  
   
   
       10 . A modular decking system according to  claim 9 , wherein a secondary male member is provided by the upper surface of each beam and one or more secondary female members is provided by the lower surface of each tread, at both ends thereof.  
   
   
       11 . A modular decking system according to  claim 10 , wherein the secondary male member is a single rib that extends along the full length of the upper surface of each beam, and the secondary female member is a correspondingly sized and shaped groove that extends across the full lateral width of one end of a tread.  
   
   
       12 . A modular decking system according to  claim 1 , further including a coupling mechanism between treads.  
   
   
       13 . A modular decking system according to  claim 12 , wherein each tread includes opposed coupling members capable of, in use, coupling with correspondingly shaped coupling members in an adjacent tread.  
   
   
       14 . A modular decking system according to  claim 13 , wherein the coupling members are tongue and groove coupling members.  
   
   
       15 . A modular decking system according to  claim 14 , wherein the tongue and groove coupling members are located at either end of a tread and alternate from one side to the other side, such that both sides do not include the like form of coupling member.  
   
   
       16 . A modular decking system according to  claim 1 , the system including one or more mounting stirrups to provide for the mounting of additional building elements to the decking system.  
   
   
       17 . A modular decking system according to  claim 16 , wherein the additional building elements are fascia panels, mounting posts, fence rails, fencing and the like.  
   
   
       18 . A modular decking system according to  claim 16 , wherein the mounting stirrups include a central post receiving aperture within which it is possible to mount upright posts.  
   
   
       19 . A modular decking system according to  claim 16 , wherein the mounting stirrups include fascia receiving bays for receiving and engaging with the ends of respective fascia panels.  
   
   
       20 . A modular decking system according to  claim 16 , wherein the mounting stirrups include grid receiving apertures or openings sized to receive at least one male member provided as a part of a grid engagement system, to thereby assist in maintaining the mounting stirrups in place.  
   
   
       21 . A modular decking system according to  claim 20 , wherein the mounting stirrups are rigidly secured to a male member.  
   
   
       22 . A kit of parts for assembling the modular decking system of any one of  claims 1  to  21 , the kit including a plurality of treads, beams and piers.