Deck frame with integral attachment tabs

Abstract

A deck frame includes at least one perimeter support member that has a joist support wall, and a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall. A plurality of first attachment tabs extend from the web wall and are disposed spaced apart along the length of the at least one perimeter support member. A plurality of second attachment tabs extend from the web wall and are disposed spaced apart along the length of the at least one perimeter support member. Each one of a plurality of joists has a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall disposed opposite the first lateral wall. One of the plurality of first attachment tabs is configured to be secured to the first lateral wall, and one of the plurality of second attachment tabs is configure to be secured to the second lateral wall of each one of the plurality of joists.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A deck frame, comprising:
 at least one perimeter support member comprising a joist support wall running the length of the at least one perimeter support member, a web wall extending perpendicularly from the joist support wall, a plurality of first attachment tabs each extending from the web wall and disposed spaced apart along the length of the at least one perimeter support member, and a plurality of second attachment tabs each extending from the web wall and disposed spaced apart along the length of the at least one perimeter support member; and   a plurality of joists each having a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall disposed opposite the first lateral wall, wherein one of the plurality of first attachment tabs is configured to be secured to the first lateral wall and one of the plurality of second attachment tabs is configured to be secured to the second lateral wall of each one of the plurality of joists.   
     
     
         2 . The deck frame of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of horizontal tabs extending from the web wall. 
     
     
         3 . The deck frame of  claim 1  wherein each one of the plurality joists has a hollow box-shape and is supported by the joist support wall. 
     
     
         4 . The deck frame of  claim 1  wherein the at least one perimeter support member has a u-shape in profile. 
     
     
         5 . The deck frame of  claim 1  wherein the at least one perimeter support member has an s-shape in profile. 
     
     
         6 . The deck frame of  claim 1  wherein the web wall defines a plurality of slots disposed spaced apart along the length of the web wall and each one of the plurality of slots being disposed proximate respective ones of the pluralities of first and second attachment tabs. 
     
     
         7 . The deck frame of  claim 6  wherein each one of the plurality of slots has a height of at least 4.5 inches. 
     
     
         8 . The deck frame of  claim 7  wherein the height of each one of the plurality of slots is selected from the group consisting of 6.5 inches, 8.5 inches, and 10.5 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The deck frame of  claim 1  wherein each one of the plurality of first attachment tabs extends from the web wall at an angle in a range of 60°-90°. 
     
     
         10 . A frame for supporting a surface, comprising:
 a perimeter support member having a web wall running the length of the perimeter support member and a joist support wall extending generally perpendicularly from the web wall, the web wall having a plurality of spaced apart joist attachment features, each comprising:
 a slot defined by the web wall; 
 a first vertical attachment tab extending from a first perimeter edge of the slot; and 
 a second vertical attachment tab extending from a second perimeter edge of the slot opposite the first perimeter edge; and 
   a plurality of box joists each having a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall disposed opposite the first lateral wall, wherein a respective first vertical attachment tab is configured to attach to each first lateral wall and a respective second vertical attachment tab is configured to attach to each second lateral wall.   
     
     
         11 . The frame of  claim 10  further comprising an overhang wall extending perpendicular from the web wall and disposed spaced apart from the joist support wall. 
     
     
         12 . The frame of  claim 11  wherein the perimeter support member has a generally u-shaped profile. 
     
     
         13 . The frame of  claim 11  wherein the perimeter support member has a generally s-shaped profile. 
     
     
         14 . The frame of  claim 10  wherein the web wall defines a plurality of spaced apart fastener holes configured to receive a fastener to attach the web wall to a support structure. 
     
     
         15 . The frame of  claim 10  wherein the slot of each one of the plurality of joist attachment features has a width of at least two inches. 
     
     
         16 . The frame of  claim 15  wherein the slot of each one of the plurality of joist attachment features has a height of at least 4.5 inches. 
     
     
         17 . The frame of  claim 10  wherein the first vertical attachment tab forms an angle in a range of 60°-90° with respect to the web wall. 
     
     
         18 . A frame for supporting a deck surface, comprising:
 a perimeter support member having a web wall running the length of the perimeter support member and a joist support wall extending generally perpendicularly from the web wall, the web wall having a plurality of spaced apart joist attachment features, each comprising:
 a slot defined by the web wall; 
 a first vertical attachment tab extending from a first perimeter edge of the slot; and 
 a second vertical attachment tab extending from a second perimeter edge of the slot opposite the first perimeter edge; and 
   a plurality of box joists supported by the joist support wall each having a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall disposed opposite the first lateral wall, wherein a respective first vertical attachment tab is attached to each first lateral wall and a respective second vertical attachment tab is attached to each second lateral wall.   
     
     
         19 . The frame of  claim 18  wherein the perimeter support member has a generally u-shaped profile. 
     
     
         20 . The frame of  claim 18  wherein the perimeter support member has a generally s-shaped profile.