Outdoor Platform System

Roofs, pergolas, sheds, canopies, patios, cantilevered umbrellas, and other platformed structures are popular additions to property that offer a variety of enhanced opportunities in leisure and utility. However, installing platformed structures often requires prohibitive time and effort with respect to both anchoring and building a base for the structure.

Consequently, there is a demand for a platform system capable of supporting a variety of structures thereon. Further, there is a demand for such a platform system that may be installed with relative ease from users.

According to an aspect, a platform system includes a base including a plurality of side beams and at least one deck board. The at least one deck board defines a flooring for the platform system. The platform system also includes at least one corner hub that connects one side beam of the plurality of side beams to another of the side beams of the plurality of side beams. The at least one corner hub cooperates with the plurality of side beams to define a perimeter of the platform system.

The platform system also includes at least one anchor configured to be inserted into ground so as to connect the base to the ground. The at least one anchor includes a distal terminal end configured to be received in the ground and a proximal terminal end disposed at an opposite end thereof. The at least one anchor is disposed so as to be inset from the perimeter.

According to an aspect, a platform system is configured to be disposed above a ground. The platform system includes a deck board including an upper deck surface, and a frame that supports the deck board. The frame includes at least two elongated side beams. Each of the at least two elongated side beams defines a longitudinal axis and includes upper beam surface and two opposing ends. The platform system also includes at least one corner hub being configured to receive and be secured to one of the opposing ends of each of the at least two elongated side beams so that each of the at least two elongated side beams that are secured reside at a first prescribed angle with respect to each other, at least one corner beam attached to each of the two elongated secured side beams and being located a prescribed distance from the at least one corner hub, and at least one anchor contacting the ground. The at least one anchor is located below and directly supporting the at least one corner beam and the at least one corner hub and the two elongated secured side beams above the ground. The upper beam surfaces of the at least two secured side beams support the deck board.

According to an aspect, a corner assembly of a platform system, in which the platform system includes at least one deck board, and at least one horizontal side beam that is disposed above a ground and supported by at least one ground support and defining a centerpoint. The corner assembly includes a corner hub including an upper mounting surface and at least one side mounting surface, the at least one side mounting surface disposed orthogonal to the upper mounting surface; and a corner support bracket extending inwardly towards the centerpoint of the platform system. The upper mounting surface is configured to receive and support an associated vertical column above the at least deck board, the at least one side mounting surface being configured to support the at least one horizontal side beam. Further, the corner support bracket is configured to contact the at least one ground support so that the at least one deck board is supported above the ground in an offset manner through the corner support bracket and the corner hub.

It should, of course, be understood that the description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and that various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from the present disclosure.

With reference to, a platform systemis shown. The platform systemcan include a base, at least one corner hub, and at least one anchorfor receipt by the ground. As will be appreciated, the groundis also known as the surface of the earth, and could be comprised of any number of substances including, for example, but not limited to, soil, clay, dirt, sand, and/or stone.

The platform systemcan also include at least one corner beam, at least one side beam insert(), at least one anchor bracket, at least one column, a roof, a midbeam, at least one crossbeam, and at least one corner support bracket.

The basecan include a plurality of side beamsand at least one deck board. The side beamsmay be extruded elements and as such, each define a longitudinal void so that additional structures can be attached thereto. For example, the longitudinal void allows for receipt of the least one side beam insert, as will be described in more detail hereinafter. The deck boarddefines a flooring for the platform system. As illustrated, there are a plurality of deck boardsdefining the flooring for the platform system. As also illustrated, the deck boardare rectangular plank shaped. However, other shapes are possible and contemplated. The deck boardcould be made from a variety of materials, including metal, natural, or composite materials without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The baseand the roofcan each form a rectangular shape in a horizontal direction. However, the baseand the roofmay additionally or alternatively form a variety of shapes, including elliptical and polygonal shapes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

With attention to, the plurality of side beamscan include a pair of first side beams,′ that are spaced from and generally parallel to one another and a pair of second side beams,′ that are spaced from and generally parallel to one another. Additionally, as best shown in, the first side beamcan include a first side beam flange. Further, the first side beam flangecan define a flange gapas will be described in more detail hereinafter. Although only one of the beam flanges is shown in detail, it will be appreciated that any of the side beamscould include a flange, or a plurality of flanges without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The flange can provide support to the deck board, as well as provide an attachment point to the deck board, as described in greater detail below.

As illustrated, the plurality of side beamsincludes four side beams,′,,′. At least one of the plurality of side beamscan define an aperture() as will be discussed in more detail hereinafter. One of the first side beams,′ defines a first axis and one of the second side beams,′ defines a second axis. For example, as shown in, the first side beamdefines the first axis and the second side beamdefines the second axis. The second axis is generally orthogonal to the first axis.

Accordingly, the two adjacent beams,are connectable orthogonally with respect to each other. Further, the apertureextends primarily in a direction that is parallel to the first axis, which as is shown in, is the first side beams. Additionally, at least one of the side beamsdefines a bottom channel′ () that faces toward the ground. The bottom channel′ defines a bottom channel width that is generally orthogonal to a primary direction in which the one side beamextends.

The midbeamcan be generally parallel to the side beams,′. Further, the midbeamcan be disposed so as to extend between center points of the side beams,′. As illustrated, the midbeambisects the crossbeaminto two portions. However, it will be understood that the crossbeamcould be a single element without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, although the midbeamis shown as a single element, it is envisioned that the midbeamcould be of multiple elements, depending on the structural load requirements of the particular deck use and application. Notably, the crossbeamconnects to opposing side beams,′ or,′ at any point there along, depending on the structural load requirements of the final deck. Typically, the crossbeamcan be connected to two opposing side beams,′ or,′ at their respective midpoints.

As best shown in, the at least one crossbeamcan include a crossbeam flangeand can be disposed generally parallel to the pair of second side beams,′. The crossbeam flangeof the crossbeamcan be received or accommodated in the flange gapof the first side beam flange. Thus, the first side beam flangeand the crossbeam flangecan be coplanar to receive or support the at least one deck board.

Further, the crossbeamcan connect the pair of first side beams,′, through a connection to the midbeam, so as to form a pair of rectangles in the plan view (). As such, the first side beam flangeand the crossbeam flangecan cooperate to support the at least one deck board. Further, the midbeamcan also assist the first side beam flangeand the crossbeam flangeto support the at least one deck board. This layout provides further strength and rigidity to the platform system, thereby providing an improved experience for the user. Further, because of the flange gap, the crossbeam flangeand the first side beam flangecan be coplanar. Therefore, a flat surface is provided for receipt of the deck boardand stability is improved.

With reference to, the corner hubcan connect one side beam,′,,′ of the plurality of side beamsto another of the side beams,′,,′ of the plurality of side beams. The corner hubscooperate with the plurality of side beamsto define a perimeter of the platform system. As illustrated, the at least one corner hubcan include four corner hubs′,″,′″,″″. Unless otherwise noted, any discussion related to the corner hubwill be understood to be applicable to all of the corner hubs′,″,′″,″″.

The four corner hubs′,″,′″,″″ can be disposed so as to connect the four side beams,′,,′ in a rectangular shape in plan view (). As shown in, the corner hubcan include an inner first faceand an inner second facethat face toward the one side beamof the plurality of side beamsand the another of the side beams, respectively. The inner first faceand the inner second facecan also be interchangeably be referred to as side mounting surfaces. The corner hubcan also include an outer first faceand an outer second facethat face in opposite directions as the inner first faceand the inner second face, respectively. The corner hubcan also include an upper mounting surfacethat is covered by the capin. The upper mounting surfaceis best shown in.

As best shown in, the corner hubcan include an inner first face tab′ that extends from the inner first face. With particular attention to, the corner hubcan also include an inner second face tab′ that extends from the inner second face. The inner first face tab′ and the inner second face tab′ are configured to vertically support the one side beamof the plurality of side beams. This support is valuable not only when the platform systemis fully assembled, but also especially valuable during assembly of the platform system.

In particular, the inner first face tab′ and the inner second face tab′ provide direct support to the respective beams,during assembly so that fastenerscan be easily secured, connecting the beams,to the corner hub. Further, the tabs′,′ can be sized, shaped and positioned to register within the bottom channels′ of respective side beams. This registration and alignment between the tabs and the respective bottom channels ensures proper horizontal and vertical alignment between the beamand the connecting corner hub.

The inner first facedefines an inner face length, an inner face width, and an inner face height, and the inner face tab defines an inner face tab length, an inner face width, and an inner face height. The inner face length, the inner face width, and the inner face height are individually greater than any of the inner face tab length, the inner face width, or the inner face height so that the inner face tab can be received in the bottom channel′ of the one side beam.

Because of the size of the inner first face tab′ and the inner second face tab′, the inner first face tab′ and the inner second face tab′ can be received by bottom channel′ of the corresponding side beam. Thus, the user may reliably position and support the side beamson the corner hubwhen assembling the basewith ease. Further, the inner first face tab′ and the inner second face tab′ can support the side beamson the corner hubduring use of the platform systemto provide additional rigidity to the assembly.

With reference to, and particular attention to, the anchoris configured to be inserted into the groundso as to connect the baseto the ground. The anchor can also support the weight of the assembly. The anchorcan interchangeably also be referred to as a ground support without departing the from the scope of this disclosure. As shown in, the anchorincludes a distal terminal end′ that is configured to be received in the groundand a proximal terminal end″ that is disposed at an opposite end and is configured to reside above the ground. The at least one anchorcan include at least four anchors. As will be appreciated, the greater the expected load of the deck assembly, the more anchorscan be utilized.

As shown in, the anchorcan include anchors,,,and a center anchor, with the anchors,,,being disposed near corners of the base, with the center anchorbeing disposed near a lateral and longitudinal center of the base. While the construction of the anchors,,,is the same as the center anchor, the layout of the anchors,,,is different than the center anchor

Accordingly, unless otherwise noted, any description related to the construction of the anchor(s) will be understood to be applicable to the anchors,,,and the center anchor, but any reference to the layout of the anchor(s) will be limited to the anchors,,,and not the center anchor. It is noted that the center anchoris not required. Alternatively, the center anchorcould be replaced by a variety of elements without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, concrete footings or supportive feet could be utilized.

As shown in, the four anchors,,,can be disposed such that a first imaginary line F that connects two′,′″ or″,″″ of the four corner hubsthat are diagonally disposed across from one another passes through two,or,of the four anchorsin a plan view so as to define a first line length. As shown in, a second imaginary line S connects the two,or,of the four anchorsin the plan view so as to define a second line length. Then, the second line length would be less than the first line length.

With continued attention to, stated another way, the anchoris disposed so as to be inset from the perimeter. Further, the anchoris disposed so as to be between the pair of first side beams,′ and between the pair of second side beams,′ in a plan view. The at least one anchoris laterally and longitudinally inset from the at least one corner hub.

With the anchorbeing inset, numerous advantages are provided. For example, a better aesthetic appeal is provided, as the clean lines of the beams are not broken when viewed by a user. It allows the deck to appear floating above the ground, a desired aesthetic. Further, tripping hazards are reduced with the anchorbeing located inset.

As best illustrated in, the anchorincludes a mounting portionat the proximal terminal end″ that defines at least one arcuate slotfor engagement with the anchor bracketas will be described in more detail hereinafter. Additionally, the corner beamcan extend between and connect one of the first side beams,′ and one of the second side beams,′ together so as to be inset from the perimeter. The corner beamcan be positioned any distance from the corner hub, depending on the structural, materials, and expected load details, and can also be oriented along any angle with respect to either connected side beam. However, a typical angle can be 45 degrees, as shown in.

As shown in, the corner beamcan cooperate with the connected first side beamand the connected second side beamso as to define a triangle shape in a plan view. The corner beamdefines at least one corner beam channel′ (). This triangular shape provides increased strength to the platform system. Thus, users of the platform systemare provided a sturdy surface upon which to relax.

With continued attention to, the anchor bracketconnects the anchorto the corner beam. Further, the anchor bracketincludes a lower portionthat defines a plurality of lower portion slitsfor attachment to the at least one anchorand an upper portionthat is slidably received by the at least one corner beam channel′ of the at least one corner beam. The arcuate slotof the anchoris configured for receipt of a fastener that extends from the plurality of lower portion slitsof the at least one corner beamso as to slidable connect the at least one anchorwith the at least one corner beam.

Because of slidable arrangement provided by the corner beamchannel and also the arcuate slotof the anchor, the anchorcan be diagonally moved with respect to the side beamsand also rotated with respect to the anchor bracket, thus allowing a position of the anchorwith respect to the groundto be modified. Accordingly, if obstructions in the groundwere identified during installation of the platform system, the anchorcould be moved to avoid these obstructions, while still allowing the platform systemto be installed in the desired location.

As best shown in, the corner support bracketcan extend from the at least one corner hubto the at least one corner beamthat connects the connected first side beamand the connected second side beamtogether. Thus, the corner support bracketbisects the triangle shape into two further triangle shapes in the plan view (). By creating these triangle shapes, the connection strength between the corner beamand the side beamsgreatly improved, thereby resulting in a platform systemthat is steady even in less than ideal mounting locations.

With reference to, the side beam insertis selectively separable from the side beamand defines at least one threaded hole. The apertureof the side beamis configured for slidingly receiving the side beam insert. Further, the side beam insert threaded holeis configured for receiving a side beam fastenerthat extends from the at least one corner hub. The side beam insertcould include one or a plurality of holes for receiving a fastener.

Because of the side beam insertand aperture, a more aesthetically pleasing assembly is provided to the user. This aesthetically pleasing assembly is further enhanced with the fasteners used to secure the side beamsto respective corner hubsare hidden from outside view. Additionally, assembly of the platform systemis simplified, as the apertureis sized and shaped to prevent rotation of the side beam insert, unlike if a nut and bolt arrangement was utilized. As such, the assembler of the platform systemdoes not need to prevent rotation of the side beam insertwhile the side beam fasteneris being rotated.

As the corner hubcan be hollow, the side beam fastenerscan be tightened by rotating heads of the fastenersfrom within the corner hub. Access to the fastenersis provided when a cap() is removed, as shown in. As the boltsare tightened, they pull the insert, and therefore also the side beaminto tight surface engagement with the inner first face, thereby effectively mechanically affixing side beamwith the corner hub. The beam is further supported by the tab

With reference back to, the columnsare configured to support the roofabove the baseand extend perpendicularly above corner hubs. Further, this extension of the columnsfrom the corner hubsis in a direction that is opposite to a direction that the anchorextends when extending from the proximal distal end to the distal terminal end′. Thus, the columnextends upwardly and away from the groundfrom the at least one corner hubso as to form an orthogonal connection in an elevation view of the platform system.

Further, the one side beamof the plurality of side beamsis connected to the another of the side beamsof the plurality of side beamswith the at least one corner hubto form an alternative orthogonal connection in the elevation view and the at least one columnextends from the corner hubso as to define a third axis. This orthogonal connection between the components provides increased strength to the platform system. In particular, the orthogonal connection results in the entire platform systembeing considered a single component for rigidity purposes. By allowing the columnsto be connected directly to the corner hubs, not only is a strong connection made, but the fasteners can be hidden from view.

The roofcan be fixed with the columns. With this construction, the roofcan extend over and across the entire basefrom the corner hubs, as supported by the columns, or a portion thereof. The roofcan include main beams that are directly connected to, and extend between the columnsalong the perimeter of the base. The roofcan also include slats fixed between the main beams. The slats may be arranged to form a lattice that extends over and across the basewith the main beams, or a portion thereof.

Attention is now directed to, which is a top perspective view of circle FA ofwith the capremoved. With the capremoved, easy access to the upper mounting surfaceof the corner hubis provided. Because of the cap, the platform mounting systemcan be utilized in a variety of manners. For example, the platform systemcan be offered without a roof. When the roofis not provided with the platform system, the capcan be placed on the upper mounting surfaceso as to provide a clean and clear design surface.

Alternatively, the platform systemcan include the roofas previously described. Notably, when the roofis desired, the capis removed from the upper mounting surfaceof the corner huband a column bracketis provided. In particular, the column bracketcan be attached to the upper mounting surfaceof the corner hubby a variety of techniques that are known. These techniques could include, for example, bolts/nuts, screws, rivets, adhesive, and other types of press fitting and joining techniques. Once the column bracketis attached to the upper mounting surfaceof the corner hub, the columncan be connected to the column bracket.

As illustrated, the column bracketcan be slidably received by the column. This slidable arrangement provides a sleek appearance for the platform systemand can be desirable for users. As will be appreciated, a number of ways can be used to secure the columnand the column brackettogether. For example, fasteners or keys could be inserted through the holes in the columnto engage the column bracket. However, other ways are possible and contemplated.

Unless otherwise noted, the components of the platform assemblycan be made from a variety of materials that provide sufficient rigidity to allow users to relax on the platform systemand be resistant to damage from the outdoor elements. The materials could include a strong lightweight material such as aluminum, with the corner hubsbeing either cast aluminum or fabricated from sheet metal, cut, bent, formed and welded together as understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Elongated components may be made from extruded aluminum. In an embodiment, an aluminum alloy forming all the aluminum components described in this application is alloy 6063T6.

Each of the columns, the corner hubsand the side beamscan include exterior fascia that faces outward from the perimeter of the base. The exterior fascia can be flush across adjacent portions of the corner hubs, the columns, and the side beams. With this construction, each of the corner hubs, the columns, and the side beamsare flush with adjacent portions of each other along an exterior of the platform system.

The fascia can be decorative and be made from a variety of materials including wood, plastic, composite materials, metal, ceramic, glass, and any combination thereof. The fascia can further be used to cover electrical wires or plumbing, mechanical connections and fasteners, and support various accessories, such as window and sliding door tracks and tracks for screens and wind-break panels. The main purpose of the fascia boards is to hide the otherwise exposed side beams with a designed surface treatment that works aesthetically well with the decking.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed embodiments and other features and functions, or alternatives or varieties thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Also that various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.