Attic deck system

Abstract

An attic deck system for an attic having a plurality of spaced-apart attic joists. The system includes a plurality of deck panels each having a first edge portion defining a first series of alternating projections and recesses, and a second edge portion defining a second series of alternating projections and recesses. The first series of alternating projections and recesses being complementary to the second series of alternating projections and recesses such that the first edge portion of one of the panels interlocks with the second edge portion of another one of the panels. Each of the panels defines a width extending between an outermost periphery of the first edge portion and an outermost periphery of the second edge portion. The width is approximately equal to a distance measured between the outer edges of adjacent attic joists, such that the first and second edge portions of one of the panels are positionable on the respective adjacent attic joists. Each panel includes a downwardly extending tab adapted to abut the inner edge of the joist.

Description

PRIORITY REFERENCE [0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 489,189, filed Jul. 22, 2003.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a system for creating a deck on the support joists of an attic. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Residential and commercial buildings typically include an attic, which is an area defined between the roof of the building and the ceiling of the uppermost floor of the building. The ceiling of the uppermost floor of the building is supported by a plurality of spaced-apart, parallel joists, which are disposed in the attic and make up the floor of the attic. Insulation is often installed between the attic floor joists to insulate the ceiling and interior of the building. Quite often electrical wiring and heating / cooling ducts extend through the attic area to access different locations within the building. Unfort...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, such duct work and wiring is difficult to access when repair is needed because one must walk and balance along the spaced-apart joists.

In addition, other than providing a passage for the wiring and duct work, the attic area consists of wasted space.

One must be careful not to store or allow storage items to fall into the gaps between the joists, because this may cause damage to the underlying ceiling.

However, the installation of such material is often difficult because the particle board and plywood is heavy and bulky.

In addition, it is difficult to align two meeting pieces of plywood on one joist, thereby making it difficult to install a series of board pieces.

Furthermore, such attic decks do not permit the circulation of air into insulation in the gaps between the spaced-apart joists.

Images