Balcony

Abstract

The present invention provides for a novel balcony, a kit and a method of attaching a balcony to a building or existing construction. One aspect of the invention provides a balcony for attachment to an existing construction, the existing construction have a plurality of stubs fitted thereto, each stub having a first engagement portion, the balcony having a plurality of second engagement portions on one side of the balcony wherein the first and second engagement portions are arranged to engage with each other so as to cause the weight of the balcony to be supported by the existing construction and the balcony to be securely attached to the construction.

Claims

1. A balcony for attachment to an existing construction, the balcony having a structure, the existing construction have a plurality of stubs fitted thereto, the stubs being configured to support the full weight of the balcony without any need for fastening when the balcony is rested on the plurality of stubs, each stub having at least one first engagement portion comprising one or more projections, and the balcony having: a plurality of second engagement portions comprising one or more apertures in the structure of the balcony which are configured so as to receive the one or more projections, with the one or more projection receiving apertures only on one side of the structure of the balcony; and a plurality of third engagement portions configured to engage the plurality of stubs, such that the balcony can be slid substantially horizontally onto the stubs by sliding the one or more apertures onto the one or more projections, so as to cause the weight of the balcony to be entirely supported in a vertical direction without any need for fastening by the existing construction and the balcony to be securely attached to the construction; wherein the balcony has a framework structure and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions are formed as part of the framework structure; and further wherein the framework structure includes: a first cross-beam which is substantially perpendicular to the one or more projections and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions comprise one or more apertures through said first cross-beam and a second cross-beam which is substantially perpendicular to the one or more projections, wherein the second cross-beam is inside an inner perimeter of the framework structure and spaced from the inner perimeter of the framework structure in a direction parallel to the one or more projections with a hollow space between a distal surface of the one side of the structure of the balcony and a proximal surface of the inner cross beam, and the second cross-beam provides the third engagement portions.

2. The balcony according to claim 1, wherein the third engagement portions comprise one or more apertures through said second cross-beam.

3. A balcony for attachment to an existing construction, the balcony having a structure, the existing construction have a plurality of stubs fitted thereto, the stubs being configured to support the full weight of the balcony without any need for fastening when the balcony is rested on the plurality of stubs, each stub having at least one first engagement portion comprising one or more projections, and the balcony being provided as a hollow frame having a plurality of second engagement portions comprising one or more apertures in the structure of the balcony which are configured so as to receive the one or more projections, such that the balcony can be slid substantially horizontally onto the stubs by sliding the one or more stubs into the one or more apertures of the hollow frame, so as to cause the weight of the balcony to be supported by the existing construction and the balcony to be securely attached to the construction; wherein the balcony has a framework structure and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions are formed as part of the framework structure with the one or more projection receiving apertures only on one side of the framework structure; wherein the weight of the balcony is entirely supported in a vertical direction by the stubs; and further wherein the framework structure further comprises an inner cross-beam which is substantially perpendicular to the one or more projections and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions comprise one or more apertures through said inner cross-beam and wherein the inner cross-beam is inside an inner perimeter of the framework structure and spaced from the inner perimeter of the framework structure in a direction parallel to the one or more projections with a hollow space between a distal surface of the one side of the framework structure and a proximal surface of the inner cross beam.

4. A balcony for attachment to an existing construction, the balcony having a structure, the existing construction have a plurality of stubs fitted thereto, the stubs being configured to support the full weight of the balcony without any need for fastening when the balcony is rested on the plurality of stubs, each stub having at least one first engagement portion comprising one or more projections, and the balcony having a plurality of second engagement portions comprising one or more apertures in the structure of the balcony which are configured so as to receive the one or more projections, such that the balcony can be slid substantially horizontally onto the stubs by sliding the one or more apertures onto the one or more projections, so as to cause the weight of the balcony to be supported by the existing construction and the balcony to be securely attached to the construction; wherein the balcony has a framework structure and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions are formed as part of the framework structure, with the one or more projection receiving apertures only on one side of the framework structure; wherein the stubs extend over half a depth of the balcony in a direction parallel to the one or more projections; and wherein the weight of the balcony is entirely supported in a vertical direction by the stubs; wherein the framework structure further comprises an inner cross-beam which is substantially perpendicular to the one or more projections and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions further comprise one or more apertures through said inner cross-beam; and wherein the inner cross-beam is inside an inner perimeter of the framework structure and spaced from the inner perimeter of the framework structure in the direction parallel to the one or more projections with a hollow space between a distal surface of the one side of the framework structure and a proximal surface of the inner cross beam.

5. The balcony according to claim 4, wherein the framework structure comprises first and second cross-beams which are substantially perpendicular to the one or more projections and the second engagement portions comprise one or more apertures through said first and second cross-beams and wherein the second cross-beam is the inner cross-beam.

6. The balcony according to claim 3, wherein the first cross-beam having the one or more apertures forms part of the framework structure.

7. The balcony according to claim 3, wherein each first engagement portion comprises a plurality of projections, wherein the second engagement portion of said first and second cross-beams comprises a plurality of apertures, and wherein the first cross-beam having the plurality of apertures forms part of the framework structure.

8. The balcony according to claim 3, wherein each first engagement portion comprises a plurality of projections, wherein the second engagement portion of said first and second cross-beams comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein corresponding apertures in said first and second cross-beams are aligned, and wherein the first cross-beam having the plurality of apertures forms part of the framework structure.

9. The balcony according to claim 4, wherein each first engagement portion comprises a plurality of projections and wherein the second engagement portion of the inner cross-beam comprises a plurality of apertures.

10. A kit comprising: a balcony for attachment to an existing construction, the existing construction have a plurality of stubs fitted thereto, the stubs being configured to support the full weight of the balcony without any need for fastening when the balcony is rested on the plurality of stubs, each stub having at least one first engagement portion comprising one or more projections, and the balcony being provided as a hollow frame having a plurality of second engagement portions comprising one or more apertures in the hollow frame structure of the balcony which are configured so as to receive the one or more projections, such that the balcony can be slid substantially horizontally onto the stubs by sliding the one or more apertures onto the one or more projections, so as to cause the weight of the balcony to be supported by the existing construction and the balcony to be securely attached to the construction; wherein the balcony has a framework structure and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions are formed as part of the framework structure, with the one or more projection receiving apertures only on one side of the framework structure; wherein the weight of the balcony is entirely supported in a vertical direction by the stubs; and further wherein the framework structure further comprises an inner cross-beam which is substantially perpendicular to the one or more projections and the one or more apertures of the second engagement portions comprise one or more apertures through said inner cross-beam; and the plurality of stubs, the stubs being configured to support the full weight of the balcony without any need for fastening when the balcony is rested on the plurality of stubs; and wherein the inner cross-beam is inside an inner perimeter of the framework structure and spaced from the inner perimeter of the framework structure in a direction parallel to the one or more projections with a hollow space between a distal surface of the one side of the framework structure and a proximal surface of the inner cross beam.

11. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the framework structure comprises first and second cross-beams which are substantially perpendicular to the projections and the second engagement portions comprise one or more apertures through said first and second cross-beams and wherein the second cross-beam is the inner cross-beam.

12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the first cross-beam having the plurality of apertures forms part of the framework structure.

13. The kit according to claim 11, wherein each first engagement portion comprises a plurality of projections, wherein the second engagement portion of said first and second cross-beams comprises a plurality of apertures, and wherein the first cross-beam having the plurality of apertures forms part of the framework structure.

14. The kit according to claim 11, wherein each first engagement portion comprises a plurality of projections, wherein the second engagement portion of said first and second cross-beams comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein corresponding apertures in said first and second cross-beams are aligned, and wherein the first cross-beam having the plurality of apertures forms part of the framework structure.

15. The kit according to claim 10, wherein each first engagement portion comprises a plurality of projections and wherein the second engagement portion of the inner cross-beam comprises a plurality of apertures.

16. A method of attaching a balcony to a building or other existing construction, the method comprising the steps of: fitting a plurality of stubs to the building or other existing construction, the stubs being configured to support the full weight of the balcony without any need for fastening when the balcony is rested on the plurality of stubs and each stub having at least one first engagement portion comprising a plurality of projections; attaching the balcony to the building or other existing construction, a body of said balcony having: a framework structure; at least one cross-beam which is substantially perpendicular to the plurality of projections; and a plurality of second engagement portions comprising a plurality of apertures through said at least one cross-beam and through only one side of the framework structure; and wherein the at least one cross-beam is an inner cross-beam inside an inner perimeter of the framework structure and spaced from the inner perimeter of the framework structure in a direction parallel to the plurality of projections with a hollow space between a distal surface of the one side of the framework structure and a proximal surface of the inner cross beam; and wherein the step of attaching includes: suspending the balcony such that the balcony is substantially vertically aligned with the plurality of projections; and sliding the plurality of apertures over the plurality of projections such that the weight of the balcony is entirely supported in a vertical direction by the stubs without any need for fastening, with the plurality of projections through the plurality of apertures, and the balcony is securely attached to the building or other existing construction.

17. The method according to claim 16, where the at least one cross-beam of the framework structure comprises first and second cross-beams which are substantially perpendicular to the plurality of projections and the second engagement portions comprise one or more apertures through said first and second cross-beams and wherein the second cross-beam is the inner cross-beam.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second engagement portion of said first and second cross-beams comprises a plurality of apertures and wherein the first cross-beam having the plurality of apertures forms part of the framework structure.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second engagement portion of said first and second cross-beams comprises a plurality of apertures, wherein corresponding apertures in said first and second cross-beams are aligned, and wherein the first cross-beam having the plurality of apertures forms part of the framework structure.

20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the second engagement portion of the at least one cross-beam comprises a plurality of apertures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIGS. 1a-1c show perspective views of part of a balcony according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a stub which forms part of an embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIGS. 3a and 3b show, respectively, a plan view and a side view of the installation of a balcony according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

(5) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a balcony according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(6) FIGS. 1a-1c show perspective views of part of the framework of a balcony according to an embodiment of the present invention and the formation of a hook-shaped engagement portion on that part of the framework.

(7) FIG. 1a shows a steel arm 11 which forms part of the main structure of the balcony. The arm 11 is made from 15289 UB section (an I-shaped beam). As usual, it has a back plate 12, typically sized 100 mm wide150 mm high12 mm thick, welded to the end of it.

(8) A hook-shaped engagement portion 13, shown in FIG. 1b, which is a piece of 1505012 mm steel angle cut 100 mm long is then welded to the arm 11 and the back plate 12 around 3 sides, to form a hook.

(9) The hook-shaped portion 13 has a first part 13a which is configured to provide a connection to the arm 11 and a second part 13b which is substantially at right angles to the first part. In the centre of this second part 13b, a tapered notch 13c is cut (for example using a plasma cutter). This notch helps to guide the balcony into position on the stubs and also acts to stop it from moving sideways when attached.

(10) FIG. 2 shows a stub 20 itself will be made from steel plates welded together to form an H-shaped construct. A first plate 21 of the stub is provided with mounting holes through which bolts can pass to secure the stub 20 to a building. The stub 20 of FIG. 2 is shown with four mounting holes, but it will be appreciated that more or fewer mounting holes may be provided depending on the size of the stub and the size of balcony to be supported.

(11) The stub 20 has a fin 22 which projects from the building. In this embodiment the fin 22 is 150 mm high30 mm thick. To the end of the fin 22 is welded a plate 23 which is typically the same size as the back plate 12 on the end of the balcony arm 11.

(12) FIGS. 3a and 3b show the typical layout of the balcony 10 and stubs 20 in plan view and side view respectively. In FIG. 3a a typical balcony 10 with area dimensions of 3 m1.2 m is shown which has a generally lattice structure of three arms 11 (which are configured as set out in FIG. 1 above) and three cross beams 15. These arms 11 and cross beams 15 support a floor structure (not shown) and may also be encased on the underside e.g. for aesthetic reasons.

(13) As shown in FIG. 3a, the stubs 20 are attached to the wall of the building 30, for example using bolts 33, and each stub is located so as to engage with the hook 13 of one of the arms of the balcony. The balcony shown in FIG. 3 has three arms, three hooks and therefore three stubs are affixed to the building. However, it will be appreciated that any number and configuration of hooks, arms and stubs can be chosen depending on the specific installation, for example depending on the configuration and construction of the balcony, the weight and moment of the balcony to be supported and the dimensions of the stubs and hooks.

(14) As shown in FIG. 3b, the balcony 10 is attached to the building 30 by simply lowering the balcony from a position above the stubs 20 so that the hooks 13 engage with the fin 22 and outer plate 23 of the stubs, thereby securing the balcony to the building by supporting both its weight and its turning moment. This process is, compared to the prior art processes described above, simple in terms of labour in that, apart from the operation of the crane to lower the balcony, human input is only required to guide the hooks 13 onto the stubs 20 and no further fixing operations are required.

(15) As shown in FIG. 3b, the stub 20 can be connected to the concrete frame 31 of the building whilst the exterior brickwork (or other cladding material) can be built around the stub, thereby potentially hiding or disguising the connection of the stubs to the building.

(16) FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a balcony 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention in position for mounting on a building 30. Only the frame of the balcony 10 is shown in FIG. 4, as the deck that would normally form the upper surface of the balcony has been omitted to show the internal structure of the balcony. Similarly, the balcony would usually have a lower surface such that the internal structure of the balcony frame that is shown in FIG. 4 would not normally be visible from below.

(17) As with the first embodiment described above, stubs 20 are attached to the wall of the building 30, for example using bolts (which are not shown in FIG. 4 as they are covered by cladding 31). In the embodiment shown there are four stubs 20. Again, it will be appreciated that any number and configuration of hooks, arms and stubs can be chosen depending on the specific installation, for example depending on the configuration and construction of the balcony, the weight and moment of the balcony to be supported and the dimensions of the stubs and hooks.

(18) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the stubs 20 are identically constructed from 15289 mm I-beam steel 22 to which an end plate 23 has been welded.

(19) The frame of the balcony 10 shown in FIG. 4 is of an open lattice type structure, in this case manufactured from 20090 mm parallel flange channel (PFC) steel. The balcony has two arms 11 forming the left and right sides of the frame when viewed facing the building which are connected by three cross beams 15a, 15b and 15c.

(20) A first of these cross beams 15a forms the front edge of the frame when viewed facing the building and is a simple metal beam.

(21) A second of these cross beams 15c forms the rear edge of the frame when viewed facing the building and has four apertures 16 which are sized and positioned so as to permit each of the stubs 20 to pass through the apertures with a small clearance. The degree of clearance is generally chosen as a trade-off between a) providing for easier installation by requiring less precision in the installation process and a degree of tolerance for the attachment of the stubs 20 to the building 30 and b) providing a snug fit for the balcony 10 in its fitted position.

(22) The third cross beam 15b is positioned parallel to and intermediate the other two cross beams 15a, 15c. This cross beam 15b also has four apertures 17 corresponding to those in the second cross beam 15c and likewise sized and positioned so as to permit each of the stubs 20 to pass through with a small clearance.

(23) The position of the third cross beam 15b relative to the other cross beams 15a, 15c is chosen depending on the weight and turning moment of the balcony (and its anticipated load) so as to provide a secure and stable support for the balcony through the engagement between the second and third cross beams and the stubs 20. It will therefore be appreciated that for lighter balconies, the stubs 20 can be made shorter and the second cross beam 15b positioned closer to the third cross beam 15c, and for heavier balconies it may be preferred that the stubs 20 are of similar dimensions to the arms 11, and in some variants, the first cross beam 15a could also have apertures formed in it, such that the stubs engage with this cross beam as well. In such configurations, the second cross beam 15b could be provided midway between the other cross beams, or could be omitted entirely.

(24) For installation, the balcony 10 is suspended from a crane in a position such that the apertures 16 are level with the stubs 20 and adjacent thereto (i.e. in the position shown in FIG. 4). The balcony 10 is then attached to the building 30 by moving the balcony horizontally so that the stubs 20 pass through the apertures 16 and 17 thereby securing the balcony to the building by supporting both its weight and its turning moment. This process is, compared to the prior art processes described above, simple in terms of labour in that, apart from the operation of the crane to lower the balcony, human input is only required to guide the stubs 20 into the apertures 16 as the balcony is moved towards the building and no further fixing operations are required.

(25) In a further embodiment of the present invention, which is not illustrated in the Figures, but which is similar to the second embodiment described above, the arms of the balcony structure provide the apertures by having a cross-section (as viewed from the building) which substantially matches that of the stubs, such that the balcony can be installed by sliding the arms over the stubs.

(26) Although the embodiments of the invention described above have been set out with precise dimensions it will be apparent to the skilled person that these dimensions are purely illustrative of specific embodiments of the present invention and that the dimensions can be varied depending on the configuration of the balcony desired without departing from the scope of the present invention.