Deck Gap Protectors
AssigneeAlbuild Sytems, LLC
InventorGregory P. ALBRACHT
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed are gap protectors that make maintenance of boardwalk-type structures such as decks, walkways, etc. easier. The disclosed gap protectors fit within the gaps between adjacent boards and support themselves therein. The gap protectors substantially prevent yard debris from accumulating in the gaps between the boards of the boardwalk-type structure in the first place, while being configured in a manner that lets water drain through the gaps and that lets air circulate through the gaps so that the boards can dry out after being exposed to moisture. Yard debris that has fallen onto the surface of the boardwalk-type structure can be removed easily by sweeping or simply by washing with a garden hose at low pressure.
Claims20
A method for limiting the accumulation of yard debris within interboard gaps of a boardwalk-type structure while allowing water and air to pass through the interboard gaps, the boardwalk-type structure including a plurality of plank-shaped boards arranged side-by-side in parallel fashion with major surfaces of the boards facing upward and lateral surfaces of adjacent boards facing each other across the interboard gaps, the method comprising disposing gap protectors within the interboard gaps with top surfaces of the gap protectors flush with or below the upward-facing major surfaces of the boards, the gap protectors supporting themselves within the interboard gaps and permitting water and air to pass through the interboard gaps while blocking yard debris from accumulating within the interboard gaps.
A boardwalk-type structure, comprising:
- a plurality of plank-shaped boards arranged side-by-side in parallel fashion with major surfaces of the boards facing upward and lateral surfaces of adjacent boards facing each other, the boards being uniformly spaced from each other with interboard gaps between adjacent boards;
- and
- a plurality of gap protectors, with one of the gap protectors disposed within each of the interboard gaps so as to extend longitudinally within the interboard gap in which it is disposed;
- wherein the gap protectors are structured and arranged to support themselves within the interboard gaps and to permit water and air to pass through the interboard gaps while blocking yard debris from accumulating within the interboard gaps;
- and
- wherein the gap protectors are disposed within the interboard gaps so that top surfaces thereof are positioned flush with or below the upward-facing major surfaces of the boards.
A gap protector, comprising:
- a pair of elongated corrugated strips;
- and
- double-sided foam core tape disposed between the pair of elongated corrugated strips and bonding the elongated corrugated strips to each other.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.