Deck Gap Protectors

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.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of provisional U.S. patent application 63 / 777,568 filed Mar. 25, 2025, and provisional U.S. patent application 63 / 827,976 filed Jun. 21, 2025, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The claimed invention relates to outdoor boardwalk-type structures including decks and sidewalks, which structures are made from plank-shaped boards arranged side-by-side.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] Many homes have decks made from wooden or composite plank-shaped boards arranged side-by-side, typically attached to underlying joists and / or other framing structures. Homes may also have walkways or pathways made in similar fashion, with boards arranged side-by-side. In conventional construction of such structures, the boards are relatively uniformly spaced apart from each other by about one-eighth to about one-quarter of an inch. This spacing permits the boards to expand and contract with changing weather conditions, and it gives the structure a pleasant overall aesthetic.

[0004] Unfortunately, however, twigs, leaves, samaras from trees (i.e., whirlybird winged seed pods), cut grass, etc., frequently accumulate in the gaps between the boards of such boardwalk-type structures. Not only does such yard debris look bad, but it also can trap water, e.g., from rain or melting snow, and hold the water in contact with the adjacent boards. It can also prevent air from circulating between the boards, which is necessary for the boards to dry.

[0005] While modern composite or plastic boards can withstand such long-term, direct contact with moisture, conventional wooden boards cannot. Rather, wooden boards can rot, grow mold or algae, or otherwise degrade if steps are not taken to remove the trapped debris.

[0006] Historically, a variety of approaches have been taken to remove the trapped debris. Some people use high-pressure power washers; that, however, risks “chewing up” the boards if too high of a pressure setting is used. Some people use leaf blowers; that, however, frequently does not adequately remove the trapped debris, and it contributes to noise pollution. Still further, some people resort to the back-breaking method of “digging” the debris out of the board gaps manually, e.g., using a screwdriver to dislodge the trapped debris. None of these methods is entirely satisfactory.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Disclosed herein are gap protectors that make maintenance of boardwalk-type structures 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 inter-board gaps 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.

[0008] In a first aspect, the claimed invention features 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 method includes 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 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.

[0009] In another aspect, the claimed invention features a boardwalk-type structure that includes multiple 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 are uniformly spaced from each other with interboard gaps between adjacent boards. Gap protectors are disposed within the interboard gaps so as to extend longitudinally within the interboard gaps. 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. The gap protectors are disposed within the interboard gaps so that their top surfaces are positioned flush with or below the upward-facing major surfaces of the boards.

[0010] In a further aspect, the claimed invention features a gap protector. The gap protector includes a pair of elongated corrugated strips and double-sided foam core tape disposed between the pair of elongated corrugated strips and bonding them to each other.

[0011] These and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a deck (an exemplary boardwalk-type structure) that utilizes aspects of the claimed invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a portion of the deck illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a gap protector utilized in connection with the deck illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, as available in bulk coiled form;

[0015] FIGS. 4 and 5 are sequential perspective views illustrating installation of a gap protector in accordance with the claimed invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a gap protector;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating a variation of the second embodiment of a gap protector illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another variation of the second embodiment of a gap protector illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating mesh or screen material used to augment the gap protector;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a gap protector; and

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a gap protector.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A deck 10 utilizing various aspects of the claimed invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The deck 10 includes multiple plank-shaped boards 12 arranged side-by-side in parallel fashion, with their major surfaces facing upward (and downward) and side surfaces facing each other. The boards are arranged with substantially uniform spacing between them, with interboard gaps 14 on the order of one-eighth to one-quarter inch between adjacent boards 12.

[0023] In accordance with the claimed invention, in one embodiment, gap protectors 100 are provided as elongated strips of corrugated aluminum or other weather-resistant metal, which are inserted into the interboard gaps 14 until tops of the gap protectors 100 are even with or slightly below the upper surfaces of the deck boards 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The elongated corrugated strips could also be made from semi-rigid, heavy-gauge plastic such as polyethylene, etc. The corrugations of the elongated strips form channels or passageways extending in the widthwise direction of the elongated strips (i.e., transverse to the longitudinal direction of the elongated strips, or up and down relative to the deck 10), and the channels or passageways allow water to drain through the gap protectors 100 so that the lateral surfaces of the deck boards 12 can dry out after they have been exposed to water. The channels also allow air to circulate through the gaps 14 to dry the boards 12 after they have been exposed to moisture. On the other hand, the gap protectors 100 occupy sufficient space within the interboard gaps 14 that they substantially prevent yard debris from accumulating within the gaps 14.

[0024] The peak-to-valley height of the corrugations is selected based on the width of the interboard gaps 14 and should be slightly greater than the width of the interboard gaps 14, e.g., about one-eight to one-quarter inch greater than the width of the gaps 14. Because the gap protectors 100 are corrugated, they are resiliently compressible in the peak-to-valley direction. This compressibility allows the gap protectors 100 to be pushed into the interboard gaps 14 with an interference fit, and the gap protectors 100 can support themselves between the adjacent boards 12 by contact with the boards 12 as they try to expand back to their original, non-compressed state.

[0025] Suitably, gap protectors according to this embodiment (elongated corrugated aluminum strips) can be procured in lengths of 50 or 100 feet in coil form 102 as illustrated in FIG. 3, e.g., under the trade name Roll-On Rainscreen™, which is available from Albuild Systems, LLC in Omaha, Nebraska. A shorter length of corrugated aluminum strip can then be cut from the coil, e.g., using metal sheers, and then inserted into an interboard gap 14 of a given length, starting at one end of the gap 14 and sequentially pressing the corrugated aluminum strip into the gap along its length as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The product is presently available with peak-to-valley height of three-sixteenths of an inch with a width of one inch, and peak-to-valley height of three-eighths of an inch with a width of one and one-quarter inches. Given standard board spacing used when constructing decks (about one-eighth to about one-quarter of an inch, as noted above) and standard board thickness (about one to about one and one-half inches), the Roll-On Rainscreen TM corrugated strips fit within the interboard gaps 14 with a slightly compressed fit, and they protrude only slightly past the lower surfaces of the deck boards 12 (i.e., on the underside of the deck 10), if at all. The corrugated aluminum strips with smaller corrugations would be used for decks with narrower gaps 14 between the boards; the corrugated aluminum strips with larger corrugations would be used for decks with wider gaps between the boards.

[0026] To accommodate gaps of different sizes, a variety of techniques can be used. For example, in a second embodiment of a gap protector 200 illustrated in FIG. 6, two corrugated strips 202 can be bonded to each other to increase the overall thickness of the gap protector 200. Preferably, a length of double-sided foam-core tape 204, such as 3M® VHB™ tape, can be used to join the corrugated aluminum strips 202 to each other. This helps position the corrugated strips 202 longitudinally with respect to each other to obtain an overall desired thickness. For example, aligning the strips 202 so that the valleys of one strip 202 abut the peaks of the other strip 202 as illustrated schematically in FIG. 7 will more than double the thickness of the overall gap protector 200 (twice the thickness of a single strip 202 of corrugated aluminum, plus the thickness of the double-sided tape 204). And even if the corrugated strips 202 are not arranged in perfect peak-abuts-valley alignment as shown in FIG. 6, the double-sided tape 204 will still prevent the two corrugated strips 202 from completely nesting within each other, which would virtually eliminate the size benefit of doubling the number of corrugated strips used.

[0027] Alternatively, in an alternative arrangement (not illustrated), corrugated aluminums strips with different peak-to-valley heights can be used without double-sided tape to bond them together. Because the corrugations have different sizes as between the two strips, their “frequencies” in terms of corrugations per unit length of the strip are different. As a result, the corrugations will not line up with each other and the two corrugated strips will not “nest” within each other, thus maintaining increased thickness of the doubled-up corrugated strips.

[0028] Still further, when the gap protectors 200 being inserted into a given interboard gap 14 are cut from a longer coiled supply strip like that illustrated in FIG. 3, the corrugated strips 202 will likely maintain some amount of curvature due to having been coiled. Two lengths of corrugated strip 202 with curvatures in opposite directions can be placed adjacent to each other so as to bow outwardly away from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 8. (Suitably, their ends are fastened to each other, e.g., using double-sided tape, rivets, etc.) This gives the composite gap protector 200 a leaf-spring configuration, which increases the overall thickness of the gap protector 200 and helps it support itself within a given interboard gap 14.

[0029] Further still, while gap protectors 100, 200 fashioned from corrugated strips of aluminum occupy a substantial amount of space within the interboard gaps 14, it may still be desirable to augment their ability to prevent yard debris from accumulating within the gaps 14. For example, it may be desirable to fit metal or nylon screening 206 of some sort over the corrugated strips, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0030] Finally with respect to these first and second embodiments of gap protectors 100, 200, it may be desirable to finish the lateral edges of the corrugated metal strips used to fashion the gap protectors so that they are less noticeable in the gaps 14 of the deck, walkway, or other boardwalk-type structure in which the gap protector is installed. In one implementation, the exposed edges—i.e., the edges that faces upward when then gap protector 100, 200 is installed in an interboard gap 14—could be painted with a dark, weather-resistant paint (e.g., flat black). Alternatively, metal stripping that is painted black on both sides could be used to produce the corrugated strips, and one lateral edge (e.g., about one-quarter inch) could be folded over on itself to form a “hem” before the metal stripping is run through a corrugation machine to form the corrugations. The corrugated metal strips would then be inserted into interboard gaps 14 with the hemmed edge facing up, as it would be black and therefore less noticeable than the opposite, unfinished edges of the corrugated metal strips.

[0031] Other configurations / embodiments of gap protectors in accordance with the claimed invention are contemplated. The salient feature of all embodiments is that they support themselves within the interboard gaps of a deck, walkway, or other boardwalk-type structure, and they substantially block debris from accumulating within the gaps. At the same time, they allow water to be channeled through the interboard gaps, from the upper side of the structure to the lower side of the structure, and air to circulate through the interboard gaps.

[0032] One such alternative embodiment of a gap protector 300 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the gap protector 300 is formed from a perforated sheet of metal to form a U-shaped channel, which is inserted into an interboard gap 14 with the open side of the channel facing downward (i.e., toward the gap). Holes / perforations 302 along the length of the U-shaped channel permit water and air to pass through the gap protector 300, while the gap protector 300 substantially prevents yard debris from accumulating within the interboard gap 14.

[0033] As yet another exemplary embodiment, the gap protector 400 could be fabricated from twin-wall polypropylene sheet, also referred to as fluted polypropylene, cut to appropriate width to match the thickness of the deck boards 12 as illustrated in FIG. 11. This material is formed as a “sandwich” of plastic, consisting of two flat outer layers 402 (the “twin walls”) interconnected by vertical ribs 404 (the “flutes”). This creates a series of hollow rectangular channels 406 running through the center of the sheet, which channels 406 allow water and air to pass through the interboard gaps 14 in the deck while substantially preventing debris from accumulating in the gaps. The gap protectors 400 are arranged within the interboard gaps 14 with the channels 406 extending vertically.

[0034] The above examples are intended to illustrate various aspects of the claimed invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. While particular embodiments of the claimed invention have been described for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of invention as defined in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]A deck 10 utilizing various aspects of the claimed invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The deck 10 includes multiple plank-shaped boards 12 arranged side-by-side in parallel fashion, with their major surfaces facing upward (and downward) and side surfaces facing each other. The boards are arranged with substantially uniform spacing between them, with interboard gaps 14 on the order of one-eighth to one-quarter inch between adjacent boards 12.

[0023]In accordance with the claimed invention, in one embodiment, gap protectors 100 are provided as elongated strips of corrugated aluminum or other weather-resistant metal, which are inserted into the interboard gaps 14 until tops of the gap protectors 100 are even with or slightly below the upper surfaces of the deck boards 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The elongated corrugated strips could also be made from semi-rigid, heavy-gauge plastic such as polyethylene, etc. The corrugations of the elongated strips form channels or passageway...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority benefit of provisional U.S. patent application 63 / 777,568 filed Mar. 25, 2025, and provisional U.S. patent application 63 / 827,976 filed Jun. 21, 2025, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The claimed invention relates to outdoor boardwalk-type structures including decks and sidewalks, which structures are made from plank-shaped boards arranged side-by-side.BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0003] Many homes have decks made from wooden or composite plank-shaped boards arranged side-by-side, typically attached to underlying joists and / or other framing structures. Homes may also have walkways or pathways made in similar fashion, with boards arranged side-by-side. In conventional construction of such structures, the boards are relatively uniformly spaced apart from each other by about one-eighth to about one-quarter of an inch. This spacing permits the boards to expand and contract with changing weather conditions, and it gives the structure a pleasant overall aesthetic.

[0004] Unfortunately, however, twigs, leaves, samaras from trees (i.e., whirlybird winged seed pods), cut grass, etc., frequently accumulate in the gaps between the boards of such boardwalk-type structures. Not only does such yard debris look bad, but it also can trap water, e.g., from rain or melting snow, and hold the water in contact with the adjacent boards. It can also prevent air from circulating between the boards, which is necessary for the boards to dry.

[0005] While modern composite or plastic boards can withstand such long-term, direct contact with moisture, conventional wooden boards cannot. Rather, wooden boards can rot, grow mold or algae, or otherwise degrade if steps are not taken to remove the trapped debris.

[0006] Historically, a variety of approaches have been taken to remove the trapped debris. Some people use high-pressure power washers; that, however, risks “chewing up” the boards if too high of a pressure setting is used. Some people use leaf blowers; that, however, frequently does not adequately remove the trapped debris, and it contributes to noise pollution. Still further, some people resort to the back-breaking method of “digging” the debris out of the board gaps manually, e.g., using a screwdriver to dislodge the trapped debris. None of these methods is entirely satisfactory.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Disclosed herein are gap protectors that make maintenance of boardwalk-type structures 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 inter-board gaps 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.

[0008] In a first aspect, the claimed invention features 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 method includes 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 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.

[0009] In another aspect, the claimed invention features a boardwalk-type structure that includes multiple 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 are uniformly spaced from each other with interboard gaps between adjacent boards. Gap protectors are disposed within the interboard gaps so as to extend longitudinally within the interboard gaps. 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. The gap protectors are disposed within the interboard gaps so that their top surfaces are positioned flush with or below the upward-facing major surfaces of the boards.

[0010] In a further aspect, the claimed invention features a gap protector. The gap protector includes a pair of elongated corrugated strips and double-sided foam core tape disposed between the pair of elongated corrugated strips and bonding them to each other.

[0011] These and other aspects of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a deck (an exemplary boardwalk-type structure) that utilizes aspects of the claimed invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 is a close-up view of a portion of the deck illustrated in FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a gap protector utilized in connection with the deck illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, as available in bulk coiled form;

[0015] FIGS. 4 and 5 are sequential perspective views illustrating installation of a gap protector in accordance with the claimed invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a gap protector;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view illustrating a variation of the second embodiment of a gap protector illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating another variation of the second embodiment of a gap protector illustrated in FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating mesh or screen material used to augment the gap protector;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a gap protector; and

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a gap protector.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] A deck 10 utilizing various aspects of the claimed invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The deck 10 includes multiple plank-shaped boards 12 arranged side-by-side in parallel fashion, with their major surfaces facing upward (and downward) and side surfaces facing each other. The boards are arranged with substantially uniform spacing between them, with interboard gaps 14 on the order of one-eighth to one-quarter inch between adjacent boards 12.

[0023] In accordance with the claimed invention, in one embodiment, gap protectors 100 are provided as elongated strips of corrugated aluminum or other weather-resistant metal, which are inserted into the interboard gaps 14 until tops of the gap protectors 100 are even with or slightly below the upper surfaces of the deck boards 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The elongated corrugated strips could also be made from semi-rigid, heavy-gauge plastic such as polyethylene, etc. The corrugations of the elongated strips form channels or passageways extending in the widthwise direction of the elongated strips (i.e., transverse to the longitudinal direction of the elongated strips, or up and down relative to the deck 10), and the channels or passageways allow water to drain through the gap protectors 100 so that the lateral surfaces of the deck boards 12 can dry out after they have been exposed to water. The channels also allow air to circulate through the gaps 14 to dry the boards 12 after they have been exposed to moisture. On the other hand, the gap protectors 100 occupy sufficient space within the interboard gaps 14 that they substantially prevent yard debris from accumulating within the gaps 14.

[0024] The peak-to-valley height of the corrugations is selected based on the width of the interboard gaps 14 and should be slightly greater than the width of the interboard gaps 14, e.g., about one-eight to one-quarter inch greater than the width of the gaps 14. Because the gap protectors 100 are corrugated, they are resiliently compressible in the peak-to-valley direction. This compressibility allows the gap protectors 100 to be pushed into the interboard gaps 14 with an interference fit, and the gap protectors 100 can support themselves between the adjacent boards 12 by contact with the boards 12 as they try to expand back to their original, non-compressed state.

[0025] Suitably, gap protectors according to this embodiment (elongated corrugated aluminum strips) can be procured in lengths of 50 or 100 feet in coil form 102 as illustrated in FIG. 3, e.g., under the trade name Roll-On Rainscreen™, which is available from Albuild Systems, LLC in Omaha, Nebraska. A shorter length of corrugated aluminum strip can then be cut from the coil, e.g., using metal sheers, and then inserted into an interboard gap 14 of a given length, starting at one end of the gap 14 and sequentially pressing the corrugated aluminum strip into the gap along its length as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The product is presently available with peak-to-valley height of three-sixteenths of an inch with a width of one inch, and peak-to-valley height of three-eighths of an inch with a width of one and one-quarter inches. Given standard board spacing used when constructing decks (about one-eighth to about one-quarter of an inch, as noted above) and standard board thickness (about one to about one and one-half inches), the Roll-On Rainscreen TM corrugated strips fit within the interboard gaps 14 with a slightly compressed fit, and they protrude only slightly past the lower surfaces of the deck boards 12 (i.e., on the underside of the deck 10), if at all. The corrugated aluminum strips with smaller corrugations would be used for decks with narrower gaps 14 between the boards; the corrugated aluminum strips with larger corrugations would be used for decks with wider gaps between the boards.

[0026] To accommodate gaps of different sizes, a variety of techniques can be used. For example, in a second embodiment of a gap protector 200 illustrated in FIG. 6, two corrugated strips 202 can be bonded to each other to increase the overall thickness of the gap protector 200. Preferably, a length of double-sided foam-core tape 204, such as 3M® VHB™ tape, can be used to join the corrugated aluminum strips 202 to each other. This helps position the corrugated strips 202 longitudinally with respect to each other to obtain an overall desired thickness. For example, aligning the strips 202 so that the valleys of one strip 202 abut the peaks of the other strip 202 as illustrated schematically in FIG. 7 will more than double the thickness of the overall gap protector 200 (twice the thickness of a single strip 202 of corrugated aluminum, plus the thickness of the double-sided tape 204). And even if the corrugated strips 202 are not arranged in perfect peak-abuts-valley alignment as shown in FIG. 6, the double-sided tape 204 will still prevent the two corrugated strips 202 from completely nesting within each other, which would virtually eliminate the size benefit of doubling the number of corrugated strips used.

[0027] Alternatively, in an alternative arrangement (not illustrated), corrugated aluminums strips with different peak-to-valley heights can be used without double-sided tape to bond them together. Because the corrugations have different sizes as between the two strips, their “frequencies” in terms of corrugations per unit length of the strip are different. As a result, the corrugations will not line up with each other and the two corrugated strips will not “nest” within each other, thus maintaining increased thickness of the doubled-up corrugated strips.

[0028] Still further, when the gap protectors 200 being inserted into a given interboard gap 14 are cut from a longer coiled supply strip like that illustrated in FIG. 3, the corrugated strips 202 will likely maintain some amount of curvature due to having been coiled. Two lengths of corrugated strip 202 with curvatures in opposite directions can be placed adjacent to each other so as to bow outwardly away from each other, as illustrated in FIG. 8. (Suitably, their ends are fastened to each other, e.g., using double-sided tape, rivets, etc.) This gives the composite gap protector 200 a leaf-spring configuration, which increases the overall thickness of the gap protector 200 and helps it support itself within a given interboard gap 14.

[0029] Further still, while gap protectors 100, 200 fashioned from corrugated strips of aluminum occupy a substantial amount of space within the interboard gaps 14, it may still be desirable to augment their ability to prevent yard debris from accumulating within the gaps 14. For example, it may be desirable to fit metal or nylon screening 206 of some sort over the corrugated strips, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0030] Finally with respect to these first and second embodiments of gap protectors 100, 200, it may be desirable to finish the lateral edges of the corrugated metal strips used to fashion the gap protectors so that they are less noticeable in the gaps 14 of the deck, walkway, or other boardwalk-type structure in which the gap protector is installed. In one implementation, the exposed edges—i.e., the edges that faces upward when then gap protector 100, 200 is installed in an interboard gap 14—could be painted with a dark, weather-resistant paint (e.g., flat black). Alternatively, metal stripping that is painted black on both sides could be used to produce the corrugated strips, and one lateral edge (e.g., about one-quarter inch) could be folded over on itself to form a “hem” before the metal stripping is run through a corrugation machine to form the corrugations. The corrugated metal strips would then be inserted into interboard gaps 14 with the hemmed edge facing up, as it would be black and therefore less noticeable than the opposite, unfinished edges of the corrugated metal strips.

[0031] Other configurations / embodiments of gap protectors in accordance with the claimed invention are contemplated. The salient feature of all embodiments is that they support themselves within the interboard gaps of a deck, walkway, or other boardwalk-type structure, and they substantially block debris from accumulating within the gaps. At the same time, they allow water to be channeled through the interboard gaps, from the upper side of the structure to the lower side of the structure, and air to circulate through the interboard gaps.

[0032] One such alternative embodiment of a gap protector 300 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In this embodiment, the gap protector 300 is formed from a perforated sheet of metal to form a U-shaped channel, which is inserted into an interboard gap 14 with the open side of the channel facing downward (i.e., toward the gap). Holes / perforations 302 along the length of the U-shaped channel permit water and air to pass through the gap protector 300, while the gap protector 300 substantially prevents yard debris from accumulating within the interboard gap 14.

[0033] As yet another exemplary embodiment, the gap protector 400 could be fabricated from twin-wall polypropylene sheet, also referred to as fluted polypropylene, cut to appropriate width to match the thickness of the deck boards 12 as illustrated in FIG. 11. This material is formed as a “sandwich” of plastic, consisting of two flat outer layers 402 (the “twin walls”) interconnected by vertical ribs 404 (the “flutes”). This creates a series of hollow rectangular channels 406 running through the center of the sheet, which channels 406 allow water and air to pass through the interboard gaps 14 in the deck while substantially preventing debris from accumulating in the gaps. The gap protectors 400 are arranged within the interboard gaps 14 with the channels 406 extending vertically.

[0034] The above examples are intended to illustrate various aspects of the claimed invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. While particular embodiments of the claimed invention have been described for purposes of illustration, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that numerous variations of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of invention as defined in the following claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0022]A deck 10 utilizing various aspects of the claimed invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. The deck 10 includes multiple plank-shaped boards 12 arranged side-by-side in parallel fashion, with their major surfaces facing upward (and downward) and side surfaces facing each other. The boards are arranged with substantially uniform spacing between them, with interboard gaps 14 on the order of one-eighth to one-quarter inch between adjacent boards 12.

[0023]In accordance with the claimed invention, in one embodiment, gap protectors 100 are provided as elongated strips of corrugated aluminum or other weather-resistant metal, which are inserted into the interboard gaps 14 until tops of the gap protectors 100 are even with or slightly below the upper surfaces of the deck boards 12 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The elongated corrugated strips could also be made from semi-rigid, heavy-gauge plastic such as polyethylene, etc. The corrugations of the elongated strips form channels or passageway...

Claims

1. 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.

2. 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; anda 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; andwherein 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.

3. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 2, wherein the gap protectors comprise elongated corrugated strips arranged within the interboard gaps with channels formed by the corrugations of the corrugated strips extending vertically, the elongated corrugated strips being compressed in a peak-to-valley direction such that the corrugated strips support themselves within the interboard gaps by expansionary forces that press the corrugated strips into engagement with the lateral surfaces of the boards.

4. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 3, wherein each of the gap protectors comprises a single elongated corrugated strip.

5. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 3, wherein each of the gap protectors comprises a pair of elongated corrugated strips.

6. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 5, wherein the pair of elongated corrugated strips are joined together by foam core double-sided tape disposed between the elongated corrugated strips.

7. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 5, wherein the pair of elongated corrugated strips abut each other with corrugation peaks of one of the elongated corrugated strips abutting corrugation valleys of the other elongated corrugated strip.

8. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 5, wherein the pair of elongated corrugated strips are arranged such that, when the gap protector formed by the pair of elongated corrugated strips is in an unrestrained state, the elongated corrugated strips bow outwardly in opposite directions.

9. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 3, wherein the elongated corrugated strips are metal.

10. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 3, wherein the elongated corrugated strips are plastic.

11. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 2, wherein the gap protectors include mesh or screen materials disposed within the interboard gaps.

12. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 2, wherein the gap protectors comprise elongated perforated U-shaped channels disposed within the interboard gaps with the U-shaped channels opening downwardly and bottoms of the U-shaped channels facing upwards, each of the U-shaped channels being disposed within one of the interboard gaps with an interference fit.

13. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 2, wherein the gap protectors comprise elongated twin-wall strips having channels extending laterally through the strips, the gap protectors being arranged within the interboard gaps with the channels extending vertically and with each of each of the strips being disposed within one of the interboard gaps with an interference fit.

14. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 2, wherein the structure comprises a deck.

15. The boardwalk-type structure of claim 2, wherein the structure comprises a walkway.

16. A gap protector, comprising:a pair of elongated corrugated strips; anddouble-sided foam core tape disposed between the pair of elongated corrugated strips and bonding the elongated corrugated strips to each other.

17. The gap protector according to claim 16, wherein the elongated corrugated strips are joined to each other in peak-abuts-valley fashion such that the thickness of the gap protector in a peak-to-valley direction is at least twice the individual thickness of each of the elongated corrugated strips in the pair of elongated corrugated strips.

18. The gap protector according to claim 16, wherein the elongated corrugated strips are joined to each other in a nesting fashion.

19. The gap protector according to claim 16, wherein the elongated corrugated strips are metal.

20. The gap protector according to claim 16, wherein the corrugated strips are plastic.

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