# Patent

## Title
Under deck drainage system

## Abstract

An under deck drainage system for use with a deck. The system includes at least one starter strip mounted to one or more joists of the deck, a plurality of clips coupled with the starter strip, where the clips are slidable along the starter strip. The system further includes an elongate channel member coupled with at least one of the plurality of clips, and the elongate channel member has at least one channel therein.

## Background
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/021,813, filed on Jan. 17, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.


TECHNICAL FIELD
This relates to the field of decking, and more specifically to an under deck drainage system.
BACKGROUND
Elevated decks provide for space below the deck which can be used and enjoyed as outdoor space. However, during inclement weather, such as rain, the weather can frustrate the ability to enjoy the space as water can fall through the spaces between adjacent deck boards.
SUMMARY
An under deck drainage system for use with a deck. The system includes at least one starter strip mounted to one or more joists of the deck, a plurality of clips coupled with the starter strip, where the clips are optionally slidable along the starter strip. The system further includes an elongate channel member coupled with at least one of the plurality of clips, for example with an outer portion of the clips. The elongate channel member has at least one channel therein, which can allow for drainage of fluids. In an option, the clips are slidable within the elongate channel member, and/or connected with the elongate channel member with a snap fit connection. In yet another option, the plurality of clips is connected with the starter strip with a snap fit connection.
In another embodiment, a method includes coupling one or more starter strips with one or more joists of a deck, including coupling the starter strips parallel with a first axis. The method further includes coupling one or more clips with the one or more starter strips, including sliding the one or more clips parallel with the first axis, and coupling a plurality of elongate channel members with at least a portion of the one or more clips, where the elongate channel member having at least one channel therein. Coupling the plurality of elongate channel members includes coupling the elongate channel members parallel with a second axis.



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A illustrates an under deck drainage system in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 1B illustrates a portion of an under deck drainage system in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded portion of an under deck drainage system in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-section of a starter strip in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates a view of a clip in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a channel member in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of an under deck drainage system in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional portion of an under deck drainage system in accordance with at least one embodiment.
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional portion of an under deck drainage system in accordance with at least one embodiment.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
An under deck drainage system 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. The system 100 is for use with a deck and allows for preventing water and debris from dropping through the deck and to the space below the deck, for instance at a single family home, or multi-family home, or screened porches. This allows for a home owner to use the area below the deck during inclement weather, for example, when it is raining, and can prevent bugs from coming up through the decking into a screened porch. Furthermore, the system 100 assists in moving water and debris away from a structure, and provides a neat appearance for the under side of a deck. The system 100, or portions thereof, is also removable, allowing for cleaning, for example, with a leaf blower or a power washer. System 100 can also work with joists of a deck extending in either direction.
The deck is disposed adjacent a building, such as a house 102, and typically includes decking 150 supported by joists 152. The system 100 includes one or more starter strips 110, one or more clips 120, and one or more channel members 140. The system 100 optionally further includes front trim 182 (FIG. 8), side trim 180, and back trim 190. The front trim 182, or back trim 190 are optionally coupled with the channel member, such as with a lower portion of the channel member. The side trim 180 is optionally coupled with at least one clip, and the side trim is mounted over an edge of at least one channel member. The channel member, starter strips, front, side, and/or back trim can be formed for example of plastic, composite material, or light weigh aluminum, and made via extrusion that is cut to length.
The starter strips 110 are mounted to one or more joists of the deck, such as shown in FIG. 2. The starter strips 110, in an option, are elongate and have a longitudinal axis. The starter strips 110 are disposed such that the longitudinal axis is generally transverse to the lengths of the joists 152, as shown in FIG. 2. The starter strips 110 can also be disposed at other angles relative to the joists, such as, but not limited to parallel, or at an oblique angle to the joists. The starter strips 110 are coupled with the joists 152, for instance, the starter strips 110 are directly coupled with the joists 152. In an option, the starter strips 110 are coupled with a lower portion of the joists 152, or a bottom surface of the joists 152. The starter strips, in another option, are coupled with the joists with a fastener, such as a screw 154 disposed through an upper portion 116 of the strips 110.
The one or more starter strips 110, as shown in cross section in FIG. 3, optionally includes structure 112 that allows for the strips 110 to be connected with the clip 120 such that the clip 120 is slidable relative to the starter strip 110. In an option, the clip 120 is coupled with the starter strips 110 with a snap fit connection, and yet allows for the clip 120 to be slidable along the starter strip 110. For instance, the outer portion of the strips 110 include tapered flanges 118 that interconnect with the clips 120. In a further option, the strips 110 include members 114 extending from an inner surface, providing for stability to span the joists.
The starter strips 110 are coupled with the clips 120, where the clip 120 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. The clip 120 has multiple coupling portions, in an option. For instance, the clip 120 includes an upper coupling portion 122, and a lower coupling portion 124. The upper coupling portion 122 couples with the starter strips 110, for example around the starter strip 110, and the lower coupling portion 124 couples with the channel member 140, for example within an inner surface of the channel member 140. In an option, the upper coupling portion 122 allows for the clips 120 to connect with the starter strip 110 with a snap fit connection, and/or allows for the clips 120 to slide along the starter strips 110, assisting with ease of installation. In a further option, the lower coupling portion 124 allows for the clips 120 to connect with the channel member 140 with a snap fit connection, and/or allows for channel member 140 to slide in a longitudinal direction along clips 120, also assisting with ease of installation, or ease of removal for cleaning. The clips, in an option, can be formed of plastic and/or composite material, for example via injection molding.
The clips 120 can be slid in two different axes relative to the joists, in an option. For instance, the clips 120 can slide along the starter strips 110 along a first axis that is generally transverse to the axis of the joists, where the starter strips 110 are disposed generally transverse to the joists. The clips 120 can slide along the channel member 140 along a second axis that is generally parallel with the joists, where the channel members 140 are disposed parallel with the joists.
In an option, the upper coupling portion 122 includes a tapered flange 126 that couples with the tapered flange of the starter strips. In another option, the lower coupling portion 124 includes a tapered flange 128 that couples with a portion of the channel member 140. The upper coupling portion 122 provides, in an option, an internal feature for coupling with an exterior feature of the starter strips 110. The lower coupling portion 124 includes, in another option, an external feature for coupling with an internal feature of the channel member 140. These features can be reversed such that external couplings can be internal, and vice versa.
The clip 120 couples with an elongate channel member 140, where a plurality of channel members 140 are placed side by side to cover the joists (FIGS. 1 and 2). The channel member 140 is shown in cross-section in FIG. 5 and includes a coupling portion 142 that allows for the channel member 140 to couple with a portion of the clip 120, and further includes one or more channels 146, allowing for drainage. As shown in FIG. 6, the one or more channels 146, in an option, are sloped away from the building to which the deck is attached. A gutter 148 can be connected with the channels 146, allowing for further drainage for the system 100.
In a further option, the channel member 140 includes an inner tapered recess 144 that couples with the tapered flange 128, for example, with a snap fit connection. Other types of connections can also be incorporated herein. The channel member 140 can be formed, for example, by extrusion, of plastic or PVC, and can be removed from the one or more clips 120, allowing for the system to be cleaned. The channel member 140 can be made in a variety of colors, allowing for coordination with other building components. The channel member 140 can also be made of other materials, such as, but not limited to metal. In a further option, a bottom visible portion of the channel member 140 can be given different structure, or grooves to simulate other materials. For example, the channel member 140 can be given a beaded board look.
The system 100 can further includes one or more trims, as shown for example in FIGS. 7 and 8. The trims allow for the system 100 to be provided with a more finished look, and yet permit water to drain from the system 100 and deck. FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a side trim 180 that is coupled with at least one clip 120 and covers an edge of at least one channel member 140.
Installation of the under deck system 100 can be done as follows. A method includes coupling one or more starter strips with one or more joists of a deck, including coupling the starter strips parallel with a first axis. The method further includes coupling one or more clips with the one or more starter strips, for instance snap fittedly coupling the clips with the one or more starter strips. The method still further includes sliding the one or more clips parallel with the first axis, and coupling a plurality of elongate channel members with at least a portion of the one or more clips, where the elongate channel member having at least one channel therein. Coupling the plurality of elongate channel members includes coupling the elongate channel members parallel with a second axis, and/or coupling the elongate channel members with the one or more clips includes snap-fittedly coupling the channel members with the one or more clips.
Further options for the methods are as follows. For instance, the elongate channel members can be slid along the second axis, and optionally the second axis is substantially transverse to the first axis. In another option, the method further includes draining fluid through the at least one channel. In another option, the joists includes a lower surface, and coupling the one or more starter strips with the one or more joists includes coupling the starter strips directly with the lower surface of joists.
It is understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

## Claims

1. An under deck system for use with a deck, the system comprising:
one or more elongated starter strips, wherein each elongated starter strip comprises a tapered flange and is configured for being mounted to one or more joists of the deck;
one or more elongated channel members, wherein each channel member comprises a tapered recess; and
one or more clips, wherein each one of said one or more clips comprises
an upper coupling portion comprising a tapered recess for coupling with said tapered flange of one of said one or more starter strips; and
a lower coupling portion comprising a tapered flange for coupling with said tapered recess of one of said one or more channel members.

2. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, wherein
said upper coupling portion of said one or more clips is slidable along a length of said elongated starter strips; and
said one or more elongated channel members are slidable in a longitudinal direction along said lower coupling portion of said one or more clips.

3. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, wherein said upper coupling portion of said one or more clips is coupled to one of said one or more elongated starter strips with a snap fit connection.

4. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, wherein said lower coupling portion of said one or more clips is coupled to one of said one or more elongated channel members with a snap fit connection.

5. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, further
comprising at least one side trim
coupled to said lower coupling portion of at least one of said one or more clips; and
mounted over an edge of at least one of said one or more elongated channel members.

6. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a front trim coupled with at least one of said one or more elongated channel members.

7. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, wherein at least one of said one or more elongated channel members is sloped.

8. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, wherein
said tapered flange of said one or more elongated starter strips comprises longitudinally extending opposing side surfaces;
said tapered recess of said upper coupling portion comprises opposing side surfaces;
said tapered recess of said one or more elongated channel members comprises longitudinally extending opposing side surfaces; and
said tapered flange of said lower coupling portion comprises opposing side surfaces.

9. The under deck system as recited in claim 8, wherein
said opposing side surfaces of said one or more elongated starter strips and said opposing side surfaces of said upper coupling portion are configured as mating surfaces; and
said opposing side surfaces of said one or more elongated channel members and said opposing side surfaces of said lower coupling portion are configured as mating surfaces.

10. The under deck system as recited in claim 6, wherein said front trim spans across a first end of each one of said one or more elongated channel members, and wherein said front trim is configured for being coupled with a lower portion of said one or more elongated channel members at said first end.

11. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, further comprising a back trim coupled with at least one of said one or more elongated channel members.

12. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, wherein said one or more elongated starter strips are generally transverse to said one or more elongated channel members.

13. The under deck system as recited in claim 1, wherein each one of said one or more elongated starter strips is generally transverse to one or more of said joists.

14. The under deck system as recited in claim 11, wherein said back trim spans across a second end of each one of said one or more elongated channel members, and wherein said back trim is configured for being coupled with a lower portion of said one or more elongated channel members at said second end.

15. A method for installing an under deck system, comprising:
providing one or more elongated starter strips, wherein each elongated starter strip comprises a tapered flange and is configured for being mounted to one or more joists of the deck;
providing one or more elongated channel members, wherein each channel member comprises a tapered recess;
providing one or more clips, wherein each one of said one or more clips comprises
an upper coupling portion comprising a tapered recess for coupling with said tapered flange of one of said one or more starter strips; and
a lower coupling portion comprising a tapered flange for coupling with said tapered recess of one of said one or more channel members;

coupling said one or more elongated starter strips with one or more joists of a deck;
coupling said tapered recess of said upper coupling portion of at least one of said one or more clips with the tapered flange of one of said one or more elongated starter strips, said coupling enabling slidable movement of said at least one clip along a length of said one or ere elongated starter strip; and
coupling said tapered recess of one of said one or more elongated channel members with said tapered flange of said lower coupling portion of the at least one clip, said coupling enabling slidable movement in a longitudinal direction of said one elongated channel member along said at least one clip.

16. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein coupling said tapered recess of the upper coupling portion with said tapered flange of the one elongated starter strip includes a snap fitting.

17. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein coupling said tapered recess of said one elongated channel member with said tapered flange of the lower coupling portion of said one or more clips includes a snap fitting.

18. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising installing each one of said one or more elongated channel members in a manner conducive for draining fluid.

19. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein coupling said one or more elongated starter strips with said one or more joists comprises fixedly attaching said one or more elongated starter strips to said one or more joists such that said one or more elongated starter strips spans at least two joists.

20. The method as recited in claim 19, wherein said one or more elongated starter strips is in a direction transverse to said one or more joists.

21. The method as recited in claim 15, wherein said slidable movement of said one elongated channel memberis in a direction transverse to said one or more elongated starter strips.

22. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising
moving said one or more elongated channel members in a direction transverse to their respective length; and
positioning said one or more elongated channel members adjacent one another.

23. The method as recited in claim 22, wherein moving said one or more elongated channel members comprises slidably moving said upper coupling portion of said at least one clip coupled thereto along a length of said one elongated starter strip to which said upper coupling portion is coupled.

24. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising
coupling at least one side trim to said lower coupling portion of said one or more clips; and
mounting said at least one side trim over a longitudinal edge of at least one of said one or more elongated channel members.

25. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising coupling at least one front trim with a lower portion at an end of said one or more elongated channel members, said at least one front trim spanning across said end of said one or more elongated channel members.

26. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising coupling at least one back trim with a lower portion at an end of said one or more elongated channel members, said at least one back trim spanning across said end of said one or more elongated channel members.

27. The method as recited in claim 15, further comprising
coupling said tapered recess of said upper coupling portion of each one of two or more clips with said tapered flange of said at least one starter strip; and
coupling said tapered recess of said at least one channel member with said tapered flange of said lower coupling portion of said each one of said two or more clips coupled to said at least one starter strip.