Abstract:
A panel assembly for providing underdeck water drainage and for other applications such as wall panels and skirting for exposed areas under building. The panel assembly, for an underdeck water drainage system, includes a plurality of joist brackets that are mounted transversely to and under the joists of a deck, a plurality of drainage panels, a plurality of drainage panel brackets, and a plurality of joist bracket spacers. The drainage panels may be slidingly engaged or snapped into separate panel brackets or into panel bracket portions of adjacent drainage panels. When properly installed, the underdeck drainage system will protect an area of interest, such as a patio or storage area under a deck, from rain water and keep the area dry. Another application of the present invention is to provide a shield, skirt, or cover for an exposed area under a deck, a home, a mobile home, a wall, or other place of interest.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority to and the benefit of, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e), U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/643,232, filed Jan. 11, 2005, entitled “Underdeck Drainage II,” by Jeffrey E. Smith, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 60/595,558, filed Jul. 14, 2005, entitled “Underdeck Drainage System,” by Jeffrey E. Smith, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention generally relates to water drainage for decks on residential houses and other buildings, and more particularly, to a panel assembly for use in providing an underdeck water drainage system and for other applications such as wall panels, ceiling panels, and decorative exterior panels such as trailer and mobile home skirts and the like.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Decks made of parallel planking are often constructed at residential houses and other buildings to provide an outdoor living or gathering area. Sometimes these decks are elevated on pilings or supports so that the deck can be accessed from an above-ground level. In such cases of an elevated deck, a space is necessarily provided below the deck. This space may or may not be usable for other purposes, but often receives water that drains through spaces in the deck planking during rain events or cleaning.  
         [0004]     A conventional deck construction provides openings between adjacent deck boards or planks forming the deck surface so that water will fall through the openings and not accumulate on the deck surface. However, the area under the deck, which may be used as a second patio or storage area, is exposed to the elements of nature, particularly rain that passes through the openings in the deck. This severely limits the use of the space under the deck. It may be desirable to otherwise collect or divert this water to thereby make the underdeck area dry and usable for other purposes such as storage or recreation.  
         [0005]     Various types of water drainage systems for decks are known in the art. Many of these known systems have proven at least partially effective for creating dry and usable spaces below decks. But many of the known systems have certain drawbacks and leave room for improvement. For example, the known DRY•B•LO system (http://www.dri-b-lo.com), which is believed shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,511,351 and 5,765,328, provides a plurality of flexible panels made of a web material mounted side-by-side in succession in overlapping relationship, straddling adjacent deckjoists. Installation of this system requires extensive manual labor, with many multiple fasteners, and is thus expensive and time-consuming to install. Although the structure is advertised as readily disgorging debris because of its flexible nature, its permanent mounting nature makes it difficult to readily remove, clean, and replace with the same panels.  
         [0006]     The known system provided by the Underdeck Company, Plymouth, Minn. requires four separate components—a joist rail, collector panels, joist gutters, and boundary gutters. It is believed that this company&#39;s products are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,308,479, 6,226,956 and 6,212,887. One issue with this system is the diversion of water towards the joist gutters. Heavy accumulation of water from rainfall is directed toward the joists, which have joist gutters to carry away the water. If the water flow is heavy, it can seep over the edges of the joist gutter mounting structure and contact with the wood of the joist. Over time, this may result in damage to the bottom edges of the joists. Furthermore, this design results in visible joist gutters and does not permit a flat, flush appearance of ceiling and water drainage system. Further still, special collector panels are required for this system if a deck has inconsistent joist spacing, the joist rails are difficult to install at the edges, the panels easily dent and crease, and deck railing post fasteners and support braces can interfere with installation.  
         [0007]     The known DRYSPACE system, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,393,785, involves use of joist covers and separate F-brackets that must be mounted to the bottom of a deck joist, with the F-brackets supporting V-shaped panels. The material of the F-brackets is relatively thin and weak, and may not support a significant water load on the panels. Furthermore, it is possible that during heavy rainfall, water can seep inwardly of the panels into the F-brackets and over the top edge of the F-brackets into the joist covers where it can contact the wood of the joists. This can result in damage to the joists over time.  
         [0008]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,226,941 describes an undercover system mounted below and separate from the deck frame that serves to keep water and debris passing through the deck structure off of the prescribed area. While different mounting arrangements are contemplated, the undercover system in this patent is typically mounted between the wall of a building and posts holding the deck frame. Because the undercover system is separate from the deck frame, the drainage surface must be fairly rigid and self-supporting to carry the water as well as the weight of the panels that drain the water. Furthermore, this system requires a 4 inch to 7 inch space between the bottom of the deck and the panels, which can diminish the amount of overhead room in certain applications.  
         [0009]     Some deck drainage systems require installation before the decking planks are installed. The Rainescape system (http://www.rainescape.com) is one such system. Such systems are clearly inconvenient for preconstructed decks, as the decking must be removed in order to install the drainage system.  
         [0010]     The system shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,415,571 and 6,385,931 provides a plurality of trapezoid-shaped panels that are fastened to joist ends. Significant sealing and caulking may be required along the extensive seams in this approach to prevent leakage, which is time-consuming and difficult to create a smooth appearance.  
         [0011]     Other approaches to underdeck water drainage are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,065,883; 5,195,281; 6,308,479; 6,164,019; and D466,596.  
         [0012]     With many of these known underdeck drainage systems, over a period of time, the drainage panel may be degraded and/or damaged, and there may be leaves and/or other debris accumulated on the drainage panel surface so that the panel surfaces become clogged. However, it is difficult or a least inconvenient to remove, clean, and/or replace components in many of these known drainage systems.  
         [0013]     There is thus a need for an underdeck drainage system that is easy to install, easy to remove, and therefore easy to maintain and/or clean. There is a need for a system that can be used for new deck construction as well as aftermarket installation on preconstructed decks. There is a need for a system that can readily accommodate inconsistent joist spacing and the presence of railing post fasteners and support braces, and does not require separate special panels. There is also a need for a system that minimizes water contact with joists and other wood components of a deck to prolong the life of the joists and other components. The present invention addresses many of these unfulfilled needs.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     The above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, which, in one aspect, relates to an underdeck water drainage system for mounting beneath a deck assembly, where the deck assembly has spaced floor boards extending over a predetermined surface area, the spaced floor boards are supported by a plurality of parallel, regularly-spaced joists. According to an aspect of the invention, the drainage system is for mounting beneath a deck assembly, the deck assembly having spaced floor boards extending over a predetermined surface area, the spaced floor boards being supported by a plurality of usually parallel spaced-apart joists. The underdeck drainage system includes a plurality of joist brackets, mountable to and across (perpendicular to) the plurality of joists, a plurality of drainage panels, a plurality of panel brackets connecting the plurality of drainage panels, and a plurality of stackable joist bracket spacers mountable to the plurality of joist brackets for providing slope or pitch to the drainage panels. The drainage panels direct water to gutters mounted at an end of the assembly, typically along an edge of the deck.  
         [0015]     In one aspect, each of the plurality of joist brackets has a bottom portion, an opposite top portion, at least one notched receptacle extending widthwise on the bottom portion at a predetermined position, a pair of notched grooves lengthwise formed on the top portion, and a plurality of obround openings regularly formed on the top portion. The notched receptacle is for receiving and supporting the panel brackets. The notched grooves are for receiving stackable joist bracket spacers.  
         [0016]     According to one aspect of the joist brackets, each of the plurality of joist brackets further comprises a first end, an opposite second end, at least one dovetailed peg formed on the first end, and at least one dovetailed notch formed on the second end such that when two joist brackets are joined, the at least one dovetailed peg of the first joist bracket is received in and engaged with the at least one dovetailed notch of the second joist bracket, for connecting multiple joist brackets together to extend the length.  
         [0017]     According to another aspect of the joist brackets, each of the plurality of joist brackets further comprises a first end, an opposite second end, at least one tenon formed on the first end, and at least one mortise formed on the second end such that when two joist brackets are joined, the at least one tenon of the first joist bracket is received in and engaged with the at least one mortise of the second joist bracket.  
         [0018]     According to one aspect of an embodiment of the drainage panels, each of the drainage panels has a first edge and an opposite second edge, and a first flange and an opposite second flange extending outward and widthwise from the first edge and the second edge, respectively. In another embodiment, each of the plurality of drainage panels includes a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a plurality of ridges lengthwise protruding from the first surface to form a plurality of drainage channels thereon, a first flange and a second flange with a number of protrusions lengthwise formed on flange surfaces.  
         [0019]     In one embodiment, each of the plurality of panel brackets has a first surface, an opposite second surface, a U-shaped peg lengthwise protruding from the first surface, a first U-shaped notched receptacle and an opposite second U-shaped notched receptacle defined between the first surface and the second surface, the notched receptacles for receiving and supporting drainage panels. The U-shaped peg is for affixing into, slidably and/or by snap-in, the receptacle in the joist brackets.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment, each of the U-shaped receptacles of the plurality of the panel brackets has a number of grooves lengthwise formed therein such that, in operation, the number of protrusions on the flange surfaces of the drainage panel are received in and engaged with a corresponding number of grooves of the panel brackets, respectively.  
         [0021]     In one aspect of the joist bracket spacers, each of the plurality of joist bracket spacers has a frame, an obround ring forming an obround opening, and a plurality of ribs connecting and supporting the ring and the frame. In another aspect, each of the plurality of joist bracket spacers further has a first end portion, an opposite second end portion, a first pair of openings and a first pair of pegs formed on the first end portion, and a second pair of openings and a second pair of pegs formed on the second end portion, where the first pair of pegs and the second pair of pegs are respectively offset from the first pair of openings and the second pair of openings such that when two identical joist bracket spacers are joined, the first pair of pegs and the second pair of pegs of one of two joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with the first pair of openings and the second pair of openings of the other joist bracket spacer, respectively.  
         [0022]     In a further aspect of the joist bracket spacers, each of the plurality of joist bracket spacers further includes a first surface, an opposite, second surface, a opening formed through the first surface and the second surface at a predetermined position, a pair of notched grooves formed on the first surface, and a pair of notched pegs formed on the second surface at corresponding positions of the pair of notched grooves such that when two identical joist bracket spacers are joined, a pair of notched pegs of one of two joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with a pair of notched grooves of the other joist bracket spacer, respectively.  
         [0023]     When an underdeck drainage system according to aspects of the invention is in operation, the first flange and the second flange of each of the plurality of drainage panels are received in the U-shaped notched receptacle of one of the plurality of panel brackets and the second U-shaped notched receptacle of another panel bracket, respectively. The U-shaped pegs of the plurality of panel brackets are received in corresponding notched receptacles of the plurality of joist brackets, respectively. The plurality of drainage panels are engaged with the plurality of panel brackets, which, in turn, are engaged with the plurality of joist brackets.  
         [0024]     In one embodiment, when the joist bracket spacers are in operation, the first pair of pegs and the second pair of pegs of one of the plurality of joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with the pair of notched grooves of another one of the plurality of joist brackets, respectively. In another embodiment, when these joist bracket spacers are in operation, the pair of notched pegs of one of the plurality of joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with the pair of notched grooves of one of the plurality of joist bracket such that the second surface of the corresponding joist bracket spacer is substantially in contact with the top portion of the corresponding joist bracket, and the opening of the corresponding joist bracket spacer is substantially coincident or aligned with one of the plurality of obround opening of the corresponding joist bracket.  
         [0025]     Advantageously, by mounting the joist brackets across (perpendicular) to a plurality of underdeck joists, it does not matter about the spacing of the joists, whether the spacing is regular or inconsistent. A system constructed in accordance with the invention is not dependent on particular joist spacing and can be readily adapted for many applications.  
         [0026]     In one embodiment, the drainage system further comprises a trim channel cover mountable to a discharging end of the plurality of drainage panels to collect water therefrom and direct it to a downspout. In another embodiment, the trim channel cover comprises a gutter.  
         [0027]     In another aspect, the present invention relates to a drainage system for mounting beneath a deck assembly, where the deck assembly has spaced floor boards extending over a predetermined surface area, the spaced floor boards are supported by a plurality of generally parallel joists. In one aspect, the underdeck drainage system comprises a plurality of joist brackets mountable to the plurality of joists, where each of the plurality of the joist brackets has a bottom portion, an opposite, top portion, at least one notched receptacle widthwise protruding from the bottom portion at a predetermined position, a pair of notched grooves lengthwise formed on the top portion, and a plurality of obround openings regularly formed through the top portion. In another aspect of the joist brackets, each of the plurality of the joist brackets further comprises a first end, an opposite, second end, at least one dovetailed peg formed on the first end, and at least one dovetailed notch formed on the second end such that when two joist brackets are joined, the at least one dovetailed peg of one of two joist brackets is received in and engaged with the at least one dovetailed notch of the other joist bracket. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of joist brackets further comprise a first end, an opposite second end, at least one tenon formed on the first end, and at least one mortise formed on the second end such that when two joist brackets are joined, the at least tenon of one of two joist brackets is received in and engaged with the at least one mortise of the other joist bracket.  
         [0028]     According to another embodiment of the invention, the underdeck drainage system comprises a plurality of drainage panels having a flange along one edge and a flange receptacle or bracket along another edge. In this embodiment, each of the plurality of the drainage panels has a first edge, an opposite second edge, a flange widthwise extending from the first edge, and a panel bracket or receptacle widthwise extending from the second edge. The panel bracket or receptacle is preferably a U-shaped notched receptacle parallel to the drainage panel and a U-shaped peg protruding perpendicularly and lengthwise from a junction of the second edge and the panel bracket. The U-shaped peg is received, slidably or by snap-in, corresponding receptacle in joist brackets.  
         [0029]     In another embodiment of the drainage panels, each of the drainage panels comprises a first surface, an opposite second surface, and a plurality of ridges lengthwise protruding from the first surface to form a plurality of drainage channels thereon. In yet another embodiment, the flange of a drainage panel has a number of protrusions lengthwise formed on flange surfaces, and the U-shaped notched receptacle of the drainage panel has a number of grooves lengthwise formed therein. In a further embodiment, when two drainage panels are connected, the number of protrusions on the flange surfaces of one of two drainage panels are received in and engaged with the number of grooves of the U-shaped notched receptacle of the other drainage panel.  
         [0030]     According to another aspect of the invention, the underdeck drainage system comprises a plurality of joist bracket spacers mountable to the plurality of joist brackets for setting up a pitch or slope of the drainage system. In another aspect, each of the plurality of joist bracket spacers comprises a frame, a ring forming an opening, and a plurality of ribs connecting the ring and the frame. In another aspect, the plurality of joist bracket spacers further comprises a first end portion, an opposite, second end portion, a first pair of openings and a first pair of pegs formed on the first end portion, and a second pair of openings and a second pair of pegs formed on the second end portion, wherein the first pair of pegs and the second pair of pegs are respectively offset from the first pair of openings and the second pair of openings such that when two joist bracket spacers are joined, the first pair of pegs and the second pair of pegs of one of two joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with a first pair of openings and the second pair of openings of the other joist bracket spacer, respectively.  
         [0031]     In a further aspect of the joist bracket spacers, the first pair of pegs and the second pair of pegs of one of the plurality of joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with the pair of notched grooves and of one of the plurality of joist brackets, respectively. In yet another aspect, each of the plurality of joist bracket spacers has a first surface, an opposite second surface, a opening formed through the first surface and the second surface at a predetermined position, a pair of notched grooves formed on the first surface, and a pair of notched pegs and formed on the second surface at corresponding positions of the pair of notched grooves such that when two joist bracket spacers are joined, a pair of notched pegs of one of two joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with a pair of notched grooves of the other joist bracket spacer, respectively.  
         [0032]     In yet a further aspect of the joist bracket spacers, the pair of notched pegs of one of the plurality of joist bracket spacers are received in and engaged with the pair of notched grooves of one of the plurality of joist brackets such that the second surface of the corresponding joist bracket spacer is substantially in contact with the top portion of the corresponding joist bracket, and the opening of the corresponding joist bracket spacer is substantially coincident or aligned with one of the plurality of obround openings of the corresponding joist bracket.  
         [0033]     In one embodiment, the underdeck drainage system further includes a trim or end channel cover mounted to one end of the drainage panels (the higher or nondischarging end), and a gutter system at the other end of the drainage panels (the lower or discharging end) to collect the water and direct it to a downspout.  
         [0034]     The components of the underdeck drainage system, such as the plurality of joist brackets, the plurality of drainage panels, the plurality of panel brackets, the plurality of joist bracket spacers, and the trim channel cover are made of generally rigid material such as plastic, metal, or the like.  
         [0035]     The present invention, as decorative panel system, is not limited to providing a water-draining underdeck system. The panel system can also be used for other purposes, such as for walls, ceilings, and decorative or space-concealing members for mobile home skirting, deck or room sides, porches, and the like. According to another aspect of the invention, therefore, the panel system is used to provide a wall panel system, a ceiling system, or a skirting system for covering an area of interest. According to this aspect, the skirting system comprises a plurality of support brackets mountable in the area of interest and a plurality of panels mountable to the plurality of support brackets. In another embodiment, the skirting system further comprises a plurality of panel brackets adapted for connecting two adjacent panels and engaging the connected panels with the plurality of support brackets. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0036]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an underdeck drainage system installed beneath a deck assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0037]      FIG. 2 , consisting of  FIGS. 2A and 2B , respectively shows (A) an exploded view and (B) an exploded perspective view of an underdeck drainage system according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0038]      FIG. 3 , consisting of  FIGS. 3A, 3B , and  3 C, respectively shows (A) a partial bottom view of a joist bracket, (B) a top perspective view of a joist bracket, and (C) a bottom perspective view of a joist bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a top perspective view of a joist bracket according another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portion of a drainage panel according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a portion of a drainage panel according to another aspect of the invention.  
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a portion of a drainage panel bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of two joist bracket spacers and their relative positions when they are joined together to form a joist bracket spacer stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0044]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a joist bracket spacer according to another embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0045]      FIG. 10  is an exploded side view of the assembly of two joist bracket spacers and ajoist bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0046]      FIG. 11  is a partial and exploded perspective view of an underdeck drainage system and the relationship of each component according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0047]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of an underdeck drainage system assembled according to one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0048]      FIG. 13 , consisting of  FIGS. 13A-13J , illustrates an assembly procedure of an underdeck drainage system constructed according to certain aspects of the invention, namely, (A) engaging two joist brackets to form a joist bracket bar, (B) attaching a joist bracket spacer to a joist bracket, (C) attaching a joist bracket bar with a joist bracket spacer to an underside of a deck assembly, (D) aligning the neighboring joist bracket bars, (E) attaching a drainage panel to an underside of a joist bracket bar, (F) a partial perspective view of the drainage panel attached to the underside of the joist bracket bar, (G) engaging two adjacent drainage panels together, (H) a partial perspective view of two engaged drainage panels, (I) a partial top perspective view of an assembled underdeck drainage system and (j) a partial bottom perspective view of an assembled underdeck drainage system.  
         [0049]      FIG. 14  shows an application of a panel system constructed in accordance with aspects of the inventions utilized as a skirting system.  
         [0050]      FIG. 15  shows an alternative application of a panel system used as a skirting system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0051]     The present invention is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended to be illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Various embodiments of the invention are now described in detail. Refer now to the drawings, where like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.  
         [0052]     The description will be made as to the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings  FIGS. 1-15 . In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in one aspect, relates to a water drainage system for a deck assembly. The deck assembly has spaced floor boards extending over a predetermined surface area, where the spaced floor boards are supported by a plurality of parallel, regularly-spaced joists.  
         [0053]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an underdeck drainage system  10  is shown under a deck assembly  8  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The underdeck drainage system  10  has a plurality of joist brackets  11  mountable to the underside of and perpendicularly across of a plurality of deck floor supporting joists  20 , a plurality of drainage panels  13  adapted for forming a water shield under a deck assembly, a plurality of panel brackets  15  adapted for connecting the plurality of the drainage panels  13 , a plurality of stackable joist bracket spacers  17  adapted for setting a pitch for the underdeck drainage system, and a gutter system  19  for guiding the water collected by the underdeck drainage system to a downspout  22 . A U-shaped end or trim channel  24  is also provided, at the highest end of the drainage system opposite the gutter system  19 .  
         [0054]     When the underdeck drainage system  10  is assembled, the drainage panels  13  are connected and supported by the panel brackets  15 . The panel brackets  15  are preferably first attached to the underside of the joist brackets  11  by sliding engagement or by snapping in, and the drainage panels are then slid into the panel brackets. Alternatively, an assembly of panel brackets that have already been engaged by drainage panels can be affixed to the joist brackets  11 .  
         [0055]     The joist brackets  11  are attached to underside of the joists  20  with or without the joist bracket spacers  17 , but preferably with spacers  17  provided in progressively larger stacks to provide a pitch for drainage. The joist bracket spacers  17  provide a pitch for the drainage panels  13  so one end of the drainage panel is higher than the other end where the water will be collected into a gutter system  19 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 1  for a deck assembly having joist beams  20  installed as shown, two joist bracket spacers  17  are installed in between the joist and the joist bracket  11   a,  four joist bracket spacers  17  are installed in between the joist and the joist bracket  11   b,  and five joist bracket spacers  17  are installed in between the joist and the joist bracket  11   c.  It will of course be understood that the example of two, four, and five joist bracket spacers is merely one illustrative. Other number combinations of joist bracket spacers can also be used to practice this invention. The exact number of joist bracket spacers utilized to obtain a desired pitch will vary. Preferably, therefore, the outer or discharge end of the drainage panels  13  towards the gutter system  19  is lower than the inner end of the drainage panels nearest the house, so that the water will be directed to the lower end of the drainage panels  13  where the gutter system  19  is located.  
         [0056]     The joist brackets  11  are fastened to the underside of the joists  20  of the of the deck assembly with either hot dipped galvanized screws/nails or stainless steel screws/nails according to one embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the joist brackets  11  are fastened transversely across (perpendicularly) to the underside of the joists  20 , but could be attached at any angle. The gutter system  19  is installed transversely across the discharging end of the plurality of drainage panels  13  to collect water therefrom and direct it to a downspout  22 . A U-shaped channel member  24  is provided to support the edge of the drainage panels adjacent the house, and provide a water barrier.  
         [0057]     Referring now to  FIG. 2A , a preferred embodiment of an underdeck drainage system  100  is shown. The underdeck drainage system  100  has a plurality of joist brackets  110  adapted for attaching the drainage system to the underside of the deck assembly, a plurality of drainage panels  130  adapted for channeling water flow toward the gutter system, a plurality of panel brackets  150  adapted for connecting the plurality of drainage panels  130  and attaching the connected drainage panels to the joist brackets  110 , and a plurality of joist bracket spacers  170  for setting a pitch of the drainage panels  130 . A plurality of screws or nails  1   60  are used to fasten the plurality of the joist brackets  110  to the underside of the plurality of the joists of the deck. Detailed descriptions of these individual components are given in the following sections.  
         [0058]     Referring now to  FIG. 2B , a perspective view of the underdeck drainage system is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. This drawing shows the relative positions of all necessary components as assembled to form such an underdeck drainage system. A dovetailed peg  112  of a first end  111  of a joist bracket  110   a  is slid into a dovetailed notch  114  of a second end  113  of another joist bracket  110   b  to form ajoist bracket bar. This joist bracket attaching process continues until the joist bracket bar reaches a length substantially equal to the length of the deck assembly. Several joist bracket bars may be needed for the underdeck drainage system. The joist bracket bar is fastened with joist bracket screws  160  (not shown in  FIG. 2B , see  FIG. 2A ) to the plurality of the joists of the deck assembly.  
         [0059]     In order to affix the drainage panels  130  to a joist bracket bar, a first flange  134  of a drainage panel  130   a  is inserted into a first U-shaped notched receptacle  154  of a panel bracket  150 , and a second flange  136  of another drainage panel  130   b  is inserted into a second U-shaped notched receptacle  156  of the panel bracket  150 . The flanges may be snapped into place by direct insertion, or may be slidingly engaged. The drainage panels  130   a,    130   b  and drainage panel brackets  150  form a water shield with an alternate pattern such as one drainage panel  130   a,  one drainage panel bracket  150 , another drainage panel  130   b,  another drainage panel bracket  150 , and so on. The U-shaped pegs  157  of the panel brackets  150  of this water shield are then installed into corresponding notched receptacles  117  of joist brackets  110 , by snapping into place or by sliding engagement. Optionally, a plurality of the joist bracket spacers  170  can be installed between joists and the joist bracket bars to form a pitch for the drainage panels  130 .  
         [0060]     Referring now to  FIG. 3A , a joist bracket  110  is shown in this bottom view of the joist bracket according to one embodiment of the present invention. The joist bracket  110  has a first end  111 , an opposite second end  113 , a first outer wall  121   a,  an opposite second outer wall  121   b,  a body  115  formed between the first end  111  and the second end  113 , a bottom portion  115   a  (not shown in  FIG. 3A , see  FIG. 3B ), an opposite top portion  115   b  (not shown in  FIG. 3A , see  FIG. 3B ), at least one dovetailed peg  112  formed on the first end  111 , and at least one dovetailed notch  114  formed on the second end  113 , such that when two joist brackets  110  are joined, the at least one dovetailed peg  112  of one joist bracket  110  is received in and engaged with the at least one dovetailed notch  114  of another joist bracket  110 .  
         [0061]     According to an aspect of the invention, a joist bracket  110  also includes a plurality of notched receptacles  117  extending across the width of the bracket from a bottom portion  115   a  of the body  115  at a predetermined position and adapted for receiving the U-shaped pegs of a drainage panel bracket  150 . According to another aspect, a joist bracket  110  also includes a pair of notched grooves  119   a  and  119   b  extending lengthwise along the top portion  115   b  adapted for attaching one or more joist bracket spacers  170  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ) for setting a pitch of the drainage panels  130 , a plurality of spaced-apart obround openings  118  regularly formed on the top portion  115   b  adapted for fastening the joist bracket to the underside of the deck assembly with joist bracket screws  160 , and a pair of inner reinforcement walls  116   a  and  116   b.    
         [0062]     When the joist brackets  110  of this aspect are in use, they are joined together by sliding the dovetailed peg  112  of the first end  111  of one joist bracket  110  to the dovetailed notch  114  of the second end of  113  of another joist bracket  110  to form a joist bracket bar in a length substantially equal to the length of the deck assembly. Several joist bracket bars may be needed to form the underdeck drainage system. More joist bracket bars may be required for a large size deck assembly and the joist bracket bars are spaced at a predetermined distance for supporting the drainage panels  130 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 3B  is a top perspective view of a joist bracket  110 . The first outer wall  121   a  and the top portion  115   b  of the joist bracket  110  are shown. A plurality of the grooves  123   a,    123   b,  and  123   c  are formed on the top portion  115   b,  extending widthwise in the same lengthwise locations as the plurality of the notched receptacles  117  to facilitate stacking a plurality of joist brackets when stored or for shipment.  
         [0064]     The top portion  115   b  of the joist bracket  110  has a pair of notched grooves  119   a  and  119   b  extending lengthwise, for receiving a first pair of pegs  173   a  and a second pair of pegs  173   b  of the joist bracket spacers  170  (e.g. see  FIG. 8 ) or a pair of notched pegs of a joist bracket spacer  370  (e.g. see  FIG. 9 ). In the center of the top portion  115   b,  a plurality of obround openings  118  are formed for fastening the joist bracket  110  with joist bracket screws  160 .  
         [0065]      FIG. 3C  is a bottom perspective view of a joist bracket  110 . The cross-section of the joist bracket  110  is shaped generally like a U with two reinforcement walls  116   a  and  116   b  extending lengthwise in between the two outer walls  121   a  and  121   b.  The plurality of the notched receptacles  117  are supported by a pair of notched receptacle support walls  125  extending widthwise and through the top portion  115   b.  A plurality of support walls  123  are formed around the obround openings  118  for further strengthening the top portion  115   b.    
         [0066]      FIG. 4  illustrates a joist bracket  410  is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. The joist bracket  410  has a first end  411 , an opposite second end  413 , a top surface  415   b,  an opposite, underside surface  415   a,  a body  415  formed between the first end  411  and the second end  413 , at least one tenon  412  formed on the first end  411  and at least one mortise  414  (shown in phantom) formed on the second end  413  such that when two joist brackets  410  of this type are joined, the at least one tenon  412  of a joist bracket  410  is received in and engaged with the at least one mortise  414  of another joist bracket  410 .  
         [0067]     A joist bracket  410  of the type shown in  FIG. 4  also preferably includes a plurality of notched receptacles  417  protruded from an underside surface  415   a  of the body  415  at a predetermined position adapted for receiving the U-shaped pegs  157  of a drainage panel bracket  150 , a plurality of obround openings  418  adapted for fastening the joist bracket to the underside of the deck assembly with joist bracket screws  160 , a pair of longitudinally extending notched grooves  419   a  and  419   b  adapted for receiving a first pair of pegs  173   a  and a second pair of pegs  173   b  of a joist bracket spacer  170  for setting a pitch for the drainage panels  130 .  
         [0068]     When the joist brackets  410  are in use, they are snapped together by joining the first end  411  of a joist bracket  410  to the second end of  413  of another joist bracket  410  to form a joist bracket bar in a length substantially equal to the length of the deck assembly. Several joist bracket bars may be needed to form the underdeck drainage system. More joist bracket bars may be required for large size deck assembly and the joist bracket bars are spaced at a predetermined distance for supporting the drainage panels  130 .  
         [0069]     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a drainage panel  130  is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The drainage panel  130  has a length, a width, a first surface  137   a,  an opposite second surface  137   b,  a plurality of drainage channels  131  formed by a plurality of ridges  138   a  on the first surface  137   a  extending lengthwise adapted for channeling water from the spaces between the deck boards toward a gutter system, a plurality of ridges  138   b  formed on the second surface  137   b  extending lengthwise for both decorative purposes and/or further strengthening the drainage panels  130 .  
         [0070]     The drainage panel  130  also includes a first flange  134  and a second flange  136  extending widthwise from a first lateral end  133  and an opposite, second lateral end  135  of the corresponding drainage panel  130 , respectively. Each of the first flange  134  and the second flange  136  has a number of protrusions  134   a  ( 136   a ) formed lengthwise on flange surfaces for inter-locking the flanges  134  or  136  of the drainage panels  130  to the receiving grooves  154  or  156  of a panel bracket  150 .  
         [0071]     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a drainage panel  230  according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. According to this aspect of the invention, the drainage panel  230  has a length, a width, a first surface  237   a  and an opposite second surface  237   b,  a plurality of drainage channels  231  formed by a plurality of ridges  238   a  on the first surface  237   a  extending lengthwise for channeling water from the spaces between the deck boards downward to a gutter system, a plurality of ridges  238   b  formed on the second surface  237   b  extending lengthwise for decorative purposes and/or further strengthening the drainage panels  230 , a flange  234  on one side of the drainage panel  230  extending widthwise from a first lateral end  233 , and a U-shaped panel bracket  236  on the opposite side extending widthwise from a second lateral end  235 , respectively.  
         [0072]     The flange  234  has a number of grooves  258  defined by spaced apart trapezoidal protrusions  259 , each of which has a sloped leading edge and a generally vertical trailing edge to engage with and “catch” protrusions  234   a  on a drainage panel  230 . Each drainage panel has a number of protrusions  234   a  formed lengthwise on both flange surfaces for inter-locking the flanges  234  of the drainage panels  230  to the U-shaped notched receptacle  236  of another drainage panel  230 . When a drainage panel  230  is inserted, the number of protrusions  234   a  on both flange surfaces of the drainage panel  230  are received in and engaged with the number of grooves  258 .  
         [0073]     According to this aspect of the invention, the panel bracket  236  has a plurality of protrusions  258  formed lengthwise on both inner surfaces of the U-shaped panel bracket  236  for receiving the flanges  234  of another adjacent drainage panel  230 , and a pair of U-shaped pegs  236   c  protruding perpendicularly and extended lengthwise from the second lateral end  235 . The flange  234  and the U-shaped panel bracket  236  are designed to inter-lock adjacent drainage panels  230 . The protrusions  234   a  are securely engaged by the plurality of U-shaped panel brackets  236  of another drainage panel  230  once they are properly installed. The U-shaped pegs  236   c  are used to attach the connected drainage panels  230  to the notched receptacles  117  of the joist brackets  110 .  
         [0074]     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a panel bracket  150  is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The panel bracket  150  has a length, a first surface  151   a,  an opposite second surface  151   b,  a U-shaped peg  157  lengthwise protruding from and perpendicular to the first surface  151   a,  a first U-shaped notched receptacle  154  and a second U-shaped notched receptacle  156  extending widthwise and in opposite direction from the bracket center  155 . Each of the first U-shaped notched receptacles  154  and the second U-shaped notched receptacles  156  has a number of grooves  158  defined by spaced apart trapezoidal protrusions  159 , each of which has a sloped leading edge and a generally vertical trailing edge to engage with and “catch” protrusions  134   a,    136   a  on the drainage panels  130  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ). When a drainage panel  130  is inserted, the number of protrusions  134   a,    136   a  on both flange surfaces of the drainage panel  130  are received in and engaged with the number of grooves  158 . The two U-shaped notched receptacles  154  and  156  are used to connect the adjacent drainage panels together, one on each side. The U-shaped peg  157  is formed such that when the panel bracket  130  installed onto the drainage panel bracket  150  and further attached to the notched receptacle  117  of a joist bracket  110 , where the U-shaped peg  157  is received in and engaged with notched receptacle  117  of the joist bracket  110 .  
         [0075]     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a joist bracket spacer  170  is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The joist bracket spacer  170  has a frame  171 , an obround ring  176  forming an obround opening  175 , a plurality of ribs  172  connecting the ring  176  and the frame  171  at an angle, a first end portion  171   a,  an opposite second end portion  171   b,  a first pair of openings  174   a  and a first pair of pegs  173   a  formed near the first end portion  171   a,  and a second pair of openings  174   b  and a second pair of pegs  173   b  formed near the second end portion  171   b.  The first pair of pegs  173   a  and the second pair of pegs  173   b  are respectively offset from the first pair of openings  174   a  and the second pair of openings  174   b  such that when two joist bracket spacers  170  are joined by rotating successive spacers 180 degrees, the first pair of pegs  173   a  and the second pair of pegs  173   b  of a joist bracket spacer  170  are received in and engaged with a first pair of openings  174   a  and the second pair of openings  174   b  of another joist bracket spacer  170 , respectively.  
         [0076]     As generally can be seen in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , the first pair of pegs  173   a  and the second pair of pegs  173   b  of one of the plurality of joist bracket spacers  170  can also be received in and engaged with a pair of notched grooves  119   a  and  119   b  of one of the plurality of joist brackets  110 , respectively.  
         [0077]     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , the opening  175  of spacer  170  is used by the joist bracket screws  160  for fastening the joist bracket  110  to the underside of the deck system. The ribs  172  strengthen and support the ring  176  and the frame  171 . The spacers  170  are formed with offset snap openings  174   a  and  174   b  for receiving pegs  173   a  and  173   b  of a corresponding adjacent spacer. By rotating successive spacers 180 degrees, the spacers can be snapped together in a stack to create a desired pitch of the drainage panels  130  for draining water.  
         [0078]     Another embodiment of a joist bracket spacer  370  is shown in  FIG. 9 . A joist bracket spacer  370  according to this aspect comprises a first surface  371   a,  an opposite second surface  371   b,  an obround opening  375  formed through the first surface  371   a  and the second surface  371   b  at a predetermined position, a pair of notched grooves  374   a  and  374   b  formed on the first surface  371   a,  and a pair of notched pegs  373   a  and  373   b  formed on the second surface  371   b  at corresponding positions of the pair of notched grooves  374   a  and  374   b.  When two joist bracket spacers  370  are joined, the pair of notched pegs  373   a  and  373   b  of one joist bracket spacer  370  are received in and engaged with the pair of notched grooves  374   a  and  374   b  of another joist bracket spacer  370 , respectively. The pair of notched pegs  373   a  and  373   b  of one joist bracket spacer  370  can also be received in and engaged with a pair of notched grooves  119   a  and  119   b  of a joist bracket  110 , respectively. The opening  375  is used by the joist bracket screws  160  for fastening the joist bracket  110  to the underside of a deck assembly. Optionally, a plurality of spaces or conduits  378   a  and  378   b  can be formed lengthwise to minimize the amount of material utilized.  
         [0079]      FIG. 10  shows a side view of the relative position of two joist bracket spacers  370  and a joist bracket  110  according to one embodiment of the present invention. One joist bracket  110  and two joist bracket spacers  370   a,    370   b  are shown in place before they are attached. The pair of notched pegs  373   a  and  373   b  of the top joist bracket spacer  370   a  can be either slidingly engaged or snapped into the pair of notched grooves  374   a  and  374   b  of the second joist bracket spacer  370   b,  respectively. The pair of notched pegs  373   a  and  373   b  of the second joist bracket spacer  370   b  can also be either slidingly engaged or snapped into a pair of notched grooves  119   a  and  119   b  of a joist bracket  110 , respectively. When they are properly installed, the pair of notched pegs  373   a  and  373   b  is securely engaged into the pair of notched grooves  374   a  and  374   b  of another joist bracket spacer  370  or the notched grooves  119   a  and  119   b  of the joist bracket  110 . Any number of joist bracket spacers  370  can be used to reach a proper height for setting up a proper pitch for the drainage panels  130 .  
         [0080]     For a preferred embodiment, the components and their arrangement for an underdeck drainage system  100  are shown in  FIG. 11 . The joist bracket spacers  170  are placed between joist bracket  110  and the joists of a deck assembly (not shown). The joist brackets  110  are connected through their pegs  112  and notches  114  (not shown in FIG. I  1 , see  FIGS. 3A, 3B  and  3 C) to form a joist bracket bar. The joist bracket bars are fastened with the joist bracket screws  160  to the underside of the joists of the deck assembly. The flanges  134  and  136  of drainage panels  130  are installed into the U-shaped notched grooves  154  and  156  of panel brackets  150  to form a water shield under the deck assembly and a surface for draining water from the deck above. This water shield is further attached to the under side of the deck assembly through the U-shaped pegs  157  of the panel brackets  150  to the U-shaped notched receptacles  117 .  
         [0081]      FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of the assembled underdeck drainage system  100 . An underdeck drainage system constructed in accordance with the various embodiments of the invention is designed to provide “do-it-yourself” homeowners or builders a quick, easy, and faulty -free installation.  
         [0082]     Referring now to  FIGS. 13A-13J , an exemplary assembling process is illustrated according one embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0083]     (a). First, a plurality of joist bracket bars are assembled (see  FIG. 13A ). The tenons  412  at a first end  411  of a joist bracket  410   a  and the mortises  414  at a second end  413  of another joist brackets  410   b  are snapped together to form a plurality of joist bracket support bars so that the length of the joist bracket bars are substantially equal to the length of the deck and U-shaped pegs  417  are in the same longitudinal location. Although the embodiment of joist bracket  410  ( FIG. 4 ) is used in this example, the other embodiment such as joist bracket  110  ( FIG. 3 ) can also be used for such practice.  
         [0084]     (b). Next, a plurality of joist bracket spacer stacks are formed (see  FIG. 13B ). A plurality of joist bracket spacers  370  are snapped together to form a series of joist bracket spacer stacks for successive joist bracket bars to set a pitch of the drainage panels  230 . These joist bracket spacer stacks are installed between the joists of the deck assembly and joist bracket bars. In order to direct water away from a house, the joist bracket bar near a house requires no or fewer spacers  370 , but the joist bracket bar near the gutter system usually requires a number o joist bracket spacers  370  to form the desired pitch for the drainage panels  230 . Either joist bracket spacer embodiment  170  or embodiment  370  can be used here to form the joist bracket spacer stacks.  
         [0085]     (c). Joist bracket spacers or joist bracket spacer stacks are then affixed to the joist bracket bars (see  FIG. 13C ). The joist bracket spacers  370  or the joist bracket spacer stacks are either slidingly engaged or snapped into the grooves  419   a  and  419   b  on the first surface  415   b  of the joist brackets  410   b  as shown, thereby securing the joist bracket spacer  370  to the joist bracket bar (joist brackets  410   a  and  410   b  joined). In this manner the pegs  373   a  and  373   b  (not shown in  FIG. 13C ) of the joist bracket spacers  370  or joist bracket spacer stacks are securely engaged into the grooves  419   a  and  419   b  of the joist bracket  410   b  to form a plurality of joist bracket spacer stack and joist bracket bar assembly, each of these assembly having successive and different height to set up a pitch for the drainage panel  230 . The joist bracket spacer embodiment is not limited to  370  as described here. Other embodiments such as  170  can also be used as an alternative.  
         [0086]     (d). The joist bracket bars are then fastened to the joists of a deck assembly (see  FIG. 13C and 13D ). The joist bracket spacer stacks and joist bracket bars assembly are fastened with a plurality of the joist bracket screws  260  to the underside of the deck joists. The plurality of the joist bracket screws  260  are preferably made of hot dipped galvanized or stainless steel and they are fastened at predetermined intervals. Optionally, a plurality of nails also be used to fasten the joist bracket bars to the deck joists. Referring now to  FIG. 13D , a bottom view of the installed joist bracket spacer stacks and joist bracket bars assemblies is shown. The key to a proper installation of the underdeck drainage system is to align the notched receptacles  417  of the neighboring joist brackets  410  as shown in  FIG. 13D .  
         [0087]     (e). A first drainage panel  230  is then installed (see  FIGS. 13E and 13F ). The U-shaped pegs  236   c  of the drainage panel  230  is slidingly engaged or snapped into the notched receptacle  417  of the joist bracket  410   b  above as shown in  FIG. 13E .  FIG. 13F  shows a partial perspective view of the joist bracket  410  and the assembled drainage panel  230 . Alternatively, drainage panel brackets  150  of another embodiment and the drainage panels  130  can be installed.  
         [0088]     (f). Other drainage panels  230  are then installed (see  FIGS. 13G and 13H ). The flange  234  of next drainage panel  230   b  is inserted into the notched groove  236  of the previous installed drainage panel  230   a,  securely engaging the drainage panel  230   b  into the notched groove  236  of the drainage panel  230   a.  The U-shaped peg  236   c  of the drainage panel  230   b  is securely engaged in the corresponding U-shaped notched receptacle  417  of joist bracket  410   b.    FIG. 13H  shows a partial perspective view of the joist bracket  210  and both installed drainage panels  230 . The second drainage panel  230   b  is then installed and secured to the U-shaped notched receptacle  417  of the joist bracket  410   b  above. This step is repeated until all the drainage panels are installed and secured.  FIG. 131  shows a top perspective view of the assembled underdeck drainage system.  FIG. 13J  shows a bottom perspective view of the assembled underdeck drainage system.  
         [0089]     (g). Finally, a gutter system (e.g. gutter  19  in  FIG. 1 ) is preferably installed on the lower edge of the drainage panels to collect water from the upper surface of the drainage panels and direct it to a downspout (e.g. downspout  22  in  FIG. 1 ).  
         [0090]     These parts such as joist brackets  110 / 410 , drainage panels  130 / 230 , drainage panel brackets  150  and joist bracket spacers  170 / 370  can be assembled in any order. Many alternative methods can also be practiced by those skilled in the art to form an underdeck drainage system.  
         [0091]     All components of the underdeck drainage system can be made of plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (hereinafter “PVC”), polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylonnitrile-butadiene-styrene (hereinafter “ABS”), or metal such as aluminum or steel. Generally, the lumber used for constructing a deck assembly is treated with Alkaline Copper Quaternary (hereinafter “ACQ”) in recent years. The ACQ treated lumber is very corrosive to aluminum or ungalvanized steel. One advantage of using plastics over metal is that underdeck drainage system made with plastic material will not experience corrosion problems caused by ACQ treated lumber. Therefore, the components with direct contact with treated lumber, such as the joist brackets or joist bracket spacers, should preferably be made of plastic such as PVC, polyethylene, polypropylene etc. The drainage panels may be made of thin aluminum sheets or preferably rectangular plastic sheets of a sufficient thickness and strength.  
         [0092]     In order to make an underdeck drainage system more appealing, the outer surfaces of components such as panel brackets  150 , and drainage panels  130  can be coextruded with various thin layers of films such as wood grain, different colors, or different patterns. In coextruding, a second extruder with different color material (the wood-grain) is used to extrude a thin layer over the top of the substrate. The components of such underdeck drainage system can be made with or without this coextruding process.  
         [0093]     While there has been shown several and alternate embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that many other materials, as well as many other manufacturing techniques can be used to practice present invention, and certain changes can be made in the form and arrangement of the elements of the devices as would be known to one skilled in the art without departing from the underlying scope of the invention as is discussed and set forth above. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are only intended to illustrate the principles of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the disclosed elements.  
         [0094]     The underdeck drainage system of the present invention can find many applications in a wide spectrum of fields. Among them, one of the application as a Deck/Home/Mobile Home skirt system is given as an example.  
         [0095]      FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative use of a panel assembly using components as described herein, to construct a skirting system for a preconstructed or prefabricated (e.g. mobile) home. A skirting system comprises a plurality of support brackets, a plurality of protective panels  530 , and a plurality of panel brackets  536  and a plurality of U-shaped channels  590 . The skirting system can be constructed for a deck, a home, or a mobile home to protect the deck, the home or the mobile home from water damage, to prevent small animals from getting into the area under the decks, homes or mobile homes. In this case, the support brackets  510  are attached to the lower part of the deck/home/mobile home. Since this product is used mainly for aesthetic purpose and installed vertically, the panels  530  do not carry water. Therefore one set of support brackets  510  on the top part of the mobile home skirt is often strong enough to hold the panels  530  in place with the help of the U-shaped channels  590  at the bottom. The asymmetric panels with partial panel bracket  630  can also be used to form skirts of a deck, a home or a mobile home as shown in  FIG. 15 . The use of the panels  530  or  630  provides the skirts a uniform, clean and neat look.  
         [0096]     Other applications include sun shades, sunroom roof, portions of screened porches, portions of car ports, wall decoration, or other places of interest.  
         [0097]     The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in the light of the above teaching.  
         [0098]     The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments and will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.