Abstract:
A decking system is made up of a variety of decking boards and other components are disclosed. In some aspects, the decking boards are connectable to each other so that adjacent boards will provide a water barrier and a drainage channel. Some versions of the boards may have a hollow region to accept the provision of heating elements or other accessory structures. A connector piece is disclosed in various embodiments span the gap between the butt ends of the boards to provide a water barrier at the butt ends of the boards. A gutter and downspout system is disclosed, as well as structures for protecting the ends or sides of the deck structure.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/602,346, entitled “Deck System and Components”, filed Feb. 23, 2012, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     Various aspects of the invention relate to structures such as floors, roofing and exterior decking, and more specifically, relate to deck boards, deck planks, porch boards, flooring, the connection of adjacent boards to each other, the connection of the end of boards to each other, and various accessories used with such structures. 
     Certain aspects of the invention relate to the management of rain water &amp; melting snow to keep the underside of a deck system substantially dry, providing for storage of articles and the ability to have a first floor patio/deck area underneath it without rain water affecting the enjoyment of the space or reaching the foundation of the house. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Deck systems are in wide use in both residential and commercial applications. Some deck systems consist of simple wooden boards having a rectangular cross-section each arranged longitudinally parallel to each other onto a supporting structure. Similar systems are in use with the deck boards being made of manmade material such as a composite or plastic based material. 
     These known systems sometimes have several disadvantages. For example, the parallel boards usually are spaced apart from each other laterally to some degree, and even if the deck boards are abutting each other along their length, there is generally still some type of gap between them. This gap between the long edges of the boards allows water to pass through. Thus, when natural rain water or a cleaning water, spilled water, melting snow or other liquid contacts the top surface of the deck boards, it will typically leak down through between the deck boards. This can be undesirable in situations where it is preferred that the region under the deck surface be kept dry. Such situations include structures having a deck surface on an upper floor and a residential area on a lower floor beneath the deck surface. Other situations where it is preferred that the region under the deck surface be kept dry include decks having a dirt surface beneath the deck surface. By keeping the dirt surface beneath the deck surface dry, the resident may prevent the dirt beneath the deck surface from becoming a haven for insects and weeds. In other commercial or industrial uses, it is desirable to keep liquids on the upper surface from inadvertently dripping to the lower area. In addition, where deck boards are also end-to-end, there is typically a space between the end surfaces of the deck boards. In some instances a relatively wide space is left between the ends of the deck boards in order to allow for a thermal expansion and contraction of boards placed end to end. This gap also can allow for undesirable fluid leakage or liquid leakage under the deck as described above. 
     Another disadvantage of some deck boards is that in some instances it is necessary to screw the deck boards down to the supporting structure and in a conventional rectangular cross-section board, the screw heads are exposed on the top surface which may be undesirable for cosmetic or other reasons. 
     SUMMARY 
     In light of the present need for improved decking systems and accessories, a brief summary of various embodiments is presented. Some simplifications and omissions may be made in the following summary, which is intended to highlight and introduce some aspects of the various embodiments, but not to limit the scope of the invention. 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein can relate to new and useful decking board constructions. For example, the decking board may feature an extruded cross-section having a generally tongue-and-groove mating fit between lateral and adjacent boards. In various embodiments, the decking board may be a symmetrical, two sided product, with each side optionally having different pattern or color, thereby creating two products in one. One side of the board may feature an upwardly directed U-shaped hook next to a downwardly directed groove or channel. The other side of the decking board may have a complimentary, but opposite shaped, downwardly directed U-shaped hook adjacent to an upwardly directed groove or channel. When the boards are interlocked side-to-side, each hook will mate into each groove thereby providing secure connection between the boards. Further, since the tongues and grooves are overlapping, there is no vertical path for water on the top of the board to pass in between the boards. In various embodiments, the upwardly directed U-shaped tongue forms a primary water channel to collect and direct water along the length of the structure to the end of the structure. 
     In another aspect, a flashing element may be provided to act as a butt joint to connect the butt ends of the boards. The flashing element has a complimentary shape to the upper surface of the board, and can reside in longitudinal grooves that are cut into the butt ends of the boards. The flashing can also be a sharpened and or hardened element which is installed by tapping the first sharp end of the flashing element into the relatively soft edge of the first board, and then bringing the second board into contact with the second end of flashing element and then tapping the far end of the second board so that the second edge of the flashing element is pushed into the relatively soft first end of the second board. When installed, the flashing prevents water from passing downward between the butt ends of the boards. In various embodiments, the flashing allows for expansion and contraction of the boards due to fluctuations between hot and cold environments. In one embodiment, a metal flashing that taps into place can be held in place by an integral structure that then presses or affixes onto one or more edges of the board or boards and holds it in place to make assembly easier. 
     Another embodiment of the butt joint involves installation of a polymer part having a primarily “V-shaped” profile that flexes. The polymer part having a primarily “V-shaped” profile is installed between the butt ends of the planks. The flexing of the polymer part ensures a tight fit is maintained during expansion and contraction of the planks. 
     In another aspect, the boards may feature one or more longitudinal hollow regions. The longitudinal hollow regions may accept a heating element such as a heatable wire or a heating fluid conduit or hose. Other heating elements such as radiant heating elements or hot air containing passages may reside in or be part of the interior of the board. In some instances, a particular longitudinal hollow shape may be provided, or the heating elements may be embedded in the structure during manufacture. 
     In addition, at least one flexible member may be added inside the tongue and groove area on either part to align the planks when originally installed tightly together and to also withstand the expansion and contraction of the planks in the widthwise direction during hot and cold weather. Initially, at points of contact between adjacent tongues and grooves of adjacent boards, a bumper protrusion may be provided on one board which will frictionally engage with a complimentary groove on the other board. 
     In another embodiment, a gutter may be added to the perimeter of the deck surface to collect the water that is shed from the surface and direct it downwards in a controlled fashion to connectors connecting to a leader which guides water away from the underside of the deck. 
     In another embodiment, the addition of a perimeter element may take the form of a bull nose type extrusion that provides some protection to the end boards when objects come in contact with the end of the deck. This may be particularly useful where the ends of the deck may come in contact with vehicles such as carts or, where the deck is being used as a dock and may come in contact with watercraft. 
     In another embodiment, a decking board comprises first and second longitudinal sides. The first longitudinal side has a male projecting member with an upwardly directed rib and the second longitudinal side has a female slot defining a downwardly directed rib. The boards can be interlocked adjacent each other with the upwardly directed rib snapped past the downwardly directed rib to form a frictional engagement therebetween. A central main body portion is disposed in longitudinal sides. 
     In another aspect, a dock board may be provided in the form of a relatively simple dock board extrusion. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order to better understand various exemplary embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  shows various elements of a decking system, including decking boards and a flashing element. 
         FIG. 1B  is a cross-section of the embodiment of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 1C  is a detailed view of a part of the cross-section of  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 1D  shows a cross-section of one embodiment of a decking board. 
         FIG. 1E  shows a cross-section of another embodiment of a decking board. 
         FIG. 1F  shows a cross-section of yet another embodiment of a decking board. 
         FIG. 2A  shows a number of decking boards according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1F  in an installed condition. 
         FIG. 2B  shows additional details of the system of  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 2C  shows a number of decking boards according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1E  in an installed condition. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a drain and gutter system. 
         FIG. 3B  is an exploded view of the system of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3C  is a further exploded view of the system of  FIG. 3A . 
         FIG. 3D  depicts components of the drain and gutter system. 
         FIG. 3E  shows a drain and gutter system corner connector 
         FIG. 4  shows a cross-section of a component of the drain and gutter system having a bull nose profile. 
         FIG. 5  shows a simplified decking board in the form of a dock plank. 
         FIG. 6  shows a bull nose component for mounting to the end a deck or dock system. 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  show polymer parts which aid in connecting planks of  FIG. 1  in an end-to-end relationship. 
         FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a decking board. 
         FIG. 8B  shows two decking boards according to  FIG. 8A  joined together. 
         FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a decking board. 
         FIG. 9B  shows two decking boards according to  FIG. 9A  joined together. 
         FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a decking board. 
         FIG. 10B  shows two decking boards according to  FIG. 10A  joined together. 
         FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a decking board. 
         FIG. 11B  is a side view of the board of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11C  is a bottom view of the board of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11D  is a top view of the board of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 11E  is a cross-sectional view of two boards according to  FIG. 11A  mounted together. 
         FIG. 12A  is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dock board. 
         FIG. 12B  is a side view of the dock board of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12C  is a bottom view of the dock board of  FIG. 12A . 
         FIG. 12D  is a top view of the dock board of  FIG. 12A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like components or steps, there are disclosed broad aspects of various exemplary embodiments. 
     The board is used herein to refer to any type of longitudinal surface or substrate board. Some embodiments are referred to as decking boards, but any embodiments could be used in porches, floors, roofing or other uses as will be understood by one skilled in the art of construction components. 
     Various embodiments disclosed herein can relate to new and useful decking board constructions. For example, the decking board may feature an extruded cross-section having a generally tongue-and-groove mating fit between lateral and adjacent boards. One side of the board may feature an upwardly directed U-shaped hook next to a downwardly directed channel. The other end of the decking board may have a complimentary, but opposite shaped, downwardly directed U-shaped hook adjacent to an upwardly directed groove. When the boards are interlocked side-to-side, each hook will mate into each groove thereby providing secure connection between the boards. Further, since the tongues and grooves are overlapping, there is no vertical path for water on the top of the board to pass in between the boards. In addition, the downwardly directed U-shaped tongue forms a water channel to collect and direct water along the length of the structure to the end of the structure. 
       FIG. 1A  depicts a deck system  10  including a plurality of decking boards  12 . Each board  12  has a downwardly directed tongue  14  which has an upwardly facing groove  16 . Located inward of the downward facing tongue  14  is a downward facing groove  18 . A reversed structure is provided on the other side of the board  12  including an upward facing tongue  20  having a downward facing channel  22 . Located inward of the upward facing tongue  20  is an upward facing groove  24 .  FIG. 1A  also shows the boards interconnected with each other with the downward facing tongue  14  residing in the upward facing groove  24  of an adjacent board. The farthest edge  26  of the downward facing tongue  14  slides against a resilient tab  28 . Similarly, the outer surface  30  of the board will abut against a tab  32  in an adjacent board. In the assembled system, therefore, a water collecting channel  40  is provided which appears from the upper surface of the deck as a simple downward rectangular channel. In various embodiments, the boards are symmetrical so the customer can turn the decking boards upside down while still allowing interconnection between the boards. In some embodiments, the symmetrical boards have identical patterns and colors on each side. This contributes to ease of assembly, as each board may be used with either side uppermost. In some embodiments, the symmetrical boards have different patterns or colors on each side. The presence of different patterns or colors on each side of the decking boards allows the customer to choose between two different or complementary surface styles while buying only one board item version. 
     In another aspect, a flashing element may be provided to connect the butt ends of the boards. The flashing element has a complimentary shape to the upper surface of the board, and can reside in longitudinal grooves that are cut into the butt ends of the boards. When installed, the flashing element prevents water from passing downward between the butt ends of the boards. This is true even if a relatively wide end to end gap is selected to allow for thermal expansion and contraction. 
     Into the end of each board is cut a slot  42  which extends a predetermined distance into the board, but not all the way through its length. The slot  42  is sized to receive the insertion of a flashing element  50 . The flashing element, therefore, resides in the slots  42  in the butt ends of boards  12  placed end to end, and prohibits any water flow between the ends of the boards. To the extent the flashing element  50  is visible between butt end gap between the boards, any liquid that contacts the flashing will be directed into a channel portion  52  of the board and will, once a certain volume of liquid is reached, be carried away by channel  40 . The flashing element  50  can be made from folded or extruded metal and may have its edges sharpened for tapping into place into slots  42  in the butt ends of the boards. 
     In various embodiments, the flashing can be a sharpened and/or hardened element which is installed by tapping the first sharp end of the flashing element into the relatively soft end of a first board, and then bringing a second board into contact with the second end of flashing element and then tapping the far end of the second board so that the second edge of the flashing element is pushed into the relatively soft first end of the second board. In such embodiments, the presence of slots  42  in the butt ends of boards  12  is optional. 
     A feature of the boards  12  shown in  FIG. 1A  is that they can be slid together along their length. That is, rather than snapping the boards in together to mate from the top, which is possible, another assembly option is to slide the boards together end to end, one next to another. Accordingly, boards can be assembled into an overlapping deck without the use of any hardware to hold the boards to each other. 
     A device for facilitating formation of watertight butt joints is shown in  FIG. 7A , It is a polymer part  700  that has a primarily “V-shaped” profile  701  that flexes during installation between the butt ends of the planks. The butt ends of the planks contact the outer surface of the “V-shaped” profile  701 . Flexing of the profile  701  ensures a tight fit is maintained during expansion and contraction of the planks. The polymer part  700  may also have a hidden tape or other sealant material to keep the butt joint in place and provide further water sealant ability. The polymer part  700  may have one or more snap provisions to hold it down in place between the ends of the planks. This “V-shaped” profile  701  directs the water that would normally have fallen between the ends of the planks into channel  702 , which fits into rain grooves  40  in the planks and bridges rain grooves in two planks in an end-to-end relationship. Channel  702  guides water into the rain groove  40  in  FIG. 1A . 
     Another embodiment of the device for facilitating formation of watertight butt joints is shown in  FIG. 7B , and is a polymer part  210  that has a primarily “T-shaped” profile  711  installed between the butt ends of the planks, with the vertical member of the “T-shaped” profile  711  fitting between the butt ends of the boards. The polymer part  710  may have a sealant or tape used to keep it in place and may have one or more snap provisions to keep it in place between the ends of the deck planks. The horizontal member of the “T-shaped” profile  711  covers the top surface of the planks and has a “U-shaped” extension forming channel  712  that fits on top of and spanning the space between the ends of the rain grooves  40  of the planks whose ends are being joined. This embodiment may or may not have some sealant, tape or snap fit to help hold it into place. 
     In an alternate embodiment, a device for facilitating formation of watertight butt joints is a polymer part  710  that has a primarily “I-shaped” profile installed between the butt ends of the planks, with the vertical member of the “I-shaped” profile fitting between the butt ends of the boards. The “I-shaped” profile has an upper horizontal member which covers the top surface of the planks and has a “U-shaped” extension forming a channel that fits on top of and spans the space between the ends of the rain grooves  40  of the planks whose ends are being joined. The “I-shaped” profile has a lower horizontal member. The butt ends of the boards fit between the upper and lower horizontal members. 
     Device  700  and  710  for facilitating formation of watertight butt joints may have a snap fit feature for securing them between boards. 
     Returning to  FIG. 1A , the boards may also be assembled by installing a first board having an upwardly facing groove  24 , and then connecting a second board having a downwardly facing tongue  14  to the first board. This is done by placing the downwardly facing tongue  14  of the second board over the already installed first board. Then the second board&#39;s downwardly facing tongue  14  is aligned over the first board&#39;s upwardly facing groove  24  and the second board is dropped down onto and over the top of the edge of the first board so tongue  14  goes into groove  24 . The second board then slides into the groove  24  of the first board, tightly against the first board, so that the edge  26  of the downward facing tongue  14  slides against a resilient tab  28  in groove  24 . The edge  26  of the downward facing tongue  14  makes tight contact with tab  28 . This creates a perfect alignment between the boards as the installer puts screws down onto the surface of grooves  24 , securing the boards in place. This also contributes to the water tightness of channel  40 , which also has upwardly facing and downwardly facing interconnecting elements. The resilient tab  28  allows for thermal based expansion of the boards after assembly. It may be desirable to mount the boards to an underlying structure (this will be described further with reference to  FIG. 2A  using the board of  FIG. 1F ). The board of  FIG. 1A  provides a conveniently accessible mounting location for such screws through the surface of the groove  24 , which may or may not be pre-drilled with holes  63  for ease of installation. 
     In another aspect, the boards may feature one or more longitudinal hollow regions  62 . The longitudinal hollow regions may accept a heating element such as a heatable wire or a heating or cooling fluid conduit or hose. Other thermal elements such as radiant heating elements or hot air containing passages may reside in or be part of the interior of the board. In some instances, a particular longitudinal hollow shape may be provided, or the heating elements may be embedded in the structure during manufacture. 
     The board  12  also includes a main body region  60 . This main body region  60  may be solid or may be provided with one or more hollow regions  62 . The hollow region  62  may provide a number of benefits including, for example, reducing the weight of the board compared to a solid board. Further, the hollow region  62  may allow for the insertion of heating devices. The board depicted in  FIG. 1A  also features stiffening ribs  64 . These ribs  64  can provide stiffening, and can also maintain heater cables separate from each other if they are installed in back and forth rows. 
     It is also noted that the openings  62  may have a wide variety of shapes as are shown in the other figures, and other cross-sectional shapes. In addition to or instead of containing heating elements, other items such as wires for power outlets, speakers, dog fences, or other wire based products may be passed through the hollow portions  62 . 
     In another aspect, a flexible assembly tab or member such as tab  28 ,  32  and  128  may be provided on the boards near the tongue and groove region to provide a firm frictional contact between the adjacent tongues and grooves and to align the boards during assembly. Initially, at points of contact between adjacent tongues and grooves of adjacent boards, a bumper protrusion may be provided on one board which will frictionally engage with a complimentary groove on the other board. It is also noted that tabs  28 ,  32  and  128  provide a stop feature during the assembly process, but further allow for lateral expansion and contraction of the boards during temperature extremes. The tabs  28 ,  32  and  128  may be referred to as flexible members. The resilient or flexible members may provide for alignment and frictional engagement. They may thus be in a slightly bent configuration in the assembled state. However the tabs may also be sacrificial in that they are designed to be breakable or frangible, that is, they may break off upon application of sufficient force during installation of adjacent boards. 
       FIG. 1D  shows a decking board having a different cross-section from  FIG. 1A . This board  112  may be thought of as having a tongue  114  which projects into a groove  124 . An upward facing channel  116  is provided that will function similarly to the channel  16  described above. A resilient tab  128  is also provided. Instead of an upwardly directed tongue, this embodiment features a laterally extending tongue  120 . The tongue  120  can provide for a screw location similar to that in the channel  24  and may or may not be pre-drilled with holes for easy assembly. The tongue  120  can also nest in a rectangular notch  118  provided on the other side of an adjacent board. An additional relief area  119  is provided on the lower surface of the tongue  114  which permits clearance for a screw head. The embodiment of  FIG. 1D  features a single central hollow area  162 .  FIG. 1D  also schematically depicts heating elements  170  in hollow portion  162 . 
       FIG. 1E  shows a deck board similar to the board of  FIG. 1D , but without the central hollow area  162 .  FIG. 1E  shows a decking board having a tongue  114  which projects into a groove  124 . A resilient tab  128  is also provided. This embodiment features a laterally extending tongue  120 . The tongue  120  can nest in a rectangular notch  118  provided on the other side of an adjacent board. The embodiment of  FIG. 1D  optionally includes a pivot bump  117 , and a pocket  126 . Pocket  126  is adapted to receive a mounting screw. However the pocket  126  can also serve as a track for accepting a longitudinal heating wire  130  as shown. 
       FIG. 1F  shows a deck board having a similar outer profile to that of  FIGS. 1D and 1C , but having a central hollow opening  162  that includes stiffening ribs  164 .  FIG. 1D  also illustrates that the lower surface of the hollow region  162  has a parabolic concave upward shape to reflect heat upwards. A fastener  66  is shown being screwed into hole  63  for mounting. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show additional details utilizing the board of  FIG. 1F . In this embodiment, the board of FIG. IF has been further provided with a bump/rib  115  and a corresponding bump/rib  125 . Instead of both items  115  and  125  being projecting bumps, one or the other could be a small groove notch, dimple or detent. It will be appreciated that as shown in the lower portion of  FIG. 2A , the bumps/ribs  115  and  125  can engage each other to enhance the frictional connection of adjacent boards. Another bump or protrusion  117  may be placed at the edge of the bottom surface next to  118 . This bumper creates a pivot point for the plank so that when fastening the board at area  120 , the wall tongue  114  is pushed upwards to create a tight fit between the seal elements  115  &amp;  125 . Further,  FIG. 2A  depicts installation screws being placed through the laterally extending tongues  120 . 
     In this embodiment, a top surface  111  of each board  112  has a slightly crowned surface to direct water towards the water channels  140  between the boards.  FIG. 2A  also shows further details of the interaction between the bump/ribs  115  and  125 , and screws  127 . 
       FIG. 2C  shows an embodiment in which the board has been further provided with a bump/rib  115  and a corresponding bump/rib  125 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 2C , the boards are provided with pockets  126 , and are assembled so that pockets  126  of the boards are aligned under tongues  114  of an adjacent board. The water channel  140  defined by tongue  114  of the adjacent board is thus positioned above pocket  126 . Pocket  126  is provided with heating wire  130 . Heating wire  130  provided in one board thus serves to heat channel  140  defined by tongue  114  of the adjacent board. Channel  140  is a groove for carrying rainwater. Heating wire  130  serves to prevent rainwater or melting snow in channel  140  from freezing. 
     At the end of a board, the wire  130  may be bent and wrapped around the end of the plank to an adjacent plank. The wire then fits into pocket  126  on the adjacent plank, and travels longitudinally along the adjacent plank. Notches  131  may be provided at the ends of the boards to guide the wire from one plank to another. Heating wire  130  can be a cylindrical wire or a flat or rectangular wire having two opposed major surfaces and two opposed edge surfaces. If a flat wire is used, then the wire should be arranged so that the opposed major surfaces are vertical, i.e., perpendicular to the upper surface of the boards. If the opposed surfaces are horizontal, it is more difficult to bend the wire at the end of the plank. 
     Pocket  126  and heating wire  130  may also be installed in the outer edge of tongue  114  or in groove  124 . Each of these locations places the heating wire in proximity to channel  140 , allowing the heating wire to heat water in the channel. 
     In another aspect, a drain system may be provided at the longitudinal end of a deck that is made up of adjacent boards. The drain system may include a main T-downspout piece which collects and directs water to a leader, and individual adjacent gutter pieces that connect to the T-downspout. These can be mounted at the ends of the boards on the supporting structure. 
       FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D  depict various components of a gutter system. The gutter system can be used with any deck that can direct and shed surface water, including the decking systems described herein. The gutter system generally includes a main T-downspout  210  and adjacent gutter pieces  212 . The main T-downspout  210  can connect with a leader downspout  214 . The gutter portions  212  may feature an outwardly curved projecting shape  212   a  which may provide some bumper protection for the end of the overall decking structure and provide a pleasing appearance by hiding the cut edges of the planks and hiding the heater wire that may be installed and running through and between each plank. Such a rounded outward portion may also be provided on the main T-downspout (although not shown) or this feature may be provided by a separate cover  216  that can be mounted along with T-downspout to cover it as shown.  FIG. 3  illustrates these components and further illustrates a corner piece  318 . 
     In another embodiment, the gutter may form a bull nose type extrusion that provides some protection to the end boards when objects come in contact with the end of the deck. This may be particularly useful where the ends of the deck may come in contact with vehicles such as carts or, where the deck is being used as a dock and may come in contact with watercraft.  FIG. 4  shows a cross-section of a bull nose structure  400  that can provide a relatively simple gutter and/or bumper item that may be mounted on the edge and the end of a deck system. Alternatively, the lower portion of this type gutter extrusion can be made of various lengths so as to be useful for cutting off and using as a trim board in other areas of the deck as needed. 
     In another aspect, a dock board may be in the form of a relatively simple dock board extrusion.  FIG. 5  shows a deck board in the form of a relatively simple dock plank. This plank  500  features a relatively flat top surface, tilted sides  512 , and upwardly directed recesses  514 . The recesses  514  may assist with saving weight by still providing longitudinal bending strength. 
     In another aspect, a bull nose structure may be provided that does not provide water gutter features, but rather provides a projecting cushion structure at the end of the deck similar to the bull nose described above.  FIG. 6  depicts a bull nose structure that can be used similar to the bull nose of  FIG. 4 . However, this structure has a different cross-sectional shape with structure  600  has a different cross-sectional shape including a mounting tab  612 , and a rounded compressible projection  614  that has a central lap  616 . 
     Any or all of the various deck boards, dock boards, downspouts, gutters or bumpers and other components can be manufactured from any suitable material. In many embodiments, the various items can be manufactured by extrusion methods. Any suitable extrudable material may be used. In some embodiments the boards can be manufactured using a compression molding process. In some examples, the items may be manufactured, by extruding or otherwise, from hydrophobic polymers, i.e., PVC or polyolefins, and hydrophobic coconut coir fibers which have been treated to remove coconut coir therefrom. In various embodiments, the composite items may be manufactured without any step chemically modified coconut coir fibers. However, the disclosure herein is not limited to the use of coconut based materials. For example, as an alternative to coir fibers, extruded materials may include ramie or bamboo fibers to reinforce polymeric products. In other embodiments, the materials may simply be extruded or molded from polymeric and/or wood based composite extrudable or moldable materials. Simple plastics may also be used. Further, it may be preferable to manufacture the flashing of a metal such as stainless steel or extruded metals. 
     The decking boards may be made by extrusion of a thermoplastic material, i.e., polyester, polyvinyl chloride, or polyolefin, preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. The thermoplastic material may contain a filler, including organic fillers such as wood powders, wood fibers, and coir fibers; inorganic fillers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, mineral fibers, silica, alumina, titania, carbon black, nitride compounds, and carbide compounds. The decking boards may be uncoated, or coated with a decorative coating of paint. The decking boards may be coated with a protective coating. The protective coating may be applied by coating a mixture of monomers and/or oligomers on the completed board, and then curing the coating to form a protective coating. 
     Coated decking boards may also be made by coextrusion of: 
     a core layer comprising a thermoplastic material, i.e., polyethylene or polypropylene, containing optional fillers, including organic fillers such as wood powders, wood fibers, and coir fibers; inorganic fillers, such as glass fibers, carbon fibers, mineral fibers, silica, alumina, titania, carbon black, nitride compounds, and carbide compounds; and 
     a coating layer (such as for example PolyEthylene with additives) of a protective thermoplastic polymer. Suitable protective polymers include polyvinyl chloride; acrylic resins, i.e., poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) (Surlyn®); polyester; polycarbonate; and polystyrene. 
     In various embodiments, the coating layer contains UV stabilizers which reduce the likelihood of the core layer undergoing degradation from exposure to ultraviolet light. Such UV stabilizers include organic light stabilizers, such as benzophenone light stabilizers, hindered amine light stabilizers, and benzotriazoles; and inorganic light stabilizers. such as barium metaborate and its hydrates. 
     In various embodiments, the coating layer contains antifungal agents which increase resistance of the board to mold and other organisms. The antifungal agents may be incorporated in the coating layer alone, or in both the core and coating layers. Useful antifungal agents for coatings include copper (II) 8-quinolinolate; zinc oxide; zinc-dimethyldithiocarbamate; 2-mercaptobenzothiazole; zinc salt; barium metaborate; tributyl tin benzoate; his tributyl tin salicylate; tributyl tin oxide; parabens: ethyl parahydroxybenzoate; propyl parahydroxybenzoate; methyl parahydroxybenzoate and butyl parahydroxybenzoate; methylenebis(thiocyanate); 1,2-benzisothiazoline-3-one; 2-mercaptobenzo-thiazole; 5-chloro-2-methyl-3(2H)-isothiazolone; 2-methyl-3 (2H)-isothiazolone; zinc 2-pyridinethiol-N-oxide; tetra-hydro-3,5-di-methyl-2H-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione; N-trichloromethyl-thio-4-cyclohexene-1,2-dicarboximide; 2-n-octyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one; 2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-isophthalonitrile; 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate; diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone; N-(trichloromethyl-thio)phthalimide; potassium N-hydroxy-methyl-N-methyl-dithiocarbamate; sodium 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide; 2-(thiocyanomethylthio)benzothiazole; and 2-4(-thiazolyl)benzimidazole. 
     The coating layer may help provide scratch resistance to the decking board surface, either by using a coating with a polymer which is harder than the core layer or through the use of certain additives. Additives which help increase scratch resistance in coatings include lubricants and very hard mineral fillers, including carbide and nitride ceramics. 
     The coating layer may also include inorganic pigments, organic pigments, or dyes as colorants. The coating layer may be embossed with a decorative pattern, i.e., wood grain or imitation stone. 
     In situations where a coating layer or “capcoat” is applied by coextrusion. the coating layer has a thickness of from about 0.01 to 0.25 inch, preferably from about 0.02 to 0.15 inch, more preferably from about 0.04 to 0.08 inch. The capcoat may cover the entire longitudinal surface of the board; the top and sides of the board, with the bottom surface being uncoated; or the top of the board, with the bottom surface and sides being uncoated. 
     As discussed above, at least one flexible member may be added inside the tongue and groove area on the decking planks to align the planks to help withstand expansion and contraction of the planks. Also, a bumper protrusion may be provided on a board which will frictionally engage with a complimentary groove on another board. In various embodiments made by coextrusion of a core material and a capcoat, these flexible members and bumpers may be formed from the same material as the core material, and optionally coated with the capcoat material. In various embodiments made by coextrusion, these flexible members and bumpers may be formed from the capcoat material alone. In certain embodiments, flexible members and bumpers formed from the capcoat material have increased toughness, resistance to breakage, and flexibility, when compared to embodiments in which flexible members and bumpers are made from the core material, i.e., a wood fiber- or coir fiber-filled polyolefin. 
     A further design for a flexible member produced from a capcoat polymer layer can be envisioned to be attached to the outside edge of the tongue portion, i.e., on the outside edge  26  of the tongue  14 , or on the outer surface of rain-groove element  40 , as seen in  FIG. 1A . The flexible member produced from the capcoat polymer can thereby set the assembly gap between planks during installation. Additionally, a flexible member produced from the capcoat polymer and positioned on edge  26  may contact an inner surface of groove  24 , when boards are fitted together as in  FIG. 1A . This provides a flexible water seal between boards as boards expand with heat and then contract again. 
     A further design for a flexible member (not shown in  FIG. 1C ) produced from a capcoat polymer layer can be envisioned to be attached to the outer edge of the tongue portion  114  or  116 , as seen in  FIG. 1C , and adapted to contact the interior of groove  124 , as seen in  FIG. 1C . Contact between flexible members produced from a capcoat polymer layer and groove  124  of  FIG. 1C  produces a flexible water seal. 
     Also, a bumper protrusion may be provided on a board which will frictionally engage with a flexible member made of capcoat material on another board. The cap coat material is a tough resilient polymer, and may be used to produce watertight elements. 
       FIG. 8A  is a cross-sectional view of a board  800  having a top cap coat  801  and a lower cap coat  802 . A male side of the board  814  includes an upwardly projecting bump  816  and a lower pivot bump  817 . A female side  820  of the board includes a projecting bump  822  that can snap over and interlock with the projecting bump  816 , a flexible tap  832 , which can help hold the boards together in alignment, and accommodate for expansion of the boards, and a water drain channel  824 . Further, the female end has an open area to the inside of the flexible tab  832  which can be sized and dimensioned to receive a heating wire or cable.  FIG. 8A  shows the heating element  870  as having a generally vertical rectangular cross-section. 
       FIG. 8B  shows two of the boards  800  interlocked adjacent to each other. 
       FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of a board  900  having a top cap coat  901  and a lower cap coat  902 . This board is narrower than that of  FIG. 81  and thus may be more suitable for use as a porch board in some instances. A male side of the board  914  includes an upwardly projecting bump  916  and a lower pivot bump  917 . A female side  920  of the board includes a projecting bump  922  that can snap over and interlock with the projecting bump  916 , a flexible tap  932 , which can help hold the boards together in alignment, and accommodate for expansion of the boards, and a water drain channel  924 . Further, the female end has an open area to the inside of the flexible tab  932  which can be sized and dimensioned to receive a heating wire or cable.  FIG. 9A  shows the heating element  970  as having a generally vertical rectangular cross-section. 
       FIG. 9B  shows two of the boards  900  interlocked adjacent to each other. 
       FIG. 10A  is a cross-sectional view of a board  1000  having a top cap coat  1001  and a lower cap coat  1002 . A male side of the board  1014  includes an upwardly projecting bump  1016  and a lower pivot bump  1017 . A female side  1020  of the board includes a projecting bump  1022  that can snap over and interlock with the projecting bump  1016 , a flexible tap  1032 , which can help hold the boards together in alignment, and accommodate for expansion of the boards, and a water drain channel  1024 . Further, the female end has an open area to the inside of the flexible tab  1032  which can be sized and dimensioned to receive a heating wire or cable.  FIG. 10A  shows the heating element  1070  as having a generally vertical rectangular cross-section. 
       FIG. 10B  shows two of the boards  1000  interlocked adjacent to each other. In this embodiment, the aperture on the female end is shaped more vertically, so that the heating element can be oriented more vertically. 
       FIG. 11A  is a cross-sectional view of a board  1100  having a top cap coat  1101  and a lower cap coat  1102 . A male side of the board  1114  includes an upwardly projecting bump  1116  and a lower pivot bump  1117 . A female side  1120  of the board includes a projecting bump  1122  that can snap over and interlock with the projecting bump  1116 , a flexible tab  1132 , which can help hold the boards together in alignment, and accommodate for expansion of the boards, and a water drain channel  1124 . Further, the female end has an open area to the inside of the flexible tab  1132  which can be sized and dimensioned to receive a heating wire or cable.  FIG. 11A  shows the heating element  1170  as having a generally vertical rectangular cross-section. 
       FIG. 11B  shows two of the boards  1100  interlocked adjacent to each other. 
     The female sided of the boards of  FIGS. 8A through 11D  form a partially enclosed conduit for holding the heating element  870 ,  970 ,  1070 ,  1170 , etc. When the boards are installed adjacent each other the male sides in some embodiments will substantially enclose the female-side conduit so the heating element is not exposed to water. 
       FIGS. 12A-12D  show the cross-sectional and other views of a dock board  1200 . 
     Although the various embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understand that the invention that the invention is capable of other embodiments and its details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects. As is readily apparent to those skilled in the art, variations and modifications can be affected while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing disclosure, description, and figures are for illustrative purposes only and do not in any way limit the invention, which is defined only by the claims.