Flexible and Adjustable Alignment Apparatus

Abstract

A flexible and adjustable alignment apparatus that extends transversely across the length of a deck surface for aligning, spacing, and restraining individual boards on the surface prior to fastening the boards in a desired configuration. The apparatus aligns along the full length of the ground surface so as to position a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated spacers between the gaps of adjacent deck boards. In this manner, multiple panels can be spaced at one time, as the apparatus extends along the full length of the surface and positions the spacers consecutively. Additionally, the spacers, either individually, or all together, can be detached from the strap or moved to any point along the longitudinal axis of the apparatus to adjust the distance between each spacer. The capacity to adjustably move the spacers along the strap enables better conformance to variously sized and dimensioned boards.

What I claim is: 
     
         1 . A flexible alignment apparatus for aligning, spacing, and restraining a plurality of panels on a surface, comprising:
 at least one strap comprising a resilient composition,   the at least one strap comprising a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis of the strap,   the at least one strap further comprising an external side, the external side comprising a substantially smooth surface,   the at least one strap further comprising a spacer side, the spacer side comprising a plurality of spaced-apart spacers, the plurality of spacers configured to detach from the spacer side, the plurality of spacers further configured to attach to the spacer side at any point along the longitudinal axis of the at least one strap.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one strap comprises a nylon or rubber composition. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spacers comprises substantially elongated, rectangular spacers. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spacers are disposed equidistant from each other along the longitudinal axis of the at least one strap. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of spacers is composed of spacers of user-defined thicknesses. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the strap comprises a series of grommets secured to the centerline of the strap for securement of spacers. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of spacers are fastened into the plurality of grommets with a screw. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one strap is configured to extend along the length of a ground surface. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the ground surface comprises a plurality of panels. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of panels comprises a 5/4″×6″ wood board. 
     
     
         11 . A method for aligning, spacing, and restraining a plurality of panels on a ground surface with a flexible alignment apparatus, the method comprising:
 positioning a plurality of panels to form a ground surface;   spacing the plurality of panels in approximate parallel alignment;   extending at least one strap along the length of the ground surface, wherein a spacer side faces the ground surface;   detaching a spacer from the surface side and reattaching the spacer at a point along the longitudinal axis of the at least one strap;   positioning a plurality of spacers at least partially inside gaps between adjacent panels;   spacing the plurality of panels in a uniform, parallel relation with respect to the plurality of spacers; and   removing the spacers from the gaps.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 12 , further including fastening the plurality of panels to form the ground surface. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the at least one strap comprises a nylon or rubber composition. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of spacers comprises substantially elongated, rectangular spacers. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the plurality of spacers are disposed equidistant from each other along the longitudinal axis of the at least one strap. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the strap comprises a series of grommets secured to the centerline of the strap for securement of spacers. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the plurality of spacers are fastened into the plurality of ring support members with a screw.