US20050252156A1 - Deck board fastener - Google Patents
Deck board fastener Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050252156A1 US20050252156A1 US10/844,246 US84424604A US2005252156A1 US 20050252156 A1 US20050252156 A1 US 20050252156A1 US 84424604 A US84424604 A US 84424604A US 2005252156 A1 US2005252156 A1 US 2005252156A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fastener
- body portion
- prong
- board
- connector
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 239000010963 304 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001335 Galvanized steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000760 Hardened steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000589 SAE 304 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B15/00—Nails; Staples
- F16B15/0023—Nail plates
- F16B15/003—Nail plates with teeth cut out from the material of the plate
- F16B15/0038—Nail plates with teeth cut out from the material of the plate only on the perimeter of the plate
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B5/00—Floors; Floor construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted therefor
- E04B5/02—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units
- E04B5/12—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units with wooden beams
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F2201/00—Joining sheets or plates or panels
- E04F2201/05—Separate connectors or inserts, e.g. pegs, pins, keys or strips
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B15/00—Nails; Staples
- F16B15/0023—Nail plates
- F16B2015/0076—Nail plates with provisions for additional fastening means, e.g. hooks, holes for separate screws or nails, adhesive
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/0004—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship
- F16B5/0008—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels substantially in their own plane, perpendicular to the abutting edge
Definitions
- the invention concerns a deck fastener for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and deals more particularly with a deck fastener that does not protrude from the deck surface.
- Brackets, clips, and anchors for securing boards to joists without nail or screw heads protruding from the deck surface are known.
- some of these deck-fastening systems require securing devices that are difficult to install or require extensive preparation.
- some deck fastening systems require pre-installing tracks on joists, pre-drilling slots or holes in boards for fasteners, or gluing the boards to the joists.
- Other deck fastening systems must be installed from below the deck, a time consuming, expensive, and sometimes impossible procedure.
- deck boards are subject to warping, splitting and shrinking, some of the known deck fastener systems do not prevent the deck boards from separating from the support joists over time.
- the fasteners also can come loose or become out of position on the joists.
- the separating of the boards from the joists may allow the boards to protrude above the deck surface, making the deck unsightly and less usable.
- Some deck-fastening systems include prongs that are inserted into the boards.
- wide prongs have been found to have a tendency to split the deck board material, especially when the deck board material is a composite material.
- thermal expansion and contraction of the boards has caused damage to the deck boards, the support member and/or the deck fastener.
- the object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an improved deck fastener which, among other desirable attributes, significantly reduces or overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies of prior deck fasteners.
- a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board includes thin flat body portion, a first prong, a second prong and a flange.
- the thin flat body portion has a front face and a rear face, with the first prong extending outwardly from the front face of the body portion for driving into the first board.
- the second prong extends outwardly from the rear face of the body portion for penetrating the second board.
- the second prong runs adjacent, parallel to, and in a direction opposite from that of the first prong.
- the second prong includes a tab. The tab extends outward from the rear face of the thin flat body portion a distance.
- the flange also extends outward from the rear face of the thin flat body portion substantially the same distance as the tab.
- the body portion of the fastener has an opening for receiving a connector.
- the first prong is inserted in the first board at a location where the first board traverses the underlying support member.
- the connector is passes through the opening of the body portion at an angle and inserted into the underlying support member.
- a head portion of the connector engages the body portion of the fastener around the opening, holding the fastener in place.
- the second board is then
- a further feature of the invention is that a third prong extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the body portion of the fastener for spacing the body portion of the fastener away from the supporting member so that the fastener and the attached first board can be drawn down to the supporting member during installation of the connector in the event the first board is slightly raised from the supporting member when the fastener is driven into the first board.
- Another feature of the invention is the approximately conical shape of the opening so that a head of the connector, such as a screw, can be partially inserted within the opening to reduce the amount of screw head protruding from the opening and thereby permit a close positioning of adjoining boards.
- a head of the connector such as a screw
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deck fastener embodying the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the deck fastener of FIG. 1 retaining a first deck board and a second deck board to a support member;
- FIG. 3 is fragmentary sectional view of FIG. 2 along line 3 - 3 showing the deck fastener of FIG. 1 retaining two boards to a support member with a fastening connector;
- FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view of FIG. 2 along line 44 showing the deck fastener of FIG. 1 retaining a first board to a second and third boards at their respective ends.
- the fastener 10 of the present invention includes a thin flat body portion 12 , at least one first prong 14 , at least one second prong 16 , and a flange 18 .
- the fastener 10 is operable to secure a first deck board 20 and a second deck board 22 together and to a support member 24 .
- the fastener 10 is made of any suitable type of cut and bent sheet metal.
- the fastener 10 is made from 0.06′′ half-hardened steel that is rolled and not heat-treated. In other embodiments, the fastener 10 is made from 0.06′′ 304 stainless steel that is quarter roll-hardened.
- the fastener 10 is coated in order to hide the body portion 12 in the shadows created in the gap (discussed below and identified in FIG. 2 as “ 48 ”) between the adjoining deck boards 20 , 22 .
- the fastener 10 is coated in a black oxide coating. In other embodiments, the coating can be a black phosphorous electric “e” coat HV3 oil finish for additional corrosion resistance.
- the body portion 12 has a front face 26 , a rear face 28 , a top edge 30 , a bottom edge 32 , and an opening 34 .
- the body portion 12 preferably has a length “L” of about 21 ⁇ 8′′ long and a height “H” of 0.5.”
- the first prongs 14 extend outwardly from the front face 26 of the body portion 12 for being driven into and penetrating a first board 20 for securing the first board 20 to the body portion 12 .
- the first prongs 14 each include a first portion 36 and a second portion 38 , the first portion 36 being generally rectangular in shape and the second portion 38 being wedge-shaped, as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the first portion 36 of each of the first prongs is contiguous to the top edge 30 of the body portion 12 and the second portion 38 is contiguous with the first portion 36 of the first prong 14 .
- the first prong(s) 14 extend outwardly approximately 1 ⁇ 2′′ from the body portion 12 and the first portion 36 has a width (“W”) that is approximately 3/16′′ wide.
- the first prong(s) 14 have non-tapered edges for penetrating the material of the first deck board 20 , such as a composite material.
- the two first prongs 14 are preferably spaced approximately 1 15/16′′ apart on the body portion 12 . While two first prongs 14 have been shown and described, the present invention is not so limited. For example, embodiments of the present invention may include only a single first prong 14 , or, alternatively, may include three or more first prongs 12 , without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. In addition, the size of the first prongs 14 may vary. Wider or narrower, or longer or shorter first prongs 14 may be used, as well, depending on the needs and wants of the end user.
- the second prongs 16 extend outwardly from the top edge 30 of the rear face 28 of the body portion 12 for driving into a second deck board 22 .
- the second prongs 16 run adjacent, parallel to, and in a direction opposite that of the first prongs 14 .
- each of the second prongs 16 includes a first portion 40 and a second portion 42 , the first portion 40 being rectangular in shape and the second portion 42 being wedge-shaped.
- each second prong 16 is contiguous to the top edge 30 of the body portion 12 and the second portion 42 is contiguous with the first portion 40 of the second prong 16 .
- the second prongs 16 like the first prongs 14 , extend outwardly approximately 1 ⁇ 2′′ from the body portion 12 and the first portion 14 of each second prong 16 has a width (“W 2 ”) that is approximately 3/16′′ wide.
- the second prongs 16 have non-tapered edges for penetrating the material of the second deck board 22 , such as a composite material.
- the two second prongs 16 are spaced approximately 1 5/16′′ apart on the body portion 12 . While two second prongs 16 have been shown and described, the present invention is not so limited, as there may be only a single second prong 16 , or three or more second prongs 16 , without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.
- the body portion 12 includes one or more tabs 46 .
- the tab(s) 46 extend outwardly from the body portion 12 approximately 1 ⁇ 8′′ in a direction parallel to the second prongs 16 .
- the tabs 46 are connected to the second prongs 16 and extend at least partially between the second prongs 16 , as shown, for example, in FIG. 1 .
- the tabs 46 may be separated from the second prongs 16 .
- At least one flange 18 extends outwardly approximately 1 ⁇ 8′′ from the bottom edge 32 of the or the rear face 28 of the body portion 12 .
- a single flange 18 may run the entire length “L” of the body portion 12 , as shown in FIG. 1 .
- one or more flanges 18 may run a portion of the length “L” of the body portion 12 .
- the flange(s) 18 and/or the tab(s) 46 are operable to create an initial gap 48 of approximately 3/16′′ to 1 ⁇ 4′′ between the first deck board 20 and the second deck board 22 during installation. However, the gap 48 tends to widen slightly over time due to board shrinkage.
- the body portion 12 includes an opening 34 for passing a connector 44 , such as a screw.
- the opening is approximately centered lengthwise on the body portion 12 .
- the connector 44 is operable to fasten the body portion 12 to the support member 24 (e.g., a joist).
- the opening 34 is preferably an elongated aperture in order to accommodate for linear expansion and contraction of the first and/or second deck boards 20 , 22 .
- the opening 34 may have one or more rounded ends.
- the opening 34 extends at least partially onto the flange 18 , thereby permitting the head of an inclined screw to partially fit through the opening 34 .
- the amount of screw head protruding from the rear face 28 of the body portion 12 when secured is reduced.
- the opening 34 is also typically sized to prevent the head of the connector 44 from completely passing through the body portion 12 .
- the reduction in connector 44 head protrusion prevents the screw head from undesirably widening the initial gap 48 between the first deck board 20 and the second deck board 22 .
- the body portion 12 having the opening 34 permits the body portion 12 to grasp a shank of the connector 44 and fasten the body portion 12 to the support member 24 .
- the connector 44 is preferably a 15 ⁇ 8′′ or 2′′ galvanized or stainless steel deck screw, having a no. 6 or 8 thickness and a course thread; however, any suitable connector is acceptable.
- the screw is inclined at about a 45-degree angle to the body portion 12 during insertion. As the screw is inserted, it passes through the body portion 12 , the first board 20 , and into the support member 24 .
- the first prongs 14 are driven into the first deck board 20 .
- an installation tool (not shown) is used to drive the first prongs 14 into the first deck board 20 .
- the installation tool is typically shaped to accommodate the second prongs 16 and flange 18 of the fastener 10 .
- the second side of the installation tool is typically substantially flat to prove a broad surface on which to strike the installation tool, thereby driving the first prongs 14 into the first deck board 20 .
- the first deck board 20 is secured to the support member (e.g., joist) with the connector 44 at the location where the first board 20 overlaps, crosses, or is supported by the support member 24 .
- the support member 24 is shown perpendicular to the body portion 12 and the first and second boards 20 , 22 .
- the present invention is not so limited, as the fastener 10 may also be employed with deck boards 20 , 22 laid diagonally over the joist, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.
- the body portion 12 of the fastener 10 is centered on the support member 24 with the first deck board 20 crossing the support member 24 .
- the body portion 12 is parallel to the first deck board 20 and the front face 26 of the body portion 12 facing the first board 20 .
- the connector 44 is inserted in the opening 34 in the body portion 12 at approximately a 45 degree incline and passes through the body portion 12 .
- the connector 44 then passes through the first board 20 and into the underlying supporting member 24 , thereby drawing the body portion 12 against the support member 24 .
- the connector 44 may pass through the body portion 12 and directly into the underlying support member 24 .
- the second board 22 is then positioned over the support member 24 , parallel and adjacent to the first board 20 .
- the second board 22 is driven onto the second prongs 16 , which extend outwardly from the rear face 28 of the body portion 12 .
- the second board 22 is secured to the body portion 12 and the first board 20 .
- a width of a deck is larger than the length of boards 20 , 22 used in building the deck, so it is necessary to position and secure two boards 20 , 50 , such as the first board 20 and a third board 50 , together at their end sections 52 , 54 .
- the end sections 52 , 54 of the boards 20 , 50 are positioned adjacent to each other over the support member 24 .
- the above-described procedure is repeated, ensuring that at least one prong is driven into each of the first, second and third boards 20 , 22 , 50 , thereby securing all of the boards 20 , 22 , 50 to each other and to the support member 24 .
Abstract
According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board. The fastener includes a body portion, at least one first prong, at least one second prong, and a flange. The at least one first prong extends outwardly from the body portion for driving into a first board. The at least one second prong extends outwardly from the body portion for penetrating a second board. The body portion of the fastener includes an opening for receiving a connector. When installed, the connector passes through the opening in the body portion and into the supporting member, which supports and underlies the first and second boards. The flange extends outwardly from the body portion in order to maintain a desired gap between the first and second boards.
Description
- The invention concerns a deck fastener for securing deck boards together and to a supporting member, and deals more particularly with a deck fastener that does not protrude from the deck surface.
- Brackets, clips, and anchors for securing boards to joists without nail or screw heads protruding from the deck surface are known. However, some of these deck-fastening systems require securing devices that are difficult to install or require extensive preparation. For example, some deck fastening systems require pre-installing tracks on joists, pre-drilling slots or holes in boards for fasteners, or gluing the boards to the joists. Other deck fastening systems must be installed from below the deck, a time consuming, expensive, and sometimes impossible procedure.
- While these deck-fastening systems are designed to prevent nails or screws from appearing on the deck surface, many of the parts of the systems are quite apparent from beneath the deck. Since a deck is often located over a cellar entrance or off a second floor, the underside of such a deck is also in view. Therefore, the display of protruding fasteners and/or other components is unsightly and possibly dangerous.
- Since deck boards are subject to warping, splitting and shrinking, some of the known deck fastener systems do not prevent the deck boards from separating from the support joists over time. The fasteners also can come loose or become out of position on the joists. The separating of the boards from the joists may allow the boards to protrude above the deck surface, making the deck unsightly and less usable.
- Some deck-fastening systems include prongs that are inserted into the boards. However, wide prongs have been found to have a tendency to split the deck board material, especially when the deck board material is a composite material. In addition, thermal expansion and contraction of the boards has caused damage to the deck boards, the support member and/or the deck fastener.
- The object of the present invention is, therefore, to provide an improved deck fastener which, among other desirable attributes, significantly reduces or overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies of prior deck fasteners.
- According to the present invention, a fastener for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least one other board running adjacent and parallel to the first board includes thin flat body portion, a first prong, a second prong and a flange. The thin flat body portion has a front face and a rear face, with the first prong extending outwardly from the front face of the body portion for driving into the first board. The second prong extends outwardly from the rear face of the body portion for penetrating the second board. The second prong runs adjacent, parallel to, and in a direction opposite from that of the first prong. The second prong includes a tab. The tab extends outward from the rear face of the thin flat body portion a distance. The flange also extends outward from the rear face of the thin flat body portion substantially the same distance as the tab. The body portion of the fastener has an opening for receiving a connector. In operation, the first prong is inserted in the first board at a location where the first board traverses the underlying support member. The connector is passes through the opening of the body portion at an angle and inserted into the underlying support member. A head portion of the connector engages the body portion of the fastener around the opening, holding the fastener in place. The second board is then
- A further feature of the invention is that a third prong extends outwardly from a bottom edge of the body portion of the fastener for spacing the body portion of the fastener away from the supporting member so that the fastener and the attached first board can be drawn down to the supporting member during installation of the connector in the event the first board is slightly raised from the supporting member when the fastener is driven into the first board.
- Another feature of the invention is the approximately conical shape of the opening so that a head of the connector, such as a screw, can be partially inserted within the opening to reduce the amount of screw head protruding from the opening and thereby permit a close positioning of adjoining boards.
- Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and from the accompanying drawings and claims.
- The drawings are:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a deck fastener embodying the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the deck fastener ofFIG. 1 retaining a first deck board and a second deck board to a support member; -
FIG. 3 is fragmentary sectional view ofFIG. 2 along line 3-3 showing the deck fastener ofFIG. 1 retaining two boards to a support member with a fastening connector; and -
FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view ofFIG. 2 alongline 44 showing the deck fastener ofFIG. 1 retaining a first board to a second and third boards at their respective ends. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thefastener 10 of the present invention includes a thinflat body portion 12, at least onefirst prong 14, at least onesecond prong 16, and aflange 18. Thefastener 10 is operable to secure afirst deck board 20 and asecond deck board 22 together and to asupport member 24. - Preferably, the
fastener 10 is made of any suitable type of cut and bent sheet metal. In some embodiments, thefastener 10 is made from 0.06″ half-hardened steel that is rolled and not heat-treated. In other embodiments, thefastener 10 is made from 0.06″ 304 stainless steel that is quarter roll-hardened. Preferably, thefastener 10 is coated in order to hide thebody portion 12 in the shadows created in the gap (discussed below and identified inFIG. 2 as “48”) between theadjoining deck boards fastener 10 is coated in a black oxide coating. In other embodiments, the coating can be a black phosphorous electric “e” coat HV3 oil finish for additional corrosion resistance. - The
body portion 12 has afront face 26, a rear face 28, atop edge 30, abottom edge 32, and anopening 34. Thebody portion 12 preferably has a length “L” of about 2⅛″ long and a height “H” of 0.5.” - The
first prongs 14 extend outwardly from thefront face 26 of thebody portion 12 for being driven into and penetrating afirst board 20 for securing thefirst board 20 to thebody portion 12. Preferably, there are twofirst prongs 14 that are approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to thebody portion 12. Thefirst prongs 14 each include a first portion 36 and asecond portion 38, the first portion 36 being generally rectangular in shape and thesecond portion 38 being wedge-shaped, as shown inFIG. 1 . The first portion 36 of each of the first prongs is contiguous to thetop edge 30 of thebody portion 12 and thesecond portion 38 is contiguous with the first portion 36 of thefirst prong 14. In some embodiments, the first prong(s) 14 extend outwardly approximately ½″ from thebody portion 12 and the first portion 36 has a width (“W”) that is approximately 3/16″ wide. The first prong(s) 14 have non-tapered edges for penetrating the material of thefirst deck board 20, such as a composite material. - The two
first prongs 14 are preferably spaced approximately 1 15/16″ apart on thebody portion 12. While twofirst prongs 14 have been shown and described, the present invention is not so limited. For example, embodiments of the present invention may include only a singlefirst prong 14, or, alternatively, may include three or morefirst prongs 12, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. In addition, the size of thefirst prongs 14 may vary. Wider or narrower, or longer or shorterfirst prongs 14 may be used, as well, depending on the needs and wants of the end user. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thesecond prongs 16 extend outwardly from thetop edge 30 of the rear face 28 of thebody portion 12 for driving into asecond deck board 22. Preferably, there are two (2)second prongs 16 that are approximately parallel to each other and approximately perpendicular to thebody portion 12. The second prongs 16 run adjacent, parallel to, and in a direction opposite that of thefirst prongs 14. In some embodiments, each of thesecond prongs 16 includes a first portion 40 and asecond portion 42, the first portion 40 being rectangular in shape and thesecond portion 42 being wedge-shaped. The first portion 40 of eachsecond prong 16 is contiguous to thetop edge 30 of thebody portion 12 and thesecond portion 42 is contiguous with the first portion 40 of thesecond prong 16. Preferably, thesecond prongs 16, like thefirst prongs 14, extend outwardly approximately ½″ from thebody portion 12 and thefirst portion 14 of eachsecond prong 16 has a width (“W2”) that is approximately 3/16″ wide. The second prongs 16 have non-tapered edges for penetrating the material of thesecond deck board 22, such as a composite material. - Preferably, the two
second prongs 16 are spaced approximately 1 5/16″ apart on thebody portion 12. While twosecond prongs 16 have been shown and described, the present invention is not so limited, as there may be only a singlesecond prong 16, or three or moresecond prongs 16, without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. - Optionally, the
body portion 12 includes one ormore tabs 46. In some embodiments, the tab(s) 46 extend outwardly from thebody portion 12 approximately ⅛″ in a direction parallel to thesecond prongs 16. Typically, thetabs 46 are connected to thesecond prongs 16 and extend at least partially between thesecond prongs 16, as shown, for example, inFIG. 1 . However, in some embodiments, thetabs 46 may be separated from thesecond prongs 16. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , at least oneflange 18 extends outwardly approximately ⅛″ from thebottom edge 32 of the or the rear face 28 of thebody portion 12. In some embodiments, asingle flange 18 may run the entire length “L” of thebody portion 12, as shown inFIG. 1 . In other embodiments, one ormore flanges 18 may run a portion of the length “L” of thebody portion 12. The flange(s) 18 and/or the tab(s) 46 are operable to create aninitial gap 48 of approximately 3/16″ to ¼″ between thefirst deck board 20 and thesecond deck board 22 during installation. However, thegap 48 tends to widen slightly over time due to board shrinkage. - Continuing to refer to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thebody portion 12 includes anopening 34 for passing aconnector 44, such as a screw. The opening is approximately centered lengthwise on thebody portion 12. Theconnector 44 is operable to fasten thebody portion 12 to the support member 24 (e.g., a joist). Theopening 34 is preferably an elongated aperture in order to accommodate for linear expansion and contraction of the first and/orsecond deck boards FIG. 1 , theopening 34 may have one or more rounded ends. In some embodiments, theopening 34 extends at least partially onto theflange 18, thereby permitting the head of an inclined screw to partially fit through theopening 34. Accordingly, in these embodiments, the amount of screw head protruding from the rear face 28 of thebody portion 12 when secured is reduced. However, theopening 34 is also typically sized to prevent the head of theconnector 44 from completely passing through thebody portion 12. The reduction inconnector 44 head protrusion prevents the screw head from undesirably widening theinitial gap 48 between thefirst deck board 20 and thesecond deck board 22. - Referring to
FIG. 4 , thebody portion 12 having the opening 34 permits thebody portion 12 to grasp a shank of theconnector 44 and fasten thebody portion 12 to thesupport member 24. Theconnector 44 is preferably a 1⅝″ or 2″ galvanized or stainless steel deck screw, having a no. 6 or 8 thickness and a course thread; however, any suitable connector is acceptable. The screw is inclined at about a 45-degree angle to thebody portion 12 during insertion. As the screw is inserted, it passes through thebody portion 12, thefirst board 20, and into thesupport member 24. While a screw has been shown and described, the present invention is not so limited, asother connectors 44 and fasteners which can connect thebody portion 12 of thefastener 10 to thesupport member 24, such as a nail, can be employed without departing from the broader aspects of the invention. - Referring to
FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, in operation, thefirst prongs 14 are driven into thefirst deck board 20. In some embodiments, an installation tool (not shown) is used to drive thefirst prongs 14 into thefirst deck board 20. The installation tool is typically shaped to accommodate thesecond prongs 16 andflange 18 of thefastener 10. The second side of the installation tool is typically substantially flat to prove a broad surface on which to strike the installation tool, thereby driving thefirst prongs 14 into thefirst deck board 20. Thefirst deck board 20 is secured to the support member (e.g., joist) with theconnector 44 at the location where thefirst board 20 overlaps, crosses, or is supported by thesupport member 24. While thesupport member 24 is shown perpendicular to thebody portion 12 and the first andsecond boards fastener 10 may also be employed withdeck boards - As shown in
FIG. 2 , thebody portion 12 of thefastener 10 is centered on thesupport member 24 with thefirst deck board 20 crossing thesupport member 24. Thebody portion 12 is parallel to thefirst deck board 20 and thefront face 26 of thebody portion 12 facing thefirst board 20. Theconnector 44 is inserted in theopening 34 in thebody portion 12 at approximately a 45 degree incline and passes through thebody portion 12. In some embodiments, theconnector 44 then passes through thefirst board 20 and into the underlying supportingmember 24, thereby drawing thebody portion 12 against thesupport member 24. In other embodiments, theconnector 44 may pass through thebody portion 12 and directly into theunderlying support member 24. - Continuing with
FIG. 3 , thesecond board 22 is then positioned over thesupport member 24, parallel and adjacent to thefirst board 20. Thesecond board 22 is driven onto thesecond prongs 16, which extend outwardly from the rear face 28 of thebody portion 12. Thus, thesecond board 22 is secured to thebody portion 12 and thefirst board 20. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , sometimes a width of a deck is larger than the length ofboards boards first board 20 and athird board 50, together at theirend sections end sections boards end sections boards support member 24. The above-described procedure is repeated, ensuring that at least one prong is driven into each of the first, second andthird boards boards support member 24. - It should be understood that the foregoing description is only illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention.
Claims (13)
1. A fastener usable with a connector for securing a first board to an underlying supporting member and to at least a second board running adjacent and parallel to the first board, said fastener being made entirely of a single piece of cut and bent sheet metal and comprising:
a flat body portion having front and rear faces and top and bottom edges, said top and bottom edges defining vertical limits of the body portion and the body portion extending vertically between said top and bottom edges;
a first prong extending outwardly from said front face of said body portion for driving into a first board;
a second prong extending outwardly from the rear face of said body portion for penetrating a second board, said second prong running adjacent and parallel to and in a direction opposite from that of said first prong;
said body portion having an opening capable of receiving an elongated connector inserted through said opening with said connector being inclined to and passing through said body portion for fastening said body portion to a supporting member supporting and underlying the first and second boards; and
a flange extending outwardly from said rear face of said body portion, said flange creating a gap between the first and second boards when secured together.
2. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said first prong includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is generally rectangular and the second portion is wedge-shaped.
3. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said first prong extends perpendicular to said body portion.
4. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said first prong is one of two such first prongs spaced horizontally from one another.
5. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said second prong extends perpendicular to said body portion.
6. The fastener of claim 5 , wherein said second prong includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being generally rectangular in shape and the second portion being wedge-shaped.
7. The fastener of claim 4 , wherein said second prong includes a tab that extends outwardly from the rear face of said body portion.
8. The fastener of claim 7 , wherein said tab of said second prong extends outwardly from the rear face of said body portion approximately same distance as the flange.
9. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said second prong is one of two such second prongs spaced horizontally from one another.
10. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said sheet metal of which said fastener is made is steel.
11. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein:
said connector includes a head and a shank; and
said opening is elongated in order to allow movement of the connector relative to the fastener due to expansion and contraction of the first and second deck boards.
12. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said connector is a screw with a threaded shank and a head.
13. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein said two first prongs are located between said two second prongs.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/844,246 US20050252156A1 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2004-05-12 | Deck board fastener |
US10/922,686 US7398623B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2004-08-20 | Deck board fastener with concave prongs |
CA002506970A CA2506970C (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2005-05-10 | Deck board fastener with concave prongs |
US12/136,121 US20080240886A1 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2008-06-10 | Deck board fastener with concave prongs |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/844,246 US20050252156A1 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2004-05-12 | Deck board fastener |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/922,686 Continuation-In-Part US7398623B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2004-08-20 | Deck board fastener with concave prongs |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20050252156A1 true US20050252156A1 (en) | 2005-11-17 |
Family
ID=35308072
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/844,246 Abandoned US20050252156A1 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2004-05-12 | Deck board fastener |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050252156A1 (en) |
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US20110068919A1 (en) * | 2009-09-23 | 2011-03-24 | Checkpoint Systems, Inc. | Display assembly with cable stop |
US20120102865A1 (en) * | 2010-11-01 | 2012-05-03 | Armstrong World Industries, Inc. | Suspended ceiling system, securing members, and process of installing a suspended ceiling system |
US20140165491A1 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2014-06-19 | Sigma Dek Ltd. | Deck Board Mounting Clip |
WO2015196108A1 (en) * | 2014-06-20 | 2015-12-23 | Tebo Glenn J | Decking clip |
USD792757S1 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2017-07-25 | Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. | Deck board fastener |
USD795049S1 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2017-08-22 | Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. | Deck board fastener |
USD796306S1 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2017-09-05 | Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. | Deck board fastener |
USD796305S1 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2017-09-05 | Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. | Deck board fastener |
US10113306B2 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2018-10-30 | Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc. | Deck board fasteners |
US11629748B2 (en) | 2018-05-23 | 2023-04-18 | 3M Innovative Properties Company | Adhesive backed positioning aids and anchoring assemblies to enhance object mounting experience |
US11952776B2 (en) | 2022-09-09 | 2024-04-09 | Armstrong World Industries, Inc. | Suspended ceiling system, securing members, and process of installing a suspended ceiling system |
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US11952776B2 (en) | 2022-09-09 | 2024-04-09 | Armstrong World Industries, Inc. | Suspended ceiling system, securing members, and process of installing a suspended ceiling system |
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