US20170130465A1 - Deck installation track and method - Google Patents
Deck installation track and method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20170130465A1 US20170130465A1 US15/221,463 US201615221463A US2017130465A1 US 20170130465 A1 US20170130465 A1 US 20170130465A1 US 201615221463 A US201615221463 A US 201615221463A US 2017130465 A1 US2017130465 A1 US 2017130465A1
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- Prior art keywords
- snap
- track
- fit
- decking
- end portion
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- Abandoned
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- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title description 7
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- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/003—Balconies; Decks
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/388—Separate connecting elements
-
- E04B1/40—
-
- 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
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02005—Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips
- E04F15/02022—Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips with means for aligning the outer surfaces of the flooring elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02177—Floor elements for use at a specific location
- E04F15/02183—Floor elements for use at a specific location for outdoor use, e.g. in decks, patios, terraces, verandas or the like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B2/00—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls
- E04B2/02—Walls, e.g. partitions, for buildings; Wall construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted to walls built-up from layers of building elements
- E04B2/28—Walls having cavities between, but not in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts kept in distance by means of spacers, all parts being solid
- E04B2/30—Walls having cavities between, but not in, the elements; Walls of elements each consisting of two or more parts kept in distance by means of spacers, all parts being solid using elements having specially designed means for stabilising the position; Spacers for cavity walls
-
- 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
- E04B5/43—Floor structures of extraordinary design; Features relating to the elastic stability; Floor structures specially designed for resting on columns only, e.g. mushroom floors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
- E04F2015/0205—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer
- E04F2015/02066—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional fastening elements between furring elements and flooring elements
- E04F2015/02077—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional fastening elements between furring elements and flooring elements the additional fastening elements located in-between two adjacent flooring elements
- E04F2015/02094—Engaging side grooves running along the whole length of the flooring elements
Abstract
A system and method for installing decking are described. One embodiment includes a method of installing decking. The method includes aligning a track for decking relative to a joist. The method further includes attaching the track to the joist, and snapping a decking board into a retaining portion of the track after attaching. In the system, the track has a base element with at least one attachment element for attaching the track to a joist, a first snap-fit element, and a second snap-fit element. The first snap-fit element is coupled to a first end portion of the base element, and the second snap-fit element is coupled to a second end portion of the base element. The snap-fit elements are configured to retain at least one decking board.
Description
- The present application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/480,172 entitled “DECK INSTALLATION TRACK AND METHOD,” FILED Sep. 8, 2014, which claims priority from, and is a continuation-in-part of, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 29/411,646, entitled “DECK INSTALLATION TRACK,” filed on Jan. 24, 2012, both applications by Applicant Mark A. Claudin, which are incorporated herein by reference.
- A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
- The present invention relates to construction. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present invention relates to systems and methods for installing decking.
- Decking is a popular addition to many homes and businesses. Historically, decking has been installed by building a support beam foundation system topped by a joist system, and then attaching decking boards on top of the joist system. The decking boards are often made of composite materials. To attach the deck boards to the joist system, the most direct approach has been to nail or screw directly through from the top of the deck board through to the joist, as shown in
FIG. 38C . Then, to conceal the screw and improve the aesthetic appeal and life of the deck, a plug may be used. An angled attachment, as shown inFIG. 38B has also been proposed. To provide for appropriate spacing between the deck boards, gapping tools, such as that shown inFIG. 38C may be installed and attached to the joist as well. - In other methods, a concealed gapping and fastening tool, such as that shown in
FIG. 38A , has been developed. This concealed gapping and fastening tool is (generally forcibly) inserted into a side of the deck board, and then screwed into the joist using a 45 degree angle. - Although each of the above methods are functional, they are labor intensive and require a high degree of skill on the part of the deck installer, requiring, for example fairly precise locating skills on the part of the installer; that is, the installer must guess where the joist is located when installing according to
FIG. 38C . In the alternative, the installer must be skilled enough to appropriately angle and attach the screw, as shown inFIGS. 38A-38B and/or use a costly aligning tool to achieve the appropriate angle. Finally, each of the devices inFIGS. 38A-38C are relatively small in size, leading to a high loss of material and/or material hunting on the part of the installer when the components fall to the ground below the deck. None of the previous approaches allow for a replacement of old decking boards without removing and replacing the attachment components. - Accordingly, a system and method are needed to address the shortfalls of present technology and to provide other new and innovative features.
- Exemplary embodiments of the present invention that are shown in the drawings are summarized below. These and other embodiments are more fully described in the detailed description section. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the forms described in this summary of the invention or in the detailed description. One skilled in the art can recognize that there are numerous modifications, equivalents and alternative constructions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the claims.
- The present invention can provide a device and method for installing decking. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include a method of installing decking. The method includes aligning a track for decking relative to a joist. The method further includes attaching the track to the joist, and snapping a decking board into a retaining portion of the track after attaching.
- In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention can include a device for installing decking. The device may be a track for decking, having a base element with a first end portion, a second end portion opposing the first end portion, and at least one attachment element for attaching the track to a joist. The track has a first snap-fit element coupled to the first end portion of the base element, and a second snap-fit element coupled to the second end portion of the base element. The first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain at least one decking board.
- As previously stated, the above-described embodiments and implementations are for illustration purposes only. Numerous other embodiments, implementations, and details of the invention are easily recognized by those of skill in the art from the following descriptions and claims.
- Various objects and advantages and a more complete understanding of the present invention are apparent and more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description and to the appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a track according to one embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the track inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the track inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the track inFIG. 1 showing a relationship to a decking board; -
FIG. 5 is a side view of the track inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a track according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of the track inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the track inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 9 is a front view of the track inFIG. 6 showing a relationship to a decking board; -
FIG. 10 is a right side view of the track inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 11 is a left side view of the track inFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a track according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 13 is a top view of the track inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the track inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 15 is a front view of the track inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 16 is a right side view of the track inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 17 is a left side view of the track inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a track according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 19 is a top view of the track inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the track inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 21 is a front view of the track inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 22 is a side view of the track inFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a track according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 24 is a top view of the track inFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the track inFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 26 is a front view of the track inFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 27 is a side view of the track inFIG. 23 ; -
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a track according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 29 is a top view of the track inFIG. 28 ; -
FIG. 30 is a bottom view of the track inFIG. 28 ; -
FIGS. 31 and 31A are front views of the track inFIG. 28 ; -
FIG. 32 is a side view of the track inFIG. 28 ; -
FIG. 33 is a top view of a track according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 34 is a front view of the track inFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 35 is a side view of the track inFIG. 33 ; -
FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a track according to another embodiment; -
FIG. 37 is a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment; and -
FIGS. 38A-38C are front views illustrating the relationship between various prior art tracks and decking boards. - Referring now to the drawings, where like or similar elements are designated with identical reference numerals throughout the several views, and referring in particular to
FIGS. 1-5 , shown is a deck installation track, or track 100, for short. Thetrack 100 comprises abase element 102 having at least oneattachment element 104, a first snap-fit element 106 attached to afirst end portion 108 of thebase element 102, and a second snap-fit element 110 attached to asecond end portion 112 of thebase element 102 create a retaining portion or retaining feature of thetrack 100. Thetrack 100 may be manufactured of any material suitable for the expected function of installing and maintaining decking boards, such as thedecking board 114 shown inFIG. 4 , including, without limitation, steel, iron, composites, plastics, aluminum, and combinations thereof, treated to withstand typical temperature and other various weather fluctuations. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-5 , thebase element 102 includes at least oneattachment element 104. Theattachment element 104 may be one or more through-holes as shown, to allow a screw, nail, orother attachment device 116 to allow thetrack 100 to be screwed or nailed onto a joist of a decking base. Placement of theattachment element 104 may be such that, after adecking board 114 is installed, thedecking board 114 may also be removed by pulling up without bending or otherwise destroying thebase element 102. More specifically, as shown more clearly inFIG. 12 , a distance D between twoattachment elements 104 may be greater than between anattachment element 104 and anend portion track 100 without damaging thetrack 100. - Although a through-hole is shown, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the
attachment element 104 may comprise other means for attachment to a joist, such as, without limitation, a clip extending around thebase element 102 and joist, and a slot for allowing a nail or screw to attach thebase element 102 to the joist. It should also be understood that, even where a through-hole is used, it is not necessarily limited to a centered placement on thebase element 102. - Continuing with
FIGS. 1-5 , the snap-fit elements fit elements base element 102, and extend upwards to form a space between the snap-fit elements decking board 114 therebetween. The snap-fit elements inward protrusion recess 114 a in thedecking board 114, to provide a snap-fit between thetrack 100 and thedecking board 114. Theprotrusions appropriate protrusion decking board 114 in between the spacing formed by the first and second snap-fit elements - The first and/or second snap
fit elements base element 104 at abend 112, as shown inFIGS. 1-5 , for they may be attached by other means, such as gluing, screwing, bonding, casting, or welding. As one example,FIGS. 6-11 , illustrate atrack 200 having snap-fit elements welded on thebase element 104 atweld seam 212. - Turning now to
FIGS. 4 and 34 , an elevatingelement track 100 and thedecking board 114, thedecking board 114 may be maintained slightly above theattachment element 104, so as to protect the life of thedecking board 114 by ensuring water is not pulled about the underside of thedecking board 114. InFIG. 4 the elevatingelement 118 is the head of a screw or nail. InFIG. 34 , the elevatingelement 718 is a bend in thebase element 702. It is noted that the elevatingelement 718 shown inFIG. 34 provides a secondary advantage in that the bend provides a strengthening effect to thebase element 702. - Returning now to
FIGS. 1-5 , it should be understood that the spacing between the first and the second snap-fit elements non-standard decking boards 114. Likewise, the snap-fit elements non-standard decking boards 114. - It should also be understood that the first and
second end portions track 100 may be repeated, as shown inFIGS. 1-32 , such as with a continuous track havingmultiple sub-tracks 100, or the first andsecond end portions FIGS. 33-35 . It should also be understood that the first snap-fit element 106 and the second snap-fit element 110 may repeat in a pattern forming a sub-track having a plurality of central snap-fit elements to allow for the installation of a plurality ofdecking boards 114, as most clearly shown inFIGS. 1, 4, and 31A . - Further, although shown in
FIGS. 1-22 as having snap-fit elements base element 102, it should be understood that, as shown inFIGS. 23-36 , illustrating alternative embodiments of thetrack - Turning now to
FIGS. 6-11 , another embodiment of thetrack 200 is shown. As previously discussed, the snap-fit elements base element 202 using a welded joint 212. It is also shown inFIGS. 6-11 that the first and the second snap-fit elements base element 202. This repeating pattern may be used to install a plurality ofdecking boards 114 next to each other while maintaining a desired spacing between each of thedecking boards 114. - The unitary snap-
fit elements decking board 114, or, as in thetrack 300 shown inFIGS. 12-17 , the unitary snap-fit elements decking board 114. - Turning now to the
track 400 shown inFIGS. 18-22 , the snap-fit elements boards using protrusions decking board 114. That is, the sharp corners may in some embodiments provide for a deck and track 400 that is not removable. - Turning now to the
track 500 shown inFIGS. 23-27 , the first snap-fit element 506 of a first sub-track may be attached to the second snap-fit element 510 of a second sub-track to form atrack 500 having a repeated pattern. The first snap-fit element 506 and the second snap-fit element 510 may be formed using a continuous piece of material, as shown inFIGS. 23-32 . Similarly, the first snap-fit element 506 and/or the second snap-fit element 510 may be formed along with thebase element 502 from a continuous piece of material. As an alternative, the snap-fit elements may be independently formed and later welded, perhaps using spot welds 706 b, 810 b between an outer wall of a first snap-fit element and an outer wall of a second snap-fit element as shown inFIGS. 35-36 . - As seen in
FIGS. 28-32 , the snap-fit elements track 600 may include inwardly curved portions while also being formed continuously with thebase element 602 to form a repeating pattern. InFIG. 31A , the relationship between thetrack 600 and a joist 130 is shown. As seen, thetrack 600 is installed lengthwise along the joist 130 using a plurality ofattachment devices 116 or screws, thereby covering a substantial portion of the top of the joist 130 and protecting the top of the joist 130 from weathering. After thetrack 600 is installed, a plurality ofdecking boards 114 are snapped into the spaces between the snap-fit elements - Turning now to
FIGS. 33-35 , another embodiment is now discussed. In thetrack 700 shown inFIGS. 33-35 , one or more of theend portions track 700 may have a first and a second snap-fit element 706, 710 configured to retain an end portion of afirst decking board 114, as well as a third snap-fit element 720 and a fourth snap-fit element 722 configured to retain an end portion of asecond decking board 115, as shown inFIG. 33 . It should be understood that, although the first, second, third, and fourth snap-fit elements decking boards decking board 114 at a mid-portion of thedecking board 114. - As previously described, the
track 700 may include an elevatingelement 718 to maintain thedecking board base element 702. The elevatingelement 718 may include a bend in thebase element 702, the head of a screw ornail 118, or any other raised portion, such as, without limitation, a raised welded spot or seam. The weldedseam FIGS. 6-17 may be used to elevate the decking board along with the previously-described role of attaching the snap-fit elements, as just one example. In the alternative, a raised weldedspot 818 or ridge may be applied anywhere along the base element 802, as shown inFIG. 36 . - Turning now to
FIG. 37 , amethod 900 of installing decking is now described. Themethod 900 includes aligning adeck installation track 902, attaching thetrack 904, and snapping adecking board 906 into a retaining portion of the track. - Aligning 902 includes aligning a track according to at least one of the
tracks FIG. 31A orFIG. 36 , for example. That is, an elongated portion of a base element in the track is aligned with an elongated portion of the joist. In some embodiments, such as where the track comprises a repeated pattern of snap-fit elements, themethod 900 may include aligning 902 such that the base element protects a substantial portion of the top of the joist from weather. More specifically, the track may extend along a significant portion of the joist, and aligning 902 the track over the joist may provide weather protection to the joist. - Attaching 904 includes using one or
more attachment devices 116 andattachment elements 104, which may be similar to the attachment devices andelements attachment element 104, while attaching the track. - Snapping 906 includes using a
decking board 114 to apply enough downward pressure to cause the snap-fit elements of the track to deform, providing enough space between the snap-fit elements for the decking board to move down into the space between the snap-fit elements. Snapping 906 also includes releasing thedecking board 114, and allowing inward protrusions of the snap-fit elements to partially fill a recess in a side of thedecking board 114, as shown inFIG. 4 , and permanently or semi-permanently retaining the decking board in position. In some embodiments, themethod 900 may include snapping an end portion of the decking board into a spacing between a first snap-fit element and a second snap-fit element, or themethod 900 may include snapping a central portion of the decking board into a spacing between the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element. In some embodiments, snapping may include overcoming a resistance of a material having a hardened material, such as hardened steel, to press a decking board into position. In some embodiments, snapping may include overcoming a resistance of a material having a Rockwell hardness of greater than 64 to press a decking board into position. - In some embodiments, the
method 900 may include maintaining the decking board elevated relative to the attachment element using an elevating element. - The
method 900 may include snapping a plurality of decking boards into position after attaching the track. - The
method 900 may include using a plurality of snap-fit elements to maintain a consistent spacing between each of a plurality of decking boards. - The
method 900 may include attaching a plurality of tracks, each comprising a plurality of snap-fit elements and a plurality of attachment elements. - The
method 900 may include snapping an end portion of a first decking board into a spacing between the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element; and snapping an end portion of a second decking board into a spacing between a third snap-fit element at the first end portion of the base element and a fourth snap-fit element at the second end portion of the base element. - The
method 900 may include causing the first decking board to fluctuate in size longitudinally and transversely; causing the second decking board to fluctuate in size longitudinally and transversely and independent of the first decking board; maintaining a snap-fit to the first decking board; and maintaining a snap-fit to the second decking board independent of the first decking board. - In conclusion, embodiments of the present invention provide, among other things, a device and method for installing decking. Those skilled in the art can readily recognize that numerous variations and substitutions may be made in the invention, its use and its configuration to achieve substantially the same results as achieved by the embodiments described herein. Likewise, a variety of combinations of the elements shown in the numerous embodiments may be made. Accordingly, there is no intention to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary forms. Many variations, modifications and alternative constructions fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed invention as expressed in the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A method of installing decking; comprising:
aligning a track for decking relative to a joist;
attaching the track to the joist; and
snapping a decking board into a retaining portion of the track after attaching.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the track comprises a base element, the base element comprising at least one attachment element for attaching the track to a joist; a first snap-fit element coupled to a first end portion of the base element; and a second snap-fit element coupled to a second end portion of the base element; wherein the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain at least one decking board; the method comprising:
maintaining a direct line of site of the at least one attachment element while attaching the track.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein snapping the decking board comprises one of:
snapping an end portion of the decking board into a spacing between a first snap-fit element and a second snap-fit element; and
snapping a central portion of the decking board into a spacing between a first snap-fit element and a second snap-fit element.
4. The method of claim 1 , comprising:
displacing a snap-fit element while snapping the decking board into position.
5. The method of claim 1 , comprising:
using a base element to protect a substantial portion of the top of the joist from weather.
6. The method of claim 1 , comprising:
maintaining the decking board elevated relative to an attachment element using an elevating element.
7. The method of claim 1 , comprising:
attaching a track comprising a plurality of snap-fit elements and a plurality of attachment elements; and
after attaching the track, snapping a plurality of decking boards into a plurality of retaining portions of the track.
8. The method of claim 7 , comprising:
using the plurality of snap-fit elements to maintain a consistent spacing between each of the plurality of decking boards.
9. The method of claim 7 , comprising:
attaching a plurality of tracks to one or more joists, each track comprising a plurality of snap-fit elements and a plurality of attachment elements.
10. The method of claim 7 comprising:
snapping an end portion of a first decking board into a spacing between a first snap-fit element and a second snap-fit element; and
snapping an end portion of a second decking board into a spacing between a third snap-fit element at the first end portion of the base element and a fourth snap-fit element at the second end portion of the base element.
11. The method of claim 10 , comprising:
maintaining a snap-fit to the first decking board while accommodating a longitudinal and transverse fluctuation in size of the first decking board; and
maintaining a snap-fit to the second decking board independent of the first decking board while accommodating a longitudinal and transverse fluctuation in size of the second decking board.
12. A track for decking; comprising:
a base element having a first end portion, a second end portion opposing the first end portion, and at least one attachment element for attaching the track to a joist;
a first snap-fit element coupled to the first end portion of the base element; and
a second snap-fit element coupled to the second end portion of the base element; wherein
the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain at least one decking board.
13. The track of claim 12 , wherein:
the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a first decking board; and
the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a second decking board.
14. The track of claim 12 , comprising:
a third snap-fit element coupled to the first end portion of the base element; and
a fourth snap-fit element coupled to the second end portion of the base element; wherein:
the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a first decking board; and
the third snap-fit element and the fourth snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a second decking board.
15. The track of claim 12 , wherein:
the at least one attachment element comprises a through-hole; and
the through-hole is configured to allow a fastener to be set into the joist at approximately a ninety degree angle relative to a top of the joist and a top of the base element.
16. The track of claim 12 , wherein:
at least a portion of the first and second snap-fit elements comprises a hardened steel.
17. The track of claim 12 , wherein:
at least one of the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element is configured to be displaced while a user snaps the decking board into a retained position.
18. The track of claim 12 , wherein:
the base element is configured to protect a substantial portion of the top of the joist from weather.
19. The track of claim 12 , comprising:
an elevating element configured to maintain the decking board elevated relative to the attachment element after the decking board is snapped into a retained position.
20. The track of claim 12 , comprising:
a plurality of central snap-fit elements attached to the base element between the first and second end portions of the base element; wherein
the first snap-fit element, the second snap-fit element, and the plurality of central snap-fit elements are configured to maintain a consistent spacing between each of a plurality of decking boards.
Priority Applications (3)
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US15/221,463 US20170130465A1 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2016-07-27 | Deck installation track and method |
US15/861,058 US20180127986A1 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2018-01-03 | Deck installation track and method |
US29/699,102 USD1009599S1 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2019-07-23 | Deck installation track |
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US15/221,463 US20170130465A1 (en) | 2014-09-08 | 2016-07-27 | Deck installation track and method |
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US15/861,058 Abandoned US20180127986A1 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2018-01-03 | Deck installation track and method |
US29/699,102 Active USD1009599S1 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2019-07-23 | Deck installation track |
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US29/699,102 Active USD1009599S1 (en) | 2012-01-24 | 2019-07-23 | Deck installation track |
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US11110973B2 (en) | 2016-08-31 | 2021-09-07 | Wabash National, L.P. | Floor assembly and floor securing apparatus |
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US9416546B2 (en) * | 2012-01-24 | 2016-08-16 | Mark Claudin | Deck installation track and method |
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ITUA20164777A1 (en) * | 2016-06-30 | 2017-12-30 | Parchettificio Garbelotto S R L | JOINT FOR FLOOR LISTELS. |
GB2561679B (en) * | 2017-02-21 | 2020-05-27 | Klevaklip Systems Pty Ltd | A decking clip |
WO2018187837A1 (en) | 2017-04-12 | 2018-10-18 | Decktec Pty Ltd | A flooring board spacing assembly |
AU2018253529B2 (en) * | 2017-11-03 | 2022-05-26 | Klevaklip Systems Pty Ltd | A Decking Clip |
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IT201900003627A1 (en) * | 2019-03-13 | 2020-09-13 | Parchettificio Garbelotto S R L | JOINT FOR SLAT FLOORS |
US11359383B2 (en) | 2019-04-23 | 2022-06-14 | Omg, Inc. | Hidden fastener assembly for attaching grooved deck members |
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US10889994B1 (en) * | 2019-06-24 | 2021-01-12 | Barrette Outdoor Living, Inc. | Step clip fastening system and method |
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USD917271S1 (en) * | 2019-08-08 | 2021-04-27 | Kyeong Jun LEE | Quick clip fixture for deck installation |
USD926556S1 (en) * | 2020-02-03 | 2021-08-03 | Iiwii, Inc. | Decking track |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20180127986A1 (en) | 2018-05-10 |
US9416546B2 (en) | 2016-08-16 |
US20150075111A1 (en) | 2015-03-19 |
USD1009599S1 (en) | 2024-01-02 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |