TWI679332B - Hidden fastener unit and related method of use - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention proposes a fastener unit and a related method for fixing a plate to a support. The fastener unit includes a spacer, a holding element extending from the spacer and configured to fit into and engage a groove of the sheet, and one or more elastic compression elements extending from the spacer. . The one or more elastic compression elements may be joist feet configured to engage a joist, or may be compressed vertically toward a first plane transverse to a vertical axis of the spacer, such that a portion thereof may be compressed from a The open mode is compressed to a compression mode and nested in the groove, and then forcibly expanded in the groove, thereby fixing the spacer in a position next to the groove to establish a gap between the plate and another plate A gap. This article also provides a related method of use.

Description

Concealed fastener unit and related use method

The present invention relates to a fastener unit configured to secure, for example, a workpiece such as a plate to a support structure, such as a joist, and more specifically to a fastener that engages a groove in a side of the plate Slot to secure the board to a support structure.

There are a variety of structures, such as planks, platforms and floors, including horizontal floors, supported by an underlying support structure. These structures include plates placed side by side with each other. The panels are usually arranged to extend across a support structure that is placed at an angle (sometimes at a right angle) under the panels (such as joists). Sheets are usually fastened to such joists using fasteners, such as nails or screws. Nails or screws often discolor after a long time, or they loose themselves and protrude from the surface of the board. This will not only cause aesthetic discomfort, but also cause security disasters.

Some manufacturers have developed concealed fastener systems that loosely fit into adjacent grooves. These concealed fasteners usually include a biscuit-shaped upper plate with two horizontal wings that snap into the groove defined by adjacent planking plates, a single central opening, and a fastener extending through the central opening To pin to The lower joist and a base extend from the upper plate to a joist. Although the horizontal fins can engage the grooves, these elements are usually not strong enough to engage the grooves to secure the plates to the joists below and prevent them from moving during expansion and contraction under temperature changes. When advancing fasteners, these systems often require the user to manually support the plate to align with one or more grooves in the sheet, which is rather inconvenient. Depending on the height of the base and the distance of the grooves from the lower surface of the board, sometimes these components will not fit together, so that the flaps cannot be properly snapped into or aligned with the grooves. In addition, the fins have a fixed thickness, so that if the thickness does not match the groove, the plate cannot be snapped into the groove, let alone a joist to which the plate is fixed underneath. Further, if the supporting structure includes a double or triple joist, in which two or more joists are closely adjacent to each other, the aforementioned fastener system may not be able to adjust the size appropriately to cover those joists or fit into the relevant restricted space .

Therefore, there is still room for improvement in the field of fastener units, which are configured to secure slotted panels to underlying support structures.

The invention provides a fastener unit and a related method for fixing a plate to a support. The fastener unit includes a spacer, a holding element protruding from the spacer and configured to fit into and engage a groove of the plate, and at least one element extending from the spacer, which is configured The spacer is fixed against the groove to create a gap between the plate and another plate.

In a specific embodiment, the element may be an elastic compression element capable of being compressed vertically so that a portion thereof can be compressed from an open mode to a compression mode. In this compression mode, the size and dimensions of the elastic compression element are designed to be smaller than the width of the groove, so that the element can fit into the groove. After being placed in the groove, the equal portion can be expanded in the groove to forcibly engage the groove, thereby fixing the elastic compression element and the combined spacer closely against the groove and the side of the plate.

In a further specific embodiment, the elastic compression element protrudes laterally from the spacer, and its direction is like a part of the holding element. Alternatively, the holding element and the compression element may extend rearwardly by the same amount or distance from a rearward surface of the spacer. Further as needed, the elastic compression element may include a leading edge that does not extend forward from a front surface of the spacer, and the holding element may extend forward from the front surface of the spacer to another distance.

In another specific embodiment, the thickness of the spacer extends from a front surface and a rear surface. The thickness may be selectively less than 0.200 inches, further selectively less than 0.250 inches, and even more selectively less than 0.500 inches to provide corresponding adjacent sheet gaps.

In yet another specific embodiment, the elastic compression element includes first and second parts, which are selectively wing-shaped, plate-shaped, rounded, ellipsoidal, polyhedral, and the like, all of which may be referred to herein as The flaps function like springs. These parts can be brought close to each other to transform the elastic compression element from an open state to a compressed state. In the compressed state, these parts can be placed in the grooves of the sheet, and they can optionally be 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch wide, or other measurements depending on the application. When the parts are released, they can forcibly engage the groove and will tighten The unit is fixed in the center of the groove.

In yet another embodiment, the elastic compression element may be combined with the spacer at a foldable joint. The foldable joint may include a weak area, such as a thin area, a hole or perforation area, a block with a fragile material, or some other weakened area so that a user can manually break the elasticity The compression element disengages the spacer and sets the fastener unit into a specific position, for example, a limited space.

In yet another specific embodiment, the holding element may be in the form of a groove. Alternatively, the groove may be an inverted C-shaped groove so that its opening faces downward. The associated protrusion of the groove can be configured to engage the inner surface below the bottom of the groove of the sheet, and effectively bite into the surface when the fastener is tightened downward to pull the retaining element and its protrusion. Into the surface. Next, this provides a fixed plate reinforcement to the underlying support structure, such as a joist.

In a further embodiment, the fastener unit may be provided with an additional elastic compression element protruding from the spacer from the opposite side of the spacer. The first and second elastic compression elements can cooperate to forcely support the spacer and the fastener unit in a position close to the groove during the installation of the fastener. Therefore, since the unit is self-supporting, a user can use two hands to operate a tool, such as an electric drill, to install the fastener. Moreover, because the unit is self-supporting, a user can place multiple fastener units, place an adjacent plate, and then turn back to fasten the one or more plates with the fastener.

In still further specific embodiments, the spacer defines a The fastener opening may include an upper portion and a lower portion. These upper and lower portions can have different diameters or measurements to accommodate different screw types. In some examples, the lower portions may include a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper portion, so that the screw tip can be inserted into the lower portion, and the thread above the tip can be inserted into the upper portion. Alternatively, the screw may be partially screwed into the spacer, and more specifically, the inner surface of the first fastener opening defined by the spacer.

In still further specific embodiments, the holding element may be composed of a first material, such as metal and / or composite, and the spacer, elastic compression element, and other features may be composed of a polymer material. The polymeric material may be overmolded on a holding element to fix the holding element thereon, wherein the holding element is at least partially trapped in the spacer.

In a still further embodiment, a fastener unit may include a spacer defining a first fastener opening having first and second different internal measurements; a threaded fastener supported by the spacer on In the first fastener opening; a holding element combined with the spacer and configured to fit into and engage a groove of a plate; and a first and second joist arm from the spacer to The lower side extends and is configured to straddle and clamply engage a side of a lower joist.

In still a further specific embodiment, the fastener unit may be configured so that one or more joist feet are combined with the spacer at a breakable joint, so that the feet can be selectively removed manually , Which is determined based on the position of the fastener unit relative to one or more joists or other confined spaces set.

In yet another specific embodiment, the fastener unit may include a spacer and a holding element, which is placed transversely to the spacer and extends from the front and rear surfaces of the spacer. A first joist foot can protrude from a first side edge of the spacer, and a second joist foot can protrude from a second side edge of the spacer. The first and second joist feet extend outwardly and downwardly from the spacer. One or both of the joist feet include a stabilizer bar that protrudes a predetermined distance from the joist feet. The stabilizer bar can be installed under the spacer and selectively placed so that it can engage the bottom and / or side (under the groove of the plate) of a plate next to the fastener unit. Combined, the stabilizer bar, joist foot, and / or spacer can engage one or more plates at multiple locations close to where the spacer unit is placed, thereby providing multiple contact points between the spacer unit and the plate, thereby stabilizing the fastener unit. A specific orientation that selectively maintains the fasteners associated with the spacer unit in an upright, vertical orientation, ready to engage with a tool.

In yet another specific embodiment, the fastener unit may include a spacer and a holding element, which is transversely disposed with respect to the spacer and extends from the front and rear surfaces of the spacer. A first joist foot can protrude from a first side edge of the spacer, and a second joist foot can protrude from a second side edge of the spacer. The first and second joist feet extend outwardly and downwardly from the spacer. The holding element may include one or more pressure spreading feet located at opposite ends of the holding element. If a fastener of the unit is tightened down, these pressure dispersing feet can ensure that most of the force is dispersed at one or more opposite ends of the holding member without Is close to the spacer. In some types of slotted plates (there is a chamfer below the slot along the bottom surface of the plate), this force distribution deep into the groove can weaken or avoid downward movement due to the tight pressing of the fastener Caused by the plate tilt.

In yet another specific embodiment, the fastener unit may include a spacer and a holding element, which is placed transversely to the spacer and extends from the front and rear surfaces of the spacer. A first joist foot can protrude from a first side edge of the spacer, and a second joist foot can protrude from a second side edge of the spacer. The first and second joist feet extend outwardly and downwardly from the spacer. The spacer can be a synchronized spacer with a predetermined height setting that causes the spacer to engage a lower joist or other support (optionally a fastener is pressed down in the unit to pull the fastener towards the bracket). Beams or other supports). With this synchronized spacer, the fastener unit does not engage the holding element against the inner surface of the groove, so that the groove is not pulled down with too much force, which may cause the plate to tilt in some cases.

Current fastener embodiments and related methods of use provide benefits previously unattainable in hidden fasteners. For example, where the fastener unit includes a multi-faceted fastener opening defined by the spacer, the spacer may be configured to maintain a fastener in its interior, and when the fastener passes through the spacer The body is not broken or damaged. Where the fastener includes one or more breakable joints between the spacer and one or more elastic compression elements, those elements can be easily removed from the unit and discarded to fit a specific Joists combine or define space. Where the unit includes an elastic compression element, that The element can hold and maintain the fastener unit in close proximity to the groove without the need for additional hands to hold the unit. This allows a user to place multiple fasteners along a plate groove, install another plate next to those units, and then turn back to secure all fastener units so that the plates are relative to the support structure below Fixed way to maintain. Where the holding element includes one or more downward projections or clips, those elements can forcefully engage the groove to allow the plate to expand and contract during different temperatures (or below) Inside, avoid sliding or moving the board. In the case where the thickness of the spacer is reduced, the entire fastener can be well hidden between the adjacent plates, but at the same time, it can provide the plate to securely fix the supporting structure below, and provide a sufficient gap to accommodate a fastener. Head through between the plates.

These and other objectives, advantages, and features of the present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated with reference to the detailed description and illustration of specific embodiments herein.

Before explaining the specific embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of operation, or the details of construction and component configuration illustrated in the following detailed description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other specific embodiments and may be practiced or achieved using alternative methods not explicitly disclosed herein. Moreover, it is conceivable that the terms and terms used in this article are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as setting limits. The terms "including" and "comprising" and their variant usages are intended to include the enumerated items and their equivalents, as well as additional items equivalent thereto. Further, the number can be Used in the description of a number of different specific embodiments. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the numbering used should not be construed as limiting the invention to any particular order or number of components. The use of numbers should also not be considered as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that can be combined or combined with the numbered steps or components.

10‧‧‧ Fastener Unit

20‧‧‧ spacer

21‧‧‧ front surface

22‧‧‧ rear surface

23‧‧‧ the first side

24‧‧‧ second side

26‧‧‧lower

26L‧‧‧ lower surface

27‧‧‧upper

30‧‧‧Fixed components

31‧‧‧ support

32‧‧‧ support

33‧‧‧base

41‧‧‧Elastic compression element

41E‧‧‧outer end

41F‧‧‧ Leading edge

41J‧‧‧Joint

41LW‧‧‧ Lower Wing

41R‧‧‧Hanging Edge

41UW‧‧‧ Upper Wing

42‧‧‧ Elastic compression element

42F‧‧‧ Leading edge

42R‧‧‧Back edge

90‧‧‧ Fastener

90T‧‧‧Screw

90TP‧‧‧ Tip

90H‧‧‧Head

101‧‧‧ Plate

101A‧‧‧inclined wall

101B‧‧‧ Underside

101C‧‧‧ Corner

101P‧‧‧Pressure zone

101T‧‧‧Transition Zone

101U‧‧‧Top

102‧‧‧ Plate

103‧‧‧Trench

104‧‧‧Groove

105‧‧‧upward protrusion

106‧‧‧ Joist

106U‧‧‧ Top surface

106W‧‧‧wall

107‧‧‧ lower projection

109L‧‧‧ lower surface

109R‧‧‧ rear wall

109U‧‧‧ Top surface

110‧‧‧Fastening unit

120‧‧‧ spacer

121‧‧‧ front surface

122‧‧‧ rear surface

126L‧‧‧ lower surface

128‧‧‧ recess

130‧‧‧Fixed components

141‧‧‧First joist foot

142‧‧‧Second joist foot

143‧‧‧extended part

145‧‧‧curved section

146‧‧‧Lower engaging part

146S‧‧‧ Internal meshing surface

148‧‧‧ can break the joint

149‧‧‧ can break the joint

190‧‧‧Fastener

210‧‧‧Fastening unit

220‧‧‧ spacer

221‧‧‧ front surface

222‧‧‧ rear surface

226L‧‧‧ lower surface

230‧‧‧Fixed components

230E‧‧‧End

230L‧‧‧ lower surface

241‧‧‧First joist foot

241F‧‧‧Front surface

241R‧‧‧ rear surface

242‧‧‧Second joist foot

243‧‧‧Extruded

245‧‧‧Curved

246‧‧‧Mesh part

246S‧‧‧ Internal meshing surface

251E‧‧‧Free End

251‧‧‧Stabilizer

251L‧‧‧ lower surface

251U‧‧‧upper surface

252‧‧‧Stabilizer

255‧‧‧ Inclined

256‧‧‧ flattened end

261‧‧‧ meshing part

290‧‧‧Fastener

310‧‧‧ Fastener Unit

320‧‧‧ spacer

321‧‧‧ front surface

322‧‧‧ rear surface

326L‧‧‧ lower surface

328‧‧‧concave

330‧‧‧Fixed components

330L‧‧‧ lower surface

330P‧‧‧Presser foot

330R‧‧‧Concave surface

331‧‧‧first end

331P1‧‧‧Presser foot

331P2‧‧‧Presser foot

332‧‧‧ end

341‧‧‧First joist foot

342‧‧‧Second joist foot

343‧‧‧extended part

345‧‧‧Curved

346‧‧‧ meshing part

346S‧‧‧ Internal meshing surface

390‧‧‧Fastener

A‧‧‧ direction

A1‧‧‧angle

B‧‧‧ direction

CEW‧‧‧Compression element width

CF‧‧‧ Compression

D10‧‧‧distance

D11‧‧‧distance

D12‧‧‧distance

D13‧‧‧distance

D14‧‧‧distance

D16‧‧‧distance

D17‧‧‧distance

D18‧‧‧distance

D19‧‧‧distance

D2‧‧‧distance

D5‧‧‧distance

D6‧‧‧distance

D7‧‧‧distance

DF‧‧‧ diameter

DL‧‧‧Bottom part diameter

DU‧‧‧upper diameter

F1‧‧‧force

F15‧‧‧force

F16‧‧‧force

F2‧‧‧force

F4‧‧‧force

FA‧‧‧ Direction

FFI‧‧‧First fastener opening

FFIL‧‧‧FFI lower part

Below FFIL’‧‧‧FFI ’

Above FFIU‧‧‧FFI

Above FFIU’‧‧‧FFI ’

FFH‧‧‧First fastener opening

FFH’‧‧‧‧First fastener opening

G‧‧‧ Clearance

G’‧‧‧ clearance

GD‧‧‧Trench Depth

GH‧‧‧Trench height

GW‧‧‧Fixed component width

L1‧‧‧First side

L2‧‧‧Second side

L3‧‧‧ rank

L4‧‧‧ rank

LA‧‧‧Vertical axis

N‧‧‧ direction

N‧‧‧ direction

P1‧‧‧plane

P10‧‧‧plane

R‧‧‧ direction

SFH‧‧‧Second Fastener Opening

SFH’‧‧‧Second Fastener Opening

SW‧‧‧ spacer width

T1‧‧‧thickness

T2‧‧‧thickness

T3‧‧‧thickness

T4‧‧‧thickness

T7‧‧‧ direction

T8‧‧‧ direction

T9‧‧‧thickness

VA‧‧‧ vertical axis

VC‧‧‧ Direction

The first diagram is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastener unit having a fastener associated with the unit; the second diagram is a perspective view of the fastener unit to be installed in a first groove of a first plate The third figure is a front view of the fastener unit; the fourth figure is a side view of the fastener unit; the fifth figure is a front view of the fastener unit, wherein the elastic compression element is converted from an open mode to a compression Mode; the sixth diagram is a perspective view of the elastic compression element installed in a groove and supporting the fastener unit against the plate; the seventh diagram is a side sectional view of the fastener unit, which is installed in an adjacent plate A gap is established in the groove with a spacer between those adjacent plates; the eighth figure is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the fastener unit; the ninth figure is the fastener unit a first Replaceable front view of the specific embodiment; The tenth figure is a perspective view of the first alternative embodiment of the fastener unit. The fastener unit is installed relative to a groove of a plate and a lower support member. The eleventh figure is a view of the fastener unit. A side cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment, the fastener is installed in the groove of adjacent plates and a gap is established between those adjacent plates with a spacer; the twelfth figure is a A perspective view of a second specific embodiment including one or more stabilizer bars; a thirteenth figure is a side view of a second specific embodiment of the fastener unit, the fastening element is mounted on a group of holding elements In the adjacent plate, and it has one or more stabilizer bars engaged to the lower surface of the plate to provide further stability of the fastener unit; FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the fastener unit, It includes a holding element having one or more presser feet and a synchronous spacer; FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a third specific embodiment of the fastener unit, which is mounted on a lower joist And at least partially installed And a sixteenth figure is a side sectional view of a third embodiment of the fastener unit, which is installed in a groove of a plate, and the fastener is installed to pass through The one or more presser feet in the grooves exert a good force, and the synchronous spacers protrude downwardly against the lower joist.

The current specific embodiments of a fastener unit are shown in the first to seventh figures, and are generally labeled (10). The fastener unit (10) may generally include a spacer (20), a retaining element (30) retaining protruding from the spacer forward and backward, and one or more elastic compression elements, such as The first elastic compression element (41) and a second elastic compression element (42). These compression elements can be selectively combined with the spacer through individual breakable joints (48) and (49). When the unit is in an unmounted state as shown in FIG. 1, a fastener (90) can be placed at least partially through the spacer (20) and / or the holding element (30).

The fastener unit (10) in the current embodiment is quite suitable for a variety of architectural and construction schemes, such as commercial, residential, and other architectural schemes. However, the fastener unit can be modified for other applications, such as automotive, marine, industrial, and / or consumer products. As described herein, the fastener unit may utilize an overlapping sheet material in a slotted sheet material application example or fastened to a lower support structure. Depending on the application, these boards can be made of wood, plastic, composites, metal, ceramics, tiles, masonry or other materials.

As shown in the second and sixth figures, the plates (101) and (102) may include individual grooves (103) and (104). These grooves may include a groove depth GD, which may be optionally 1/16 inch, further optionally 1/8 inch, further optionally 1/4 inch, and further depending on the particular application. Available in 1/2 inch, or other depths. Further, as shown in the second figure, the groove may be bounded by the upper protruding portion (105) and the lower protruding portion (107), and the upper protruding portion (105) and the lower protruding portion (107) are bounded. Transition into the upper and lower surfaces of the plate (101). Although a continuous groove is shown, each of the opposite grooves (103) and (104) may be discontinuous and / or discontinuous according to a specific application example and a plate structure. Each groove (103) may also include a lower surface (109L), a rear wall (109R), and an upper surface (109U). These walls can have rounded edges and can transition smoothly or smoothly to the other side. Alternatively, they may be connected at right angles depending on the application example.

The fastener unit (10) of the present embodiment is generally described by slabs (101), (102) bonded to the lower joist (106) and bonded to the lower joist (106). An upper surface (106U) of the beam is placed. The joist (106) can of course be any supporting structure or element and can be composed of any kind of material, such as wood, plastic, composite, metal, ceramic, ceramic tile, masonry or other materials depending on the application. Further, it should be understood that the fastener unit can be used with any kind of planking, floor, cover, ceiling, or other components.

Turning now to the fastener unit (10), individual components such as, for example, a spacer (20), a first elastic compression element (41), a second elastic compression element (42), a retaining element (30), and a fastener ( 90), each will be described in more detail. Referring to the first to fourth figures, the spacer (20) includes a front surface (21) and an opposite rear surface (22). These surfaces are on opposite sides of the vertical axis VA of the spacer (20). This vertical axis VA may correspond to a longitudinal axis of the fastener (90). As described further below, a first fastener opening FFI is aligned with this vertical axis VA. The spacer (20) may include a first side surface (23) and an opposite second side surface (24).

The spacer may define a thickness T1 extending from the front surface (21) and Between opposite rear surfaces (22). This thickness corresponds to a pre-selected gap G (seventh figure), which is located between the adjacently placed plates (101), (102). This gap and thickness can be at least 0.180 inches as needed, further at least 0.200 inches as needed, further at least 0.250 inches as needed, further as needed at least 0.300 inches, and further as needed at least 0.350 Inch, further at least 0.400 inches as needed, further at least 0.450 inches, further at least 0.500 inches, or wider or increments as needed, this is based on the application example and adjacent It depends on the desired interval between the boards. Alternatively, the gap and thickness may be less than 0.180 inches as needed, further less than 0.200 inches as needed, further less than 0.250 inches as needed, further less than 0.300 inches as needed, and further less than 0.350 as needed Inch, further less than 0.400 inch as needed, further less than 0.450 inch as needed, further less than 0.500 inch as needed, or narrower or in increments, this is based on the application example and the adjacent Depending on the desired spacing between the boards. Alternatively, the thickness T1 and the corresponding gap G set by the spacer may be equal to and / or larger than the diameter DF of the fastener head (90H). In this way, the head of the fastener can be sleeved between the surface of the plate placed next to the spacer without excessive wear.

The gap G can be set by the spacer (20) by the front surface (21) engaging the adjacent plate, for example, the plate (102) in the seventh figure and the opposite rear surface (22) engaging the plate (101). ), As shown in Figure 7. This spacer, which is generally placed between the upper protrusion (105) and the lower protrusion (107) (which rides on the grooves (103) and (104), respectively), and the spacer between the plates, is used. (20) The thickness T1 makes The spacer is effective to prevent those plates (101) and (102) from being placed closer to each other than the gap G. As exemplified in the figure, the front surface (21) of the spacer can engage the upper protrusion (105) of a plate above the groove (104). The lower part (26) of the spacer (20) can engage the lower projection (107) of the plate (generally, it is under the groove). Alternatively, the spacer can engage the convex portion on the side surface of the plate in the area of the convex portion (105) and (107) above and below the groove (103).

As shown in the first and third figures, the upper part (27) of the spacer may include or define a recess (27R) extending from an uppermost surface (27U) directly to a position adjacent to the holding element (30). . The recess (27R) can be sandwiched by the opposite inclined surface (27S). These inclined surfaces (27S) facilitate the insertion of the fastener (90) into the first fastener opening (FFI), as described further below.

As shown in the first to third figures, the lower portion (26) may include a substantially flat lower surface (26L). The distance D2 between the lowermost part of the holding element (30) and the lower surface (26L) of the lower part (26) may be smaller than the distance D3 between the lower surface (109L) of the groove (103), as shown in the fifth figure . With this distance D2 smaller than D3, the spacer (20) selectively does not interfere with the contact and engagement of the holding element (30) with the lower surface (109L) of the groove. For example, if the distance D2 is selectively greater than D3, this may interfere with the engagement of the holding element (30) and the component of the groove (103). Of course, this alternative configuration can be implemented in different applications where holding element engagement is not critical.

As shown in the third and fifth figures, the spacer (20) can also define a recess (28) of the holding element. The recess of the holding element can extend substantially through the spacer from the front surface (21) to the opposite rear surface (22). The recess of the holding element may be Compared with the corresponding shape of the shape of the holding element (30). The recess (28) may be in the form of an inverted U-shaped or C-shaped groove, which opens downwards towards a joist (106). The size of this recess (28) can be designed to cause the holding element (30) to be inserted into the spacer, and in some cases it frictionally fits to the spacer and remains immovable relative to the spacer. Of course, there may be some gap between the side of the recess and the holding element (30), so that the spacer does not firmly hold the holding element. In this configuration, the fastener (90) extends through a retaining element recess (28) defined by the retaining element (30), which is also referred to as a retaining second fastener opening SFH, and penetrates into The first fastener opening FFI of the spacer (20). Since the fastener thread (90T) is engaged with the first fastener opening FFI, the fastener can fix the holding element relative to the spacer. Optionally, the holding element (30) may be overmolded or 3-D printed with a material forming the spacer. In this way, the holding element can be at least partially enclosed by the spacer and thus immobilized.

As shown in the third figure, the first fastener opening FFI may include an upper portion FFIU and a lower portion FFIL. The upper and lower portions may be similar geometric shapes. For example, both the upper and lower portions may be cylindrical. However, in some cases one may be frusto-conical and the other may be cylindrical. In another application example, the shape may be a quadrangle, a square, a polygon, an oval, a round shape or other geometric shapes. These individual sites may have different diameters or measurements. For example, the upper portion may include a diameter DU and the lower portion may include a diameter DL. The diameter DL of the lower portion may be smaller than the diameter DU of the upper portion. This allows the tip (90TP) of the fastener (90) (which may be pointed or frustoconical) to be inserted and partially threaded into the lower portion FFIL. So again The fastener (90) can be caused to screw into the spacer slightly so that it is fixed by these threads and the interaction with the first fastener opening FFI. It should be noted that although the text is described with reference to a diameter, the sentence encompasses any measurement of the opening of the first fastener, regardless of whether the individual portions of the opening are circular, oval, smooth, or instead polygonal.

Referring to the first to fifth figures, the holding element (30) may be a C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped slot. The holding element can be combined with the spacer and selectively placed in a recessed holding element recess (28). The holding element may include a base (33) and selectively first and second downwardly extending protrusions, gussets or supports (31), (32). These supports can optionally be integrally formed with the base (33). The supports can be placed at a distance from each other and with respect to the second fastener opening SFH, so that the distance is separated from the fastener (90) and the fastener head (90H) by this distance. More specifically, these supports can be configured so that when the head (90H) is screwed and engages the holding element, the first and second parts respectively located on the opposite side or end of the head or its diameter can be directly Apply downward force to and on the first and second supports (31), (32) without bending the retaining elements. In this way, these supports can function as reinforcing elements, especially when the fastener head (90H) is pushed down to the base, and the base is selectively avoided from bending. If necessary, as shown in the first figure, the supports (31), (32) may be arranged at intervals such that the distance D8 between their inner facing surfaces is optionally less than 0.500 inches, and further optionally less than 0.250 from each other. Inches, still further optionally less than 0.200 inches from each other, still further optionally less than 0.180 inches from each other, and still further optionally less than 0.208 inches from each other. tight The diameter DF of the firmware may be equal to, less than or greater than this distance D8. Alternatively, the diameter DF may be equal to or slightly larger than the distance D8. Further, this can keep the support below or closely adjacent to those parts when the lower part of the head (90H) engages the holding element. Similarly, when the fastener is tightened, this can increase the stiffness and support closer to the fastener, so that the base and the holding element will generally not be deformed by the downward force exerted by the fastener in the middle of the holding element. , Bend or bend.

These mounts can be configured to engage the grooves (103) and (104) of the individual sheet materials used in conjunction with the fastener unit (10). As shown in the figure, the support may include a flat bottom edge, however, these edges may be sharpened so as to be at an angle and closed to a sharp point. Although not shown, the bottom edge of the support may be jagged and / or include teeth so as to better bite into the groove of the sheet when the fastener unit is held in place by the fastener (90).

As mentioned before, the retaining element (30) includes a retaining element recess (28) or a second fastener opening SFH. This fastener opening can be aligned with the first fastener opening FFI of the spacer (20), so that the fastener can fit through both at the same time. The second fastener opening SFH can be located in the center of the base (33), and can be selectively aligned with a half of the space between the leading edge (36) and the rearward extension (37) of the holding element (30), as shown in the second figure As shown.

Alternatively, the second fastener opening SFH may be a circular opening that drills through the base (33). In other examples, the second fastener opening SFH may be a recessed bottom surface that penetrates the base or one or more supports (31) or (32) (but penetrates only from one side). This allows the retaining element to hold enough material so that the fastener (90) The head (90H) can engage the holding element and pull it towards the joist (106) located below. The second fastener opening may be large enough to allow the thread of the fastener to pass therethrough, but is smaller than the diameter of the head of the fastener so that when tightened, the head engages and pulls the retaining element.

The holding element may also include a forwardly extending portion (38) extending forward from the front surface (21) of the spacer (20). The holding element may also include a rearwardly extending portion (37) extending rearwardly from the rear surface (22) of the spacer. The front and rear extensions of the holding element may have lengths L1 and L2, which may be equally extended by the individual front and rear surfaces of the spacer. Of course, in some applications, the distance and length may vary.

The holding element (30) may be composed of various materials such as metal, composite, polymer, ceramic, reinforced composite, polymer, and the like. The retaining element can be strong enough that it will not bend or collapse when the fastener head (90H) engages it and pulls the retaining element (30) into the lower surface (109L) of the plate groove (103). . In this way, the fastener (90) pulls the holding element (30) to closely mesh with the lower surface (109L) of the groove (103) or other components. In this way, the plate (101) is then clamped down to the lower joist (106). Because of this clamp, the plate (101) can be effectively prevented from expanding and contracting when it is subjected to different environmental conditions (such as when it is exposed to heat or cold). This prevents the board from creeping in one direction or the other, or becoming uneven in general.

Optionally, although shown as an upside-down slot, the retaining element may be a small tube shape with corresponding teeth, a single piece of high-strength steel plate, optionally with saw-shaped protrusions or ridges on its lower surface, or other Shape, according to Use cases and the materials that make up these boards and / or the desired support strength.

As mentioned earlier, the fastener unit (10) may include first and second elastic compression elements (41), (42). These elastic compression elements can be similarly constructed, so only one is described in detail herein. It is also conceivable that in certain applications, one of the elastic compression elements can be removed from the design. In a further application example, the area of the fastener unit may be occupied by a simple flange or foot extending outward from the side of the spacer (20), wherein the assembly cannot be compressed like an elastic compression element or moved from an open mode to a Compression mode.

The first elastic compression element (41) may extend outward from the first side surface (23) of the spacer (20). The second elastic compression element (42) may extend outward from the second side surface (24) of the spacer, that is, the opposite first side surface (23). Therefore, the elastic compression element may be selectively symmetrical with respect to the vertical axis VA, as shown in the third figure. Generally, the first elastic compression element (41) and the second elastic compression element (42) may be coupled to opposite sides of the vertical axis VA. In this way, they can engage the grooves at a distance from each other to provide two or four engagement and contact points between the fastener unit and the groove, but this is not included in the holding element (30) Of engagement.

The first elastic compression element may include a vertically compressible upper elastic flap (41UW) and a vertically compressible lower elastic flap (41LW). These tabs can be joined at a joint (41J). The fins shown in the figure are generally flat, form an angle with each other, and meet at the tip of the joint (41J). Of course, in other application examples, these fins may be curved, rounded, or other shapes. These upper flaps The lower and lower wings can be designed to compress vertically in the direction VC, as shown in the third and fifth figures. The term “compressible vertically” means that a flap or a component or part of the elastic compression element can move in the arrow direction VC, and generally faces a plane P1 orthogonal to or transverse to the vertical axis (VA) of the spacer (20). However, due to their elasticity, these parts are elastically deformed and forced to expand and regain the configuration of these elements in the open mode, as shown in the first and third figures. After a force F is applied to move the fins towards each other and / or substantially toward the plane P1, due to the elasticity of the fins, these fins are forced to open back to the configuration as shown in the first and third figures.

The first elastic compression element (41) and the second elastic compression element (42) can operate in an open mode, as shown in the third figure, and can operate in a compression mode, as shown in the fifth to seventh figures. As shown. In the open mode, the fastener unit (10) has not been installed in the groove of the plate. In that configuration, the end or outermost part of the flap (farthest from the spacer (20)) is placed at a distance D5 from each other. The distance D5 in the open mode may be smaller than the height GH of the groove. Due to the vertically compressible nature of the upper elastic flaps (42UW) and the lower elastic flaps (42LW) of the second elastic compression element (42), these flaps can be moved towards each other, or approximately towards a horizontal reference surface of a spacer, ie First plane (P1). Alternatively, this plane P1 may pass through the recess (28) of the holding element and / or a part of the holding element (30). When the fins are compressed vertically by the vertical compression force F, the distance D6 between them decreases. This distance D6 may be smaller than the groove height DH. Optionally, the upper and lower portions of the compression element may be separated by a plurality of different distances. This distance can be varied so that the elastic compression element can fit into a specific groove of a plate.

Referring to the third figure, the outer end (41E) of the flap, and the first elastic compression element (41), generally speaking, are free ends extending in space. That is, they are not connected to each other. Alternatively, in some applications, these components and ends may be connected to each other, and the limitation is that the connection allows vertical compression in the direction VC. For example, the upper and lower fins can be connected to the corresponding fins protruding from the outer end (41E) to form a "V" shape. This then allows these components to be compressed. In other constructions, the vertically compressible fins can be elongated ovals or circles, which are constructed so that they can be compressed and reduce the overall vertical measurement, optionally to a height smaller than the groove height of the groove (103) (GH).

Referring to the fifth figure, during operation, the user can manually apply a force to vertically compress the first elastic compression element (41) and the second elastic compression element (42) in a direction VC toward the plane (P1) and / or substantially opposite to each other. . In this way, the flap is converted from the open mode shown by the dotted line to the compression mode shown by the solid line. The elastic flaps or partial compression elements are bent, bent, or otherwise moved toward each other, so that the distance between them is reduced from the distance D5 to the distance D6. Depending on the application and the amount of vertical compression, this distance can be reduced by approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50% or more. Generally speaking, the first and second fins or other parts of the elastic compression element can be elastically moved towards each other and / or the first plane (P1), so that when the user applies a compressive force, the verticality The distance is reduced.

The elastic compression element is in a compression mode. A user can install the first elastic compression element (41) and the second elastic compression element (42) into the groove (103). Since D6 is less than the groove height GH, these components will now fit into the groove Inside the slot. If the user releases or reduces the force F applied to individual parts of the elastic compression element in the compression mode, these flaps will return to the configuration of the open mode. Due to the upper surface (109U) and lower surface (109L) of the groove, these fins mesh with the elastic compression elements and individual fins or other parts, and apply forces F1 and F2 to the plate (101) in the groove, and to the groove The upper and lower surfaces of the groove. These forces can be at least 0.0001 pounds as needed, further can be at least 0.001 pounds as needed, still further can be at least 0.05 pounds as needed, and can be between 0.0001 and 0.5 pounds as needed. Of course, depending on the application example and the configuration of the elastic compression element, the compression element may exert other forces against the groove surface.

Since the elastic compression element is forcibly expanded in the groove, the elastic compression element fixes the spacer in a position close to the first groove. In this way, when the second plate is installed, the spacer can be placed between the side surfaces of the plate (101) and (102), and a gap G is effectively formed, as shown in the seventh figure.

The first elastic compression element (41) and the second elastic compression element (42) may include leading edges (41F), (42F), and trailing edges (41R), (42R), respectively. The trailing edges (41R) and (42R) are configured to fit into the grooves (103) of the plate (101). In some examples, the trailing edge can be fully inserted into the groove and placed next to the rear wall (109R). However, the leading edge may extend outward from the groove and beyond the side surface of the board, especially the protrusions (105) and (107).

Optionally, the leading and trailing edges are separated by a compression element width CEW. This compression element width CEW may be greater than the thickness T1 of the spacer (20). In other words, the thickness T1 of the spacer (20) may be smaller than the compression element width CEW. therefore, The elastic compression element may extend forward and / or backward from the front and rear surfaces of the spacer. As shown in the figure, the leading edge (42F) can be placed in a common plane with the front surface (21) of the spacer (20). The trailing edges (41R), (42R) can protrude beyond the rear surface (22) of the spacer by a distance D7, as shown in the first figure.

In some examples, there may be a spatial relationship between the retaining element, the spacer, and the elastic compression element. For example, the holding element may have a holding element length (L3) that extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge of the holding element (30). As mentioned above, the spacer (20) may include a spacer thickness (T1) and the elastic compression elements may each include a compressible element width (CEW). As shown in the figure, the holding element length (L3) can be greater than the compressible width (CEW). The elastic compression element width (CEW) can be greater than the spacer thickness (T1). In some examples, both the holding element length (L3) and the compressible element width (CEW) may be greater than the thickness (T1). In this way, individual holding elements and elastic compression elements can be nested in the grooves of one plate, but will not interfere with the fitting of another plate next to the first plate. Indeed, the compression element width (CEW) can be less than the sum of the groove depth (GD) plus the thickness of the spacer (T1). In this way, the elastic compression element can be placed in the groove to fix the spacer, but it will not extend beyond the spacer and interfere with the setting of the gap between the plates. With such a reduced width, the elastic compression element can also not interfere with the engagement of another groove (104) next to the plate (102). Instead, only the holding element (30) selectively extends into and engages the groove (104), thereby fixing the plates to each other.

The first elastic compression element (41) and the second elastic compression element (42) can be separated from the spacer (20) at individual breaks of all joints (48) and (49). Combined. As shown in the third and fifth figures, these breakable joints can be effective weak areas. Here, the material connecting the spacer and the elastic compression element is thinned so that those elastic compression elements can be bent in the direction B. , And can be effectively broken at this joint. This is demonstrated in the third figure, where the joint (49) has been broken. In some examples, the breakable joint may be part of a plastic having perforations or openings therethrough. With this breaking of the joint, a user can selectively and manually move one of the first elastic compression element (41) or the second elastic compression element (42) to fit into a specifically defined space, or A combination that fits to an adjacent lower supporting joist.

A related method using the fastener unit (10) of this embodiment will now be described. Generally speaking, the provided fastener unit may include its spacer (20), a retaining element (30), and a first elastic compression element (41) and a second elastic compression element (42). The fastener (90) can be installed therein, or can be installed by a user, and generally extends through the openings of the fastener and engages different parts of the openings, as described above. A user may implement a force F as shown in the third figure to compress the flaps of the elastic compression element vertically in the direction VC toward each other and / or substantially toward the plane P1. In this way, the distance between the ends of the fins is then changed from a distance D5 to a smaller distance D6. In the fifth figure, during such compression, the fastener unit transitions from an open mode (shown in dotted lines) to a compression mode (shown in solid lines). The wings of the elastic compression element and the rearwardly extending portion (37) of the holding element (30) can be inserted into the groove (103), as shown in the sixth figure. These elements can be pushed into the groove in the direction R shown in the second figure. Tabs can be released to remove manual application The compressive force F applied to the airfoil. The flap is then elastically deformed from the compression mode back to the configuration of the open mode. Then, forces F1 and F2 are applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the groove by the elastic compression element. The fastener is thus fixed immobile in the position immediately adjacent to the groove. The spacer (20) is thus abutted against the first side (101S) of the plate (101) adjacent to the groove (103).

As mentioned above, in some examples, the two joints may be adjacent to each other. In order to align the fastener with the associated holding element for each joist, the elastic compression element may be disconnected from each adjacent fastener unit. In this way, the user can manually bend one of the first elastic compression element (41) and the second elastic compression element (42) in the direction B to move that part away from the spacer, as shown in the third figure.

The fastener unit is properly installed relative to the first plate (101). As shown in the seventh figure, a second plate (102) can be directly adjacent to the first plate (101), but is separated by the spacer of the fastener unit (10). (20) The gap (G) established by the thickness is separated. Since the holding element (30) protrudes outward from the front surface (21) of the spacer, the holding element can be installed in the second groove (104) of the second plate (102). The plate is mounted on the joist (106) in such a way that the fastener (90) can be rotated in the direction A. As a result, the fastener advances through the spacer (20), the holding element (30), and into the lower support or joist (106). As a result, the head (90H) will eventually engage the holding element (30). This then pulls down the holding element towards the joist (106). As a result, the holding element and, for example, its support or projection, bite into the lower surface of the groove of the individual sheet. This in turn provides enhanced fixing power to keep the sheet against the joist (106). With the fastener unit of the current embodiment, the total length of the unit from one end to the other is approximately enough to cover the joist The entire top of (106), otherwise it will be exposed through the gap G established between the plates.

A first alternative embodiment of a fastener unit is depicted in the eighth to eleventh drawings, and is generally labeled (110). The fastener unit of this embodiment is similar in structure, function, and operation to the above embodiment, with a few exceptions. For example, the unit (110) includes a fastener (190) similar to the fastener (90) described above. It also includes a holding element (130) placed in a recess (128) defined by the spacer (120). The spacer may have a spacer width SW. The holding element may have a holding element width GW. The width of the holding element may be smaller than the width of the spacer. For example, the width of the holding element may be selectively smaller than 3/4 of the width of the spacer, and further smaller than 1/2 of the width of the spacer.

The spacer may be configured to establish a gap between adjacent plates, and the size is set to have a thickness T2 similar to the thickness as described in the previous embodiment. The holding element (130) may define a second fastener opening (SFH '), which is aligned with a first fastener opening (FF I') of the spacer (120), similar to the foregoing description. The first fastener opening (FFI ') may also include an upper portion FFIU' and a lower portion FFIL 'having different diameters, and the lower portion has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the upper portion. The holding element (130) can be selectively extended from the front surface (121) and the rear surface (122) of the spacer (120) by the same distance D10 and D11. Of course, these distances may vary in some applications.

In this embodiment, the unit (110) may include first and second compression elements in the form of first and second joists extending downward and outward from the spacer (120). Feet (141) and (142). These first and second joist feet are configured to straddle and clamp-engage a joist. These joist feet are similar in structure, so only the first joist feet (141) will be described herein. The joist foot (141) includes an overhanging portion (143), which protrudes from one side of the spacer (120). The overhanging portion (143) transitions to a downturned smooth or curved portion (145) away from the lower surface (126L) of the spacer (120). The curved portion (145) is substantially concave, and the opening faces the vertical axis (VA). The bent portion (145) extends to a lower engaging portion (146). The lower engaging portion is substantially convex with respect to the vertical axis (VA) and is opened away from the vertical axis (VA). The engaging portion includes an internal engaging surface (146S) which is configured to engage and slide over a portion of the wall surface (106W) of the joist (106). This surface (146S) is still approximately curved and projects away from the vertical axis to facilitate this portion to slide over the wall surface (106W).

Alternatively, each joist foot (141) and (142) may be connected to the spacer (120) at the breakable joints (148), (149), similarly to the above. In this way, at least one of the first and second joist feet can be manually disconnected from the spacer to accommodate a double joist or other confined space.

A method for mounting the fastener unit (110) will now be described with reference to the ninth to eleventh figures. The fastener unit (110) may be placed next to a joist (106) and a plate (101), as exemplified in the tenth figure. More specifically, the joist feet (141) and (142) can be elastically deformed outward by sliding the engaging surfaces (146S) to engage with the wall surface (106W) of the joist (106). Due to its smooth nature, joist feet can be flexibly bent or moved outwards and can slide on these walls. Hold the element before the lower surface (126L) of the spacer is engaged with the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106) (130) can be inserted into the groove (103) and engage the lower surface (109L) of the groove. Due to the spatial relationship between the spacer, its lower surface (126L), and the lower surface of the groove (109L), the lower surface of the spacer can be placed at a lower level than the lower surface of the first groove. For example, the spacer The lower surface (126L) may be lower than the lower surface (109L) of the groove.

As shown in the figure, the joist foot can apply a compression or clamping force F4 on the joist (106) to fix the elevation of the holding element (130) above the joist shown in the tenth figure, which is generally convex.入 槽 (103). With the holding element in this position, as shown in Fig. 11, a second plate (102) can be moved to a position next to the fastener unit (110). Since the thickness (T2) of the spacer (120) separates the two plates, a gap G 'can be established between the plates. The holding element (130) can also be extended into two separate gaps of the two plates. The holding element is so placed and the gap G 'has been established, a user can push the fastener (90) to the lower joist. Then, this causes the holding element (130) and its corresponding support to bite into the individual grooves, thus fixing the plate at a fixed position above the joist (106).

Alternatively, in a confined space, referring to the ninth figure, one of the joist feet (141) may be bent in the direction B to elastically break off the foot at the foldable joint (149).

A second alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is depicted in the twelfth to thirteenth drawings, and is generally labeled (210). The fastener unit of this embodiment is similar in structure, function, and operation to the above embodiment, with a few exceptions. For example, the unit (210) may include a fastener (290) similar to the fasteners (90) and (190) described above. It also includes a holding element (230) The recess (228) defined by the body (220). The holding element (230) can be selectively extended by the front face (221) and the rear face (222) of the spacer (220) and beyond them. As described above, the spacer may be configured to establish a gap between adjacent plates, and the size is set to have a thickness T2, similar to the thickness as described in the previous embodiment.

In this specific embodiment, the unit (210) includes a first joist leg (241) and a second joist leg (242). In some examples, it is also referred to as an elastic compression element, which is downward from the spacer (220). Outside extension. These first and second joist feet are configured to straddle and clamp-engage a joist. These joist feet are similar in structure, so only the first joist feet (241) will be described herein. The first joist leg (241) includes an overhanging portion (243), which protrudes from one side of the spacer (220). The overhanging portion (243) transitions to the downwardly rounded or curved portion (245) away from the lower surface (226L) of the spacer (220). The curved portion (245) is substantially concave, and the opening faces the vertical axis VA of the spacer (220). The vertical axis VA may coincide and / or be parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the fastener (290). The bent portion (245) extends to a lower engaging portion (246). The lower engaging portion (246) may be convex with respect to the vertical axis (VA) and may be opened away from the vertical axis (VA). The engaging portion may include an internal engaging surface (246S) configured to engage and slide over a portion of the wall surface (106W) of the joist (106). This inner meshing surface (246S) is also generally arcuate and convex from the vertical axis to facilitate this portion to slide over the wall surface (106W). Of course, in other configurations, the internal engaging surface (246S) may be flat, planar, rough, undulating, triangular, or the configuration of the joists or workpieces on which the joist feet are to be engaged may have other geometric configurations.

As shown in the twelfth figure, the first joist foot (241) can be The first side L1 of the spacer (220) on the first side of the VA protrudes, and the second joist leg (242) may protrude from the second side L2 of the spacer (220). The first and second joist feet can extend outward and downward from the spacer. Each joist foot may include a front face and a rear face, and one or more joist foot may include a stabilizer bar, which extends a predetermined distance from the joist foot. Generally speaking, the relative stabilizer bars (251) and (252) on the first joist foot (241) and the second joist foot (242) can be placed at a common height L4 and a Another height L3 relative to the lower surface (230L) of the holding element (230). Due to the similarity between the foot and the stabilizer bar in the illustrated embodiment, only the first joist foot (241) and its corresponding stabilizer bar (251) will be described herein.

The first joist leg (241) may include a front surface (241F) and a rear surface (241R). The rear surface may optionally be flat and / or smooth. The rear surface may further include a stabilizer bar (251) protruding rearward, opposite to the direction of the front surface (241F) of the first joist foot (241). As exemplified in the figure, the stabilizer bar (251) may be integrated with the foot, and is combined with the foot at a transition position between the bent portion (245) of the joist foot and the lower engaging portion (246). The stabilizer bar can protrude a distance D13 from the rear surface (241R). This distance D13 may be equal to the distance D14 at which the end (230E) of the holding element (230) extends from the rear surface of the foot (241R) and / or the rear surface of the spacer (222). The distance D13 can optionally be 1/32 inch, further optionally 1/8 inch, optionally 1/4 inch, then optionally 1/2 inch, and more selectively 3 / 4 inches, or other distances depending on the application. In some examples, D13 may be greater than, less than, or equal to D14. In the example where the fastener unit (210) is applied to the bottom of the plate, the distance D13 is greater than D14 by at least 10% to 25%, so that the stabilizer bar (251) can be appropriately extended over The arc-shaped lower corner of the plate engages the lower or bottom surface of the plate, as described in detail later.

Referring to the twelfth figure, the stabilizer bar (251) may include an upper surface (251U) and a lower surface (251L). The upper surface (251U) and the lower surface (251L) may optionally be part of a continuous cylindrical wall, wherein the stabilizer bar (251) is cylindrical. Of course, the stabilizing rod (251) is the case of other geometries. For example, a square, polygon, ellipsoid, or some other smooth or irregular shape, the upper and lower surfaces may be different or completely different from one another The wall surface is formed.

The wall surface (254) can extend to the rear surface (241R) of the first joist foot (241). In some examples, the stabilizer bar may optionally also protrude from the front surface (241F) of the joist foot. It can extend a distance D13, or a smaller or larger distance, depending on the application example and the type of plate used with the fastener unit. The stabilizer bar may also be configured so that the stabilizer bar (251) terminates at a free end (251E) protruding into the space, in this case the stabilizer bar is cantilevered. The free end (251E) may include an inclined portion (255) and a flattened end portion (256). The inclined portion (255) may be frustoconical or pointed or rounded. In some examples, the inclined portion (255) and the flattened end portion (256) may be fused into a hemispherical or other rounded end. The end can be rounded or inclined (as shown in the figure), so that when the fastener unit is installed, the end easily crosses a corner or other side or bottom of a plate laterally. Sloping and / or smooth surfaces easily cross the corners and / or bottom of the board for quick installation.

As further shown in the twelfth figure, the stabilizer bar can be placed a distance D12 below the lower surface (230L) of the grasping element (230). For example, the lower surface (230L) can be placed on level L3, and the upper surface of the stabilizer bar (251) can be placed on second level L4. The distance D12 between these different levels can be equal to the distance between the bottom of a trench and the bottom surface of the same plate. In this way, the plate can be clamped or clamped between the lower surface (230L) of the grasping element (230) and the upper surface (251U) of the stabilizer bar. Optionally, the plate portion between the bottom of the plate groove and the bottom surface of the plate can be clamped or clamped on the first joist foot (241) between the grasping element (230) and the stabilizer bar (251). By interacting with the plate in this way, as will be described in further detail later, the fastener unit (210) can be temporarily fixed to and joined to the plate to selectively select the fastener (190) before it is installed into a lower joist. The vertical axis LA of the fastener (290) is maintained in a vertical and upright position.

Although shown as a generally cylindrical rod, the stabilizer rod (251) may have other shapes. In some examples, the stabilizer bar (251) may be a portion of the first joist foot (241) lower than the curved portion (245) by a distance D12, where the foot is changed from its rear surface (241R) to its front surface (241F). Larger thickness (not shown). For example, above the stabilizer bar, the thickness T4 of the first joist foot (241) may be about 1/4 inch. Beginning at the upper surface (251U) of the stabilizer bar (though not shown), the feet may be actually thicker T5, so that the feet are 2, 3, 4, 5 or more times thicker T5. This larger thickness T5 may extend all the way to the tip of the engaging portion (246). In other examples (though not shown), the stabilizer bar may be extended so as to taper back from thickness T5 to thickness T4, or some other thickness of the first joist foot (241) toward the tip of the joist foot.

A method for mounting the fastener unit (210) will now be described with reference to the thirteenth figure. The fastener unit (210) can be adjacent to a joist (106) and a plate The material (101) is placed as exemplified in the thirteenth figure. More specifically, the first joist foot (241) and the second joist foot (242) can be formed on the wall surface of the opposite joist (106) by sliding the engaging portion (246) and its individual internal engaging surface (246S). (106W) within and along the mesh, elastically deformed outward. Due to its smooth nature, joist feet can be flexibly bent or moved outwards and can slide on these walls. Before the lower surface (226L) of the spacer is engaged with the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106), the holding element (230) can be inserted into the plate groove (103) and engage the groove lower surface (109L). The first joist foot (241) and the second joist foot (242) can apply a compression or clamping force F4 on the joist (106) to fix the holding element (230) in the thirteenth figure. The level above the joist (106) is shown, and the element protrudes into the groove (103).

In addition, as shown in the thirteenth figure, the stabilizer bar (251) may be placed under the bottom surface (101B) of the plate (101). More specifically, the upper surface (251U) of the stabilizer bar (251) can engage the bottom surface (101B) adjacent to the corner (101C) of the plate. The free end (251E) of the stabilizer bar selectively protrudes for a distance that is greater than the depth GD of the groove (103) from the side (101S) of the plate (101). This distance may be the distance D13 shown in the twelfth figure. Therefore, the distance D13 may be greater than the groove depth GD, and optionally larger than the distance D14 of the holding element (230) protruding from the rear surface of the fastener unit.

The lower surface (230L) of the holding element (as described above) may be a distance D12 from the upper surface (251U) of the stabilizer bar (251). This distance may be less than the distance D15 below the lower surface of the groove (109L) (which is between the lower surface of the groove (109L) and the bottom surface of the plate (101B)). Therefore, hold in cooperation with the stabilizer bar (251) to hold The element (230) applies a force F15 to the lower surface (109L) of the groove, and the top surface of the stabilizer bar applies a force F15 to the bottom surface (101B) of the plate (101). The holding element (230) can apply the force F15 to the plate. This then applies a slight clamp or clamping force on the sheet within that area. Therefore, the stabilizer bar can assist in further fixing and maintaining the vertical axis VA of the fastener unit and the longitudinal axis LA of the fastener (290) in a substantially vertical, upright orientation. This vertical, upright orientation can be referred to as an orientation that is selectively perpendicular to the plane P10 of the plate (101), more specifically, its top surface (101U) can be selectively placed on a horizontal plane. The vertical orientation can be perfectly vertical, or it can be slightly tilted up to 5 to 10 degrees, depending on the application.

By using the stabilizer bar and the holding element (230), the fastener unit exerts a force on the plate (101) and another force on the joist (106), which is supported by the first joist foot (241) and the first The two joist feet (242) are achieved by the force exerted on the opposite side of the joist. Therefore, the joist foot applies a clamping force F4 on the joist, and the stabilizer bar exerts another force F15 on the board (between the groove and the bottom surface of the board). Alternatively, the force F15 is a vertical force, while the force F4 applied by the joist foot is a substantially horizontal force. Of course, depending on the orientation of the joists in the sheet, the direction of the force can vary relative to horizontal and vertical planes.

The thus-installed fastener unit (210) can provide multiple contact points between the fastener unit and the plate, and thus stabilize the fastener unit in a specific orientation, selectively maintaining the fasteners associated with the spacer unit in the upright, Oriented vertically, ready to engage with a tool. Optionally, the fastener unit (210) can engage the plate (101) and the joist (106) to avoid tilting back and forth T7 (roughly in the direction Or away from the side of the board (101S)). The fastener unit can also avoid shaking in the T8 direction, which is roughly entering or leaving the plane of the thirteenth figure, so that the fastener and the fastener unit do not slide along the side of the plate (101S) when they are positioned. Thus, the fastener unit can provide multi-directional stability and support to the fastener (290), selectively maintaining it in an upright, vertical orientation as shown in the figure.

With the fastener unit oriented as shown in the thirteenth figure, the second plate (102) can be moved into a position immediately adjacent to the fastener unit (210). Due to the stabilizing effect and the forces exerted by the joist feet, the holding element and the stabilizer unit (210) stabilizer bar, the fastener unit can be left in place, while the other end of the holding element (230) slides into the plate (102) ) Grooves (102G), and the fasteners (290) remain approximately vertically oriented. The holding element is in a position within the gap between the plates, and an appropriate gap is set by the spacer, and the user can push the fastener (290) into the lower joist. Then, this causes the holding element (230) and its corresponding support to bite into individual grooves, thereby fixing the plate in a fixed position above the joist (106).

A third alternative embodiment of the fastener unit is depicted in the fourteenth to fifteenth drawings and is generally labeled (310). The fastener unit of this embodiment is similar in structure, function, and operation to the above embodiment, with a few exceptions. For example, this unit (310) may include a fastener (390) similar to the fasteners (90), (190), and (290) described above. It also includes a retaining element (330) placed in a recess (328) defined by the spacer (320). The holding element (330) can optionally be extended by a front surface (321) and a rear surface (322) of the spacer (320). As described above, the spacer can be configured to establish a gap between adjacent plates, and the size is set To have a thickness T4, similar to the thicknesses T1, T2, and T3 as described in the previous embodiment.

In this specific embodiment, the unit (310) includes first and second joist feet (341), (342), which are also referred to as elastic compression elements in some cases, and are directed downward by the spacer (320). Stretch. These first and second joist feet are configured to straddle and clamp-engage a joist. These joist feet are similar in structure, so only the first joist feet (341) will be described herein. The joist foot (341) includes an overhanging portion (343) that extends outward from one side of the spacer (320). The overhanging portion (343) transitions to the downturned smooth or curved portion (345), away from the lower surface (326L) of the spacer (320). The curved portion (345) is substantially convex, and the opening faces the vertical axis VA of the spacer (320), and may be coincident and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis (LA) of the fastener (390). The bent portion (345) extends to a lower engaging portion (346). The lower engaging portion (346) may be convex with respect to the vertical axis (VA) and may be opened away from the vertical axis (VA). The engaging portion may include an internal engaging surface (346S) configured to engage and slide over a portion of the joist (106) wall surface (106W). This inner meshing surface (346S) is also generally arcuate and projects away from the vertical axis to facilitate this portion to slide over the wall surface (106W). Of course, in other configurations, the internal meshing surface (346S) may be flat, flat, rough, undulating, triangular, or other geometrical configuration (depending on the joist or workpiece configuration to which the feet are to be engaged).

As shown in the fourteenth figure, the first joist foot (341) may be extended from a first side edge (L1) of the spacer (320) on a first side of the vertical axis, and the second The joist foot (342) can move from the spacer (320) on a second side of the vertical axis A second side edge (L2) extends. The spacer (320) itself can be formed as the same timing spacer, so that when the fastener (390) is tightened to install the fastener unit (310), the lower surface (326L) of the spacer of this embodiment ) Engage the upper surface (106U) of the joist. The lower surface (326L) can be placed below the lower surface (330L) of the holding element, optionally at least 1/4 inch below the surface, and further optionally at least 1/2 inch. Alternatively, when the holding element (330) engages the groove (103) (such as the lower surface (109L) of the groove (103) when a force F16 is applied as described below), the lower surface (326L) may engage the joist ( 106) on the top surface (106U).

Referring to the fifteenth to sixteenth figures, the synchronous spacer (320) can be configured so that it has a relationship with respect to the thickness (T9), which is located on the lower surface of the groove (109L) and the plate (101) (Or other plate, such as the plate (102) on the opposite side of the fastener unit (310)) between the bottom surface (101B). The thickness T9 may optionally be 1/4 inch, further optionally 1/2 inch, or other dimensions depending on the particular plate. The fastener unit (310) may be configured so that the lower surface (326L) of the synchronous spacer is spaced a distance D16 from the lowermost surface (330L) of the holding element (330), whether or not the holding element has one or more Presser foot (330P). This distance D16 may be equal to or smaller than the thickness T9 mentioned earlier. In some application examples, the distance D16 relative to the thickness of T9 may be expressed by a ratio, for example, it may be 1: 1, further optionally 0.99: 1, and further optionally less than 1: 1, and further Optionally between 0.9: 1 and 1: 1 (including 0.9: 1 and 1: 1).

These ratios and approximate relationships between thicknesses T9 and D16 can be established so that when the presser foot (330P) applies a predetermined force (F16) to the plate (101) (generally When applied to the lower surface (109L) of the groove (103), the spacer (320) (and especially its lower surface (326L)) engages the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106) "synchronously". Optionally, after or at the same time that the presser foot (330P) engages the lower surface (106L) of the groove, the lower surface (326L) of the synchronous spacer (320) can engage the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106). In this way, the fastener unit (310) can apply a predetermined force F16 through the presser foot (330P) and the holding element (330). However, when the spacer reaches the bottom and abuts the upper surface of the joist, the additional force added to the predetermined force F16 may be limited and / or completely removed because the spacer prevents the fastener from being tightened further and thus Avoid further advancement of the fastener, which would otherwise increase or add the predetermined force F16 applied to the board through the presser foot in the groove. In this manner, a synchronous spacer (320) can be constructed to help limit or control the predetermined force F16 applied to the plates (101) and (102) when the fastener unit (310) is immobilized. Moreover, it can be imagined that although only one force F16 is drawn in the groove (103) of the plate (101), the other force (substantially equal to the force F16) is obtained by holding the other end (332) of the element (330) ) Is pressed in the groove (103 ') of the other plate (102).

Alternatively, when the fastener unit (310) is tightened, that is, a predetermined force F16 is applied through the holding element (330), and the fastener (390) is advanced into the joist (106) and the fastener ( 390) When the head (390H) engages the holding element (330) to pull the holding element downward, the portion of the plate (101) between the lower surface of the groove (109L) and the bottom surface of the plate (101B) can be clamped Or clamp between the lower surface (330L) of the holding element (330) and the upper surface (106U) of the joist. Similarly, the lower surface (326L) of the synchronous spacer (320) can be engaged with the joist (106). Surface (106U) to limit the predetermined force F16 to avoid and / or prevent the fastener (390) from further advance into the joist (106), so this will pull the retaining element (330) further towards the joist and generate more Multi-clamp force F16.

Further selectively, it is conceivable that when the synchronous spacer (320) engages the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106), and when the fastener (390) is further advanced in the direction FA toward the joist (106) and When entering, the spacer (320) itself is under a compressive force CF between the upper surface of the joist and the holding element (330). At this time, the holding element is the head (390H) of the fastener (390). ) Engage. This compressive force CF may be greater than, equal to, or less than the force F16. In many cases, the compressive force may be greater than the force F16.

In the specific embodiments shown in the fourteenth to sixteenth drawings, the fastener unit (310) may also be provided with a holding element (330), which is connected with the holding elements (30), (130), and (230). Similar, with a few exceptions. For example, the holding element (330) may be configured to be used with a specific type of plate (101, 102). To give an example, the board may be a Timbertech or other composite board boards available from AZEK Building Products of Skokie, Illinois, USA. This board (101) may be constructed to include a groove (103), which is defined inward from the side (101S). In such plates, this groove can also be duplicated and defined on opposite sides of the same plate (101) (although the second opposite groove is not shown). The groove (103) can transition inward from the side (101S). The groove may include an upper surface (109U) which transitions to a rear wall (109R) which further transitions to a lower surface (109L). The upper and lower surfaces of the grooves face each other and can be approximately flat surface. The lower surface (109L) can be transitioned to the side (101S).

In some configurations, below the lower surface (109L), the side (101S) can transition to a sloped wall (101A). This inclined wall (101A) is different from the side (101S) above the groove (103) and above the surface (109U), where the inclined wall (101A) is bent back toward the plane (P3), in which the rear wall (109R) can be at least partially flattened. The inclined wall (101A) can transition to the bottom surface (101B) of the plate (101) at a preselected distance D17 from the plane (P3). The inclined wall (101A) can be placed at an angle A1 with respect to the bottom surface (101B). This angle A1 may be an obtuse angle, optionally greater than 90 °. This inclined wall (101A) may be rounded or slightly curved instead of a straight line as shown in the figure. The inclined wall (101A) can transition to a transition area (101T) of the bottom surface (101B), which can form a partial angle A1. This transition area (101T) can be placed at a distance D17, which is closer to the side (101S) than the rear wall (109R) of the groove (103). The grooved back wall (109R) is in the pressure zone (101P) between the transition zone (101T) and the plane (P3) and can be configured to transmit the force F16 applied by the holding element (330), specifically via The presser foot (330P) is used to apply a predetermined force F16 (described later). Alternatively, the inclined wall (101A) may be placed between the side surface (101S) and the transition area (101T). The inclined wall can protrude horizontally from the surface (101S) by a distance D19. This distance (D19) may be smaller than the depth of the trench, that is, the distance from the side (101S) to the rear wall (109R) of the trench (103).

The holding element (330) may be similar to the holding elements (30), (130), (230) described previously, with a few exceptions. For example, the holding element (330) may optionally have a C-shaped or U-shaped slotted shape, which slot is opened downward with respect to the vertical axis VA or the vertical axis LA. The holding element can be placed in the boundary by the spacer (320) In a fixed recess, the force is similar to that mentioned above. The retaining element may be configured to include a downwardly extending support, which may optionally be a slotted portion, or an elongated metal or composite rod. The retaining element may include one or more feet or teeth, forming a slotted, seated portion, or forming an additional projection extending from the retaining element. As an example, the holding element (330) may include one or more presser feet (330P). These presser feet (330P) can be placed on the first and second ends (331), (332) of the holding element. These presser feet can each form at least a portion of the lower surface (330L) of the holding element (330). These presser feet can also be raised in pairs. For example, a pair of presser feet (331P1) and (331P2) can be placed at the first end (331). The second end (332) may include a pair of similar presser feet.

The presser foot may include a lower surface (330L) of the holding element, where each pair of presser feet forms a part of that lower surface (330L). The presser foot can extend to the extreme end (331) of the holding element. Although the lower surface (330L) is shown as flat, the lower surface of the presser foot can be spiked or smooth. Individual presser feet of each pair of presser feet may also form opposite sides of a U-shaped slot that extends downward from the holding element. In this way, each end may include two opposing presser feet. Alternatively, each pair of presser feet can evenly distribute the predetermined force F16 and spread between the two presser feet. Alternatively, if the holding element is not C-shaped or U-shaped and is in the form of a rod (not shown), a single presser foot may be stored at the opposite end. These presser feet may also include a larger lower surface of a specific geometry to provide more surface contact with the interior of the groove.

The presser foot of the holding element can be separated from the front surface (321) and the rear surface (322) of the fastener unit (310) by a specific distance. For example, like the fifteenth As shown in the figure, the presser foot (330P) at one end (331) of the holding element (330) can be placed a distance (D18) from the front surface (321) of the spacer (320). Of course, the presser foot on the second opposite end (332) can be placed at a similar distance from the rear surface (322) of the spacer. This distance D18 may be greater than the distance D19 described above with respect to the inclined wall (101A). Within this distance (D18) from the spacer (20), the holding element can be recessed upward from the lower surface (330L). For example, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the presser foot (330P) can transition upward to a recessed surface (330R) of the holding element. The recessed surface (330R) can be placed at a level higher than the lower surface (330L) of the holding element (330), so that when the fastener unit (310) is installed relative to the groove and the plate, the recessed surface (330R) Generally, the lower surface (109L) of the groove (103) is not substantially touched. In this way, substantially only the lower surface of the holding element associated with the presser foot (330P) is engaged with the lower surface (109L) of that groove.

When the presser foot (330P) is separated by a distance D18 on the spacer (320), the presser foot (330P) can be configured so that the predetermined force F16 is dispersed downward into the preselected pressure zone (101P). Virtually all forces F16 can be dispersed into this pressure region (101P). Optionally, the small to weak F16 is dispersed from the presser foot (330P) to the inclined wall (101A) and / or the transition area (101T). Therefore, in the case where the force F16 is dispersed so far from the spacer (320) and generally so far from the side (101S) (which can directly engage the spacer), the force F16 does not force the plate (101) Scattered in the direction N. Therefore, the plate (101) is prevented from being inclined or deflected when the fastener unit (310) is advanced to pull the plate down against the joist (106).

Optionally, the presser foot (330P) can be separated from the spacer (320) by this distance D18 is placed to ensure that the predetermined force F16 implemented by the presser foot (330P) is not directly applied vertically on the inclined wall (101A), but is applied to a pressure farther from the side (101S) than the inclined wall (101A) Area (101P). If the pressure area (101P) forms a part of the bottom surface (101B) of the plate (101), the presser foot and the holding element can therefore apply a predetermined force F16 downward, directly contacting and approximately parallel to the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106). Bottom surface (101B). The bottom surface (101B) of the flat and substantially flat plate (101) can be engaged with the flat upper surface (106U) of the jog, and the two can be pressed together under a predetermined force F16. As mentioned above, the predetermined force F16 can be limited by the spacer (320) that engages the joist.

A method of mounting the fastener unit (310) will now be described with reference to the fourteenth and sixteenth drawings. The fastener unit (310) may be placed next to a joist (106), as exemplified in the fourteenth figure. More specifically, by sliding the engaging portion (346) and its individual internal engaging surface (346S), it enters and engages along the opposite joist (106) wall surface (106W), and the joist feet (341) and (342) Can be elastically deformed outwards. Due to its smooth nature, joist feet can flex flexibly or move outward and can slide over these walls. The lower surface (326L) of the spacer (320) can be moved toward the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106) and can selectively engage with it. The joist feet (341), (342) can apply a compression or clamping force on the joist (106), and when the retaining element (330) protrudes into the groove (103), the retaining element (330 330) Maintained above the joist (106) shown in Figure 16.

The holding element (330) may be inserted into the plate groove (103), for example, into a separate groove (103) opposite to both the plate (101) and (102). These boards The materials can be pushed towards each other so that the spacer (320) and the upper portion (338) above the holding element can be contacted and engaged by the individual sides (101S), (102S) of the opposing plates (101) and (102). . The holding element can be placed in a group of individual plates (101) and (102) so that the lower surface (330L) of the individual presser foot (330P) engages the lower surface (109L) of the groove. When the plates are pushed together, the presser foot (330P) is placed at a distance D18 from the spacer (320). Therefore, the presser foot is placed above the pressure area (101P), which corresponds to the generally flat bottom surface (101B) at the bottom of the plate. The presser foot can also be placed above the distance D17 between the rear wall (109R) and the transition zone (101T). Alternatively, the presser foot is not directly placed vertically on the inclined wall (101A). Furthermore, the presser foot (330P) can be placed more into the groove, closer to the back wall of the plate (109R), and closer to the side (101S). As a further example, the presser foot can be placed above the distance D19 from the side surface of the board, or further away. The opposite end (332) of the presser foot can be placed in the groove (103 ') and oriented relative to its surface in the same manner.

As described above, the lower surface (330L) of the holding element, especially the presser foot, may be a distance D18 from the spacer. This distance can directly place the presser foot (330P) above the pressure zone (101P). When the fastener unit (as shown in the sixteenth figure) is installed relative to the plates (101) and (102), the fastener (390) can advance in the direction FA, pass through the spacer and the holding element, and forward Run into the lower joist (106). Once this is done, the head (390H) of the fastener (390) will eventually engage the upper surface of the holding element (330). The fastener continues into the joist (106). If the lower surface (326L) does not directly engage the upper surface (106U) of the joist (106), as the fastener advances, it This can start to engage. As the fastener (390) continues to advance, the head (390H) pulls down the retaining element (330). In this way, the lower surface (330L) of the presser foot and the holding element (330) abuts against the lower surface (109L) of the groove (103). In this way, the force F16 is directly applied down to the pressure area (101P) along the bottom surface of the plate (101B). Since the recessed surface (330R) does not engage the remainder of the lower surface (which is closer to the side surface), the force F16 is not distributed toward or via the inclined wall (101A). Therefore, by the force F16 that generates a moment in the vicinity of the transition zone (101T), the plate (101) is not inclined toward the direction N.

As the fastener continues to move forward, the synchronous spacer (320) is under a compressive force CF, which is between the head of the fastener (390H) and the part where the fastener pulls the head into the joist (106) between. When this occurs, the synchronization spacer usually reaches the fastener (generally the fastener unit (310)) to the maximum extent, so that the fastener no longer moves forward. In this way, the additional force added to the predetermined force F16 to further push the plates (101) and (102) to contact the joists (106) is limited by the synchronous spacer. This in turn can prevent the groove from being damaged or the plate (101) near the groove from being deformed.

Additional examples are presented below, and their numbering should not be considered a designated level of importance.

The first embodiment relates to a fastener unit adapted to fix at least one plate to a support. The fastener unit includes: a spacer defining a first fastener opening having an upper portion (having a first diameter) ) And a lower part, a threaded fastener is placed in the spacer in the opening of the first fastener, the threaded fastener extends within the upper part and the lower part; a first joist foot And a second joist foot extending downward from the spacer and configured to straddle and clamp a joist; and a retaining element coupled to the spacer, the retaining element defining a second tight A fastener opening is aligned with the first fastener opening, and the holding element includes a lower surface configured to engage a groove of a plate.

The second embodiment is related to the first embodiment, wherein the holding element includes a presser foot, which is a distance from the spacer, wherein the distance is configured to insert the presser foot inward from one side of the board, and more than one The inclined wall under the groove, whereby a predetermined force can be dispersed to a bottom surface of the plate through the presser foot plate, without the plate falling down.

The third embodiment is related to the first or second embodiment, in which a first stabilizer bar extends a predetermined distance from the first joist foot, and a second stabilizer bar extends the predetermined distance from the second joist support, wherein The first and second stabilizer bars are placed on a common level below the spacer.

The third embodiment is related to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein each of the first and second joist feet respectively includes a portion extending outwardly from the spacer; wherein the first and second stabilizing rods are associated with individual extensions. Partially combined.

The fourth embodiment is related to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first stabilizer bar protrudes from a rear surface of the first joist foot, and the first stabilizer bar system extends substantially parallel to the rear surface of the spacer holding member. The holding element of the present invention, wherein the first stabilizing rod protrudes a distance equal to the distance that the holding element protrudes from the rear surface of the spacer.

The fifth embodiment is related to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein The spacer extends downward, a predetermined distance below the holding element, so that when a predetermined force is applied through the presser foot of at least one holding element, the lower surface of the spacer is configured to engage a spacer placed on the spacer. The upper surface of the lower joist.

Embodiment 6 is related to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the holding element includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end protrudes forwardly toward the front surface of the spacer, and wherein the second end faces rearwardly The rear surface of the spacer protrudes, wherein the holding element is a C-shaped slot, wherein the C-shaped slot includes first and second supports located on the first end, wherein the first and second supports At the first end, first and second presser feet extending downward are formed, wherein the first and second presser feet form a lower surface of the holding member, wherein the holding member includes a recessed surface, which is placed on the first and second Above the lower surface between the second presser foot and the spacer.

The seventh embodiment is related to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first joist foot and the second joist foot each include an engaging portion located below and an overhang portion, wherein the first stabilizer bar is coupled to a position below the individual The joist foot between the engaging part and the projecting part, wherein the second stabilizer bar is coupled to the joist foot of the engaging part and the projecting part located below the individual part.

Embodiment 8 relates to a method for using a fastener unit, which includes: providing a fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer, defining a first fastener opening running therethrough, a vertical axis, a fixed An element coupled to the spacer and protruding from the spacer, wherein the fastener protrudes through at least a part of the holding element, a first elastic joist foot, laterally extends from the spacer, and a second elastic bracket Beam feet extending laterally from the spacer, placing the fastener unit in Over a joist so that the first and second elastic feet move away from each other and move downward relative to the first and second side walls of the joist; insert the retaining element into the first groove of the first sheet; and advance The fastener passes through the first fastener opening of the spacer and passes through at least a part of the retaining element, wherein a head of the fastener forces the retaining element to engage the first groove, and thus the first The plate moves towards the joist.

Embodiment Nine With regard to embodiment eight, the spacer includes a lower surface, wherein the lower surface engages an upper surface of the joist during a forward run.

Embodiment 10 Regarding Embodiment 8 or 9, wherein the plate includes a side surface located below the groove, wherein the side surface transitions to an inclined wall, which extends toward a plane, and the groove is disposed on the plane The rear wall, wherein the board includes a bottom surface having a pressure area, wherein the holding element includes at least one presser foot, located at an outward end of the holding element and away from the spacer, wherein at least one presser foot is applied With a downward force, it is transferred to the pressure zone to push the pressure zone against a top surface of the joist, so that the plate is not distorted by pushing directly down toward the inclined wall.

The eleventh embodiment is related to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the spacer system is a synchronous spacer, and the spacer is engaged to the upper surface of the joist during the advancing step, and the spacer is compressed between the holding element and the joist. Among them, the spacing system has a predetermined thickness, thereby limiting the amount of force exerted by the holding element against the groove.

The twelfth embodiment is related to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the first joist foot includes a rear surface including a first stabilizer bar, which is placed in the spacer. Next, the second joist foot includes a rear surface, which includes a second stabilizer bar, which is disposed below the spacer, wherein the first and second stabilizer bars are respectively placed on the board before the advance step. Below the bottom surface to stabilize the fastener unit relative to the plate.

Directional terms such as "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "inside", "inward", "outside", "outward", It is used to assist in describing the present invention, which is based on the orientation of the specific embodiments shown in the drawings. The use of directional terms should not be construed as limiting the invention to any particular orientation.

The above is the description of the present specific embodiment of the present invention. There can be many variations and changes without departing from the spirit of the invention and its broader perspective, which is defined by the scope of the patent application attached hereafter. The scope of patent application should be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law, including equality theory. This description is presented for exemplary purposes, and should not be interpreted as an exclusive description of all specific embodiments of the invention, or as an application that is limited in scope to specific elements drawn or described with respect to those specific embodiments. By way of example, and not limitation, any (singular or plural) individual element of the present invention may be replaced by an alternative element, provided that it provides substantially similar functionality or otherwise provides proper operation. For example, this includes currently known replacement components, such as those currently familiar to those skilled in the art, and alternative components that may be developed in the future, such as once such things are developed, those familiar with the art It is recognized as an alternative component. Further, the disclosed specific embodiments include a plurality of features described together and collectively provide a bunch of good Office. The invention is not limited to specific embodiments including all of these features, or is limited to specific embodiments including all of the benefits presented, unless it is explicitly stated otherwise in the scope of the patent application filed. Any element in the scope of a patent application referred to in the singular, such as "a", "the", "said", should not be interpreted as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to the applied element with "at least one of X, Y, and Z" means individually and independently including any one of X, Y, and Z, and any combination of X, Y, and Z, such as, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z.

Claims (20)

A fastener unit adapted to fix at least one plate to a support, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer defining a first fastener opening, which is configured to receive a fastener therein, the spacer The spacer includes a front surface, an opposite rear surface, a first side surface, and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface. The spacer has a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, and the thickness corresponds to To a preselected gap between a first plate and a second adjacent plate, the spacer defining a recess from the front surface to the rear surface; a holding element coupled to the spacer, the holding element Placed in the recess, the holding element defines a second fastener opening, which is aligned with the first fastener opening of the spacer, the holding element is configured to fit into and engage the boundary defined by the first sheet A first groove, the holding element has at least one downward-pointing protrusion, wherein the spacer includes a first elastic compression element extending outward from the first side, and outward from the second side Extended second elasticity Condensing element. For example, the fastener unit of the first patent application range, wherein at least one of the first elastic compression element and the second elastic compression element is coupled to the spacer at a breakable joint, so that the first elastic compression element and the The at least one of the second elastic compression elements may be selectively broken off and removed from the spacer. For example, the fastener unit of the first patent application range, wherein the first elastic compression element is a first joist foot, wherein the second elastic compression element is a second joist foot, and a first stabilizer bar is formed by the The first joist foot protrudes by a predetermined distance, and a second stabilizer bar protrudes from the second joist foot by the predetermined distance, wherein the first and second stabilizer bars are placed on a common level, which is lower than the Spacer. For example, the fastener unit of the third patent application range, wherein each of the first and second joist feet each includes an outwardly extending portion extending away from the spacer, wherein the first and second stabilizer bars are respectively combined To the part that extends out. For example, the fastener unit of the scope of patent application, wherein the first elastic compression element is configured to be placed beside a first side of a joist, and the second elastic compression element is configured to be placed on a Next to a second side of the joist, thereby fixing the spacer to the joist. For example, the fastener unit of the first patent application range, wherein the first elastic compression element extends outward from the first side surface on a first side of a vertical axis of the spacer, and the first elastic compression element is The first elastic compression element can be compressed vertically toward a first plane orthogonal to the vertical axis. The first elastic compression element is configured to be nested and forcibly expanded in the first groove defined by the first plate, thereby fixing the interval. The body is in a position next to the first groove defined by the first plate, whereby the spacer can be placed in the gap between the first plate and the second adjacent plate. For example, the fastener unit of claim 6 in which the first elastic compression element includes a first leading edge and a first trailing edge, wherein the first trailing edge is configured to fit into the first plate of the first plate. In a trench. For example, the fastener unit of claim 6 in which the first elastic compression element includes a first fin and a second fin joined to a joint, wherein the first fin and the second fin can be Compression towards the first plane such that the vertical distance between the first fin and the second fin decreases under this compression. For example, the fastener unit of the patent application No. 8 wherein the first fin and the second fin are combined at the joint adjacent to the spacer, wherein the first fin and the second fin are connected by a The breakable joint is combined with the spacer so that the first elastic compression element can be selectively disconnected and removed from the spacer. For example, the fastener unit of the first patent application range, wherein the holding element includes a presser foot separated from the spacer by a distance, wherein the distance is configured to be disposed inward from a side surface of the first board The presser foot exceeds an inclined wall of the first plate placed under the groove, whereby a predetermined force can be dispersed through the presser foot to a bottom surface of the first plate without tilting the first plate. For example, the fastener unit of the scope of application for patent No. 10, wherein the spacer system is a synchronous spacer which extends downward to a predetermined distance below the holding element, so that when the presser foot of the holding element is applied to the At a predetermined force, the lower surface of the spacer is configured to engage an upper surface of a joist placed below the spacer. A fastener unit adapted to fix at least one plate to a support, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer defining a first fastener opening, configured to receive a fastener therein, the spacer comprising A front surface, a opposite rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surface opposite to the first side surface, a width, extending between the first side surface and the second side surface, the interval The body has a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, the thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between a first plate and a second adjacent plate; a holding element coupled to the spacer, the The holding element defines a second fastener opening, which is aligned with the first fastener opening of the spacer, the holding element is configured to engage a first groove defined by the first sheet, and the holding element The element has a holding element width which is smaller than the width of the spacer, wherein the spacer includes a first elastic compression element extending outward from the first side, and a second elastic extending outward from the second side. Compression element. For example, the fastener unit of claim 12 in which the first elastic compression element and the second elastic compression element each include a first fin and a second fin, wherein the first fin and the second fin Compressible towards each other, so that under this compression, a vertical distance between the first and second fins decreases. For example, the fastener unit of claim 12 wherein the first elastic compression element is a first joist foot configured to be placed on a first side of a joist, wherein the second elastic compression element A second joist foot is configured to be placed on a second side of a joist, wherein the first joist foot and the second joist foot are configured to clamp the joist and thereby The spacer is fixed to the joist. A method for using a fastener unit, comprising: providing a fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer defining a first fastener opening, a longitudinal axis, combined with the spacer and outside the spacer A protruding retaining element, wherein the fastener projects through the retaining element, a first elastic compression element extending laterally from the spacer, and laterally from the spacer relative to the first elastic compression element. An extended second elastic compression element, placing the fastener unit on a joist; positioning the retaining element so that the retaining element projects into a first groove of a first plate; and pushing the fastener The first fastener is passed through the opening of the spacer and passes through the retaining element, wherein a head of the fastener forces the retaining element to engage with the first groove, thereby driving the first sheet toward the Joists. For example, the method of claim 15, wherein the holding element defines a second fastener opening, and during the advancement step, the fastener advances through the first fastener opening and the second fastener at the same time. The firmware cuts both. For example, the method of claim 16 in which the first elastic compression element includes first and second parts, wherein the first and second parts are switched from an open mode to a compression mode. In the compression mode, The first and second portions are moved toward a first plane that is orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the fastener. For example, the method of claim 16 in which the first part is a first fin, wherein the second part is a second fin, and the first and second fins are far from each other in the compression mode, To press the inner surface of the first groove. For example, the method of claim 15 includes: placing the holding element in a second groove of the second plate, the second groove surface faces the first groove, and the holding element extends through Through a recess defined by the spacer, from the front surface to the rear surface. The method of claim 15 includes: placing the lower surface of the spacer lower than the lower surface of the first trench.