US20160168867A1 - A deck fastening system - Google Patents
A deck fastening system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160168867A1 US20160168867A1 US14/889,431 US201414889431A US2016168867A1 US 20160168867 A1 US20160168867 A1 US 20160168867A1 US 201414889431 A US201414889431 A US 201414889431A US 2016168867 A1 US2016168867 A1 US 2016168867A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fastener
- base member
- receiving portion
- portions
- decking
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 235000015895 biscuits Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000746 Structural steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressogenic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003090 exacerbative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007254 oxidation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B5/00—Floors; Floor construction with regard to insulation; Connections specially adapted therefor
- E04B5/02—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units
- E04B5/12—Load-carrying floor structures formed substantially of prefabricated units with wooden beams
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02038—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements characterised by tongue and groove connections between neighbouring flooring elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02177—Floor elements for use at a specific location
- E04F15/02183—Floor elements for use at a specific location for outdoor use, e.g. in decks, patios, terraces, verandas or the like
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/04—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of wood or with a top layer of wood, e.g. with wooden or metal connecting members
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02044—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer
- E04F2015/0205—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer
- E04F2015/02066—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional fastening elements between furring elements and flooring elements
- E04F2015/02077—Separate elements for fastening to an underlayer with load-supporting elongated furring elements between the flooring elements and the underlayer with additional fastening elements between furring elements and flooring elements the additional fastening elements located in-between two adjacent flooring elements
- E04F2015/02094—Engaging side grooves running along the whole length of the flooring elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B5/00—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them
- F16B5/0004—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship
- F16B5/0056—Joining sheets, plates or panels in abutting relationship by moving the sheets, plates or panels or the interlocking key perpendicular to the main plane
Definitions
- the invention relates to a fastener and fastening system.
- the invention relates, but is not limited, to fasteners and fastening systems for securing decking boards to joists during deck construction.
- Decks are typically constructed of wooden decking boards being affixed to a decking frame which typically includes joists.
- Various methods of affixing the decking boards are known, the most straight forward being to nail or screw the decking boards to the frame.
- these deck fastening systems all suffer from drawbacks.
- Some other known fastening systems include attaching a perforated strip of angle iron to the side of a joist and fastening the decking boards from the under side with a screw. Another uses screws that are skewed through the edge of the decking boards. However, these are even more difficult and time consuming to use than the previously mentioned biscuit type fasteners.
- a fastener for fastening decking boards to a substantially horizontal surface comprising:
- the substantially horizontal surface is an upper surface of at least a portion of a frame.
- the frame is a decking frame and the portion of the frame includes a joist.
- the substantially horizontal surface may be a level surface such as a concrete pad.
- the base member has a plurality of receiving portions that each have an associated locking member.
- the receiving portions are preferably longitudinal.
- the receiving portions are typically spaced apart the same distance as a width of decking boards and are arranged to receive decking boards between them.
- the receiving portion has a gripping portion for securing the received portion of the locking member therein.
- the locking member has a corresponding gripping portion.
- the gripping portions are preferably in the form of corresponding sawtooth portions.
- the locking member can be released from the receiving portion by sliding the locking member out of the receiving portion in the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion.
- the receiving portion of the base member includes engagement portions that are adapted to engage with the receiving portion of the decking boards.
- the shape of the engagement portions substantially corresponds to the shape of the receiving portion of the decking boards.
- the engagement portions are wedge-shaped and the receiving portions include a groove that is wedge-shaped.
- the engagement portions are separated by the opening.
- the engagement portions pivot about a lower portion of the opening.
- the engagement portions pivot about the lower portion of the opening into rigid engagement with the receiving portion of the decking boards.
- the base member has longitudinal wings.
- the longitudinal wings are preferably disposed at an angle to the base member.
- the longitudinal wings are removable from the base member.
- the longitudinal wings are tearable or frangible to be removed from the base member.
- the longitudinal wings are sufficiently flexible such that they can be flexed parallel to the base member.
- a fastener for fastening decking boards to a substantially horizontal surface comprising:
- a base member that is adapted to be attached along the substantially horizontal surface, the base member having a receiving portion extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the base member;
- an interlocking member adapted to engage with a portion of the decking boards, the interlocking member having at least one aperture
- a locking member having at least one finger that is receivable by the at least one aperture of the interlocking member and the receiving portion of the base member.
- the base member has a plurality of receiving portions that each have an associated interlocking member and locking member.
- the receiving portions are preferably longitudinal.
- the receiving portions are typically spaced apart the same distance as a width of decking boards and are arranged to receive decking boards between them.
- the receiving portion has a gripping portion for securing the received portion of the locking member therein.
- the locking member has a corresponding gripping portion.
- the gripping portions are preferably in the form of corresponding sawtooth portions.
- the receiving portion has a plurality of slots separated by ribs.
- the locking member preferably has a plurality of fingers that are received by the slots.
- the interlocking member preferably has a plurality of apertures that each correspond with a slot and finger.
- the at least one aperture of the interlocking member is preferably offset from a central axis of the interlocking member.
- the at least one aperture is preferably configured to allow the interlocking member to slide laterally when receiving fingers of the locking member.
- the interlocking member is shaped to be received by, and engage with, longitudinal grooves in the sides of the decking boards.
- a fastening system comprising:
- a base member attached to a substantially horizontal surface, the base member having a receiving portion extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the base member;
- an interlocking member having at least one aperture being received in grooves of adjacent decking boards
- a locking member having at least one finger that is receivable by the at least one aperture of the interlocking member and the receiving portion of the base member to secure the decking boards to the substantially horizontal surface.
- the substantially horizontal surface is an upper surface of a frame.
- the frame is a decking frame and the portion of the frame includes a joist of the decking frame.
- the substantially horizontal surface may be a level surface, preferably a concrete pad.
- the base member is attached to the substantially horizontal surface by a fastening member that penetrates the surface.
- the fastening member is preferably a wood or masonry screw.
- the base member preferably has predetermined recessed and/or weakened portions to receive the fastening member.
- the recessed and/or weakened portions are located between adjacent receiving portions of the base member. More preferably the location of the recessed and/or weakened portions is below a decking board when in use.
- a method of building at least a portion of a deck over a substantially horizontal surface comprising the steps of:
- the steps are repeated for further decking boards.
- the base member has a plurality of receiving portions, each adjacent pair of receiving portions straddling a decking board.
- a method of building at least a portion of a deck over a substantially horizontal surface comprising the steps of:
- the steps are repeated for further decking boards.
- the base member has a plurality of receiving portions, each adjacent pair of receiving portions straddling a decking board.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of a fastener in use with decking boards over a horizontal surface
- FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fastener illustrated in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional elevation view of the fastener in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an alternative fastener in use with decking boards over a joist
- FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the fastener illustrated in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional elevation view of the fastener in FIG. 4 ;
- FIG. 7 illustrates another fastener design
- FIG. 8 illustrates yet another fastener design.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a fastener 1010 for fastening decking boards 1020 , 1022 to a substantially horizontal upper surface of a joist 30 which would typically form part of a decking frame.
- the fastener 1010 may be used on other surfaces, such as to fasten the decking boards 1020 , 1022 to a concrete pad (not shown).
- the fastener 1010 which will be discussed in further detail in relation to FIGS. 2 and 3 , has a base 1100 and a plurality of receiving portions 1102 that extend upwards perpendicularly from the base 1100 .
- the receiving portions 1102 are adapted to engage with a receiving portion of the decking boards 1020 , 1022 . That is, in this embodiment, the receiving portions 1102 include engagement portions in the form of wedge portions 1103 .
- the wedge portions 1103 engage with the receiving portion of the decking boards 1020 , 1022 via grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′, which are located in the sides of decking boards 1020 , 1022 .
- the shape of grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′ corresponds to the shape of the wedge portions 1103 .
- engagement portions and grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′ are wedge-shaped in this embodiment, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the engagement portions and the corresponding shaped grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′ may take a variety of shapes. Advantages of the wedge-shape in this embodiment however, include that it allows boards to be inserted and removed relatively easy from the fastener 1010 . Furthermore, this wedge-shape is relatively easy to manufacture.
- the base 1100 is affixed to the joist 30 by screws (not shown) which are received in recessed portions 1101 of the base 1100 .
- the base 1100 may be provided with both wood screw recesses 1101 a and masonry anchor recesses 1101 b , with the masonry anchor recesses 1101 b being generally larger.
- the recessed portions 1101 have a weakened portion which is punctured by the fastener being used. A seal is substantially maintained between the base and the joist 30 when the fastener is punctured through the recessed portions 1101 .
- the recessed portions 1101 allow the fastener to be countersunk, and as such, the head of the fastener do not protrude beyond an upper face of the base 1100 .
- Each receiving portion 1102 is, in use, located between two decking boards (e.g. 1020 , 1022 ) and, therefore, is typically not visible in use.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an exposed portion of the fastener 1010 where the receiving portion 1102 is visible adjacent a single decking board 1020 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates a single receiving portion 1102
- the base 1100 is elongate with a plurality of receiving portions 1102 arranged to facilitate fastening of many decking boards to the joist 30 at once.
- the receiving portion 1102 is more clearly seen to extend perpendicularly to the base 1100 . Furthermore, the receiving portion 1102 is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use.
- the receiving portion 1102 includes an opening 1104 .
- the opening 1104 extends through the receiving portion 1102 (i.e. the opening 1104 extends through the receiving portion 1102 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use).
- Wedge portions 1103 are either side of the opening 1104 .
- the opening 1104 includes two walls that are tapered towards the base 1100 .
- the two walls have a gripping surface in the form of sawtooth portions.
- the two walls, and as such, the wedge portions 1103 are able to pivot around a lower portion of the opening 1104 .
- Each receiving portion 1102 of the fastener also has a locking member 1120 .
- the locking member 1120 has a longitudinal head portion 1122 and a locking portion 1124 .
- the locking portion 1124 has two tapered sides. The tapered sides of the locking portion 1124 have a gripping surface in the form of sawtooth portions which engage with corresponding sawtooth portions inside the opening 1104 .
- the locking portion 1124 of the locking member 1120 is relatively easy to press into the opening 1104 of the receiving portion 1102 but are relatively difficult to be removed in the opposite direction.
- the locking member 1120 may be removed from the receiving portion 1102 , if needed, by sliding the locking member 1120 out of the opening 1104 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use.
- FIG. 3 a cross section of the fastener 1010 in use between two decking boards 1020 and 1022 is illustrated.
- the base 1100 is affixed to a substantially horizontal surface, such as a joist 30 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the decking boards 1020 , 1022 are then located on top of the base 1100 adjacent opposite sides of the receiving portion 1102 of the base 1100 . As such, the wedge portions 1103 of the receiving portion 1102 are received into the grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′ of the two decking boards 1020 and 1022 , respectively.
- the locking member 1120 is located securely in the receiving portion 1102 of the base 1100 with the corresponding sawtooth surfaces gripping against each other.
- the locking member 1120 When the locking member 1120 is inserted into the opening 1104 , it drives the wedge portions 1103 to pivot outwardly about the lower portion of the opening 1104 . As the wedge portions 1103 pivot, they are further received into grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′ of the decking boards 1020 , 1022 .
- the rigid engagement between the wedge portions 1103 and wedge-shaped grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′ substantially prevents the decking boards 1020 , 1022 being removed from the fastener 1010 .
- the wedge portions 1103 and wedge-shaped grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′ will bear upon one another and resist such movement. Accordingly, as the locking member 1120 prevents the opening 1104 from closing, the decking board 1020 , 1022 are prevented from being leveraged past the wedge portions 1103 .
- the base 1100 has wings 1108 which are angled downwards.
- the wings 1108 are spaced apart by the width of the joist 30 and provide additional protection to the joist 30 from above.
- the wings 1108 are removable, by tearing, from the base 1100 where they are not required.
- the wings 1108 are tearable by having a weakened portion in the form of a groove 1108 ′, as shown in FIG. 2 .
- the wings 1108 are typically not required when the fastener 1010 is used on a concrete pad or other substantially level planar surface (not shown). The wings 1108 can therefore be removed from the base 1100 during the installation of the decking fixing system prior to fitting the decking boards.
- the wings 1108 may be sufficiently flexible. As such, the wings 1108 can be laid flat if desired. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the wings 1108 may not have to be removed if the fastener 1010 is required to be used on a concrete pad. That is, the wings 1108 will flex to be substantially flat on the concrete pad.
- the base 1100 also features a tongue portion 1105 at one end of the base 1100 and a seat portion 1106 at the other end of the base 1100 .
- the tongue portion 1105 and the seat portion 1106 both feature a recessed portion.
- the tongue portion 1105 or seat portion 1106 are used to connect the base 1100 to a further base.
- the tongue or seat portions 1105 , 1106 of respective bases are overlapped, the bases remain substantially flat and the recessed portions align. Accordingly, to connect the base 1100 to a further base, a fastener is driven through the substantially aligned recessed portions into the joist 30 .
- a deck is built using the fastener 1010 by first affixing the base 1100 to a substantially horizontal surface, such as a joist 30 as shown in FIG. 1 .
- a decking board 1020 , 1022 is then located on the base 1100 between two receiving portions 1102 of the base 1100 , or where the decking board is at an end of the base 1100 , adjacent the endmost receiving portion 1102 of the base 1100 .
- the locking member 1120 is then located in the opening 1104 and forced downwards, typically with a tool, such that the locking portion 1124 of the locking member 1120 travels further into the opening 1104 .
- the decking boards 1020 , 1022 are then unable to be lifted from the joist 30 as they are held down by the wedge portions 1103 which have pivoted towards the walls of the wedge-shaped grooves 1020 ′, 1022 ′. This process is continued to fasten further decking boards to the joist 30 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative fastener 10 for fastening decking boards 20 , 22 to a substantially horizontal upper surface of a joist 30 .
- the fastener 10 which will be discussed in further detail in relation to FIGS. 5 and 6 , has a portion received in standard square shaped grooves 20 ′, 22 ′ in the sides of decking boards 20 , 22 . Similar to fastener 1010 , the fastener 10 has a base 100 and a plurality of receiving portions 102 that extend upwards perpendicularly from the base 100 . The base 100 is affixed to the joist 30 by screws (not shown) which are received in recessed portions (not shown) of the base 100 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates an exposed portion of the fastener 10 where the receiving portion 102 is visible adjacent a single decking board 20 .
- the receiving portion 102 is more clearly seen to extend perpendicularly to the base 100 and is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use.
- the receiving portion 102 has a plurality of slots 104 separated by ribs 106 .
- the ribs 106 provide additional support and strength to the slots 104 , preventing any deformation of the receiving portion 102 when in use.
- Each receiving portion 102 of the fastener also has an interlocking member 110 and a locking member 120 .
- the interlocking member 110 has an aperture 112 corresponding to each slot 104 .
- the apertures 112 are the same width as the slots 104 but are longer than the slots 104 , and are offset. This allows the apertures 112 to be located over the slots 104 when the interlocking member 110 is moved laterally (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the decking boards, when in use).
- the locking member 120 has a longitudinal head portion 122 and a plurality of fingers 124 .
- the fingers 124 are arranged such that they are received by, and pass through, the apertures 112 of the interlocking member 120 and then are received by the slots 104 of the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 .
- the fingers 124 have a gripping surface in the form of sawtooth portions on each side which engage with corresponding sawtooth portions inside the slots 104 (not shown in FIG. 5 , see FIG. 6 ).
- the fingers 124 of the locking member 120 are relatively easy to press into the slots 104 of the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 but are relatively difficult to be removed.
- the locking member 120 cannot be removed by sliding the locking member 120 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards. That is, once constructed, with a decking board 20 , 22 located on either side of the receiving portion 102 , the fingers 124 of the locking member 120 are held securely in the slots 104 of the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 .
- FIG. 6 a cross section of the fastener 10 in use between two decking boards 20 and 22 is illustrated.
- the interlocking member 110 is received in grooves 20 ′, 22 ′ of the decking boards 20 , 22 and is held in place between the locking member 120 and the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 by the fingers 124 of the locking member 120 .
- the fingers 124 are located securely in the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 with the corresponding sawtooth surfaces gripping against each other to lock the locking member 120 in place.
- the ribs 106 (shown in FIG. 5 ) between slots 104 of the receiving portion 102 provide support to the sides of the slots and prevent the slots 104 from deforming which may release the fingers 124 .
- the decking boards 20 , 22 can provide additional support (albeit minor) to the outer sides of the receiving portion 102 further preventing the slots 104 from deforming.
- this additional support is relatively minor as it is preferred that there is a small gap between the edges of the decking boards 20 , 22 and the receiving portion 102 to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the decking boards caused by varying moisture content and temperature.
- the base 100 has removable wings 108 which are angled downwards to provide additional protection to the joist 30 from above.
- the interlocking member 110 and locking member 120 are loosely located on the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 such that the interlocking member 110 is positioned to one side and can move relatively freely and such that the locking member 120 is not fully located in the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 . It is envisaged that the base 100 could be provided with the interlocking member 110 and locking 120 already in this position.
- a decking board 20 , 22 is then located on the base 100 between two receiving portions 102 of the base 100 , or where the decking board is at an end of the base 100 , adjacent the endmost receiving portion 102 of the base 100 . Where an existing decking board 20 , 22 has already been placed the interlocking member 110 that will be located between that existing decking board 20 , 22 and the next decking board will be centred relative to the receiving portion 102 of the base 100 .
- next decking board 20 , 22 When the next decking board 20 , 22 is located on the base 100 its groove adjacent the existing decking board 20 , 22 and already centred interlocking member 110 is positioned to receive the free side of the already centred interlocking member such that the interlocking member 110 is centred and located in both grooves 20 ′, 22 ′ as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the next interlocking member 110 which is offset (i.e. not centred), is then slid laterally into the groove 20 ′, 22 ′ on the other side of the decking board 20 , 22 .
- the locking member 120 is forced downwards, typically with a tool, such that fingers 124 of the locking member 120 travel further into the slots 104 retaining the locking member 120 therein.
- the decking boards 20 , 22 are then unable to be lifted from the joist 30 as they are held down by their grooves by the interlocking member 110 which is held down by the locking member 120 which is secured to the base 100 via the receiving portion 102 . This process is continued to fasten further decking boards to the joist 30 .
- FIGS. 7 and 8 Further fastener designs 12 and 13 are provided in FIGS. 7 and 8 , respectively. Both fastener designs have a base 200 , 300 and a protrusion 202 , 302 . Use of the fasteners 12 and 13 in FIGS. 7 and 8 both require the grooves 20 ′, 22 ′ of the decking boards 20 , 22 to be shaped, with at least one bevelled edge.
- the protrusion 202 has a head 204 that includes flexible portions that allow the head 204 to deform. Gripping portions 206 , 208 located inside the head 204 are shaped to grip each other when the head 204 of the protrusion 202 is depressed downwards. This downward action causes outer edges 210 of the head 204 to slide outwards into the grooves 20 ′, 22 ′ of the decking boards 20 , 20 which retains them in place.
- the fastener design 13 in FIG. 8 has no moving parts, but rather requires the grooves 20 ′, 22 ′ of the decking boards to be shaped correspondingly to the head 304 of the protrusion 302 and relies on the decking boards being placed against the head 304 at an angle.
- the head 304 is general frustroconical in cross-sectional shape.
- the fastener 1010 provides a quick and easy fastening system to seamlessly build a deck without the need to puncture the decking boards 1020 , 1022 .
- the base 1100 and wings 1108 further provide sealing and weatherproofing to the joist 30 .
- the recessed portions 1101 allow the joist 30 to remain substantially weatherproof when fasteners attach the base 1100 to the joist 30 .
- the same base 1100 can also be used to affix decking boards 1020 , 1022 to concrete pads.
- the fastener 1010 also provides a strong engagement with the decking boards 1020 , 1022 , while also allowing for some natural movement of the decking boards 1020 , 1022 .
- the locking member 1120 is readily located in the opening 1104 of the receiving portion 1102 of the base 1100 and easily locks the assembly together during construction. Similar advantages also apply to the other fastener systems describe herein.
- Fastener 1010 also allows individual decking boards 1020 , 1022 to be removed from the deck if needed. If an individual decking board is required to be removed, the locking member 1120 is first removed from the receiving portion 1102 by sliding the locking member 1120 out of the opening 1104 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards. With the locking member 1120 released, the individual decking board can then be leveraged past the wedge portions 1103 . That is, as a leverage force is applied to the individual decking board, a force is applied to the wedge portions 1103 which causes the opening 1104 to close and the wedge portions 1103 to pivot out of the way of the individual decking board. As such, the individual decking board can be removed and subsequently replaced. During replacement, the wedge portions 1103 will again pivot out of the way of the new board being inserted into the deck.
- receiving members 1102 are provided on a single base 1100 it is not necessary to have to locate and fasten numerous individual parts.
- the decking boards 1020 , 1022 are simply placed between the receiving portions 1102 of the base 1100 , and locked into place by securing the locking member 120 .
- the locations of the receiving portions 1102 of the base 1100 are used to position and locate the decking boards 1020 , 1022 which ensures that they are aligned and located properly. Similar advantages again also apply to the other fastener systems describe herein.
- adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.
- reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.
- the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.
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Abstract
A fastener and fastening system for fastening decking boards to a substantially horizontal surface such as joists of a deck frame or a concrete pad. The fastener has a base member with a plurality of receiving portions extending upwards that receive decking boards therebetween. A locking member is provided to be received by the receiving portions which, when inserted, pries engagement portions of the receiving portion into a longitudinal groove of the decking boards to retain the decking boards in place.
Description
- The invention relates to a fastener and fastening system. In particular, the invention relates, but is not limited, to fasteners and fastening systems for securing decking boards to joists during deck construction.
- Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge in Australia or elsewhere.
- Decks are typically constructed of wooden decking boards being affixed to a decking frame which typically includes joists. Various methods of affixing the decking boards are known, the most straight forward being to nail or screw the decking boards to the frame. However, these deck fastening systems all suffer from drawbacks.
- For example, nails and screws require the upper surface of the decking board to be penetrated. This can damage the decking board and, in any event, means that unsightly nail or screw heads are visible from the surface of the deck. Moisture also tends to travel through the fastener into the decking board and joist via a capillary action, which can lead to oxidization and rust of the fastener as well as rot and deterioration of the decking board and joist.
- Furthermore, vibrations through the decking boards from general use (e.g. people walking on them) can cause the fasteners to unfasten. In this regard, nails often raise out from the boards and screws can unwind. The raised heads of these fasteners are unattractive and can be dangerous. Exacerbating these problems is the fact that as the decking boards weather they can warp, and if the method of affixing is not strong enough the decking boards can lift.
- Other decking systems which do not require putting nails or screws through the decking boards are known. One includes a tab or ‘biscuit’ which is received in a groove in the side of the decking boards. The biscuit is fastened to the frame, holding the decking boards to the frame via respective sides received in respective grooves of adjacent decking boards. However, the biscuits are costly and time consuming to install. A separate biscuit is required for each fastening point, and they must be lined up and located in the grooves of the decking boards manually. The additional cost of the biscuits together with the additional labour cost in installing them greatly increases the cost of constructing a deck. Furthermore, to remove a broken or damaged decking board, all the decking boards adjacent to one side of the broken or damaged decking board must be removed. This again is a timely and costly process.
- Some other known fastening systems include attaching a perforated strip of angle iron to the side of a joist and fastening the decking boards from the under side with a screw. Another uses screws that are skewed through the edge of the decking boards. However, these are even more difficult and time consuming to use than the previously mentioned biscuit type fasteners.
- A further issue with these known fastening systems is that they do not allow for natural movement of the decking boards. The decking boards react to their environment, for example in relation to humidity and dampness (e.g. if they get wet). This causes the boards to move. Known fastening systems prevent, or at least significantly limit, the natural movement of the boards. This places unnecessary strain on both the decking boards and the fasteners, and can even cause damage to either or both of them.
- It is an aim of this invention to provide a fastener and fastening system which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful alternative.
- Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.
- According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastener for fastening decking boards to a substantially horizontal surface, the fastener comprising:
-
- a base member that is adapted to be attached along the substantially horizontal surface, the base member having a receiving portion extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the base member; and
- a locking member having a locking portion that is receivable by an opening in the receiving portion of the base member,
- wherein the receiving portion of the base member is adapted to engage with a receiving portion of the decking boards.
- Preferably the substantially horizontal surface is an upper surface of at least a portion of a frame. Preferably the frame is a decking frame and the portion of the frame includes a joist. Alternatively the substantially horizontal surface may be a level surface such as a concrete pad.
- Preferably the base member has a plurality of receiving portions that each have an associated locking member. The receiving portions are preferably longitudinal. The receiving portions are typically spaced apart the same distance as a width of decking boards and are arranged to receive decking boards between them.
- Preferably the receiving portion has a gripping portion for securing the received portion of the locking member therein. Preferably the locking member has a corresponding gripping portion. The gripping portions are preferably in the form of corresponding sawtooth portions. Preferably, the locking member can be released from the receiving portion by sliding the locking member out of the receiving portion in the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion.
- Preferably, the receiving portion of the base member includes engagement portions that are adapted to engage with the receiving portion of the decking boards. Preferably, the shape of the engagement portions substantially corresponds to the shape of the receiving portion of the decking boards. Preferably, the engagement portions are wedge-shaped and the receiving portions include a groove that is wedge-shaped.
- Preferably, the engagement portions are separated by the opening. Preferably, the engagement portions pivot about a lower portion of the opening. Preferably, when the locking member is received into the opening of the receiving portion, the engagement portions pivot about the lower portion of the opening into rigid engagement with the receiving portion of the decking boards.
- Preferably the base member has longitudinal wings. The longitudinal wings are preferably disposed at an angle to the base member. Preferably the longitudinal wings are removable from the base member. Preferably the longitudinal wings are tearable or frangible to be removed from the base member. Additionally, or alternatively, the longitudinal wings are sufficiently flexible such that they can be flexed parallel to the base member.
- According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastener for fastening decking boards to a substantially horizontal surface, the fastener comprising:
- a base member that is adapted to be attached along the substantially horizontal surface, the base member having a receiving portion extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the base member;
- an interlocking member adapted to engage with a portion of the decking boards, the interlocking member having at least one aperture; and
- a locking member having at least one finger that is receivable by the at least one aperture of the interlocking member and the receiving portion of the base member.
- Preferably the base member has a plurality of receiving portions that each have an associated interlocking member and locking member. The receiving portions are preferably longitudinal. The receiving portions are typically spaced apart the same distance as a width of decking boards and are arranged to receive decking boards between them.
- Preferably the receiving portion has a gripping portion for securing the received portion of the locking member therein. Preferably the locking member has a corresponding gripping portion. The gripping portions are preferably in the form of corresponding sawtooth portions. Preferably the receiving portion has a plurality of slots separated by ribs. The locking member preferably has a plurality of fingers that are received by the slots. The interlocking member preferably has a plurality of apertures that each correspond with a slot and finger.
- The at least one aperture of the interlocking member is preferably offset from a central axis of the interlocking member. The at least one aperture is preferably configured to allow the interlocking member to slide laterally when receiving fingers of the locking member. Preferably the interlocking member is shaped to be received by, and engage with, longitudinal grooves in the sides of the decking boards.
- According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a fastening system comprising:
- parallel decking boards with a longitudinal groove;
- a base member attached to a substantially horizontal surface, the base member having a receiving portion extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the base member;
- an interlocking member having at least one aperture being received in grooves of adjacent decking boards; and
- a locking member having at least one finger that is receivable by the at least one aperture of the interlocking member and the receiving portion of the base member to secure the decking boards to the substantially horizontal surface.
- Preferably the substantially horizontal surface is an upper surface of a frame. Even more preferably the frame is a decking frame and the portion of the frame includes a joist of the decking frame. Alternatively the substantially horizontal surface may be a level surface, preferably a concrete pad.
- Preferably the base member is attached to the substantially horizontal surface by a fastening member that penetrates the surface. The fastening member is preferably a wood or masonry screw. The base member preferably has predetermined recessed and/or weakened portions to receive the fastening member. Preferably the recessed and/or weakened portions are located between adjacent receiving portions of the base member. More preferably the location of the recessed and/or weakened portions is below a decking board when in use.
- According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of building at least a portion of a deck over a substantially horizontal surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing a base member over at least a portion of the horizontal surface;
- affixing the base member to the horizontal surface;
- locating a first decking board adjacent a first side of a receiving portion of the base member;
- locating a second decking board adjacent a second side of the receiving portion of the base member; and
- inserting a locking member into a receiving portion of the base.
- Preferably the steps are repeated for further decking boards. Preferably the base member has a plurality of receiving portions, each adjacent pair of receiving portions straddling a decking board.
- According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of building at least a portion of a deck over a substantially horizontal surface, the method comprising the steps of:
- placing a base member over at least a portion of the horizontal surface;
- affixing the base member to the horizontal surface;
- locating a first decking board adjacent a first side of a receiving portion of the base member;
- aligning an aperture of an interlocking member with the receiving portion of the base member;
- locating a locking member through the aperture of the interlocking member and securing the locking member in the receiving portion of the base member;
- sliding a first side of the interlocking member into a groove of the first decking board; and
- locating a second decking board adjacent a second side of the receiving portion of the base member including locating a second side of the interlocking member into a groove of the second decking board.
- Preferably the steps are repeated for further decking boards. Preferably the base member has a plurality of receiving portions, each adjacent pair of receiving portions straddling a decking board.
- Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
- By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of a fastener in use with decking boards over a horizontal surface; -
FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the fastener illustrated inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a cross sectional elevation view of the fastener inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a cutaway perspective view of an alternative fastener in use with decking boards over a joist; -
FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the fastener illustrated inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a cross sectional elevation view of the fastener inFIG. 4 ; -
FIG. 7 illustrates another fastener design; and -
FIG. 8 illustrates yet another fastener design. -
FIG. 1 illustrates afastener 1010 forfastening decking boards joist 30 which would typically form part of a decking frame. Alternatively, thefastener 1010 may be used on other surfaces, such as to fasten thedecking boards - The
fastener 1010, which will be discussed in further detail in relation toFIGS. 2 and 3 , has abase 1100 and a plurality of receivingportions 1102 that extend upwards perpendicularly from thebase 1100. The receivingportions 1102 are adapted to engage with a receiving portion of thedecking boards portions 1102 include engagement portions in the form ofwedge portions 1103. Thewedge portions 1103 engage with the receiving portion of thedecking boards grooves 1020′, 1022′, which are located in the sides ofdecking boards grooves 1020′, 1022′ corresponds to the shape of thewedge portions 1103. - Although the engagement portions and
grooves 1020′, 1022′ are wedge-shaped in this embodiment, it would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the engagement portions and the corresponding shapedgrooves 1020′, 1022′ may take a variety of shapes. Advantages of the wedge-shape in this embodiment however, include that it allows boards to be inserted and removed relatively easy from thefastener 1010. Furthermore, this wedge-shape is relatively easy to manufacture. - The
base 1100 is affixed to thejoist 30 by screws (not shown) which are received in recessedportions 1101 of thebase 1100. Thebase 1100 may be provided with bothwood screw recesses 1101 a and masonry anchor recesses 1101 b, with the masonry anchor recesses 1101 b being generally larger. The recessedportions 1101 have a weakened portion which is punctured by the fastener being used. A seal is substantially maintained between the base and thejoist 30 when the fastener is punctured through the recessedportions 1101. In addition, the recessedportions 1101 allow the fastener to be countersunk, and as such, the head of the fastener do not protrude beyond an upper face of thebase 1100. - Each receiving
portion 1102 is, in use, located between two decking boards (e.g. 1020, 1022) and, therefore, is typically not visible in use.FIG. 1 illustrates an exposed portion of thefastener 1010 where the receivingportion 1102 is visible adjacent asingle decking board 1020. - While
FIG. 2 illustrates asingle receiving portion 1102, it will be appreciated that in preferred embodiments thebase 1100 is elongate with a plurality of receivingportions 1102 arranged to facilitate fastening of many decking boards to thejoist 30 at once. - In
FIG. 2 , the receivingportion 1102 is more clearly seen to extend perpendicularly to thebase 1100. Furthermore, the receivingportion 1102 is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use. The receivingportion 1102 includes anopening 1104. Theopening 1104 extends through the receiving portion 1102 (i.e. theopening 1104 extends through the receivingportion 1102 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use).Wedge portions 1103 are either side of theopening 1104. In this embodiment, theopening 1104 includes two walls that are tapered towards thebase 1100. The two walls have a gripping surface in the form of sawtooth portions. The two walls, and as such, thewedge portions 1103 are able to pivot around a lower portion of theopening 1104. - Each receiving
portion 1102 of the fastener also has a lockingmember 1120. The lockingmember 1120 has alongitudinal head portion 1122 and alocking portion 1124. In this embodiment, the lockingportion 1124 has two tapered sides. The tapered sides of the lockingportion 1124 have a gripping surface in the form of sawtooth portions which engage with corresponding sawtooth portions inside theopening 1104. - Due to the shape of the sawtooth portions, the locking
portion 1124 of the lockingmember 1120 is relatively easy to press into theopening 1104 of the receivingportion 1102 but are relatively difficult to be removed in the opposite direction. However, the lockingmember 1120 may be removed from the receivingportion 1102, if needed, by sliding the lockingmember 1120 out of theopening 1104 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use. - Turning to
FIG. 3 , a cross section of thefastener 1010 in use between twodecking boards base 1100 is affixed to a substantially horizontal surface, such as ajoist 30 as shown inFIG. 1 . Thedecking boards base 1100 adjacent opposite sides of the receivingportion 1102 of thebase 1100. As such, thewedge portions 1103 of the receivingportion 1102 are received into thegrooves 1020′, 1022′ of the twodecking boards - The locking
member 1120 is located securely in the receivingportion 1102 of the base 1100 with the corresponding sawtooth surfaces gripping against each other. When the lockingmember 1120 is inserted into theopening 1104, it drives thewedge portions 1103 to pivot outwardly about the lower portion of theopening 1104. As thewedge portions 1103 pivot, they are further received intogrooves 1020′, 1022′ of thedecking boards - When the locking
member 1120 is securely located in the receivingportion 1102 of thebase 1100, the rigid engagement between thewedge portions 1103 and wedge-shapedgrooves 1020′, 1022′ substantially prevents thedecking boards fastener 1010. For example, if thedecking boards base 1100, thewedge portions 1103 and wedge-shapedgrooves 1020′, 1022′ will bear upon one another and resist such movement. Accordingly, as the lockingmember 1120 prevents theopening 1104 from closing, thedecking board wedge portions 1103. - As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thebase 1100 haswings 1108 which are angled downwards. Thewings 1108 are spaced apart by the width of thejoist 30 and provide additional protection to thejoist 30 from above. Thewings 1108 are removable, by tearing, from thebase 1100 where they are not required. Thewings 1108 are tearable by having a weakened portion in the form of agroove 1108′, as shown inFIG. 2 . For example, thewings 1108 are typically not required when thefastener 1010 is used on a concrete pad or other substantially level planar surface (not shown). Thewings 1108 can therefore be removed from thebase 1100 during the installation of the decking fixing system prior to fitting the decking boards. - In alternative or additional embodiment, the
wings 1108 may be sufficiently flexible. As such, thewings 1108 can be laid flat if desired. Accordingly, in this embodiment, thewings 1108 may not have to be removed if thefastener 1010 is required to be used on a concrete pad. That is, thewings 1108 will flex to be substantially flat on the concrete pad. - The
base 1100 also features atongue portion 1105 at one end of thebase 1100 and aseat portion 1106 at the other end of thebase 1100. Thetongue portion 1105 and theseat portion 1106 both feature a recessed portion. Thetongue portion 1105 orseat portion 1106 are used to connect thebase 1100 to a further base. When the tongue orseat portions base 1100 to a further base, a fastener is driven through the substantially aligned recessed portions into thejoist 30. - A deck is built using the
fastener 1010 by first affixing thebase 1100 to a substantially horizontal surface, such as ajoist 30 as shown inFIG. 1 . Adecking board base 1100 between two receivingportions 1102 of thebase 1100, or where the decking board is at an end of thebase 1100, adjacent theendmost receiving portion 1102 of thebase 1100. When thenext decking board decking board grooves 1020′, 1022′, the lockingmember 1120 is then located in theopening 1104 and forced downwards, typically with a tool, such that the lockingportion 1124 of the lockingmember 1120 travels further into theopening 1104. Thedecking boards joist 30 as they are held down by thewedge portions 1103 which have pivoted towards the walls of the wedge-shapedgrooves 1020′, 1022′. This process is continued to fasten further decking boards to thejoist 30. -
FIG. 4 illustrates analternative fastener 10 forfastening decking boards joist 30. - The
fastener 10, which will be discussed in further detail in relation toFIGS. 5 and 6 , has a portion received in standard square shapedgrooves 20′, 22′ in the sides ofdecking boards fastener 1010, thefastener 10 has abase 100 and a plurality of receivingportions 102 that extend upwards perpendicularly from thebase 100. Thebase 100 is affixed to thejoist 30 by screws (not shown) which are received in recessed portions (not shown) of thebase 100.FIG. 4 illustrates an exposed portion of thefastener 10 where the receivingportion 102 is visible adjacent asingle decking board 20. - Turning to the single interlocking portion of
fastener 10 shown inFIG. 5 , the receivingportion 102 is more clearly seen to extend perpendicularly to thebase 100 and is aligned substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the decking boards, when in use. The receivingportion 102 has a plurality ofslots 104 separated byribs 106. Theribs 106 provide additional support and strength to theslots 104, preventing any deformation of the receivingportion 102 when in use. - Each receiving
portion 102 of the fastener also has an interlockingmember 110 and a lockingmember 120. The interlockingmember 110 has anaperture 112 corresponding to eachslot 104. Theapertures 112 are the same width as theslots 104 but are longer than theslots 104, and are offset. This allows theapertures 112 to be located over theslots 104 when the interlockingmember 110 is moved laterally (i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the decking boards, when in use). - The locking
member 120 has alongitudinal head portion 122 and a plurality offingers 124. Thefingers 124 are arranged such that they are received by, and pass through, theapertures 112 of the interlockingmember 120 and then are received by theslots 104 of the receivingportion 102 of thebase 100. Thefingers 124 have a gripping surface in the form of sawtooth portions on each side which engage with corresponding sawtooth portions inside the slots 104 (not shown inFIG. 5 , seeFIG. 6 ). - Similar to
fastener 1010, due to the shape of the sawtooth portions, thefingers 124 of the lockingmember 120 are relatively easy to press into theslots 104 of the receivingportion 102 of the base 100 but are relatively difficult to be removed. However, unlikefastener 1010, the lockingmember 120 cannot be removed by sliding the lockingmember 120 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards. That is, once constructed, with adecking board portion 102, thefingers 124 of the lockingmember 120 are held securely in theslots 104 of the receivingportion 102 of thebase 100. - Turning to
FIG. 6 , a cross section of thefastener 10 in use between two deckingboards member 110 is received ingrooves 20′, 22′ of thedecking boards member 120 and the receivingportion 102 of the base 100 by thefingers 124 of the lockingmember 120. Thefingers 124 are located securely in the receivingportion 102 of the base 100 with the corresponding sawtooth surfaces gripping against each other to lock the lockingmember 120 in place. The ribs 106 (shown inFIG. 5 ) betweenslots 104 of the receivingportion 102 provide support to the sides of the slots and prevent theslots 104 from deforming which may release thefingers 124. - Additionally, when in use as illustrated in
FIG. 6 , thedecking boards portion 102 further preventing theslots 104 from deforming. However, this additional support is relatively minor as it is preferred that there is a small gap between the edges of thedecking boards portion 102 to allow for natural expansion and contraction of the decking boards caused by varying moisture content and temperature. - Similar to
fastener 1010, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 , thebase 100 hasremovable wings 108 which are angled downwards to provide additional protection to thejoist 30 from above. - Building a deck with
fastener 10 shares a number of similarities with building a deck withfastener 1010. The interlockingmember 110 and lockingmember 120 are loosely located on the receivingportion 102 of the base 100 such that the interlockingmember 110 is positioned to one side and can move relatively freely and such that the lockingmember 120 is not fully located in the receivingportion 102 of thebase 100. It is envisaged that the base 100 could be provided with the interlockingmember 110 and locking 120 already in this position. - A
decking board portions 102 of thebase 100, or where the decking board is at an end of thebase 100, adjacent theendmost receiving portion 102 of thebase 100. Where an existingdecking board member 110 that will be located between that existingdecking board portion 102 of thebase 100. - When the
next decking board decking board member 110 is positioned to receive the free side of the already centred interlocking member such that the interlockingmember 110 is centred and located in bothgrooves 20′, 22′ as shown inFIG. 6 . Thenext interlocking member 110, which is offset (i.e. not centred), is then slid laterally into thegroove 20′, 22′ on the other side of thedecking board - Once the
decking boards member 120 is forced downwards, typically with a tool, such thatfingers 124 of the lockingmember 120 travel further into theslots 104 retaining the lockingmember 120 therein. Thedecking boards joist 30 as they are held down by their grooves by the interlockingmember 110 which is held down by the lockingmember 120 which is secured to thebase 100 via the receivingportion 102. This process is continued to fasten further decking boards to thejoist 30. - Further fastener designs 12 and 13 are provided in
FIGS. 7 and 8 , respectively. Both fastener designs have a base 200, 300 and aprotrusion fasteners FIGS. 7 and 8 both require thegrooves 20′, 22′ of thedecking boards - Turning specifically to the
fastener design 12 illustrated inFIG. 7 , theprotrusion 202 has ahead 204 that includes flexible portions that allow thehead 204 to deform. Grippingportions head 204 are shaped to grip each other when thehead 204 of theprotrusion 202 is depressed downwards. This downward action causesouter edges 210 of thehead 204 to slide outwards into thegrooves 20′, 22′ of thedecking boards - The
fastener design 13 inFIG. 8 has no moving parts, but rather requires thegrooves 20′, 22′ of the decking boards to be shaped correspondingly to thehead 304 of theprotrusion 302 and relies on the decking boards being placed against thehead 304 at an angle. Thehead 304 is general frustroconical in cross-sectional shape. - In use, the
fastener 1010 provides a quick and easy fastening system to seamlessly build a deck without the need to puncture thedecking boards base 1100 andwings 1108 further provide sealing and weatherproofing to thejoist 30. Furthermore, the recessedportions 1101 allow thejoist 30 to remain substantially weatherproof when fasteners attach thebase 1100 to thejoist 30. Conveniently, thesame base 1100 can also be used to affixdecking boards - The
fastener 1010 also provides a strong engagement with thedecking boards decking boards member 1120 is readily located in theopening 1104 of the receivingportion 1102 of thebase 1100 and easily locks the assembly together during construction. Similar advantages also apply to the other fastener systems describe herein. -
Fastener 1010 also allowsindividual decking boards member 1120 is first removed from the receivingportion 1102 by sliding the lockingmember 1120 out of theopening 1104 in the longitudinal direction of the decking boards. With the lockingmember 1120 released, the individual decking board can then be leveraged past thewedge portions 1103. That is, as a leverage force is applied to the individual decking board, a force is applied to thewedge portions 1103 which causes theopening 1104 to close and thewedge portions 1103 to pivot out of the way of the individual decking board. As such, the individual decking board can be removed and subsequently replaced. During replacement, thewedge portions 1103 will again pivot out of the way of the new board being inserted into the deck. - In addition, as multiple receiving
members 1102 are provided on asingle base 1100 it is not necessary to have to locate and fasten numerous individual parts. Thedecking boards portions 1102 of thebase 1100, and locked into place by securing the lockingmember 120. Furthermore, the locations of the receivingportions 1102 of thebase 1100 are used to position and locate thedecking boards - In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step etc.
- The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.
- In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.
Claims (22)
1. A fastener for fastening decking boards to a substantially horizontal surface, the fastener comprising:
a base member that is adapted to be attached along the substantially horizontal surface, the base member having a receiving portion extending substantially perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the base member; and
a locking member having a locking portion that is receivable by an opening in the receiving portion of the base member,
wherein the receiving portion of the base member is adapted to engage with a receiving portion of the decking boards.
2. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the base member has a plurality of receiving portions that each have an associated locking member.
3. The fastener of claim 2 , wherein the receiving portions are spaced apart the same distance as a width of decking boards and are arranged to receive decking boards between them.
4. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the receiving portion has a gripping portion for securing the received portion of the locking member therein.
5. The fastener of claim 4 , wherein the locking member has a corresponding gripping portion.
6. The fastener of claim 5 , wherein the gripping portions are in the form of corresponding sawtooth portions.
7. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the receiving portion of the base member includes engagement portions that are adapted to engage with the receiving portion of the decking boards.
8. The fastener of claim 7 , wherein the shape of the engagement portions substantially corresponds to the shape of the receiving portion of the decking boards.
9. The fastener of claim 7 , wherein the engagement portions are wedge-shaped.
10. The fastener of claim 7 , wherein the engagement portions are separated by the opening.
11. The fastener of claim 7 , wherein the engagement portions pivot about a lower portion of the opening.
12. The fastener of claim 7 , wherein when the locking member is received into the opening of the receiving portion, the engagement portions pivot about the lower portion of the opening into rigid engagement with the receiving portion of the decking boards.
13. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the base member has longitudinal wings.
14. The fastener of claim 13 , wherein the wings are disposed at an angle to the base member.
15. The fastener of claim 13 , wherein the wings are removable from the base member and/or flexible relative to the base member.
16. The fastener of claim 1 , wherein the base member has recessed and/or weakened portions to receive a fastening member.
17. The fastener of claim 16 , wherein the recessed and/or weakened portions are located between adjacent receiving portions of the base member.
18. A deck fastening system comprising:
a fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims;
parallel decking boards with a receiving portion that includes a longitudinal groove; and
a substantially horizontal surface; wherein
the base member of the fastener is affixed to the substantially horizontal surface; the parallel decking boards are located between adjacent receiving portions of the base member; and
the locking member is engaged with the receiving portion of the base member such that at least a portion of the receiving portion of the base member is received by the longitudinal groove of adjacent decking boards.
19. The deck fastening system of claim 16 , comprising a plurality of fasteners, each base member having a tongue portion and a seat portion featuring a recessed portion such that tongue and seat portions of adjacent base members overlap.
20. The deck fastening system of claim 16 , wherein the base member is affixed to the substantially horizontal surface by a fastening member that penetrates the base member.
21. The deck fastening system of claim 18 , wherein the fastening member is located underneath a decking board.
22. A method of building at least a portion of a deck over a substantially horizontal surface, the method comprising the steps of:
placing a base member over at least a portion of the horizontal surface;
affixing the base member to the horizontal surface;
locating a first decking board adjacent a first side of a receiving portion of the base member;
locating a second decking board adjacent a second side of the receiving portion of the base member; and
inserting a locking member into a receiving portion of the base.
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AU2013901645A AU2013901645A0 (en) | 2013-05-09 | A fastener and fastening system | |
AU2013901645 | 2013-05-09 | ||
PCT/AU2014/000511 WO2014179838A1 (en) | 2013-05-09 | 2014-05-09 | A deck fastening system |
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WO2018187837A1 (en) | 2017-04-12 | 2018-10-18 | Decktec Pty Ltd | A flooring board spacing assembly |
CN109457904A (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2019-03-12 | 陈竹 | Floor fastener and floor board mounting structure |
US11149444B2 (en) | 2016-12-16 | 2021-10-19 | Valinge Innovation Ab | Set of decking boards provided with a connecting system |
US11193284B2 (en) * | 2019-05-21 | 2021-12-07 | Silca System, Llc | Tile-securing system and related methods |
US11326355B2 (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2022-05-10 | Valinge Innovation Ab | Connecting device, support element and connecting system for boards |
US11377858B2 (en) | 2019-01-08 | 2022-07-05 | Valinge Innovation Ab | Flooring system provided with a connecting system and an associated connecting device |
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Cited By (7)
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US11149444B2 (en) | 2016-12-16 | 2021-10-19 | Valinge Innovation Ab | Set of decking boards provided with a connecting system |
US11326355B2 (en) | 2017-03-16 | 2022-05-10 | Valinge Innovation Ab | Connecting device, support element and connecting system for boards |
WO2018187837A1 (en) | 2017-04-12 | 2018-10-18 | Decktec Pty Ltd | A flooring board spacing assembly |
EP3610096A4 (en) * | 2017-04-12 | 2021-01-13 | Decktec Pty Ltd | A flooring board spacing assembly |
CN109457904A (en) * | 2018-12-26 | 2019-03-12 | 陈竹 | Floor fastener and floor board mounting structure |
US11377858B2 (en) | 2019-01-08 | 2022-07-05 | Valinge Innovation Ab | Flooring system provided with a connecting system and an associated connecting device |
US11193284B2 (en) * | 2019-05-21 | 2021-12-07 | Silca System, Llc | Tile-securing system and related methods |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2014262380B2 (en) | 2017-04-27 |
AU2014262380A1 (en) | 2015-11-19 |
WO2014179838A1 (en) | 2014-11-13 |
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