US20160208487A1 - Snap Lock Decking System - Google Patents
Snap Lock Decking System Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160208487A1 US20160208487A1 US15/082,600 US201615082600A US2016208487A1 US 20160208487 A1 US20160208487 A1 US 20160208487A1 US 201615082600 A US201615082600 A US 201615082600A US 2016208487 A1 US2016208487 A1 US 2016208487A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- plank
- receiver
- retainer
- arm
- deck
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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- 239000000243 solution Substances 0.000 description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 4
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 4
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000004800 polyvinyl chloride Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
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- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
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- 238000011900 installation process 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
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
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Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0685—Joining sheets or plates to strips or bars
-
- 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
- E04B5/023—Separate connecting devices for prefabricated floor-slabs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/18—Structures comprising elongated load-supporting parts, e.g. columns, girders, skeletons
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
-
- 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
- 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
-
- 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
- F16B5/06—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips
- F16B5/0607—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other
- F16B5/0621—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship
- F16B5/0664—Joining sheets or plates, e.g. panels, to one another or to strips or bars parallel to them by means of clamps or clips joining sheets or plates to each other in parallel relationship at least one of the sheets or plates having integrally formed or integrally connected snap-in-features
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02005—Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips
- E04F15/02016—Construction of joints, e.g. dividing strips with sealing elements between 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
- E04F15/02044—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
- E04F2015/02072—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 extending into the back side of the flooring elements
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/02044—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
- E04F2015/021—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 fixed by means of hooking means on the back side of the flooring elements
Definitions
- the present subject matter relates generally to decking systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plastic or composite exterior decking system that includes a simple snap locking fastener system for installation.
- Previous decking solutions suffer from several drawbacks. For example, conventional decking solutions require complicated and cumbersome installation of current deck products. For example, the decking solutions often included a user to manually space and align each deck board for the proper installation of the deck boards. Such solutions result in many failed attempts at evenly spaced deck boards and hours of frustration on the user's behalf.
- the system may include a receiver and deck plank, wherein the plank removeably connects to receiver for installation.
- the receiver may provide a snap lock function that secures and automatically spaces the deck planks on the receiver, which is fastened to a deck joist.
- the receiver may further act as a flashing for the deck joists to protect the deck joists from the elements.
- the planks are adapted to snap onto the snap lock receiver and act as a cover to protect the underlying fasteners.
- the receiver may be injection molded from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, to name a few.
- the planks may be extruded from any number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, to name a few.
- the receiver is installed directly on a deck joists and acts as a receiver for the plank while also acting as a flashing for the deck joist.
- the receiver includes a plurality of retainers that provide automatic spacing for the deck planks. For example, once the receiver is in place the deck planks are simply pressed or snapped on to the receiver.
- the decking planks are adapted to shed water and resist the accumulation of water, ice or snow by incorporating a design that includes a convex plank top surface, a point for a continuous drop, and a void in the plank edge to allow for proper water drainage. Once installed if a single deck plank needs to be removed for whatever reason the planks can simply be slid off the end and reinstalled.
- the system includes a receiver and plank, wherein the receiver includes a receiver body including a receiver top surface and an receiver bottom surface.
- the receiver further includes a retainer extending from the receiver top surface, wherein the retainer has a retainer first end and a retainer second end, wherein the retainer first end extends from the retainer interior surface.
- the retainer second end may be conical shaped.
- the retainer is integrally formed with the receiver.
- the plank includes a plank body including a plank top surface, plank bottom surface, and two plank edges.
- the plank may be a deck board.
- the plank top surface is convex.
- the plank further includes a set of arms extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface, wherein each arm includes an arm first end and an arm second end, wherein the arm first end extends from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body.
- the retainer first end is configured to receive the tabs of the set of arms. When the tabs of the arms are engaged with the retainer of the receiver, the arms maintain a space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
- the tab may include a tab end that is tapered.
- the receiver may include a plurality of retainers periodically spaced along a length of the receiver.
- the retainer first end includes a retainer groove on each side of the retainer for receiving the tabs of a set of arms.
- each plank edge includes an arm extending from the interior surface of the plank body, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank of the body.
- the arm second end may include a point to enable a continuous drip from the plank.
- the system may further include at least one fastener configured to connect the receiver to a deck joist, wherein at least a portion of the fastener resides in a portion of the space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
- the system in another embodiment, includes a receiver, a plank, and a deck board.
- the receiver includes a receiver body including a receiver top surface and a receiver bottom surface.
- the receiver further includes a retainer extending from the receiver top surface, wherein the retainer has a retainer first end and a retainer second end, wherein the retainer first end extends from the receiver top surface.
- the retainer is integrally formed with the receiver.
- the plank includes a plank top surface, plank bottom surface, and two plank edges.
- the plank further includes a set of arms extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface, wherein each arm includes an arm first end and an arm second end.
- the arm first end extends from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body.
- the deck board includes a deck board body including a board bottom surface, a board top surface, and board ends, wherein the deck board body is configured to mate with the plank body. In an example, when the deck board body mates with the plank body, the deck board body conceals the plank from view.
- the deck board ends may include a board groove for receiving the plank edges. In another example, the deck board ends include a point to enable a continuous drip from the deck boards.
- the retainer first end is configured to receive the tabs of the set of arms.
- the arms When the tabs of the arms are engaged with the retainer of the receiver, the arms maintain a space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
- the system may include at least one fastener configured to connect the receiver to a deck joist, wherein at least a portion of the fastener resides in a portion of the space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
- An objective of the invention is to provide a solution to the complicated and cumbersome installation of current deck products, including providing a solution to spacing of the deck planks.
- Another objective is to provide weather protection to the deck joists and to resist degradation and other issues due to seasonal expansion and contraction, as well as a means of concealing the installation fasteners.
- An advantage of the present system is that it simplifies a decking installation process by providing a system that inherently provides equal spacing for the deck planks.
- a further advantage of the present system is that it conceals the installation fasteners, making it more aesthetically pleasing while providing protection to the installation fasteners from the environmental elements.
- Another advantage of the invention is that it provides improved water control and does not allow moisture to accumulate anywhere in or on the system.
- Yet another advantage is that the positioning of the installation screws is directly below the decking board, thus they are concealed and out of sight and are also out of direct exposure to weather.
- a further advantage of the invention is that the use of materials and designs that resist degradation due to seasonal expansion and contraction.
- FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system in combination with a deck joist.
- FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system disclosed herein including a plank installed onto the receiver.
- FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a plank disclosed herein.
- FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system disclosed herein including a deck board installed on a plank, which is installed on a receiver.
- FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a plank disclosed herein.
- FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a deck board disclosed herein.
- the present disclosure provides a decking system 10 that includes a receiver 12 and plank 14 that may removeably attach to each other.
- the plank 14 may snap, slide, or otherwise temporarily lock into the receiver 12 .
- FIG. 2 depicts the receiver 12 including a generally linear receiver body 16 including a receiver top surface 18 and a receiver bottom surface 20 .
- the receiver 12 further includes a retainer 22 extending from the receiver top surface 18 .
- the retainer 22 may be integrally formed with the receiver 12 , or a separate entity that is otherwise attached to the receiver 12 .
- the receiver 12 may include a plurality of retainers 22 .
- the retainers 22 may be spaced periodically such that the position of the retainers 22 on the receiver 12 enables a user to attach planks 14 , such as deck boards, that will automatically be aligned. In other words, the spacing of the retainers 22 prevents users from having to measure and align the deck boards themselves, a frustrating and cumbersome process.
- the retainer 22 has a retainer first end 24 and a retainer second end 26 , wherein the retainer first end 24 extends from the receiver top surface 18 .
- the retainer 22 may have any suitable shape.
- the retainer second end 26 may be conical shaped.
- the shape of the retainer second end 26 may be spherical, square, or rectangular, among other shapes.
- the plank 14 includes a generally linear plank body 28 including an plank top surface 30 , plank bottom surface 32 , and two plank edges 34 .
- the plank 14 is a deck board.
- the plank 14 and receiver 12 may be independently made from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, among others.
- the plank top surface 30 may be convex such that rain and water run off the plank edges 34 .
- the plank 14 also includes a set of arms 36 extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface 32 , wherein each set of arms 36 includes two arms 38 .
- Each arm 38 includes an arm first end 40 and an arm second end 42 , wherein the arm first end 40 extends from the plank bottom surface 32 .
- the arm second end 42 includes a tab 44 extending parallel to the plank body 28 .
- the two tabs 44 of separate arms 38 may be pointed towards each other.
- the tab 44 may include a tab end 54 that is tapered.
- the tapered shape of the tab end 54 may facilitate a user in snapping the plank 14 into place around the retainer 22 .
- the tab end 54 may be any suitable shape for facilitating temporarily locking the tab 44 around the retainer groove 48 .
- the tab end 54 may be round.
- the retainer first end 24 is configured to receive the tabs 44 of the set of arms 36 .
- the retainer first end 24 may include a retainer groove 48 on each side of the retainer 22 for receiving the tabs 44 of a set of arms 36 .
- the system 10 may further include at least one fastener 52 configured to connect the receiver 12 to a deck joist.
- the fastener 52 may be any suitable fastener 52 that connects the receiver to structure, such as a deck joist.
- the fastener 52 may be a screw, nail, clamp, staple, latch, pin, or anchor, among others.
- the fastener 52 resides in a portion of the space 46 between the receiver top surface 18 and the plank bottom surface 20 .
- the fastener 52 is a screw
- the head of the screw may reside in the space 46 between the receiver top surface 18 and the plank bottom surface 32 .
- each plank edge 34 may include an arm 38 extending from the plank bottom surface 32 , wherein the arm second end 42 includes a tab 44 extending parallel to the plank body 28 .
- the arm second end 42 may include a point 50 to enable a continuous drip from the plank 14 .
- the point 50 may be located on a corner between the arm 38 and the tab 44 .
- the plank edge 34 may include a corner between the arm 38 and the tab 44 , wherein a portion of the corner is a void 68 to allow water drainage from the plank edges 34 .
- the system 10 includes a receiver 12 , a plank 14 , and a deck board 56 .
- the deck board 56 may be made from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, among others.
- the plank 14 removeably attaches to the retainers 22 of the receiver 12 .
- the deck board 56 removeably attaches to the plank 14 , such that the deck board 56 conceals the plank 14 from view.
- the deck board 56 may include a deck board body 58 including a board bottom surface 62 , a board top surface 60 , and board ends 64 .
- the deck board body 58 is configured to mate with the plank 14 .
- the deck board ends 64 may include a board groove 66 for receiving the plank edges 34 .
- the example of the plank 14 in FIG. 5 does not include arms 38 extending from the plank edges 34 .
- the plank edges 34 may be positioned within the board grooves 66 of the deck board 58 .
- the plank edges 34 may be snapped, slid, or otherwise removeably attached to the deck board 58 .
- the deck board ends 64 include a point 50 to enable a continuous drip from the deck boards 56 .
- the deck board ends 34 may include a corner that includes the point 50 .
- the corner may further include a void 68 that allows for proper drainage of the water.
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a decking system including a receiver and deck plank, wherein the plank removeably connects to receiver for installation. For example, the receiver may provide a snap lock function that secures and automatically spaces the deck planks on the receiver, which is fastened to a deck joist. In addition, the system is designed to conceal fasteners used to attach the system to the deck joist.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/215,546 filed on Mar. 17, 2014, which incorporates by reference and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/786,325 filed on Mar. 15, 2013, both of which are hereby incorporated in their entireties.
- The present subject matter relates generally to decking systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to a plastic or composite exterior decking system that includes a simple snap locking fastener system for installation.
- Previous decking solutions suffer from several drawbacks. For example, conventional decking solutions require complicated and cumbersome installation of current deck products. For example, the decking solutions often included a user to manually space and align each deck board for the proper installation of the deck boards. Such solutions result in many failed attempts at evenly spaced deck boards and hours of frustration on the user's behalf.
- Further, previous decking solutions lack weather protection for underlying deck joists. As a result, existing systems often have exposed fasteners that detract from the appearance of the deck and allow the elements to directly effect the fasteners causing them to rust or discolor.
- In addition, previous decking solutions are typically made in designs and of materials that degrade in response to expansion and contraction caused by seasonal fluctuations in temperature.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a decking system that is simple to install, spaces itself automatically, provides weather protection to the deck joists and fasteners, and resists degradation due to expansion and contraction, as described herein.
- The present disclosure provides a solution to the above mentioned problems. Specifically, the system may include a receiver and deck plank, wherein the plank removeably connects to receiver for installation. For example, the receiver may provide a snap lock function that secures and automatically spaces the deck planks on the receiver, which is fastened to a deck joist. The receiver may further act as a flashing for the deck joists to protect the deck joists from the elements. In addition, the planks are adapted to snap onto the snap lock receiver and act as a cover to protect the underlying fasteners. The receiver may be injection molded from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, to name a few. The planks may be extruded from any number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, to name a few.
- The receiver is installed directly on a deck joists and acts as a receiver for the plank while also acting as a flashing for the deck joist. The receiver includes a plurality of retainers that provide automatic spacing for the deck planks. For example, once the receiver is in place the deck planks are simply pressed or snapped on to the receiver. The decking planks are adapted to shed water and resist the accumulation of water, ice or snow by incorporating a design that includes a convex plank top surface, a point for a continuous drop, and a void in the plank edge to allow for proper water drainage. Once installed if a single deck plank needs to be removed for whatever reason the planks can simply be slid off the end and reinstalled.
- In an embodiment, the system includes a receiver and plank, wherein the receiver includes a receiver body including a receiver top surface and an receiver bottom surface. The receiver further includes a retainer extending from the receiver top surface, wherein the retainer has a retainer first end and a retainer second end, wherein the retainer first end extends from the retainer interior surface. The retainer second end may be conical shaped. In yet another example, the retainer is integrally formed with the receiver.
- The plank includes a plank body including a plank top surface, plank bottom surface, and two plank edges. The plank may be a deck board. In an example, the plank top surface is convex. The plank further includes a set of arms extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface, wherein each arm includes an arm first end and an arm second end, wherein the arm first end extends from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body. The retainer first end is configured to receive the tabs of the set of arms. When the tabs of the arms are engaged with the retainer of the receiver, the arms maintain a space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface. The tab may include a tab end that is tapered.
- The receiver may include a plurality of retainers periodically spaced along a length of the receiver. The retainer first end includes a retainer groove on each side of the retainer for receiving the tabs of a set of arms.
- In an example, each plank edge includes an arm extending from the interior surface of the plank body, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank of the body. In addition, the arm second end may include a point to enable a continuous drip from the plank.
- The system may further include at least one fastener configured to connect the receiver to a deck joist, wherein at least a portion of the fastener resides in a portion of the space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
- In another embodiment, the system includes a receiver, a plank, and a deck board. The receiver includes a receiver body including a receiver top surface and a receiver bottom surface. The receiver further includes a retainer extending from the receiver top surface, wherein the retainer has a retainer first end and a retainer second end, wherein the retainer first end extends from the receiver top surface. In an example, the retainer is integrally formed with the receiver.
- The plank includes a plank top surface, plank bottom surface, and two plank edges. The plank further includes a set of arms extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface, wherein each arm includes an arm first end and an arm second end. The arm first end extends from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body.
- The deck board includes a deck board body including a board bottom surface, a board top surface, and board ends, wherein the deck board body is configured to mate with the plank body. In an example, when the deck board body mates with the plank body, the deck board body conceals the plank from view. The deck board ends may include a board groove for receiving the plank edges. In another example, the deck board ends include a point to enable a continuous drip from the deck boards.
- The retainer first end is configured to receive the tabs of the set of arms. When the tabs of the arms are engaged with the retainer of the receiver, the arms maintain a space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
- The system may include at least one fastener configured to connect the receiver to a deck joist, wherein at least a portion of the fastener resides in a portion of the space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
- An objective of the invention is to provide a solution to the complicated and cumbersome installation of current deck products, including providing a solution to spacing of the deck planks.
- Another objective is to provide weather protection to the deck joists and to resist degradation and other issues due to seasonal expansion and contraction, as well as a means of concealing the installation fasteners.
- An advantage of the present system is that it simplifies a decking installation process by providing a system that inherently provides equal spacing for the deck planks.
- A further advantage of the present system is that it conceals the installation fasteners, making it more aesthetically pleasing while providing protection to the installation fasteners from the environmental elements.
- Another advantage of the invention is that it provides improved water control and does not allow moisture to accumulate anywhere in or on the system.
- Yet another advantage is that the positioning of the installation screws is directly below the decking board, thus they are concealed and out of sight and are also out of direct exposure to weather.
- A further advantage of the invention is that the use of materials and designs that resist degradation due to seasonal expansion and contraction.
- Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following description and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the concepts may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
- The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements.
-
FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system in combination with a deck joist. -
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system disclosed herein including a plank installed onto the receiver. -
FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an example of a plank disclosed herein. -
FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the system disclosed herein including a deck board installed on a plank, which is installed on a receiver. -
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a plank disclosed herein. -
FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a deck board disclosed herein. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-2 , the present disclosure provides adecking system 10 that includes areceiver 12 andplank 14 that may removeably attach to each other. For example, theplank 14 may snap, slide, or otherwise temporarily lock into thereceiver 12. -
FIG. 2 depicts thereceiver 12 including a generallylinear receiver body 16 including areceiver top surface 18 and areceiver bottom surface 20. Thereceiver 12 further includes aretainer 22 extending from thereceiver top surface 18. Theretainer 22 may be integrally formed with thereceiver 12, or a separate entity that is otherwise attached to thereceiver 12. As shown inFIG. 2 , thereceiver 12 may include a plurality ofretainers 22. Theretainers 22 may be spaced periodically such that the position of theretainers 22 on thereceiver 12 enables a user to attachplanks 14, such as deck boards, that will automatically be aligned. In other words, the spacing of theretainers 22 prevents users from having to measure and align the deck boards themselves, a frustrating and cumbersome process. - The
retainer 22 has a retainerfirst end 24 and a retainersecond end 26, wherein the retainerfirst end 24 extends from thereceiver top surface 18. Theretainer 22 may have any suitable shape. In an example, the retainersecond end 26 may be conical shaped. Although, it is contemplated that the shape of the retainersecond end 26 may be spherical, square, or rectangular, among other shapes. - The
plank 14 includes a generallylinear plank body 28 including an planktop surface 30, plankbottom surface 32, and two plank edges 34. In an example, theplank 14 is a deck board. Theplank 14 andreceiver 12 may be independently made from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, among others. - The plank
top surface 30 may be convex such that rain and water run off the plank edges 34. Theplank 14 also includes a set ofarms 36 extending perpendicular from the plankbottom surface 32, wherein each set ofarms 36 includes twoarms 38. Eacharm 38 includes an armfirst end 40 and an armsecond end 42, wherein the armfirst end 40 extends from the plankbottom surface 32. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , the armsecond end 42 includes atab 44 extending parallel to theplank body 28. Within a set ofarms 36, the twotabs 44 ofseparate arms 38 may be pointed towards each other. Thetab 44 may include atab end 54 that is tapered. The tapered shape of thetab end 54 may facilitate a user in snapping theplank 14 into place around theretainer 22. Of course, it is contemplated thetab end 54 may be any suitable shape for facilitating temporarily locking thetab 44 around theretainer groove 48. For example, thetab end 54 may be round. - The retainer
first end 24 is configured to receive thetabs 44 of the set ofarms 36. For example, the retainerfirst end 24 may include aretainer groove 48 on each side of theretainer 22 for receiving thetabs 44 of a set ofarms 36. - When the
tabs 44 of thearms 38 are engaged with theretainer 22 of thereceiver 12, thearms 38 maintain aspace 46 between thereceiver top surface 18 and the plankbottom surface 32. In an example, thesystem 10 may further include at least onefastener 52 configured to connect thereceiver 12 to a deck joist. Thefastener 52 may be anysuitable fastener 52 that connects the receiver to structure, such as a deck joist. For example, thefastener 52 may be a screw, nail, clamp, staple, latch, pin, or anchor, among others. - As shown in
FIG. 2 , at least a portion of thefastener 52 resides in a portion of thespace 46 between thereceiver top surface 18 and the plankbottom surface 20. For example, when thefastener 52 is a screw, the head of the screw may reside in thespace 46 between thereceiver top surface 18 and the plankbottom surface 32. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , each plank edge 34 may include anarm 38 extending from the plankbottom surface 32, wherein the armsecond end 42 includes atab 44 extending parallel to theplank body 28. In addition, the armsecond end 42 may include apoint 50 to enable a continuous drip from theplank 14. For example, thepoint 50 may be located on a corner between thearm 38 and thetab 44. As shown inFIG. 3 , theplank edge 34 may include a corner between thearm 38 and thetab 44, wherein a portion of the corner is a void 68 to allow water drainage from the plank edges 34. - In another embodiment, the
system 10 includes areceiver 12, aplank 14, and adeck board 56. Similarly to thereceiver 12 andplank 14, thedeck board 56 may be made from any of a number of different materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene, among others. As shown inFIG. 4 , theplank 14 removeably attaches to theretainers 22 of thereceiver 12. In addition, thedeck board 56 removeably attaches to theplank 14, such that thedeck board 56 conceals theplank 14 from view. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , thedeck board 56 may include adeck board body 58 including aboard bottom surface 62, a board top surface 60, and board ends 64. Thedeck board body 58 is configured to mate with theplank 14. For example, the deck board ends 64 may include aboard groove 66 for receiving the plank edges 34. - In contrast to the example in
FIG. 3 , the example of theplank 14 inFIG. 5 does not includearms 38 extending from the plank edges 34. As a result, the plank edges 34 may be positioned within theboard grooves 66 of thedeck board 58. The plank edges 34 may be snapped, slid, or otherwise removeably attached to thedeck board 58. - In another example, the deck board ends 64 include a
point 50 to enable a continuous drip from thedeck boards 56. As shown inFIG. 6 , the deck board ends 34 may include a corner that includes thepoint 50. The corner may further include a void 68 that allows for proper drainage of the water. - It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. For example, various embodiments of the method and portable electronic device may be provided based on various combinations of the features and functions from the subject matter provided herein.
Claims (10)
1. A decking system comprising:
a receiver including
a receiver body including a receiver top surface and a receiver bottom surface, and
a retainer extending from the receiver top surface, wherein the retainer has a retainer first end and a retainer second end, wherein the retainer first end extends from the receiver top surface; and
a plank including
a plank body including an plank top surface, plank bottom surface, and two plank edges, and
a set of arms extending perpendicular from the plank bottom surface, wherein each arm includes an arm first end and an arm second end, wherein the arm first end extends from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body,
wherein the retainer first end is configured to receive the tabs of the set of arms,
wherein, when the tabs of the arms are engaged with the retainer of the receiver, the arms maintain a space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the retainer first end includes a retainer groove on each side of the retainer for receiving the tabs of a set of arms.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the receiver includes a plurality of retainers periodically spaced along a length of the receiver.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein each plank edge includes an arm extending from the plank bottom surface, wherein the arm second end includes a tab extending parallel to the plank body, wherein the arm second end includes a point to enable a continuous drip from the plank.
5. The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one fastener configured to connect the receiver to a deck joist, wherein at least a portion of the fastener resides in a portion of the space between the receiver top surface and the plank bottom surface.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the plank is a deck board.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein the plank top surface is convex.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the tab includes a tab end that is tapered.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the retainer second end is conical.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein the retainer is integrally formed with the receiver.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/082,600 US20160208487A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-03-28 | Snap Lock Decking System |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361786325P | 2013-03-15 | 2013-03-15 | |
US14/215,546 US9297397B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Snap lock decking system |
US15/082,600 US20160208487A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-03-28 | Snap Lock Decking System |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/215,546 Division US9297397B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Snap lock decking system |
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US20160208487A1 true US20160208487A1 (en) | 2016-07-21 |
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Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US14/215,546 Expired - Fee Related US9297397B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Snap lock decking system |
US15/082,600 Abandoned US20160208487A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2016-03-28 | Snap Lock Decking System |
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US14/215,546 Expired - Fee Related US9297397B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-03-17 | Snap lock decking system |
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Cited By (2)
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US20180044924A1 (en) * | 2016-08-09 | 2018-02-15 | Patrick O. Flynn | Decking System |
US10487460B2 (en) * | 2018-02-14 | 2019-11-26 | Kyeong Jun LEE | Deck module including quick clip module |
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US9670680B2 (en) * | 2015-08-27 | 2017-06-06 | Weiping Jiang | Floor connector and a floor with the floor connector |
US9759250B2 (en) * | 2015-12-14 | 2017-09-12 | Jeremy James Anseth | Mounting systems for fastening one surface to another |
US10214914B2 (en) * | 2016-12-14 | 2019-02-26 | Thomas W. Bachelder | Flooring system for and methods of installing decking material directly atop an installation surface |
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DE102016124988B4 (en) * | 2016-12-20 | 2023-03-23 | Alfer-Aluminium Gesellschaft Mbh | Hardware and method for installing decking |
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US20180044924A1 (en) * | 2016-08-09 | 2018-02-15 | Patrick O. Flynn | Decking System |
US10487460B2 (en) * | 2018-02-14 | 2019-11-26 | Kyeong Jun LEE | Deck module including quick clip module |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20140260041A1 (en) | 2014-09-18 |
US9297397B2 (en) | 2016-03-29 |
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