WO2019217994A1

WO2019217994A1 - Structural fastener

Info

Publication number: WO2019217994A1
Application number: PCT/AU2019/050412
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario Savva
Original assignee: Watclip Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2018-05-14
Filing date: 2019-05-06
Publication date: 2019-11-21
Also published as: AU2019271308A1

Abstract

The invention discloses a fastener for retaining a decking member, the fastener comprising; a body with a pair of protrusions extending from the body; at least one spring member disposed between the protrusions; and wherein the decking member is retained by the protrusions such that the element abuts a first rail on the body.

Description

STRUCTURAL FASTENER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure may relate generally to a system for securing an element therein. More particularly, the present disclosure may relate to a decking system with a clip apparatus for securing a decking member to an underlying joist.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A typical deck includes surface boards laid upon a foundation of joists. The surface boards are typically manufactured from either softwoods, such as pine and fir, or hardwoods, such as walnut or maple. Softwoods are typically less expensive and easier to work with, while hardwoods are typically more expensive and difficult to work with, but offer superior finish, strength, and longevity. During manufacture, softwood surface boards may easily be fastened to the joists by directly nailing or screwing through the boards into the joists, since softwoods typically do not split or crack when penetrated by a nail or screw. Hardwood surface boards, however, will often split or crack if nails or screws are directly inserted therein. For this reason, hardwood surface boards are typically predrilled with fastening holes, through which screws are inserted to secure the boards to the joists, thereby avoiding cracking.

[0003] One problem with this approach is that several hundred holes must be predrilled for an average deck, which is time consuming and expensive, making hardwood decks too costly for many consumers, It would be desirable to provide a system and apparatus for attaching surface boards to underlying joists, which do not require screwing or nailing directly into the surface boards, or predrilling of the surface boards.

[0004] Further, there is a significant amount of time required to align decking members on joists due to checking measurements and correct placement procedures. Even with rechecking measurements, handypersons or homebuilders may still have difficulties with placement of decking members and mistakes may be made which can appear unsightly, or do not allow for correct drainage. [0005] Having correct spacing and drainage in decking can be essential for long-term stability of the deck as pooling water can damage decking and also excess weight on decking can potentially cause failure of the deck. As such, there may be a need to provide a system which provides a drainage system.

[0006] In addition, the length of time to lay and install a decking may be relatively significant (long), and therefore costly for labour hire. As the length of time for installation may be primarily due to placement of decking and subsequent securing of the decking via nails and/or screws, there may be a need to reduce the installation time for a decking.

[0007] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

SUMMARY

[0008] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED

[0009] It may be advantageous to provide for a device which can releasably secure a decking member to a joist.

[0010] It may be advantageous to provide for a decking fastener which is concea!able.

[001 1] It may be advantageous to provide for a device with a plurality of fasteners for securing a plurality of decking members.

[0012] it may be advantageous to provide for a device which comprises a plurality of fasteners uniformly spaced.

[0013] It may be advantageous to provide for a device with a plurality of decking fasteners with a frangible zone. [0014] It may be advantageous to provide for a device with a plurality of decking fasteners which are readily separable prior to fixing to a substrate,

[0015] It may be advantageous to provide for a device which can accommodate members of varying sizes and/or thicknesses.

[0016] it may be advantageous to provide for a device which is readily shortened for a desired length of joist.

[0017] It may be advantageous to elevate decking members from the fastener to improve air flow.

[0018] it may be advantageous to elevate decking members from the fastener to improve drainage.

[0019] lt may be advantageous to elevate decking members from the fastener to reduce the potential for mould to grow or rot to occur.

[0020] lt is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative.

[0021] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0022] In a first aspect of the present invention may relate to a fastener for retaining a decking member. The fastener comprising a body with a pair of protrusions extending from the body. At least one spring member disposed between the protrusions; and wherein the decking member is retained by the protrusions such that the element abuts a first rail on the body.

[0023] Preferably, the protrusions further comprise a retaining flange. Preferably, at least one securing means formation is disposed in the body. Preferably, the formation is a depression. Preferably, the body further comprises a second rail. Preferably, at least one end of the fastener comprises a frangible zone. Preferably, the protrusions project from the base at an angle between 60 degrees and 90 degrees. Preferably, the protrusions project from the base at an angle between 60 degrees and 90 degrees. Preferably, a pair of spring members are disposed on the body, and free ends of each spring member face relatively towards each other. Preferably, a further pair of opposing spring members are disposed on the body, and free ends of each spring member face relatively away from each other.

[0024] In yet another aspect of the present invention may relate to a device for retaining decking members. The device comprising a first fastener and a second fastener. Each fastener comprising a respective body with a pair of protrusions extending from the body. The pair of protrusions forming a retaining means for retaining a decking member, and wherein the first and second fasteners are connected at a frangible zone.

[0025] Preferably, the frangible zone is disposed between opposing protrusions of the first fastener and the second fastener. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the first fastener is in the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the second fastener. Preferably, the first fastener is a male portion of a fastener. Preferably, the second fastener is a female portion of a fastener. Preferably, the pair of protrusions of a respective fastener are biased towards each other. Preferably, each fastener comprises a pair of abutment means for abutting the lower portion of a decking member. Preferably, the pair of abutment means are rails which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastener

[0026] In the context of the present invention, the words“comprise”,“comprising” and the like are to be construed in their inclusive, as opposed to their exclusive, sense, that is in the sense of“including, but not limited to”.

[0027] The invention is to be interpreted with reference to the at least one of the technical problems described or affiliated with the background art. The present aims to solve or ameliorate at least one of the technical problems and this may result in one or more advantageous effects as defined by this specification and described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of embodiment of a decking fastener system with a plurality of fasteners;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates an isometric view of embodiment of a decking fastener system with a plurality of fasteners;

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a top view of the decking system of Figure

2;

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a bottom view of the decking system of Figure 2;

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of a side view of the decking system of Figure

2;

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of an embodiment of a decking system with a single fastener;

[0034] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 6 with a decking member mounted therein;

[0035] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a further embodiment of a fastener with a biasing means disposed between protrusions at an end of the fastener; and

[0036] Figure 9 illustrates a close up view of the embodiment of Figure 8,

[0037] Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of a further embodiment of a decking fastener system with a plurality of fasteners having an alternative arrangement of securing means formations. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and non-limiting examples.

[0039] Features

1 - element

2 - lower portion

3 - abutment edge

4 - recess

5 - upper portion

6 - overhang

7 - side surface

10 - decking system

100 - fastener

102 - body

104 - pair of projections

106 - protrusion

108 - retaining flange

1 10 - support/rib

1 12 - depression (formation)

1 14 - aperture

1 16 - spring

118 - rail

120 - frangible zone

122 - tapered region

124 - openings

130 - array of textures/array of apertures

140 - biasing means

200 - connector fastener portions

200A - male fastener portion

200B - female fastener portion 202 -tab

204 - corresponding groove

300 - connector

[0040] Figures 1 to 4 show generally a decking system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Decking system 10 typically includes a plurality of decking fasteners 100 which are separable at frangible regions 120. The decking system 10 can be secured to a joist, or a plurality of joists by securing means. Decking fasteners 100 are typically oriented along decking member axes and/or joists are typically oriented along joist axes. Decking elements 1 which can be secured within the fasteners 100 collectively form a walking surface of decking system 10.

[0041] In one embodiment, the element 1 comprises a lower portion 2, an abutment edge 3, a recess 4 and an upper portion 5. A section 6 of the upper portion 5 preferably overhangs a portion of the protrusion 106. More preferably, section 6 which the engagement means 108 of the protrusion 106 is adapted to abut the retaining means 108 of the protrusion 106. Preferably the overhang is positioned above the distal end of the protrusions 106, such that the fastener protrusions are protected in use, and more preferably are concealed in use. Side surfaces 7 are typically precut with side notches or recesses 4, having a lower surface (or abutment ledge 3), an inner wall 8, and an upper surface 9. Side notches 4 are typically rectangular; although a wide variety of other shapes are also possible, such as triangular, or curved. Notches 4 typically separate an upper portion 5 and a lower portion 2 on the of decking member 1. Preferably, the lower portion 2 of the element is tapered or shaped to guide and mate with the protrusions 106 of the fastener, Typically, an overhang 6 extends beyond the outer edge of the lower surface 3, as can be seen in Figure 7. In another unillustrated embodiment, notches are formed in the element 1 as predetermined intervals, rather than formed as a continuous recess. The predetermined intervals preferably correspond with the fastener protrusions of the fasteners 100, 200. The body 102 of the fastener 100 typically raises the element 1 from the joist or mounting surface for the fastener 100, or system 10, which reduces or eliminates wood-to-wood contact between the element 1 and joist, and aid in drying the joists during wet weather. This is of particular advantage for reducing potential wood rot, and other negative weathering effects of structures.

[0042] The fastener 100 comprises a fastener body 102 and a pair of projections 104,

The retaining means 104 may form a pair of projections 104 which can be used to retain a decking member 1 between the pair of projections 104. in one embodiment, the retaining means 104 may be a clip. Each retaining means 104 is formed from a first protrusion 106A and a second protrusion 106B, each having an engagement means 108 at the distal ends of the protrusions 106. Each protrusion 106 has a proximal end and a distal end, with the proximal end fixed to the body 102, and the distal end being the free end of the protrusion 106. The retaining means 108 may be a flange 108 or any other desired retaining means. It will be appreciated that more than one pair of projections 104 may be disposed on the body 102, as is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 6. However, it will be appreciated that other clip or fastening means may be disposed on the body 102,

Optionally, a pair of projections 104 may comprise protrusions 106A and 106B which are axially offset relative to each other.

[0043] Supports 110 are shown on the rear outer side of the protrusions 106. The supports 1 10 may be used to provide structural support for the protrusions 106, and may also provide a desired rigidity for the protrusions 106. Each protrusion 106 may one or more supports 1 10. Supports may be formed with any predetermined shape, but are preferably tapered such that the supports 1 10 act as buttress supports. It will be appreciated that the supports 1 10 may be ribs 110 may also be of a uniform thickness, and/or width and/or length if desired. An embodiment of buttress ribs 1 10 are illustrated in Figure 6. Buttress ribs 1 10 may preferred over other support means as force imported to the ribs can be transferred to the base of the support, and therefore to the body 102 of the fastener, which may be advantageous for a decking system, Further, having a support which is tapered may allow for superior drainage channels and spacing to be formed.

[0044] The protrusions 106 can project from the body 102 generally perpendicularly, and more project from the body 102 in the range of around 120 degrees to 60 degrees. As illustrated in Figure 6, the pair of projections 104 are biased and extend towards each other at a predetermined angle. The predetermined angle is around 70 degrees when mated with the element 1. As such, it will be appreciated that the at rest angle of the protrusion 106 is between 55 to 70 degrees such that a compression force can be exerted on the abutment flange of the element 1 when mounted.

[0045] As element 1 is mounted in the fastener, the protrusions 106 of the pair of projections will flex away from each other to allow for the lower portion of the element 1 to be inserted. When the lower portion extends below the lip of the retaining flange, the retaining flange engages with the recess. The recess is preferably keyed into the element 1, or is formed in the element 1 at a predetermined location. The element may be an organic material, such as timber, or may be a manufactured such as ply wood, clip board or the like. The element 1 may be formed form any desired material, or materials.

[0046] Supports 110 may also bias the protrusions 106 at a desired angle relative to the body. The supports may also allow the projections to return to an at rest position, or be urged to an at rest position relatively more quickly than without supports 1 10. It will be appreciated that the supports may assist with impact resistance or resist movement of the element 1 when in use. As the fastener may be primarily used for decking systems, the element 1 may be designed to be walked on, and therefore support a load. As the element 1 is loaded in transverse direction (perpendicular to the upper surface), the element 1 movement may be restricted,

[0047] The element 1 may be manufactured or cut by tooling equipment. In one embodiment, the element 1 may have a recess 4 formed in the sides of the element for the engagement means 108 to engage with. The recess 4 may have a ledge, or abutment edge 3 which the engagement means 108 engages with. The recess is formed in the side between the lower portion 2 and the upper portion 5 of the element 1.

[0048] The rail 118 may abut the lower portion 2 of the element 1. it will be appreciated that the recesses 4 may be engaged with by a protrusion 106, and more particularly the flange 108 of the protrusion 106. lt is preferred that the pair of projections 104 abut with two opposing recesses 4 of the element 1. In this way the pair of projections 104 can be -lo_¬ used to bias the element 1 against the rail 1 18 or rails 1 18 of the fastener 100, When the element 1 is biased between the pair of projections 104 and the rails 1 18 of the fastener 100, the element 1 is retained is a desired position, The desired position is a position which may allow for forces to be applied downwardly onto the element 1 and restrict movement of the element 1, As at least the lower portion element 1 is bound between the rail 1 18 and the pair of projections 104 (104A, 104B), the transverse movement of the element 1 can be restricted or substantially prevented. Further, as the element 1 is between the rail and the projections 104, the element 1 is lifted or elevated, at least in part, from the fastener. In this way airflow can be improved which can reduce mould forming and rot. The springs 1 16 may also assist with elevating the element 1 form the upper surface of the element 1. Further, the lateral movement may be restricted or substantially be restricted by the retaining means 104. The supports 1 10, may provide additional rigidity to the protrusions 106.

[0049] The protrusions 106 may be resiliently bias, such that they may flex and return to an at rest position, provided that the protrusions have not exceeded the modulus of elasticity. Preferably, the protrusions 106 may flex in two directions, with one direction being adapted to allow for flexure more than the other direction. For example, a first protrusion 10 A may further flex or be deflectable towards a corresponding second protrusion 106B more than a relative flex or deflection away from the protrusion 106B.

[0050] Figure 7 illustrates the protrusions 106 in a retaining relationship with a decking member 1. in this configuration, the protrusions are at an angle which is generally biased away from an at rest angle and towards an angle which is perpendicular relative to the upper surface of the body 102. For example, if the at rest angle of the protrusion is around 75 degrees, the retaining position may be approximately 76 degrees to 85 degrees. In this way the protrusions 106 cause a downward force and/or a compressional force which assists with retaining the decking member in a desired position. The desired position being that the element 1 is in an abutting relationship with the rails 1 18 of the element 1, or in an abutting relationship with the springs 1 16. A spring 1 16 may be disposed above an aperture 1 17, which is shaped to allow for compression of spring 1 16 - I I - such that the spring 1 16 can be flattened. At rest, the springs 1 16 are generally relatively above the upper surface of the body 102, such that they can be used to bias or abut a portion of the element 1 to improve flow of fluids between the lower portion 2 of the element 1 and the system 10. Alternatively, the aperture 117 allows for a free end of the spring to move downwardly below the top surface of the body 102.

[0051] If the element 1 is bound between the springs 1 16 and the retaining means 108, the springs provide an upward force and the retaining means 108 provides a downwards force. If the element is at a maximum thickness for the fastener 100 to retain, the element 1 is retained between the retaining means and the rail, in which the retaining means is angled upwardly at an angle of between 75 to 90 degrees relative to the body 102.

[0052] Turning back to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown two portions of a fastener 200. The portions of fastener 200 are male portion 200A and female portion 200B. The male portion 200A comprises a tab 202 which is adapted to be received in a corresponding recess 204 of the female portion 200B. The tab 202 may be a press-fit tab or another means which can be retained in the corresponding recess 204 of the female portion 200B. When tab 202 mates with recess 204, the mating relationship can be a one way mating, such that the tab is prevented from being withdrawn from the corresponding recess 204. Alternatively, an aperture may be provided in the tab 202 and/or the corresponding recess 204, which can receive a securing means to secure the fastener 200 to a substrate 1.

Fastener 200 is similar to that of fastener 100, when the portions 200A and 200B are joined. It will be noted that fastener 200 may have only one depression in the centre of the body 202.

[0053] Flaving separate male portion 200A and female portion 200B can allow for multiple decking systems 10 to be laid along the length of a joist. In this way a continuous spacing for a decking can be achieved, and a uniform drainage system may be provided by the system 10. Similar to fasteners 100, the fastener portions 200A and 200B comprise springs 116, depressions 112 and apertures 1 14. Apertures 1 14 are adapted to receive a fastening means to secure the fastener 200 to a joist or other substrate, and the depressions allow for a head of the securing means to lie below an upper surface of the body. In this way, the head of the securing means will not damage the lower portion of the element 1.

[0054] It will be appreciated that water may be allowed to flow from the upper portion of the element 1 down to frangible zones 120 of the system 10. The frangible zone 120 may be lined by at least one protrusion 106, and preferably a pair of protrusions of separate fasteners 100. The fasteners 100 may be form a single system 10, or may be from adjacent systems 10 installed next to each other.

[0055] Optionally, in an unillustrated embodiment, an alignment flange (not shown) may be disposed on the body 102 which projects in a direction relatively downwardly. The alignment flange may be used to abut a joist to assist with aligning the fasteners 100 when being installed. An alignment frangible zone (not shown) may be provided if the fastener is to be installed on a linear surface such as a wall, rather than to a joist. The alignment frangible zone can be used to remove, or substantially remove, the alignment flanges from the fastener.

[0056] As illustrated in Figure 7, each fastener 100 typically includes a pair of upwardly extending projections 104 extending from opposite ends 1 1, 12 of the body 102, Each projection 104 is configured to contact a respective element 1, to maintain a predefined distance D across gap between the decking members. The distance D may be the same as, or substantially the same as, that of the distance between the distal end of protrusion 106B of a first fastener 100, and the distal end of protrusion 106A of a second fastener 100. Adjacent protrusions 106B and 106A of a first and second fastener 100 preferably form a V-shape when viewed from the side, as seen in Figure 5. Preferably, the V-shape is in part formed from the adjacent protrusions 106B and 106A, and the frangible zone 120. The frangible zone 120 may have tapered region 122 leading to frangible zone 120. The tapered regions allows for concentration of energy at the frangible zone 120, such that fracture, deformation and/or breaking occurs local the frangible zone 120.

Optionally, the upper and lower surfaces of the body 102 have a tapered region 122 extending towards the frangible zone 120, as can be seen in Figures 5 to 7. The V-shape of the fasteners may allow for water to be channelled above the frangible zone 120 and therefore water flows can be predicted or controlled. This is of significant importance for building structures. Further, the V-shape between fasteners 100 provides for uniform spacing or desired spacing of decking elements 1. The supports 110 on the protrusions 106 preferably assist with maintaining the V-shape between the fasteners 100.

[0057] Typically, each of the projections 106 extend upwardly at an angle A relative to top surface of the body 102 to contact the lower surface (or abutment ledge 3), and/or the inner wail 8, and/or an upper surface 9of recess 4 of the respective element 1. Typically, the projections 106 extend at an angle A of between about 0 and 90 degrees, more typically between about 50 and 70 degrees (at rest). By contacting the wall and/or surfaces of the recess 4, the projections serve to inhibit movement of the decking members closer than distance D. Typically, the engagement means 108 extend generally perpendicular from the projections 106 and are used to contact the wall and/or surfaces of the recess 4. The engagement means 108 serve to align the decking members in a parallel orientation, when contacting the recess.

[0058] Top surface of body 102 typically includes at least one depression 1 12 and an aperture 1 14 adapted to receive securing means. The aperture 1 14 is typically positioned between the retaining means 104 and extends through the body 102. Securing means is typically inserted through the aperture 1 14, and is secured into a joist or substrate.

Typically, the securing means is a screw. Alternatively, the securing means may be a nail, bolt, or other suitable securing means, and joist may be hardwood, plastic, composite, metal, or other suitable material. Force exerted by the securing means retains the element 1 in a desired location. The depressions 1 12 on the body are adapted to receive a head of a securing means, such that the head is below the top surface of the body 102 to allow for element 3 to abut the rails 1 18 on the top surface of the body 102. The central depression 1 12 and apertures 114 on the body 102 may allow for more than one securing means to be secured in the centre of the body 102, Figure 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention having a reduced number of securing means formations in the decking fastener 100 compared to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. This embodiment can be used in an application requiring fewer securing means to secure the decking fastener 100 to a substrate. Further alternative arrangements of the securing means formations are also possible.

[0059] Typically, body 102, projections 106 and springs 1 16 are formed in a single, integral piece of material, although multiple pieces of material may be joined to form these elements of fastener 100. The system 10 of fasteners 100, 200, 300 may be formed as an integral device such that adhesives or other fixing methods are not required. It will be appreciated that virtually any suitable manufacturing method may be used to manufacture fastener 100, such as stamping, extrusion, casting, molding, bending, drilling, etc. Preferably, the clip is manufactured from a polymer or a metal alloy.

Suitable materials for forming the fastener 100 may include at least one polymer selected from the following group; Polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE or polyester), High density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (V or Vinyl or PVC), Low density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Other (O) - all other plastics. Suitable metals to form the device may include at least one metal or metal alloy selected from the following group; steel, copper, copper alloys, aluminium, aluminium alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, galvanised steel, titanium, brass, bronze, or any other suitable metal or metal alloy. Carbon fibre or other fibre composites may also be used to form the fastener, or a portion thereof.

[0060] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, there is illustrated a further embodiment of the system 10 comprising a plurality of fasteners 300. The fasteners 300 have a body 102 with a plurality of protrusions 106. As shown, at least two protrusions 106 may be disposed at the ends (first end 1 1, and second end 12) of the body 102. First end 11 and second end 12 are opposing ends as illustrated. The protrusions at first end 11 are spaced apart such that a biasing means 140 can be disposed between the protrusions 106.

Similarly, the second end may also comprise a biasing means 140 disposed between the protrusions. The biasing means 140 is shown as being an arcuate shape or more generally a parabolic shape, One end of the biasing means 140 is fixed to the body 102 and the other end projects towards the respective opposing end of the fastener 300. The free end of the biasing means 140 is adapted to deflect towards the fixed end when an element is disposed in the fastener 300. The biasing means 140 is used to press against the element 1 and reduce movement of the element 1. Notably, the movement is restricted in the axial direction of the fastener 300.

[0061] If an element 1 is removed from the fastener 300, the biasing means 140 will return to an at rest position which is generally the same as the position prior to insertion of the element 1. The biasing means may be formed with a uniform thickness or a variable thickness to provide a desired compression force against the element 1, when in use. The upper end (vertex) of the biasing means 140 is preferably curved to assist with placement of the element 1 in the fastener 300.

[0062] As shown, springs 1 16 are not disposed on the body 102; however they may optionally be formed with the body 102 if desired. It will be appreciated that the springs in the base of the body are optional, and if the springs 116 are formed on the body 102 they may be removed from the body 102 if desired. Therefore, the element 1 is retained by the protrusion 106 and the rail 118 such that transverse movement is restricted, and the biasing means 140 assist with restricting movement of the element 1 in the axial direction of the fastener 300. The array of apertures 130 has also been modified relative to that as shown for fastener 100. Apertures of the arrays of apertures 130 can parallel of the longitudinal axis of the fastener 300. Frangible zones 120 of the system 10 may have a plurality of cuts or holes along the frangible zone to assist with fracturing or breaking of the fasteners 300 of the system 10. It will be appreciated that securing means may also be disposed in the apertures of the array of apertures, if desired.

[0063] An opening 124 may be disposed in the body 102 at the proximal end of the protrusion 106. The opening 124 can allow for flexure of the protrusion 106 to reduce the potential for micro-fractures or stress fractures forming at the proximal end of the protrusion. Further, apertures 1 17, 130 and openings 124 in the base 102 of the fastener may also assist with drainage and moving moisture away from the elements 1 installed in the system 10. [0064] In one embodiment, there is provided a clip for securing a board to a support member. The clip includes a body defining an at least one aperture therethrough and at least one projection extending from the body. Projection 106 advantageously has a first position wherein the tab inner surface is disposed at a first angle to the body inner surface. In this embodiment the projection 106 is elastically movable to a second position wherein the projection inner surface is disposed at a second angle to the body upper surface that is greater than the first angle, In some embodiments the fastener 100 is adapted for use with boards having opposing, longitudinally extending protruding and/or inset sides. The fastener 100 is fixed on a substrate, and an element can be laid on the fastener and pressed downwardly. When the recess of a clip receives an engagement means of the fastener 100, the element 1 is secured in the fastener 100. As the engagement means provides a downward force to the recess, element 1 may not be removed without failure of the fastener 100. Failure of the fastener will generally mean that one or more engagement means and/or protrusions 106 are plastically deformed, or broken such that the element 1 can be removed.

[0065] In another embodiment, fastener 100 is adapted for use in a attaching a series of substantially parallel elements 1 to a generally transversely oriented member, such as a joist, having a top surface for receiving the elements 1 and having a side surface substantially perpendicular thereto. It will be appreciated that the side surface may have any predetermined formation, undulation, cut, or array, and may be linear, A joist may be considered to be a substrate or other surface to which a fastener 100, or system 10, may be fixed thereto. The fastener may be used for decorative purposes and retain ornamental elements only,

[0066] The decking system 10 may be adapted to receive precut or prefabricated timber decking elements or other decking elements 1. It will be appreciated that other applications for the system 10 and/or fastener 100 may include facing, facades, construction of flooring, construction of wall members, construction of feature walls, or any other application which requires an element to be secured to a substrate. [0067] In an unillustrated embodiment, the fastener 100 is adapted to engage with the upper portion of the element 1, and more preferably the top surface of the upper portion 100. In this way the element top surface is bound by the engagement means 108 of the retaining means 104, and the lower surface is bound by the rail 1 18. Fasteners 100 for this use may be temporary fasteners which are designed to be removed after a relatively small period of time, relative to a decking member fastener.

[0068] Typically, the joist axes and decking member axes are substantially perpendicular, although it will be appreciated that alternatively the joists and decking members may be angled relative to each other, for example, at a 45 degree orientation. Decking members 1 can be hardwood, although it will be appreciated that alternatively softwoods, plastics, composites, metals, or other materials may be used.

[0069] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms, in keeping with the broad principles and the spirit of the invention described herein.

[0070] The present invention and the described preferred embodiments specifically include at least one feature that is industrial applicable.

Claims

1. A fastener for retaining a decking member, the fastener comprising;

a body with a pair of protrusions extending from the body;

at least one spring member disposed between the protrusions; and

wherein the decking member is retained by the protrusions such that the element abuts a first rail on the body.

2. The fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein protrusions further comprise a retaining flange.

3. The fastener as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one securing means formation is disposed in the body.

4. The fastener as claimed in claim 3, wherein the formation is a depression.

5. The fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claimed, wherein the body further comprises a second rail.

6. The fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one end of the fastener comprises a frangible zone.

7. The fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusions project from the base at an angle between 60 degrees and 90 degrees.

8. The fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the protrusions project from the base at an angle between 60 degrees and 90 degrees.

9. The fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pair of spring members are disposed on the body, and free ends of each spring member face relatively towards each other.

10. The fastener as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a further pair of opposing spring members are disposed on the body, and free ends of each spring member face relatively away from each other.

11. A device for retaining decking members, the device comprising;

a first fastener and a second fastener;

each fastener comprising a respective body with a pair of protrusions extending from the body;

the pair of protrusions forming a retaining means for retaining a decking member; and

wherein the first and second fasteners are connected at a frangible zone.

12. The device as claimed in claim 1 1, wherein the frangible zone is disposed between opposing protrusions of the first fastener and the second fastener.

13. The device as claimed in claim 1 1 or claim 12, wherein the longitudinal axis of the first fastener is in the same plane as the longitudinal axis of the second fastener.

14. The device as claimed in anyone of claims 11 to 13, wherein the first fastener is a male portion of a fastener.

15. The device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 1 to 14, wherein the second fastener is a female portion of a fastener,

16. The device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 1 to 15, wherein the pair of protrusions of a respective fastener are biased towards each other.

17. The device as claimed in anyone of claims 1 1 to 16, wherein each fastener comprises a pair of abutment means for abutting the lower portion of a decking member.

18. The device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the pair of abutment means are rails which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fastener.