Hidden fastener unit and related method of use

A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising:

• a spacer block defining a first fastener hole configured to receive a fastener therein, the spacer block including a front surface, an opposing rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, the spacer block having a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, the thickness configured to span within a gap between a first board and a second adjacent board, the spacer block extending downward from an upper surface to a lower surface, the first fastener hole extending through the spacer block such that the spacer block forms a bore sidewall that surrounds the first fastener hole;
• and
• a grip element extending from the front surface of the spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in a first groove defined by the first board;
• and
• a first resilient compression element and a second resilient compression element extending from the front surface of the spacer block on opposing lateral sides of the grip element, configured to extend into the first groove and thereby secure the spacer block adjacent the first groove within a gap between the first board and the second adjacent board,
• wherein the first resilient compression element is spaced laterally and outwardly distal from the grip element and is configured to engage an upper surface of the first groove,
• wherein the grip element includes a lower surface configured to frictionally engage a lower surface of the groove distal from the upper surface of the groove.

A method of using a fastener unit comprising:

• providing a fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer block defining a first fastener hole, the spacer block including a front surface, an opposing rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, the spacer block having a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, configured to span within a gap between a first board and an adjacent second board, a grip element projecting outward from the front surface of the spacer block, with the fastener projecting into the first fastener hole so that the fastener is fixedly supported and held within the first fastener hole such that a head of the fastener projects above the spacer block, a first resilient compression element extending away from the spacer block, and a second resilient compression element extending away from the spacer block, the first and second resilient compression elements extending from the front surface of the spacer block on opposing lateral sides of the grip element;
• placing the fastener unit over a joist;
• positioning the grip element and first and second resilient compression elements so the grip element and the first and second resilient compression elements extend into a first groove of a first board and thereby secure the spacer block adjacent the first groove within a gap between the first board and the adjacent second board;
• and
• advancing the fastener through the first fastener hole of the spacer block,
• wherein the head of the fastener forces the grip element into engagement with the first groove, thereby urging the first board toward the joist,
• wherein the first resilient compression element is spaced laterally and outwardly distal from the grip element and engages an upper surface of the first groove,
• wherein the second resilient compression element is spaced laterally and outwardly distal from the grip element and engages the upper surface of the first groove,
• wherein the grip element includes a lower surface that frictionally engages a lower surface of the groove distal from the upper surface of the first groove.

A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising:

• a spacer block defining a first fastener hole configured to receive a fastener therein, the spacer block including a front surface, an opposing rear surface, a first side surface and a second side surface opposite the first side surface, the spacer block having a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, the thickness configured to span within a gap between a first board and an adjacent second board, the spacer block extending downward from an upper surface to a lower surface, the first fastener hole extending through the spacer block such that the spacer block forms a bore sidewall that surrounds the first fastener hole;
• a grip element extending from the front surface of the spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in a first groove defined by a first board;
• and
• a first resilient compression element in the form of a first wing and a second resilient compression element in the form of a second wing, the first wing and the second wing extending from the front surface of the spacer block on opposing lateral sides of the grip element and configured to extend into the first groove and thereby secure the spacer block adjacent the first groove within a gap between the first board and the adjacent second board,
• wherein the first resilient compression element is spaced laterally and outwardly distal from the grip element and configured to engage an upper surface of the first groove,
• wherein the grip element includes a lower surface configured to frictionally engage a lower surface of the groove distal from the upper surface of the first groove.