Hidden fastener unit and related method of use
AssigneeNational Nail Corp.
InventorsRoger A. Vandenberg, Todd E.A. Schwartzkopf
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fastener unit and related method for securing a board to a support is provided. The fastener unit includes a spacer block, a grip element extending from the spacer block and configured to fit in and engage a groove of the board, and one or more board engagement elements extending from a portion of the spacer block. The board engagement elements can clamp the board, between an upper and/or lower surface of the board and a groove of the board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the groove to establish a gap between the board and another board. Related methods of use also are provided.
Claims17
A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising:
- a spacer block partially receiving a fastener, the spacer block including a front surface, an opposing rear surface, a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and a lower surface, the spacer block having a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, the thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a second adjacent board;
- a grip element projecting outward from the front surface and the rear surface of the spacer block in a cantilevered manner, the grip element configured to at least partially receive the fastener, the grip element configured to engage a first groove defined by the first board, the grip element having at least one downwardly facing projection, the grip element having a grip lower surface;
- and
- a board engagement element that engages an outer surface of the first board, distal from the first groove, to clamp the first board in cooperation with the grip element, to secure the spacer block adjacent a first side surface of the first board before a fastener is advanced relative to the spacer block and the grip element.
A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising:
- a spacer block including a front surface, an opposing rear surface, a first side surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, and a lower surface, the spacer block having a width, the spacer block having a thickness extending from the front surface to the rear surface, the thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a second adjacent board;
- a grip element projecting outward from the front surface and the rear surface of the spacer block in a cantilevered manner within the width, the grip element configured to engage a first groove defined by the first board, the grip element including a groove gripping cleat;
- and
- a board engagement element that engages an outer surface of the first board, distal from the first groove, to clamp the first board in cooperation with the grip element, to secure the spacer block adjacent a first side surface of the first board before a fastener is advanced relative to the spacer block and the grip element.
A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising:
- a spacer block having a thickness extending from a front surface to a rear surface, the thickness corresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a second adjacent board;
- a grip element projecting outward from the front surface and the rear surface of the spacer block, the grip element configured to engage a first groove defined by the first board, the grip element including a groove gripping cleat;
- and
- a board engagement element including an arm that engages an outer surface of the first board, distal from the first groove, the arm operable to engage the outer surface of the first board, distal from the first groove, simultaneously with the grip element engaging a first groove wall of the first groove, to clamp a portion of the first board between the first groove and the outer surface between the board engagement element and the grip element, to thereby secure the spacer block adjacent a first side surface of the first board before a fastener is advanced relative to the grip element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.