Hidden Decking Fastener

Abstract

A hidden fastener for use in assembling a decking structure by attaching a series of grooved deck planks to underlying joists is disclosed. The fastener is configured with a horizontal body between a leading arm and trailing leg. The leading arm transitions to a leading wing while the trailing leg transitions to a trailing foot. At least one prong extends from the body at a downward angle. The leading wing and trailing foot are configured optimally for engagement within the grooves of adjacent deck planks. The body defines a hole for receipt of an elongated securing member that can be driven therethrough, optionally by a power driving tool, to attach the fastener to an underlying joist. The fastener spaces adjacent decking planks an optimal distance for drainage while providing improved resistance to lateral plank movement caused by thermal expansion or physical forces.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.