Patent ID: 11920618
Assignee: NATIONAL NAIL CORP.
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC F  E | IPC E  F

Claim 14:
15. A method of using a fastener unit comprising:
providing a fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer block defining a first fastener hole therethrough, a longitudinal axis, a grip element joined with the spacer block and projecting outward from the spacer block, with the fastener projecting through the grip element, the grip element extending through a recess between front and rear surfaces of the spacer block defined in an upper portion of the spacer block and located above the first fastener hole, the grip element defining a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastener hole,
the spacer block including the upper portion extending upward above the grip element distal from the first fastener hole,
the spacer block including a lower portion extending below the grip element,
a first resilient compression element extending outward from the spacer block, and a second resilient compression element extending outward from the spacer block, the fastener including a tip with threads extending above the tip, the tip being pointed, the tip biting into a lower portion so that the fastener is threaded into the spacer block so that it is secured thereto via the interaction with the first fastener hole;
placing the fastener unit adjacent a joist, such that a first joist leg and a second joist leg of the fastener unit clamp the joist therebetween, while the fastener is supported in the spacer block;
inserting the grip element into a first groove of a first board;
inserting the grip element into a second groove of a second board;
abutting a second side surface of the second board against the spacer block which abuts a first side surface of the first board to establish a gap between the first board and the second board that is equal to a thickness of the spacer block; and
advancing the fastener through the first fastener hole of the spacer block and through the grip element, with the tip piercing the upper surface of the joist,
wherein a head of the fastener forces the grip element into engagement with the first groove, thereby urging the first board toward the joist.