Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-06-13)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1\. A deck clip comprising: a grip configured to be received, when installed, between a top groove face and a bottom groove face of a first groove positioned on a side surface of a first deck board and between a top groove face and a bottom groove face of a second groove positioned on a side surface of a second deck board facing the first groove of the first deck board; and a spacer comprising: a front surface and a rear surface, at least one of the front surface and the rear surface configured, when installed, to abut the side surface of one of the first deck board and the second deck board; a channel configured to receive the grip; and a first extension that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, wherein at least a portion of the first extension is configured to bend and, when installed, to press against one of the top groove face or the bottom groove face of the first groove and not to press against both the top groove face and the bottom groove face of the second groove.
2\. The deck clip of claim 1, further comprising a second extension that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface, wherein the second extension is configured to bend and, when installed, to press against one of the top groove face or the bottom groove face of the first groove and not to press against both the top groove face and the bottom groove face of the second groove.
3\. The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the first extension is positioned at least partially above the grip.
4\. The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is configured to bend is located immediately adjacent the spacer.
5\. The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the deck clip comprises at least one fastening hole configured to receive a fastener.
6\. The deck clip of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first extension lies at an angle to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, and wherein said angle is approximately between 100 degrees and 110 degrees when the first extension is not acted on by external forces.
7\. The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the grip is configured to abut the bottom groove face of the first groove, and wherein the first extension is configured to abut the top groove face of the first groove.
8\. A deck clip, comprising: a grip configured to be received within a groove positioned on a side surface of a deck board; and a spacer comprising: a central member having a first end and a second end; a first arm member extending vertically from the first end of the central member; a second arm member extending vertically from the second end of the central member, wherein at least a portion of the first arm member and at least a portion of the second arm member are separated by a channel that is configured to receive the grip therein; and a first extension that extends from the first arm member, wherein at least a portion of the first extension is inclined with respect to the first arm member and is configured to bend, wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the first extension is smaller at a region that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed.
9\. The deck clip of claim 8, further including a first cantilever member extending from the first arm member toward the second arm member and ending in a first face, and a second cantilever member extending from the second arm member toward the first arm member and ending in a second face, wherein at least a portion of the first face of the first cantilever member and at least a portion of the second face of the second cantilever member comprise planar surfaces that are parallel with one another and are separated by a space narrower than the channel and configured to fit a fastener therebetween.
10\. The deck clip of claim 8, wherein the region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed is immediately adjacent the region of the inclined portion that is configured to contact the groove.
11\. The deck clip of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is configured to bend is located immediately adjacent the spacer.
12\. The deck clip of claim 8, further including a second extension that extends from the second arm member, wherein at least a portion of the second extension is inclined with respect to the second arm member and is configured to bend, wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the second extension is smaller at a region that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed.
13\. The deck clip of claim 8, wherein the first extension is positioned at least partially above the grip.
14\. The deck clip of claim 8, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is configured to bend is located immediately adjacent the spacer.
15\. The deck clip of claim 8, wherein the deck clip comprises at least one fastening hole configured to receive a fastener.
16\. The deck clip of claim 8, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first extension lies at an angle to at least one of a front surface or a rear surface of the spacer, and wherein said angle is approximately between 100 degrees and 110 degrees when the first extension is not acted on by external forces.
17\. The deck clip of claim 8, wherein the grip is configured to abut a bottom groove face of the groove, and wherein the first extension is configured to abut a top groove face of the first groove.
18\. A deck clip, comprising: a grip configured to be received within a groove positioned on a side surface of a deck board; and a spacer comprising: a central member having a first end and a second end; a first arm member extending vertically from the first end of the central member; a second arm member extending vertically from the second end of the central member, wherein at least a portion of the first arm member and at least a portion of the second arm member are separated by a channel that is configured to receive the grip therein; and a first extension that extends from the first arm member, wherein at least a portion of the first extension is inclined with respect to the first arm member and is configured to bend, wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the first extension is smaller at a region that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion of the first extension that is immediately adjacent the region that is configured to contact the groove.
19\. The deck clip of claim 18, further including a first cantilever member extending from the first arm member toward the second arm member and ending in a first face, and a second cantilever member extending from the second arm member toward the first arm member and ending in a second face, wherein at least a portion of the first face of the first cantilever member and at least a portion of the second face of the second cantilever member comprise planar surfaces that are parallel with one another and are separated by a space narrower than the channel and configured to fit a fastener therebetween.
20\. The deck clip of claim 18, wherein the region of the inclined portion that is immediately adjacent the region that is configured to contact the groove is not configured to contact any groove when installed.
21\. The deck clip of claim 18, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is configured to bend is located immediately adjacent the spacer.
22\. The deck clip of claim 18, further including a second extension that extends from the second arm member, wherein at least a portion of the second extension is inclined with respect to the second arm member and is configured to bend, wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the second extension is smaller at a region that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed.
23\. The deck clip of claim 18, wherein the first extension is positioned at least partially above the grip.
24\. The deck clip of claim 18, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is configured to bend is located immediately adjacent the spacer.
25\. The deck clip of claim 18, wherein the deck clip comprises at least one fastening hole configured to receive a fastener.
26\. The deck clip of claim 18, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first extension lies at an angle to at least one of a front surface or a rear surface of the spacer, and wherein said angle is approximately between 100 degrees and 110 degrees when the first extension is not acted on by external forces.
27\. The deck clip of claim 18, wherein the grip is configured to abut a bottom groove face of the groove, and wherein the first extension is configured to abut a top groove face of the first groove.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-3, 5-10, 12, 13, 15-20, 22, 23, and 25-27 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by U.S. Publication No. 2020/0087925 to Vanderberg et al. (“Vanderberg”).
Regarding claim 1, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses an embodiment of a deck clip 1010 or 1110 comprising: a grip 1030, 1130 configured to be received, when installed, between a top groove face and a bottom groove face of a first groove positioned on a side surface of a first deck board and between a top groove face and a bottom groove face of a second groove positioned on a side surface of a second deck board facing the first groove of the first deck board; and a spacer 1020, 1120 comprising: a front surface 1021, 1121 and a rear surface, at least one of the front surface and the rear surface configured, when installed, to abut the side surface of one of the first deck board and the second deck board; a channel 1023, 1024, 1028, 1123, 1124 configured to receive the grip; and a first extension 1061, 1161 (including shaded portions 1041, 1141; see annotated Figure 56) that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface 1021, 1121 or the rear surface of the spacer, wherein at least a portion of the first extension 1041Mm 1141M is configured to bend and, when installed, to press against one of the top groove face or the bottom groove face (at 109L) of the first groove and not to press against both the top groove face and the bottom groove face of the second groove (see Fig. 67).
Regarding claim 2, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses a second extension (located parallel to the first extension, with the grip between the first and second extension; see annotated Figure below) that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface, wherein the second extension is configured to bend and, when installed, to press against one of the top groove face or the bottom groove face (at 109L) of the first groove and not to press against both the top groove face and the bottom groove face of the second groove (see Fig. 67).
Regarding claim 3, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the first extension is positioned at least partially above the grip 1030 (see dashed line indicating horizontal plane from which the first extension extends from rear surface 1021 and showing portions of the first extension above the grip 1030. See also Fig. 57, portions of extensions extend above line P1).
Regarding claim 5, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the deck clip comprises at least one fastening hole FH configured to receive a fastener.
Regarding claim 6, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the at first extension lies at an angle to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, and wherein said angle is approximately between 100 degrees and 110 degrees when the first extension is not acted on by external forces (angle A9 can be 10 degrees, therefore, the angle of a bottom surface of 1041F relative to side 1021 is 100 degrees).
Regarding claim 7, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the grip 1030, 1130is configured to abut the bottom groove face of the first groove, and wherein the first extension is configured to abut the top groove face of the first groove. This would be possible depending on a shape of a groove in which it is inserted. However, the scope of the claim does not include a deck board with a groove.
Regarding claim 8, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses an embodiment of a deck clip 1010 or 1110 comprising: a grip 1030, 1130 configured to be received within a groove positioned on a side surface of a deck board; and a spacer comprising: a central member having a first end (left end in Fig. 57) and a second end (right end in Fig. 57); a first arm member (A) extending vertically from the first end of the central member; a second arm member (B) extending vertically from the second end of the central member, wherein at least a portion of the first arm member and at least a portion of the second arm member are separated by a channel 1028 that is configured to receive the grip therein; and a first extension 1061, 1161 (including shaded portions 1041, 1141; see annotated Figure 56) that extends from the first arm member, wherein at least a portion 1041F,M of the first extension is inclined with respect to the first arm member and is configured to bend (at 1041M), wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the first extension is smaller at a region 1041E that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed (see annotated Fig. 67 below showing a region that is not configured to contact any groove and Fig. 59. showing that 1041E is smaller than region 1061S).
Regarding claim 9, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses a first cantilever member C extending from the first arm member toward the second arm member and ending in a first face, and a second cantilever member D extending from the second arm member toward the first arm member and ending in a second face, wherein at least a portion of the first face of the first cantilever member and at least a portion of the second face of the second cantilever member comprise planar surfaces that are parallel with one another and are separated by a space narrower than the channel and configured to fit a fastener therebetween.
Regarding claim 10, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses the region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed is immediately adjacent the region of the inclined portion that is configured to contact the groove (by virtue of the two regions joined at their respective ends).
Regarding claim 12, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses a second extension (located parallel to the first extension, with the grip between the first and second extension; see annotated Figure below) that extends from the second arm member B, wherein at least a portion of the second extension is inclined with respect to the second arm member and is configured to bend, wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the second extension is smaller at a region that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed. The second extension has the same equivalent parts as the first extension discussed above.
Regarding claim 13, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the first extension is positioned at least partially above the grip 1030 (see dashed line indicating horizontal plane from which the first extension extends from rear surface 1021 and showing portions of the first extension above the grip 1030. See also Fig. 57, portions of extensions extend above line P1).
Regarding claim 15, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the deck clip comprises at least one fastening hole FH configured to receive a fastener.
Regarding claim 16, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the at first extension lies at an angle to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, and wherein said angle is approximately between 100 degrees and 110 degrees when the first extension is not acted on by external forces (angle A9 can be 10 degrees, therefore, the angle of a bottom surface of 1041F relative to side 1021 is 100 degrees).
Regarding claim 17, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the grip 1030, 1130is configured to abut the bottom groove face of the first groove, and wherein the first extension is configured to abut the top groove face of the first groove. This would be possible depending on a shape of a groove in which it is inserted. However, the scope of the claim does not include a deck board with a groove.
Regarding claim 18, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses an embodiment of a deck clip 1010 or 1110 comprising: a grip 1030, 1130 configured to be received within a groove positioned on a side surface of a deck board; and a spacer comprising: a central member having a first end (left end in Fig. 57) and a second end (right end in Fig. 57); a first arm member (A) extending vertically from the first end of the central member; a second arm member (B) extending vertically from the second end of the central member, wherein at least a portion of the first arm member and at least a portion of the second arm member are separated by a channel 1028 that is configured to receive the grip therein; and a first extension 1061, 1161 (including shaded portions 1041, 1141; see annotated Figure 56) that extends from the first arm member, wherein at least a portion 1041F,M of the first extension is inclined with respect to the first arm member and is configured to bend (at 1041M), wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the first extension is smaller at a region 1041E that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion of the first extension that is immediately adjacent the region that is configured to contact the groove (see annotated Fig. 67 below showing a region that is not configured to contact any groove and Fig. 59. showing that 1041E is smaller than region 1061S).
Regarding claim 19, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses a first cantilever member C extending from the first arm member toward the second arm member and ending in a first face, and a second cantilever member D extending from the second arm member toward the first arm member and ending in a second face, wherein at least a portion of the first face of the first cantilever member and at least a portion of the second face of the second cantilever member comprise planar surfaces that are parallel with one another and are separated by a space narrower than the channel and configured to fit a fastener therebetween.
Regarding claim 20, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the region of the inclined portion that is immediately adjacent the region that is configured to contact the groove is not configured to contact any groove when installed.   (by virtue of the two regions joined at their respective ends).
Regarding claim 22, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses a second extension (located parallel to the first extension, with the grip between the first and second extension; see annotated Figure below) that extends from the second arm member B, wherein at least a portion of the second extension is inclined with respect to the second arm member and is configured to bend, wherein the vertical thickness of the inclined portion of the second extension is smaller at a region that is configured to contact the groove compared to a region of the inclined portion that is not configured to contact any groove when installed. The second extension has the same equivalent parts as the first extension discussed above.
Regarding claim 23, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the first extension is positioned at least partially above the grip 1030 (see dashed line indicating horizontal plane from which the first extension extends from rear surface 1021 and showing portions of the first extension above the grip 1030. See also Fig. 57, portions of extensions extend above line P1).
Regarding claim 25, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the deck clip comprises at least one fastening hole FH configured to receive a fastener.
Regarding claim 26, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the at first extension lies at an angle to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, and wherein said angle is approximately between 100 degrees and 110 degrees when the first extension is not acted on by external forces (angle A9 can be 10 degrees, therefore, the angle of a bottom surface of 1041F relative to side 1021 is 100 degrees).
Regarding claim 27, Vanderberg in Figs. 56-72 discloses that the grip 1030, 1130is configured to abut the bottom groove face of the first groove, and wherein the first extension is configured to abut the top groove face of the first groove. This would be possible depending on a shape of a groove in which it is inserted. However, the scope of the claim does not include a deck board with a groove.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 4, 11, 14, 21, and 24 would be allowable if rewritten to overcome the rejection(s) under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), 2nd paragraph, set forth in this Office action and to include all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:  None of the prior art alone or in obvious combination discloses a deck clip comprising inter alia at least a portion of the first extension that is configured to bend is located immediately adjacent the spacer. Instead, Vandenberg’s portion 1041M is located spaced from the spacer and connected to the spacer via portion 1041F which is fixed, i.e. is unable to bend.
Double Patenting
Claim 14 is objected to under 37 CFR 1.75 as being a substantial duplicate of claim 11.
Claim 24 is objected to under 37 CFR 1.75 as being a substantial duplicate of claim 21. When two claims in an application are duplicates or else are so close in content that they both cover the same thing, despite a slight difference in wording, it is proper after allowing one claim to object to the other as being a substantial duplicate of the allowed claim. See MPEP § 608.01(m).
Claims 1-27 of this application is patentably indistinct from claims 1-19 of Application No.18/639288 and claims 1-20 of Application No. 17/974755. Pursuant to 37 CFR 1.78(f), when two or more applications filed by the same applicant or assignee contain patentably indistinct claims, elimination of such claims from all but one application may be required in the absence of good and sufficient reason for their retention during pendency in more than one application. Applicant is required to either cancel the patentably indistinct claims from all but one application or maintain a clear line of demarcation between the applications. See MPEP § 822.
Annotated Figures
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Conclusion


NEXT OFFICE ACTION: Notice of Pre-AIA  or AIA  Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: Claims 1-13, 15-23, and 25-27 are allowable for the reasons set forth on pages 10-13 of applicant’s remarks dated 07/16/24.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20220010825A1: Claims:
An installation clip for installing assembly pieces comprising: a holding arrangement with a first holding element and a second holding element, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are arranged symmetrically inside the holding arrangement, wherein the first holding element is configured to interlock with a first receiving element of a first assembly piece and the second holding element is configured to interlock with a second receiving element of a second assembly piece; wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are configured elastically to be held by a preload inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element.
a holding arrangement with a first holding element and a second holding element, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are arranged symmetrically inside the holding arrangement, wherein the first holding element is configured to interlock with a first receiving element of a first assembly piece and the second holding element is configured to interlock with a second receiving element of a second assembly piece; wherein
the first holding element and the second holding element are configured elastically to be held by a preload inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element.
The installation clip according to claim 1 , further comprising: a fastening arrangement having a fastening recess.
a fastening arrangement having a fastening recess.
The installation clip according to claim 2 , wherein the first holding element is configured as a first wing and the second holding element is configured as a second wing.
The installation clip according to claim 3 , wherein the first wing comprises a first upper preloading element and a first lower preloading element, and the first upper preloading element and the first lower preloading element are disposed opposite one another in order to create the preload for the first holding element upon being received into the first receiving element; and wherein the second wing comprises a second upper preloading element and a second lower preloading element, and the second upper preloading element and the second lower preloading element are disposed opposite one another in order to create the preload for the second holding element upon being received into the second receiving element.
wherein the first wing comprises a first upper preloading element and a first lower preloading element, and the first upper preloading element and the first lower preloading element are disposed opposite one another in order to create the preload for the first holding element upon being received into the first receiving element; and
wherein the second wing comprises a second upper preloading element and a second lower preloading element, and the second upper preloading element and the second lower preloading element are disposed opposite one another in order to create the preload for the second holding element upon being received into the second receiving element.
The installation clip according to claim 1 , wherein the first holding element comprises a first spacing element and the second holding element comprises a second spacing element, wherein the first spacing element is configured to set a penetration depth of the first holding element into the first receiving element and the second spacing element is configured to set a penetration depth of the second holding element into the second receiving element in order to define a spacing between the assembly pieces.
The installation clip according to claim 1 , wherein the first receiving element comprises a first groove and the second receiving element comprises a second groove, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are configured to interact with the first groove and the second groove in order to respectively create the preload.
The installation clip according to claim 1 , wherein the holding arrangement further comprises a third holding element and a fourth holding element, wherein the third holding element and the fourth holding element are arranged symmetrically inside the holding arrangement, wherein the third holding element is configured to interlock with the first receiving element of the first assembly piece and the fourth holding element is configured to interlock with the second receiving element of the second assembly piece; wherein the third holding element and the fourth holding element are configured elastically to be held by a preload inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element.
the third holding element and the fourth holding element are configured elastically to be held by a preload inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element.
The installation clip according to claim 1 , wherein an installation height of the installation clip is variable, said variability being obtained by setting the at least one fastening element in the fastening recess of the at least one installation clip.
An installation system for installing assembly pieces comprising: an installation clip including a holding arrangement with a first holding element and a second holding element, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are arranged symmetrically inside the holding arrangement, wherein the first holding element is configured to interlock with a first receiving element of a first assembly piece and the second holding element is configured to interlock with a second receiving element of a second assembly piece, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are configured elastically to be held by a preload inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element, the installation clip further including a fastening arrangement having a fastening recess; and a fastening element configured to be received into the fastening recess.
an installation clip including a holding arrangement with a first holding element and a second holding element, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are arranged symmetrically inside the holding arrangement, wherein the first holding element is configured to interlock with a first receiving element of a first assembly piece and the second holding element is configured to interlock with a second receiving element of a second assembly piece, wherein the first holding element and the second holding element are configured elastically to be held by a preload inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element, the installation clip further including a fastening arrangement having a fastening recess; and
a fastening element configured to be received into the fastening recess.
The installation system according to claim 9 , wherein the fastening element is further configured to set a height of the first assembly piece and of the second assembly piece.
The installation system according to claim 9 , wherein the fastening element comprises a screw.
The installation system according to claim 9 further comprising at least two assembly pieces, wherein the at least two assembly pieces can be installed using the at least one installation system in a horizontal or vertical orientation.
A method for producing an installation clip for installing assembly pieces comprising: providing a holding arrangement with a first holding element and a second holding element; symmetrically arranging the first holding element and the second holding element inside the holding arrangement; shaping the first holding element in order to interlock with a first receiving element of a first assembly piece; shaping the second holding element in order to interlock with a second receiving element of a second assembly piece; and configuring the first holding element and the second holding element as elastic elements that are configured to be held inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element by a preload.
providing a holding arrangement with a first holding element and a second holding element;
symmetrically arranging the first holding element and the second holding element inside the holding arrangement;
shaping the first holding element in order to interlock with a first receiving element of a first assembly piece;
shaping the second holding element in order to interlock with a second receiving element of a second assembly piece; and
configuring the first holding element and the second holding element as elastic elements that are configured to be held inside the first receiving element and the second receiving element by a preload.
Ref US11149445B2: Claims:
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 at least partially receive a fastener therein, and comprising a front surface and an opposing rear surface defining a thickness therebetween corresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a second board adjacent the first board; a grip element extending through the spacer block and outward from the front and rear surfaces of the spacer block, the grip element configured to engage a first groove of the first board, the grip element defining a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastener hole and configured to receive the fastener,
a spacer block defining a first fastener hole configured to at least partially receive a fastener therein, and comprising a front surface and an opposing rear surface defining a thickness therebetween corresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a second board adjacent the first board;
a grip element extending through the spacer block and outward from the front and rear surfaces of the spacer block, the grip element configured to engage a first groove of the first board, the grip element defining a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastener hole and configured to receive the fastener,
such that the fastener can simultaneously extend through both the second fastener hole and the first fastener hole, which are arranged one above the other; and at least one resilient compression element joined with the spacer block and configured to forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the first groove, the at least one resilient compression element comprising: a fixed wing extending from the spacer block; and a moveable wing comprising a first end joined with the fixed wing at a junction and a second end, opposite the first end, comprising a terminal edge of the moveable wing; wherein the terminal edge of the moveable wing is lower than the fixed wing in an open mode; and wherein the moveable wing is vertically compressible so that at least a portion of the at least one resilient compression element can fit within the first groove of the first board.
at least one resilient compression element joined with the spacer block and configured to forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the first groove, the at least one resilient compression element comprising:
a fixed wing extending from the spacer block; and
a moveable wing comprising a first end joined with the fixed wing at a junction and a second end, opposite the first end, comprising a terminal edge of the moveable wing;
wherein the terminal edge of the moveable wing is lower than the fixed wing in an open mode; and
wherein the moveable wing is vertically compressible so that at least a portion of the at least one resilient compression element can fit within the first groove of the first board.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the moveable wing, is joined with the fixed wing at a junction that extends rearwardly beyond the rear surface of the spacer dock to guide placement of the second board adjacent the first board; and wherein the junction is configured to fit within a second groove of the second board.
wherein the first end of the moveable wing, is joined with the fixed wing at a junction that extends rearwardly beyond the rear surface of the spacer dock to guide placement of the second board adjacent the first board; and
wherein the junction is configured to fit within a second groove of the second board.
The fastener unit of claim 2 , wherein the fixed wing comprises a first end joined with the moveable wing at the junction and a second end joined with the spacer block; and wherein the second ends of the fixed and moveable wings extend beyond the forward surface of the spacer block so that at least a portion of the second ends of the fixed and moveable wings can fit within the first groove of the first board.
wherein the fixed wing comprises a first end joined with the moveable wing at the junction and a second end joined with the spacer block; and
wherein the second ends of the fixed and moveable wings extend beyond the forward surface of the spacer block so that at least a portion of the second ends of the fixed and moveable wings can fit within the first groove of the first board.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the at least one resilient compression element extends beyond at least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the spacer block; and wherein the spacer block comprises a right side surface and a left side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface, wherein the moveable wing extends along and adjacent the right side surface, wherein a second moveable wing joined with the spacer block extends along and adjacent the left side surface.
wherein the at least one resilient compression element extends beyond at least one of the front surface and the rear surface of the spacer block; and
wherein the spacer block comprises a right side surface and a left side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface,
wherein the moveable wing extends along and adjacent the right side surface,
wherein a second moveable wing joined with the spacer block extends along and adjacent the left side surface.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the moveable wing extends beyond the fixed wing.
wherein the second end of the moveable wing extends beyond the fixed wing.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the junction defines a first acute angle between the fixed wing and the moveable wing in the open mode; and wherein the moveable wing is vertically compressible to move toward the fixed wing so that the junction defines a second acute angle, less than the first acute angle, in a compression mode.
wherein the junction defines a first acute angle between the fixed wing and the moveable wing in the open mode; and
wherein the moveable wing is vertically compressible to move toward the fixed wing so that the junction defines a second acute angle, less than the first acute angle, in a compression mode.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the spacer block comprises a vertical axis, wherein a first plane is orthogonal to the vertical axis and passes through the grip element, wherein the moveable wing is vertically compressible, upward and toward the first plane and the grip element; and wherein, in the open mode, the moveable wing lies within a second plane that is oblique to the vertical axis and oblique to the first plane.
wherein the spacer block comprises a vertical axis,
wherein a first plane is orthogonal to the vertical axis and passes through the grip element,
wherein the moveable wing is vertically compressible, upward and toward the first plane and the grip element; and
wherein, in the open mode, the moveable wing lies within a second plane that is oblique to the vertical axis and oblique to the first plane.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the spacer block includes a first side and a second side; and wherein the moveable wing includes a first side edge that extends alongside and is spaced from the first side of the spacer block.
wherein the spacer block includes a first side and a second side; and
wherein the moveable wing includes a first side edge that extends alongside and is spaced from the first side of the spacer block.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the fixed wing includes a first end joined with the moveable wing at the junction and a second end; wherein the moveable wing extends in a cantilevered manner from the first end of the fixed wing; and wherein the second end of the moveable wing extends beyond the second end of the fixed wing.
wherein the fixed wing includes a first end joined with the moveable wing at the junction and a second end;
wherein the moveable wing extends in a cantilevered manner from the first end of the fixed wing; and
wherein the second end of the moveable wing extends beyond the second end of the fixed wing.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the grip element includes a first end and a second end extending in a first direction; wherein the first end of the grip element projects forward of the front surface of the spacer block and the second end of the grip element projects rearward of the rear surface of the spacer block; and wherein the grip element is in the form of a rigid channel that intersects a vertical axis of the spacer block, with the second fastener hole being defined in a bottom wall of the rigid channel.
wherein the grip element includes a first end and a second end extending in a first direction;
wherein the first end of the grip element projects forward of the front surface of the spacer block and the second end of the grip element projects rearward of the rear surface of the spacer block; and
wherein the grip element is in the form of a rigid channel that intersects a vertical axis of the spacer block, with the second fastener hole being defined in a bottom wall of the rigid channel.
The fastener unit of claim 1 , wherein the moveable wing comprises an inner side surface facing and spanning alongside the spacer block; and wherein a portion of the inner side surface is spaced from the spacer block by a gap.
wherein the moveable wing comprises an inner side surface facing and spanning alongside the spacer block; and
wherein a portion of the inner side surface is spaced from the spacer block by a gap.
A fastener unit adapted to secure at least one board to a support, the fastener unit comprising: a spacer block comprising a front surface and an opposing rear surface defining a thickness therebetween corresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a second board adjacent the first board, the spacer block at least partially surrounding a fastener between the front and rear surfaces such that the fastener exits the s aver block from a lower surface thereof; a grip element joined with the spacer block and extending outward from the front and rear surfaces of the spacer block, the grip element configured to engage a first groove of the first board; and at least one resilient compression element joined with the spacer block and configured to forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the first groove, the at least one resilient compression element comprising: a fixed wing extending from the spacer block and extending rearwardly along a side surface thereof; and a moveable wing comprising a first end joined with the fixed wing and a second end, opposite the first end, comprising a terminal edge of the moveable wing, the moveable wing extending frontwardly along the side surface and beyond the front surface of the spacer block; wherein the terminal edge of the moveable wing is lower than the fixed wing in an open mode, wherein the moveable wing is vertically compressible toward the fixed wing so that at least a portion of the at least one resilient compression element can fit within the first groove of the first board, wherein the moveable wing is tapere
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