Office Action 3: Non-Final Rejection (2025-02-27)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness, Double Patenting

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

This listing of claims will replace all prior revisions, and listings, of claims in the application.

Listing of Claims:

1\. (Original) A deck clip, comprising:a grip configured to be received, when installed, within a first groove positioned on a side surface of a first deck board and a second groove positioned on a side surface of a second deck board;
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;
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;
and

a first extension that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of a front surface or a rear surface of the spacer, wherein at least a portion of the first extension is configured to bend.
2\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the first extension is further configured to be received, when installed, within at least one of the first groove or the second groove.
3\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 2, further comprising a second extension that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, wherein the second extension is configured to bend.
4\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 3, wherein the second extension is further configured to be received, when installed, within at least one of the first groove or the second groove.
5\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the first extension is at least partially positioned above the grip.
6\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the first cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the first face such that there is no radius between the first cantilever member and the first face, and the second cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the second face such that there is no radius between the second cantilever member and the second face.

7\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the central member includes at least one fastening hole configured to receive the fastener.

8\. (Original) 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 and 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.

9\. (Original) 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.

10\. (Original) A deck clip, comprising:a grip configured to be received within a groove of a deck board, the groove having a top groove face and a bottom grove face; 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 the 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 the first extension is configured so that, when it is received within the groove, the first extension bends toward a plane aligned with the grip and an expansive force is applied by the combination of the grip and the first extension contacting respective faces of the groove.
11\. (Previously Presented) The deck clip of claim 10, wherein the grip, in use, is adapted to contact the bottom groove face of the deck board to apply the expansive force against the bottom groove face, and the first extension, in use, is adapted to contact the top groove face of the deck board to apply the expansive force against the top groove face.

12\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 10, further including: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 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.

13\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 10, further comprising a second extension that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, wherein the second extension is configured so that, when it is received within the groove, the second extension bends toward a plane aligned with the grip and an expansive force is applied by the combination of the grip and the second extension contacting respective faces of the groove

14\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 10, wherein the first extension is at least partially positioned above the grip.

15\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 12, wherein the first cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the first face such that there is no radius between the first cantilever member and the first face, and the second cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the second face such that there is no radius between the second cantilever member and the second face.

16\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 10, wherein the central member includes at least one fastening hole configured to receive the fastener.

17\. (Original) The deck clip of claim 10, wherein a longitudinal axis of the first extension lies at an angle to at least one of the front surface and 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.

18\. (Original) 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.

19\. (Original) 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;
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;
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;

and a first extension that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of a front surface or a 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;wherein the at least portion of the first extension that is configured to bend is inclined with respect to the first arm member, 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, 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;
wherein the first extension is configured so that, when it is received within the groove, the first extension bends toward a plane aligned with the grip and an expansive force is applied by the combination of the grip and the first extension contacting respective faces of the 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) 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, and 17 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 10, Vanderberg in an embodiment of a deck clip 10 (see Figs. 1-7) comprising: a grip 30 configured to be received within a groove of a deck board, the groove having a top groove face and a bottom grove face; and a spacer 20 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 the deck board; a channel 28 configured to receive the grip; and a first extension 41 that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer; wherein the first extension is configured so that, when it is received within the groove, the first extension 41 bends toward a plane aligned with the grip 30 (see Fig. 5 showing 41 bend toward plane P1 which is a plane aligned with the grip) and an expansive force is applied by the combination of the grip 30 and the first extension 41 contacting respective faces of the groove (par 0144 discloses grip biting lower surfaces of the groove).
Regarding claim 11, Vanderberg discloses that the grip 30 is adapted to contact the bottom groove face (par 0144) of the deck board to apply the expansive force against the bottom groove face, and the first extension 41 is adapted to contact the top groove face of the deck board (see Fig. 5) to apply the expansive force against the top groove face. 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 13, Vanderberg discloses a second extension 42 that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, wherein the second extension is configured so that, when it is received within the groove, the second extension bends toward a plane aligned with the grip and an expansive force is applied by the combination of the grip and the second extension contacting respective faces of the groove (see Fig. 5).
Regarding claim 14, Vanderberg discloses that the first extension 41 is at least partially positioned above the grip 30 (see Fig. 3 showing ends of 41 above grip 30).
Regarding claim 16, Vanderberg discloses that the central member includes at least one fastening hole FFH configured to receive the fastener.
Regarding claim 17, Vanderberg discloses that a longitudinal axis of the first extension 41 lies at an angle to at least one of the front surface and 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 of 41E relative to surface of 23 is approximately 108 degrees).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1-9, 12, 15, and 18 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Vanderberg.
Regarding claim 1, Vanderberg in Figs. 68-72 discloses an embodiment of a deck clip 1110 comprising: a grip 1130 configured to be received, when installed, within a first groove positioned on a side surface of a first deck board and a second groove positioned on a side surface of a second deck board; a spacer 1120 comprising: a central member having a first end (left end in Fig. 69) and a second end (right end in Fig. 69); a first arm member (left 1127) extending vertically from the first end of the central member; a second arm member (right 1127) 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 1128  that is configured to receive the grip therein; a first cantilever member (horizontal portion of left 1127 defining 1127V) extending from the first arm member toward the second arm member and ending in a first face, and a second cantilever member (horizontal portion of left 1127 defining 1127V) extending from the second arm member toward the first arm member and ending in a second face, wherein the first and second cantilever members are separated by a space 1127V narrower than the channel 1128 and configured to fit a fastener therebetween and a first extension 1141 that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of a front surface or a rear surface of the spacer, wherein at least a portion 1141M of the first extension is configured to bend.
Vanderberg in the Figs. 68-72 embodiment does not disclose that 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.
Vanderberg in Figs. 12-13 discloses another embodiment of a deck clip 210 comprising a spacer 220 wherein at least a portion of a first face (vertical face of 220 extending above grip 230) of a first cantilever member and at least a portion of the second face (vertical face of 220 extending above grip 230) of a second cantilever member comprise planar surfaces that are parallel with one another (the parallel surface of the first and second face define a wider gap between which fastener 290 is inserted; see Fig. 12).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the Figs. 68-72 embodiment of Vanderberg to have 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 as taught in Figs. 12-13 embodiment of Vanderberg with a reasonable expectation of success because it would faciltiate insertion of a fastener by providing a wider opening.
Regarding claim 2, Vanderberg as modified discloses that the first extension 1141 further configured to be received, when installed, within at least one of the first groove or the second groove.
Regarding claim 3, Vanderberg as modified discloses a second extension 1142 (located parallel to the first extension, with the grip between the first and second extension) that extends outwardly with respect to at least one of the front surface or the rear surface of the spacer, wherein the second extension is configured to bend.
Regarding claim 4, Vanderberg as modified discloses that the second extension is further configured to be received, when installed, within at least one of the first groove or the second groove.
Regarding claim 5, Vanderberg as modified discloses that the first extension 1141 is positioned at least partially above the grip 1130 (portions 1141M is above legs of grip 1130).
Regarding claim 6, Vanderberg as modified discloses that the first cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the first face such that there is no radius between the first cantilever member and the first face, and the second cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the second face such that there is no radius between the second cantilever member and the second face. See Fig. 12-13 showing a side view of the cantilevers and showing a sharp angle where the cantilever and the inclined side of the first and second faces meet the respective cantilevers.
Regarding claim 7, Vanderberg as modified discloses that the central member includes at least one fastening hole FH configured to receive the fastener.  See Fig. 68.
Regarding claim 8, Vanderberg as modified discloses that a longitudinal axis of the first extension lies at an angle to at least one of the front surface and 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 1141F relative to side 1121 is 100 degrees).
Regarding claim 9, Vanderberg as modified discloses that the grip 1130 is configured to abut the bottom groove face of the first groove (par 0011), 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  as modified discloses that the grip 1130  is configured to abut the bottom groove face of the first groove (par 0011), and wherein the first extension 1141 is configured to abut the top groove face of the first groove (adjacent portion 1141J). 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 12, Vanderberg discloses a first arm member (vertical left portion of spacer 20 that extends above 30 and includes 27U and 27R) extending vertically from the first end of the central member; a second arm member (vertical right portion of spacer 20 that extends above 30 and includes 27U and 27R) 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 28 that is configured to receive the grip 30 therein; and a first cantilever member (left portion defining 27S) extending from the first arm member toward the second arm member and ending in a first face 27S, and a second cantilever member (right portion defining 27S) extending from the second arm member toward the first arm member and ending in a second face 27S, 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 separated by a space 27R narrower than the channel and configured to fit a fastener therebetween.
Vanderberg in the Figs. 1-7 embodiment does not disclose that 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.
Vanderberg in Figs. 12-13 discloses another embodiment of a deck clip 210 comprising a spacer 220 wherein at least a portion of a first face (vertical face of 220 extending above grip 230) of a first cantilever member and at least a portion of the second face (vertical face of 220 extending above grip 230) of a second cantilever member comprise planar surfaces that are parallel with one another (the parallel surface of the first and second face define a wider gap between which fastener 290 is inserted; see Fig. 12).
It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to combine the Figs. 1-7 embodiment of Vanderberg to have 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 as taught in Figs. 12-13 embodiment of Vanderberg with a reasonable expectation of success because it would faciltiate insertion of a fastener by providing a wider opening.
Regarding claim 15, Vanderberg as modified discloses that the first cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the first face such that there is no radius between the first cantilever member and the first face, and the second cantilever member extends to a sharp corner with the second face such that there is no radius between the second cantilever member and the second face. See Fig. 12-13 showing a side view of the cantilevers and showing a sharp angle where the cantilever and the inclined side of the first and second faces meet the respective cantilevers.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claim 19 is allowed.
The following is a statement of reasons for the indication of allowable subject matter:  None of the prior art, alone or in obvious combination absent hindsight, discloses applicant’s invention as recited in claim 19. With respect to US10,378,218 to Vandenberg, Vandenberg does not disclose 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 or 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 as required by claim 19. In contrast, Vandenberg discloses a first extension wherein the entire length of the extension that is parallel to plane P1 contacts the groove. Moreover, the vertical thickness of extension 42 is uniform where it contacts the groove.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claim(s) 1-19 have been considered but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA  as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The filing of a terminal disclaimer by itself is not a complete reply to a nonstatutory double patenting (NSDP) rejection. A complete reply requires that the terminal disclaimer be accompanied by a reply requesting reconsideration of the prior Office action. Even where the NSDP rejection is provisional the reply must be complete. See MPEP § 804, subsection I.B.1. For a reply to a non-final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.111(a). For a reply to final Office action, see 37 CFR 1.113(c). A request for reconsideration while not provided for in 37 CFR 1.113(c) may be filed after final for consideration. See MPEP §§ 706.07(e) and 714.13.
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The actual filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/applying-online/eterminal-disclaimer.
Applicant is advised that should claim 9 be found allowable, claim 18 will be objected to under 37 CFR 1.75 as being a substantial duplicate thereof. 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 1-19 of this application is patentably indistinct from claims 8-13, 15-23, and 25-27 of Application No.18/638384 and claims 11-8, 14-17, and 19-22 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.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS/ARGUMENTS
Status of the Claims
Claims 1-19 are pending in the instant application. No claims have been amended. No new matter has been added. Applicant first notes that claims 10-17 and 19 were deemed allowable, and Applicant thanks the Examiner for noting same.
Claim Rejections Under 35 U.S.C. § 102
Claims 1-7, 9, and 18 were rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102 as anticipated by U.S. Patent No. D945870 to Vanderberg (hereinafter "Vanderberg"). Applicant respectfully traverses. Vanderberg is a design patent, and therefore by definition it cannot anticipate all limitations of independent claim 1 as discussed below.
Independent claim 1 includes several limitations that include words such as "configured to," including the limitation "wherein at least a portion of the first extension is configured to bend." The Vanderberg reference cited by the Examiner, as a design patent, cannot anticipate such a limitation. The Vanderberg reference does not contain any discussion that any portion of any extension member is configured to bend. There is no - and there cannot be - information in a design patent as to the functionality of the design contained in the design patent's drawings. As such, the Examiner's rejection of claim 1 in view of the Vanderberg design patent cannot stand, due to Vanderberg's lack of disclosure regarding claimed operational elements of independent claim 1. As dependent claims 2-7, 8, 18 depend from independent claim 1, the cited Vanderberg reference must also fail with respect to these dependent claims.
Claim Rejections Under 35 U.S.C. § 103
Dependent claim 8 was rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being obvious over
Vanderberg. Applicant respectfully disagrees, but notes that dependent claim 8 depends from independent claim 1. As such, dependent claim 8 should similarly be allowable.
Double Patenting Rejections
Applicant respectfully requests that this rejection be held in abeyance until the claims of both applications are finalized for issuance. At that time, Applicant would be happy to work with the Examiner to determine if any of the claims are patentably indistinct.
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 .
Terminal Disclaimer
The terminal disclaimer filed on 05/21/2025 disclaiming the terminal portion of any patent granted on this application which would extend beyond the expiration date of US Application # 18638384 and 17974755 has been reviewed and is accepted.  The terminal disclaimer has been recorded.
Reasons for Allowance
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance: Claims 19-26 are allowable for the reasons set forth on page 8 of the Non-Final Rejection dated 02/27/2025.
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 US10378218: Claims:
1. 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 corresponding to a preselected gap between a first board and a second adjacent board;
a grip element joined with the spacer block, the grip element defining a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastener hole of the spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in and engage a first groove defined by the first board, the grip element having at least one downwardly facing projection;
wherein the spacer block includes a first resilient compression element extending outwardly from the first side surface and a second resilient compression element extending outwardly from the second side surface, each of the first and second compression elements having vertically compressible upper and lower wings configured to fit within and forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the first groove defined by the first board;
wherein at least one of the first resilient compression element and the second resilient compression element is joined with the spacer block at a fracturable joint such that the at least one of the first and second resilient compression elements is configured to be selectively broken off and removed from the spacer block.
2. The fastener unit of claim 1,
wherein the respective vertically compressible upper and lower wings are separated from one another by a first distance in an open mode;
wherein the respective vertically compressible upper and lower wings are configured to move toward one another so that each are separated from one another by a second distance in a compression mode,
wherein the second distance is less than the first distance,
wherein the second distance is less than a height of the groove of the first board.
3. The fastener unit of claim 2,
wherein the first distance is greater than the height of the groove of the first board.
4. The fastener unit of claim 1,
wherein the respective vertically compressible upper and lower wings each include a front edge and a rear edge,
wherein the front edge is coplanar with the front surface of the spacer block,
wherein the grip element extends forward of both the front edge and the front surface.
5. The fastener unit of claim 4,
wherein the rear edge extends outward, beyond the rear surface of the spacer block.
6. The fastener unit of claim 1,
wherein the spacer block defines a spacer block horizontal plane that extends between the respective vertically compressible upper and lower wings,
wherein the respective vertically compressible upper and lower wings are configured to resiliently deform and move toward the spacer block horizontal plane in a compressed mode.
7. The fastener unit of claim 1,
wherein the grip element is constructed from metal and disposed in a correspondingly shaped grip element aperture defined by the spacer body,
wherein the spacer body is constructed from a polymeric material.
8. The fastener unit of claim 1,
wherein the spacer body thickness is configured so that the spacer body is configured to establish a gap between the first board and the second board of at least 0.200 inches,
wherein the gap is equal to or greater than a diameter of a head of the fastener.
9. 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 corresponding to a gap between a first board and a second adjacent board, the spacer block including a vertical axis;
a grip element extending from the front surface and the rear surface of the spacer block, the grip element aligned with the first fastener hole of the spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in and engage a first groove defined by the first board;
wherein the spacer block includes a first resilient compression element extending outwardly from the first side surface on a first side of the vertical axis, the first resilient compression element being vertically compressible toward a first plane that is orthogonal to the vertical axis, the first resilient compression element configured to fit in and forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the first groove defined by the first board,
whereby the spacer block is configured to be disposed in the gap between the first board and the second adjacent board.
10. The fastener unit of claim 9,
wherein the first resilient compression element includes a first front edge and a first rear edge,
wherein the first rear edge is configured to fit within the first groove of the first board.
11. The fastener unit of claim 9,
wherein the first resilient compression element includes a first wing and a second wing joined at a junction,
wherein the first wing and second wing are compressible toward the first plane so that the vertical distance between the first wing and the second wing decrease upon such compression.
12. The fastener unit of claim 11,
wherein the first wing and the second wing are joined at the junction adjacent the spacer block,
wherein the first wing and the second wing are joined with the spacer block via a fracturable joint so that the first resilient compression element is configured to be selectively broken off and removed from the spacer block.
13. The fastener unit of claim 9,
wherein the grip element is a channel that opens toward a lower surface of the spacer block,
wherein the grip element extends forwardly from the front surface and rearwardly from the rear surface of the spacer block.
14. The fastener unit of claim 9,
wherein the front surface and the opposing rear surface of the spacer block are separated by a spacer block thickness,
wherein the first resilient compression element includes a front edge and a rear edge that are separated by a compression element width,
wherein the spacer block thickness is less than the compression element width.
15. The fastener unit of claim 9,
wherein the spacer block includes a second resilient compression element extending outwardly from the second side surface on a second side of the vertical axis, opposite the first side, the second resilient compression element being vertically compressible toward the first plane, the second resilient compression element configured to fit and forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, while the first resilient compression element is within the first groove, but distal from the first resilient compression element.
16. The fastener unit of claim 9,
wherein the spacer body and first compressible resilient element are constructed from a polymeric material,
wherein the grip element is in the form of a metal c-channel that is oriented with the c-channel opening downward,
wherein the grip element defines a second fastener hole aligned with the first fastener hole.
17. 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, the spacer block having a thickness extending from a front surface to a rear surface, the thickness corresponding to a gap between a first board and a second adjacent board, the spacer block including a vertical axis;
a grip element extending from the spacer block, the grip element configured to fit in and engage a first groove defined by the first board, without the spacer block extending into the first groove, the grip element configured to receive a fastener through at least a portion of the grip element;
wherein the spacer block includes a first resilient compression element extending from the spacer block, the first resilient compression element being vertically compressible toward a first plane that is transverse to the vertical axis, the first resilient compression element configured to compress and fit in, and forcibly expand within the first groove of the first board, thereby securing the spacer block in a position adjacent the first groove defined by the first board, with the spacer block being disposed in the gap between the first board and the second adjacent board.
18. The fastener unit of claim 17,
wherein the first resilient compression element includes first and second portions that are separated from one another by a first distance in an open mode,
wherein the first and second portions are configured to move relative to one another upon application of a force in a compression mode so that the first and second portions are separated from one another by a second distance, the second distance being less than the first distance,
wherein when the first and second portions are in the compression mode, the first and second portions are narrower than a width of the first groove of the first board so that the first and second portions are configured to fit within the first groove.
19. The fastener unit of claim 17,
wherein the grip element includes a grip element length,
wherein the spacer block includes a spacer block thickness,
wherein the first resilient compression element includes a first resilient compression element width extending from a front edge to a rear edge,
wherein the grip element length is greater than the first resilient compression element width,
wherein the first resilient compression element width is greater than the spacer block thickness.
20. A method of using a fastener unit comprising:
providing the fastener unit including a fastener, a spacer body defining a first fastener hole therethrough, a grip element joined with the spacer body and projecting outward from the spacer body, with the fastener projecting through at least a portion of the grip element, and a first resilient compression element extending laterally from the spacer body, the first resilient compression element including first and second portions that are operable in an open mode, and in a compression mode in which the first and second portions are moved toward a first plane that is orthogonal relative to a longitudinal axis of the fastener;
converting the first and second portions from the open mode to the compression mode;
inserting the first and second portions into a first groove of a first board;
releasing the first and second portions so that the first and second portions forcibly engage the first groove, thereby holding the spacer body adjacent a first side surface of the first board adjacent the first groove.
Ref US20200087925T: [content unavailable]
Ref APP-18_638384: Claims:
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, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is inclined with respect to the first arm member 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.
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, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is inclined with respect to the first arm member 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.
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, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is inclined with respect to the first arm member 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.
The deck clip of claim 1, 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.
The deck clip of claim 1, 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.
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.
The deck clip of claim 1, 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, wherein the at least a portion of the second extension that is inclined with respect to the second arm member 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 deck clip of claim 1, wherein the first extension is positioned at least partially above the grip.
The deck clip of claim 1, wherein the deck clip comprises at least one fastening hole configured to receive a fastener.
The deck clip of claim 1, 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.
The deck clip of claim 1, 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.
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, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is inclined with respect to the first arm member 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.
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, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is inclined with respect to the first arm member 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.
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, wherein the at least a portion of the first extension that is inclined with respect to the first arm member 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.
The deck clip of claim 10, 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.
The deck clip of claim 10, 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 w
[Truncated to input limit]