Patent Publication Number: US-6990781-B2

Title: Decking assembly with an interlocking seam structure

Description:
RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS 
   Not applicable. 
   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
   Not applicable. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to assemblies and methods of action of the joints of structural steel decking and roofing. More particularly, the present invention relates to methods of connecting the edges of such decking in roofing sections together through the use of a stylized cut formed in the overlapping edges of such decking sections. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In the construction of modern buildings, there is erected a steel skeleton. It is necessary to have floors in the building. The floors are generally concrete floors. Also, in other forms of construction, steel buildings will have steel roofing. 
   In the construction of buildings, the steel skeleton has steel beams. Steel forms are placed on the steel beams and also the supports for the floors. Then, freshly mixed concrete is poured onto the steel forms and is allowed to cure. In order to have concrete floors, it is necessary to definitely position the steel forms onto the beams and also onto the supports of the steel forms. Further, it is necessary to definitely position the steel forms with respect to each other. The steel forms are typically corrugated sheets of steel. On one side of the sheet of steel, there is an upright edge. On the other side of the sheet of steel, there is an envelope to receive the upright edge of the adjacent sheet of steel. 
   The steel forms are laid on the beams and on the supports for the steel forms so that the envelope of the first steel form receives the upright edge of the second steel form, and, likewise, the envelope of the second steel form receives the upright edge of the third steel form. This is repeated until there are sufficient steel forms on the beams and on the supports of the steel forms to receive the freshly mixed, uncured concrete. 
   The adjacent steel forms are bonded together. At the present time, the adjacent steel forms are manually bonded together by a manually operated crimping tool. The operator actuates the crimping tool and makes a dent in each side of the envelope of the steel form and also in the upright edge of the next adjacent steel form. The dent definitely positions the steel forms with respect to each other. Also, a welder may tack weld the steel form to the beam so as to definitely position the steel forms with respect to the beams. After the steel forms have been positioned on the beams and onto the supports for the steel forms, and also definitely positioned with respect to each other, uncured concrete can be poured onto the top of the steel forms. The weight of the uncured concrete assists in positioning the steel forms onto the beams. In time, the concrete cures and bonds to the steel forms so as to position the steel forms onto the beams. 
   As previously stated, the operator manually crimps the adjacent steel forms to each other. The operator can take a crimping tool and walk on the steel forms and crimp together the adjacent steel forms. The manual crimping of the adjacent steel forms is a slow process since the operator cannot rapidly operate the manual crimping tool. Further, in time, the operator tires after operating the manual crimping tool and slows down in his work. 
   A similar process is also involved with the formation of structural steel roofing. Unlike with structural steel flooring, there is no concrete poured onto the upper surface of the roofing. Since the roofing panels are joined together in the same manner as the decking panels, it is important that the joints are secured together so as to prevent one panel from lifting off the other. It is also important to prevent the panels from shifting laterally with respect to each other along the seam. In view of the inherent forces created by ambient conditions, such as wind, there is a weakness associated with crimped joints. As a result, supplementary operations must be carried out so as to properly join the roofing sections together. These supplemental operations can include welding and screwing of the seam to the extent necessary to satisfy the shear strength requirements of the roofing. Ultimately, the roof sections must be joined together with sufficient integrity to prevent the panels from separating from each other or shifting laterally under the presence of high wind conditions. 
   In the past, various patents have issued with respect to such crimping tools. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,397, issued on Jul. 30, 1985 to R. Pratt, describes a crimping tool which is power operated. This crimping tool has two movable links. There is a stud on the lower end of one of the movable links and a recess on the lower end of the other movable link. A power-operated movable piston is operatively connected to a plunger. The plunger connects with suitable toggles and, in turn, the toggles connect with an appropriate movable link. The operator can control the application of power to the power-operated movable piston so as to move the piston and thereby move the plunger and thereby move the toggles and the associated two movable links. The dies located on the end of the crimping tool will provide a power-driven crimp to the adjoining sections of steel decking and roofing. Unfortunately, this device is only used for crimping the upward exposed “male” lip with the female inverted “U”-shaped lip. The seam is crimped at periodic intervals by this crimping tool. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,932, issued on Apr. 10, 2001, to J. R. Parker, describes a power-assisted combination shear used for forming structural louvers in the crimped seam of structural steel decking. This shear includes a frame supporting a pair of jaws which are opened and closed by means of an operator-controlled pneumatic cylinder. One jaw terminates in a blade while the other jaw has a corresponding die member. The blade and the die have undercut reliefs in the root portions, which permit the louver to be formed without breaking through to the edge of the seam. The louver comprises a sheared portion in the form of a bowed tab bridging a corresponding window formed in the seam by the shearing of the tab. The interference between the louver and window provides a substantial increase in the lateral resistance (shear strength) of the crimped seam. As such, the device is intended to eliminate the need to additionally weld or screw the seams of the steel decking. U.S. Publication No. 2001/0010168, published on Aug. 2, 2001, is closely related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,932, and describes a method of securing work pieces together through the unique configuration of the jaws of the power-assisted combination shear. Similarly, U.S. Publication No. 2001/0039704, published on Nov. 15, 2001, describes an arrangement similar to that of the prior publication and U.S. Pat. No. 6,212,932. In particular, this patent shows the actual steel structure as having the arrangement of louvers connected in an overlying and interconnected relationship. 
   Unfortunately, there are many problems associated with the prior art patents to Parker and the prior art patent to Pratt. Fundamentally, whenever it is necessary to have two pivotable arms for the purpose of forming the crimp or the louvers, there is a great potential for misalignment of the arms. Each of the linkages associated with each of the pivotable arms must move in perfect coordination so as to achieve the proper operation. It is known that over time, the various bearings and connections between the linkage members can wear after repeated usage. As the tolerances change between the respective dies associated with the pair of pivotal arms, there is a strong possibility of misalignment between the dies. When a misalignment occurs, the effective seal between the deck sections and roofing sections can become compromised. Furthermore, the use of a pair of pivotable arms can require additional maintenance and repair. Often, the application of power will be more to one side of the leading die arrangement while less on the opposite side of the mating die arrangement. Once again, an insufficient and inappropriate cut louver or ineffective crimp, can occur. Additionally, in the case of the Parker patent, and the associated applications, the particular dies associated with forming the louver are unnecessarily complicated. Ultimately, if any of the surfaces associated with the die of the Parker patent should become worn or distorted with time, the louver will have an undesired configuration or may ineffectively join the sections of steel decking together. The Parker patent relies on a blade-type male die for the formation of the cuts into the female die. It is known that such arrangement can become dull with time and use. 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a connection for decking sections which requires reduced cutting forces to connect the sections together. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a method for connecting decking sections together which produces bearing surfaces for resisting shear movements of the deck panels. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method of connecting decking sections together which produces diaphragm shear values equal to or better than seam welding procedures. 
   It is a further object to the present invention to provide a method of joining decking sections together which reduces installation costs. 
   It is a further object to the present invention to provide a method for securing decking sections together which can be carried out with a tool that is operable by unskilled personnel. 
   It is a further object to the present invention to provide a method of connecting decking sections together which produces more seam attachments per hour than welding procedures. 
   It is a further object to the present invention to provide a method for connecting decking sections together which reduces health issues for installers and other personnel. 
   It is a further object to the present invention to provide a decking assembly which effectively resists vertical loads. 
   It is still a further object to the present invention to provide a decking assembly which allows operators and inspectors to easily verify proper connections between the sections. 
   It is still a further object to the present invention to provide a method of joining decking sections together which avoids the requirements for touch-up painting and eliminates burn marks. 
   These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a decking assembly comprising a first deck section having a male leg and a second deck section positioned adjacent to and in overlapping relationship to the first deck section. The second deck section has a female leg overlying the male leg of the first deck section. The male leg and the female leg have a triangular tab formed therethrough such that the triangular tab extends outwardly on one side of the female leg. 
   In the present invention, the female leg has a first surface positioned on one side of the male leg and a second surface positioned on an opposite side of the male leg. The triangular tab is defined by a first inverted V-shaped cut formed in the second surface and bent inwardly toward the first surface. The triangular tab is further defined by a second inverted V-shaped cut formed in the male leg and bent inwardly toward the second surface of the female leg. Additionally, the triangular tab is defined by a third inverted V-shaped cut formed in the first surface of the female leg and bent away from the second surface. These inverted V-shaped cuts are arranged so as to be overlying relationship to each other. In particular, the cuts define the triangular tab and are offset from each other such that the surfaces of each of the cuts is visible from above. The female leg is crimped such that the male leg is sandwiched between the surfaces of the female leg. 
   In the present invention, the triangular tab extends generally perpendicular to the female leg and to the male leg. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the triangular tab includes a first triangular tab, a second triangular tab and a third triangular tab each extending in spaced relationship to each other. Each of the tabs is spaced approximately one inch from each other. The base of the tabs is approximately 5/16″ with a height of approximately ⅜″. 
   The present invention is also a method of affixing a first deck section to a second deck section comprising the steps of: (1) positioning the female leg so as to be overlying relationship to the male leg; and (2) forming a first triangular tab extending outwardly through the female leg. 
   In the method of the present invention, the male leg of the first deck section is inserted between the first and second surfaces of the female leg. The step of forming the first triangular tab includes shearing a first inverted V-shaped cut in the second surface of the female leg, shearing a second inverted V-shaped cut in the male leg, and shearing a third inverted V-shaped cut in the first surface of the female leg. These inverted V-shaped cuts are bent in a direction toward the first surface of the female leg and away from the second surface of the female leg. The bent cuts will overly each other and extend in generally transverse relationship to the male and female legs. These cuts are suitably bent so that they will reside in offset overlying relationship to each other. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a side elevational view showing the punching tool as used by the method of the present invention with the dies in their open position. 
       FIG. 2  is diagrammatic illustration of the tool as used by the method of the present invention showing the dies in their closed position with respect to sections of metal decking. 
       FIG. 3  is an end view of the punch tool as used by the method of the present invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view showing the piston-and-cylinder assembly used in the punch tool of the present invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a detailed view of the clevis of the punch tool. 
       FIG. 6  is a plan view of the handle associated with the punch tool. 
       FIG. 7  is an end view showing the punch arm as used in the punch tool. 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the punch arm as used by the punch tool. 
       FIG. 9  is an isolated frontal view of the female die of the punch tool for the connection of deck sections. 
       FIG. 10  is a plan view of the female die of the punch tool. 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of the male die of the punch tool of the present invention for the formation of the triangular tabs. 
       FIG. 12  is a frontal view of the male die of the punch tool. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the decking assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       FIG. 14  is a plan view of the decking assembly of the present invention. 
       FIG. 15  is an end view showing the connections of the decking assembly in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown the punch tool  10  as used for the assembly of the decking sections of the present invention. The punch tool  10  includes a frame  12 , a punch arm  14  pivotally mounted on the frame  12 , a die  16  fixedly and non-pivotally supported by frame  12 , a mating die  18  affixed to the punch arm  14 , and an actuator  20  interconnected to the punch arm  14  for moving the mating die  18  relative to the die  16 . A linkage  22  is used so as to connect the actuator  20  to the punch arm  14 . 
   As used herein, the term “decking sections” and “decking assembly” referred to such panels of steel and other metallic material that are used for structural steel decking, roofing and flooring in the formation of buildings, components of building or other structures. 
   As can be seen in  FIG. 1 , the die  16  is formed at the bottom end of the frame  12 . The die  16  is aligned with the die  18  so that the dies  16  and  18  will suitably mate with each other when the punch arm  14  is pivoted about its pivotal connection  24  with the frame  12 . The linkage  22  is a clevis connected between the actuator  20  and the punch arm  14  so as to suitably pivot the punch arm  14  between a first position in which the mating die  18  engages the die  16  and a second position, shown in  FIG. 1 , in which the mating die  18  is spaced from the die  16 . 
   In  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the die  16  is a female die and that the mating die  18  is a male die. When the punch arm  14  is moved into the first position, the male die  18  will enter the female die  16  so as to form the cut between the sections of steel decking. The particular configuration of the relationship of the dies  16  and  18  is shown in  FIGS. 9-12 , as will be described hereinafter. 
   The linkage  22  associated with the punch tool  10  serves to connect the actuator  20  with the punch arm  14 . The linkage  22  includes, in particular, a clevis  26  (as shown in  FIG. 5 ) connected to the actuator  20 . In particular, the clevis  26  is suitably threadedly connected, or otherwise connected, to the piston rod  28  of the actuator  20 . 
   In  FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the actuator  20  includes an air can  42  which is affixed to the frame  12 . The air can  42  has a piston-and-cylinder arrangement therein (as shown in greater detail in  FIG. 4 ). A piston rod  28  will extend outwardly from the air can  42  so as to be connected to the clevis  26 . In particular, piston rod  28  will have a longitudinal axis which extends at an acute angle with respect to the frame  12 . The air can  42  is mounted on one side of the frame  12 . The piston rod  28  extends across the frame  12  so as to have an end connected to an opposite end of the punch arm  14  opposite the mating die  18 . The piston rod  28  is connected to a piston supported interior of the cylinder of the air can  42 . A spring, or other resilient member, is affixed within the air can  42  so as to urge the piston rod  28  toward the opposite side of the air can  42  from the frame  12  such that the punch arm  14  will assume the position shown in  FIG. 1 . An air supply line  46  is connected to the interior of the air can  42  so as to deliver air to one side of the piston located within the air can  42 . Air supply line  46  communicates with a source of pneumatic pressure for the delivery of air thereinto. 
   A handle  50  is connected to the top end of the frame  12  so as to provide support for the frame  12 . Handle  50  is made up of a bar  52  which extends transversely to the frame  12 . Bar  52  has a gripping portion  54  at one end thereof and a handle portion  56  at an interior end thereof. The handle portion  56  is in a position closer to the frame  12  than the gripping portion  54 . The handle portion  56  should be suitably close to the trigger mechanism  60  so as to allow the operator to access the trigger mechanism  60  for the delivery of air pressure into the actuator  20  and for the proper use of the punch tool  10  of the present invention. During normal use, the gripping portion  58  and the handle portion  56  of handle  50  will be grasped by the worker for the manipulation of the opposite end of the punching tool  10  during the punching of the steel deck connections associated with the present invention as shown in  FIGS. 13–15 . 
   The actuator  20  of the punch tool  10  also includes a source of air pressure  56  which is connected to inlet  58  associated with the trigger mechanism  60 . Trigger mechanism  60  includes a lever  62  suitably positioned close to the end of portion  56  of handle  50 . As such, the lever  62  will be in a proper position for easy actuation by the worker using the handle  50 . The lever  62  associated with the trigger mechanism  60  can be lifted so as to open the air valve  64  and allow air to pass through the inlet  58 , through the air hose  46 , into the air can  42 . When the lever  62  is released, the spring action of the air valve  64  will return the lever  62  to its desired position. 
   In normal use, when the trigger mechanism  60  is actuated, air will flow through inlet  58  through the air hose  46  so as to create a pushing force on the piston within the air can  42 . This, in turn, will move the piston rod  28 , and the associated clevis  26 , outwardly. As a result, the punch arm  14  will move angularly outwardly of the frame  12  so as to bring the male die  18  toward the female die  16 . This will cause a punch of the adjoining deck sections located in the space between the male die  18  and the female die  16 . When the trigger mechanism  60 , and its associated lever  62 , is released, the spring within the air can  42  will urge the piston upwardly within the air can  42 . This will cause the piston rod  28 , and the associated clevis  26 , to move inwardly. 
   The air can  42  can take a wide variety of configurations. For example, the air can  42  can be placed in other locations on the frame  12  while still achieving the same punching results. In particular, a variety of other linkages can be implemented so as to allow for the proper movement of the punch arm  14 . As used herein, the term “actuator means” can also take on a wide variety of configurations. For example, it is possible for the actuator to actually work by having the air supply retract the piston within the air can  42 . As a result, through suitable linkages, the male and females dies can move in an opposite orientation to that described in  FIG. 1 . It is possible that hydraulics could be used in place of pneumatics associated with the actuator means. The actuator means can be placed in various locations associated with the handle  50  or with the frame  42 . The actuator means shown in  FIG. 1  is not intended to limit the broad scope associated with the concept of the present invention. Various other operable arrangements of the “actuator means” can also be used. 
     FIG. 2  is an illustration of the punching tool  10  as used for the joining of the deck sections  66  and  68  of the present invention. It can be seen that the deck sections  66  and  68  will have an envelope portion (a female leg) and a lip portion (a male leg) sandwiched together within the space between the male die  18  and the female die  16  on the end of frame  12  of punch tool  10 . The trigger mechanism  60  has been omitted from the illustration of  FIG. 2 . When the trigger mechanism is actuated, the actuator  20 , and, in particular, the air can  42  is actuated so as to urge the piston rod  28  outwardly therefrom. As a result, the punch arm  14  will pivot about pivot point  24  so as to be at a greater angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the frame  12 . As a result, the male die  18  will strongly move toward the female die  16  so as to carry out the requisite crimping and punching operation for the joining of deck sections  62  and  68  together in accordance with the present invention. 
     FIG. 3  shows an end view of the punch tool  10 . In particular, in  FIG. 3 , it can be seen that the frame  12  has an upper strut  69  extending upwardly from support plate  71 . The frame  12  also includes parallel and spaced apart lower support sections  73  and  75  extending downwardly to the male die  18 . The male die  18  is shown as supported by punching arm  14 . The punching arm  14  is pivotally mounted at  24  upon a shaft  77  extending between the support frame members  73  and  75 . The punch arm  14  is also pivotally connected at  79  to the clevis  26  and, in turn, to the piston rod  28  extending outwardly from air can  42 . The air can  42  is supported on a plate  81  rigidly affixed to the frame  12 . Gussets  83  and  85  will extend from crossbar  71  and be affixed to the central upper strut  69 . The end of handle  50  is shown with the handle portion  56  particularly illustrated. 
     FIG. 4  shows an illustration of the air can  42  associated with the punch tool. Air can  42  is particularly made of upper cannister  91  and lower cannister  93  joined together by a clamping band  95  around the periphery thereof. Bolts  97  and  99  extend through the lower cannister  93  so as to allow the lower cannister  93  to be secured to the support plate  81  by conventional means. Piston rod  28  is illustrated as extending outwardly of the lower cannister  93 . An air inlet/outlet  101  is formed through the upper cannister  91  so as to allow air from the air hose  46  to be introduced into the interior of the air can  42 . 
   In  FIG. 4 , it can be seen that the piston rod  28  is connected interior of the air can  42  to a piston  103 . A return spring  105  will extend through the interior of the air can  42  so as to bear against the underside of the piston  103  and against the inner wall of the lower cannister  93 . As a result, the return spring  105  will urge the piston  103  into the position shown in  FIG. 4 . As a result, when air pressure is not applied within the air can  42 , the spring  105  will return the piston  103  toward the inner wall of the upper cannister  91 . A rubber diaphragm  109  has its outer edges secured by the clamping bands  95  in the periphery between the upper cannister  91  and the lower cannister  93 . Rubber diaphragm  109  will bear against the upper surface of the piston  103  so as to define the space  107  within the interior of the air can  42 . When air is introduced through the air inlet  101 , the air will fill the space  107  such that the rubber diaphragm  109  will exert a force upon the piston  103 . This will drive against the resisting force of the spring  105  so as to cause the piston rod  28  to extend outwardly into the position shown in  FIG. 2  herein. 
     FIG. 5  shows an isolated view of the clevis  26 . The clevis  26  has a pivot opening  130  formed in a first flange member  132  and a second pivot opening  134  formed in a second flexible member  136 . A space  138  is formed between the flange members  132  and  136  so as to allow for the receipt of the upper end of the punch arm  14  therein. A suitable connector  140  is formed at the top end  142  of the clevis  26  so as to allow for the attachment of piston rod  28  therein. 
     FIG. 6  is an isolated view of the handle  50  as used on the frame of the punch tool  10 . Handle  50 , as stated previously, has a gripping surface  54  formed at one end of the bar  52 . Gripping surface  54  can be suitably rubber coated, knurled, or otherwise adapted so as to allow workers to easily grasp surface  54 . The handle portion  56  is formed at the opposite end of the bar  52  from the gripping portion  54 . Handle portion  56  is illustrated as having a generally C-shaped configuration. A crossbar  57  will extend between the ends of the C-shaped portion  59  so as to facilitate the grasping of the handle portion  56  and for the manipulation of the punch tool  10 . 
     FIGS. 7 and 8  show an isolated view of the punch arm  14  associated with the present invention. Punch arm  14  has a pivot opening  82  at a top end thereof. A suitable pin can be installed through the pivot opening  82  so as to join the pivot opening  82  with the pivot openings  130  and  134  of clevis  26 . Another pivot opening  84  is formed adjacent to the bottom  86  of the punch arm  14 . Pivot opening  84  will allow a pin to be inserted through the pivot point  24  of the frame  12  so as to allow for the pivotal mounting of the punch arm  14  within the sides  73  and  75  of the frame  12 . A downwardly extending portion  88  extends from one side of the bottom  86  of the punch arm  14 . A suitable threaded support opening  90  is formed in this downwardly extending portion  88  so as to allow for the affixing of the male die  18  thereon. A surface  92  is formed on the downwardly extending portion  88  so as to face the downwardly extending portion associated with the frame  12 . 
   The pivot opening  82  extends through flange  94  formed at the top  98  of the punch arm  14 . The pivot opening  82  is formed so as to extend through the thickness of the flange  94 . Downwardly extending arm  88  is formed at the bottom  86  of the punch arm  14 . Threaded openings  90  are illustrated as extending through the thickness of the downwardly extending portion  88 . As such, downwardly extending arm  88  forms a widened surface for supporting the male die  18  thereon. 
     FIG. 9  is an isolated view of the female die  16 . The female die  16  includes a plurality of inverted V-shaped openings  102 ,  104  and  106 . Bolt openings  108  and  110  are provided through the female die  16  so as to allow for a joining with the threaded opening  80  associated with the downwardly extending arm of the frame  12 . The V-shaped openings  102 ,  104  and  106  have a bottom surface which opens to the bottom edge  112  of the female die  16 .  FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional top view of the female die  16 . 
   In  FIG. 11 , it can be seen that the male die  18  has a pair of bolt holes  114  and  116  extending through the back surface  118  of the male die  18 . The bolt holes  114  and  116  allow the male die  18  to be secured to the corresponding bolt openings  90  associated with the downwardly extending arm  88  of the punch arm  14 . Importantly, male dies  120 ,  122  and  124  extend outwardly from the surface  118 . Male dies have a generally pointed configuration so as to provide for a suitable puncturing and punching of the adjoining deck sections. Each of the male dies  120 ,  122  and  124  tapers from an outwardly extending point opposite to the surface  18  so as to widen toward the surface  118 . In  FIG. 12 , it can be seen that the plurality of male dies  120 ,  122  and  124  have a generally triangular configuration suitable for mating with the inverted V-shaped die members  102 ,  104  and  106  of female die  16 . Each of the male die members  120 ,  122  and  124  is spaced from each other in generally linear alignment along the backing surface  118 . When the punch arm  14  is suitably pivoted about pivot point  24 , the male die  18  will move toward the female die  16  and puncture the adjoining sections of steel decking therebetween. 
     FIG. 13  is an illustration of the cut made by the punch tool  10  for joining the sections  200  and  202  of steel decking  204 . The relationship between the male die  18  and the female die  16  results in the inverted V-shaped cuts  206 ,  208  and  210  as formed in the decking  204 . In particular, the deck section  200  has a male leg  212  in the form of an upwardly extending lip. Similarly, the deck section  202  has a female leg  214  of inverted U-shaped section having surfaces  215  and  217 . The male leg will be received into the interior of the female leg  214  so that the deck sections  200  and  202  are loosely connected together. When the punch tool  10  is suitably actuated, the punches  206 ,  208  and  210  are suitably formed. These triangular tabs created by the punches  206 ,  208  and  210  assure a proper connection between the decking sections  200  and  202 . The formation of these triangular-shaped cuts associated with punches  206 ,  208  and  210  prevent any lateral shifting of the sections  200  and  202  with respect to each other. Additionally, the triangular tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  establish a suitable connection which prevents sections  200  and  202  from pulling away from each other. 
   In particular, in  FIG. 13 , it can be seen that the triangular tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  extend outwardly generally transverse to the surface  215 . In normal use, an inverted V-shaped cut will be formed in the second surface  217 , through the male leg  212  and also through the first surface  215 . The tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  extend generally co-linear with each other and in generally perpendicular relationship to the surface of the legs  212  and  214 . A crimped area  219  is also formed by the punching tool along the length of the legs  212  and  214 . Each of the tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  is spaced approximately one inch from each other. Each of the inverted V-shaped cuts used for the formation of the tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  has a base of approximately 5/16″ and a height of approximately ⅜″. 
     FIG. 14  shows a plan view showing the relationship of the inverted V-shaped cuts in the formation of the triangular tabs  206 ,  208  and  210 . With respect to tab  210 , it can be seen that the inverted V-shaped cut is in the form of a triangular section  221  that extends from the second surface  217  through the void created by the inverted V-shaped cut in the male leg  212  and through the void created by the inverted V-shaped cut in the first surface  215 . Similarly, there is another triangular section  213  which is formed by the inverted V-shaped cut in the male leg  212 . Finally, triangular section  225  extends outwardly from the inverted V-shaped cut made in the first surface  215 . It can be seen that each of the triangular sections  221 ,  223  and  225  is slightly offset with respect to the section immediately therebelow. As a result, overhead inspection can easily determine whether the assembly has been properly carried out and completed. Each of the sections  221 ,  223  and  225  overlies each other in generally offset parallel planar relationship. The triangular tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  are illustrated as extending perpendicularly outwardly from the first surface  215 . The crimping area  219  further assures that a tight connection between the male leg  212  and the female leg  214  is established. 
     FIG. 15  illustrates the specific relationship between these triangular sections  221 ,  223  and  225  which make up the triangular tab. In particular, in  FIG. 15 , it can be seen that the triangular section  221  is formed by the inverted V-shaped cut made in the second surface  217  of the female leg  214 . The triangular section  223  is formed by the inverted V-shaped cut made in the male leg  212 . Finally, the triangular section  225  is formed by the inverted V-shaped cut in the first surface  215  of the female leg  214 . 
   In the method of the present invention, the attachment of the seams associated with deck sections  200  and  202  is a series of three upright triangular tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  that are sheared in an angle in the side lap of the steel interlocking deck . The male and female dies on the punch tool form these triangular tabs  206 ,  208  and  210  by penatrating through the male leg  212  and the female leg  214  of the side laps of each of the decks  200  and  202 . During the shearing process, the side lap is crimped in crimping area  219  so that all three layers of steel are suitably compressed together. Both sides of triangular tabs are sheared and the base of the triangle remains intact with the side lap. When the process is complete, all three layers of steel are visible in the triangular tabs from above. The base of the triangle through the male leg of the deck side lap is the section that impedes the movement of the deck panels in relationship to each other. 
   The present invention serves to connect deck sections that will generate diaphragm shear values that are equivalent to or better than welded values. It is intended that this method of attachment will completely replace welds in the side lap of the deck sections. 
   The triangular tab design associated with the present invention will require relatively low cutting forces compared to other techniques of the prior art. As a result, it is possible to fit three triangular tabs on a single punch tool using a standard air can. It is also possible to use the same set of dies for numerous punches. The tool can be relatively light weight with minimal parts. 
   The technique of the present invention of providing a three tabs per seam attachment produces three bearing surfaces in order to resist shear movement in the deck panels. As a result, diaphragm shear values equal to or better than a typical top seam weld, similarly spaced, are achieved. 
   The seam attachment created by a stand-up pneumatic tool serves to reduce installation costs. The tool can be relatively simply operated by unskilled personnel. Unlike the prior techniques of welding, unskilled workers can use the present tool in order to make the proper seam connections between the deck sections. Additionally, more seam attachments per hour can be achieved than top seam welds. There are also fewer health issues associated with the installation technique of the present invention than would be associated with welding or other techniques. 
   Since the tabs extend at an angle with respect to the male and female legs, the tabs serve to resist vertical loads in a strong fashion. Since the tabs are relative blunt, injuries are avoided. Additionally, these blunt tabs also prevent laceration of equipment, such as hoses, cables or wires. Since the attachment of the seams of the deck sections are created by a die set, there will be no need for touch-up paint on the deck. Typically, in the past, welding would leave a burn mark after application to the side lap. Since no welding is required, no touch-up paint is required. 
   The present invention causes all three layers of steel from the side lap to be visible in the seam attachment. As a result, it is easier for operators and inspectors to verify the connection of the sections. The seam attachment apparatus and process of the present invention are applicable to a wide variety of various decking products. 
   The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction can be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.