Patent Publication Number: US-2016244975-A1

Title: Spacer assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/119,876 filed Feb. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     A spacer assembly for spacing panels. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     While installing paneling (e.g. plywood, fibreboard, oriented strand board waferboard, sheetrock), it is commonly recommended that panel installers fasten panels with a specific amount of spacing in order to allow for expansion or for other reasons. For example, the American Plywood Association (APA) recommends that plywood panels used for roof sheathing are spaced from adjacent panels by ⅛″ at panel ends and edges. It can be time consuming to properly space panels with the recommended spacing and job site conditions may result in uneven or insufficient spacing. Some installers resort to the use of nails inserted between adjacent panels which, instead of providing proper spacing may instead dent the panels in the local area where the nail is sandwiched between panels. Consequently, moisture and other environmental factors may cause expansion of the panels which can lead to buckling of the panels along any abutting edges. In a roofing application, expansion of panels used for roof sheathing typically cause what is referred to as “shingle ridging.” Accordingly, there is an increasing need for improved devices for maintaining ideal spacing of the panels while they are being installed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a spacer assembly is provided. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having a front side and a back side. The body includes a first projection extending transversely from the bottom adjacent the second end in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. The body also includes a second projection extending in a second direction generally opposite the first direction a second predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. A handle extends from the top of the body away from the first projection at the second end extends laterally from the front side to the back side. The handle includes a first protrusion extending longitudinally from the handle and away from the second end for enabling handling of the spacer assembly and facilitating removal of the spacer assembly from between the panels. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a spacer assembly is provided. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having a front side and a back side. The body includes a first projection extending transversely from the bottom adjacent the second end in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. The body also includes a second projection extending in a second direction generally opposite the first direction a second predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. The second predetermined distance is different than the first predetermined distance for enabling the spacer assembly to be used with both tongue and groove type panels and panels without tongue and groove. 
     Thus several advantages of one or more aspects of the invention are that a single spacer assembly may be used for a variety of spacing uses. The spacer assembly may also be handled conveniently by installers and may be removed easily once panels have been fastened. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a side view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2B  is a front view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 2C  is a top view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is a top view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6B  is a top view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 6C  is a front view of the spacer assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a spacer assembly  20  for spacing panels constructed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure is disclosed. A spacer assembly  20  according to an aspect of the disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C , and includes an elongate body  22  having a top  24  and a bottom  26  configured generally parallel to the top  24 . The body  22  extends longitudinally from a first end  28  to a second end  30  and has a front side  32  and a back side  34 . The bottom  26  of the body  22  is generally planar and presents a first contact surface for abutting the panels. The spacer assembly  20  may be constructed from any suitable material such as, but not limited to organic polymeric materials, wood, or composite materials. The spacer assembly  20  may even be formed or stamped from ferrous or nonferrous metal, for example, sheet metal according to another aspect of the disclosure. 
     The body  22  further includes a first projection  36  extending transversely from the bottom  26  adjacent the second end  30 . The first projection  36  has a first width W 1  and extends in a first direction a first predetermined distance D 1 . The first projection  36  also extends laterally from the front side  32  to the back side  34  for insertion between the panels and establishing a space between the panels of approximately the first width W 1 . According to an aspect of the disclosure, the first projection  36  is intended to be used with conventional panels having flat edges rather than “tongue and groove” panels. The first width W 1  is chosen based on the approximate space desired between panels, so according to an aspect, the first width W 1  may be ⅛″ to correspond with the American Plywood Association (APA) recommendation for spacing of plywood panels used for roof sheathing. Similarly, the first predetermined distance D 1  may be selected to enable the first projection  36  to extend along the edge a distance greater than or equal to the thickness of the panel. However, it should be understood that the first width W 1  and first predetermined distance D 1  can be adjusted for any number of factors. 
     The body  22  also includes a second projection  38  extending from the top  24  adjacent the first end  28 . The second projection  38  has a second width W 2  and extends a second predetermined distance D 2  and extends laterally from the front side  32  to the back side  34 . The second projection  38  is additionally canted outwardly at a first angle α for insertion between the panels and establishing a space between the panels of approximately the second width W 2 . According to an aspect of the disclosure, the second projection  38  may be used primarily for establishing the spacing of “tongue and groove” panels. As a result of the “tongue” portion of the panel extending away from the edge of the panel, it is desirable for the second projection  38  to extend into the gap or space between panels to the depth of the “tongue” portion rather than the entire thickness of the panel. In other words, when inserted, a distal end of the second projection  38  rests on the “tongue” portion as the second projection  38  is sandwiched between panels. While the second width W 2  may be approximately the same as the first width W 1 , it may be desirable for the spacer assembly  20  to enable a panel installer to space panels at different spacing. It should be appreciated that, as with the first width W 1  and first predetermined distance D 1 , the second width W 2  and second predetermined distance D 2  may be adjusted for any number of factors. 
     The body  22  additionally includes a sloped portion  40  extending longitudinally along the top  24  and laterally from the front side  32  to the back side  34  and that is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection  38 . The sloped portion  40  extends above the top  24  (i.e. away from the bottom  26 ) and presents a second contact surface for abutting the panels. Because the second projection  38  is canted and the sloped portion  40  is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection  38 , the spacer assembly  20  is able to rest on a panel with the second contact surface of the sloped portion  40  abutting the panel. 
     A handle  42  extends from the top  24  of the body  22  away from the first projection  36  at the second end  30  for enabling handling of the spacer assembly  20 . The handle  42  includes a first protrusion  44  extending longitudinally from the handle  42  and away from the second end  30 . The handle  42  also includes a second protrusion  46  extending longitudinally from the handle  42  toward the first end  28 . While the handle  42  may enable a panel installer to carry or position the spacer assembly  20 , it may also facilitate removal of the spacer assembly  20  using tools such as a pry bar after the panels have been fastened down. The handle  42  as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C  provides a built in storage feature, wherein the second protrusion  46  enables the spacer assembly  20  to be hung from a belt without another clip or fastener. According to another aspect, the handle  42  could include additional clips, bores, slots, or grooves which could aid in the attachment of the spacer assembly  20  to a tool belt or otherwise simplify its usage. The protrusions  44 ,  46  each have a rounded or semi-circular cross-section, however it should be understood that the protrusions  44 ,  46  may take other forms or shapes. 
     In use, the spacer assembly  20  according to an aspect of the disclosure may be employed in two primary modes. As the spacer assembly  20  is used in the first mode (e.g. for panels that are not “tongue and groove”), the first projection  36  of the spacer assembly  20  may be placed or inserted between panels temporarily to ensure proper spacing of the panels while they are being fastened in place (e.g. to roof rafters or floor joints). While in the first mode, the first contact surface of the bottom  26  rests against one of the panels. As the spacer assembly  20  is used in the second mode (e.g. for panels that are “tongue and groove”), the second contact surface of the sloped portion  40  rests against a panel. Simultaneously, the second projection  38  of the spacer assembly  20  is placed or inserted between the panels temporarily to ensure proper spacing of the panels while they are being fastened in place. The first contact surface and second contact surface allow the spacer assembly  20  to be “self-positioning,” in other words, the spacer assembly  20  rests on panel or sheet and the depth and orientation of the spacer assembly  20  is maintained without any further interaction with the panel installer. 
     A spacer assembly  120  according to another aspect of the disclosure is shown in  FIG. 3  and includes an elongate body  122  having a top  124  and a bottom  126  that presents a first contact surface for abutting the panels. The body  122  extends longitudinally from a first end  128  to a second end  130 . The top  124  and bottom  126  of the spacer assembly  120  extend from the first end  128  to the second end  130  in a diverging fashion. The body  122  includes a first projection  136  and a second projection  138  that is canted outwardly at a first angle α. A handle  142  extends from the top  124  of the body  122  away from the first projection  136  at the second end  130  for enabling handling of the spacer assembly  120 . The handle  142 , however, only includes a first protrusion  144  extending longitudinally from the handle  142  and away from the second end  130 . The body  122  additionally includes a sloped portion  140  extending longitudinally along the top  124  and laterally from the front side  132  to the back side  134 . The sloped portion  140  is recessed below the top  124  and is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection  138  to present a second contact surface for abutting the panels. As a result of the second projection  138  being canted and the sloped portion  140  being canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection  138 , the spacer assembly  120  can rest on a panel with the second contact surface of the sloped portion  140  abutting the panel while the second projection  138  establishes a space between the panel and a neighboring panel. Alternatively, the spacer assembly  120  may be oriented with the first contact surface of the bottom  126  in contact with a panel and the first projection  136  establishing a space between the panel and a neighboring panel. 
     A spacer assembly  220  according to another aspect of the disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C  and includes an elongate body  222  having a top  224  and a bottom  226  that presents a first contact surface for abutting the panels. The body  222  extends longitudinally from a first end  228  to a second end  230 . The body  222  includes a first projection  236  and a second projection  238 . The second projection  238  is canted outwardly at a second angle α for establishing a space between the panels. A handle  242  extends from the top  224  of the body  222  away from the first projection  236  at the second end  230  for enabling handling of the spacer assembly  220 . The handle  242  includes a first protrusion  244  extending longitudinally from the handle  242  and away from the second end  230 . The first protrusion  244  has a rectangular or square cross-section, however, it should be understood that it may instead have other shapes, such as, but not limited to a rounded or semi-circular cross-section as illustrated in spacer assemblies  20 ,  120  shown in  FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C . The body  222  additionally includes a sloped portion  240  extending longitudinally along the top  224  and laterally from the front side  232  to the back side  234 . The sloped portion  240  extends above the top  224  and is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection  138  to present a second contact surface for abutting the panels. 
     A spacer assembly  320  according to another aspect of the disclosure is shown in  FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, and 6C , and includes an elongate body  322  having a top  324  and a bottom  326 . The body  322  extends longitudinally from a first end  328  to a second end  330  and has a front side  332  and a back side  334 . The top  324  and bottom  326  extend from the first end  328  to the second end  330  in a diverging fashion. The body  322  further includes a first projection  336  extending transversely from the bottom  326  adjacent the second end  330 . A handle  342  extends from the top  324  of the body  322  away from the first projection  336  at the second end  330  for enabling handling of the spacer assembly  320 . The handle  342  includes a first protrusion  344  extending longitudinally from the handle  342  and away from the second end  330  and a second protrusion  346  extending longitudinally from the handle  342  toward the first end  328 . The body  322  also includes a second projection  338  extending from the handle  342  away from the top  324  adjacent the second end  330 . The second projection  338  is additionally canted inwardly (i.e. toward the first end  328 ) at a second angle β for insertion between the panels and establishing a space between the panels. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the second projection  338  may be used primarily for establishing the spacing of “tongue and groove” panels while the first projection  336  may be used primarily for panels that are not “tongue and groove”. 
     Spacer assemblies  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  according to additional aspects are illustrated in  FIGS. 7-12 . The disclosed spacer assembly may take on a myriad of forms depending on the desired thickness of the panels to be spaced and any specific orientation requirements as the panels are installed. For example, panels may need to be tilted or canted relative to an adjacent panel as the panel is being installed. Spacer assemblies  300 ,  400 ,  500 ,  600 ,  700 ,  800 ,  900  according to aspects of the invention may take the form of being generally S-shaped ( FIG. 11 ) or L-shaped ( FIG. 12 ) for instance. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility.