Patent Abstract:
A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches supported members, such as deck boards, to supporting members, such as deck joists. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a system for constructing a structure in which supporting members carry transverse supported members, the method of construction and the special clip used in the construction. Examples of such structures are house and patio decks, boardwalks, benches, stair treads, bench seating, trellis systems and the like. 
     Decks are usually built onto the side of a house, rather than as freestanding structures, although they may be either. If built onto the side of a house, a ledger board or header is fastened to the side of the house, usually with lag screws, expansion bolts, or carriage bolts, but any fastener can be used. The vertical placement of the ledger board or header determines the height of the deck. According to standard practice, the deck area is then marked off using strings and batterboards. The top few inches of soil where the deck is to be constructed is removed and a sheet of black polyethylene can be placed over the ground so that vegetation does not grow up through the deck when it is completed. Holes for the supporting posts are then located and dug. The holes are generally at least two feet deep, but are recommended to always be deeper than the frost line. The posts can be set in the ground, in gravel or concrete, or on concrete piers. The posts are plumbed and aligned with each other so that the deck will be plumb with straight edges. Beams are then used to connect the posts, and joists—the supporting members—are attached on top of the beams. Joist hangers can be used or the joists can be screwed or nailed to the headers. The joists are typically placed on 16-inch or 24-inch centers. Decking—the supported members—is placed with the growth rings facing down so that they will not be visible in the completed deck. A ⅛″ space is usually left between the decking boards to allow for expansion. A  10   d  nail can be used as a convenient spacer. Decking is traditionally fastened down to the joists with spiral shank nails, ring shank nails, or coated screws. When pressure-treated wood is used, the manufacturer&#39;s suggestions for nail spacing and the size of nails should be followed. Decking can be laid down in a number of patterns, such as a herringbone, but the traditional method is to lay the decking parallel to the house. In any case, the decking must be laid transversely, whether at an angle or not, across the joists, so that at least two supporting members support each supported member. Rails and often stairs are then added to complete the deck. 
     The standard method of nailing directly through the deck boards has a number of attendant problems, including nails backing out of the wood with seasonal swelling and shrinkage, rusting of the nails and concomitant staining of the deck boards, wood bruises of the deck boards by hammer marks, and loosening of the boards due to nail pullout. 
     Some of these problems are addressed by a variety of existing deck tie and clips, but none of these excel the present invention in simplicity of design, ease of installation, or economy. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The gist of the present invention is the use of a clip in a system and method for constructing a structure in which the clip is attached to an adjoining supported member and driven directly into the supporting member. In this manner, the supported members are connected to the supporting members without any clip interposed therebetween. 
     An object of the present invention is to construct a structure such as a deck using the present method according to which no fasteners are driven through the top surface of the supported deck boards, thereby giving the appearance that no nails are used in the construction of the structure. 
     Another object is to provide a structure in which no fasteners are driven through the top surface of the supported deck boards, thereby eliminating staining due to rusting fastener heads. 
     A further object is to provide a method of installation which is easy, fast and provides a relatively planar surface with ordinary diligence. 
     Still another object is to provide a system which will remain relatively secure through seasonal changes that normally cause shrinkage and swelling of the wood. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1C  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1D  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1E  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1F  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1G  is a side elevation view of a connection formed according to the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2D  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2E  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2F  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3D  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3E  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3F  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3G  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3H  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3I  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4C  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4D  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4E  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4F  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4G  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5D  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5E  is side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5F  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5G  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5H  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6C  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6D  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6E  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6F  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7C  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7D  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7E  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7F  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7G  is a front elevation view of a connection formed according to the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7H  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7I  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8D  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8E  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8F  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8G  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7H  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9D  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9E  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9F  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9G  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9H  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9I  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10D  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10E  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10F  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10G  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10H  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10I  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11C  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11D  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11E  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11F  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11G  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11H  is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11I  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11J  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11K  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11L  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11M  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11N  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the method of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the driver tool of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the driver tool of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12C  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the driver tool of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12D  is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the driver tool of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12E  is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the driver tool of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14A  is a top plan view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14B  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the connector of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of the driver tool and connector of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , the present invention is a method for installing a first supported member  1 , having a first substantially planar side  2 , a second side  3 , a top side  4  and a bottom side  5 , of a plurality of generally parallel closely spaced adjoining supported members  6 , as best shown in  FIG. 13 , to a first supporting member  7  of a plurality of supporting members  8  positioned transversely to the plurality of supported members  6 . 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in the most preferred form of the present invention, the plurality of supported members  6  is wood decking planks and the plurality of supporting members  8  are wood deck joists. As such, the plurality of supported members  6  is horizontally oriented, but the method encompasses any plurality of supported members  6  and any plurality of supporting members  8  in any orientation, although the plurality of supporting members  8  is generally transverse to the plurality of supported members  6 . These members can be formed from any material into which the first fasteners  15  and connectors  9  of the present invention can be driven. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , initially, the method of the present invention comprises positioning the first supported member  1  across the supporting members  8 , so that the bottom side  5  of the first supported member  1  substantially interfaces with the at least two of the plurality of supporting members  8 . A minimum of two supporting members  8  is needed to carry the first supported member  1 . Then the method of the present invention comprises positioning a first connector  9 , best shown in  FIGS. 1C–1F ,  2 C– 2 F,  3 D– 3 G,  4 C– 4 G,  5 D– 5 H,  6 C– 6 F,  7 C– 7 F,  8 E– 8 H,  9 D– 9 F,  10 D– 10 F,  11 E– 11 H and  14 A– 14 B, having a narrow longitudinal member  10  with a first face  11  and a second face  12 , a top  13  and a bottom  14 , proximate the first supporting member  7  so that the first face  11  substantially interfaces with the first side  2  of the first supported member  1 . The narrow longitudinal member  10  occupies substantially a single plane, as it is designed to fit between narrowly-spaced supported members  6 . Then the method of the present invention comprises attaching the first connector  9  to the first side  2  of the first supported member  1  with a first fastener  15 . The first fastener  15  is preferably a nail, but any kind of fastener can be used, nail, screw, bolt, brad, staple, or the like. Then the method of the present invention comprises driving, parallel to the plane of the first side  2  of the first supported member  1 , the first connector  9  into the first supporting member  7 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3A–3I ,  5 A– 5 H and  8 A– 8 H, in a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first connector  9  preferably has a first fastener opening  16  in the longitudinal member  10  and the first fastener  15  is driven through the first fastener opening  16 . The first fastener opening  16  of the first connector  9  is preferably a longitudinal slot. The slot can be centered in longitudinal member  10  or it can be offset. The longitudinal member  10  has a top edge  17  at the top  13 , a bottom edge  18  at the bottom  14 , a first side edge  19  and second side edge  20 , and the bottom edge  18  tapers. The bottom edge  18  can taper in equally on either side. It can taper to a point or merely narrow the cross-section of the of the bottom edge  18 . This reduces the leading edge cross-section of the first connector  9  and increases the pressure applied to the first supporting member  7  when the first connector  9  is driven, thereby easing driving. Preferably, the first side edge  19  and the second side edge  20  have serrations  52  along at least a portion of their length. This improves the withdrawal resistance of the first connector  9 . As shown in  FIGS. 11A–11C ,  11 G and  14 B Preferably the longitudinal member  10  has longitudinal corrugations  54 . This stiffens the longitudinal member  10  against driving forces. The need to corrugate the longitudinal member  10  is a function of the driving forces and the hardness of the wood into which it is driven. If the wood is relatively soft, the longitudinal member  10  can be formed out of relatively thick sheet metal, 12 gauge steel for example. If the wood is relatively hard, the longitudinal member  10  must be formed from relatively thin sheet metal, 20 or 22 gauge steel in the most preferred form, in order to prevent the first connector  9  from acting as a wedge that splits the first supporting member  7  into which it is driven. When the longitudinal member  10  is formed from very light gauge metal, it may be necessary to longitudinally corrugate the metal in order to stiffen it against driving forces. It may be preferable under certain conditions to form the connector of the present invention from stainless steel, which is both harder and more corrosion resistant than untreated or galvanized steel. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A–8H , in a preferred form of the invention, the top edge  17  is integrally joined at a first juncture  21  to a tab  22  that continues in the same plane as the longitudinal member  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3I ,  5 C and  6 B, the first connector  9  of the present invention can be driven until the top  13  is flush with the top side  4  of the first supported member  1 . In this case, the first connector  9  can be driven with a hammer  42  or, in fact, any instrument that applies sufficient driving force to the first connector  9 . However, as shown in  FIGS. 1B ,  1 G,  2 B,  4 B,  7 B,  7 G and  7 I it is preferable to drive the first connector  9  until the top  13  is slightly below the top side  4  of the first supported member  1 . This hides the top  13  of the first connector  9  from view when subsequent supported members of the plurality of supported members  6  are attached. In the preferred method, a driving tool  43  is interposed between the hammer  42  and the first connector  9 . If the first connector  9  is being driven between two closely spaced supported members  6  of the plurality of supported members  6 , the driving tool  43  must be sufficiently narrow that it fits between the supported members. It is in any case preferable to use a driving tool  43  because the hammer  42  will leave marks on the top side  4  of the first supported member  1  if nothing is interposed between it and the first connector  9 . As shown in  FIGS. 8A–8D , the tab  22  of the form described above acts as an integral driving tool  43 . When the first connector  9  has been driven into the supporting member  7 , one breaks away the tab  22  along the first juncture  21 . First juncture  21  eases the breakaway of the tab  22 . 
     As detailed above, the first connector  9  is preferably made of sheet metal. Preferably, the first fastener  15  is a nail. 
     In another embodiment, the first fastener opening  16  can be a hole. Alternatively, there need not be a first fastener opening  16 , and the first fastener  15  is then driven directly through the longitudinal member  10  such that first juncture  21  is below the top side  4  of the first supported member  1 . The first connector  9  is then driven into the first supporting member  7  and the tab  22  is then broken away. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 9E and 10E , in another preferred embodiment of present invention, the first fastener opening  16  in the first connector  9  is a round hole. As shown in  FIGS. 9A–9C ,  9 G– 9 I,  10 A– 10 C and  10 G– 10 I, in this embodiment, the first connector  9  rotates around the first fastener  15  in order to drive the connector  9  into the first supporting member  7 . Preferably, the longitudinal member  10  has concentric corrugations  54  centered on the fastener opening  16 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 10A–10I , in one form of this preferred embodiment, the longitudinal member  10  is substantially triangular in profile. Preferably, the first connector  9  is made of sheet metal. Preferably, the first fastener  15  is a nail. As best shown in  FIGS. 9A–9I , in another form of this preferred embodiment, the longitudinal member  10  has two wings  23  that extend away from the first fastener opening  16 . Preferably, the first connector  9  is made of sheet metal. Preferably, the first fastener  15  is a nail. The form with the triangular profile is stronger than the form with the two wings  23 . The primary advantage of these forms, in particular the form with two wings  23 , is that they can be accessed from below the structure and rotated back out of the first supporting member  7  if the first supporting member  7  rots. Removing the first supported member  1  when it is attached with the other preferred embodiments of the present invention is more difficult and more destructive. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A–1G ,  2 A– 2 F,  4 A– 4 G and  7 A– 7 F, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first fastener  15  has a shank  24  and a head  25 . The longitudinal member  10  has a first leg  26  and a second leg  27  laterally spaced to accommodate the shank  24  of the first fastener  15  therebetween, and a first connecting portion  28  between the first leg  26  and the second leg  27 . And the first leg  26  is driven into the first supporting member  7  until the connecting portion  28  reaches the shank  24 . As shown in  FIGS. 4A–4G , the second leg  27  can be shorter than the first leg  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A–1G  and  FIGS. 2A–2F , the second leg  27  is preferably equal in length to the first leg  26  and the second leg  27  is driven into the supporting member  7  alongside the first leg  26 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A–1G , the first leg  26  and the second leg  27  preferably have serrations  52  along at least a portion of their length. This increases the resistance of the first connector  9  to pullout. Preferably, the first  9  connector is made of sheet metal. As shown in  FIG. 14B , preferably, the first leg  26  and the second leg  27  each have a longitudinal reinforcing embossment  53 . Preferably, the first fastener  15  is a nail. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in another preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention includes driving a second fastener  29  having a shank  30  and a head  31  into the first side  2  of the first supported member  1  such that the head  31  is a selected distance away from the first side  2 . The longitudinal member  10  preferably has a third leg  32  laterally spaced from the first leg  26  to closely accommodate the shank  30  of the second fastener  29  therebetween, a second connecting portion  33  between the first leg  26  and the third leg  32 , and the second leg  27  and the third leg  32  are laterally spaced to each side of the first leg  26 . This gives the first connector  9  a trident-shaped profile. Preferably, the first leg  26  has serrations  52  along at least a portion of its length. 
     Although in most embodiments the first connector of the present invention is preferably formed from sheet steel, any similarly hard material may be suitable. As shown in  FIGS. 7A–7I , in an alternate preferred embodiment, the first connector  9  is bent out of a single piece of wire. In this embodiment, the first fastener  15  is preferably a nail. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 11A–11N , in another preferred embodiment, the longitudinal member  10  has a first leg  26  and a second leg  27  laterally spaced, a first connecting portion  28  between the first leg  26  and the second leg  27 , a third leg  32  laterally spaced from the first leg  26 , and a second connecting portion  33  between the first leg  26  and the third leg  32 . The method additionally comprises positioning a second supported member  34  of the plurality of supported members  6 , having a first substantially planar side  35 , a second side  36 , a top side  37  and a bottom side  38 , above the plurality of supporting members  8  on the opposite side of the first connector  9  from the first supported member  1 . For ease of installation, the second supported member  34  can be rested on another member before being lowered onto the supporting members  8 . One then drives a second fastener  29  between the first leg  26  and the third leg  32  into the second side  36  of the second supported member  34 . One then lowers the second supported member  34  to the plurality of supporting members  8 . As in all embodiments, the first connector  9  is attached to the first side  2  of the first supported member  1  with a first fastener  15 , and the first connector  9  is driven into the first supporting member  7 . This embodiment allows a single first connector  9  to attach a first supported member  1  and a second supported member  34  to the first supporting member  7 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 11G , in this embodiment, the first leg  26  and the third leg  32  preferably has serrations  52  along at least a portion of their length. Preferably, the first connector  9  is made of sheet metal. Preferably, the second leg  27  and the third leg  32  each have a longitudinal reinforcing embossment  53 . Preferably, the first fastener  15  is a nail and the second fastener  29  in a nail. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7G–7I , in another preferred embodiment, the first fastener  15  has a first leg  39  and a second leg  40  joined by a connecting portion  41 . In this embodiment, the first fastener  15  and the first connector  9  are essentially the same and can be identical. This greatly simplifies installation, as no distinction needs to be made between these parts. Preferably, the first connector  9  is bent out of a single piece of wire and the first fastener  15  is bent out of a single piece of wire. The longitudinal member  10  has a first leg  26  and a second leg  27  laterally spaced to accommodate the first leg  39  of the first fastener  15  therebetween, and a first connecting portion  28  between the first leg  26  and the second leg  27 . And the first leg  26  is driven into the first supporting member  7  until the connecting portion  28  reaches the first leg  39  of the first fastener  15 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, the first connector  9  is driven by a hammer  42 . As shown in  FIGS. 1A ,  2 A,  3 C,  4 A,  5 C,  6 A,  7 A,  71 ,  91 ,  10 I,  11 D and  11 N, preferably, a driving tool  43  having an upper portion  44  and a lower portion  45  is interposed between the first connector  9  and the hammer  42  so that the driving force is transferred from the hammer  42  through the driving tool  43  into the first connector  43 . The lower portion  44  of the driving tool  43  is dimensioned to fit between the first supported member  1  and a second supported member  34  when the first supported member  1  and the second supported member  34  are closely spaced adjacent and parallel each other. In its most basic form, the driving tool  43  comprises a flat metal rectangle. As shown in  FIG. 15 , preferably, the lower portion  45  of the driving tool  43  is dimensioned to closely interface with the top  13  of the first connector  9 , thereby limiting slip between the two. This close interface can be made by forming the lower portion  45  of the driving tool  43  to conform to the contour of the top  13  of the longitudinal member  10 , and it can have a groove or slot formed in the lower portion  45 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 12A–12E , in another preferred embodiment, the driving tool  43  has a body  46 , a longitudinal cavity  47  in the body  46  formed to accept the first connector  9  and a sliding force transferring member  48 , a lower projection  49  in the lower portion  45 , a first arm  50  extending laterally from the lower portion  45 , and a second arm  51  extending laterally from the lower portion  45  opposite the first arm  50 . Preferably, the first connector  9  is placed inside the longitudinal cavity  47 , the driving tool  43  is positioned so that the first arm  50  interfaces with the first supported member  1 , the second arm  51  interfaces with the second supported member  34 , and the lower projection  49  is substantially between the first supported member  1  and the second supported member  34 , the first connector  9  is positioned directly over the first fastener  15 . The force transferring member  48  is struck with a hammer  42  until the first connector  9  is driven into the first supporting member  7  and the top  13  of the first connector  9  is below the top side  4  of the first supported member  1  and the top side  37  of the second supported member  34 . Preferably, the body  46  is cast in aluminum, and the force transferring member  48  is steel. 
     In deck construction, the first supported member  1 , a deck plank, typically is screwed or toenailed against the ledger board or header, simply because it can be easier than using the connector  9  of the present invention, which may be difficult to install against a ledger board or header. Once the first supported member  1  has been laid down, a first fastener  15  can be driven into the first side  2  of the first supported member  1 , or joist, that faces away from the ledger board or header, leaving a gap between the head  25  of the first fastener  15  and the first side  2  of the first supported member  1  large enough to accommodate the thickness of the first connector  9 . In the forms that allow it, the first connector  9  can then be slid down over the exposed first fastener  9  shank  24  below the head  25  and driven into the first supporting member  7  below it. The first connector  9  can be driven with a hammer  42  until it is flush with the top side  4  of the first supported member  4 , but a narrow driving tool  43 , in its simplest form a length of sheet steel, may be needed to drive the first connector  9  down below the top side  4  of the first supported member  7  when two supported members  6  are closely spaced. As shown in  FIG. 13 , preferably the connectors  9  are staggered on every other of the supporting members  8 . 
     In the most basic form, a second supported member  34  is preferably installed as follows. The second supported member  34 , having a first substantially planar side  35 , a second side  36 , a top side  37 , and a bottom side  38 , is positioned across the supporting members  8 , so that the bottom side  38  of the second supported member  34  substantially interfaces with at least two of the plurality of supporting members  8 , and so that the first side  35  is parallel and in close proximity to the second side  3  of the first supported member  1 . Because it is in close proximity, the gap between the first supported member  1  and the second supported member  34  is relatively narrow, permitting and, moreover, encouraging the use of the method of the present invention and the narrow connector  9  of the present invention, which are particularly well-adapted for such installations. A second connector  9 , having a narrow longitudinal member  10  with a first face  11  and a second face  12 , a top  13  and a bottom  14 , is positioned proximate the first supporting member  7  so that the first face  11  substantially interfaces with the first side  35  of the second supported member  34 . The second connector  9  is attached to the first side  35  of the second supported member  34  with a first fastener  15  and the first connector  9  is driven, parallel to the plane of the first side  35  of the second supported member  34 , into the first supporting member  7 . 
     If the supporting members  8  are wide enough, connectors  9  can be placed side-by-side, attaching facing supported member  6 . The standard joist is 6×2 or 8×2, so there usually isn&#39;t enough room for side-by-side installations. The gap between the boards is set according to preference. Green wood is usually closely spaced because it will shrink and widen the gap. Some prefer a wider gap in order to allow debris to be swept through the gaps. 
     In the preferred form, the second side  3  of the first supported member  1  is preferably connected as follows. After connecting the first side  2 , one positions a second connector  9 , having a narrow longitudinal member  10  with a first face  11  and a second face  12 , a top  13  and a bottom  14 , proximate one of the plurality of supporting members  8  so that the first face  11  substantially interfaces with the second side  3  of the first supported member  1 . One then attaches the connector  9  to the second side  3  of the first supported member  1  with a first fastener  15 . Finally, one drives, parallel to the plane of the second side  3  of the first supported member  1 , the connector  9  into the proximate one of the plurality of supporting members  8 . 
     Since the supported member  1  is already attached to the supporting member  7  when this connector  9  on the second side  3  is driven in, the embodiment used here must be able to slide past the second side  3  of the supported member  1  while it is being driven into the supporting member  7 . 
     A second supported member  34  can then be installed. The second supported member  34 , having a first substantially planar side  35 , a second side  36 , a top side  37 , and a bottom side  38 , is positioned across the supporting members  8 , so that the bottom side  38  of the second supported member  34  substantially interfaces with at least two of the plurality of supporting members  8 , and so that the first side  35  is parallel and in close proximity to the second side  2  of the first supported member  1 . Because it is in close proximity, the gap between the first supported member  1  and the second supported member  34  is relatively narrow, permitting and, moreover, encouraging the use of the method of the present invention and the narrow connector  1  of the present invention, which are particularly well-adapted for such installations. A second connector  9 , having a narrow longitudinal member  10  with a first face  11  and a second face  12 , a top  13  and a bottom  14 , is positioned proximate one of the plurality of supporting members  8  so that the first face  11  substantially interfaces with the first side  35  of the second supported member  34 . The second connector  9  is attached to the first side  35  of the second supported member  34  with a first fastener  15  and the first connector  9  is driven, parallel to the plane of the first side  35  of the second supported member  34 , into the proximate one of the plurality of supporting members  8 . 
     In order to connect both sides of the second supported member  34 , after connecting the first side  35 , one positions another connector  9 , having a narrow longitudinal member  10  with a first face  11  and a second face  12 , a top  13  and a bottom  14 , proximate one of the plurality of supporting members  8  so that the first face  11  substantially interfaces with the second side  36  of the second supported member  34 . One then attaches the connector  9  to the second side  36  of the second supported member  34  with a first fastener  15 . Finally, one drives, parallel to the plane of the second side  36  of the second supported member  34 , the connector  9  into the proximate one of the plurality of supporting members  8 .

Technology Classification (CPC): 4