U.S. patent application number 15/177076 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-15 for fastening system for decking boards.
The applicant listed for this patent is Elmich Pte Ltd. Invention is credited to Henry Greaves, Alan Sian Ghee Lee.
Application Number | 20160362902 15/177076 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56344977 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160362902 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Alan Sian Ghee ; et
al. |
December 15, 2016 |
FASTENING SYSTEM FOR DECKING BOARDS
Abstract
A fastening system for decking boards (16) includes a series of
supports (14) that define a central raised wall (24) and two planar
portions (22) located either side of the wall. A stem (52)
depending from a generally semi-circular washer (18) extends into a
recess in the wall. Slots in the decking board run along both sides
of the board. A first pair of supports is located on a bearer (12)
and a first board is supported on the planar portions (22) of the
supports, above the bearer. One half of the semi-circular top (50)
of one washer is rotated to extend into the slot in the side of the
decking board. A second board is located adjacent the first board
on the support. A further support is slipped under the side of the
second board. A washer in the further support is rotated and locked
in place with a screw.
Inventors: |
Lee; Alan Sian Ghee;
(Singapore, SG) ; Greaves; Henry; (Watsons Bay,
AU) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Elmich Pte Ltd |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Family ID: |
56344977 |
Appl. No.: |
15/177076 |
Filed: |
June 8, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04F 15/02044 20130101;
E04F 15/02183 20130101; E04F 2015/02094 20130101; E04F 15/02161
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04G 23/02 20060101
E04G023/02; E04F 15/02 20060101 E04F015/02; E04F 21/20 20060101
E04F021/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 15, 2015 |
AU |
2015902259 |
Claims
1. A locking support for decking boards including a support element
defining a wall portion and at least two generally planar support
portions disposed on opposed sides of the wall portion for
supporting the underside of a decking board, the wall portion
defining a generally cylindrical or part cylindrical recess; and an
anchoring element having a top portion and a depending stem,
located in the recess, the stem being able to turn in the recess
and having an aperture extending through the stem for receiving the
shaft of a fastening means for fixing the anchoring element
relative to the support element.
2. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 1
wherein the top portion of the anchoring element is generally
planar and generally semi-circular.
3. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 1
wherein each planar support portion of the support element defines
an aperture.
4. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 3
wherein the aperture is generally D-shaped.
5. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 2
wherein the generally semi-circular top portion defines a
semi-circular perimeter edge which is knurled and defines a series
of ribs.
6. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 5
including an indicia located part way around the semi-circular
perimeter edge of the washer.
7. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 1
wherein the generally cylindrical or part cylindrical recess
defines an upper portion having a larger internal diameter and a
lower portion having a smaller internal diameter.
8. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 7
wherein the stem of the washer is a close fit inside the upper
portion of the generally cylindrical or part cylindrical
recess.
9. A locking support for decking boards as claimed in claim 8
wherein the upper portion of the bore defines an inwardly directed
protrusion and the stem of the washer defines a recess which can
receive the protrusion when aligned with the same.
10. A method of assembling a floor comprising decking boards
defining slots extending along opposed side edges of the board, the
floor being supported on bearers using the decking support as
claimed in claim 1, comprising the steps of:-- locating a first
pair of supports on a bearer; supporting a first board on the
planar portions of the supports; adjusting the washer so that part
of the top portions of one washer extends into a slot in the side
of the decking board and fixing the washer using a removable
fastener such as a screw extending through the stem into the
support and into the bearer.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 further including the step of;
locating a second board adjacent the first board on the support
placing a further support under the second board and adjusting the
washer in the further support and securing the same with removable
fasteners such as a screw.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from Australia provisional
patent application No AU 2015902259 filed in the name of Elmich Pte
Ltd entitled "Fastening system for decking boards" the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to a fastening system for decking
boards/floor boards.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Decking boards have been used extensively to create raised
decks and floors. Decking boards are laid side by side, spaced
apart by about 5 mm on top of transverse bearers, and are fixed to
the bearers using nails.
[0004] One problem with current methods for laying decking boards
occurs when it is necessary to remove the decking boards, either to
replace damaged decking boards, or for access underneath the deck
for services or the like. This is difficult to do as it involves
removal of a number of boards and the removal of the boards often
results in damage to the deck.
[0005] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices,
articles or the like which has been included in the present
specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of
these matters form part of the prior art base or were common
general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure
as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this
application.
[0006] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or
variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood
to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any
other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or
steps.
SUMMARY
[0007] According to the present invention, there is provided a
locking support for decking boards or the like including a support
element defining a wall portion and at least two generally planar
support portions disposed on opposed sides of the wall portion for
supporting the underside of a decking board, the wall portion
defining a generally cylindrical or part cylindrical recess; and an
anchoring element having a generally planar top portion, which is
preferably generally semi-circular, and a depending stem, located
in the recess, the stem being able to turn in the recess and an
aperture extending through the stem for receiving the shaft of a
fastening means for fixing the anchoring element relative to the
support element.
[0008] Advantageously, the fastening system allows decking boards
to be laid and fastened in place but subsequently removed e.g. for
replacement or repair, or to allow access to areas covered by the
boards.
[0009] Each planar support portion may define an aperture,
preferably a generally D-shaped aperture.
[0010] Typically, the semi-circular perimeter edge of the top
portion of the washer is knurled.
[0011] The washer should preferably be rigid and is typically made
of a metal or very strong plastic such as glass reinforced
nylon.
[0012] Typically, the generally cylindrical or part cylindrical
recess defines an upper portion having a larger internal diameter
and a lower portion having a smaller internal diameter. The stem of
the washer is a close fit inside the upper portion of the generally
cylindrical or part cylindrical recess.
[0013] In a related aspect, the invention provides a method of
assembling a floor comprising decking boards defining slots
extending along opposed side edges of the board, the floor being
supported on bearers using a decking support as described above,
comprising the steps of:--
[0014] locating a first pair of supports on a bearer;
[0015] supporting a first board on the planar portions of the
supports;
[0016] adjusting the washer so that part of the top portions of one
washer extends into a slot in the side of the decking board;
and
[0017] fixing the washer using a removable fastener such as a screw
extending through the stem into the support and into the
bearer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] A specific embodiment of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, and with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:--
[0019] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of part of a raised deck
embodying the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a section through the deck shown in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 2a is an enlarged view of part of the section shown in
FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a support element of the deck
showing the top of the support element;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the support element of FIG.
3;
[0024] FIG. 5 is an isometric view showing the underside of the
support element of FIG. 3;
[0025] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an anchoring element showing
the top of the anchoring element;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the anchoring element shown in
FIG. 6;
[0027] FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing the underside of the
anchoring element shown in FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the deck showing the anchoring
element in a first locked position;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the deck showing the anchoring
element in a second locked position;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the deck showing the anchoring
element in an unlocked position
[0031] FIG. 12 shows a variant of the deck incorporating a rail;
and
[0032] FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16 illustrate the use of the support
with different combinations and arrangements of washers.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0033] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a part of a floor or
deck 10. The floor includes a series of spaced apart parallel
bearers/beams 12, of which only one is shown. The bearers may be
supported on height adjustable pedestals (not shown), however the
specific manner in which the bearers are supported is not
critical.
[0034] A series of three support elements 14 (of which one is
hidden) are attached to the upper surface of the bearer, on top of
which two decking boards 16 are located. The support elements are
shown in more detail in FIGS. 3 to 5, and an anchoring element in
the form of a washer 18 which locates in the support element, is
shown in more detail in FIGS. 6 to 8.
[0035] As can be seen in FIG. 1, a groove 20 extends along and into
each longitudinal side edge of the decking board 16.
[0036] Turning to FIGS. 3 to 5, the support element 14 defines two
generally planar portions/platforms 22, on which decking boards are
supported in use. The planar portions 22 are separated by a wall
portion 24 extending across the middle of the support element. A
large generally D-shaped aperture 25 is defined in the centre of
each planar portion 22. A series of V-shaped channels 26 (best seen
in FIG. 3) are defined in the upper surface of the planar portions
which assist in the prevention of water build up under the decking
board. A V-shaped notch 28 (best seen in FIG. 4) is defined in each
opposed end of the support element 14. This notch assists in
aligning the supports on the bearer. The wall portion 24 defines
three part-cylindrical bores 30, a central bore 30a and a bore 30b,
30c on opposed sides of the central bore. The bores are
substantially identical. Each bore is defined by two opposed part
cylindrical surfaces 32. As is best seen in FIG. 4, two
diametrically opposed protrusions 34 are defined in the bore, one
protrusion being located in the centre of each part cylindrical
surface 32. Each bore has a larger diameter upper part 36 and a
slightly narrower diameter lower part 38 separated at a circular
step 40 (refer to FIG. 3).
[0037] FIG. 5 shows the underside of the support element which
defines two longitudinally extending support rails/feet 42, which
extend along each of lateral edge of the support element, the lower
surfaces of which define a series of spaced V-shaped cut outs 44,
and a number of supporting feet 46 under the centre and
longitudinal edges of the support element some of whose lower
surfaces also define a series of spaced V-shaped cut outs 44. The
V-shaped cut-outs 44 help to prevent the build of water by allowing
freer drainage/movement of water on top of the bearer 12. They also
function as cutting grooves to allow a support to be used for an
edge or end board by cutting off one of the planar portions.
[0038] FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrate the anchoring washer 18 in more
detail. The washer defines a generally planar top portion 50 and an
integral depending stem/support 52. As is best seen in FIG. 7 the
generally planar top portion 50 is generally semi-circular defining
a central aperture 54 but with an edge strip 56 disposed to one
side of the aperture (refer to FIG. 7). The edge of the curved part
of the semi-circular portion is knurled and defines a series of
ribs 58. An indicia in the form of an arrow 60 is defined pointing
to the midpoint of the semi-circular portion. In use, the ribs
facilitate the turning of the washer using a small screwdriver or
similar tool accessing the washer through a gap between boards.
[0039] As is best seen in FIG. 8, the depending stem 52 has a
generally annular cross-section, but defines two opposed U shaped
cut out portions 62 which extend from the base 64 of the stem.
Spaced around the exterior of the stem at 90.degree. to the cut out
portions are two recesses or indents 66. The external diameter of
the stem is the approximately the same or slightly smaller than the
internal diameter of the bore 30a, so that it is a close fit in the
bore 30a but can turn in it, and is greater than the diameter of
the bore 30b.
[0040] As is best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 2a, the stem 52 of the
washer 18 locates in the upper bore 36 of one of the bores 30a of
the support element. The stem of the washer is held aligned with
the bore by the fit of the stem of the washer in the bore 30a. A
fastening means in the form of a screw 100 having a head 102, shaft
104, threaded part 106 and tip 108, locates inside the bore in the
stem of the washer. Where the head of the screw joins the stem a
radiused portion is defined which allows the screw to be
self-centring. The diameter of the lower bore of the support
element is approximately the external diameter of the helix of the
screw so that the screw is a snug fit in the bore.
[0041] In use, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a support 14 is
located on a bearer 12 and a first board 16 is supported on the
planar portions of the support, above the bearer 12. The washer 18
is rotated so that half of the semi-circular portion of the washer
is located in the groove 20 in the side of the decking board 16,
and the arrow 60 is visible adjacent the edge of the board. At this
stage the washer and support 14 may be partly fixed in place by the
screw 100 which extends through the stem into the support 14 and
into the bearer, but the screw is not fully inserted and the washer
remains free to rotate. Note that as the washer does rotate, the
combination of the two protrusions in the bore 30a and the two
recesses 62 and two cut outs 66 provides a series of click stops
spaced apart at 90.degree. as the protrusions engage in the
recesses or cut-outs.
[0042] A second board (not shown) is then located adjacent the
first board on the support and a further support is slipped under
the distal side of the second board. The washer in the first
support is rotated through 90.degree. to the position shown in FIG.
10 and the screw is tightened to lock the washer in place. Note
that in this position, the arrow 60 is visible. The board is then
locked in place either side by washers. A next board is placed
adjacent the second board a support is located under the distal
side of the second board and the process is continued until the
decking is complete. Where access is only required in certain areas
of a deck it is possible to use the washers in those areas and use
support elements without washers in other areas and simply nail the
boards in place, with the nails passing through sides of the boards
and into the D-shaped apertures. The support elements also assist
in maintaining an even separation between boards.
[0043] The head of the screw is visible between the boards and can
be accessed and partially unscrewed to allow rotation of the washer
to allow the removal of individual or multiple boards, as
illustrated in FIG. 11.
[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates a variant of the invention in which a
rail 200 is mounted to the top of the bearer using fasteners such
as screws. The rail defines two parallel longitudinally extending
ribs 202, 204. The ribs locate between the central supporting feet
of the support elements and ensure they are correctly aligned with
one another. The support elements may be slid along the rails,
before they are locked in place by screws.
[0045] While the use of the semi-circular washer allows for the
easy removal and replacement of boards, the supports may be used
with square washers and the like, which do not have the advantage
of being removable, but can be used where the boards do not need to
be removed. Also the provision of the three bores in the centre of
the support, allows the supports to support and fix the ends of two
boards butted end to end, simultaneously. FIGS. 13 to 16 show a
number of different washer and board combinations using the
supports.
[0046] In particular, FIG. 13 shows the use of a semi-circular
washer 18 and a square washer 300 to fix two boards 16 butted end
to end. FIG. 14 shows a similar arrangement, but using two
semi-circular washers 18.
[0047] FIG. 15 shows a single square washer 300 attached via the
central bore 30a of the support, fixing the ends of two boards.
FIG. 16 illustrates the use of two square washers retaining a
single board 16. Other arrangements are possible.
[0048] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the
above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad
general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments
are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative
and not restrictive.
* * * * *