CLIP AND CLIP INSTALLATION APPARATUS

Abstract

This invention relates to clip (1) and clip installation apparatus and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a decking board clip for securing decking boards to a support structure and apparatuses for installing decking board clips. The clip comprising a body having an inner part (3) made of a first material and an outer part (4) made of a second material, the body having a first retaining formation and a second retaining formation (8), the first retaining formation being resiliently moveable between an engaged position in which it engages in a groove of a decking board to provide a bias onto part of the groove and a disengaged position wherein it is not engaged inside the groove of the decking board and extends freely from the body, the body also having a receiving formation (5) for receiving a fastener to fasten the clip to a support.

Claims

1. A clip comprising a body having an inner part made of a first material and an outer part made of a second material, the body having a first retaining formation and a second retaining formation, the first retaining formation being resiliently moveable between an engaged position in which the first retaining formation engages in a groove of a decking board to provide a bias onto part of the groove and a disengaged position wherein the first retaining formation is disengaged not engaged inside the groove of the decking board and extends freely from the body, the body also having a receiving formation for receiving a fastener to fasten the clip to a support.

2. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the first material is a metal.

3. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the second material is a plastics material.

4. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the second material is a composite plastics material.

5. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the inner part of the body is substantially T-shaped in cross section with the retaining formations extending operatively horizontally from an upper section of a central base.

6. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the inner part of the body is substantially washer-shaped.

7. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the length of the retaining formations is larger than a width of the retaining formations extending from the central base.

8. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which width of the retaining formations is larger than a length of the retaining formations extending from the central base.

9. (canceled)

10. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the second retaining formation extends substantially normally from the base.

11-16. (canceled)

17. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which the outer part of the body partially fills the primary securing bore to form a secondary co-axially extending bore therethrough, the secondary bore thus having a smaller diameter than the primary bore.

18. A clip as claimed in claim 17 in which the secondary bore includes radially extending slots.

19. A clip as claimed in claim 17 in which the radially extending slots are V-shaped so that the secondary bore is star-shaped or asterisk-shaped in top view or cross-sectional view.

20. A clip as claimed in claim 17 in which a lower section of the secondary bore is enlarged to form a cavity.

21. A clip as claimed in claim 17 in which a lower section of both the primary and secondary bore is enlarged to form a cavity.

22. (canceled)

23. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which clips are connected in series, end-to-end, with clips having break-away connection means to connect them in a strip of connected clips and with outer ends of end clips at opposite ends of the strip having attachment means to receive complementary attachment means of end clips of other strips of clips.

24. A clip as claimed in claim 1 in which an operatively underside of the second retaining formation includes a downwardly extending gripping protrusion.

25. A method of manufacturing a clip comprising the steps of: cutting a sheet into a blank, the blank having two retaining formations, one on each side of a hole; shaping the blank in a press so that the hole is deformed to form a downwardly extending primary bore, a first side thereof extends downwardly and terminates in an upwardly extending lip to form, in use, a first retaining formation, an opposite side thereof has an operatively downwardly extending gripping formation and a third and a fourth side has outwardly extending connector tabs forming a support for connection formations; placing the formed blank in a tool; and moulding a clip body by associating a plastics material into the tool to cover the formed blank with a layer of plastics material.

26-46. (canceled)

47. A clip installation apparatus comprising a clip magazine for receiving a series of clips with screws partially screwed into secondary fastening bores of the clips for feeding the clips to a fastening end of the magazine, and a fastening support, in use, attachable to a power source to drive a screw through the secondary fastening bore of a front most clip in the magazine to secure the clip to a support and to a deck board.

48-57. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0069] Embodiments of the invention are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

[0070] FIG. 1 shows a front right perspective view of a clip;

[0071] FIG. 2 shows a left side view of the clip of FIG. 1;

[0072] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the clip of FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0073] FIG. 4 shoes a sectional front view of the clip of FIGS. 1 to 3;

[0074] FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of the clip of FIGS. 1 to 4;

[0075] FIG. 6 shows a bottom rear perspective view of the clip of FIGS. 1 to 5;

[0076] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the clip of FIGS. 1 to 6;

[0077] FIG. 8a shows a sectional left side view of the clip of FIGS. 1 to 7 with a first retaining formation in a disengaged position;

[0078] FIG. 8b shows a sectional side view of the clip of FIGS. 1 to 8a with the first retaining formation in an engaged position;

[0079] FIG. 9a shows a partial transparent front left perspective view of the clip of FIGS. 1 to 8b;

[0080] FIG. 9b shows a front left perspective view of an inner part;

[0081] FIG. 10a shows a front left perspective view of a sheet;

[0082] FIG. 10b shows a front left perspective view of a blank;

[0083] FIG. 10c shows a front left perspective view of a formed blank;

[0084] FIG. 10d shows a rear perspective view of the formed blank of FIG. 10c;

[0085] FIG. 10e shows a first left side cross section view of the formed blank of FIGS. 10c and 10d;

[0086] FIG. 10f shows a second left side cross section view of the formed blank of FIGS. 10c to 10e;

[0087] FIG. 10g shows a front left perspective view of the formed blank of FIGS. 10c to 10f in a tool;

[0088] FIG. 10h shows a front left perspective view of the clip;

[0089] FIG. 10i shows a left side cross section view of the clip of FIG. 10h;

[0090] FIG. 10j shows a rear perspective view of the clip of FIGS. 10h and 10i;

[0091] FIG. 11a shows a sectional left side view of a second retaining formation of the clip engaged with a groove of a decking board and a screw;

[0092] FIG. 11b shows sectional left side view of the clip of FIG. 11a fastened to a support with the screw;

[0093] FIG. 11c shows a sectional left side view of the fastened clip of FIG. 11b and a groove of a second decking board in a first position of engagement with the first retaining formation of the clip;

[0094] FIG. 11d shows a sectional left side view of the fastened clip of FIGS. 11b and 11c engaged with the first and second decking boards;

[0095] FIG. 12 shows a right front perspective view of a right end clip;

[0096] FIG. 13 shows a right front perspective view of a left end clip;

[0097] FIG. 14 shows a front left perspective view of a first strip of clips;

[0098] FIG. 15 shows a left front perspective view of the first strip of clips and a second strip of clips;

[0099] FIG. 16 shows a front right perspective view of a first embodiment of a clip magazine;

[0100] FIG. 17 shows a left front perspective view of the first embodiment of the clip magazine of FIG. 16;

[0101] FIG. 18 shows a bottom front perspective view of the first embodiment of the clip magazine with a strip of clips and screws therein of FIGS. 16 and 17;

[0102] FIG. 19 shows a bottom view of the first embodiment of the clip magazine of FIGS. 16 to 18 with the strip of clips and screws therein;

[0103] FIG. 20 shows a detailed bottom view of the first embodiment of the clip magazine of FIGS. 16 to 19 with the strip of clips and screws therein;

[0104] FIG. 21 shows a right front perspective view of a decking board with a clip secured thereto and the first embodiment of the clip magazine of FIGS. 16 to 20 with the strip of clips and screws therein engaged with the decking board;

[0105] FIG. 22 shows a left front perspective view of the decking board, an installed clip and the first embodiment of the clip magazine with the series of clips and screws therein;

[0106] FIG. 23 shows a right front perspective view of the first embodiment of the clip magazine with a series of clips and screws;

[0107] FIG. 24 shows a front view of the first embodiment of the clip magazine with a series of clips and screws;

[0108] FIG. 25 shows a left side view of the first embodiment of the clip magazine with a series of clips and screws;

[0109] FIG. 26 shows a right front perspective view of a second embodiment of the clip magazine;

[0110] FIG. 27 shows a left rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the clip magazine of FIG. 26;

[0111] FIG. 28 shows a right front perspective view of the strip of clips and screws in the second embodiment of the clip magazine;

[0112] FIG. 29 shows a bottom view of the strip of clips and bolts in the second embodiment of the clip magazine of FIG. 28;

[0113] FIG. 30 shows a detailed bottom view of the strip of clips and bolts in the second embodiment of the clip magazine of FIGS. 28 and 29;

[0114] FIG. 31 shows a left rear perspective view of the third embodiment of the clip magazine with a series of clips engaged with a decking board;

[0115] FIG. 32 shows a left front perspective view of the decking board, an installed clip and the second embodiment of the clip magazine with the series of clips and screws therein;

[0116] FIG. 33 shows a front right perspective view of a third embodiment of clip magazine;

[0117] FIG. 34 shows a top view of the third embodiment of the clip magazine;

[0118] FIG. 35 shows a left front perspective view of a first embodiment of a clip installation apparatus;

[0119] FIG. 36 shows a front view of the first embodiment of the clip installation apparatus of FIG. 35;

[0120] FIG. 37 shows a left side view of the first embodiment of the clip installation apparatus of FIGS. 35 to 36;

[0121] FIG. 38 shows a detailed rear perspective view of the clip magazine and guiding means;

[0122] FIG. 39 shows a left rear perspective view of the third embodiment of the clip magazine and a guiding means for the clip magazine;

[0123] FIG. 40 shows a front right perspective view of a second embodiment of a guide means with a clip magazine engaged therewith;

[0124] FIG. 41 shows a top view of the second embodiment of the guide means with the clip magazine moving from a first position to a second positions;

[0125] FIG. 42 shows a left front perspective view of a first embodiment of a clip installation apparatus;

[0126] FIG. 43 shows a front view of the first embodiment of the clip installation apparatus of FIG. 42;

[0127] FIG. 44 shows a bottom perspective view of the first embodiment of the clip installation apparatus of FIGS. 42 and 43;

[0128] FIG. 45 shows a partial transparent detailed bottom perspective view of an area of the first embodiment of the clip installation apparatus of FIGS. 42 to 44;

[0129] FIG. 46 shows a left front perspective view of a second embodiment of a clip installation apparatus;

[0130] FIG. 47 shows a front view of the second embodiment of the clip installation apparatus of FIG. 46;

[0131] FIG. 48 shows a front left perspective view of a clip installation accessory;

[0132] FIG. 49 shows a front right perspective view of the clip installation accessory;

[0133] FIG. 50 shows a front right perspective view of the clip magazine and accessory of FIGS. 48 and 49, the clip magazine being in a first position;

[0134] FIG. 51 shows a front right perspective view of the clip magazine and accessory of FIGS. 48 to 50, the clip magazine in a second position engaged with the decking board to fasten an end clip to a support; and

[0135] FIG. 52 shows a front left perspective view of the clip magazine and accessory of FIGS. 48 to 51, the clip magazine in a third position with the clip magazine positioned away from the decking board after fastening the end clip to the support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0136] With reference to FIGS. 1 to 15, a clip is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.

[0137] The clip 1 has a body 2. The body 2 has an inner part 3 and an outer part 4.

[0138] The inner part 3, shown in FIG. 9b, is punched from sheet metal. The inner part 3 is generally rectangular in top view. The inner part has a central base 6 extending across a central part of the inner part 3. Spaced apart rectangular projections 7 extend from opposing sides of the central base 6. A bore 5 extends centrally downwards from a bottom surface of the central base 6. A second retaining formation 8 extends normally from a rear end of the central base 6. End sections of the second retaining formation 8 are curved downwards to form gripping protrusions 120. Two spaced apart gripping protrusions strengthening formations 9 are formed in a rear end section of the second retaining formation 8. The strengthening formations 9 are substantially V-shaped. A first retaining formation 10 extends operatively downwards from a front end of the central base 6. A front section of the first retaining formation 10 terminates into an upwardly curved lip 11. A U-shaped slot 13 extends through a central part of the first retaining formation 10, which forms a tab 12 at a front end of the central base 6. The tab 12 extends normally from the central base 6 and terminates in a free end. The free end of the tab 12 is disconnected from the U-shaped slot 13.

[0139] An outer part 4 extends over the inner part 3. The outer part 4 is made from a plastics material. The outer part has an upper part 18 which extends over the inner part 3 and a base 14 extending centrally from a bottom surface of the upper part 18. The base 14 is thus thicker than the upper part 18, but both the base and the upper part are integrally moulded.

[0140] The upper part 18 extends over the second retaining formation 8, the first retaining formation 10, the bore 5, the tab 12 and the u-shaped slot 13. The outer part 4 does not extend over the projections 7. Two opposing break-away connection means 19 are located on opposing sides of the upper part 18 centrally between the projections 7. A dome shaped lowered surface extends centrally into an upper surface of the upper part. A flat edge of the lowered surface extends up to the freed end of the tab 12. The outer part 4 partially fills the bore 5 of the inner part 3 to form a secondary bore 16 in the bore 5. The bore 16 fills an upper opening of the bore 5 to form a closure 20. The closure 20 has radially extending slots 17 therethrough. The slots 17 are V-shaped in top view. The bore 16 extends into the base 14. A lower section of the bore 16 is enlarged to form a cavity in the base 14. The cavity is oval shaped in bottom view.

[0141] The height of the base 16 can vary to be compatible with slots at different heights.

[0142] The base 14 is generally rectangular in top view. The cavity of the bore 16 extends centrally in the base 14. Two laterally outwardly extending biasing formations 21 are spaced apart and located at a front side of the base 14 on either side of the cavity. Each biasing formation 21 is a round shaped hole that extends into the base 14. A front side of the biasing formation 21 extends outwardly away from the base 14.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 14, a number of clips are joined to each other to form a strip. The clips are joined to each other with break-away connection means 19. A right end clip 23 is located on a right end of the strip of clips. A left end clip 24 is located on a left end of the strip of clips.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 15, a first strip of clips is joint to a second strip of clips with the male and female attachment means. The female attachment means of the second strip of clips locates over the male attachment means of the first series of clips.

[0145] The right end clip 23, shown in FIG. 12, has a male attachment means 25 at an upper right side of the upper part 18. The male attachment means 25 has an upwards projecting pin for receiving a hole in a female connection means 26.

[0146] A left end clip 24, shown in FIG. 13, has the female connection means 26 at an upper left side of an upper part 18. The female connection means 26 is a domed shaped projection extending from the upper part 18. The domed shaped projection has the hole extending centrally therethrough which locates over the pin of the male connection means 25.

[0147] A clip is manufactured by cutting or punching a blank from a sheet of metal, as is shown in FIGS. 10a and 10b. The blank is formed in a press so that a hole, that extends centrally through the blank, is deformed to form the bore 5, a rear section of the blank is formed into a second retaining means 8 and a front section of the blank is formed into the first retaining means 10. The blank is placed inside a tool, as shown in FIG. 10g. The outer part is moulded over the blank by injecting a plastics material into the tool to cover the blank with a layer of plastics material. The base of the outer part is also moulded.

[0148] With reference to FIGS. 16 to 25, a first embodiment of a clip magazine is generally indicated by reference numeral 30.

[0149] The magazine 30 has an elongate body 31. The body 31 is generally rectangularly shaped tube.

[0150] There is an upper slot 32 in a top side 42 of the tube 31 along a length thereof. There is a receiving aperture 36 in the slot 32 towards one end of the slot 32. The receiving aperture 36 is a widening of part of the slot 32. The receiving aperture 36 is generally rectangularly shaped in top view. A width of the receiving aperture 36 corresponds with an inner width of the tube 31. A rear end and a front end of the slot 32 each terminate in a fastening aperture 34. Each fastening aperture 34 is a generally rectangular cut out in the top side 42.

[0151] A side slot extends along a length of a left side of the tube 31. The slot extends along a bottom of the left side so that the upper remaining part of the left side forms a retaining lip 37. The lip 37 stops short of opposite ends of the left side to leave a release slot 43.

[0152] Two lower apertures 38 extend through a bottom side 40 of the tube 31 near a front end and a rear end of the bottom side 40. Each lower aperture 38 is a rectangular cut out that extends across an inner width of the tube 31.

[0153] Supports 35 in the form of short elongate rectangular stubs are secured to opposite inner bottom corners of the tube 31 against a right side 41. Each support is rectangularly box shaped. Each support 35 extends across a length of each lower aperture 38. Each support 35 extends up to a centre of the lower aperture 38. A remaining open area of the lower aperture 38 forms a clip base receiving opening. Each support 35 extends up to a centre of the right side 41. Each support 35 is secured to the bottom section 40 with two spaced apart fastening means, for example, screws.

[0154] With reference to FIGS. 38 to 41, a guide device for a clip magazine is generally indicated by reference numeral 50.

[0155] The guide device 50 has a top side 57 which is generally rectangular in top view. Two spaced apart slots extend along an upper length of the device 50. A pin 52 locates in each slot 51.

[0156] A clip magazine receiving formation 53 extends from a front end of a top side of the device 50. The receiving formation has a support 56 and a fastening formation 54. The support 56 is generally L-shaped in side view. A first section of the support 56 extends normally downwards from the front end of the top side of the device 50. A support base extends normally from a bottom end of the first section. The fastening formation 54 extends co-axially away from a front edge of the top side of the device 50. The fastening formation 54 is a generally rectangularly shaped. A hole extends through a frontal part of the tab. The fastening formation 53 is located centrally above the support base of the support 56.

[0157] A rear part of a rectangularly box shaped connector 55 locates in the receiving formation 53. The connector 55 locates between the support base and fastening formation 54 of the receiving formation 53. A hole for receiving a screw extends through a rear end of an upper side of the connector 55. The hole aligns with the hole extending through the fastening formation 54. A screw extends through the hole in the fastening formation 54 and into the hole in the connector 55 for securing the connector in the receiving formation 53. A front part of the connector 55 locates into an adjacent end of the channel 39 of the clip magazine 30.

[0158] A lever is generally indicated by reference numeral 60.

[0159] The lever device has an elongate body 62. The elongate body 62 is bent into a first section 75, a second section 76, a third section 77, a fourth section 78 and a fifth section 79. The first section 75 extends generally upwards and forms a handle. The second section 76 extends downwards from the first section 75. The third section 77 extends horizontally from a lower end of the second section 76. The fourth section 78 extends normally downwards from a front end of the third section 77. The fifth section 79 extends horizontally from a front end of the fourth section 78.

[0160] A slot 63 extends through part of the third section 77, the fourth section 78 and a rear part of the fifth section 79. A rear end of the slot 63, in the third section 77, terminates into a fastening means receiving hole 80.

[0161] A base 65 is located below the fifth section 79 of the elongate body 62. The base has a dome shaped top side. A left track 66 and a right track 67 extends through a left side and right side of the top side. Profiles of the tracks 66 and 67 correspond with the curve of the dome.

[0162] A knob 64 has a pin extending from a bottom side of the knob 64. The pin of the knob 64 extends through a front end of the slot 63 and in the left track 66.

[0163] A first support 68 extends normally from a front edge of the top side of the base 65. The first support 68 is rectangularly shaped in front view. A lip extends horizontally normal from a bottom edge of the first support 68.

[0164] A second support 81 extends normally downwards from a rear end of the top side of the base 65. The second support 81 is generally rectangularly shaped in rear view. A lip extends normally horizontal from a bottom edge of the second support 81. A hole extends centrally through the second support 81.

[0165] A pin of a knob 82 locates in the hole of the second support 81.

[0166] Flanges 69 extend normally upwards from a left and right sides of the top side at a front end of the top side. Each flange 69 is square in side view. A hole extends centrally through each flange 69.

[0167] A guide 70 is attached to left flange 69. The guide 70 is an elongate metal bar that is bent to form and upper side 72 with a left flange 74 and right flange 71 extending from a left and right end of the upper side 72. The distance between the left flange 74 and right flange 71 corresponds with the width of a decking board. Each flange is square in side view. A hole extends centrally through the right flange 71.

[0168] A pin of a knob 73 extends through the hole in the flange 69 and the hole in the flange 71.

[0169] With reference to FIGS. 42 to 47, a clip installation apparatus is generally indicated by reference numeral 90. The clip installation apparatus 90 has a fastening device 91 and a clip magazine 92.

[0170] The fastening device 91 is a handheld drill as is known in the art.

[0171] A sleeve 99 extends from a front end of the drill 91. The sleeve 99 is a tube. An operatively bottom side of the sleeve 99 is open. A slot 103 extends through a left side of the sleeve 99 along the length of the sleeve 99. Driver mechanism, including a driver housing 94 and drill bit 95, is housed inside the sleeve 99. The driver drill bit housing 94 is located at a bottom end of the sleeve 99. The drill bit 95 is located centrally in a bottom side of the driver housing 94.

[0172] A handle 102 extends from an upper right side of the sleeve 99.

[0173] The magazine 92 has an upright connector 104. The connector 104 is a square shaped tube. The tube 104 locates over the driver mechanism of the drill. The connector 104 has a front end 93. A cut out extends through a left side and part of a front side of the front end 93. The cut out is a release aperture 97. An upper edge of the release aperture is a support 96.

[0174] A rest 105 extends horizontally normally away from a bottom end of a right side of the front end 93. The rest 105 is a plate and is generally rectangular in top view.

[0175] A rectangularly shaped cut out extends through the right side of the front end 93 above the rest 105.

[0176] A guide 106 extends vertically from a bottom and of a front side of the front end 93. The guide 106 is rectangularly shaped in front view.

[0177] A channel 100 extends from a rear side of the front end 93. The channel 100 is curved upwards. A slot 107 extends through a rear side of the channel 100 along the length of the channel 100. The width of the slot 107 corresponds with the width of a base of the screw. A receiving formation 101 is located at an upper end of the channel 100.

[0178] An opening 109 extends through a right side of the front end 93. The opening extends through a lower part of the channel 100 and up to the release aperture 97. The opening may be small and similar to the opening of the clip magazine.

[0179] A support 108 extends between a front upper end of the channel 100 and a rear upper end of the tube 104.

[0180] An extension for increasing the height of the fastening device may be inserted over a front end of the drill as is shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

[0181] In use, a first decking board of a number of decking boards to be installed is placed on a support structure consisting of a number of support beams. Each decking board has a groove extending along each side of the decking board.

[0182] During installation of a clip by hand, the second retaining means of each clip of the strip of clips is placed into a groove on a right side of the first decking board. The left end clip is placed over the support to which the decking board must be secured. A user uses his hand or the like to support the second retaining means to keep the clip level. A fastening tool, for example a drill, is used to drill a screw through the secondary bore of the clip, through the cavity in the base and into the support. The screw breaks the portions between the slots of the closure of the secondary bore away when the screw is drilled therethrough. Essentially this secondary plastic bore is a retaining means for the inserted screw, so that the clip and the screw are gangable together into a collated strip of clips and screws. The remainder of the closure, including plastic melted due to friction during the installation of the screw, forms a washer for the screw. Parts of the closure that broke off from the closure falls into the cavity in the base, and out of the cavity if required. The second retaining means is forced against a bottom surface of the groove. The gripping protrusions of the retaining means press into the bottom surface of the groove. The second retaining means secures the first board to the support by way of downward force applied thereon by the first retaining means.

[0183] The strip of unsecured clips is turned away from the secured clip to break the break-away connection means between the secured clip to an adjacent unsecured clip.

[0184] A required number of spaced apart clips are secured to the support in the manner described above.

[0185] A second decking board is placed next to the secured clips. The first retaining means of the secured clips face towards a groove on a left side of the second decking board. The second decking board is tilted towards the secured clips. A part of the decking board below the groove is leveraged or pushed underneath the first retaining means. A curvature of a corner of a second groove assists in this regard. The first retaining means move in an upwards direction. The first retaining means moves about the screw, the screw forms a central point of a fulcrum lever. This allows for force applied on the first retaining means to be transferred to the second retaining means which causes the gripping protrusions to increase the load onto the bottom surface of the groove of the first decking board. In addition to the gripping protrusions or V-shaped elements, bent down edges may be provided. All such features will also make the metal part stiffer and constrain the plastic to prevent plastic creep. The second decking board is pressed further towards the secured clips until the left side of the second decking board presses against adjacent sides of the bases of the clips. Once the second decking board is in place, the first retaining means apply downward force onto a bottom surface of the groove of the second decking boards which secures the second decking board in place, to the structure.

[0186] When the first and/or the second decking board contracts, expands or swells, the second decking board presses against the bases of the secured clips. The biasing formations in the base of each clip compress towards a centre of the base to make room for movement of the boards. The biasing formations allows for this movement so that the entire system is not constrained by fixings. If this were not the case, there would be limited flexibility in the system which can result in increased loads to certain elements such as the screw.

[0187] During installation of the clip, using the magazine described above, a strip of clips is inserted into the channel of the magazine through the receiving aperture. The strip of clips is slid to either a front end of the channel or a rear end of the channel towards a fastening aperture. A front most clip aligns with the fastening aperture and lower aperture at, for example, a front end of the channel. A bottom surface of the first retaining formation rests on the support. The base of the clip locates in the base receiving opening in the lower aperture of the magazine. The second retaining means of the clip extends through the slot in the left side of the channel.

[0188] The magazine is placed next to the groove of the first decking board with left side of the tube facing the groove of the decking board. The second retaining formations locate in the groove of the decking board. The screw in the secondary bore of the most front clip is drilled through the remainder of the secondary bore and into the support underneath the clip to secure the clip to the support. Note that the base of the clip does not necessarily touch the underlying support structure. The clip does not need to be fixed directly to the support. Instead, it is secured there via the screw and the interaction of the clip in the first board and the interaction of the clip with the magazine and/or clip installation apparatus. This is why there is no need for the base of the clip to abut the underlying structure. This causes the second retaining formation to exerts downwards pressure on a bottom surface of the groove with downward curved ends 120 pressing onto the bottom surface.

[0189] The magazine is rotated away from the decking board. The rotation of the magazine breaks the break-away connection means between the secured front most clip and an adjacent unsecured clip, still retained in the channel. The secured clip is released through the release slot of the channel.

[0190] A required number of spaced apart clips are secured to the support and the decking board in the manner described above.

[0191] A second decking board is placed next to the secured clips. The first retaining means of the secured clips face towards a groove on a left side of the second decking board. The second decking board is tilted towards the secured clips. A part of the decking board below the groove is leveraged underneath the first retaining means. The first retaining means of each clip is forced in an upwards direction but exerts downwards pressure on a bottom surface of the groove. The two retaining means have a lever effect, they form a lever on either side of the base with the fastening point acting as a fulcrum. The force that moves the resilient second retaining formation upwards causes increased grip and downward force by the first retaining formation on the bottom surface of the groove in which it is engaged. The second decking board is pressed further towards the secured clips until the left side of the second decking board presses against adjacent sides of the bases of the clips. Once the second decking board is in place, the first retaining means apply downward force onto a bottom surface of the groove of the second decking boards which secures the second decking board in place.

[0192] The biasing formations in the base of each clip maintains lateral pressure between decking boards as they expand or contract. As a result of such expansion or contraction the biasing formations are deformed.

[0193] Using the guide device, the magazine is connected to the guide device, using the connector. A strip of clips is inserted into the channel of the clip magazine.

[0194] The guide device with the clip magazine attached thereto locates over a decking board. A top side of the guide device is placed over a top surface of a decking board to be secured to a support. The first section of the fastening formation abuts a right side of the decking board. An open left side of the channel of the clip magazine abuts the groove of the decking board. The second retaining means of the clips locate in the groove of the decking board. The pins 52 are placed in the groove adjacent to a rear major side of the decking board to secure the guide device in position.

[0195] The guide device is slideably moveable along a length of the decking board for installing the clips using the clip magazine in the manner described above.

[0196] Using the lever, the base of the lever is placed next to a right side of the decking board to be secured to a support. The base rests on the first and second supports. The guide is placed over the width of the decking board and over the left flange of the base. The hole in the left flange of the base and the hole in the right flange of the guide aligns. The pin is now inserted through the aligned holes. A front end of the pin of the knob extends into the adjacent groove of the decking board.

[0197] The front end of the channel of the clip magazine is attached to the elongate body. A strip of clips with screws partially screwed therein is inserted into the channel of the clip magazine. The front open end of the channel faces the adjacent groove of the decking board. The strip of clips is moved to a front end of the channel. The screw of the front most clip moves to the frontal fastening aperture of the clip magazine. The screw partially secured in the secondary bore of the front most clip is below the fastening receiving hole of the slot in the elongate body.

[0198] In a first position, shown in FIG. 39, the elongate body is rotated away from the decking board. The pin of the knob is at a right end of the track.

[0199] In a second position, shown in FIG. 40, the elongate body, with the clip magazine, is rotated towards the decking board. The pin of the knob moves along the track from the right end of the track to a left end of the track. In the second position the clip magazine abuts the right side of the decking board. The second retaining means of the strip of clips locates in the adjacent groove of the decking board. A drill steel (drill bit) of a drill is inserted through the fastening receiving hole and into a head of the screw of the front most clip. The screw is drilled through the secondary bore of the clip and into the support below the clip.

[0200] After securing the screw to the support, the lever is rotated back to a first position. The rotation of the clip magazine breaks the break-away connection between the secured clip and the adjacent clip in the channel of the clip magazine, disconnecting the strip of clips from the secured clip.

[0201] Using the clip installation apparatus, a strip of clips, with screws partially secured therein, is inserted into the channel of the magazine through the receiving formation. The clip installation apparatus is placed adjacent to a decking board to be installed with the release aperture facing the groove of the decking board. A rear side of the guide presses against a front side of the support to which the decking board must be secured. The support of the release aperture rests on an upper surface of the decking board.

[0202] The strip of clips is slid towards the front end of the clip installation apparatus. The second retaining formations of the clips extend through the opening of the channel. The second retaining formations of three front clips locate in the groove of the decking board. The screw of the front most clip is below the screwdriver bit. The screw is drilled into the support.

[0203] After drilling the screw of the front most clip into the support and consequently securing the decking board to the support, the clip installation apparatus is rotated away from the decking board. The break-away connection means between the secured front most clip and the adjacent clip breaks. The secured clip is released through the release aperture.

[0204] It is envisaged that the clip described herein will be convenient to use in that the combination of materials provides an extended weather resistance clip. The small amount of metal that is used in the manufacture of the clip reduces manufacturing cost of the clip but provides sufficient strength. The plastic protection layer over the metal part allows for the use of a cheaper material as a result of limited exposure to weather. It may be more economically viable to manufacture the clip out of more highly corrosion resistant metal. In addition, a cost-effective option from other metals is also possible. For example, a galvanised carbon steel sheet will be corrosion resistant because the plastic would encapsulate the majority of such metal.

[0205] The metal part of the clip provides a structural skeleton for the clip which allows for an increase in load capacity and eliminates the inevitable creep and degradation from a plastic only solution. The metal border of the screw receiving formation, the downward tube-shaped hole area, strengthens the metal part, prevents screw pull-through and provides a resilient element to the loading process, which enables (and enhances) the incorporation of the biasing mechanism into the design. This mechanism, including the plastic layer of the clip, allows for a continuous, flexible (non-permanent), collated installation that allows for fixing of both boards either side of the clip. The metal biasing means ensures consistent long-term load interaction with boards which reduces the potential loss of capacity with fatigue or creep over time.

[0206] A further benefit of the invention is that the plastic part allows for a collation mechanism. Although it would be possible to make such a collation from metal only, plastic is more suitable being easily snapped without a cutting element or process in the installation. The plastic destroyable washer enables screws or bolts of various sizes to be inserted and temporarily be held in place so as to allow for the system to be a clip and screw collation, allowing a convenient installation of the clip. The diameter difference between the receiving formation in the support and the destroyable washer also mitigates clip ride-up issues because there is less material against which the clip could ride-up. The plastic layer over the metal plate provides corrosion protection of the metal plate and separates the metal plate and screw reducing the potential of galvanic corrosion between the metal plate and screw. The biasing formations in the base of the clip in the support also allows for expansion of the boards. The cavity in the receiving formation of the support allows for debris collection, such as parts of the plastics material that is broken from the clip when the screw is screwed through the secondary securing bore or debris from the support joist.

[0207] The invention is also convenient to use in that the removal of clips on one side of a board allows for removal of a single board (non-edge board) from a deck of boards. The system allows for individual boards to be accessed without the need to dismantle many boards or damage boards in the process. This is because the screws are accessible and vertically orientated. Hidden screws or those requiring installation from the side or at an angle will not be able to do this. It is also convenient that the screw is vertical since this is better suited for installation on some support materials such as steel and aluminium where angled screwing will cause slipping of the screw on such material. The result of this is that it allows for ease of insertion and removal of a screw vertically without the boards interfering with the screw as in the case where screws are inserted at an angle.

[0208] Also, the U-shaped cut out, allows the first retaining formation to have more resilience (springiness) since there is less connected material. However, the springiness stops when the material eventually touches part 12, thus giving the springiness a limit.

[0209] The plastic base can be shortened to allow for a single clip variant compatible with various grooved profiles of different groove heights. A general T-shape could be maintained so that the lower part of the T-shaped plastic body is used to achieve a consistent gap. The height variability will be in the tools, to get the screw to stop screwing at the appropriate depth and leave the screw fastened but the clip held between the first groove, and the screw at the correct height. The tool supports the spring mechanism during the installation of the clip. Then the board replaces the tool. The second board is inserted and activates the spring mechanism holding each of the boards downwards.

[0210] It would be possible to make a flat and not T-shaped embodiment. Other clips in the field use the support joist as a base or install between two boards assembled together.

[0211] The metal plate is made in a single array so that a network of clip plates can be made at a time. The clips are connected by two tabs at the edges thereof. These tabs must be severed at some point. This array arrangement is stiff in all directions so it can be easily inserted into the injection mould in one go.

[0212] The screws to be inserted could be placed into a mould which is then pushed into the receiving bores and in the same action this severs the metal tabs, leaving only the plastic tabs connecting the strip of clips together.

[0213] The clips can be used to secure other items with grooves or even thinner items without grooves.

[0214] The clips are gangable by a connector tab made of plastic or metal.

[0215] The secondary bore of plastic is used to retain the screw inside the clip. This will hold the screw in place and make the clip strip, which is ganged, have screws pre-inserted. This could be done without inserting the screws and just have gangable clips.

[0216] The clip installation apparatus may also include a cutting means, for example, a guillotine, for cutting the break-away connection means between a secured clip and an unsecured clip after installation of the secured clip.

[0217] During installation of a decking board, a second decking board does not need to be tilted to be engage with the first retaining formation of the clip. The board may be inserted flat against the support.

[0218] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many other embodiments of the invention described above are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, with reference to FIG. 11, the boards can be inserted to touch the plastic body of the clip and the plastic body can be floating above the support (joist). This secondary bore 16 could also be shorter V-shaped and extend further downwards. The slot in the magazine need only be at the end. A slot and opening for the screw are all that is required. The decking board may have a groove cut into it at the position of each support joist instead of a groove extending along the whole length thereof.