Building Member Gapping Tool and System

Abstract

A spacing and holding tool or assembly for use in securing grooved building members, such as deck planks, to support structures, like joists. The spacing and holding assembly ensures precise alignment and edge spacing between building members prior to attachment and allows installers to work while standing. The tool includes a rail system and plurality of flanges and brackets that are movable relative to each other to clamp a plurality of building members together with spacing between edges of adjacent building members. The tool may include one or more floating brackets or flanges that are movable longitudinally along the rail system and delimited by a longitudinal slot in a portion of the rail system.

Claims

1. A building member installation tool, comprising: a first rail extending in a longitudinal direction; a second rail extending in the longitudinal direction slidingly engaged with the first rail; a distal bracket rigidly attached to the first rail; a first proximal bracket rigidly attached to the first rail proximal of the distal bracket; and a second proximal bracket rigidly attached to the second rail proximal of the first proximal bracket, wherein movement of the first proximal bracket and second proximal bracket relative to one another causes the first rail and second rail to slide relative to one another, thereby causing the distal bracket to move relative to the second proximal bracket.

2. The building member installation tool of claim 1, wherein the first rail is a tubular rail and the second rail is received within the tubular rail.

3. The building member installation tool of claim 1, further comprising one or more intermediate brackets between the distal bracket and the first proximal bracket.

4. The building member installation tool of claim 3, wherein the one or more intermediate brackets are slidable relative to one or both of the first rail and the second rail.

5. The building member installation tool of claim 4, wherein the first rail comprises one or more longitudinal slots, and each of the one or more intermediate brackets is associated with one of the one or more longitudinal slots and slidable between longitudinal ends thereof.

6. The building member installation tool of claim 1, wherein the distal bracket includes a lower flange, the first proximal bracket includes an upper flange, and the second proximal bracket includes an upper flange.

7. The building member installation tool of claim 6, wherein the second proximal bracket also includes a lower flange.

8. The building member installation tool of claim 4, wherein the distal bracket includes a lower flange, the first proximal bracket includes an upper flange, the second proximal bracket includes an upper flange, and the one or more intermediate brackets includes a lower flange.

9. The building member installation tool of claim 3, wherein each of the one or more intermediate brackets is associated with a slot in one or both of the first rail and the second rail and slidable between the longitudinal ends thereof.

10. A building member installation tool, comprising: a rail system comprising at least one rail extending in a longitudinal direction; a first end bracket at a relatively distal side of the rail system; a second end bracket at a relatively proximal side of the rail system; one or more floating brackets positioned longitudinally between the first end bracket and the second end bracket, wherein each of the one or more floating brackets is longitudinally spaced from each other and from the first end bracket and second end bracket along the rail system, and each of the one or more floating brackets is longitudinally movable along the rail system a longitudinal distance delimited by a longitudinal slot in the respective floating bracket or delimited by a respective longitudinal slot in the at least one rail.

11. The building member installation tool of claim 10, wherein the first end bracket has a first downward extending flange, the second end bracket has a second downward extending flange substantially parallel to the first downward extending flange, and one or more of the intermediate floating brackets has a downward extending flange substantially parallel to the downward extending flange of the first end bracket and downward extending flange of the second end bracket.

12. The building member installation tool of claim 10, wherein a longitudinal distance between the first end bracket and second end bracket is adjustable to clamp two or more building members between the first downward extending flange and second downward extending flange with the downward extending flange of the one or more intermediate floating brackets positioned between adjacent building members.

13. The building member installation tool of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more floating brackets circumscribes the at least one rail and includes a projection extending into a longitudinal slot in the rail.

14. The building member installation tool of claim 10, wherein the rail system comprises two parallel rails with a first rail receiving a second rail and being tightenable toward each other to shorten a longitudinal distance between the first end bracket and second end bracket.

15. The building member installation tool of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more floating brackets includes a downward extending flange configured to provide a spacing between adjacent building members trapped between the first end bracket and second end bracket and forced toward each other.

16. The building member installation tool of claim 10, wherein each of the one or more floating brackets includes a downward extending flange and at least one laterally extending shoulder providing a leveraging surface for an individual to grip and exert a pulling force on the respective floating bracket.

17. A building member installation tool, comprising: a first rail extending longitudinally; a second rail extending longitudinally and being slidingly engaged with the first rail with at least a portion extending therefrom; a first flange engaged with the first rail or the second rail and extending therefrom in a first non-longitudinal direction; one or more floating flanges engaged with one or both of the first rail and second rail and longitudinally movable relative thereto, wherein the installation tool is configured to trap one or more building members between the first flange and the one or more floating flanges via tightening the first rail to the second rail.

18. The building member installation tool of claim 17, wherein the first flange extends rigidly from the first rail in a first non-longitudinal direction and the one or more floating flanges extend from the one or both of the first rail and second rail in the first non-longitudinal direction.

19. The building member installation tool of claim 18, further comprising a second flange extending rigidly from the second rail in the first non-longitudinal direction, wherein the one or more floating flanges is positioned longitudinally between the first flange and second flange.

20. The building member installation tool of claim 19, wherein the first flange and second flange are tightenable toward each other with the one or more floating flanges between them to clamp a plurality of building members together with each of the one or more floating flanges providing a spacing between adjacent building members.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the disclosed deck clip with its blade in an initial pre-installation position;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the deck clip of FIG. 1 with its blade in a second installation position with building members removed;

[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the deck clip of FIGS. 1-2;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a plank spacing assembly for use in assembling building structures;

[0037] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the plank spacing assembly of FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an end of the plank spacing assembly of FIG. 4;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an end of the plank spacing assembly of FIG. 4;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the plank spacing assembly in position engaged with a plurality of adjacent building members in a clamped condition;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the plank spacing assembly in position in the clamped condition;

[0042] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a leveraging member for use in holding building members in place;

[0043] FIGS. 11-13 show different views of the leveraging member of FIG. 10 in use with a clamp holding building members in place;

[0044] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the disclosed clip;

[0045] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the clip of FIG. 14 with its blade in an initial pre-installation position;

[0046] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the deck clip of FIG. 14 with its blade in a second installation position;

[0047] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of an embodiment of the disclosed clip positioned between adjacent building members in the pre-installation condition;

[0048] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the deck clip installed and attaching the adjacent building members;

[0049] FIG. 19 is a top view of the deck clip positioned between adjacent building members in the pre-installation condition;

[0050] FIG. 20 is a top view of the deck clip in the installed condition;

[0051] FIG. 21 shows an alternative embodiment of adjustable gapping units for use within embodiments of the disclosed spacing assembly; and

[0052] FIG. 22 shows a portion of the spacing tool with the gapping units engaged with building members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Among the benefits and improvements disclosed herein, other objects and advantages of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent from the following wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the figures. Detailed embodiments of a building member gapping tool, and associated method of using and system are disclosed; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in various forms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with the various embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive.

[0054] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrase in some embodiments as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), although it may. The phrases in another embodiment and in some other embodiments as used herein do not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, various embodiments may be readily combined without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

[0055] As used herein, based on is not exclusive and permits being based on additional factors not expressly described unless the applicable context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0056] In addition, as used herein, the term or is equivalent to the term and/or, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term based on is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors not described unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the specification, the meaning of a, an, and the include plural references. The meaning of in includes in and on.

[0057] Further, the terms substantial, substantially, similar, similarly, analogous, analogously, approximate, approximately, and any combination thereof mean that differences between compared features or characteristics is less than 25% of the respective values/magnitudes in which the compared features or characteristics are measured and/or defined.

[0058] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[0059] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., such as) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the inventive subject matter and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventive subject matter otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the inventive subject matter.

[0060] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0061] With reference initially to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of the disclosed building member installation clip 10 includes a base 12 and a wing or blade 14, and may additionally include an elongate fastener 16. In an initial assembled condition of this embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, the fastener is preset extending through a central hole 30 in the blade 14 and at least partially into an opening 38 in the base 12 to assist in maintaining the blade 14 and base 12 in position to form a composite clip 10.

[0062] As shown, the base 12 extends longitudinally between opposite front and rear faces, 18 and 19, and laterally between opposing lateral ends 17a and 17b (front vs. rear and longitudinal vs. lateral designations are relative and not a limiting characteristic). The base further includes a central slot 40 defined between opposing sidewalls, 22a and 22b, and which may be open to the top as in the depicted preferred embodiment. The slot 40, its position and relationships to other elements of the base 12 can be recognized and appreciated most clearly in the exploded view of FIG. 3. The central slot 40 has a lateral extent between the sidewalls, 22a and 22b, that is approximately commensurate in length to or slightly larger than the distance between the third and fourth edges (48, 50) of the blade 14. The slot 40 additionally has a vertical extent that permits vertical travel of the blade 14 during installation, as will be described in greater detail below. These elements and relationships can be seen most clearly in FIG. 2 and will be discussed in detail below.

[0063] The base 12 also includes a pair of opposing upwardly extending arms 24 spaced laterally from one another. In the depicted embodiment, each of the arms 24 is angled obliquely upwards and inward toward the respective opposing arm (or toward the lateral center of the base 12), and includes a primary section (i.e., forearm) 26 and terminal finger 28 also extending inwardly toward its contemporary. The forearms 26 and fingers 28 are configured to hold or clamp the blade 14 at its first and second ends (44, 46), respectively, in the initial (i.e., pre-installed/pre-installation) position with moderate force. As shown, each of the fingers 28 extends over a top edge of the blade 14, thus inhibiting vertical movement of the blade 14 in the initial position. The primary sections 26 of the arms 24 are configured and positioned to inhibit rotational movement of the blade 14 in the initial position. The depicted preferred embodiment includes opposing arms 24 that extend obliquely inward toward one another, however this is a non-limiting characteristic. Other embodiments exist with similar arms that extend substantially perpendicularly upward at each end of the blade to inhibit rotational movement in the initial position.

[0064] In this embodiment of the clip 10, the blade 14 is simply an elongated rectangular prismic unit of metal, as shown in the various Figures. The blade 14 may be molded, stamped or machined, and additionally can be formed from a material other than metal, such as a durable polymer. As can be seen, the blade 14 extends a greater distance between first and second edges (44, 46) than between the third and fourth edges (48, 50), which is a core principal for the later-described in situ manner of attaching building members, such as grooved decking planks. A central hole 30 extends from the top surface to bottom surface of the blade 14 and may include inner threading in other embodiments.

[0065] In this embodiment, in the initial position (FIG. 1), the blade 14 rests on a top surface of the body 12. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the top surface on which the blade 14 rests is formed as a substantially flat shoulder, 42 and 43, on each lateral side of the slot 40. In another embodiment of the clip discussed in greater detail below, the body does not include flat shoulders, and instead the blade rests atop an apex-like structure. As also shown in FIGS. 1-3, the body may include one or more ramp surfaces, 20, 21, in the front 18 and/or rear 19 positioned and configured to aid the blade 14 in rotating and transitioning downward during rotation. As shown, in the preferred embodiment, the body 12 includes a ramp 20 in the front 18 and a ramp 21 in the rear 19, each positioned on the lateral side to be traversed by the blade 14 when it is rotating clockwise (the direction of rotation during installation via a fastener 16). Of course, ramps can be positioned on both lateral sides of the front 18 and/or rear 19.

[0066] The body 12 may additionally include a lower undercut 36 substantially aligned with the blade hole 30 and body opening 38, which reduces or prevents uplift of the body 12 during installation with a fastener.

[0067] In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-16, the clip 310 may include a blade 314 with open sections like those shown as reference numeral 331. These openings 331 can be sized and positioned to serve an operative purpose, such as improving engagement between the arms 324 and the blade 314 or simply to increase manufacturing efficiencies by reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the clip 310.

[0068] This embodiment of the clip 310 is substantially similar to the earlier embodiment 10, but deviates in subtle ways. It includes a laterally extending body 312 with an angled ramp surface section 320 in at least a portion of the front 318 and an angled ramp surface section 321 in at least a portion of the rear 319. Like in the earlier embodiment, the angled ramp surface sections, 320 and 321, assist rotation of the blade 314 downward into the slot 340 between the front 318 and rear 319 formed between opposing side surfaces 322a and 322b via the fastener 316 during installation. As best shown in the exploded view of FIG. 14, this embodiment of the clip 310 has a body 312 that omits flat upper shoulders, like those depicted as reference numerals 42 and 43 in FIGS. 1-3. Instead, in this embodiment, the ramp section 320 meets the opposite side 319 at an apex 345 and the ramp section 321 meets the opposite side 318 at an apex 347. The apexes 345 and 347 need not be formed strictly as a fine edge, and rather as a quasi-apex with a blunt edge serving as the support surface for the blade 314 in the initial position. In the embodiment of the clip 310, the blade 314 is supported on the apex sections 345 and 347 in the initial pre-installation condition. This configuration has also shown to be useful to promote rotation and downward travel of the blade 314 during installation.

[0069] The elements of the clip 310 identified within FIGS. 14-16 are given last two numerical digits identical to the common element of the earlier embodiment of the clip 10 with a preceding numeral 3. Some of these elements are not specifically described again with respect to the clip 312, but it is understood that they are substantially similar in structure and function to the common element described with respect to the clip 10. Below, an installation of clips 10/310 may be described with reference to only one of the clips 10 or 310, however, it should be understood that the description applies to either embodiment of the clip as well as to countless additional embodiments not described with specificity herein but which share similar key features that may be recited in one or more claims.

[0070] The clip 10/310 is assembled in an initial condition shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 15 with the blade 14/314 resting on the top surfaces of opposing shoulders (42, 43) or apexes (345, 347) (depending on the embodiment) and the blade first end 44/344 trapped by or engaged with one of the arms 24/324 and the blade second end 46/324 trapped by or engaged with the opposite arm 24/324. In the preferred embodiment, the blade 14/314 and body 12/312 are approximately commensurate in longitudinal thickness, however this is a nonlimiting preferred characteristic. The blade 14/314 may be slightly more or less thick than the longitudinal extent of the body 12/312 between the front side 18/318 and rear side 19/319 so long as the clip 10/310 can fit in the spacing between facing edges of adjacent building members. As discussed above, in the depicted preferred embodiments, the body 12/312 also defines one or more ramp sections (20/320 and 21/321) in the front 18/318 and rear 19/319 on at least one lateral side of the body 12/312. Here, the ramp sections are on opposite lateral sides of central slot 40/340 from each other on an opposite respective front and rear side (front 18/318 or rear 19/319) such that a respective ramp section (20/320 and 21/321) is in front of the blade 14/314 in a clockwise rotational direction, i.e., the blade 14/314 traverses the respective ramp when driven or otherwise rotated clockwise. That is, one longitudinal side of the body includes ramp sections, 20/320 in the front side 18/318 of the body 12/312, and from an absolute perspective, the opposite longitudinal side of the body includes ramp sections, 21/321, in the rear side 19/319 of the body.

[0071] The body 12/312 of the clip may also define a lower undercut 36/336. During installation, the undercut 36/336 acts to prevent or at least reduce inadvertent uplift of the clip 10/310 as the fastener 16/316 is rotatably driven into the joist.

[0072] In the depicted preferred embodiments, the body is a molded plastic element and the blade is a flat unit of strong metal such as steel formed by injection molding, stamping or machining, however, the specific material is non-limiting. Further, while the depicted embodiment includes a blade formed as a flat piece of metal, other embodiments exist, such as versions with one or more teeth, prongs, indentations, grooves or similar for engaging with the lower nub of the plank or improving smoothness of rotation during installation via reducing friction with the base. Use and installation of the disclosed embodiments of the clip 10/310 may be described below with reference to one or both embodiment of the clip, installing deck planks, and may be described with reference to an installation system that also uses embodiments of a spacing and securement tool 100 and/or a leveraging member 200. However, to be clear, the embodiments of the clip 10/310 and other embodiments thereof can be installed outside of the specifically disclosed system, similar to how clips are presently installed one-by-one. Embodiments of the clip and the spacing and securement tool also may be used to attach countless building members other than deck planks. The installation method, system and described use does not limit the inventive concepts of the clip itself.

[0073] An embodiment of a plank securement and alignment assembly 100 (also referred to herein as a spacing and holding tool or assembly, or similar) is shown with reference first to FIGS. 4-9. The alignment assembly 100 most generally includes a cooperative pair of rails, 112 and 114, that are movable relative to each other. In this specific preferred embodiment, the pair of rails comprises an inner post or rail 114 slidably received within the inner volume of a tubular outer post or rail 112. A distal rigid bracket 120 is attached rigidly in a position toward the distal end 102 of the outer rail 112 and a first proximal rigid bracket 118 is positioned toward the proximal end 104 of the outer rail 112. As shown, the distal rigid bracket 120 carries at least a downwardly extending flange 130 and the first proximal rigid bracket 118 carries at least an upwardly extending flange 128. The inner rail 114 carries a second proximal rigid bracket 116 toward its proximal end 105 outside of the outer rail 112 and positioned proximal to the first proximal rigid bracket 118 attached to the outer rail 112 when assembled. The second proximal rigid bracket 116 has both an upwardly extending flange 124 and downwardly extending flange 126. The inner rail 114 and outer rail 112 are engaged such that the inner rail can move back and forth within the tubular outer rail 112, typically in a sliding relationship, however not limited as such.

[0074] The assembly 100 also includes a plurality of intermediate floating brackets 122 slidably mounted on the outer rail 112 at positions spaced apart from each other between the distal end 102 and proximal end 104. With reference to the exploded view of FIG. 5, cross sectional view of FIG. 6 and enlarged view of FIG. 7, each of the floating brackets 122 is associated with a longitudinally extending slot 134 in the wall of the outer rail 112, whereby the respective floating bracket 122 is slidable between the longitudinal ends of the respective slot 134. In the specific disclosed embodiment, each floating bracket 122 is mounted around the outside wall of the outer rail 112 with a screw 138 or similar projecting member extended through a slot 134. In this manner, the floating brackets 122 can slide freely between the opposite ends of the slot with the screw 138 maintaining the connection and alignment. The screw 138 in slot 134 configuration also acts to prevent the floating bracket 122 from rotating around the rail 112.

[0075] Also seen in FIGS. 5-7 is a longitudinally extending slot 132 in the wall of the inner rail 114. In this embodiment, the inner rail 114 and outer rail 112 are secured together in a sliding relationship via a screw or similar projection rigidly attached to the outer rail 112 and extending through the slot 132 in the inner rail 114 when assembled. Here, specifically, the same screw 139 that secures the first proximal rigid bracket 118 to the outer rail 112 extends through the inner rail slot 132, but this is not required.

[0076] As shown most clearly in FIG. 7, each of the intermediate floating brackets 122 has a shoulder, 140, 142, extending laterally outward toward its upper end. The shoulders are configured to aid handling of the assembly 100 by providing a robust gripping surface for a user. For example, when the assembly 100 has been used as intended to clamp and hold building members tightly in place, the spacing flanges, 130 and 126, are held tightly within the spacing between adjacent building members via the clamping force. Once the building members have been attached to form the building structure, it can be difficult to disengage the assembly because the flanges are trapped between adjacent building members with substantial force. The shoulders, 140 and 142, provide the user with leveraging surfaces to grip and pull the brackets upward and out from engagement between the adjacent members.

[0077] Each of the spacing brackets (second proximal rigid bracket 116, distal rigid bracket 120, floating brackets 122) also includes a plateau or shoulder 144 extending substantially perpendicularly on one or both longitudinal sides from its respective spacing flange, 126, 130, 131, each of which defines an abutment surface. Each of the plateaus 144 provides an upper leveraging surface that abuts an edge of a building member during use. In this way, the plateaus 144 help prevent the building members from bucking upward when the assembly is clamped tightly during use.

[0078] While not shown in the drawings, in some embodiments of the assembly 100, an additional spacing flange can be formed on each of the second proximal bracket 116, intermediate floating brackets 122, and distal bracket 120. Each of these additional spacing flanges project laterally outward from its respective bracket preferably parallel to the depicted downward spacing flanges, 126, 130, 131, and each of the additional flanges has a different thickness from the respective downward flange. In this alternative embodiment, users can rotate the assembly 90 to use these additional spacing flanges for spacing deck building members a different distance from that provided by the primary downwardly extending spacing flanges, 126, 130, 131. For example, the downward flanges can be 0.25 inches thick to space the building members that distance, and the additional spacing flanges can be 0.125 inches thick to space the building members that distance.

[0079] For clarity, with reference to FIGS. 4-8, from left to right, the brackets within the assembly 100 include: [0080] 116: second proximal bracket with upward flange 124 and downward flange 126, rigidly attached to proximal end of inner rail 114. [0081] 118: first proximal bracket with upward flange 128, rigidly attached to proximal end of outer rail and longitudinally slidable between opposite ends of slot 132 in inner rail via a fastener or similar. [0082] 122: intermediate floating brackets 122 (seven total), each with a downward flange 130 and slidable between opposite ends of a slot 134 in outer rail 112 via fastener 138 or similar. [0083] 120: distal bracket with downward flange 131, rigidly attached to distal end of outer rail 112.

[0084] FIGS. 8-9 depict an exemplary installation of a plurality of building members (deck planks) using the assembly 100. Importantly, use and operation of the assembly 100 is described herein primarily with reference to clamping, spacing and attaching deck planks, in some cases using the herein disclosed hidden deck clips, 10 and 310, also described herein. However, the specific installation is merely illustrative of one of many specific uses of the spacing assembly 100, and is in no way so limited. Embodiments can be used to clamp and maintain spacing between a virtually endless variety of building members, including fencing and cladding, for example. Likewise, the clips 10/310 are not limited to use with the spacing assembly 100.

[0085] As can be seen, the planks P are first placed flat extending transversely across underlying joists J next to one another. The assembly 100 is thereafter mounted extending perpendicular to the direction of extension of the planks P which may or may not be parallel to the direction of extensions of the underlying joists. The downward flange 126 of the second proximal bracket 116 is positioned against a leading edge of a first plank P1 of the plurality, and the downward flange 131 of the distal bracket 120 is positioned against the trailing edge of the last plank P.sub.L in the plurality to be installed (or vice versa). In FIGS. 8-9, there are eight planks P in total in the plurality, however the exact number is non-limiting and may vary according to the installation requirements. The downward flange 130 of each floating bracket 122 is positioned between directly adjacent edges of each adjacent pair of planks P in the plurality, as can be seen. Each of the downward flanges, 126, 130, 131, has a thickness designed to provide a predetermined spacing between adjacent edges of the planks P that is desired to permit water runoff and drainage from the deck surface. The orientation of the planks may be adjusted slightly before or after mounting of the assembly 100. Additionally, the user may apply a downward pressure on at least the floating brackets 122 to ensure effective engagement by pressing or stepping down on the brackets. In FIGS. 8-9, the planks are designated with P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3 . . . , P.sub.L to identify the first, second, third . . . , last plank for context, and planks are additionally referred to generally and collectively with reference character P herein.

[0086] Once the assembly 100 is mounted loosely in position (pre-clamping), as described in the preceding paragraph, it can be tightened via a clamp C clamping the upward flanges (124 and 128) of the respective proximal brackets (116 and 118) to form a building sub-assembly. As the clamp C is tightened, it acts to pull the inner rail 114 into the outer rail 112, thereby pulling the outermost brackets (distal bracket 120 and the second proximal bracket 116) toward each other and clamping the planks P tightly in their respective position with the floating brackets 122 providing proper spacing between each of the adjacent edges of the planks P. Each of the intermediate floating brackets 122 moves within the longitudinal range of its associated slot 134 as necessary to accommodate tightening movement of the planks which may differ in size (due to natural variances or design choices) and provides the desired spacing between the adjacent planks via its downward flange 130. The plurality of planks P are held firmly in place in this manner. In most cases, more than one assembly 100 will be employed for holding the building members in place with predetermined spacing prior to attachment to account for the length of the building members with multiple assemblies 100 spaced from each other along the length of the planks P. Once the building members are clamped, the user can thereafter attach each plank to the underlying support member (i.e., joist J) to form the building structure while ensuring proper alignment and spacing between them.

[0087] The assembly 100 can also be used to clamp fewer than the maximum number of planks, with an intermediate bracket 122 serving as the de facto distal bracket holding the trailing end of the last plank, with the intermediate bracket 122 held in place longitudinally by the distal edge of its associated slot.

[0088] In one embodiment, either prior to or after clamping the planks P into a building sub-assembly, a clip 10/310 can be placed on the underlying joists J within the spacing between edges of adjacent planks P in the clip's initial pre-attachment position (FIGS. 1 and 15). The body 12/312 and blade 14/314 are sized and shaped to fit within the spacing between adjacent edges of the planks with the longitudinal thickness of the body 12/312 between the front 18/318 and rear 19/319 approximately the size of or less than the desired spacing.

[0089] Once the clips 10/310 are in place in the building sub-assembly with one or more spacing assembly 100 clamped tightly to the planks P, a user can systematically and rapidly attach the planks from above by driving each fastener 16 into the underlying joist J. Rotation of the fastener 16 during driving causes the blade 14/314 to rotate with the fastener 16 clockwise from the initial position (FIG. 1), until the blade enters the slot 40/340 where it is rotationally restrained between the slot side walls 22/322. In one embodiment, the blade 14/314 is rotated via frictional engagement with the head of the fastener. As the fastener 16 is rotatably driven, the ramp sections 20/320, 21/321 assist smooth and efficient rotation of the blade 14/314 and allow the blade 14/314 to travel downward relative to the body 12/312 with the fastener until it falls into the slot 40/340 and is rotationally trapped between the walls 22/322. Rotation of the body 12/312 during driving of the fastener is prevented due to the edges/nubs of the planks, while the blade 14/314 is allowed to rotate into engagement with the side grooves G of the planks P (see FIGS. 17-18). Since the blade 14/314 is prevented from rotating once it falls between the walls 22/322, continued driving of the fastener into the joist J forces the blade 14/314 downward within the slot 40/340 until it reaches the bottom nub of the respective deck planks, thereby trapping the planks and attaching them securely to the joist in an installation position. In the installation position, the blade 14/314 has rotated approximately 90 from the initial position with the first end 44/344 in one of the side grooves G and the second end 46/346 within the side groove of the adjacent plank P. Further driving of the fastener 16/316 drives the fastener firmly into the joist and tightens the wing 14/314 downward against the opposing lower nubs of the adjacent planks P with the body 12/312 firmly secured between the adjacent edges. FIG. 17 shows a side partial cross sectional view of a clip 310 positioned in the spacing between adjacent planks P in the pre-attachment position. Here, the blade 314 is still laterally aligned with the body 312. FIG. 18 shows the adjacent planks P installed with the clip 310 and its first end 344 within the groove of one plank P (left side) and the opposite end 346 within the groove of the adjacent plank P (right side).

[0090] For further illustration of the inventive clip 310 and associated installation, FIG. 19 is a top view of the clip between plank edges in the initial pre-installation position (FIG. 17). This view shows the wing 314 laterally aligned with the body 312 and the fastener 316 extending upward through the spacing between planks. FIG. 20 shows the clip 310 in the installation position (FIG. 18) with the opposite first end 344 and second end 346 of the wing 314 concealed by the top nub of the planks P and the fastener 316 driven into the joist. These Figures further illustrate the ease at which the clips 310 can be placed between the plank edges simply via gripping the fastener head and placing the body 312 in the spacing between the plank edges and aligned with the underlying joist J. If necessary, the installer may push the body down against the joist J with the driving tool when engaged with the fastener head, in many cases without kneeling down.

[0091] The disclosed installation method and system that uses the installation assembly 100 and clips 10/310 dramatically increases the efficiency of deck installation, since an installer can rapidly move from clip to clip over a large surface of multiple planks P that are held firmly in place prior to attachment of the clips. This is in contrast to known installation methods that require an installer to hold a single plank P and clip in place while driving the clip, and then repeating the process for each successive plank. Since the installer does not have to hold planks and clips in place while driving each clip, it permits him/her to use a driving tool with an extension while remaining standing, also providing a much needed advantage in the field.

[0092] In another embodiment of a spacing and holding assembly similar to that depicted as reference numeral 100, the spacing brackets, 116, 120, 122, are replaced with gapping units that have multiple flanges with different thicknesses. For example, FIGS. 21-22 show an alternate embodiment of rotatable gapping units 400. In this embodiment, each of the gapping units 400 is rotatable about a central axis 401 and includes multiple different spacing flanges 402, 404, 406, each having a different thickness. For example, one flange 402 is 0.25 inches thick, a second flange 404 is 0.125 inches thick, and a third flange 406 is 0.1875 inches thick. The gapping units 400 may part of or engaged with a bracket and be movable within a slot in a rail, similar to the floating brackets 122 of the earlier embodiment. FIG. 22 shows a general depiction of the gapping units 400 engaged within the spacing between adjacent building members P with 0.1875 inch spacing. In this embodiment, if a different spacing is desired, the user simply rotates the dial to align a different flange, the 0.25 inch gapper 402, with the building members to achieve the desired spacing. The spacing assembly otherwise includes substantially similar elements and relationships and is operable just like the earlier preferred embodiment of the assembly 100. The gapping units may be floating within a slot 434 similar to the floating brackets in the earlier embodiment.

[0093] In a non-depicted embodiment of the spacing assembly 100, the floating flanges, like those shown generally as reference numeral 122, are rigidly lockable in one or more position within its associated slot 134. The flanges 122 may be lockable via known mechanisms, for example locking cam, ratchet engagement or similar. In yet another embodiment, the relative position of the respective slot, 132 and 134, and the alignment fasteners/screws, 138 and 139, in any bracket may be reversed with the screw rigidly connected to the respective post and engaged within a slot in the bracket itself. Further, while screws are referenced herein in the preferred embodiment, those skilled din the art will readily understand that any other projecting member may be used in place which may not actually include threading. In other embodiments, the brackets are freely slidable on one of the rails and the rails include stops spaced from one another on each longitudinal side of each bracket to delimit the longitudinal path of travel of the brackets.

[0094] In yet another embodiment of the disclosed spacing assembly, each of the brackets has one or more flanges that are retractable. In this embodiment, a user can retract the spacing flanges into the bracket or flip them up to a side location out of alignment with the building members to allow clamping of the building members together with no spacing between them. In one embodiment, the flanges are spring loaded and automatically retractable via pressing a release switch to release a latch or similar.

[0095] In other embodiments of a spacing and holding tool like that depicted as reference numeral 100, the tightening first and second rail configuration is replaced with a different configurations and mechanisms for tightening the brackets and holding building members in place. Examples of such alternative tightening mechanisms include a tensioning cord or rope, threaded insert that moves the brackets, or spring tensioner, for example.

[0096] FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a leveraging member 200 for use within another clamping assembly for deck assembly. Most generally, the leveraging member 200 includes a main body with a primary segment 212 extending in an axial direction and an oblique segment 214 extending from one end of the primary segment. The main body defines a substantially flat lower surface and may be simply a flat unit of metal, as shown in the depicted embodiment. A first rigid post 216 extends from the primary segment 212 substantially perpendicular to the flat lower surface and a second rigid post 218 extends in the same substantially perpendicular direction from the opposite end of the primary segment 212. Here, the second post 218 is positioned substantially at the apex from which the oblique segment 214 extends, although this is not a requirement. The spacing between the posts is sufficient to accommodate the thickness of a joist J with the bottom surface of the primary segment on top of the joist. This can be seen in the views of FIGS. 11-13 with the primary segment 212 extending over the top of the joist and the first rigid post 216 on one side and second rigid post 218 on the opposite side.

[0097] FIGS. 11-13 depict the leveraging member 200 in use within an alternate clamping system to clamp one or more planks P for attachment within a decking assembly. As shown, one or more planks P are placed in position laying transverse across the joists J and in an edge-to-edge arrangement with other planks P. Not depicted in these Figures are spacers between each adjacent plank P, which may be separate removable spacer inserts or simply decking clips with a body having a desired thickness, like those described above, that serve as spacers between planks. These spacers are configured to keep a desired spacing between each adjacent pair of deck planks P when the assembly is clamped.

[0098] Once the deck planks P and spacers are in place, the leveraging member 200 may be positioned upstream of the last plank P with the primary segment 212 extending over the joist J and one post, 216, 218, on each side. Preferably, the leveraging member 200 should be placed in this position with the oblique segment 214 extending obliquely towards the last plank P. This is preferable for providing optimal leverage on the planks P. A clamp C is thereafter inserted with its jaws between the outer edge of the last plank P and the oblique segment 214. The jaws of the clamp C are thereafter expanded, typically causing the leveraging member 200 to rotate about a vertical axis through the primary segment 212, and eventually trapping the joist J tightly between the first post 216 and second post 218. Once the planks P are tightly clamped in this manner, a user can easily and efficiently install the numerous deck clips between each plank P as described above with respect to the installation assembly 100.

[0099] As those skilled in the art readily understand, the depicted embodiments described herein are merely exemplary of the invention itself. The inventive concepts are not limited to the exact and relative contours, shapes and sizes of any elements, or limited in terms of materials, number of brackets, number of planks shown and described.