Deck installation track and method

Abstract

A device, system and method for installing decking are described. A track for decking has a base element, a first snap-fit element coupled to the base element, and a second snap-fit element coupled to the base element, the second snap-fit element opposing the first snap-fit element. At least one of the first snap-fit element or the second snap-fit element has an inward protrusion to engage a recess in a side of a decking board, whereby the first and second snap-fit elements are retain the decking board.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A track for decking; comprising:
 a base element;   a first snap-fit element coupled to the base element; and   a second snap-fit element coupled to the base element, the second snap-fit element opposing the first snap-fit element; wherein   at least one of the first snap-fit element or the second snap-fit element comprises an inward protrusion configured to engage a recess in a side of a decking board, whereby the first and second snap-fit elements are configured to retain the decking board.   
     
     
         2 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a first decking board; and   the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a second decking board.   
     
     
         3 . The track of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a third snap-fit element coupled to the first end portion of the base element; and   a fourth snap-fit element coupled to the second end portion of the base element; wherein:   the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a first decking board; and   the third snap-fit element and the fourth snap-fit element are configured to retain a first end portion of a second decking board.   
     
     
         4 . The track of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one attachment element for attaching the track to a joist.   
     
     
         5 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein:
 at least a portion of the first and second snap-fit elements comprises a hardened steel.   
     
     
         6 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein:
 at least one of the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element is configured to be displaced while a user snaps the decking board into a retained position.   
     
     
         7 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the base element is configured to protect a substantial portion of the top of the joist from weather.   
     
     
         8 . The track of  claim 1 , comprising:
 an elevating element configured to maintain the decking board elevated relative to the attachment element after the decking board is snapped into a retained position.   
     
     
         9 . The track of  claim 1 , comprising:
 a plurality of central snap-fit elements attached to the base element between the first and second end portions of the base element; wherein   the first snap-fit element, the second snap-fit element, and the plurality of central snap-fit elements are configured to maintain a consistent spacing between each of a plurality of decking boards.   
     
     
         10 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the at least one of the first or second snap-fit elements has a first flange extending upwardly relative to the base, a second flange extending inwardly from the first flange, and a third flange extending outwardly from the second flange, the second flange and the third flange forming the inward protrusion.   
     
     
         11 . The track of  claim 10 , wherein:
 the second flange is configured to abut a lower portion of the recess and the third flange is configured to abut an upper portion of the recess to removably retain the decking board.   
     
     
         12 . The track of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a composite material, a plastic, or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         13 . The track of  claim 1 , wherein:
 at least one of the first snap-fit element or the second snap-fit element is unitary with the base element.   
     
     
         14 . A track for decking; comprising:
 a base element;   a first resilient member coupled to the base element; and   a second resilient member coupled to the base element, the second resilient member opposing the first resilient member; wherein   at least one of the first resilient member or the second resilient member comprises an inward protrusion configured to engage a recess in a side of a decking board, whereby the first and second resilient members are configured to retain the decking board.   
     
     
         15 . The track of  claim 14 , wherein:
 at least one of the resilient members comprises a plastic, a composite, or a combination thereof.   
     
     
         16 . A method of installing a decking board, the method comprising:
 providing a track having a base element, a first snap-fit element coupled to the base element, and a second snap-fit element coupled to the base element, the second snap-fit element opposing the first snap-fit element, wherein at least one of the first snap-fit element or the second snap-fit element comprises an inward protrusion configured to engage a recess in a side of a decking board;   causing the first and second snap-fit elements to resiliently engage the recess, whereby the first and second snap-fit elements retain the decking board.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 pressing the decking board downward towards the base element;   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising:
 displacing at least one of the first snap-fit element and the second snap-fit element; and   pressing or snapping the decking board into a retained position.   
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the providing a track comprises providing an elevating element configured to maintain the decking board elevated relative a joist after the decking board is installed.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein:
 the providing a track comprises providing a plurality of central snap-fit elements attached to the base element between the first and second snap-fit elements, wherein the first snap-fit element, the second snap-fit element, and the plurality of central snap-fit elements are configured to maintain a consistent spacing between each of a plurality of decking boards; and the method further comprises   attaching a plurality of decking boards to the track by pressing the plurality of decking boards against the track.