SPACER ASSEMBLY

A spacer assembly for spacing panels is disclosed. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and has a front side and a back side. The body includes a first projection extending transversely from the bottom a first predetermined distance adjacent the second end and a second projection extending from the top adjacent the first end a second predetermined distance less than the first predetermined distance. The second projection is canted outwardly and the top additionally includes a sloped portion that is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection. A handle extends from the top away from the first projection at the second end and includes a first protrusion extending longitudinally from the handle and away from the second end and a second protrusion extending longitudinally from the handle toward the first end.

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Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/119,876 filed Feb. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

A spacer assembly for spacing panels.

2. Description of the Prior Art

While installing paneling (e.g. plywood, fibreboard, oriented strand board waferboard, sheetrock), it is commonly recommended that panel installers fasten panels with a specific amount of spacing in order to allow for expansion or for other reasons. For example, the American Plywood Association (APA) recommends that plywood panels used for roof sheathing are spaced from adjacent panels by ⅛″ at panel ends and edges. It can be time consuming to properly space panels with the recommended spacing and job site conditions may result in uneven or insufficient spacing. Some installers resort to the use of nails inserted between adjacent panels which, instead of providing proper spacing may instead dent the panels in the local area where the nail is sandwiched between panels. Consequently, moisture and other environmental factors may cause expansion of the panels which can lead to buckling of the panels along any abutting edges. In a roofing application, expansion of panels used for roof sheathing typically cause what is referred to as “shingle ridging.” Accordingly, there is an increasing need for improved devices for maintaining ideal spacing of the panels while they are being installed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a spacer assembly is provided. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having a front side and a back side. The body includes a first projection extending transversely from the bottom adjacent the second end in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. The body also includes a second projection extending in a second direction generally opposite the first direction a second predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. A handle extends from the top of the body away from the first projection at the second end extends laterally from the front side to the back side. The handle includes a first protrusion extending longitudinally from the handle and away from the second end for enabling handling of the spacer assembly and facilitating removal of the spacer assembly from between the panels.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a spacer assembly is provided. The spacer assembly includes an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having a front side and a back side. The body includes a first projection extending transversely from the bottom adjacent the second end in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. The body also includes a second projection extending in a second direction generally opposite the first direction a second predetermined distance and extends laterally from the front side to the back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween. The second predetermined distance is different than the first predetermined distance for enabling the spacer assembly to be used with both tongue and groove type panels and panels without tongue and groove.

Thus several advantages of one or more aspects of the invention are that a single spacer assembly may be used for a variety of spacing uses. The spacer assembly may also be handled conveniently by installers and may be removed easily once panels have been fastened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is a front view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2C is a top view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a front view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a top view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a side view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 5;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 6C is a front view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 6;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of a spacer assembly according to an aspect of the disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ENABLING EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, a spacer assembly 20 for spacing panels constructed in accordance with aspects of the disclosure is disclosed. A spacer assembly 20 according to an aspect of the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C, and includes an elongate body 22 having a top 24 and a bottom 26 configured generally parallel to the top 24. The body 22 extends longitudinally from a first end 28 to a second end 30 and has a front side 32 and a back side 34. The bottom 26 of the body 22 is generally planar and presents a first contact surface for abutting the panels. The spacer assembly 20 may be constructed from any suitable material such as, but not limited to organic polymeric materials, wood, or composite materials. The spacer assembly 20 may even be formed or stamped from ferrous or nonferrous metal, for example, sheet metal according to another aspect of the disclosure.

The body 22 further includes a first projection 36 extending transversely from the bottom 26 adjacent the second end 30. The first projection 36 has a first width W1 and extends in a first direction a first predetermined distance D1. The first projection 36 also extends laterally from the front side 32 to the back side 34 for insertion between the panels and establishing a space between the panels of approximately the first width W1. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the first projection 36 is intended to be used with conventional panels having flat edges rather than “tongue and groove” panels. The first width W1 is chosen based on the approximate space desired between panels, so according to an aspect, the first width W1 may be ⅛″ to correspond with the American Plywood Association (APA) recommendation for spacing of plywood panels used for roof sheathing. Similarly, the first predetermined distance D1 may be selected to enable the first projection 36 to extend along the edge a distance greater than or equal to the thickness of the panel. However, it should be understood that the first width W1 and first predetermined distance D1 can be adjusted for any number of factors.

The body 22 also includes a second projection 38 extending from the top 24 adjacent the first end 28. The second projection 38 has a second width W2 and extends a second predetermined distance D2 and extends laterally from the front side 32 to the back side 34. The second projection 38 is additionally canted outwardly at a first angle α for insertion between the panels and establishing a space between the panels of approximately the second width W2. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the second projection 38 may be used primarily for establishing the spacing of “tongue and groove” panels. As a result of the “tongue” portion of the panel extending away from the edge of the panel, it is desirable for the second projection 38 to extend into the gap or space between panels to the depth of the “tongue” portion rather than the entire thickness of the panel. In other words, when inserted, a distal end of the second projection 38 rests on the “tongue” portion as the second projection 38 is sandwiched between panels. While the second width W2 may be approximately the same as the first width W1, it may be desirable for the spacer assembly 20 to enable a panel installer to space panels at different spacing. It should be appreciated that, as with the first width W1 and first predetermined distance D1, the second width W2 and second predetermined distance D2 may be adjusted for any number of factors.

The body 22 additionally includes a sloped portion 40 extending longitudinally along the top 24 and laterally from the front side 32 to the back side 34 and that is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection 38. The sloped portion 40 extends above the top 24 (i.e. away from the bottom 26) and presents a second contact surface for abutting the panels. Because the second projection 38 is canted and the sloped portion 40 is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection 38, the spacer assembly 20 is able to rest on a panel with the second contact surface of the sloped portion 40 abutting the panel.

A handle 42 extends from the top 24 of the body 22 away from the first projection 36 at the second end 30 for enabling handling of the spacer assembly 20. The handle 42 includes a first protrusion 44 extending longitudinally from the handle 42 and away from the second end 30. The handle 42 also includes a second protrusion 46 extending longitudinally from the handle 42 toward the first end 28. While the handle 42 may enable a panel installer to carry or position the spacer assembly 20, it may also facilitate removal of the spacer assembly 20 using tools such as a pry bar after the panels have been fastened down. The handle 42 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C provides a built in storage feature, wherein the second protrusion 46 enables the spacer assembly 20 to be hung from a belt without another clip or fastener. According to another aspect, the handle 42 could include additional clips, bores, slots, or grooves which could aid in the attachment of the spacer assembly 20 to a tool belt or otherwise simplify its usage. The protrusions 44, 46 each have a rounded or semi-circular cross-section, however it should be understood that the protrusions 44, 46 may take other forms or shapes.

In use, the spacer assembly 20 according to an aspect of the disclosure may be employed in two primary modes. As the spacer assembly 20 is used in the first mode (e.g. for panels that are not “tongue and groove”), the first projection 36 of the spacer assembly 20 may be placed or inserted between panels temporarily to ensure proper spacing of the panels while they are being fastened in place (e.g. to roof rafters or floor joints). While in the first mode, the first contact surface of the bottom 26 rests against one of the panels. As the spacer assembly 20 is used in the second mode (e.g. for panels that are “tongue and groove”), the second contact surface of the sloped portion 40 rests against a panel. Simultaneously, the second projection 38 of the spacer assembly 20 is placed or inserted between the panels temporarily to ensure proper spacing of the panels while they are being fastened in place. The first contact surface and second contact surface allow the spacer assembly 20 to be “self-positioning,” in other words, the spacer assembly 20 rests on panel or sheet and the depth and orientation of the spacer assembly 20 is maintained without any further interaction with the panel installer.

A spacer assembly 120 according to another aspect of the disclosure is shown in FIG. 3 and includes an elongate body 122 having a top 124 and a bottom 126 that presents a first contact surface for abutting the panels. The body 122 extends longitudinally from a first end 128 to a second end 130. The top 124 and bottom 126 of the spacer assembly 120 extend from the first end 128 to the second end 130 in a diverging fashion. The body 122 includes a first projection 136 and a second projection 138 that is canted outwardly at a first angle α. A handle 142 extends from the top 124 of the body 122 away from the first projection 136 at the second end 130 for enabling handling of the spacer assembly 120. The handle 142, however, only includes a first protrusion 144 extending longitudinally from the handle 142 and away from the second end 130. The body 122 additionally includes a sloped portion 140 extending longitudinally along the top 124 and laterally from the front side 132 to the back side 134. The sloped portion 140 is recessed below the top 124 and is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection 138 to present a second contact surface for abutting the panels. As a result of the second projection 138 being canted and the sloped portion 140 being canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection 138, the spacer assembly 120 can rest on a panel with the second contact surface of the sloped portion 140 abutting the panel while the second projection 138 establishes a space between the panel and a neighboring panel. Alternatively, the spacer assembly 120 may be oriented with the first contact surface of the bottom 126 in contact with a panel and the first projection 136 establishing a space between the panel and a neighboring panel.

A spacer assembly 220 according to another aspect of the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C and includes an elongate body 222 having a top 224 and a bottom 226 that presents a first contact surface for abutting the panels. The body 222 extends longitudinally from a first end 228 to a second end 230. The body 222 includes a first projection 236 and a second projection 238. The second projection 238 is canted outwardly at a second angle α for establishing a space between the panels. A handle 242 extends from the top 224 of the body 222 away from the first projection 236 at the second end 230 for enabling handling of the spacer assembly 220. The handle 242 includes a first protrusion 244 extending longitudinally from the handle 242 and away from the second end 230. The first protrusion 244 has a rectangular or square cross-section, however, it should be understood that it may instead have other shapes, such as, but not limited to a rounded or semi-circular cross-section as illustrated in spacer assemblies 20, 120 shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 2C. The body 222 additionally includes a sloped portion 240 extending longitudinally along the top 224 and laterally from the front side 232 to the back side 234. The sloped portion 240 extends above the top 224 and is canted generally perpendicularly relative to the second projection 138 to present a second contact surface for abutting the panels.

A spacer assembly 320 according to another aspect of the disclosure is shown in FIGS. 5, 6A, 6B, and 6C, and includes an elongate body 322 having a top 324 and a bottom 326. The body 322 extends longitudinally from a first end 328 to a second end 330 and has a front side 332 and a back side 334. The top 324 and bottom 326 extend from the first end 328 to the second end 330 in a diverging fashion. The body 322 further includes a first projection 336 extending transversely from the bottom 326 adjacent the second end 330. A handle 342 extends from the top 324 of the body 322 away from the first projection 336 at the second end 330 for enabling handling of the spacer assembly 320. The handle 342 includes a first protrusion 344 extending longitudinally from the handle 342 and away from the second end 330 and a second protrusion 346 extending longitudinally from the handle 342 toward the first end 328. The body 322 also includes a second projection 338 extending from the handle 342 away from the top 324 adjacent the second end 330. The second projection 338 is additionally canted inwardly (i.e. toward the first end 328) at a second angle β for insertion between the panels and establishing a space between the panels. According to an aspect of the disclosure, the second projection 338 may be used primarily for establishing the spacing of “tongue and groove” panels while the first projection 336 may be used primarily for panels that are not “tongue and groove”.

Spacer assemblies 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 according to additional aspects are illustrated in FIGS. 7-12. The disclosed spacer assembly may take on a myriad of forms depending on the desired thickness of the panels to be spaced and any specific orientation requirements as the panels are installed. For example, panels may need to be tilted or canted relative to an adjacent panel as the panel is being installed. Spacer assemblies 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 according to aspects of the invention may take the form of being generally S-shaped (FIG. 11) or L-shaped (FIG. 12) for instance.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings and may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described while within the scope of the appended claims. These antecedent recitations should be interpreted to cover any combination in which the inventive novelty exercises its utility.

Claims

1. A spacer assembly for spacing panels, comprising:

an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having a front side and a back side,
said body including a first projection extending transversely from said bottom adjacent said second end in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side to said back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween,
said body including a second projection extending in a second direction generally opposite said first direction a second predetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side to said back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween, and
a handle extending from said top of said body away from said first projection at said second end extending laterally from said front side to said back side and including a first protrusion extending longitudinally from said handle and away from said second end for enabling handling of the spacer assembly and facilitating removal of the spacer assembly from between the panels.

2. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second predetermined distance is different than said first predetermined distance for enabling said spacer assembly to be used with both tongue and groove type panels and panels without tongue and groove.

3. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second projection extends from said top adjacent said first end.

4. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said second projection is canted outwardly at a first angle.

5. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 4 wherein said body includes a sloped portion extending longitudinally along said top and laterally from said front side to said back side and being canted generally perpendicularly relative to said second projection and presenting a second contact surface for abutting the panels.

6. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sloped portion extends above said top.

7. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 5 wherein said sloped portion is recessed below said top.

8. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said top and said bottom extend longitudinally from said first end to said second end in a diverging fashion.

9. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second projection extends from said handle away from said top adjacent said second end.

10. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said second projection is canted inwardly at a second angle.

11. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handle includes a second protrusion extending longitudinally from said handle toward said first end.

12. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said first protrusion and said second protrusion each have a rounded semi-circular cross-section.

13. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first protrusion has a rectangular cross-section.

14. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said bottom of said body is generally planar and presents a first contact surface for abutting the panels.

15. A spacer assembly for spacing panels, comprising:

an elongate body having a top and a bottom and extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and having a front side and a back side,
said body including a first projection extending transversely from said bottom adjacent said second end in a first direction a first predetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side to said back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween,
said body including a second projection extending in a second direction generally opposite said first direction a second predetermined distance and extending laterally from said front side to said back side for insertion between the panels and establishing a space therebetween, and
said second predetermined distance being different than said first predetermined distance for enabling said spacer assembly to be used with both tongue and groove type panels and panels without tongue and groove.

16. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said second projection extends from said top adjacent said first end.

17. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said second projection is canted outwardly at a first angle.

18. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 17 wherein said body includes a sloped portion extending longitudinally along said top and laterally from said front side to said back side and being canted generally perpendicularly relative to said second projection and presenting a second contact surface for abutting the panels.

19. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 18 wherein said sloped portion extends above said top.

20. The spacer assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said first projection has a first width and said second projection has a second width different than said first width.

Patent History
Publication number: 20160244975
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 23, 2015
Publication Date: Aug 25, 2016
Inventors: DONALD R. JONES (CADILLAC, MI), E S. FAWCETT (CADILLAC, MI)
Application Number: 14/807,113
Classifications
International Classification: E04F 13/08 (20060101);