Abstract: The present invention is directed to a deck screw intended for use with composite lumber, although it can be used with other wood products, such as pressure treated lumber. The deck screw of the present invention may be provided with a head and a shaft that has two regions of varying diameter. The upper region has threads that exceed the number of threads of the lower shaft, on a unit length basis. The threads of the upper shaft may be configured in an inverted buttress design. The lower region of the shaft terminates at a tapered distal end having a pointed tip that leads the screw through the wood material. Threads are provided on the lower region of the shaft. The head of the screw is provided with an upper surface, a lower surface, and a crown that extends around the perimeter of the head, The crown extends beyond the lower surface of the head, forming a recessed region between the lower edge of the crown and the shaft of the screw. The head may also be provided with an undercut.

Abstract: A fastener for use in conjunction with plastic lumber is provided with an undercut head and radially projecting helical flutes on the shank which combine to contain plastic lumber material displaced by the shank and head beneath the head, permitting a single step installation to produce a finished appearance. The helical flutes have an opposed helical orientation to the screw threads. This opposed relationship causes the flutes to push displaced plastic lumber material away from the screw head while the flutes bore a space for plastic lumber material displaced by countersinking the screw head. The undercut head may be provided with a series of teeth around the underside of the head periphery. The teeth aid in penetrating the surface of the plastic lumber. The teeth also resist backing out of the screw.

Abstract: The present invention is a washer typically used in fastening insulation to a roof deck. The washer is secured to the deck by a securing member received through an opening in the washer. The washer is provided with a body having a top surface, a thickness dimension, and bottom surface having a substantially planar region. The body is further provided with an opening sized to permit a securing member to pass therethrough. A plurality of fingers are positioned around the opening on the bottom surface of the body. The fingers extend away from the bottom surface, the fingers being positioned around the opening and having at least a portion that extends over the opening. In yet another embodiment, the present invention is, in combination, a washer and a securing member received in an opening provided in the washer.

Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping screw for concrete blocks which includes a shank having a proximal portion equipped with a double lead, self-tapping spiral thread and an unthreaded portion which connects the threaded shank portion to a carbide drill tip in an axially spaced relationship. The length of the unthreaded portion of the shank is selected to allow the drill tip to form a clearance hole extending through the concrete block prior to engagement of the threaded shank portion with the clearance hole.

Abstract: A fastener for fastening together logs and a technique therefor is directed to a self-drilling/tapping fastener which allows the fastener to be driven through the log to be secured without pre-drilling a bore. Counter-bore wings on shaft segment of the fastener shank increase the diameter of the bore formed in the log to be fastened by the threaded segment of the shank, reducing friction caused by contact between the shaft segment and the bore. Counter-bore fins on the fastener head also form a counter-bore for the head. A lubricous coating applied to a portion of the shank accommodates settling of the logs and facilitates installation.

Abstract: An improved vented drain insert for insertion into a larger diameter drain pipe, preferably, a roof drain pipe. The insert has a tubular portion which extends into the drain pipe forming an annular restriction in the primary passageway through the drain pipe. A vent tube is provided to provide a secondary passageway from above the inlet to the drain past the annular restriction to the drain pipe below the drain insert. The vent tube is believed to be advantageously vent air and/or equalize pressures below the drain insert under flow conditions in the drain pipe in which air is present in the drain pipe.

Abstract: A swiveling roofing washer for use with a roofing fastener has a plate. The plate defines a centrally positioned fastener opening. The plate further has a bottom surface for engagement to a roofing membrane, and an oppositely positioned top surface. The top surface has a swivel surface portion defining a convex surface adjacent and coaxial with the fastener opening. The swivel surface further defines a fastener head receiving channel adjacent the convex portion and coaxial with the fastener opening for engagement with the head portion of a roofing fastener.

Abstract: A panel fastener for fastening insulated wall panel to structural lumber or steel comprises an integral wafer head and a shank having a cylindrical segment and a threaded segment. A distal portion of the fastener has a self-drilling tip. A square socket for receiving a torque driver is recessed into the head.

Abstract: A technique for fastening together logs and a fastener therefor is directed to a self-drilling/tapping fastener which allows the fastener to be driven through the log to be secured without pre-drilling a bore. Counter-bore fins on the fastener head also form a counter-bore for the head. A lubricious coating applied to a portion of the shank accommodates settling of the logs and facilitates installation.

Abstract: A fastener-plate assembly for use in anchoring covering sheets to a roof deck has a pre-assembled configuration. The assembled configuration is maintained by projections on an upper portion of the fastener shank. The projections engage against a received retainer plate to retain the plate to the shank of the fastener.

Abstract: A locking plate which is adapted for fastening insulation to a roof deck employs a locking grommet which snaps into the roofing plate and seats the head of the fastener. The locking grommet locks the fastener to the plate and maintains a constant fixed relationship at all times between the fastener head and the locking plate thereby preventing the head from popping up above the plate.

Abstract: An expansion fastener includes a fastener body which has a pair of integral axial anchoring sections. An expander pin is drivable into a throat of the fastener body to force apart the anchoring sections.