Flaccidly Or Integrally (but Not Severably) Connected Patents (Class 206/343)
  • Publication number: 20030213712
    Abstract: A screw-holding belt (20) has a belt body (2) made from a plastics and having cutouts (8) that are formed at a pitch ‘P’ in and along side edges of the belt body so as to intermittently drive it. Passage holes (5) are formed at the same pitch as the cutouts in order to eject the screws (15), and have a diameter larger than their heads or washers. Screw-holding cylinders (3) are formed each in and coaxial with the central region passage hole (5), so that each screw's threaded leg is inserted into and held in the cylinder. Four stays (21) continue from the rim of upper opening (4) of each cylinder and extend outwards to the inner periphery of passage hole (5) in radial directions each intersecting the center line of belt body (2), so that the belt body can smoothly advance to eject the screws, without suffering from any trouble even if their heads or washers are of a large diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Katsumi Shinjo
  • Publication number: 20030178333
    Abstract: A magazine strip for carrying fastening elements (1) including two opposite side walls (2) projecting from rear wall (3), extending parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction (L) of the magazine strip, and forming together a space (4) for receiving the fastening elements (1) at least along a portion of a longitudinal extent (a) of the fastening elements, and a loss-preventing element (7) for preventing the fastening elements from falling out in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the magazine strip and having a spring element acting in a direction transverse to a longitudinal extent of the side walls (2) and narrowing at least partially an inner width of the receiving space (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Andreas Pally, Gerd Daubinger
  • Publication number: 20030178334
    Abstract: A magazine strip for holding fasteners (1) comprising two opposing side walls (2) running approximately parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction (L) and projecting from a rear wall (3) to form a receiving space and having open end zones (4). The receiving space receives the fasteners (1) at least in part by their longitudinal extent and a loss prevention means (7) prevents unintentional escape of the fasteners (1). The loss prevention means (7) is formed by a constriction (8) of the receiving space extending vertical to the rear wall (3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2003
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventors: Andreas Pally, Gerd Daubinger
  • Publication number: 20030137154
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a fastening element which can be easily mounted on an attaching gun as well as provide a fastening element with less generation of jamming at the time of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Applicant: Kotec's Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ueno, Akihiro Goto
  • Publication number: 20030136693
    Abstract: In a fastener driving tool, a carrier for holding a plurality of fasteners comprises a plurality of sleeves, each sleeve holding an associated fastener. Each sleeve has a body with an axis and a bore, the bore extending axially through the body and the bore being for receiving the associated fastener. A set of compressible ribs is also included within the bore of the sleeve for gripping a shank of the associated fastener so that the associated fastener is positioned substantially in the axial direction of the sleeve when the fastener is driven. Each rib has a curved portion that is concave with respect to the bore.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Harish C. Gupta
  • Patent number: 6595360
    Abstract: A fastening element with less jamming during operation includes a plurality of a unit fastening element arranged adjacently, each unit fastening element including a filament section, an inserting head section equipped with a suitable engagement section located at one end of the filament section, and a socket section equipped with a hole for irreversibly passing the inserting head section located at the other end of the filament section, where a plurality of the socket sections or their vicinities arranged adjacent to each other are temporarily fixed to the connection bar section individually installed, respectively, and a plurality of optional filament sections adjacent to each other are separably fixed temporarily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignees: Kotec's Co., Ltd., Sanyo Seisakusho Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ueno, Akihiro Goto
  • Publication number: 20030116458
    Abstract: A strip magazine for drive-in elements (2) including a plurality of pairs of retaining webs (3a, 3b), and a respective plurality of pairs of at least partially opposite recesses (6a, 6b) associated with respective pairs of retaining webs (6a, 6b), with the retaining webs (3a, 3b) of each pair of retaining webs (3a, 3b) defining, together with the recesses (6a, 6b) of a respective pair of recesses (6a, 6b), an opening (4) for receiving a stem (5) of a drive-in element (2) and with the recesses (6a, 6b) of the respective pair if the recesses (6a, 6b) extending radially of the respective receiving opening (4) and sidewise limiting the retaining webs (3a, 3b), and with each recesses (6a, 6b) having width at least of a half of that of the retaining web (3a, 3b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: Hans-Christian Donner
  • Patent number: 6582173
    Abstract: A collation strip of a plurality of adjacent fasteners interlocked together by a pair of protuberances and a pair of indentations. Each fastener has two protuberances located on one side and two corresponding and aligned indentations located on the other side, wherein the two protuberances of each fastener respectively engaged with the two indentations of an adjacent fastener, thereby interlocking two adjacent fasteners together. In a broader embodiment, each fastener has at least one protuberance located on one side and at least one corresponding and aligned indentation located on the other side wherein the at least one protuberance of each fastener respectively engages with the at least one indentation of an adjacent fastener, thereby interlocking two adjacent fasteners together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Master Fasteners International, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Miller
  • Patent number: 6564939
    Abstract: A needle particularly well-suited for use in the dispensing of plastic fasteners of the type comprising a filament having a cross-bar at a first end thereof; each of the cross-bar and the filament including a first flat side, the first flat sides of the cross-bar and the filament being coplanar. The needle includes a stem portion. The stem portion terminates in a tip at its front end and is shaped to define a longitudinal bore and a longitudinal slot. The longitudinal bore is shaped to receive the cross-bar, and the longitudinal slot is shaped to permit the filament to extend therethrough while the cross-bar is disposed within the longitudinal bore. The longitudinal bore has a first flat side, and the longitudinal slot has a first flat side, the first flat sides of the longitudinal bore and the longitudinal slot being coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Deschenes, Daniel Gilbertson
  • Patent number: 6561350
    Abstract: A sealing implement has a plurality of single sealing implements having a flexible filament part, an insertion head part having an appropriate engaging part provided on one end part of the filament part, and a socket part having a hole for the purpose of irreversibly inserting the insertion head part provided on the other end of the filament, the arrangement of the plurality of single sealing implements being made so that the filament parts thereof are mutually parallel and adjacent, each of the plurality of insertion head parts, or socket parts in proximity thereto, or parts thereof being caused to be connected to separately provided connection bar parts and a filament part of the unit of sealing implement showing curvilinear configuration or at least one portion of said filament part thereof provided with a folded portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Kotec's Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ueno
  • Publication number: 20030075466
    Abstract: The strip comprises fasteners (1), each having a shank (2) which is pointed at one end (4) and bears a head (3) at the other end, these fasteners being respectively engaged by their shanks (2) in guide and damping blocks joined together in a string (8). The strip comprises a second guide string (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Patrick Herelier, Roland Almeras
  • Publication number: 20020195361
    Abstract: A lock member having coming-off preventive portions formed on opposite ends of a filament and having a letter “H” shape as a whole, wherein the coming-off preventive members are connected to a filament at locations shifted from central areas of the coming-off preventive members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Syouichi Fukami
  • Patent number: 6493907
    Abstract: A wire fastener for use in providing a strong, slip resistant structure in which the fastener includes a hump which the wire passes over and includes ears on either side of the hump which are crimped over the wire on both sides of the hump to cause the wire to bend in a double “s” shape over the hump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Ron Engstrom, John Franey, Dan Lochner, Jeff Louwagle, Kevin Mangle, Barry Monson, Brad Terlson, Jim Thoreson, Mike Willis
  • Patent number: 6371293
    Abstract: A fastener assembly having a plurality of fasteners, each including a retaining projection, a fitting portion for engaging with the retaining projection, and a filament portion arranged between the retaining projection and the fitting portion. A first joint member connects with the retaining projections of the fasteners through first cutting portions. A second joint member connects with the fitting portions through second cutting portions, to array the fasteners in a sheet shape. The axes of the retaining projections and the axes of the fitting holes of the fitting portions are formed perpendicular to the sheet-shaped array plane of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Toska Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Kubota, Tadashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6352156
    Abstract: An array if sealers for hangtags and the like includes plural parallel sealers on two connecting pieces. Each of the sealers includes a filament, an inserting head at one of the filament, and a socket at another end of the filament. Each sealer is attached to adjacent sealers with latching pieces that are arrayed on one or both sides of the connecting piece that is adjacent to the inserting heas. The latching pieces hold the sealers in proper alignment for a dispensing gun.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Kotec's Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyuki Ueno
  • Publication number: 20020023854
    Abstract: In stick-type connected nails, connecting bands are glued to two portions, that is, upper ends and lower ends of shaft portions of nails which are arranged in parallel in an equidistant manner so as to connect the nails to each other. By providing the connecting bands at two portions, that is, the upper and lower portions, when a plural sheets of connected nails are loaded in a multiple loading type nail magazine in a superposed manner, heads and distal end portions of the neighboring connecting nails are not entangled in a staggered manner. Hence, the smooth nail feeding can be realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: MAX CO., LTD
    Inventors: Satoshi Osuga, Mitsugu Takezaki
  • Publication number: 20020017473
    Abstract: A unitary plastic fastener clip comprising a plurality of individual fasteners which are disposed in a substantially parallel, side-by-side, spaced relationship. Each fastener comprises an elongated flexible filament having a first enlarged end and a second enlarged end. In one embodiment, each of the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end is a substantially cylindrical transverse bar. In another embodiment, the first enlarged end is a transverse bar of non-uniform transverse cross-section and the second enlarged end is a generally knob-shaped head. A first connector post connects the first enlarged end of the first fastener to the first enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides. A second connector post connects the second enlarged end of the first fastener to the second enlarged end of the second fastener at the approximate midpoints of their mutually-opposing sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6318283
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for marking fabric in a permanent or semipermanent manner includes a plurality of foam markers which are compressible to a smaller size. Upon release of external pressure, the foam markers expand to their original shape and volume. An insertion tool is provided for inserting the foam markers into fabric. The insertion tool comprises an elongate tubular member which has a marker receiving opening on a first end. A pointed tip is located on the second end of the insertion tool to facilitate insertion of the tool between the threads of the fabric being marked. A marker may be compressed by rolling the marker between a thumb and finger. The compressed marker is then partially inserted into the opening of the insertion tool so that a portion of the marker protrudes from the end of the insertion tool. The tip of the insertion tool is then inserted through the fabric at a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Common Sense Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Robert Stanley Coulthard, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6318553
    Abstract: A plastic fastener and a needle particularly well-suited for use in the dispensing of the same. In a preferred embodiment, the plastic fastener includes a stretched flexible filament having a first end and a second end. A first cross-bar is disposed at the first end of the flexible filament, the first cross-bar having a first end and a second end. A second cross-bar is disposed at the second end of the flexible filament, the second cross-bar having a first end and a second end. The second cross-bar is parallel to the first cross-bar. The flexible filament has a first region of increased thickness proximate to the first end of the flexible filament and a second region of increased thickness proximate to the second end of the flexible filament. Each of the first and second regions of increased thickness asymmetrically faces towards the first ends of the cross-bars and faces away from the second ends of the cross-bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Charles L. Deschenes
  • Publication number: 20010030138
    Abstract: A cap assembly for an automatic cap feeder and fastener driver comprises a plurality of relatively thin, domed metal discs that can be pierced by fasteners discharged from a fastener driver such as a nail gun without bending the nail or jamming the driver, with the caps being connected together by a paper backed adhesive tape mounted on the undersides of the concave caps, with the caps having outer edges that are sufficiently sharp that they sever the tape from the strip of caps when the caps are driven into a substrate after a fastener has penetrated the caps. The fastener driver includes improved feeder teeth and an anti-backup pawl that extend into recesses in the track. A cover encloses an open edge of a cap storage basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Roger C. Bruins, Roger A. Vanden Berg
  • Publication number: 20010023836
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a fastening element with less generation of jamming at the time of operation. Because a fastening element comprises a plurality of a unit fastening element arranged adjacently, the unit fastening element comprising a filament section, an inserting head section equipped with a suitable engagement section located at one end of the filament section, and a socket section equipped with a hole for irreversibly passing the inserting head section located at the other end of the filament section, the fastening element characterized in that a plurality of the socket sections or their vicinities arranged adjacent to each other are temporarily fixed to the connection bar section individually installed, respectively, and a plurality of optional filament sections adjacent to each other are separably fixed temporarily, jamming is less generated when the operator couples the fastening element by the coupler gun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: Kotec's Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hideyuki Ueno, Akihiro Goto
  • Patent number: 6250464
    Abstract: A carrier strip for fastening elements and including a plurality of ring-shaped receiving members (1) for receiving the fastening elements (5), with the receiving members (1) having each a receiving opening (2) and being arranged one after another and connected with each other, and with each two adjacent receiving members (1) being offset relative to each other in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receiving opening (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gerd Daubinger, Hendrik A. van Egeraat
  • Publication number: 20010004055
    Abstract: A fastener assembly comprising: a plurality of fasteners each including a retaining projection, a fitting portion for engaging with the retaining projection, and a filament portion arranged between the retaining projection and the fitting portion; a first joint member connecting with the retaining projections of the fasteners through first cutting portions; and a second joint member connecting with the fitting portions through second cutting portions, to array the fasteners in a sheet shape. The axes of the retaining projections and the axes of the fitting holes of the fitting portions are formed perpendicular to the sheet-shaped array plane of the fasteners.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Applicant: TOSKA CO. LTD
    Inventors: Mikio kubota, Tadashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6247591
    Abstract: A self-lockable loop fastener adapted for attaching tags and the like to articles of commerce. According to one embodiment, the fastener includes an elongated flexible filament, a receiving part disposed at one end of the flexible filament and an inserting part disposed at the opposite end of the flexible filament. The receiving part has a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to that of the filament and includes a socket. The socket is provided with an aperture, the aperture having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to that of the filament. A circumferential flange is disposed within the aperture to reduce the diameter of a portion of aperture. The inserting part, which has a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to that of the filament but generally parallel to that of the receiving part, includes a plug, the plug being insertable into the aperture and past the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Clark L. Grendol
  • Patent number: 6220434
    Abstract: A fastener assembly which includes a plurality of fasteners each having a retaining projection which has a longitudinal axis, a fitting portion formed with an engaging hole which also has an axis in which the retaining projection can engage, and a filament portion arranged between the retaining projection and the fitting portion. A first joint member is connected with the retaining projections of the fasteners through first cutting portions each having a reduce sectional area. A second joint member is connected with the fitting portions through second cutting portions. In this manner, the fasteners are fixed to and securely supported by the first and second joint members to be arrayed in a plane. The axes of the retaining projections and the axes of the fitting holes of the fitting portions are formed perpendicular to the plane of the fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Toska Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Kubota, Tadashi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6129206
    Abstract: A unitary, plastic clip of fasteners comprises a plurality of individual fasteners which are disposed in a substantially parallel, stacked, spaced relationship. Each fastener comprises an elongated flexible filament and a pair of transverse cross-bars which are disposed on opposite ends of the filament, the pair of transverse bars being disposed in perpendicular relation to the filament. The plurality of individual fasteners are maintained in its substantially parallel, stacked, spaced configuration by a plurality of thin, severable connector posts. One thin, severable connector post interconnects the approximate midpoint of the transverse bars of each pair of adjacent individual fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6041925
    Abstract: A self-lockable loop fastener adapted for attaching tags and the like to articles of commerce. According to one embodiment, the fastener includes an elongated flexible filament, a receiving part disposed at one end of the flexible filament and an inserting part disposed at the opposite end of the flexible filament. The receiving part has a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to that of the filament and includes a socket. The socket is provided with an aperture, the aperture having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to that of the filament. A circumferential flange is disposed within the aperture to reduce the diameter of a portion of aperture. The inserting part, which has a longitudinal axis extending generally perpendicular to that of the filament but generally parallel to that of the receiving part, includes a plug, the plug being insertable into the aperture and past the flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Clark L. Grendol
  • Patent number: 6026619
    Abstract: A carpet stay-nail tool for positively holding an area of carpet to a desired location during carpet stretching and laying operations. A basic necessity during carpet laying is keeping a first section of carpet temporarily secured while the balance of the carpet is stretched and fastened to its permanent position. The invention provides a plurality of nails configured together in a row which can be pounded through the carpet into the underlayment. Subsequently, the invention can be easily pried up and reused with no discemable damage to the carpet. For safety and convenience, the tool is configured in nesting pairs of nail rows so the nail points are covered and a second nail row is readily available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Inventor: Richard J. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6006976
    Abstract: In an end plating machine for a wood tie having opposite ends comprising a frame including horizontally spaced-apart first and second end frames with the frame including tie in-feed and out-feed portions; a conveyor is provided for positioning a tie between the end frames. First and second tie dampers are positioned adjacent the first and second end frames for clamping the ends of a tie positioned therebetween. First and second power rams are mounted on the first and second end frames, respectively, for driving an end plate into the ends of the tie while the tie is being clamped by the first and second tie clampers. First and second end plate hoppers are positioned on the first and second end frames, respectively, for supporting a plurality of end plates therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Robbins Manufacturing Co.
    Inventor: Gordon E. Matlock
  • Patent number: 5987719
    Abstract: Tamper resistant plastic fastener which may be used, among other things, to attach a tag to a desired article, such as a garment of clothing, a product label or the like. The fastener comprises an elongated unitary plastic member shaped to include a cross bar, a paddle, and a flexible filament interconnecting the cross bar and paddle. The cross bar is sufficiently small so that it cannot easily be manually aligned with the installation hole for removal therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5967316
    Abstract: A cable tie bandolier for use with automatic tools. The bandolier includes a plurality of interconnected cable ties. The ties are interconnected by a single web positioned between adjacent ties and located closer to the head of the tie than to the tail of the tie.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts International, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore J. Abbruzzese, Mark A. Bordwell, Peter M. Wells, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5960953
    Abstract: A tray for supporting a plurality of nail packs is provided. The tray includes a generally rectangular planar tray body having a nail supporting surface and an outer periphery. A stiffening wall projects vertically from the outer periphery of the tray body and terminates at an upper end. A generally planar lip extends laterally from the upper end of the stiffening wall. A sensing structure extends vertically from the nail supporting surface of the tray body beyond the upper end of the stiffening wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Fibreform Containers, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Gratz
  • Patent number: 5934465
    Abstract: A cable tie bandolier for use with automatic tools. A continuous length of cable ties may be formed utilizing a non-continuous molding operation by molding discrete shots of cable ties, such discrete shots having connection capability therebetween allowing the connection of one discrete shot of cable ties to a second discrete shot of cable ties thereby providing one continuous strip of cable ties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Assignee: Thomas & Betts Corporation
    Inventors: Salvatore J. Abbruzzese, Mark A. Bordwell, Michael A. Bridgman, William T. O'Neill, Peter M. Wells, Jr., Derek Woods
  • Patent number: 5927922
    Abstract: A tack for holding soft thin membrane-like materials such as roof shingles, roofing felt, or house wrap is produced in collated strips from a stock of band sheet metal. Each tack has a head and a shank lanced out of the head and bent out to leave behind a slot in the head. The shank of a given tack nests within the slot of an adjacent tack in a side by side relationship for collating in strips for use in a tacker tool. The production of the collated strips of tacks includes a progressive punch press operation wherein the stock of band sheet metal is indexed incrementally therethrough in a given indexing direction. At the extreme end of the progressive punch press operation, a completed tack is advanced to and through a collating operation in a given collating direction. In one example, the indexing direction and collating direction are arranged 135.degree. apart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: High Wind Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David C. Miller
  • Patent number: 5865585
    Abstract: An obliquely collated strip of brads useable in an angled magazine of a fastener driving tool, each brad having a head on one end and a point on an opposite end, the point of each brad of the collated strip of brads having a tip defined by converging first, second and third facets so as to form an edge at an acute angle relative to an axis of the brad, the edge of each brad forming a substantially continuous edge of the collated strip of brads, the head of each brad of the collated strip of brads arranged step-wise relative to the head of an adjacent brad, the step-wise arrangement of heads forming a stepped edge substantially parallel to the substantially continuous edge of the collated strip of brads, the head of each brad of the collated strip of brads being disposed at an angle relative to the axis of the brad, the angle of the head sloping oppositely relative to the angle of the substantially continuous edge of the collated strip of brads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Edward G. Sutt, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5810238
    Abstract: To reduce the force necessary to anchor the double "T" bar attachments, the filament of each attachment is made longer than the shortest (perpendicular) distance between the "T" bars to avoid the necessity of stretching the filament beyond its original length as it is dispensed. The filament lies in the same plane as the "T" bars to permit it to be fabricated on conventional stretching equipment. Preferrably, each end of the filament is formed at an acute angle relative to a line perpendicular to the "T" bar to which it is attached. The attachments can be supplied in continously connected ladder stock form or in a clip of parallel spaced attachments, situated between connector bars. In clip form, the attachments are fed along a correspondly shaped channel through the housing. In order to reduce the peak force necessary to sever the "T" bars from the respective connector bars, blades are located within the housing such that they cut at different times during the trigger stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Steven Kunreuther
  • Patent number: 5775514
    Abstract: A screw band can hold screws of different diameters, having a body of any length provided with notches in two longitudinal sides for the band to be moved by a screw driving tool. The band has plural screw holes respectively defined by an annular wall extending down from the band. The annular wall has plural small notches for screws to be driven through the screw holes smoothly. Plural valves extend inward from an inner surface of the annular wall for supporting a screw planted in each screw hole. The valves may be any type and may bend to form a contact-with-each-other condition or a non-contact-with-each-other condition and to produce elasticity for securely supporting a screw of different diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Jack Lin
  • Patent number: 5762190
    Abstract: A tee-nut holder strip of breakable material, and a plurality of tee-nuts having threaded sleeves and flanges, and spikes formed from portions of the flanges and having a strip defining a plurality of precisely spaced apart holes formed axially along the central axis of the strip for receiving the sleeves of the tee-nuts, the holes being undersized relative to the sleeves and displacement of material by the sleeves causing a wedging grip on the sleeves and, strip material located around the holes and the tee-nuts having their spikes penetrating through the material around the holes, thereby holding the tee-nuts in a predetermined precisely spaced apart relationship in the strip of material, the material being breakable between the tee-nuts, to permit punching in of individual tee-nuts one at a time, into a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Sigma Tool & Machine
    Inventor: Martin Leistner
  • Patent number: 5733308
    Abstract: A surgical pledget dispensing system wherein a pledget is affixed to at least one other object whereby the pledget is tearably releasable from the at least one other object. Preferably a multiplicity of pledgers are affixed to the at least one other object in a tearably releasable fashion. The at least one other object is preferably at least one runner, a portion of a suture package or at least one other pledget.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Daugherty, Paul D. Diegel, Bret J. Kilgrow
  • Patent number: 5622257
    Abstract: A fastener for use in attaching a button to a garment or a piece of fabric and a fastener clip including one or more of said fasteners. In a preferred embodiment, the fastener comprises a U-shaped flexible filament and a pair of transverse feet, the transverse feet being disposed at opposite ends of the U-shaped flexible filament. The U-shaped flexible filament is generally rectangular in cross-section. The width of the filament is substantially uniform over its length whereas the thickness of the filament is greatest in its arcuate region (to maximize the strength of the fastener) and least towards the feet. Because of its U-shape, the filament is permitted to extend between adjacent button holes, thereby creating the appearance of thread.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 22, 1997
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Charles L. Deschenes, Terence J. Jones, William J. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5593033
    Abstract: One or both ends of the connector bar is extended outwardly beyond the main section of the bar to which the attachments are mounted. The extended end provides access to the clip from the exterior of the attacher housing, permitting the clip to be manually advanced if the feed mechanism fails. An element may be situated on one extended end to facilitate grasping. In a clip having two connector bars, the ends of both bars extend in the same direction. The extended ends may be bent towards each other and may be connected to form a bridge. A second aspect of the invention relates to a connector bar which has an element designed to cooperate with the housing to prevent advancement of the clip all the way through the housing channel, thereby requiring the operator to remove the empty connector bar from the device for better control of disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Inventor: Steven Kunreuther
  • Patent number: 5520281
    Abstract: A product card of hooks comprising a sheet of paper card base having both sides covered with a respective strippable cover film, the sheet of paper card base being punched into a plurality of disposable hooks in it, the disposable hooks having tiny connecting portions maintained linked to the sheet of paper card base, each disposable hook comprising an elongated body having two opposite ends turned inwards and formed into an open hook portion and a close hook portion respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Chun-Yen Huang
  • Patent number: 5417325
    Abstract: One or both ends of the connector bar is extended outwardly beyond the main section of the bar to which the attachments are mounted. The extended end provides access to the clip from the exterior of the attacher housing, permitting the clip to be manually advanced if the feed mechanism fails. An element may be situated on one extended end to facilitate grasping. In a clip having two connector bars, the ends of both bars extend in the same direction. The extended ends may be bent towards each other and may be connected to form a bridge. A second aspect of the invention relates to a connector bar which has an element designed to cooperate with the housing to prevent advancement of the clip all the way through the housing channel, thereby requiring the operator to remove the empty connector bar from the device for better control of disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 23, 1995
    Inventor: Steven Kunreuther
  • Patent number: 5366082
    Abstract: An article of manufacture is provided which enables nails to be fed serial fashion to a nail-driving device. The article of manufacture comprises a nail-supporting strip in the form of interconnected sleeves, each sleeve having a plurality of radially-extending ribs that define a nail-receiving passageway, and an end wall that is formed integral with the ribs. The sleeves are connected to each other by narrow webs that permit the sleeves to be sheared off from one another. The strip is adapted to receive and support a plurality of nails, with each nail being received and supported by a separate sleeve. The resulting combination of strip and nails forms a nail clip that is adapted to be loaded into the nail-receiving magazine of a nail-driving device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1994
    Inventor: Harry M. Haytayan
  • Patent number: 5339954
    Abstract: One or both ends of the connector bar is extended outwardly beyond the main section of the bar to which the attachments are mounted. The extended end provides access to the clip from the exterior of the attacher housing, permitting the clip to be manually advanced if the feed mechanism fails. An element may be situated on one extended end to facilitate grasping. In a clip having two connector bars, the ends of both bars extend in the same direction. The extended ends may be bent towards each other and may be connected to form a bridge. A second aspect of the invention relates to a connector bar which has an element designed to cooperate with the housing to prevent advancement of the clip all the way through the housing channel, thereby requiring the operator to remove the empty connector bar from the device for better control of disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: Steven Kunreuther
  • Patent number: 5325964
    Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises an elongate strip or reel of separable metallic segments having pressure sensitive backing tape secured thereto. The segments include a cutout defining an elongate tine bendable to right angles to the main body portion of the segment. The tines include a longitudinally directed reenforcing rib, the side edges of the tine and the rib being formed with aligned notches enabling the fine to be bent at right angles in registry with the notches. A washer is provided which may be sleeved over the tine, the washer including an aperture configured such that when the washer is mounted over the tine and rotated, the washer will be locked to the tine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Duro Dyne Corporation
    Inventor: John E. Lyons
  • Patent number: 5321872
    Abstract: Tamper-resistant plastic fastener for use in attaching a tag to a piece of fabric, such as a garment of clothing, a product label or the like. In one embodiment, the fastener comprises an elongated unitary plastic member having a first end shaped to define a cross-bar, a second end shaped to define a paddle, and a flexible filament interconnecting the cross-bar and the paddle. The filament is shaped to include an enlarged portion, which is appropriately sized, shaped, and positioned to prevent a sufficient amount of the filament to be drawn through the fabric to permit the cross-bar to be easily aligned with the filament. Consequently, the cross-bar and the filament cannot easily be pushed back through the same opening in the piece of fabric through which they were originally inserted, making intact removal of the fastener from the piece of fabric extremely difficult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 21, 1994
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: F. Gerard Merser
  • Patent number: 5256012
    Abstract: A packaging format for fasteners constituted by a strip of interconnected retainers 10. Each retainer comprises a land of material, typically 9.5 .times.9.5 mm (0.374 inch squared) in plan. Each land 12 has a hole 13 therethrough for receiving a fastener, in the form of a screw 14. The tip 16 of the fastener protrudes approximately 5 mm (0.2 inch) beyond the land. Between adjacent retainers a support 18 is located which would, in use, support the tip 16 of the fastener 14 clear of a work surface 20 while allowing visually unobstructed positioning of the tip 16 of the fastener. The strip also includes a locating tab 24 to assist in the accurate location of a tapping drill hole. This invention also extends to a drilling tool to further assist in drilling the tapping hole in conjunction with the tab 24.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Inventor: Marshall E. Mikels
  • Patent number: 5207966
    Abstract: Method for molding a strip of blind rivets, with each of the rivets having a pin within a sleeve and with the pin having a pulling head and shank, including a strip advance rod mounted in the apparatus for movement between first and second positions, a set of pin mold cavities and a set of sleeve mold cavities, a first runner for feeding the pin mold cavities and including a band around the rod, a second runner overlying the first runner for feeding the sleeve mold cavities, opposing mold members defining the sets of cavities and a sprue for feeding molding material to the runners, with the rod and strip moving together when the mold members are out of engagement for advancing the molded parts, and with the rod moving through the strip when the mold members are in engagement for returning the rod to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: The Hartwell Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas H. Adkins, John P. Anderson, Robert L. Conly, Thomas G. Singer
  • Patent number: 5163552
    Abstract: The invention relates to the joining of one web, e.g. of camouflage material to a carrier net or the like with the aid of fastener devices comprising male fastener parts provided with pins or like elements which are hammered into complementary holes in female fastener parts. The female and male fastener parts are banded together by means of plastic wires moulded along the sides of the fastener parts and are separated subsequent to being brought to a fastener applying position from a respective magazine. The male fastener parts are banded with the pins positioned in the direction of the band, while the holes provided in the female fastener parts face at right angles to the band direction. The bands are advanced by means of pawl-mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: Barracuda Technologies AB
    Inventor: Hermann Thuswaldner