Abstract: An apparatus for connecting an earthen formation to a concrete facing of a mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) structure, and a method of manufacturing the same. A one-piece, flat, plate-like connector has a stem and a tab, wherein the stem is resistance welded to a soil reinforcing element embedded within the earthen formation. The tab is connected to a facing anchor attached to the concrete facing. The stem of the plate connector has grooves formed in its opposing sides and longitudinal channels to increase the strength of the resistance weld.

Abstract: A fastener capable of changing form and direction in order to conform to a desired fastening trajectory while being propelled by a manual or power-actuated tool into one or more elements out of line of sight to be fastened together.

Abstract: A nail having a plurality of grooves configured to reduce the amount of material needed to create the nail and increase the holding power of the nail, while only minimally affecting the bending yield strength of the nail and other important properties. The nail includes a relatively high number of grooves having a relatively shallow depth to retain a cross-sectional geometry of the shank that permits the formation of a full round head of sufficiently large diameter such that pull through resistance of the nail is not significantly affected. Various embodiments of such a nail are disclosed. In a first embodiment, the grooves are semi-circular and are disposed evenly and symmetrically about the circumference of the shank. In a second embodiment, a protrusion is formed at one tangent point (corner) of each of the plurality of grooves. In a third embodiment, a protrusion is formed at each tangent point of each of the plurality of grooves.

Abstract: A retractable nail includes a head portion having a striking surface and a slot through the striking face. The slot is configured for receiving a removal tool. The nail includes a piercing part the head portion and the piercing part. A longitudinal main body is positioned between the longitudinal main body includes a front side, rear side and two lateral sides. The front and rear sides include respective front and rear helical thread segments formed along a longitudinal length of the main body. The threads are filled or covered with a plastic material, epoxy, glue, composite or the like to prevent damage to the helically threads when the device is hammered or bored with a pneumatically or electrically powered nail gun into a solid material.

Abstract: Non-prismatic shank fasteners, such as nails, for wood and similar soft materials have a plurality of longitudinal extending non-congruent sections having different geometries, different configurations, and varying diameters such that the shank has the widest nominal diameter arranged to span a joint between wood members being fastened. The shank has four circumferentially symmetrically disposed grooves and ridges having dimensions within pre-determined ranges such that the ridges have sufficient strength to withstand the forces imposed on the shank being driven into the parent material and to resist loads imposed upon them by the loads to the parent material. The grooves have a sufficiently wide jaw opening to allow elastically compressed parent material to enter the groove and provide support to the shank. The non-prismatic grooved shanks demonstrate significantly greater load handling capability than that possessed by other known types of fasteners.

Abstract: Described is a fastener having a longitudinal shank designed with a central cross-member; two arms, one at each end of the cross-member; each arm having a forward vane and a rearward vane, the vanes extending longitudinally along at least most of the length of the shank. A flattened head is at one end of the shank, and a pointed end at the other. The head may be notched for ease in collating the fasteners.

Abstract: A reduced material fastener has a shank cross-section selected to provide a parting line. Having a parting line means that the fastener may be made using two opposing dies, including roller dies, to cold form the cross-section. The cross-sections do not have to be symmetrical with respect to the parting line as long as hypothetical dies can be separated. Typical fasteners include common nails. Cross-sections having parting lines may have fin-like protuberances that result in less material being used for the same overall outline as a round cross-section. A computer aided design methodology and a nail making apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced material fastener has a shank cross-section selected to provide a parting line. Having a parting line means that the fastener may be made using two opposing dies, including roller dies, to cold form the cross-section. The cross-sections do not have to be symmetrical with respect to the parting line as long as hypothetical dies can be separated. Typical fasteners include common nails. Cross-sections having parting lines may have fin-like protuberances that result in less material being used for the same overall outline as a round cross-section. A computer aided design methodology and a nail making apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting a product to a structure is provided. The apparatus secures the product to the structure to prevent damage of the product during shipping. The mounting apparatus includes a base plate, two pin members, two pin engaging members, and a mounting device. The base plate has two apertures therethrough and is positioned against the structure. Each pin member has an enlarged head portion and a stem portion extending therefrom. In use, the stem portion of each pin member extends through the structure, through the associated aperture of the base plate, and is engaged with a respective pin engaging member. The head portion is positioned against the structure. Each pin engaging member is capable of releaseably holding the associated pin member. The mounting device allows for the connection of the product to the base plate. The mounting device is positioned between the apertures of the base plate.

Abstract: A harpoon nail having two or more sets of teeth on opposite sides of fingers that deform while penetrating the framing members. The teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail having sets of teeth on two edges penetrates through framing members and the teeth engage with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A piercing nail with a spring member that deforms as the nail penetrates through framing members engages with a bottom surface to fasten the framing members together. A self-locking nail having two members that move relative to one another when penetrating through framing members fastens the framing members together.

Abstract: A fastener such as a nail is provided, having a shaft affixed at a first end to a head and tapering to a sharp point at a second end. At least one partially enclosed locking channel is defined along the length of the shaft and is approximately three-quarters enclosed to surround fibers of a work piece.