CA2891171A1

CA2891171A1 - Fastener

Info

Publication number: CA2891171A1
Application number: CA2891171A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Tomo Zvonko BERTOVIC
Original assignee: INTER-JOIN PTY/LTD
Current assignee: INTER-JOIN PTY/LTD
Priority date: 2012-11-13
Filing date: 2013-11-13
Publication date: 2014-05-22
Also published as: AU2012268862A1; HK1214641A1; NZ708792A; WO2014075139A1; EP2964965A1; CN104903600A; CN104903600B; EP2964965A4

Abstract

A fastener comprises a shank (12) having a first attachment means (14) for attachment to a first workpiece and a head (16) having a second attachment means (18) for attachment to a second workpiece. The fastener (10) in the embodiment is a screw and the first attachment means (14) comprises a thread formation on the shank (12). The head (16) of the fastener (10) comprises a drive formation (22) at a central portion thereof, in the form of a Phillips head screwdriver recess. The second attachment means (18) in the head (16) comprises attachment members (24) integrally formed in the head, being three prongs (24) which extend in a generally opposite direction to the shank (12).

Description

FASTENER
Field of the Invention [I] The present invention relates to a fastener and in particular to a fastener for wood products, and the like.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for the carpentry and building industries and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.
Background of the Invention

[3] Fasteners such as screws, nails and anchor bolts have been manufactured with a variety of heads and drive designs, each requiring a different kind of tool to drive or extract them. All fasteners employ the same general fixing principle, with the shank, which may be threaded or serrated, providing gripping and the head providing a bearing surface and means to drive the screw.

[4] One difficulty with such fasteners is the head by design is left exposed. In building applications, this leads to additional finishing work for the builder to finish the workpiece around the head.

[5] There is thus a need for a fastener which provides concealed fixing, in that the workpiece can be fixed in place as desired with the fastener concealed. This will allow builders to use pre-finished workpieces with further finishing work not being required.

[6] The inventor performed a comprehensive search of the market place and published patent publications and did not find a product which satisfies the inventor's requirements.

[7] The present invention seeks to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

[8] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.
Summary of the Invention

[9] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a fastener comprising:
=
a shank having a first attachment means for attachment to a first workpiece;
and Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU

a head having a second attachment means for attachment to a second workpiece

[10] Preferably, the fastener is a screw and the first means comprises a thread formation on the shank.

[11] Alternatively, the fastener is a nail.

[12] Alternatively, the fastener is an anchor bolt.

[13] Preferably, the second attachment means comprises at least one attachment member formed in the head, the at least one attachment member extending in a generally opposite direction to the shank.

[14] Preferably, each of the at least one attachment member is a prong.

[15] Preferably, the head comprises a drive formation at a central portion thereof and the at = least one attachment member is formed laterally of the drive formation.

[16] Preferably, the at least one attachment member extends from a peripheral portion of the head.

[17] Preferably, the at least one attachment member comprises a plurality of attachment members substantially equidistantly spaced around a peripheral portion of the head.
= [18] Preferably, the fastener comprises three or more attachment members.
[19] Preferably, the plurality of attachment members comprises prongs which are slightly splayed relative to each other.
[20] Preferably, each prong has an end portion with a point, wherein the prong is adapted to embed into the second workpiece when the second workpiece is forced against the second attachment means.
[21] Preferably, each prong is adapted to substantially curl and/or skew into the second workpiece as the second workpiece is forced against the second attachment means.
[22] Preferably, the plurality of attachment members comprises prongs having serrations formed thereon.
[23] Preferably, the prongs extend parallel to each other in a direction opposite to the shank.
[24] Preferably, the prongs are integrally formed with the head.
[25] In one embodiment, the prongs comprise a distal pointed portion with no serrations and a proximal portion with serrations.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU

[26] Alternatively, the prongs are slightly splayed relative to each other.
[27] In this embodiment, preferably, each prong is adapted to substantially curl and/or skew into the second workpiece as the second workpiece is forced against the second attachment means.
[28] Preferably, the fastener comprises a depth measuring means for indicating the depth of insertion of the first attachment means and/or the distance of the head from the first workpiece in use.
[29] Preferably, the depth measuring means comprises a shoulder formed at the junction of the head and the shank.
[30] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.
Brief Description of the Drawings [31] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
= [32] Fig. 1 shows a screw fastener in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention with three integral fixing prongs, where (a) is a perspective view showing the prongs = slightly splayed in their initial configuration, (b) is a perspective view showing the screw with the three prongs being in a curled and outwardly skewed configuration when embedded into a workpiece; and (c) is a top view of (a);
[33] Fig. 2 shows a screw fastener in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention with four integral fixing prongs, where (a) is a perspective view showing the prongs slightly splayed in their initial configuration, (b) is a perspective view showing the screw with the four prongs being in a curled and outwardly skewed configuration when embedded into a workpiece; and (c) is a top view of (a);
[34] Fig. 3(a) is a schematic cross-section view of the figure 1(a); Fig.
3(b) is a schematic cross-section view of the figure 1(b); Fig. 3(c) is a top view of the fastener with three prongs;
Fig. 3(d) is a top view of the fastener with four prongs; Fig. 3(e) is a top view of a fastener with six prongs; Fig. 3(f) is a top view of a fastener with eight prongs;
[35] Fig. 4 schematically shows the fastener of Figure 1 in use, with Figs.
4a, 4b & 4c.
schematically showing the progressive engagement of a pre-finished timber workpiece via the skewing and curling of the integral fixing prongs; and Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU

[36] Fig. 5 shows screw fasteners in accordance with other preferred embodiments with three integral fixing prongs, where (a) is a perspective view showing one type of serrated prongs, (b) shows a screw with another type of serrated prongs; and (c) is a top view of (b).
Description of Embodiments [37] It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.
[38] Figures 1, 3(a) and 3(b) show a fastener 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fastener comprises a shank 12 having a first attachment means 14 for attachment to a first workpiece and a head 16 having a second attachment means 18 for attachment to a second workpiece. The fastener 10 is a screw and the first attachment means 14 comprises a thread formation on the shank 12.
[39] The head 16 comprises a drive formation 22 at a central portion thereof, in the form of a Phillips head screwdriver recess.
[401 The second attachment means 18 in the head 16 comprises attachment members 24 integrally formed in the head, being three prongs 24 which extend in a generally opposite direction to the shank 12. The prongs 24 are formed laterally of the drive formation 22, being equidistantly spaced around the peripheral portion 17 of the head 16.
[41] The prongs 24 include a generally flattened rectangular portion 26 and a pointed end 27 at the end portion 29 thereof. The prongs 24 are slightly splayed relative to each other in their initial configuration.
[42] The screw 10 also comprises a shoulder 19 formed at the junction of the head 16 and the shank 12. The shoulder 19 comprises a diameter larger than the shank 12 and thus forms a stop surface 21 with the shank 12. In use, the shank 12 can be inserted into a first workpiece and will stop at the stop surface 21. Thus, the shoulder 19 acts a depth measuring means in that the distance of the head 16 from the first workpiece for all of the fasteners 10 will be conSistent.
[431 Fig. 4 schematically shows the fastener 10 in use. In this example, the fastener 10 is used for fixing a plasterboard wall lining 42 to a frame stud 40, and also for fixing a pre-finished timber skirting 44 to the wall lining 42 to cover the gap 43 between the wall lining 42 and the flooring 46.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU

[44] The wall lining 42 has already been painted its final coat and is fixed to the frame stud 40 (timber, metal or masonry) via the threaded shank 12, up until the stop surface 21 engages the frame stud 40. The head 16 engages the wall lining 42 with the prongs 24 extending outwardly. The timber skirting 44 is then forced into the second attachment means 18, being the prongs 24.
= [45] Figures 4a, 4b & 4c schematically show the progressive engagement of the timber skirting 44 via the fixing prongs 24, which skew away from each other and the end portions 29 = curl outwardly as the skirting 44 is forced into the second attachment means 18. Figure 4a shows the skirting 44 initially engaging the prongs 24, with the integral fixing prongs 24 in the set position ready for engagement. Figure 4b, shows the skirting 44 partly engaged with the integral fixing prongs 24 providing initial bite and commencing the skewing into the pre-finished timber. Figure 4c shows the skirting 44 fully engaged in the final position, with the integral fixing prongs 24 completely skewed and curled to lock into the pre-finished timber.
[46] Only the back surface 48 of the skirting 44 is engaged by the prongs 24 and the front pre-finished surface 49 is left unmarked. Thus, the fastener 10 provides concealed fixing of the skirting 44 and no further finishing is needed.
= [47] The fastener 10 can be embodied in other forms and can include less or more for different types of prongs 24 or attachment means 18.
[48] Figure 2 and 3 (d) show a fastener 10b with four prongs 24. Figure 3 (e) shows a fastener 10c with six prongs 24, and Figure 3 (d) shows a fastener 10d with eight prongs 24. In the embodiment, the prongs 24 are equidistantly spaced around the periphery 17 of the head 16.
[49] Figure 5 shows further embodiments 10e and 10f of the fastener comprising serrated prongs 24 which extend parallel and in a direction opposite to the shank 12.
Research of the leading builders found the use of building materials which varies significantly in density, and as such product development has lead to serrated fixing prongs 24 (which are stronger and do not skew) being developed.
[50] Product testing shows that the integrated fixing prongs 24 of the fastener 10 (which gave been designed to skew and curl into the soft pine timber) cannot penetrate the dense MDF
(Medium Density Fibreboard), and therefore did not provide any bite nor grip.
[51] The serrated fixing prongs 24 of the fasteners 10e and 10f are pin shaped to provide easier penetration of the dense MDF material. Product development has also lead to variations of the serrations on the prongs for maple/meranti timber (figure 5(a)) and MDF
(figure 5(b)).
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU

[52] The variation in figure 5(b) is the incorporation of 50% leading smooth pin 25 that penetrates easier into the dense MDF and 50% serrations, and with fewer serrations, provides less resistance requiring less force for penetration into the dense MDF
material.
[53] In other embodiments, the serrated prongs can also be slightly splayed, and can be adapted to curl outwardly similar to the prongs above.
[54] In other embodiments, the fastener can be a nail or an anchor bolt such as a DYNABOLTTm.
[55] The fastener of the preferred embodiment thus provides two-directional concealed fixing via a threaded shank in one direction, and integrated fixing prongs in the opposite direction. The preferred fastener has integrated fixing prongs incorporated on the screw head that are designed to bite, skew and curl into pre-finished timber. The preferred fastener has the integrated fixing prongs that provide a skewing and curling action locking the pre-finished timber towards the screw head. The integrated fixing prongs can generate a gripping a force greater than that of single trimming nails through the timber.
[56] The preferred fastener can comprise a varying number of integrated fixing prongs in the screw head. The preferred fastener has a shoulder that provides a depth gauge to ensure all integrated fixing prongs protrude past the face of the plasterboard wall lining equidistantly.
The preferred fastener can accommodate any variation of drive system within the head. The preferred fastener provides fixing from the back face of the material, and without penetrating the surface, allows for pre-finished timber to be used.
= [57] The preferred fastener provides concealed fixing as an alternative to the current nailing = of internal timbers. This has been achieved with the threaded shank providing gripping to the = wall frame, and the integral fixing prongs providing bite and penetration to pull the timber towards the crown, which provides for a very strong connection. The fixing prongs are an integral part of the screw head giving the screw head a crown like appearance.
[58] The preferred screw is driven to the wall frame with the shoulder providing the pre-determined bearing depth, ensuring correct engagement of the crown. The timber is positioned for fastening, with pressure being applied to the face of the timber, engaging the fixing prongs which bite into the timber. As more pressure is applied and the timber is forced home, the fixing prongs skew and curl into the timber which provides a powerful locking strength.
[59] The fixing detail is such that the fasteners are secured to each stud frame via the = threaded shank, with the shoulder of the fastener providing the bearing surface to ensure all Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RU/AU

screw heads are set at the same depth, thus providing consistent bite force to the timber skirting.
=
The fixing prongs in the set position, protrude forward of the face of the Plasterboard Wall Lining, and have been designed to bite and skew into the timber Skirting, curling and pulling the pre-finished timber tight with the Plasterboard Wall Lining. The result is that the skirting remains a tight fit along the entire length of wall, thus minimising (or eliminating) the need for gap filler.
[60] The fastener has the potential to change the current construction method of nailing through the timber surface, and allows the opportunity to provide the highest quality of finishes, all without compromising the construction costs nor the build time.
= [61] Whilst preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to skilled persons that modifications can be made to the embodiments described.
Substitute Sheet (Rule 26) RO/AU

Claims

Claims The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A fastener comprising:
a shank having a first attachment means for attachment to a first workpiece;
and a head having a second attachment means for attachment to a second workpiece

2. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a screw and the first means comprises a thread formation on the shank.

3. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the fastener is a nail.

4. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the fastener is an anchor bolt.

5. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the second attachment means comprises at least one attachment member formed in the head, the at least one attachment member extending in a generally opposite direction to the shank.

6. The fastener of claim 5 wherein each of the at least one attachment member is a prong.

7. The fastener of claim 5 wherein the head comprises a drive formation at a central portion thereof and the at least one attachment member is formed laterally of the drive formation.

8. The fastener of claim 5 wherein the at least one attachment member extends from a peripheral portion of the head.

9. The fastener of claim 5 wherein the at least one attachment member comprises a plurality of attachment members substantially equidistantly spaced around a peripheral portion of the head.

10. The fastener of claim 9 wherein the fastener comprises three or more attachment members.

11. The fastener of claim 10 wherein the plurality of attachment members comprises prongs which are slightly splayed relative to each other.

12. The fastener of claim 11 wherein each prong has an end portion with a point, wherein the prong is adapted to embed into the second workpiece when the second workpiece is forced against the second attachment means.

13. The fastener of claim 11 wherein each prong is adapted to substantially curl and/or skew into the second workpiece as the second workpiece is forced against the second attachment means.

14. The fastener of claim 10 wherein the plurality of attachment members comprises prongs having serrations formed thereon.

15. The fastener of claim 14 wherein the prongs extend parallel to each other in a direction opposite to the shank.

16. The fastener of claim 14 wherein the prongs comprise a distal pointed portion with no serrations and a proximal portion with serrations.

17. The fastener of claim 14 wherein the prongs are slightly splayed relative to each other.

18. The fastener of claim 17 wherein each prong is adapted to substantially curl and/or skew into the second workpiece as the second workpiece is forced against the second attachment means.

19. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises a depth measuring means for indicating the depth of insertion of the first attachment means and/or the distance of the head from the first workpiece in use.

20. The fastener of claim 19 wherein the depth measuring means comprises a shoulder formed at the junction of the head and the shank.