NZ740343A - Fastener with drive tool - Google Patents

Abstract

A difficulty with two-way fasteners is driving the fastener in a safe and effective manner. The invention provides a fastener 200 which comprises a threaded shank 260 being a first attachment means for attachment to a first workpiece and a head 222 having a second attachment means for attachment to a second workpiece. The second attachment means in the head 222 comprises three prongs 230 which extend in a generally opposite direction to the shank 260. The fastener 200 comprises a third attachment means being the head 222 being larger in diameter than the shoulder 240 or shank 260. The fastener head perimeter (or periphery) incorporates drive means (214). The drive means 214 comprises a cog-shaped periphery of the head 222. A corresponding drive tool has a correspondingly shaped recess to receive the shaped head 222. a second workpiece. The second attachment means in the head 222 comprises three prongs 230 which extend in a generally opposite direction to the shank 260. The fastener 200 comprises a third attachment means being the head 222 being larger in diameter than the shoulder 240 or shank 260. The fastener head perimeter (or periphery) incorporates drive means (214). The drive means 214 comprises a cog-shaped periphery of the head 222. A corresponding drive tool has a correspondingly shaped recess to receive the shaped head 222.

Description

FASTENER WITH DRIVE TOOL Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fastener and in particular to a fastener for wood products, and the like.

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.

This invention relates to a modified embodiment of the fastener in Applicant’s Australian patent application number 2013200949 (FASTENER) and a compatible drive tool being a correspondingly modified embodiment of the drive tool shown in Applicant’s The disclosure of AU 2013200949 and are fully incorporated herein by reference.

Background of the Invention Patent number 2013200949 was invented to address the need for a fastener which provides concealed fixing, in that the workpiece can be fixed in place as desired with the fastener concealed, thus eliminating additional finishing work for the builder to finish the workpiece around the head.

Whilst the function of patent number 2013200949 performs as per the specification, installation of the fastener wherein the head comprises a drive formation at a central portion highlights a deficiency as the fixing prongs are exposed as the fastener spins rapidly during installation, thus creating a safety issue.

Should the driver slip out from the central drive formation of patent 2013200949, the exposed fixing prongs spinning rapidly can cause injury to a semi-skilled worker’s hands.

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.

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 According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a fastener for attaching a third workpiece to a first workpiece and for attaching a second workpiece to the third workpiece, the fastener comprising: a shank having a first attachment means for attachment to the first workpiece; and a head having a second attachment means for attachment to the second workpiece; a shoulder formed at the junction of the head and the shank, wherein the shoulder is cylindrical and comprises a diameter larger than the shank to form a stop surface with the shank; wherein the stop surface is spaced from the head; wherein the head is wider than the shoulder to engage the third workpiece to the first workpiece; wherein the stop surface engages the first workpiece in use such that the shoulder acts as a depth measuring means for indicating the distance of the head from the first workpiece in use, wherein the second workpiece is fixed adjacent to the third workpiece via the second attachment means; wherein the fastener head comprises a perimeter head drive means for engaging with a compatible recess formation of an accompanying installation drive tool.

In a preferred embodiment, the perimeter head drive means comprises a cog-shaped periphery of the head.

In another preferred embodiment, the head comprises a series of spaced peripheral protrusions with recesses between the protrusions.

In another preferred embodiment, the perimeter head drive means has a chamfered leading edge to provide for easier engagement into the accompanying installation drive tool.

In another preferred embodiment, the perimeter head drive means comprises spaced peripheral engaging points around the head for engagement of a drive tool with correspondingly shaped recesses.

The present invention also provides an installation drive tool for the above fastener, wherein the drive tool comprises a recess formation correspondingly shaped to receive the fastener head and the perimeter head drive means.

In another preferred embodiment, the drive tool comprises a circular cavity for receiving the second attachment means of the fastener.

In another preferred embodiment, the installation drive tool further comprises a central magnetic disc that securely holds the fastener of claim 1 within the installation drive tool.

In another preferred embodiment, the fastener is a screw and the first attachment means comprises a thread formation on the shank.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings 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: Figure 1 is a view from above of the preferred embodiment of the fastener.

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the fastener.

Figure 3 is a view from below of the fastener.

Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the fastener.

Figure 5 is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the compatible drive tool Figure 6 is a perspective view from below of the compatible drive tool Figure 7 is a side view of the fastener.

Figure 8 is a side view of the compatible drive tool Figure 9 is a sectional view of the fastener.

Figure 10 is a sectional view of the compatible drive tool.

Figure 11 is a front view of the fastener engaged with the compatible drive tool.

Figure 12 is a side view of the fastener engaged with the compatible drive tool.

Figure 13 is a sectional view of the fastener in use, installed into a typical wall.

Figure shows alternative fastener head perimeter drive means shapes.

Description of Embodiments It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

The present fastener is similar to the fastener disclosed in AU 2013200949 and has similar features and function thereto. The present modification relates to the head of the fastener and the compatible drive tool therefor.

Figures 1 and 2 show a fastener 200 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The fastener comprises a threaded shank 260 being a first attachment means for attachment to a first workpiece and a head 222 having a second attachment means for attachment to a second workpiece. The second attachment means in the head 222 comprises three prongs 230 which extend in a generally opposite direction to the shank 260. The fastener 200 comprises a third attachment means being the head 222 being larger in diameter than the shoulder 240 or shank 260.

Figure 1 shows a top view of the fastener (200), with the fastener head perimeter (or periphery) incorporating drive means (214). The drive means 214 in this example comprises a cog-shaped periphery of the head 222. In plan view, the head 222 comprises a series of spaced peripheral protrusions 270 with recesses/spaces 272 between the protrusions 270. The protrusions 270 are shaped similar to gear teeth. In the embodiment, the head has six spaced protrusions 270.

The drive means 214 has a leading chamfered edge (216). The top face (210) incorporates a centrally located ornamental area (212), with the fixing prongs (230) spaced equidistantly around the head 222.

Figure 2, shows a perspective view from above the fastener (200) showing the fixing prongs (230) extending from the top face (210), with a central ornamental portion (212). Drive means (214) located at the periphery of the head 222 incorporates a leading chamfered edge (216). A shoulder (240) extends below the top face (210), with a threaded shank (260) below the shoulder (240). The shoulder 240 is cylindrical and extends below the head 222. The shoulder 240 has a larger diameter than the shank 260. The head 222 is wider and has a larger diameter than the shoulder 240.

Figure 3 shows a view from below the fastener (200) showing underside of the head (222) being wider than the shoulder (240), having a bearing base or stop surface (242) being wider than the threaded shank (260). Drive means (214) are located at the perimeter of the head. The threaded shank (260) being central to the fastener (200).

Figure 4 shows a perspective view from below the fastener (200) showing underside of the head (222) being wider than the shoulder (240), having a bearing base or stop surface (242) being wider than the threaded shank (260). The bearing base 242 is spaced from the head 222, typically by a distance equal to the thickness of wall lining material. Drive means (214) with a chamfered leading edge (216) located at the perimeter with fixing prongs (230) extending in an opposite direction to the threaded shank (260).

Figure 5 shows a front view of the compatible drive tool (300), with a head receiving recess formation (314) that is compatible to the fastener head drive (214). The recess formation 314 is correspondingly shaped to receive the fastener head 222 and has corresponding peripheral generally gear shaped recesses 315 to receive each respective protrusion 270.

A deep circular cavity (330) accepts the fastener fixing prongs (230) into the drive tool (300). A circular magnetic disc (312) is mounted centrally for securing to the ornamental area (212) of the fastener (200).

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the accompanying drive tool (300), with a hexagonal shank shaft incorporating a quick release bit (350) for use with an electric driver.

Figures 7 & 8, show side views of the fastener (200) with accompanying drive tool (300) ready for engagement.

Figures 9 & 10 show sectional view of the fastener (200) and accompanying drive tool (300) ready for engagement. The fixing prongs (230) of the fastener (200) enter the circular cavity (330) of the drive tool (300). Compatible recess formation (314) of drive tool (300) accepts the perimeter drive (214) of the fastener (200), being a generally close fit therewith.

The central magnetic holder (312) attracts the ornamental central portion (212) of the fastener (200) resulting in the underside (222) of the fastener (200) being in line with the base (322) of the drive tool (300).

Figures 11 & 12 shows front and side views of the head 222 of the fastener (200) engaged with the accompanying drive tool (300), with the base of the fastener head (222) being in line with the base (322) of the compatible drive tool, ready for installation via the hexagonal shaped quick release shank (350) for use with an electric driver.

Figure 13 shows a sectional view of the invention in use, installed in a typical wall construction. The fastener (200) is driven into the wall (500) via the threaded shank (260) – the first attachment means. The bearing base (242) of the shoulder (240) provides a stop surface when meeting the wall (500) to restrict the depth of insertion. The underside of the head (222) provides clamping attachment of the wall lining (600) to lock the wall lining (600) to the wall (500) – the third attachment means. The fixing prongs (230) engage into the rear of the skirting (700) to lock the skirting (700) to the face of wall lining (600) – the second attachment means.

The fixing prongs (230) do not penetrate the front surface (710) of the skirting (700) thus providing a blemish free surface (710). The skirting (700) is used to cover the gap (810) between the flooring (800) and the wall lining (600).

Whilst the 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.

As per the previous fastener in AU 2013200949, the screw also comprises a shoulder formed at the junction of the head and the shank. The shoulder 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.

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.

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 wider head 16 engages the wall lining 42 to attach the wall lining 42 to the stud with the prongs 24 extending outwardly. The timber skirting 44 is then forced into the second attachment means 18, being the prongs 24.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The fastener of the preferred embodiment provides (a) a cylindrical shoulder which comprises a larger diameter than the shank to form a stop surface with the shank; (b) wherein the stop surface is spaced from the head; (c) wherein the stop surface engages the first workpiece in use and acts as a depth measuring means for indicating the distance of the head from the first workpiece in use; (d) and wherein the head is wider than the shoulder.

The present fastener locks three workpieces together - (1) skirting 44 to (2) wall lining 42 to (3) frame stud 40. The shoulder (which forms the stop surface) and wider screw head are advantageous features of the present fastener. The wider screw head engages the wall lining 42 in use and provides clamping of the wall lining 42 to the frame stud 40. The shoulder forms the stop surface which engages the frame stud 40 and prevents further driving of the fastener – this ensure all screw heads are set at the same depth relative to the frame studs 40 – which ensures that the skirting 44 will be attached in a straight orientation relative to the wall The present embodiment provides installation using a driver tool that covers the fixing prongs spinning at high speed during installation.

The present embodiment provides a fastener head with drive means built into the head perimeter, therefore eliminating driving via a central drive formation or driving via the fixing prongs.

The present embodiment eliminates partial failure of the fastener fixing prongs being dislodged by the driver tool imposing great torque stress onto the fixing prongs.

The present embodiment provides a corresponding drive tool that has a compatible recess formation to accept the fastener head perimeter drive means.

The present embodiment provides an improvement on patent 2013200949 by providing a fastener with a head perimeter drive means that allows the fastener to be driven via a compatible drive tool for installation.

The present embodiment provides safety improvement as the corresponding drive tool covers the exposed high-speed spinning fixing prongs during installation.

The present embodiment provides incorporates perimeter head drive means into the fastener head that functions as drive means for installation of the fastener.

The present embodiment provides incorporates chamfered leading edges that provide for easier engagement of the fastener into the accompanying drive tool.

The present embodiment provides incorporates recess formation that are compatible with the fastener head perimeter to accept and engage the fastener for installation.

The present embodiment provides incorporates a deep circular cavity to accept the fastener fixing prongs and allows the drive tool to spin freely around the fixing prongs when the fastener and drive tool are not completely engaged.

The present embodiment provides the accompanying drive tool which incorporates a quick release hexagonal shaped shank for use with an electric driver.

The present embodiment provides the central portion of the accompanying drive tool incorporates a circular magnetic disc that securely holds the fastener in place.

The circular cavity permits the drive tool to spin freely around the second attachment means at partial engagement of the fastener.

Figure 14 shows alternative fastener head perimeter drive means shapes 222a to 222f.

As shown the fastener head perimeter can be shaped in various forms, such as cogs with more teeth, polygons such as a hexagon, ratchet or saw tooth shaped, or curved peaks. The perimeter heads each include peripheral engaging points for rotation of a drive tool with correspondingly shaped recesses.

Claims

Claims (9)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A fastener for attaching a third workpiece to a first workpiece and for attaching a second workpiece to the third workpiece, the fastener comprising: a shank having a first attachment means for attachment to the first workpiece; and a head having a second attachment means for attachment to the second workpiece; a shoulder formed at the junction of the head and the shank, wherein the shoulder is cylindrical and comprises a diameter larger than the shank to form a stop surface with the shank; wherein the stop surface is spaced from the head; wherein the head is wider than the shoulder to engage the third workpiece to the first workpiece; wherein the stop surface engages the first workpiece in use such that the shoulder acts as a depth measuring means for indicating the distance of the head from the first workpiece in use, wherein the second workpiece is fixed adjacent to the third workpiece via the second attachment means; wherein the fastener head comprises a perimeter head drive means for engaging with a compatible recess formation of an accompanying installation drive tool.

2. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the perimeter head drive means comprises a cog- shaped periphery of the head.

3. The fastener of claim 2 wherein the head comprises a series of spaced peripheral protrusions with recesses between the protrusions.

4. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the perimeter head drive means has a chamfered leading edge to provide for easier engagement into the accompanying installation drive tool.

5. The fastener of claim 1 wherein the perimeter head drive means comprises spaced peripheral engaging points around the head for engagement of a drive tool with correspondingly shaped recesses.

6. An installation drive tool for the fastener of claim 1, wherein the drive tool comprises a recess formation correspondingly shaped to receive the fastener head and the perimeter head drive means.

7. The installation drive tool of claim 6, wherein the drive tool comprises a circular cavity for receiving the second attachment means of the fastener.

8. The installation drive tool of claim 6 further comprising a central magnetic disc that securely holds the fastener within the installation drive tool.

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